The young man with the book seems preoccupied -- until, at no particular point in the conversation, he looks up, and announces loudly across the room:
"Did I hear someone say Brioc? I'm supposed to meet him here tomorrow... The equinox is tomorrow, isn't it?"
Quickly composing himself, he closes his book and moves to the group's table.
"I am Nathaniel, son of the Holy Lands, student of Volidar Stormblade -- a friend, I gather, of your masters. It is with great pleasure, and some apprehension, that I meet you all tonight..."
...he begins to rise from his chair, animating more, seeming lost in his own words, despite maintaining an equal share of eye contact with all at the table...
"...for, although our quest is shrouded in mystery, and truly to be fraught with peril, I look around and see clearly the spark of great heroism in all of you. It is no coincidence that, when a good lady's dignity was callously threatened, our numbers were the first and most adamament to stand in her defense. And in your reproach, was there fear, hesitation, weakness, even staring in the face of such brutal enemies? I heard none -- I witnessed none, and neither can I imagine that these other patrons saw something that I did not. And nor did I sense surprise when it was discovered we had been sent to meet one another, for it is clearly the way of fate to bring great heroes together, to create a greater hand to carry out the righteous cause. Nothing could seem more natural! And natural as well it must be that our journeys will be full of danger and dread, and that our glorious lives will be threatened time and time again, by forces beyond fates will for our survival! For such is the way of adventure -- but within your ranks I feel no fear, as I look in each and every eye and see the same will and determination to survive and to succeed in the name of good that I feel burning deep within myself."
"I come from a tragic, besieged kingdom, and have spent my life working to lift my people from the mire. But even with those familiar folk so far away, I feel truly at home -- for as much as they are my brothers in blood, we are clearly brothers in spirit. I greet your company then as coming into this world anew, with much to learn, much to explore, and many trials ahead, but with the full confidence that I am in my right place. Together, now, let us make our masters proud!"
He lifts his glass of water in a quick toast, and takes a sip immediately -- letting the others follow of they choose, but not waiting in case they choose not to. He then sits in silence, looking eagerly and intently at whoever resumes the conversation.