[Arvedui III]

All thoughts of berries forgotten, Brass stood stunned for a moment, looking wildly for something to focus on. Ack, too much noise and too early in the day as well. But, he held his piece while Hob and the hobbit-lass yelled back and forth. A cool breeze ruffled his hair good-naturedly as Olo and the other hobbits began talking. Brass didn't even bother paying attention to what they were saying, it was the weapons they were holding that he was concentrating on. "And what might ye be doin' so far from home?" Brass had enough sense to see Olo dropping toward his crossbow, and did likewise as the hobbit in front of them- Josh, was it?- narrowed his eyes in distaste. "I could ask the same of you, honorable sheriffs." Brass relaxed his hold on his club, deciding that these hobbits were pleasant enough. "Aye, but tis not your position to be askin' us." Olo responded.

For some reason, looking at the two, Brass was struck with the impression that they were locked in something like a staring contest, but it was far more serious than they hearty ones he used to participate in at the Green. A sickening silence seemed to stretch out, Olo looking triumphant and Josh looking wary. "Maybe we can both state our business and then be on our ways?" Brass spoke up helpfully for the first time, startling even himself by the statement. It did make sense though, after the other hobbits were gone, he, Olo, and Hob could get back to the job, and maybe find some berries. And food, was, and would almost be his main priority. However, while his statement earned him a thoughtful glance from Josh, the look Olo gave was completely inappropriate.

"You idiot!" He hissed quickly, but then smiled back up at Josh. "Well, me mate here makes a good point. We'll just exchange tales and then be on our separate ways." Then narrowing his eyes and drawing himself up to full height, Olo added,

"You first."