From An Otherwise Peaceful Morning

[Ayzek]

Ethelgifr chuckled. Though Graycastle and the Fountain were close enough on the map, Sidgard was in fact gigantic and the journey reflected that. While a military relay could cover that distance in a handful of days, a carriage was looking at a trip of three weeks. It didn't help there were no significant rivers connecting the two. At least the trip would be pleasant. Ethegifr's expensive traveling carriage was equipped with quality dwarven suspension and wheels. There were numerous rest stops along the route too, many sponsored by either the King or local nobles.

"Oh, we can hope it'll feel quick," Ethelgifr replied. "There's a few board games on board, but we're still looking to be on the road for three weeks." She glanced at the carriage and her men. Her carriage was surprisingly simple, built for purpose rather than impression. Sturdily constructed, the black wood was decorated with little more than carvings of lions on the sides, and a silvery trim at the cabin crest. The roof was flat and had a guard board along the edges, with a small gap in the rear of the carriage where the climbing ladder ended. There were a few bags and wooden shields piled in a corner. The lady's luggage was inside the cabin, under a board, while there were more supplied tucked behind the rear bench.

The six men had divided themselves evenly between the driver's bench, the cabin roof, and a second bench on the rear.

"They are my family's men, and will be with us the entire trip. The Captain and his Lieutenant are still bringing their horses," Ethelgifr answered Elke's final question, turning back to face her, "but we'll be ready to depart once they return."

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Elke," said the Professor, meeting the young girl's eyes. "You will be in safe hands with the Lady and her guards. They've made this trip multiple times without complications. The lady knows the best stops to unwind after a long day's travel, too."

Light clapping against stone marked the arrival of the last two guardsmen, both of which stopped and disembarked by Ethelgifr. "My Lady," the gruffer of the two began, nodding and bowing slightly. "We are prepared to leave at your command."

The Captain and his Lieutenant were the best equipped out of the eight guards, though all of them were rather lightly equipped. Perhaps it was to hide their wealth on the road. While the six on the carriage had little more than leather, the Captain and his second wore chainmail and a breastplate, as well as a few iron guards. "Thank you, Sir Arn, Sir Kare." Ethelgifr guided their eyes to Elke, "This is Miss Elke, who I mentioned last night. She'll be traveling with us."

"Miss Elke," the two knights repeated, bowing slightly at the waist. "We will be sure to keep you safe on her journey." They gave their names and excused themselves. While Arn took position by the carriage door, Kare walked their horses to wait nearby.

"Again, I had a wonderous time with you, Professor," Ethelgifr said. "I really do look forward to next time. Shall, we Elke?"

"Of course, Lady Ethelgifr," the Professor replied. "I wish you all a safe trip."


((OOC: This post took longer than I wanted it too.... Anyway, I don't think either of us really want to RP a three-week long trip, so, after you reply, I'll just hop us to an evening rest stop at a pleasant place where Oer could maybe wander in?))