When he sees the travelers in such a defensive formation, Valan is relieved and his staff returns to walking-staff duty. He walks towards the two axe-wielders and takes a bow before the group of performers.
"We are interrogating a case of vanishing caravans and robberies. It just so happened yours was quite noticably off-track and therefore suspicious.", he says, directing his words at the man who just spoke.
"But it appears you were lucky and still have your life and cargo. Please excuse all the axe business. Lieutenant Cragbelly here will explains all.", he says while pointing at the dwarf.
Then he looks at Algar and Bronn, making a gesture with his hand to put down the weapons.
To make sure his dog doesn't scare anyone by running into the circle, Valan orders him to stay back on the road, which Godris obeys with a disappointed whimper.
Nodding and then with last twitch of his hand axes rise little bit up to air and descend until Algar catches them on his hips level and tie them at his back side
So quick to trust. Bronn will lower his axe, resting the head on the ground in front of him. He will rest both hands on the pommel and continue to smile broadly, "Don't worry little ones, we won't hurt you unless you are bad. We're soldiers." He waves at the three children, "Hello babies!"
The woman turns around to fully face the caravan with smile on her face which, for once, doesn't show the array of pointed teeth behind her lips. Greetings! We are soldiers from Fenrift Keep! As my companions have said, we are simply investigating some unfortunate caravan raids in the area. You may have heard of them in your travels. Do not be alarmed, we are no bandits out for blood despite our ah...appearances. Min shoots a glare over her shoulder at the others.
Where are you entertainers travelling to? And why have you stopped so early on the road? We were simply suspicious that your wagons might have been a trap for weary travelers. Or such is at least a decent explanation for our behavior. Min grins again at him and offers out a hand. I'm Private Minuraieth. The short one over there is our leader, Lieutenant Cragbelly.
Diplomacy:
Kelgan will stride forward at the appearance of the caravaneer. Its as Min says. There've been a number of attacks on this road, and were to discover their origin. Hope'n if you've any news on the subject that you'll see fit t'share it with us. Kelgan slips unconsciously back into his accent as he talks to the traveller. Surely and we mean no harm t'you and yers. Fact and is I might have someth'n t'ease th'start we gave yeh.
From within his vest pockets, he fishes out a handful of carved wooden animals, which he holds out to the traveller. Y'clep me Kelgan. What call yeh? Might also have a bit would go right nice with lunch, Kelgan says, drawing out his silver flask. Fancy a bit o' drop?
The man smiles and his people's weapons disappear quickly. "Ah, it is good to know that you are friendly. Would you like to share our meal? We are happy to share with other weary travellers." The dark-skinned man motions to his people and weapons and food are taken up once more, the scares forgotten, as the children rush forward to see the new faces. "I'm Frasbattenios Mentaliones, of the Blue Minstrels." He gestures to the wagons around him and you notice the pain scheme runs distinctly toward blue. "We are on our way from the crossing of the Lake of Stars to Northern Estren. The frontiers are dangerous, but those people need entertainment, and they give us plenty of money and a place to stay. Now what do you say? Have some food with us?"
Upon hearing the kind words of the man, Valan calls his dog back, walking towards the people with a smile.
"Well such an offer cannot be declined i think. I would love to and my companions surely as well." he says,and gladly accepts the food - propably of much better quality than what the group used as proviant.
Godris is therewhile quite happy to play with the children and to recieve all the petting he can get.
Mispronouncing the name, he speaks up: "Frabatennos, tell us please, have you witnessed anything out of the ordinairy on your journey through these woods?", while he walks to the fire, to sit down together with the minstrels.
Bronn will stow his axe at the mention of food. I'm starving! He follows the performers saying, "I'd love some food! Thank you so much. Do you want to hear my song? I like to sing." If he sees any food, he will wait until everyone is sat down, and then immediately start eating like he has never had a meal before. He doesn't stop eating until all the food offered is gone.
Approaching slowly and nodding Algar thanks for the offer to eat. Bless the hunters with plenty food, with no danger and place to sleep. I give my thanks to all the food in this world as he press his hands together palms against each another, left fingers point up and right fingers pointing down.
We'll gladly join you for some dining. Thank you for the kind offer. If we are headed in the same direction, perhaps we could travel a ways with you? Free security for a short ways is the least we could offer in exchange for your welcome, meal and perhaps some entertainment? Of course, it is up to our lieutenant to make any decisions! Min smiles at Kelgan and shrugs.
If I start to step on your toes at all, feel free to let me know, Sir.
She'll head into the traveler's camp with the others and keep a wary eye out for anything out of the ordinary while remaining cheerful and friendly with them and their children.
Kelgan regards Min with a pleasant but wry grin. Frankly I'd prefer not to micro manage. As long as you don't commit us to anything the major might find untenable, feel free to speak your mind. That goes for the rest of you, too. He looks at the others, meeting their eyes.
Before joining the caravan, he will hang several fallen sticks from the branch of a nearby tree. Ostensibly, it makes a crude wind chime; in reality, it marks the group's location to their missing member.
Thus satisfied, he will join in the meal. Surreptitiously,he checks on the condition of the travellers with a practiced eye, looking for signs of any malady.
At the end of the meal, he signifies his appreciation with a monumental belch and plops his false teeth into his cup for a cleansing soak. Remembering then that he isn't dining alone, he hurriedly puts them back in and looks around warily.
Thank you for the excellent meal, Frasbettenios. As my companion mentioned, might we repay your generosity with an escort to the mountains? The majority of the attacks have happened in that area, and I'd not soon see trouble fall upon the Blue Minstrels.