A good breakfast indeed [Remus/Flynn C ]

[Remus]

The morning had come swiftly. Remus had admittedly not gotten as much sleep as the children had; though did he ever? He had spent a majority of his night reading from one of his two texts kept with him. Pouring over it as he had, Remus could only fathom he had acquired about three hours of sleep. Yet the priest looked miraculously rested despite this. No bags rested under his eyes and his gaze was a discernibly energetic one as always; as if he permeated raw enthusiasm. Then again, one might have taken him for a man silently broken internally and simply in a vegetated state of smiling as he sat on the chair in the Inn's room watching the two children loudly cheering and laughing as they bounced up and down upon the bed. Occasionally they'd brave the distance and bounce from one bed to the other.

Amelia loudly recited the lines to a childhood song they had often noisily sang when playing at the orphanage. Owain, who was normally so quiet sang along with their voices disjointed at times from panting or bouncing over to the other bed. The source to Remus'es bright smiles however was that he felt fond memories re-surging. Replaying through his mind of the children who excitedly had occupied his life for the better part of two and a half years. Unlike some, for him nostalgia brought no sadness. Only fond acceptance that the good memories were locked in the past.
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It had taken him no small amount of coaxing to get the children to settle down. Even with them finally calming down, the banging from the guest renting the room next to them prompting Remus to make his attempts; it was only at the prospect that he would take them to get breakfast. After the children had washed up and fully clothed themselves to go out, including bringing their large brown traveling coats with them atleast, for when they entered the cold Ilian climate they'd be ready. The Innkeep had directed them to the room to the side of the main lobby. The priest had paid the slight increased room fee so that they could enjoy the breakfast offered by the kitchen staff. Remus felt /slightly/ out of place with the two children next to him as he did in most of Ilia. Mercenaries with weapons at the hip sat at scattered wooden rectangular tables. Some eating quietly while others laughed loudly or talked jovially. It was much like it had been at the inn. However with Amelia and Owain there was no force man or otherwise to deny them their breakfast as they saw the plate of tarts placed on the table. Remus kept a close gaze on the children as he oversaw them grabbing plates to add meals to their morning. Occasionally he would put a treat back as the children tried to load up on sweets as opposed to filling food. He supplemented this by adding apples to Owain's plate, two; and a filling amount in the form of two large carrots to Amelia's plate while helping them carefully get the beef stew into bowels for them to make. Sitting down to eat at the table a moment later, the priest merely had a cup of water with him to match theirs and an apple. The morning would certainly be busy. Lots of preparations to make.

[Deleted]

Flynn blinked as sunlight streamed in through his window. Morning already? He felt like he hadn't gotten any sleep at all. The mercenary groaned as he heaved himself out of bed and planted his feet into his boots, which stood right next to his bed. He rubbed his eye with the heel of his hand, trying to get rid of some of the fatigue. It did little to help. The Sacaen sleepily groped for his sword and strap. His fingers brushed up against the leather and he grabbed the sheathed blade. With a yawn, Flynn slung his sword over his shoulder and left his room.

Flynn yawned again as he descended the stairs of the inn. He scratched his head as he looked around with bleary eyes. He couldn't really make out anything striking yet. He was quite tired, as he was having trouble staying warm last night. His room had an incredibly bad draft and it left the mercenary shivering the entire night. "Stupid Ilia with its stupid cold weather," Flynn grumbled under his breath as he went to get food. He filled up a bowl with beef stew, letting the smell waft over him for a few moments. He felt a little energized by the smell of freshly cooked meat. He filled up a few plates with some other foods, mainly things to give him energy, and a glass of water. Satisfied, Flynn turned back towards the crowd and spotted Remus with the children. He walked over to their table and set his food down at one end.

"One moment, sir," Flynn said before leaving the table and walking to the door. He blinked rapidly, trying to wake himself up before he did this. No such luck. The mercenary pushed the door to the inn open, scooped up some snow in his hand, and smacked himself in the face with it. The sudden cold shocked him awake and the young man shook the snow from his hand and face. He returned to the table and sat down.

