Isen/Moria Trade Talks Part II

Moria, First Hall

 

A definite feeling of ancient strength can be felt within this wide echoing hall; this may very well be the oldest chamber cut into Khazad Dum, making up in the venerability of its existence what it lacks in the refinement of its style. The ceiling here is peaked, containing windows high above that spill forth generous amounts of light - from the sun, moon, or stars. The walls of the chamber are smoothed slabs of blue marble, set with an axehead pattern of rose quartz. To the east are the smashed remains of once mighty steel reinforced doors. Beyond the forced gates are the wide expanses of Middle Earth. To the west, a broad and shallow stair exits the hall, descending into darkness.

 

Contents:

Huzghash

Wurpox

Chukk

 

Dirg’kra

Thrak’burz

Shak’kaz

Nobunaga

 

Camp of the Southern Orcs

Obvious exits:

 Broken Doors leads to Great Gates

 Narrow Doorway leads to Durin's Bridge

 

      Still the tables of the trade talks sit, though dirtied and chipped is the wood with which they are made. The benches and chairs remain in their respective positions, ale cups placed on the table before them brimming with ale. For the most part the rest of the First Hall is emptied, save for a few uruks who scurry about preparing things for the talks at hand.

 

      Huzghash, Morian Master Guard and Shakh, stands near the head of the table. The Guard's crimson eyes scan out into the room, but soon return to gazing upon the table. Running his hand over the table, Huzghash quickly straps his spear to his back and lays his shield and helm down near him. Moving not, Huzghash makes no motion to sit, but instead lets his eyes drift upwards and towards the Southrons encampment; searching for movement.

 

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] One figure walks from the camp. A confindent solitary Uruk-Hai slowly makes her way towards those tables set up for the trade talks. A brief glance over her shoulder and a quick adjust of the armor as Dirg'kra reaches the tables. Glancing about the hall an seeing a few serving snaga scurry about the Wolf Master furrows her brow. Seeing Huzghash she grins, "Seems that some maybe to busy to finish this up?" As Dirg'kra reaches a chair an rests her hands on the back.

 

 

Wurpox comes late to the table, dragging his legs across the pavers sluggishly. He slides into a seat, hands joining before him on the table's top. "We wish the juicers 'represented here, and the juicers is me," says Wurpox, leaning hard against his elbows, ".. leaky as I is." He snorts an acknowledgement at the southerner before skidding his chair closer.

 

Huzghash nods slowly, his eyes monitoring the Uruk-hai. "Or too lazy." Huzghash sneers a moment before motioning for the Wolf Master to sit. "Sit, let us discuss this matter, Wolf Master." Huzghash pulls the bench along the side of the table out a bit, taking a sit near the far end. The head of the Morian table lies vacant. "What we decide upon tonight shall be what is done. I will report this to my superiors as needed." Settling into his seat HUzghash turns his head to regard the newly arrived Juicer. "Then sit, Wurpox-Brewer." Huzghash motions for the uruk to sit near him before turning his gaze back to the Southron.

 

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] "I'm not sure I like that any could be too lazy to trade with me?" Shrugging Dirg'kra pulls out the chair and sits down. The chair groans a bit as she adjusts her weapons and then reaches for the nearest mug of ale and takes a drink. Not waiting for the others or any kind of formality she sets it down a bit to hard an sloshes some over the edge onto the wooden table that drinks it up quite readily. Looking up to Huzghash, "Yes, the materials we need have been discussed and the smiths have sent a list of raw materials available to trade."

 

 

Wurpox sounds a snarl.. more of a waking snore. "This seats good as another guard. Now.." A smile worms its way from cheek to cheek. "Are we all refreshed? Guests need juices? Grease the thinkings?" He strafes all the table's inhabitants with his grin. "Guard you thirst?"

 

 

Huzghash shakes his head, "Not at the moment, Brewer." Readjusting his eyes to regard the Wolf Master, Huzghash nods, "Yes, aside from that we must decide how often to send caravans and how to guard these caravans." Huzghash nods again, his eyes flickering but a moment. "We are sending basically finished goods, yes? Armours and weapons, rather than pure ore?"

