Spirits of the Earth

The chalk scratched down the wall of the room loudly, the rough sound filling the small quarters. It was the twenty-seventh. Its predecessors marked the area of wall behind and above it, tiny ticks on the bland grey. Something to strike the days, keep track of how long it took. How long rebellion and insider sabotage took to wreak havoc on a tyranny. If it worked, that is.

Ignis sighed, rolling the white chalk between his palms as he gazed at the twenty seven tiny lines creating a strange pattern on his wall. Four weeks he had been here in Reajh now, trapped in the suffocating confines of a city that would happily see him executed were they to discover his true motives for simply entering their capital, let alone their Mordecai, their "protection".

He was seriously beginning to doubt that last part, the month spent blending in with the ranks of his fellow Mordecai showing him just how twisted Connloath was. He had known, before, that things were out of control; mages actively hunted down, the laws almost oppressive, the Grand Duke a Grand Douce.

He just hadn't known it was this bad.

Slipping the chalk back underneath his pillow and throwing the curtains wide, he pushed open the creaking, rusted Windows and leaned on the thick sill, letting the morning breeze play havoc with his already messy hair, ruffling the collar of his shirt and jacket as well. It was one of the small comforts he took, this morning routine. The early morning air invigorated him, reminded him of what he could never return to if he failed here. The life he had known before. It was easy to blame Alveron for pushing him into such peril, but he knew in his heart that if any other had come to him with the prospect in any other manner, he still would have done the same. It was in his nature, despite what others told him, and what he told himself.

The bell chimed, signalling the start of the Reajhan day.

A grim smile pulled at his lips. Time to go to work.

The bell chimed, signalling the start of the Rejhan day.

And the beginning of a rather long, body tearing, mind wrenching day for the Major. She slid from her thick sheets reluctantly, stretching her body until every muscle seemed contently relaxed and each joint snapped merrily into place. She began to move about her private quarters, sliding on the essentials- gooseflesh from the cool air long having spread over her bare skin- moving on to her mandatory tunic and pants- both dirtied from the rpevious days' training.

Today would be no different from most days but for the presence of a fellow Mordecai joining her- why? She had no clue, nor did she particularly care, all that mattered was that he (or she) would be strutting about the training yard like an armed peacock judging her men. Luckily she was the type to assert cominance rather quickly so surely she would have little frustration, yes?

Shaking out her hair from the collar, she strode quickly through thebarracks, offering her subordinates the occasional nod before shifting into the training ground, looking about impatiently- where was this man?

Ignis descended the steps to the training ground two at a time, tucking his shirt into his belt as he went. Harbinger smacked the back of his head as he finished with the shirt, reminding him of the fact he had yet to fasten the second strap that held the sword firm on his back. Grumbling slightly to himself, he set about buckling the sheath in place as he strode into the large training yard.

His shock of white hair stood out from the Connloathian mob, setting him apart from them in an unmistakable manner. Still, he paid their sideways looks no mind, electric blue eyes raking over the crowd. He was supposed to be meeting with some General today, looking over her troops and undergoing a mission with them. He suspected the Order believed him to have a lot of experience in a lot of things that he didn't. Frankly he had no idea what he was doing. But, hey, winging it had gotten him this far. May as well keep on going.

He spotted the woman he was supposed to meet, then, standing on the opposite side of the yard. Typical. Weaving his way through the men and women training in the area, he raised a hand to catch her attention, best not to startle a military general who happened to be a Mordecai as well.

To her, his presence would feel muted. While most Mordecai had a familiar thrum and flow of their negative abilities, Ignis was silent. There was an aura there, but it was as though it was a ghost, a shadow.

