Clarise smiled and nodded as each of the heroines introduced themselves.<br/><br/>"You were the one who unmasked the smuggling ring in Nehrend, were you not?" she asked Safri. "A deed for which We have many reasons to be grateful. And as for the rest of you, We have heard of the glorious victories attained over the bandit king known as the Krait, which made for a most enjoyable play--"<br/><br/>Delaine couldn't suppress a smile.<br/><br/>"--and of course, the...ah, the<em>fervour</em>of servants of Calistra is well known, as are the uncanny prowess of the elf-folk--"<br/><br/>She was cut off as Amanda stepped up and made her offer and a moment later, Gloriana had stepped between them, not actually shoving Amanda back as she took the flask, but certainly looking like she was considering it.<br/><br/>"Please forgive her. She takes Our safety very seriously." said the princess. "Ana, I'm sure it's harmless, you don't need to worry.<br/><br/>"Now, the reason that We called you here....would that it were something as simple as bandits. A few days ago, the settlement of Borstown, on the border between Our kingdom and the domain of the elves, vanished without trace, seemingly gone from the face of the earth. Few know of this, yet. But there are those who...."<br/><br/>The princess paused, and bit her lip.<br/><br/>"My father is a wise and just man, but he brooks no insult when it comes to the kingdom he protects. In his anger, he blames the elves for this disaster, and they have accused him in turn. We would not see the members of the Great Kingdom come to blows if it can be averted. The area where the village stood is now regarded as accursed, so few have ventured there. But if a group of adventurers with ties to neither realm were to discover the truth....hopefully, that could avert this conflict. It would be even better were they to rescue the villagers."