"I can't claim to know every runic language, but there's a decent chance these aren't human in origin at all."
"Human or not, it's still something we ought to look into!" declared Arthur.
Saffron nodded along begrudgingly.
"Perhaps it's best to consider the Wayfarers as additional manpower to any branch of the Covenant that requires aid. There are enough of us that we can bolster the numbers for several divisions while acting under leadership supervision. If the Explorer's Office could use help investigating this matter, we'd be happy to lend you a hand."
Arthur laughed heartily, and gave Steven an appreciative slow clap.
"That's the sort of selfless, proactive, go-getter attitude we need more of!" he boomed, before falling into a mild coughing spat.
Saffron stroked her chin. "Nearly every department is wanting for recruits. Perhaps you're right, Metang Steven. I would certainly appreciate a few adept delvers from among your group, and if your reputation is accurate, many of you would make fine knights..."
"I can't claim to be a knight, but I know my way around field research and I'd be happy to assist the Wayfarers on their expedition."
"Why, if it's an escort these fine Wayfares need, I would be happy to oblige. I've always wanted to visit Tyrrier with its rustic charms. Besides," she added, waving off the flaaffy, "explorers can only do so much. They need a knight around if things happen to get dicey. It's been so long since I've been out on the field too."
Ser Zaffre cleared her throat. "If I may? My partner and I are familiar with Tyrrier and have leave from the Grandmaster to accompany this expedition..."
Ser Aster's wings buzzed in anticipation of something actually exciting.
Arthur shook his head. "Sers, you are fine warriors, but Ser Garnet was here at this table from the beginning and eager to put herself forward. A promising young knight-cadet such as her deserves a chance to outshine the big names like yours from time to time, eh?"
Tawenna frowned. "Surely you can't be assigning this to a less experienced knight just because these two were late."
"Take it as motivation to shape up a little," replied Arthur, unperturbed.
Zaffre steepled her paws and stared forward, while Aster just simmered, immediately losing interest.
"A question," Bellatrix interrupted. "If we do manage to uncover the source of the beam of light and it is indeed Radiant and retrievable, how does the Covenant intend to research it? Are there any potential plans you wish to consider with such an item in your possession?"
"All in good time, Ms. Bellatrix! All in good time. Though I certainly hope it
is retrievable!"
Tawenna coughed lightly. "If I may... Simply securing sources of Radiance ensures their safety and prevents their falling into the wrong hands – such as the Commonwealth Army, organised criminals, violent opportunists, or hapless wanderers. Once brought to the Congress, I would limit access to it, personally..."
"Nonsense," scoffed Arthur. "The light yearns to yield and be yielded to! I'm sure some bright-and-shining knight will be a worthy inheritor of the power, and we will see them do many a great deed forthwith!"
Saffron exhaled at length, somehow meaningfully. "We don't have a representative from 'Philosophy with us, but I'm sure that
that Office would insist on getting a good look at the thing. They've been trying to synthesise artificial Radiance, or so I'm told."
Hey, um, guys? Some of you are at the roundtable, right? Maybe try asking if there's any intel on Radiant dungeons other than the one up north. But like, in a 'we're just curious' kind of way, not a 'we wanna head there ourselves' kind of way.
Amidst all the chatter, Laura raised a paw.
"So, is this the first Radiant dungeon you've heard about? I would've thought there'd be others..."
Saffron smiled at Laura with the look of someone bursting with information about a special interest. "Well, Radiant dungeons are
rare but we have found some before. Of course, they are sometimes fleeting, or inaccessible, or yield only trace Radiance we can only study
in situ. Or they are truly significant, but lie outside our sphere of influence—"
"Another time, perhaps?" interrupted Arthur. "I think we're about ready to sign off on this mission! Treasury, can we finance outfitting the Wayfarers for the trip?"
A meek-looking Spinda nodded, their face fretful. "A-about three or four, certainly..."
"Splendid. Very well, I think we have an exploratory party in the making. Ser Garnet, the explorer Ralsen, and a detachment of Wayfarers. Brilliant! I leave it to the Wayfarers themselves to decide amongst themselves whom to send."
"No point in us being here, then!" huffed Ser Aster, getting up from the table and buzzing straight out of the meeting chamber.
"Please excuse us," said Ser Zaffre, bowing stiffly, and following her partner out.
Arthur didn't pay this much heed. There was a mission to plan, and he was singleminded in finalising it. All that was left were the trivial details of times and dates, equipment, reporting in, and so on. He would see to it that the party was thoroughly prepared and sent off in haste to seek out the Radiance in Tyrrier... and to investigate the appalling dangers there to protect the inhabitants!