On the eve of battle

"It's not that they are not strong enough. The thing that concerns me is that… if what I picked up is correct, the House behind the commerce had not had much dealings with anyone and is about to emerge from their hiding." he relented and spoke his thoughts.

"Isn't that even better? Seriously brother, you worry too much. If that is true then it means we would be the first to have made them our allies. Think of the potential in that!" Luthrin asked,

Hearing his sister's words, Grimnir relaxed slightly, "That may be true sister but it also has its disadvantages-"

"What in this world, doesn't it?" Throin's deep voice cut in, "And what is done is done. Now, brother, I wish to know exactly how strong this elder was. This will determine if our gamble was the right one." 

His words silenced any words both Luthrin and Grimnir may have had to squabble about.