 

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Glancing over to Wurpox and snorting, "My thirst is satisfied for now." As her mismatched eyes roam the hall and fall back to Huzghash, "Not entirely, I think that our smiths would like to have some raw ore to fashion some weapons but armours and weapons are something we are looking for." Bringing that mug to her lips an taking a small swallow an setting it down. "Yes the caravans."

 

 

Wurpox folds forward against the table's edge to lay his weighty head upon a pedestal-forarm. He shrugs and listens, slyly eyeing the foreign servant staff in their background bustling.

 

Huzghash nods, "Yes, that is well." Casting his eyes down a moment, Huzghash runs a sole finger round and round the lip of a mug. "Now then. We could only send caravans once the smiths have finished making the items. Obviously this takes time. Though we need to find a semi-regular timetable for these caravans." Huzghash pauses, his hand gripping the handle of the mug to bring it to his lips. Taking a stout sip the mug is quickly replaced, not a drop spilt upon its return to the table.

 

Wurpox 's elbow slips forward, startleing him to a more attentive posture. He thinks out loud: "Maybe we find a cave half-way.. wood comes north, ore goes south.. we do the trading then each goes home with goods." He annexes an abandoned mug, and sniffs it before draining what ale remained. "Save legwork, save nasty scraps with bow-devils."

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra stares into her mug as she listens. Looking back up to Wurpox, "I like that idea of spliting the distance. What kind of time frame do you think might be beneficial? I really think it should change so that any that might be around wouldn't notice it happening." As Dirg'kra leans back in her chair.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] "I think if we set up a runner to travel and give an get info of whats done and when to meet would be helpful." Dirg'kra's eyes move to Huzghash as she sits there.

 

Huzghash's eyes narrow slightly as he stares distantly into his mug. "Yes, a cave could be found, and would save unneeded work on both ends. As to a time..." Huzghash pauses a moment, a single claw tapping upon the rim of the mug. "A runner would be useful, to confirm the exact dates for our meetings. Yes. How long is the journey here to Moria from your camp?" Huzghash's brow furrows' his eyes looking up from beneath it.

 

 

Wurpox sighs. His elbows slip into his lap. "The warg was good at running. I hear he got splatted though." He sloshes what little liquid clings to his cup's bottom around and around then throws it at his lips. "Could one of your ladz get me a brew 'Wolf'?"

 

Chukk shuffles down the way to the Feast hall. He sees his fellow Morians and makes his way toward them. As he walks, he reaches around behind his back and scractches with vigor to get some apparently unreachable itch.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra raises a clawed hand and a snaga slinks over to the table. The creature is missing one eye and is dressed in rags, "yes'um masser?" the small orc hisses at the wolf master. Dirg'kra points to Wurpox, "get him whatever he needs." A small nod of that dirty head and it slowly moves towards Wurpox. Stopping out of arms reach that red eye glances up to Wurpox, "whats can I get ya?"

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] The she-hai smiles as she watches the small snaga scurry away. Not looking at Huzghash, "I say its about 15 or so passes of the moon to get to this mountain."

 

"So half of that for our purposes here. How often, though, should we send caravans to meet? On a slightly regular basis or only as needed?" Huzghash keeps his eyes locked upon the Uruk-hai, the mug returning to his lips for another drink.

 

 

Wurpox brightens as he turns from the table and towards the southern runt. "You a brewsnaga from the south? How about an ale?" The brewer hands off his empty, and his gangly arms reluctantly return to the tabletop. Wurpox pipes up, "Maybe we not make stone schedules boss-guard? Lots to go wrong. Could scout out trade cave, try a few swaps to set a pace first.." He wantonly eyes the wet ring before him where his mug rested.

 

       "We not make this snail the runner though no.. taking his time" mutters the brewer, heightening in his chair to escry the snaga's progress.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra moves a hand up to scratch at the side of her head. Looking up an into those eyes of the mountain orc, "I think that Wurpox has the idea. I think that if we try it and see how it goes then continue but if things like those tree demons or humans find out then that would be a problem." Dropping that hand back to the table and reaching for her mug an takes a long gulp.

 

Chukk scans the faces and seems to settle on the Morghash Shakh to setting himself down in the vicinity of. He looks up at the foreigners and gives them a once over and grunts something to himself. He scratches his back again with renewed fervor.

