Leelan brushes the dirt off himself before joining the conversation with the unsuspected allies. The two newcomers would see a man the size of average human child. His hair is brown with hints of gray, betraying his middle age. Mutton chops and a mustache adorn his round face, and a pair of spectacles rest on the bridge of his nose. He wears a fine leather vest, and a red beret rests on his head. Out of all the members of the group, he seems the least worse for wear.

He bows elegantly at them. "As expressed by my distinguished peers, you have my sincerest gratitude  for coming to our rescue. I’m Leelan Dapper, scholar, aspiring author and adventurer."

After hearing about the origins of their assailants, the gnome asks "Should we expect retaliation from said orcish leader of theirs after this defeat most humiliating?"

"You can trust us to be excellent hosts should you decide to venture down the Breitwasser with us. And I wouldn't say Amnifortis is part of a dead culture if that is what you implied, it is merely a part of the empire that has been struck by a great tragedy. As an anthropologist you are most welcome to study the ruins with us, however those ruins holds great perils so be warned. And thank you for warning us about these Burned Knights, we will be wary of them as we continue with our expedition." The young noble explains with a friendly smile looking between the man with the covered face and the woman, the woman whose name was Cosette.

Rohuzar eyes Raqisat with a bit more guard, assessing the newcomers for danger. "And that brings you here? How do you know so much of these Burned Knights?" 

At Rohuzar's questions to the newcomers, Aubrey glances over at the orc mercenary, using the powers of his talisman to communicate with him.

To Rohuzar

Raqisat's earlier words to Cosette were met with a simple dimpled smirk, then a wink. While he may like to work quick, she enjoyed playing the long haul.

Always holding herself tall, Cos looked taller than she was. The high leather boots helped too. Without them, she'd actually stand about 5'4" in height. She wears simple clothing, cinched at the waist with a protective leather corset. However, she also wears golden hoop earrings, bangles and rings. Cosette's hair is brown, cut short above her shoulders. Her eyes are a rich chocolate brown. A rapier rests upon her hip, as does her free hand. The other hand holds her light cross bow which she eventually puts away during their welcoming. Though, those were definitely not all the tricks she has 'up her sleeves'.

While the others exchange pleasantries and discuss business, Cosette falls silent for once while Raq does all the talking. She confidently keeps walking, happy to help herself onto the ship. Her eyes do flit around to look over the boat in detail now that they were even closer. She even watches over the crew as they work to free the ship from the bandits hooks.

Brown hues fall over their new hosts along with a charming smile, even dipping forward to return the scholars formal bow. Cosette would then turn attention to Aubrey, offering her hand to the young noble eager to host them. "Cosette Shadowjaw." She finally breaks her silence. "Pleasure." She smiles. "While I have quite the flexible skill set," Cos' eyes pan from him to the others in his group. "To put it simply, he studies the people," She gestures to Raq. "I study their treasures." An Archaeologist of sorts.

The amber eyes of the young noble follows Cosette as she confidently boards the Golden Empress, taking her hand and gracefully leaning in to almost press his lips against it. "I'm truly honoured to make your acquaintance Ms. Shadowjaw." Aubrey says with a confident smile of his own. "And you should always welcome the opportunity to study and learn about new people...and their treasures, especially those who would seem...exotic, wouldn't you say?"

"An anthropologist and an archaeologist on board. We were just traveling with the Bardstown chapter of the Dwarven Archaeological Society for a few days, but they stopped at Grand Crossing. Well, welcome. So are you two actually heading to Amnifortis? I would be careful if I were you - it's full of aberrations. We've faced a few of those before and they're tougher than bandits, even ones that call themselves knights."

The Orc addressing the newcomers speaks with a slight slur, typical of the people of Pentwater. He has skin as grey as cobblestones and ruddy-blond stringy hair that is combed up his head and then dangles down the back like a waterfall. He wears a steel breastplate, and the leather armor underneath is sewn full of pockets, which bulge with knickknacks and gewgaws.

"I'm Grugga by the way." He reaches out a hand to each of them to shake. "So, do you have anything specific in mind for the city? Or will you just be studying whatever you can get your hands on?"

