Featuring:
Todembar (#29206) as himself, Farlo, and Shadowstar
Dolphus (#29680) as himself
Valenbrus (#10683) as himself

Bounders' Hall
You enter a dark and smoky room. A large stone forge glows red in the dim light. The intense heat from the furnace assaults your face, causing beads of sweat to break out aross your forehead. Wooden work tables, covered with scraps of metal and wood, are set out in spaced intervals across the room. Several busy hobbit craftsmen rush about, either tending to the forge or tinkering with their own private projects. A refreshing breeze carries cooler air through a doorway to the north, another door leads back to the mess hall.
Contents:
Todembar
Bounder Fund Box
Farlo
Sign
Barlo
Shire Weapon Forge
Obvious exits:
Store Room leads to Store Room.
Out leads to Green Hills.

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RL (Arizona) time is Sat Apr 07 11:18:01 2001 (+time).
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IC time is about 5 PM on Thursday Foreyule (December) 27, 1422 S.R.
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IC Weather Conditions
Bundle up! Snow blankets the ground, but the roads are clear enough for travel on this Foreyule/Yulemath day.
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Todembar
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Being a North-Took of youthfulness and vigor leaves Todembar to be a young tweenhobbit for the tweengirl's picking. His long, soft copper hair gleams in the available light with such complexion and compassion that the length of it merely mimics that of a sparkling pond in the setting sun. Eyes of a bold and still blackness peer under a set of smooth eyebrows, forming slight ridges from which a curiosity rings fourth. His sleek skin is unusually and naturally pale like a late spring snowfall, which could also have a bearing on his odd name. Average of height and weight is he for one of his kind, being nearly three feet tall and having a just slimmer than most appearance.

As for his attire, it is one from which most would expect for a young messenger boy. He wears a long and darkly dyed, cloth cloak that drapes over his garments beneath. In those few moments where his cloak flutters open, a well-kept pair of deep and forest green britches and a white cloth, linen shirt neatly tucked at his belt can be seen. Adorning his narrow belt is a set of two traveling pouches from which appear to be made of a soft leather of matching material to that of his gloves. His feet are bare; the foot-hair neatly groomed to keep of a presentable appearance and yet short enough to not undermine his duties.

Each step he makes seems to carry with it a story as his left leg mimicks a slight limp with a slight twist of discomfort filling his eyes.
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OOC: Type look Todembar's [object] to see an item he carries with him.
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Carrying:
Ebony Shortbow
Todembar's Shortsword

Dolphus
A midsized hobbit, seemingly in his late forties, this fellow is neatly dressed and well-groomed. His hair, neatly brushed, is light brown and curly; his dark green eyes are situated just above a fairly small nose and a rather large mouth.

This hobbit's clothing is simple but functional: a brown wool cloak over a green shirt, and a pair of blue-dyed wool pants. His feet are as bare and furry as any other hobbit.

