Spirits of the Earth

OOC: This thread is a part of the mini-event here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=16012.0) that plays into the larger, Connlaothian Civil War event here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14741.0). Please post in the plotting thread for said event if interested in joining. This is an open thread with approval only- you can not just join this thread unless you've already discussed your character's position with me :) Thanks!

There is no posting order in this particular thread- just be respectful and I ask you to be at least active enough to post once a week so we can keep this thread moving so it doesn't go stagnant.
:)

THIS THREAD IS A PRE-ATTACK MEET AND GREET THREAD PRIOR TO WHEN THE MAJOR FORT FIGHTING BEGINS. Only soldiers/mercenaries and characters that would be supportive of Duke Harmond prior to the attack would post here :)


The thread will start at the Harmond Castle, but Blaith's forces will be quickly moving north. This is just to help establish character development and plot points needed prior to the major blood shed. Keep in mind, there will be a major attack happening in this thread that is not Fort related, but plot driven so keep your swords sharp and your fingers moving for posts 8D

*SPOILER* This thread is devoted to the killing of the current Duke of Ahjfeld and it's inevitable conquering by Blaith Harmond as he makes his way North to the Fort. BlOOOoOooOod and Chaos.
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Waters fell, and then froze with time, turning into daggers of ice that clung to the edges and outter walls of the great stone castle that housed the quiet and estranged Duke, Blaith Harmond (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14366.msg128724;topicseen#msg128724). It was known fact that his twin sister (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14367.new#new) had gone on the run; and rumors speculated it was due to the fact she was an unmarked mage- though publicly, nothing was said about it. Duke Harmond neither confirmed nor denied it, only gave a cold smirk at any questions about it before moving onward- and this was several years ago...

And the more time ticked on, the more lives and powers Blaith stole- the longer he found himself falling into a hole of himself that wasn't there. Who was the face he wore today? Who's mind would rise up and control his own? And when would the real mind of Blaith Harmond be in control? Was he the coy and sultry whore? Or the quiet man who had once lusted for his sister? There were too many voices inside his head now, too many whispers through the cracks that at night, he found himself barely sleeping, and barely aware of who he even was.

He peered into the long mirrors, his face equally long- but the image that stared back at him appeared hollow and unfitting. He was more mature now, perhaps even greying- but even he could not tell as he fell into a lull, staring deeply at his reflection for what appeared like an eternity- that was, until there was a knock at the door.

His blue eyes refocused as he called over his shoulder.
"I'll be there shortly." BUt the man at the door didn't hesitate before coming in-
ad though everyone knew not to disturb the duke in his room- the news this man bore sent Blaith Harmond into a frenzy, and he smashed all of the mirrors inside his room, threw down all the statues to the floor as he roared in rage.

After his room was thoroughly destroyed, he turned back to the man who presented him with this piece of information, and on a hesitant breath, he inquired, "Are you sure?"

"Yes. They've taken her North. To Fort Dhagh. More than one scout has confirmed it."
And after a cold moment of quiet, Blaith pointed to the door.

"Get out."

It would be several hours later before he'd show his face outside of his room, and barely twenty four hours into the next day that he was already sending out posts in the seedier sides of town.
Any man who could wield a sword was to be hired: the more merciless the better. And when his men asked him what was this about- Blaith only laughed coldly and told them simply-

"This was war."



So it was on that day, the coldest autumn day in anyone's recollection; where snow had fallen and ice clung to buildings in sheets and most of the rivers were already beginning to solidify- yes, it was this day he asked for both soldiers and mercenaries alike to join him in a gathering just outside his castle walls. There was a great fountain there- no longer did it flow with water that late autumn day, but it remained timeless in it's motion as the waters that once danced in it froze and sparkled in the sun. It was this fountain that caught Igna Martisse's (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=16384.msg178233#msg178233) attention as she stepped across the cobblestone way. She was surprised at the turn out- both soldiers and townfolks alike were there. Word had gotten around that their Duke was going to be making an important announcement- and seeing so many soldiers in one place- she could only deduce it was about the war.

Igna herself was no veteran soldier, and had yet to really see the true blood shed of this war, but she was eager to help, eager to see an end to this all- and if the rumors were true, that Blaith might be announcing here today that he will no longer support this war and the Grand Duke- well, she would be there along with him. It had been nearly a decade of blood shed, and she was tired of seeing so many countless men die. Though it was ironic, for a man who was so reserved in handling his small military, why he opened the door to female soldiers in the last few years- she wasn't one to complain. She wanted to help- she had gone through the training. And now she was here.


OOC: Just a side note- Blaith is sort of 'off screen' here, so PM me if you want to interact with him before his big announcement- other wise, Igna is open in the streets for Blaith supporters to interact with her :)

Through word of mouth he had caught wind of a man seeking mercenaries for something, the thought of money and thrill of conflict drew Novak in like a child seeking candy. It was this that brought the behemoth of a man to the gathering to see what exactly he would be doing. Exhaling he steps forwards, his gaze slowly shifting from side to side. It seemed a large number of both soldiers and mercenaries had gathered as well as some townspeople.

Shifting his gaze slowly Novak glances to a blond haired woman for a brief moment before turning his gaze from her as he looks to the others that had turned out. Bringing his hand up, Novak takes another bite of the dried meat he had brought with him, tearing a chunk from it before he begins to chew it up as he starts to move forwards while shifting his gaze slowly.

Jacen sat on a low stone wall with his rifle laying across his lap. Every so often, he would cock and dry fire the rifle to keep the firing mechanism from seizing up in the cold. He was not a big fan of the cold. A man like him didn't have much on him to keep him warm as far as muscle or fat.

Jacen examined the motley crew that had assembled. The ages of those present were diverse. Young and old had all assembled in pursuit of a common cause. It was a humbling thing to be a part of. There was also no small number of mercenaries and sellswords present. This Blaith guy must really want that camp removed. Jacen had heard talk that this guy wasn't entirely mentally stable, but he seemed to know enough to fight against tyranny.

When a shadow loomed over her, Igna found herself doing a double take. The man standing nearest to her was huge, and the very sight of him had her so taken off guard she found her hand instinctively resting to the hilt of her sword.

Ansgar's name was he ever big! To her, he appeared a giant- and she had to wonder what was his game. Clearly not of Connlaothian stock was he- but as she began to look around her- the men and women all gathering whom were not soldiers and town folk....
She began to grow anxious to know who they were and what they were doing in town on a day like this! But surely, she tried to remind herself, a lot of people were gathering to hear this Duke speak. Perhaps these men... were here to align themselves with the cause?

