Hey now, Joseph, it gets lonely on the empty tundra! At least he had the decency to try and keep his shame in check; he knew he wouldn't hear the last of it if the tavern's owner saw it. Or Joseph, for that matter, but it was a little late for that. Oh, well.
Einar leaned in, gawking at the curious instrument with Joseph. "I knew it," he breathed excitedly. "What an excellent find." He was so thrilled that he downed his beer in one go, and raised it. "Another, good lady?" he called, only for the old imp to scoff and snatch the empty mug away.
Einar did not bother to wait for his second round. Joseph made a request, one that he could not ignore.
"Of course," he told him, pushing the flute eagerly on his friend.
One older gentleman that had been watching out of mild interest hopped down from his stool and crossed over to look at Joseph. He had one brilliant blue eye, and a leather eyepatch on the other. To call him human was questionable at best, for he carried a strange aura, but it was not unfriendly. In fact, he gave Joseph a small smile.
"A pretty lil thing, that is," he said. "I am Arne, and that there's my band. Luke, Tufty, Gorm, and Witch." He gestured to a small group of seemingly older men and lady that waved towards them. "Do you play, lad?" He nodded down at the flute, then looked at Joseph amiably.
Lady Imp came waddling in with a tray of beer, giving Einar and Joseph both a fresh mug. She rolled her eyes at the band. "Shoo, off with ya, quit harassin' my customers! If you lot would do less talking and more playing, we might liven the place up a little. I ain't payin' ya to sit 'round your backsides all day."