Valenbrus
Here stands a shorter hobbit with a rather good build, obviously somewhere in his tweens. He has long, curly brown hair, it being very dark, nearly black. His deep brown eyes peer out from the depths of his soul, and he has a handsome, yet somewhat gruff appearance to him. He wears a light brown shirt and dark brown pants, his feet hairs are long and unkempt, and a forest cloak hangs loosely about his shoulders and back.

~~~

While several of his fellows work at the forges, Dolphus Burrows opens the small door in the north wall and walks inside, closing it quickly behind him. A tiny avalanche of snow follows him in before being shut out. With a sigh, the Bounder removes his cloak and folds it over his arm, shaking off the excess snow, and continues to walk inside. He stops by the fund box and deposits a few silver dimes.

A slight cough can be heard followed by the soft footfalls as Todembar enters from the corridor. He seems slightly pink, perhaps not feeling all too well. "I'm fine!!" he exclaims, pushing past Farlo as the bounder tried to help the hobbitlad back to rest, "It's just a cough..." He walks with his light limp and smiles as he looks over to his bow sitting on the nearby table.

Crossing the room to the table near Todembar, Dolphus straightens and gives a quick salute. "Ah, Master Bounder North-Took... just the person I'd wanted to see. Bounder Dolphus Burrows, sir, reporting." He nods quickly. "I've just now returned from the Woody End... a wolf had been sighted there some weeks ago; Bounder Maggot and I tracked it through the woods and, two days ago, succeeded in knocking it cold. We called upon several Shirriffs, and they've safely deposited the animal outside the Bounds, near the Old Forest."

Todembar smiles, still looking at his bow and pointing to one spot where Farlo immediately begins to work. Turning to the young bounder, he grins slightly, "Excellent..." but a small sigh can be heard as he hobbles to a nearby seat, his face quincing as he sits slowly down.

"Thank you, sir," nods Dolphus, saluting again. He turns to watch Todembar seat himself, and raises an eyebrow. "Sir..." he starts, scratching his chin, "... are you feeling well? Is there anything I might get you?" He motions toward the mess hall door. "A cup of warm ale, perhaps, or some tea? Coffee?"

A grin is followed by a small cough as Todembar grabs a seat, "Oh, no... it's nothing young..." he pauses a moment, "sorry, I don't think I caught yer name...?"

He grins again, "Dolphus... I'm a little slow is all. No, actually, the warg hunt last three years ago is what did this to m' leg."

Nodding, the Bounder places his cloak on a stool near the table, sitting down on it. He removes a dagger from his belt and places it on the table next to him. "Ah, yes, sir. Dolphus Burrows, yes, that is my name." The Bounder coughs into his sleeve and nods again. "Yes, sir. I remember that, vaguely... I'm rather glad I had no part in that. As much as I enjoy my profession, I do so dislike wolves and wargs."

Todembar sighs and pats the young bounder on the back, "Lad, I'm glad you'd no part in it either..." He looks a little down and continues, "I'm a little disappointed... it's like I know what I want m' leg to do... she just don't want to... the stubborn..." He seems to trail off and then smiles, "But I'm still young and I feel like a little fun. Snowing out hard??..." He grins and looks outside anticipatingly.

Smiling sadly and sighing, the Burrows follows the North-Took's gaze outside. "Aye sir, it is... there's at least six inches of it on the ground now, I'm afraid; enough to give even a dwarf or man trouble. I've not seen it so bad in years."

Todembar grins with delight, "Excellent then young Dolphus! I shall make a bounder of you yet!" Getting up and grabbing his bow as Farlo just finishes with it, "won't you come?" With that he whistles and calls to Shadow star and pushes the door open.

Todembar walks out the door into the Green Hills.
Todembar has left.

Shaking his head and sighing, Dolphus stands and puts on his cloak again. He shakes his head and shrugs to Farlo, wandering outside with a perplexed look on his face.

You walk out into the fresh air through a small splintery door.
Green Hills
The Green Hills roll gently to the west here, though due to some shrubbery in spots, most ways are impassible. In the distance, you can see the Stock Road winding its way across the hills. Right before you, there is an especially steep heavily-forested hillside just south of the valley of the Yale, where no more than a half-dozen cottages sit peacefully below the hills. Large pine trees blanket this hillside with shade year round. At the bottom of the hill is a large fenced-in pasture. Some rather rough-looking hobbits are sitting on the side of the hill smoking pipes, next to what appears to be an ramshackle round door hidden in the shrubbery at the southern side of the clearing.
Contents:
Todembar
Shadowstar
Obvious exits:
North through Yale

Red flows the Brandywine; with flame the river kindles,
as sun sinks beyond the Shire, and then to grey it dwindles.

