[The other people in the bar do pass the group a few looks, but once they see that it's a group with Ed, they stop paying attention. The bartender takes this all in stride, grinning at Santa's request about Ed's tab. Who called him "Ed" anyway? Something weird was going on, and catching sight of Dylas only confirms that. If Ash is bothered, though, it's hard to tell. He plays it cool.]

Well, since Doc seems unusually tongue-tied at the moment, allow me to introduce myself. Ash Rookwood. Welcome to my place. It's not often Doc brings new friends along.

[He now shoots a look at Ed that is clearly Ash waiting for an explanation. Ed finally manages to shake off his overwhelmed expression at his best friend, and speaks up.]

It's... complicated. Sorry, but can we all talk to you somewhere private? For just a minute.

[Ed quickly turns to the others.]

We can trust him. If there's only one person in this city we can trust, it's him.

[Now Ash starts to looks a little concerned, but he nods in agreement. He calls one of the kitchen workers to come out and watch the bar for a few minutes, and flags the group to follow him up a set of stairs. The second floor looks to have some rooms for rent, but a small apartment among them belongs to Ash. He brings them all inside, giving them all another appraising look.]

So... What's this all about?

[This could be tricky.]