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So, they'd lost the elf and gained the timid Tainted. No real loss there, they'd both be equally useless the moment a highwayman locked eyes on their cart. Though, Ceolfric couldn't help but be a bit curious as to what changed Freckles' mind. Had Lilann convinced him to come along with grandiose tales of chivalry and adventure, or did Soft Haven simply have no need for Tainted laborers?

The girl's composure predictably cracked the moment everyone's eyes laid upon her, though Cerric tried to keep up a strange facade of professionalism and nonchalance despite that. There was no way Ceolfric could dig up the source of the caravaneers' woes in under a day while the House's moneykeeper himself was blissfully unaware of the state of the roads. Either he wanted to see how the group handled surprises as part of the evaluation, or he didn't want to alarm the poor girl. If she was that fragile, she'd probably turn the whole caravan over to him the moment he took a knife to one of her guards' necks. It would be so [i]easy[/i] to operate down here. It was almost sad.

On Esvelee's invitation to join her behind the wagon, Ceolfric meandered toward the unexpected member of their travelling band as he followed. [color=aa4a44]"Have a fence to mend in Wilree, do you?"[/color] He questioned humorlessly, not even pausing to await a response. Demanding answers while their client was waiting for him would probably reflect poorly on them, and while he no longer cared about the Buckman girl's opinion in the slightest, Cerric would most certainly take her satisfaction into account for the evaluation. Upon rejoining the girl, Ceolfric leveled a flat stare in her direction, though his eyes maintained a hint of mischief. She must've heard something as well. The real question was whether she should be told, or if an accurate appraisal of the risks of this trip would only lead to her whining her way down the road and jumping at every wayward shadow.

Actually, the [i]real[/i] question was whether or not Ceolfric cared. Cerric seemed intent on keeping the danger from her - or them, maybe - but given that he seemed keen on lounging for the entire journey while they did all the work, the brigand wasn't exactly inclined to follow his plan. It's not like he could be punished for doing his research.

[color=AA4A44]"I think the numbers are simply a result of you getting lucky, not a precautionary measure,"[/color] Ceolfric explained in a bored monotone as he slung his pack off and hoisted it into the cart, slinging his shield across his back in its place, [color=AA4A44]"But yes, there is [i]something[/i] harrying the roads and it isn't a hungry bear. While I'm sure Cerric is up to the task himself, you should consider yourself fortunate for the extra security. Assuming we even encounter the creature."[/color] While it would be far more convenient not to, the bandit couldn't say he wasn't a little eager to slay the beast and drop its head on that hag's rug just to shut her up. [color=aa4a44]"Just listen to what we say and you'll be fine. And don't let it bite you, its venom is fatal."[/color]

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