Dolphus emerges from the Bounders' Hall, wrapping his cloak tightly about him. "Sir?" he calls, shading his eyes from the sudden glare of the sun in his eyes, "Sir? Are you sure that it's wise just to run out here in the snow, without any boots, with your condition?"

A smile crosses the young Master's eyes as he jumps upon Shadowstar his faithful steed, "Lad, I won't be walking in the snow!" He grins again and points to the fellow on the ground, "Looks like you will be though!" And with that he contitues to trot on.

Todembar has left.
Todembar mounts Shadowstar and takes the reigns.

Shadowstar
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Here stands one of the most proud and fine Shire steeds you have ever seen. This pony is not too hulk or not to large either, but she has a look of speed and agility to her; much suited to her tasks. Her coat is smooth and fine to the touch, coloured that of a shadow cast by clouds swiftly moving over the earth below. Her long and shining mane and tail dances behind her as she runs, spinning and twirling as if it were a breeze itself. Eyes deep and penetrating, black voids but filled with an ironic passion. They look you over with an alertness about her.
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OOC: Type look Shadowstar's [object] to see something she carries.
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Carrying:
Todembar
Saddle

"Oh my..." mutters Dolphus, shaking his head. "This really is rash... I must advise against it... I am sure that the Mayor will be most displeased should the leader of a branch of the Watch hurts and incapacitates himself..." He trudges toward the pony, pushing snow out from in front of him, muttering all the while.

From uptop Shadowstar, Todembar grins, "Does the mayor really need to know. Dear Dolphus... we live in the outback of the world and really, do you honestly think that those of higher authority really care?" His face contours a little, as if remembering an old pain or memory but with a quick shake looks to the lad once again. "Where we off to then? The north... let's see... Ah! The Farthing stone to start."

"Aparently they don't..." mutters Dolphus as he begins to run through the snow, hopping from one foot to the other, following the pony's prints.

You make your way north along a tiny path through the wooded valley of Yale.
Village of Whitfurrows
The village of Whitfurrows is a very small one, with just a few scattered houses. The village's residents are mainly hobbits who farm the surrounding area and settled here long ago from Frogmorton to shorten the long walk to and from work each day. Budge Road leads north toward The Water, a small river which runs east and west. To the south there's a fairly deep woody valley known as the Yale, beyond which is a dense hilly forest often called the Green Hills. Westward the Great Road is flanked with numerous birches providing light shade on the way to Frogmorton. A large sign rests in the road, advertising a walking tour. The wind whistles through the trees, making you shiver. In the distance you can make out the lights of the Floating Log in Frogmorton. Bundle up! Snow blankets the ground, but the roads are clear enough for travel on this Foreyule/Yulemath night. The last quarter moon soars above the horizon encircled in twinkling stars.
Contents:
Todembar riding Shadowstar
Obvious exits:
South Thru Yale leads to Green Hills.
East leads to Great East Road - Turnoff to Stock.
Budge Road leads to Budge Ford.
West leads to Great East Road - Frogmorton.

"Please! Wait! Calls Dolphus after the Bounder, running through the snow-covered fields of the Yale. As he comes into Whitfurrows, he slows to catch his breath. "Master... North-Took..." he pants loudly, shivering, "Where... why can't we return to... the hall..."

Todembar slides down Shadowstar's back and falls to the ground.
Todembar has arrived.

Dismounting suddenly, Todembar sighs, "Aye, I guess adventure must wait a lil..." His expressions drop a little and he wanders a little more north to the edge or the great east road. He seems to be staring off in the distance, his face contorted with confusion. "Why..." he seems to ponder, "I just don't understand it..." He turns to the lad, "It's almost as if they are all the same. Always betraying what trust we have just because we're iron and can't be hurt," he says sarcastically, thumping his chest.

Standing and stepping slowly toward Todembar, Dolphus places his hand on the Master Bounder's shoulder and queries, panting, "Whatever... do you mean... sir? I'm afraid... I don't follow..." He shakes his head. "Sir... I really must get you... medical attention... I think I'm coming down with something myself..." he coughs violently, taking his hand off the other's shoulder. "The hair on our feet's not enough to warm us in this weather..."

Sighing, Todembar looks to the other bounder, a weariness present in his eyes, "Maybe you're right. But really... medical attention is not necessary." He looks to the lad with stubborn eyes but he sighs again, "But I will go... er, just to see that you make it alright." A smile crosses his face and he mounts shadowstar again inviting the lad in the rear saddle.

Todembar has left.
Todembar mounts Shadowstar and takes the reigns.

