[center][color=FFCE00][h2][u]The North Gate[/u][/h2][/color][/center]

[center][sub]15th of the Full Autumn Moon, 1698 P.A.
Early Morning - Overcast Skies[/sub][/center]
[center][sub][@Hero][@Trainerblue192][@Obscene Symphony][@Scribe of Thoth][@McMolly][/sub][/center]

[color=skyblue]“Well, well! Seems like everyone is up and at them. Guess it’s a good thing I’m not a gambling man; I’d have lost half my pouch with this many showing up!”[/color] Cerric joked before Esvelee had a chance to respond, quickly doing a headcount. [color=skyblue]“Only one down. Not bad, not bad at all. We have a bit to talk about and then we’ll be on our way. Our wayward friend may yet still have a chance.”[/color] He stepped back, a half bow to Esvelee to offer her the floor.

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Uh, alright then.”[/color] She started hesitantly, bewilderment plain on her face as she stared at Liliann’s hat. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Well, if y’all need a place to store some stuff, I got some space for a pack or two in the cart. Job’s easy enough. Papa wants the stuff safe and sound in the Wilree markets so we, uh, hired some people. You, I mean. We hired…”[/color] She frowned as she counted. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Why did we hire so many people? I’m expecting some ‘gressive wolves, maybe a bear. You’re bringin’ enough to fell a forest or somethin’. How paranoid is my pa?”[/color]

[color=skyblue]“Technically, you just hired me. These ones are apprentices, in a vaguely similar sort of way. Don’t worry; you aren’t paying any extra.”[/color] Cerric reassured her. She fixed him with a suspicious look and, apparently satisfied with whatever his half smile conveyed, shrugged and let the matter drop.

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Now, we just gotta make it to the main Wilree road and meet up with the Hanrish caravan and then y’all are good to go. Don’t suppose it’ll go too awful if we got so many bodies for the trip.”[/color] Esvelee shrugged. 

[color=skyblue]“But that’s not the mindset to have when you’re being evaluated for your ability to get the job done!”[/color] Cerric interjected with a clap of his hands. [color=skyblue]“No, no, no. Even though this is just a simple escort, you have to take the job seriously and focus on reducing the threat to our poor, helpless employer. So to that end, I’ll will be gladly taking the seat next to Esvelee while you all put your strengths and skills together to ensure Ms. Buckman makes her way safely to the caravan! ”[/color] 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Okay. Well, Ceolfric and whoever else has a pack to stash, come ‘round to the back real quick and we’ll get you set up.”[/color] She waved them to the back, pushing a few small boxes around and repositioning the oil cloth wrapped plants so there was some room without crushing the product. Cerric swung up on the seat of the wagon and crooked a finger at Liliann.

[color=skyblue] “Now, did your search last night satisfy your curiosity?”[/color] Cerric asked, curiosity and something else in his eyes as his exhaustion seemed to melt off his face. [color=skyblue] “By the time I was freed up, you and Kyreth scuttered away to his room.”[/color]

As soon as Cerric was occupied with his own conversation, Esvelee raised an eyebrow at Ceolfric. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Y’all sure there ain’t anything that dangerous? There some nasty rumors whirlin’ around these parts and six people ‘stead of one showing up seems like there is a problem.”[/color]