Stranger Danger (DragonSong)

Kingfisher · February 16, 2018, 07:37:08 PM

"Damn," Alexis said. Another dead end. She sat back in her chair, thinking about her next move. It seemed like Mordecaism was a different breed of problem than Adharism and any solution to one was largely ineffective on the other.

Sighing, she looked at the man she already owed for helping her so far. "I have a confession to make," the mercenary admited. "The reason for my interest in Mordecai is mostly selfish. Shocking, I know. I'm sure you'd be able to figure it out in time - if not already - but I am an Adhara." She chose to skip her Connlaothian service history.

"While my...'gift' is quite useful on the battlefield, I am...concerned...about the danger I might pose to common people protected by life saving enchantments." Alexis wanted to say "terrified" but opted to understate her worries. Indicating her two bodyguards, the commander said, "You've seen some of the precautions I take." The scarred woman was unsure why she had admited all of that this stranger...

DragonSong · February 17, 2018, 07:46:34 AM

Joseph chuckled quietly and rested his chin in his palm as he looked at her. "Yes, I had guessed," he lied- well, it wasn't strictly a lie. He'd known she was a mordecai, he'd guessed the additional feel to her aura was Ahadarism.

"And that is a reasonable concern." Her frowned slightly- not condemning, just thinking. "Has no one taught you to control your field? What is the range of your abilities?"

Kingfisher · February 17, 2018, 01:05:26 PM

"Alas," Alexis said, as she began her mockery. "We are not instructed to reign in our gifts, for we much always be on watch for the taint of magic." Sighing, she contiunue in a much more serious tone. "Trying to hold back our power is actually viewed as a form of treason, because its like giving magic permission." Though, that said, the teacher's news was welcome. The question remained: what did controlling mordecaism entail?

"Anyway, I have never been considered especially gifted." Turning toward the teacher again, Alexis admitted, "My range is a little shy of ten feet, putting me really below average." The bubble was still large enough to span main street, so she had her consolation prize...

DragonSong · February 17, 2018, 06:37:33 PM

"Well." He smiled and stood. "If you'd like to...change the methodology of your training, I believe I could assist you."

Kingfisher · February 18, 2018, 01:50:34 PM

Raising an eyebrow at the man, Alexis thought for a moment. "If possible, I would much appreciate that." It finally felt like she was making some real headway. The mercenary had little doubt that she could lean to control the ability if such a thing was possible. That being said, she asked, "Will there be anything we need to do to set up our lesson?" She had resources and could put something together if they needed space.

DragonSong · February 21, 2018, 07:32:05 AM

"We probably shouldn't do this anywhere crowded," he mused. "But honestly whatever you're comfortable with should be the priority, at least until you get the basics down." His eyes glinted a bit, almost teasing, though the joke wasn't entirely clear.

Kingfisher · February 21, 2018, 03:00:04 PM

And whatever the joke was meant to be, it went over Alexis' head. She did not take it to heart, though. Rather, the scarred woman assumed it was some sort of inside humor that only the instructor would grasp. That said, she appreciated his advice so far. "Here is fine...unless you mean we should continue my lesson in private?" If it was the latter, they could head to the camp outside town. She had a tent up already and it was cheaper than paying room and board...

DragonSong · February 21, 2018, 04:30:09 PM

Joseph couldn't help but chuckle at that. "No, we should not do this in a library. Open space would be preferable, but not entirely necessary." He stood from his chair, stretching his arms over his head. "Do you have a recommendation?"

Kingfisher · February 22, 2018, 03:40:30 PM

It did not take much thought to come up with something. "My men and I have set up camp in the countryside. Aside from my escort I was accompanied by a couple dozen riders so it might be a bit noisy. But there is nowhere I'd feel more at home..." Alexis left out mention of the rest of her company, or the compound they called home most of the time. Knowing she was in command of twenty four marksmen would likely be intimidating enough. Putting the text back where she had seen the man take it from, she added, "If you want, we can head there now."

Turning to her teacher, Alexis asked, "Do you have a horse?"

DragonSong · February 23, 2018, 12:32:40 PM

"Sounds satisfactory." Joseph nodded and smiled at her, though the expression quickly turned sheepish. "Ah, I'm afraid I don't.... Perhaps you could simply tell me where the camp is and I could meet you there?"

He could always fly- it was sort of cheating, but it was also the reason he almost never traveled by horse.

Kingfisher · February 23, 2018, 06:35:57 PM

"I suppose that's fair," Alexis admitted. She explained where the small compound was, a cluster of green tents, a larger one off to one side, flying a green banner depicting an ash tree inside marroon eschuteon. It was likely hard to miss being set in an open field with nothing else around. "I shall see you there," the mercenary said. Pinching some of her mail skirt and curtseyed, an action that seemed at odds with her clear military background.

