Cheers to a new journey!

The weather started off nice, but as Trin and I waited in line at Lady Jamie Sinclair's manor, the skies looked like rain was coming any second. We were in line at the appointed time for information about the expedition into the reach; an expedition that we signed up for in the hopes of finding Trin a new home to settle in. I wanted to sign up so I could help and protect him on the journey. I do also enjoy adventures and seeing more of the world! The Reach has been unclaimed and inhospitable for a very long time, so we must be as prepared as possible.
 
As we all finally entered the manor, the rain hit! We got inside just in time. The foyer was grand and we were led into an even grander dining hall with many tables set up for the large crowd. Trin and I settled in some available seats with a very unique group! Honestly, the entire crowd of people were unique, but this group really stood out. I started introductions as we got settled in and met Ilaria, Scarlet, Grog, and Eurydice. Lady Sinclair and Lord Iocef, the Mayor of Novas, arrived soon after introductions and gave a brief speech. She mentioned that we are going to the Reach to reclaim land and drive out anything wicked so people can settle there. We are not in competition; each group will be exploring different areas since it is so vast. Then they thanked us and toasted to our endeavors!
 
After that, we got to start enjoying the feast that was prepared and meet the rest of the members at our table: Ezekiel Calhoun, a quiet man seeking to make a new life in The Reach with the second chance at life that he has received; Jasper Cottonwood, a bubbly halfling that loves stories and adventures; Beau Auclair, a knight who bears no markings; Sandra Ridgeborn, a large, muscular woman who seeks simply to fight monsters in The Reach; Dagna Ironmaul, a doomsayer who needs more optimism and hope in her life; Lady Sephina Everheart, a noblewoman that is apparently NOT in line to inherit much from her family, so she is going to establish her own house and town in The Reach; and Thalara, another noblewoman who claims her ancestors are from the reach and she wants to take back their land.
 
There was definitely some...tension between some of those people with the small group of acquaintances we met... Especially with the noblewomen and Dagna. I always struggle speaking with and befriending nobility. Not only because of how I look and my status, but because they seem to speak in ways that are hiding secrets and manipulative. Politics and wealth, I will never understand, but I still wish to get along! I have a strong suspicion that we will encounter these people again in The Reach, so I will do my best to befriend them!
 
The entire feast was so delicious, much finer than what I'm used to. The dessert was my favorite part! Lady Sinclair ended the evening by letting us know we were to sleep in the manor that night and the staff showed us to the rooms. To my pleasant surprise, Trin and I were staying in and next door to the small group of acquaintances from the table! I'm happy we can continue to get to know each other. I lit my candle next to the bed and we all got settled in for the night, listening to the rain as sleep came.