On the Road
Subject Introductions
Salix takes in this introduction thoughtfully. This Harp fellow is truly a remarkable creature. Salix had never met an Orc or even half-Orc who didn't revel in his capacity for destruction and violence. He could not help but be touched by the tale of being given up at birth. His own mother had given him up to The Order when she left him in the sacred willow grove so long ago. Salix knew well how such a child could cling to the new family. Luckily for him life in The Order seemed a perfect fit from the beginning. He wondered how he might be different if the fit had been a struggle.
From: Mark
Subject Clarification
OODM: I just want to make it clear, the group is going to escort the bride to be of the Knight/Captain, not Quarion Smith. Smith is a friend of the Captain and is doing him a favor by supplying a non-official escort for the young lady.
Anything else anyone wants to add?
From: Karl
Subject Moving Out
Nope! Let's move out!
From: Randy
Subject Moving Out
As the conversation dies down Ran looks to the group and begins to speak.
"I am impressed with the group that has been assembled for this task and I am confident that we will be able to work well together. It appears that we have a lot of this day remaining and unless there are any objections I propose that we move out."
From: Ami
Subject Moving Out
Cai-Ril watched the raven light on Fal-Tor's shoulder and sighed. "I suppose you haven't. Not many elves bond with animals."
At that moment, Ran addressed the group, proposing that the journey started immediately. Cai nodded. It would be better to not waste time.
She looked again at Fal-Tor and then Ben-Ril, remembering how long it took them to get ready to leave the school. They'd had some time now on the road. A wry smile grew on her face. She leaned over to Fal-Tor and whispered, "Do you need a bit more time to prepare to leave, wizard?"
From: Derrell
Subject Moving Out
"I'm ready to go. I haven't unpacked from the journey here." Fal-Tor looks at the raven. "Are you ready to begin this adventure, my friend?" The raven caws in the affirmative. "Fal-Tor turns back to Cai. "We are ready. Let the adventure begin. My horse is well rested and anxious to travel again."
Fal-Tor turns toward his friend Ben-Ril, looking for signs of nervousness. "So, Ben, are you ready to begin the quest?"
From: Kevin
Subject Moving Out
Harp, having had a chance to introduce himself to his new companions, heads back over to Ran Ell and indicates to him that he (and the rest of the group) seem ready to depart.
From: Karl
Subject Moving Out
Salix for his part has already moved to the door and is looking back expectantly.
From: Mark
Subject Moving Out
OODM: I will get there. I was hoping to hear from Rob, but I will just assume that he and Fal-Tor will stay together.
Turn forthcoming.
From: Mark
Subject On the Road
Seeing that Ran-Ell has taken control of the group and that many of the members are eager to be on their way, Quarion says ?Gods speed and may the good Gods be with you. If I am able I will try and find you, but do not count on it. My quest leads in another direction.? With that he leaves the room.
Ran suggests to the group that they all get their supplies and meet at the Western Gate in two hours time. That should still give them time to get some food before they leave and still get a good half days journey in. The North Mountain Road actually ends up in Gorn. They would have to take the West Gate and just follow that road for a couple of weeks and they should be where they needed to be. Everyone nods their agreement, although Salix seems a bit put out that everyone else is not ready to go right now. Each member of the party spends the rest of the morning gathering their things for the long journey ahead and thinking about what is to come.
The sixth morning bell rings, signifying noon. Ran is waiting on his large horse for the group to arrive. In his time away from the order he had gotten a bit more used to the schedules that civilians kept. Corporal Harp is there with his heavy horse and a pack horse. Salix is there on his horse, with a huge owl on the pommel of the saddle. A few minutes latter Bel-Ril and Fal-Tor mosey up, each on a light ridding horse and birds perched on their shoulders, a raven in Fal's case and a hawk in Bel's. Cai-Ril joins the group on her horse as well, her hawk Grey standing on the pommel of her saddle. The last to arrive is Surin, riding his little pony. He is also laden down with food that he is still eating. Blushing a bit at the looks he gets from the others he says ?You never know when we will get good food again.?
Ran looks over the packs. It looks like most of the people are well prepared. He assumes that the ranger can hunt for some fresh meat on the road and that they might be able to buy the occasional vegetable while on the road. Ran stands in his stirrups and speaks to the group. ?Lady Cai, would you mind going ahead of the group as a scout? Let us know if there is anything we should worry about. I do not expect any problems this close to Gorn, but I would like to get in the habit of having a scout out ahead of the group.? Cai nods and starts her horse down the road at a trot. ?Corporal Harp, would you mind bringing up the rear, making sure that no one falls behind.? Harp salutes and moves off to end of the group. ?The rest of you should stay with me, if you don't mind. We will be in civilized lands for a while, but it does not hurt to be prepared.? With that Ran gestures to the group and they head out into the sunny afternoon.
The traveling is easy. The road is wide and well kept this close to the city. There are farmers, merchants, guardsmen, traders and all sorts of people on the road. The land is mainly farm land, gently rolling, with the occasional large stand of trees. The group gets about 4 leagues from Gorn when Ran calls for setting camp. Consulting with the rangers, they pick a spot just outside of a small grove of trees. This pleases Salix to no end. Corporal Harp starts handing out duties for setting camp. Cai offers to go hunt some food in the woods and Ran gives her permission. Harp, seeing that setting up camp seems to be moving smoothly, especially Surin with the tents, volunteers to gather wood. Salix offers to go with him. The group settles in for the night.
OODM: Ok we are at the first night. If any one wants to discuss anything with anyone else now is the time. If you want to role play any conversations that might have gone on during the day, go ahead. When you are already for the night to go please check in.