Coaul, taking a seat across the table from Navic, remarks as he pockets some exotic foodstuffs for his relatives, "Though I don't know how I could serve in either capacity."

Garon scoffed quietly. He picked up a strawberry very carefully with the tips of his oversized fingers and said, "What happen they no send you?" His voice shifted slightly into what was apparently supposed to be an impression of Navic. "'And how 'bout hunting? How the herd sizes outside?' Oh, gee, sir. I kill four horrors and marked Nethermancer, I no stop to sight-see." He shook his great head. "No, you expert on animal, and that why you go, just like Isil expert on magic. I just go make sure you not get eaten by anything."

Navic chuckled, and poured himself a glass of water. Nodding at Isil and Garon he spoke in a reassuring tone. "Caoul each of you possesses unique talents. You are a Beastmaster, able to speak with animals and nature in a way I can only imagine. Isil is a learned scholar, and a mage. And despite Garon's humble pronouncements he is an expert in more than just swinging heavy things. But more important than that each of you are still young enough to not feel bound to the life we've always known. Many of us fear the outside world, and what it may hold."

"But if our people are to do more than subsist then we need to seize this opportunity. This is even more true if the Theran's are doing what our newly made friends from Throal claim-enslaving kaer's as they open their gates. I would not have our people survive the Scourge only to  find ourselves in chains, be they dwarven made chains or Theran made chains."

"I would send the three of you back with our new friends, to see what kind of friends Throal really wishes to be. I am also sending a party, equally small to find more out about the Therans. And yes Garon, people will have to begin exploration of the area outside our Kaer-but your mission will be much more important."

Navic paused, and served himself a plate of food, sitting down and resting he began to pick at the food. Clearly he was uncomfortable at the whole situation. Minas Harker had remained quiet so far, but finally stepped forward and spoke.

"This is a great honor for the three of you. But you will also face great danger. It is my honor to help equip you for this arduous journey."

A dangerous look came over Garon's face. "What do you mean, 'equip?'" His mind was full of shining steel and dark leather; the pragmatic considerations of survival held no purchase in his thoughts.

Isil's eyes flash to Minas with just a tinge of greed behind them. Memories of the  ancient ornately-decorated tomes he shelved and reshelved as an apprentice flash through his mind. "What sort of equipment do you think we might need, elder?" he says with affected calm.

Coaul stops at Garon's joke and looks at Navic with full interest at the possibility of a gift. He is, you see, an avid lover of toys.

Minas smiles as he sits down across from them. It's a smile that seems forced, and well worn. "Obviously each of you will need a variety of equipment, and yes, weapons to manage an expedition like this. However I ask that each of you keep in mind the even greater needs of the Kaer. In the next few weeks our people will face a truly dangerous time, one filled with uncertainty and fear."

"This does not mean we can not give you some things to make your journey easier. But first I think we should Elder Navic finish, and make you understand just what is expected of you."

Caoul recovers from his childlike disposition, "Okay. What should we do then and is there anything we should look for?" He asks just like he would about any other chore.

Navic gazes sternly at Caoul for a second, but after exchanging a glance with Minas, he calmly lays out what he has envisioned for the three young men.

As Navic finishes speaking, Minas starts. "I have a few items that can help make your journey easier." He retrieves a rucksack filled with items from behind the sofa that he and Navic sat on. As he lays each item out he also describes it's purpose.

Coaul grins momentarily as each and every item is presented to him. Once everything is set out on the table, he either pockets or wears the basic necessities (the gear listed on his character sheet) before helping himself to the some of the more exceptional trinkets - a death cheat charm, an elemental blanket, and the pot of ever-replenishing water (if the others do not oppose).

When Caoul is done securing those away, he bows his head in both Navic and Minas' direction, thanking them greatly for everything and promising that he will do his very best despite his inexperience.

Isil carefully packs the equipment into his backpack, folding one of the elemental blankets onto the top, around the larger of the two light crystals. He folds up Raynor's Map and places it among the pages of his grimoire, intending to peruse it later. He finishes up fiddling with the straps on his armour and swordbelt, cinching them to the right fit.

"Well, don't we look the bold explorers, eh?" He grins to Caoul and Garon then straightens up before the elders.

"Thank you for your gifts, elders. We'll be sure to use them wisely." He's clearly eager to get to their business, all dreams of flashing blades and spells.

Caoul smiles at Isil's commentary, "Indeed." Not yet realizing the magnitude of the task at hand, he seems relatively not bothered by his predicament, perhaps even confident. Still smiling, Caoul turns to Navic and Minas and asks them, "When will we be off?"

Garon's giant hands made quick work of the remainder, which quickly disappeared into a ball, enclosed in his blanket, shoved under one arm. He knew he'd need more than just his personal belongings and this bundle, but his mother would have most of the sorts of miscellany he'd want to take with him, such as utensils, that his hands would not smell of food when he hunted. But one item he could not provide himself, and could not take without approval.

Firmly but not loudly, he said, "Head Councilor Navic, may I have your leave to equip myself with armor from the armory?" Though the padded leather he trained with was for his use alone - fitting no one else currently in the kaer - it was not his, and had served generations of guardsmen before him.

Navic nods at Garon's request. "Of course. Your success is a paramount to our people."