Igna could not be certain, but a lot of these unfamiliar faces made her a little more than unsettled. And it wasn't just the tall, behemoth of a man standing next to her- a lot of seedy men were looming all around that it made her skin crawl. Uneasily, she shifted her weight from where she stood and tore her gaze from Novak. It wasn't polite to stare.

As he shifts his gaze Novak chews on the bit of dried meat he had in his mouth, though he couldn't help but feel there were eyes on him already. However it was a common thing, or at least he felt it was given his size. Some people tended to stare when he entered into a room, it was something he had gotten use to.

For a brief moment, given the sound and what the man was doing, Novak's gaze came to rest on a man who seemed to be repeatedly cocking and dry firing a rifle. He only kept his gaze resting on the man for a moment before turning it away. As he turns his gaze Novak catches sight of the blond haired woman standing next to him as she turns her gaze from him.

" Would you like some? " Novak asks in a friendly tone as he gazes down at the woman standing beside him. Though as he gazes down at her, he notices her hand resting on the hilt of her sword but pays little mind to it. With the question he lifts his hand from his side and holds out the dried meat in his grasp, offering it to the blond haired woman as he looms over her with his massive size.

Igna's eyes were so focused on where their duke would be coming out to greet everyone in a well practiced speech- a speech she knew would be of great importance- that she had all but heard the large man beside her. Though his shadow consumed her, she had been trying to pretend to ignore him- but this time, she wasn't pretending- she actually let her attention go elsewhere, though her hand was still on her blade.

"I'll take it if you're offering." piped out a gravelly voice spoken from far below the giant. It came from a short old man swaddled in a grey cloak. "I've been traveling non-stop for a while now and I could use some meat in my belly."

Tertius Cornelius pushed back his cloak and looked up at the bigger man with a laughing smile on his face. His eyes defeated the purpose of the smile though. They weren't laughing. Instead they were colored with smoldering intensity and an experienced fighter would undoubtedly pick up on the warrior's spirit hidden just below the facade of the old man's kindly face.

With his gaze resting on the blond woman, Novak waited in silence for some form of response from her however it seemed she had either not heard his question or chose to ignore him. Shifting his attention Novak looks to the elderly man as he accepts the offer rather then the woman.

Turning his gaze to the cloaked man Novak gets a look at the man as the cloak is pushed back. " Greetings. " Novak begins with a smile as he takes a brief moment to tear off a bit more of the dried meat before offering it to the old man.

As he offers the old man the dried meat his gaze meets with Tertius " Here you are. I'm afraid I don't have any drink to go along with it. What's an old man such as yourself doing here, I mean no offense but you do not seem capable of fighting. " Novak says as he looks down at the man though he could see the man still had the spirit of a warrior within him.

Tertius laughed, though the sound contained no mirth. It sounded rather... hollow. "No I don't think I'm capable of any fighting anymore. Though I was never much of a warrior anyway. No my expertise lays in tactics." The old man bit off a piece of jerky. "Say, this is pretty good. Better than the field rations in my day." The empty laugh again.

He finished off the piece of meet before speaking again. "Yes I was never a great fighter, though I was a knight once upon a time." he man pulled off his cloak entirely and bundled it up under his arm. He was wearing bits and pieces of an ancient suit of plate armor constructed in an old style. He didn't have all of it on, though it was impressive that a man of his age could shoulder what he was wearing. A crest on the chestpiece showed a stylized bird roosting in a tree, the crest of the Cornelius family, though few were old enough to remember that line. "Course that was longer ago than I care to remember."

Jacen became rather bored with sitting and fiddling with his rifle, so he decided to get some practice in. He dug up a candle and a candle holder to test his skills. He lit the candle and set it down on a low stone wall. Jacen then walked back a good distance, loaded his rifle, and fired. He frowned as his first shot made the small flame flicker angrily instead of extinguish. He began reloading his rifle to try again. He had to admit, the gunshot had startled a good number of people, and that was very amusing in and of itself.

The rifle going off had more than a few of the soldiers uneasy, and Igna, finding herself as the closest, felt it was her duty to confront him as she moved over to his side swiftly.
"Excuse me," she started, approaching him from the rear, as was safest. All eyes seemed to be upon her, but she tried to ignore it. She was a soldier after all, and her duty was to protect and serve- and someone randomly firing near the castle- was hardly a safe call at all. In fact, she found it down right rude.

"Your rifle, please unload it and cease fire."
The first warning would be polite. The second.... well, she just hoped there would not be a second.

With his gaze resting upon the old man still, Novak listens to him as he begins to laugh before speaking up again. Taking another bite of the dried meat he gives a faint nod while listening to the old man speak. Given the situation he had nothing better to do and the old man seemed somewhat interesting.

Rather then being a fighter he was a tactician, Novak understood the usefulness of such men on the battlefield and could see why he would be here if there was to be fighting. As the old man makes mention of him being a knight Novak wonders upon that for a brief moment before finally catching sight of the bits of armor the old man is wearing once the cloak is removed.

Though he had not been paying attention to what was going on around him, his attention fixated on this old man, as soon as the sound of gunfire echos through the surrounding's that changes. With the sound of gunfire Novak quickly turns his attention away from the old man, at first thinking that they are under attack.

" What the... " Novak grumbles as he looks to Jacen. Seeing that it was a man simply shooting his rifle rather then attacking Novak frowns as he grumbles a bit more. Though for a brief moment Novak thought of giving the man a piece of his mind, he decided against it as he spots the blond haired woman jumping into action.

The gunshot made Tertius jump and let loose a rather loud curse. He was momentarily concerned that there some type of attack, but he saw that it was just some kid practicing with his weapon. The old man appreciated practice but was shocked by the fellow's irresponsibility. He could have sent the crowd into a panic. He was going to give the fellow a piece of his mind but a blonde woman dressed as a soldier beat him to it.

He shook his head. So much had changed since he was away. The spread of firearms, women soldiers other than Mordecai. He sighed. What was he doing here? He was outdated now.

Jacen turned as he heard a woman's voice tell him to stop. It wasn't often that one saw female soldiers.

"Who are you to give me orders," he asked the woman. "Unless your rank exceeds sergeant, than I shall continue until I've extinguished that candle. It's not like there's anything else to do around here, and practice never hurt."

Normally he wasn't so rude and straight forward, but this whole mix up of various characters from different walks of life had him on edge, and the only way he could think of to calm himself was target practice.

"Perhaps you would like to try?"

Jacen's words sought to irritate her as her hand rested on the hilt of her blade.
"I am not here to start a fight, I am telling you that firing a weapon so near the castle will get you in a lot of trouble. And I don't think I have any short supply of back ups if I need to ask you again. Now, take your weapon to a practice field, or else I will have to take it from you personally."

