Laurin was concerned with the very same ordeal. Traveling alone was hazardous, traveling alone as a woman along a reputedly dangerous highway? One may as well have signed their life away. She began conversing with Raine's men, absently nursing her soup when the time to wait for answers had come. Eventually, once she had progressed beyond mundane introductions, "So down to business, I'd like to join the caravan. I am but a scholar however I also posess some skill with maintaining weaponry." She guestured to a finely crafted crossbow which she handed over for inspection. It was fairly well-balanced, easy to steady and had a smooth bolt cradle. The firing mechanism also seemed unique. Exceedingly simple by design, easy to access and difficult to damage. "Mayhaps you all could put in a word for my with your captain?"