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Liri nods her head. In her musical voice, she says. "Greetings, everyone. I am with the group as an ambassador of my people, though of course I will fight with it if need be."

Galanis raises his head, he didn't miss the nudge and head gesture Liri gave to Angel. He looks directly into Angel's eyes for few seconds, his usual smile fades somewhat, then he turns to Liri, looks with amusement at her exposed ears, then gives appreciative greeting nod and asks, "Hello. My name is Galanis, and you are welcome to share our ale," he gestures to the barrel, "you and your friends." he says a little bit louder while his eyes rest for a second on each of the newcomers. "What do you mean by ambassador of your people? Are you on a political mission? We were told you just need escort on your way. Who are exactly the people you represent? The entire elven race... or some distant village? Were you elected?" he says with his eyebrows raised trying not to sound too sarcastic.
"In any case you have my service at your disposal." He says smiling again, before giving a little bow. When he straightens again he looks intensely at Liri waiting her answer, his eyes glittering with joy and expectation.

"Ambassador from the elves of my homeland" Liri answers Galanis. "Mr. Fraso, who is requiring the escort, is on an investigative mission. The facts that he is investigating have touched the interest of my people deeply, inducing unwarranted hositilies from the other inhabitants of the region. So the elven council sent me along to witness the course of the investigation and bear testimony." She stands upright, her eyes locked into his, and speaks firmly. It is clear that she will not be intimidated or challenged easily.

"OK, that sounds important." Galanis says, still smiling but without any more sarcasm. "So what is your name ambassador? And please introduce us to your friends. As I said, the drinks are on me." he says as he hands her a tankard of ale from the barrel besides him.

Angel eyes the group around her, letting Liri slip into her usual role of diplomat, She gives everyone a slight nod and heads over to Bastian.

"They keep coming.. just when you think you have seen enough bloodshed..." Shaking her head she rests her hand on her hilt. "But then I never thought I'd trust a man, let alone a priest."

"My name is Liriodendra ti Corylus. Imperial messenger is my usual profession" the elf says with a small nod of recognition for Galanis' more respectful tone.
"But I think everyone of our group should better speak for themselves. I am in no way their leader.

I'll just take your offer" she says and walks over to the table, taking a small mug of Ale and raising it to Galanis before sitting down.

Bastian is otherwise distracted with his thoughts, but he replies none the less. "Oh? You met a priest that you trust? I hope to meet him one day." The vacant look in his eyes and faraway voice doesn't deliver the same mirth that Angel is used to. Without more words he strides forward and places a hand on the barrel of ale.

"In the name of Liquitus, in honor of new acquaintances and in the spirit of good will, I bless this drink." His monotone voice belies little enthusiasm or inflection in his voice, though the words reverberate a bit in the air.

((Casting In Vino Veritas))

Galanis is pleased to see the newcomers accept his offer for drink. That's always a good way to meet people. Somewhat amused with the man's blessings he raise his own mug, "Cheers. For new acquaintances." After taking a long sip of the ale, he extends his hand to shake the man's hand. [OOC]Assuming handshake is the correct gesture of friendship and trust at this world.[/OOC]

Calah finishes sharpening her dagger, places it on the table, and begins on a new one. As she works, she quietly observes the others, noting their mannerisms, style of dress, apparent attitude, and more or less any other details she can glean from them. For the moment, outwardly, she remains silent at work, sharpening her blades.

"Angel." The tall half elf says as she strides forward, hand still resting on the hilt of her long sword. "I trust you are all experienced.." she adds flipping her unruly blonde hair from her eyes. Still dressed in her miss-matched armor she creaks ever so slightly, her off hand resting around Liri's waist.

Galanis shoots a glance at Angel's hand embracing Liri, then back to her face. "We are all experienced enough... And in more than one field..." he adds with a wink. "I'm Galanis. Pleased to meet you." he says smiling and handing Angel the last clean mug of ale. "Maybe we should get some more mugs from the bar if our employer is not showing up soon..." he muses.

"Master Fraso will be here soon enough." She responds, taking the mug with a slightly shaking hand. "Have you any idea what we faced so far..?" She asks, sipping slowly.

"Rumors. False ones, of course," says the skinny merc. His young voice belies his looks, his baldness is probably premature. "I heard tell that you were set upon in the forest by an army of vampires. Also heard it was invisible liches."

"Is just stories, only. Truth always is smaller. But still is fighting to come, yes?" The big man's accent is thick and heavy, like a tree trunk, but despite being difficult to understand, he seems personable enough. Still, his broad grin is somehow disconcerting.

"I hear there was a dark dwarf involved. And you killed him. Good riddance," says the dwarf.

"Invisible liches," Calah says, one corner of her mouth turning upwards into the beginnings of a dark smirk. "This brings to mind the old story of the man who said to his companion, 'I don't have to outrun it. I only need to outrun you.'" Her smile deepens slightly, her eyes taking on an enigmatic mirth. Her whetstone continues to hone the blade in her hand.

"Liches?" Angel asks with a curious glance over at Calah, "The path has not been easy, not easy at all..." turning to the two warriors she adds. "There were no vampires, just Grotier, Dark Dwarves, and creatures that look like Elves.." She glances at Liri, a soft look appearing as she eyes the Elf.

"I suggest you eat, drink and be merry."