Ren took his time analyzing the group he was now part of. Especially the Venar, who introduced himself as Bakk, caught his attention. Ren responded to his greeting with a short nod, as he had already told his name. He had never seen one of those beast-like man before, however, there were books about them as well as reports. 
His master made him read about the different cultures, in order to understand the world, one had to be aware of every component in it. “Understand what the world is made of and you will understand what it is.” That was the phrase his master always quoted when Ren complained about having to read through another seemingly irrelevant book. Although, today Ren did not agree with that approach, he had to admit that the knowledge he had acquired over the years had been proven to be helpful in multiple instances. 
He remembered reading a series of very detailed reports about the northern areas focused on the life and behavior of the Venar. Ironically, the author was killed by the Venar, but judging from the arrogance reflected in the text, Ren had the suspicion that said author was not completely unaccountable for that outcome. 

The other people did not look as conspicuous. There was the slightly smaller man with his bow, he looked like a hunter. A very dangerous hunter at that. Then there was the large swordsman. Ren looked at the huge two handed sword he was carrying, somehow he had no doubt in his mind that the man could split everyone in the room into two pieces in one fell swoop. 
The woman, Brevana, seemed very straightforward. Ren did not know what to make of her past that first impression. Time would tell. 
Last and maybe also least was Sir Oliver, the not so elegant knight. Was he a nobleman? He certainly did not seem like one, also, which noble would come to the docks to partake in some definitely shady endeavors? Maybe there was more to him than visible at first glance. 

[i]...or maybe less.[/i] Ren though as he watched the fabric of Sir Olivers blue cape rip when he walked towards the table. 

Shortly after, Eolas announced that everyone was present and they were led to the docks and onto a boat. Ren sat down next to Bakk and they rowed for a short time until Eolas began talking again. 

[i]Odd safety measure. It will be impossible for anyone to hear what we are talking. But, at the same time, the act of six completely different people with high grade weaponry boarding a boat and rowing just a short distance outside of the port might create suspicion itself. [/i]

His train of thought ended when Eolas threw a purse his way. Ren caught it mid air. He did not open it, the weight he felt in his hand was enough to make him aware of the large amount of gold he was holding. His mood darkened. This was a lot more than he had expected, which meant that the task at hand would be a lot more complicated than he had hoped. 
Ren's suspicion proved to be correct when Eolas announced that they were going to steal the Eye of Yvazgrul. 

[i]What?![/i] He thought, almost saying it out loud. [i]Sure, steal the most important artifact in Vrent. Might as well kill the listener on our way out. Great. Because having madmen experimenting on people was not exciting enough for me yet. [/i]

Once again, his thoughts were interrupted, this time by Sir Oliver, who protested against the plan. Bakk, on the other hand, seemed to protest against Oliver as he forcefully put his hand onto the knight's shoulder, ready to grant him an unwanted swimming lesson. 
Ren quickly put his hand on the Venar's arm, holding him back. Not that the barley trained alchemist was delusional enough to believe he actually had the strength to hold back such a beast of man, it was a gesture only.
“Don't.”  He said and turned to the Venar. “The decision is his and his alone. If he does not have the strength or the will, he shall eventually fall by himself. Such is the iron rule of nature, is it not?” 
Ren spoke calmly and as clear as possible. Just like he used to during his lectures, he realized the Venar was not used to the common language. 
Ren knew a few things about the Venar religion or metaphysical beliefs. According to what he read, they revolved around nature and strength. It was only logical for those who lived in the wilderness. The people of the north were like the land that formed them: Cold and merciless. 
Ren looked at Sir Oliver while his hand remained on Bakk's arm. “As for you, rest assured that subtlety is not always required. One forms a plan around the resources available.” He said while using his free hand to make a gesture towards the others. 
Finally, Ren turned his attention to Eolas. “Now then, you don't seem like an idiot or a madman, so instead of telling you why your proposal is insane, how about we cut this short and you tell us why it is not?” 
Given the current situation, he was somewhat surprised how clam his voice was. What insanity had he gotten himself into again? Despite all this, Ren could not deny that Eolas had caught his curiosity.