<div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/VgMSrFb.jpg)</div><br/>The dwarf turns to look at Lydia and she notices a long scar, old and worn, creasing his face.  His expression is grim and dour, but his grey whiskers do twitch upwards into a smile for a moment as Lydia speaks.<strong>"I wish not to be identified,"</strong>he says in a low tone of voice, one that suggests a man who is used to being listened to.<strong> "But I represent a consortium of individuals who stand to gain greatly from further examination of the dungeon.  Obviously the further one progresses into the dungeon the better, and were I to sponsor you, and you would delve into the deeper levels, we could gain a better understanding of the dungeon and how it relates to our world."</strong><br/><br/>He paused and scratched a thick hand through his grey beard, the silvered glint of his gauntlets catching the light and throwing it back to her,<strong>"I find that I am intrigued by your plan to lead a group.  You differ from many of these other young women, who think more of personal glory or scheme of strategy for personal gain.  Tell me Lydia of Faullen's Creek, what sorts of strategy do you plan?  What counselor do you intend to strive for?  Have you allies who plan on other counselors?  For only one contestant per counselor means that your allies may not make it to the second level."</strong><br/><br/>There was something about his questions, they reminded Lydia of the Count Davos, but somehow seemed more genuine.  This wasn't a man seeking advantage in gambling, but one who had similarly selfish motivations, but that did not conflict with Lydia's desires.  No, the dwarf had his own agenda, but that in fact did mesh with her desire to see deeper lairs of the dungeon.