"Good morning, everyone," he said cheerily as he started to eat his breakfast.

[Remus]

Remus had already set into his apple as the red haired Mercenary approached. While Remus politely inclined his head with a smile at the approaching man he could seemingly predict the children's reactions before they did them. To be fair, he had been their caretaker for how long? In Amelia and Owain's mindset it would have been forever and an eternity no doubt. Amelia's greeting to the man however was..much less subtle. With a mixture of poor taste combined in the form of a carrot and part of a cooked egg stuffed in Amelia's mouth she waved as the red haired man approached. With a muffled voice she attempted to greet him but her full mouth prevented her. No real discernible words had left her food filled mouth, just fleeting attempts at them. Prompting Remus to gaze at her slightly with a smile; but inclined eyebrow as he spoke. "Amelia. You know better than that. "

Though she took the brief and far to friendly scolding the girl giggled and looked at the priest brightly as if he had just praised her for good marks. Nothing seemed to hinder the girl's spirits in the slightest. With the disruption of her outburst behind them, the blue haired priest smiled nodding slightly as the man placed his plate down to excuse himself. Upon his return moments later, the children began to laugh while Amelia pointed out to the returning man; food now clear from her mouth. "The snow won the fight!!" Indeed, snow upon his hair slightly contrasted the stark white to red. Within the heat of the inn's diving room however it would have melted quickly. As he greeted them anew Remus chuckled before inclining his head again, swallowing another bite of his apple before speaking. "Good morning to you as well good sir. Did you rest well? "

[Deleted]

Flynn smiled at the young girl as he sat down. "Indeed the snow did win," the mercenary replied. He ran his fingers through his hair and collected the bits of snow left on his head. With a mischievous smirk, he flicked the icy semi-liquid at Amelia. "It doesn't look to be done with its fight, either." He laughed a bit as he dried his hair out with a napkin. He took a bite from a tart and savored the sweet taste. That was a rarity to get back in Sacae and he always made sure to enjoy

"Mighty cold out there," the young man said, taking another bite of his tart. He chewed it slowly and swallowed before continuing. "Definately made for a good wake up call just now." Flynn shrugged in reponse to the priest's question. He didn't have a very good sleep, but he didn't want to make the priest worry about him. "Eh, it was alright. On and off patterns of sleeping and not sleeping. I think there might have been a hole in the wall or something. There was a terrible draft and the room was quite cold." The mercenary didn't want to complain any longer, so he left it at that. He took another bite of tart, then some more of his stew. He had to hand it to the Ilians. They could make a fine breakfast.

"So, what's first on the agenda today?" Flynn asked. "Should we hit the supplies stores, look into more horses, or something?"

[Remus]

Amelia exploded into a fit of giggles as the red haired mercenary flicked the half melted ice droplets towards her. A moment later she swallowed the clump of breakfast she had stuffed into her mouth and reached over. While her water was within reach she and Owain had developed a habit of drinking Remus'es drinks first. All the more reason that he only drank water. The blue haired priest however had gotten so used to it he seemed not to notice as he lifted his gaze to look at the windows while the mercenary spoke. He pondered for a moment. Couldn't put the horse before the carriage. Literally. After a brief pause the priest spoke, resting one hand on his staff while he placed his apple upon his plate; the spot he bit at facing upwards while he talked. "I think first we should see about securing a wagon. A horse to pull it would suffice. It'd be slower moving but we can carry supplies upon it and the children can sit in it or even sleep there possibly."

He had put a fair amount of thought into it over the past few days. Indeed they were going to need far more supplies to accommodate. He had already plotted out their trip however on the map. Thus his first part of business with Flynn. Withdrawing from the pocket of his cloak a furled up map he adjusted his apple to the side. He moved it close to Amelia's plate since he knew of her negative mindset towards them. As he unfurled it he pointed to their location near the center southern point of Ilia. Remus spoke after but a moment.

