Blood Contracts(Rpg)

[Thorn_]

Nowhere. Absolutely in the middle of nowhere. Just look at the horizon and someone could see the endless stretch of grass for the entire day. That killed none of the excitement. How many hours it had been, seemed irrelevant. Fires remained lit, people remained laughing, and very few of them had stopped drinking. This wasn't an unusual day in the life of a Silver Fox. Party until the crack of dawn, sleep it off, get up early and back on the road, to the next adventure.

@moonblack
This was how it was. Silver Division was always like this. The rank and file. Being one of the boys. All of that. For better or worse, this was how they spent almost all of their time. Among the few who hadn't participated in the celebrations was a short haired boyish girl sitting right across from Toran. He didn't hear the first half of the argument she was having, but from the sounds of it, it wasn't anything out of the usual from the sounds of the other guy's laughter as the usual smile on her face started cracking into pure rage.

"Really been going through those rations lately, eh, Electra?"

"Enough of that! I'm going to-

Same things as always.

"Hey, don't worry about it. Maybe, it will help you get some boobs."

"Don't start! I'm sure as hell not flat!"

"Yeah, yeah. "Compared to the average girl, I'm big." but...you've seen the other girls in camp? They're like mosquito bites. And don't say "It's because I train." Zentha's got some serious love pillows. Yanase has got some jugs. And Artemisia? Dam. I mean, all the other chicks here are big...but those are something else."

Yep. The same conversations as always. Which means...

"Mmm. Nah. Electra's definitely got them, bigger than Yolonda's. She's got to be the smallest."

"What? No, way. Yolonda's got to be a few inches bigger than that."

@Daylan

Every time. As far back as she could remember, there probably wasn't a single day where they didn't somehow get it to be talking about her boobs. It was to be expected to some degree working with these types. Most of the Foxes weren't exactly known for their upstanding manners and social grace. So, it was already obvious what had happened for them to quiet down for their usual rowdiness. A few of the more sober ones, even offering a reflexive salute. Only one person had that kind of ability.

Anlyth. The captain behind Silver division. As he got closer, she could already smell it on him. Even though, he stood upright, held his easy going "Everyone relax" smile, he reeked even deeper of alcohol than the rest.

"Sorry, boys. I got to take the babe back to my place." His smile was easy going and sarcastic, and he joked like the rest, but it wasn't the thing she most remembered about him. Those eyes. That look he has on the battlefield, like a completely different person.

"Toran! I'm gonna need you with me on this too. Tag-team effort!" It was hard to imagine that he could ever be serious on the battlefield looking at him like this. But even though he joked, the newer rank and file seemed somewhat uneasy, thrown off by the tonal shift like it was some kind of trap or test. But he just held his eyes on the rest.

"Seriously. War council. Let's get this done. I'm way too sober for this late in the day, right now."

@Tjf

Artemisa could hear the vocal celebrations from across the camp. All that drinking and partying...none of which she was involved in, by the way. No. That was the fun saved for people like Silver and Bronze. Gold Division was too good for that, apparently.

The activities of Gold were a lot less impressive. Artemisa had a glass offered to her of deep rose wine, but nobody really spoke as she remained with the rest. Sharpening swords, prepping runes, a few simply sitting down with their eyes closed to meditate, steeling their focus for the next battle. All supervised by her.

Zentha. She had a glass of wine place d on the table next to her, but she didn't really drink it. She never really participated in much of the parties to happen in general. In her defense, there was a reason for that. She was the core strategist, after all. Gold Division was mostly for people with special skills to keep the camp running. People to avoid the frontlines, but all pretty important to making sure things go right. Most of those capable of magic were usually placed here.

Zentha simply observed the progress before, acknowledging Artemisa."I'm going to need you for a bit. After we get this covered, go enjoy the rest of your night. I can get someone else to take care of it."

@asddas193

"Um...uh....

She almost.

"Ah.."

And she stopped. Looking down, back at her feet again. Very close. Murmuring something in a quiet voice, she couldn't be heard over all the shouting, but he could see it. Her struggling to keep a steady position and try to speak up.

While Gold and Silver division had deadly warrior like Anlyth. and Zentha, the Bronze, in stark contrast, had Yanase. Inarguably, she was a good person, but....that didn't make her a good Captain. Too hesitant to make any hard decisions and even willing to sell things at a loss if just about anyone asked. Marius knew she probably was costing the mercs money, more than she saved.

"I need you to come with me. It...would be good to have someone better at talking." Marius probably wouldn't normally be the absolute first person, anyone picks for that, but if had to guess, he was probably one of the only ones in Bronze she felt comfortable with asking.

Bronze was....complicated. He only need to look around to see that. The convoy of merchant caravan wagons and carts, all lined up, circling around the area, a hospital tent set up with, along with that tent shared by the general laborer and cooks.

Bronze was best described as civilian contractors. Some had been trained with some self defense ability, but for the most part, they were non-combatants. That distinction was important, not just for the mercs, but also for the rules of warfare...though he had some suspicions something like the horde in the east or barbarian's in the north would care about that.

Suppliers, logistics, spies and contacts, just about everything else ran through them, though they weren't considered a full part of the outfit, especially. While some of the other divisions tend to snub them, Anlyth and Zentha themselves, never seemed worried about it. They understood how important their work actually was, even if not glamorous. Typically, the merchants still kept to a side for themselves, associating with mostly each other, but there was no hard rule on it.

All of what they did was important. Undeniably so. And it was obvious to anyone that Yanase really wanted to the magnate to keep it all together. But everyone knew she was never really intended to be Captain in the first place. She had magic, wealth and connections, and an inexplicable ability to stumble on treasure completely by accident, but she still wasn't much of a confident leader and usually ended up being walked all over in negotiations if someone, wasn't there to stand up for her.

"I...know what I want to say...but I'm not good...at words."

 

[moonblack]

@Tjf @Daylan
Toran smirked and took a small sip from the almost-empty bottle of cheap wine he had acquired earlier. Listening to the guys tease Electra about her bust size was always entertaining, in large part due to the girl's reactions. In comparison Yolanda's reactions were usually a lot less fun to watch.

When the Captain arrived Toran was among the few sober enough to salute... without bothering to get up from the ground. I wonder what he needs Yolanda for? I doubt it is to warm his bed... He wondered for a moment, before shrugging - it wasn't his problem...

"Toran! I'm gonna need you with me on this too. Tag-team effort!" It was hard to imagine that he could ever be serious on the battlefield looking at him like this. But even though he joked, the newer rank and file seemed somewhat uneasy, thrown off by the tonal shift like it was some kind of trap or test. But he just held his eyes on the rest.

"Seriously. War council. Let's get this done. I'm way too sober for this late in the day, right now."

...or maybe it was. With a sigh Toran lifted up the bottle and quickly drank the little bit of cheap wine left inside. Carelessly dropping the now-empty bottle on the ground, he got up and followed after the captain, quickly catching up to Yolanda and walking next to her, but without saying anything. He could have walked behind her, but he had seen her clothed butt enough times already - one more time would make no difference. Besides, this seemed important and he did not want to be distracted.

 

[Tjf]

Nowhere. Absolutely in the middle of nowhere. Just look at the horizon and someone could see the endless stretch of grass for the entire day. That killed none of the excitement. How many hours it had been, seemed irrelevant. Fires remained lit, people remained laughing, and very few of them had stopped drinking. This wasn't an unusual day in the life of a Silver Fox. Party until the crack of dawn, sleep it off, get up early and back on the road, to the next adventure.

