To say that Osanne or Esmeralda were impressed with the turnout would be a lie. Osanne looked somewhat annoyed- though considering her expression was always close to a scowl, it was hard to tell the difference in her expression. Esmeralda's face was blank, doing her best to maintain a professional expression of some kind. Who were these random people? Was this the best there was? At least there were some that seemed to have some idea of how to survive in the wilds, but seriously?

Balan, on the other hand, was practically beaming. In this moment, seeing this ragtag band of different people, all he could think was how [i][b]proud[/b][/i] he was of his people because of the fact they were brave enough to answer the call. Regardless of where they were going, these people were brave enough and willing enough to step forward and possibly sacrifice themselves for this country.  As its leader, how could he not respect that? A Naga even showed up, a curious thing indeed! Did that mean they realized the peril this plague was for them as well? Or did she stand alone?

"Well met, all of you," He boomed, speaking louder and clearer than before as Osanne cut the bard a glare, wanting them to stop playing already, "I am not in the position to be turning away any help as we go forward on this journey, but I will warn you. This is not a cake walk, this is not going to be even remotely easy. In fact, you could possibly lose your life on this journey- not that the Knight Captain or I will willingly stand by and let that happen. We will do what we can, but in the end, some things cannot be avoided. We will be entering places where monsters and sickness have laid seige to the people and the land."

"The monsters are no laughing matter either," Osanne picked up from there, "Reports detail the beasts to be of varying sizes, but none smaller than a human child. Their bodies are black like ink but hard like stone. They have claws made of broken bits of bone sharpened to a point. Their heads are varying animal skulls, depending on the size of their bodies. We've not determined how the beasts move or plan, or if they even do, but we have determined with some certainty that the beasts that have any sort of control over the others had marks cut into the skulls," she explained.

"Knowing this, and knowing that you may be exposing yourself to the plague, I would not think less of you if you wish to turn back now," Balan said, "Once we begin this journey, turning back will not be so simple. Do you still willingly cast yourself in to the line of danger in the name of this great country?" he asked, though it looked like Osanne wanted to amend that statement. She was sure some were here for personal reasons, but she let the Emperor have his moment.