Ato's eyes narrow and his lips purse in displeasure at the goblin's tone. It is clear he has a rebuttal, but instead he awaits Vielara's response as well. Any differences they have will be worked out in time, but her is not the place for such a conversation. Not in front of the vampire herself. 

"I advise caution as well," Veythe said softly and looked to Ato. "Yes the dangers are on us in opening a hedron, but that doesn't mean we should go in without any sort of foreknowledge of the area. To be wary of the tribe is a good thing, but they might have some answers to help us." Veythe turns back to Vielara. "You said they were xenophobic? How so, and do you know why?"

Leaving the lore to those with a specialty in that area, Ellangil studies the map to judge the distance they will need to travel on foot. Figuring the terrain will be less than ideal, he calculates a daily travel rate of approximately 12 miles, then uses that figure to calculate how much food and water the group will need for the journey.

"People are afraid of those they don't understand," Vesra said, breaking her long silence. Of course the tribe of elves wouldn't take kindly to outsiders; her own tribe had taken a similar approach to people they deemed other. They had been given a great deal of information all at once, and her brain was reeling. 

"Vielara, we will need copies of these maps, as well as any research you have gathered on the Hedron," Vesra demanded. "Knowledge is power, and I do not intend to go on this mission unarmed. I trust that you have told us all that you know, as it would be shortsighted to let your people go into danger unprepared. When do you expect us to set out?"

"More than knowledge," Veythe said. She leaned forward and looked to Vielara. "I agree with Ato in regards to supplies. Will you be providing rations and water, or are we expected to retrieve them from Affa? Also would you be supplying more than rations--such as any tools we may possibly need for the journey, traveling supplies, potions to aid us in the dangers...or again are we expected to unearth supplies within the town and along the route?"

Veythe could probably hunt something down in the wilds if it came to that, but she'd rather ensure they had everything they could possibly need. Her magic, Vesra and Vasha's magic, even Kayn's magic would only aid them so far before they needed rest.

Vielara couldn't help but laugh at Kayn's worrying and cautiousness. "My my... a goblin speaking of cautiousness. What a defiance of racial stereotypes... especially coming from one of the Grotag clan. It would seem that Lillith has certainly taught you something. That said, caution is a well-founded trait, and one that I cannot preach to the group through tests if I do not strive toward the ordeal itself as well."

"This particular hedron the group will be travelling to is quite large, and only a portion of it protrudes above the ground. Due to its recent discovery, we have not and cannot take the time to perform a full analysis before venturing inward. I am competing with expedition houses far more prevalent, and with far more resources, than I have at my personal disposal, and to take the time to do so would risk them laying claim to it first and pilfering whatever treasures lie within. No, we must be willing to take risks in order to succeed in these initial stages. That is why I only accepted the best of those applicants - I needed a group that could work together to overcome whatever obstacles lie before it. The only real information that I can give is that the magic surroundings the hedron seems to be meant to keep things out. A testament to the treasure that lies within."

"As to the issue with the Joraga tribe..." she looks to Veythe, "they're elven nationalists, who see their own survival above the needs of any other race... or even group. They've been known to attack elves which live in harmony with 'outsiders'. They are very much pro-nature, and will fiercely fight against any encroachment on Zendikar itself and anyone who might built artificial constructions upon it. I honestly do not think it'll be possible for you to ration with them on the topic of a location they deem to reside on their lands. That said, it's a small group of Joraga elves which reside in the life bloom, from what my sources have told me, and there's a very real chance that you won't even see them as you pass through, due to the size of the life bloom."

She takes a deep breath, finishing the answering of their questions with, "Resources such as food and water and other supplies will need to be purchased by you. To help offset the cost, I'll give an extra five pieces of gold to each of you to help cover such expenditures."

She nods her head, excusing Vasha. "Of course. You know where the training room is located. In fact, consider this expeditionary house your new home, away from whatever home each of you once had."

She thinks for a moment, before adding, "As to tools you will need, refer to the common saying: Don't go outside without a hook and some rope. Such tools, if they have not, will become your best friends as you begin your careers as explorers. Zendikar is more vertical than horizontal in many places, so keep that piece of advice in mind."

"The galley will leaving in the early afternoon, and is currently stationed at the docks. The captain's name is an old acquaintance by the name of Zinshadar. A fellow vampire with a foul-tongue, he's not the most decent of gentlemen, but mind your manners when around him. His blades are quicker than his tongue, and he likes to use them far more often. Just keep your distance, be polite, and stay away from his nulls beneath and you'll become fast friends."

