conversations: human
conversations:  The sun shone down through the leaves of spring, dappling the companions faces as they moved through the thick wood of the Fangorn forest.
  Rumored to be the home of spirits, moving trees, and all sorts of sorcery, the merchants, perched snugly in the seat of their cart, grumbled quite a deal at having to come this way, though they full knew that following the  to be the sensible thing to do, if they wanted to ever reach the vales of Anduin.
  From Rohan, and Underharrow had these men come, and they wished to meet with their fellows, to together make their way along their route, through Mirkwood, and eventually to Esgaroth, a journey of many, many months.
  The day was a fine one, though you would not have guessed it, by the moaning, and the sky was clear, the sun was bright and glad, and a faint breeze brought the scent of spring, and moist earth.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  It was hardly an ideal situation, but it would work for now. The shadows are best hunted in small, swift, silent packs of hunters. Trade goods, however, would be far to expensive if carried cross country in such a fashion. Securing a trade caravan might seem menial work to some, but orcs are fond of raiding caravans. And one less orc is a victory for Middle Earth.
  
  If only the thing weren't so bloody noisy! Gundalas was sure even Thranduil's border guards were already aware of their approach. But no matter. Anyone attempting to raid this caravan Gundalas had already resolved to put down himself if possible.
  
  But still, he felt safer not following the road directly. He flitted around in the wilds around the path. Sometimes ahead, sometimes behind, or off to either side. With a little less noise and a bit of cover he had an easier time watching for signs of danger.
  
  Having seen nothing concerning for some time, he elected to return to the road for a time, materializing out of the brush like the wind itself.
  
   "Road still seems clear. Fangorn isn't the most familiar country to me, aside from Mirkwood I'm most familiar with Lorien, but I don't see anything particularly alarming. The animals are noisy and preoccupied. A good sign for the time being. If we keep our wits about us we shouldn't have too difficult a time" 
conversations: JustPlayItLoud:
conversations: human
conversations:  The wood was old, fascinating, beautiful ... and secretive. It beckoned to him. He had spent so much time fighting -- and hiding from -- the shadow in Mirkwood with his kin. So much time that could have been used to see the wonders of the world. He would love to wander among the old trunks for a time, but that would have to wait for another day.
  
  Neldor keeps to the head of the column, once in a while spying Gundalas crossing the path ahead. They were lucky to have a scout like that. There were still foul creatures in the woods, and his keen eyes and keener arrows would be needed before they reached their destination.
  
   "Yes, all seems peaceful" 
  
  Then he starts singing quietly.
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  Nod looks around mistrustfully.  He'd heard things were odd and dangerous, out here beyond the Shire.  These weren't normal, trustworthy Shire-woods like you got in the Eastfarthing.  These were  strange  woods.   "You're sure?"  he asks, shifting in discomfort.   "Only this feels a bit like the Old Forest, back 'ome, an' you 'ear stories..." 
conversations: hobbitguy1420:
conversations: human
conversations:  Walking quietly alongside the halfling, the Bride keeps her wary eyes on the left side of the path, where the forest becomes deeper and even more tangled. Gray-green lichen hangs from the old branches like the beards of mourning dwarves, and the shafts of sunlight that manage to fall through into the forest eves make way for a dim, greenish twilight. To one of the Woodmen folk, used to the darkness of Mirkwood, Fangorn does not feel hostile ... but distant, and unwelcoming. Almost as if living beings - even animals - are a disturbance to the ancient quiet of the forest. Every louder grumble of a merchant earns a frown from stern, hazel-green eyes.
  
