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"Well, sounds like an easy job. What's the catch?"

"There are all sorts of dangers on the road, especially for children of nobles," Simone points out. "That is the catch," she explains to Wallace. "But it seems like something that we can handle."

Alenka nods. "Miss Simone has the right of it. With Darkspawn on the loose, the roads these day aren't safe. And there are also wild animals, bandits, and the Maker knows what else."

"Well then, I take it you three accept the job then?" the arl asks.

"I accept," Simone says.

"I'm in!" Wallace says.

"Agreed I'm in, a mercenaries life and all." Davne nods

"Excellent," the arl says. "Make sure my children are returned safely then. If something were to happen to them, it would make me look bad."

"If there are no further questions then, we should be on our way," Alenka tells the party. "I know of a merchant who is passing through we can speak to, if anyone would like to purchase additional supplies."

Simone nods to the Steward. "Lead the way then. Though, I think I have everything I'm going to need for this."

"Let's roll!" Wallace says, and winks at Alenka.

Alenka bows to the arl, who ignores her, and then leads the party back out. As they cross the courtyard away from the great hall, someone walks up behind them wearing a hastily thrown-on cloak. She is a well-dressed, middle-aged woman, obviously a noble.
Alenka bows in her presence. "My lady," she says. "May I present the mercenaries the arl just hired to escort your children. These are Simone, Wallace and Davne." Turning to the party, she says, "This is Arlessa Macia Neruda, the arl's wife."

"Please forgive my husband," the arlessa pleads. "This incursion is trying for all of us, and the arl deals with worry in his own way. For my part, I thank you for your help. From what I've been hearing the countryside is very dangerous. I would die if something were to happen to Joseph or Hana. Please, take this as a sign of a mother's gratitude." She offers a gold sovereign.

Simone gently takes the sovereign from the arlessa, and then bows to the woman out of respect. "We'll keep your children protected," she assures the woman.

"Arlessa," Davne begins with a bow, "We'll do out utmost to ensure your children's safety" She says.

Although Davne now wondered how bad the roads really were...

"Your kids are safe with us, lady!" Wallace says.

The arlessa appears comforted by the party's words and she smiles. "May the Maker walk with you then," she says, before hurrying off.

Alenka leads the three outside, where the rain has mercifully let up, although the sun has yet to make an appearance yet. In the corner of the courtyard, a pair of male dwarves have set up an impromptu shop with their wagon.

The older one of the two has brown hair and a braided beard with pale grey eyes. The younger one is blond and beardless, and has startlingly blue eyes.
"Welcome, welcome," the older dwarf says warmly as they approach. "Oh, our first customers of the day; how exciting! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bodahn Feddic and this here is my boy, Sandal. Say hello to the nice people, Sandal."

The younger dwarf stares blankly at the trio for a moment, then sticks a finger in his ear and digs something out that he wipes on his shirt. "Hullo," he finally says absently. One gets the impression that he's a little...slow.

"So then, down to business. Something you need? Perhaps I can interest you in this hat? A pair of earrings perhaps? A cheese knife?"

===========

Simone is given a gold sovereign.

(OOC: Below is a list of the wares Bodhan is currently carrying. The party may buy or sell whatever they think they need for this adventure.)

Bodahn's Wares
Arrows (x20) 2 sp
Bolts (x20) 3 sp
Backpack 9 sp
Candle (Pair) 5 cp
Flask 50 cp
Flint and Steel 10 cp
Healer’s Kit 25 sp
Ink (Black, one vial) 20 cp
Lamp 2 sp
Lantern 5 sp
Lock Picks 12 sp
Mountain Garb 10 sp
Musical Instrument 10 sp
Oil, Pint 8 cp
Pouch (Belt) 1 sp
Quiver 2 sp
Rope (20 yards) 2 sp
Spike 5 cp
Tent, Large 35 sp
Tent, Small 10 sp
Torch 10 cp
Traveler’s Garb 15 sp
Waterskin 40 cp
Whetstone 10 cp

Simone looks over what the dwarf has to offer. "I could probably use some more of those crossbow bolts," she says.