[IC] [Ryke] Adventure Guild Posting: Bom Bom Farm Escort

[Moonberry]

_{If you want to join this roleplay, take a look at our interest check and shoot me a message! roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…}

Adventurers Guild Posting:
Escort requested for Marla of Bom Bom Farm. Protection detail for the transportation of alchemical herbs.

Location:
Bom Bom Farm, outlying farmland northeast of Arborhaven.

Details:
Bom Bom Farm seeks reliable escorts for a two-wagon transport.
Cargo consists of sealed wooden crates containing perishable agricultural goods that must reach the capital, Ryken. With minimal delay.
The farm owner, Marla Bomtem and her young daughter Fallon, will accompany the shipment. A ranch hand will drive the second wagon.

Dangers Expected:
Wildlife on the open road
Occasional roadside thieves
Rough terrain that may require protection and repair

Requirements:
Able to defend two wagons for three days of travel
Able to keep pace with a slow caravan
Reasonable temperament around children

Payment:
Negotiable upon completion. Bom Bom Farm offers bonuses for unspoiled cargo and safe arrival.

Interested parties should report directly to Bom Bom Farm before sunrise.

Bom Bom Farm

┌──*̥˚❀───❀*̥˚─┐

Morning light had settled gently over the plains, soft and pale as brushed gold. A thin veil of mist lingered above the fields, blurring the rows of crops and the weatherworn fences that marked the borders of Bom Bom Farm. The air carried the scents of damp earth and late frost, mingling with the faint herbal aroma leaking from the covered wagons waiting near the front gate.

Two wagons stood ready for departure.
Both were loaded with wooden crates stacked in careful rows, covered by tied-down canvas sheets to protect the precious contents from sun and wind. Whenever the breeze stirred the coverings, the subtle fragrance of freshly harvested alchemical herbs drifted into the air. It was clear that the cargo was valuable and fragile, the sort that did not tolerate delays or mishandling.

A middle aged woman sat at the drivers seat of the lead wagon. Long brown hair tied in a braid hanging over her shoulder and reaching to her mid arm. She had tanned skin from days of working in the sun.

She was a woman shaped by years of work under open skies, her hands rough but steady, her posture straight despite a night without sleep. Her gaze remained fixed on the dirt road leading toward the village, as though she expected trouble or hope to appear at any moment. A faint tension marked her jaw, though she kept it under control for the sake of the small figure beside her.

Her daughter sat pressed lightly against her side.

The girl was small and slight, around nine years old, with an almost weightless stillness about her.There was something about the small thing, that made most people automatically fear she might break. An over whelming fragility, despite not looking entirely sickly. She moved carefully, breathed carefully, even blinked with a soft deliberation, as if her body had learned long ago not to waste effort. A blanket lay folded across her lap, untouched, though she kept one hand resting near it as if for reassurance. Unlike her mothers dark brown hair, her own shone with an auburn fire. And wide blue eyes took in every detail with a hungry curiosity.

There was a man standing next to the second wagon. He was sitting upright with the reins gathered loosely in his grip. Every so often, he stood and moved to inspect a strap or check a wheel, more out of nervous habit than necessity. His hair was a bright blonde, and his eyes were an even brighter blue. Every once in a while they would flick over to Marla.The horses shifted restlessly, puffing warm breaths into the cold morning.

The path stretching toward the farm was quiet at first. When the adventurers started arriving

As they drew closer, Marla straightened.
Her daughter lifted her head, bright eyes watching the newcomers with quiet curiosity.

"Howdy, An' Good mornin' t'yeh. Nice day'fer travelin' ain't it?"

[prot0zer0]

✦ Alexander Orion ✦ — "Everything I do, I do for the Gods"

---

Alignment: Lawful Neutral | Location: The Road to Bom Bom Farm | Time: Early Morning

---

It had only been a few days since he and his new companions had taken on a pack of direwolves for the Guild, but Aster found it impossible to sit still. Back home, creatures like that would have been little more than training exercises at best. Here, though, the fight had left his muscles aching, and his wounds took longer to heal, even with the effects of the Will of Orion. The truth was undeniable: in this world he was weaker, slower, and more fragile.

