Making their deafening way through the city, Adroushan wonders if his hearing will ever return. Although, he didn't find any permanent damage when he Delved Kanula, the Wilder hoped his condition wanned also.
As the group waited for Luce to return with her property for travel, Adroushan bought a few fruit choices to pass out to the others.
Ceirn works to make his way through the mostly unfamiliar town to follow behind their shadow.
'This should do nicely, a very eclectic group.' Pleased with his selection of 'companions' Kunala guides his mare 'Lady' through the crowd, pulling on 'Farmers' lead occasionally when the big chestnut stops to smell something.
Pausing at the very odd fountain, he realizes he heard most of what Luce was saying. Nodding he tells her, "We'll wait here." Dismounting he let both the horses drink from the odd fountain.
When Adroushan, approached with the fruit, he accepted one, pointing at his ear, "I'm starting to get some hearing back. How are you doing?"
Morel strides down the streets, grinning back and waving at the kids staring at him and even stopping to exchange greetings with the handful brave enough to step forward.
Wondering what sort of trouble the Aielman would discover trailing behind them, the Ogier accepts a piece of fruit and settles to wait for his, and Luce's, return. "Thank you. I am glad your hearing is starting to come back, Kunala. Such an odd and sudden storm."
Adroushan idly munches on his sour apple. The deaf Wilder seems to be staring at the water in the fountain. Noticing Kanula pointing at his own ear and mouthing something, Adroushan simply nods in agreement, shrugging his shoulders.
This adventure that he finds himself on seems to have gain a bit of notice. The Ebou Dari notices that the Aiel has disappeared. A bit of luck having an Aiel join the venture. Adroushan then smiles at the Ogier absently eating the offered fruit.
Now luck must be with us if we have an Aiel and an Ogier!
Adroushan smiles.
It's always the smell that seems to get to you. Born and raised upon the aired lands of the Three-fold land, the wind always blown, the dust always present in some fashion, the relentless sun above baking the land around. Yet here, the heat is different. It may not be as hot as your used to, but it sticks to you, clings, like a lover that refuses to leave your bed after she was worn out her welcome. It's there. But that, you can put up with. It is the smell that always gets to you whenever your within a large city. A stench that is omnipresent, no matter where you go, there it is.
You turn right, and hurry down an even more narrow alley. Calling it an alley would be like calling a street a large boulevard. It is narrow, and cramped. A poor place to be if youre hunted, an excellent place for an ambush.
A splash comes from behind you, and you twist your head around. first at the ground behind you, at another sludge pile freshly landed. Then you look up, and catch the glimpse of some round object flashing in the sunlight before it disappears into the building.
You feel a shiver come over you as you cannot help but imagine what wouldve happened if you had been two steps slower.
Not wanting to dwadle, you push ahead, and within a few more turns, are able to find yourself upon the original road that you were traveling upon with the new Noble that has hired you.
You travel down the road, going in the same direction the main group had taken. And within a couple minutes, are able to spot the tall form of the Ogier striding next to the lady who rides upon her horse.
An old man who had wandered up to the fountain and was looking upon the creatures on display, overhears Morel's comment and laughs slightly.
A storm, stranger? Youre no much from around here, are you? More like a hurricane it was. Although, it was no as strong as the one in 962, believe you me. Whew! that was a strong one! No much lightning or thunder, but the wind! Blood and Ashes it do be a strong one! Most folks did think the Dark One done decided to blow hard upon Illian the way that wind blew. Pushed the water deep, flood most of the city. Yet that wind! Picked up horses and threw them about like a child throwing a small pebble, it do be. Most of the newer buildings on the far east side of the city is the result of that wind. No this area! No way! good stout Builder stone, it do be! Import it is. Some Salvaged from that one place to the north that be burnt out i hears. Kept Ol' Milek dry, it do.
Ceirn works to ignore the smell and strangeness of his surroundings as he stalks forward. He slows up as he starts to see his new companions and tries to stay in the deepest shadows as he looks for the one stalking them.
as the group rounds a corner, the man slips the blade into its sheath, and he simply blends back into the crowd, walking forward until he finds a new spot to lounge upon and observe.
this happens several times as the group wanders down, and appears to finally stop at a somewhat busy intersection. The shadowing man finds a raised ledge to prop himself up upon, and he leans back. He removes a handkerchief out of a pocket and drapes it over his head, looking as if he is resting.
