"Then we'll take the contract." Athyln himself didn't sound too convinced this was really the best idea, but Yanase looked happy not to be directly aiding in the invasion of foreign lands, and Zentha seemed to be appraising the map, the best she can. "It will be difficult, but as long as we make the right moves, we'll come out okay. I can't really say why... but..." The elven woman's fingers reach to touch along the map, sliding markers over the sea line. "My woman's intuition is telling me there will be a heavy storm soon, so we should move quickly then before the sea passage from the west, becomes impassable for most ships." @moonblack The Captain speaks, correctly. You've felt the pressure change. There it was again. That woman's voice from earlier. It sounded confident and concise. Not adding much more than that before receding. However, he knew that both sources he heard that claim from were actually mostly likely correct from his sense of things trained from being out on the campaign trail for as long as he had been. What exactly it all meant, it was hard to say. But there was a roughly eighty percent certainty that would happen if he had to give an actual number to it. Eighty-one, percent. You know this. I am the instincts forged through hardship and battle. The one who knows what to do. @Tjf Hey, I'm your intuition, right? Why can't we do that? Are we supposed to pick up weather signals too? Maybe your woman's intuition is defunct. And you STILL haven't taken up Hiyrum powder yet? You'll die, before you have any fun! Do not do that. And I am most certainly not defunct. A new image began to sear and new voice emerged from her mind. This one was of a somewhat serious woman, an accent she couldn't quite place. Eh, you don't need to listen to her. Who cares what the brain says? Has this skank ever helped you out before? I am temperance and judgement. I am that which does best for you. You were doing just fine without this ho, don't let her kill the mood. It was difficult to grasp the whole conversation, but the two didn't seem to care for each other. @asddas193 There you go. Nice profit for everyone involved, you, especially. I love it! It's too bad a few people will be price gouged, but that's business. And better for you, puts you in a position to make things better for everyone. But you should mostly focus on better for you. Maybe you wouldn't think, but I'm always looking out for you, taking you under my wing. Showing you hustling. What's the deal with me? What am I? You already know all that. I am ambition. That which aspires to improving quality of life. Sometimes other people just don't belong in the equation, you know? God dam right! Fuck 'em. They aren't you. Were they ever going to help you? No way. Sure, sure, you could nest your money, saving for a shop, maybe settling down with a wife on a farm one day...all that...or...take some of that gold you set aside, get yourself some beer of your own. You've seen those guys partying, right? They look happy. Why can't you be? It's a perk of the high-life, but don't go crazy. The best use of setting aside money should be for making more money. What was...this guy was even louder than the last one. Much more lively and talkative. In a mixed blessing, he seemed to quiet down the other one, if only a little. @Daylan As the captain's continued their discussion over the more minor aspects and plans of travel, it seemed like the meeting was mostly started to conclude. She could spot the expressions of some of the other mercs. Nothing was really different before...but in a way that was hard to place, exactly...some of them were looking...kind of distracted. Don't worry. They're probably just silently judging you. You kind of deserve it though. Why are you so passively just taking orders from low-lives? It's not that you were nobility once. You are! Of pure and royal blood! What happened to that pride? When Bernham offered you to see the inside of his tent and share a drink, you told him no? Why? It's only natural for lessers to aspire to please their betters! They're treating you like an equal. They're dirt. You are not equal to dirt. Someone was talking...it was more like the thought she had before. In a way that couldn't quite be put into regular words. It still didn't sound like her thoughts. It wasn't the voice of anyone she knew but...more highborn, yet manly with a certain undertone to suggesting some kind of deeper levels of decadences. Much like the prideful lords and barons of her homeland. It seemed to instill a certain image to her. Free flowing waterfalls of water, erupting and pouring from the seam of an urn that never ends. Everyone needs confidence. I'm the one to give that. In words, I guess you could call me your self-reflection.
