Kimberly
Rawntha felt that perhaps that Raven had indeed been an omen. They'd found a merchant right off the bat. Or at least an aspiring one. The lad seemed a bit overly enthusiastic. But, that might be good for the dwarves. Rawn would try to strike a good deal, but still not cheat the elf.

"Oh, I beg your pardon, I am Rawntha, and these are my travelling companions, Bik and Bek. We can talk merchant business in the morning if you're still about then. But information is best found as quick as possible. No, the information we seek isn't on the Southerns. But on the Khalvir..."

Rawn suppressed a smirk when Jeriscal broke into the conversation. He met the man's gaze for a few moment's before smiling and talking freely.

"I did indeed mention hiring. We're paying for information, and for adventurers, explorers, and scouts. As I was just telling our young merchant friend here, we're seeking information on the Khalvir Range. More specifically, if has come to out clan's attention that there is an old dwarf city that was destroyed and taken over by some air elementals. Unfortunately, the location of this city has been forgotten, or erased by all but the Ironhammer clan it seems. But, they have locked their fortress to any who isn't of their clan. We tried talking with the Firebeards in the Voldur peaks, but they seem to still be enraged that the Ironhammers have not accepted that the newest dwarf king is a Firebeard."

Rawntha paused a moment and then continued: "Sorry, I'm rambling on a bit. The point is, we're looking for those willing to explore the Khalvir to find this lost city. Which means facing extreme cold weather, nasty creatures that like to eat people, and... Have to deal with some air elementals. And frankly, I have no idea what an air elemental is. We've encountered elementals of earth, fire, and water. But air... That's a new one to me."

Rawntha then locked eyes with Jeriscal again. "Interested?"
Margaret
Jeriscal held his firm eye contact with the dwarf, Rawntha, while he spoke and expressed the detail of their hiring. Taking it all in Jeri leaned back in his chair. As the dwarf continued to speak, he felt his belly rumble a bit and he looked at the now empty plates on his table while longing for the meal to be ready soon. When the dwarf stopped Jeriscal did what any good leader would do, he counseled with his group. 

Turning to Lucile they had a small aside as they thought about this scenario in deep detail. It was no job the dwarf was offering this was something a bit different, it was an adventure. One that sounded dangerous at that. The young man hunched over the table that bird hopped about on, as they communicated. Eventually, the man turned back to Rawntha and the dwarven brethren he traveled with.

"Rawntha, before I go on, I must tell you although I would very much like to be involved in this task of yours, I myself have no prior experience with this sort of adventuring. While I may come across to many as... Weird..." He hunched down in his chair a bit feeling some shame as if some bad memories returned to him but was perked up to stay on track when he received a few pecks on the shoulder "Being a native of miller-dale I have never run into dwarves that were innately evil or malicious and seeing as though you and your companions are well intended I believe that I would like to offer my services."

The ghastly pale male leaned forward in his chair not for intimidation but for the purpose of showing increased interest and focus on the discussion at hand. "I have some minor magical abilities that will help on this travel. To name a few I can create magical campfires that will be able to keep us warm in these extreme conditions. I can magically clean material, which would include any of our equipment. As for scouting is concerned..." The raven hopped forward presenting himself with his chest puffed out "Lucile here can provide us a bird's eye view and has keen vision in the dark. Plus, he would be able to be a lookout at night while we all slept and in the same category of scouting..."


As soon as the audible effects of the magical whisper wore off Jeri opened his mouth feeling satisfied with himself but genuinely putting his best foot forward despite while overcoming his social anxiety however, he was still unaware if this was good enough to give him a position. "What would you be willing to pay for services like these?" Upon finishing his sentence Jeriscal gulped but tried to hold his best poker face clearly nervous for rejection.
Kimberly
Rawntha chuckled at the thought of being considered weird. Human's had such a dislike for the unique. Conformity was their way. 
He nodded understandingly that the man was not well traveled but had encountered dwarves before. That was good. At least the man wouldn't be totally out of water around a company of dwarves. 

Rawn listened as Jeriscal listed off his abilities. Dwarves had no issues starting fires, but magical fires could come in very handy. Being able to stay clean would be a benefit. He wondered if that would extend to keeping dry? 
But... Best of all, he had been right. The man and Raven could communicate. This was an excellent find. He wondered if it was possible for the raven... Lucile... To entice other ravens to join in the search. Actually, could any of his scouts be trained to communicate similarly with ravens? That would be such an advantage to his people. 

Then suddenly his left eye closed and he grimaced for a second. He held his hand out low, a signal to his companions not to react. Rawntha saw the use of magic as useful. But in his opinion, dwarves really didn't use magic. That was something the scholars debated about given their skill in all forms of physical crafts, calling their work magic. But he never once saw a spell cast by dwarven hands upon their work. And he hadn't ever really gotten used to it being cast on himself.

"Oh... That'll take some getting used to. I see the benefits of that, but we'll have to do some training work for me to be freely able to handle that. As for pay..." He motioned for one of the lasses to come over. "The lad here will also be having a portion of the pork. And we're paying for all his food, drink, and room tonight."

Turning back to Jeriscal, "No one goes hungry or thirsty when they work with us. We also expect to find some initial treasure if this is successful. You'll.. No, You AND Lucile will both get equal shares with us. And, We'll do our best to train you for adventuring. Does this sound agreeable?
Margaret
When the dwarven man winced from the magic jeri immediately became wide eyed and nervous luckily his fight or flight adrenaline rush froze him still because in that moment if he had reacted irrationally in fear there was no telling how the two dwarves may have reacted. As he longed on he was momentarily relieved when the dwarf signaled to his companions and began to speak in a tone that did not sound vengeful. 

