[center][h1][i][color=1a7b30]Ansgar Staudinger[/color][/i][/h1][/center]

Ansgar observed as the Tyreni before him finished and made his way over to the training dummies, producing the sword on his back to likely set to training. Good for him, he thought as he lifted the hammer back onto his shoulder, approaching the Lord and stopping where the other fellow had been speaking to him. [color=1a7b30]"I am Ansgar Staudinger. Word is you are forming a gladitorial team. I want to apply, as it is said."[/color]

Endar held out a hand, sensing what his advisor would say before he said it. [color=fff79a]"Welcome, Ansgar. I trust that you mean apply to the team as a fighter?"[/color]

[color=1a7b30]"Yes, as a fighter."[/color] Ansgar didn't move an inch while he answered the question, remaining at a neutral stance while his gaze never left the lord in front of him. He had assumed it would be clear, but if the question was asked, it would be answered. [color=1a7b30]"Have you any questions regarding me, then, to make this process faster?"[/color]

Endar looked the man up and down. It wouldn't do to judge, but he didn't seem to be the typical gladiator. [color=fff79a]"Might I ask from whence you hail? I find it a little difficult to place your origins."[/color]

[color=1a7b30]"Of course; Anwnn of Tyren. Not that it exists anymore. Razed during the typical infighting. I still bear those scars, if you doubt the events from word of mouth alone."[/color] If Ansgar was bothered by the fact that his hometown had been put to the torch, he did not betray that, instead keeping his position rather steadily.

Endar found himself hesitating... were the raids truly so common in the north? He knew that it was as expected as wind, snow and rain... but two men had already come forward, from different walks of life, that bore the scars of body and soul. [color=fff79a]"I... no, you needn't elaborate, Ansgar. It's something that I find imaginable, though saddening. I can only hope that its people will live on in you."[/color]

Ansgar gave the comment on his home's people living on in him a good natured shrug, breaking his prior form in the process. [color=1a7b30]"They go where they belong, I haven't given it much thought. I gave as good as I got when it happened, and I'm still breathing, so I can keep moving forward. Such is life in the North, it's accepted at this point."[/color] He was speaking candidly, at least as far as his experience had taught him, never having been part of raiding parties himself, only on the receiving end of such things.

[color=fff79a]"A grave thought, I find myself thinking."[/color] Endar admitted. [color=fff79a]"But, if such things are, then such things are. What of your skill? You carry an impressive weapon, but how do you fight with it?"[/color]

[color=1a7b30]"Grave, perhaps, but dwelling too much on grave things leaves a man far too dour for his own good."[/color] Ansgar seemed to relax as the question towards his own skill came to the front, being far more capable of talking about that. [color=1a7b30]"As long as I could carry a weapon, I was fighting off any number of threats to the hometown. Always did I favor the mace and warhammer, being the second son of a blacksmith. I trained, if you considered fighting for survival such a thing here, alongside the warriors in anticipation for leaving eventually to seek better fortune elsewhere, being the second son and such."[/color]

Endar cocked his head again. [color=fff79a]"Strange. One of the tales I was told growing up was of the Lord Stronghammer. Garrow, second son of the blacksmith, came from obscurity to rise as a hero."[/color] He smiled slightly. [color=fff79a]"Perhaps the story will find itself anew for Ansgar. But, for now, I, Ignis Doman, would be willing to take you on as a gladiator. Will you fight with me in the arena?"[/color]

Ansgar laughed warmly when Ignis finished mentioning the story of Stronghammer. The parallels were drawn quite a few times before, often times mockingly, though not so in this case it seemed. [color=1a7b30]"Perhaps it will, but for now, Lord Doman, you have my warhammer in the arena. And the man lugging it around too, no extra charge."[/color] Seeing the discussion as done, Ansgar turned away from Ignis and made his way towards the table, finding himself a seat to find himself a drink worth its weight and something to fill his belly.

Another newcomer woman had arrived, and he caught the tail end of her question on impressing the nobility. Shrugging as he wolfed down a chunk of bread, pausing to wash it down as he gave her question an answer. [color=1a7b30]"Just introduce yourself and answer his questions. Worked for me, at any rate, and if that worked, you should be fine."[/color] Chuckling, he grabbed a jug to wash down what he had eaten so far already.