[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DmHThHw.png[/img][/center]

[color=6ecff6][i]I see this elf's quite the charmer,[/i][/color] Ethelred thought as he listened to the stranger's reply.  [i][color=6ecff6]He's right up there with that Unseelie I met the other day.[/color][/i]

On the other hand, while Ethelred didn't like being casually insulted, there was a certain refreshing honesty in the elf's words.  The fact that he was so blunt and devoid of tact suggested to the Frozen Knight that the elf was an honest sort, not used to leading others astray with honeyed words and false reassurances.  Better a rude ruffian whom you knew where you stood with than a charismatic charmer whose motives and intentions were obscured behind diplomatic pleasantries.

There was also the matter of the reward that the mayor had offered.  The mayor's impassive demeanor was strange to Ethelred- perhaps the man was simply numbed by grief or trauma, or perhaps he was just nigh unflappable.  After all, back when Ethelred's family protected Redwater Point, it was important that the reeve overseeing the town was somebody that could remain calm even in dire situations.  There was also the possibility, Ethelred worried, that the man was in great pain, either from the horror of the attack or perhaps having just lost a loved one.

[color=6ecff6]"I'm afraid that I am bound by old oaths that prevent me from taking a material reward from you, good sir.  Besides, I believe the town needs it far more than I,"[/color] Ethelred replied to the man.  By the ancient laws, the town was under his family's jurisdiction, thus it was improper to accept a reward for doing his sworn duty to protect it.  The locals probably wouldn't see it that way, but Ethelred would not taint his conscience or credibility by taking what he'd consider to be an improper or discrediting act.

[color=6ecff6]"However, I would be most grateful if you could provide us with information,"[/color] he continued.  [color=6ecff6]"We're looking for a particular Fomorian with pitch-black skin and powers of fire, which we believe has attacked a number of villages.  We're also looking for a knight named Elnith who was sent to stop it.  She's not hard to miss- blonde hair, red eyes, wears black armor, and carries a large blood-red sword.  Do you know anything about the possible whereabouts of either of these individuals?"[/color]

[@Guy0fV4lor][@Rune_Alchemist][@Cu Chulainn]