Completed [Quest] Into The Mountains

[Emblem]

18th Summer, 513 AV The sun had barely risen over the eastern horizon, yet the morning air was still warm. Bright rays of light passed through the treeline that surrounded the city of Syliras, which was just beginning to awake from it's slumber. Civilians slowly rose and readied themselves for their days in the great city, while Knights prepared for patrols, and squires prepared for their hard days as well. For most it would be an average day that was unlike any other day. Hours would be spent working, patrolling, and training, and then the city would once again fall asleep. But for a few, there was important business to attend to. A group of brigands living out in the wilderness. It wasn't an uncommon thing in the Sylira region, as plenty decided to make their living by praying on merchant caravans and wayward travelers. The Syliran Knights certainly did their best to keep the surrounding areas of Syliras safe. But one group in particular was beginning to gain quite a nasty reputation. More and more merchants had been arriving in the city empty handed, having been robbed. Among these various robberies there was a common denominator, the location in which it happened. The Cobalt Mountains, while nothing compared to the Unforgiven, offered a multitude of cave systems and hideaways that offered protection to more nefarious characters. Passing through The Cobalt range had always been a risk. Ambush points are numerous as are the escape routes for bandits. In all honesty, it was the perfect place for this group to set up such an operation. But now the Order was becoming sick of hearing the same story over and over again. It was always the same. One moment the caravan would be happily making its way toward Syliras, and then the next, arrows would be raining from the hills, wounding or killing those who did not take cover and allow their product to be raided. And just as fast as the attack started, it would be over, with the thieves disappearing back into the hills with stolen goods over their shoulders. Fortunately, victims of these attacks had managed to mark a location on a map of where ambushes usually occurred, and now the Order had placed an open bounty on these brigands. Adventurers and Syliran Knights alike were encouraged to hunt these men down. Several days passed since the bounty was placed and a few had reported to accept the bounty. After all, the Order wanted to know who to reward after the success of the mission. This morning the group would meet, and ride for the Cobalt Mountains. OOCHey all. This a minor quest for the three PC's mentioned in the description as well as anyone else who would like to take part. Note though I will probably cap it at around 6 PC's total. That gives us three open spots for PC's. This quest will most likely last 2-3 days, but it could last longer depending on what happens over the course of the mission. So be sure to make sure your schedules are clear if you are partaking. I will leave this thread open for a half a week or so and then I will close it and we will begin. So first things first, introduce yourselves here and when I post again we will get this show on the road !

[Edreina]

Always the first one to a party, Edreina shivered in the crisp morning air. On her back was a leather rucksack filled with rope, torches, and a couple of sticks of chalk, and a few days worth of short-rations; the basics for anyone going spelunking. Her worn leather rope rested in a loop about her slim hips; a necessity in this odd case. This would be her first time exploring a cave more than a meters from the coast, but how different could a cave really get? Aside from the fact that you will be staring down bandits instead of a grumpy eel? The woman shook her head at the grim thought, looking to Syna as a beacon of the optimism she usually exuded. She wore no shirt, instead binding her chest with linen as she had upon the Anchorage. Her hair was tied into a smart braid that would not get in her way as she traversed the slick and often dangerous terrain of the subterranean. The day before, she had picked up a pair of linen breeches - a skirt in a cave? Come now... - and restocked on chalk at the market. For the first time since she had acquired him, Edreina was seen without the company of her fox kit, Navis. Despite this, she could not keep from automatically looking around for him on occasion, only to sigh upon the realization that he was safely back on the ship. Where you should be, too, her subconscious scolded. What was she doing here? Edreina had no place among fighters. She was thin, willowy. Built with lean, corded muscle that was of little use outside of the water. But, she had heard knights complaining about how no one knew how to navigate caves, and that was why they were having so much trouble finding the bandits. For once, Edreina was regretting her I'll help anybody! attitude. But, shuffling nervously from foot to foot near Syliras's main gate, there was no going back now. Edreina had agreed to help, and help she would. Hopefully, the others joining this little excursion will be more useful when it comes to what will happen once we find these ne'er-do-wells.

[Razkar]

He woke as usual with the gently rolling motions of the Goldengrotto and the clamor from the docks that told him morning had arrived. That and Navis was whining.

"Oh, gods," the Myrian mumbled as he turned over in his hammock, forearms covering his eyes as he blinked away his dreams before exposing them to daylight, "Edri! Feed white rat...!"

No answer. No snappy retort or soothing words directed at the canine... not even movement. Razkar peered out from under his arm... and found that he was alone.