If he intended to fulfill God’s mandate, strength alone wouldn’t be enough. A tree needs roots. Influence. And that influence was built on two things, coin and reputation.

The Guild offered both. If this world demanded he climb from the bottom, then so be it.

He had last left the staff, Toatie, with the giant, Talos, but informed them both of his plans in case they had none of their own.

---

He arrives at the village, clad in an unbedazzled version of Orion's armor.

He looks over the family, assessing each with a smile, his youthful exuberance shining through perfectly white teeth and dull emerald eyes.

"Good morning to you both," he says politely, pulling out a green apple from the pouch on his side and wiping it clean before holding it out to the little girl.

"It's a beautiful day to travel. Skies seem pretty clear. Would you like an apple?"

---

✦ @Proto ✦

[DancesWMonsters]

Morning fog lay across the parts of the rolling hills like wispy cotton blankets covering a still sleeping landscape. Only where the rising sun shine bright did the cool covering of lingering humidity retreat, content to stay in the dim light of the fading night. Felix found himself surrounded by the well tended fields of farms as well as the wild spaces of unworked land given over to undergrowth, wildlife and tall copses of trees. He didn't pretend to understand the intricacies of agriculture even though he'd 'grown up' in a village not unlike the one he now travelled through. He had been trained as a tailor, not a farmer, from a young age and had spent precious little time outside. Instead, he'd been practically chained (metaphorically, if not indeed literally) to a workhouse table learning his trade. Such was the lot of orphans in this world, though there were worse fates.
He had recently earned his freedom from the workhouse and been told to make his way in the world. He could've stayed and worked in the Millhouse proper, as many had, but Felix had...aspirations. Aspirations and a talent he'd kept hidden from his masters, one he felt keen to explore out in the world.

The slim, well dressed man walked in a carefree manner along the top of the stone walls that formed field boundaries, enjoying both the warm welcoming sun on his face as well as the cool dampness of the shadowed places where trees cast heavy shade over the cart rutted roadway. He cast an odd juxtiposition to the rural setting dressed in gentlemen's attire. No gentleman was he, though. Definitely not where wealth was concerned...and that was what had brought him to the farm just ahead. A paid contract through the Adventurers' Guild promised coin for his empty purse as well as travel to the capital. He hoped from there to secure travel and admittance to the Duchy. He'd heard tell of the wonders of the place and its otherworldly wonders; it was where he wanted to learn more about his trade and make a success of himself.

"Good day to you all." He announced, hopping down from the stone wall to approach the caravan and its mistress. "Felix Mallory DeVille, escort for your caravan, at your service." He bowed gracefully to Marla and added a playful wink to the frail girl sitting in the cart. Felix didn't exactly look the part of 'caravan guards' but looks on this world were often deceiving. The rough scar across the thin man's face let slip that there might be a rougher edge to his apparent 'dandy' nature.

[ThatMori]

It was a long early morning for Nenarei, after finding a posting in the guild that seemed right up her alley with the destination being the capital, Ryken.

A short distance from the Bom Bom farm a silhouette of a taller woman mage approaching, with one hand slightly pulling her dark robes upwards not to get covered in the mud from the path. Her pale skin contrasting with them also making her look almost sickly, From afar she would wave her hand with a slight smile on her face speeding up her pace slightly once she has noticed that others were already waiting.

Soon she arrived before the main carriage, the smile still present on her face she would tip her mages hat, keeping it slightly lowered covering her face from the sun. She would address the middle aged woman.



”Indeed it is a nice day for travels. It is a pleasure to meet you, Nenarei Silver at your service. I am a mage from the adventurers guild and I will be assisting you today”



Nenarei would pull out a black wand from her robe pocket indicating that she is prepared for the journey. She would then notice the frail girl in the seat, her crimson eyes scanning her frail figure. She would give her a warmer more genuine smile. Instead of the business-women smile she puts on usually.