With that, the woman departed, two men walking before her much as they had done before...

DragonSong · February 25, 2018, 11:37:52 AM

Joseph nodded and watched her go, then slipped out of the building and made his way out of the city. Once he had a safe amount of distance, he allowed his wings to manifest, rolling his shoulder with a smile and a soft sigh of relief.

He took a running start and launched into the air, banking in the direction Alexis had indicated.

Kingfisher · February 26, 2018, 06:10:17 PM

The camp was not particularly large, with only a handful of tents, most of which were set for three or four soldiers each. The two largest tents were on opposite sides of the camp. One was Alexis' private tent, set with collapsible stools and tables, mostly for logistical purposes. The other was the medical tent, where her healers worked their magic. Where she dare not venture for fear of killing her own injured men. There were also places for weapons practice, an area for staking the horses, and a few cookfires for lunch.

Flying was a convenient way to travel and it would be some time before the Commander arrived. A few of the mercenaries gave the newcomer passing glances but payed him no real mind. They reacted more to the return of the woman they had arrived with. Many saluted as she passed, putting an arm across their bodies as a sign of respect and loyalty. Some even bowed slightly. These men respected Alexis. She was one of them, but also their better in every way. The Commander was actually more pleased when the returned to their previous activities as she ducked into her tent. The one of the guards spotted the man who had arrived much earlier and ushered him to see Alexis in her tent.

DragonSong · February 26, 2018, 06:43:16 PM

Though created to be a soldier himself, Joseph couldn't deny being a little wary of this mortal encampment. He allowed himself to be led about, shoulders setting with the familiar tension of a spy behind enemy lines.

He had to force himself to relax. This was not the Legion. He had been given a human life on the Mortal plane. Just relax.

"Madam." He nodded to Alexis as he was ushered into her tent, then smiled. "Or is Ser more appropriate? Forgive me, hu- Connlaothian military terms sometimes escape me."

Kingfisher · February 27, 2018, 08:35:37 PM

In the time it took the man to enter Alexis' tent, the mercenary had removed her jerkin, slinging the leather vest over a display of dark azure armor and was slipping out of her mail hauberk. The underlayer, a green quilted tunic, fell to her knees, matching the length of the mail that had hidden all but the sleeves. Turning back to the guest, Alexis finally managed her response, saying, "I prefer Madame or Ma'am, though I have heard it both ways." As the warrior went to hang the mail, she amended her comment. "I only expect such respect from those who serve under me. 'Alexis' is fine for us."

Alexis stepped to the center of the tent where a pale gray rug was ringed by stools. Taking a seat, she offered one to her guest, before saying, "Actually, you still haven't given me your name. How should I address the man who would offer me control of my ability?"

DragonSong · February 28, 2018, 11:58:09 AM

"Oh." His cheeks reddened just a bit as he realized he'd overlooked introducing himself. He coughed a little awkwardly and offered with a sheepish smile, "Joseph. Just Joseph, is fine."

He glanced around the interior of the tent. "Ah- I wouldn't want to overstep here, but I'm not sure this space is quite large enough for the type of training I think you need. I don't suppose you'd be comfortable out in a stretch of field or some such?"

Kingfisher · February 28, 2018, 06:55:17 PM

"Joseph," the woman repeated. "A pleasure to officially make your acquaintance." Alexis offered a slight bow to her teacher.

After a slight pause, she stood, walking to the foldout desk. Her sword belt had been set their only moments ago and she took the black leather bands and pulled it around her waist. "I figured as much," she said in regard to the man's concern. "I just wanted a chance to take my armor off. I would have offered a drink but I didn't bring anything for the trip south." The Ash Guard held a compound near the border and the mercenary liked to use that place as her current home.

Heading toward the flaps of the tent, Alexis explained, "I actually have a place outside camp set up if you'd like us to get started." The woman could not help but wonder what type of training required so much space.

DragonSong · March 01, 2018, 09:22:32 AM

"Yes, I think that'll do nicely," Joseph said with a broad smile as he followed her. He was already running through drills in his head, wondering if any exercises from the Legion might be doable.

Modified, of course.

Kingfisher · March 01, 2018, 02:24:13 PM

Nodding at Joseph's praise, Alexis turned to survey the surrounding area. "So," she said, anxious to begin her training. A few of the other mercenaries had found some excuse to get out of their other responsibilities, congregating at the edge of the camp in the hopes of seeing some spectacle. "How shall we begin?" the Commander asked.

DragonSong · March 01, 2018, 07:21:47 PM

He smiled and rocked back on his heels. "Well, we start with you drawing your field in." He quirked an eyebrow and watched her expectantly, waiting. He didn't entirely expect her training to have covered this, but he was curious to see what she could do on her own first, without any guidance from him.