As he approached, she could feel this odd change in his aura, it differed from others- it was much weaker. Where as, in retrospect, as he drew into several meters of her, it would be a shock as if stepping from a warm room into a blizzard. The aura enough to cause breath to briefly stop and heart to jump. Nonetheless, the Major moved to greet him, extending a hand," Are you the Mordecai they sent?" She inquires somewhat dryly , seeming to look him up and down rather briefly

Ignis nodded, placing his own gloved right hand in hers with a single shake, "Ignis Aella." The lie slid off his tongue with ease, the name he had adopted as familiar to him as his own. Hopefully Luna wouldn't mind if she found out he was using her family name to infiltrate and destroy the Duchey of Connloath.

He almost smiled at that, but smothered it quickly as he brought his hand back and folded his arms over his chest, quietly discomforted by the powerful aura the woman cast. She was strong, evidently so, but sometimes the strongest powers were the quiet ones.

" 'Ignis'?" she echoes," 'Fire'? Are you a devout disciple of Ansgar mayhaps?" she inquires, tilting her head gently to one side as she shakes his hand firmly. She releases his arm, motioning for him to follow her as she turns swiftly, long straight locks swinging elegantly across her back.

Ignis snorted and shook his head, falling into step with her easily, "Can't say that I am. I was raised an Adella, with questionable ethnicity. So my view on religion and the gods is somewhat...cackhanded." He confessed, somewhat amused that she had immediately picked up on the meaning of his name.

" I see- well, I only ask due to some of the more obscure hymns mentioning divine fire- 'Ignis Divine'-" offering hima  vague smile as they weaved through the pockets of platoons and their sergeants, she chides," I suppose I can show you the stables first, stay close, I will not stop." plunging forth as they make their way to a long, low building taking up an entire side of the courtyard- the smell of animal feces and clean hay permeating through the air.

Ignis let out a soft chuff at that, folding his hands together behind his back in a more relaxed walk. He breathed in deeply when they arrived in the stables, inhaling the familiar scent of the magnificent Connloathian warhorses. They far outranked his own chestnut mare, but they were A) far too exotic for his tastes, B) There was practically no way he could get his hands on one outside of this little farce, and C) his mare was far more suited for the boring travel and wander he undertook. A warhorse would no doubt go mad from boredom with his tendencies to dilly dally around the place.

Didn't mean he wasn't going to enjoy the privilege while he got it though b

As they moved into the long cooridor- lit sparingly bu the occasional skylight, the vast array of war animals seemed to come to life. Most notably as the end of the hall- a stable door all but splintering under the force of powerful hooves as a massive, and perhaps familiar white Theocog roared a welcome. Sticking its head briefly out of the stall to give Ignis the elevator eyes before snorting in disappointment," Ah- Purgatorio is throwing a tantrum again... Tell me Ignis, have you ever ridden a true charger before? Or particpated in heavy cavalry?" She muses, jogging now to hurry to the stall where a hapless stablehand was attempting to calm the beast.

Aven strides out onto the practice field, clad in his full plate and helm, beginning to stretch his arms and legs in preparation for the day. He glanced around for Hakon, puzzled, as she was often around this area, either observing the training or beating some poor sap mercilessly into the dirt. He sighs, as that 'poor sap' was him ninety percent of the time.
A memory surfaces, suddenly, of a conversation they'd had the previous day about headquarters sending Mordecai to join her on her next assignment. He surmises that she is probably entertaining the man- or woman, he didn't judge- at the moment, probably some pompous old fool too set in his ways to join Aven's growing band of revolutionaries. A pity, but it can't be helped; not everyone has the guts to stand up against a regime. He pulls his greatsword off his back, beginning to do repetitive practice swings: he may not be able to train his muscles, but training his mind to use the shadows in his armor like normal muscles was certainly an exercise he could use.
In the stable, Ingis' arm may begin to act up from Aven's presence in the nearby area.


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Ignis picked up a jog with a light skip into the pace, following Hakon down the aisle to the massive charger. "I can't say I've ever ridden a Theocog, no," He replied, keeping his distance from the angry beast and watching quietly, "Though I have ridden a dragon, which I dare say you haven't." He grinned.