“ Oh hello there little one, I nearly missed you there, are you excited for the journey?”

She asked making conversation with the daughter of the farm lady.

“It is quiet the journey so make sure to stay tucked in your blanket so you don’t get cold” Nenarei would give the farm lady a nod, signalling that she is ready.

[IAmTheIsland]

_{Down along the creek,
I remembered Something…}

---

Abe Kaitori

Dark, yet warm eyes came open slowly upon the freshly dawned day. The young woman who owned them was awoken and alert without the preambles of sluggishness. To the contrary, she sprung to life quickly, and with much vigor. Her katana, which had been set across her lap as she had rested against the back of the second wagon, made its way swiftly back to its proper place upon the left side of her hip.

As her legs pushed her body upright, the musings of thought began their flow through her mind. There were a great many things to think about too. First, but not least of all, was the prospect of the day’s task: escort the wagons to their destination in the capital of Ryke. Though not as long as other roads, it would have its due span, and the expectant dangers of beasts and bandits; her hand skittered anxiously along the hilts of her sword at the idea of combat, its edge not tasting blood since she began her journey south. In due time, it would have to see battle once more. Breathing, she settled her nerves and eased the twitching of her muscles.

Rumination led to reminiscence. A long road might lay ahead. But a long one lay behind as well.

The ebbs and flows of politics had rendered the young warrior listless, and without a master to serve; such had been the matters in her distant fringe of the Republic. It had been a grace enough for her to have fought her way from the estate, let alone survive the road to Ryke while still adorning the purple and gold, and imagery associated with her late Lord. Perhaps she had been that good at evading detection? More likely, a young bodyguard fleeing to another nation was of little enough importance to be pursued; there was no need to risk war over a retreating foe.

Either way it was, she had managed to procure enough provisions and find adequate shelter to cross the border. With the threat of sentient enemies well behind her, she had turned her focus to the basic needs: Food, water, supplies, and suitable lodging, or at least the currency with which to acquire them. A week’s wandering had crossed her path with the Adventurer's Guild, and their offer to let her test her mettle and join their ranks. It wasn’t quite the same as serving a Lord. But it would cover all of her basic needs, as well as the seldom spoken of necessities of purpose and direction.

She had made haste to the Bom Bom Farm upon signing on for the job. Finding little need to await the companionship of strangers, she had set off from the Guild alone, and arrived at the farm in the predawn hours, just as the matriarch, Marla, had begun loading the last of the cargo onto the wagons. It had, of course, taken some convincing to assure her, the younger girl, and the man tending to the second wagon, that she was no thief or bandit, but it had been achieved.

She stood then, pensively, allowing the warmth of the morning sun to sooth her mind, body, and spirit. When she heard the first breaths of conversation from the front of the wagons, she tightened the tail of her black hair, tidied her garments, and stepped around to meet the new arrivals. Pacing cautiously past the man, and, not acknowledging the daughter [whom she presumed she had frightened upon her arrival], she approached the first wagon, where Marla and the other escorts were convened. “Kaitori,” she announced herself, bowing low to who she took to be her allies on this new journey. “My blade joins you in service.”

[duskshine749]

Silas kept glancing to the east as he approached the farm. He could see the suns light but it had yet to crest the horizon. It seemed no matter where he ended up he would always be starting his day at the crack of dawn. Before joining the others for an introduction he gave the cargo a quick once over to make sure it was secure, old habits die hard I suppose. These people had clearly done this plenty of times, it was their livelihood after all. The smell of the herbs was nice, very rich and earthy, quite different from the spices of his home in the Simiyu Desert.

Satisfied with his informal inspection, Silas joined the rest of the group, positioning himself in the most direct beam of sunlight he could find at this early hour. "I'm Silas, pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm used to transporting smaller cargo in a smaller vehicle, but I'm sure the skills are transferable."

