[Mini Event] Strangers in a Strange Land

Obviously Koel had intended to show up to this welcome party, introductory gathering, whatever it happened to be, but he’d lost track of time. Actually, truth be told, he hated social engagements of any kind: even if this was necessary so they could integrate themselves with the people of this land, that didn’t mean he had to like it. Unfortunately, as a former politician—though he had happily discarded that title—and as one of the few former leaders they had from Northaven, he felt obligated to go. Of course, when the time came to show up, he dragged his feet and so now was...if not late, certainly not punctual. Oh well, people always muttered some nonsense about being fashionably late, so he was just going to take a page out of that book. While they didn’t really have customs (or fashions, given the lack of resources in this new world), he was sticking with that story. It’s not like people really knew him well enough to be questioning his presence, or lack thereof. For all they knew, he was off doing something very important. One of the true joys of no longer being the Overseer was not having to be accountable to anyone if he didn’t want to be. Even better, he didn’t feel the need to be on his best behavior all the time; if he wanted to, and he was increasingly finding he did, indeed want to, he could do as he pleased, not as he knew he should. So getting to the event Ronin had organized—and really, it was a relief not to have to plan parties anymore—a bit late was fine. Besides, when he arrived he saw that he was still on the earlier side. While he dearly would have loved to simply talk to the people he already knew, that would likely defeat the purpose. So, with a sigh, he scanned the room for a likely target. Two faces caught his eye: the women looked related, but he couldn’t tell how close. More importantly, they were apparently natives. So, steeling his nerves, he walked over to @grusha and Tae. Smiling briefly—which was more than he usually did—he nodded to both of them. ”Thank you for coming. I’m Koel Ambray.” Although he doubted they had the same customs here, he held out his hand for them to shake; if they asked him about it he could use it as an excuse to explain some of their traditions and hopefully find out about theirs. If they knew what the gesture meant, so much the better, as it meant their societies had something in common. Worst case, however, he could use this as an opportunity to gather information. ”I’m sure you have many questions for us.” He had a lot for them, but he’d learn through the years the best way to get something was to give a little. koel ambray Taking the path of most resistance