Dale groaned at these words from Brakker. “I am a humble Bard, seeking my fortune in these frozen wastes. More pressingly, I am looking for a place to survive the winter. I am told you two may hold some sway over the proprietor of this fine dining establishment?”
Groaned at these words from Brakker? We know they were words, and we know Brakker said them. Seriously unnecessary verbosity. Also, formatting it this way makes it seem like Dale is speaking.