A slight grunt left his lips then, left hand jerking in an attempt to rise to his right shoulder. Stilling his traitorous appendage, he gritted his teeth. A spiking tingle ran down his arm, a familiar sensation, if somewhat dulled from the usual. He knew this feeling.

....Aven. Juuuust great.

" Ah so I suppose we are both superior in our own ways- alas, if you wish to observe us, you will have to learn to ride with us- there is an available Ground Drake who dearly needs some excersize- perhaps that would interest you due to the similarities it would share with a flying counterpart," Cocking her head with a dry smile, she motions toward another stall where a massive black and feathered lizard lay curled up quite contently despite its neighbor's tantrum.

Purgatorio eagerly nuzzles Hakon's stomach as she turns to murmur sweet nothings to the beast.

Ignis chuckled, subtly massaging the palm of his hand over his shoulder to abate the arm's reaction to Aven's presence. "Much and all as I appreciate the offer, one of these magnificent creatures shall serve me quite well," he tilted his head to a side a little, a smirk playing at his lips, " I do ride as well."

Aven hears the ruckus of one of Purgatorio's tantrums from all the way across the yard. Ah, that's where she is. Time to scope the opposition, as they say. Aven walks briskly across the field, toward the stables, curiosity tugging at his feet.


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" We shall see," the Major returns idly, opening the splintered and rather pitiful remains of the stall door- pressing her fingertips beneath the massive warhorse's whiskered chin- leading him out, the gesture seeming to remind the beast whom was exactly in charge here. The six powerful, ivory legs moved slowly but each muscle rippled beneath the thin pelt, scars from many battles lining the skin as the Major then turns toward him," Then choose your mount, I would personally like to see if you're truly worth judging my men, hm? I believe that is fair,"

Ignis laughed again, a proper sound this time, full of mirth and and inkling of respect. This woman knew what she was about. Turning, he ran his gaze down the many stalls, eyes taking over the mounts he could see. Slowly meandering down the aisle, he stopped near the door of a striking, purely black mount. It's coat shone in the light filtering from the roof, intelligent eyes taking in the man looking it over. A light of excitement burned through electric blue hues as Ignis turned his gaze back to Hakon, "Is this one claimed?" He asked, palpable fire burning in his gaze and in his voice.

Here Beatrice was, trying to enjoy some high quality hay, when Purgatorio started making a giant ruckus...for the third time that week. She swore, the fiendish creature was never content unless it's hussy of a master was riding it. Not only that, but directly after, some white haired Mordecai approached her stall, staring at her with startlingly blue eyes, referring to her as if she were some random barn animal to be bought. How dare he, the only being allowed to ride her is Aven; well, safely, at least, she nickers.
Aven strode into the stables, not bothering to stop the clanking of his massive armor and greatsword strapped to his back. If he was going to meet this Mordecai, he was going to do it right: intimidatingly.


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" Ah..." As she sees Beatrice in the line of Ignis' sight, she chuckles faintly and continues," Yes but she's a favorite of the men, you're welcome to ride her- but I warn you, she's a temperamental one-" snickering faintly. She tilt her head with a half smirk, Carefully sliding away from Purgatorio, retrieving the bridle neatly hung upon the bashed wall of the Theocog's stable," Are you sure you can tame her, sir?"

Of course Purgatorio threw a tantrum! How else was he supposed to show off to the stunning mare in the next stall? By trying to look over the wall or swing his head around the divider to admire her? He'd tried that but received quite the kick to the face- so simply breaking down the walls seemed the next logical answer to winning Beatrice's heart!

Ignis grinned, planting his hands firmly on his hips at the question. "Won't know till I try, will I know?" He said, admiring the sleek, almost polished looking coat of the animal. He turned upon hearing the heavy clunk of armour, a frown darkening his features as the owner of the heavy footsteps appeared in view. A startled look came over his features when he laid a name to the face he saw, his arm throbbing in time with his breath as he blinked. "Aven?"

(Was actually thinking Ig could get his own, but meh.)