OOC: Igna's making so many friends XD

"Your obviously stressed, so how about we play a game. If you can extinguish that candle within three shots without taking more than one quarter of an inch off of the candle itself, then I'll stop. If not, I get to teach you how at a real practice field. You either win and I stop, or lose and become a better shot. Win-win."

Jacen knew that the chances of her accepting the challenge were extremely low, he needed SOMETHING entertaining to do.

Who did this man think he was? Outraged, she didn't hesitate to draw her blade as she pointed it directly at his chest.
"I do not have time for games, and I do not wish to start a panic. You are using a weapon openly far too close to the castle. Do I need to repeat myself?" And the last part was spoken in a way that raised her voice and commanded attention. She was not about to be bullied by some gun-loving nut. Everyone here was gathered peacefully to listen to a speech given by their duke. How DARE he be so insolent!

Though it had not necessarily startled him, the gunshot had given Novak some concern. Hearing the curse from the old man, Novak turns his attention back to him for a moment. It seemed the gunshot had startled the old man though given his age Novak figured it would.

Given that the blonde haired woman had went to speak to the man, or at least seemed to go in his direction Novak figured she could handle it, she looked to be the soldier type. " Easy old timer, it would not be good if you croaked. " Novak says in a joking manner, trying to lighten the mood as he reaches out and places his hand on the old man's shoulder.

Turning his attention back the blonde haired woman and the one firing the gun, Novak watches as the blonde haired woman draws her sword and points ti at the man. Though he thought she could handle the situation he did not think she would go so far as the draw her weapon and brandish it against the man.

Given the drastic escalation Novak pulls his hand from the old man's shoulder " One moment.. " He murmurs lightly before pulling away from the old man. Moving away from the old man Novak moves behind the blonde haired woman before reaching out for the blade of the sword, not giving much care to being cut by the blade.

" I do believe we are all here as allies. " Novak says in a friendly tone as he towers over the woman, looking down at the two of them. He had missed out on some of what the two were talking about however he figured she had come here to get the man to stop shooting his rifle.

Tertius watched the towering man go. He didn't feel like standing there alone, so he followed along. It looked like swords were drawn and guns were out, things could be getting interesting. The big man made an attempt at mediating the argument, and Tertius approved of his efforts to preserve unity. The big man might have leadership potential.

Jacen was not intimidated by the woman, despite the sword at his chest and her raised voice.

"You are very excitable," Jacen said calmly. "Why are you so uptight anyway?"

Jacen was well aware of the larger man's presence, but chose to ignore it.

Well the tall man came over her, her eyes widened as her lips fell open in a gap, But to see him pinch his fingers to her blade had her blinking and she was so stunned by Novak's actions, she almost didn't catch what he said. Almost.

She tightened her grip on her blade. "Allies would not act this way, especially after a soldier asked them to stand down." And she cast a glare towards Jacen, her eyes only narrowing at his claim.

"I'm a soldier. It is my duty to protect. And you sir, are causing a scene!"
Little did she know- she wasn't helping and making the scene worse!
"My blade will return once you put away your gun."
It was only fitting. She couldn't have a man with a loaded weapon so near to her Duke. What sort of soldier would she be?

Lifting his gaze from the blonde haired woman Novak looks to Jacen as he spoke up though it seemed he was still addressing the woman. Seeing that the man had chosen to ignore him, Novak frowns faintly as the man's words only seemed to agitate the blonde haired woman.

Though he had taken hold of her blade, Novak makes no attempt to take it from her but rather held it to keep her from lashing out at the man. Listening to the woman speak up, Novak grumbles softly wondering if he should take the weapon from her and perhaps the rifle from the man.

Listening to the woman as she exclaims that she will not put her weapon away, Novak lets out a soft growl growing annoyed by the both of them. " The both of you are causing a scene, much like two children squabbling. It is rather demeaning of soldiers to act as children. So, how about you put the weapons away or I can always take them from you. " Novak says as he looks down at the woman a moment longer before lifting his gaze to look to Jacen again " Unless you wish to show your lord how childish you two are. "

Jacen held up his rifle.

"This is a rifle," Jacen said. "There is no way to put it away. I have to carry it."

He then rested the butt of the rifle on the ground and held it by the muzzle. He then turned to the large man.

"I have no lord. I'm not here for your Duke, who I heard was slightly off his rocker. I'm here to return Connlaoth to the way it was before all this happened."

Jacen turned to the girl again.

"But you're just another blind follower of your Duke aren't you?"

Tertius laughed at the gunman's quip about the rifle. It wasn't really funny, but that never stopped the old man form guffawing before. He stopped cold, however, when he heard the comment about the duke. Normally Tertius was a peaceful man, but he was dangerous when it came to his favorite niece and nephew.

The old man stood up straighter. His eyes flashed and authority seemed to course through him. When he spoke this time it was with the inflections of a superior looking down on a subordinate. The force in his voice carried the weight of thirty years of high command in the world's strongest army.

"Now you listen here son." He spoke low, allowing room for his voice to crescendo, and rose his volume through the course of his speech. "I have killed thousands of men better than you in a single hour. I've seen high-minded fools like you crushed under the weight of reality more times than I care to count. There is no one man who can fix a country, it takes the force of armies to repair something thus broken. Now if you want to be a part of that effort then you will show proper respect for the brave men and women who fight with you, or you will be removed from this army. That I can guarantee."

The old man punctuated his next words by drawing an antique sword with practiced ease. He made a show of checking the blade as he spoke. Close observers would notice the nicks and dents in the weapon that could only have come from long years of combat. The old man had been lying somewhat when he said he wasn't much of a fighter. It just wasn't his specialty.

"And let me tell you something else, child." He spit the word out like a terrible insult. "If you ever say anything improper about the duke again, than I will know about it. And I will find you. And I will eviscerate you where you stand. I will personally cut most of you into pieces and package it to send to your closest relatives, and I will hang your head from the nearest battlements so that anyone can see what happens when an insolent boy speaks poorly of his lord!"

His last few words were a shout of command so compelling it could leave no doubt in anyone's mind that he would do exactly that.

"A high-minded fool?!"

Jacen was angry now. This old man thought he knew everything. All old people were like that. They were always stuck in their old ways.

"I've had my share of reality, old man," Jacen shot back. "I've seen things that would make even you doubt your country! The leaders of Connlaoth have lost my respect and need to be replaced with those worthy to rule Connlaoth as it was always meant to be! And these soldiers! My 'fellow soldiers' fight merely for money, duty, or obligation! The only soldiers I respect are the mages. They don't fight for money, or because some rich snob in a castle tells them too. They fight for justice and ideals. I've seen greater men in those mages than I have in all of Connlaoth! Have you ever even been to one of those mage camps? Have you even seen what they're like? I'm not the fool here. The fools are the ones that fail to see the blatant injustice being wrought upon the mages!"

