Quest [Moderated Event] Trade with the Clans (Trip to Endrykas)

[Reflection]

63rd of Summer, 516AV

A wagon slowly squeaked down the road toward the large caravan gathering together near the Welcome Center. The line stretched from near the gates all the way along the wall of the Nettle district. It was going to be a long ride and not only did they need to load up with all the supplies required to trade, but they also had to ensure they had enough for the people who would be traveling.

There was quite a crew that had gathered together. Some of the people were civilians, preparing themselves to sell their wares alongside trading the city goods. Their rented wagons were well used, and dingy, the tops covered with a thick canvas spotting a few holes and the wood sun washed and splintering. Others were on horseback, their packs saddled to either side carrying the required items needed to sustain a long journey for only themselves. Those on horseback had a slightly different role as most were guards, hired by the leader of the caravan to make sure they were safe while on the Kabrin road.

Bandits had been known to attack while the caravans dared travel back and forth along the road. It was a favored spot for them to be robbed. An unfortunate side effect of doing business. Most knew the risk and chalked the loss into their ledgers if they were robbed then so be it. If not, then it was extra profit to get them through the rest of the year.

However, this year the caravan leader, Röfus, made sure to bulk up on security. The council had informed him when they tasked him with this mission, that word from the Knights and surrounding locals, even the Outpost; bandits had become increasingly active. With that in mind, he walked the length of the caravan before departure to ensure headcount, and everyone was in their proper place. A boy followed behind the leader’s horse on foot, a scrap piece of paper and charcoal in hand, marking ticks down on the paper to ensure they stayed on the count.

Light had broken, and it was almost time to set forth.

Dogs ran between the wheels and legs, weaving their way through the crowd, barking at one another. A man tripped over one underfoot, kicking it briefly. With a yelp it took off to cower. Swearing under his breath as his balance corrected, glaring at the mutt, he continued his path. Calling to the leader of the caravan he informed him that there was word that more would be joining in the travels and had yet to arrive.

[Jade Laken]

DATE, YEAR, LOCATION

Jade stretched out yawning not wanting to get up just yet. There was not many mornings that the girl got a chance to sleep in. Many mornings consisted of her getting up early enough to make Ferrin and Dina something to eat. Though she and the young child normally curled back up after the man was gone. Turning over on the floor the woman kept her eyes closed waiting till she heard Dina's little feet on the floor. The young girl often tried to sneak in on the pair, which when Jade is already she finds easy to do with Ferrin. Her sleeping habits or lack there of was worrying the man no matter how much she explained. He was paranoid that the girl was going to run herself into the ground. After several chimes the sound of little feet made her smile. Sitting up Jade helped Dina on to the bed where she tackled Ferrin laughing.

“Time to get up!” Dina cried laughing.

Jade slipped out of the room and began to make sure everything was packed and ready to go. Ferrin's uncle had offered to watch over Dina while the pair was away, but the blonde had informed him that they were still undecided on if she would go or not. Putting the bags on the table the blonde smiled and tickled Dina when the man brought her over to her laughing.

“Our little alarm clock,” Jade said gently, “sleep well love?”

Dina managed to wiggle down and ran to her room giggling up a storm. Shaking her head the Drykas turned to him happy. Wrapping her arms around his neck the girl smiling and kissed him gently before going to get ready. Once changed Jade brushed her hair while walking over to little bits room. Sitting her on the bed the girl brushed out her hair gently. After getting the young child ready she walked into the living room with the bags putting the last two on the table.

“Let's get everything and head on to the stables before we miss the caravan,” Jade said helping Dina put her bag on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Windmount Stables:

Jade walked in and whistled causing all the horse's heads to stick out. Smiling the woman walked to the tack room as Dina ran over to Cyprus first. Grabbing the yvas first she walked out and hung it on a hook beside Diria's head causing the mare to look up and sniff it. Walking back in once more the woman grabbed the saddle and bridle taking it to Ferrin. Putting the items down Dina ran into the room and drug out the two blankets for them and the saddle to sit on.

“Oh thank you dear, I almost forgot,” Jade said with a smile.

Once everything was secure the blonde got all the bags put on the yvas and mounted up. She took Dina from Ferrin and waited till he mounted up as well. Once everyone was on and everything situated the woman pushed Diria on out the stables. Snorting the mare trotted forward some wanting to run again. Smiling Jade patted her side and kept her calm as the group went. Soon enough the three made it to where the trade group was gathering to leave.