Beatrice tossed her head in anger. That...that...that bitch! How dare she try to loan her out like some community bath, Beatrice would make her pay for this! However, Aven's appearance interrupted her thoughts, and ushered out a whinny of relief.
Aven briefly raised an eyebrow as he made eye contact with Ignis, before breaking into a light round of laughter. "If it isn't Ignis, how are you?" He extends a gauntleted hand in greeting. "I haven't seen you in quite some time."


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(He will :P)

Hakon froze up warily with Aven's appearance but continued to tack Purgatorio patiently. Her hackles raised instinctively, protectively- how did they know each other? How would this end? All of a sudden her mind felt to be a nest of snakes attempting to escape- why did this always happen?

Nonetheless, she focused her efforts upon seizing the large saddle, tossing it over the huge Theocog's back and strapping it in place uner the enormous barrel chest.

Ignis shook his head, a bemused smirk breaking across his lips as he clasped the mage's forearm, the Warrior's greeting. "Oh I'm brilliant, aside from the obvious problems." He grinned, tilting his head to the side amusedly as he ran his gaze over the man's armour. "Quote the getup you have here."

Aven grins, returning the gesture. "Well, I'd wear something less flashy, but that wouldn't be as entertaining, now would it?" He turns his head briefly to Beatrice, ending the greeting. "So, you're being fitted for a temporary mount, huh? I'd recommend you steer clear of this particular Destrier, she only allows me to ride her. Anyone else, she'll try to throw and trample." He chuckles. "There is a similar breed down the way, however, if memory serves."
Aven gives Hakon a look saying, 'It's fine, don't worry.'


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Hakon simply shrugs to Aven subtly, watching the pair warily - if they seemed on such terms, she had no doubt Aven had already played his game with Ignis. But the question was if he had won out? Turning back to Purgatorio, she chides lightly," Just choose one and get on with it, we only have so much light during the day."

Ignis raised an eyebrow at that, looking back at the mare who was, he realised, giving him what he could only describe as 'the evil eye'. Smothering a chuckle, he shook his head and nodded towards the speckled blue roan in the stall next door, "Fine. I'll take that one then. Assuming she doesn't hate me as well." He smirked.

Aven lets out another round of laughter. "Don't worry, Beatrice hates everyone but me, it's not you specifically." Aven turns to whisper a few things to Beatrice, who listens intently as always.


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As they spoke, the Major swung up onto the massive warhorse, tapping her leg," Quickly now, tack up your choice steed, lets get this moving."

Ignis nodded, moving to grab the tack hung near the roan's stall and unlatching the gate. The Theocog immediately moved forwards, intelligent eyes inspecting him as she sniffed him over, giving a soft snort, as though in approval, before turning sideways, presenting her back to be saddled. Grinning to himself, Ignis hefted the heavy equipment up and into place, moving with an ease born of practice to gear up the mare.

Aven glanced from Ignis to Hakon, and back again. "Hold on... are you two going to fight?" A low snicker escapes from his lips, turning to Ignis. "Looks like you drew the short straw, better luck next time, Ignis." The snicker evolves into another round of laughter, as he imagines Hakon knocking Ignis around like a ragdoll, just as she had him every day for the past while. It gave him an odd satisfaction to brag about his Hakon's strength, a feeling that he noted for later.


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" I suppose we could," she muses faintly as Purgatorio began to prance, bounce and toss his head haughtily- clearly saying Beatrice, Beatrice, hey Beatrice, look how hot I am! as Hakon struggled to control him. Tilting her head faintly to one side, she gazes at Ignis," Would you like to spar on horse back?"

She glances quickly at Aven, offering a small smile- it felt good to be praised- truth be told. Especially someone so dear to her

Ignis shrugged, slipping the bridle over the mare's head and fastening it quickly. Leading her out of the stall, he swung himself up into the saddle with a soft grunt, settling into the saddle with a sense of familiarity. "If you want to." He replied, giving no indication of his own feelings on the matter.

