The path to Malkier was an enlightening experience for Ashar. The farthest north he had ever travelled, the kind weather had failed to deny geography its due, it was getting colder. He'd been glad for the extra layer of furs he had picked up in Merrilor on the advice of those who knew better, even more glad he'd been able to secure some extra clothing for the others on the coin of the merchants who had employed them. Even now it was a welcome respite from the bite of a chill wind that contrasted with the sun that had blessed their path. The wagons at least had travelled well with little hassle. Only one axle had broken a week north of Merrilor, the teamsters had made a quick fix and Jerinvar Alanda, the merchant in charge of the expedition, was even handed and easy to approach. He seemed to have the confidence of years despite not even being thirty. Apart from his Jerinvar's guardsmen, led by a burly Illianer called Nikos, Ashar's group was somewhat settled. In addition to himself, and the trio he had recruited on the first day made up of Kai, Kaylee and Eb, he'd also found two more to round out their crew. Tolin never gave his last name, or contributed that much to conversation, but at least his sturdy frame could keep to the saddle and his chipped mace with its fins looked like it had seen plenty of use. That then left Uno who had come to see him a day later. He'd decided that the call of the road was his to answer, something which had led to more than one conversation with Donal who had eventually given his reluctant blessing. It had been a source of tension given his first meeting with the others, but Ashar wasn't overly concerned. There hadn't been any blow ups yet, and if people kept civil and did their jobs, then that should be enough for the run. Days were spent on travel with Ashar ranging forward with Kai and Tolin scouting ahead while Kaylee and Eb stayed with the wagons and acted as spotters. When they weren't travelling it had been an opportunity to observe their interactions, Eb and Kai had taken Uno under their wing and were providing him training and tips. Tolin occasionally offered an acerbic comment or a grunt, but Kaylee worried him a little more. They'd had a few chats here and there, but she was still guarded, hopefully that would ease over the course of the trip. Things proceeded well up until they crossed the border into Malkier. The sun was shrouded by the clouds more often than not, and the land was . . . he'd heard stories of the Blight, and while this didn't match what he had heard it was still not quite right. The land still had patches where life stubbornly struggled to take root, leaving patches of despoiled and browned grasses desperately eking out their existence. Elsewhere, it was like the land was still trying to decide what it was, patches of trees that lacked the age of the forests in the south like the Braem Wood that he had visited. Maybe in another twenty to thirty years Malkier would take shape, but for now it was still . . . young? Ashar struggled to quite conceive it. One thing Ashar did not appreciate was the way that the morning fogs rolled in, making their scouting difficult but if nothing else, the lack of options for cover and shelter had made their nights easy to plan for. A couple of budding groves and then bare plains occasionally interrupted by hillocks, scouting was no longer an ambling affair as they had to remain alert in case of attack. Despite the road guiding the way and the occasional patrol sighted, much of Malkier was still unsettled. When Ashar had raised the question, Jerinvar's observation was that many of the communities that had been founded had looked for the most fertile places for crops and were mostly self contained. The major highways had been the priority in development along with the settlements themselves, the paths that would normally splinter from the highway would take time to develop. A week into Malkier was when the weather became ugly. The wind that had been chilly now threatened to cut through their clothing even with the cover, the horses were suffering for it as well. Three days away from their first settlement to visit, Jerinvar took the decisiont that they should search for cover and outwait the weather as it was only getting worse with intermittent sleeting that was getting heavier. The clouds had turned ominously dark, thunder roared in the distance, there was nothing to be gained from trying to foray through the storm that was coming. Ashar had led the scouting party amongst the hillocks that now dominated the landscape, but it was Kai who had found them shelter. A large cavern, its maw extending as far as twenty feet high but only ten feet in width, it offered a possibility of shielding themselves against the worst of the approaching elements. A cursory inspection showed that it opened into a wider space once past the entrance, but there seemed to be no end to it as it began to descend. In the absence of any immediate danger and a lack of other options, Jerinvar had made the decision for them to bring the convoy there. The decision had been proven wise when within half an hour of arrival, the full storm struck. The lay of the land shielded them from flooding, but the rain was so thick that it one could barely see ten feet ahead and the thunder reverberated about them when lightning struck from the sky, sometimes close enough that the flash outside was immediately followed by a roar that both echoed and washed over them. They had pushed further into the cave after the first day to mitigate this, but by the fourth day it was clear that the weather was not shifting. It was also clear something had to change. Jerinvar's instructions were simple to Ashar, gather his people and get them ready for plan B. They had spread the wagons out a bit to give space as some had found their current predicament claustrophobic enough as it was with Nikos' people maintaining sentries. With the cavern extending so far, the choice had been made to simply keep themselves safe rather than range out too far and invite further problems. Ashar wondered if that was about to change, but Jerinvar would be able to explain more by the campfire he was seated by when everyone was assembled. OOC: A chance to set the scene for how your characters have been going during the trip and what they might be up to on their down time normally.

