"Well Mr. Ben, why are you here with no visible face from the town's artist and trying to participate in challenges you apparently are not skilled in? Usually, we have advisors or aides to give us tips, have you one?"
After the wench's invite Garreth says cheerfully, "You are in luck because I do not know any good jokes and therefore cannot insult you or embarrass myself but I hope you get someone." He laughs and then takes a seat for a meal and drink.
Having grown up in relative isolation in a forest, Beanillus occasionally couldn't grasp certain social norms that many others took for granted. The enthusiasm for portraits was one of them. Glancing the wall above them he acknowledged to himself that the rows of portraits did create an ambiance of history, and continuity. Some walls further back displayed folks no longer living. Beanillus had noticed most of The Town folk took pride in their portait being hung, and felt an annoyed embarrassment. "I haven't been in town long, and didn't know if I was staying" he replies to Merlin. "I suppose I should 'join the club', and have a portait done". Hearing the crowd call "Beanillus" once again he reasons, "As for responding, besides the amiable sport of it, I had hoped if I answered the challenge then the next round might be something I was better at". Beanillus wonders if the older man is still listening, but adds "I have an Advisor, but I don't always understand his meaning, and he seems a bit hurried".
Merlin listens as though he were hearing some important matter from home. After a sip he says, "You sound frustrated… have you been looking for work? Stefan hires people, maybe he can give you a job and keep you busy."
"I suppose I just need to knuckle down. When I first arrived at The Town I was sort of disoriented. I've rarely been in a town this size. I usually get work as a bodyguard, but I've been spending most my time wandering the shops and growing familiar with the local customs. Tomorrow I will visit the artist and have a portrait done. And if they are still calling for jokes when I return, then by the Gods I will tell one" he threatens sarcastically.
"We all were disoriented at some point." He shows some of his scars. "Then you learn, gain some experience and move on, but you don't get there by drinking in this tavern." He smiles and finishes up his drink. As he rises he says, "Remember this… the ones that aren't here are the ones out there breaking down the doors to get the treasure and making the monsters a dream only seen in the nightmares by children." He nods and leaves to see about his armies.
Disappointed by her having to refuse the challenge she says to the wench, "Maybe next time." She orders her meal and after eating it all she leaves for her next adventure.
Without telling a joke he laughs, "You mean all this time no one here could be found to tell some jokes? Last time I tried I was scorned, shall we see if I can make a hat trick of it?"