"Elite?," Learin nervously responded, "That would be far from the word I'd use to describe us."<span style="font-style: italic">A stiff breeze could knock me over, and Sigrun is just a wall... in both ability and personality.</span><br/><br/>He cleared his throat and began once more, "The job is issued more from the church than the royal house, per se..." His elbows planted themselves on the wooden surface of the table, his hands interlocked and now supporting his head, "The church Thaumaturgists are very finicky about not being able to perform their famous 'Miracles.'" His eyes shifted around a bit, a small chuckle escaping his throat, "Sorry, I kinda go on unrelated tangents a lot."<br/><br/>Sigrun's gaze was finally turned to the people at the table, interjecting herself into the conversation, "We're going to the Calleran Archipelago to meet with the spirit of fire, Ignis. We're working toward restoring magic back to the church and the people of Neravas."<br/><br/>Learin was about to scold her for blurting their entire purpose out loud, but, her monotone voice probably attracts little attention anyway. Still, loose lips sink ships, and Sigrun's mouth is a cannonball to the stern... with like three other cannonballs glued to it, carrying... wild wombats or something. "As you can see, it's very important. They just... don't have much confidence in a man believing he can speak to deities. I guess it's sounding less 'Researching' and more like trying to speak to a volcano."<br/><br/>"Volcanos do have mouths, afterall. Maybe you just have to talk loud and angry enough."<br/><br/>The researcher was slightly taken aback at Sigrun's response, just because if it came from anyone else it would be condescending. He knew she was being literal though, and brushed it off. "So, uh, probably not the journey you were expecting, but it will bring you to Neravas, as you requested." His eyes shifted toward his towering companion, "And of course, you'll be with your new knight in shining armor as well."<br/><br/>The apparently Shiny Servant Sigrun tilted her head inquisitively, "I suppose being bright would attract more attention to fulfill my role as bodyguard. I'll need to look into this more."<br/><br/>While Learin was slightly reluctant at first, he's now more certain that Riu would be decent company on the road. Dealing with only Sigrun for an entire trip would be like to drive him mad. Even if he doesn't provide much help, it'll be like having an adorable kitten come along; you can pet it when you want, then it'll go over to the corner and sleep when you don't. Also the kitten can summon a giant purple dog to bite your ankle. Maybe Sigrun would be like a bulldog and Riu would be...<span style="font-style: italic">Wait, why am I thinking about this?</span>