His discomfort was met with anger.

“Well,” the Expedition Leader said, firmly, after a moment had passed. When Kaldalis said nothing more, as he was frozen to the spot and staring, she stood up and crossed her arms over her chest. “I guess that’s a vathon of a different color, isn’t it?” She looked around the table. “Ikzoz, do we know anything about the Infernal Horde? Anything that could corroborate this claim?”

“We have records of past expeditions,” Ikzoz said, “but naught else.” Ikzoz was a slender talsar, and Kaldalis suspected he was male from the crown of horns he had that much resembled Balrim’s. His outfit was a close-fitted robe, which matched the style and coloration of that on the researcher bhogad behind Kaldalis, though slightly more ornate. “No comprehensive taxonomy,” he continued, “and descriptions are suspected to be greatly exaggerated, as those accounts come from sailors, who are not known for the objective accuracy of their tales.”

The ship captain - still in her exaggerated pirate outfit - crossed her arms and harrumphed about that, but offered no verbal objection.

There were a number of others seated at the table, but Kaldalis couldn’t identify them. The talsar, Ikzoz, seemed to be the leader of the research team, but he had no guesses for the others. One of them was a bhogad dressed in red chainmail with a golden sash. She was the only one armed, with a giant mace resting against the back of her chair. There was a pale suyon with long hair tied back in a high ponytail, wearing leather armor that was just a shade whiter than his skin. He was regarding Kaldalis with a critical eye that made him feel like he was being sized up for a fight.

“So then these notes could go down as the first contact with them,” the expedition leader said, interrupting Kaldalis before he could look over the rest of those assembled. “At least, by educated researchers. Come then. She gestured to Kaldalis, Balrim, and Myrin as she walked around the table towards them. “Step forward and let me have a proper look at you, before your names are in the history books.”

Kaldalis felt incredibly self-conscious as he stepped forward. The woman was looking at him like a choice cut of meat. And not one that was behind glass in a butcher shop, but one in her freezer. He was already in her clutches, and she was just trying to figure out how she wanted him prepared to give her the most gain.

At the very least, he wasn’t the only one on the menu as her eyes flicked to Balrim and Myrin, lingering on each one in turn for an uncomfortably long time.

“You three are exactly why we’re here,” she continued, standing before them and putting her hands behind her back, puffing out her chest like a pompous military official. “You represent the best of the Adventurers League, banding together in the face of adversity. Truly, a shining example of our most important virtues: teamwork, cooperation, coordination, and unity. The early acquisition of this valuable knowledge is proof positive of why-”

“Um.” Myrin cleared her throat. “Well, sir. Ma’am. Sir. We didn’t do this together.” She gestured to Kaldalis. “It was him. We’re his friends, but we all got separated before he found the monster that has you all up in arms.”

“Value of teamwork, huh?” the ship captain muttered under her breath, trying - and failing - to disguise a grin.

There was an awkward moment of silence, and the expedition leader fixed Myrin with a look that was not a glare, but was a close relative. Her sky blue face flushed a little closer to purple, and he wasn’t sure if it was from anger or embarrassment. She cleared her throat and fixed her eyes back on Kaldalis, the weight of her gaze hitting him almost like a physical thing. Embarrassed or angry, she felt Myrin’s words - or perhaps the timing of them - had hurt her chances of extracting as much value as possible from Kaldalis’s feat. She regarded him with new intensity now.

“As I was saying, you represent the best of the Adventurers League,” she began again, “showing fearlessness and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Truly.” Her teeth weren’t gritted, but her voice sounded like they were. “A shining example of our most important virtues: courage, adventurous spirit, resilience, and strength of arms. The early acquisition of this valuable knowledge is proof positive of why the Adventurer’s League was sent on this mission. I expect great things from you in the days to come.”

“Uh.” Kaldalis tried to think of something official-sounding to respond to that. Instead all he had was a weak: “thank you, ma’am.”

“Ma’am?” She said, regaining her composure as the momentary embarrassment was left behind. “That is too formal by far for our newest rising star. As long as your performance is so exemplary as today, you may address me as Onirioago.” She paused for a moment. “Now, you have me at a disadvantage. What is your name?”

“Um.” He coughed. “Kaldalis.”

“Kaldalis,” she said, as if testing the name. “An odd one. But fitting enough. An unusual name to go with your unusual bravery. I hope to see it in my reports with regularity for the rest of the journey. For this first act, you’re deserving of a proper reward.” She reached behind herself and produced a small parcel, handing it to him. “This is a small taste of what your industriousness can earn on this expedition. Don’t disappoint me, and you’ll find I have much more to offer.”

“Thank you, Onirioago,” Kaldalis said, testing her name in turn. It was a bit clumsy off his tongue, but he figured if she was in charge around here, he’d have to figure it out eventually. He tried to think of something else to say, but his mind went blank.

“Now then, we have a meeting to finish.” She gestured at the tent entrance. “You are dismissed. As are the rest of these hangers-on.” She didn’t give a pointed look at anyone in particular, but Balrim and Myrin both bristled as if she had.

Kaldalis hadn’t realized how many people had followed them into the tent until he turned around. There were about eight or nine adventurers just standing behind the researcher bhogad, all looking around intently, taking in the interior of the command tent and looking at who was important enough to be seated at the table. The bhogad who had ushered Kaldalis here now went about the task of ushering them all out, spreading his arms and urging them back into the camp.

Once they were outside, Kaldalis found himself at the center of the mob instead of the outskirts, as people grabbed his hand to shake it, thumped his back, and offered all manner of congratulations. He grunted acknowledgements, but his attention was more directed at his reward. He was a bit disappointed to see nothing more than a cosmetic armor set, but it looked kind of neat. It was called Kampfplatte, which implied the existence of some sort of fantasy german language in this world. It was light grey plate armor, and decorated with numerous flowing etchings and patterns that gave it a look that seemed almost decorative. He looked forward to trying it on later even as he was shaking hands and receiving compliments.

Eventually the crowd dispersed, and he found himself alone again, prompting a sigh of relief. Until he realized he wasn’t truly alone. Balrim and Myrin were still here.

And they didn’t look terribly happy.