<div class="floatleft">(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/ElectricBadger/cosplay__elf_ducan_by_yuegene-d4q4lvw_zpsdeb3f09e.jpg)   </div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Nys &amp; Olivia Vendatti (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=224040.msg11009923#msg11009923)</span><br/>Blanqua Transmuter & Raven Familiar (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1124844)<br/>Tagging: Reliat, Rumahs, Sariel<br/><hr/><br/>Nys took solemn leave of the monarchs, bowing again before backing away.  Once in the hall outside he looked carefully over his comrades.  The weight of responsibility hung heavier than other times he had been in command; he had led forays into the human lands, hunted ice drakes upon the glaciers, and fended dire wolves from the starving donkeys in the long mountain nights.  He had seen friends die.  Even as he looked around, he feared this journey far more dangerous than all before.<br/><br/>Looking from one elf to another, catching each of their eyes, he gave a short speech of introduction; enough to inform, not enough to bore.  "Greetings and well met, all; if we haven't yet met, I am Nys Vendatti.  Call me Nys, please; I'm a better caravan master than lordling, or so my sisters keep saying.  We go forth for no less than the fate of the kingdom; we are capable, but we cannot afford the least falter.  Never forget what we protect."  They continued on to the blessing that would protect them, then he turned to the others.<br/><br/>"Reliat, yes?  I do not doubt your skill, but as you say foraging within the mists could end badly, and we need to make haste reaching them.  If things go ill, though, there may be need.  Mounts, however, we cannot replace so easily once underway; you are no doubt used to finding a sturdy horse?  Inspect those provided for us, ensure they are healthy, well trained and steady.  We'll take a few spares, but not so many they would slow us down.  If any complain, charge the beasts to the Vendatti coffers."  He couldn't imagine the official stables refusing to outfit such a quest, but the obstinacy of bureaucrats never ceased to amaze him; which was saying something, as Nys could enjoy a quiet evening with wine, abacus and ledger book himself.<br/><br/>He turned to the boy - at least, Olivia had claimed he was male, and she was usually right about such things.  "Rumahs, I thank you!  I heard some small listing of your skills; such a past must favor a keen eye.  Whatever evil arises will be expecting us, and shall move to stop our advance; if it's clever enough, it might strike before we begin.  Pay attention to the servants, gawkers, even the nobles.  Look over the cargo.  If you see anything out of place, find any food or water suspect...well, better to take no chances.  Sariel, if you could accompany him, I'm sure your own gifts may help as well."<br/><br/>"Jord, of course, go; and Jia, thank you.  You seem to have made an impression on the besotted lad.  No cart; hours are too precious.  Reliat will bring goats and horses.  Seventeen days of rations for each of us, and we'll hope to one day worry about the rest.  There should be a baker delivering such to the kitchens soon."  He leaned in slightly, conspiring.  "See if you can liberate a couple bottles of something memorable for a toast before we enter the mist, would you?  I imagine a cheer and a drink will do us good about then.  Not too much.  And my dear...I don't know if your friends can be recovered from the mist's change.  But I promise we shall try."<br/><br/>Nys continued on in the same vein, directing each to where they would be needed best, overseeing this caravan as he had so many others before.  The songs wouldn't laud the skill of assembling an expedition in an hour's time, perfectly balancing cargoes and planning the best route to avoid ambush, weather or poor roads, but without such little things the grand ones were impossible.