The elf characters are most likely starting in a group with each other, though the other characters should probably use their bonds as a guide to how well they know each other.  The party can likely form 1-3 expeditions from their number, though setting out with less than three in your party is rather unwise.  (without someone to keep watch while you sleep, life is far more difficult; similarly, traveling without someone to cook meals and carry rations is also rather difficult.)<br/><br/>Since you don't really want to go more than a couple of day's march away, it likely isn't necessary to load up completely on rations and adventuring gear, or purchase some horses and hire some porters to form a baggage train.