Lillily smiles when Bran sits down next to her. He doesn't look like he wants conversation but she makes small talk, smirking when he orders a weak beer, and suggesting that he might want to pace himself. She offers her name, but doesn't pursue anything deep, enjoying the time just watching those come in. As it turns out this is her first pint, but she asks him to fetch one of the new brew once it starts being distributed, if he wouldn't mind terribly, thankyouverymuch.
Bran exchanged names and pleasantries with the gnome, Lillily, and laughingly went to fetch her a pint of the Gold Nectar. Returning with the brew, he had the eerie feeling that he was being watched. He turned and met a pair of glowing green eyes that seemed to bore into his soul. For a moment he felt as if he were rooted in place; then the gaze moved on to another and he gasped, not realizing until that moment that he had been holding his breath.
That's trouble, right there, he thought. He shivered, then shrugged it off and returned with Lillily's brew.
"You going over?" Lillily asks Bran, smiling big, with the gap in her smile front and center.
Bran had a strange feeling he knew what she meant, though he hoped he was wrong. He didn't need more excitement in his life right now. Sure enough, when he turned to follow her course, he found that she was headed straight for the cloaked figure.
Of course she is.
He debated whether to follow or get back to work, then signed in resignation.
Was there ever any doubt. Of course you'll follow, nitwit, he thought to himself, setting actions to thoughts as he made his way through the crowd after Lillily.
You just can't resist a mystery, can you? Or a challenge. Probably get yourself killed this time. Despite his self deprecating thoughts, he moved quickly to catch up.
"Aye, lass, I'm coming," he said quietly.
Besides, the lass is in her cups. She might need a clear head along, he rationalized - though it was fairly obvious she could handle herself.
And who knows - it might make for a good story someday.
As they neared the newcomer's table, he saw that he and the gnome girl were not the only ones to respond to the...summons? The pretty elf-blooded lad with the lute and the tiefling girl also appeared to be converging on the table.
Hmm...I wonder who else is joining this little party. Bran moved discretely off to one side, standing where he could see and hear the interactions at the table and still see anyone entering the tavern. He settled into his familiar information gathering stance and waited patiently to see what would happen next.