((OOC: Basket, you do realize that Blaith isn't publicly for "free the mages" and what Jacen is saying is rebellious and treasonous right now, right?))

This boy was speaking treason and challenging Tertius' authority. He smiled dangerously. Well that was fine, he needed an excuse to make an entrance.

Tertius addressed the rifleman, voice turned low. "You speak of treason boy. The Turgall's have spent many years shamed for favoring mages and so far Blaith," The wily old man purposely let the duke's first name slip on purpose, "has shown full support for the Grand Duke. Now, I don't pretend to know whether or not that will change, but for now you will place full faith that the Duke is loyal to the crown until he announced otherwise."

He removed a letter from his person and showed it to the two soldiers in front of him. It was stamped with the Duke of Turgall's seal. "My name is Tertius Cornelius, and this document assigns me the rank of General in Turgall's army. I would have your name, ranks, and division, for I am officially reprimanding you. "he turned to Jacen, "and recommending demotion for disrupting the peace and speaking in sedition against the Duke." He faced Igna, "You, I am going to commend, as well recommend you for promotion for taking initiative to keep the peace in respect for your Lord."

The General purposely made his tirade loud so that others could hear it. The old man smiled as he heard people talking in hushed whispers. His efforts had paid off. Rumors of his return would spread like wildfire.

"Cornelius is here?"

"The old general's taking a side?"

"Did I just hear the name Tertius Cornelius?"

The old man was pleased. He actually heard more voices than he expected. It looked like his name still had some repute after all these years. He thought that only a handful of old veterans would remember him.

In fact, though Tertius was unaware of this, anyone at all familiar with military history was likely to have heard of the man.

"Ansgar's will was that mages be offered redemption, not incarceration," Jacen replied. "I'm the only one here that's not a traitor."

With that, Jacen walked away. He didn't care what that man said. Let him rant and scream. Let him go on about respect for authority. Jacen was tired of this old man.

Tertius addressed Igna. "Soldier, you are to pursue that man and put him into custody, He is to be court-martialed for insubordination against a superior officer. Fools like him will not be tolerated in this army. Do I make myself clear?!"

Igna was still gaping over what had just happened. What had turned into a simple act to keep the peace, turned into something more. But she couldn't believe whose presence she was in, or what attention it gained her as she blinked a few times in awe.

"I.. uh..."

Yeah, she was floored, and her mind wasn't completely caught up to her yet before she stood at attention and saluted.
"Yes, sir."

Though she wasn't hoping to see trouble or blood shed here- it seemed she was already being put to test as her rank as a soldier. With the command giving, she turned on her heel, but came to realize- with a blink- Novak's hand was still resting over her blade.

"If you'd remove your grip on my blade, sir," she told Novak stiffly. She had a job to do!

As Jacen begins to speak Novak keeps his attention resting on the man as he listens to him. His first impression of the man given his response was that Jacen is the same sort as him, a mercenary here to free Connlaoth.

Though he had come to try and help the woman deal with the situation so it would not grow out of hand. Things begin to take a turn as the old man he had spoke to earlier joins the conversation. With the old man joining the conversion Novak was forced into silence as the old man seemed to take over trying to deal with the man. Novak sat back, still holding onto the woman's sword and listened as things escalated rather rapidly though there was no sign of violence merely raised voices.

Listening to the exchange Novak could see which side Jacen was on, he seemed to care a great deal for the mages and how they have been treated. As the old man spoke up, Novak listens to him and as he finally makes himself known Novak turns his attention to the old man for a moment. Though he first thought the old man was simply another person come to devote there sword to this cause perhaps for riches or fame, it turns out that were not the case. As it tuns out the old man he had been chatting it up with held a high position in whatever was to happen, a general.

The new revelation did not seem to sit well with the man as he took off, breaking free from them and going on his way. Shifting his gaze Novak watched Jacen walk off before turning his attention back to Tertius as he instructed the woman to go after him. Though he thought Jacen needed to be dealt with in some way, Novak was not sure if sending Igna after him was the right call. If he is left alone he may cool his heels or even be on his way all together. Turning his gaze down to Igna as she spoke to him, Novak offered the woman a soft smile " Hello, finally. " He begins before turning his attention back to Tertius " Perhaps I should go with her to insure things do not go out of hand. " Novak says to Tertius before turning his attention back to Igna " Some of these soldiers do not look all too seasoned and if we are to do battle we will need all the abled bodied men and women we can get so it would be a shame to lose more then one before anything happens. " Novak gazes down at the blonde haired woman, still holding onto her blade for the moment. Was he being cautious in his choice, perhaps trying to ensure the woman makes it out of any scuffle alive or simply trying to insure he has as many allies at his side should fighting start.

Tertius sheathed his sword and nodded in the big man's direction. "Thank you that would be excellent. That fellow seems dangerous and the more the merrier when you're taking him into custody. Now off with you two, I didn't catch his name and I don't want that soldier getting away."

Jacen escaped the hustle and bustle gathered around the castle. He needed to get away from everything for a moment. Once he was a good distance away from the crowd, he stopped and stared off into the distance. Something wasn't right about all of this, all of these mercenaries, sellswords, and women soldiers. Connlaothians had never needed help from outside sources. There was something going on here that this Blaith guy hadn't told them, but Jacen knew that he wouldn't have time to figure it out before someone came after him.

Lifting his gaze from the blonde haired woman Novak looks to Tertius as he spoke up. Though he did not really need permission from the man to go along with Igna he had asked anyways to see what the old man would say.

" Indeed. Though it may be wise to postpone punishment, though he caused a scene we may need as many able bodies as we can get. " Novak says as he releases his hold on Igna's sword.

Though he had caused a scene the man could still be of use if he were a competent soldier. " Alright, let's be on our way little lady. " Slowly Novak begins to move away from where he had stood, heading in the direction Jacen had went, his pace slow so Igna could catch up with him.

Igna could not believe she was already getting orders-a nd once her sword was released, she quickly sheathed it and followed closely at Novak's heals.
"I saw him head over this way- towards the Eastern Gate. If we're fast enough, we can catch him before he leaves the city."

It wasn't long until Jacen heard footsteps approaching from behind. He turned and faced the two of them.

"I normally shoot candles," he said simply. "You two are a lot bigger than candles, so I think you should stop where you are and listen for a moment so you understand where I'm coming from."

