Passing Friends, The Brandins Options

[Will]

The man had travelled these paths for years. On he strode through the muddy and stony paths, his small but sturdy pull cart attached to him by a strong but weathered belt. The wind blew a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the rather huge trees on both sides of the path. The man always thought to himself that they were like magnificent giants watching the mountain passes.

He then could hear the movement of feet upon the path. Being well versed in such things, simply by the sound of the feet and the clattering of armour, he knew exactly what approached.

He smiled and carried on down the path.

Finally round the corner they came, Dwarves mostly in full and beautiful armour, some in leather and furs, the majority wearing the most ancient crest of Al Macsar. Yet the traveller knew these dwarves well and could not help to notice some new banners and shield crests amongst them.

"Ah Gilbert" said the leading dwarf as he approached and shook his hand. "We are about to stop for the night and set camp at the wayward clearing, join us and I will have some of my men check your cart over and fix or strengthen it. We may also do some trade and of course have an ale or maybe a few". The greeting and smiles were genuine; long had Gilbert been friend to the dwarves in these parts and they always seemed to help him out when needed. Truly he was always glad to see them.

The camp was made quickly and then the group sat down by the fire, to drink and talk of many things. Gilbert could not help but ask about the banners he could see amongst the group, and the dwarf smiled and told him that times change even in a stubborn dwarf realm. He told them the newest banners were that of the Queens faith, a large and growing faith in the Dwarven homeland. Little more would the dwarf say about the subject as these were private dwarven matters and Gilbert knew pushing for info was a nonstarter, patience was always best. So he altered the subject to ask what they were doing and where were they travelling. The dwarf happily obliged saying that they were traveling to see Dagda of Earthsunder and deliver some supplies and some things from the Queen.

Conversations continued with much laughter and telling of tales and the night passed peacefully.