[quote=@Dark Cloud]
Speaking of connections, how bout we forge dem connections while we all wait in the meantime?
[/quote]

This is what I've got so far. I took some liberties with worldbuilding here and there, so everyone--especially [@Mae]--feel free to veto or correct anything I've written out.

[hider=Goh's Musings]
Miss Nibiria - "A bright child, if perhaps blinded by her own brilliance. She and I are kindred spirits in tw---[i]one[/i] way. The reason we have few connections, is because we have not reached out for them. Nonetheless, this old fool has been greatly appreciative of her help whenever he's gotten himself injured."

Wormwood - "...I am ashamed to say I am a little wary of this creature. Non-humanoids in my homeland, in my experience, were usually more...fierce? He seems to get along with the children, and I will put my faith in their innocence."

Miss Mary - "Listening to her sing is a joy for these wrinkled, dull ears. I am troubled by what to bring her as a greeting gift, as I am sure she would not be appreciative of animal meats or furs..."

Rowan - "A talented young man with a clear heart--Good fishermen can't have evil thoughts, you see. Unfortunately, the wanderlust of heroism is upon him. I fear he won't have good sense until it's been knocked into him, and the world is far too harsh a teacher. But, we men are drawn to such things...as if it's in our blood."

Penumbra - "...William's little "experiment" deeply worries me. But it's not my place, and I am not familiar with the various creatures of this land. I shall let it be so long as it does the same. I hope it will not attempt to eat little Wormwood."

Rallis - "Those with something to hide, often become apparent in their efforts to do so. I know not the lad's purpose in such things, because to peer deeper would be rude when he so clearly doesn't wish to share. I have tried to learn his paths through the forest for the sake of not intruding on his territory--I don't know if I snared the rabbit he shot or he shot the rabbit I snared, but I've no interest in competing over such things."

Boro - "I...have trouble reading this nation's language. The librarian, despite his appearance, has proved a great help in this regard. If only I remembered enough of the poetry from my homeland, I would gladly contribute to the sparse shelves."

Ingrid - "...I know I've shrunken with age, but ye gods...Ah, not to be rude! Chief Ingrid's devotion to protecting this place is quite admirable. But, it must be said...her skills are somewhat...lacking. Oh, um, but...well, don't pay any mind to me. This lazy old man shouldn't criticize those who have taken up their own initiative."

Zrer - "I'm not sure what these "Elves" are supposed to be. They look and act just like humans, save for their ears! Though I suppose, they do remind me a bit of the [i]hanyo[/i]...Well, in any case. Young Lakeilu's potions often smell bad and taste bitter, but have worked quite well for my aches."

Jada - "Hmm. I can't say I'm all for this...Adventurer's Guild...opening up. It will only encourage some of the foolhardy young folk to put themselves in danger. But, only experience can teach one the art of perspective. Anyway, as for Miss Jada, she is clearly a very hard worker. I don't quite understand her interest in magic, but then again I don't understand magic very much at all in any case. They don't seem to have [i]onmyoji[/i] in this land, and I tended to avoid them anyway."

Yung - "I've only visited the Monastery once. I thought that, perhaps, it was a place where I could gain what I seek...but no. I am...very good, you see, at cutting things. And these people have cut themselves off from the world. Whatever enlightenment they gain, it cannot do anything for those they've severed themselves from."

The Three Students - "Well now...the chubby one is a bully, with no self-control or consciousness of others. If I do not beat it out of him now, he will never be of any good to anyone. The girl...should not be training with me, regardless of her talent for the blade. If she is struck by the same need to travel as the other youths, she will end up experiencing what I would prefer to save these children from. The other boy...he is simple, and honest. Perhaps in teaching him, the way I wished I could have been taught, I will find some measure of solace. His passion for training may even surpass talent--it was much the same for me, though far less kind."

Dalton - "The innkeeper treats his permanent guest more as a daughter than a customer, I'd wager. I can't imagine she can afford to pay him every night on a town guard's salary. I enjoy his cooking and an occasional drink...though he still tells me he hasn't been able to find any [i]sake[/i]. This land's alcohol is too heavy on the stomach--it is like drinking bread!"

William - "Why would one [i]sell[/i] monsters? Are they meant to be eaten? Kept as pets? I don't understand. Like Young Rallis, I've shared a hunt or two with William before. He's amicable, if a bit...eccentric? When I arrived in the village, it was actually he who showed me some of the more common game trails. In return, I taught him how to prepare [i]sashimi.[/i]"

Squig - "...I almost stepped on it once when Wormwood was running around underfoot. I was deeply ashamed. Were I a man of higher status, I might've considered opening my belly if I deprived the poor creature of his best friend."[/hider]