Aven hurries over to a safe distance from the middle of the training field, finding the perfect angle to watch the slaughter- ahem, match. He calls out to them as he goes. "Good luck you two, and may the best woman win!" He chuckles at his own little joke.


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Rolling her eyes slightly at Aven's jest, she carefully guided Purgatorio out of the stables with her knees, idly passing a weapons rack filled with an assortment of wooden training weaponry. Easily she hefted up a saber and shield, obviously expecting Ignis to do the same as the Major and the warhorse plodded out

Ignis followed suit, the mare moving easily underneath him. Smiling slightly to himself, he chose a shield and a broadsword, testing their weight in his hands and nodding, satisfied. He guided the roan out to the training field, then, eyes narrowed in focus as he waited for Hakon to find her own spot.

Aven sat down on a bench. He then reached into his gauntlet, pulling out a few pieces of jerky, gnawing on the dried meat as he watched the two get into position.


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Pugatorio slowly spun around, the theocog's bright blue eyes locking upon Ignis and his mare- his flank shivering once with excitement as she briefly showed his flat teeth and tossed his head. Had to show off for the ladies after all~

The yard became relatively silent, the Major locking eyes on Ignis- motioning ever so slightly for him to come forth- begin this.

Ignis smiled, the expression grim and almost predatory, before closing his legs about the mare's ribs. She leapt forwards at once, charging the bigger, stronger Theocog without fear. Ignis raised his sword as though to strike, aiming it for a blow against her rib area, but at the last minute dropped the sword and swing the shield into place to block any attacks instead.

Aven observes intently, studying Ignis' form. A fake out, right off the bat? Trying to attack Hakon's balance, then, clever.
Beatrice also sticks her head out of her stall, anxious to see Hakon be thrown on her ass. Maybe even trampled. Trampled would be nice.


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Alas, if Ignis was trying to throw her off balance, he would be sorely, sorely mistaken. Her shield came up to block the blow, realizing it was a feint as he pulls away- musing ever so slightly. With the faintest squeeze of her knees, Purgatorio suddenly shirled around, smacking his broad barrel cheat into the small mare's to knock her off balance as Hakon brough her shield forward to slam it directly into Ignis' attempting to simply knock him off in one fell swoop.

The mare stumbled to the side, throwing up her head in an attempt to regain some of her balance. Ignis gritted his teeth, but swayed to the side with the force of Hakon's blow. However, the movement was controlled, his body only moving so far before he readjusted back into the centre of the saddle. Swinging the mare around with the barest pressure of his calves, he brought her to a halt, watching Hakon through narrowed eyes.

The Major watched the mare with some pride, clearly recognizing the young horse from her herds from home- once she imprinted on a rider, Hakon was sure the little mare would make a fearsome and wonderful companion. Purgatorio meanwhile began to circle the young mare and rider at a patient trot, tossing his head and occasionally making a show of intimidation by slamming one of his forehooves into the ground with a sound like a gunshit.

Hakon tilts her head, bouncing faintly with the movement, simply waiting for Ignis to press the attack... If he dared.

Ignis licked his lips, watching the general with what could only be called a caniving expression. He was coming up with a strategy, questionable though it may be, and after running a hand down the mare's neck, murmuring sweet nothings, he nudged her forwards once more. This time, he held the shield firm immediately, using it as a block, his position in the saddle firm, until at the last possible second he dropped the shield away and swung the sword, with a flourish, in a solid blow for Hakon's chest. There was force behind the blow, momentum like a mountain crashing through the sword into whatever it struck.

Aven absentmindedly pulled more jerky from his gauntlet and stuffed in in his mouth, keeping his eyes peeled on the spectacle. He's better than I gave him credit for: I had no idea he had experience with mounted combat... Hm, he's actually a lot better than me... It was to be expected, really: Aven was merely masquerading as a soldier, he had no natural inclination toward swordplay or riding. The best he could do was really on his shadows insane level of strength to get him through battles.


