[Kransha]

Toby turned to see the fair elf from before speaking, followed by the accuser, and finally another woman commenting in the negative. He was obviously unprepared for anyone disagreeing with him, but, after all, this was his first attempt at public speaking. He glared at the elf out of the corner of his narrowed eyes as she knelt to continue her charitable work. Thankfully, he still had a ready retort.

“Rebuilding and reconstructing may make things better for now, but it will not solve this problem. It just shows those who would commit such heinous acts that they do not have to fear the consequences if their criminal activities. This ‘problem’ should be rooted out and stamped into the ground before it continues.”
He carefully avoided responding to the comment about him not knowing who the real culprit was, primarily because he didn’t. He had got himself into this oration, so he would have to be cunning about winning whatever debate aroused about the opinions he'd clearly stated.

He turned back to the crowd, seemingly awaiting and agreeable response. He’d already figured out that this man who stood before him had not perpetrated the arson. Being someone who lied all the time, Tobias Hornblower could tell when people where lying or not, to a certain extent. Though he didn’t like or respect any outsiders, he surmised that this particular man was as true as his word.

“We can rebuild, but we must take some action as well. Suggestions have been bandied about and I suggest we adhere to them swiftly. We should prove that we will not be trifled with by ruffians, and thieves!”
That was probably the worst time for a large silver fork to fall out of his vest pocket, which was what happened at that very instant. Tobias immediately took notice, but tried to ignore it. His oration halted as suddenly as it had started, his sharp eyes darting nervously every few seconds to look at the offending eating utensil that lay at his feet like a very large and disgusting insect.