"If you insist. I trust we will be capable of this task; your discerning gaze would not have brought us otherwise."
He glances over the contract for anything in particular; it was unlikely anything would prevent him from signing it.
Shavel looks at the others and at the princess as well. "It is true, this will be a mighty undertaking. Question though, Your Highness: Is there anything you could get for us to ease us in our journey. A horse a head and a few carts should be more than enough to at least let us set forth in a modicum of comfort and civility."
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“I will be giving each of you a heavy or light horse depending on your needs. There are 5 of each horse, chose wisely, I will have Arianna take you to the stables, there you can choose a horse, I will also provide a tent, 120 trail rations, 20 for each of you… and 24 gold for 2 nights at an inn, 2 people to each room, I’m assuming you’ll travel by the road so you’ll likely pass through Fort Des, then through Recsor, and then finally arriving at Allensburg, then from there you’ll travel into the forest and head out to the river, I can only assume that you’ll return to Dalia after defeating the dragon to hop onto a boat, return here once you’ve collected the crystal from the river dragon wyrmling and I’ll pay for passage to one of the other 7 continents, though I would suggest that you seek passage to Zantar, but it is entirely up to you on where you go next,” The king stated before he walked over to his throne and then opened up a box right next to it to pull out a bag.
“Talk with Riodran for the trail rations,” He said once he returned to them and set down the bag of gold on the table.
"As for a few carts, I might be able to provide 2 for this journey, talk to the royal stable-master to see if there are any available," He stated.
"Yes, traveling by road as much as possible is likely best. I hope the young Princess is prepared for cold camps and long hours of being on the road." that last is spoken directly towards the Princess with a little smile, Mileana being gentle about mentioning such things perhaps out of politeness.
Further questions about the mounts and carts can be dealt with at the stable. Before taking her leave of the throne room, she glances to her new companions curiously wondering if they have any further questions.
One more question before we leave on our journey. Why us? Entrusting strangers with your daughter's well being and the fate of the world would seem more suitable to persons of perhaps- better reputation, and in larger numbers.
Zulan stood beside the settled Beza and listened intently to the conversation between sovereign, princess and the other companions.
"Of the two, I would take a heavy horse, King Coniera. You are generous in all you will provide."
At the mention of Zantar, Zulan gave a definitive nod.
Focusing his attention on the young princess, the hunter respectfully bowed his head and asked, "Princess Arianna, what talents and skill do you possess? You are young, this is true. But it does not mean that you are without capacity to travel with us, or your father the king would not risk you. In my village, each warrior learns the strengths of his brothers."
“I am prepared, I have been sleeping outside in the court yard during all seasons to ensure that I at least know what it is like during every season to sleep outside… Though I do know there are dangers ahead, some what I may not be able to fathom, I will try my best to assist as best as I can,” The princess replied to Mileana, though she knew not of what it would be like to travel on the road, she had only traveled twice in her life and it was at the full guard of the camp so she never had to worry about dangers at night.
She then looked to Zulan and his question, a bright smile forming on her face.
“Well, I have practiced healing, so I know that, and my father has had some of the fighters train me with certain weapons, my specialty is the morningstar, though I can use other weapons, I prefer that over anything else,” She said, nodding some.
“… I’m by far not as good as any of you five, but I will make sure to hold my own in combat.”
The king nodded, pleased to hear what he has heard so far. Once he made sure all the contracts were signed and he signed them as well as his daughter he held up his hand.
“I have made sure to have my wizards prepare these documents after I have written on them… To ensure that all of you will follow through with the quest, I apologize for not informing you all ahead of time, but in these documents, I have ensured that you all will follow through with this quest, and on the same note, I have no choice but to give you the reward at the end of this quest, these contracts are binding for me as well as you. If either of us do not hold up to the deal of the contract, the one who tries not to hold up to the deal will suffer the consequences of doing so,” The king stated.
Wendell listens acutely for the response to Anchard's question. Perhaps he simply wants to rid himself of us. No, that doesn't make sense - these lot weren't here at the start...
"A wise woman among our company is fortunate, Princess. That you possess skill with weapon too, a greater boon. You may count on Beza and I to watch over you on this quest."
When the king held up his hand and began to speak, Zulan stood with feet apart, Beza now on her feet, listening to his warning.
"I am oathbound, King Coniera -- You have my mark on your paper and my word in this chamber before you all."
Shavel nods. "The healing arts will prove to be quite neccesary if our foes be dragons m'lady. And your willingness to weather the elements and train in the arts of martial combat may prove most valuable."