Odd...

He swung his legs out onto the floor, and didn't collapse onto the deck of the cabin in a heap. Hey, progress! It only took him half a year to sleep in a hammock correctly. Stretching his sore muscles, Razkar's naked body swiveled and twisted and... searched. But there was nothing to be found, and no creaks or groans or footsteps gave away the presence of anyone.

But there was food in Navis' tiny bowl, in front of the bed where the little ball of fur was curled up and regarding the Myrian with mingled fear and territorial aggression. Razkar bared his teeth as a matter of course, then got back to his search.

Which was quick. Not a very big ship, after all.

Probably gone out for supplies, he thought, refusing to overreact like he had some claim over her. Edreina was her own woman and certainly didn't need to give him a warning whenever she left the ship. Besides, he had his own business to attend to.

With a reverence that was instinctive to his people, Razkar began applying his weapons. Their harness went on before his loincloth, in fact, and only when that leather scaffolding was strapped across his chest and comfortably sitting there did he cover his... pride.

The breeches went on next. He had a feeling he would need them where he was going.

First his gladius... then his hand ax... old, venerable and trusted companions in his eyes. They'd been with him since he was in single digits; adapted, modified and changed by experience and new materials... but still the same spirit in each. He sheathed both with quiet words of thanks in his own language, then sheathed the two lakan on his back, the kukri across his chest and the dagger at the small of his back.

Only then did Razkar feel ready to face the world. He inhaled deeply, eyes closed... feeling the reassurance of sharpened metal weighing him down... opened them...

Ready.

Then he took up his bow and quiver and tied his sandals tight.

Time to go to work.

The Myrian jogged up to the deck and down the plank to the pier, garnering the usual smattering of attention from passing laborers, sailors, deck hands and merchants that went to and fro. Mrrko waited at the end, used to the sight of the savage and snuffling a greeting to him.

"Oh, I don't know, my friend," Razkar said as he hoisted himself into the saddle, enjoying the little fantasy that the two of them could converse, "A walk in the mountains... and a brace of fresh scalps, if all goes to plan. Sound good to you?"

A doubtful whinny as the pair began to canter towards the Main Gates.

"Can't please everyone..."

The Previous Night

"You know what the first rule of business is Razkar?"

Getting to the petching point without egotistical speeches?

Yes, it surely would have been satisfying to say that to the Smoker when Razkar sat across from him and, after letting his sellsword bask in his tobacco-smelling presence for a few moments, that clipped accent spoke. Even The Stranger, his "bodyguard", whom Razkar suspected was his true employer, couldn't resist a roll of his eyes and a lightning-fast grimace, eyes meeting Razkar's for half-a-heartbeat as if in sympathy.

Ekvan didn't react at all. Sitting at the Smoker's right at their usual booth, the bearded barbarian just glared at Razkar... though the Myrian was pleased to note there was a tinge of... respect? No, that brute was barely even capable of that emotion. Ah. Wariness. Something more useful, given their situation.

Yes. You've seen me kill now, haven't you? Seen me swing steel and some worm of doubt whispers to you that you wouldn't stand a chance. Remember that.

"No." He said after the wench bearing ale had left and he took a sip. The Spinning Coin roiled and cavorted around them, as it did around the hourglass, but Razkar noted once again that Ekvan's presence gave them a comfortable circle of privacy. "What is first rule of business?"

"Protect your investment. Whatever you put your money into, you make sure you get a profit out of it. And that means, you make sure business progresses... and your investment matures. That requires protection."

Razkar pushed the fact that this human enjoyed his own voice far too much and clutched at a straw, instead.

"You mean caravans? That is you... investments, yes?"

The Smoker nodded like a scholar complimenting a student, tendril of pungent smoke steaming from his lips as he spoke again.

"In part. The caravans are a only a part of our-"

There was a short, sharp cough from the Stranger, which ended as a throat-clearing, but the sudden discomfort on the Smoker's face told Razkar that it was no idle bodily tic. Ekvan's pressed lips curled into a cruel smile for a moment, then faded...

Razkar sipped again from his tankard, if only to hide a smirk.

Yes, I agree, Stranger. Get on with it and stop telling tales to the savage.

"... regardless of our otherinterests," Smoker began after a moment, taking a puff to steady his hand, "Yes, caravans are our primary business, and we have been having problems with bandits attacking them in the Cobalt Mountains. Oh, it isn't just us, of course, and it isn't every caravan, but matters have come to a head. So much produce and revenue has been lost that the Knights have put a bounty on the heads of those responsible... and they will be mounting a sortie against them."

