119 The Forester Workshop (3 of 3)

"Welcome!" Krow greeted Amaleo and Frai with a grand smile, winking at the children behind them. "Let me direct you to your booth tonight ---oh weeping skies, one moment."

Ban was arguing with three sirens which were evidently having fun with his hotheaded personality. He grabbed Ban's collar and dragged him away, to the laughter of the table.

Stopping before Amaleo, he returned to his pretend greeter persona. "Sorry about that. Ban is one of our temporary servers here, he'll lead you to your booth."

The boy cursed at him. The young ones giggled, and Ban turned. "I'm---uncle! You're finally here!"

"Yes." Amaleo glanced around the tavern. "What did I say about saying those words."

"It was an accident!"

Gaven, Rurel, and Atimur were being cooed over at one booth as they emptied their serving trays. Nari was telling off a half-drunk draculkar in another, smiling dangerously, backed by a scowling Talebrech.