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Venn said little as they followed their hosts and settled into the Sooty Cavern. He had chosen in this case to follow the lead of the others. He sensed the uneasiness in Jade which only matched his own and although he did not know the reason for her discomfort, he knew his own. He had rarely gone adventuring in a small party. On official errands he was likely to take an assistant or an entourage and military excursions would usually involve a larger force. In each of those scenarios, however, he knew his role and what was expected of him. Strategic and tactical decisions often fell to him in those instances, but that was an authority and responsibility he bore. Here, with his wife, his brother-in-law and Jade there was no such clarity. They were a group of friends and family taking on a dangerous assignment. Among them he was a husband, a mentor and an acquaintance. It reminded him of a time he had nearly forgotten and allowed to fade from his memory, before wars, politics and duty. Perhaps that was why it made him uneasy. The yoke of responsibility had left its mark on him even when it was not upon his neck.
His mind gravitated towards preparation, tactics and strategy almost as a way of coping with uncertainty. He gauged the strengths and weaknesses of his companions and looked towards the task they had been assigned. He knew Austin and Avrie and their abilities well enough. Austin could handle himself in a scrap with blade or fists if his wit and good humor were not enough. Avrie's beauty and intelligence were evident enough to him and she had the magicks that could be activated by her voice. It was Jade who was a mystery. The woman seemed rather quiet and withdrawn but there were certain things he had observed. Jade had a situational awareness about her that he akin to those of warriors except her found she attended to a different set of parameters with her eyes. He had also seen the way she held her staff and knew it was no mere traveling stick by the way she hefted it and always held it in a way that optimized its weight and balance. Even more curious was her relationship with the vyrkin with whom jade seemed particularly attached. The creature would be an asset in any fight but its eyes seemed extraordinarily sentient. The two also possessed an uncommon grace in movement not unlike those of certain combat classes. He had not had the time to query Austin or Avrie about Jade and unfortunately they did not have that luxury now so he simple accepted the enigma that remained. Perhaps he would come to know the woman over the course of their endeavor.
Sitting next to Avrie, Venn projected a sense of being relaxed. To anyone else, he was simply a adventurer resting after a long journey from Natura, but his wife would likely penetrate his ruse. She knew by the look in his eyes, they way they narrowed slightly that he was uneasy. He could never hide his worry from her. So he held her hand an squeezed it lightly from time to time, unsure whether he was trying to assure her or himself more.
He also felt protective of Austin, this being the newly minted recruit to the Temple's first quest. He was quite proud of the way Austin sought out his opportunity and was glad simply to be present with his comrade in arms. He would also be able to see how the man worked and operated under duress as such situations provided opportunities for one's character to shine.
It was then ranger entered the tavern and was directed to them. Venn watched her make her way through the crowd to their table. After introductions, Venn said nothing, only rising to follow Ethilde. He had already made arrangements to stow most of his gear with the Aedile. He doubted a surface dweller in obsidiante armor and armed to the teeth would be able to be passed off as a slave or entertainer, so he settled for a simple traveling clothes, a belted tunic and worn grey cloak. He did however keep his poniard in his boot for the moment although he would leave that behind if needed as well.
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