Diofant June 21, 2022 Bláin, son of Lofar Bláin remained silent as the circumstances of each of the travelers were revealed. He may have scoffed into his beard at the wagering, but it was not as if it was something unheard of - in his father's stories, he'd boasted of many such wagers. Perhaps his elder brother would challenge the both of these men to a wager himself, then clap them on the back, share a drink, and be good friends, but Bláin was a warier sort. Words of the elves of Mordor Orcs in the area darkened his brow. Not because he knew much of Mordor Orcs, but because nothing that came from Mordor could be remotely pleasant, and orcs from there were doubtless worse than their local kin. Still, they were orcs, and as such, would bleed like any other. He got to his feet and pulled his pony's reigns when the others set off - news that they would be travelling with two figures of elf royalty and a lady whom the others spoke of with great respect he received with a nod. His task was very different from what was being proposed here, and would likely take significantly longer, but it wasnt as if he could demand information and maps from accomplished adventurers and expect an answer. He was imposing on them, after all. As a dwarf, he had very little love for orcs, and would gladly take up his sword for the common cause - regardless who they'd be protecting. Of course, he did not think anyone would expect him to lay down his life for a stranger... But this was how bonds of camaraderie were forged, were they not? Perhaps at the end, he would gladly give his life for any of them. With these thoughts, Bláin looked up from the trail, and found himself in the presence of yet more elves. Their presence certainly seemed to almost gleam, to the young dwarf - perhaps it was but a trick of the light, or more elf magic, but he could not find it in himself to be skeptical towards them. The pair conversed in a elvish - he assumed - for a bit, which he decided had been rude, but couldnt hold it against them for some reason, and then introduced themselves. It seemed as if the horseman had known her, concluded Bláin, as he'd removed his horsetail helm, bowing deeply to her, a practiced motion he'd not expected from an outlander, and announced that he was pleased to once again be graced by her presence, and that his old friends would have been happy to see her again; finally breaking his silence. He'd even patted the squire on the back, so the boy performed a bow just the same - his practice seemed to be a welcome sight, and the horseman actually smiled. Deciding that keeping his own silence going any longer would be impolite, the dwarf removed his own helm and gave a more stern bow, trying to sound official and 'hold himself with dignity' without sounding imposing: "Bláin, son of Lofar, at your service. Mine own errand lies elsewhere, as I've been entrusted to learn of the all circumstances about the discovered tower in the north from those who found it - and then rejoin my kin in garrisoning it, by King Dain's decree." He observed the company, replacing his helmet. "But it would be most impolite to decline the service I am asked, especially when it involves removing orcs from the world and helping the Free Folk. What numbers do we face, and have we an idea where to meet them?"
Diofant June 21, 2022 Bláin, son of Lofar Bláin remained silent as the circumstances of each of the travelers were revealed. He may have scoffed into his beard at the wagering, but it was not as if it was something unheard of - in his father's stories, he'd boasted of many such wagers. Perhaps his elder brother would challenge the both of these men to a wager himself, then clap them on the back, share a drink, and be good friends, but Bláin was a warier sort. Words of the elves of Mordor Orcs in the area darkened his brow. Not because he knew much of Mordor Orcs, but because nothing that came from Mordor could be remotely pleasant, and orcs from there were doubtless worse than their local kin. Still, they were orcs, and as such, would bleed like any other. He got to his feet and pulled his pony's reigns when the others set off - news that they would be travelling with two figures of elf royalty and a lady whom the others spoke of with great respect he received with a nod. His task was very different from what was being proposed here, and would likely take significantly longer, but it wasnt as if he could demand information and maps from accomplished adventurers and expect an answer. He was imposing on them, after all. As a dwarf, he had very little love for orcs, and would gladly take up his sword for the common cause - regardless who they'd be protecting. Of course, he did not think anyone would expect him to lay down his life for a stranger... But this was how bonds of camaraderie were forged, were they not? Perhaps at the end, he would gladly give his life for any of them. With these thoughts, Bláin looked up from the trail, and found himself in the presence of yet more elves. Their presence certainly seemed to almost gleam, to the young dwarf - perhaps it was but a trick of the light, or more elf magic, but he could not find it in himself to be skeptical towards them. The pair conversed in a elvish - he assumed - for a bit, which he decided had been rude, but couldnt hold it against them for some reason, and then introduced themselves. It seemed as if the horseman had known her, concluded Bláin, as he'd removed his horsetail helm, bowing deeply to her, a practiced motion he'd not expected from an outlander, and announced that he was pleased to once again be graced by her presence, and that his old friends would have been happy to see her again; finally breaking his silence. He'd even patted the squire on the back, so the boy performed a bow just the same - his practice seemed to be a welcome sight, and the horseman actually smiled. Deciding that keeping his own silence going any longer would be impolite, the dwarf removed his own helm and gave a more stern bow: "Bláin, son of Lofar, at your service. Mine own errand lies elsewhere, as I've been entrusted to learn of the all circumstances about the discovered tower in the north from those who found it - and then rejoin my kin in garrisoning it, by King Dain's decree." He gave a helpless shrug, replacing his helmet. "But it would be most impolite to decline the service I am asked, especially when it involves removing orcs from the world and helping the Free Folk. What numbers do we face, and have we an idea where to meet them?"