He paused to let the information sink in to (what he assumed was) that thick Myrian head. Razkar's first thought, however, was that produce and revenue were the human's priority; not the employees and sellswords that he'd lost. The lives taken working for him, safe and secure in this fortress. But instead he just nodded.

"So, Knights are taking care of problem. Why you telling me this?"

"Because you're going to go with them."

Now genuine confusion was clear on the Myrian's face.

"Why?" The question he promised himself he would never ask as a sellsword, but this was a new breed of befuddlement to him. Warrior as he was, if the Knights of Syliras were sallying forth against a foe, what possible good could he be. "Knights will kill bandits. They are good warriors."

"Yes." Smoker broke in, almost resentfully, but clearly enjoying the fact he could do so. "But they won't be going personally. They posted a bounty, remember? That means an assortment of money-hungry scum will be marching on those bandits, not those armor-plated heroes."

"They might be enough."

"'Might' is not enough." That came from the Stranger, words as precise and calm as an aristocrat holding court, which is what Razkar suspected he truly was. "These bandits have been harassing the Kabrin from the north for seasons. Enough is enough, and we're not relying on a band of outsiders to put an end to them. You are our insurance."

Ah... well, that did make sense. The Myrian straightened his back and took this in. He certainly hadn't expected this when he'd walked into the Spinning Coin and asked Gene if he "had anything", the code they used for finding out if his employers had work for him. The bartender, bouncer and owner of the Coin had pointed out their table and Razkar had walked over... but this...

Still, a fine opportunity, he thought, warrior mentality already relishing the chance to get stuck into a slaughter again, enemies to be killed, gold to be made... and all with the blessing of the Knights! Won't be like last time, having to worry about the noble bastards spoiling the party...

"As you wish." The mercenary said after a chime, finishing his ale as if drinking a toast and getting to his feet. "When do bounty hunters leave?"

Present Day

"By the Main Gates... no later that midday..."

Razkar repeated the words the Smoker had told him as he and Mrrko neared their destination. He hoped that there'd be other horses for the taking, since putting Mrrko in the line of fine was difficult for him. He was only an animal, after all but-

No, he reminded himself, inner voice sounding irritatingly like far-off Tinnok, no more or less than you, Child of Myri.

"Even here, she hounds me..."

The Myrian chuckled to himself as he passed through the gates, eyes sweeping around to see the quality and number of these "scum" that the Smoker had so disdainfully described. Few to, none, by the look of it, and-

Then he saw a flash of red hair on a seated figure, a pale and freckled face turning up to him in surprise, and Razkar's head cocked to one side.

"What are you... doing... here...?"

Horrible, unwanted and crystal-clear comprehension dawned on him and bled through to his features. His eyes widened and after a moment of stunned silence, the Myrian's jaw snapped shut and he shook his head.

"No." He said firmly, leaping off Mrrko and stalking toward the human. "You are not going!"

[Edreina]

"What are you... doing... here...?" At the sound of his approach, the Svefra's gaze had elevated with neck-snapping speed. She had been surprised at first, blue eyes wide with curiosity. What is he doing here? Her thought flowed more quickly than Razkar's halting words. And, her realization was a happy one. At least one person on this little outing would be her friend, a sword that she could rely on. Her grin was expansive as it claimed her face. "Raz!" She went to stand, dusting off her pants and leaving her rucksack on the ground beside where she had sat. "No. You are not going!" And immediately Edreina's teeth were hidden as her lush lips pressed into a thin, angry line. The way that he had leapt from his horse and stalked over to tell her that she could not do something immediately made her blood boil with anger. In this world, only two things truly angered Edreina: negativity and being told she could not do something. Oh and disrespecting Laviku or the Suvan... But anyway! Hands fisted tightly at her sides, the woman stalked out to meet her friend, blue eyes flashing as they froze over. She came to a stop and jabbed a finger at her friend, snarling, "Don't you dare tell me what I am or am not doing! You are not my father!" Taking a half-step back, she crossed her arms over her slim torso. "And besides, you need me, Myrian." His mouth opened to protest and Edreina's lips curved in a mockery of her playful smirk, as if begging the Myrian to engage her in further battle."Don't you petching deny it! Y'all are headin' into a cave. And unless you want to be walking your brown ass in circles for the next few days, you need someone who can tell up from down." Her heart was racing and a blush invaded her cheeks, momentarily breaking her icy demeanor. Who was this woman standing up to a Myrian and what had she done with the pacifist Edreina born upon the Anchorage? But then, inevitably, she softened. He only wants to protect you. In his own odd way. Edreina sighed. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, but I don't like to be told I cannot do something." She chuckled in a self-deprecating sort of way, shaking her head. "But I won't be putting myself in too much danger. I just thought that I would save you all some trouble. Caves are tricky. The ones that hide within have to be trickier."

