Hilfar

The early spring warmth could be felt as the sun rose on the Othrikar mining outpost. Hilfar was standing near the gate catching the early light while smoking his pipeweed. He was quite pleased that the cold winter was slowly coming to an end, it would surely improve the mood and productivity of the workforce. Hilfar emptied his pipe when he noticed a grumbling sound coming from outside the gate. He walked out and saw a poney struggling to pull a cart full of ale kegs on the steep entranceway towards Othrikar, next to that he saw his father Ullfar.

It was a good day today, we hunted, gathered wood and fruits, bargained and bought supplies and we are preparing to go North. To Forochel, the riddle has been cracked and that place is named. Everyone worked hard, now we will smoke and salt the meat, prepare the furs, put all the things on the horses that are left and leave. We are one step ahead of the enemy and that is good, we don't have to hurry that much, but we must be cautious and not lightheaded.

When the summer ended, so did our luck it seems. We did well last year, our trading had brought us one of the highest profit in years. But our endeavor to northern lands seemed to turn into one of our biggest mistakes. We lost a lot of goods, time and almost our lives. You could imagine how glad we were to enter Thorin’s halls again, but we found no joy here. The words of war are still ringing in my ears. We are at war. Thogen had to repeat it again to made me realize how grave our position is. Soon the trade routes will be cut off by the evil stirring in Sarnur.

Read part 2 here.

A rather large mace was the last thing he took up, Hilfar was packed and ready. A laden pony full of wares was waiting at the stables of Thorins hall. Hilfar decided to wear some chainmail for this journey and brought a metal shield, slightly bigger than a buckler, and a rather heavy bronze mace. He met his father before the gate armed with a crossbow and a sword. One last smoke as the sun slowly rises above the mountain peaks.

Part 1 can be found here..

5. To Duillond

So the group left immediately feeling a little bit safer in the company of Holgar. They were silent as they carefully watched their surroundings. The port of Kheledul drew closer with every step. We halted as Holgar wanted to look further down the road, all seemed clear so far. The headed further till they reached a few large boulders.

1. No mining today.

Hilfar was supposed to help his father today in the mines. He packed his backpack and mining pick for a hard day work in the mines of the blue mountains. In the central hall he met his father Ullfar who was already waiting for him. They made themselves ready to leave until they met an old friend, master Barkgrim. They exchanged pleasant idle chatter and wished master Barkgrim good fortune with his new found regiment.

And in Buckland I conclude my trade weeks in the Shire. Farmers fayre this year was quite a succes. I have enough supplies to restock my inventory, the costs of these supplies are covered by my trade earnings. Especially the herbal teas and merry morning draugths were sold with succes. Halflings hardly dare leave their borders and therefore have little need for soothing balms or other healing draugths. Only the Tooks seem to get themselves some injury once in a while.

Bregnar Stoneshaper son of Allfar, son of Falnar and the brother of Ullfar. A stonemason and builder, shaper of stone and iron. In his early days he helped build Thorins halls. Later he helped rebuild Erebor. Now in the final phase of his life he heard a new and maybe a last calling, to rebuild Khazad-Dum...