"Oh dear," Alan says, stopping just inside the entrance and conducting a leisurely survey of all assembled (the redhead to his left receives an assessing glance that has very little to do with gauging combat readiness).

There's a dollop of theatrical dismay in his voice; he carries no gear of any kind and wears slacks, a long-sleeve shirt.

"I hoped if I tarried long enough you'd simply leave without me."

It's hard to tell if he's being serious or not. You'd best get used to that.