The group departs from Ares's house, each to prepare in their own way for the endeavour they have agreed to embark upon. Lyara returns to Soveliss, “Good, this is an important step on your journey to the Dragon Song,” the older elf nods when she informs him of her intentions, bowing before his student as she returns his blade and equips her dagger. “Properly mastered, a single dancer can match a battalion of soldiers, yet the first steps are almost always the hardest, when you must find a dance partner who intends to kill you, and be better than them. It is a wise idea to have others with for this, but do not rely too heavily on them, it is your song, and your song alone. Do not be scared to shed blood as part of your learning, just be sure your blade cuts deeper,” Lyara has already seen the first scar he received, a thin white line with a vague bend to it all that remains from the spear tip that pierced his defences over a hundred years ago. It is one of his few battle wounds, and the worst.<br/><br/>In the Devereux General Store, Ares haggles over the price for the equipment he will need for this quest. Alwyn tallies up everything, then makes a note of the silk rope and belaying pin, as well as the proposed payment of 10 gold. “I'm afraid not good man Ares. I have not done so well for myself and my family by giving charity to those who would throw themselves into danger. It is true, I want these bandits gone, especially as my own daughter is  running an errand on the road, though her route takes her south-west along the Shajpi which is beyond the reaches of these law breakers. But in any case, if you fail, the bandits remain just as much a problem to me, and I am out several good coin. If you succeed, the bounty is largest enough that you won't miss that coin. You understand surely? With the 10 gold for this fine elven rope and the two silver for this ship pin, the 10 gold coins you intend to pay me would be short...3 gold, 8 silver and 4 copper. I will write off the 4 copper, but the 3 gold and 8 silver must be paid,”<br/><br/>Outside, Leowine returns from catching up on the militia members, confident that whilst not necessarily happy about things all will hold the the peace in Yelmed while he is gone, and not try anything dangerous themselves. The elfkin joins Vara, Lyara and Selise, waiting for Ares to conclude his business with the Devereuxes.