"Well then, which one is least likely to throw a rider? The dwarf is probably a better rider than I am!" Zithran then hands over the silver for the horse.
The keeper seems taken aback.
"A dwarf... the better rider? What in the gods' names is becoming of society these days!" He sighs and glances at the horses.
"The friendliest one is little Andrea over there, she's got a big white patch over her eyes. If she takes a liking to you, she's real nice, but don't treat her wrong or mark my words, you'll be flat on your arse long before you reach the capital! Here, give her a treat and pet her face, she likes that. Go on." He hands Zithran an apple. Zithran walks over to Andrea and feeds her the apple while gingerly stroking her face. She eats it greedily, but is very careful not to bite his fingers. Her ears lay down to the side and her huge, brown eyes close as Zithran scratches a little more confidently. Satisfied, he takes his and away and starts to walk away. Very quickly, the great head of his horse nudges him softly on the shoulder, seeming to pull him backwards. Zithran smiles and gives Andrea a few more strokes before he unties her and saddles up.
Brak decides that his comfort is worth the gold for a pony, and he'll get refunded at the end of the journey anyway. The half-elven stable keeper leaves for a short while and returns with the pony. Brak hands him the 30 gold, as bargained, and hops on the pony, which nearly collapses under his weight. Screaming loudly, the half-elf practically shoves Brak off the poor creature and screams at Brak to take his damn armor off. Incensed, the owner forces the party to take along another horse for their equipment, bringing the grand total up to 40 gold and 5 silver, with 30 gold to be refunded upon their arrival at Velprintalar.
With everyone finally saddled up, the group, minus Faelar, heads north on a well-traveled (for a city in the forest) road. The first leg of the journey goes by uneventfully, probably thanks to the watchful eye of the Relkathian watch, keeping guard unseen from the trees above. Thanks to the heavy loads and Brak's mount's short legs, the trip moves at a leasurely pace, traveling only 20 miles in the first day. Camp is set up in a nearby clearing with a circle of stones in it, possibly one of the many Menhir Circles nestled in the Yuirwood. The stones may have a bit of an enchantment repelling aggressive beasts and bugs, because the night was very peaceful, even pleasant.
The second day went just as easy, and a little past noon the forest broke and became a great rolling plain. The town of Halendos was a little short of their proposed travel time, but the group decided to rent an inn and stable and sleep there rather than rush. One night and 1 gold later, they were on their way.
Dusk of the third day, Velprintalar came into sight. Or rather, the great gates of Velprintalar, set into the Watchwall itself. Penthar, who had been making and maintaining contact with his fellow griffonriders throughout the journey, was expected and welcomed by the guard, as was the rest of the group, though Hareka gots a few strange looks and double takes.
Once past the gates, the glorious city that is Velprintalar opens up in front of them. There are people everywhere, streets bustling with business, and, of course, the Simbul's great green palace looking spectacular in the sunset. Penthar has business with his officers and he leaves to do that. The rest of the party is greeted by a young half-elf who claims to be a representative of the Green Man. Andrea seems to recognize him, and that's good enough for Zithran, who has made quite a friend out of her over the three days. Brak stiffly hands the half-elf stable boy Four-Fingers' receipt and receives his 30 gold on the spot. The stable boy leads them a short distance away, out of the busy front gates and in a greener location, to the stable.
Penthar arranged for accomadations with the other griffonriders during the journey, so they all head to the Aglarondan barracks where they are provided with 3 rooms connected by one common room for no charge. Servants come and deliver dinner and, in the morning, breakfast.
The group has made it to Velprintalar. Now, lacking Faelar and his teleportation (and it being doubtful that he could even teleport them to Narfell), the issue of transportation to Narfell is the main topic of discussion. Flying mounts could probably be purchased, very expensive, or magical teleportation, probably even more expensive. Velprintalar, being a port city, has many ships passing through, trading, and ferrying. That would doubtless be the most effective and efficient way of traveling. The decision is up to the group, of course, and they brainstorm for other ways as well.