“Funny you should say that, Captain Zentha. I was just wondering if storms will be a problem, considering that sea travel is the only way to reach the island. I might be overly pessimistic here, but I'd guess there's at least 80 percent chance of a storm soon, so we should hurry up and go. If there is no storm, then we lose nothing, we just get there early and have more time to set up camp and stuff. But if there is one, then we will be glad to have avoided it. Right?” Toran finished with a shrug and a friendly smile directed at the dark-skinned elf. He decided not to mention the voice in his head. Telling people “a voice told me so” would at best get him some weird looks. Besides, he wanted to first try talking to the mysterious woman, who was clearly not a product of him being drunk – the things she was saying made too much sense for that.
Huh, what? Marius was surprised at the new voice inside his head. Though it seemed to be a lot better, maybe, than the other one. It was still a bit strange nonetheless, I mean, I'm saving money to be a merchant, so saving to make more is already a given. He thought to himself, before focusing back to the meeting. "I'm not sure about sensing any storms, but I agree with Toran. The faster we get there, the more we can prepare our defense, and build up trust with the locals."
Would you two shut up? Drug guy, I'm gonna get high if and when I want to, not when some figment of my imagination tries to pressure me into it. She berates the first voice, before figuratively turning to the second. And you, lady, better not try to tell me to quit drinking. The two weeks I spent sober were the worst of my life! "Hic... Well, I'm behind you, cap." Artemisia nods to Athlyn. "Hmph, wish my 'women's instincts' were that sharp." She looks at Zentha. "Personally, I'm not sure I trust your judgement, though. I don't know what you put in your wine, before, but now I'm so high I have two voices in my head, arguing! I wish they'd shut the fuck up! Hic!"
Artemisia's words caught Toran's attention. Normally he would not pay any mind to a drunk woman hearing voices in her head – and the busty ex-priestess had clearly had something to drink, even if she did not seem particularly drunk yet – but in light of the voice in his own head he could not help but wonder if there was more to it. He chose to remain quiet for now and silently observe the two women. To anyone looking at him from the side it would seem like he was just ogling their massive tits – which, in fairness, he was.
Zentha’s response to Artemisa’s outburst, seemed rather neutral. “Two voices…yes, I suppose alcoholism, could feel like that. Being pulled to do something against your better judgment.” “I don’t like the sound of that.” Athyln’s gave sharpened, looking at the sorceress, but not like other men just gazing at her body. Completely critical. “Parties are fine, but if it’s going to hurt your effectiveness, that’s a serious problem.” “I agree.” Zentha nodded, but waited for a minute, before letting out a deep sigh. “But I suppose going through a withdrawal now would be much worse. We are going to have to get back to that eventually.” @Tjf It seems Sir Athyln doesn’t have the imaginative visualization skills to possess an understanding. The woman’s voice was a calm assessment, which seemed to be confirmed of him looking increasingly doubtful of what he could seriously expect from her. @asddas193 Drunk thot. You wanted to hit that, before. What’s stopping you? You got your pick right here and what are you doing with it? Show them your confident! Slap the captain’s ass! The new voice seemed to be really enjoying the spectacle. I would very much enjoy not having Zentha cut that hand off. I’m so sick of taking backstage to you, nerds. You want to drink. You want to get laid. You want to have fun. But you don’t do any of that! Somewhere deep in your soul, is a cool guy. He doesn’t want to keep doing this loser shit. I had enough. I’m taking my stand, and see the guy I know you can be. This new voice clearly wasn’t thrilled with the more mundane directions of things. @moonblack Athyln took a glance to Toran, with a more serious look. “You’re going to have your work cut out for you. If any of our guys goes off and does their own thing or gets just stupid about it when we make our arrival….drag them back, kicking and screaming. Beat them back in line or…if you have too, end them. I’m not letting one jackass get the entire platoon either outlawed by a country or rack up another bounty.” @Daylan Yanase turned to fix a look to the noble girl. “Umm…I was kind of hoping you’d help with a lot of the etiquette and things. It…would be good if you did most of the talking to all their nobles and things.”
Growling to herself, Yolanda tried to ignore the voice for the most part but found it impossible this time. Once more, they dredged up similar thoughts to ones she had experienced before, especially in her early days with the Foxes. "I can be confident without succumbing to debauchery," she whispers, unsure if anyone nearby can hear her but also feeling she had to respond in some capacity, "And a tree does not become mighty without the dirt to hold its roots, so the 'dirt' should be allowed its pride as well."