@moonblack
This was how it was. Silver Division was always like this. The rank and file. Being one of the boys. All of that. For better or worse, this was how they spent almost all of their time. Among the few who hadn't participated in the celebrations was a short haired boyish girl sitting right across from Toran. He didn't hear the first half of the argument she was having, but from the sounds of it, it wasn't anything out of the usual from the sounds of the other guy's laughter as the usual smile on her face started cracking into pure rage.

"Really been going through those rations lately, eh, Electra?"

"Enough of that! I'm going to-

Same things as always.

"Hey, don't worry about it. Maybe, it will help you get some boobs."

"Don't start! I'm sure as hell not flat!"

"Yeah, yeah. "Compared to the average girl, I'm big." but...you've seen the other girls in camp? They're like mosquito bites. And don't say "It's because I train." Zentha's got some serious love pillows. Yanase has got some jugs. And Artemisia? Dam. I mean, all the other chicks here are big...but those are something else."

Yep. The same conversations as always. Which means...

"Mmm. Nah. Electra's definitely got them, bigger than Yolonda's. She's got to be the smallest."

"What? No, way. Yolonda's got to be a few inches bigger than that."

@Daylan

Every time. As far back as she could remember, there probably wasn't a single day where they didn't somehow get it to be talking about her boobs. It was to be expected to some degree working with these types. Most of the Foxes weren't exactly known for their upstanding manners and social grace. So, it was already obvious what had happened for them to quiet down for their usual rowdiness. A few of the more sober ones, even offering a reflexive salute. Only one person had that kind of ability.

Anlyth. The captain behind Silver division. As he got closer, she could already smell it on him. Even though, he stood upright, held his easy going "Everyone relax" smile, he reeked even deeper of alcohol than the rest.

"Sorry, boys. I got to take the babe back to my place." His smile was easy going and sarcastic, and he joked like the rest, but it wasn't the thing she most remembered about him. Those eyes. That look he has on the battlefield, like a completely different person.

"Toran! I'm gonna need you with me on this too. Tag-team effort!" It was hard to imagine that he could ever be serious on the battlefield looking at him like this. But even though he joked, the newer rank and file seemed somewhat uneasy, thrown off by the tonal shift like it was some kind of trap or test. But he just held his eyes on the rest.

"Seriously. War council. Let's get this done. I'm way too sober for this late in the day, right now."

@Tjf

Artemisa could hear the vocal celebrations from across the camp. All that drinking and partying...none of which she was involved in, by the way. No. That was the fun saved for people like Silver and Bronze. Gold Division was too good for that, apparently.

The activities of Gold were a lot less impressive. Artemisa had a glass offered to her of deep rose wine, but nobody really spoke as she remained with the rest. Sharpening swords, prepping runes, a few simply sitting down with their eyes closed to meditate, steeling their focus for the next battle. All supervised by her.

Zentha. She had a glass of wine place d on the table next to her, but she didn't really drink it. She never really participated in much of the parties to happen in general. In her defense, there was a reason for that. She was the core strategist, after all. Gold Division was mostly for people with special skills to keep the camp running. People to avoid the frontlines, but all pretty important to making sure things go right. Most of those capable of magic were usually placed here.

Zentha simply observed the progress before, acknowledging Artemisa."I'm going to need you for a bit. After we get this covered, go enjoy the rest of your night. I can get someone else to take care of it."

@asddas193

"Um...uh....

She almost.

"Ah.."

And she stopped. Looking down, back at her feet again. Very close. Murmuring something in a quiet voice, she couldn't be heard over all the shouting, but he could see it. Her struggling to keep a steady position and try to speak up.

While Gold and Silver division had deadly warrior like Anlyth. and Zentha, the Bronze, in stark contrast, had Yanase. Inarguably, she was a good person, but....that didn't make her a good Captain. Too hesitant to make any hard decisions and even willing to sell things at a loss if just about anyone asked. Marius knew she probably was costing the mercs money, more than she saved.

"I need you to come with me. It...would be good to have someone better at talking." Marius probably wouldn't normally be the absolute first person, anyone picks for that, but if had to guess, he was probably one of the only ones in Bronze she felt comfortable with asking.

Bronze was....complicated. He only need to look around to see that. The convoy of merchant caravan wagons and carts, all lined up, circling around the area, a hospital tent set up with, along with that tent shared by the general laborer and cooks.

Bronze was best described as civilian contractors. Some had been trained with some self defense ability, but for the most part, they were non-combatants. That distinction was important, not just for the mercs, but also for the rules of warfare...though he had some suspicions something like the horde in the east or barbarian's in the north would care about that.

Suppliers, logistics, spies and contacts, just about everything else ran through them, though they weren't considered a full part of the outfit, especially. While some of the other divisions tend to snub them, Anlyth and Zentha themselves, never seemed worried about it. They understood how important their work actually was, even if not glamorous. Typically, the merchants still kept to a side for themselves, associating with mostly each other, but there was no hard rule on it.

All of what they did was important. Undeniably so. And it was obvious to anyone that Yanase really wanted to the magnate to keep it all together. But everyone knew she was never really intended to be Captain in the first place. She had magic, wealth and connections, and an inexplicable ability to stumble on treasure completely by accident, but she still wasn't much of a confident leader and usually ended up being walked all over in negotiations if someone, wasn't there to stand up for her.

"I...know what I want to say...but I'm not good...at words."

"Chug! Chug! Chug! Eyyyy!" Artemisia looks jealously at a group of low ranking mercenaries as they binge drink. Why can't I be over there? No one can outdrink me, and the boys love it. I mean, they're trying to get me drunk so they can take advantage, but that's entertainment, too, in its own way...

The sorceress perks up as she hears Zentha approach. "Sure, going with you can't be any more boring than this. Whaddaya need?" Seeing that the dark skinned woman isn't drinking, Artemisia reaches across the desk to take a chug of her wine.

 

[asddas193]

@asddas193

"Um...uh....

She almost.

"Ah.."

And she stopped. Looking down, back at her feet again. Very close. Murmuring something in a quiet voice, she couldn't be heard over all the shouting, but he could see it. Her struggling to keep a steady position and try to speak up.

While Gold and Silver division had deadly warrior like Anlyth. and Zentha, the Bronze, in stark contrast, had Yanase. Inarguably, she was a good person, but....that didn't make her a good Captain. Too hesitant to make any hard decisions and even willing to sell things at a loss if just about anyone asked. Marius knew she probably was costing the mercs money, more than she saved.

"I need you to come with me. It...would be good to have someone better at talking." Marius probably wouldn't normally be the absolute first person, anyone picks for that, but if had to guess, he was probably one of the only ones in Bronze she felt comfortable with asking.

Bronze was....complicated. He only need to look around to see that. The convoy of merchant caravan wagons and carts, all lined up, circling around the area, a hospital tent set up with, along with that tent shared by the general laborer and cooks.

Bronze was best described as civilian contractors. Some had been trained with some self defense ability, but for the most part, they were non-combatants. That distinction was important, not just for the mercs, but also for the rules of warfare...though he had some suspicions something like the horde in the east or barbarian's in the north would care about that.

Suppliers, logistics, spies and contacts, just about everything else ran through them, though they weren't considered a full part of the outfit, especially. While some of the other divisions tend to snub them, Anlyth and Zentha themselves, never seemed worried about it. They understood how important their work actually was, even if not glamorous. Typically, the merchants still kept to a side for themselves, associating with mostly each other, but there was no hard rule on it.