Igna halted in her run and rested a gloved hand over the hilt of her sword.
"Is that a threat? I've got orders to bring you in, and don't think what you said will be so easily forgiven nor forgotten." Though even she hesitated. She'd rather not have to resolve things with violence if she could help it. She just hoped he didn't try anything funny. At least she had the large man with her. Novak was pretty intimidating, and it was some relief she knew he was at least on her side.

"You're damn right it's a threat," Jacen replied with the same calm demeanor. "All of you soldier types only respond to violence or threats thereof, and if that's what it takes to get you to listen, then a threat it is. However, I would really prefer that you listen. It wouldn't sit well with my conscience to put an end to such a pretty young woman. So, will you listen?"

Despite being called a fool several times that day, Jacen was far from being a fool. Everything was on his terms. They were easily far enough away for him to shoot before they closed the distance. Even how he spoke was thought out. He spoke calmly to show that he wasn't insane, and he made no move to raise or aim his rifle. He had also snuck that compliment into his threat to perhaps entice her a bit more into listening. He would shoot if necessary, but he sincerely hoped he wouldn't have to.

Though he had seen which way the man had went, it made it much easier given Igna knew her way around and the direction the man had went. To catch up with the man relatively quickly Novak moved into a run after the man.

His chase of the man is brought to a halt as the sound of Jacen's voice catches his ears, bringing Novak to a stop. Coming to a stop Novak rests his gaze on the man and watches as he turns to face them.

The man's words brought a frown to Novak's face as he listens to the threat which did not sit well with Novak. He had come in the hopes of bringing things to an end without having to resort to violence though he was more then willing to travel down that road if needed.

At first Novak remains silent, allowing Igna to do the talking to try and bring the situation to an end. Listening to Jacen's response Novak could see he was more then willing to use violence if needed and in response Novak takes a step forward, shifting a bit so he stood more in fornt of Igna.

" A threat will not get anyone to listen, it will only in turn be received with another threat and then violence. " Novak begins as he watches Jacen closely. " Now, neither myself nor this young lady wish for this to escalate to violence and I assure you, you do not wish for that either. No good would come of it. After you speak your mind and we listen, will you return with us? If there is battle to come having more allies is better then fewer. "

"I will only return when your general realizes that he has no authority over someone who is not a soldier. I am not affiliated with him nor his army, thus he has no power over me. If he wants the assistance of one of the best marksman in Connlaoth, he must realize this."

"Your stance and way with guns imply the training of a soldier," Igna stated bluntly, but she frowned at what the man said. "Even if you are claiming not to be, you appeared in a crowd to listen to a Duke's speech and are caught saying and doing things that could condemn you. It would not be difficult for myself, or any guards to do worse to you for such actions. Yet somehow you're imploring you should be listened to?"

Igna could not believe the man's self entitlement. Talk about arrogance. Clearly he wasn't a soldier after all! No duke would put up with such ignorance in their army! And his flattery would only gain him negative points. If he presumed calling her 'pretty' meant she would so readily accept his words, he had another thing coming to him. She was not here to flirt. She was here to listen to what her duke was saying- and this lout seemed to be out to spoil it for them.

She wanted to make a difference; and halting me like him who believed they deserved to be treated like a duke was definitely on her list of things to help make a difference. Some men were born t lead- others, it seemed, wanted to use their guns to childishly get attention. Was he so daft he did not realize there was a war going on?

She had to wonder if he was an assassin- what with him going on about how great he is but how  inept her own Duke was.... If she weren't a shoulder, she'd have slugged him- but now that she had to report to someone, he was lucky she could not simply act on impulse. And if anythign could be said about Igna, it was her dedication- she was a listener, and she would support those she truly believed in.

So far- This marksman gained all negative points in her mind. She wasn't even sure if she cared to listen to him anymore. But like the others, she didn't want this to escalate. He still had a weapon-
Lucky for her, guns took forever to load. A sword need only be swung.

"I was given orders to bring you in- not peace talk. You can do that to the man you talked back to. See if our General is so forgiving and impressed with you. I am but a soldier, and I obey my orders. You're coming with me. Peacefully - and you can pay for your words and preach whatever it is you wish to say to him."

"Not a peace talk, but a glimpse into the reality being hidden from you by your superiors. That old bat is too stuck in his ways to listen, but a fresh young mind likes yours can still be saved. As for training, I was indeed a soldier once, but no longer. I should also tell you that I finished loading my rifle before you arrived. I may only have one shot, but it's all I need. I am quite capable in close combat should that occur. Are you so intent on dying for some old man you've never met before simply because he slapped the word 'general' in front of his name?"

Listening to the man as he spoke up, Novak hoped to bring this to a swift end so he could get back to his business here. The woman behind him chimed up, speaking her peace which in turn causes Novak to remain silent for the moment. Keeping his gaze fixed on Jacen, Novak listens to the two prattle on while the main event could be taking place without there attendance.

Igna still wished to bring this to a peaceful ending or at least that is what Novak thought as he listens to her, which was something he dwelled on. Though given the situation and how it is escalating Novak had already begun to wonder if a peaceful solution could be achieved.

The comment about his rifle being loaded draws Novak's gaze to the rifle for a brief moment before he brings it back to Jacen's face. He had no clue how good this man was in combat though given the fact he had a rifle meant he could at least do some damage given a chance to fire the weapon.

" If you have come here to fight for this cause then that man indeed does hold authority over you even if you are not a soldier. It is a sacrifice we make when working with soldiers, we must follow there commands. If you do not feel that way then you are free to leave. We all come here for our own reasons but in the end we are all fighting as allies and if we cannot work together then any fighting that is to be done is already lost. " Raising his hand from his side, Novak points to Jacen " I care not for your views of this situation nor of it beyond the fact it points coin in my pocket. Now you either rally behind me and aid in this fight or you can sit back and watch your precious mages get trampled on for the rest of there lives, the choice is up to you. " Novak says as he watches the man, believing that he would not be swayed nor brought back unless he chose to come back.

Though it would mean he had one less allie to fight along side him, Novak decided to head back to see if he had missed anything. If the man wished to protect the mages he cared about he would fall in line and accept the bad with the good. Turning around, Novak glances down to Igna for a moment, he had probably forsaken one allie in this fight though he was not about to lose another. " Let's go... " Novak murmurs lightly and scoops Igna up with one arm before tossing her over his shoulder as he starts to walk away.

Igna tensed at Novak's suggestion.
"No," she told him. Why should she leave? She was angered with this man and his arrogance. Now he was threatening her with the possibility of opening fire? She gave him a stern look, her gaze narrowing.
"If you were a soldier once then you know where my duty lies. I will not go back empty handed."

