(Friendly reminder: Only the narrator controls NPCs and the environment. Players control their PCs.)

As the early morning fog rolled across the dirt road and the dawn light made its slow but steady climb above the horizon, Marla observed each of the adventurers with a patient smile.
Fallon’s legs kicked lightly as she bashfully accepted the apple from Aster, hiding her blushing face behind her small hands. Marla let out a soft chuckle beside her, giving a nod of approval to the blonde-haired adventurer.
She took in all of Felix in his gentlemanly attire.
[color=#8B5A2B]“An’ ah good day tae yew as well. Yer lookin’ fine an’ dandy on such a mornin’.”[/color] she greeted him chipperly.
It was the blonde man seated atop the second wagon who greeted Kaitori as she approached. He leaned forward with a smug yet curious smirk curving his lips.
“There’s nay a chance a fine lass like yerself would be takin’ up such a job as this?” he asked as he neared the sword woman.
Before he could continue, Marla’s voice cut across the space with quiet force.
[color=#8B5A2B]“Jacob… ye’d best mind yer words. Er she’s like tae take yer fingers off with that sword.”[/color]
She did not raise her voice. She did not need to. The weight behind it was enough.
Jacob hung his head at once and nodded.
“Aye, marm. Ye’ve the right of it,” he muttered, before turning back to Kaitori and bowing his head respectfully. “A thousand pardons, miss. It won’t be happenin’ again.”
There was still a faint lilt of mischief to his tone, though more restrained now. The easy smirk returned as he sauntered back toward the driver’s bench of the second wagon.
Upon Nenarei’s arrival, Fallon’s eyes widened dramatically, glittering with fascination and barely contained excitement. The little girl nearly vibrated with the number of questions clearly pressing against her lips.
This earned another warm chuckle from Marla.
[color=#8B5A2B]“Well go on, child.”[/color] she coaxed gently, before turning her head toward the tall mage. [color=#8B5A2B]“Aye, she’s a might bit excited. T’isn’t often she gets tae travel. Not with her sickness. But this voyage’s special. It’s for my darlin’ girl.”[/color]
Pride and quiet hope colored her words.
Fallon’s cheeks flushed deeper at that, though she still could not quite tear her eyes away from the mage.
[color=#6C7A89]“Ah… I’ll stay tucked in,”[/color] she murmured softly, clutching her blanket a little tighter.
[color=#8B5A2B]“A pleasure tae make yer acquaintance, Silas. Ah’ll trust in yer skills then.”[/color]
Marla had just begun to nod toward him when her eyes widened almost comically.
Talos had arrived.
Her head craned back and back until she could properly take in the towering half giant.
[color=#8B5A2B]“By the stars an’ all above…”[/color] she breathed, before laughter bubbled free. [color=#8B5A2B]“Ah’m afraid ye’ll have tae walk alongside the wagons, friend. Ye’re like tae bust ‘em in two if ye take a seat inside.”[/color]
It was a hearty laugh, not mocking but practical.
She stepped forward then, surveying the gathered escorts and the loaded caravan with renewed focus.
[color=#8B5A2B]“Right then. Pick a wagon an’ get yerselves situated. Two o’ ye can ride up front if ye like. Rest’ll walk the flanks. Ah’d rather have sharp eyes on both sides o’ the road.”[/color]
She glanced to Jacob.
[color=#8B5A2B]“Once we’re clear o’ the fields, we roll straight through the village. No stoppin’.”[/color]
Jacob gave a firm nod and gathered the reins.
Marla climbed back into her seat beside Fallon, adjusting the blanket over the girl’s knees.
[color=#8B5A2B]“We leave now. Best tae make the most o’ the mornin’.”[/color]
The reins flicked.
The horses leaned into their harnesses.
Wood creaked. Wheels groaned. The wagons began to crawl forward over the packed dirt road, canvas rustling softly as the earthy scent of herbs drifted behind them.
They moved slowly at first, rolling toward the cluster of cottages that marked the edge of the small village.
Morning doors opened. Smoke began to curl from chimneys. A few villagers paused mid-task as the caravan approached.
“Safe roads, Marla!”
“Bring back good coin!”
“Take care o’ Fallon now!”
Marla lifted a hand in greeting, her posture steady though her jaw remained set with quiet determination.