Instinctively, Artemisia gives the bearded warrior a smirk, realising where his gaze went, before turning back to her superiors. "Hey, I was entirely sober until I drank Zentha's wine! Don't blame me for hearing voices - I've been drinking a long time, and I've never had this happen. You're clearly a druggie!" She points at Zentha. "Anyway, I'm fine. It'll take a lot more than some spiked piss-weak wine to make me incapable of doing my job." "Anyway, let's just finish this up." She gives a sour huff.
With a decision having been taken, Marius wasn't sure what else he could do. Aside from he surprised at Artemisia's sudden outburst. Huh? So it's not just me? He thought to himself, Maybe a curse from our village? He figured, realizing that's what they had in common. Marius then peels his eyes away from his childhood crush, before he's caught staring at her massive chest. "We should make preparations to leave immediately."
“Alright…regardless, if you or anyone else is having this “women’s intuition” problem, probably talk to Eliza, about it, before we get a move on.” Athyln seeming to have just run out of patience at this point just gave his advice as he began to rush through the remaining logistics. @Daylan That’s for other people. Not you. If they were competent, they wouldn’t be making a screaming idiot of themselves would they? Why is he putting up with this at all, anyway? If someone is this much of a drunken mess because they have no self control, that’s their own fault. Here’s what you should do with your time. The gold division boy that never stops smiling. He always wants to help you. As he should. Why don’t you let him carry your gear for the trip? @Tjf The devil thot? Good enough. You need to pick up painkillers if you want to get on Zentha’s good side. And the Cap’ isn’t crazy about you, lately, so might help. Plus, if you claim to be suffering from hallucinations maybe she’ll give you something strong for it. The kind of thing to mix with alcohol. If that’s what he wants you to do, probably don’t do it? But maybe before it’s overwhelming, it is something to consider. The thoughts seemed to approve of this idea for completely different reasons. @asddas193 No, why would it? You don’t have woman’s intuition. The more business focused voice seemed pretty certain of that. Maybe you are a little insane. Maybe everyone is if the throw themselves into wars for money in the first place. Maybe, it’s why your drive for living the best life is being kicked up into going all out? I dunno. I’m no philosopher. What if you are insane? Is that so bad? Maybe then the reason I exist is because you don’t want to die, before doing all the things you could do. There’s nothing wrong with that. The more party focused voice seemed to provide an oddly sincere attempt to be helpful. @moonblack Don’t be taken in by the ravings of a drunk. Attractive, yes. But whatever skills and knowledge she had, she drank away, years ago. And it sounds as if they suspect the same thing about you, too. We’ll prove them wrong, of course. You’re far from too old for this. While still tough and authoritative, Toran could still get the impression that it was actually tying to urge him to work to the best of his ability. ———- “Alright, dismissed. It’s going to be a pain to get all this organized as is and move out on such short notice. Just do whatever for now. But if you’re too passed out to get up on time to move, I reserve the right for the use of my special sobering technique.” Athyln gave his last words to dismiss, Yanase already trying to inch away from the ground, and Zentha still eyeing over the maps as he began to head back to the main party, as it started to sound like it was slowly starting to die down by now.
“Sure thing, Captain.” Toran nodded in agreement – he had no desire to get in trouble because some idiot acted without thinking. Well, at least she's nice to look at. Makes for a good distraction from the boredom. Toran mentally shrugged. “See you later, everyone.” Toran gave a polite nod to each of the other people there. Then, assuming that no one needed anything from him or wanted to talk to him, he headed back to prepared for the coming trip. Once he was certain everything was in order and he could move out at a moment's notice, Toran found a (relatively) quiet place where would be alone and undisturbed by the other mercs. Sitting down he closed his eyes and focused on the strange voice in his mind. Alright, lady. First of all, what should I call you? 'Voice' and 'woman' are far from ideal, and 'lady' is only slightly better. He attempted talking to the voice in his head. Better to do this now, before they began their new job.
