Listening around, Damen took on consideration of the words of others; between Lydalia's uncertainty to the existence of creatures like Moogles when they were believed to have vanished, to Piero's reckless idea to make chase after the knight, alongside Imos agreeing with him, on top of it, the woman who seemed to explain this was hers and home of others... to which at this point, Damen could only assume she meant other Moogles. To think that all of this was happening in such a short frame of time, the blond squire could only think of the possibilities. If they did make chase on their chocobo mounts, surely they would catch up with the knight effortlessly, and be able to get back before dark if the fight progresses smoothly. However, Damen didn't like the idea of this; what if the knight expected to have been followed, or others have escaped the fort alongside him? Either way, he and they would have to traverse through a marsh, which for sure would slow a human down, especially those clad in armor, but not so much for the large yellow birds that served as mounts.<br/><br/>"Piero, I would like to agree with you there, but I'm cautious to think that this could end up a trap we'll be walking into. Even with all of us, the knight has the resources to take the life of a hostage if need be to ensure his safety back to Ordallian territory. On top of it, we do not know what sort of creatures we may happen upon while we rush after him; there are plenty of risks, and we're only apprentices. Though our talents have brought us all together so we may work together, I can't shake the feeling that something ill lays in wait for us without at least informing a mentor of ours of our objective, though even then, we would be having to wait for orders from a higher power. I do not think even the Beoulve, Lord and Knight Devout, Barbaneth, would allow our chase, despite his iron will of justice and righting wrongs." Damen knew the Beoulves, he never met them, but they have a rather strong reputation behind them of housing the best of the best knights for the Norther Sky Order. Barbaneth was the head of the house, with his sons, Zalbaag and Dycedarg both talented swordsmen in their own right.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffd700">...And yet, Damen, you can see that leaving one, even a rare creature such as a moogle, can't just be tolerated either; one innocent life that did not deserve to be thrown into this conflict so suddenly.</span>" Damen turned around immediately at the voice, and took a step back; it was Wiegraf who spoke so calmly; it seemed he was close and heard the conversation being had. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffd700">But, you are intelligent to know that the moogle may have some very important information as to how the Ordallians slipped this far into Zeltennian territory without being caught, am I not wrong?</span>" Damen wondered what Wiegraf was getting at in the first place, but when realization struck, he had the idea.<br/><br/>His mentor gave a brief grin, before a nod of his head with his closed hand over his chest as he spoke to his apprentice once more. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffd700">This will be your first of many tasks as you all reach the rank of knighthood, or successful magi; rescue the moogle without harm being brought upon it, as well as any information it may have to share as well, and come back to the fort safely. I shall see to it that you will have one more in your company to ensure your success further; he might be late in his arrival, but it's only a matter of speaking with his mentor, Ser Oaks, to make it official. You are to leave immediately... Before I forget...</span>" Wiegraf would reach into his satchel, and pulled out a bag, and tossed it to Damen, whom caught it; immediately, by the weight, he knew what was within was gil. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffd700">Lord Barbaneth wanted to congratulate all of you in your survival against that ambush; the funds are small, but you are earning your keep by doing your part. You will be rewarded further when you return. Until then, I hope you survive to see that day, alongside your fellow allies.</span>" Wiegraf would make a small bow of his own, before he would leave to attend to other matters.<br/><br/>Damen was at a loss for words; it was made official, and under his mentor's words, they were to leave immediately. The blond acolyte hesitated momentarily, before he would give a whistle of his own, calling the very Chocobo that brought him here, and unlike his less than comfortable dismount, Damen got on the saddle without a hitch. "Well, we should head out immediately, in that case. The knight should be slowed by the swamp just east of here's uneven and wet grounds; we'll use that to our advantage. Imos, you're a good shot with that bow of yours, right? As we near it, you should find a place that is higher than most so you can get a full look of the grounds, while still able to get shots off to our knight friend, and any other allies he might have with him, using the winds as necessary to direct your shots." Damen was thinking like a tactician. He then turned to face Lydalia.<br/><br/>"Lady Lydalia, accompany Piero so should things turn sour, your blade will protect him, while his talents in potioncraft will aid in any injuries or ill effects you may receive." Lastly, he would turn to the girl who spoke in both Moogle tongue, and Chocobo speak, actually riding over to her. "You'll ride with me to get in front of the knight, so he will be boxed in by Lydalia and Piero from behind; if what Lord Wiegraf said is true, a sixth companion shall be fighting alongside us shortly. If you're trained in a blade, we'll make use of it; should you not, just provide what skills necessary that will support us in the best manner possible." Damen seemed to have the plan laid out; his father was a brilliant tactician, back when he was alive, however, the word of that ambush near Riovanes just was something that tugged at him, yet he knew he had to be strong; for Alexander's sake, and the lives of his mother, and two younger sisters.