Dale

<-------Parts VII-VIII
 

IX - Of the Tower in the Sea

<-------Parts IV - VI

VII - Of the Rescue of Fleetstride

So it was that the Princess Starbright stole secret over the land, swift-flying in eagle cloak.  And she marvelled and wondered at the wide fields and green hills, for over long years had she seen naught but the woods of Mother Applebloom.  Yet ever as she drew closer to the castle did her heart turn from wonder to sorrow, for the orc-king had defiled the land, and despoiled its beauties.

<-------Parts I - III
 

IV - Of the Errand of Mother Applebloom

I - Of Evil and Folly

There once was a little king of a great kingdom.  His wife bore the king a daughter, and she was named Starbright, for her eyes were deep as the night and gleamed as the heavens.  And she was fair and loved by all, and grew in grace and kindness.

((This text, authored by an unknown scribe in Dale during the early Fourth Age, concerns a strange Dalish custom.  For those unfamiliar with the tale of Old Farmer Jack and the Boggart, it is suggested that they first seek out the story in some form.  The version set down here may serve as an adequate example, though any passing Dale-lander will almost certainly be willing to explain and perhaps even demonstrate the custom, if asked.))

Old Farmer Jack sat by the fire, dozing and grumbling on a fine summer’s eve, when ratta-tat-tat! a knocking broke out something fierce at his door.

There once was a great war, and ere it ended, many were cut down in the flower of their youth and met death before their time.

But the war ended, and the great armies disbanded and the soldiers returned to their homes.  Three such soldiers traveled a long road together, for they came from the same town, and for many days did they journey.

Yet through an ill chance, having long avoided the dangers of war and death, Death nevertheless met them on that long road from war, and claimed their lives unto himself.

Not a quiet night in Dale

[Trigger warning: rape attempt]

Third Age, 2600s

Dale and Mirkwood

Olriandis went out of the loud staggering tavern to breathe some fresh air and give rest to her ears. She stepped into the quiet side street and inhaled the night summer air, full of flower scent and lake breeze. She liked being a part of trading expeditions to Dale-lands and Erebor - being curious by nature, she was attracted by different lands and races. 

I have now been in Bree-land long enough to form some fair and settled opinions regarding the folk of these parts.  I have previously scribed some impressions of the Hobbit-people, strange and new as they were to me, but have been in no especial hurry to likewise record my observations of the Men (the “Big Folk”, as hobbits oft refer to us) that live around and alongside them.