Lake Town (it is considered proper both to hyphenate, or to leave the hyphen out) is properly called Esgaroth-- known fully as "Esgaroth upon the Long Lake" ...but almost everyone calls it Lake Town. Certainly all humans do, and all but the oldest dwarves and the most formal elves.

( https://static.wikia.nocookie....00?cb=20140331031413

https://tolkiengateway.net/w/i...H._E._Riddett%29.jpg

https://www.worldanvil.com/med...67950f3c34261255.jpg

https://tolkiengateway.net/w/i...r_above_the_Lake.jpg

https://www.eruditorumpress.co..._Lee_-_Lake-town.jpg )

Here, some who will go out adventuring are gathering...

An elf, moved by the beauty of the day, is singing, and the beauty of it causes some to stop and listen.

One is Aubree, an elf far from home, visiting Lake Town for a few days to gather some supplies-- some small items of glassware, mostly, for keeping potions and medicines in, for mixing and measuring and fermenting liquids. But her master, the wizard Radagast, told Aubree not to hurry. "See if you can't find yourself some sort of quest while you're there. If you don't make it back in weeks or months, I won't mind. It's probably about time you did some questing." (Aubree, how do you feel when you listen to the singing?)

Another is Martine, a human woman. (Martine, where were you going, and what were you going to be doing, before you stopped to listen to the singing?)

A third is Olewyn, another human woman. (Olewyn, where were you going, and what were you going to be doing, before you stopped to listen to the singing?)



(I think/hope that this might help you get the mood of the singing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjrUz1sgxQ )
This message was last updated by the GM at 15:29, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Aubree walked through the town of Esgaroth...No, she reminded herself, Lake Town.  It was called Lake Town by the humans and other assorted folk that lived here.  She smiled slightly, chiding herself.  While not some ancient elf from some high tower, the scholar was more familiar with old maps than people.  Her master Radagast himself had mentioned that calling things by their "dusty old book names" was an easy way to showing the denizens of a place that she didn't belong.  And that, he had informed her, was an easy to get "Attention".  Attention was, as was many things, a double-bladed sword of sorts.  Standing out was useful, especially when wanting to make announcements or getting assistance, but being an elf out amongst the strangers of a human town wasn't without its risks.  And despite possibly being one of the most risk oblivious people Aubree had ever met, Radagast the Brown had impressed upon his apprentice that "risk without cause was bad".

So it was that the elven scholar from far off Rivendell was wearing a hooded cloak that mostly obscured much of her features, particularly her ears.  Lake Town wasn't some wild border town, full of cutthroats and vagabonds, but, once again "risk without cause was bad".  Still, it was a lovely day, and despite the hood Aubree could feel the warmth of the sun and, despite the constant smell of fish (and humans), she could smell the delights of fresh baked bread and blossoming trees across the lake on the nearby shore.  It was a lovely day to be out and about.

Her list of errands was fairly small, all told.  Just some bottles and vials for various spices, medicinal herbs, and unguents.  Much of what she needed she could make herself, but glassware was....different.   Weapon smithing, silver smithing, bookbinding, bow making, even regular blacksmithing, were fun to watch and even in which to participate.  Glassblowing, however....  She still remembered when she'd tried it as a child, so long ago (though at times it felt like less than a moon prior).  She'd been working with a master glassblower who made flour and salt jars for her father.  She had been nervous enough to begin with, wanting to do well and impress the older man, but then at a critical point in the glass blowing process, she hiccupped, and inhaled just a whiff of the hot air, searing her throat and lungs.   She was in agony, and spent weeks being healed by the finest elven medicine.  And that pain lingered still, both in the memory of the agony, and the embarrassment.  And despite reassurances that it was just a chance bit of bad luck, she could never bring herself to try again, or even look at the process happening.   It might have been one of the reasons she went into the more scholarly pursuits.  Maps, unless one set them on fire, didn't explode in ones face.

