Ghân likes the idea of a name. 
During the passing time, Brin has been asking for council with Ghân regarding tending to a just-weaned marbled polecat. The more observant (or nosy) have noticed Brin getting raw organ meat from the larder. Brin is careful not to let the young weasel out around the company of men, and has taken to spending more time alone than is usual even for him.[sup]1[/sup] Sharp-eyed elves and Rangers would notice that at times, one of Brin’s front pouches tends to move.[sup]2[/sup]
[sup]1[/sup]Ghân would certainly understand that when initially training an undomesticated animal, much time is needed building a rapport and trust. He would understand why Brin is even more taciturn than usual during the downtime. Plus, with an owl and a hawk nearby, it pays to be careful, at least until all can understand friend.
[sup]2[/sup]Unlike the other animal companions, this is a wild animal of normal intelligence being slowly trained and domesticated. It does not talk, makes very little noise overall, and Brin is slowly learning its moods and habits and vice versa
ETA:
Oops.
ETA: Oops. No problem and things are proceeding well so far.
Are we on to the third adventure yet? Is it time for a new thread?
I would be more than happy to help forge the arrowheads. Do we have any silver amongst our party?
I’ve a score of silver arrowheads. If there is a need, I could use another score.
I think as soon as we decide we are setting out I will start the third adventure thread. At this point the biggest question is mounted or unmounted. Last minute prep at the camp should stay here I think.
Speaking of which:
Gwaelur, There is a plentiful supply of silver pieces to try to cast maybe two dozen silver arrow heads. I think Gil-Gandel and Brin might already have silver or magic arrows. However they probably would not mind some extra silver arrows if they are needed.
I will be more than happy to attempt to cast as many arrowheads as the party thinks it will need. Simply provide me with the silver and I will get to work.
Let’s assume you have time to make two molds, one for Elven arrows and one for heavier Long Bow/Strong Bow arrows.
Then with casting & cleaning we’ll say that 2 dozen of each are made and the fletchers will in the meantime be busy converting existing arrows to silver headed ones.
One note, the farriers will both miss you while you are gone. “It was a true delight working with a master from Aglarond. Thank you for letting us help and the tips you provided.”
After Riglo’s silver arrowhead comment, Elfstan pats his pouch containing silver sling bullets for reassurance. He then continues to check through his gear making sure he’s as ready as possible for tomorrow. Once done he sets to making the party a good evening meal centered around some delicious taters, a family specialty.
Thoroncir says, “I would like some silver arrowheads for my longbow, too, and would gladly supply any silver coins I have to be melted down for that purpose. My thanks, friend Gwaelur.”
He is very pleased that Renee will be coming along. He’s willing to walk if Riglo thinks that his light warhorse, Seafoam, might be spooked by any bizarre or unsettling creatures the party is likely to encounter. Sounds like it might be a pterodactyl-type critter like a Fell Beast.
Omi, I could suggest some names in Sindarin for your goshawk, if you like.
Miron is glad to see that there are elven molds available, since he neglected to bring any silver arrowheads himself.
“While it may slow us down in the short term, I believe that we are best off traveling without mounts,” he offers, “Because the effort we would need to expend protecting them from the potential airborne threat, and the risk we run of losing one or more of them, far outweighs the increased speed with which we might travel.”
He pauses for a moment, nudging the soil speculatively with his boot, adding “If things truly get bad, we may find it necessary to dig and conceal holes, if only so we could get a night’s rest without leaving ourselves exposed from above, and if that were to happen it would be even harder to look after the horses.”
ED: Thanks for the offer, but I like What’s suggestion of Swift Wing.
I never mind some extra ammunition, though I often ask those who don’t mind a little extra weight to carry it for me. My regular arrows are good ones though, I either made them myself or paid well for them. I can fletch well when I have the time, the tools and the materials; I have some choice wood seasoning back in Minas Tirith even as we speak.
Ghân is happy to help by casting Speak to Animals.
He feels it is worth introducing the polecat to the other party animals, which would avoid misunderstandings.
Ghân can also offer Brin a couple of Goodberries, which should be a tasty full meal for his companion.
The Goodberries are a huge help with taming a polecat kit.
The Speak (Squeek) with Animals also helps.
Ghân is always happy to help forge man-animal friendships.
I see this was a narrow (Squeek) :eek:
Late that evening a horse comes swiftly into camp. It is an elf on a fast elven horse. He brings messages for the camp and a passenger. One **Mulligan Took ** returned as his Uncle Pippin recovered under the ministrations of King Ellesar himself who had recently returned. The other messages are also of note. The King has some additional companies freed up now and awaits further word. The messages that Gil-Gandel sent back should reach the King shortly.
**Riglo ** estimates that it will take no more than 10 hours marching to make it to where he found the tracks. If we take short breaks we could make it by night or we could stop roughly two hours shy and make a cold camp. That would give us a fresh start in the morning and plenty of daylight. We would be marching at dwarf speed so it should be a simple journey. We know he will not tire, but what of the Hobbits?
The tracks will be largely gone, but at least the orc tracks might be fresh in the area. I saw signs of the paths being used for an extended period.
What is your preferred marching order? I will of course take point and I request one of the keen I elves stay near the front to look for my signals.
As to watches, I will assume that camp will last roughly 12 hours from 6pm to 6am. I will take the Mid-Watch from 11-3 and I assume that the spell casters will take the final watch from 2-6am. I would hope that the Elves can cover from 9pm to 3am and 11pm to 5am. Let everyone else fill in around those if you see no flaws in my plan.
Elfstan is happy for the company of another Hobbit and the news of Pippin’s recovery. He is somewhat concerned that he is now out of the use of a pony and worries about the long walk back to Minas Tirith. :smack:
No problems, Hobbits make easy luggage upon the road for the men.
Thoroncir welcomes back Mulligan Took, and is very pleased by the news of Pippin’s recovery. “The hands of the King are the hands of healing,” as every loyal Man of Gondor knows. He will take any place in the marching order, but would of course prefer to be near Renee to protect her. He always prefers to stand the first watch, so that he can (if all goes well) sleep the rest of the night undisturbed.
Perhaps we might take a single horse for both hobbits to ride, unless and until we get into battle?