[KingKazma]

It was a good day as any to get another job from the guild, Talos had spent the last few days resting from his battle with the Direwolves and getting to know Taotie, the sentient staff that Aster left with him. The half giant saw the offer to escort a caravan and immediately applied for the job, he packed the few things he had and wrapped Taotie around his belt, as he was quite the big fella he looked more like a cane or short rod than with a staff when in his possession.

"Okay magic girl, time to work again! I hope you wake up soon, would be good to have your support if thing go bad..."

Since the last night Taotie seemed to be kind of dormant, so Talos was hoping everything was okay with her more than anything else. He arrived finally on the Bom Bom farm, the fresh air of the rural zone got him smiling vaguely, it was good to smell the nature like that, the air was more healthy here than in the city and the half giant was feeling almost invigorated by it and the nice weather. He arrived finally, laying eyes on the group already there, he recognized Aster immediately but not the other, he scanned all of them from above, overhearing the small chat while approaching the caravan.

"You're not that big to be calling others little one."

He let out a small friendly laugh and approached the girl who looked like a sorcerer and taped her gently on the shoulder, despite being so big he was still very young and playful.

"I am Talos, the bowman already knows me, pleased to meet you all!"

[Moonberry]

(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.
“An’ ah good day tae yew as well. Yer lookin’ fine an’ dandy on such a mornin’.” 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.
“Jacob… ye’d best mind yer words. Er she’s like tae take yer fingers off with that sword.”
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.
“Well go on, child.” she coaxed gently, before turning her head toward the tall mage. “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.”
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.
“Ah… I’ll stay tucked in,” she murmured softly, clutching her blanket a little tighter.
“A pleasure tae make yer acquaintance, Silas. Ah’ll trust in yer skills then.”
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.
“By the stars an’ all above…” she breathed, before laughter bubbled free. “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.”
It was a hearty laugh, not mocking but practical.
She stepped forward then, surveying the gathered escorts and the loaded caravan with renewed focus.
“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.”
She glanced to Jacob.
“Once we’re clear o’ the fields, we roll straight through the village. No stoppin’.”
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.
“We leave now. Best tae make the most o’ the mornin’.”
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.

[Dreadnought404]

It always felt weird for Taotie to go to 'sleep' considering her current predicament. She didn't have a biological body by any means so she didn't need to rest the same way most other people had to outside of taking a break once in a while to avoid passing out from too much mental exertion. Even so she still retained her usual sleeping habits, both during the long stretches of time that she had spent alone and even now after getting taken in by her little adventuring group who seemed content enough to take her in despite her status. It was better than rotting in some storage cupboard anyways but it did mean that she was at the mercy of whatever hijinks they subjected her to and today seemed like one of those days.

'Ugh, why do I feel so much rocking...wait a minute this isn't the guild.' Taotie slowly pointed out as she came to and indeed she'd be correct in her assumption as gone were the familiar walls of the guild and what replaced them seemed to be a wide expanse of farm land that currently contained an oddly coloured bunch of people. Something much too grand for a simply picking the fields of whatever crops they had or taking care of whatever dirty animals the farm possessed which could only mean one thing. 'You're on another one of those quest things aren't you? And it looks like this time its the giant guy who's carrying me around, what use do you have for a staff anyways? You don't seem like the studious or thinking type.' She plainly stated seeing as she had the misfortune of missing out the entirety of whatever briefing they went through in her slumber.

[sunphoenix72]

It had been hell. The Worse day of her life... they had risen up to fight for their world.. for Earth for humanity... and they had lost.. Lost Badly! The Viltrimite Conquerer's were just too powerful... even with their Hybrid-Half Human Half-Viltrum heritage.. they just did not have time to build their own might to resist the Viltrum invading forces. It was a slaughter.

