To find Ruithel

[tomcat]

I have updated the TOR player's map under the Resources tab above. Click on the Wilderlands option.

[Eclecticon]

Some time out on the trail, when the company is drawn out along the path, Arbogast falls back from his customary forward position to walk alongside Bandy.  "My friend," he murmurs, almost whispering, "I have a favour to beg of you." 

Choosing his moment carefully, he passes two handfuls of dried venison to his small companion.  "Our wounded friends have greater need of this than I, but they are each of them proud and stoic, and would refuse it were it openly offered.  Your wits are about you, and your hands are swift and sure.  Find a time to slip this into their packs." 

More loudly, he says "take care up ahead.  The mud is slick but shallow, and there are stones beneath it sharp enough to do even your tough Hobbit feet an injury." 

[disench4nted]

Knowing that the others in the group were much better suited at tracking prey across open land than himself, Rorin positioned himself in the very rear of the column. He was constantly looking to the rear and the sides for any sign of another ambush like the wargs. Up ahead Grimbeorn stood at tall as ever, though Rorin knew that he must still be in pain. Esgalwen on the other hand was moving slower than her normal pace and Rorin offered what aid he could.

"You know Esgalwen, I had meant to tell you this some time ago, but I've forgotten until just now. It seems as though word of your swordplay has spread across much of Mirkwood. Remember that time at the Mountain Hall when you charged the hill full of goblins all alone? Would you be surprised to hear that it has become something of a legend among the Woodsmen? Just last year as I worked my forge I began receiving orders for long swords of the style of Gondor. In fact, one of my wealthier customers asked that your tale be engraved upon his sword to help him fight with the ferocity and skill of...now I'm just quoting him here...'Those warrior lasses from the South'."

Rorin laughed boisterously as he recalled the look of awe in the man's face upon receiving his new weapon.

"It's true though, I must've filled 2 dozen orders for long swords and nearly every single one of them was inspired by Esgalwen the Brave. Anyways, how heals your wound?"

[GandalfOfBorg]

On the road again did him good.  Though the trail led towards the enemy and a doom as yet unknown, Grimbeorn moved with a purpose.  He read his surroundings and listened to the wind for any sign that they drew closer to their prey but still they lagged behind.  "If but the great favor still moved us forward, we would yet overtake these fiends," he thought.  His words were few but of command to keep the group on track and on pace lest they fall further behind.  As the food gave out from the Viglundings, they took to supplementing their meals with what was left of the eleven bread.  When pace slackened and hope began to wane from wound and weariness, a mouthful of the cordial was all that was needed to get them going again.

[tomcat]

Esgalwen listened to Rorin speak, as they walked. Her leg had been nothing but a dull ache that was quite awkward to walk upon, but she knew that the Fern's medicine was good for it carried her through the day's struggle.

It was the Dwarf though that brought her real comfort. When the Dwarf moved close to her to speak and then shared his story, Esgalwen felt her heart bloom. Not for the need of the accolades, but that she had made a difference here among strangers. She had shown the strength of Gondor. She had shown the strength of her father, and his father before him.

The ranger turned to look down on Rorin and the Dwarf saw her, fair of face. She now had scars where cuts and scrapes had marred her flesh, but still she was beautiful...and then she smiled. "Master Dwarf, praise you! May your beard grow long and your hands ever filled with gold, though it never holds you! My how you have made my day!'

With that, Esgalwen strode forward a step stronger and surer, her wounded leg no longer a thought.
That was some awesome dialogue input, Steve!  I am awarding Rorin a Hope point back - as he he sees the change in his companion.