You tell mother

[Aleros]

"Six iron lanterns, four for the company and two extra in case of breakage."
"Check."
"Two Barrels of oil."
"Check."
"One hundred feet of wick."
"Check."
"One grand and three small tents."
"Check."
"Four sleeping mats."
"Check."
"Four sleeping bags."
"Check."
"Twenty pounds of fine mixed dry fruits."
"Check."
"One Small Barrel each: Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley, Silverleaf."
"Check, Check, Check, Check, and Check."
"One barrel dried corned beef."
"Check."
"Kitchen supplies, including..."

The two men worked by candle light, doing their fourth check of supplies, ordered by the lord of the manor himself. Inspecting the piles of supplies was Cook. He said nothing while the other two men worked. Vadras had hired Hemet Nesingwary. Hemet was already in the Jungles of Stranglethorn, and Hemet Nesingwary Jr. was visiting the family's manor in Elwynn that night, assisting Vadras in his preparations for the hunt. The two men continued to list off the supplies. Kitchenware, guns of dwarven craft, bows of elven craft, large knives and blades, leather hunting armor...

They came to the end of the list, gave each other a knowing look. They were ready to go to sleep.

"Again."

They looked at Cook. Vadras had ordered them to do 5 counts. They both scowled at the orc in the dark. In truth neither liked the orc. But all three of them were paid handsomely to act like professional servants.

Cook shrugged at them and leaned on one of the barrels of food.

They began counting again.

-

In his library, Lord Vadras Boleyn the Third contemplated not the hunt that was to begin on the morrow, but another matter that was on his mind. One hand swirled a wine glass endlessly while the other lay spread upon a letter on his desk. Rain's handwriting was on the letter.

Vadras, here is my letter to mother, you can either give it to her and relieve yourself of having to protect me from her, or you can continue to lie to her to protect me.

The wine glass came to his lips. The hundred-gold-bottle of wine didn't linger on his palate like it was supposed to. He instead took it down his throat without any thought of savoring the flavor. He continued to swirl it as he thought. Rain had requested she be positioned in outland. If mother were to find out... would her reach extend far enough to bring Boleyn back? No, Vadras could meet them half way and convince them to come up with some excuse as to why they couldn't find Rain. But why was Rain taking such risks? She could have a content life back here at the manor until she found a husband. But that's not what she wanted.

He continued to swirl the glass, his brow furrowing. There was a crack then the glass shattered. He cursed as red liquid covered his hand.

"Vadras? Is everything alright in there?" Lady Boleyn opened the door of his study, giving him a half worried look.

"Yes, I'm quite fine, just a little spilled wine." He gave her a forced smile, showing her the back side of his red dripping hand.

"I'll send in one of the servants to clean it up."

"That won't be necessary, I will handle cleaning it up."

She gave him a puzzled and slightly suspicious glance. "I will send one in anyway." She closed the door behind her.

The chair slid on the floor. He stood and went to the door, bolting it shut. He brushed the remaining glass from the chair and sat down again, beginning to pull glass shards from his palm.

That was why he was going on this hunt. He wasn't just some rich nobleman's son. His and Rain's grandfather on their father's side had been a great general of both the first and second wars, dying in a battle late in the second war. Their father had been the adventurous sort, and Rain was taking after him. Mother strongly disapproved.

Times change, Vadras. His sister's words echoed in his head.

"That does not mean it should be the lady of the household out and about on adventures."

There would be no banners, there would be no feasting, no Harisham or other noble accompanying him. He was to do this hunt and fight real beasts, not just foxes. He was truly roughing it. But at least they would have an expensive bottle of wine to open for when they caught the giant tigress.