Sighing, Dolphus follows Todembar's example and climbs up onto Shadowstar behind Todembar.

You swing your leg over Shadowstar's back and slide into the saddle.

Todembar riding Shadowstar
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Sitting on the back of this fine steed gives you all the feeling of power and proudness you need. Her soft coat of fur gleams brightly in the available light along with her soft and long mane. Her two ears look pricked to full extension, her alertness being more then compensating for the surrounding scene. She looks geared and ready, always fitted up for any moment when her duties might be called upon. A soft leather saddle, polished like black glass rests upon her strong and sturdy looking back and fastened with silver clips on her under-belly. She also carries a small saddlebag pack situated at her rear for the carrying of various equipment.
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OOC: To take a look around, type l/o.
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Contents:
Todembar
Saddle

[Valenbrus] A figure in the distance to the east is seen making it's way down the Great East Road, huddled tightly in a heavy forest cloak, a mere spot on the road's horizon as it approaches at a quickened pace, obviously in a hurry.

You head west.
Great East Road - Frogmorton
The cozy little houses of Frogmorton lie just off the road to the south, though the largest and most popular structure, an inn called the "Floating Log" is on the other side of the road. There, many hobbits and travellers can usually be found drinking, gossiping, or chatting merrily. A bright purple door marks the entryway to the tunnelling smial of the Burrows, and where the village settlement ends, a district of rolling Green Hills stretches to the south. The Great East Road continues out of sight both east and west. Even though it's night, you have the sense that this is a bustling and prosperous town, with many lights beaming through various smial windows, and the raucous laughter deriving from the Log.
Contents:
Valenbrus
Obvious exits:
Floating Log leads to Floating Log.
Healing House leads to Healing House.
Burrows Smial leads to Burrows Smial.
East leads to Village of Whitfurrows.
West leads to Great East Road - North Farthing Turnoff.

Holding on tightly behind Todembar, Dolphus shakes his head sadly, blinking in the cold twilight air, and coughing. "Thank you... Master... I shall find some way to repay this favour. Shall I dismount here?"

Coughing a little heavier now, Todembar grins, "Well, we're here... you might want to get that cough checked out." With a murmer, he slips out of the saddle and drops to the ground, holding Shadowstar steady as the other hobbit dismounts.

Todembar slides down Shadowstar's back and falls to the ground.
Todembar has arrived.

You swing your leg around and fall from Shadowstar's back.
Great East Road - Frogmorton
The cozy little houses of Frogmorton lie just off the road to the south, though the largest and most popular structure, an inn called the "Floating Log" is on the other side of the road. There, many hobbits and travellers can usually be found drinking, gossiping, or chatting merrily. A bright purple door marks the entryway to the tunnelling smial of the Burrows, and where the village settlement ends, a district of rolling Green Hills stretches to the south. The Great East Road continues out of sight both east and west. Even though it's night, you have the sense that this is a bustling and prosperous town, with many lights beaming through various smial windows, and the raucous laughter deriving from the Log.
Contents:
Todembar
Dolphus riding Shadowstar
Valenbrus
Obvious exits:
Floating Log leads to Floating Log.
Healing House leads to Healing House.
Burrows Smial leads to Burrows Smial.
East leads to Village of Whitfurrows.
West leads to Great East Road - North Farthing Turnoff.

"Yes, sir," nods Dolphus dismounting. He coughs again. "I'll remember this, sir... thank you." He steps toward toward the healing house, then stops at the door. "Are you sure you shan't come in yourself? I truly think that you could use the medical attention..."

Todembar sighs, "Very well... I will wait with you to make sure you are ok..." And heads in.

Todembar goes into the healing house.
Todembar has left.

You open the door and go into the healing house.
Healing House
Upon entering the healing house you are met by the pungent smell of herbs. As you look around you see bundles of herbs hanging from the ceiling for drying, herbs in pots, and herbs spread out on a countertop.
There are boxes and crates stacked up in a corner, and books are piled up high close to an empty bookcase. On shelves affixed to the walls you see containers, flasks and bottles. Jars of different colored ointments and lotions are nearly ubiquitous here. Among them are also several jars with leeches; big, fat, black leeches.
Some beds are set up in the innermost part of the room, and curtains are hung to shelter them from the activity in the entrance area.
Contents:
Todembar
Carnation
Chamomile Bed
Sunflower Bed
Obvious exits:
Out

Dolphus follows the Master Bounder inside. "Thank you... sir..." he says between coughs. "I truly appreciate this act of kindness."