Seeing everyone he was waiting for standing before him, the old man cleared his throat ceremoniously, [color=gray]"Now that everyone has saw it fit to join us and let us be on our way, let me make things impeccably simple. Regardless of what you see or hear in Waylox, your mission is not to stop and help any of their citizens in their struggle. Doing such would incite the rage of their temperamental queen. While an invasion is out of the question, Waylox is a primary trade route. Thus far, it's stayed that way, even in their turmoil. Leave it that way,"[/color] the last thing anyone wanted was for this idiotic, suicidal bunch to legitimately think they were heroes, [color=gray]"This is a science expedition, nothing more. This map lines out the most direct route to Dragon's Alley, but you'll need to use your own discretion of whether your course need adjusting throughout,"[/color] he pulled out a large map, looking towards the walking suit of armor, [color=gray]"Can you handle carrying this or will I leave it to the highest rank?"[/color]
Normally this would be where Miral would burst into the conversation full forced and demand that map be handed to her before the old man could mistake the noble who weirdly enough[i]walked[/i] up to the group. At least she hadn't tried to assert herself cause last thing Miral wanted was to get kicked off the expedition before it started for putting her in her place. She looked towards the older mage after a moment, [color=firebrick]"If the warden doesn't want to carry it, I will gladly do so,"[/color] she said, putting her hand to her chest. The old mage, of course, didn't answer, waiting for an answer from the person he'd addressed.
Ryfon looked around at their comrades. He wasn't entirely surprised to see the nobles, but there were two that didn't seem quite right. He wanted to ask if the little girl was really supposed to be there- maybe the old man had simply overlooked her- but he knew he couldn't speak out of turn, and Miral didn't seem to care. Of course, she didn't. She assumed that the Grand Sage was all knowing, all powerful, and didn't make mistakes. Last Ryfon heard, the Sage was still human, but then again no one really saw them much to confirm that.... The second was the last male to join the party. Something just didn't seem.... right. He couldn't place it, but he couldn't exactly ask that aloud either- he wasn't sure if the man was noble or not, but that was just kind of a rude question to even ask.
The arc warden agreed with a simple [color=0072bc]"Will carry"[/color], and Ryfon saw Miral purse her lips, [color=gray]"There is a [url=http://previewcf.turbosquid.com/Preview/2014/05/25__12_26_31/w01.jpga5701e7e-6d5e-4e35-a2d7-74ac9060ced8Large.jpg]carriage[/url] just outside the gate with a guard currently taking care of it until you go out to him. It's got the basic provisions to last you to the next outpost, provided you don't lose any on the way through the dead wood. Those without horses will ride with the provisions, the less time you waste the better. You, boy," he pointed at Ryfon, "You'll let LaMontiya ride your horse and you'll drive the carriage,"[/color] his tone made it clear none of it was up for debate. Ryfon withheld his sigh and nodded, not saying anything. With that, the sage flicked his wrist and the gates groaned as they opened up to reveal the [url=http://orig10.deviantart.net/60ff/f/2013/254/d/3/guardian_s_crusade___the_world_by_longjh-d6lvscj.jpg]landscape[/url] that surrounded the city, spanning out as far as the eye could see, [color=gray]"The dead woods surrounding the crag are about two days ride away. You're expected to finish this expedition in a month in a half. If you expect it will take longer, send word ahead, or we will assume you have failed and make the appropriate.....adjustments,"[/color] he said as Ryfon got down from his horse, handing the reigns to his cousin and going towards the carriage.