[h3]Familiar Faces[/h3][hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/win7Fif.jpg[/img][/center] Kettle curled a fist under her chin, stirring honey into her tea. The morning was already half over; the clink of her spoon echoed in the empty room. The food was cooling and her nerves were restless. She scratched at a deep stain on the table, distracting herself from the sick and empty fear that [i]all[/i] of her letters would go unanswered. [h3]9:30 am[/h3][hr]A noise on the veranda raised her head suddenly, and Kettle's eyes darted to the window as she pushed her hood back. Yes, someone was there -- a low voice spoke just beyond the doorway. She was on her feet, a sheathed dagger squeezed in her fist, and she watched the door. [indent][color=gray]A'shinok walked to the door, ducking under it and into the light. He approached Kettle and dropped to one knee, still looking down at her. The whole building shook a bit as he dropped to the ground. "My lady Kettle, the gods have chosen us to meet again, but not on as clean terms as I'd wished." He bowed his head as his deep and thunderous voice filled the room. He looked and stood up. "May I ask what this discovery of yours was? I'd suggest we speak quietly, as I saw several other travelers headed here as well, and I remember you mentioning to keep this mission of ours a secret."[/color][/indent] The moment A'shinok's enormous frame ducked through the doorway, a grin of joyful relief spread over Kettle's face. She only just managed to restrain herself from throwing her arms around his neck in hysterical happiness at the sight of a familiar and trustworthy face. Instead, she bowed respectfully to him in return, and gestured that he should sit (with a slight worry that the chair might not hold him) and take some tea. [color=#B2AEBC]"The other travelers you saw may likely be allies,"[/color] she explained, sitting down across from him at the long table, still wearing a goofy grin. [color=#B2AEBC]"More voluteers might join us just yet, and I think it best if I waited to explain myself until everyone involved is present. I ask for your patience, then. Instead, please tell me where you've been and all you've seen since we last met. Have you found what you've been looking for?"[/color] For more than an hour they spoke, catching up on old stories, and Kettle only skirted around the issues at hand, no matter how much it might frustrate the present company. She was determined not to repeat it. [h3]11:00 am[/h3][hr]There was another noise on the veranda, and a voice that was much louder and more grating than A'shinok's had been. Kettle stopped speaking in mid-sentence, and looked over at the door with a slight, wincing smile. [indent][color=gray]Croft walked over to the pair and checked all of the empty seats before sitting at one. "I have arrived!" He looked warily at the lizard man, he had never met it before. "I'm the genius Croft Winston Caswell Halebard. What do you do for work?"[/color][/indent] [color=#B2AEBC]"A'shinok, this is Croft,"[/color] Kettle repeated the introduction with a lilt of apology; she gestured to the newcomer and poured a glass of tea for Croft. The man needed no further introduction; he tended to take care of that on his own. [color=#B2AEBC]"Croft, this is A'shinok Duran. He's a fellow traveler and trusted friend."[/color] That meant [i]no funny business[/i], according to the playful glare she shot in Croft's direction. [h3]11:30 am[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]Jazz walked through the door and didn't stop to look around at all. He simply marched over and sat down in the chair across from Kettle, reaching out for a cup of tea and scarfing it down. With a mouth full of hot tea he finally gave Kettle an acknowledging nod before turning to the other two present. The human gentlemen didn't really stand out to Jazz at all but... the lizard man... was it...?! He spat his beverage out the nearest window. "Uh... Kettle? Is that... is that who I think it is?" He pointed at A'shinok with all of the giddiness of a child.[/color][/indent] The goblin was so small and quiet -- and the conversation so commanding of Kettle's attention -- that she didn't quite realize his presence until she spotted an arm reaching across for a teacup. The conversation had stopped abruptly, and Kettle watched him with a bemused grin that burst into laughter at his reaction to the presence of his idol of the colosseum. Kettle gestured with a bit of formality between them. [color=#B2AEBC]"Croft, A'shinok, I'd like you to meet Jazzle Finks. Jazz, this is Croft Haelbard and A'shinok Duran."[/color] After that, there was much to discuss among the four of them, and the room began to get rather joyously loud. [h3]12:00 pm[/h3][hr]Kettle laughed with one of Jazz's stories, and looked over to see that someone else had slipped in quietly. [indent][color=gray]The crowd was small inside but still...it was slightly pressuring. But my doubts were flying in, wondering if someone has forgotten me thus I decided to simply wave at Kettle and take a seat near the her table without the other two noticing how awkward I was.[/color][/indent] With a warm smile, Kettle grabbed a cup of fresh tea and a plate of biscuits and bid the others to carry on the conversation while she stepped away. She set the food down for Silcia, laid a warm hand on her shoulder in greeting and sat across from her. [color=#B2AEBC]"I'm so glad you could make it,"[/color] she said earnestly, grinning happily to see Silcia again, to know that the elf was still as curious and quietly adventurous as ever. [color=#B2AEBC]"How was the trip? Did you make it across the Desert of Glass without being chased by sand ghosts? Tell me everything, how have you been?"