     Raqisat slowly undoes his face covering and then pushes back his hood.  He's got a bit of a rugged look to him with a roughly kept goatee and shaggy, unkempt hair, but his eyes are shard and steady.  He looks over the group from the boat and a small grin forms on the side of his face.  He had expected the group to be a softer lot than he sees before him, not that they scream battle hardened but nor do they pampered like the boat had led him to expect.

     The Gnome is indeed a bit of a surprise, though he tries not to let that show.  Raqisat had indeed assumed the diminutive one was a child of one of the others but that is obviously untrue up close. "Well they did escape alive," Raqisat answers their question regarding retaliation.  "Though they did have to escape.  I hear they like easy prey, most times.  But that boat is a tempting prize.  If you plan to linger in what they consider their territory it would not shock me if they gathered a larger group and made another attempt on it."

     Turning to reply to Aubrey, Raqisat says "Your offer of hospitality is much appreciated.  It would be a welcome change of scrabbling around the rocks and living rough while evading the Knights and all.  Thank you, my friend."

     "Yes, Grugga.  We are indeed looking to make it inside of Amnifortis.  We are searching for the Lamp of Alhazred - It is said that if you rub it three times while reciting the Prayer of R'lyeh that you will be granted an eternity of silken comfort and wealth untold..."  Raqisat breaks into a laugh, unable to finish.  "No, no, my friend.  I am sorry.  I couldn't help it...  But no, we seek out nothing specific.  We explore.  Discover.  Take note of our findings.  It is about discovering what is lost rather than seeking out specific items.  Any large city contains as many wonders and secrets to be discovered, yes?  But anyone who cares to can search those out.  Cosette and I, we like a bit of a challenge, no?"

“That is one way to put it.” Cosette smiles to Aubrey. She then leans over to mutter a low quip to Raqisat, “More like you let them escape.” A smirk tugging at her lips. Technically, she did take down two.

”Pleasure, Grugga.” Cos reaches out and returns the half-orcs handshake with a firm one of her own. She then gestures to Raq to indicate that the latter of what he says is closest to correct for her as well. She winks in response to him stating they enjoy a challenge. “I agree it’s more ‘bout discovering what’s lost or unknown.” Cosette confirms. “Our trail started in the western mountains, then into the Mourning Wood in Valar, an’ now fate has it, to the ruins of Amnifortis.” She admits.

     "I let...?" Raqisat retorts, feigning being wounded by the words. "It is only because I am a lover, not a fighter."

     "Ok, ok..." He continues quickly.  "An anthropologist, not a fighter.  Better?"  The amusement on his face makes it apparent this is all in jest.

Grugga looks to his companions, raising his eyebrows and shrugging lightly as if to say, "these two could be helpful in Amnifortis."

"I think our cook needs to rest..." He says aloud. "Should I get us all something to drink while the boat starts going again?"

Rohuzar starts stripping clothes and armor to dry off in the sun on deck. He's listening closely to the introductions, but appears withdrawn. 

Do we have anything like a brig? If not, he'll secure the bandit leader below deck, away from the secrets of the engine. The galley unless there are other suggestions.

Aubrey smiles as he listens to the banter between Raqisat and Cosette, having the feeling their company would be amusing and entertaining if nothing else. 

"Yes, thanks Grugga, the white wine will do I think, I'll show our guests around and we'll meet up in the common room for refreshments soon." Aubrey says with a smile to the artificer.

He would then nod appreciatively to Rohuzar as the orc mercenary moves the bandit leader below and out of their sight.

He would then take Raqisat and Cosette on a short but most fascinating tour of the Golden Empress, showing them a state room each should they consider staying on the ship for now, then making their way to the common room to meet up with the others for drinks and a discussion about any collaboration when exploring the ruins of Amnifortis.

There is no brig.  Such a thing could be assembled, in theory and with time, if Mr. Faerondaerl were given supplies and building instructions.  For now, provided you don't mind looking at him while you eat, the Bandit Leader can be restrained in the galley.