All of what they did was important. Undeniably so. And it was obvious to anyone that Yanase really wanted to the magnate to keep it all together. But everyone knew she was never really intended to be Captain in the first place. She had magic, wealth and connections, and an inexplicable ability to stumble on treasure completely by accident, but she still wasn't much of a confident leader and usually ended up being walked all over in negotiations if someone, wasn't there to stand up for her.

"I...know what I want to say...but I'm not good...at words."

After the another battle, Marius was polishing what loot he could pick up, and hope to sell. Not really caring about the festivities like the others, as he aimed to make enough money to start up as a merchant. Though him being in a mercenary band was simply because he followed his childhood crush, it still helped as he learned what sort of equipment was needed for varius circumstances. And as they travelled about, he also learned what supplies a certain region produced, what they lacked, and what the people were looking for. Hmm, I guess I'll be a travelling merchant too. He thought to himself, before his attention turns to the stuttering woman pacing around nearby. "What's the matter, miss Yanase?" He asked as he stores his now clean bauble in his bag.

But as the leader of his group wanted him to follow her to help with negotiations. "I see, alright. I'd love to help." He replied as he stands up, and pats himself clean. "Who're we talking to?" He asked, giving follows Yanase. Only to hear her muttering to herself even more, "Don't worry about that, I'm sure you just need stick out for yourself more." He gives her a comforting smile, which looked just like any other smile as it came from Marius, who had next to no experience in comforting anyone.

 

[Daylan]

@Daylan

Every time. As far back as she could remember, there probably wasn't a single day where they didn't somehow get it to be talking about her boobs. It was to be expected to some degree working with these types. Most of the Foxes weren't exactly known for their upstanding manners and social grace. So, it was already obvious what had happened for them to quiet down for their usual rowdiness. A few of the more sober ones, even offering a reflexive salute. Only one person had that kind of ability.

Anlyth. The captain behind Silver division. As he got closer, she could already smell it on him. Even though, he stood upright, held his easy going "Everyone relax" smile, he reeked even deeper of alcohol than the rest.

"Sorry, boys. I got to take the babe back to my place." His smile was easy going and sarcastic, and he joked like the rest, but it wasn't the thing she most remembered about him. Those eyes. That look he has on the battlefield, like a completely different person.

"Toran! I'm gonna need you with me on this too. Tag-team effort!" It was hard to imagine that he could ever be serious on the battlefield looking at him like this. But even though he joked, the newer rank and file seemed somewhat uneasy, thrown off by the tonal shift like it was some kind of trap or test. But he just held his eyes on the rest.

"Seriously. War council. Let's get this done. I'm way too sober for this late in the day, right now."

Inwardly, Yolanda sighed. She was pretty used to the boob talk at this point and so long as nobody attempted to force a visual or hands-on comparison between her and Electra she could just ignore it like she usually did. And as rowdy as the Foxes could be, they at least seemed to be mostly civilized enough to respect actual physical boundaries. So that was a point in their favor compared to a lot of other groups out there.

At Anlyth's unexpected approach she stands up as well, though instead of a salute she simply stands as prim and proper as she usually does (a part of her childhood rearing she could never fully rid herself of) and nods in greeting. At his initial words she gives him a slight frown, though the following invitation from him to Toran as well got her attention more seriously.

"Very well," she says before walking just a step or two behind Anlyth, enough to not seem totally subservient but still showing deference to his higher rank.

It also left her upwind of the worst of his boozy odor, though at the range they were currently at that was only a minor difference. And it let her not look into his eyes, which sometimes made her feel a little... improper when he was in one of his more serious moods.

@Tjf @Daylan
...or maybe it was. With a sigh Toran lifted up the bottle and quickly drank the little bit of cheap wine left inside. Carelessly dropping the now-empty bottle on the ground, he got up and followed after the captain, quickly catching up to Yolanda and walking next to her, but without saying anything. He could have walked behind her, but he had seen her clothed butt enough times already - one more time would make no difference. Besides, this seemed important and he did not want to be distracted.

Yolanda nods to Toran as he catches up. The fact that he was not casually leering at her did imply that he too had some sense that this might be something actually serious. Still, beyond the acknowledgement of his existence, she did not really pay him any more overt attention for the moment.

 

[Thorn_]

"Chug! Chug! Chug! Eyyyy!" Artemisia looks jealously at a group of low ranking mercenaries as they binge drink. Why can't I be over there? No one can outdrink me, and the boys love it. I mean, they're trying to get me drunk so they can take advantage, but that's entertainment, too, in its own way...

The sorceress perks up as she hears Zentha approach. "Sure, going with you can't be any more boring than this. Whaddaya need?" Seeing that the dark skinned woman isn't drinking, Artemisia reaches across the desk to take a chug of her wine.

The elven woman doesn't speak, simply looking more amused than particularly bothered. As Artemisa feels the flow and taste of the wine, she feels it happen. Along with the typical, rush to her head, the sense of dizziness, but, also her vision blurring out, fading into visualizing something else.

Her friend. The voice. It almost sounded like a lively young man, but not quite like anyone she's ever actually met before. It didn't take her being sober for her to gather it was likely a byproduct from being pretty consistently drunk most of the time. Not that the occasional flashes of whatever you would call it were that bad. All he really did was tell her to have fun. and party more often.

Zentha simply quietly observed. Obviously, she couldn't hear the sorceresses thoughts. But she could feel them. Still burning in the back of her mind. Quieter now. But...it's presence hadn't truly gone away.

Rigid posture. Covering the left side of her ribs. Must still hurt from the last battle. The hospital tent must have medical herbs. Maybe something for you too, if you want to help with that. Not like she'd admit it though.

The man spoke with a confidence. Looking at her posture, Artemisa could tell he was right. Or she was. It wasn't easy to tell if it was just her thoughts she could have observed and just her already somewhat wasted mind just now playing catch up. Regardless, the elf didn't make any expression to suggest anything was wrong, but as she began to walk. Artemisa could see her pretend to adjust her overly skimpy armor seemingly to cover up her wound. but she remained confident and kept walking. "There's quite a bit to discuss today."

After the another battle, Marius was polishing what loot he could pick up, and hope to sell. Not really caring about the festivities like the others, as he aimed to make enough money to start up as a merchant. Though him being in a mercenary band was simply because he followed his childhood crush, it still helped as he learned what sort of equipment was needed for varius circumstances. And as they travelled about, he also learned what supplies a certain region produced, what they lacked, and what the people were looking for. Hmm, I guess I'll be a travelling merchant too. He thought to himself, before his attention turns to the stuttering woman pacing around nearby. "What's the matter, miss Yanase?" He asked as he stores his now clean bauble in his bag.

But as the leader of his group wanted him to follow her to help with negotiations. "I see, alright. I'd love to help." He replied as he stands up, and pats himself clean. "Who're we talking to?" He asked, giving follows Yanase. Only to hear her muttering to herself even more, "Don't worry about that, I'm sure you just need stick out for yourself more." He gives her a comforting smile, which looked just like any other smile as it came from Marius, who had next to no experience in comforting anyone.

"Ah...okay." Nodding, and trying to show more confidence of her own, she tried her best to look serious. "I'm going to get there first." Most likely, she was aiming to run off and keep to this sudden high of being sure of herself that she had now found, thanks to his encouragment.

The visions of a an eight legged chitinous beast flooded into his mind. Some would call it a scorpion. But normal scorpions weren't that big. And they definitely didn't talk. The creature, constantly spoke through hisses, but somehow he always knew what it meant.

