[@ERode][@Superman][@Pyromania99]
[h3][center]~Oars Rest~[/center][/h3]

Isabella's gaze lingered momentarily on Ophene. In fact, she was probably staring just a bit. Not exactly in [i]that[/i] way. She had just never seen someone so...scantily dressed before. Not that it was her place to judge others attire, but...well, being dressed like that would have likely gotten the Pheran kicked out of the church. Her staring was finally interrupted by Tsukiko moving close, and said something about trolls.

[i][b]“The trouble is that of these ‘trolls’, and you wish for their extermination?”[/b][/i]

She didn't detect the hostility from Tsukiko. Instead, Isabella was wondering if standing so close to another was common where she was from. Not that she particularly minded standing so close to another, but it wasn't something she typically saw unless she was with some other recruits during training. Her thoughts soon turned to what she said about 'trolls' and their 'extermination', however. Her normally cool expression turned into a slight frown at this. Violence, then. To be expected out here, she supposed...but it didn't mean she was fond of it.

She kept quiet though, for she had nothing to say until the merchant himself spoke.

[color=Cyan][i]"Alright alright settle down now. Let the man speak. Yes, I do believe we're interested. Just tell us what we need to do, how much we're getting, and we'll be on our way to doing it. Seem fair?"[/i][/color]

She shot a quick glance over to the armored man. Was someone excited or something? None of them looked particularly excited or angry. Before she could question what exactly he meant though, the merchant finally spoke.

[b]"Oh thank the heavens."[/b] He sighed, shoulders relaxing, glad that someone finally agreed to hear his plight. [b]"Perhaps whatever accursed spirits I have offended have decided to give me a reprieve. Ah let me introduce myself. I am Arturo, a simple, though mildly successful trader. I organize goods to be shipped through the jungle to the outpost. I won't go into details, but recently...all the shipments have been getting lost in the jungle."[/b] He shook his head. [b]"The first time it happened, it could be passed off as an unfortunate accident, but this is the third time! I hired help the second time and third times as a precaution, but they along with the shipment didn't return. I can only assume the worst. The embassy is breathing down my neck to find a solution to this problem, or find whatever is causing the disappearances to happen...I don't know what to do! I'm a merchant, not a sword wielding madman who charges into battle."[/b] He blinked, realizing that perhaps he had just offended one of the parties present.

[b]"A-apologies...I am simply stressed. In short...I simply would like you to find what is attacking the caravans. I can not pay you up front, but once you reach the outpost and deliver news of your success to the Caededril representative at the outpost, I'm certain they can reward you amply."[/b]

As the merchant spoke, Isabella simply listened quietly. What she picked up on, was only that the shipments were getting lost, not that the trolls were responsible specifically. Still, it didn't matter. She couldn't really turn down such a direct request for help. Not when this merchants livelihood was at stake here.

[color=ed145b]"I can't speak for the others,"[/color] She replied. [color=ed145b]"But you have my sword."[/color] And that was it. She waited for the others to either accept or reject the offer. If she must, she would go about this task by herself. Wouldn't be the first time she had to do something herself...plus it would give her time to practice.

[h3][center]~Docks~[/center][/h3]
[@RedDusk][@Ariamis][@Lauder][@Black Alice]

When the captain finished, there was a murmur of discussion among those gathered. It seemed some were wondering what exactly the benefit of this would be. Certainly, they could all still go through the jungle. It would be much less hassle in this case, and much less work for them. They could get on their way without being hindered by the Imperials regulations and laws. Some were completely uninterested, and moved on their way towards the Inns and shops. There were a few who seemed like they were about to step forward, only to be beaten to the punch by a pale skinned man with red eyes. The captain looked down at him from where he stood, smiling.

[b]"Excellent. Apologies for bothering you."[/b] He replied in a friendly tone. He said to the man driving the cart, before stepping off and addressing one of his knights, likely one of a higher rank than the rest. [b]"Continue about your normal rounds. Make certain you have more patrols around the jungle. Those cowardly merchants are complaining about their caravans being raided by trolls again."[/b] The disdain in his voice was quite clear, but before any comments could be made he then faced the group who addressed him.

[color=blue][i]"The three of us will accept your quest, and eliminate the beassst. Also, we may have a fourth participant joining the mission."[/i][/color]

[b]"Indeed? Four is just the number we were looking for."[/b] He said, as Nazr walked off, turning towards Jagred as Ankt approached, asking him a question about another Aahari. The captain put on his helmet, thinking as he did so. Aahari weren't exactly a common sight in Oars Rest, so taking note of them was something a bit required in his job description, since they could often be somewhat...unruly. And dealing with unruly citizens was his job.

[b]"Not often we get Aahari here."[/b] He replied. [b]"They don't tend to stay long if they do, either. I can't give you any solid leads, but if you want to travel to the outpost just after the Grotto, the Captain there would likely have more information on an Aahari."[/b] It seemed like that was all the captain was going to say on the matter, though he could be holding back a bit in favor of perhaps motivating the Aahari in front of him to help with this incident.

[b]"Now, more importantly...we're not sure what beast did this. There have been a lot of rumors about the Grotto since we first found it. Most adventurers tend to overlook it since its so close to Oars Rest, but...well, let's just say some of those rumors might be a little more than rumors."[/b] What he meant by that he didn't elaborate before he continued. [b]"I trust you can find your way to the Grotto yourselves?"[/b]

Whatever the adventurers answered, the captain proceeded to give them a sealed letter.

[b]"Once you're done, give this to the Captain as proof you're there on official business. He will reward you quite well for your services, I assure you. Information on the surrounding land, weapons, rations...this matter is something we would like solved quickly and quietly."[/b] His tone took a somewhat more grim turn as he spoke. [b]"And I must warn you that the Empire does not tolerate failure [i]or[/i] deception."[/b] That last bit was probably added, just in case they decided to get wise and move through the Grotto without even attempting their given job.