It was while remembering that humbling experience in her birthplace that Aubree heard the singing.  She actually stopped suddenly, sure for a moment that the sound was just another memory, dredged up with the other, though if it was a memory, it was one of extraordinary beauty.  She heard muttering behind her, realizing that in her realization she'd stopped in the middle of the gangway between the buildings, blocking traffic.  Blushing a bit, she hurried to a more open area and listened again.  And, again, the singing was a glorious thing to hear.  Moving with a bit more speed, her errands momentarily forgotten (and the trauma with it), the hooded elf maiden soon came upon an open area, facing the rising sun, by a section of mercantile shops.   An elven woman was there, in open view, singing an old elven song of joy and wonder that rejoiced in the warmth of a new day.  It was breathtaking.  While possessed of a reasonably good voice, as elves went, Aubree knew she was in the presence of someone who truly loved what she did.

Because of the other elf's boldness, Aubree put her own hood back onto her shoulders, and listened with a wide smile of joy.  She even felt herself tearing up a bit.  Elves were, to some extent, not ones to hide emotions, after all.  The scholar also felt a pang of something else.  Homesickness?  Was that it?  She'd heard of such things, especially from the other races, particularly dwarves, but it was the first time she'd ever felt such a bittersweet longing for a home she'd always taken for granted.  It was a gloriously humbling experience.  She was tempted to sing along (the chorus for the song was easy enough to follow), but didn't want to interrupt.

 A door closes, and out steps a woman wearing a thick cloak.  "Marthine" she is called, once a rat-catcher and resident of this place, Lake Town, and now neither of those things.  She had just sold her home and was now following the wind and a general rumor that it carried of bad blood and a need for help.  She steps along walkways and takes in sights that are both familiar and unfamiliar, perhaps for the last time.

 The sights were familiar, because she'd lived in this place for a long time, and even in the wake of so much destruction some things remained unchanged.  There were still old faces and places that she could see... But it was also unfamiliar, because what had changed, changed so much!  New faces and places were there, where before were old ones.  While the displaced and replaced places were a little jarring, what was plain upsetting was that some of her favorite faces were gone, and no amount of friendly new ones could make her feel better about it all.  Of the ones that made her heart ache the most were her fifteen cats.

 These cats were Marthine's best friends, each with personalities and even appearances as distinct as any of the Humans!  All fifteen of these cats would go on silly kitty "adventures" with Marthine throughout town, to help her do her job as a rat-catcher.  They would also, of their own accord, steal things for her, or eavesdrop.  And all of them were gone, without even a possibility of a good-bye.  You can't do that when you're drowning... or burning... or caught in ruin.  Their loss alone did not motivate her to leave, but it was one of the reasons.  And precautions were taken before she sold her home, to strip every surface of cat-smells, and even markings.  This was primarily so that no cats would come looking for herself or her friends only to be greeted by hostile faces, but also because a home that smelled of cat would sell for less than one that did not... Still, she made strange efforts to be found by any that might have survived, or by new cats.  These ranged from perceptible signage on innocuous places in and around her old home, to markings on her boots and blanket.  And staff.  And the bullets she carried for her pistol.

 As Marthine walks, she marvels at the beauty of the day.  Oh, how beautiful it was!  It was almost as if nature itself were singing praises of it!  No, wait, that wasn't nature, it was an Elf!  Marthine respectfully slows her gait and leans on a post, watching the lyrist sing. She'd only encountered a handful of them in her lifetime, but each one was, as some might say, Something Else.  Different from even the most outstanding Human, for good or ill.  And this one was definitely different for good... What a voice! She blinks slowly and smiles...

It had been a good time of the month to join the others, Olewyn decided upon reflection. The weather had been more than fair of the journey from the part of Mirkwood that her clan called home. Once it had been called something else but things change and so sometimes names change with them.

She had departed from the other hunters who were off selling or trading things that they had brought with them to Lake Town. Before she had come to Lake Town she had spoken with her parents in private about her wants and desires to go out away from the lands that she and her clan called home. It had been an emotional conversation because she had been fearful of their response.

Now on a day as glorious as this where she can reflect on the past? It seems silly now. Her parents had understood her desire because to them it was only natural that a young adult would want to explore the world. They knew while she could have run off to join another clan to try and scratch the itch to explore that wasn't for her.

"Go to see Lake Town. Watch the people. Learn their stories through what they do. Perhaps you will find the direction you are looking for." That had been her father's advice. Her mother had simply made sure to make sure her daughter's traveling gear was in good repair.

