In to the Underdark, from the musings of an Old Man

[mnemenoi]

Dwak continues forward ignoring Erir as if he had not heard him at all. He nods at your commitment to Asbjørn, seeming to be impressed by your commitment.

"I'll take over here Erir. I know Rivenhelm and think its really up ta 'im," as he glares at the older dwarf threateningly. Erir glares back, his clansmen moving more colsely.

"I've had bout nough you Red beard. No mount o' grovellin and goblin kissin will do ya any good dis time," as he sputters near rage.

Dwak rears back with lightening speed and in just a moment his fist fully connects with the old dwarves face producing a dull cruch as you can hear his nose break. "I'll do da same ta da rest o' yee i'ffn ya don't beat yer feet," as he lunges forward menacingly.

They quickly grab the arms of Erir and pull him back, shouting insults as they dissappear down the trail.

[Windstar]

"Well now Master Dwak, I thank ye for the assistance, now if ye don't mind we will follow ye to see Commander Rivenhelm." Thoriken clasps Asbjørn by the shoulder and squeezes it reassuringly, hoping he gets the hint.
Turning to Galas in common "Galas, stay close and when ye gets da chance ye need to thank our flamebearded friend" He then holds his hand out to Dwak in friendship.

[mnemenoi]

"Aye indeed, I ain't no desire ta be sharin this mount with no orcs," as he heads down another path toward the great structure of Illethkeep that grows larger at your steady approach. The flame bearded dwarf keeps a good pace and although being quite a bit older then everyone here seems to slow his pace so that everyone can keep up.

"Sorry 'bout all that misunderstanding back there, seems me students arn't takin me lessons as well as I taught em. I'll remember when they has sons that need ta be learnin war," as he continues at a brisk pace.

"Pleasant sight to be seein ya gettin along well 'nough Asbjørn, been quite a spell," as he moves quickly through the rock and debris.

Asbjørn appears quite unsure about this dwarf, as if he has some very deep connection. "Aye, been workin the North ranges. Glad ta see ya ain't lost yer charm," in response. He clears his throat loudly and brushes his eyebrows as he mutters something about the infernal sun.

Gals seems to be enjoying this dwarf much more then the last few and is trying to keep up, but his injuries do hold him back a bit.

After what seems like a good two mile hike down, you reach a bustling landing filled with dwarves. Some stop and stare at the tall thing at your rear, while others shove them and continue upon their duties.

Dwak bellows at a young dwarf that looks barely in his thirties, "Norkus," as the young dwarf nearly stumbles as he runs over. "Go and tell Commander Rivenhelm that we are coming with reports of raiders amongst the mounts. We are not slow so you had better beat us...." as the youth turns and races into the dark chasm that is the entry into the stead. He turns a grins, "Well, now were expected."

He leads you past the security forces, his reputation alone acting as his word of honor. The Entry itself is vast, with military dwarves bustling here and there. Dwak leads you with shouts and commands to clear a path.

After about twenty minutes you finally veer off, passing a bedraggled and abandoned looking temple that sits across from the hulking behemoth that is the temple of Clangeddin. From even this distance you can hear the battle hymns as if you were inside and the constant ringing of weapons on the floor shakes the ground.

You shortly reach several large sets of doors and sveral dangerous looking dwarves smile at Dwak's approach. "Heard ye were comin, beat ya by at least three breaths," says one of the dwarves with a toothy grin.

"I'll have him whipped up in two winters, count on it," as he opens the door. Inside stands two massive dwarves whom look up at your entry. One has a florid face, a huge bulbous nose, and an enormous, well-trimmed handlebar moustache. The other is an imposing figure in a well cropped military outfit and a long flowing beard that nearly reaches the floor.

"Well, whats all this Norkus was on about? Said something about a giant..." as Galas finally enters the room, ducking to fit through the doorway.

[Windstar]

"Aye, Master Dwak, 'twas me figuring as well when I sav'd da lanky oun from dhem an heard his story. They had chased em into a chasm and he land'd at me feet so ta say and I brought em here to report." Thoriken stated as they started to follow the flamebearded dwarf.

