The gates open at dawn. A small crowd of mounted warriors waits upon the king as the wizard Silence Mulciber is guided to a horse.

Mercury arrives just before the appointed time on a small but swift looking pony with gear obviously made by the same stables that provide for the military, but without any insignia and sized specifically for a hobbit riding a pony. Without a word she lines her mount up next to the ones the others are using.

Clearly expected there is a member of the logistics and supply specialized soldiers with a full set of panniers similarly sized for a pony waiting who settles them into position behind her even as she comes to a stop.

Admina, daughter of Dwalin was on time it would seem. Having just devoured a large serving or two of eggs, bacon, blood pudding, game pie, tomatoes and loaves of black bread. She now found a seat to smoke and wait.

She rested the large hammer that had been across her shoulders against the box she was sitting on. Carved stone in appearance, dappled gray with darker streaks and trimmed in a gold line. Various chips are across its body and it nearly stands as high as the dwarf who welds it.



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In reply to Admina (msg # 3):

From across the courtyard, Falin noted the presence of both Admina and Mercury, along with the arrival of the King's party.  He'd said his piece to the King yesterday, and presumably he'd been heard, as he now stood holding the reins of a stout pony, shaggy but sure-footed.  The animal kept nosing at the pouches at Falin's belt, presumably after food.  Somewhere between irritated and amused, he pulled out an apple, and held it out the to beast, which began munching it out of his hand contentedly.

Falin stood easy.  Used to journeys of this kind, he'd been up before the sun, packed and ready.  Now it was a matter of waiting for the rest of the group to gather.  In the meantime, he enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his face, and the moment of quiet before . . . .

Falin sighed.  The damn pony was at his pouches again.