Negotiating with someone who ran off in fright wasn't going to be easily accomplished. Doing so through a third party, one who had no idea who they were no less, that only made it harder. "No, no we aren't his guard really," Ethan answered with a laugh, placing one hand on the table and drumming a finger against it, "We're more... Uh... Well we're just friends traveling really, trying to help out where we can. Sort of... A pilgrimage almost." It was a blatant lie yet Geoffrey wouldn't know that, and it was easier than telling him the truth of the matter. That Nymira was a Dimuran princess, that Amuné was searching for her parents and Cecil for where he was created. Come to think of it he hadn't even divulged his own reasons for traveling yet, not to anyone in the group. So long as the story stuck then they were on a pilgrimage, should be less attention if they kept to that. 

"I don't know if we really have the luxury of time to eat, but we appreciate the hospitality," Nymira said dismissively, folding her hands on the table top as she frowned, "Nor do I think we'll be staying the night. As nice as it would be we really should be moving." Perhaps in the next town they would set in for an evening or two, get some proper rest that everyone sorely needed at this point. Staying in Orosi however seemed out of the question as it would no doubt be abuzz with word of the attack within the hour. Watching Geoffrey go off to fetch Zander she grabbed the flagon with mead and examined it, taking a sniff and wrinkling her nose in disgust. Similar to some ales that her people brewed but oddly sweet smelling, that she could do without. Just as she'd placed down the flagon she heard Geoffrey snapping at someone, glancing up to see Zander standing at the door, evidently having been eavesdropping. "If these people don't kill him, I just might..." she grumbled. 

It wasn't such a bad thing Zander had been listening in when the conversation concerned him anyways. It saved them from having to repeat it later, no real problem there. Letting the other boy sit Ethan smiled reassuringly, not wanting to give the wrong impression at this impromptu gathering of theirs. "Free fellow of course. We're not the guard, we don't take prisoners," Ethan answered with a dismissive wave of his hand. Reflecting on what he'd just said his cheeks turned a light pink, his smile twitching as he held both hands up. "Uh... That's not to say we kill people, we just... Well we don't take prisoners." The last thing he wanted was to give Zander, or anyone else here reason to believe they might take a life. Giving that sort of impression with everything going on would only serve to condemn them further.

"I'm sure they realized that, they aren't children, Ethan," Nymira quipped exasperatedly, rolling her eyes at her companion. "You'll be free, though I wouldn't guarantee your tongue won't be cut from your mouth if you try being fresh with me again." A sort of good-cop bad-cop routine if there ever was one, and quite clear to see who played what role. Sighing to herself at the mention of weapons the Dimuran folded her arms beneath her breast, turning her head away in disdain. "Our weapons are still at the ship, with the exception of Ethan's who was taken by a guard. Not only is it ridiculous to expect this Olga to go get them, it's not worth risking life or limb for a simple tool. They'll be replaced, that's all there is to it." Her daggers weren't anything unique, and while she'd forged them herself she could easily recreate another set, given some time and the resources.

"We're going to be leaving here as soon as we can. And I don't think we'll need your tonics for any of that, thank you though." No one had really seen their cart, save for the handful of passerby that they saw along the way here. Even so it was an nondescript cart, no real notable traits save for those who rode on it. Making it worn down and ramshackle might even make it easier to spot out than the newer look it had now, no sense in complicating manners. 

So that was his full name then, Zander Starsion. Ethan wished he could make some connection with the name, to some faction or to appreciate the significance of his family. All he understood was that it was somehow affiliated to the Church, and evidently was known for its talismans. "Well Zander Starsion, that's a two way street. You protect us and we'll protect you, that's the only way to do this sort of thing," Ethan said as he got to his feet, smiling as he extended a hand out, "Whatever happens here on out know we've got your back too, as long as you have ours." Yet another mission to add to their ever expanding list it seemed. His own goals were being pushed further and further back with each addition, but he hadn't a fiber in him to allow him to send away someone in need. His own goals would just have to wait for the time being. 

"As lovely as this is, we really shouldn't be staying much longer. Need I remind you we're trying to leave this place?" Nymira asked, getting to her feet and placing her hands on the table, "I expect you to carry your own weight while we travel, healer, just as we all must. We're your ally but we are not your caretakers, be sure to remember that." Whatever weight that name carried she cared little, it wasn't known enough to register with Ethan and so she'd pay it little mind. Even if he was some kind of nobility so was she, and she had more to show for that than Zander and his rags.