"This I understand, placing one's duty above one's being. Though, curious to find in a cook, I suppose." Morr commented on sister Vanessa's words, before again focusing on the sustenance at hand.<br/><br/>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>It was then that a man in his mid-thirties, mayhaps to be called regal in appearance, his features wizened beyond his time, clad in the standard habit worn by the grand temple's monks made his way through the space between the tables, approaching the podium from which Wolfram used to announce the day's plans.<br/><br/>Coming to a stop, he turned to the temple's eating occupants, though eyed the unbound gryphon with some weariness, before speaking, voice having a rasp tone "As much as I despise souring this day's mood already at its beginning, there are pressing matters that you must be made aware of.<br/><br/>Wolfram excuses himself for being quite busy and chose me to represent him in this matter, as you know, the troops we sent to investigate the rumors in Toldare have not checked back for several weeks, while the sovereigns of that land deny any involvement in the matter.<br/><br/>We are hard pressed to have this matter resolved, but must stand ready, as always, in case Toldare proves hostile in the end, which is why most outposts are currently standing ready to assist, leaving us with only those brothers and sisters of the Hellguard currently stationed at our Temple to the great Buzziah.<br/><br/>Now, new rumors have arrived, which some of you may have heard already. Those of the creature, or rather ship of flesh and gold. When these rumors cropped up about one month ago, we sent some of our own to investigate. They sent alarming reports. This creature exists and it is a menace to the seas. We have never seen something like this, it attacks anything that is in its sight devoid of reason, it seems.<br/><br/>The damage it has done to the trade overseas is tremendous.<br/><br/>The ones we sent to investigate further have not returned and we fear the worst. Worse yet, with our troops so limited due to the occurrences in Toldare, we cannot send many more to the south-east, but we cannot let this go unanswered."<br/><br/>The man paused, letting his gaze wander over the crowd, catching sight of Valetni berating his apprentice. The man's mood seemed to darken further "Valetni, Wolfram's words to you are that you are still responsible for the occurrences in the library. I suggest you listen closely, for the redemption for that act has been decided.<br/><br/>As I said, we cannot send many, barely two dozens of the Hellguard, but..." the aidé's eyes again wandered over the crowd, coming to a halt on the massive figure of Morr "Sir Morr, Wolfram would like for you to be the de-facto leader of this expedition, knowing of your unrest, though if anyone else in this hall would voluntarily wish to join, then Wolfram has given his allowance for that.<br/><br/>Especially for you, Valetni, Wolfram strongly suggests that you find your redemption by participating in this journey, your... unique abilities might be of use there, for once. Besides that, sir Morr, Wolfram would suggest that you familiarize yourself with your companions from the Hellguard, seek them out in the barracks at noon, supplies as well as money will be provided, and it is advised you start the journey as soon as possible, preferably today or tomorrow, though that is for you to decide.<br/><br/>That is all." the man excused himself and retreated from the podium.