Enough of this "Thilbo Bagginshield" nonsense and back to our quest.

[sonof_thrain]

Making sure we enough supplies and that Bombur hasn't eaten everything is a good priority right now. Protecting the burglar is also the priority of late. Ever since the encounter with the stone giants, we need to watch out for each other more than ever. No foolishness anymore, scribe.

Gathering the company is a task that I will not attend to. Getting a fire going before we set out on the next bit of our road. Filled with dangers as usual. I will be ready to fend of anything that threatens my company.

Onwards.

Comments

[strenth_in_size]

Perhaps you should relax, and enjoy the journey, Master Dwarf. That's half the fun of traveling in the first place!

[sonof_thrain]

The journey is not about enjoyment but of fulfilling my quest. The road may be long and perilous but myself and my company will push forward.

[strenth_in_size]

Life is about the journey. Have you not learned something about yourself or your companions in the course of your journey? Have you not learned something about your world?

To focus solely on the destination is to miss all that is good and wonderful in the world!

[sonof_thrain]

I know of the journey and all that it holds. Wishing safe passage is all I ask. You seem to know much of travelling, stranger.

[strenth_in_size]

[He chuckles a bit, deciding not to press the issue.]

I was born and raised on the Wandering Isle, and left to see the world in its fullness, sample food and beer from all corners of the world, and come to a greater understanding of the world and her wonders.

[sonof_thrain]

The Wandering Isle? I have heard of no such place. Beer? [That caused him to raise a large eyebrow.]

You are a man of taste then?

[strenth_in_size]

Yes, built upon the back of the great sea turtle Shen-Zin Su.

[Chen beams as he steps aside, and hefts a large keg onto his shoulder.]

Not just taste, master dwarf! I am the greatest Brewmaster in all of Azeroth!

[sonof_thrain]

It sounds majestic.

The greatest? [He grunted then raised a large eyebrow.]

Then let me taste this great brew you speak of.

[strenth_in_size]

It is beautiful. Especially in the spring.

[He takes a mug from his belt and fills it from the keg.]

Brewed from the finest ingredients straight from the Valley of the Four Winds.

[iorhael]

I should hope you protect the burglar; or where will you be when you find yourself at the Lonely Mountain, a hobbit short and with a dragon that knows all too well the scent of dwarf?

[Thorin, take care of Bilbo.]

[sonof_thrain]

Do not worry, master hobbit. The burglar is safe with my company. We are strong warriors and he had no need to fear danger. [Oh, he will, Frodo. Don't worry.]

You seem interested in the burglar. Is he one of your folk?

[iorhael]

I cannot help but worry all the same, but thank you.

He is; a relative of mine, actually.

[sonof_thrain]

Ah, that would explain it.

Another Baggins I presume?

[barrelrider]

It's always onwards, isn't it? [Bilbo sounds more attracted to that idea than any sensible hobbit ought to - not that he'll admit it, but this adventure business isn't that bad when you're not being threatened by trolls and goblins!]

[sonof_thrain]

Always, Master Baggins.

Are you ready for our next stretch of adventure?

[barrelrider]

I dare say I am! It's utterly amazing what proper breakfast after a near-death experience can do, don't you agree?

[sonof_thrain]

[He chuckled deeply.]

A proper breakfast can do wonders for a hobbit I presume.

[barrelrider]

Naturally! Is it not the same for dwarves?

[sonof_thrain]

Aye. We eat heartily. [You know right, Bilbo?]

A good mug of mead or ale to wash it down. [Perhaps a couple of mugs.]

[barrelrider]

[He's seen a dwarf's idea of eating heartily - how could he forget? - but Bilbo will argue there is a vast difference between a borderline food-fight with beards wagging into their plates and a hobbit's relaxing meal] Heartily, yes. I suppose you're quite right! Why, I believe you could have that mug of ale in Erebor, after this is all over.

[sonof_thrain]

[A broad smile twitched under his beard.]

Aye. I aim to drink many mugs until I fall onto the floor laughing with my company. Drunk and merry, Master Baggins. As will you be too. [He brought the hobbit in for a bear hug.]

[barrelrider]

[Hugs from Thorin never cease to be surprising: Bilbo has enough time to utter a tiny squeak - not that he would call it a squeak himself! - before he's enveloped in Thorin's arms]

My! I would like that indeed! [He'd also like to survive Possible Incineration Due to Dragons as well but anyway] I'm sure the others would think that a very fine idea!

[coveredinrust]

[huh. she likes his attitude.]

I think the mundanes are allergic to productivity.

[sonof_thrain]

Perhaps. I have found they have a nasty habit of thinking up odd and disturbing scenarios when board.

[coveredinrust]

Not just when they're bored. Mine seems to do that whenever she gets the chance.