Thoriken, Asbjørn and Galas trudged wearily behind nodding as Master Dwak would say something. Thoriken had to repeatedly hurry Galas along with gestures and taunt "Galas, with dem long legs ye should not be fallin behind, hurry along lad!" he was heard to often mutter in common.

After entering the room with the Commander, Thoriken see's the unease building, he stands tall to do the introductions and start the tale.

"Master Rivenhelm, if I may," Thoriken looks askence to the Commander.

"Aye, go ahead young one, we need to get ta the bottom of this and why there is a human with ye?"

Thoriken clears his throat, looks around at the prestigous company, and suddenly wishes he was back in the underdark looking for drow. "Well sire, it begins with me doin my patrols in the lower caverns, when I happened upon a couple of stirges tryin to make a meal of the human, he was about dead by da time I dispatched them, but with Moradins Aid I was able to rouse him. His story was a wild one about Orc armies ad such. Being closer to here than the stead I hurriedly brought him with me and along the da way I met me sheildmate just finishing a sacrifice to Moradin and brought him too, Now I would like to introduce Galas of the humans" Turning to Galas "Ye need to tell'm what ye saw"

Galas looked stricken as Thoriken spoke to him, he peers around at all the dwarves in the room eyes the size of platnum pieces, he swallows hard and attempts to start to speak a couple times till he actually manages it, "Ummm, urr, ummm well I am Galas, a hunter for the human settlement of Loudwater" He manages finally and after a quick deep breath he continues, "I was hunting the wstern reaches when I stumbled into the path of several Orc raiding parties, kan't give ya a defilint amount of them as they dispathed about 20 to chase me, though there were at least 4 very large groups, they chased me higher into the mountains and managed to put an arrow into me when I fell into da chasum that Master Thoriken found me in." Turning back to Thoriken he signals he is done.

Thoriken turns to Asbjørn, "Shieldmate? do ye have anymore ta add"

"Nay, That is the same as I heard when ye ell found me" Asbjørn states.

"Well Sire there is da story for ye, if ye need our assistance just speak it and it will be a Moradin spoke" Thoriken then kneels before thee Commander.

[mnemenoi]

The dwarf in the military garb takes in your report with a measured look, "I appreciate your efforts and the urgency in which you delivered it. It has been quite some time since we have had one of his ilk within our hallowed walls," indicating Galas. He stands up a bit stouter and in a rough common says, "Well Met Galas of Loudwater, I am Vulph of Uerythtar and he is known as Olorn of Uerythtar," indicating the other dwarf beside him. "I would like to have words with you over what you have seen and your intentions with our stead. I will certainly double our efforts and prepare for something should these orcs decide upon a suicidal attempt, I ask that you stay and show me exactly where you saw these movements. I shall see to your room and we will have you healed in short time. Our warpreists are in need of something more severe then a sprained ankle to treat." as he nods to Olorn.

Olorn moves toward the doorway and escorts the two dwarven guards in as he waves the three dwarves to follow him outside.

When Galas sees the motion he nods to you and smiles, "Thoriken, I appreciate you saving my life back there and I shant forget it. You tell Azborn and Dwak there that I'll certainly see them about eventually again. It sounds like Vulph has some strategizing in mind and I can see the maps he is headed toward, besides I could certainly do with a few days rest and your legendary brew" with a sly grin. "I'll be fine from here, you be safe and I'll see you around," as he pats his stout friend on the shoulder reassuringly.

[Windstar]

Thoriken nods in return to Vulph, turns to Galas "Well Galas, it was Moradins will that brought us tagether and it is his will that ye help me fellas, walk carefully in these halo'd halls and remember ye place, ye'll be fine" He shakes Galas' hand.

"Well Asbjørn are ye ready for the next part of Moradins Will?" He asks while awaiting Vulph to see off Galas.

"Thoriken, I will be after a tall tankard or three, a hot bath and a soft bed!" Asbjørn replies heartily.

[mnemenoi]

As you exit the door behind Olorn he shuts it as Vulph begins setting out maps of the peaks across a central table. He indicates you to follow him off a bit to be away from the door and begins, "We appreciate your efforts in the defense of the stead and I know the dangers you must have faced getting this Galas here. I assume you will be headed back to the stead itself and I must ask a favor of you both," indicating Thoriken and Asbjørn.