He turns to the others. "One night's rest, then off at dawn? That way we may acquire what we may for the long journey ahead."
"Delightful. Then hopefully I won't need to devote as much of my magics to healing..." Mileana murmurs, seeming pleased with this turn of events. She brushes her braided hair back behind her shoulder and smiles brightly.
A nod to Shavel, and a smile to all. "Then on the way out, shall we stop by the stables and make arrangements for our mounts and see if we can arrange a cart or wagon as well? That will help us plan for what supplies to take."
Shavel looks over at the Aasimar human and nods. "A wagon would probably be the best option. We can alternate riding the horses and riding the wagon. And the wagon can carry our travelling gear as well, tents and what have you."
"Indeed. But, as his Highness said, that we shall need to speak to the stablemaster about. If he can spare a wagon, or a cart... well, we don't know yet. But I have hopes." the silvered haired Aasimar says with a bright smile. "The ten day travel time we were quoted, though... I wonder if that is at a wagons pace, or unburdened horses? We can travel more swiftly without a wagon or cart, but having one will give us more options."
At the Elf Shavel's, question, Zulan answered directly, "Dawn is acceptable. We will have time to prepare and speak to this stablemaster." The hunter gave a cursory glance toward Mileana regarding his last statement and then turned his gaze to Beza.
One more question before we leave on our journey. Why us? Entrusting strangers with your daughter's well being and the fate of the world would seem more suitable to persons of perhaps- better reputation, and in larger numbers.
"I mispoke earlier , I have more questions, first of which, what position does Riodran hold and where is Riodran?"
"Additionally , what manner of emblem or signal are we to use to identify ourselves to your followers so that we may commission or commandeer whatever assistance we may need with minimal delay?"
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Earlier post unanswered, Dias? - One more question before we leave on our journey. Why us? Entrusting strangers with your daughter's well being and the fate of the world would seem more suitable to persons of perhaps- better reputation, and in larger numbers.
The king took out pendants, each the same, 6 of them before setting them down. They each looked like a stag.
"Wear these, people should know you are working for me, though do not wear them often... To answer an earlier question, I entrust you because I know that the contracts are very binding, for both you and I," He finally managed to get the question.
Zulan drew closer to the table where the pendants lay side by side. He had never possessed such a thing in his life and carefully lifted one and placed it in his open palm, looking at it.
Lifting his eyes to the king, he enquired, "So, they are they only to be shown when required to prove our alliance, King Coniera? If it is not to be worn always, I shall place mine in a safe place."
The hunter moved so his tiger companion could see the pendant for a few moments before then securely stowing the trinket in a pouch inside his vest.
The Aasimar takes up her own stag amulet, studying it curiously before slipping it into a pouch for safekeeping. Quiet for the moment, as others pose questions. She does listen curiously for the responses, while stepping back and letting her gaze roam around the room curiously.
Anchard is hesitant to pursue more questioning at first, the answer to why we were chosen perplexed Anchard a great deal.
"And where was Riodran?"
Rio-dran? It was the second time the one called Anchard had mentioned the name and Zulan pondered its importance or relevance.
The hunter silently wondered when they would be given leave to find the stablemaster and get their affairs in order.
"Once this question is answered, we may be given leave to go and prepare?"
“Riordran is in the upper chambers, Arianna should be able to lead you, as for everything else, the stable master should be able to provide the steeds, along with a cart or a wagon, though it would take a little longer, if you allow Riordran to know you’re taking a cart he’ll provide extra rations for the trip,” The king stated.
“As for the amulets, I would only wear them when you are dealing with people you want to know you are assigned to this quest, or are aligned with the king, otherwise keep it on your person somewhere safe where eyes cannot pry, you don’t want the wrong people getting the wrong idea,” He stated.
Shavel accepts the token of the stag and nods. "So this is our symbol of deputation then?" He puts it on and then approaches the princess. "Your Highness, I pledge on the honor of my sword and my name that I shall not fail you, or die trying."
He turns to the party and then the king. "Your Highness, unless there is anything else we need to know, I bid you a fair farewell."
He salutes and then heads off to get a good nights rest.
“I foresaw all of you coming, that is why my father trusts you in this quest, at least by face, names wasn’t something that the higher powers allowed me to view. We really should be on the road soon, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we’ll all be dining in the great halls of the palace celebrating a quest well finished,” She stated with a bit of a chuckle.
With an easy smile, the Aasimar offers a bow to the King, as well as to the princess. But since it seems that most of what needs to be discussed has been covered, she prepares to depart when the others do.
