<strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Brand, the Dragon Knight</span></strong><br/><br/>It pained him a little to see the old man's reaction to him, but Brand smiled at everyone nonetheless, taking pains not to show his teeth, "Well met everyone, my name is Brand.  I gather some of you have heard of me.  I'm not certain what you've heard, but I hope you'll give me a fair chance, just like I will everyone here."<br/><br/>Brand narrowed his eyes at Ash for a brief moment, having recognized his name and the rumors associated with him, but didn't go any further than that.  Looking to the other man Borom seemed to be wary of, Brand flashed him a friendly smile and tried to give the impression that he'd be open to a kind reception.<br/><br/>The other adventurer was going to be a problem.  It wasn't an issue of her reputation, to whit he didn't know it or her name, though judging by Borom's reaction it was probably good.  She was beautiful.  That was it really.  He hadn't had much experience with beautiful women, since the ideas they inspired in him were decidedly not wholesome.  And while lust was a natural reaction, wanting to capture her and fly off in order to act on it was more draconian in thought than human.  He also vaguely wondered what horse tasted like.<br/><br/>Flushing pink with some embarrassment, Brand coughed and looked at Borom, "I have the equivalent of my own supplies, so I won't be a drain on your own.  I decided to come here because I heard about the Sage and, well, felt it'd be a bit lonely to just travel there on my own.  I do a lot of travel alone, so company for once would be a nice change of pace.  If it's within my ability, I'll help see you to the Sage."