[/color] Kettle and Silcia spoke together for awhile, trading stories and catching up, before Kettle nodded toward the others at the end of the table. [color=#B2AEBC]"Come on, I want my friends to meet you. The big one there is A'shinok -- he looks scary but he's a sweetheart. The goblin is Jazz -- he's loud, but you'll like him. The man is Croft -- just don't mind anything he says to you."[/color] She encouraged the to join the group, and cleared her throat for the boys' attention. [color=#B2AEBC]"Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce to you Princess Silcia Nonorie. She is a dear friend of mine and an astounding healer."[/color] After that, more tea was poured and more food was eaten, including some swampland delicacies like seasoned crawfish and seaweed mash, and the conversations continued. [h3]12:30 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]Harry entered the Cafe, and smiled as he approached, "Croft and Kettle, how you two been these days?" He said in a friendly fashion.[/color][/indent] Kettle had her mouth full of seaweed when Harry appeared beside them, and she grinned and swallowed hurriedly before she stood to shake his hand. [color=#B2AEBC]"Harry! Come and sit down,"[/color] she commanded with a grin, and she banged the chair beside her insistently. [color=#B2AEBC]"You already know Croft? This is A'shinok, Jazz and Silcia. Everyone, this is Harry Nets. You might have seen his performances. Harry, say hello."[/color] The noise grew even louder after that, and there was more than enough tea and seaweed to go around. Afternoon rolled by, and something dark and alive rolled in out of the marsh. [h3]1:00 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]Clav awkwardly shuffled into the Cafe itself. As he looked around, he saw a couple of colorful characters. Of course there was Kettle herself, a handful of people that he knew not, and... Clav's eyes slightly widened when he saw the large, saintly lizardman in the cafe. He did his best to ignore most people and kind of shuffled off into a corner, waiting to be addressed.[/color][/indent] Kettle saw him immediately -- and immediately she feared for his safety. There were too many at the table who might be dangerous in a panic. To be honest, she never expected Clav to actually travel this distance, and she wondered how in the world he had managed it. Not that she wasn't pleased and honored that he had made the journey. [color=#B2AEBC]"Everyone, here is another friend,"[/color] she said loudly, to quiet the other conversations and draw their attention before they noticed Clav on their own. Kettle got up and went to him, grinning. [color=#B2AEBC]"Clav! Oh dear, you must be exhausted. I'm [i]honored[/i] that you came all this way! Can I get you something?"[/color] Awkwardly, Kettle tried and failed to remember whether Clav ate food at all. She laid a hand on his back and gestured to the table. [color=#B2AEBC]"This is A'shinok, Croft, Jazz, Silcia and Harry. They're all friends and --"[/color] she looked sideways at Croft, [color=#B2AEBC]"[i]most[/i] of them are very fine people."[/color] She smiled and gave Clav a wink. [color=#B2AEBC]"Everyone, this is my good friend Clavic."[/color] It took a few moments to acclimate everyone in the room to Clavic's presence, but with some encouragement Kettle felt confident enough to sit down again and continue previous conversations. She kept an eye on Silcia, especially, who she knew could be squeamish. [h3]1:45 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]"Greetings travelling companions!" Forthwind said gleefully. "Sorry that I may be slightly late, I assumed my carriage driver would get me the whole way, but he dropped me off miles away." He took another drink of his tea before continuing. "So sorry if introductions have already been done, but the only person at this table I currently know is Kettle. May I have the pleasure of knowing all of your names? I am Bishop Forthwind Cedany and would be happy to make all of your acquaintance" He grinned.[/color][/indent] Kettle had stood the moment the good bishop entered, and noted with a heartfelt smile that the man was a good bit older than she had remembered him -- and so was she, she thought. She had heard of the passing of his wife, a wonderful woman who had made a lasting impression on young Kettle. Forthwind's presence brought out a more civilized personality in Kettle; she nodded respectfully to him in greeting, smiling widely. [color=#B2AEBC]"Bishop Cedany, we're honored to have --"[/color] [indent][color=gray]"Ho, fellow plains-travelers!"[/color][/indent] There, inside the doorway, stood a beastly catiger with a small winged girl on its back. Kettle smiled and shook her head. She already knew that an introduction was forthcoming, and that her own interference was unnecessary. [indent][color=gray]"Weary plains-travelers, I am Sarantsatsral, a medicine-man - and on my furry steed's ever steadfast back are elixirs and mixed-herbs of the finest make! I have with me...Ooh! This smell...It's buttered tea!" She hopped off lazily from Pash. As her rather lacking height barely allowed her to take a good look at the assortment of food and drinks on the table, she then climbed atop a chair. "It is buttered tea! I haven't had this since..." She then gestured towards a bowl, as it was obviously beyond her reach - hoping someone would pass it to her.