Realizing Adroushan had not heard his question Kunala accepted the apple; turning towards Morel, as he noticed the ogier speak. It was harder to read the ogier's lips due to the droopy mustache but the melodic tone of his words made some sounds easier to hear. 'That sounded like glad and hearing...and my name...and was that last part mudded worm?' Kunala nodding toward the gentle giant, "Thank you."
Looking at the apple to make sure there were no worms in it, he sat down on the edge of the fountain where his horses were drinking. Deciding not to take any chances, he drew his jeweled knife cutting the apple in half, feeding half of it to the big chestnut and the second half to the dapple grey mare.
Turning from his horses he realized an old man had started to talk to Morel. The old man wasn't talking loud enough for Kunala to hear every word. He was glad the ogier came along, not just so he could get to know him but also so he could pick his brain for information. Looking past the old man and the ogier, Kunala worried that Luce had not returned with her horse yet. Realizing Ceirn had slipped away, he intently dropped the reins of the mare on the edge of the fountain. patting the mares neck. "Stay here girl." Then he double checked the chestnut's lead rope to make sure it was securely tied to the mare's saddle.
Moving over towards Niketsu and Janus, he cleared his throat to get their attention. It hadn't seemed that their hearing had been effected, but if they didn't turn he'd know to wave his arm. Seeing them turn he smiled, gesturing the direction Luce had gone, trying not to speak louder as some of his hearing had returned. "Neither Luce or Ceirn have returned, should we go look for them?"
As the Ebou Dari man approaches Janus tenses, as he realizes this he breathes the tension out, he looks to Kunala and responds. "There was a man watching us, I asked them to look into it. I think we need to get out of town as soon as possible. I do not feel comfortable."
Ceirn tries to memorize his face for future reference and continues to trail him slowly through the dark streets.
Morel nods good-naturedly at the aged human's ramblings. His ears twitch curiously. "Salvaged from a place to the North? Does this place have a name?"
Milek scratches his head and stares far off for a moment. No. I dont rightly remember, No can say. Was before my time upon this land. I no read them books of history, like those learned men do up at the Palaces. Eh? what's this here? Milek looks past the fountain to a disturbance down the lane.
A boy, no more than 10, comes sprinting down the street, dodging between people and carts, causing several folks who are forced to stumble and drop their bags shout curses at the lad.
Arms pumping, he rushes up to Morel and smiles broadly.
A message for the Ogier! From a Loo-chay. Lou-chi? Lou-cee? I do forget the proper pronunciate the word, but I do remember the message. The lady in the armor and shaved head says that she he stops and takes in a lungful of air regrets that another matter has taken? Has demanded? No, what do she say? The lady say that You go away now. The Wheel weaves, or some such thing. The youth looks at everyone, taking in their clothing, and then back to Morel.
The lady do say also that there do be three coppers for me for the message. he finishes, holding his small palm out.
Catching the last bit about coin, Adroushan smiles at the lad.
I will willingly give you 3 silvers, if, you return to find us any time we are in town for the latest gossip and news running about.
The Wilder looks at the lad seriously.
I am The Doctor for this purpose. You are?
He holds the coins loosely in his hand.
'He definitely heard me.' Surprised the Shambayan tensed at his approach Seamus quickly throws his hand in the air, showing he means no harm. As Janus explains about the Aiel's task, Kunala nods his head 'Quick thinking, I don't know that I would have thought of it.' Nodding and smiling, "That was smart, thank you. Do you think we should go look for..."
Catching motion from the corner of his eye, he sees, more than hears, the boy approach. 'Find the Ogier that's easy enough.' Moving closer to hear what the boy is saying he frowns, looking towards the good doctor. Hearing that the white haired woman was no longer one of their companions he realized they didn't have to wait for her any longer.
'I hope those three silvers aren't coming out of my pocket, the boy only asked for three coppers.' Giving Adroushan a look, he turned back towards Janus, lowering his voice. "Since Luce is no longer our concern and given the fact that we may have picked up a tail. I think your idea of getting out of town as quickly as possible is a good one."
He looks over his shoulder where Morel was still talking to the old man about 'building stones.' Speaking load enough, hoping everyone could hear him. "I think once we get moving Morel will join us and I've not doubt that Ceirn can find us easy enough. Why don't you make sure your lady is ready to go then lead us out?" He then returned to his dapple-grey mare and mounted up, looking towards Janus.
the boy looks at everyone, a somewhat fearful look upon his face as he gets talked to by two different people, and not his intended mark.