The last desperate hope.. was escape.. not to grow in strength to fight another day.. just escape to even survive.
Sylvia's father, Martin Crest, was part of the experimental LevyGate research that theoretically lead to alternate Earths... but the facility was discovered.. and the Viltrumites took no prisoners.

She never saw what happened to her father... probably for the best. The Last she saw of her life was her Viltrumite Mother, Silia... fearless and strong as ever.. 'lightly' push her through the shimmering gate before the planted explosives destroyed the tech. Silia a born and bred Warrior-TRUE of the Viltrum.. so stern, so confident.. so Totally BAD ASS... never told Sylvia as she grew up that she loved her.. too soft for her Viltrum sensibilities... but the look Silia always gave her father told the truth about her heart. A sentiment mirrored in the hearts of so many Viltrium infiltrators on earth intermingling with humans... the one race in the Galaxy that could bred true with the Viltrumites. Silia had come to love the Earth and its people... and as Sylvia vanished through the LevyGate that same warm look of deep love and pride in her beautiful daughter... weak by Viltrun standards ~ at best.. Sylvia knew instantly she was Silia's most Treasured Victory...with her single parting word ~ "Live!"

Then her earth vanish, the LevyGate disappearing in a flash as her mothers 'light' push sent her careening 100'ft across broken wilderness on the boarders of Ryken. Alone and lost in a world... Nothing like her own!

Sylvia had been the heroine Astra on Earth, but here.. Sylvia's home and life were no more. She was homeless with no way to return home.. even if home existed anymore which was highly unlikely. And return for what? Her a weakling by Viltrum standards to fight a war with ALL Viltrum alone?

Astra wandered the strange land and learned quickly ... this was No alternate Earth! There was nothing even remotely similar to her Earth. Strange enough people could understand her and she could understand them.. but this realm seemed to be a crossroads of many different realities where various beings both possible and impossible were being deposited for some unknown reason.

But her mother's practical sensibilities soon took over... and Astra took to the task of learning and making her way in this strange land... and make of it some kind of home until things changed. To this task her natural Viltrumite Might proved useful and eventually she discovered the Adventurer's Guild... though she had only been in this realm for a week she knew she had to make some sort of living and her abilities could be profitably put to use... at least until she came up with something better.

-----

The young pretty somewhat petite woman stepped forward as the group passed through the small village... she was walking purposely down the center of the street. Everyone parted for her passing for her very presence clearly something out of the ordinary. Shoulder-length dark brown hair {now grown a bit longer}, pale green eyes, petite around 5'9" but with a fearless confidence that belied the fact she carried no weapons, and wore no armor! Her clothing was truly odd.. spun with a precision no hand weaver could attain and so brightly colored the material unidentifiable! She smelled clean no dirt seemed to cling to her. The Yellow cloak at her shoulders was purely a thing of decoration perhaps.. the styling was like no Noble's raiment ever seen though all of it was clearly of high precision crafting! She wore a leather'?' belt at her slim waist with pouches and items stored... but she bore no survival gear whatsoever...!

She spoke softly, "Hello. The Adventurer's Guild listed an escort... task that needed protection. I am Astra. I am strong, I hit hard, and I am hard to hurt. I am here to assist."

She said nothing more... assuming apparently that was enough.

[duskshine749]

"If you need someone with good eyes keeping watch then I'm your man," Silas volunteered, taking up position on one side of the wagons. He also preferred to be out in the open rather than on the wagon itself, but he didn't need to mention that. He had always liked spending time outside, and ever since growing up again in the culture of the Surya Elves that feeling had just been reinforced. At this point he'd been in this new world for almost as long as he was alive in his previous one, but he still wasn't sure he'd ever get over it.

"Good call having us leave as early as possible, best to start travelling before The Sun starts feeling too important." Silas pointed his golden, almost glowing eyes, toward the east once more. The Sun was slowly making its way up, and he'd feel much better once it did. "Anyone else feel free to join me on this end, my eyes may be good but I still can't see everything." Silas smiled as he talked, a casual escort job across the countryside is exactly what he needed.

