Turn 25 -- Strangers in Town

15th day of Chess. Early Evening. Milbourne.

Sitting at the large table with his open log book before him, Ras can be heard doing a lot of mumbling as he makes several additions and subtractions to the logs. "What a thankless job this is...but then again, it is important and kinda fun..." The others ignore the grumbling of the halfling however as they turn their attention to the stranger at their table. When the stranger speaks, Ras' left hand slips under the table and grasps Cold-Heart. He then looks back down at the log book and continues to write, his hand still firmly clasped around the hilt of the dagger.

Talimar makes no comment as the man seats himself at the table without an invitation, he simply watches him expressionlessly. Dain eyes the newcomer intently but says nothing however as he recedes back into the shadows to drink his mead. Having picked a corner of the table that is relatively dark, Kersath's bright green eyes are the only features visible under his hood at the other side of the table from where the stranger approached Talimar. He eyes the stranger curiously, trying to discern as much information about him as possible from visual clues. He doesn't learn much beyond the obvious however, that the man is indeed a mage and appears to be a mage of some power. His intent is beyond the powers of Kersath to divine.

Beleg however, being a Paladin of Forseti, has some powers to divine the intent of others. Giving the man a long, intense look, he calls upon the divine power of Forseti to indeed give some insight into the character or intentions of the man before him. Through the power and wisdom of Forseti, he is unable to detect any evil intent coming from the area of the man. The sensing is a bit strange however as the crowded atmosphere of the inn and the various shady types taking to Milbourne clowd the picture. He is fairly confident that the man has no evil intent toward the group.

Gnore glares at the newcomer for his rudeness. Listening in on the Company's conversation that was not intended for his ears is wrong but then not waiting to be offered a seat at their table before seating himself is just downright unacceptable. In light of his already grim mood, Gnore decides an etiquite lesson is in order.

"Stranger, you were not offered a seat at our table nor invited to attend this conversation. Wait standing and silent until one is given," Gnore frowns at the stranger meeting his eyes.

Beleg shakes his head ruefully at Gnore's words, but the young Paladin remembers the sensitivity of his dwarven companions and so says nothing for the moment. Instead, he waits to hear the stranger's response to Gnore. Talimar ignores the words of Gnore and finally speaks, "That is correct stranger, we are the Company of the Red Feather. I am Talimar, leader of the group." Talimar then waits, staring at this rude human to introduce himself and state his business.

The mage smiles at Gnore, maintaining his seat before beginning, "I apologize for my rudeness, but I fear that had I not spoken up, I would never have this change again. You see, I wish to ask a favor of the Red Feather Company and I would pay highly. If this at all interests you, I am staying at this very inn and you can reach me any time. By the way, my name is Rannigan... Rannigan Elderspire of House Elderspire, Wizard of the Third Order." With a small bow to the party, Rannigan gathers his cloak and heads up the stairs to his room. Before making his way out, he stops to inform Barthelew that he will be staying over another night in the inn and that is all.

Leaving the members of the Company in shock by his quick arrival and departure, Talimar turns to look at Dain with a frown on his face. "Well that certainly was strange. What do you make of him?"

Dain simply shakes his head for the moment, a series of circular puffs of smoke rising into the air to signify the mage is in deep thought.