Mr. Howie is tucked away in his quarters to get some rest.  In the meantime, Mr. Faerondaerl assembles an attempted lunch out of some brined cabbage and fish stock.

Captain Elianna Neck comes down from the bridge to check on everyone.  Raqisat and Cosette see an older, very tall human woman, with strong, muscled arms not unlike a blacksmith.  "Let's not try any of that again, shall we?  I don't fancy having to explain how we lost this ship."  She grabs a bowl of the... stew?... and eats while standing.  "So what do you have in mind?  The day is half gone and we are a mile or so from the city.  Do you plan on going ashore today?"

"And we need to work out the particulars of where you want us to stage while you are exploring.  And exactly how we are to know when and where to pick you up."

     "A soft bed would not be unwelcome," Raqisat says with just a hint of ambivalence.  He had been sleeping rough for a while and a bed does indeed sound quite appealing, but he still does not know these folks and is always uneasy sleeping around strangers.  

     Raqisat otherwise oohs and ahhs, in a restrained manner, at the fancy ship.  It is much nice, and definitely much cleaner, than he is used to.  He is probably not quite as impressed by the engineering marvel bits but he tries to not disappoint their host.  Truth is he's just not technologically inclined and thus doesn't really grasp how impressive this ship is.  

     "And just what is you and the crews interest in Amnifortis?  You don't seem to have an army like the Burned Knights supposedly do, nor do you seem like your interest is purely intellectual...?" Raqisat asks gently while they are on their tour.  "This ship surely wasn't come by cheaply though."

     At dinner, as it is, Raqisat will explain to the captain what he knows of the local shoreline.  He's quite up front about not being a sailor of any sort and thus knowing nothing about water depths or such a ship like this would need, but he can perhaps share some information that would be helpful...

"Our mission into Amnifortis is no secret. We are comissioned by the emperor to pave the way for the empire's reclamation of the lost city of Amnifortis by exploring it and finding out how to deal with the multitude of aberrations that still linger within the ruins. The Golden Empress was granted my family and will be used a base of operations where we rest and plan between incursions into the city. You would be welcome to assist us and I am sure you will both be properly and generously awarded by the emperor when we return to Bardstown, maybe even with a ship of your own if that is what you seek." Aubrey explains with a friendly smile to Raqisat and Cosette as they make their way back to the common room for drinks.

As she eats, Aubrey explains to Captain Neck that the team would want to be set ashore outside the city and will signal for evacuation by sending a flying construct or a raven back to notify her. He would suggest moving into the city at first light tomorrow.

     "Strips of colored cloth," Raqisat suggests around a mouthful of... Soup?  Broth?  Still, better than what he can cook.

     Looking up from the meal at the faces around him he swallows and explains more.  "A half dozen or so different colors.  Tie one to the birds leg to send a message.  One color for all is clear come get us.  Another color for needing a quick exit.  Could maybe even have a couple different rendezvous sites determined by the color of the cloth."

Leelan follows the group as they make the visit of the Golden Empress for the newcomers. He is pleasantly surprised of their interest for the field of anthropology. He mentions knowing a few scholars back in the Northern Trade Federation that chose this discipline as their main area of study, and that he always found their theories fascinating. 

When Aubrey mentions that he wants to move into the city starting tomorrow, he’s filled with both excitement but also some concern for the danger they’re about to run into. Perhaps having two more capable fighters will play in their favor.

Rohuzar listens to the other plans then suggests to Aubrey: "Perhaps ve set a time and place. If there is need for early pickup or late, ve use the familiar or some similar. A strip of color cloth is good for indicating safety at the time of pickup, too." 

Raqisat and Cosette may notice a distinct thick accent not common to the empire, much more recognizable to native orcs of the now Disputed Lands. He is a green orc with dark hair, and that hair is thick across his arms, chest, and head. His brow is thick but his eyes are shrewd. He also has the biggest muscles one could possibly fit inside his chain shirt. 

He has a trim haircut of military life, and wears equipment that may tell you about his particular branch of service if you're familiar with such.