It never happened before. Back when he was younger, he never had moments like this. It wasn't until he left on the roads for the job. It wasn't until he actually saw what a battle looked like for himself that the scorpion beast started to appear. He always knew that Yanase was aware something was wrong, even though she wasn't quite sure how. But the reasons for it seemed pretty obvious. The stress of constant combat does weigh on almost all the mercs in their own ways, let alone with the Bronze core as a whole, who aren't really here for the same reasons as the other divisions.

The scorpion in question....was oddly encouraging at times. Even helpful. But it hardly, seemed like the thing most people would consider good.

She needs your support, my lord. Go there early with her. Smile. Tell her, you're on her side.

Inwardly, Yolanda sighed. She was pretty used to the boob talk at this point and so long as nobody attempted to force a visual or hands-on comparison between her and Electra she could just ignore it like she usually did. And as rowdy as the Foxes could be, they at least seemed to be mostly civilized enough to respect actual physical boundaries. So that was a point in their favor compared to a lot of other groups out there.

At Anlyth's unexpected approach she stands up as well, though instead of a salute she simply stands as prim and proper as she usually does (a part of her childhood rearing she could never fully rid herself of) and nods in greeting. At his initial words she gives him a slight frown, though the following invitation from him to Toran as well got her attention more seriously.

"Very well," she says before walking just a step or two behind Anlyth, enough to not seem totally subservient but still showing deference to his higher rank.

It also left her upwind of the worst of his boozy odor, though at the range they were currently at that was only a minor difference. And it let her not look into his eyes, which sometimes made her feel a little... improper when he was in one of his more serious moods.



Yolanda nods to Toran as he catches up. The fact that he was not casually leering at her did imply that he too had some sense that this might be something actually serious. Still, beyond the acknowledgement of his existence, she did not really pay him any more overt attention for the moment.

Very little happened out of the ordinary. Though as she walked...Yolanda could almost feel this....something. She wasn't sure what it was. A passing feeling. But just looking at her surroundings gave the thought. Not as if it was entirely her own. She was a noblewoman. They were merely drunken peasants. She was kind of above this, wasn't she? But then it was gone. In a very strange surge. A thought so rapid, and in such a tone, it didn't feel like she was the one who thought of it. But the moment was gone. It had passed, and the walk remained mostly uneventful for her.



As Toran however, fixated on Yolanda's rear, the more he looked, the more the curves began to take shape and change, the lines recoloring, sharpening. So distracting and engulfing, that the camp around him no longer exists, as the lines and shapes began to sway and shift, endlessly circling each other as they began to fashion itself in a way faster than the human mind could process. Yet, it was almost as if the sight was touching something. Deep in the back of his mind, drawing out a sleeping memory. As the view began to settle and stiffen, he could only make it out to what it was supposed to be. No solid form, but the lines and shapes bent to make it almost like a crab.

A woman's voice. High, mighty, and powerful. And also, full of arrogance and smug superiority. Yet, then it all dissolved. He was left standing there, back in the camp. As quickly as it came, it was gone. He could see the captain, and Yolanda walking ahead. Everything in his surroundings was where it was supposed to be. Almost no time had passed. What did that mean?

 

[moonblack]

As Toran however, fixated on Yolanda's rear, the more he looked, the more the curves began to take shape and change, the lines recoloring, sharpening. So distracting and engulfing, that the camp around him no longer exists, as the lines and shapes began to sway and shift, endlessly circling each other as they began to fashion itself in a way faster than the human mind could process. Yet, it was almost as if the sight was touching something. Deep in the back of his mind, drawing out a sleeping memory. As the view began to settle and stiffen, he could only make it out to what it was supposed to be. No solid form, but the lines and shapes bent to make it almost like a crab.

A woman's voice. High, mighty, and powerful. And also, full of arrogance and smug superiority. Yet, then it all dissolved. He was left standing there, back in the camp. As quickly as it came, it was gone. He could see the captain, and Yolanda walking ahead. Everything in his surroundings was where it was supposed to be. Almost no time had passed. What did that mean?

What... was that? Did I have too much to drink? Toran wondered, then shook his head and hurried to catch up to Yolanda and the captain. I'll worry about it later, when I am sober. He decided not to mention the vision and the voice - most people would not take him seriously and think he was just drunk, anyway. Besides, he needed to focus on... whatever the captain needed him for.

 

[asddas193]

"Ah...okay." Nodding, and trying to show more confidence of her own, she tried her best to look serious. "I'm going to get there first." Most likely, she was aiming to run off and keep to this sudden high of being sure of herself that she had now found, thanks to his encouragment.

The visions of a an eight legged chitinous beast flooded into his mind. Some would call it a scorpion. But normal scorpions weren't that big. And they definitely didn't talk. The creature, constantly spoke through hisses, but somehow he always knew what it meant.

It never happened before. Back when he was younger, he never had moments like this. It wasn't until he left on the roads for the job. It wasn't until he actually saw what a battle looked like for himself that the scorpion beast started to appear. He always knew that Yanase was aware something was wrong, even though she wasn't quite sure how. But the reasons for it seemed pretty obvious. The stress of constant combat does weigh on almost all the mercs in their own ways, let alone with the Bronze core as a whole, who aren't really here for the same reasons as the other divisions.

The scorpion in question....was oddly encouraging at times. Even helpful. But it hardly, seemed like the thing most people would consider good.

She needs your support, my lord. Go there early with her. Smile. Tell her, you're on her side.

"Ah, wait for me!" Marius called out, before hearing the strange voice coming from an image of a giant scorpion in his mind. "H-huh?" He froze, What? No, a loaded dice is what a thief uses! I'm... I'm a merchant! He screamed at the strange image in his head as he shakes it from side to side. "Urgh... of course I know she needs my support." He whispered to himself, "And I'm always on her side!" He exclaims as he pumps himself up, before running after Yanase. "Wait for me!" He called out to his leader.

 

[Tjf]

The elven woman doesn't speak, simply looking more amused than particularly bothered. As Artemisa feels the flow and taste of the wine, she feels it happen. Along with the typical, rush to her head, the sense of dizziness, but, also her vision blurring out, fading into visualizing something else.

Her friend. The voice. It almost sounded like a lively young man, but not quite like anyone she's ever actually met before. It didn't take her being sober for her to gather it was likely a byproduct from being pretty consistently drunk most of the time. Not that the occasional flashes of whatever you would call it were that bad. All he really did was tell her to have fun. and party more often.

Zentha simply quietly observed. Obviously, she couldn't hear the sorceresses thoughts. But she could feel them. Still burning in the back of her mind. Quieter now. But...it's presence hadn't truly gone away.

Rigid posture. Covering the left side of her ribs. Must still hurt from the last battle. The hospital tent must have medical herbs. Maybe something for you too, if you want to help with that. Not like she'd admit it though.

The man spoke with a confidence. Looking at her posture, Artemisa could tell he was right. Or she was. It wasn't easy to tell if it was just her thoughts she could have observed and just her already somewhat wasted mind just now playing catch up. Regardless, the elf didn't make any expression to suggest anything was wrong, but as she began to walk. Artemisa could see her pretend to adjust her overly skimpy armor seemingly to cover up her wound. but she remained confident and kept walking. "There's quite a bit to discuss today."

W-Woah, the hell was in that drink? I didn't know Zentha liked to party. But hey, it's a nice buzz, so I'll go with it... "Hey, Zentha, let's head to the medical tent and get that rib looked at. You can start this 'discussion' on the way." Half thinking that her friend is a hallucination, she replies to him. Thanks for the advice. You're alright, whoever you are. Who are you, again?