   "Peaceful, yes ... but we should not tarry. We don't belong here." 
conversations: Minstrel Wyrm:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor turns at Nod's words  "Worry not, master halfling. These trees bear us no ill will, but stay on the path and light no fires, so you don't disturb the forest" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  Nod nods, glancing around nervously, and clings harder to his seat aboard the wagon.   "Right.  Glad to oblige." 
conversations: hobbitguy1420:
conversations: human
conversations:  The cart creaks on, past ancient trees large enough to house a family of hobbits, leaving deep wheel prints in the soft moss.
  The merchants seem to not notice the beauty of the forest, only spurring the horse on faster, not sparing the whip.
  "Ey you! One of you elvish types! Can't you make this beast move faster? Talk to 'im or somethin? We'll never get out of the damn Fangorn at this pace.
  Move, ya oaf!"
  He directs the last comment, along with a snap of the whip, at the horse.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor strokes the neck and flank of the brown mare while whispering reassuringly in the elven tongue. Then he lets his hand rest on her neck as he answers the merchant without looking back at the cart  "She may not be as fast as when she was younger, but she is faithful and sure-footed, and she has the wisdom to know that a steady pace will get you to your destination faster than a headless rush. The path is  narrow and the roots treacherous, so she walks with care as she will not risk an injured leg or a broken wheel" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  Nod frowns at the carter's zeal with the whip.   "'Ere, now, master merchant,"  he says.   "There's no call for that.  She's doin' 'er best."   He glances around and leans a bit closer.   "'Sides, I reckon it aren't wise to be overloud in these woods, right?  Hard to tell what might be listenin'." 
conversations: hobbitguy1420:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Right, right,"
  The merchant mutters.
  "We need to keep on. Be a shame if we lost our cargo now, wouldn't it? And besides, we've got a side trip to make, before our rendezvous."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor falls into step beside the cart  "Strange, I thought you were in a great hurry to reach your destination. Do you wish to see the wonders of Fangorn forest? Or is it something else that calls to you, master merchant?" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Nay, the  wonders  of this wood are not for me. We have a delivery for the Elves of Lorien, from a lord who rather would go unnamed.
  Our people do not always see eye to eye with the Elves, and myself I don't take to them much. Always speaking of things a common merchant like me has no place in knowing.
  But we tarry not long in Lorien, and I am glad of it!"
  He exclaims vehemently.
  "Er... Meaning no offense to you, of course, good elves,"
  His companion adds hastily, shooting his fellow a dirty look.
  "We are, of course, most grateful for your aid."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  "It would be advisable to watch your manners when talking to the Elves, master merchant,"  the Bride says with a stern look at the first merchant.  "Especially when one is coming to their home as a  guest ." 
conversations: Minstrel Wyrm:
conversations: human
conversations:  "I trust that the Lady of Lórien knows you are coming? The Galadhrim do not suffer uninvited strangers in their land" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "O' course she do!"
  The surly one barked back.
  "The Lord arranged it, all nice and proper like. She is  eagerly anticipatin' our arrival,  isn't that right, Will."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Whether she knows of your arrival or not, we should hurry to our destination. Our task is to see to your safe arrival at your predetermined destination. Saving your hides because you tarry long enough for the whole wood to descend on you is most assuredly not in the contract" 
conversations: JustPlayItLoud:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Do you know what it is you carry to the Golden Wood, or is that as mysterious as the lord you serve?" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "We know what we carry."
  The answer is curt and tense, cutting through the air like a elven blade.
  Clearly this is a sore subject.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Bride shrugs and returns her attention to the path. The sooner they would get that side trip done, the sooner they could return to familiar lands. To her, neither Fangorn nor Lórien seem to be places where Men would be welcome for any longer time ...
conversations: Minstrel Wyrm:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Very well, I look forward to visiting the Golden Wood" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Why?"
  The man snaps at you, nervously.
  "Have you some other business there? Something we know nothing of? Speak!"
  "Now now" his friend chides.
  "Do not be hasty with your words. I am certain that no harm is meant."
  "No harm!"
  The first mans voice rises.
  "No harm! We are attacked by-"
  He falls silent as his companion claps a hand over his mouth.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  They say Lothlorien is the fairest realm on this side of the sea. Why would I not look forward to seeing it? 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Bride narrows her eyes when she turns her head towards the nervous merchant.  "We are attacked by  what ?"  Her tone of voice is severe, not inviting more of the man's bluster.
conversations: Minstrel Wyrm:
conversations: human
conversations:  "I said we were attacked by or-"
  The other man leans across him, putting in a word hastily.
  "An old bunch of bandits. My friend is just worried someone tipped them off beforehand. Nothing to fret about."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  "You would do well to let your companion speak for himself. I would like to hear his tale" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "As would I,"  the young woman says, suspicion in her voice.
conversations: Minstrel Wyrm:
conversations: human
conversations:  "He knows not what he says. A-a.... soothsayer spoke to him before we left, and put fear of shadows and nightmares in him. He is jumpy, nothing more,"
  The man continues, keeping his hand clasped firmly over his companions mouth.
  "To listen to his words would do more harm then good."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Where I come from, the wise fear shadows and only fools ignore the warnings they have been given" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "What sort of soothsayer?"   The little Hobbit pipes up, after having listened for a while.   "I reckon sense sometimes hides where you'd not look for it.  Why, old Gammer Mugwump out by the Stile always used to know when the rain would be coming, an' most o' the time you'd say she was dottier than a Stoor on a quiet Sunday, if you'll take my meaning." 
conversations: hobbitguy1420:
conversations: human
conversations:  Having stayed out of most of the conversation, Gundalas takes a moment to interject a bit of Elvish snideness.
  
   "Do you mean to make light of the words of the soothsayer. Weak is the mind that dismissed out of hand what it does not understand. I believe it is Elvish divination that has saved your race time and again" 
conversations: JustPlayItLoud:
conversations: human
conversations:  "This was no elvish sorceress, but only a old hag, a false witch peddling good luck charms at a market!
  Now please, let us say no more, and make our way towards Lothlorien as friends, not foes."
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor frowns at the merchants words  "It is dangerous to travel with companions who cannot tell friend from foe,  friend . I will continue to guard you as I have promised, but I will not be silent for your convenience" 
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Very well,  friend "
  The merchant replies, stressing the last word, and removing the hand from his fellows mouth.
  "Now let us speak no more of it. Yah!"
  He cracks the reins, and the horse moves into a sullen canter.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  The dispute over soothsayers ended, Gundalas returns to the woods off the road without a word.
conversations: JustPlayItLoud:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor falls into step behind the cart and softly starts singing a walking song.
conversations: runestone:
conversations: human
conversations:  The rest of the day is spent in somewhat prickly silence, broken only by the birdsong and the solid clumping of the horses hooves.
  The sun sinks lower and lower into night, spreading its last golden rays across the horizon.
  At last, evening falls. The noisome and chattery birds of day have retired, and the softer, more somber tunes of their fellows mingle with the chirrups of the frogs and crickets.
  The merchants stop at a bend in the path, beneath a ancient willow, bark hoary with the years, new leaves full of silver light as the stars appear and are caught in the old trees branches, like glittering fish in the nets of Laketown.
conversations: D20ragon:
conversations: human
conversations:  Neldor places a palm on the wrinkled bark of the ancient willow and closes his eyes while listening to rustling of its leaves.
  
   
   Spoiler: The speakers 
  
  Attempting to use 'The speakers' to listen to the tree. That probably requires a roll of insigt.
  
  We never figured out how to roll the non-standard dice of this game.
   
conversations: runestone: