The next day was spent getting ready and purchasing any supplies the group needed before the trip.

Then the day the Caravan left came and the party met the Caravan outside the Inn, Johan and another human were standing beside the lead cart.

Johan waved as the group approached "Morning, all." his voice boomed as Mao and co apporached.

"Morning," Mao said, waving back.

"This is Eric he's the Caravan master. From the Port City Trading House," Johan said introducing the slightly portly Caravanmaster who bowed. "A pleasure to make your aquatinces," Eric said.

"Nice to meet you," Mao said.

"Are you ready to go?" Eric asked.

"Yep!" Mao said.

"Then we can get going," Eric said as he headed to his cart and climbed on.

Johan nodded to Mao and the others, "Can you all take the last cart?" he asked.

"Sure," Mao said as she headed for it and clambered in.

The rear most cart was only lightly loaded there was room up front for one person to sit by the driver, and the rest of the party could find room with the cargo in the back.

Once everyone was settled the Caravan headed off.

Mao stretched out.

"Not bad."

Ruvik sat up front, the girls joined Mao in the back. Xiao grinned "Beats walking alright," she said.

"Yep. What we really need is some wine," Mao said.

Ruvik looked over his shoulder "You are meant to be keeping watch," he said.

Mao crossed her arms and pouted.

"I did buy some wine, but you'll have to wait till we make camp," Ruvik said "Trust me, you do t want to be hung over in a cart," he continued as the csrt bounced along the road.

Mao sighed and kept watch.

The journey continued and around midday Ruvik pulled something out of his backpack and passed it to Mao, it was some Aburaage.

"Come on, it will still be a fun journey he said," Ruvik said.

Mao gasped.

"My favourite!"

Ruvik just grinned, and that widened when he spotted Xiao eyeing the food her tail swishing.

He reached in again and threw a package to her "I've got some for you as well," he said.

"Grandpa used to make us Aburaage when we were kids," Mao said as she dug in.

"Your mom gave me the recipe," Ruivk said "She said it was a good way of getting you to behave."

Mao grumbled a bit as she ate.

The day wore on and soon the caravan stopped for the day, the site was a small clearing close to the road.

"Well, we made good ground today," Eric said "We'll set up camp and get food on."

Mao nodded and helped get things set up.