So, Rior-dran was one of the king's people, and known to Anchard ... The hunter glanced at the Elf before noting the king had answered his question regarding the stag amulet and had given them leave. The hunter bowed his head to the king.
Watching some of the others begin to leave, Zulan spoke up, "Are we to meet at the palace at dawn and proceed from here? Or is there another meeting place?"
At the back of his mind Zulan stowed the knowledge that the Princess Arianna was a seer of sorts.
Let's head over to Riodran and get our transportation arranged first before deciding on our departure. I am sure tomorrow at dawn will be more than enough time for the Stable Master to make necessary arrangements, but let's not commit quite yet. Anchard states as he closes the gap between himself and the rest of the assembled party members.
My apologies for not introducing myself sooner, court customs are different where I come from, I am Anchard Wulphear. I weave arcane and divine magics by communing with my ancestors. Don't let my complextion alarm you, I am a dusk elf- instead of innately being tied to nature as most elves are, I am innately tied to the night. Anchard nods his head slightly as a ritual of showing respect.
From one of the shadows hiding toward the ceiling a small blue, white spotted thrush glides down and perches on Anchard's shoulder. The bird turns its head with a twitch, "Ihudraar!" it calls in a sweet song.
"Yes, and this is Ihudraar Skyscribe, my precious familiar."
After everyone has a chance to introduce themselves if they wish, Anchard will head to see Riodran and make arrangements for transportation along with anyone else that wants to join in.
He watched as the small bird descended from the rafters and landed on the dusk elf's shoulder. When it spoke, the hunter's eyes widened briefly.
Zulan addressed both Anchard and Ihudraar, inclining his head in respect. "I am Zulan from Zantar. I am a hunter and this is my companion, Beza." The tiger padded forward on the stone floor and her golden eyes looked up at the perched thrush.
"Ihud-raar speaks the Common tongue?" How he wished Beza and he could communicate in words. Their feelings and moods were in tune through their strong bond ... Yet, over the very long hunting days, it would have been good to talk with Beza.
To the dusk elf he offered his service, "I will accompany you to make the arrangements."
Anchard nods his head as an affirmative and in agreement, "Pleased to meet you both, Zulan of Zantar and Beza the tiger."
"Time for more formal introductions? I am Mileana Destara. A priestess of Urgathoa." Mileana says politely as she offers a slight curtsey to the others. "My own companion is back at my rooms, but will be joining us on the journey." her smile is almost serene as she turns her gaze from one to another, a welcoming expression to each of her new companions. "I must admit that I, for one, am quite excited by the prospects of this grand endeavor."
When the shiny priestess drew closer and spoke with them, Zulan did not comprehend the name she had spoken. "Ur-ga-tho-a? What kind of god is this?"
"Urgathoa is a Goddess. Often misunderstood. But her devotion is to enjoy all that the world has to offer. The death of the world is something that cannot be allowed to happen, for an end to the world is an end to all the experiences and pleasures that it holds or will come to be." a gentle smile curves Mileana's lips as she speaks. "But such discussion is better saved for the long hours on the road, not now when we still have pressing matters to attend before we may depart."
<Time skipping here for the convenience of the game>
You have met with Riordran and the stable master to get what was needed for the quest. You are all provided 30 days rations each, along with 5 horses, light or heavy-weight depending on your needs, and 2 heavy weight horses along with 2 carts, 8 gp each for 4 nights stays at inns, along with a tent each to sleep in.
The dawn breaks and it is agreed to meet up with the princess in the castle court yard at dawn.
"I hope you all slept well." Anchard greets the others as they come into the court yard. "We were fortunate that these carts were both available, the stable master seemed a bit worried yesterday. I've checked to make sure everything here is in order, so as soon as you are all ready, we can be off."
The silver haired Aasimar arrives with her companion, shrouded and unspeaking in her wake. The figure also seems to be carrying the lions share of their gear. As they come to the carts, she directs him to load their gear into the back of one of the carts.
"Hello. Everything is prepared? Then I shall take one of the carts for the first leg of the journey. Rygas is not very... talkative,and horse riding is not his forte..." There is a soft laugh from the Aasimar as she moves to gather up one of the light horses that was chosen for her, to tether it to the chosen cart for an easy walk to begin the journey.
Rising early, Shavel meditates on his spells, ingraining the knowledge, the nuances, the dance that they evoke in his mind. Giving his blade a thorough polish, he gathers what he has and joins the rest courtyard. "Well met, all. Are these the horses and carts then? Very good." He gets in the saddle of a chestnut coloured mare named the Bell of Sunrise by the stablemaster called her.
