Hilde slid smoothly over to sit across from the dwarf. She marveled at the intricate detail of his mail and weapons.

"One of your kin did me a great kindness once," she said to the newcomer.

"A kindness to me and to my... family," she went on her voice solem.

"Unfortunately he was killed and I was unable to repay his courage." Hilde shuddered with remembered pain. In her minds eye she could still see the stout ranger, pierced by a dozen cruel arrows, swinging his axe and singing his death song.

"If there is something I can do for you, besides provide you with piss poor ale, it would be my honor."