Chapter 1

"Your Majesty.", Renard bows to the king and turns over to the group of volunteers and tries to size up each of them. He sensed arcane energy resonance from genasi and gnome, although it had strange "taste", when coming from the little one. "What is it? ... Oh, right, probably a warlock.", he thought to himself after short pause, during which he was starring directly at gnome. "Two clerics? And from what I can see - both of Reyna. Unusual, but welcome sight. Goliath is a warrior, probably a savage one, but a warrior nonetheless.", Renard felt that he will get along with Kai just fine. "And sergeant Gorondia. I heard a few things about her. And all of them were good.".
All this happened within few short seconds and before the pause would be noticeable, Renard begun to speak, "As you have already heard, I'm Renard Black. Knight Commander of the Eldritch Knights of Seren. I don't expect you all to be as disciplined as good trained soldiers, but if you can't follow orders - better leave now.", at that moment he looked each volunteer straight in the eyes. "Any questions?"

The Aarakocra simply stayed locked in place, silent as the Tiefling spoke. His mind, however, was a whirlwind of questions and worries. Questions? I have many, but first off, why am I too afraid to say anything?! Why am I letting myself get roped into this?! What are these strange races?! Will this 'journey' be the death of me?! What is with that brute's horrible food etiquette?!

Kai grimaces as Renard lands on the platform and postures. He points the head of his massive maul at the Tiefling, "Fancy Demon help Kai crush Night?"

Narbo's eyes practically twinkled at the sight of the Tiefling soaring into the square. Another winged member of our little group? How magnificent!

The Minotaur takes a step forward and attempts to duplicate the ranger's salute. "Narbo Quills, sir! The miracles of Reyna are at your disposal. I am honored to be part of this expedition and ready to do my part to find Lady Light and restore stability for Sieldar. I was curious, are we absolutely certain Night has abducted her? Could she have disappeared for some other reason and he is simply exploiting that? Also, does anyone have any idea where we might begin our search? What kind of resistance are we facing? Has anyone made contact with the other regions outside Seren? When do we--"

Catching himself, "Apologies, Knight Commander. Sometimes I forget to stop talking." Narbo takes a step back and clamps his mouth shut.

I smile gamely at the one thrown in charge of this party. The smile reaches my eyes, even! Orders? I follow my own orders. I don't "expect" you to remove that stick from your

"Oh, it is so very good to meet you all! Surely we can discuss details in an informal setting? Perhaps share a drink. I've learned comraderie and trust is key to any group's success, is it not? We must get to know one another, so we may utilize our strengths against the Night as best we can. What say you?"

I really hope someone suggests food. I'm starving, and I don't pay for my own meals if I can help it.

"Yes, big guy, that's the plan.", Renard smiles to Kai. He definetly likes this one

"Pleasure is mine, Narbo Quills. As for your questions, I believe we'll be briefed by the sergeant Gorondia as it's ranger's job to gather intelligence.", and Renard gave a nod to a ranger. "As for your talkativeness - I hope it won't be an issue in the field?"

The moment gnome started talking, Renard felt a headache. And he assumed that it won't be a last time. "I agree on the 'get to know each other' part, but would have to insist on banning 'drinks' for a time being.", said he, trying to keep smile from turning into a frown on his face.

I give him a startled look and place a hand over my chest. "I see. My apologies, for I am not familiar with your kind and meant no offense at the suggestion. Is it considered improper in your culture to imbibe beverages with others? I assure you, cool water is incredibly refreshing to a gnome such as myself, there is no improper behavior implied if that is your concern. Humans and elves also sustain themselves on the liquid and, in fact, need it for their very survival. What of the rest of you?" I look around at the rest of the group. Do they really want to stand around with Mr. Uptight in charge? This is going to get old fast.

Narbo wrinkles his brow in confusion, clearly not understanding the gnome's doubletalk. "I do believe the Knight Commander was referring to alcoholic beverages, Lady Beren III. I hardly think we would be banned from drinking water..."

Wait a minute, I don't know anything about any of these people. What if water is like wine to someone? Oh my, what if water is poisonous to someone! Narbo thinks hard for a long moment, pondering all the ludicrous possibilities. Then turns to Renard, "Would we?"

"Oh, ho, ho! Good! Fancy Demon buy friends and Kai ale then crush Night!" The barbarian laughs excitedly. "Kai follow Fancy Demon!"

Kai's hands thud on the shoulders of the clerics as he "gently" pats them with enthusiasm.

Oof! Quetza, who at the moment was trying to not be noticed in the conversation, finds himself lurching forward at Kai's "pat", the wind temporarily knocked out of him. A-a little lighter... next time.. please. He straightens himself out after he regains his breath, neatening out his clothes.

He looks over the motley crew, at this point having resigned himself to his fate. I probably can't back out now even if I tried... He nervously looks at the Tiefling, thankful that the physiology of Aarakocra didn't show expression very well. Quetza Kontor... at your service.

Why do I suddenly feel like a mouse in the world's strangest menagerie?

Phumas' heart sinks seeing another tiefling, seemingly also in a position of power. Do not worry my lord, I know how to take orders. I am Phumas Najhem of the Arcane caste

Even the large Minotaur reels from the Goliath's friendly camaraderie. Steadying himself, he look directly up at the giant standing next to him, "Yes, well... Kai when this is all over I will happily join you in a toast with some sacramental wine! Clerics of Reyna are not prohibited from the 'drink' as it were. At least not in Minotaur culture!" As he is saying this, Narbo reaches across the barbarian and helps to balance Quetza and re-adjust his garments, giving the Aarakocra a slight wink.

"In fact, it is practically implied that on long ocean voyages when the ship's Cleric leads the daily prayers to Reyna for calm seas they are accompanied by much wine toasting! Haha! However, the Knight Comander speaks wisdom. We would not want to cloud our judgement at the outset of an expedition as important as ours. Now then, I agree with the Lady Beren III and our Knight Commander. Let us adjourn to a more... discretionary location and receive this briefing from the Sergeant. It would behoove us to get more comfortable with what we are about to endure as well as with each other!"

I smile even more broadly as I just barely stop myself from laughing out loud as I look at the minotaur's hooves. I like that one. Although I have no idea how anyone's judgement can possibly be clouded by drink. If anything, better decisions are made after several rounds of ale!

Great! Then it is decided. Which way shall we go, then? I motion to the others that we should get moving.

Narbo gives the king a somber nod and as he turns to walk with the rest of group he catches Xana's wide grin while staring at his feet. Oh no, did I step in something?! No... and my hooves look perfectly groomed as usual. I wonder what she finds so funny about my hooves... My hooves.... He is lost in deep thought as the group heads off, scratching his head and staring at his feet.

Why so serious? We've totally got this. And if not, well, we probably would've all died anyway so at least this way we can say we tried something. And hell, if we actually succeed just think of how much gold I'll be rolling in...