 

[Thorn_]

What... was that? Did I have too much to drink? Toran wondered, then shook his head and hurried to catch up to Yolanda and the captain. I'll worry about it later, when I am sober. He decided not to mention the vision and the voice - most people would not take him seriously and think he was just drunk, anyway. Besides, he needed to focus on... whatever the captain needed him for.

The walk was short, without anything to it that anyone would call particularly exciting. But he could feel an odd sensation that was hard to describe. Something rearing in the back of his head, in a way that couldn't be put into normal words. It didn't feel like whatever it was, had truly left. But more of.. just biding it's time and ...watching...for something.

"Ah, wait for me!" Marius called out, before hearing the strange voice coming from an image of a giant scorpion in his mind. "H-huh?" He froze, What? No, a loaded dice is what a thief uses! I'm... I'm a merchant! He screamed at the strange image in his head as he shakes it from side to side. "Urgh... of course I know she needs my support." He whispered to himself, "And I'm always on her side!" He exclaims as he pumps himself up, before running after Yanase. "Wait for me!" He called out to his leader.

Merchant. Right, right. You've doing that for...how long now? You work hard. You don't complain about much. So how come we're poor? Some rich noble twat gets to sit on his ass all day and rake in more from taxes in a week than you'll make in your life? How is that fair? The dices are always loaded, baby. But I'm rolling them for me and you. You need to land yourself a rich chick. Then rail her like crazy until she's got your baby. Do it for equality!

Was...this really him thinking it? Whatever the case, the certain...something seemed to have died down for the moment as he followed after Yanase.

W-Woah, the hell was in that drink? I didn't know Zentha liked to party. But hey, it's a nice buzz, so I'll go with it... "Hey, Zentha, let's head to the medical tent and get that rib looked at. You can start this 'discussion' on the way." Half thinking that her friend is a hallucination, she replies to him. Thanks for the advice. You're alright, whoever you are. Who are you, again?

Who? You know who! I'm that little part of you that knows what you want. Whenever, you think you need a drink or some fun, I'm right there, with you. When you get that little thought in your head that tells you to show off the goods more, that's all me. I'm that little thought in your head that tells you how to live. And I've been looking. I've been seeing what you're up to, and I've been feeling the drinks. Not bad, but you can do better. How much longer are you going to live anyway? How many years do you got before your looks go away anyway? Ten? Twenty? With how much you go at it, not likely. Research shows someone who drinks heavily for twenty to thirty years can end up looking at least ten years older. Aren't you at least thirty by now? Do the math on that. That means you only got about THREE WEEKS before your age hits you!

Stop? Too late for that. You got almost no time to party left, and sure, you've had fun. But have you reeeaaallly had enough fun? Why haven't you taken up opium yet? Or tried out that coca plant thing? Go for it. Get another drink. Or five. You need it more than they do!

The voice still seemed incredibly lively and vibrant even as it expressed it's desire for her to delve into even more dangerous habits than before. But the time to properly focus on it was limited as she made her way into the war tent.



@Daylan
@moonblack
@asddas193
@Tjf

As Toran and Yolanda entered the tent, they could see Yanase and Marius having already beat them there standing at the other end of the table, and quickly joined by Zentha and Artemisa following in after them, to gather around a small table. The captain's positioned themselves into an almost triangle shape across from each other, Athyln looking like he'd be the first to speak, but raising his hand up to make a gesture for some silence as he grabbed a bottle in his other hand and began to swallow, before he'd speak.

"Alright. So, here's what we gotta do. We need to plan our best move from here, however, that happens." As the elven man spoke, the darker elven woman gave a small nod of confirmation.

"I'm not sure, which of you is super caught up in modern politics, but what's important is we got a number of offers, and not enough time to do them." Though Zentha said it, she glanced at Marius and Yolanda, seeming to silently imply she expected more from them.

Yanase chose to stay quiet, handing a stack of scrolls and papers to Zentha who then placed on the mapping table.

"First, even our most dumbest drunks already know we could be looking at inter-continental level war. First offer. The Aleian Empire is looking for more manpower to make the push for the Bouthrian islands. The Bikirehian horde is thinking the same thing, and the islands themselves are looking for defenders. So, we got to ask, whose going to win this thing and whose good side do we want to be on?" Zentha seemed to be staring at the scribbles she made on the map prior, tracking movements, trying to access the situation.

"I...I...think we should join the island's defense. And we could supply them with things they can't get normally too." Yanase tried to weigh in, though Athyln seemed to stare at her with a certain seriousness returning, that made her shrink back.

"I don't know. Sure, that sounds good, to save people and all, but the Aleian Empire has got a lot more money and plenty of nobility we can gouge. And they're a lot more powerful." The archer wasn't really dismissing her, but seemed more concerned over the strength difference, but Zentha let out a slight "mmm" sound, grabbing both of their attention.

"I wouldn't say that. It's true, Bouthria is much less populated comparatively, but the island is invaluable strategically for either of those countries invasions to work. Being an island, they can only get their troops there to try and capture it by sea, which means they can't invade with their full force, especially with resistance from foreign powers. But Aleia also needs people for the inquisition which would help in bumping off some old rivals if we play our cards right. I know that a lot of the boys would love to go with Talyan's thing, and just raid and pillage...but I couldn't really gather enough information on him to know how he treats his allies. Of course, there are advantages to working for the horde. You can't get in trouble with their lack of rules."

Everyone was aware, there was some truth to what she was saying. A lot of the harder mercenaries had spent long enough in constant war and combat, they had no idea how to act or conduct themselves out of a warzone. That was the whole point of having a Bronze division to do the talking for them, for things like that. "But the problem with throwing our lot in with savages, is they'll most likely pay like savages. The usual deal. Keep whatever you kill and steal, but they wouldn't pay nearly as handsomely even if they'd be more fun. Bouthria is the weakest....but undoubtedly, that makes them also the most desperate and certainly, the most well paying. Though....trying to fend off nearly two different armies of invaders may prove....difficult. But I don't doubt if we could get the boy's acts together and impress King Nikolas, the Aleia kingdom would have no problem getting use a few full pardons for...our past business ventures."

Athyln gave a nod as he thought about it. "I'm also looking into bounties put out on any officers or commanders if we can happen to get a few bonus checks on the way, but it's hard to figure out what one to commit too. They all got enemies who I know I can squeeze to pay out, for dealing with their problems at the same time, but once we pick a side, it's going to take a lot of doing to convince the rest we somehow changed our mind, after."

 

[Daylan]

Very little happened out of the ordinary. Though as she walked...Yolanda could almost feel this....something. She wasn't sure what it was. A passing feeling. But just looking at her surroundings gave the thought. Not as if it was entirely her own. She was a noblewoman. They were merely drunken peasants. She was kind of above this, wasn't she? But then it was gone. In a very strange surge. A thought so rapid, and in such a tone, it didn't feel like she was the one who thought of it. But the moment was gone. It had passed, and the walk remained mostly uneventful for her.

Yolanda did not too deeply on those thoughts. The idea that she was lowering herself too far beneath her stature had crossed her mind from time-to-time. Said idea had never hit her quite like this before but at the end of the day it was undeniable that, runaway or not, she was born in a class far beyond anything these people understood. Of course, it was also a class that sometimes saw its own blood as nothing more than leverage for money and power. A class more than willing to sacrifice a young woman such as herself to some horny old fat bastard who made it very clear she would only ever see worth as an occasional plaything at best or a constant breeding sow at worst.

