"Mm, thanks," she said, taking a small amount of the offered jerky. She'd already eaten breakfast back in Highmast, knowing well by now to take advantage of opportunities for well-cooked meals, especially before taking a job, or traveling. Valerie's own cooking was not entirely abhorrent, but she was no artisan, that was for sure.

She smiled slightly at his mention of using the wagons for a ride. "I'll be fine. One of the benefits of not lugging around the plate and mail." Valerie's gear was mercifully light, and she'd done all over her traveling thus far on foot. She knew how to ride, but wasn't particularly fond of it, and didn't actually own a horse of her own. It would've been poor form to steal own from her own stables. As a result, she was very used to hiking it on foot, and the journey would have to be very long indeed to tire her out.

Markus was proving to be more interesting by the minute. He'd appeared a more distinguished man than most, but it hadn't occurred to her that he might have noble blood as well. He looked very much the mercenary; perhaps she would as well, after a few years selling her sword. Valerie immediately found herself curious to know more. He knew some Elvish, too. She recognized the sound of the tongue, but knew not what he said. Very few Elves lived in Ardennia, and all who did conversed with her in the common tongue.

"Perhaps we can exchange stories over drinks then, after this job is through. You have me curious, Markus." He hadn't needed so much as a wink, either. Truth be told, Valerie hadn't found many people at all she felt she could really relate to since leaving. There was no guarantee that Markus was such, but she found him intriguing at the very least.

Of course, they would have to survive the Ogres and Orcs he spoke of, but it sounded like the odds of actually needing to use her blade would be slim. She rested a hand lightly on the hilt as she walked, all the same.
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