[IAmTheIsland]

Abe Kaitori

Kaitori convened more closely with the gathering of adventurers and mercenaries near the front of the two-wagon train. She gave the group a cursory glance as she approached. Given they were allies for the time being, she saw no purpose in sizing anyone up in detail; she’d have ample opportunity to learn their quirks and talents as they progressed on the journey ahead. It was a seemingly eclectic band of hired hands, ranging from herself, to other warriors, to what she surmised by aesthetics to be magic practitioners. Most of them, at a glance, were up to traveling the road ahead. The only one among them that stood out was the one named Felix, who seemed too polished for a trek by foot. But if he wasn’t opposed to fine attire getting dirtied, or had his means of keeping it otherwise, then there was no room for concern. Kaitori gestured her head in acknowledgement and confidence in the team that had been assembled.

Her attention drifted coolly to the cooing of the farmhand tending to the second wagon. His remarks were crude, veiled thinly as pleasantry; not an uncommon response to seeing a woman such as herself brandishing a blade. Backed by the scolding of the matriarch, she lowered her head to Jacob. “You are forgiven.” The subtle smile she offered genuinely accepted the apology. However the glare in her eyes as she spoke tagged the good grace with a ‘this time.’ Before the man turned his attention back to the wagon, her fingered gently rapped against the hilt of her sword in accord with Marla’s warning against acting on any ill intents. She turned herself back to the front of the echelon, and walked toward the front of the first wagon, putting distance between herself and Jacob.

As the wagons began their roll from the farm, Kaitori joined the Elven escort at the front of the party. To sit behind wouldn’t have been to her taste, as she preferred to move briskly; she’d sooner race the horses than fall back to the rear; her swiftness was best exercised from the position of least obstruction. “I can cover ground quickly if we need someone to scout ahead.” She steeled her grip on her hilt, and added “and I’m quick to the draw.”

[Moonberry]

The last of the village voices faded gradually behind the caravan, replaced by the quieter sounds of open road.

The wagons rolled onward, their wooden wheels settling into a steady rhythm against the packed dirt. Harnesses shifted. Hooves pressed forward in an even cadence as the horses found their pace beyond the narrow village road.

With the cottages behind them, the land opened wide.

Low hills stretched gently across the horizon, broken by long fence lines and scattered clusters of trees. The morning sun climbed higher, burning away the last traces of fog and warming the damp earth beneath their path.

At the front, Marla guided the lead wagon with practiced hands, her posture steady as the reins rested firm in her grip. Fallon sat beside her, tucked beneath her blanket, her attention drifting outward now that the noise and movement of the village had fallen away.

The girl leaned slightly toward the edge of the wagon, watching the road and the escorts moving alongside it. There was a quiet ease in her now, a soft curiosity replacing her earlier shyness.

“Mama…” she murmured gently.

Marla glanced down without slowing the wagon.

“Aye, love?”

Fallon hesitated for a moment before giving a small, careful smile.

“It’s… nice.”

Marla’s expression softened, just briefly, before she turned her attention back to the road.

“Aye. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

Behind them, Jacob handled the second wagon with a more relaxed posture, one hand loosely holding the reins as he kept the horses in line with the lead cart.

The rear wagon shifted slightly as it rolled over a shallow rut.

Jacob felt it immediately.

“Easy now…” he muttered, giving a small adjustment of the reins before leaning down to check one of the tied straps along the side.

He gave it a firm tug, tightening it with a practiced motion before settling back upright.

“Don’t need these crates wanderin’ off on us.”

The canvas covering the cargo rustled softly in the breeze, carrying that faint, earthy scent of fresh herbs along the road behind them.

⋇⊶⊰ ✩ ⊱⊷⋇

Ooc: Alright let's revive this. Those of you that are going to attend, please describe where your character has decided to settle/ get your social time in to talk to npcs/player characters.

