Elara raises her hand again, this time clenching her fingers into a fist. The signal is clear: hold your position. The forest seems to close in, each leaf and branch eager to witness this moment of uncertainty. Her companions respond immediately, ceasing their movements as if they had turned to stone. Elara's eyes remain fixed on the traveler, who stands in the center of the clearing, enveloped in an almost tangible aura of calm. The traveler makes no move to draw a weapon or speak, merely observing the surrounding woods with an expression bordering on serenity. His clothes, though dusty from the road, are of good quality, suggesting a person of some standing. A gentle breeze stirs the air, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and damp earth, mingling with the subtle musk of adventure. Thorbek crouches, narrowing his eyes as he assesses the situation. Though his grip on the axe handle grows ever tighter, he makes no sound, trusting Elara's judgment. Pippin, crouching among the ferns, feels a pang of anticipation. He wonders if the traveler is a storyteller, perhaps a bard or a sage, with tales of distant lands to share.
The atmosphere in the clearing is tense, yet expectant, like the moment before a storm begins. Pippin, ever optimistic and a lover of stories, shifts slightly among the ferns, his mind analyzing the possibilities. He remembers the old halfling saying that his grandmother used to tell him: "A shared meal is a declared peace." It is with this wisdom in mind that he finally speaks, his voice a soft, rhythmic melody against the hum of the forest. "Perhaps we could share a meal," Pippin proposes, glancing at his companions before looking at the traveler. "We all carry provisions, and there's enough here for a friendly exchange." His tone is hopeful, suggesting not only sustenance but also an opportunity for camaraderie. Elara turns her head slightly, considering Pippin's suggestion. Her eyes meet Thorbek's, who gives a subtle nod of approval. The dwarf always valued practical solutions, and a shared meal can truly reveal a lot about the visitor's intentions.