"Your duty lies with the people you fight to protect, not those who tell you how," Jacen retorted. "The people you swore to protect are suffering. Go to a mage camp and see for yourself. Watch how Connlaothian citizens suffer long, slow, and painful deaths just because they just so happen to be mages. They didn't choose to be mages, and yet they suffer for it. Tell me, soldier, where is the justice? Where are all of those noble Connlaothian values that you fight to maintain? If you are unsure, just go to the nearest mage camp. You'll find your answer there. Watch those people suffer, and then talk to me about what being a soldier is."

Jacen was really worked up now. Was this woman so blind? Was she so oblivious? She was strong, yes, but horribly misinformed. That strength was keeping her from being informed.

Igna found heself stunted by his retort. She knew he was right, that she heard about the horrors, but never saw them.

"I know who I fight to protect."
She certainly did need him to tell her how a woman soldier found herself in the army. Her family was the only thing important to her. And she saw strength in her own Duke for his diligence in hi hopes in finding his lost, twin sister. Most presumed the duke's sister ran because she must be a mage- though it was never confirmed.

" And I know this war has been going on for far too long.  As a soldier, I too don't condone what's happening and I hope to make a difference in any way I can. But if we don't support the ones who try for change, we'll fall apart before it begins. Is there even a reason you are here today, except to mock the soldiers here and our Duke? My family has lived in the duchy of Turgall for generations, and we're more than familiar with how unfair most other duchies conduct business.  The army of Turgall acts on it's own. Our duke only sends our men to the Grand Duke's cause if they are willing to do so- but now..."

She hesitated, finding her grip on the hilt of her sword having tightened. She loosened her grip.
"I think we're all waiting to see what he's going to say." She kept her unyielding gaze on him, shoulders throne back, but held the confidence she had since the beginning when confronting Jacen. She was, after all, acting on behalf of the people. A man with a gun firing in an open place- and when there were civilians- what was he thinking? Perhaps everyone had gone mad. But he was not going to let some man who believed firing weapons near civilians get off the hook so easily- his opinion on dukes be damned.

Igna's objection to leaving brought Novak to a halt though he remained with his back to Jacen still as he listens to Igna speak up. Though he was ready to be on his way and leave it seemed the blonde haired woman he had came with was still set on the task she had been given. Given that he had volunteered to come along with Igna, Novak decides to remain with her rather then walk off and leave her alone to tend with Jacen. " Fine.. " Novak grumbles lightly in response to Igna's statement about not returning empty handed.

Listening to Jacen as he spoke up Novak turns around to face the man once again. Now that he would be staying with Igna once again to get Jacen to go back with them, he knew it best to face the man rather then stand with his back to him. This was not out of respect or any sort but more so in case they did begin to fight. Though he acted as if it were no business of is unless coin was involved, Novak knew how the mages camps were and how mages were treated in this country. It was something worth fighting for to some and something worth ignoring to others.

With his gaze remaining fixed on Jacen like a hawk Novak listens to Igna as she begins to speak in response to what Jacen had said. As Igna makes her closing remark Novak raises his hand from his side and brings it down to rest upon her shoulder. She still had a grip on the hilt of her blade which gave Novak wonder to if she would draw the weapon and attempt to use it, something that he felt was not needed. " Indeed we are all wondering what he will say. So perhaps we should head back and see if we will be killing anyone or simply standing around? Once all the dust has settled then we can talk about what is right and what is wrong and what to do in the wake. I would much rather have a skilled marksmen such as yourself by my side as apposed to not having one or one not as skilled. " Novak says in a friendly tone.

"I am here to find out what the Duke has to say," Jacen replied. "I have come in order to discover where he stands in this whole mess. He's different from the rest. However, if I return I will be sneaking in amidst the crowd. I'll not deal with that 'general' again."

"You're not helping your case, marksman," Igna warned. "Your reckless actions can only force me to conclude that you're not to be trusted. For all I know you're an assassin. After what you displayed here today, I'm afraid I can not let you walk the streets around so freely."

"An assassin?"

That made Jacen chuckle. What a ridiculous assumption.

"Because an assassin would draw so much attention to himself, yes? Because an assassin would walk out into the middle of a field like this with no clear escape route. Because an assassin would come out here, a fair distance from his target, and out of that crowd that would be wonderful to hide in. If you think that's how assassins work, then I've given you way too much credit. Why would I kill a potential ally? We are looking for peace. Killing Dukes is what started this whole mess, killing another would make it worse. This is your entire problem. All of you soldiers are thinking the worst of people right from the get-go. You don't even know me, and yet I'm automatically a villain and a threat. Though I have threatened you, I have not once pointed my rifle at you. The purpose of the threat was to keep you listening. It seems that it has worked. I'm not here to kill anyone. I've already killed more than I would care to remember. Is there not the possibilty that I could be a decent man?"

Igna grew silent and chewed over the mans' words. She hated to admit he had a point. Easing up her grip on her sword, which was, a t least for now, sheathed, she sighed.
"If you truly wish to hear what the Duke of Turgall has to say, at least forfeit yourself into my custody and I can explain your presence and desires to the General."

"You may be my escort, but I will not be your prisoner," Jacen said simply. "I keep my gear."

Jacen de-cocked his rifle and approached the two of them.

"My name is Jacen. You will get no more than that for my family's sake."

Igna stood a little taller.
"My name is Igna, Igna Martisse. And I declare my name freely- for their sake."
She was here fighting this war for them, after all.

"That's because there won't be any negative reprecussions for your family if you're discovered," Jacen muttered softly.

The image of his sister's face before he left flashed in his mind's eye. He hated putting his family at risk, but if he could bring this war one step closer to the end, it would be better for them in the long run.

A heavy cart, pulled by a quartet of horses, clattered on the stones of a road, leading around a castle. A small figure was perched on its back, light hair blown almost into a halo by the strong wind, clad in perfectly polished suit of armor - what was slightly unusual, considering the man sat on the back of a carriage, filled by hay and foodstuffs.

An obviously enraged figure ran after the cart, shouting obscenities, obviously underdressed, only in lower layers of his armour. "Stop! You filthy thief! Stop!" the man screamed atop his lungs, but Artemis only smirked, standing up on the narrow ledge, and rudely showed the man his tongue, right before he jumped off the cart, and in a swift roll landed on the side of the road.

He carefully looked around himself, dusting the silver and grey armour off, and slipping through the shadows, he got unnoticed onto a small square in front of the castle. Some people were already there... He sped up, and in a brisk tempo walked to a blonde-haired woman. She appeared serious about all this.

His hand, covered by an exquisite and finely crafted gauntlet, tapped her on the shoulder. "Is this the, ehm, meeting?" he asked her, moving the heavy crossbow on his back into a more comfortable position, and tilted his head aside.