Yes, her "higher class" had more than its own share of ugliness that she was glad to be away from, even if she did terribly miss the finer foods, clothing, music, housing, and servants she once had now and again.

While the alien thought itself might have past quickly, the other unpleasant thoughts they had dug up did not. This left her inwardly fuming slightly even as the only outward sign of her frustration was a slightly more severe look on her face.

 

[Daylan]

"I wouldn't say that. It's true, Bouthria is much less populated comparatively, but the island is invaluable strategically for either of those countries invasions to work. Being an island, they can only get their troops there to try and capture it by sea, which means they can't invade with their full force, especially with resistance from foreign powers. But Aleia also needs people for the inquisition which would help in bumping off some old rivals if we play our cards right. I know that a lot of the boys would love to go with Talyan's thing, and just raid and pillage...but I couldn't really gather enough information on him to know how he treats his allies. Of course, there are advantages to working for the horde. You can't get in trouble with their lack of rules."

"IF we decide to support Bouthria," Yolanda says, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "Having both Aleia and the Horde interested in it could work to our advantage. If both are planning an invasion, then it would make sense they might try to sabotage each others efforts. And if said sabotage gets too intense or leads to big enough scuffles between their forces, they might decide to focus on each other first. Deal with the other predator before focusing on the prey, as it were."

 

[moonblack]

After sitting down Toran attempted to focus on the discussion that was about to begin – a task made quite difficult by the presence of Yanase, Zentha and Artemisa, each of them blessed with impressive – and very distracting – tracts of land. Still, he had enough discipline to not get distracted by the ladies... even if his pants felt a bit tighter now.

Once everyone was seated the captains began explaining the situation, which helped Toran mostly focus on what was being said, his eyes only occasionally wandering to Zentha's bust whenever she was talking.

"IF we decide to support Bouthria," Yolanda says, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "Having both Aleia and the Horde interested in it could work to our advantage. If both are planning an invasion, then it would make sense they might try to sabotage each others efforts. And if said sabotage gets too intense or leads to big enough scuffles between their forces, they might decide to focus on each other first. Deal with the other predator before focusing on the prey, as it were."

Toran nodded in agreement with what Yolanda was saying before adding his own thoughts. “Defense is generally easier and safer – I'd rather be on top of a tall and sturdy wall trying to repel invaders than to be at the bottom of said wall, trying to scale it or breach it. We don't even need to push the invaders back – we just need to make it so difficult for them that they decide it is better to negotiate and strike a deal with Bouthria than to fully conquer the island.”

 

[Tjf]

The walk was short, without anything to it that anyone would call particularly exciting. But he could feel an odd sensation that was hard to describe. Something rearing in the back of his head, in a way that couldn't be put into normal words. It didn't feel like whatever it was, had truly left. But more of.. just biding it's time and ...watching...for something.

Merchant. Right, right. You've doing that for...how long now? You work hard. You don't complain about much. So how come we're poor? Some rich noble twat gets to sit on his ass all day and rake in more from taxes in a week than you'll make in your life? How is that fair? The dices are always loaded, baby. But I'm rolling them for me and you. You need to land yourself a rich chick. Then rail her like crazy until she's got your baby. Do it for equality!

Was...this really him thinking it? Whatever the case, the certain...something seemed to have died down for the moment as he followed after Yanase.

Who? You know who! I'm that little part of you that knows what you want. Whenever, you think you need a drink or some fun, I'm right there, with you. When you get that little thought in your head that tells you to show off the goods more, that's all me. I'm that little thought in your head that tells you how to live. And I've been looking. I've been seeing what you're up to, and I've been feeling the drinks. Not bad, but you can do better. How much longer are you going to live anyway? How many years do you got before your looks go away anyway? Ten? Twenty? With how much you go at it, not likely. Research shows someone who drinks heavily for twenty to thirty years can end up looking at least ten years older. Aren't you at least thirty by now? Do the math on that. That means you only got about THREE WEEKS before your age hits you!

Stop? Too late for that. You got almost no time to party left, and sure, you've had fun. But have you reeeaaallly had enough fun? Why haven't you taken up opium yet? Or tried out that coca plant thing? Go for it. Get another drink. Or five. You need it more than they do!

The voice still seemed incredibly lively and vibrant even as it expressed it's desire for her to delve into even more dangerous habits than before. But the time to properly focus on it was limited as she made her way into the war tent.



@Daylan
@moonblack
@asddas193
@Tjf

As Toran and Yolanda entered the tent, they could see Yanase and Marius having already beat them there standing at the other end of the table, and quickly joined by Zentha and Artemisa following in after them, to gather around a small table. The captain's positioned themselves into an almost triangle shape across from each other, Athyln looking like he'd be the first to speak, but raising his hand up to make a gesture for some silence as he grabbed a bottle in his other hand and began to swallow, before he'd speak.

"Alright. So, here's what we gotta do. We need to plan our best move from here, however, that happens." As the elven man spoke, the darker elven woman gave a small nod of confirmation.

"I'm not sure, which of you is super caught up in modern politics, but what's important is we got a number of offers, and not enough time to do them." Though Zentha said it, she glanced at Marius and Yolanda, seeming to silently imply she expected more from them.

Yanase chose to stay quiet, handing a stack of scrolls and papers to Zentha who then placed on the mapping table.

"First, even our most dumbest drunks already know we could be looking at inter-continental level war. First offer. The Aleian Empire is looking for more manpower to make the push for the Bouthrian islands. The Bikirehian horde is thinking the same thing, and the islands themselves are looking for defenders. So, we got to ask, whose going to win this thing and whose good side do we want to be on?" Zentha seemed to be staring at the scribbles she made on the map prior, tracking movements, trying to access the situation.

"I...I...think we should join the island's defense. And we could supply them with things they can't get normally too." Yanase tried to weigh in, though Athyln seemed to stare at her with a certain seriousness returning, that made her shrink back.

"I don't know. Sure, that sounds good, to save people and all, but the Aleian Empire has got a lot more money and plenty of nobility we can gouge. And they're a lot more powerful." The archer wasn't really dismissing her, but seemed more concerned over the strength difference, but Zentha let out a slight "mmm" sound, grabbing both of their attention.

"I wouldn't say that. It's true, Bouthria is much less populated comparatively, but the island is invaluable strategically for either of those countries invasions to work. Being an island, they can only get their troops there to try and capture it by sea, which means they can't invade with their full force, especially with resistance from foreign powers. But Aleia also needs people for the inquisition which would help in bumping off some old rivals if we play our cards right. I know that a lot of the boys would love to go with Talyan's thing, and just raid and pillage...but I couldn't really gather enough information on him to know how he treats his allies. Of course, there are advantages to working for the horde. You can't get in trouble with their lack of rules."

Everyone was aware, there was some truth to what she was saying. A lot of the harder mercenaries had spent long enough in constant war and combat, they had no idea how to act or conduct themselves out of a warzone. That was the whole point of having a Bronze division to do the talking for them, for things like that. "But the problem with throwing our lot in with savages, is they'll most likely pay like savages. The usual deal. Keep whatever you kill and steal, but they wouldn't pay nearly as handsomely even if they'd be more fun. Bouthria is the weakest....but undoubtedly, that makes them also the most desperate and certainly, the most well paying. Though....trying to fend off nearly two different armies of invaders may prove....difficult. But I don't doubt if we could get the boy's acts together and impress King Nikolas, the Aleia kingdom would have no problem getting use a few full pardons for...our past business ventures."

