Morek seemed curious about Halbark, then glanced Hobnob's way, and he gave the Gnome an approving nod and thumbs up. "Thank ye" as he scooped up the flagon and drank it in two gulps. Kayden grinned at Morek, and then looked Cassilda's way. He gave her a wink at her comment. Not a suggestive wink, but one of approval for the remark. "Right. See you all in the morning." 
[hr]

It was now roughly two hours after dawn for the companions. Kayden sat upon the roughly tumbled wall idly sharpening his fine arming sword as the companions met him at the base of the ruined tower. His dark hair glistened as if he had just been in the river, and the bejeweled rings upon his fingers glinted in the sunlight. Truly it was a fine day today, a clear blue sky with only scattered clouds. A bit warm though, for those in armor. Spring was finally here. 

As the mercenaries approached, they'd see Jex atop the tower like a silent sentinel. In the light, his alien and monstrous form was fully revealed for all to see. It was as if a draconic crocodile had merged with a large man in some unholy union, and taken up arms to enact vengeance upon its enemies. Morek was nowhere to be seen as of yet. Regeland the duelist made his way to the tower and gave an extravagant wave to the Drabarian. "Monsieur creature! Yez, you! We are to be lee-veeng soon, yez?" 

Haukford strode forward, looking as if he had never taken his full plate armor off the night before. Virgil rode up on a brown mare from the east, moving the beast expertly up the rocky and forested rise. He was older, but still had a lean, handsome and admirable quality about him. His eyes were iron grey, just as his burly mustache was slowly becoming. 

Kayden looked up at the assembling crew, and slid the stone over the blade one last time before sheathing it and getting to his feet. "Those to the keep, gather around me. Those going into the forest, heed Jex." As if on cue, the Drabarian leaped off the tower top nimbly, using his steel claws to slow his descent somewhat by scraping them along the old stones of its walls. Leonard the Darkslayer was standing at the ready closer to the treeline. Regeland joined him, and Jex loped over towards the spot as well.