He had initially thought that Vesemir's overly idealistic recruitment ad was a failure, but turns out most of the prospective hires are cutting it close. Within an hour of the stipulated departure time the prospective hires appeared one by one, turning the rather sad display of three escorts into a respectable squad well over thrice the number. Engelbert had to admit that he was almost worried for a moment.

He knew Tillius who had arrived earlier, currently napping. There's the other elf that goes by Roxas, who disappeared to the side after the introduction. Quite the introvert, that one. Next up was a man with a grinning mask seemingly welded to his face, followed by a foreigner that didn't even say anything but seems to be sticking around regardless. And then there's the two noble ladies that looked similar enough to be related, though they didn't act like it. And finally, a huge mass of muscle and metal that somehow moved in near-total silence.

It's certainly novel to have to look up to meet someone face to face.

[quote=@Valkon]Rezello gave a nod as the elf tapped his mask. [color=1a7b30]"A pleasure to meet you both, Gray Flame. Engelbert. Always good to be working with veteran adventurers."[/color]
[/quote]

[b][color=#4269E2]"Well met, mister Rezello! Likewise, looking forward to working with you."[/color][/b] He offered a nod, though his attention was immediately taken up by the little performance between what must be the oldest and youngest of the group. Engelbert nodded appreciatively at the swordplay, the transition flowing smoothly from one move to another. Very much a textbook duelist, but admirable for one so young. It ends with the rapier stopping a hair's breadth away from the elf, eliciting a rumbling laughter from the knight.

[b][color=#4269E2]"A fine display, Lady Evelyn!"[/color][/b] He clapped rather enthusiastically, gaze falling upon the rightfully exasperated elf. Another bout of laughter echoed through the clearing, the heavy baritone less human and more like an imminent landslide, a gauntlet-clad hand firmly patting the Gray Flame in the back. [b][color=#4269E2]"She certainly showed you who's the boss, old friend."[/color][/b]

Behind that white mask came a soft groan. "I think one boss is enough already." he said, indicating at Vesemir who were now talking with his quartermaster Stepen and someone else. Another stray adventurer joining in? No... certainly not, it was  a Varenheim official who arrived with him at some point of the time. The conversation seemed quite argumentative, but resolved rather quickly afterwards. 

Not even bothered to bid the leaving official a farewell, the midle-aged Vesemir strode toward them. The archeologist's lips twitched, his gloved hand ballled. He didn't look very happy, but was quick to regain his composure.

"Is there something wrong?" Gray Flame asked. The archeologist waved his hand in the general direction of the departing official, clearly disgruntled about the short chat.

[i][b]"Just  those pesky officials whining about our little campsite having more people than what it allowed to. Hurting local lodging business and blah-blah. They demanded us to leave for causing public inconvinence. Can't you believe it? Home doesn't feel like home anymore."[/b][/i]

[b][color=#4269E2]"Policing public gathering now? I'll never understand elven laws. But home is not just a place, aye? It is the memory, the state of mind you associate with the physical location."[/color][/b] Engelbert quipped with a shrug, craning his neck to glance at the sun's position. [b][color=#4269E2]"Regardless, I believe we are scheduled to depart soon enough so we'll be out of his hair soon enough... unless we're still waiting for someone, Ser Vesemir?"[/color][/b]

[i][b]"Come to think of it, you are right."[/b][/i] he turned, placing his hands behind his back and breathed the fresh air audibly. [i][b]"Perhaps the true home lies beyond the dense forest and old ruins. Very well, there is no point for us to dally any longer."[/b][/i]

With a renewed spring in his steps, the eccentric elf strode to the middle of the camp and loudly clapped until the din of conversation faded and all attention focused on him. His eyes swiveled around, letting the silence build up for a few seconds before breaking into the speech.

[i][b]"Everyone, may I have your undivided attention for a moment?! First I want to say thank you for coming. It is an honor to see this much enthusiasm, and I say we are off to a good start already. This expedition will be dangerous true, and some say we are delving into a bleak road of no return. But dangers and comforts are less important than the truth that awaits to be uncovered. Let the fools remain stagnant, idly descend as history drags them. Lifeless, eroded, like pebbles become sand. We choose to be different. Forerunners we are, aglitter are our deeds. Whatever happen, soon the latecomers will seek our vestiges! That will be all, let us depart this place."[/b][/i] The archaeologist's fiery spirits was in full view now, each words uttered with the conviction of someone that truly believed in it. Engelbert clapped from his corner as the camp truly came to life, the caravan hands dismantling the camp and loading it into the carts at a speed that belied years of experience.

Within a short moment, none remained in the clearings as the expedition party ponderously trundled through an increasingly overgrown road. Whether they'll emerge back from the expedition or forever lay in the depth of the wilderness, only time will tell.

But for now, Nuria awaits.