Marianne was startled when the gentleman hidden within the shadows revealed himself and began to speak. Following him with her eyes as he rounded the table where they gathered, she eyed the stack of papers he unceremoniously set in the table's center. Seeing the antlered Mr. Ghurst grab a few to review them, she felt inclined to do the same. Reaching across, she gathered the reports that remained and skimmed over its contents. Leafing through the papers, she quickly decided her next course of action.

Returning the shadowy gentleman's findings to the center of the table neatly, she thoughtfully listened to each of the other guests as they spoke. Occasionally, she found herself glancing at the dripping mercenary woman who had arrived late to the scene and the rather gruff looking man who was noisily consuming something with a horrid stench. Her gaze lingered on the bearded man for a moment before turning her focus to the other guests. Her short-attention span made it a little difficult to keep track of each and every guest. So many of them had different backgrounds and nearly all were of different race. Lost in her own mind, she found herself staring at the bronze Golem woman in awe before she realized that she was the only one present with Elven blood and was brought back to reality. Blinking, she shook her head slightly and raised her hand.

[b]"I volunteer to be part of Mr. Ghurst's expedition. There are lives that could potentially be in immediate danger that I would rather focus my efforts upon. For all of our knowledge, the first expedition may very well still be alive."[/b] She paused, looking down for a brief moment. [b]"I would like to hope so and believe that they are. At the very least we can do is retrieve their bodies if they have fallen and properly lay them to rest to honor them. That is my largest concern at this time, to learn the whereabouts of the first expedition and potentially rescue them."[/b] Lowering her hand, part of her wished that she demonstrated a lack of fear of the unknown in her decision. That, and the fact that she was never afraid to get a little adventurous and dirty. It sounded a little fun, even. What was a little wet and mud, anyways? She could always bathe herself and launder her clothing.

Ricard's ears and tail grew rigid as he huffed, incredulous at Marianne's sudden decision. Without even having consulted him first, too! He tilted his head and caught her gaze, [i][b]"Dearest Princess!.."[/b][/i] he exclaimed. He thought to reject her decision, but he had neither the will nor political power to do so. So many thoughts coursed through his mind. The dark and wet! The mud and grime! Not to even begin to mention the other strange guests that would be working alongside her! He wanted to protest. He wanted to say 'No', but he couldn't. Marianne eyes softened as she gave him a warm smile, reaching over to caress the top of his head. [b]"Ricard...Trust me, it'll be fine."[/b] Ricard whined ever so slightly, but held his tongue and kept his words to himself. He just couldn't understand what was so important to her, to help these dirty foreigners in matters completely unrelated to their own. Whether it was her foolish bull-headed ways or her ever-compassionate heart that was the cause of her actions, he couldn't say. He would've much preferred the two of them remain above, chasing after whatever useless information was out there until she was pleased. The pair returning home after having done so. But no, she wanted to roll around in the muck. Meaning he would have to go with her. Oh, yes. That much was certain and automatically clear. He wouldn't allow let his dearest Princess to traipse about without him. He resigned himself and sighed. 

Marianne took into account what the young lady with the kitten had said and stood to address the guests within the parlour. Placing her hand on her chest, she looked to each and every one of them as she spoke. [b]"If it be of some help, though I may not look the part, I am adept at the blade and bow. I also know of some protective and healing magicks, though I am not as skilled in sorcery as I am in combat. If my skills are required elsewhere, I will gladly alter my decision. I merely wished to state my preference."[/b] Turning look at Ricard, she placed her hand on his nape. Ricard stood and begrudgingly spoke. [i][b]"As for mine self, I am exceptionally skilled in close battle. My knowledge of sorceries is vast and the magicks I commonly use are powerful. Though, take heed vile cretins. I will not be parting from my dearest Princess. Take that into account."[/b][/i] Ricard then sat, Marianne rolled her eyes and shook her head. Always with the offensive insults with him. Marianne returned to her seat as Ricard eyed a tall human with disheveled hair and beard. His ears perked when he heard the human utter something under his breath, which immediately triggered his rage.

[i][b]"Didst thou utter something, rampallian!? Doth something interest thine eyes!?"[/b][/i] He snarled. Ricard looked as though he was preparing to lunge across the table at the man. Marianne's hand shot forth to grab a fistful of Ricard's fur and hide, jerking him downward. [b]"Ricard!"[/b] She sharply whispered at him. Ricard turned to look at Marianne. Under her breath, her words seething with hot anger, she commanded him to leave the parlour. [b]"You have embarrassed me for the last time today!"[/b] A pointed finger aimed at the entrance, Ricard's large form seemed to shrink at the sight of it. [b]"Leave."[/b] Ricard's ears flattened sadly, he thought to contest her command. Marianne's brow arched and she pointed at the door yet again. Ricard briefly looked at the other guests before mournfully padding toward the door. Turning his head to look back at her, he saw her mouth the word 'Outside'. Nudging the door open with his snout, he sat just outside of the entrance as the door closed on him. He huffed, he didn't do any wrong.

Marianne buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning a hot pink. Lowering her hands to fold them in her lap, she attempted a smile and shook her head. [b]"I apologize for my companion's behavior, I sincerely do. Sometimes I wonder if the only emotion he knows is anger."[/b] She laughed, her rosy cheeks eventually fading and returning to their pale complexion.