Having spoken his mind on the matter Novak fell into silence, at the moment he was ready to get back to the gathering and see if they had missed anything. However he was not willing to leave the blonde haired woman behind so he remains at her side silently listening.

Listening to Igna bring up the idea of the man being an assassin caused Novak to raise an eye brow as he glances to Igna for a brief moment. He had not given such a thing thought but then again if he were an assassin coming to kill the duke he was doing a lousy job at it. It seemed Jacen had the same idea as he in reaction to the notion of Jacen being an assassin.

Shifting his gaze back to Jacen as the two spoke, things seemed to settle down slowly between the two, with the man introducing himself as Jacen. It was good to know the mans name, made things easier when speaking to someone. Though he had not asked for it, he also found out the name of the woman he had came with.

The unfamiliar voice caught his attention and Novak turns his gaze from Jacen to look down at the newcomer, his gaze shifting over the man for a brief moment " Greetings. " Novak offers with a friendly smile, his hand still resting upon Igna's shoulder for the time being. " I'm afraid this is not the meeting you are looking for, if you are here for the big speech. " Novak shifts his gaze to the crossbow over the man's shoulder for a brief moment before turning his gaze back to the man's face.

"The big speech?" Artemis raised a brow, giving the enormous man before him a crooked, nervous smile. "I'm here for the duke of Turgall... Ehm, I didn't receive too clear information..." He shrugged, scanning his surroundings. This man was huge...

"I don't know where else I'd be supposed to be, so for the time... I guess..." He was suddenly without any words to say, and all he could do was look around, silently clattering his armour as he ran his fingers down the chestplate.

Igna was nearly knocked off her feet when an awkwardly dressed elf came crashing into her. Wasn't he paying attention to where he was going?
"Hmph." Though her snort was more or less inaudible, it was clear in her gaze she didn't care for the interruption and looking the awkwardly clad figure over, she wasn't even sure what to make of him. He looked too small for such an armor and her frown deepened.

"Watch where you're going. You could hurt someone!" She warned, but then at his inquiry about the speech, she blinked.
"I'm not sure if we've missed his speech or not, but we were all about to head back to the castle square." And she pointed over her shoulder in it's direction.

Jacen remained silent throughout the ordeal. Something about this guy didn't sit right with, but then again, not much did anymore. He would just go through the motions and stay with the group. He didn't know what would happen when they got back to the city.

With his gaze resting on the newcomer still, Novak gives a faint nod as he shifts his gaze over the armor clad man. It seemed the man had not been given good information or he could not follow directions very well. Pulling his hand from her shoulder, Novak turns his attention back to Igna as she brings up the speech as well, though they had spent a bit of time away from the gathering he hoped he had not missed the reason why he had came all this way.

" Indeed, so perhaps we should make our way back now that this issue has been resolved. " Novak says as he glances towards Jacen for a moment. " If you would like to take the lead Igna, I can bring up the rear if you'd like. " Novak glances to the newcomer " And you can join us on our way back, I'm sure you can find the man you are looking for with the others. "

"Well then, if we're all ready," And she gave a nod towards the others and turned around, assuming the lead.

The closer the group got to the castle square the more people they had to push through as the crowd was growing by the minute. Seems word got out to the masses quick and the entire capital of Turgall's population seemed to be there. Igna's eyes searched the crowd for where the General had gone, but it seemed even he had been consumed by the masses. To Jacen, she turned and hissed in a whisper beneath her breath, "Don't get out of my sight."
But she didn't have a chance to say much more the Duke of Turgall himself stepped out from his castle and began to approach the crowd.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Jacen replied smugly.

This girl needed to loosen up. She may have been a soldier, but she took things way to seriously all the time. Not to mention the serious trust issues. Still, he couldn't help but steal glances at her now and again. She had more of a rugged beauty to her, not like the fragile looking noble women that Jacen was used to seeing. In his opinion, it was nicer to have a woman that didn't look like she would break in half by giving her a hug. But with how much trouble he'd caused her, he probably wouldn't have to worry about that. Still, he was about that age where he should be finding a wife regardless.

His thoughts were interrupted by the approaching Duke. It was time to see where his loyalties lied.

Artemis followed the strange company to the square, and waited for the duke to come out... However, when he finally did, a confident smirk spread on his thin lips. He resisted the urge to shove himself forth and shout 'Hey Blaith!' out loud, and instead pushed himself through the crowd just a little closer, accidentally - or was it really an accident? - poking the woman with his elbow, and his scruffy head appeared right in front of her.

Finally! He was impatient for the speech, just wanting to get to it and get out of here once and for all... He made one more step forth, ruthlessly shoving someone out of his way, to make sure that the duke would see him, and waited.

Tertius watched the soldiers go. It was nice to know that not all soldiers were insubordinate like that fellow with the rifle. While he watched the walk off, a small circle of open space formed around him. Whispers abounded, and he heard his name more than once.

Out of the crowd, a middle-aged soldier emerged and walked up to Tertius. "General Cornelius?" he asked

Tertius looked at the fellow. His armor denoted him as a sergeant, and his age was such that he might have serve with the general in some of his last campaigns. Tertius accessed the massive catalogue of faces he stored in his mind. There was no way for him to remember every soldier he served with, but on the off chance he could recall, it would impress those gathered around him. He needed to make a good impression if he was going to lead this men at all. He had to show that he hasn't lost his edge.

An image in his memory jumped out at him. A boy, barely eighteen, acting as a runner relaying orders from him to his lieutenants. What was the boy's name... It came to him after a few moments. Darius.

"Yes that's me." he finally replied to the mans question. "And you're Darius, right?"

The man looked stunned. "Y, y, yessir, that's me! I didn't think you'd recognize me."

The general smiled. "Lucky guess." he replied with a shrug. He tried to pass it off as something casual, and he was gratified to hear the volume of whispers increase. Good, things were progressing nicely.

He was going to continue the conversation when he heard the murmuring pick up intensely in volume. He looked around to see what the commotion was and saw Blaith emerging from the castle. Tertius' breath caught. The boy looked so much older now, so haggard. What had he been through while the old man was away.

He spoke a quick reply to Darius, "It was nice seeing you again, but I have to be going." The old man walked into the crowd, working his way closer to the Duke.

Looking to Igna as she spoke up about being ready, Novak gives a faint nod to let her know that he is ready. As she begins to move Novak keeps his gaze fixed on her for a few moments before he shifts his gaze to the others as they begin to follow after her. Though it had not been confirmed with Igna, Novak waits for everyone to follow after her before he begins to follow after her, taking up the rear of the group.

