Once an acceptable number of warriors, rogues, and mages had assembled, and elder man Alexei had over looked, had risen up and gave his announcement. Alexei has turned his attention just slightly, still jugging instances of his mead as he listened. Just as Lokee had briefed him, the old man, in his rather powerful tone Alexei could respect, explained of this 'Vile Cult' as a clear and present threat that has already marauded its way into the South East of Sel'Renak. After explaining his part and supplying payment for this quest, the old man shifted the focus to Merlin, a man whom may have been but a few years younger than Alexei himself in order to fully seal his cooperation with the task at hand.

One by one, he watched his eventual party members introduced themselves, allowing Alexei to observe each one carefully, analyzing how they talked and behaved and how reliable they would in a fight. Some seemed impressive while others appeared more lacking but it was the coming battle that would truly prove their worth to him. The first to approach Merlin to agree to the quest was a young-appearing girl named Maribel who didn't seem to belong in a slug-fest but by the way she spoke however hinted towards something more behind the innocent looks. There was a degree of aged wisdom Alexei could pick up and questioned if her exterior appearance was validly true. He would find out later.

The next was a woman clad in glimmering and radiant armor, who stood high and pulled her own weight; a knight from the look of it. Almost reminded him of the near-gallant soldiers of Dissidia he'd occasionally bust heads against. While it was clear she had little tolerance for Maribel for some reason, the knight who'd later introduce herself as Valentine Sel'Lei - [i]Gods, these names...[/i] - maintained her cool and professionalism before joining the table. Clearly capable; the fight will soon tell all.

The red haired woman from earlier finally revealed herself as Raijin, the Raging Lightning. Her behavior was respectably bravado, if not over confidence. But, if the fierce oriental figure was capable of wielding that large club with ease, Alexei was sure she was reliable enough in a fight. But what of her true potential? He could feel spiritual aura around Raijin but nothing he had felt before; it was foreign and...Godly? Time will tell and hopefully with a flashy display Raijin's title would entail.

Lan approached next but if first impressions meant anything, Alexei was not impressed with the boy's stature. Lan seemed shy, very shy, and his willingness was something that could eventually come in question. However, his robes and staff and the other belongings he carried gave Alexei the impression that the young man was a mage of sorts. While a factor that was most welcomed, the druid would have a lot to prove to Alexei before earning the warrior's respect.

Then came a Gnome who openly introduced himself, minus his name of course, but with a clear evident upbeat behavior, bringing several mugs of alcohol to the table. Admittedly, Alexei could not see anything of remarkable quality from the Gnome nor anything to bring to a fight. He did find a holstered knife on the happy character but it didn't appear that great of an advantage to be had in combat...Especially with for the Gnome's small size. Alexei's observations would have to continue more with this one. 

Finally, Alexei gave a silent sigh and joined his party at the table, mead still in hand, further cursing Lokee for involving him in all of this. He found himself a seat and made himself some room, minding not to bump into anyone or anything with his equipment. Though he rather not have, he joined the un-introduced Gnome in with the toast.

"Merlin, yes? I am called Alexei..." it was normally customary to also give mention to his Clan, however he believed none of the individuals gathered at the table had never been to the cold Northern lands and probably would not understand of the culture or show interest of his Clan. Then again, he knew nothing of cultures each of his future companions originated from either. "...When do we depart?"