"I did not catch the whole fight, no. But this one seemed less skillful than his opponent. Hence his loss, I assume." Or perhaps he was not in the right state of mind for a fight to the death.
-----
Armin blinks once at Gherie's finger, uncertain of whether she was trying to insinuate something. He gives a stiff nod, having no qualms about her arrangement. As she walks off, he is quick to turn to the male members of their band.
"I'll take the floor," he volunteers, not so much out of the kindness of his heart as some other reason he wasn't keen on sharing.
At Miyari's question about the four horsemen possibly having another charter Glen nods "Yes, they are duelists, and certainly have much skill, they may have taken a charter looking for adventure or glory. On the other hand Glen understands the one you say was recently healed just lost a duel, he may be seeking refuge from the other duelists and his friends agreed to come with him." Watching the man hurriedly attracting the others attentions Glen adds "Glen would suggest asking if you are curious why they are here... but they do not seem overly eager to talk to us. Glen would prefer to avoid a clash of steel."
---------
Listening to the halfling woman's welcome, the ugly little stump gives what's hopefully a pleasant smile "Thank you good lady, and Glen is sure Arielle will be perfectly safe with Miyari, Kalica and Roswitha. Two rooms will do well, he will have the coin prepared for Marthem when she arrives."
When Miyari offers to sleep with Arielle Glen leans in to give the young girl a bit of advice remembering the Catfolk woman's sleeping habits. He speaks softly so hopefully Miyari doesn't hear "Sharing a bed with Miyari can be rather... challenging until you are used to it. She does not share space very well in her sleep just push her out if you need to."
Hearing Armin offer to sleep on the floor Glen looks up at him and smiles, but shakes his head "Gracious offer our stalwart companion, but Glen does not think that will be necessary. Glen does not take up much space, and will be fine sharing with Ali" Turning his gaze to Ali the goblin adds "That was our arrangement in Dragon's Rest, Glen assumes you are still fine sharing? We can allow Armin a bed to himself."
Marthem surfaces at the table to take food and drink orders. She turns out to be very much not a "girl" at all, and is probably around the same age as Gherie which of course makes her only a head taller than the table. She's quick and efficient, and soon she is on her way to get the victuals.
As she is rounding the crowd, a young man recognizable by some of the party as the dueling student Ruvius suddenly bursts into view and quickly approaches Ali. He is followed by another man and two women.
"This young man is the one, Greco?" he asks excitedly. At Greco's nod, Ruvius reaches forward and grasps Ali's hand. "I do not know how to thank you for your benevolent healing. I may not have survived that night had it not been for your intervention!"
He begins to vigorously pump Ali's hand.
"Ruvius, please calm down. I'm sure the..." the pretty younger woman gives Ali a critical eye, ragged clothing and all, "...the pauper is already thankful enough she had the chance to give healing to you. If she had wanted recognition, she would have sought you out."
"Don't be rude, Lady Nevyl. It isn't polite to address people as paupers. And certainly not referring to a young man as a woman," Ruvius admonishes lightly with a frown.
"Yes, of course," Nevyl says hurriedly. She produces an ornate personal fan which begins moving briskly before her face against the warm humidity of the room and the stink of sweaty humanoids. "I meant no disrespect...sir" The young lady's eyes narrow as she looks directly at Ali.
Greco glances nervously at Kalica during this exchange. If she looks at him, he simply murmurs "Milady," and nods his head. The other woman, tough looking and clearly the master of the many weapons she carries, merely watches everything and says nothing.
Roswitha sets down her spoon and dabs her lips with the serviette. "You healed this gentleman, Ali? How kind of you. That shows a nobility of spirit which transcends accidents of birth. We're fortunate to have you in this company of friends." She graces Ruvio with a beaming smile. "I hope you are enjoying good health now, sir? You must be well and whole to brave a venture into the wilderness."
She speaks lightly and smoothly, as befits a lady, ignoring the other woman's rudeness. As befits a lady.
