-The Karasu-
                        At the mentioning of food , Vivian emerged from the backroom of the tavern where the kitchen was. In her hand were bowls of the stew she made. It was made from that of wild pigs or boar as they would say. It also contained a good amount of potatoes and carrots. It even had a few dumplings in it from the wheat harvest. Vivian placed a bowl in front of Feiia and then moved to the two elves. She handed a bowl of the stew two Eirika and Elduin and then moved to the table that Valis sat. She then put down a bowl which still had meat but not as much as the others. "Sorry, the stew ain't any good without meat." She said to the centaur. Coming out a little late from the kitchen was a young girl, the girl they just hired for the tavern. She had two bowls of stew in her hand. One she placed down at the table Alice had sat down at. She then noticed she brought out one too many. Vivian just pointed to the table with Durin sitting at it. "Just give it to him lass,..." Vivian spoke and the young lady nodded and moved to the table and sat it down. "What would you like to wash that down with? Mead or Ale, or you could try some of our homemade wine that we make. It is pretty good." She asked.

                       Cassandra looked to Alice and smiled at her reaction to Arielle choosing her. The poor girl had been chasing for opportunities to go adventuring ever sense she became old enough to do so. The girl lacked the experience of a good fight, but that's what this mission would do for her. It would give her the experience she needs to learn about the outside world and not only that, get some closure from the loss of her father. The man was a good member of the nights watch of this village. He kind and well mannered too. It hit the guards hard when he fell ,but the moral was instantly boosted five years ago when Jarl Erich took charge. His reign was very much needed for this village. Rumor had it that the Jarl was a part of that detachment of the guard. The raid wasn't even supposed to happen. The past Jarl always refused them to go out and hit the bandits. The Jarl was a coward and every time Erich and Alice's father went to him to protest he would shake it off. Then Erich and Alice's father rounded up a few of the men and went out anyways. The raid was successful and every one of the bandits were killed, but not without casualties. When Erich came back he was meet with a angered Jarl. This infuriated Erich to the point he challenged the Jarl to single combat and defeated him. With Erich, there was no red tape that needed to be cut. If bandits were seen or encountered they were quickly exterminated. 

        It wasn't soon after he meet Arielle and the Jarl married her to everyone's surprise. Cassandra just crossed her arms and was about to say something to the young woman, but the dwarf beat her to it. Durin had reassured her that she would do fine. She accepted the answer ,but the dwarf would not be the only line of encouragement. Arielle stepped forward, "I would go myself ,Alice , but my duties are here beside my husband. You , like me, know a lot about the outside forests of this village. You will be able to advise Durin of the area when needed and you will be able to scout much better. Besides today, you won't be the only woman that would be joining this hunt. " She then gestured to the stew on the table where she had sit. "For now eat and then go grab your gear, but be careful. Durin is leading this campaign so just do what he says and you should be fine." Arielle then looked over at the Centaur who was knitting up a sweater. She shook her head at the sight. "I don't think that will be necessary. If people needed to be fitted for the cold, just go to Veo. If you tell him you are going to be a part of a campaign to kill the bandits that robbed him of his cargo he will give you something for the road. If that doesn't work. Tell him I sent you." She added. 

             Brenard looked to the little glider and snorted. "A little coward to eh?... most certainly not worth eating." He commented and shook his head. Cassandra looked up at him and raised a wing. "Sorry, I will be quiet...." Arielle then tapped Cassandra on the shoulder and then tapped Vivian as well and guided them to the back of the tavern to speak with them privately. Those without sharp ears would not pick up their conversation, but those that did would make out the following:

        "I know it's that time of the month again for you two to make your trip up the mountain, but the Jarl was wondering if the two of you on your way back can do some scouting. The surrounding areas are much to quiet. Durin over there has been the first to turn in a head for the past couple months. We don't think the orcs have abandoned this region just yet, so they must be hiding. We want you to find out where." She said. The two sisters looked to each other and then back to her. 

     "Sure thing, we will check out the area after we are done with the trip." Vivian said. "You can do us a favor and help the new one run our tavern while we are gone. With this sudden news we might just go early. Like perhaps first thing in the morning, We got everything prepared for the trip anyways." She continued. Arielle nodded and bowed slightly. 

        "Thank you, and I will help out where I can." She said. She then left the two sisters and went to the table Durin sat at. "Durin, I leave the rest to you. I must go back to the longhouse and join my husband. You can leave whenever you want." She said and then proceeded to leave the tavern. Arielle made her way back to the Jarl's longhouse to join her husband once more on the two seats that acted as their throne. She informed the Jarl about what was said and done and he simply nodded accepting it.