There are two wagons. One is driven by the mother and her child is sitting in the wagon beside her.
The other is driven by Jacob a farm hand/aid. The boxes seem to be herbs, maybe?

[DancesWMonsters]

Felix found himself a relatively comfortable perch on the rear wagon atop some of the crates of herbs. Being lithe, his weight did not add considerably to the thin wood enclosing the earthy smelling contents. A sense of idle bucolic bliss surrounded the quaint region that only grew the more Felix saw of it. Forests and tended fields stretched on and on... This seemed an ideal place to live, if one were free to enjoy it instead of chained to it by history and feudal obligations.
As a 'guard', Felix kept an eye out occasionally but busied himself with completing projects from his carpetbag of tailor's items. His eyes wandered to take in his companions on the journey, wondering about their stories and lives but also taking in their measurements.

[duskshine749]

Silas was quite enjoying the walk, compared to the dungeon he had just left this job was much more up his alley. He looked at the woman who had joined him up front, she had what looked to be a katana. He knew other swords were generally considered better, but there was just something about the look of a katana that he enjoyed, so he was glad to see someone using one. "So, you have much experience transporting cargo?" Silas figured he should get to know her a bit if they'd be working together. She was also one of the few people who wasn't also on the dungeon expedition, so it worked out that she had chosen to join him in keeping watch.
@IAmTheIsland

[IAmTheIsland]

Abe Kaitori

Interactions: Silas Reed
@duskshine749

Pleasantries observed, and preparations concluded, the wagons moved onward, through the village, and out into the fields beyond its limits. Kaitori retained the honor of her word, setting herself before the lead wagon, and maintained a steady pace.

The early phase of the journey lent itself to silence; once the last dwelling had been passed by, both the escorts and their wards stayed a want for conversation in favor of the diligence required by the work to which they were charged. Marla and Jacob broke the serenity only to see to the ease and care of the horses; the young daughter spoke with the reverent tone befit of a temple. Kaitori, wordlessly, surveyed her partner at the parties front through a series of sideways glances; on a few looks, she noticed him giving her the same treatment, with one such moment suggesting his interest in her choice of weapon, which was, no doubt, a rare sight in this part of the land.

It would be by his words that, for Kaitori's part, the silence would truly be broken. Her eyes blinked, and held for a second's meditation as she contemplated her response to his question. When she settled on a satisfying answer, she steadied her peripheral glance upon him, and replied, "Material goods are seldom lost forever. My business is, and has been, in protecting people. For now, those two things are intertwined." She continued on for a moment, returning her attention to the road ahead, and then asked, "have you much escort experience?"

[sunphoenix72]

No one spoke to her nor for that mater even so much as acknowledge her presence which... was rude but she really didn't care as the Adventure's Guild was paying her for her time... and the last mission of the guild had paid well in coin but most of all in combat experience. Enough so her natural Viltrum senses and superspeed had finally awakened in the heat of battle!

Astra had been so pleased to learn her half-human blood was not so thinned that some of the natural Viltrum abilities were not forever lost to her as some hybrids had been reported as suffering with. But her mother always believed it was only a matter of time... and again.. she had been right.

Astra preened mentally as she stretched out her newfound senses her eye-sight was a keener than a hawk's she could see miles in perfect clarity. Her hearing could detect the scuttling of the rodents in the underbrush... and was even precise to locate unseen targets within 10'ft of her accurately enough to strike!

Added to this her speed had doubled, even her autonomic natural healing had accelerated to regenerative levels!

She was disappointed that all the combat with the undead army had NOT made her any physically stronger... which was annoying but she had to be patient.

Unfortunately, this simple escort mission was not likely to provide ANY combat challenge enough to even break a sweat let alone push her strength to excel and grow.

'sigh', such were her fortunes... and with boredom the dreaded memories of her lost world, home, family and friends... began to weigh upon her mind.

She needed some distraction...

Noting there was not a cloud in the sky on this warm sunny day, she pulled out her Smartphone and began to take pictures!

