[sylvanSpider]

Percival lifted his eyes from his writing just long enough to see Deadwaltz flop down on the table. A couple of the other customers, the sleep still in their eyes, glared at the snoring woman. Percival continued writing. Her presence didn't bother the healing mage, if only because he didn't notice her name on the list when it was handed to him. The list, he realized, was still in his pocket and he reached for it now – if only to be sure. Breathing a sigh of relief, he pocketed it only to have to put away his journal seeing two of his troop mates.

Arabella Fairfoot waltzed into the room, her Daughter-in-training trailing just behind. Again, he sighed with relief and got to his feet, kneeling down to Ara's level and holding out his hand, “It's good to work with you again. I'd hoped upon seeing your name that our expedition would be a simple one, but then I saw that Wisp's name was there. You're sure that this wasn't a mistake?”

“I'm afraid not. Her apprentice holds hope though; seems to have a head on his shoulders. I'm proud of what she's done with him,” Ara answered with a warm smile, tilting her head back to watch him as he rose back to his feet. The man was tall by human standards. By halfling standards, he may as well have been a giant.

“And your apprentice?” Percival asked, just now looking at Kastivi. The woman in question was wringing her hands, enough to make up for her lack of fidgeting in her feet. “How is she?”

“She is the best apprentice I could have asked for. The Goddess has smiled brighter on her than any I have yet to see. At times I believe this includes even myself,” Arabella was nothing but warmth, not looking to see the blush that she was there on Kastivi's cheeks.

“Ah, so this should be a fairly quick and easy expedition then, yes? I am in dire need of a break. I haven't had one in months...” Percival uttered, jutting his jaw out so he could scratch under his beard. “It looks like Deadwatltz is here too, waiting for her unfortunate party.”

Kastivi cleared her throat and looked down, “Uhm...”

Percival's eyes went to her again, “Yes?”

“She's here for us. She's coming with us,” Kastivi squeaked.