Huh, what, no that's not what I meant. He mumbled, I'm not insane! Just... maybe desperate. I mean, how else is an orphan supposed to make money! He screamed, before hearing how the meeting was adjourned. Seeing Yanase make her way out, Marius follows behind her. "Miss Yanase, good job." He greets her once they left the tent.
"Fine." Artimesia heads off to go find Eliza, ignoring the voices in her head. "Hey, kid." She nods casually to Marius as she leaves.
"O-oh, hello sister-I-I mean miss Artimesia." Marius waved back, before following Yanase. His cheeks flushed as he was greeted by his childhood crush.
Yolanda blinked, not having expected the voice to make a suggestion of that... petty, a nature. "I doubt he would agree to being demeaned in such a manner," she whispered in response again before a thought hit her and she, "and I'll prove it to you by asking." She was surprised that she had thought in that direction but still, what was the harm? Either she was right, he said no, and she laughed it off as a joke or she was wrong but now she had someone willing to carry some of her things for a little while. That would not be some grand display of superiority... right? At Athyln's words, Yolanda mentally jolted out of internal musings. The only outward indication of her change in demeanor was a momentary twitch but otherwise she still remained as prim and proper as she could. "Of course, sir," she replied to Athyln, before excusing herself to try and find a spot for some quiet time before the bustle of moving out began.
(I'll be splitting the posts to individuals after this.) @moonblack And what, pray tell, else would I be? I am your instinct. Yet, you wish to apply a name to it? The woman's tone was dry, treating it like everything should already be self evident. He could hear what sounded like an exasperated sigh, the voice sounding like he should have already accepted this by now. Very well. For reasons, that I confess, I cannot quite fully understand, you associate your taste for wars with crabs. It hardly seems like you were as mentally sound as you may think, before I supposedly ruined all that for you. The reason for this is because it's your birth sign, I assume? Or at least I would hope. The zodiac itself is derived from deceptions of the Hellenic Gods..so I suppose, bearing in mind my placement, that makes me Athena? It actually sounded more like the woman's voice was asking him than entirely sure of it. Perhaps, that makes some sense. A Hellenic goddess of wisdom, war, and strategy. I'm surprised you knew that. Toran may or may have not remembered hearing one of the company mages or Eliza mention that brithsign magic theory thing before. If that was the case, this wasn't anything he wouldn't have already known. Stay still. Do you hear that? The voice remained in it's mostly calm, but haughty tone, but seemed increasingly alert. At that moment, Toran could feel it. A faint shiver running across his neck. The kind of snap instinct developed when you're walking into an ambush. The drunken partying of the rest of the mercs was distracting, but he could hear the distinct "Shrnng" sound of a sword being unsheathed behind him. A long one. Small. Light. He was immediately able to recognize whose it was. He knew this wasn't meant to be fatal. Just a test. They don't plan on trying to actually hit you. Keep to where you are. @asddas193 Yanase let out a deep sigh. "That was scary." She looked relieved and happy by it. Though, it was somewhat short lived before looking concerned again. "I hope I had the right idea. Was it really the right thing to go with what I said? I'm not a fighter. I probably shouldn't really be trying to tell them how to do things." Starting to second guess and doubt her decision, she swallowed before trying-and failing- to make herself look more self assured and confident. "But it'll be okay. You won't get in trouble, if it goes wrong." @Tjf That woman. She bothers me. The female voice was none too please about the idea, as Artemisa made her walk down the way to the medical tent. But her destination wasn't the tent itself, but the smaller darker and more lavish looking tent just behind it, right alongside the rest of the merchant caravan. A considerably smaller tent, with some kind of purplish hue of smoke trailing along from the ground. Before she even stepped in, she could catch the scent of deep and heavy perfume, exotic and undoubtedly expensive. As she made her way in, the room was dark. So dark, she couldn't see much more than a few feet in front of her, only able to spot the velvet carpets and pillows draped along the area. As she made her way in, the only light the room had, was two candles burning on the table with a light blue lame. Before she could see the face, Artemisa could catch the stare from the darkness. The only clue, she's being watch was the bright golden hue of the eyes. "Darling." Deep and seductive in her tone, it was