Glen pays Marthem for the lot of them, and after the hearty greeting from the duelist he smiles towards Ruvius and his companions careful not to expose too many sharp teeth. "Glen is pleased to see you are in warm spirits." And that the group probably won't have any trouble from you, unless someone flies off the handle. "Glen is Glen" He offers helpfully indicating himself.
Will you be joining the table? If you hunger Glen can request some more portions, the soup is rather good." Looking around at Ruvius' companions who don't seem to be all that pleased he decides to try anyway, Ruvius didn't see that bad a sort, and his trusted companions must not be either, they just might take some warming up to.
"We could share some stories" The ugly greenish gnomelike thing offers trying to make a pleasant first impression. "Glen is sure warriors of your skill must have exciting stories to tell." He looks up at the tough looking lady sporting the impressive arsenal. "No need to be shy, sit with Glen if you like, he is certain your stories will be much more exciting, but he has some he could tell as well."
Flushing at the attention of the nobles, whilst their excited manner brings a startled look to the youth - as of a small mouse whose unexpected found themselves sharing a plate of food with a cat. And looking a trifle nervous under Nevyls' acerbic gaze.
However as Roswitha and Glen talk to the other group, Ali's composure returns. "As Ma used to say, no-matter how well bred you are - actions speak louder than words. And standing up for such a charming Lady, does tha' a service Sir Ruvius."
"As our companions say, we'd be reet chuffed if tha' joined us for a bite." Ali's brogue thickens with a hint of nerves.
Kalica sits at the corner of the table making sure her back is facing a wall so she can see every entrance and exit to the Inn. She simply raises an eyebrow at the comment of Ali being a girl and slightly smirks but says nothing. She is tired and sits patiently waiting for her wine all the while though keeping a cautious eye out for any trouble.
"Oh, do please join us. We can squeeze to make room, or somebody could move another table to lengthen this one. One simply can't have too much good company!" Roswitha beams at the foursome and scoots down to make room.
She looks to Arielle and says, "If you'd like, you can sleep in the bed with me. Or if you'd prefer something else, just let me know, and I'm sure that we can accommodate."
"OK...I'd like that," Arielle says her eyes wide and brown in the smoky light of the inn's oil lamps.
The catfolk's ears flick lightly and she nods along to the rest of the halfling's words. "We do appreciate your hospitality and cookies sound wonderful." She closes her eyes contentedly for a moment and then says to Arielle, "I wonder what sort of cookies they'll have."
She perks up at Miyari's talk of cookies to Arielle. "Maybe they'll have milk, as well. Did you ever have warm cookies and milk, Arielle? There's nothing better!" Though she speaks to try to cheer the silent child, the thought cheers her, as well, and her smile at the orphan is a happy one.
The girl also perks up. Nodding her head vigorously and with more animation than usual, she says, "I do like cookies. Very much!" She suddenly looks very embarrassed. "I've only ever had two..."
When the new folk approach, Arielle looks at the floor and hugs Bubbles tightly.
Inundated with requests to sit, Ruvius raises a hand. "No, no, that's very kind. We've chosen to stay at the Meadhorn, and we should go get settled in our rooms, and get our dinner," Ruvius gentle declines with a slight blush. The glance he throws to gauge Nevyl's feelings on it belies the simple confidence he displays in making the decision. The lady's eyebrow has raised as she seems to be evaluating Roswitha.
"As Ma used to say, no-matter how well bred you are - actions speak louder than words. And standing up for such a charming Lady, does tha' a service Sir Ruvius."
Nevyl turns towards Ali.
"Hmph, let me be very clear that I am indeed very happy and grateful for what you have done," Nevyl says to Ali. The aristocrat takes Ali's hand with her own a gloved one. She places something into Ali's palm. "Please, allow me to cover the cost of your first drinks tonight. I am having to be more...frugal...than I am accustomed on the road, so I hope this small amount will get you some decent wine." She seems earnest to be believed.
"You are so kind, Lady Nevyl," Ruvius beams. Nevyl allows a small smile to grace her lips and a slightly triumphant flash of eyes is thrown Roswitha's way.
