As we leave the guild, Mara approached me with Naomi. "It is about time we go our separate ways. There is caravan office on the other side of town were we can get lift to my father-in-laws estate." I was expecting this, but it is still a bit of a surprise. Looking at the other girls, I can tell they want a bit more time to say goodbye. "Let us escort you to the office. Personally I want to make sure you guys get off safely." Mara nodes and leads the way to the caravan office.

At the caravan office I ask Mara if she needs any money for the journey, but it looks like she got some emergency coins in her soul space. Very sensible. Mara negotiates a lift all the way to the estates town. They will need to change caravans twice, but the caravan officer assures me that they will arrive there safely. He must have seen my worried look. Looking like a strong hunter seems to have some advantages as well, as he seems a bit nervous addressing me. If it keeps people honest I don't mind using fear.

I still don't know what it actually means being a hunter, but it looks like they are treated quite favorable by commoners. Lawra whispers to me; "Just don't let him know that you haven't registered with the guild yet. He assumes you are much higher ranked than the rest of us." She seems to have guess my thoughts. So there is a difference between being a member and not being a member, and the rank you are. I need to learn more about this.

As the negotiation finishes, Mara approaches me and informs me that they will be leaving very early in the morning before dawn. She has secured sleeping quarters for her and Naomi at the office. I guess this is it. Turning towards Mara I try to assure her; "If things do not work out with your father-in-law, come back to us." She gives me a hug and a thanks. Naomi says a polite goodbye. I am a bit torn up by how easy it is for her to say goodbye to me, considering how hard it was for her to separate from Bambi when we left my old home.

After the girls finish their goodbyes we head back towards the guild. I would have liked to check out the town, but we need to find lodging for the night before heading back to the guild for registration. "Where did you girls stay when you were in town?" "We all stayed at the guild dorm. But since men and women are kept separate in the dorms we should try to get a bedroom at an inn with a large bed." All in the same room again. I guess we should be used to it by now, but I did appreciate my alone time with Mari at the village.

At the inn district south of the guild office we find a suitable inn, but we struggle to find any bedrooms large enough. The best offer we get is a room just big enough for three to sleep in and a room with a double bed. The room is next door so I don't really mind, but Lawra makes good use of the situation and negotiates a good deal for use including dinner and breakfast.

As we get to the rooms, I ask the girls about the sleeping arrangements. I am assuming it will be me and Mari in the smaller room. "Nope, tonight we will rotate who stays with you as we will all be marrying you tonight." Lawra seems excited, but both Lynne and Kira nodes. I guess I won't get much sleep.

As I head off to the guild office to get my registration done, Kira and Lawra stay behind at the inn. I suspect they will be planning something, but I am just glad that they are staying behind. Lynne accompany me, but I suspect she will need to stay a bit later than me to help the receptionist with the report on her former party. It is a short walk to the neighbor district to the north.

At the guild we are met by the same receptionist. She provides me with a total sum for the materials I am selling and a breakdown. Most of the payment is in silver, but there is also a couple of gold coins. We got the two rooms at the inn for 1 silver and 5 large copper coins for a night. With this money, we could stay there for the better part of a year assuming Lawra could extend her deal that long. Though I really want something better.

After paying me, the receptionist introduces me to her senior who will deal with my registration. She goes off with Lynne and leaves me with an older lady. I say older, but I can't really tell her age. She still looks as young as I found Mara to be, but she has the same knowing eyes and maturity that does not come often with youth. I haven't actually seen any truly old people so far. Good genes I guess, but I suspect more.