<div class="floatleft">(https://40.media.tumblr.com/5ba018be4bbbad06e1bc42bda50e3a7f/tumblr_nkm6c2THr51tk4029o9_r1_1280.jpg)</div><div align="center"><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">By Order of His Majesty High King Emortalis Lightsword<br/><br/>Hereby declare a state of emergency.<br/><br/>Volunteers needed for a very important and dangerous assignment. A small party will investigate the sighting of the Ebon Mist in the ruins to the north of the Capital. Full provisions and compensation offered. <br/><br/>This is a very dangerous assignment. Magisters, Clerics, Warriors, Rangers and Rogues are encouraged to apply with the Captain of the Guard, Kaelen Brightarrow, as soon as possible. <br/><br/>The peace and security of our Great Nation depends on this quest. Only those qualified will be selected. A reward will be offered as well as the undying gratitude of the residents of our Great Land.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div></div><br/>It was the third time in just this hour that Sariel had read the missive. She had found it tacked to a mssageboard at an outlying town's general store. Keeping the trails clear of bandits and the occasional bullywug was all well and good - and certainly needed! - but this?<em>This</em>called to her. even to the point of distraction, as she forgot to keep a tight rein on the elk stag who bore her on his back.<br/><strong>"I'm terribly sorry!"</strong>she called down to the acorn merchant whose cart had just been tipped over by the inquisitive beast. Sliding from Hyrvi's back, she made to help the irate merchant scoop his merchandise back into its proper place, wincing each time a passerby crunched one underfoot.<strong>"Here, let me... Let me..."</strong>She let out a soft sigh as she opened her purse. Nothing in there but two heavy silver pieces, a tiger agate, and a collection of copper coins.<br/>Maybe she had ought to start accepting rewards. Nibbling her lip, Sariel passed the two silver coins to the merchant.<strong>"Again, I'm terribly sorry, I wish I had more..."</strong>She shifted her shoulders, deciding to go for broke.<strong>"I'm new in Oldirin... can you.. .can you direct me to where I might find the captain of the guard?"</strong><br/><br/><hr/><br/>Somehow, she had expected more volunteers to be in sight, when she finally found and entered the gathering. The woven bark of her boots whispered against the living wood floor; the fox agilely weaving between her ankles made more noise with the clacking of its nails on that surface.<strong>"Am I in the correct place?"</strong>She asked, unfolding the notice to look again.<strong>"I'm seeking audience with Captain Brightarrow?"</strong><br/>She glanced down at the sand-colored animal that was apparently trying to tangle her feet together, nodding as if it had said something.<strong>"I'm just surprised by how... vacant it seems. Oh! Present company obviously excluded,"</strong>she hurries to apologize to the others who have showed up.