After the bar was clear and the last of the patrons had left the common area, the bartender gave a last wipe of the countertop and let out a sigh. It had been a long shift for the young man, yet he wasn't particularly tired. Rather, his heart yearned to explore the outside world from where these varying travelers had hailed. Glancing at his father cleaning up the kitchen, words lingered at his half-open lips with a growing determination to be spoken.
Meanwhile at the herbalist's home, the elderly woman lay awake in bed. With contemplation in her eyes she stared up at the thatched roof, memories and curiosities intertwining in her mind. Solemnly, she glanced at her granddaughter sleeping quietly on the bed next to her.
In the village hall, Captain Greystone rested on the hard wooden mattress of the makeshift barracks, stern gaze fixed on the piece of parchment in his hand with Lady Miralys's portrait. The portrait was an ink printing of the noblewoman's appearance, its details limited, but able to portray her general likeness. Miralys had raven hair, styled in a medium length bun framing her face - soft delicate features, the hazel of her eyes absent in the monochrome drawing. Looking upon her now, the Captain was only reminded of his failure to bring her back from the consequences of her own unhinged curiosity. With a grumble, he threw the paper aside and shut his eyes.
The village slept soundly under the glow of fireflies in the clear night sky. Hours passed, and the inevitable wake of dawn arrived, with the first rays of light dabbling color upon village roofs.
Captain Greystone was up to an early start as always, pacing the outside staging area near the village hall and making final preparations for the expedition that would shortly ensue. The grave expression on his face remained as it had the previous day, his dark blue pupils going from inspecting gear to anticipating the adventurers' arrival. He hoped at least an adequate few would show.
Nearby, a table was set up, where a younger soldier was seated with parchment and ink. With the first signs of the adventurers gathering, the soldier began to declare: "If you are here to join the expedition, please register your full name here at the desk. This is how your contribution to the Duke's cause will be recorded and verified." It was also to manage roll call and headcount.
The soldier repeated the statement as more adventurers showed, while the Captain assessed the attendees. From the peripheries, several early-bird villagers watched, their eyes squinting from the dawn's rays.
Close by, a cart was parked, containing the likes of rations, equipment, and medical supplies. At the head of the wagon sat the quartermaster, pipe in mouth, holding the reins to a pair of mules that would be pulling the cart.
"Stock equipment is available in the cart." The Captain instructed with a wave toward the back portion of the cart. "Each man is permitted one weapon and one piece of armor." The boxes of stock equipment included the likes of daggers, short swords, axes, maces, sickles, spears, slings, and bows. And for protection - bucklers and leather-padded armors.
"Food rations will be distributed during rest times," the Captain continued, "medical supplies provided if the need arises. Likewise with tools."
In addition to Captain Greystone and the quartermaster readied for the journey, two other soldiers stood nearby, their demeanors indicating they'd also be in attendance. One appeared to be a younger boyish soldier with a focused determination, while the other was older and more lax, almost with a subdued smugness.
With the continued arrival of adventurers, the party was beginning to assemble in full. Once the adventurers had registered and any last minute preparations addressed, the expedition would be ready to set out.
