Not for me, the minotaur replies.  I have what I need for the road.  He raises his voice:  Hey, sleepy dwarf!  Let's move!

"I have everything I need for the road, where to friends? Lorvilra, or does your road lie another way?"

OOC: Assuming everyone agrees to head to Lovilra (sorry, pushing ahead so we can introduce someone)...

Feeling rejuvenated after a good night's rest and a few pieces of breakfast sausage courtesy of Elka, you set out on the road to Lovilra. It's mid-morning by the time Southwort is out of view, and a nice breeze greets you as you emerge out of the forest and onto the main road to the city. It travels up a slight incline, and when you reach the crest of the hill, Lovilra's impressive skyline comes into view. Massive spires jut into the sky with the formidable city wall sitting just below. You know the wall is mostly for show at this point - the city is a democratic powerhouse, run by a council and a powerful military - it hasn't been involved in a serious war for centuries. 

As you continue down the road enjoying a blue sky, the sun sits just over your right shoulders. The occasional gull flies overhead, casting a brief and small shadow as it moves toward the city, probably to feast on garbage. Their calls are a bit irritating at first, but they quickly become background noise. 

You don't even notice when their calls cease, but you do notice the shadow - a big shadow, being cast from behind you. Much bigger than the gulls. Instinctively, you all turn to see an Aarokocra cruising overhead but slowly descending toward you. It's backlit, but you see that it's wearing some kind of leather armor and the silhouette seems as though it's sporting a huge double-bladed scimitar.

As it flies past you it's clear you were spotted long ago. The Aarokocra nods as it glides past, but then it begins to gently bank and circles above the road for a few moments. Finally, with a few heavy wing beats, it sets itself upon the ground forty or fifty feet up ahead, facing your direction. 

With a flourishing display the Aarakocra digs one of the blades into the ground, a mere feet from where his heavy claws have sunk into the earth. The weapon is of fine make, each blade separated from the haft with two thick square bars spiraling around themselves, making the weapon hum loudly as it is spun in the air. The blades themselves are also inlaid with fine gold filigree.
In a proud display of color, the leather armor bedecked with rich cloth of purple, gold and silver, the Aarakocra kneels down to inspect the three marching up the trail. His feathers, blue with a purplish hue similar as that of the cloth, are ruffled, his entire stance one of interest, although clearly indicating a fearlessness as well. The feathers on his head end in red tips, crowning the large beak that makes his face.

"You're not bandits." he says matter-of-factually, then clicks his beak once, turning his head as if expecting something from the trio.

Cinder scans the stranger as he tightens his grip around his staff. "We are not.. Are you?"

Brask frowns, his hand opening and closing, ready to go for his maul if the newcomer tries anything foolish.  Foolish to come alone if he is.  Lone bandits don't live long, or so I hear.  He looks around to see if the aarokocra has a gang nearby:  Perception 19

Brask scans the trees on either side of the road, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. As far as he can tell, the Aarakocra is alone.

"I am not." The Aarakocra replies, tightening the grip on his weapon as well in response to their aggressive demeanor. "Lone travelers also fare poorly in these regions, I have heard. From your anxious responses, I gather you have encountered bandits yourself? Might I inquire where, how many?" He takes a half-step forward, clearly eager to learn what the trio has seen in the past days, then suddenly shakes his head and stands up straight, as if presenting in a military parade.

"Apologies, I have failed to make introductions. My name is Xyrfaen, member of the Winged Veil of Renspire." he takes a small bow, then lifts his weapon out of the ground, carefully observing if he may proceed to approach the small group safely.

The rest of you may not know what the Winged Veil is, but you've probably heard of Renspire. It's a large city in the southern portion of the White Wind Mountains, located somewhere between Lovilra and the Carrion Coast, all the way to the east of the continent of Oshait.

Brask, says the minotaur curtly.  We killed some bandits yesterday.  I don't remember if their group had a name, did they have a name?  He asks this to Burik and Cinder.  Well, doesn't matter now.  They're dead.  What's your interest?  And what in the hells is a 'Winged Veil'?

"I am Burik, and like Brask has said we did encounter a few bandits recently, but I don't believe they gave us a name." Burik's demeanour stays relaxed, likely a contrast to the others.

Xyrfaen hooks his weapon onto his back, giving a full display of the wing attached to the back of his arm, the feathers on the underside a dull brown ending in light brown tips. He then tightens two straps hanging loose on the side of his chest, likely a mechanism that secures the weapon in place so it doesn't fall out whilst flying.

"I see. The Winged Veil is a part of the guard force that protects Renspire. I have been sent to assist this area in investigating the bandit problem, it may be related to an issue further east. In that vein, may I inquire if you noticed anything unusual about them? Any Warlocks, perhaps Demons, fighting alongside them?"

He pauses, then cautiously moves closer to the group. "As you mentioned, it is dangerous to travel these parts alone. I am well equipped to deal with problems, but I could do well with some ground-based allies. So, might I join your merry band of travelers?"

No demons, Brask says flatly.  He looks at the aarakocra for a moment, assessing him.  So.  A guard, is it?  And yet here you are, on your own, looking for 'ground-based allies'.  Did they throw you out?

"I did not mean to offend." Xyrfaen says, noticing the silent aggression in the Minotaur. But then, perhaps he was always like this. Their race was known to be a little hot-headed. "No, I was sent out alone. Renspire is far from here, sending a full troop all this way is an expensive enterprise. It was upon me to find allies or investigate alone. I have found you, and you can deal with bandits as you have mentioned. I am inclined to believe you, thus you would make for good allies."

"Unless you are dealing in illegal activities, I can of course lend my skills to your cause as well. I have good eyes and ears, and I can obviously take a high vantage to spot potential dangers or destinations. So, what do you say?"

Fine by me, Brask replies.  Company on the road's always good.  So are we going to spend the whole day chatting, or get moving?  With that he turns, and resumes walking towards their destination.

Cynder relaxes a little and walks up to the Aarakocra. "Welcome to the party. I'm Cynder. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." The Tabaxi gently pats Xyrfaen on the shoulder as he walks past him and follows Brask down the path.

"A keen eye and a good disposition are always good traits for travelling companions. Not to mention a bigger group is often safer." Burik motions towards the sword on Xyrfaen's back as he begins walking, "I've not seen a weapon like that, is it common amongst members of your profession or is it more unique than that?"

Xyrfaen nods, "It was crafted first by members of my roost, but the other smiths in Renspire have copied the design. It is true that mostly the Winged Veil wield this kind of weapon, but it is not unheard of that others have one crafted. I must admit, I am uncertain if the weapon design has found its way outside the borders, but I would imagine so."

He ruffles his feathers in a display of contentment, feeling fortunate to have found a welcoming group so quickly on his arrival in the area. Hoping not to offend, he stays grounded and looks around the group. "What has found you traveling this road? What are your purposes, or destinations?"

My purposes are to stay alive and earn coin, Brask says.  He looks at the aarokocra, and then grins.  And maybe have some fun along the way.  Splitting bandit skulls, now that's a fun time.  But alas, I've no higher purpose than that, and you should know that we only met each other yesterday.  We're no merry band of adventurers, not yet at least.  What of you, tabaxi?  What is your 'purpose'?

"I grew up secluded, away from any civilization. So when I was ready I left home to explore the world and see it with my own eyes." Cynder stares off into space as he continues talking. "That was my original goal until I was abducted by those bandits. It seems I have a target on my back. Now I'm curious as to who's after me, and why."