the same flirty tone as she stepped out to reveal herself. Wearing an outfit that exposed almost even more skin than Artemisa's regular clothes did, the eeriely pale woman held her eyes onto all of the sorceress's body, much in the same way of the drunken mercs. But something told her it was far from the same reasons. "What do you need?" @Daylan "How in the- "Haha-sorry! I'll try to make this painless!" As Yolanda made her way to find what he was up to, she could hear the sound of swords clanging and the screams of pain in unison. One. Two. Three. Four. All of the grunts and cries of pain of four men falling to the ground in seconds, the only other sound was impossibly cheerful laughter that told Yolanda she had found him before she made out his figure next to the campfire. A snow white coat, the same color of his hair. And a face that showed an almost disarming peaceful serenity to having just beat four of is allies senseless. "So, I guess nobody can complain if I call myself the winner, right?" Asking his question to the men keeled over in pain, he was more than happy to take their lack of response not as a no, and reach over to grab what Yolanda could catch as the golden glint of a bag of gold coins. "You..." One of them groaned, rolling over and clawing at the dirt in pain, trying to gain the strength to stand up. "You rolled....double sixes. Four times." "Oh, just lucky, I guess? More than I can say for you though. Those cuts look pretty deep. Would be tough to make it through the night. Think you'll die?" Akechi. If he has a last name, nobody knows what it is. Even for the other mercs, his love and enjoyment of blood is....something else. His overt friendliness and laid back nature, almost made him completely unnerving, even to battle hardened vets. If the gossip of the other mercenaries were to be believed, he almost definitely had a thing to her, though he wasn't nearly as sexually aggressive about it as the other mercs. Though that wasn't a very high margin and didn't really take much to be better than.
"Yeah, it kind of was." Marius lets out a deep sigh as they left the tent. "Don't worry about it. Even if we chose the other options, things can always go wrong. So for now, we shoule just do our best to make sure this choice doesn't go sideways." He chuckled, "Besides, even if we aren't warriors, they still need us to procure supplies and such." He gives his superior a smile, "Don't worry, miss Yanase. I'm fine with taking responsibility. I was part of the decision making after all." He places a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
I have heard about the Hellenic Gods, even if I did not pay much attention to it at the time. I'm not yet sure if you really are a goddess, but you are clearly more than just my instinct, and the thought of having a goddess give me advice is strangely tempting, so Athena it is. Nice to have you along for the ride, my goddess, I hope we will keep getting along... and I hope you have a bit of a voyeuristic streak, or at the very least don't mind it when I... enjoy a lady's company, shall we say. Toran smirked mentally at the last part. Toran could switch from joking to serious in an instant, and that's what he did as soon as felt the familiar shiver. I hear it. He confirmed as he heard the sound of a sword being drawn. Accepting Athena's advice he remained where he was, pretending to have not heard anything but ready to pull out his own sword in an instant, should it prove necessary. Then he waited for his assailant's next move.
In the next instant, a single blindingly fast motion, the thrust of steel shoots out from right behind his head, stopping just short, the blade being held out just a few inches away from his head. Had he tried to move out of the way, it would have ended badly. The sword remains held, but only static. The wielder making no effort to try and finish the job, the only movement for their sword to slowly inch back away from Toran. “Getting a little too confident, aren’t you? I could have done it this time.” Almost teasing and challenging him at the same time, he knew who it was before he properly had a look at her. Alyssa was playing the usual game, it seemed, which was somewhere between her flirting and claiming she’d be the one to kill him. She’s had much better opportunities to follow through with either of those things if she wanted to. “You’ve gotten too soft. And you used to be so rugged and daring. It breaks my heart.”
“You, on the other hand, have gotten careless. I could hear you unsheathe your sword loud and clear. A guard I would have been able to raise the alarm, while an enemy would have been able to take out their own weapon, perhaps even attack you first.” Toran replied as he turned to look at Alyssa, openly ogling her. “So, what brings you here? I mean, I am always happy to see you and your big tiddies, but I doubt you came to see me just to let me enjoy the view.” He grinned.