Athyln gave a nod as he thought about it. "I'm also looking into bounties put out on any officers or commanders if we can happen to get a few bonus checks on the way, but it's hard to figure out what one to commit too. They all got enemies who I know I can squeeze to pay out, for dealing with their problems at the same time, but once we pick a side, it's going to take a lot of doing to convince the rest we somehow changed our mind, after."

Hey, I have magic to deal with my aging. If it wasn't for sorcery, my kidney would have shriveled up years ago. She tells the voice in her head, while listening to the strategic briefing. "Defending an island carries its own risk." She tells the crowd. "We can be cut off by naval power, and then if we don't win, the island becomes our grave - if we don't get enslaved. Going with Aleia seems the safest option."

 

[asddas193]

The walk was short, without anything to it that anyone would call particularly exciting. But he could feel an odd sensation that was hard to describe. Something rearing in the back of his head, in a way that couldn't be put into normal words. It didn't feel like whatever it was, had truly left. But more of.. just biding it's time and ...watching...for something.

Merchant. Right, right. You've doing that for...how long now? You work hard. You don't complain about much. So how come we're poor? Some rich noble twat gets to sit on his ass all day and rake in more from taxes in a week than you'll make in your life? How is that fair? The dices are always loaded, baby. But I'm rolling them for me and you. You need to land yourself a rich chick. Then rail her like crazy until she's got your baby. Do it for equality!

Was...this really him thinking it? Whatever the case, the certain...something seemed to have died down for the moment as he followed after Yanase.

Who? You know who! I'm that little part of you that knows what you want. Whenever, you think you need a drink or some fun, I'm right there, with you. When you get that little thought in your head that tells you to show off the goods more, that's all me. I'm that little thought in your head that tells you how to live. And I've been looking. I've been seeing what you're up to, and I've been feeling the drinks. Not bad, but you can do better. How much longer are you going to live anyway? How many years do you got before your looks go away anyway? Ten? Twenty? With how much you go at it, not likely. Research shows someone who drinks heavily for twenty to thirty years can end up looking at least ten years older. Aren't you at least thirty by now? Do the math on that. That means you only got about THREE WEEKS before your age hits you!

Stop? Too late for that. You got almost no time to party left, and sure, you've had fun. But have you reeeaaallly had enough fun? Why haven't you taken up opium yet? Or tried out that coca plant thing? Go for it. Get another drink. Or five. You need it more than they do!

The voice still seemed incredibly lively and vibrant even as it expressed it's desire for her to delve into even more dangerous habits than before. But the time to properly focus on it was limited as she made her way into the war tent.



@Daylan
@moonblack
@asddas193
@Tjf

As Toran and Yolanda entered the tent, they could see Yanase and Marius having already beat them there standing at the other end of the table, and quickly joined by Zentha and Artemisa following in after them, to gather around a small table. The captain's positioned themselves into an almost triangle shape across from each other, Athyln looking like he'd be the first to speak, but raising his hand up to make a gesture for some silence as he grabbed a bottle in his other hand and began to swallow, before he'd speak.

"Alright. So, here's what we gotta do. We need to plan our best move from here, however, that happens." As the elven man spoke, the darker elven woman gave a small nod of confirmation.

"I'm not sure, which of you is super caught up in modern politics, but what's important is we got a number of offers, and not enough time to do them." Though Zentha said it, she glanced at Marius and Yolanda, seeming to silently imply she expected more from them.

Yanase chose to stay quiet, handing a stack of scrolls and papers to Zentha who then placed on the mapping table.

"First, even our most dumbest drunks already know we could be looking at inter-continental level war. First offer. The Aleian Empire is looking for more manpower to make the push for the Bouthrian islands. The Bikirehian horde is thinking the same thing, and the islands themselves are looking for defenders. So, we got to ask, whose going to win this thing and whose good side do we want to be on?" Zentha seemed to be staring at the scribbles she made on the map prior, tracking movements, trying to access the situation.

"I...I...think we should join the island's defense. And we could supply them with things they can't get normally too." Yanase tried to weigh in, though Athyln seemed to stare at her with a certain seriousness returning, that made her shrink back.

"I don't know. Sure, that sounds good, to save people and all, but the Aleian Empire has got a lot more money and plenty of nobility we can gouge. And they're a lot more powerful." The archer wasn't really dismissing her, but seemed more concerned over the strength difference, but Zentha let out a slight "mmm" sound, grabbing both of their attention.

"I wouldn't say that. It's true, Bouthria is much less populated comparatively, but the island is invaluable strategically for either of those countries invasions to work. Being an island, they can only get their troops there to try and capture it by sea, which means they can't invade with their full force, especially with resistance from foreign powers. But Aleia also needs people for the inquisition which would help in bumping off some old rivals if we play our cards right. I know that a lot of the boys would love to go with Talyan's thing, and just raid and pillage...but I couldn't really gather enough information on him to know how he treats his allies. Of course, there are advantages to working for the horde. You can't get in trouble with their lack of rules."

Everyone was aware, there was some truth to what she was saying. A lot of the harder mercenaries had spent long enough in constant war and combat, they had no idea how to act or conduct themselves out of a warzone. That was the whole point of having a Bronze division to do the talking for them, for things like that. "But the problem with throwing our lot in with savages, is they'll most likely pay like savages. The usual deal. Keep whatever you kill and steal, but they wouldn't pay nearly as handsomely even if they'd be more fun. Bouthria is the weakest....but undoubtedly, that makes them also the most desperate and certainly, the most well paying. Though....trying to fend off nearly two different armies of invaders may prove....difficult. But I don't doubt if we could get the boy's acts together and impress King Nikolas, the Aleia kingdom would have no problem getting use a few full pardons for...our past business ventures."

Athyln gave a nod as he thought about it. "I'm also looking into bounties put out on any officers or commanders if we can happen to get a few bonus checks on the way, but it's hard to figure out what one to commit too. They all got enemies who I know I can squeeze to pay out, for dealing with their problems at the same time, but once we pick a side, it's going to take a lot of doing to convince the rest we somehow changed our mind, after."

What? I've only been a merchant, or at least trying to be one for a year, or two. I started from being a orphan, so I'd consider myself a lot more wealthy than I was before! And nobles... well, those guys' ancestors must have done something worthwhile... right? W-wait, do what to a lady!? Marius calmly replied to the voice in his head, until that voice told him to go find a rich woman to fuck. He immediately gets flustered, once again shaking his head to clear away the seemingly foreign thoughts.

Thankfully, the moment they entered the tent, seeing all the important people inside made his mind blank out for a bit. What, I thought we were going to negotiate, not plan a mission! He screamed inside his head, as he slowly calmed down, allowing him to listen to the meeting properly.

So, either join the attack, or help defend. Marius pondered as the others gave their suggestions, Ugh, I have no clue about tactics, but if I look at it at a business standpoint. Hmm. The young man thought hard, before giving his suggestion. "Uhm, I agree with defending the island." He spoke out, "I don't have any sort of knowledge about battle tactics. But from what everyone said. The invaders will need to use ships to get there. So if we get there first, I think we can prepare for their arrival. While at the same time buying what we'll need in the island, and selling some of our excess supplies to the natives. A-also, I agree with Yolanda. I'm not certain what the Aleian Empire, and the Bouthria Horde's relationships are. But... maybe we could steal some of their troops armors, and proceed to hinder the other's attempts of invading?"

