[Dwarin Thunderhammer]

Dwarin wasn't surprised that he had been ignored the first time he offered his assistance. So instead of working in the kitchen he went about the business of getting everything in order. He was surprised to find Thenamir outside unpacking the things that would be necessary for the next couple days stay at the house of Aspida.

"Friend, go inside and get some rest. You have come from a fierce battle and a long ride. You need to rest yourself for the days to come." Thenamir protested but Dwarin insisted. So the rider of Rohan finally gave in to the stubbornness of the dwarf and went inside.

It was not long before all of the supplies were unpacked and put away, and the horses were properly cared for. As twilight fell once more Dwarin decided to go and see if the old woman needed any more assistance. Dwarin had made it his personal goal to be as kind and as helpful as possible during the stay at her house. He wanted to see if he could crack her tough exterior. As Dwarin neared the door to the kitchen he heard a familiar voice, yet it was changed somehow. He slowed down and peeked around the corner. The sight he saw was one of utter amazement. He saw a young woman dressed in the garb of a soldier of Rohan talking to Aspida. Beneath the dirt and grim, of travel, part of which was a disguise, Dwarin saw one of the most beautiful creatures he had even seen. She had long beautiful rich flaxen hair, without the disguise her eyes seemed a deep piercing blue. It couldn't have been classified as cute or pretty, it was true beauty, not a cheap beauty, but a perfectly modest beauty that showed through the deception she had raised. As he looked closer, (still only peeking around the corner) He perceived that the young woman was actually Baranthol. As he was completing these thoughts he caught a glare from Aspida that told him that this wasn't his business. Dwarin noiselessly shut the door and stood in bewilderment. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind. is first inclination was to scold the riders for being tricked in such a manner but then he realized he had also been fooled. His Inclination was to report her to the men, but a thought stopped him. If she was taking so desperate measures, she must have had a fairly good reason. So Dwarin quietly leaned next to the wall and began to listen.

When Haleth (for that's what he gathered her name was) finished her story, Dwarin was satisfied, he would not report her to the men. But he did have a new responsibility. By the rules and laws of his family, he was obligated to keep her secret and to protect her whenever she was in danger, even with his life if the need arose. This was the code his father had taken and his father before him had taken. It was a personal family oath that originated many many generations ago.

After composing himself, Dwarin went back into the main room and propped himself up on a bedroll. He lit a pipe and proceeded to mentally review all the recent events.