Sybil shakes her head. "No horse. I usually travel by foot, bu that may not work if we have people on horseback." She glances at the two horses. "I'm Sybil, by the way. And this is Rio." She gestures at the small grey pseudodragon sitting on top of her bag, who gives you all a solemn little nod, although his tail is flicking back and forth.

Eeping slightly and scooting back from the dragon, Mortise hauled her pack over her shoulders, eying the pet warily before turning to address Requital, nose wrinkling. "It would be, but we've had issues with hired help taking the up-front and disappearing. Or worse, killing our agents." She titters. "As such, I don't carry your payment on me–it'll be paid at our offices in each city... so don't think you can get your pay by murdering me and taking a run for it!"  The halfling laughs at the morbid joke, hiding some significant amount of distress the possibility causes her. "Anyways, the cart and horses are hitched up around the back. There's some space on the wagon if any of you don't have your own horses?"

(Yes! Apologies, I hadn't gotten around to it quite yet. You should have all gotten the invite, now?)

Rio gives Sybil a plaintive look, and she sighs. "Rio, we've gone over this. Say hello yourself if you want to talk to people, don't use me as your messenger." Rio turns up his nose and does his best to look haughty while Sybil turns her attention back to Mortise with a warm smile. "I would very much appreciate being able to hitch a ride on the wagon. Thank you."

(And I got the invite and added Sybil)

Black Rose walks forward to Sybil, as a surprised look comes over Requital's face. The warhorse bends its head to Rio sniffing the air. Then nuzzles the tiny dragon affectionately. Requital looks on in shock for a moment. then stammers I..I am sorry about that. She has never done this before. 

Then addressing Black Rose says Faigh ar ais anseo. 

Black rose gives a final nudge to Rio then walks back to Requital who quietly starts whispering to her.

Rio's tail twitches cheerfully as the horse nuzzles him, and Sybil smiles. "He doesn't mind, so neither do I." Rio cocks his head curiously at Requital and Black Rose, jumping off of Sybil's bag and fluttering closer to them, a little hesitantly.

In an attempt to reassure her halfling employer Illanjura says in a tone that makes it clear she is not used to worrying about others feelings and that probably doesn’t help matters at all “The contract specified payment at the offices so I would not expect anything different. You will not come to any harm so long as I can help it, that is what you are paying us for no?”

Checking her gear over one last time she then continues in a matter of fact tone ”As for introductions, I am Illanjura and I am a scout and guide by trade. I will travel on foot for most of the journey unless that is a problem?”

Looking over the athletic Elf you get an impression that tells you not to doubt that she can keep up on foot in the slightest.

Requital gives a curious look as the small dragon heads her way. She raises her hand inviting Rio to perch and says Cairde

Mortise looks at Ilanjura, appearing somewhat concerned. 

"Won't walking the whole way wear you out?" she asks. 

Rio gives Sybil an inquiring look, and she nods. "Go ahead. Say hi, maybe," she suggests. Rio scampers over and flaps over to land on Requital's arm, cocking his head and examining Requital.

Requital reaches her other hand up and scratches Rio under the chin. Tá tú álainn. Then glancing over at Sybil. Agus mar sin tá do máistreás. 

Sybil blushes faintly. "Mo bhuiocas," she answers before switching back to Common. "He likes you."

And I like him. But we should probably get on with the task at hand.  Turning back to Mortise I am sure you meant no offense. But Illanjura looks as though she will not have any trouble doing what she says she can. Then addressing Illanjura I would guess your talents lie in scouting and tracking? It would be good if you moved ahead of us stealthily from time to time to check the trail. Our human friend and I can ride flanking the cart as a first defensive line. While Sybil stays on the cart with Mortise. If we are attacked though it would probably be good for you to be on the cart. It will give you a good vantage to use that from. Gesturing to the longbow you carry.

Mortise frowns, but nods, heading around the side of the inn to where she stored her cart. The large wooden vehicle is already loaded, with a waterproof chart fixed over the top to protect the cargo from the elements. The front has a wide bench that could likely fit two or three people with some effort. The wagon is drawn by a pair of bay horses which nicker as their owner draws close. Taking their reins, the merchant woman leads them around to the front, looking around the group. 

"Sounds good to me. Is there anything else, or are we heading out?" she asks, hauling herself up onto the front of the cart.

Rav finished making sure all her belongings were secure before mounting her horse. She then walked the horse round to the side of the cart. Patting the horses neck she whispered "Not long now Moonstone." To make sure the rather temperamental horse was calm. With her sword in it's sheath and her shield on her arm, she waited for the order for the off.  

Sybil grabs her bag. "Ready to go." She hops up onto the bench, taking care to make sure her coat doesn't slip or show a single inch of skin at her neck or wrists as she climbs onto the cart. Rio looks between her and Requital before flapping his wings and taking off, turning small loops in the air above the cart.

Requital steps forward offering Sybil a helping hand up into the cart. Then swings easily up to mount Black Rose. Patting the large horses neck. Lead on!

She will ride into a position keeping her equal with those riding the cart on the left side.

As if in confirmation of the Tieflings words Illanjura answers their employer “No offence is taken, I can travel faster than a draft horse although not as fast as a  warhorse such as these. As suggested I prefer to travel ahead and look for any threats. I will double back and warn you of any danger. Watch the side of the trail for a set of three arrows in the ground, it too is a warning from me.”

Sybil accepts Requital's hand with a smile, then nods at Illanjura. "Three arrows in the ground are bad. Got it. Would you like Rio to go with you and be a secondary set of eyes or backup warning system?" Rio stops turning loops for a moment and hovers, looking at Illanjura.

With a jerk of the reins and a chorus of whinnies from the horses, the cart rolled into motion, trundling along the muddy path out of the village. The rain remains a light, miserable shower from above, soaking into everything it finds and turning the earth soupy and like sludge. The path–marked as such more by wooden posts and marked trees than anything on the ground– leads deeper into the boggy marshwood. 

A few hours pass, and the miles along with it. The rain is picking up, not strong enough to be dangerous, but quite enough to dampen spirits. The sparse trees here are spattered with the grey mud as grey water falls from the grey sky. Strange mounds rise in the murky mists, perhaps fallen trees buried beneath mud and clay, perhaps something more sinister. The booming hiss of the rain crashing down continues.

Riding along the left side Requital keeps watch into the woods.

Perception Check : 13