They stocked up on their food rations until they had more than enough for the time they expected to be on their own, and Valerie made sure to purchase a modest length of rope as well. If they were going to be delving into tombs or ruins, it seemed likely to come in handy. She wasn't sure how she felt about the offer of coin for artifacts and trinkets from the ruins. The contract wasn't for treasure hunting, after all, and if the ruins were indeed haunted by something, taking artifacts along would probably just invite more danger. And everyone seemed so certain they wouldn't be coming back alive already. In any case, it was something to keep in mind, but Valerie was intent on putting their survival first. Coin was useless to them if they were killed, after all.

Once they were stocked there was little to do but get underway, as the daylight was going to waste. They made their way towards the gate side by side, where they found a woman flanked by a few personal guards waiting for them. As it turned out, the mayor of the little town herself had heard of their intent to take the contract, and came to wish them good fortune before they departed. Valerie found it comforting that at least someone was hopeful of their success other than themselves.

When they'd put the walls of the town behind them and had nothing but the wilds ahead, Valerie exhaled a deep breath. She was nervous, and not hiding it especially well, but she also felt a strange sort of excitement. She could only truly show her bravery when she felt fear, and she didn't have to do this alone. She glanced sideways at Markus.

"Ready for this?"