Kane gave her a lopsided sheepish grin. "I'm sorry If I was indelicate. It is long since I have been in polite society. I spent too much time on the war-fronts and not enough in the graceful company of beauties" He bowed.
Mira ran up as he spoke. "Kane. I'm so delighted you could come!" How are things on the eastern border these days. Have you had much trouble?"
"Lady Mira." He turned to her and bowed even more deeply, it has been blessedly quiet of late, the patrols seem to have been a successful preventative measure. My brother was right…as usual... Also! You must thank your father for the fortified lumber and supplies he sent to strengthen our defense. They have been of great aid!"
I will!" Mira beamed. "Sooo, how IS your charming brother these days? I hope he can recover quickly from his injuries. He certainly had quite the scuffle the other day…." She trailed off searching for him in the crowd.
"He's…...Fen" Kane shrugged pouring himself a healthy stein of mead and garnishing it with an assortment of berries. He does as he pleases, always has." He chuckled. "He's around here somewhere. Look for the gimp hobbling around with a cane."
Angelina felt her stomach drop a little at mention of General Fen's injuries. Her mind flashed again to how he had gotten them... In the moments just before that he had been accusing her of being a demonic spy! WHY would he risk himself like that for someone who he'd obviously deigned a prisoner from the start?
Her thoughts were interrupted yet again by raucous howling laughter. A tall bald bearded man with an eyepatch was slapping Kane on the back at what was apparently the conclusion of a real "hum-dinger" of a joke.
"BOY! I sure do miss getting to see you guys!" He roared. He turned still laughing and scooped Mira up like a child into his humongous arms and spun her around twice in hearty bear hug. Mira laughed the whole time. "My dear, aren't you just as pretty as a picture!" He set her down on her feet and patted her head gently in a gesture of fatherly affection.
"Ganan! Oh, it is so good to see you! I'm missed you so! How are Rayas and Iris? How is the guild?"
"Busy! Very busy! We've had a LOT of unexpected guests lately, a few have even decided to join our merry bunch. Rayas has them out on a training mission as we speak. I'm taking quite a shine to them! The little one is a real pistol!"
"Really? How wonderful! And how odd... I too have recently come across some rather unexpected company." She gestured to Angelina, who dipped her head shyly at the acknowledgement. "This is my esteemed guest, the Lady Angelina."
"Angelina..." Ganan looked stricken by something, and his gaze shifted faraway for a moment. "Where have I heard that name before…" He paused like something was on the tip of his tongue. He was silent for a moment, and then he regarded the woman. The warmth returned to his face, "Oh don't mind this old warrior. I'm afraid I may have taken a few too many blows to the head in my time." He bowed deeply. "My Lady, I am called Ganan. I am the foreman of the Adventurer's Guild of Isliid... Call upon me or mine if you ever have need."
As he stood, Kane approached again, with a second glass of mead in his hand. He offered it to Angelina and she accepted. He offered his arm, and she took that as well.