 

Huzghash chuckles softly a moment, "Yes, the brewer has better ideas then I've given him credit for." Switching his view from brewer to Wolf Master, Huzghash continues, "Very well then. We will need to scout the area between our two camps in order to find a suitable meeting place, and also establish runners to relay messages back and forth."

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] "I's go an get the ales" As the snaga moves a bit quicker but still dragging its long arms on the ground as it finds a small container with ale in it. Those dirty hands grip it tightly as it lowers it close to its body. Holding it and walking even slower it spills only a few drops as it reaches Wurpox, "Is got yer..." The pitcher slips from its hands and smashes to the floor and the ale flies out and soaks the snaga and some splashes onto Wurpox. The snaga's one eye gets huge as its mouth drops open and it whimpers.

 

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra chuckles and nods to Huzghash, "I think that it should take about a month or so for us to get the supplies collected and then send a runner to let you know when we will be ready. That way it gives us time to find a cave and get the wagons on their way. Do you want help finding caves?" The mug in her hand is brought to sit on her lap as she stretches out her legs.

 

"I think we should both find a suitable cave." Huzghash intones, his voice hanging on the word both a moment longer than normal. "That way it would be known where this cave would be, and we would not chance getting lost." Huzghash nods, another slow drink taken from the ale.

 

Wurpox howls as he's doused. "I leak I leak! Shoddy bandaging!" He stands, kicking away his chair and inspecing the flood. "..oh its just juice," anounces the brewer after sampling what soaked him. He smacks, and his face grows very heavy, slackening to shroud his features. Wurpox glowers at the snaga. "This tastes like my juice, where you get this brew?"

 

       The brewer wrings his shirt into a cupped hand, and sips what little can be salvaged. He turns to Dirg'kra. "We do some trading now maybe? Yes? The runt's head holds about same juice.." He splays the fingers of one hand and grapples the snaga's scalp. ".. as a mugs worth. Can I juice it?"

 

 [Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra laughs and nods to Wurpox, "consider that part of the trade." While the snaga begins to squeel loudly as the large hand closes over its head. It tries to run away but only slips and falls in the puddle it created. Flopping around on the floor in front of Wurpox the snaga just curls up into a ball.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] The wolf master takes a sip of her ale as those lips smack together and her tongue runs along those cracked lips. "This ale is not that bad." as another sip is taken. When would the both get this chance to search for the cave? I think that maybe on our way home would be ideal since we're heading that way to begin with." The she-hai smiles into her mug.

 

Wurpox huffs at the curled cur. "We let it soak like that some.. good for flavor." He finds his chair and sets it upright, stiffly sinking into its seat again. The brewer twists towards Huzghash. "Boss-guard you let me set some traps at the trade-cave? We show south-orcs where the traps-is, no one else."

 

Huzghash smirks, watching the brewer capture the small snaga to 'juice' him. "So, that's the secret to your brew, Wurpox?" Huzghash jests, his eyes flickering with the grin that flashes across his face. "Indeed. We could send along a small contingent of uruks with you and have them return to us once a suitable cave is found." Huzghash eyes shift over the the Brewer, "Traps, Brewer? What if we forget where they are? Nothing will be stored in the caves, it would merely be the meeting place for the trades to take place."

 

Wurpox groggily presses into his eyes with the heals of his hands. As his hands fall away, he slides a bloodshot stare to the shakh. "Very well then boss-guard. If trade caves discovered by sun-sneaks though, good place to lay ambush." He gestures, fanning his hand as if to wave away his own ideas before they solidify. "Best to trap the trappers maybe. Boss-guard knows guarding best."

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] The mug again moves to the lips of the she-hai and its contents are drained an the mug set back onto the table. "Yes a few of you to come with us will be much safer for you and will save time. Then with more eyes it will be quicker to find this cave." Replacing her hands in her lap as they lock together Dirg'kra settles into the chair. Glancing to Huzghash, "but I hope that the small band of mountain orcs will be easier to get together then the chiefs of this place." Smirking as she raises a clawed nail to pick at a fang.

