"I worry too much because you never seem to worry enough." Odran grumbled in reply. There was a bit more back and forth between the two old men before the young orphan returned. The Captain visibly softened at her appearance, it seemed he was just as fond of the orphan as the rest of them were- it was odd, having such a young child in a private army of cutthroats and scarred veterans, but she was a sort of bright light in an otherwise dreary camp. However, when the sorceress entered the tent, the old veteran immediately soured, a harsh scowl returning to his face as it always did. 

He pushed the sorceress from his mind as the rest of the gathered individuals entered the tent. With a sigh, he took an attentive stance at the head of the table next to the Captain as he began his shpeel, describing their mission and how they needed to cross through Orvston. He justified the ragtag group's commission as unorthodox and unpredictable- something he had built his career on. Odran still had his misgivings about the group, but would trust in the Captain's judgement. Well, for all their haphazardness, at least he wouldn't have to-

"So that’s why Lieutenant Odran going with you all, to serve as my replacement.”

Odran blinked. He blinked a second time, managing to keep his face neutral. His self control stopped him from bursting out in the middle of The Captain's speech- for not even the Captain's second in command was immune to disciplinary actions, not that Odran had received disciplining since his younger years, but this was not something he had expected- nor was he looking forward to. Odran internally sighed- he supposed it was because the Captain trusted him to get the job done, which he appreciated, but not overly much. The Captain dismissed them, and Odran was the last to leave, offering the Captain a kurt nod and an audible sigh before he too exited the tent. He was getting to old for this.

Exiting the tent, he found the others discussing their approach to Orvston. Kuro- surprisingly enough, was the first one among them to vocalize his thoughts. He suggested that Triala, the firemage and one other approach the gates first to announce the arrival of an envoy, giving her the apt nickname 'firestarter'. It made sense- Triala was among the most experienced riders in the Company, and her horse, for all its bad mannerisms was fast and strong. Next to call out was Connor- to which Odran almost audibly groaned at, almost immediately picking up an opportunity to jab at the elven mage. 

"Mind your tongue, cub." Odran said to the young man, his gravelly voice low and gruff. His armor clinked slightly as he shifted his weight, his hand now resting on the pommel of his sword. "You're no use to us unconscious, and I'd rather you not provoke your fellow apprentice into setting the lot of us on fire again."  

However, for all of his impudence, Connor was right- his ability to tap into the minds of others would doubtlessly prove useful for negotiations and initially dealing with the door guards. However, his inability to shut up would doubtlessly be his failing. Triala was right in that she should not go, she was too hot headed, and disagreed with Connor too much to risk sending the two of them up there by themselves- that would be asking for the city to begin launching boulders and arrows at them. Thdris the dwarf was a potentially good choice. The dwarf was generally calm and level headed, and had plenty of connections- it was she who put him in contact with the blacksmith Dalgen, who forged his arms. However, she was a woman of the wilderness at heart- she seemed to value her beasts more than people, and there was no telling how well guards at the gate would react to a dwarf on boarback with a massive hound.

Colette was definitely a no- her derisive silence towards humans would only anger the guards if anything- combining that with Connor was just asking for trouble. The other elf, Kaerun, was similarly too detached from the world, to be of any use negotiating, despite his vast wisdom. Which left only...

"Gideon." Odran called. "You and Connor will be the first ones to approach the gate. You will take the marks that Kuro offered and use them to gain us entry if necessary."

Gideon Wryder was a reliable one. Trustworthy, calm in demeanor, a capable swordsman, and large enough to intimidate without overtly threatening the guards at the door. He would be able to represent the quality and strength of the Company without causing them to strike first out of fear. At the same time, he was generally calm and collected, and Odran did not fear the man bursting into rage at the sound of an insult. Also, unlike Thdris, he was human, and had no massive beasts following him. Knowing northerners, they'd be most responsive to a pair of humans approaching them, rather than a "barbarous dwarf or impudent elf".

"Connor. You will use your magic to read their minds and aid Gideon in negotiations. I've felt you trying to tap into my mind before- You shall do so again, in order to maintain contact between our two groups." 

At this, Odran paused, staring at Connor with a scowl that could shatter stone. "Be careful how deep you pry into my mind, Vaelis, or this may be the last mission you ever partake in." He said this not as a threat, but more as a factual statement. 

"Go now, we shall wait for you on the far side of the bridge."