Her confidence rubbed off on Marius and he returned the smile. The horse was a stallion, ungelded. Perhaps it was arrogance on his part, but he felt the beast needed a proper name. Something he could boast about at parties. "I'll call him Dagbhert," Marius decided suddenly, brushing the horse's mane with approval. 

"Daegburt? Vhy?" She asked with an incredulous look. No doubt it did sound funny to a foreigner. It was strange how dissimilar imperials and kislevites were in language when they lived as neighbors. Then again, even the provinces had somewhat different dialects and naming conventions. He supposed it made some sense. 

"It means bright day." Marius said, taking one of the sugar cubes he had been given and letting the beast eat it leisurely. It's tongue felt odd and its teeth were hard and snapping, but it did not wound him despite his nervousness. 

"Boot iz derk color." Natasha pointed out. 

"It's meant to be ironic." He explained, and she shrugged. They had already gotten what supplies they needed, though Marius was feeling a tad peckish. They had jerky, nuts, and dried fruits to last them almost a week, and water with it. Natasha handed Marius his stash of the goods so he could strap it to Dabhert and secure his own stock.

"So when do we go?" The merchant asked dubiously, changing the topic to something less savory. He was clearly feeling more than an inkling of trepidation on the journey. If he had known he was going to rough it in the woods, he might have brought a dueling buckler or a soldier's shield for the trip. Defense was key, not offense. Particularly when going into areas where one might be overwhelmed. His mind was filled with scenarious of rampaging, goat headed beastmen pulling him off his new horse and hacking him to pieces. 

"You said ve leef immediately, da? Szo ve go now." She remarked as if it were set in stone. Marius grunted in reply, realizing if he spoke he might have a crack in his voice. Taking a deep breath, he placed his foot in the stirrup and hiked his other leg over atop the saddle. The horse, Dagbhert, sidestepped and let out a drolling whinny, but Marius gathered it under control after a few moments with the reins. The horsemaster watched them curiously, wiping his hands on his cloth. He likely did not quite know what to make of the pair. 

"Well, I can't argue with your logic. The sooner the better." He told her, and then mumbled under his breath. "[sub]If I die I die[/sub]..."