I, ah, sir. I do be Dain. Dain Callah. I run messages around this area. 3 silvers for telling you the gossip? Like about how old Mrs. Mearian didnt milk her cow for a day, and when she do finally do it, the cow do get mad and kick over a lantern! Almost set the city to fire it do! Stuff like that? he asks, holding his hand out in anticipation of the coins.
Janus gives a click of his tongue and turns Faile to head down the road. He rides with a straight backed ease, the reigns in his left hand relying on his knees and balance to guide the mare.
He moves a quick pace for a quarter of an hour before pulling up to touch base with the rest of the crew.
Adroushan smiles at the boy reassuringly.
Dain Callah, yes, exactly like that. Also, if you happen to notice anyone taking an undo interest in us, then that may earn you 4 silver.
The Wilder takes 3 silver from his pocket and gives them to Dain.
And no one knows this business arrangement, but us. See you 'round Dain.
Adroushan then saddles up (he heard a stable hand say it), following Kanula.
Morel nods in agreement, though those close enough to the giant might hear him mumble something that included the words 'humans' and 'hasty.' In the space of but an hour he had unexpectedly gained several companions, and apparently lost at least one as well, before even setting off to who knew where this road might ultimately lead. After a moment, he shakes his head ruefully and grins down at the youngster and adds, "My thanks for your service delivering your message." He extends a hand to the lad.
'And he just promised the boy another silver. I wondered if he know how to manage his own money, I think I'm figuring it out.' Smiling to himself, as he watches his friend turn from the boy and mount. 'But he certainly knows his business, that's what matters to me. Anyway who else was willing to go with me across the continent on a wild goose chase.' Turning from his friend, he looks towards Morel.
'Once I get my hearing all the way back I'll need to as Morel if the old man told him anything interesting.' Noticing 'The Builder' had finished his conversation with the old man and was speaking with the newest member of Adroushan's spy network, Kunala asks, "Morel, will you be able to keep pace with the horses?" He gestured towards the big chestnut. "I guess we could spread the camping gear around and you could ride 'Farmer.'
As Adroushan mounts, Kunala notices The borderlander moving away at a brisk pace. Tugging the big geldings lead, he touches his heels to the dapple-grey mares sides. "Get up girl, don't want shown up do we." As the mare rolls into a trot, he looks back over his shoulder, smiling at Adroushan. "Never can have too many eyes and ears right?"
Following Janus through town, Kunala tries to keep an eye out for Ceirn. Sometimes the street is clearer and they could trot, but most of the time the streets are thick with people and occasionally the townsfolk are still moving debris from the storm. So the pace was slower more than not. It's during these times Kunala watched the folks of Illian they weren't that much different from the folks of Edou Dari. No the women didn't wear their daggers on a chain. Kunala paused looking at the women he passed. Glancing away so it didn't look like he was trying to see down their low cut neckline. Actually only a few of them wore daggers. But almost all of the women wore those broad brimmed hats. And the men with those odd beards with no mustache. What did they call them 'Blackfish? He decided maybe they were more different than he wanted to admit.
As Janus came to a stop, Kunala reined the mare over to side of the road, pulling the big chestnut near, patting his neck. He looks from the Borderlander to his charge, the young noblewoman then to Adroushan. Standing in the stirrups he turns looking behind hoping to see Morel and Ciern nearby.
Niketsu pulls Muad Dieb to a halt next to Janus, glad that the crowds from the inner parts of the city are at least behind them. She looks over her new companions mounts, trying to gauge how well they will hold up on an extended journey when compared to her own mount, or that of her companion. She had no concerns about Morel; she did not know any ogier well, but their ability to march long and maintain their pace was well documented in the literature.
Leaning in to her shambayan she says, "Curious that the armswoman did not continue on with us. A shame, really. She seemed like she had an interesting story to tell."
Dain exclaims loudly, leaping high. four whole silvers! i dont believe it! that is a lot sir! yes sir. Anyone important to you. Yes sir! thank you sir
spotting Morel lean way down to the young lad, Dain smiles a large smile at him. Four silvers, friend Ogier! Can you believe it! wha? oh! yes. Ma says i do no mind my manners. the boy reaches out and grasps his tiny hand in the massive paw that is the Ogiers. Almost too comical, several onlookers chuckle at the vast size difference between the two. What! Another Silver! My luckiest of days! The Creator do be praised!
The old man gives a lite chuckle at the little boy. Ah, such a sweet lad. Do be good to see children like him smiling again. I do believe he shall remember you. I do be off, Builder. Pleasure meeting one such as yourself. And to you it do be as well. He bobs his head at everyone, and walks away, whistling.
