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"Of course. I'm never fully prepared either, but knowing something that could save myself, even if it is not a huge thing, is useful enough. Though finding out things in the moment is fun." Even though Key was right Randall now could tell she was keeping something from him, and that bothered him because who knew what she knew? Well he didn't and would have to watch her carefully. Elves needed to stop being so secretive, it was why most humans couldn't trust them. So with that said he looked back to the fire and looked at the fish, it was about done. "Well that sounds like fun, can't wait." Randall had good upper body strength, it would be a challenge but as long as he was careful he wouldn't end up at the bottom.

How old were humans supposed to be before they were adults rather than children? She didn't care to drag up such details, even if the thought crossed her mind. He was very much idealistic despite the state of the world around him. Usually only a child's mind would think like that. "If that's your brand of fun yes."

A pet at the wolf then who came splashing into their midst and up to them on the bank, setting down the deer and apparently waiting. Easily enough, pulling out a knife from somewhere on her person, Key took to the deer as she had the fish. Though she did toss a quickly dissected front leg to the waiting wolf who was quick to gnaw on it as she pleased.

Her motions stopped however as her ears twitched and she stood. "We're not alone anymore." Stated plainly so that her new traveling companion was aware as she merely waited. Frankly she could say she was surprised to see whom came around the bank of the river. Maybe he wouldn't recognize her and move on his way and not harass her more than he already had.

One could argue she wasn't the same elf from before, what with the different exposed way she was dressing now and not all concealed in riding gear...save there probably weren't that many giant dire wolves of that particular coloring that were nice and friendly around this one elf.

He gave a moment's pause to look between the two, and the dire wolf.

"I remember you. The one that cautioned against conflict. the one that bade me be wary of the bloodlust of young soldiers looking for glory and carnage before duty and honor. I apologize our dinner meeting went rather..militarily. But I had problems that if not addressed may have caused further issue."

glancing between them both.

"My legions were disbanded at my order to go back home. I have my own report and my own interrogation I'm sure to be put through. Is there any aid that I can offer you both since it seems for now we are traveling on the same road, or would you prefer not to be bothered by me more so then I may have already troubled you?"

"It's been passed down through my family line. it origin is of elven craft, back long before this bloody struggle was a hint on the horizon. It is called the Defender. and it meant to be wielded to defend our people."

a slight frown.

"Military was not my original intention for our meeting and meal. However, some of the type you warned against were already trying to use that meeting as a means to an end against those as you put that are above me and less noble then I."

A nod.

"I am heading upstream as well, toward the more mountainous terrain. I'll be facing my own inquisition I am sure for retreating my legions and then disbanding them. But if you prefer not my company, I'll wish you a safe journey, and travel on."

Randall didn't say anything as the conversation between the old man and Key went on, he didn't have any input anyway. So he kept his attention on the fish to which he took out a knife and began to cute it up. But he did look to Key when she mentioned the wind, and he had to wonder why she said that. But it seemed that he needed to focus on the food so it didn't cut himself or something, he would ask about the wind later. He looked back to the solider and gave a shrug toward Key's words before turning back to the fish. "I hope your armor won't slow you down or anything." Randall then continued to slice up the fish "Do you like anything on your fish?" Sometimes Randall liked to put some spices on his fish, if he had any when he cooked some of course.

"He's a solider. As such by his years I would say that he and it are more one than most men in his company feel to their own armor. Experience always speaks loudly at the best times than brags openly when there is no need to do so." He wouldn't slow them down...not that she trusted him yet. He was perhaps merely proving useful. That and forces that bid her actions forth were doing so now in telling her to take up his company. "No, plain is fine."

Finishing with the deer she rinsed her hands in the river and returned to food, watching the others. Surrounded by humans, there was something new. "You can eat with us if you wish. Fresh is better. Especially for the climbing that we will be doing." Taking her own share from Randall, but continuing on. "Rycek will watch your mount if needed."

"I merely assumed that she would not be joining us on our climb. Rycek may even elect to take the trails around, a tad steep but, for those of us with two legs a more direct route is faster." And granted...a simple shift for her would give her means to get up there faster but she wasn't sure how much magic she wanted to flash in front of these two. "You will be safe." That was all she said to his age and it was probably directed at Randall as well. She sure as hell wasn't going to be responsible for them being all mangled.

However she watched him for a few long seconds before she gave a nod. "There are others, though few. To find a pack of wolves as magnicifcent as my friend," who was looking anything but as she gnawed her prize like a puppy, "is rare. Most were hunted out when the humans started to expand their territory. They mistook pups for common wolves and did away with them as nusiance. Even if it wasn't their fault the humans were using their food source as new livestock. Once they found the grown ones, they were hunted for their pelts and to elimate the threat they were seen as." The explaination had a somber tone to it. "But no, we are not meeting them. We are going up there, to listen."