He looks up at the tough looking lady sporting the impressive arsenal. "No need to be shy, sit with Glen if you like, he is certain your stories will be much more exciting, but he has some he could tell as well."
The woman eyes Glen as if trying to figure out what he is. She grunts and shakes her head. "Yes, I imagine most of my stories would be exciting. But my duty comes first, so I do not have time to tell any tonight. Safe travels, Glen."
Greco seems to again cast some nervous glances at Kalica, but begins to make way through the tables and patrons once it's clear Nevyl and Ruvius are ready to leave.
Ruvius shakes ALi's hand once again and claps the youth on the shoulder. "Again, you have my deepest thanks. Perhaps once you have had your food and time to settle in, you could join us for a drink in the Meadhorn lounge."
Nevyl seems to roll her eyes slightly, but composes herself quickly enough. "We've heard that there is a charter expedition staying at the hotel before heading down into the Stolen Lands. That should definitely be very intriguing to hear about," the lady says.
"We are rather interesting, Lady Nevyl. We can tell you all about it at the Meadhorn tonight." Roswitha beams at the lady, pleased to be asked.
Kalica winks at Greco and takes in what is transpiring within the conversation.
At the mention of joining them at the other Inn Kalica rolls her eyes and tries her best to not let out a heavy sigh and keep a blank face.
Tries being the key word here.
For a moment, Nevyl looks at Roswitha in confusion, and then simply raises one gloved hand in a sort of dismissive gesture. Clearly she doesn't think Roswitha knows what she's talking about. She turns and follows Greco out, her bodyguard on her heels. Ruvius looks one last time around the table with a pleasant smile and then departs with further urging to come by.
Marthem arrives with the food and drink (though she does have to make two trips), and it smells delicious.
Roswitha tries to pay Marthem, but realizes somebody else has already taken care of it. "Who has paid? I'll give you coin for my share of the repast."
The meal silences the young would-be queen as she attempts to eat politely and slowly, but finds herself famished. "A day on the road certainly adds seasoning to the evening meal, doesn't it," she manages to breathe between bites to explain her silence.
Pushing away her near empty plate, she turns to the others. "Well, who's for the Meadhorn lounge? I think we should share a drink with the young fencers. The road can be a perilous place. If they travel with us, that's more swords for the common defense. And if they go a different way, well, that's one group we know will not be attacking us. They seem like decent folk, the lady's idiocy notwithstanding. What say you? A drink with the fencers?"
Miyari has been busy putting food in her face, anticipating that good quality food will soon be hard to come by. While camping fare has its charm, getting someone to cook hot food is a step better. She nods along with the other group when they are there, offering polite interest in all that they have to say but saying nothing while they are present.
At Roswitha's question, Miyari says, "Glen paid out of our shared gold, I believe. And yes... this food is very good after a day's travel, isn't it? I would be happy to head to the Meadhorn, Roswitha. It might be easier to focus on conversation once my appetite's been satiated."
Ali nods in a reserved manner to Roswitha's query; "Aye a little wine after this splendid meal, would be grand."
Kalica raises an eyebrow at the mention of attending the other Inn before swallowing her food and washing it down with a bit of wine.
She then grumbles at them, explaining that "Ali is my ward and I am here to protect her. I mean him." She quickly adds out of misstep. "So, I go where Ali goes." She continues with her meal paying little heed to what the others are saying and sits in misery at the very thought of having to consort with strange company.
Glen nods towards the woman who declines the offer "Yes, of course duty comes first, Glen understands, another time perhaps."
He thanks Marthem when she arrives, and munches happily at the meal looking over to Roswitha "Yes Glen paid from what we had left after buying supplies."
Finishing his meal the little goblin smiles towards the others as they talk about heading to the Meadhorn "Yes, this Ruvius seemed a decent sort, and they may have some information we can use, or at least some interesting conversation."
"Let's finish up and go, then," Roswitha suggests, "No time like the present!" She rises, leaves a couple of coppers on the table, and makes her way to the Meadhorn, handing Glen a silver to cover the dinner.
