I'd say they could certainly know each other, but from Eli's childhood, back when he was regularly fishing with his father … Eli's been off the water for a while. (Tefkros probably knows Eli's father better.)
Also, I think I'd relocate the tavern to the Cudgel district, as that's where the Whirling Fury church is; he'd make excuses to hang out there before work.
@Aurangh: Just realized Inspire Competence is keyed off the Perform skill … any chance of getting that in-class? (Not an issue if not, I'd just take a level of Bard and Able Learner instead of Martial Study/WhiteRaven).