He looks to the party with a small smile. "I guess we wait for everyone to mount up and then we head North, yes?"
As agreed upon with the stablemaster the evening before, a buckskin mare (golden coat, black mane, tail and legs) called Aumia, was saddled and waiting for Zulan as he entered the courtyard with Beza. Aumia had not shied away from Beza like some of the other horses shown to them and she proved the best match for the hunter and his tiger companion.
Zulan's eyes caught sight of the shrouded one called Ry-gas and he wondered why the man hid his face from them and did not speak a word.
The hunter acknowledged the companions waiting in the courtyard with a simple nod of his head.
Stowing his gear, Zulan ran his hand along Aumia's flank and then climbed onto the saddle. Beza, looked up at the hunter, gave a chuff and then was silent.
Wendell felt a touch like he was being taken advantage of with the contract, but then again, his talents were used for coppers on the gold for the king anyway. At least there will be a large payout from that contract. Mmm-hmmm.
He rolled his eyes at the "more formal" introductions outside the royal's ears. "I'm Wendell - the chef. I suppose it will be my job to keep you all from eating raw roots and deer ears all day. I know a hint of alchemy and anatomy, so my use will go beyond your plate. Let us not dally - dragons and whatnot await." Still not completely sold on the reality of the task, he just wanted to get on with it.
Urgathoa? Such heathen presence must necessitate a dire need. I wonder what his subjects would think...
The cook opted for the heavier horse - all the better to pull things with - and readied himself for the road.
There are known to be bandits along the road near Fort Des. Rescor and Allensburg have been having political debate lately, so there have been some border issues, less people guarding the roads so bandits and other creatures have cropped up to take advantage of the situation.
Arianna approached the group, her horse was a Clydesdale horse, mostly black including mane except near its hooves where there was a white marking above each hoof. The girl looked over everyone and then nodded.
“Now we should be going, it’s best if we get this done soon so we can return, have a meal with my father and then head off to the next continent,” She stated. She put her stuff in the cart. All the supplies had been packed up on the carts for them that morning before they arrived, and the horses attached each had a leading rope.
The carts really couldn’t support riders, but so long as someone had a lead on one of the horses that horse would follow.
Shavel nods at the princess and takes a lead positiin before one of the horses pulling a cart. "I agree, sooner out, sooner we get closer to our rewards, yes?" He reaches out and takes a lead rope before bowing to Lady Arianna. "After you, my highness"
She climbs up onto her horse and nods. Well, she knew some things about riding a horse but she wasn’t exactly trained in riding a horse. No that was something that would come later possibly.
”Oh and something I want to pass by you guys, I know you all know me as Arianna but let’s call me a different name, any ideas? And no referring to me as the princess of Talios. There are some that would recognize me, but in other countries they wouldn’t recognize me,” She stated.
“I’m thinking Anna Smith or something like that.”
Zulan did not have much need of a horse in the jungles and rainforests of Zantar. He was not a proficient rider, but he supposed he could hold his own at the present time. With their continual travel to fulfil the goals of the quest, the hunter was confident he would be proficient in time.
"Anna is good enough. But do not the people of these lands know what you look like or have heard stories of your appearance? You may need a disguise or at least a cloak to cover your hair and face."
Zulan, having watched Shavel on his horse, nudged Aumia forward, Beza following steadily on the ground.
"Beza is a fine runner. But horse gallop faster. I will keep pace with my tiger companion."
Rygas once settled, is motionless and silent. Easily overlooked after a while as another piece of baggage. But he also doesn't weigh a whole lot beyond the items he carries. His mistress makes sure that he is positioned at an edge, where he can easily dismount should the need arise.
Mileana will lead one of the carts then, unless someone objects, the one upon which her silent companion rests. "Yes, a princess traveling without a heavy guard is probably best kept from being made known. Especially since there will likely be bandits upon our path, with things as they are in the land now."
”I have a wig, and I won’t be wearing my normal clothes either,” She said before she rummaged through her bag and pulled out the slightly tossled wig. She ran her fingers through it a few times before she put it on, fastening it down to ensure it won’t move. It was a red hair wig, definitely off from her original hair color, though her eyebrows were still brunette.
“That’s about all I can do for now…” She muttered, feeling a little inadequate now for not having though to have her appearance changed by the court wizard.
“Well, I think we’re good though, so shall we get on the road now? Everyone ready?”