Then the dwarf brought up the idea of pay and offered to pay for meal drink and board and Jeri's face lit up with joy. What more could he possibly ask for? Apparently, the dwarf had a good idea being taught how to be an adventurer. This wasn't a job any longer it was an apprenticeship, but Jeri was brought to tears when the dwarf mentioned Jeriscal and Lucile as equals. Jeri was speechless and dumbfounded looking at the man trying to maintain his composure and gratitude, but he simply could not as his tears flowed from his face from the combination of kindness and opportunity. 
Lucile hopped with a fluttering of his wings over to land on the dwarves table and with a gracious expansion of his wings he lowered his head to bow before Rawn showing servitude and acceptance of his offer. Lucile, being the more refined of the two tilted his head while holding his bow and gave a light caw to his master. 

"Oh yes... Right..." Jeri wiped his tears aside and took a deep breath in and an exhale that was shakey showing his sheer excitement even further. "I accept your offer Rawntha of the Northern Mountains, to be companions and adventurers alongside you, Bik and Bek! He stood up and slammed his hands on the table. We shall celebrate this occasion with the best stock of the local Older Slay Jar Brewin Hose!" Quickly wanting to fit in with the dwarves Jeri quoted Nellady's mentioning earlier of the ale but utterly butchered the name. "Krono drink some Brewin Hose with us!" The young lad gleefully pulled the trader back into the conversation out of sheer excitement.
Goldie
Glad to see trade of any kind and a helpful hand quickly raised his half full pint to the air and drank from it. This was a great night at The Shepard. 

"If I may Master Rawntha as far as knowledge of the air elementals I maybe able to find something out by talking to the captain of the guard, sir Gallane Draker. If not then if you perhaps travel back by the way of the valley and not the Southern Mountains I may accompany you and help you find the Firbolg giants who claim and protect the land. I had a most wonderful experience with them and I owe them for a great gift, like foamily they have taken me as well. They surely have encounter these elemental as well and know the bases and slops of the mountains well." 

Finishing his drink and setting his pint with some force to show decisiveness and extending his log elvan arm and hand, "What say you Dwarf Master Rawntha would you like the services of this trader and maybe even the company if needed?"
Kimberly
Rawntha nodded his head to acknowledge Lucile. "Forgive me for not understanding your language my feathered friend. But perhaps with time, Mr Jerical here will be able to help me learn a bit." He held out his right index finger to offer scratch the raven under its chin if it so wished.

Bik and Bek nodded and welcomed Jerical into the group.

Turning his head to address Kro, Rawntha said "By all means, please to talk with this Sir Gallane. If he has any information we will gladly pay him what it's worth. We hadn't planned on going through the Southern mountains. It would add extra danger and several more days of travel. We were planning on heading north, aiming for the gap between the Southerns and the Voldurs. If that is also your route you may surely accompany us. Of course we'll gladly give you an exclusive contract to buy sell and trade with our group. Can you be looking for provisions for 200 dwarves, yourself, and of course Jeriscal and Lucile? We have 25 of our brothers with pony's and carts waiting outside of town to carry the supplies to the main group."
Goldie
"Excellent, in the morning I will head to make arrangements and see Sir Gallane. If you wish to meet him please let me know before I depart. I do love to eat breakfast here before leaving. What ever The Guard knows they will share with me. It shouldn't take more than a day and half to have all you need for 200 and the length of the trip. Who knows moving to much from wholesalers and out of the port may help this old man who has been waiting for two days now go get to his cargo." Slapping a bit hard the old man "Sorry but your days of seeing mother may be over soon".

The old man laughs "Ay but her missing me may make her change her mind next time, right dear?" She smiles warmly at her and continues to laugh.

"After all arrangements have been done your caravan may enter to be loaded. Perhaps even some tomorrow after the high sun if there are good at the port. One of the port masters is my father and will make the needed space for your men to enter an load." 

Changing his face to a more serious one he now looks into Rawntha's eyes. After pausing long enough to start having the attention of most in the room. He moves his face a bit further from his body towards the dwarf master and deepening his tone "One thing however Master Rawntha" Pauses for effect "You better warn your men, or dire consequences will surely follow" His eyebrows now furled together.

Tension starting to build. 

Now more fluently and faster spoken "The women here are mighty beautiful and hunting for a husband" Cracks a laugh "Don't let your men get entangled with them. They will surely see a dwarf as a path to a comfortable life, even if its in the mountains." The other two travelers and even the old trader nod in confirmation of the beautiful women and find it fun that the dwarves do have to protect themself from them. 

"Jeriscal my friend you be careful too, they find out your with the dwarves and you will surely have a baby in no time on your arms. I hope Lucile can keep them off of you. You protect him Lucile, protect him" He smiles warmly to both and continues to drink his new cup.
Kimberly
Rawntha, Bik, and Bek all join in Kro's laughter. 
"We'll just have to careful. It'll be hard to not be taken in by these lovely ladies charms."
 
"I'll leave the meeting with sir Gallene to you master Kro. And that's wonderful news about opening things up for us to come in with our carts.. I'll let the porters know to be ready to move in at a moment's notice"