Akono scowled slightly at being dismissed so brusquely, but said nothing to the half-elf. He was quite unused to being treated so dismissively, as his stature and resonant tone inspired awe in most. Even so, he was perfectly capable of putting up with such indignities if it brought him nearer to his goal. He'd put up with far, far worse in his day.

Shaking himself from his reverie, he turned to the man who had just introduced himself. A Necromancer, hmm? That was something you didn't run into in every tavern. Akono thought back to previous encounters, and in none could he remember having met anyone who claimed such a title. The closest thing he could think of was the shaman from his homeland, and from everything he'd heard of necromancers, the two classes were quite different.

Putting aside the man's choice of profession, he seemed open and forthright, both traits that Akono respected. In his view, it was a waste of time to beat around the bush and waste time with niceties. He was guilty of such conversational pleasantries himself on occasion, but appreciated a man who knew what he wanted.

With a snap decision made about the necromancer's character, Akono thrust forth one meaty hand to shake. "Akono Asim. Bondsman, bodyguard, mercenary. All-around thug and occasional philosopher. It looks as though we'll be working together on this matter." He thought for a moment, unsure as to how to proceed. "What drew you to the Elfman? I figure that's about the extent of what we're likely to have in common." He accented his last comment with a glance at Vladimir's clothing, which was a marked step nicer than his own.