Well, it seemed like he had some general assent on this at least. Though it seemed to Ashar that this would either be a make or break exercise, at least they could all make some coin and hopefully walk away happy at the end. He had hoped more would be proficient on a horse, that would have given them options. Still, it would all work out one way or the other. "Good to know, I will make arrangements. Well, if this is so then our business for now is concluded, yes? Be sure to be here on our day of leaving, and if you have any other questions or need help with anything beforehand come to see me. Whether that is a matter of provisions, equipment or resolving any unfinished business you may have. I will find us additional people for the task and if you do not meet them sooner then you shall on the day." Looking to them he stood as he smiled and clasped his hands together. "Light be with you all and best of luck in your preparations."

The additional byplay was making Ashar consider whether the arrangements he was making would last, but perhaps he would simply have to take what he could get. The sooner he could confirm a contingent, the sooner the pay could come in and it had the possibility of being a relatively easy run. If genuine danger had been anticipated, he would have expected more than five to be required. Of all of them, Eb was shaping up to be a good possible second. She confronted the issue but also de-escalated it, mercenaries who didn't keep the peace either had to be too useful or terrifying, otherwise they didn't last. Cocking his head slightly at her as she moved back onto business, he listened to her as she took up the cup while asking her questions and explaining herself. "Pay is always important, yes? Four silver crowns a day at Andoran weight, meals provided while we are on the road but in the settlements it will be up to us to make our own choices. You won't become rich, but for what should be a quiet run it will be a tidy profit. An additional bonus is still to be determined based on how well we perform and in what condition the caravan is in by the end. Don't expect it to be high, but expect it all the same." Looking at all of them, Ashar leaned back a little as he spoke. "Whatever your reasons are, you are here, yes? We look to leave in three days, time enough for you to finalise any matters you have and make any necessary arrangements. We go north and back, and if it works out then perhaps we look to continue on together. If not, we do a good job and part ways a little wealthier. I will be staying here during that time so I will be easy enough to find if you need anything." "But what I need to know is if you are in or not. Also, if you are in, if you're capable of riding a horse. If so I may be able to arrange one for you, otherwise you will be on the wagons." "So, questions? Decisions? Who would speak first?"

Some would have leapt to control the situation as quickly as possible, they needed to feel like they were in control at all times and anything that violated that sense of control prompted quick action. Not so much in Ashar's case, he found moments like these instructive. Kaylee seemed to want to push and challenge, the young man was also biting. Whatever was at the root of it, he wasn't sure but it no doubt had to do with the one punch of the day. It seemed when violence loomed that Kaylee was willing to back off at least, but it did leave him with the question of how to pro- Looking toward the new arrival, Ashar was mildly approving in his appraisal. She was short and had the look of a Domani, but what impressed him was her eyes. She was alert, whether that was natural or learned he wasn't sure but he stood and inclined his head to her in respect as he answered her question. "Fortune is in the eye of the beholder, yes? But in this case, money spends well for most people and their fortunes. As to Malkier, we'll tour several settlements and then visit the Seven Towers before returning south." "Which brings me to our current drama, and my views on it." Ashar turned his attention to the other two. "You come to me interested in work, yet within moments the pair of you were ready to go outside and throw down. I don't need that on a job." "You." Ashar looked to Kaylee, "I don't know what happened to you earlier that required you to punch someone, but that is not my fault, yes? You want a job, leave your past at the door. I want to work and get paid, if you're going to piss on everyone around you because someone we don't even know got under your skin, this won't be a good fit. Do that to the wrong person and start a fight, then I need to wonder whether some idiot you've enraged is going to stick me with steel as a result. Not a good investment for my safety let alone the caravan's. Up to you whether you can do that, but you need to decide." "As for you," Ashar now turned to the younger man, "your principles are commendable, but you've let someone you don't know provoke you to action in less than a minute. We both know that if you were to use every tool available to you, no one in this room could reasonably stand against you. It also means you have other options before it comes to throwing down outside, not to mention it is the proprietor's responsibility to decide what behaviour they wish to tolerate. I doubt the proprietor would appreciate violence, even if it was taken outside of this booth. Not everything requires a fight to resolve and that is how I approach my work. If you are on board with that, then we will be right, otherwise you need to think about what you want from this." Turning his attention back to the new visitor, Ashar gestured for her to take a seat as he sat and poured a cup of water for her as he spoke. "My apologies, my hope is that this is just the nature of a beginning. A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct, yes? My hope is that with the right people this may be achieved." Passing the water over to her, Ashar spoke simply. "Our run is for simple goods, but needed in reconstruction and Malkier has not really stopped in its rebuilding efforts ever since the land was reclaimed from the Blight. The employers see little reason to rush so taking the overland route seems to be their preference. We will provide additional security though the land itself is patrolled by both the Shienaran and Malkieri soldiers. The pay is reasonable and the trip will take some time so it is steady employment for the round trip there and back. If such a thing works out well, then perhaps there will be other opportunities. What skills would you bring to such a venture, I must ask?"