 

[Thorn_]

@Daylan
@asddas193

"The horde heavily relies on cavalry, but that isn't any help along the constant cliffs and rocksides surrounding the island. Ship travel means they can't bring too many horses in....." Zentha began to go into her musings. "Either invading force will have a difficult time trying to disembark and landing troops...this might actually be possible....but this does present a problem. A shattered defense, means there will be almost nowhere to safely retreat and we're essentially closed in. But..." Glancing to Yolanda as if nodding to her suggestion. "If it comes to it, we can claim we were waiting for an opportunity for the Bothurian forces to let their guard down."

"I...think that's a good idea, still. We just need to defend the cities then. We don't need to raid anything." Yanase tried to sound more sure of herself, though it fell flat.

"My bigger problem is how to keep the boys under control then." Athyln didn't put the bottle down, or even stopped drinking, but that serious tone of him being a commander began to creep. "We'll be employed by the crown and most likely reinforcing their cities. It isn't some wartorn backwater in the middle of nowhere. They have actual laws and there will be serious trouble if even one of our company men runs off and does something stupid while getting wasted. That is, act like an idiot in their villages protected by the crown, and they WILL punish you."

@Tjf
@moonblack

He didn't say it outright, but it was becoming apparent to why exactly the Capitan's wanted them here for this. But Yanase made a stammer, trying to speak up. "I-it shouldn't be too bad. We can just set up a camp outside of settlements so we can respond quickly, but keep those who can't be trusted to behave away from the general population. N-not that applies to anyone here." Stepping back a bit, she tried to almost shrink herself to be completely invisible realizing she pretty much put her foot in her mouth.

Zentha, however, had a look of agreement. "That might be a problem. The withdrawal will make our guys a lot worse for wear and cranky, if we tried to dry them up completely. We'll have to limit how much interaction they can have with civilian's. I haven't heard too much about Prince Isaac, but from what little I know, it sounds unlikely he will allow foreign soldiers to do as they please in his own country."

"E-even so, I think it's the best option." Yanase tried to assert herself between the two elves, who gave her a look as they thought on it. Zentha weighed it for a bit. "I dislike having no reliable way to get out, but we should be able to keep the island secure. They plan to use it as a pushing point for their invasion against another empire, after all. If war becomes too costly, the Bouthrian's though inferior in force very well, could get them to capitulate...but..." Zentha seemed to be doing her best to weigh the options pro and con evenly, as she thought on it. "To fight Aleia means they will certainly call in the Black Thorns."

Even though it was very rare to see Athyln actually look worried off the battlefield, his expression began to tighten further. "I'd actually worry more about going against them then Aleian soldiers. I've only been in a few engagements with them...worked with them a couple times too...I can honestly tell you, these guys are not your average joke swords-for-hires. Serious shit. And...then the Pale Dominon's either going to side with Bouthria or with the Horde, just to fuck with Aleia. They're still pretty butthurt about that reformation thing. Much better equipped and professional than anything else the horde's got if they do chose to throw their lot in, with the Tayln guy."

"But...we can still do this?" Yanase had to ask the question, and Aythln tried to shift back into that easy going mood as a response.

"Hey, we're still the best. It would be a little too boring if we didn't have any real battles too deal with." He tried. He really did try to force it, but it dissolved quickly. Back into that hardened veteran look.

"Are we really committed to this then? If it's what people want, I'll take the job. But...I also gotta say, if we really do this, it's not going to be pretty."

 

[Tjf]

@Daylan
@asddas193

"The horde heavily relies on cavalry, but that isn't any help along the constant cliffs and rocksides surrounding the island. Ship travel means they can't bring too many horses in....." Zentha began to go into her musings. "Either invading force will have a difficult time trying to disembark and landing troops...this might actually be possible....but this does present a problem. A shattered defense, means there will be almost nowhere to safely retreat and we're essentially closed in. But..." Glancing to Yolanda as if nodding to her suggestion. "If it comes to it, we can claim we were waiting for an opportunity for the Bothurian forces to let their guard down."

"I...think that's a good idea, still. We just need to defend the cities then. We don't need to raid anything." Yanase tried to sound more sure of herself, though it fell flat.

"My bigger problem is how to keep the boys under control then." Athyln didn't put the bottle down, or even stopped drinking, but that serious tone of him being a commander began to creep. "We'll be employed by the crown and most likely reinforcing their cities. It isn't some wartorn backwater in the middle of nowhere. They have actual laws and there will be serious trouble if even one of our company men runs off and does something stupid while getting wasted. That is, act like an idiot in their villages protected by the crown, and they WILL punish you."

@Tjf
@moonblack

He didn't say it outright, but it was becoming apparent to why exactly the Capitan's wanted them here for this. But Yanase made a stammer, trying to speak up. "I-it shouldn't be too bad. We can just set up a camp outside of settlements so we can respond quickly, but keep those who can't be trusted to behave away from the general population. N-not that applies to anyone here." Stepping back a bit, she tried to almost shrink herself to be completely invisible realizing she pretty much put her foot in her mouth.

Zentha, however, had a look of agreement. "That might be a problem. The withdrawal will make our guys a lot worse for wear and cranky, if we tried to dry them up completely. We'll have to limit how much interaction they can have with civilian's. I haven't heard too much about Prince Isaac, but from what little I know, it sounds unlikely he will allow foreign soldiers to do as they please in his own country."

"E-even so, I think it's the best option." Yanase tried to assert herself between the two elves, who gave her a look as they thought on it. Zentha weighed it for a bit. "I dislike having no reliable way to get out, but we should be able to keep the island secure. They plan to use it as a pushing point for their invasion against another empire, after all. If war becomes too costly, the Bouthrian's though inferior in force very well, could get them to capitulate...but..." Zentha seemed to be doing her best to weigh the options pro and con evenly, as she thought on it. "To fight Aleia means they will certainly call in the Black Thorns."

Even though it was very rare to see Athyln actually look worried off the battlefield, his expression began to tighten further. "I'd actually worry more about going against them then Aleian soldiers. I've only been in a few engagements with them...worked with them a couple times too...I can honestly tell you, these guys are not your average joke swords-for-hires. Serious shit. And...then the Pale Dominon's either going to side with Bouthria or with the Horde, just to fuck with Aleia. They're still pretty butthurt about that reformation thing. Much better equipped and professional than anything else the horde's got if they do chose to throw their lot in, with the Tayln guy."

"But...we can still do this?" Yanase had to ask the question, and Aythln tried to shift back into that easy going mood as a response.

"Hey, we're still the best. It would be a little too boring if we didn't have any real battles too deal with." He tried. He really did try to force it, but it dissolved quickly. Back into that hardened veteran look.

"Are we really committed to this then? If it's what people want, I'll take the job. But...I also gotta say, if we really do this, it's not going to be pretty."

Not a military strategist by any means, the former priestess hangs back. With her ten cents put into the discussion, she has no real compulsion to argue with the plan.

 

[moonblack]

“We're dealing with an inter-continental war here. No matter which path we choose it's going to suck, one way or another. This one seems best to me.” Toran shrugged.

 

[asddas193]

"I'm not sure it's wise to ally ourselves with Aleia with their reforms going on. After all, how long before they consider mercenaries like us as nothing more than bandits, or thieves.." Marius spoke his mind, pausing at the word "thief," as he takes a deep breath. "I agree with miss Yanase, though it will be difficult, we can have the more... rowdier members take position in camps. An excuse of being closer to the fighting might entice them more than we might expect."

 

[Daylan]

Yolanda nods in agreement with Marius' statement. "We all know the allure of the front line and the glory it can promise to those looking to boast of their strength and glory. And the belief that strong performance in battle can lead to attracting more fair pure maidens or innocent farm boys might at least get the more... restless of our numbers to practice some patience until they have proved their mettle to the populace."