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Hakon simply bared her teeth in a wolfish smirk, slamming her shield arm up to meet the blow- splinters crackling into the air as the two met. The strength within the Major's form must have been truly remarkable. Then again- she wore armor heavy enough to break most mens backs and a shield just as heavy into armor and training each day- so one could assume being free of both that armor and given a light-weight shield and sword would do nothing but allow that strength formerly alotted for simple functions into more power then ever.

And perhaps speed as well. Forcing the shield upward, to cause his sword arm to fly up and expose his ribcage, she lashed out at his torso with the wooden blade- intending to strike the soft flesh beneath his ribs and above his hip.

The blow struck with a somewhat sickening sound of wood meeting solid flesh and bone. Ignis grunted, doubling forwards over the saddle with gritted teeth. The mare quickly slowed to a walk, turning her body back to Hakon in preparation for another charge, but not moving without her rider's sayso. Ignis gritted his teeth, pulling himself back upright with a grimace, feeling the bruising already beginning to spread across his battered torso. Hissing slightly in pain, he examined his sword, splintered and cracked down the middle. With a disapproving sound, he threw the broken weapon away, instead bringing the shield about in front of him and holding steady. This time, she could come to him.

The Major's body swayed slightly in unison to Purgatorio's excited prancing, keeping her gaze firmly fixed upon him. Slender eyebrows arched as she gazed at him,"... Are you sure that is wise." She states, more of a fact then perhaps a question. She pivotted slightly as her white charger paces, after a moment, she clicks her tongue. Purgatorio's muscles seem to briefly expand as his massive chest heaves a deep breath- starting a slowly accelerating charger toward the smaller mare. The small distance did not allow much growth in speed, but that was not what she was concerned about.

Hugging her legs tightly against the heaving flanks, Hakon leaned slightly forward, drawing her shield close- perhaps intending to bash their shields together to send him tumbling to the ground- if not that, her wpoden sword remained firmly at the ready to strike-

Ignis smiled.

When she was little more than a foot away from him, he threw his shield arm to the side, taking away the buffer between her and him, and threw himself backwards, pressed flat against the mare's back. Hakon's shield was mere centimetres away from his face, the momentum making the air between whistle loudly. As soon as the shield passed over him, he snapped back upright, whirling the mare with a light pressure of his legs. She leapt forwards, putting him in the perfect position to strike at Hakon's exposed back with the force of his shield, and perhaps a tweak of the suddenly explosive aura that blew out around him, like a gust of wind.

Pain immediately exploded in her back, forcing her forward against Purgatorio's' neck, she felt her hair shift briefly outwards with the blow, or perhaps the shock of the blow. She could feel some splinters had peirced her skin beneath the robes and silently cursed- it would be hell trying to sleep on her back for a few days now-

Readjusting herself in the saddle, whirling the great white charger around. This time, she would not be so brash- urging the stallion into a calm lope, she tilts her head slightly,"... You're smart- it's befitting- if you cannot out run nor out fight your enemy, cunning is your only ally..." she states idly," Do you see what Heavy Cavalry can do, alas? Without its armor?"

Aven flinched at the blow to Hakon's back. Ignis was an ally of his, but for the briefest moment, anger flashed across his face, and he imagined throwing Ignis through the walls of the stable. The aggressive nature of the thought startled him, and he calmed himself. It's not an actual battle, Hakon is fine, I'm sure.


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Ignis flashed a wolffish grin, the billowing aura that flowed around him like a sheet receding just as quickly as it had come. Within seconds, his presence was muted and calm once again, the nearly palpable Mordecaism gone from the area in the blink of an eye, though it left a strange taint in the air. Static.

Ignis hummed, a slight tug of the reins setting the mare into a backwards stride, examining the front of his shield for cracks, he nodded slightly to himself and hunkered down once more, one hand lingering lightly on the reins, the other holding the shield in place.