"Hm. Very well then," Armin says at last, having said nothing throughout the group's brief encounter with Ruvius and his companions. The truth was, he did not care much one way or the other. But since he was not exactly tired, it was not as though he had anything better to do. I suppose it might be amusing to watch the fair ladies quarrel.
Miyari stuffs the last of her food into her face, chews and then nods towards Roswitha, "Coming!" She gets up from her seat to follow after the sorceress, though she pauses to check if Arielle wishes to come. The catfolk is not sure how guardianship is supposed to work, but is fairly certain that it involves dragging the child everywhere.
Arielle merely returns the catfolk's gaze placidly without blinking. The longer Miyari looks the more glitter begins to form in Arielle's eyes.
Show her kindness, Miyari. Show her kindness...
Glen blinks as he's handed the silver from Roswitha "This is not necessary, Glen suspects as traveling companions we will be sharing expenses quite often."
As they start to make their way towards the Meadhorn he sees Miyari pause and look to Arielle "Do you not wish to come Arielle? That is alright, Glen can stay with you, he would only be trying to strike conversation with the large quiet woman that he supposes is a body guard. It is likely a useless endeavour anyway."
Miyari rubs her head as she hears the distant voice. The catfolk mumbles something to herself softly and then approaches Arielle, crouching down in front of the girl and putting a hand on her shoulder. "Indeed. If you do not want to go visit people at the Meadhorn, you can stay here with Glen. And if you want to come with me, I'll carry you there. Just tell me what you want."
"We can go talk to the sword lady," Arielle says to Glen. "I don't mind."
"What do you want, Miss Kitty?" Then as if the answer to her question doesn't matter, Arielle holds up both hands, one still clutching her teddy bear, waiting to be carried as promised. The glittering of her eyes in the low light fades back to the innocent brown.
Following dinner and a visit to their rooms to deposit any items they do not which to carry for the cocktails, the party members who have elected to accept Ruvius' offer head over to the Meadhorn just across the way from the Pig & Steer. A polite but slightly stuffy maître d'hôtel sees them to a lounge room with decently expensive furniture. The four horsemen seen before are here each exhibiting very different emotions.
Greco looks as nervous as always, uncertain but still laughing when others seem to cue that it is the correct thing to do. Ruvius is rather animatedly in conversation with another older man who seems to be well into his cups and boisterously so. Nevyl is also engaged with the pair who seem to be the center of attention. Not nearly as flush as the others, she is clearly sipping rather conservatively from her winecup. Her bodyguard remains close her eyes watching everyone else.
Everyone else seems to be almost as interesting: an Ulfen man probably in his late twenties with crow's feet around his eyes and a sly smile, a quiet elf wearing a heavy amulet shaped like Abadar's holy symbol, a man and a woman clearly twins with raven-black hair and the trappings of the arcane, a portly balding man just as evidently soused laughing loudly at all the jokes, a man whose severe stance and holy regalia marks him as a paladin of some type, and next to him is half-elf who appears to have a similar bearing but his tabard suggesting one of those knights pledged to cavalier order. The two seem to have some tension between them.
There are others in the room as well who may or may not be a part of this group. Two dwarves sit near the fireplace whispering and looking around suspiciously. A well-dressed man and woman sit in the corner making idle conversation as well as occasionally watching the others with amusement. A white-robed female elf sits with her hooded head bowed over a glass of something warm she grips with both hands.
The maître d'hôtel announces the party's presence even as hotel staff appear as if conjured by magic to space out some plush chairs to the area where Ruvius and the others sit. Ruvius excitedly stands up upon Ali's approach and bursts out,
"Hey, hey! Itsh my savior! This fine boy ish the one!"
He beckons Ali to come to his side and calls for someone to hand the lad a drink with the other. Before Ali even knows what's happening, he's clutched to Ruvius side as the man has his arm around Ali while loudly toasting his health. Nevyl's eyes narrow and her mouth presses until it's a very thin line.
"Well, I suppose I want plenty of things," says Miyari, picking Arielle up, eyes turning upwards in thought, "I want my publisher to make my book a big seller, and to have adventure worthy of a sequel, so that my mother may live well for the rest of her days. I want food, drink and comfort for tonight. And I want for us all to be safe on our trip, especially you." She taps the girl's nose lightly with a finger (her claws, of course, sheathed from sight).
