Longbeard Tavern

A large, cozy space opens up before you, a natural hollow in the rock turned
into a tavern. Two openings lead out, cloak racks of cherry and brass attached
to the walls beside them. A long bar of mahogany wood lies along one side of
the room, assorted cups, mugs and flagons neatly lining the wall behind it.
Upon the other wall is built a recessed fireplace, a shaft drawing
most of the smoke up and out of the way. Across the space are set tables,
simple and sturdy, meant to be used daily. The smokey atmoshere is comfortable
and pleasant. Warm light fills the chamber from the fireplace and torches in
iron sconces upon the smooth walls. The place gives an impression of simple
comfort. Leaning against the wall in one corner near the bar is a younger
dwarf who looks sociable.

***** Erebor Time + Weather Service ******************************************

** Real time is: Fri Aug 20 02:22:15 1999, GMT -8 **
Elendor time is: Dawn (about 5 AM ) on Monday, 7 March 3018. In the Spring sky,
The gathering dawn light will soon obscure your sight of the waxing gibbous
moon. 

****************************************** Erebor Time + Weather Service *****

Rimli says, "I'm glad to see you again, my friend! I thought about your
proposal, and I could be interested in it, as I have not money, neither a job,
and Erebor citizen haven't been very friendly. Maybe they don't like Strangers!
May I take a seat?"

In the early morning hours, only the most busy of all dwarves find their way
into Longbeard Tavern. Gumbart seems to be waiting for somebody. He nods,
however, and says, "Do take a seat, Rimli. I didn't know you were a stranger to
Erebor -- where are you from, then? I naturally assumed you were from here."

Rimli sits an a bench, and on his face a sad expression appears, like the
memory of a lost age of happiness. Then he says "I'm from Erebor, but I've been
far from years, travelling for wild and hospitable lands. Anyway, I don't want
to tell you my story. Tell me you about your plans

Gumbart shakes his head, laughing silently to himself. "Rimli, I hope you shall
grow to trust me in time. My plan is to leave in a a few weeks for a long trip
east, across the Dale-Lands, through Mirkwood and beyond. I'm looking for a
treasure that the last king under the mountain must have had, an item of power
which allowed him to amass the incredible fortune that is the building stone of
the kingdom of Erebor. If you are a well travelled dwarf -- as you seem to be
-- then your help shall be welcome.

Rimli spots the merchant doubtingly for a while. Then he says "a power item,
you say. And what will be my share, if any"

You say, "All the participans on this quest will receive an equal share of
whatever we win. I am expecting great dangers for every single one of us. If we
make it, however, we will amass a wealth the free world has not seen since
Durin's days. Your share will be the same as everybody else's share."

Rimli loudly laughs and says "you're very able, my friend! But how can we share
a single item of power, when you'll get it?"

Gumbart smiles and nods, "Not an easy thing, I agree. Consider the
alternatives, however. Would you try and go looking for such a thing on your
own? It is too dangerous for one dwarf alone. Would you try to hire dwarves to
come along? You wouldn't be able to pay for such a dangerous mission. Any
decent dwarf will ask for a share of the treasure to be found. I've long since
stopped to try and hire dwarves for this mission of mine. As to what we will do
as soon as we achieve our goal and return back: I propose to have a mutual fund
where every participant on the trip is a shareholder, the winnings will be
distributed fairly. What do you say?"

Rimli says, "Hmmm, it could be a chance, but remember, I don't like liars, and
my vendetta can be dreadful. With a brisk motion he suddenly stands up and
wields a short dagger which was formerly covered up by his heavy coat. His
figure seems to become massive and scary, and in his eyes a wicked sparkle
appears."

Gumbart leans back, renewed respect in his eyes and a frown on his face. "Sit
down, Rimli," he growls. "I have no time for such threats at the moment.
Believe me, nobody in our company likes liars and cheaters. Nobody, and I least
of all. So do not worry, or rather, be assured that we are all equally worried.
Have no illusions, we dwarves are a mistrustful lot and going on such a mission
doesn't help. But we have to hold together or we'll never make it."

Suddenly, the frightening stranger turns his manners, and a large smile
brightens his face while his sword disappears again under his coat. "You are
lucky, my friend, that I'm not so sinful as I can seem, and if you are
truthful, you don't have nothing to fear! So, do you still think that you could
find my services helpful in any way?"

Relieved, Gumbart leans forward again. "Aye, Rimli, your help would be
appreciated. If you still want to come, be prepared to leave in about two
weeks. Gather your equipment, finish any business you still have to attend, and
join us when we leave."

Rimli says, "Yes, I want to come, but I'd prefer to know something more about
the route of our quest and the other fellows."

Gumbart nods, "I'll introduce you as soon as possible. Maybe you know Ordin?
He's a warder and he will come along, as well as some friends from
Emyn-Engrin."

Rimli says, "and what about the route ? Where do you think we'll find the
treasure ?"

You say, "We' travel to Esgaroth, then through Mirkwood on the old forest
trail, and the south along the Anduin valley. We're going pretty close to Dol
Guldur, but I have all the information we need once we are close; I'm not
leading you straight into the arms of the orcs."

The colour drains from Rimly's face as he hears the wicked name of the evil
fortress. "Dol Guldur" - he says in a muted voice. "So we'll walk under the
shadows...".

Gumbart nods, subdued by the sudden change in mood. After a while, though,
Gumbart reaches into his pocket and takes some coins out and puts them on the
table. "Here Rimli, your breakfast is also paid for. I have business to attend
to. I am glad to have you with us." Gumbart gets up.

Thank you, friend" - Rimli says assuming his usual severe look - "and don't
worry. I don't fear the shadows. Maybe I'll need something more then this
dagger, but we'll speak about this later. I'm glad to join the quest! Kuhlain,
one ale!" He says throwing a few coppers onto the bar

Gumbart nods, "We need people like you, Rimli."