Guiding your horses around, you up another road and begin to head in a north by northeast way towards the northern parts of the town. The further you go, the crowds do seem to thin out. Yet, even for all the thinning, the crowds do maintain their presence upon the streets providing a busyness, a life to the large community you have stayed in.
Morel grins down at the effusive youngster and then turns and bows slightly to the old man and wishes him well as they say their farewells. He sets off alongside the others, long legs easily keeping up with the horses, at least at the present pace.
At Kunala's question, he waves his hand dismissively. "I should be fine, and besides, there are few beasts alive that I would not feel bad for expecting them to bear my weight when my own legs serve well enough. No need to redistribute the gear, but I thank you for the consideration."
"I suspect we will miss another trained fighter before this trip is done, although judging from his calluses our host at least has some training for that rapier he wears"
When Ceirn does not quickly arrive Janus dismounts, placing a hand on his mare's neck he speaks softly, "Still," before dropping the reigns.
He moves into the stream of the crowd and looks back, watching for the Aielman.
Adroushan just winks at Kunala.
Yup, may need to spread the wealth a bit from here til Tar Valon...or whereever we are going, but not there, I am hoping.
Nodding to 'The Builder' Kunala responds, "As you wish." As he leads the large gelding after Janus. Looking back to the chestnut he smiles. "Yeah you just lucked out Farmer." While turned around, he smiles at the good doctor and rolls his eye at his friend's wink. "Blood and ashes, Adroushan, Tar Valon? I hope the book doesn't take us there as well."
Hearing the boy exclaim 'Four Silvers' Kunala shakes his head, knowing Morel probably gave him silver as well. 'Asked for three pennies and he got four silvers instead.' Apparently he would need to explain to 'the builder how finances worked as well.
As they rode Kunala watched the Arefellin noblewoman and her majordomo? Guard? Lover? Kunala couldn't tell. They had used the term 'Shambayan' but from what Kunala knew it was an ancient word, used by high up nobility, not by lower nobility, like his own family. Either way Janus seemed competent enough, in the way all borderlanders were. But she, she was a mystery. Kunala knew the Arefellin were extremely touchy, almost as touchy as the Abou Dari. But he thought their women dueled with knives or bows or whips, not swords. A borderlander noblewoman trained in the large curved blade was certainly unusual. And Kunala loved a good mystery, that's what sent him down this path, searching for ter'angreal.Smiling to himself at the thought of the Arefellin being as touchy as the Edou Dari, Kunala realized that the noble woman was speaking to her companion about Luce.
She was right, it was a shame that the woman had chosen to leave them. She had seemed interesting and appeared to be a competent fighter, if not a little rough. But the wheel weaves as the wheel wills. Raising an eyebrow at Janus' observation about calluses, Kunala lifts his right hand from the saddle horn and observes it. 'Calluses and I spent all that money and time using the beeswax and wood oil concoction aunt Padima recommended. Shrugging his shoulders, he joined he conversation. "I was certainly curious as to why Luce wore her hair so short, women who carry swords are very curious." He smiles at Niketsu, "Present company included."
He holds his hand up turning it to make both sides visible before he lowers it, "As for calluses, you can never entirely get rid of them right? My father taught me enough of the sword to keep myself alive in a duel. Sadly that's about it." He gestures at Janus' large blade. "My father carries a blade similar to yours. He called it a Warder's blade. Of course, he learned to use it when he went to the white tower to train. He was going to protect my aunt Padmavati." He smiled, 'At least that's what she was called back then.' Shrugging. "He said it was too heavy for me to use. Thought I should learn a more typical nobleman's weapon, so he trained me in the rapier."
As Janus dismounts and heads into the crowd, assumable to find their Aiel, 'Nice trick with the horse, she's well trained.' Looking from Janus' mare to his leige lord, Kunala asks, "Niketsu, if you do not mind me asking. What prompted you to take up the 'Warder's Sword?"
Adroushan rides along besides Kanula as they venture out of the city proper. The youthful Ebou Dari smiles a bit at the talk of swords. He looks at his hands.
These hands were made for healing only. If trouble arises, I shall be a bit perplexed as to my role in it?
He looks pointedly at Kanula.
He knows that if his (or mine for that matter) were in peril; I will Channel like a m~+!&!##~&&!!
He looks at the new companions.
Just hope no one here are friends to Aes Sedai.