[Ehati]

Ehati had long ago learned well how to carry herself casually even when her emotions were a heated turmoil beneath the pale skin of her body. She had perfected the nonchalance that might have earned her some harsh words from a temperamental endal back home.

As she stood at the entrance to Syliras, she looked like she was just another keeper of the gate. Armoured perhaps a little too lightly in what she wore while out doing her patrols, she did not clank and groan as her peers manning the gate and walking the streets did. She did not envy them their tougher skin, though, for she had worn that armour plenty enough when she too patrolled the city streets. She was getting hot just watching them clank around and check passersby entering the city.

Shaking her head, she looked around as well. Ignoring the glinting armour of her peers, she watched instead the masses that toiled beneath the sun. She watched a lover's quarrel begin not three metres from her and stared, possibly rudely but without comment, at the most interesting thing she had seen all day as she crossed her arms and leaned more securely against the cobbled wall.

She didn't know what she was supposed to be waiting for, but hoped things would get underway soon, hopefully before the couple had finished their scene and she had to find something else that was interesting to watch.

[Razkar]

Razkar truly did not expect this whirling, flaming creature that got back in his face and hurled his words back at him. His stony and strict countenance did not buckle, but his breathing slowed, the protective outrage dimmed... and he realized with an inward sigh that Edreina would not be dissuaded.

But he still vowed that he would find out who told her about this perilous expedition and rearrange his or her limbs.

The Myrian stood in silence until her final sentence. By then her anger was spent and a cajoling, conciliatory tone was in her voice. He might perhaps have been mollified by it, up until-

"But I won't be putting myself in too much danger. I just thought that I would save you all some trouble. Caves are tricky. The ones that hide within have to be trickier."

-and as he made to turn from him there was a blur from his side and her movement was stopped dead by a tanned and vice-like grip around her arm. Looking up, she saw wide eyes with black pupils... and a buried memory dug up for the world to see, lost to time but still possessing all its horror.

"You have no idea what hides in deep darkness," Razkar said, growling voice barely above a whisper, words choked with pained memory. "I do..."

Flashes. Snapshots. Blinks of remembrance. Green gas from thrown globes that choked and subdued in dark tunnels. A waking agony in the hands of serpentine monsters.

A male tied to an altar soaked by centuries of dried blood, insane and bleached-white priestess of hissing malevolence and scaled evil, her chanting acolytes who had not seen sun in generations.

Pain. Madess. Betrayal and evil in the deep, dark places of a different land...

That fire was returning. Even in his reminiscing he could see it, and as there were suddenly-interested others around, Razkar let go of her arm. But that flinty resolve returned, and her words or no, he would be damned if some slip of a girl who'd not yet shed blood or seen true battle would be led to slaughter and nightmare with him there.

"Stay in my eyes." He said, and his words were soaked with iron. "When we go under earth. You stay close. Not know what you heard of this charge. We fight human, probably. But other things in earth. Not ask, for I not tell. But..."

Razkar inhaled deeply, struggling for the words without touching on them, finally giving an angry exhalation and shaking his head.

"... you are not stupid girl. You know to take lead from people know more than you. When come to war, I know more. So listen to me. You want to go? Fine. I not stop you. But do as I do."

Anything more would only invite another argument and Razkar had no desire for that. His morning marred but not yet ruined, the Myrian retreated to the wall where he'd left Mrrko and he leaned against it, sharpening his gladius in movements that smacked more of mediation than maintenance.

Another female with flaming hair joined them, gawking without a hint of shame. Razkar gave her a quick glare and then returned to his stone and iron, steady hiss of them breaking the chimes as the three of them waited for their comrades, or their leader, or both.

[ViKtoricus]

ViKtoricus arrives at the scene and notices three people already there. He's a tough kid. His bulging muscles are evident of his weightlifting training. He loves adventure...

But at this moment, he seems a little uneasy. He has actually never been to a real fight. Sure, he got to play around with a training dummy, but what kind of dummy can possibly imitate real life combat? He is scared out of his mind, but at the same time, excited. Very excited.

