Once they've found a place to sit, Alvor makes a point of stepping around to the far side of the table, taking a seat that allows him to put his back to the wall. It's possible that someone else may have been headed for the same seat, in which case he offers a quiet apology and mutters something about "old habits" before sitting down.

This isn't his first visit to the Hagfish, and those who have seen him here before may recall that he often drinks alone, and that they have never seen him participate in any of the activities that might relieve him of his coin. He has been challenged on a number of occasions and has refused each time. He has, however, made a few non-monetary wagers, including the one he lost just two nights ago with the local carpenter Danver Lauson.

Al orders a mug of ale and a glass of cheap whiskey and, for the moment at least, seems content to listen to the others.