[hr][hr][h1][b][i][color=00aeef][center]Drops of Rain[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1][hr][hr]
It was nice to just let Thunder do the talking, and Rain inwardly chuckled at his brothers’ words of the uppity rich douchebags. Seeing an upper-class rich lad try and do anything on the farm would be a sight to behold.

Rain followed his brother’s advice and found himself a spot on one of the sofas. Oddly enough the closest one nearby was with the Orc. The stiff, cold leather squeaked when he sat down, and he got a whiff of age and polish from the deep green leather. 

He gave a polite nod up at the Orc and he nodded as well when the Goliath arrived. The elf though, Valanthe, demanded attention when she danced into the study and promptly began pestering Cinder. 

[i]Definitely some history there.[/i] Rain wagered.
But by the gods, if the Elf woman didn’t look finer than all the stars on a calm clear night.

This group was shaping up to be a mix of all sorts which suited Rain just fine but it was a bit odd to hear the Orc speak a different language. Admittedly Rain was relieved when the Orc started speaking common to ask questions, having no idea what he had said just before. 

Rain listened hard as the others asked Mr Garrick, a rather prim and proper looking old human, their own questions. Mr Garrick himself seemed like a good sort to Rain, as he answered everyone’s questions calmly and fully.

The answers he gave to the Orc didn’t exactly fill Rain with any amount of confidence; the way Mr Garrick was making sound was as if it was a big undercover operation with danger at every turn, but the Orc kept a level head which Rain could appreciate. It never did any good to get ahead of one-self and worry.

Two expert Handlers would be focussing on the animals, and Rain supposed he would be partnered with them.

He chewed on his cheek as he thought.

The questions from Defiance were very good and Rain couldn’t help nodding along trying to keep the answers locked away in his mind. The journey sounded straight forward on paper and Mr Garrick was being generous enough to give them some pay beforehand. Rain decided he’d try and give it a look over later, having absolutely no idea where anything was past the plains of Forsaken it wouldn’t do much good for him to have the map.

“Mr Garrick. Sir.” Rain held up a hand and waited before he continued. “My Brother and I brought our own horse and wagon if needed; Delilah may be old, but she can keep a good pace and works just as hard as any horse half her age.”

"As long as your horse can keep up with the rest, then I don't see an issue with you bringing your own wagon. Might be useful for some extra supplies if y'all are willing."

“Yes, of course, Sir. She won’t let you down. We ain’t got much but we’re all working together so.” Rain shrugged, indicating that whatever they had they’d share. Already bracing for Thunder to butt in.

That made things a lot easier, he wouldn’t have to drive her all the way back to the farm and then find another way back again. Hopefully Mr. Garrick would give them a bit of time before leaving to get a few more bits and pieces.

“May I also ask about the condition of the animals, Sir? If we’re looking after them I’d like to see how they’re being prepared for the journey and know how to handle them.”
[i]
And see if you’re treating them right.[/i] He thought darkly to himself. [i]Seen too many beasts treated like nothing.[/i]

Rain couldn’t help but frown heavily as he pictured the scenes in his head; A crocodile with its teeth removed, A several dire wolf pups in stacked in cages far too small, a baboon with its hands cut off, and a whole host of other rare creatures in horrid conditions.

Mr. Garrick nodded at his next question. "I'd be more than happy to have one of our hands take you down to the enclosure they're in so you can have a look at how they're cared for and learn some of the ropes."

Rain nodded with approval knowing that at the very least Mr Garrick wasn’t trying to hide anything, but then again, they would be seeing the creatures anyway so wasn’t as if Mr Garrick could hide any wrong-doing for long.

“And also, meet the others we’re travelling with?”

"I want to get the pressing questions our of the way first, but as soon as everyone is satisfied with their answers I had intended on having you all introduce yourselves. On that note I'd like to invite all of you to dine with me this evening, if you're so inclined. It would be a good opportunity for us all to become better acquainted with each other."

Rains ears perked at the mention of food. After seeing the fancy furnishings around the study and the rest of the mansion he had glimpsed on his way in Rain could only imagine the sort of food that would be on offer.

Rain simply nodded politely and shot Thunder a coded look with raised eyebrows.

[i]Free food at a fancy man’s house, can’t complain about that![/i]