1.0 - The Marsh Bell

With everyone filled in, there's a little anticipation in the air. Minus the wrapper -- actual evidence of Balin and Oin's movement has been few and far between. Eager to be on your way, you find the coming night a little oppressive -- like it's perfectly timed to delay you when you're /just/ ready to find your quarry. Based on Galion's description -- you need to sprint a little further downriver, a few miles north of where the Rotting River meets the Running River.

Looking at your map,



...you figure yourselves around the blue marker and estimate Balin's camp is located at the red. It's a little over 20 miles -- so an early start is required to make the distance before nightfall. Come morning, you do not tarry on an expansive breakfast -- and in fact you are up and at it before a civilized breakfast-time should even be considered...

Your boats are sturdy and you set forth, eager to speed to the site. However, the lands here are more depressing than those you've meandered through thus far and Galion's dismissal of the fate of the Dwarves hangs heavy on your minds.

This dire landscape does not look hospitable to Frór's eyes - indeed, the waterway before them seems to swirl in its own dread. "I'll continue to keep a lookout," offers the tall dwarf. He stands up straight in the boat and uses his pretty walking stick to help him keep his balance as he peers ahead...

...but the view only gives him the shivers, and he feels a little depressed.

Gilly is giddy over meeting the Very Same Elf that her uncle did, and is not deterred by the deepening gloom.

Robin manages to spare a moment from his typical worry and finds himself just happy to see Gilly so excited.

You journey southward along the Running River. Here the Long Marshes cross the river and dominate the eastern shore and everyone in the group but the Hobbits find the change in scenery somewhat oppressive and unwelcome.

Inar works the oars on the boat, trying to keep a steady course but also not let too much distance form between the two river craft

Frór throws his back into the oars and battles the currents to keep the boat moving smoothly.

As you work your way downstream, first Inar's then Fror's boats get stuck in the muddy fens of the Long Marsh. In order to dislodge the boat, the occupants must hop out, and move the boat in the cold, muddy water. Although it's not dangerous work, it's tiring work and in the end, each of you winds up just a bit more exhausted than you were at the start of the day....as your day winds down. You make it to the place that Galion indicated. With the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, finding the precise spot is a bit of an effort -- but your shadows lengthen as you find where Balin and his companion were last seen by the Elves. With the failing light, it's difficult to make anything out.

Do you choose to make camp and hold tight for the night or continue your search as you can even with the failing light?

"This looks like it laddies" Inar says roughly, trying to keep the signs of how tired he is out of his voice "As much as I'd like to press on we're liable to miss things in this light, might be best to find a spot to camp until morning"

Gilly nods tiredly.

"Thank you for the rowing, master dwarves," Robin speaks graciously, nodding his head along with the plan to make camp.

"My boots are soaked all through and my feet are freezing! Drat that old Balin! Why'd he have to go gittin' hiself lost?!" complains a grouchy, tired Frór, "My heart says to push on, but you're all wiser than that, I see. Mayhap a good supper and a night's rest will bring a brighter morning. So, what's for supper?"