"It seems the easiest way to do this, but maintain supplies is going to be to go south into Sacae. Here we can stop at Bulgar for supplies, and perhaps acquire more comrades if we've enough means to. However a problem is presented. We can't risk crossing the mountains..atleast not with the children. That would force us then one of two paths. West, through Etruria by the road to Taras; following the southern border of Etruria until we get to Ostia and then into Lycia. However...as we've all heard the unsettling rumors..Ostia is a place of nightmares and ruin. It would be most unwise. That leaves one other path. South into and along north western bern. We can move along the mountains base but not through them. I realize their, atleast from what I've heard in open rebellion now...but it's the safest bet for us because from there we enter Araphen and Kathelet's territories. From there we can easily take the roads to Laus. It's the north western side, so we'd have to skirt the upper border of laus but it's safest. Your thoughts, Flynn? "

[Deleted]

Flynn finished off one of his tart and began to dig into his beef stew, eating the food with quite a bit of noise along with it. He wiped his face with a napkin after a few moments and took a drink of water, listening to Remus as he spoke. The mercenary nodded in response before speaking, "Makes sense. If need be, we can use Cuddy to pull the wagon, though he won't much like it. The wagon is a priority." Flynn took a bite of some eggs on his plate before continuing. "After that I would say we should get a cover for the supplies and the children if weather turns bad. Wet food and important supplies will make everything much harder."

Flynn chewed his eggs slowly as he watched Remus pull out a map. It looked that the priest had been planning quite extensively for their journey. The Sacaen studied the map as Remus described their possible plans for the trip. Flynn took another bite of his eggs and chewed them thoughtfully as he thought on the priest's proposals. "The first half sounds like it could work out easily enough. Given that we're going to travel considerably longer than usual, we'll need to remember to get extra supplies should it run long. Longer journeys have a higher chance of bandit attacks, so getting a few extra hands to help before we start south is wise. I would agree that traveling along Bern is the best idea, as I'm sure the rebels will ignore us due to our lack of involvement in their war. The Laus border shouldn't cause much trouble, but we'll need to be on guard during that time."

[Remus]

Remus shifted his gaze to the map. While the idea of using Flynn's horse Cuddy for a wagon puller was possible he had a different idea. Though he waited to speak, parting his lips only after taking a brief swig of his water; his words were obviously thought out. With such trips one could ill-afford poor planning. "When I first arrived in town I had considered a horse for the children. The man at the stables had informed me of a variety of horse breeds; me wanting to study on these. I've decided that an Eliminean Charger would be best suited. Cuddy is a good horse and looks strong. However when we get to mountains slopes to move along side I'd fear to put that much of a burden on him. Sacaen horses are known for being agile and loyal true; but this wagon to carry such supplies may weigh a great deal. I would want to be far more considerate to your horse good sir, for while I appreciate you offering, your horses well being is as important to us as the wagon it's self. I shudder to think what the children would say if your horse was injured because we insisted upon the wagon loaded up and him drawing it."

He tilted his gaze before he thought, pointing to a point in southern sacae. Not changing the subject, but expounding upon it. "I think if we can make it to Bulgar we can stock up on supplies. We'll only need enough to make it to southern Sacae and from there we are good to restock supplies in Bulgar. Western Bern will be easier to get said supplies. Honestly though? It's Lycia that worries me. Tania and Santaruz are safer places but I've heard my fair share of horror tales from them. "

[Deleted]

Flynn took a drink from his glass as he thoughtfully listened to Remus. He'd never considered Cuddy's ability to handle a cart. Mostly, the horse carried food and camping supplies. Terrain was something Flynn wasn't particularly worried about, but it looked like his horse wouldn't be pulling any cart any time soon. "Fair point," the Sacaen said. "Cuddy will be pleased with not having to pull it and it leaves him free for me to ride and put less weight on the cart. He knows Sacae as well as I do, as well. We could scout ahead together during that leg of the journey and give your other hired warriors time to prepare for bandit attacks. Come to think of it, his being untethered could lead to a great deal of benefits. I can easily sleep on him as we ride and he can wake me up just as easily, so I can pull guard duty should we stop for rest at night."

