Voadam said:
Kalen treats the man's comments about chores as a friendly joke and replies with a wry smile. "So you're the old Vanderboren gardner who is to be replaced then I take it? You mortals age so quickly, but I'd have thought you've got a few good years left in you yet. Tired yourself out lifting those big pruning shears you carry while wearing that metal shirt? The blackberry topiary is not truly so fearsome here is it? In any case, I thank you for the good wishes, though for the moment I'm here for the fine conversation. Tell me what chores need doing around here though, I would be most interested in hearing."
The leader of the mercenaries leans toward Kalen with narrowed eyes, as though trying to decide whether to be insulted. After a long moment of tension, he finally diffuses the situation with a sharp laugh.
"Ha ha, well said my elven friend. Gardener, indeed!" The man's hand does appear to tighten on the hilt of his bastard sword, despite his apparent amusement.
"I'm sure Lavinia will instruct you with all the details of your chore over dinner. I'd hate to spoil the excitement."
stonegod said:
After scruitinizing the strangers for a moment, Col straightens up a bit and declares, "The Jade Ravens, eh? No surprise see'n ya here, being the Vanderboren's fingers as it were. Off to secure more mercantile interests, I take it? No matter, seeing you makes me think that the Vanderboren's prolly need us less for traipsing around an' monster fighting and more for somen' less over the table. Hrm." The old man begins rubbing his chin in thought.
The leader of the Jade Ravens gives a quick glance at Col, perhaps surprised at being recognized. His lip curls in a slight sneer at the man's ragged appearance, then he says dismissively,
"Yes, well, we haven't got time to stay and chat. We have important business to attend to in Cauldron. Let's go." With that, he strides away and the other members of the mercenary band fall in behind him. They depart the atrium without looking back.
Just as the Jade Ravens stalk out of the atrium, Kora comes in from another hallway and announces,
"Dinner is served!"
The party follows the tiny halfling down the hall, and into a private dining room. The room is comfortable and cozy, and softly lit by wall-mounted lanterns. A window overlooks the manor's central courtyard and the carpet is thick and soft. A large portrait hangs on the wall, a fine work depicting a handsome young man with a short beard. Standing before the portrait is an attractive human woman wearing a long, flowing blue dress. She smiles as the characters enter, introducing herself.
"Good evening! I am Lavinia Vanderboren. Welcome to my home, won't you please be seated? Dinner will be served momentarily."
(OOC: Go ahead and make introductions and small talk as you like.)