<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)">Sabina nodded when the scout left to select his horse, and she studied Grimsson as he mounted his steed and bellowed his gruff greeting and instructions. He was perturbed, even angry, and if the brunette's reaction to their conversation behind the building were any indication, she would guess that their relationship was more intimate than leader and follower. She would have to keep an eye out because a leader ruled by emotions was dangerous. She hoped he would be able to get them in check soon.<br/>
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Silently, she made her way to the last two horses and inspected their teeth and shanks, choosing the one that had the best gum lines. Methodically, she attached to the saddle the bedroll and leathers she'd slung over her back, as well as a canteen, and a small satchel that carried one other outfit. The satchel containing her pencils, parchment, manuscript, and a few coins she on her, and then she took a moment to the horse between his ears and whispered in a soft, melodic voice, "Táplálkozom és gondozom téged, és arra kérem, hogy tartson biztonságban, és biztosan járjon. Ragyogjon az istenek irgalom utazásunkon." The horse neighed and canted, and a delighted chuckle escaped the girl's lips. She pat the horse on his rump and sprung into the saddle with an easy grace, clicking her tongue, and lightly tapping it with her heels. He trotted easily into line behind the Grimsson and the healer, Karin.<br/>
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The young woman stretched and settled, excited to be back in the saddle again. She'd loved traveling with her father, and she anticipated the challenge before them. The Sea of Grass stretched out ahead of them, and she eyed it with cautious enthusiasm. It was dangers, more so than any other land she'd ever traveled, but only those who were willing to take risks would ever conquer the unknown, she she was ready to do so. As she waited for the group to begin moving forward, she considered the quiet giant who was taking up the rear. He reminded her of a group of people she and her father had come across when she was a little girl, only a year or two after her mother had succumbed to the Blue Fever. Thoughtfully, she touched the locket at her throat, but before she had time to reminisce, the caravan began to move, and they entered the tall grasses.<br/>
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Fast hooves sounded on the ground behind her, and Sabina chuckled, realizing that the brunette was picking up her horse's pace since Will had obviously decided to take up the rear with the horses and the giant had no mount.<br/>
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<b>"Sorry we didn't get to meet proper but I'm Laelia, my friends call me Lia," </b>the brunette called loudly. <b>"I'm the map maker."</b><br/>
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She looked at the woman and recognized her hope that the incident from earlier would be forgotten, so she offered a gentle smile and replied, "A pleasure to meet you, Lia. I'm Sabina Clarke, linguist and negotiator." She maneuvered her horse to the left, allowing Lia to catch up to her and ride side by side. She hoped the woman wouldn't mind companionable silence because despite her love of language, she had yet to master the art of social conversation.<br/>
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"How long have you been a cartographer?" she asked, curious and happy to meet another woman in a male-dominated job.<br/>
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----------</span><br/><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)">*Translation of what she spoke to the horse: I will feed and care for you, and I ask that you keep me safe and walk surely. May the gods shine mercy on our journey.</span></i>