Marianne tilted her head curiously as the goblin she addressed seemed to shrink away from the sight of her and sound of her voice. It wasn't until she recalled her elven relatives speaking so hatefully of their kind that she realized what was wrong. Upon her epiphany, her expression softened into one of sorrow. Before she could apologize on behalf of all Elven-kind and take a step, the parlour's door swung open. Countless other characters followed shortly thereafter, one after the other. Blinking, she thought to formally introduce herself to each one but only found herself quietly stuttering to herself. Unable to properly collect her thoughts to address each and every one of them. Taking a few steps back and placing her hand on her chest, Ricard sensed her discomfort and stood. Returning to her side, a low growl rumbled in his chest as the wolf made sure to keep track of each and every one of the guests. Eying each of them with apprehension and suspicion, he was most wary of the silent character that leaned against the furthest wall. Ricard was most distrusting of the quiet ones, especially those whose eyes he could feel linger over his dearest Princess.

Marianne moved her hand from her chest to rest it upon Ricard's head, gently stroking the massive beast's ears. She was suddenly quiet and shy, her voice lost to her. Calming from the motion, Ricard remained on alert as evident by his erect tail, but his rumbling growl remained as a constant reminder that the pair were not to be trifled with. Ricard was clearly uncomfortable with the entire situation. Too many strange faces, too many different and odd characters. What sort of mission had the dearest princess undertaken?  At that moment, another manservant had taken their things to properly store it away. As other guests arrived, the Mayor herself had appeared and bid them all to take their seats. As Marianne moved to take her seat closest to the Mayor, Ricard bit the leg of her chair and pulled it out for her. As she took her seat, Ricard gently moved her closer toward the table. Biting the leg of the chair next to her, he simply moved it aside. His hulking form unable to properly seat himself in furniture designed for bipedal creatures. A woman who was all business and no nonsense, she cut straight to the point of the matter. Though the details she gave were vague, Ricard found himself respecting the human slightly. Very slightly.

Marianne looked at the presented glass of wine in front of her and was transfixed by the crimson-filled glass momentarily. Never allowed to partake, she also was partially fearful of the alcoholic liquid. Though, she was always curious as to the drink's taste. Sensing her interest, Ricard nudged her with his snout. Marianne looked at Ricard, who huffed and shook his head. Sighing, she gently pushed the glass away from her. When the detective opened the floor for questions, Marianne began to speak but was cut off by the bashful goblin from before. Though, she had a hard time understanding the goblin's ramblings. Allowing the goblin to finish and fall silent, Marianne stood and looked at the other guests at the table. 

[b]"First of all, I am pleased to make your acquaintance Mayor Exeter as I am to all of the honored guests here."[/b] To this, she courteously bowed her head towards each guest. [b]"But, for clarity's sake, might you have any more details or information on what we exactly has been happening here? Many of us have traveled far to answer your pleas for assistance and help, would it not be prudent to divulge all you know?"[/b]
As the elven Princess returned to her seat, Ricard was next to speak. Making sure his 'voice' was as loud and clear as possible. [b][i]"Might I also add to my dearest Princess' questions, why hast thou gathered such a haphazard group of vagrants and miscreants to accomplish such a mundane quest? Mind my fairest lady, of course. What dire straits is this city in that the city guard can not handle? I ask thou this, we are not the first expedition thou hath sent, is that so?"[/i][/b] Marianne glared at him for his remarks, Ricard acting as though he did not see.