 

 

Shak'kaz walks out of the camp by the Morians. He see's Dirg'kra and he shakes because he was late and no one has told him about it. He walks over with his black cloak on and goes up to Dirg'kra and says, "Um master, am I late?" Then he pulls off his hood and looks at the she-hai.

 

Drinking again from his mug, Huzghash shifts his gaze between Wurpox and Dirg'kra. "I will send along a few of my Guards, or I myself may go, situation permitting." Huzghash shrugs, his eyes studying the newcomer a moment. "Setting traps for the Elves would be well enough, Wurpox, but we would need to be careful about it, eh?" Huzghash chuckles slightly, another sip taken from the ale mug.

 

[Thrak'burz(#28925)] A cloaked Uruk sits watching this business from afar. He is polishing his sword, Durbuluk. He can't hear what they are saying very well, but makes out some things, like an Uruk who has asked the Wolf Chieftainess a question in fright. The Uruk sheathes his sword and comes down from the rock he is sitting on. He reaches them just in time to hear Huzghash speak. "I am Thrak'burz, and it would be a pleasure to have you alongside with us," he says.

 

Wurpox runs out of snorts for all the newcomers, and readjusts himself at the table in silence. He leans towards Huzghash, huffing quite audibly, "I get a bit more bandaged, maybe you let me go south too?" He rocks back to his own place at the table, but can't help but add "Lay some traps..carefull traps. 'Get first pick at keg-wood maybe..."

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] "Agreed, we will ready the camp and leave as soon as you can be ready with your orcs." A hand reaches for her axe as Thrak'burz moves up to the table and speaks, growling Dirg'kra looks to the uruk, "know your place!" As the color of the Wolf Master darkens and her eyes burn into this newcomer.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] A frown grows on the face of this she-hai as Skak'kaz moves to the table, "yes you are late." Is all the answer that she gives to the uruk. "Now sit down." Dirg'kra growls as she leans up to rest her elbow on the table.

 

Shak'kaz bows to the she-hai and walks away. He tries to find a place to sit down as the she-hai told him. He looks back and see's The one Orc that he had a little fight with, Thrak'burz, and laughs. Then he walks over to the ground and sits down.

 

 

Huzghash nods once. "Very well then, Wolf Master. I will ready a group of uruks to send along with you to scout out a cave for our meetings. Also, this will be relayed quickly to my superiors so that they may pursue this situation further if they so choose." Huzghash grins, "The Brewer here will assuredly be amongst those we send." Chuckling, the Guard looks back down the table towards the Wolf Master.

 

Thrak'burz eye's look back at Dirg'kra as he sits down. "I fully know my place," he spits back at her. Then he sits at the table saying nothing, but intently listening in on the business. He puts his hand down at his side, near the hilt of his sword, in case Dirg'kra draws a weapon and attacks. Then the warrior of the Wolf Clan notices Shak'kaz's laugh. "What right have you to laugh at me? You know that I would kill you in battle, fool," Thrak'burz shoots at the other Uruk. He then sneers at him and listens back in on the business matters.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Dirg'kra nods to Huzghash as she stands up and leans over very close to Thrak'burz, bringing her face close to that of the uruk. Foul breath gushes with the hot rancid smell as she smiles. "I would not say that to me here. I've no patience for your attitude and will kill you if you open your mouth again!"

 

Wurpox 's twiddling turns to quiet applause. "Ooh they squabble!" he delights, "More snagas need juiced 'Wolf'?" He eyes the unruly and peacable arrivals alike. "A special batch!"

 

Nobunaga pokes his head out from one of the many tents in the disaster area that serves as the Isendrim campsite. He makes his way easily around the carnage of half-gnawed upon bones, rebush and refuse of all sorts. As he approaches his demeanor and gait are cool, calm and collected, though anyone who has associated themselves with many of the semi-human tribes of the south that behind this quiet confidence usually lies the most viscious and mad killers. Nobunaga scans the area and finally makes out the feminine (for an orc) form of Dirg'kra. Though she seems fairly busy and is in council presently with some of the northerners, this new arrival seems not to care. He marches up to the group and shoulders his way next to the slightly taller she-hai. On his way through the slight gathering he picks up the word "brewer" and his snake-ish tounge slips out to lip the lip protruding just above it for a moment. He says nothing, but observes the argumentative uruks and stands just within an annoying range of distance of space to Dirg'kra. She could, perhaps, even smell his fetid breath.

