Dale Journal - Nov 21

 

 

The group departs from Thranduil's realm the same way it arrived, by raft. The passage down the river is uneventful, except for the realization by some of the companions that they are accompanied by an elf who calls himself Galenlas but who is really none other than Thranduil's son, Legolas. Those of the group who realize who their new companion really is are somewhat surprised when he disembarks along with them. The group proceeds to Laketown and is welcomed with cries of "The Dragonslayers!" to the joy of some of the companions and the amusement of others. Balgrim, Strom and Red Morgan are in their element, accepting the crowd's praise with enthusiasm, with Balgrim and Strom handing out handfuls of copper pennies to the clusters of children. As the group is escorted into the town Galenlas melts into the crowd. The whole grand procession of cheering crowd and their heroes enter the town's central square where they are met by the Maester of Laketown and Lord of the region, Odagavia, as well as other dignitaries. After introductions are made the group is given lodgings at the finest inn in Laketown, The Vodagazrun. The companions are escorted into a private dining room and are served in grand style. Though most are occupied with the feast Balgrim acquaints himself with the serving maids. His efforts bear much fruit until the matron, full of knowing looks and veiled promises, interposed herself between Balgrim and his conquests (much to some of said conquests' dismay). The evening progressed into much revelry and storytelling, by Balgrim of course.

 

Morgan later finds Mallion in the inn's common room being carried on the shoulders of two townsfolk while waving a cudgel as another man armed with two shields, also carried by two others, attempts to knock him down…as some wagers are placed. Not wishing to miss out on the fun Morgan hurls his spear. In a spectacular display the spear careens off a wall, goes through both of the shields held by Mallion's 'opponent', and bounces off another wall before returning to Morgan's hand. Unfortunately, in the process, the shield-bearer's left hand is severed. Suddenly the mood in the crowd turns somber, and then a great cheer rings out as the injured man looks with awe at his wrist, at the spear, and then at Red Morgan. Much cheer ensues as the injured man considers this a great honor to have been marked by one of the Dragonslayers. The man's wound is seen to and much drink soon dulls the pain.

 

After things settle down somewhat the Speaker of Laketown comes to the group and lets them know that various nobles and merchant guilds have expressed the desire to guest the heroes during their stay in the two. The Dwarves decline as they have already accepted an invitation to stay with Garm and his folk. Strom also declines and simply wishes to enjoy the peace and relative quiet while it lasts. Balgrim takes this to mean that Strom is not having any fun but is reassured by Strom that this is not the case.

 

Later, Red Morgan and Mallion arrange with the Steward to work out a schedule to visit those who desire such during the next few days. One such visit will remain in the memories of the town for some time as Red Morgan, during a visit to the Metalworkers Guild, suddenly hurls the spear known as ‘Fonrhad’ into a massive ceiling support beam. The spear ricochets off the walls, knocking various ornaments, weapons and devises to the floor or shattering them outright, and imbeds itself through the 4-foot thick beam. Red Morgan then proclaims, "He who draws the spear from its place will be worthy of its destiny." And adds to himself, "Not I, my destiny is my own to choose." In the days that follow, many attempt to remove the spear. All fail, some are injured…one dies.

 

Mallion's visits to the local Guilds are more peaceful, if not as memorable, as he makes connections on behalf of himself and the Krytheod Clan.

 

Meanwhile, Balgrim continues his amorous conquests and Strom acquaints himself with the local children, telling tales and giving lessons. All is well until one of the children is injured by Strom’s spear Trollslayer. The injury is minor and it is hard to tell who blames himself more, the child or Strom. Nevertheless the incident serves to remind Strom of that which he carries and he is ever after always aware of its presence. A few days pass and Mallion departs for Dale. The others continue to rest and celebrate.