1.0 - The Marsh Bell

Inar nods in thanks to the manservant. As the door closes he sags a little and lets out a relieved breath, looking more comfortable now the servant is not in the room with them.

After a few minutes, Gloin enters the sitting room with you. "Greetings." he says, noncommittally. "Welcome to my home, how may I be of service?" He wipes ink from his fingers is barely contained impatience and is dressed in rich, white clothing that just matches the hue of the tips of his forked beard.

Just before the door opens Inar is stood to one side with Thovétar "Look laddie, I know you're sound and there's few in this world I'd rather have at my back but some can be a bit....prickly with yer countrymen. May be best to stick to polite introductions and let one of the others do most of the talking". The door opens before they can discuss the matter any further. As Gloin enters Inar straightens himself again and waits for Gloin to greet them before bowing deeply "Inar Stoutfoot, at your service" he says as he straightens "And these are my companions" he says as he gestures them forwards.

"Hello to you, Master Gloin," Robin speaks up with a smile, wiping out the interior of his pipe with a small cloth. He inclines his head very briefly and introduces himself, "Robin Took."

Gilly gives a little bow, "Gilly Took, at your service," then takes out her book again to take notes.

"Thovétar of Gondor, at your service, sir."

"Master Gloin," Robin repeats, his face growing more serious and respectful as he pockets his pipe, "We heard the troubling news of your missing kinsmen; those brave messengers. We are here now, eager to lend you some aid should you need it, and to hear some further report as to their disappearance, if that isn't too much of a bother."

At this introduction, Gloin smiles broadly. Nodding to Inar he says, "I had little doubt a Dwarf would come upon hearing the news -- but it's with great pleasure to see you two, Master and Mistress Hobbit. Years ago, Master Baggins was of enormous assistance to us in our Quest," this latter word is said such that you can hear the capitalization of it. "It is grave news -- but I feel better hearing that you would assist."

Finding a seat near the fire, which is kept low at this time of day to just take the bite of the spring chill, Gloin explains. "My cousin Balin son of Fundin has left the Lonely Mountain with a companion. He was meant to personally deliver a letter, a formal invitation from King Dáin Ironfoot to the Lord of the Eagles for the coming Gathering of Five Armies, an important meeting to be held later this year. He planned to go south along the Running River, to investigate the conditions of the Old Forest Road and possibly traverse it, now that the threat of Goblins has been greatly reduced."

Each of you gauge this path against a mental map in your head...



He adds, "I don’t know what happened, but unfortunately the possibilities are many in these days of doubt... if the perils o f Wilderland were not enough, there are always the suspicious dwellers of the Woodland Realm to consider. They are sworn enemies of the Shadow, but unfortunately they don’t love Dwarves and watch their land jealously. I hope my concerns are ill-placed, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Balin had found himself again a guest of the Elvenking’s celebrated hospitality..." At this, he looks a bit sour, as if remembering some event in his past that leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

The mention of his cousin takes Robin by surprise, and for a moment his composure fails him and he goes a bit wide-eyed. He'd always assumed that Baggins' tale was complete nonsense, but perhaps there was some truth to it? Surely there had to be a significant amount of fabrication.

At being given their briefing, Robin places a finger to his chin as he imagines the route that these Dwarves had taken. He was not so used to the Wilderland just yet, as it was so unlike the Shire, and he may need to examine a map proper before he has a clear understanding. He also considers Gloins use of vocabulary, to attempt to ascertain if there was anything left unsaid, or anything carefully spoken over, in order to glean more detail about their task.

Regardless, he does reply with an inquiry, "When were you to hear from them, and when, did you say, did they leave?"

Inar inclines his head towards Gloin "Me and my companions stand ready to help wherever we can" he says before stroking his beard as he ponders the route outlined "That's a lot of terrain to cover. We're they travelling alone or with others?

Gilly grins at her brother's surprise. She had always believed Bilbo's tales, and can't wait to tease him about this.

Gloin responds first to Robin, "On a... hunch, I called for Hraf, son of Hrabin, to seek out Balin and his companion. My brother, Oin. This was a few days after they set out -- and Hraf immediately left the Mountain and followed the route that Balin and Oin were taking, but could not find them anywhere. It was as if they had been swallowed by the marshes." Robin hears this and the pause on 'hunch' is telling. He is suspicious that Gloin isn't quite as forthcoming about this hunch as he could be. Perhaps he's embarrassed by it.

To Inar, Gloin finishes, "Balin and Oin were travelling alone. For this journey, it was felt that a smaller party that was lighter afoot would bring less notice to it and travel more safely and quickly. It is just the two of them, alas."

"Tell me true, Master Gloin," Robin says, clearly looking very proud of himself, but still trying to carefully navigate this discussion, "Could it have only been a hunch? I've heard such tales of Dwarven intellect that I imagine you must have had some reason to have sent Hraf to look for Master Balin and Master Oin." Robin looks hopeful, "Please, we only wish to find your kin; we do not cast judgment today."

Gloin looks a little embarassed. "Well, truth be told -- I awoke from a most vivid and disturbing dream. In it, my brother Oin was drowning in dark waters. I was sufficiently agitated when I awoke that I asked the Raven Hraf to perform that favor for me."

After an uncomfortable pause he says, "Very well. I am pleased to charge you with the duty to seek out Balin and Oin and find them, or bring word of what has befallen them." He stands and walks over to a nearby desk, withdrawing a few pieces of paper. "Here is a map of their proposed path. And here are papers which will permit you the loan of some boats should you prefer to use boats down the river." He hands these over to Robin with some ceremony. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Gilly reaches into her bag and pulls out a package. She carefully unwraps the leather covering revealing two small books, identical in every way, except that one is more worn than the other. She holds out the pristine copy, saying, "Mr. Gloin, sir, my cousin Bilbo wrote this about his adventure with you and your kin. He asked that I give it to you should we every meet any of you. He's very shy, but I think it's just marvelous." She looks down and shyly scuffs the floor, then she holds out the other copy diffidently, "An' I know it's an imposition and all, but do you suppose you might possibly be willing to make your mark on my copy? It would mean ever so much to me." She blushes and looks down again, worried she had offended the dwarf.

Inar frowns at Gloins description of the dream A dream or a vision? Or the enemy taunting Gloin.... he seems visibly disturbed by this turn and is in such deep thought over the matter that he doesn't really register when Gilly starts to discuss her cousin's book with Gloin.

Gloin looks slightly ill-disposed to the charm of the young Hobbit woman, but as the matter is a trifling one he acquiesces with a grunt. His copy of an early draft of the Red Book of Westmarch is placed carefully on his desk while Gilly's gets a quick scrawl in the Angerthas:



"If there's nothing else? Perhaps you could then be on your way and find my kin?"

Inar coughs and bows again "Right you are, times waits on no one. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Gloin, hopefully we will have your cousin back on his way in short order." with a last nod Inar turns and exits the room.

Robin's mouth twists a bit as he looks sideways at his sister. Not now, he wanted to say to her, but he remained quiet. Not that she would listen to him, anyway! Grateful that Gloin simply signed the book, Robin voiced his agreement with Inar, "Yes, let us be off. We will be back as soon as possible, Master Gloin."