The Gift

The Gift Part 2

The arrival of the elven party had not gone totally unnoticed. Targul Tran had been alerted by one of the many young lads in his employ. Gold could buy you just about anything in Esgaroth, and he knew that well. His information network was extensive. A boy had raced into town giving him ample time to reach the docks, allowing him to overhear the conversation. A few more coins, and word was sent out to his friends, if you could call them friends. He knew the party would be waylaid. Now, to set the rest of his plan in motion. He wondered if this was the event he was waiting on. Not that it mattered to him, as long as he was paid he honestly did not care. He was a mercenary - he worked for whoever paid him the most money, and right now his current employer was paying him well to keep track of the comings and goings of elves into Mirkwood. He anticipated a handsome price for this information.

He meandered up to Ragnor. "Elves?"

Ragnor's head swiveled, realizing he wasn't alone. "Aye, not from these parts either, but then, I guess you figured that part out."

Tran nodded. "Not often we see parties of elves anymore. Course, King Thranduil ain't exactly a friendly sort."

"No, he never was. Not often that he got visitors, that's for certain," Ragnor agreed with him.

"Wonder why that was?" Tran mused, not really expecting a response.

Ragnor shrugged. "Never questioned any of them elves. Always felt like they was not quite of our world... you know. Like we didn't fit into their lives. Course, they don't die unless in battle so that might be part of it."

Surprised that Ragnor had responded, Tran debated asking him about the party that had just departed. Deciding not, he allowed the silence between them to settle.

After a few minutes, Ragnor volunteered the information freely. "Said as they were from Nargothrond... and Rivendell. I've heard of Rivendell before. And someplace else. Didn't recall hearing of it before." He shrugged. "And not likely I'll ever go there either," he chuckled. "Doubt they'd invite the likes of me to their lofty palaces.

Tran laughed with him. "I doubt either of us will ever see the inside of an elven palace. We've lived close to Mirkwood all our lives, but has anyone ever set foot there? They just send their empty barrels downriver to us, expecting us to refill them at once."

"Aye, that they do. Well, I'd best get set checking on when that next shipment is coming in. The lady in that party specifically asked for a small cask to be set aside," Ragnor said.

"A lady elf?" Tran asked with interest, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. This news would pay him well.

"Aye, not often you see one. Said she hoped to stay in Mirkwood and to send a message once we had a cask for her," Ragnor shook his head and sighed. "Not that I can guarantee getting a message to them in there."

"Seek me out, I might be able to find a way to contact at least some of the border elves. I've... ah... met a few when I've been out hunting in the woods," Tran offered.

"I'll be sure to. Good night," Ragnor ended the conversation, leaving Tran standing there staring in the direction of Mirkwood.