To him, this will be just another learning experience. He will join these people, hunt down some bandits, and become a battle more stronger.

WIth him is his donkey packed with bags. He stored some dried meat, waterskin, and some bread. It should keep him alive throughout the journey, he hopes. In his left forearm is a metal buckler, his ideal weapon. He does quite well using it as a bashing tool, at least with the training dummy. Today maybe the first day where he gets to see how well he truly can bash with his shield. In his right hand is a longsword. He barely knows how to use a sword, but doesn't really care. As long as he has his shield, he is happy.

In the group, he notices there is only one man. This man, Razkar, looks intimidating. Being that ViKtoricus the way he is, he first analyzes the man by his physique. Not overly chiseled, but his bodyfat is low enough that you can see some deep ridges on his abs. He's undoubtedly in shape. And from the looks of it, he has probably killed God knows how many men with whatever scary weapon he wields. In truth, ViK would want to fight this man to see how well he would do. But he'd rather stay on his good side for now, as he assumes he is an ally who may be able to save his life if bandits come chasing after him. He also notices that this man is having a discussion with a particular woman... A pretty woman that is. So he decides to talk to the other girl.

"Hi." he says, smiling at her.

[Draven]

'O-o-o-hhhh, I'm going on an adventure! No idea for how long, but when I get there - when I get there, ... uhm ... Nothing can go wrong!,' singing and prancing about, Draven walked throughout the shallow streets of Syliras. 'Have you seen a pirate, with a parrot on his head - And a grand hat on his shoulder... it's something you won't forget! Arg Arg, the scary man said, as he gave me a map - a magical map - a treasure map, to have amazing adventures! Arg Arg - Arg Arg!' He hadn't been this happy in ages: finally he would get to experience the thrilling, unbeatable awesomeness of an actual quest. It had been a casual day, in the City of Syliras, when he had heard some guards talking about an expedition to defeat some blood-soaked bandits, who lived outside the city of Syliras. He had stood still, floating above their heads, and asked where this expedition would take place, and more importantly: whether anyone could join! Both questions had been answered, albeit with some gasps and rather feminine shrieks, and Draven had started walking towards the main gates, singing and dancing as he floated throughout the Sylirian streets. As he neared the gates, he saw four people: a brutal savage, a lovely lady, an even lovelier lady and a mercenary, who had just greeted one of the sweet maidens. A mischievous plan started unfoiling withing the young boys clever head. He would try to gently possess the man, and then force him to give the maiden a long, succelent, but mostly tremendously awkward, kiss on the lips. However, as he was sneaking towards the couple, he took a look at the brutal savage. The man seemed strong, strong and serious... would he get angry if he noticed Draven annoying, and possessing, his fellow teammembers? Most likely, the serious savage would not appreciate a ghost endangering their expedition. With a long sigh, Draven stopped and dropped his mischievous plan. Instead he flew towards the other couple, the serious savage and his female friend. 'Hey! I'm here for the expedition, the one to kill the savage- I mean bandits, scary bandits,' he was a bit afraid of the man, and directed his face the woman instead: ' Are you here for the adventure as well, miss? Still avoiding the man's gaze, he waited for one of them to answer, and accept him as a member of their team... He would join this adventure, he simply had to ... even though him being a physically 14 years old, ethereal ghost. OOC INFOI couldn't resist the temptation to lead my unknowing, and claustro-phobic, PC into a dark cave-system Sorry!

[Emblem]

