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Eldon sits astride Dalea nodding to a few of the Soldiers he knows, he keeps his distance somewhat, unsure how he fitted with them all, but only time would tell.

Liri steps forward. "Liriodendra ti Corylus" she introduces herself. "I am Envoy of the Coastal Elves, sent as an observer. As such, I will be very interested in any evidence you find. Especially in evidence that points to the identity of our attackers."

(OOC: If the Elves have a specific name, it has eluded me, let me know so I can correct it)

The soldiers are businesslike as they begin to pick up their gear and put on their armor. There is a noticeable lack of the griping and grumbling typical of such moments in the active service.
Those among you who have served in the legions recognize the armor the men are donning as standard legion cavalry kits.

One of them, a tall skinny man with a moustache too big for his face, says: "Wheels," then he points to the others, in turn: "Octos, Grouch, Barber, Ash and Little."

"I assume you have briefed your Men fully on the situation?" Angel asks, deferring to 'Defender Vecchio', while watching 'Wheels' obviously the Leader. "Has any of Master Fraso's staff been invited? There might be items he requires, which we might not recognise."

Ensuring her cloak is tight she aids Liri in mounting her horse and then Mounts Praesul, pulling the anxious mount back into line as he rears up slightly, her blonde hair falling behind her as she forces his front legs back down to the ground. "Down, not yet." She warns the War Horse.

Liri had acknowledged the introductions with a gracious nod, looking at each man to make sure she remembered who was who. Then she mounds Casta with a "thank you" to Angel and finds a place in line.

Viletti replies: "My men have been fully briefed, based on your report yesterday morning. I would encourage you to retell your tale on the ride out, so they may hear it at first hand."

The cavalrymen finish armoring in short order, then set about checking each other's gear to make sure it is in order. Once they are satisfied, Barber looks up at the sun briefly measuring its position with his open hand, then says: "We should reach the grove by early afternoon. We should return by nightfall. Unless there is something to your story."

"Then expect us back tomorrow." Angel responds, "I am sure you know Master Cortex." She points to Eldon behind her.

"I believe Mistress Liri is the best at telling a story." She comments to Viletti, "I would suggest she tell the story, or our good friend Bastian."

"I assume that is a no on the subject of Master Fraso's staff?" She inquires with a look.

"Greetings." Eldon comments, watching the Half Elf on the back of her horse, he couldnt help by stand open mouthed for a moment as she fought to get the horse under control.

"I haven't heard this story all that much either." He gives Liri a look, one that might say 'you people havent told me the who story.'

"Since the body has been stolen, we see no need for Master Fraso to visit the site of the battle," Optio Viletti answers, his tone officious and firm. "The commander would prefer that he remain here.
"If you are concerned about your commission, please be assured that he will be kept safe in your absence."

"Let us proceed," says Barber. "We are late enough as it is, and I would prefer bed over bedroll tonight."

"Of course. Let us ride." Angel responds in a firm tone of her own. "I am ready."

"Can i ride up front with you two?" Eldon asks Mahgnus and The Ranger. "I often rode ahead of the caravan."

Somewhat puzzled, Liri rides in line. First, they said she should tell the story, then they pressed ahead... well she would tell the story again when asked to do so.

"We will tell the tale as we ride." Angel comments as she pulls in line beside the elf. "we have haste, our companions do not appear to like sleeping beneath the stars.

"I heard that, merc," says Barber. "Sleeping under the stars is fine, but those of us who have homes generally prefer our own beds. I can see how that might be an unfamiliar idea to people like you." The man's tone is slightly more belligerent than one might expect for the situation. Perhaps he has a dislike of mercenaries.

"What is a home?" she responds with a hint of humor in her voice, "I have not had one of those since i was fourteen."

Eldon says nothing, a small grin appearing across his face.

"4 walls and a roof don't necessarily make a home. Besides it tends to hide the night sky and its beauty".... Papa says not to anyone in particular as he looks in the direction where we are going and pats his horse on the side of the neck