Olewyn is doing what her father advised. Walking the town listening to people work and just taking it all in. She is aware that while she is learning enough details to get a sense of how the town has changed since her last trip here that there is not enough to keep her full focus. Too many people for one. Olewyn thinks it is easier to focus in the forests instead of a town. She considers stepping out of town to gather her thoughts and come up with a better plan. It is then that she hears chanting? She frowns a bit listening more closely. No, that is singing. She lets herself start to move again winding her way past a few men working on a boat and some others bargaining for fish to buy.

She finds where the singer is and just stops to listen. It is a beautiful song and Olewyn finds herself moved by it. Olewyn would love to remark on the beauty of the song but songs are almost like magic. Would she dare break the spell by commenting on the song? No, that would ruin the experience for others wishing to listen. The hunter decides to wait and simply enjoy the air and singing. It occurs to her that this was what was needed. This has given her one thing to focus on to settle her thoughts.

The singing elf ends her song, and looks around, slightly... surprised. Not sheepish, like a human might be... just slightly surprised that she'd been so into her singing that she hadn't noticed others standing by listening. She looks at Aubree and the two human women standing nearby her. "Ah, you are the wizard's apprentice, yes?" she says to Aubree. "And these are your comrades in an adventuring party? I know of a task that needs brave hearts..."

(It appears that she presumes that the three of you are together in an adventuring party... and looking for adventure.

Is she right?

Or is she about to be right...?)

Aubree was shaken from her revelry of the beautiful song and momentarily confused by the sudden change of subject.   She looked about her suddenly, seeing the vaguely familiar, but not properly acquainted human women near her.   Both looked like capable Traveling Companions, certainly, though she couldn't be sure.  Looking at her fellow elf, Aubree wanted to correct the misconception, but it suddenly felt rude, and even a bit uncouth, to contradict her fellow elfkin, possibly an elder, about the matter.  Perhaps it might be better, she decided, to not push the subject unless it became important later.
Instead, Aubree smiled with curiosity ar the singer.
"Indeed, I have the pleasure of being currently in the Apprenticeship of Radagast the Brown, Wizard of the Wild Lands.  What is this task of which you speak, my friend?"

"It is two-fold-- first, the king of Esgaroth on the Long Lake has ordered that the main road through Mirkwood be cleared of dangers and made more safe for travelers. Thranduil, king of Mirkwood, agrees, and the dwarves are eager for this to be done as well. A series of watch-stations are to be set up to keep the road clear. I am assigned to go and help. Also, though, I know much herb-lore, so I have a secondary reason to go-- I seek an herb called Mirrorweed, likely to be found in areas not far south of the road... but such places are more dangerous than the road itself, so I have been hoping to find adventurers to go along. The rewards promise to be great, if the assignment is successful..."

Olewyn bristles under the assumption she is working with anyone. It is a point of pride she is alone, for now, but she recognizes that even a solitary hunter cannot always take on more dangerous threats. She holds her tongue and listens to what the singer has to say. The information presented is a good opportunity to actually set out to do what she truly desires plus with the bonus of making the area actually safer.

"I am from one of the clans of Woodsmen. By helping you I would be assisting in making life for my clan easier. I know the woods well, for I am one of our hunters."

That is all she feels the need to say. They can clearly see she has her bow with her and the dagger on her belt. Even her clothing which has many signs of being well-worn from a life spent in the field paints her as someone more suited to the woods.

"What say you, friend? Have you an interest in this venture?" This is directed at Marthine to make sure the other human doesn't feel strong-armed into joining them.

 Marthine is stirred from the near-spell that she has been put under by the Elf's question.  As she rises from the post a low, burbling, almost chirping noise emerges from her throat, likely barely perceptible by many.  She licks her lips and begins to respond to her, but then stops when a somewhat more familiar Elf responds first.  At the singing Elf's response to the somewhat more familiar Elf's response, her expression lightens.  What goodly work to be done!

 The Woodswoman speaks next and Marthine nods.  She does not necessarily smile as she speaks to the Elf, but there is clear good intention in her manner.  "If I can help these people by making their lives easier, then you can count me in.  I have lived here for some time, and I would be honored to take part in what has been ordered." Her voice is deep and somewhat nasal, with a slight lisp.