Upon arriving at the Meadhorn, she takes in the sight of all of these interesting people, a bit overwhelmed at where she should direct her eyes. Because she is carrying a child, she decides that the plush chairs at Ruvius's table might be a good option. She gets Arielle seated and says to Ali, "It seems like you've made a fast friend!" She bows her head towards Nevyl lightly in acknowledgement of the lady.
Whether out of tact or on a whim, Armin opts to leave his sword behind, along with its flimsy leather harness. His handaxe however, stays right where it is, hanging off his belt. The android pauses when he first enters the Meadhorn, taking a moment to settle into the atmosphere. For entirely different reasons, he takes also note of the floor's layout. Just in case.
"It seems they started without us," he says to no one in particular, watching Ruvius with amusement. "I suppose we will just have to catch up."
The startled glance of corner game and the quick flick of pale blue eyes towards Nevyl, quickly a decision is reached to try and prevent any growing annoyance in the room. Despite performing in the hostelries of the nearby city during his stay, to pay for food & board, he wasn't used to so many eyes upon him."
"Seems like it!" Ali replies to Miyari, before taking in the observances of Ruvius' comrades. "Aye, but were it not for the heroics and prowess of Sir Ruvius - protecting his ladies honour against rapscallion and t' like." He raises the glass, hastily thrust into his hand and had spilled slightly upon the sleeve. "The Lady Nevyl, a Fairer Lady the towns not seen. The Lady Nevyl!"
At the end of dinner, Roswitha sneaks her cookie into her belt pouch. Excusing herself to her room for a moment, she makes other preparations for the evening.
The crowd in the Meadhorn is something of a shock. "Do you suppose these are all adventurers?:" she whispers to Miyari, "I've never seen so many... interesting people." As the catwoman gets Arielle seated, Roswitha slips a cookie and her set of dominoes out of her belt pouch and sets them on the table before the child. Leaning close to the little one's ear, she murmurs, "Adult stuff can be so boring! Here's a treat and something to play with if you get bored."
With a wink to the child and her custodian, Roswitha provides herself a glass of the most decent wine available and finds a seat near Nevyl, joining in Ali's toast to the lady with a smile. "You're fortunate indeed, lady, to find a man who will stake his life for your honor," she tells Nevyl placidly, "I'm glad all of you came out of the incident whole and unscathed."
Entering into the Meadhorn Glen looks around at the daunting crowd, possibly seeming even more chaotic due to his lower stature and point of view. "They are a lively bunch aren't they?"
Finding his way to an appropriate seat Glen smiles over at Arielle "If you find it too dull, or otherwise disagreeable just tell Glen and we'll return to our inn post haste.
Looking over the group around them Glen finally turns his attention to the swords woman "My good lady how does the Meadhorn treat you? Glen does hope we are not intruding too badly..." He leans in a little closer so as hopefully to not be overheard by Nevyl "Though Ruvius is jovial, the lady Nevyl does not seem at all pleased, Glen hopes we have not posed some offense."
Miyari whispers to Roswitha in return, "They do look like adventurers, and perhaps they are another one of the charter groups." She nods to her own suggestion so that it might carry more weight by having at least one person agree with it. "I suppose we may seem interesting as well, though maybe less magnificently."
The catfolk also raises a glass to the lady Nevyl, but does not add any words to those of her companions.
Arielle eagerly reaches for the cookie. She sets Bubbles down on the table and begins eating the cookie, holding it in both hands. Upon finishing it, the girl opens the bag or box containing the dominoes and upends it so they spill all over the table. A couple fall onto the floor, but the clattering noise is mostly lost due to the loud toasting of those in the lounge.
"We're going to play now, Bubbles," Arielle says matter-of-factly pushing some dominoes in front of the bear.
Bubbles says nothing in response and merely sits there looking rather pitiful with only one eye.
Nevyl flushes with embarrassment and waves a hand as if to suggest everyone stop, but her pleased smile shows just how much the attention troubles her.