Another 30 chimes passed before the final members of the party arrived on the scene. They were a trio of Syliran Knights, instructed by the order to go on this little expedition and make sure no one got killed. The order wasn't too keen on letting a party of civilians venture off to fight bandits all by themselves. Well, mostly civilians anyway. The three knights all sat upon Zavian's rather than the favored Tiaden Warhorses. Bandits simply didn't warrant bringing out warhorses. A knight named Ser Tylor lead the other two knights. His lack of helmet revealed his short brow hair and a burn on the left side of his face, beneath his eye. He was draped in a lighter armor, typical of those among the order who took up magic rather than the blade. However a sword did rest at Ser Tylor's side, in case there was a point at which his Reimancy became useless. The other two were much more of the stereotypical knight, wearing full plate mail and iron helmets for protection. First there was Ser Mat, a young knight still early in his career. He carried a shield on his back and a long sword at his side. He also carried a spear, if the case of mounted combat were to occur. But he doubted that in a cave system. The other knight was Ser Ayden. His weapon set differed from his companions in that he wielded a two handed claymore, which rested on his back. He was also equipped with a shortbow should the party need it. The three Knight's joined the five other members, giving a slight salute to Sera Ehati. A fourth member of the order would prove to be a boon to the party. A Svefra who claimed knowledge of cave systems was also present. A helpful addition. Standing next the Svefra was a Myrian warrior. The other two were the odd ones out. One was a would-be adventurer, who Ser Ayden could tell lacked experience. The other was an even stranger sight. It was what looked like a small boy, whom the knights would have simply sent home if not for one thing. The boy was ethereal, a ghost. Ser Tylor sighed, "Well, they sure have given us quite the party to work with..." "What do we do about the...ghost?" Ser Mat asked cautiously. "Nothing...just let him be. He can come along I suppose. It's not like he's in any serious danger, seeing as he's already dead...besides, their might be some use to him..." Ser Ayden intervened. Ser Tylor nodded and turned his horse to address the company. "Alright, you all know why we are here. Some bastards up in the hills are making life difficult for our merchants. And we like our merchants. So when they are upset, so are we. So now, we gotta go kick these guys' arses!" the knight said proudly. "It'll be about a day and a half's journey to our destination, so I hope you brought supplies for the journey. Now, without any further distraction, let's get moving." OOCSorry for the delay guys. This quest is officially closed to any new comers. We have an interesting party so this should be fun. Anyway feel free to take this time to converse and get to know your fellow adventurers. If you don't want to do that, then I will jump us to camp, and then to our destination.

[Edreina]

OOCI would not be against jumping to the location. "Stay in my eyes." He said, and his words were soaked with iron. "When we go under earth. You stay close. Not know what you heard of this charge. We fight human, probably. But other things in earth. Not ask, for I not tell. But... you are not stupid girl. You know to take lead from people know more than you. When come to war, I know more. So listen to me. You want to go? Fine. I not stop you. But do as I do." Edreina nodded her assent to the Myrian's request. "When it comes to battle, I will gladly follow your lead. Even if it is a command to hang back. I trust you... All that I ask is that you follow my lead when it comes to the caves. One misstep can be more lethal than any blade." Perhaps that is why she loved it so; the thrill, the adventure, the danger... they managed to get her heart pumping like nothing else. Add the skill it took to do this all while holding your breath and you had one of the most invigorating activities in existence. With that statement, she hefted her rucksack back onto her shoulder and watched as others began to join their ramshackle team. Another redhead - Edreina grinned at the rare occasion where she felt just a little bit more normal - clad in light armor had joined while she had been otherwise occupied. She looked smart and strong, probably one of the knights. Then there was the other man, young enough to still carry the gentle curve of childhood upon his jaw where men would begin to harden out. Probably a handful of years younger than Edreina. He looked as if he spent hours honing his body, but not many skills to go along with it. There was strength, but no grace, no ease of movement that came from hours of practicing an art. Perhaps he thought himself capable of juggernaut'ing his way through his enemies. And then there was a ghost. A handful of brief encounters and even more stories of Fubuki Kouri had taught Edreina not to underestimate them based upon their abilities. But then, the boy-ghost open his mouth and Edreina nearly cringed at the apparent naivety. At least he could not be hurt too terribly... "Yes, that is my purpose here." Her statement was simple but, as usual, curiosity won out and she grinned broadly at the ghost. "My name is Edreina and, though I'm not much of a fighter, I know caves well enough to be of assistance. Why are you here?" The day seemed as if it would come and go before they managed to get underway, Edreina felt a grimace touch her lips for the most brief instant at the possibility that all her preparation had been for naught. And then the knights arrived. Three figures adorned in scintillating armor perched upon three four-legged demons... er... horses. These horses were not as large as the massive mounts she occasionally saw ferrying knights about - thank the gods - but still possessed sharp hooves and strong legs that made Edreina feel a slight bit uneasy. Oddly enough, she shifted slightly in the direction of Razkar and his ebony beast, Mrrko. The way that they acknowledged the other redhead confirmed Edreina's earlier considerations. In that same instant, she began to wonder what each knight specialized in, began to wonder if there were any magic-users among them. The knights had their horses, Razkar had his, but no extras had been brought along. A previously unknown knot in her belly relaxed now that the possibility of being hurled from the back of a beast had been tossed aside. At the command of the knights, Edreina centered the weight of her rucksack on her back by adjusting the second strap and set to following at a gentle clip. It was still odd for her to walk where the land was not in constant motion.