Niketsu smiles, absent mindedly running a hand along the hilt of her sword. In response she works off one of her gloves, holding up a hand, showing her own set of calluses from long hours of practice.
"You are right; nothing ever really gets rid of them. There are few liniments that can be made to soften them, but they always remain."
"As for the sword? It is not that strange for a woman in Arafel to learn the sword, though to be honest, few carry one. However, Trollocs don't care if you are a man or woman, and I would rather have a sword or spear to fend them off than try the same with a knife. Of course, it seems few this far south even believe in Trollocs. I can't even begin to imagine living in a place where Trollocs are just traveler's tales. This sword was my father's. He had many, but this was the one he taught me to use. I have heard Warder's use a sword like this; but I have never understood why some call it that. This form is common in the bordelands. Perhaps it is just because so many Warders seem to hail from the North that the borderland sword has become synonymous with warders, but I can only guess. Perhaps if I ever get the chance to put the question to a warder, I will have to ask him."
"On this sword, the hilt is long enough to be wielded in one hand or two, and in two hands it can be maneuvered more swiftly than most swords can in one. If you carry a shield, an arming sword is probably more suiting, but for traveler moving without armour, and a woman at that, an agile blade works well for me."
You walk down the road, and are easily able to once again spot your companions further down the lane. the crowd of people here is not as thick as it was closer to the docks and the bar where you had met this group, but there was enough people here to partially blend in with.
You walk down the road, sticking to the right side, and you causally look about. it doesnt take long, but as you slowly gain ground on your companions, you spot a familiar red flash off just ahead of you. You shift around to get a better look at the gentleman, taking position amongst a couple of smaller boxes.
As you look at the man, you see him suddenly perk up, raising onto his tiptoes, pausing, and then lowering himself down again. Something caught his attention.
you look down the road, and easily spot Janus walking in your direction, looking about.
Frustrated by his inability to find his new companion Janus heads back to the others. "Ceirn may be lost, or he may be right behind us, either way we should be moving. Lord Kunala, do you have a destination in mind? I'd prefer to exit this city, but I differ to your judgment."
Looking away for a moment from Niketsu showing him her calluses, Kunala makes eye contact with Adroushan while his friend comments about being 'perplexed as to his role in combat' Nodding knowingly. "We understand Adroushan, your roll is not to fight, but to heal." He gives a quick smile and a wink, "And to learn secrets from your network of children spies."
Turning back to Niketsu he picks back up where the conversation left off. "Yes my father would use several techniques, mostly two handed, but occasionally using one. Those are the ones he taught me." Shrugging, "Now that you mention it, he never explained why he called it a 'Warder sword' I just know he was given one and was being taught how to use it by 'Warders' so that's what he called it."
Seeing Janus return Kunala frowned at the information. 'Lost, well that wouldn't be good....Lord?' Nodding, Kunala reined the mare back out into the street. "I'd prefer that as well, the sooner we leave the sooner we head to our destination. Far Madding." Pausing, "Oh and it's not 'Lord' it's just Kunala." Attempting to look serious. "If you insist on an 'Honorific'" He paused for effect, a twinkle in his eye. " Handsome will do." He gives an easy smile, "I always liked the sound of 'Handsome Kunala." Winking at the borderlander, he touched his heels to the mare's sides as he pulled on the chestnut's lead rope.
Nudging his horse forward, Kunala leads the party down the roadway and northward through the rest of Illian. The sounds, smells, and scene changes, as older houses give way to new construction the further from the center of the city the party gets.
eventually, you make your way to the city's edge, the houses and businesses replaced with larger mansions built upon the short hills that surround the main metropolis, and warehouses crowded close to the main thoroughfare.
Mansions and warehouses transition into small and large expanses of farmland, the countryside interlaced with walls made of field stone denoting plot lines and ancient ownership.
before the group a wide road lays before it. Raised upon a platform of sand and clay, cobblestones cemented together provide a sturdy and reliable path to the north. To the rest of the world beyond.
Adroushan frowns at the mention of Far Madding.
All Nynaeve knew was that the kingdom which had once held this land had fallen long ago, and the only remnant was the independent city of Far Madding. The Wheel of Time turned. The most grand of kingdoms fell, rusted and eventually changed into lazy fields, ruled only by farmers determined to grow a particularly good crop of barley.
The Wilder shakes his head.
Of course, it would be there. Bet we can get a good bowl of soup while there.
Adroushan follows along.
Finally! We are leaving this place! I wonder if those poor sods have even woken up yet?
