[Bêthberry]

^ ^ ^ ^ Erebor/ Lonely Mountain^ ^ ^ ^

Stonehelm listened somberly to the elf's suggestion. He recognized Orodon's wish to continue the alliance which Thorin and Thranduil had undertaken in years past. Combining the vast resources of their two countries would be mutually beneficial. Still, he found it hard to think of coming back into the forest, at least on a regular basis.

Grooming the forest, you say. Ring our axes on the felled wood. It is not a bad proposition; I can see the benefit of clear foresting areas without wholesale slaughter of the trees. But Orodon, what would compel we dwarves to enter into the Forest again? Would you rid it of the spiders first? Can you promise us fresh air, free of the fetid taste of mulch and fern and decay?

Stonehelm saw Orodon's face fall. Well, come now, let's think on it some more. Bring Frain into our discussion. He would want some means to recover the losses of his goods we were forced to leave behind. The plan could well be of interest to him. Hringa, where is Frain? Do you think he would be willing to enter the forest again, or engage in commerce with the elves who would for us? Durgan, would you be willing to enter the forest again, regularly?

Stonehelm turned to his dwarves for their opinion. But he also looked upon the river and saw new challenges.

Where are these traders who are the friends of Dale? What manner of ship will we be needing? Durgan, seek out for us Girion's acquaintance and see what our accommodation will be like.