The Great Hall of Thrain I

A magnificently huge hall, full of light, sound, and dwarves coming and going,
reading the bulletin board, conversing with friends or haggling with
merchants. This was once the Feasting Hall of Thrain, and then, the room Smaug
hoarded Erebor's wealth in. The walls and floor have since been repaired, and
even improved, glowing a soft blue in the light of the crystal lamps hung from
the hematite ceiling. Every surface the eye can find is smoothed and polished,
proving that the dwarves have not yet lost their famed touch in stone working.
The four clan gates exit from this hall, as well as a number of the more vital
merchants of Erebor. 

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

** Real time is: Thu Aug 19 03:51:01 1999, GMT -8 **
Elendor time is: Mid Morning (about 9 AM ) on Sterday, 5 March 3018. In the
Spring sky, Tonight the moon will be first quarter. 

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

Rimli says, "Hey Gumbart! Nice to see you !"

Gumbart bows before the stranger, sweeping his hat before his knees, and
answers, "At your service. And who might you be?"

Rimli

You see a solid and broad dwarf, 5 feet and a few inches tall. His hair and
beard are black. He wears a long and heavy gray coat - revealing only black
pants and leggings - and massive leather boots. 
His figure is dark and impressive, and it is only when you look him in the
large blue eyes that you see a friendly twinkle.

With a short bow the stranger says: "Rimli, at your service and at your
family's. And who YOU are?

Gumbart grins and says, "I'm Gumbart, son of Oibart, and I am a merchant. My
business is the import of coffee and wine from the east, the export of Dale
tapestry, fish bone sculptures and, most precious of all, the gem-cutting
business. I sell tool sets for gem-cutters and goldsmiths."

Rimli says, "A merchant! You should have a quite comfortable life, or this is
what people say!"

Gumbart's face grows dark as he hears this, "No, unfortunately you are not
right. It is true that there are some very rich merchants in Erebor, but there
are many more who are not as rich, unfortunately. People such as I that must
travel all over Rhovanion in order to earn their meagre winnings."

Rimli laughs a bitter laughter, then he says: "You are quite unhappy, dear sir,
but you would appreciate more your life after having been so far from home for
so many years! Did you never have to earn your life mining coal, or thieving ?

Gumbart shakes his head, "No Rimli, indeed I have not learned to appreciate my
home through the long years of travelling. Indeed, I have not made my fortune
yet and whenever I come home I see all the rich and fat dwarves, showing me how
far away I am from realizing my dreams. But a time will come when all of this
changes!" A fanatic sparkle appears in Gumbart's eyes.

Rimli smirks. Then he says "I beg your perdon. But you should have at least
some coppers to pay me an ale! I have not been drinking anything since an whole
day!

An evil grin appears in Grumbart's face as he looks at the ragged dwarf again,
hearing the bitterness in his voice. Gumbart tries to estimate the possible
uses such an impressionable dwarf might have. "Maybe you are interested in
earning some money for yourself, young Rimli? Come along to Longbeard Tavern
and we'll have a chat about something I'm planning to do. I could use some
help..." he smirks.

Rimli says, "I'm grateful for your offer of an ale. For what concerns your
plans, I'll see. - He loudly laughs before going on. - I'm used to earn money
in many different ways, and not all of them have been well-mannered. But stop
speaking now. Take me to the Tavern!"

Gumbart grins and walks ahead.

You head up the stairs to the Great Stair, Lower Landing.
You walk up the stairs to the Great Stair, Upper Landing.
You head into the Longbeard Tavern.

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.

Rimli arrives from the Great Stair, Upper Landing.

Gumbart walks up to the bar and calls, "Two ales for me and my guest, Khulain!"
and slaps some coins on the bar. After a few seconds, Khulain scurries over and
places two big mugs of ale in front of the two new arrivals.

Gumbart grins, "To fame and fortune!" and takes a sip.

"And to revenge too" says Rimli with a dark sparkle in his eyes

Gumbart rises an eyebrow in surprise but says nothing. After he puts his mug
back down, however, he turns to Rimli and asks, "I could use a dwarf of many
talents. I'm embarking on a treasure quest in spring. You could come along,
maybe you will make a difference when the dwarves walk under the shadows. You
shall have your fair share of the treasure in the end, if you agree."

As Gumbart sees Rimli hesitate, he says calmly, "Think about it, Rimli. Take
your time. You know where to find me."

Rimli says, "I'll think! But before I'll finish my ale! Bring me something to
eat too, Khulain. My friend seems to be munificent !"

Khulain brings a bowl of stew, looking at Gumbart questioningly. Gumbart nods
silently and Khulain places the wooden bowl before Rimli. Gumbart pats Rimli on
the back as he gets up, "Think about it, Rimli." With that, he turns around and
walks out of the tavern, a sly smile on his lips.