[/color] [/indent] [color=#B2AEBC]"Sarantsatsral, it's so good to see you -- and Pash! Have all the tea you like, there's more brewing as we speak."[/color] It was clear that the Uaru would be preoccupied for a few moments at least, so she addressed the rest of the table. [color=#B2AEBC]"Sarantsatsral is skilled in herbalism and medicine,"[/color] she repeated, to assure the table that it wasn't just a sales pitch. [color=#B2AEBC]"Silcia, you two may have much in common,"[/color] she encouraged the elf, although Silcia and Sarantsatsral were as opposite in personality as they could possibly be, she hoped the common interests might spark some kind of friendship. Or disaster. [h3]3:00 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]The door opened all the way, squeaking and revealing Leon's location to those within. "Hi." He said. He took a left foot forward then a right wooden peg, then another foot and repeated until he saw the one in purple robes... "Hey! You're here.." He smiled, "Thanks for the invite. I wasn't sure you'd remember me at all." He turned to see the others but his body straightened up when he saw the face of the lizard man, the one who nearly claimed another leg. "Oh... hi there. Didn't know you two knew each other..."[/color][/indent] Kettle heard Leon's familiar voice call from the doorway, and immediately her heart soared -- for no reason but that her student of the meaning of life had remembered and responded to her call. She was eager to know how he had fared since they met, whether he had indeed changed his ways -- and a part of her selfishly hoped she had made a great impression on the man's previously bloody lifestyle. But when Kettle looked up, her warm smile fell immediately and her eyes widened. [color=#B2AEBC]"Leon! What the hell happened to you?"[/color] He had definitely had [i]two[/i] legs when they had last spoken. She glanced at the Bishop, embarrassed for her language. [color=#B2AEBC]"Sorry, Bishop. Leon, I mean, it's good to see you, please come sit down!"[/color] She glanced between Leon and A'shinok, noting the tension there but not at all understanding it, and she stood up as she gestured to a seat close to Silcia, who would be the least likely to aggravate the man's nerves. Kettle sat down and soon learned all that had happened between Leon and A'shinok, and she listened with wide-eyed shock while she poured tea for Leon. Eventually the conversations continued, though the mood in the room was not quite as boisterous as it had been before, after such a story. Their talks took a slightly more serious turn as they exchanged the hardships they had endured over the past years. More tea was poured. [h3]4:30 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]Nel tentatively walked past the Cameldragon and slowly opened the door into the café. What she saw filled her with terror unspeakable. The Skeleton Man. With eyes wide and skin pale, Nel slammed the door shut and turned away. Whatever Kettle had wanted from her parents, it was not worth dealing with the Skeleton Man again.[/color][/indent] Kettle raised her head at the slam of the door, and blinked. But after a few minutes the door finally opened again, and Kettle grinned to see her friend rush in, with the familiar old lute still intact. [indent][color=gray]Flinging off mud at the doorstep, Saira ran a quick hand through her hair to tame it again before yanking the door wide open to let herself in. Saira made a beeline for the tables packed with food, marveling over the treats that she both did and did not recognize. This. This made it almost worth it.[/color][/indent] [color=#B2AEBC]"Saira!"[/color] Kettle was on her feet, and even while Saira helped herself to the food, Kettle draped an arm behind her shoulders and gave her a warm squeeze. [color=#B2AEBC]"Haven't you eaten at all? Try this one, it's fantastic. It's so good to see you! Ladies and gentlemen, this is Saira Khouri."[/color] Between Saira and Sarantsatsral they would be out of food and tea in no time flat, Kettle thought with a smile. Introductions were useless while Saira was distracted by food, so Kettle didn't trouble her with introductions and let her eat to her stomach's content. [h3]4:45 pm[/h3][hr][indent][color=gray]Having moved to the door she opened it cautiously and saw a great variety to beings. Four of which she had encountered in the past, they being the Forthwind, Sarant, Leon, and of course Kettle herself. Quite interesting. There was supposed to be some secrecy involved but apparently she was not the only one selected for this trip. She looked back to Nel, behind her.[/color][/indent] Kettle recognized the face that appeared in the doorway, and she continued laughing with those at the table for a moment before she excused herself and went alone to the door, petting Pash the catigre on her way. Those present had managed to embrace Clav, but Kettle had reservations about introducing Lila without some warning. Kettle approached with great respect and friendship, almost mystified that Lila had responded so readily to the call. [color=#B2AEBC]"Lila, it is an honor to see you again, I am so pleased you're here,"[/color] she said with an encouraging smile -- which widened a bit more when she saw that none of the horses had been eatein -- but she tipped her head, curious that Lila seemed distracted by something behind her. Kettle couldn't get a good look from this side of the doorway. [color=#B2AEBC]"Is something wrong?"[/color] Immediately, Kettle's thoughts returned to the worries she had entertained in the early morning, and she gripped the door frame, her expression solemn and questioning.