Well, this looked like the place. It was an immense building, calling it an inn really didn't do it justice. A large hall topped with flags of a downward sword upon a shield, it was attended by additional structures on the block, the entire property ringed by a waist high cobble wall. Within those borders lay many benches with covering shade and a number of people who were already enjoying the fruits of hops and vine before the sun had reached its zenith. Not that Ashar was one to judge, but he had chosen the time in the hopes that not too many would be blind as a newt and he might get some relatively sober contenders. He'd agreed to a contract, travel to Malkier providing additional security for a caravan. He needed at least five others to join him, with any luck he'd find at least a couple of willing souls here. It was less dangerous than it appeared, Shienar had its own patrol the way to the nation reborn, but people with money rarely kept it without some measure of caution. For Ashar, this was an opportunity not only to make some money, but perhaps make some contacts doing the work he was born for. Setting foot on the property, the main hall loomed over him by five storeys. In there was a grand interior packed with more tables and chairs and drinks to go with the meals they provided. That was not what interested him though, not yet at least. Instead, as he made his way through the grand doors, he looked to the right to see a counter and a massive cork board. The paper in his hand was made for it, though he needed pins and an open spot that would catch the eye. "May I help you?" Looking to the inquiry, Ashar smiled and nodded as he recognised the livery and symbol on the dark-haired boy that was perhaps no more than fourteen. "I do, would you happen to have some pins?" "Pins I can supply and I can even put it up for you. However, you will need to register at the counter first." Frowning, Ashar's tone was cajoling. "Surely there is no ne-" "No free advertising, it must be registered and paid for same as everyone else." The young boy seemed pleased at the statement as he shrugged, "it isn't my doing, people more important than me make these choices." There was a time that Ashar had been convincing, maybe his boyish charm was fading with age. Sighing, he nodded and walked over to the counter indicated to. An older gentleman in matching livery nodded in greeting as he opened a ledger before him. "Welcome, I am Donal Arvan, welcome to Riposte, where we meet every demand in a timely manner." Ashar smiled as he asked, "who came up with that?" Getting a smile in return, Donal shrugged, "someone richer than either of us I'd wager. I take it you wish to register?" "It seems so, yes?" The man's response was to dip his quill in the inkpot as the questions came. His name, his purpose, how many people he needed and their requirements. Ashar Dovinhald, guarding a caravan to Malkier, five and a willingness to travel north. Getting a raised eyebrow at the last, Ashar said nothing of it as Donal finished the note as he then gestured to the poster he was holding. Handing it over, an artist's exaggerated likeness of Ashar asked if one would care to change their stars, then one might seek their fortune north with him. First come first served, must be willing to follow instructions and commit to the entire trip. Getting a look, Ashar shrugged at the man, "I thought it would stand out." "That it does. Uno," Donal looked to the young boy and handed him the poster, "put that up and find a nice spot at eye level. Your registration fee is two silvers, and with that is also included a lunch and two drinks here while people have the opportunity to come meet you. Anyone who asks we will direct your way." Three stones came from below the counter as Ashar handed the fee over, one red and two blue. "The blue will get you a drink, the red a meal. Our servers will come by every now and then to see if you require anything, be sure to order during those times." "Done." The boy looked ready for another task and Donal already had it in mind. "Take this man to one of our booths by the south wall, purple." "This way." Uno gestured for Ashar to follow, leading him down a corridor that opened into a large hall. It wasn't too packed at this time of day, with the weather being fine without most people were happy to drink there. But the southern wall contained a number of booths, each booth table had a different coloured rock of some kind upon it. The purple made sense as he saw the violet orb set in the middle of the long table and Ashar took his seat as Uno disappeared to return with water and several cups. Settling in, Ashar relaxed as he took everything in. The long bar at the north side, the stairs either side that led to a second level where he could hear some general noise from patrons and a third level above that he could take little in from. Each level's balcony hung a variety of banners, he recognised nations on the second level, the third were flags that meant little to him. He mused on why that might be so even as he poured his cup and relaxed, this would not be a quick day.