Flynn took a bite of eggs as he looked down at where the priest was pointing. The swordsman nodded, studying the route they would have to follow from their current location to Bulgar. "The road to Bulgar shouldn't take more than 5 or 6 days if we rise with the sun and go until sunset. I say we get supplies gere that will last is that long, then purchase 6 to 10 days worth at Bulgar depending. From here, we can either take another stop in Bern," he stated, tapping the country's capital, "which I think will needlessly extend the trip. Our other option is to head to Khathelet, get a few more days worth of supplies, the move to Laus. But we'll need more supplies from Bulgar before we go that far." Flynn tapped the small city with his finger. This route seemed best to him, but he wanted to hear what Remus thought. He was the boss, after all.

[Remus]

Remus had to stop to observe the map. While Flynn was correct, the option to stop at Bern's capital was certainly present he had a feeling it wasn't a good idea. With the civil war raging through out Bern they probably wouldn't receive outsiders well. No, he certainly couldn't see them receiving them well given the distrust that was likely going on. He could hear the voice of a particular female ringing through his mind as he gazed to the map with eyes gazing; thought turning through the rotating cogs. "I suggest hiring trustworthy mercenaries for the final leg of your journey regardless." He would certainly need them. After all he'd heard. However he had to use his head as well. Taking established Mercenaries through Bern and staying their welcome could bode Ill. Especially if said Mercenaries originated from Ilia. He knew of Bern's distaste for all things Ilia. Remus took another swig of his water, a grin staining his lips as he looked to Amelia slyly for a moment; the girl having just attempted to take his mug again before he swiftly grabbed it to drink. The puffed out cheek and huff was confirmation he had foiled her small plot.

"Well. I think sticking to western Bern under the mountain line that separates Etruria's south and Bern to Lycia's north would be safest. There we can cut past the mountains through Khathelet and Araphen through Tania to Santaruz. I'd suggest santaruz before Laus simply to make sure we get enough supplies. No telling what Laus will be like when we head for it. I've heard...alot of troubling stories about the territory of late. Stories that would make one thing the end of times are upon us. " While Remus'es finger guided them along the point of the map, Amelia suddenly chimed up spiritedly.

"Like giant spiders and evil dogs and horse-men! "

[Deleted]

Flynn finished off his breakfast and wiped his face clean, watching the priest as he did. Remus was studying the map intently, leaving the mercenary to wonder who would be joining him and the blue-haired priest on their journey. It was a long journey, one filled with many perils and the Sacaen hoped that the group of mercenaries that would help Remus would be fairly diverse with a broad set of skills and combat prowess. The mercenary smiled as he watched Amelia make a grab for the priest's drink and ultimately failing.

Flynn listened to what the priest had to say, nodding in response. "That I can believe," the mercenary agreed. Laus, a good deal of Lycia itself, even, was ripe with danger. It seemed that the falling of Laus and Ostia were catalysts in causing the nation to be rife with strife. "Getting the supplies at Santaruz for the last leg is a good idea, especially as a precaution should we lose any in Laus itself. If need be, scavenging the abandoned areas in Laus might also serve useful. There's bound to be something of use there. Abandoned houses, barns, storehouses. Food, at the very least salted meat, might be able to be found there. Water might be harder as the monsters in the region may have contaminated wells and such." Flynn nodded again. "Many unholy creatures run amok in Laus," he stated before turning his attention to Amelia. He gave a confident smile towards the little girl, "There certainly are such things. But they won't be much trouble to us."

Flynn looked back to Remus. "If everyone's done with their food, I say we head out and gather up some supplies. If we split up, we can get everything together pretty quickly. You can secure a wagon, then load it up with what supplies you see fit. I'll go to a weapon shop and purchase a few weapons for myself, then head back to the stables to check on Cuddy and secure our pull horse. Eliminean Charger is what you wanted, correct?"

