Steffan gets up from where he was trying to make small talk with a local, and ambles over to the old man drinking with his friend. He holds out his hand.
”Hello. I am Arbury. I see you’ve already met my particular friend Ockerbie? He is a great traveller – you look like you’ve seen a few things yourself? Will you come drink with us? We go to find a lost expedition – eaten by jungle tigers and river shark, no doubt… Even if this isn’t what you’re here for, you’re welcome to share our table. It seems there are many that could, today.”
Steffan leads Eli and Holdron to the nearest free table, and whispers into Eli’s ear as he passes on his way to recruit some more diners.
”Judging by the look on your face it might be a nice idea to get us something… a little finer, if any fine drink can withstand this damn heat and damp… Keep him busy for a second, I’ll see if we can rope in anyone else who might be useful.”
He carries on past, and approaches the young cleric Rohan, and repeats his familiar routine.
”Hello. I am Arbury. It seems you are looking for the same work as us. Will you come drink with us? You might find th-”
He’s interrupted by a sudden thunderclap and a looming shadow. He looks up to find someone more than twice his size, and nearly decides against holding out his hand.
”Snowcrusher? You must have come far… Come, we have work, and ale, and food, and need of someone with your… kind of skills.”
He leads, if they’ll follow, Rohan and Snowcrusher over to his and Eli’s growing group, shouting out to a waitress as he goes.
”Waitress! Can you bring up a barrel or three of your finest – finest mark you – ale, and bring us a proper chair for my friend here. Or maybe a table…”
Reaching the table, he gets down to business, pouring himself something to drink, and offers a barrel to the enormous half-giant, holding his glass up.
”A drink with you sir, Snowcrusher!”