Alex shrugged back at Dan.<br/><br/>Not-Dan frowned. "So you did not seek out the trial in service to the Gods? This is... troubling." He went and placed the platter of food on the table, then turned back around with a smile. "But, that makes you even more fortunate! Through sheer luck, you have stumbled upon a far greater purpose than you could possibly have had before. The war against the Shajad is unquestionably the most important thing happening in this world, and now you are a part of it. Before, you were hapless bystanders to a conflict that raged all around you, but now you will have power, strength! Now you can make a difference!"<br/><br/>He held out his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Surely, that is worth whatever inconvenience these bodies bring?"