NOTE: This was a public conversation.
That night Chief Rahk and the Malarat warriors host a farewell feast for Ragnbjorn, Fingol, the Marinus brothers, the Guard and the captain and crew of the Javan Queen.
At a certain point, though, Chief Rahk and the lizardfolk named Drago (the one who had been teaching Draconic to Newt and Rain) and Ragnbjorn all take their leave and walk off.
Rain spends her time with the squad, mostly in a melancholy mood. At some point during the feast, she will find Lt. Ahsk and Lt. Raz saying to each in common, “It has been an honor fighing with the Malarat warriors”, then in Draconic, “Goodbye and until we meet again.”
Newt is back to her cheerful self not long after her interview with Sir Ragnbjorn. At the feast Newt makes general conversation, mostly with the other commoners. She is the quintessential social butterfly, happily moving from person to person, enjoying the company of each.
Later in the evening, Newt asks Hex, “So, Guardsman Hex, will you teach me to play Three Dragon Ante?”
“Certainly, I’d be happy to,” Hex says. I could show you a few things now. He breaks out his pack and begins acquainting Newt with how the game works.
Aramek is just happy to be with his friends. He knows difficult times lie ahead but for now, he just wants to enjoy what there is to enjoy.
Gar seems relaxed but is still keeping to himself. He watches everyone and tries to have a good time. He hangs out by Rain and Newt. However, since he’s not talking, he’s probably drinking more than the others, trying to kill the dull ache at the center of his soul.
Indranil partakes of the feast but not the drink. He appears distracted and periodically gets up to walk the perimeter and speak to the guards. At times he actually walks into the river and stands still listening and feeling. Later on in the evening, he whispers to Fingol and Lorindel concerning his anxiety and asks them to be alert.
Fingol says, “I am already anxious enough, thank you.”
Fingol is also suspicious of why Chief Rahk, Ragnbjorn, and Drago have skulked off. Although the time when Ragnbjorn is gone, is the time when Fingol is most at ease all evening. He eats and drinks lightly, but spends time with Lt. Ahsk and Lt. Raz making an effort to make the most of the evening. He makes jokes about falling in the quicksand and any other embarrassing moments.
Lorindel gives Indranil a reassuring clasp on the shoulder. Unlike his brother, for the first time in a long while, Lorindel is finally at ease. He eats his fill and enjoys a few tankards. He then walks over to Adelina and her bodyguard.
“I’m glad she’s on our side,” he says to Rain. “Adelina, stay close to this one,” instructs Lorindel while motioning with his head towards the guard. “We need to keep you safe.”
Newt replies, “Yes, my lord. For my part, I too am glad to be on your side. Rain, did you hear how many Sir Lorindel alone slew in the mound? And I would never want to be on the wrong end of Guardsman Rain’s blades!” She lifts her tankard in a toast to the two of them, and then goes to refill it.
Rain sees Chief Rahk returning to the feast with Drago at his side. She quickly takes her chance to intercept them to say, “Chief Rahk, it has been an honor to fight with a great warrior such as yourself. I am pleased to know that I can call you ally,” and then in Draconic “Goodbye until we meet again”.
Then she turns to Drago and attempt to say in Draconic, “I want to thank you for teaching me Draconic, it made the walk back here go that much quicker. Farewell to you and I hope we see each other again in
the future.”
Chief Rahk responds in Draconic, “Actually, Drago will be joining you. He is to be the representative of the Malarat on your expedition to find the lost city of Thracia. He is also honor bound to protect you, Newt, with his life because you saved his back at the shrine of Thanatos.”
Rain responds in Draconic, having not managed to insult any of the Malarat yet “This is good news, I for one will be very happy to have him join the expedition. I am not sure of my orders yet, but also hope to be included.”
Newt chokes on her drink and stutters as she says “Wait… Hon…honor-bound?” She waves her hand as if to ward off Drago. “That won’t be necessary. Truly! I was glad to help. You are not bound to me. Truly you are not!”
Drago appears to smile at Newt, but otherwise remains silent.
Elsewhere, Ragnbjorn rounds up Fingol and the Marinus brothers and likewise informs them of the addition of Drago. “He’s over there with Chief Rahk, Newt and the others if you wish to talk with him.”
Lorindel welcomes Drago into the party.
Fingol brightens up upon hearing Chief Rahk’s news, “That is excellent!” he exclaims in Draconic. He then hustles over to Drago, (again in Draconic) “I hear you are to be a part of our expedition. I am sure you will be be a great help (glancing over to his father) to whomever is chosen to go.”
Completely unsure why, but after Fingol’s comment Rain playfully nudges him hip to hip. Afterward she clearly realizes she has made a number of protocol breeches, flushes red and moves into the back of the crowd.
“Thank you,” hisses Drago’s response, with his body in a submissive posture.
Gar smiles at Drago and his welcome announcement, but otherwise continues to keep to himself.