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Ferrin awoke to the sound of giggling and joy. Once he slowly opened an eye, whichever one opened first, he noticed Dina's happy, joyful looks, giggling still and wanting everybody up, in a good way. For sure. The hunter rubbed sleep from his eyes, it's been so different after adopting Dina, Ferrin liked it that way. Really, it was one of the best decisions he has made. Not only did he do it by himself, but with his love, Jade, they've done it together awhile back. It was a start of a family, it totally feels like now, there'll be nothing that can split them up. Not really anything.

Though, Ferrin couldn't quite react fast enough as quick little Dina hurdled onto the bed and wrapped her arms around him, Ferrin smiles and brings out the tickle fingers and tickles her around her belly. Dina laughed, but she wiggled her way as quick as she came on top of Ferrin. She rushed to her room, listening to Jade. Ferrin smiled as she spoke.

"Yes, I did. Hope about you, my dear?" He asks with a friendly brow. The Kenashian sat upright, and pulled his legs out of the covers and swings them on to the ground flooring beneath him. Yawning, he stands up and slips on his boots that he layed next to where he sleeps each night. It was a habit he has had, and it turned out to be helping him. Instead of borrowing a suit of metal armor from the Order, Ferrin had decided to being with him a suit of leather armor. It would be better fit for walking in the wild lands. A way to avoid being discovered by bandits.

Ferrin gently grabbed hold to Jade's hands as she wrapped her arms around his neck, it was light, and didn't appear to be in a strangling manner whatsoever, nonetheless, she wouldn't bother to choke him, as Ferrin is highly sure that she loves him, and so does he. The squire gazed at Jade thoughtfully, as the Drykas walked out to Dina's room. Ferrin took that time to suit up in his clothing, and to put on his leather armor. He found his tent that he packed beside the wardrobe, and his longbow and quiver full of arrows. The hunter than belted Clivath, his customised short broadsword, and swung his bow and quiver around his shoulders, after combing his curls. He then went to retrieve his shield and hurried after his girlfriend and newly adopted daughter before exiting the door.

"Dina don't forget your cloak!" Croaked Ferrin cordially, grabbing it off the hook before the three left. He hands her the cloak, and gathers up his pack, tent (4 person), and his hunting stuff. Ready to set off his travels. Ferrin requests to Matilda Owens, asking that she'll look after the apartment.

"Going off somewhere?" She says smiling at him.

"Yeah, we'll be escorting some of the caravan to meet with some Drykas folks." Ferrin responded. He hands her his key. "We'll be back sometime during the Fall, I think." He said.

"Have a nice trip." She said and eaves Ferrin good bye.

~~~~~~

Dina assisted Ferrin with taking out Cyprus. The stallion looked just as much ready as Ferrin himself was. It was a good mutual thing to have, to be ready. Ferrin enjoyed it when Cyprus is in one of his good moods. Of course, things should go well today, and forward, right? What could go wrong? Though, the risks that they're taking with Dina, with two experienced hunters, and one squire in training, what could go wrong? Plus, others are coming to of course. Any bandits will be sorry if they've messed with this caravan group.

Ferrin packs and readies what he needs on Cyprus, which includes, bedrolls, the tent, and his pack. Ferrin strapped his quiver to his saddle. Ferrins longbow still rested across his shoulder. Ferrin carefully embarked on Cyprus, and the Zavian slowly started into a canter and then shifted pace to match Diras pace. Ferrin couldn't wait for what was to come.

[Garland]

"TRYN NO!" That was all anyone near the carts heard from Garland as he bolted after his runaway horse.

After several chimes of running after the stallion, Garland finally caught him, and climbed on. "Gotcha ya bugger!" He yelled followed the caravan, racing up to the front.

In truth Garland didn't want to leave, but orders were orders, he was worried about his children, but they were in his patron's hands. Though he was excited to leave, this was his first time actually leaving the city.

He was to act as a guard for the caravan, Garland was notorious for his hardheadedness and endurance, for a squire he was quite durable, not only that he has had plenty of experience dispatching bandits, marauders and the like.

Despite not liking having a helmet due to peripheral vision, but he had been taken out by poison darts before because of his exposed face, he didn't like having a helm, but he knew its uses.

Garland always checks his kit before leaving, but he was already late and the caravan was already moving, his pack was full that was good, and he had a sleeping bag, and he did remember to pack extra rope, because rope is always useful, but he cannot recall bringing a tent with him.

Even if he could check his kit, he'd not be able to race to the barracks to ask for a tent or some such.

In terms of weapons, he had his trusting sword, a hand crossbow at his hip, several bolts, at least fifteenth, a waraxe strapped on Tryn's saddle bags, a shield on his arm, two daggers hidden in his boot, and his most deadly weapon, his fists.

Swords are nice and all, but they can be knocked out of your hands, bolts can be deflected, an axe could get stuck, but you can't remove his fists, at least not easily.