The older man stands and greets the newcomers.
"I am Maeger Varn, aspiring Swordlord," he says loudly and with a bit of slurring. "Welcome to our Charter Send Off party! Any friend of Ruvius and Lady Nevyl deserves a drink!"
Quickly, a goblet of expensive wine is handed to each of the party members.
"A toast to the Swordlords! A toast to Lady Nevyl and Ruvius! A toast to young Ali, savior of love!"
Much cheering occurs from the other members of the room.
Miyari is, as always, oblivious to Arielle's bear playing with the pieces. She only looks down to them once in awhile, noting idly to the girl, "I should learn to play sometimes. I'm afraid that in my youth I ended up with my nose in a book in quiet times, and then in louder times our games ended up a bit more physical. Unfortunately... I do not have a book to lend you! I suppose I should have kept a copy of my manuscript after all." She gives a bit of an apologetic look to the child, and turns her attention elsewhere.
She raises her glass again and says, "May the fortunes smile upon you!" She waits for the cheering to die somewhat before asking Maeger, "So is everyone here part of your Charter group? It seems you have a nice sized group! What area are you headed to?"
The man grins at Miyari's question. "I, Maeger Varn, have been tasked with bringing peace to the Nomen Heights! Long plagued by tribes of savage centaurs, My merry band and I," he sweeps a hand to encompass those in the immediate area, "will bring peace and make the land suitable for settlers and trade."
He drains his glass and waves a hand for more. It is brought quickly.
Looking over the group around them Glen finally turns his attention to the swords woman "My good lady how does the Meadhorn treat you? Glen does hope we are not intruding too badly..." He leans in a little closer so as hopefully to not be overheard by Nevyl "Though Ruvius is jovial, the lady Nevyl does not seem at all pleased, Glen hopes we have not posed some offense."
The woman glances at her charge.
"Not you, no. She is just a tad jealous. Worry not, Ruvius will return his attention to her soon enough, and she will be placated."
Additional +2 For Humans
Kalica looks around the tavern carefully, taking in all of the people around her. Her eyes dart around the room looking for all the entrances and exits to the building. Can never be too cautious.. she thinks to herself.
She smirks when the young gentlemen puts his arm around Ali. She doesn't take a seat like everyone else but chooses to stand and sips at her wine that Maeger Varn gracefully had handed out.
Wait...did she just smile slyly?
For those who wish it, much small talk and boasting over the coming expedition occurs. Maeger Varn and a few of the hardier drinkers will continue long into the night. Most people in the lounge will retire after a couple of hours. Arielle and Bubbles curl up in her chair and fall into a deep slumber after a time. Some discussion of her is made, but nothing alarming nor more curious than those inquisitive as to her presence with such an assorted lot though the topic quickly changes as often happens with those inebriated.
Morning will come before long, and everyone will soon find themselves waking in one of two rooms in the Pig & Steer. Another day's journey awaits.
Miyari focuses on the Cleric of Abadar for a few moments and then looks towards Kalica. Well, I suppose not all elves are as woodsy as Kalica. But I suppose the same can be said of my kind.
She refocuses on Maeger Varn, since she's already engaged in conversation with the man. "Nomen Heights? That sounds like it will be quite the adventure! We're off to the Greenbelt ourselves. It looks like your band is a bit more experienced than ours, so I'd do well to ask you for a bit of advice for adventurers who are a little more... well, we're suited for our Charter, I suppose, since I at least am a little green."
Her ears tilts forward and up as she is ready to listen.
She refocuses on Maeger Varn, since she's already engaged in conversation with the man. "Nomen Heights? That sounds like it will be quite the adventure! We're off to the Greenbelt ourselves. It looks like your band is a bit more experienced than ours, so I'd do well to ask you for a bit of advice for adventurers who are a little more... well, we're suited for our Charter, I suppose, since I at least am a little green."
Her ears tilts forward and up as she is ready to listen.
