Cedric jumped as a hand descended on his forearm. He twisted around and found himself staring into the cheeky grin of Sposoletto, who proceeded to pronounce his surname as carefully as possible. Cedric blinked a few times, trying to draw his mind away from the task he had already set in his mind to give the man attention he requested. 

[i]“I’d feel safer with an extra archer in my lance today, and you were a farm lad, si? Do you feel like a short ride this morning, or are you already tasked?”[/i]

Ugh. 

Cedric weighed his options. If he chose to ride, he wouldn't have to worry about making another decision all day. Il would see to that. Not that such a prospect was a bad thing, since it was always easier to follow orders than invent your own, and you wouldn't have to dread finding yourself unoccupied. Even in a time of mourning, Lem would not allow an idle set of hands. And regardless of Il's temperament or bossiness, he was a solid tactician and would keep them on track, both physically and mentally.

If he chose to go with Berislav...well, would he even be going with him? The solitary archer was unlikely to come find him if they didn't cross paths between here and the wilds. There was an informal meeting place, but he hadn't seen Berislav all morning, and waiting around for him to show up would be just as unproductive as doing nothing at all. Lem's name came back to him, and he winced mentally at the thought. Besides, even if Berislav was at the meeting point, and Cedric didn't make an appearance, the other archer would go on just as well without him. He could have gone already.

So a ride it was. Well, why not? He was on his way to the stables anyway. Besides, worst-case scenario, Cedric could always just let the blame slide off onto Il if things went awry. A smile found its way onto Cedric's face at the thought, and he gave the squire a short nod, shrugging off the grasp the man had on his arm.

"Alright, Sposoletto," he responded, needlessly dragging the man's last name out and deliberately mispronouncing one of the vowels. "You've got yourself a farm lad for the day. I'll meet up with you when my's mare's been fed."

He tossed a salute in the general direction of the man and slipped away, desperate to escape before Il could retaliate. He wiped the mischievous smirk off his face at once, remembering that this was a mournful day. The captain was gone. Now was a time for somberness. Sighing, he trotted over to the stables. Maggie was exactly where he had left her, rubbing her head against the post she was tethered to. He lifted her mane and gave her right ear a good scratch, smiling quietly as the horse leaned into him and grunted.

"Still scratching, Magg? Come on, put your nose up. You've got a long day ahead of you."
[@Trivval][@Dziady]