" I must admit, I have not seen mordecaism manifest itself in such a way before-" she spoke calmly as she advanced, her gaze unreadable and unmoved as stone,"- yours is not a constant air but a physical expansion. Interesting... Dangerous." Her eyes narrow slightly, as she drew closer, the constant and near suffocating aura of her own seemed to crush down upon him, any magic user or one sensitive to the Mordecai would feel it like heavy steam pressing in upon them. In fact, the Major did not wish to admit but each battle she fought seemed to make it gain strength- like some sick blood sacrifice.

Offering a wry smile, she tilts her head," Why do you think it reacts that way, hm?"

Ignis cocked his head to the side, confusion flashing over his face for a moment before hard realisation. Offering a soft chuckle, electric hues narrowed once more. "If you're trying to distract me, you'll have to try harder." He said in reply, before an honestly thoughtful look passed over his face, "Anyway, I have no idea why." He revealed.

A light nudge at the mare's sides stopped her backwards track and pushed her into a forwards gait, a slow but strong walk. If he wished to win this bout, he would have to play his cards right. This needed to end on this round.

" Distract you? If I wanted to distract you I could always do something very uncouth and that would be the end- no..." she smirks faintly," I simply am inquiring to your aura- its rather interesting... One could even mistake it as magic, no?" Tilting her head gently, she shifted the shield to protect her torso as the wooden saber hung loosely yet at the ready in her other hand.

Ignis snorted, shaking his head amusedly, "Technically, it is a form of magic. This nation is so biased about all forms of magic, yet their main means of getting rid of it is a magic in and of itself." He mused, shaking his head again. As he did so, a flash of silver armour caught his gaze, turning his head to the man approaching the training field. Raising an eyebrow, he looked to Hakon and then back, questioning.

"Major Kilandre! I apologise for the interruption, but the troops are ready to mobilise." The young man informed, his armour that of a lieutenant.

The Major pauses in her slow pursuit of Ignis, looking toward the man with a vaguely peeved expression," I see... Well then, move out to the training fields and we shall commence the war games as soon as possible- before the afternoon rains come," she pauses for a moment before looking toward Ignis, her gaze stony,"... We will have to finish this another time then, hm?"

The lieutenant nodded and scurried away the way he had come. Ignis deflated, a somewhat amused expression on his face as he shook his head, dropping the shield away from its position. Nodding other words, he grinned a little, slightly pained, and ran a hand over his bruising abdomen. "Indeed, we will."

Aven looks disappointed that they weren't able to decide a victor, but rises nonetheless, making his way over to Hakon. "War games? Do tell."


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" We'll have our battalion split in two- fight and see which ones are ready for promotion- so on and so forth," she shakes her head gently, guiding Purgatorio from their small arena," Mount up- lets head out,"

Ignis raised an eyebrow at that, somewhat surprised. War games? That was all the Orderhad sent him over for? Maybe they just wanted an eye kept on Hakon? Did they suspect her of working with the rebellion? Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he followed Hakon and Aven out of the arena, rubbing at his sore torso as he did.

Aven retrieves Beatrice from the stable, quickly following Hakon to their destination. Beatrice actively ignores Purgatorio as they walk, but Aven urges her to trot alongside him anyway. "That was quite a match, is your back ok?"


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This did not deter Purgatorio in the slightest. Now he had two beautiful mares to show off to?! Oh damn-! Oh damn! Time to bring out the big guns! He arched his neck elegantly, beginning to pick up his massive hooves a bit higher, he seemed to be flexing his pairs of shoulders - sensual.

Hakon glances at Aven pausing for a moment, she seemed unsure of how to react with their relation- but she offers a gentle smile," I am fine, Aven- please do not worry," she chides gently

Ignis looked between the two with a raised eyebrow, curiosity clear on his face. He didn't push, however, merely looked out onto the training field where the troops had gathered. The lieutenant from before was now mounted on a massive, steel grey warhorse, four-legged rather than the massive Theocogs.