"Bah! Exploring is really no different than setting up camp or going on a hunt! What's really important is you handle the locals, be they man or beast!" Maeger Varn bursts out. He jovially gives Miyari some tips and pointers on how to be stay stay tough in front of potential subjects and wild beasts. His advice could be really great...or really awful. It's hard to say.
Taking rather too deep a draught of the wine from the toast, Ali wheezes slightly at the rich flavour. 'Man, I cannot see how dad used to drink this stuff, or his moonshine.' Ali thinks, eyes slightly wild at the potency of the brew compared to the usual watered wine. 'At least it assuaged Nevyl, like I'd hoped. Poor Ruvius has got his hands full with her - although from the looks of it provided he pays her enough attention they'll be fine.'
At Maegars' announcement of going to Nomen Heights exploring, Ali is a trifle taken aback, then it all falls into place as he looks around at the unusual patrons of the tavern through the misty atmosphere.
"Mr Ruvius' so that mean you're going t' Nomen eights with yer lady & friends? That a heroic deed, good to get out into fresh air & away from vengeful idiots." He asks softly returning to his seat.
"What? Us?" Ruvius looks startled at the idea. "Oh no, no, my dear Ali. Leaving the city for a time, yes. We travel to the estates of loyal Greco's uncle. We must still ride west a bit more from here, I'm afraid."
"Oh that's good t' hear. Your Uncle must be a fine fellow & t' estate will suit t' fair Nevyl's temperament more than sleeping on t' ground in t' wilderness." Ali says carefully outside of the lady's earshot, whilst slowly taking a sip of the fine wine that has been brought.
"As Miyari says, we're 'eading off t' Greenbelt - to have a bit o' a look-see."
"What...chance." The cleric of Abadar's speech pattern is so very slow and deliberate. "We must...remember..to thank...the Gold-Fisted. Such a..meeting...between two expeditions...must be...fate."
The elf makes several gestures of benediction over the room. When he loses his balance slightly, the truth of his measured speech seems to be clear. He's doing his best to hide his current level of inebriation.
Miyari listens to the advice intently, with the intentions of applying a grain of salt to it. "I'm sure that will help me immensely! I thank you!" she says, nodding a few times diplomatically, and then looking towards the cleric. Upon seeing him lose his balance, the catfolk says, "Oh, you must be tired from a long day!" And certainly not from all the drink. "But yes, maybe it's fate! I'm guessing that you're looking forward to bringing civilization to these wild lands?"
The cleric looks at Miyari solemnly. His eyes dance back and forth trying to decide which of the multiple catfolk ladies spoke to him. He determines they should all hear what he has to say. His tone achieves a perfect drone, and he speaks at a clear, measured pace. Evidentl,y he can pull this off after all his years of delivering sermons.
"While the wilds and nature can have their place (Abadar and Erastil have long been allies), when the wilds have become the refuge of the lawless and those who would destroy the safety of the civilized for naught but selfish gain rather than the stewarding of the land's riches, so must we step in and bring the order of Abadar."
He raises his goblet to many cheers. Probably because it signals another excuse to drink long and order more.
"Jealous?" Glen confirms with a bit of surprise "Well Glen is pleased that is all, it should pass when it's clear her affections aren't threatened."
Listening to the others chat about the charter Glen looks again to the lady bodyguard "You are not undertaking a charter expedition? That is a shame, you seem like capable expeditioners and Glen was hoping there would be opportunities to exchange notes." The ugly little goblin smiles towards the woman, and Ruvius' group "Well if somehow you find yourselves in the Greenbelt perhaps you will seek us out."
All the catfolk before the cleric listen to the short lecture from the him, ears up and tilted forward, raising her glass slightly in acknowledgement of what he has to say. Unfortunately, her knowledge of religious matters are only deep enough to understand which gods are which, but not deep enough to know of such alliances! Even her own tribal lore and history are a bit lost on her.
She takes another drink, though, because it's in front of her and indeed, there is cheering and drinking so it's the right thing to do. "You're right, I'll be glad to bring some good back into these lands as well! I've always read and written about heroes... perhaps I'll have the chance to really be one," she muses, more to herself more than anything, "Or at least help!"