|| Hal gave a faint half smile in response to her chuckle, running a scarred hand through his hair. He glanced around then at the walls, keeping a eye on the younger recruits on lookout. Before most of his attention switched back to Arawynn. “It definitely is. More noticeable by the fact that most wearing the Ranger uniform have the distinctive grey eyes and black hair of the Dúnedain. My grandfather used to speak about you a lot, which is where I recognised you from.”
|| The Ranger nodded, turning towards the direction of the winter stores and Candaith. That and firewood but he had a feeling that the Dwarves would just glare if he asked the Dragon-Changer to help them. They could be… rather temperamental like that. “At the moment, any aid, no matter how big or how little, is appreciated. That I can understand, having gone through there last year. My only request is that you err on the side of caution around the Dwarves until they get used to you, especially when it comes to your true form. Many are from pre-Smaug Erebor.” He answered softly, understanding Lord Elrond’s need to make sure the land around his own home safe first.
|| Had it been left up to him, the quiet 24 year old would have kept his introduction to what he’d said originally but he hadn’t been allowed to. He gave her a nod and a wry smile at her introduction. “Before everything, I would have said something similar” He admitted softly, starting to head toward one of his oldest friends. “But after the old Commander died in the most recent orc attack on Esteldin, I was catapulted into being the temporary leader of both this place and the Northern Dúnedain as a whole. Which is.. somewhat terrifying if I’m honest.”
|| “With that said, let’s introduce you to Candaith. The Jorthkyn are a lot like the Dwarves but not quite as bad tempered and much taller.” He avoided the punch from a passing Dwarf, Hannar, a faint grin on his lips while the other just snorted. Despite the situation, there was a degree of strong friendship between the Rangers and the Dwarves, something that was necessary out here in the North Downs. “Dai, do you have a moment to spare?”
|| “Not really but since it’s you, Hal, I can make time.” The older Ranger drawled, before jumping down from the second floor of the store room. He caught the dry look from his Commander and friend, before tilting his head to study Arawynn for a moment with a sharp gaze. “Candaith of Tinnudir, Evendim. If Hal trusts you, so do I- to a point.”
|| The gender-fluid Dúnedan watched with a slight smile, before noticing one of the Dwarves trying to catch his attention. “Can you sort Arawynn out? I’m needed elsewhere.” At the nod, he turned away and followed the Dwarf to where the forges were.
|| “He needs to sleep and soon.” Candaith murmured softly then focused on the task in front of him. “Are you any good with hunting and skinning animals for their fur and skin to make into leather? Getting food is all good but won’t be much help if we freeze.”
Arawynn allowed herself a quick grin when Hal pointed out how obvious it was to him that despite their similar clothing she wasn’t entirely one of his people. Few outside of the Rangers would be able to notice that.
She followed Hal when he turned around and started walking to wherever she’d most likely start lending a hand first. The redhead nodded when the Commander of Esteldin talked about appreciating any and all help while at the same time knowing of the dangers that might slow down those on the way to help them.
“I will be careful around them. However, I usually don’t reveal my other self unless it’s necessary. Though both are equally my true self.”, she replied calmly. Because while her Cerddwr-self was incredibly powerful and gave her the ability to fly, she was already a serious and quite deadly threat as she was currently.
The Dragon Changer grinned for a moment when Hal continued talking. She knew that feeling from a very long time ago. When during and after the imprisonment of her people she had suddenly been the oldest among them and thus their leader. “Such a thing takes time getting used to. But you’ll grow into it.”, Arawynn said softly and hoped to not overstep any boundaries.
She nodded when the Dúnadan mentioned wanting to introduce her to somebody called Candaith. The redhead quietly bowed her head in greeting after the Ranger had jumped down from the second floor. “Arawynn Goldwing of nowhere and everywhere.”, she introduced herself. It didn’t surprise her that she’d need to gain the trust of this man as people living in the wilderness didn’t reach his age if they were too trusting.
The Dragon Changer heard what Candaith murmured but decided to pretend she hadn’t. “Yes I am. Selling animal’s skins is the easiest way for me to earn some money.”, Arawynn replied honestly. Leaving the skins and antlers of her kills behind would be a waste, especially since many people didn’t want to commission a female blacksmith.