The comment on the stupidity of goblins didn't faze him. He knew they were stupid, and was used to being one of the smartest people in the room. If it came as a surprise to others, that worked to his advantage. Now it was all on him to learn as much about hedrons as he could before they landed. His personal studies would have to wait. "Do we have a library?" He asks, resigned to take on the responsibility of foreknowledge. 

Ato watches Vasha leave, the little flame elemental dancing on her shoulder.  "We'll have to make the most of what limited information we have then. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. We will certainly do our best to gather the resources we need to succeed, to ALL our benefit." He nods to Vielara, in thanks and recognition of the additional funds she's willing to provide. It will have to do, as little as it is, he thinks.

"Perhaps Vethe and I can work on gathering the necessary supplies, while Kayn does his research. Vesra, can you assist him? You'd be here, closer to your sister that way." Seeing Ellangil studying the map, Ato can almost sense his mind at work as well.  "Ellangil, what are you thinking?"

Vielara nods her head in agreement. "Yes, there is a library. One of my shipments from Sea Gate is late," she says starkly, "which holds most of the books I requested. That said, many from my personal library are already shelved here, originals or copies." As if sensing Kayn's thoughts, she adds, "There are a few texts regarding hedrons, if that is what you seek. A wise move on your part, to seek knowledge of this obstacle."

She smirks at Ato's words. "Yes, gathering resources and information on present situations and people" she adds, her head cocked slightly to the side as she her gaze falls on him, "is always best."

"Very well," the goblin says, dismissing himself from the table. "I shall see what we have." 

Both he and the dog make their way towards the library, wherever that might be. Upon arriving, he sets a few choice books in front of his dog and grabs a few for himself. They both begin their studies. He's got little time, and he'll have to take these books with him on the voyage, but with two sets of eyes it makes the research that much easier.

Ato pales slightly as her gaze falls on him. He meets her eyes though, and offers a response. "Always best to know as much as you can, I believe, Lady. Friends and foes alike, wouldn't you agree?" 

"I'll go with Kayn," Vesra nodded. "Don't spend too much money on rations, I'll be able to help with that." Not feeling as if she had anything more to add, the druid turned around and followed Kayn into the library.

"I don't know a thing about research," she said softly, plopping down next to Kayn. "But if you tell me how to help you, I can try my best to be of some service."

-----

In the training hall, Ember looked quizzically at Vasha. She was ignoring him. He didn't like being ignored. She was also playing with boring opponents, they didn't even move! Ember wasn't boring. Ember was interesting. 

He threw a firebolt at Vesra's sister, but it went wide and missed her.

Vesra's presence was welcome in the library. While she didn't have very much knowledge when it came to the proper ways to do research, she was that extra set of hands that Kayn-dog was lacking. Eventually they had cues set in place. The Kayn-dog would touch the page for her to turn, and she would turn it. When he was done with a book he would shove it forward with his nose. The two of them working side-by-side in the research was a huge boon.

The thought of bonding to a humanoid crossed Kayn's mind, but he quickly shoved it aside. Gross... to infiltrate a mind like that would just be evil. He could never do that. Never ever. 

Vesra's brain wandered frequently, especially as she was little more than a page turner. She attempted to gain some of the information through osmosis, but libraries were stuffy places. The druid longed to be outside. As her brain wandered, she allowed it to find Ember. Perhaps he was doing something more interesting...

Ember threw another firebolt at Vasha. He was not a pain in the ass. He was a great manifestation of the Fire of Zendikar! The attack missed again, although this time it was close enough to singe a little of her hair off.

Ember swayed, barely able to maintain his form in this realm. The miniature elemental put his arms up, as if to go for another round, when Vesra decided to check in on her sister.

In another room, the druid realized the mischief that had been going on. "Roses," she cursed. "Kayn, I need to go prevent my familiar from getting himself killed. I'll be back." She gave dog-Kayn a pat on the head before bolting from the library and towards the training room.

"EMBER!" Vesra roared, barging open the doors. "What did I say about hurting my sister?" The familiar looked down at the ground, perhaps in shame. "I understand that you were trying to help... Yes, it was very kind of you to try... I know, you are much more interesting than any of those dummies..." Vesra's voice became more gentle with every pause. She leaned down and scooped Ember up, holding him at eye level. "You know she's at least ten times your size? And has been kicking orchid for the past twenty years?... Yes, I'll apologize to you for her."

Vesra let out a deep sigh before turning to Vasha. "I am so sorry about him," she smiled sheepishly. "He's... Born from the parts of me that are normally tucked deep, deep down."