It was a cold summer day after the previous evening's rain, Fiontann had just finished swimming in the lake as every morning after practisiing with the sword. Slowly he made ready and then walked to The Thirsty Boar. As always he had his greatsword on his back and he put on the garment that he had during the first leg of the trip to Rohan, something comfortable for the inn but also protective if need be. It didn't take him long to get there as it's just a straight road after one turning some three or four houses past his house.
The first thing that he saw was four ponies outside the inn, then he saw some muddy steps leading in and out of it. Guests he thought and went on, it's an inn after all, these things do happen, also it rained the night before, not just rained, it was a strong storm. He walked up to the door and entered, expecting to see Dwarves or Hobbits drinking, he even expected voices, but there was none of that, the inn was quiet, everything was silent but the crackling of the burning wood. He looked left and right, finding it odd but then he saw it. Four Dwarves, a pair of which was sleeping in front of each fireplace in the main room, each in his own bedroll and with their weapons next to them. Not wanting to disturb Fion walked quietly to the counter and poured himself some tea, he dran and waited for them to wait and recount their tales or another customer.
First woke up the thin Dwarf, the one who was introduced to the others the night before as Blosi, he stirred in the bedroll, struggling to free his hands to grab his bow in his morning distress and seeing Fiontann behind the counter. The only thing he managed to do was to kick the wood in the fire, once he felt the heat he choked a terrified scream and kicked Therden, the stocky Dwarf who was sleeping next to him. The Dwarf freed his hands and put the right on the warhammer that was laying next to him, then he saw Fiontann and let out a sigh at Blosi's stupidity and shook his head, then he rose walked to the counter to order an ale.
Hori, Blosi, Therden and Fiontann spent the better part of an hour talking, once they learned who he is Hori started speaking about their quest, preparing the ground in a way, for Dindrik because he knew that he'd take the matter up at once after he'd wake and learn who Fiontann was. And he wasn't mistaken. Dindrik woke eager for ale and once the introductions were made he set to business at once.
-So, you are the leader of the company, aye?
-Indeed I am, nodded Fiontann pouring him his drink.
-We may hire you for a trip.
-We aren't sellswords.
Dindrik drew a deep breath, not expecting that answer and bit his lip, thinking.
-I spoke to him Dindrik, interjected Hori, making Dindrik look at him curiously.
-He told me of your business. And we will help. Fiontann announced.
Dindrik smiled very ironically at that and tilted his head to the right, grimacing slightly before speaking.
-Boys and girls... I doubt that they know how to swing their swords properly, they just hang them on their belts to carry around...
-Well then Master Dwarf, fight me. I have trained half of the company myself and I am on the process of disciplining the other half. Let's fight... Show you how The Black Steel fights. replied Fiontann and narrowed his eyes, holding a smile under his serious gaze.
It didn't take much to covince the Dwarf and the five of them went outside. Dindrik and Fiontann stood in the middle of the yard, holding their weapons, the Dwarf his double bladed greataxe and Fion his greatsword.
-First blood wins! declared Hori and the three Dwarves sat comfortable on the stairs to watch the fight.
Dindrik attacked first, he run towards the man and swung his greataxe towards Fiontann's left side. The man held the greatsword vertically, right hand on the handle, left hand on the middle of the blade to block the attack. The axeblade met the sword and Fiontann turned his upper hald left, bringing his left hand down, his right hand up and sent the pommel to the Dwarf's face. The Dwarf did the opposite and the hilt of the sword was blocked by the handle of the axe. The Dwarf, being stronger by nature pushed the sword down, enough to be able to see Fiontann's face and chest clearly and sent the butt of the greataxe towards the latter. That made Blosi cheer exitedly. Fion was pushed back staggering, his breath cut by the hit, he coughed a few times, regaining his balance and send the sword with both hands from his right upper side towards the Dwarf's left side. Dindrik send the axeblade to stop the attack and attack with the butt of the handle once more, thrusting it quickly forward, towards Fiontann's face, the weapon found its mark and Fion leaned back, feeling the pain numbing the left side of his face. The Dwarf took advantage of that moment and attempted to do the same, this time on the chest again. Fion turned left to avoid it, he was holding the sword high, the handle was at chest-height and raised his elbows to make sure to give less target to the incoming weapon. Once the butt of the graetaxe flew past Fion sent the flat side of the blade on Dindri's left shoulder, the sword met the plate armour with a loud clang, making Dindrik bent his knees slightly from the impact. That sight made Blosi suck air quite loudly, drawing the gazes of the other two who sat right and left of him.
The fight went on for a long while and the adversaries were now breathing hard, the only thing they managed was to bruise each other and there was on sign of blood on either of them. They were panting hard, barely able to hold their weapons.
-Just drop it already. Shouted Blosi, seeing them tired.
-You proved your point, both, now let's talk, said Hori.
-Fight harder, you fight like lasses! Shouted Therden.
Fiontann and Dindrik, as if by having talked it already turned to look at the three in turn as each was talking, then charged at each other with a roar. The only thing they managed to do was hold their weapons in front of them. The weapons clanged as they hit each other, then their bodies met violently and both staggered back, then knelt and put the weapons down on the ground, but kept them in their hands.
-Ah... Bloody... muttered Therden and went inside.
-Good good. said Hori.
-This was beautiful! Art! said Blosi enthusiastically and ran to them, followed by Hori and the two Dwarves went up to the fighters eagerly.
-Well, we accept your help, declared Dindrik offering his hand.
-I'll gather the company, declared Fiontann and the two shook their hands in agreement.
-If your company fights like you then we'll retake the whole of Misty Mountains in a night...