[Remus]

Remus gazed to Amelia with a quiet pause. At the mention of being done with their food, she had stuffed the remainder of her breakfast into her mouth until her cheeks puffed like a bloated chipmunk. As she was attempting to chew and swallow her food he As if attempting to be stern. It did not overly work however. His facade broke as he chuckled a bit before smiling warmly to both children with a final drought of his water. He nodded in agreement with Flynn as he slowly rose from the table. Leaning over he shifted his staff to lean upon his side while rolling up the map until it was a neat tube before tying the string back around it. He slipped it into his robe and waited as the children cleaned their plates and moved to be aside him. Amelia, now charged on sugary energy immediately slipped into the space between Remus'es arm and the table to take his free hand and cover her face with it while also holding onto it. A fit of giggles erupted from the masterfully camouflaged girl.

Remus smiled none the less with a chuckle. As Owain took his place usually by which ever arm of Remus'es held the staff; with the Priest nodding to the Mercenary once more before speaking out. "Well, while I am out I'll see if I can perhaps find any others to join us. Though chances are slim it is possible. I'll see to the wagon and supplies as well. Yes, Eliminean Charger. Not nearly as aggressive as a Bernese Charger but almost as sturdy and better with grassy hills and plains or mountains than a Nabatan. It should he perfectly suited. "

[Deleted]

Flynn rose to his feet and readjusted his sword strap into a more comfortable position. He tugged his gloves on, flexing his hands after he did to ensure they were on properly. He adjusted the sleeves of his jacket as his thoughts wandered. He wondered what he could pick up for himself that would better arm him for the journey. Something thrown would be nice to have for quick actions and the like, though he needed something that was particularly strong against evil creatures. The swordsman hoped the town blacksmith had silver infused weapons for sale. The purity of such a metal would burn the unholy monsters hides fairly well, or at least, that's wha his mother's tales seemed to say. The Sacaen's mind then trailed on to why silver was the only metal that was considered holy and hurt monsters more than standard blades. Flynn found it incredibly strange, though he was glad it was so.

Flynn nodded, making a mental note to ask for that particular breed. "Sounds like the perfect horse for the journey. I can expect that any others who join us down the road will have their own horses, so the claim to this one after we finish is all yours. That means you two," the mercenary pointed at Amelia and Owain, "get to name the horse, so long as Remus is okay with it." He smiled at the children before looking back at Remus, "I'll meet you at the place you buy the wagon from. That way we can rig the Charger up to it, then have it pull the wagon around for you to load up with supplies. I'll keep my ears open, so shout if you ever have any trouble." Flynn put his hand out for the priest to shake, a confident smile on his lips. He felt more prepared for their journey than for anything he'd ever done. He was honestly a little excited, though a bit fearful of what was in store, as well. Maybe this job would be what finally kick started his career as a mercenary. Even if it didn't, this talk of a rebellion in Bern could prove a successful plan B.

[Remus]

It didn't take Remus long to finish his water, and the children were almost as fast to finish their food. Owain hadn't eaten as much and was quicker to rise. Amelia seemed to take on the combination of a hamster and an Alligator as she wolfed down the food before her or sometimes stuffed her cheeks to make sure she got it all. As she stood up with a confident nod and walked over next to Remus, the blue haired priest chuckled and lowered himself to take a small wet-cloth that he had brought from the hotel bathing chamber for such occasions to clean her face. The girl huffed and giggled at the same time while the priest rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. Tapping his staff a bit lightly on the ground Remus nodded before extending his own hand to shake Flynn's with a smile. Before taking a step back he shifted and felt the familiar tug of the two orphans grabbing either side of his arms. "I shall most likely take to seeing if I can obtain one or two more hired hands. Simply to help alleviate strain from your own brow. After that I'll secure the wagon before going to get supplies. That way as we find them we can pack them up."

He chuckled briefly before smiling, imagining the notion already and commenting quietly. "Along the way I'm sure the children will think of a wonderful name for the horse. We'll be sure to mull it over, but I believe they'll enjoy it as it quickens the shopping process for our various supplies. See you in a little bit good sir." Taking his leave, he bowed his head curtly before leaving. The children waving behind them as Remus smiled; content things were finally getting underway.


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