"I was approached by an young acolyte in regards to a request from the High Old One of Dumathoin. He had asked for some mules for replacement in the mines. I have secured them from the Mule skinners and had been meaning to send one of the lesser preists of Clangeddin to pass on my message, but with everything you have brought in, I hate taking them from their duties. I assume you will be going back to Uerythar proper and would ask that you carry my message to him if you could," speaking to the Avenger of Moradin.

"I also ask that you make certain they are delivered shortly and I would appreciate you taking this on yourself Asbjørn. I would never seek to offend our revered Thane Verbain, but with the keep's safety at issue I could hardly leave my post to attend to this affair. I would look upon this as a great favor and shall remember what you have done for me in the future. That is if you'll both accept?"

Olorn Tethgard was the commander of Illethkeep and woirked closely with Vulph in its management. He knew that he could order the two to so this task, but had found that asking brought better results then outright barking. With his own soldiers it was not needed, but a certain civility with anyone from the stead proper was always appreciated. He had heard a few whispering about him as 'Greatshout' and thought his reputation deserved some polish if he ever wanted to go back to living in the stead itself.

[Windstar]

"Aye Olorn, Me and me mate can do that, tho he'll have to provide the knowledge, I know nuttin bout dem, sound good to ye Asbjørn?" Thoriken says before his sheildmate has a chance to speak. Asbjørn glaring at him scowls a little in reply "Aye mate, I suspose I kin put off my tankard for a couple hours, for the 'Mander and the hold."

A short time later with the mules tied together they head off through the cavernous tunnel that leads back to the hold. Thoriken thrilled once again to atleast have stone over his head once more is humming a fine tune as they walk. "Do ye need ta do dat humming, mercy yer catawhalin is a most offensive to a clear head, may hap with some stout ale I could handle et." Asbjørn states gloomily after an hour or so down the tunnel. Thoriken smiles at his sheildmate "Shurin I can wait a bit, don't get much chance a hearin me voice when I patrol, much to delight o da critters down in da dark tho I'm sure."

They had quickly settled down to an easy pace moving into the hold some time later. They deliver the mules and head over to the Thanes residentance to deliver the message from Olorn.

[mnemenoi]

You deliver them to a very bewildered dwarf that agrees to hold them, but had no knowledge of any mules being delivered to the Brotherhood. At your mention of Osk he just raises his shoulders and ties them up to await further orders about them. They were nearly overstocked now as it happens and the addition of seven more was just crazy, perhaps the old one had finally cracked he chuckled to himself.

As you approach the temple it is you whom leads the way as your companion has no idea there even was a temple in the duergar clanhold. Your passage through the quarter is quiet and a bit intimidating as the duergar seem to rarely receive visits from their shield dwarf brethren.

As you finally approach the temple itself a young duergar acolyte approaches you cautiously, "Might I be of some assistance my brother's?"

[Windstar]

"Aye brother, ye may be able to, we have a message for Thane Verbain from da commander of da keep." Thoriken replies somberly to the young dwarf. "Oh and mate we be in kida a hurry, we have a couple tankards callin."

[mnemenoi]

"Certainly, I shall go and tell him immediately,' as he quickly moves toward the rear of the temple and disappears into a dark labyrinth. The other parishioners seem to glance over at the two of you, but leave you in peace.

The chamber seems vast and unfinished, but it evokes a sense of wonder at the natural that burns in every dwarf that happens across some space that has never been touched.

The minutes pass slowly as you await his return, the idea of quenching your thirst growing as the time passes.

[Windstar]

Thoriken, easily relaxed with in the confines of a house of god, even if it was another's, takes the time to reflect upon the events with in the last few days. Asbjørn on the other hand soon becomes fidgety and moves to entrance way so he could pace without disturbing those there to pray.

[mnemenoi]

The acolyte returns in a rush moving immediately to you both. "He shall see you immediately, If you'll follow me?" as he leads them into the caverns behind the temple itself and through the maze of corridors.

He finally reaches a point from which you can see a flickering torch in an inner chamber with but a small fissure separating the two. He indicates that you are to enter there, "They are just inside my brothers."

(Merging with thread)
(To seek a Thane)