Taking photos of Marla, Jacob, Felix, She already had pics of Talos from previous adventures... but she liked muscles so.. never too many of those pics. The Darkly robed witch {Nenarei}, and the elegant Asian? woman with the Katana {Abe Katori}... and of course several pictures of Marla's shy but cute sickly daughter...

Smart Cell Phone - Features: Eidetic Memory 'Camera & Video'

-----

To all present it seemed as if the strangely dressed young woman decided not to take any note of their ignoring her following along her eyes drifting about unfocused as if she were in a daze for some time... but once the sun hit its zenith, she seemed to come back to the here and now. Then did something really odd... she took some smooth black 'stone-tablet' about the size of one's palm out of one of her many belt compartments and began touching its surface and it glowed with some inner light with shifting colored glowing icons. Then proceeded to move about holding the "stone" up like it were some kind of mirror looking at everyone one at a time or the terrain squeezing the stone to which it clicked softly.

Clearly it must be some kind of enchanted device... but whatever she was doing was completely inscrutable, though she seemed to take a great deal of joy in... whatever it was as she spent long moments gazing at the glowing ... sometimes moving 'pictures' upon the stone's surface.

But sensing when her antics were starting to become annoying she stopped abruptly ~ likely getting bored again... then she focused on the stone... placing something tiny from her belt in her ears?

Then began to shimmy and dance slightly as a very soft sound of music'?'... emitted in the air about her quite unlike ANY kind of music anyone had heard before.

Clearly it was a thumping rhythmic beat that sounded as is bees had been wrangled into some minuscule band or orchestra... words could be hear, a feminine voice but too soft to make out...

Astra's reaction though was clear she greatly enjoyed the music she could obviously hear clearly... as she swayed her shapely hips bobbed her head to the beat and danced lightly about ...

At the song's refrain she sang, not unpleasantly...

youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs

"...Don't Stop!"
"Make it Hop!"
"DJ blow my Speakers Up.."
"Tonight, Gonna Fight..."
"'til We see the Sunlight!!"

"Tik-Tok, On the Klok!"
"But the Party, DON'T STOP!"

"NO-ohoOOoo- Ohoo!"
"OhoOOoo- Ohoo!"

[Moonberry]

The remainder of the journey passed with a simplicity that, in hindsight, many would later consider a blessing.

The roads remained clear.

The weather held.

The wagons rolled steadily onward through fields, hills, and stretches of woodland road without incident.

The caravan paused at creeks and roadside clearings when needed. The horses were watered. Meals were shared. Stories were exchanged beneath open skies and beside modest campfires.

As the days passed, strangers became familiar faces.

The escorts settled into the rhythm of the road. The wagons continued their patient journey toward Ryken. The precious cargo remained secure beneath its canvas coverings, carrying the faint earthy scent of Petal Moss wherever the wind happened to wander.

Fallon gradually grew more comfortable around her protectors. Though still shy, she spent less time hiding behind her blanket and more time watching the world pass by beyond the wagon seat.

For Marla, each uneventful mile felt like a gift.

No bandits appeared.

No monsters crossed their path.

No wheels broke.

No storms threatened the cargo.

The road simply carried them onward.

And sometimes, that was enough.

By the afternoon of the third day, the walls of Ryken finally appeared upon the horizon.

The sight drew a long breath from Marla that she seemed to have been holding since the moment they left Bom Bom Farm.

The wagons rolled through the city gates without difficulty, joining the steady flow of merchants, travelers, and caravans moving through the capital.

Their destination lay beyond still, but the most dangerous portion of the journey had come to an end.

The cargo had arrived safely.

The contract had been fulfilled.

And for the first time in a very long while, Marla allowed herself to believe that perhaps her daughter had a chance.

The people of Bom Bom Farm would remember those who had accepted the job.

Not because of some great battle.

Not because of some heroic last stand.

But because when they needed help, the adventurers had come.

And they had seen the family safely to their destination.