The two men had walked for some time in the Southern Bree-fields, talking about various things, The Bloody Dawn, business, Bree, Gondor for which Fiontann didn't hide his dislike as always, combat, hierarchy, recent past and women. Ingrandor was quite serious and Fion saw that but he didn't comment, he knew that Ingrandor wouldn't like it and maybe he would return to his overly joyful self. The path lead them towards and North of Adso's Camp, close to one or two abandoned farmsteads. Fiontann stopped, letting Ingrandor walk forward and called out.
-Let's fight, I heard you're good at it, I'd like to see it for myself.
Ingrandor turned around and drew his sword, a grin appeared on his face as he moved his wrist around, feeling the weight of his weapon. Fiontann drew his and kept his head tilting to the right, staring at Ingrandor, none of them carried their shield, so it was to be a fast paced fight. Both men walked fast towards each other and their swords met with force, creating sparks.
-That's all? said Ingrandor and sent a right kick into Fiontann's stomach, one that Fion parried by leaning left and hitting the man's shin with his elbow, Ingrandor staggered back and Fiontann after gaining his footing sent a stab to the man's left shoulder, which Ingrandor parried with his sword, sending Fion's hand right. Fion tried to send his left elbow to the man's face but Ingrandor bent his knees, letting the elbow pass over his head and sent the pommel straight into Fion's stomach, Fion staggered back and attempted a slash across Ingrandor's chest, from left to right. Ingrandor brought his sword up to block but the force of the attack of the other man sent him a few steps sideways, obviously that hit angered Fion. The two men kept fight, trying to save their strength as much as they could but both of them wanted to win that duel. It wasn't long before after creating distance both of them stopped for a moment, panting. FIontann was strong but Ingrandor was fast and could avoid some attacks easily, that made both tired and the silently agreed break ensued.
-Oi look, they are tired. Came a voice from a house, making both men turn, only to see no one at first, but them a bandit got up on the roof, holding a sword on his shoulder.
Two more emerged from the sides carrying axes and shields and one with a bow from the bushes. Fion and Ing looked at each other, then at the man who spoke again. From the other side of the house and from Fion's left and Ing's right came two more, these ones armed with sword and spear.
-And what weapons they have. Said the one with the spear.
-Yes, I always wanted such a sword, along with his gold.
Fiontann dropped his right hand, letting the sword hang in it, that made Ingrandor open his eyes wide in disbelief, thinking that he was about to let them have.
-Why don't you come and get them then? Came the man's reply and every bandit ran towards them. Fion and Ing had no choice but to fight back to back. To their surprise it worked quite well, as if they have been training for years. It wasn't too long, nor too soon when they dropped three, two ran away and the third surrendered but he was left to leave.
It was the day that Ingrandor earned Fiontann's trust and Fiontann Ingrandor's, in a fight that they both looked after each other and in a fight that Ingrandor saw that this man actually cares for something, that this man is someone he could be serious for. One went to the Dawnhall and the other to The Thirsty Boar only to get an unexpected contract for The Bloody Dawn.
