Snippet #1379129

Well, those three had gone out to scout with Valhalla, the two mages had gone to sleep, apparently, which left him with the Templars and the lady knight, plus of course the mabari. He didn't much fancy getting into a stimulating intellectual conversation with men of the Chantry, which meant he could either chat at the hound or introduce himself to the group's informal leader, whatever the holy men might think. Jasper had long since learned to recognize leadership when he saw it, and though it was in its early stages here, the Cousland lass had it.

Picking up his lanky self and redepositing it closer to the fire, he stretched his hands toward it for warmth wiggling his fingers in an attempt to regain some of the dexterity that the cold had killed. He sat like this for a moment, and then decided he might as well. Conversation to fill the silence alone was usually dull as dishwater, but this wasn't exactly an ordinary situation. "Well, that was a rather unexpected diversion, I must admit. I was unaware Darkspawn appeared in such numbers anywhere but the Deep Roads. Ah well, what's life without a surprise now and then?" He grinned as if to underscore the point. "Jasper Landis," he proffered, using his most common alias. No need for anyone here to know who he was until he had a bit more measure than a single battle. "I'd stand and bow, but that would be rather inconvenient at present, so you'll have to excuse me." Instead, he offered a hand for her to shake, if she so chose, and a nod to the Templars on the other side of the fire, who were a bit beyond reach.

The dog, however, was not, and Jasper's other hand was extended to allow the mabari to decide whether he was friend or foe. He'd always had a fair way with these things, though, and he patted the creature's head amicably.