Aven smiled, accepting the answer. "Very well, very well." He grinned at the large crowd of soldiers, wondering which he'd end up tossing like a children's plaything. War games... primitive, but effective for promotional testing, he'd admit.
Beatrice rolls her eyes at Purgatorio's flamboyant movements. How crass.


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Leading them from Ansgar's Hand's headquarters into the bustling streets of the Reajh at midmorning, it seemed the civilians had had their fill of soldiers and mounts in armor due to how little attention that received as they plodded through the streets and eventually out the main gates.

Before them, the land was sprawling with long grass that rippled like water, in the distance, beneath a strategically sound ridge- the cavalry seemed to be gathering in two groups on opposite sides of a long flattened portion of meadow. The Major glances at the two men at her sides,"... You should choose a side," she muses faintly, cocking her head slightly

Ignis looked out over to gathered force, letting out a low whistle at their size. And this was only a fraction of the power Connloath held. Shaking his head of such thoughts, he looked between the two beside him before chuckling, giving his own answer. "Well, I think I'd much prefer to have you as an ally than an enemy, Major."

Aven glances between them, sighing. "So I suppose that means I'll be on the other side, getting my hind end handed to me on Hakon's shield once again." He begins heading toward the left, Beatrice trotting happily at the prospect of facing Hakon. She may even 'accidentally' trample Hakon if she falls off Purgatorio.
Aven waves. "No, no, it's fine, I'm a masochist, I love eating dirt."


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" I, alas, will not be particpating, I must see how my men perform, hm?" She chortles quietly, her head tilting back before her eyes rested upon Ignis. There was an almost distrustfulness to her gaze- perhaps she suspected something of him if he shared a past relationship with Aven- alas... Her gut told her to be wary.

Ignis hummed at that, nodding towards the troops stationed on the right hand side of the field. "I suppose I shall have to oppose Aven, then." He grinned, nudging his mare towards the appropriate group.

Aven takes his place among  left field, positioning Beatrice near the front, as the group was too close knit to make his way to the back. He turns about-face to gaze over what would soon be a battleground. I guess we'll see what I can really do in organized combat in this form.
Beatrice is annoyed that she will not have the chance to break Hakon's ribs in under-hoof, settling to take her anger out on the opposition before her.


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(if you two want, you can RP the two sides and duke it out :P I can't do much in this scenario)

Hakon watches from atop the ridge and atop Purgatorio, after her personal failure against the infamous Caster, she wanted her men to prove themselves now more then ever.

Ignis grinned somewhat sadisticly as he watched Aven take his position on the other side of the field, turning to observe the troops behind him. His eyes caught with those of the lieutenant from before, and he smirked, confident. The young man smiled back, a light to his eyes that spoke of mischief on the rise, and turned his eye back to the opposing "army"

Aven locked eyes with Ignis on the opposite side. I won't hold back in this bought, you'd better be prepared. He draws the massive greatsword from his back, hoisting it and pointing toward Ignis. His voice rang out across the battlefield, touching every soldier's ears. "No time like the present, men! Charge!" The sound of battle cries and thundering hooves fills the air as Aven's side rushes to meet their opponents, Aven and Beatrice now at the front, the other horses having parted for them. He wields the giant weapon with one hand, a testament to sheer power.


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Ignis smirked, drawing Harbinger from his back and running his hand down the blade, a thin trail of shaded, nearly invisible magic slipping over the blade. It was a technique he had picked up on during his travels; the act of blunting a deadly weapon with nullifying magic. It had taken quite some time to perfect, but had come in handy on more than one occasion. Now it would prove its usefulness again.

The mare lunged forwards underneath him, powerful body charging across the field. Despite himself, Ignis angled towards Aven, a devilish smile pulling at his lips, despite the bruising already settled across his torso from that single blow Hakon had delivers during their earlier bout.

(Would you like to continue this as an actual mission with Ignis tagging along with Hakon?)