 

Shak'kaz looks over at him and says, "Why would I waste my breath on a maggot like you!" He then snears at the orc, Thrak'burz. He then looks back over at all the Morians and his Wolf Master look at Thrak'burz and breath on him he then turns his head and smiles which you cannot see, he puts back on his hood.

 

 

[Thrak'burz(#28925)] "I won't even waste my time arguing with, filth," Thrak'burz says, his attention drifting away from Shak'kaz. "I don't wish to fight you again, Master," Thrak'burz says to Dirg'kra. Thrak'burz looks back at Shak'burz, grins evilly, and says, "I will fight you, without hesitation though, and you don't want that. Because I will kill you," Thrak'burz says with a certain glint in his eyes. He then looks back at the other Orcs. His attention unstraying from the talk of the trip back home.

 

Huzghash's eyes are alight as they watch the arguing of the Southron uruks. "Well, Wolf Master. It would seem you have problems of your own to settle." Huzghash chuckles shortly, his eyes drifting over the Southrons. "At any rate, are we agreed then? Once I gather a group of uruks they will set out in tow with you to find a suitable cave for use during our meetings. From their we will send runners as needed, yes?" Huzghash scoots back slightly from the table, his eyes settling upon Dirg'kra.

 

Shak'kaz looks at him, "I would fight you maggot, but i am still healing from the battle that *you* dint come to." he puts back his devilish smile back on so this time you can see. He then looks back at Thrak'burz," Maybe I will fight you some time, but I dont think it would be worth it. He pulls out his short broadsword from his sheath and then puts it to his arm and puts a little cut on his arm.

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] A large clawed hand moves swiftly to grip the small throat of Thrak'burz, "I told you to shut up!" Wild eyes of the wolf master raise to stare at Huzghash as she nods but then grins evily, "I may need more help if I kill the ones I brought with me." An evil cackle follows the grin that forms on that twisted mouth. Tightening the grip on that uruks neck as those claws dig into the thin flesh an black drops start to flow down in black streaks.

 

Huzghash chuckles, "Then I'll leave you to your business, Wolf Master. I will return soon with news." The Guard stands, gripping his spear in his right hand and placing his helm back atop his head. "Be safe, Wolf Master." Huzghash says, offering the Uruk-hai a salute before turning from the table, his armoured form moving for Durin's Bridge.

 

[Thrak'burz(#28925)] "What an idiot. You state something untrue, make an excuse to cover your fright, and then you cut yourself. That is stupidity at its highest. As I said before, you are a true idiot. Even if you were at full-health, I would crush you like a maggot squirming around on the ground," Thrak'burz says, then sees the claw coming towards his neck. While in mid-air, he looks to see the claw belongs to his Chieftainess. "Y-yes...m-m-my...master!" Thrak'burz gasps out. The blood streaks down his neck, though he doesn't let it bother him, for it happens all too much.

 

[Wurpox(#25602)]  Still thrumming together the pads of his fingers, Wurpox observes. "A big batch! Just look at that one boss-guard.. oo and that other one. Plump like forrest fruits." He slathers his grin with a very merry tongue. "That's what sun-loving does for a brood.. so juicy."

 

       The brewer stands in turn, and either bows grandly, or cringes over his belly-bandaging once upright. He waddles west, but not before laying claim to /his/ new snaga. He grabs the runt by hair and continues into Moria.

 

Shak'kaz looks at Thrak'burz and laughs, "In a little trouble huh... maggot!" He starts to laughs and then the blood that came from his cut he takes his finger and wipes the blood and then puts it in his mouth, then he spits it in Thrak'burzes face. Then he gets up and moves farhter away.

 

 

[Dirg'kra(#28194)] Releasing Thrak'burz and saluting Huzghash in return. "we will be waiting your party." As eyes watch the mountain orc head into the darkness. A smile forms on her face as Dirg'kra laughs at the brewer and his gift. "I want to sample the new bathc Wurpox when its done."