"Excellent. How much time to prepare do you need? Hours? A day? Less?" (She's so excited, and she presumes the three were already a trio, that she's missed the fact that actually Aubree hasn't officially agreed to this yet...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

Feeling a smidgen overwhelmed, Aubree smiled uncertainly and shrugged as she looked at the other women nearby, who had apparently been included in the conversation as well.
"Well, i can be ready by dawn tomorrow, I suppose.   Does anyone here need more time?"
Her mind was thinking about supplies and travel routes, as she looked to the humans nearby

 "The timing is perfect, for my part..." Marthine says.  "I just sold my house!  I can be ready when you are." She speaks to the Woodswoman and Elf.  But, then she pauses and then gestures to herself.  "I am Marthine, by the way."

The elven woman smiled brightly
I am Aubree, called Aubree Farwalker by some.  I  am actually here on some errands, but it's nothing that can't wait.  My Master says that time can always be taken for exploration and adventure.   I'm more of a scholar than a warrior, but I've learned a touch of magic from my teacher and have studied the woods, the stars, and the ancient world,  and would love to contribute what I can to this expedition"

The Woodswoman relaxes once the other two start to offer introductions.

"And I am Olewyn. A Woodswoman and hunter by trade. I am used to hunting animals and the wilds which... we will be heading into. I will do what I can to keep us safe from danger." This is said in a friendly manner. The hunter is not put off by how freely they are able to talk between themselves.

"Why don't I meet you at The Pilings tomorrow at dawn, then?" suggests the elf. "I am Lachriel."

The Pilings is the name for the spot where the wooden walkway of Lake-Town meets the land.

Aubree smiled at the elven woman
"That would be delightful, new friend Lachrien.  We shall see you then.
"
 
She looked at her new Traveling Companions with a giddy grin.
"Well, Friends, it seems we have a new Adventure before us. We should discuss a few details before we part for individual errands "

 Marthine looks past Lachriel, probably focusing on a hair on her head and blinks slowly, nodding her head.

 Then she turns to Aubree.  "Yes, let's... But, where to discuss?"

In reply to Marthine (msg # 17):

"There is always Lakeview Bakery. They have stools outside." It is a simple suggestion given their situation. Olewyn knows they will have to find a way to talk before tomorrow and chatting over a pie or some cake seems the best way to do it. As she recalls, they make a very good apple pie.

Aubree put a slender finger on her chin as she pondered.
"A tavern is traditional for such expeditions, I seem to recall.  But I'll admit that a bakery suits me much better, and cake sounds much better than ale at this time of day."

She smiled at Olewyn.
"A splendid idea, my friend.   Lead the way"

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 19):

"Mine uncle has spoken of their coffee. I would like to sample some."

She knows the way there. Olewyn leads the way navigating the walk ways that lead them there as if she has been to Lake Town before. Truthfully, she makes this trip fairly frequently. They have more than enough to trade with the town. There is much to be gained from having a good relationship with this place and it's people.

"Besides, I will have to stay at one of the taverns tonight. I do not care for the smell for too long. Taverns are...Busy places."

 "The Lakeview is a marvellous choice!" Marthine smiles, clearly fond of the place.  "My cats used to catch the rats that would get into the stock there all the time... And I agree.  Taverns can get so loud... and, at times, violent.  The worst that can happen at a bakery is you bite into nutbread at a bad place and it hurts for a little bit." Then, she begins to think of nutbread and falls in line with the others.

Aubree fell in line with her new Traveling Companions.  The elven woman smiled.
"Let's hope that a misplaced filbert or walnut is the most dangerous part of this Journey "

In reply to Aubree Farwalker (msg # 22):

When they arrive at the bakery Olewyn takes the lead. She steps inside and offers a greeting to the owners of the bakery as she starts to check to see what they have made for the day. There are many good and tasty options.

"It all looks incredibly good. I think for myself? One of your famous apple and fennel pies as well as some coffee."

Aubree took a strong but discreet whiff of her surroundings as they entered the building.  She was fond of Lake Town, but one could only smell fish for just so long.  Looking about at the wares, she smiled.

"Good afternoon, good people.  I would also like to partake in your comestibles.  Let's see.....I would absolutely love one of your honey cakes, yes that one with the frosting, and some herbal tea.  If you please."