[ooc]If he is sure then I will rejoin the party.[ooc]
Ceirn jogs up to join the group as they are moving up the road. Once he reaches them he slows to walk besides them before saying, "We seem to have attracted the attention of a group. There was a man with a scar who followed you for a while before turning you over to a red haired man who followed until he seemed sure which way we were leaving town, and then he ran off. It might be wise to turn here and head towards another exit."
Smiling at Adroushan's question about 'soup' Kunala shrugs. "I doubt if anything we find will be as good as my aunts Wedding soup" he pauses for a moment, closing his eyes slightly as he remembers. "Mmmmm the meatballs, the wonderful broth and those little pasta, what are they called? Acini de pepe?." he pauses, looking back towards his friend his eyes wide, raising an eyebrow. "Or was 'soup' a euphemism for 'wine'? I can never tell with you."
As the conversation waned, Kunala watched the houses they passed. Impressed all the land had been built up out of the marshes surrounding the city. Eventually they would be out of the marshland and into the woodlands where there was a smattering of olive farms. He wondered how different it would be growing olives instead of grapes. Oil instead of wine. Similar ideas, harvest the seeds, squeeze the juice out then bottle it. It was probably as profitable as wine. But Adroushan wouldn't like it as much.
Kunala was smiling to himself in thought as he saw Ceirn jog up to the group. Listening carefully as the man gave his report. 'Attracted a group? I knew I couldn't trust her. Looking at the others nervously; he had no doubt that every one of them, with the possible exception of himself, could hold their own. He began to quickly consider the options, make a rush to where the Causeway split and hope those who follow go the wrong direction. Get off the causeway and work their way through some of the country villages, or wait for them and fight, maybe hope some of the famed Illian Companions show up and rescue them.
Shaking his head, as the mare dances, feeling his nervousness. "Thank you Ciern, you've proven yourself invaluable." He looks towards the others, "do we rush to where the Causeway splits and hope they guess wrong or do we leave the causeway?" He looks towards Morel but doesn't specifically name him. "Either way, our passing will be hard to hide."
"The one following us has left. I do not think there are any others at the moment. We could back track and take another way with little chance of being spotted." Ceirn says.
...eventually, you make your way to the city's edge... into small and large expanses of farmland...before the group a wide road lays before it. Raised upon a platform of sand and clay, cobblestones cemented together provide a sturdy and reliable path to the north. To the rest of the world beyond.
Scratching his head, Kunala looks back down the Causeway to where they had left Illiad. "Um, backtrack to where? We'd be going back to where their at. We're headed to Far Madding, this is the road that goes there."
He gestures north up the road. "Up that way it splits, the left branch going toward Far Madding the right branch heading to Tear."
Looking from the Aiel toward the Borderlanders. "If we don't want to stay on the causeway, we could take lesser roads through some of the villages and pick it back up once we think it's safe."
Listening to Aielman's report and the following discussion, Morel considers his knowledge of the area to see if he can recall a promising side route.
"I believe that haste is going to be our best asset. I believe we should stay off the lesser roads." He looks to the Aielman and the Ogier. "Besides we are an easy group to find, your handsomeness is going to draw attention anywhere we go"
The warder chides himself for falling for the nobleman's charm, he presses with his right knee causing his horse to turn and begins to move down the road.
"That is true." Morel says, a little apologetically when he notices the looks being directed his way. "While I have no doubt Ceirn could go unseen if he wished, I fear no matter my efforts, I am very likely to stick out."
Why not just continue on our way, while some of our more able bodies scout ahead for possible ambush points to greet our interested party and scout behind to allow our eyes to see.
'Hansomeness? I wonder how long that will last.' Smiling at the borderlanders jest, Kunala nods at his observation. Looking to Morel, he nods as well acknowledging his observation. Following Janus' lead, Kunala guides the mare down the road as well. He turns back towards the good doctor. "To be able to ambush us they would need to get word up the road. I'm more concerned with them chasing us down from behind. Either way I'd rather not get in a fight."
'If someone is following us, they must travel light to catch us. Which wouldn't be hard if we stay on the Causeway. If they have to follow us from village to village, they may get tired of the chase.' Gesturing towards a road shooting of the Causeway to the right. "They are right, we will not be able to hide, so let's at least make it harder to find us. We'll turn off the Causeway towards the coast heading east, then cut north towards the road to Tear. Once we get there, we can either double back to the Causeway, or continue using back roads north."
He looks from Adroushan back to Ceirn, "However I do like the idea of a scout behind to allow our eyes to see."