Moving into the crowed after Igna and the others Novak begins to shift his gaze, glancing around slowly as he pushes threw the crowed. Though he had not given up his weapon the man they were sent after, Jacen, had given in to coming along with them and from time to time Novak would glance to the man to make sure things were alright with him.

Lifting his gaze Novak looks to the man that comes out of the castle and begins to wonder if it is the man that would be giving the speech and there for the reason he had come here.

Igna's gaze narrowed at Jacen. She didn't appreciate the remark, but left it at that- and as much as her eyes wanted to remain on the Duke as he stepped forward and the crowd began to turn his way, she kept at least half her gaze on Jacen. But even still, the very presence the Duke of Turgall presented was enough to seal a knot in her throat- one she was having trouble swallowing back.

But then, with a flashing smile across his handsome face, the Duke of Turgall began to speak.

"Good people of the Duchy of Turgall!" he began, a friendly hand raising to the masses. "And.. perhaps some of you not from Turgall..." A comment that elicited a rising chuckle from the crowd. "Do I have your eyes and ears for at least this moment in time? For I have news to share here today, and I am hoping you are all willing to listen- with both an open mind and heart."

At such a claim, Igna found herself growing rigid, squaring off her shoulders and silently nodding to her Duke's words. And inadvertently, her eyes trailed over to Blaith- but just for the briefest of moments. It was hard not to look at their leading nobleman. Their family had been known for their good looks, and Blaith himself always held such charismatic speeches. It's why, though the duchy did much more poorly than the rest, he still held great respect among his people.

"Earlier this week I have received confirmation on something that will only confirm the rumors I've long since denied." He flashed a smile now, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You're all aware that my twin sister, Lady Kella Harmond, has been missing for many years now- and despite my best efforts to seek her out, they have gone in vain. Well..." A dry laugh came from his throat as he stared down at the pulpit, a fist lightly tapping against it before his blue eyes rose back to the crowd.

"My sister is no longer lost. But she has been found. And it has been declared she was a mage by the very animal who had lead the slaughter through both the towns of Havanlaar and Thaedes. The very man who raises terror in both supporters of the crown- and those who are not. And it is a hard fact for me to swallow, but the reality is there- and it has been confirmed, visually, and.... on official royal documents, that," he paused for a moment, his smile curling unconventionally across his lips as he shook his head, but continued, "my sister Lady Kella has been taken as a prisoner in the large northern fort in Ahjfeld- Fort Dhagh."

He went silent a moment- as did the crowd.

"I have sent word to the Duke of Ahjfeld on the matter. The letter was simple- demanding the release of my sister. Well.." He gave another dry laugh, one the crowd could not hear, but could clearly see. "I got my answer today." And he held up a scroll in a fist. "And he refuses to comply."

The crowd began to murmur, and Igna found her gaze shifting from Blaith, to the masses. She felt the same uneasiness as they did. So the Duke's sister was a mage? Or was that not confirmed? Though now that she's a prisoner- and his desire to have her released ignored...
What did that mean?

Artemis carefully listened to what Blaith had to say, his lips gradually spreading into a smirk. He was neither young nor stupid, and he knew very well what this meant - that they shall march on the fort, and claim the girl back.

Exactly what he wanted the most in this situation. Finally an opportunity to show the protest, an opportunity to show that they shall not be pushed down into the mud, an opportunity to rise against the oppressors... The imprisoned duke's sister was only a shallow excuse, but it was a reason enough to start something like that.

He made his way to the front of the crowd, ignoring a few scowls and growls, until there was finally no one before him, and he saw the duke of Turgall, knowing that he was able to notice him just as well.

"He's not the only one who got his answer today," Jacen said softly.

Jacen knew that he would definitely be participating now. There was no way that he could pass up an opportunity to destroy a mage camp, and with such a formidable force. That camp was as good as gone.

Caleb strongly disliked cities. To some the hustle and bustle, the close living quarters, the wall walls and spiraling edifices were reassurances of progress, of security, of the aims of the public good. They brought with them the quiet conciliation that although life was chaotic and haphazard, that although the world was cruel and strange, here and there mankind had carved bastions of order into chaos -- that will and perseverance could overcome the indomitable world in time. But the blind hunter saw things differently. For him, a city was less sanctuary and more wasteland -- an open sea was an apt metaphor. In the wilds all things had their definition, their distinction, distance with connection and liberty of flow... but here, where the masses huddled against the cold in boxes carved from the bones of the earth, the sinews of the land, and the flesh of the soil, that was lost. The wilds were to him a painting in a thousand colors and a thousand shades -- the city knew only one color, the color of people, punctuated only sparsely by tints of tame animals and tiny spots of nature that "progress" had yet to stamp out. He was adrift in this place, lost on a sea of humanity that roiled with thought and emotion, swelled with fear and pride and longings. Part of him yearned to flee back into the trees, to wait out all of this like a bear huddles in the dark until thaw.

But that would not be so. He had been on the run from mage-hunters too long, ever eluding them under branch and hollow, but this could not last forever. His mind still remembered the darkness, the void around his last pursuer. The Mordecai had almost had him... no, hiding alone would no longer suffice.

War called. The hunter would find what succour he could from it.

The cold bit at his skin and whirled his hair with each slight gust, but he did not reach out to still it. Every reminder of the living, green world, even the chill ones, reassured him in this place. At length, by following those whose colors simmered with the anticipation of bloodshed or coin he found his way to where the gathering was taking place. There was anticipation in the air; he had heard that the Duke was to rally those willing for some cause, and that was good enough. Caleb guessed it had not yet started, though perhaps at any --

"Good people of the Duchy of Turgall!"

And so it began. Caleb listened attentively -- not merely to the Duke but also to the crowd, to all his surroundings. He was a stranger to getherings like this, unsure what to think or expect. He shied to the edges of the crowd, stepping carefully, finally finding himself a wall against which to lean, and directed his full attentions outward. He could feel the emotions of the crowd swell and steadied himself against it.

A captured sister -- declared mage and imprisoned. It fit. He knew enough to know that people fought for those closest to them, as his own parents had struggled for his sake. But the Duke of Ahjfeld's refusal... what was he implying with that? To what level would this conflict grow? A gathering like this was not convened idly he imagined; blood was to be spilled, sides taken, lives lost.

Caleb frowned. He had found his hopeful prospect... and it was just as grim as he'd suspected it would be. A devil's deal, this.

"Up north..." Caleb murmured under his breath. There, on the edge of the world, the land was hard and cold, the bones of the earth jutting out in great spires that reached heavenward. He had never been himself, but had heard tell of snow-covered mountains and fields of frost. It was not a... pleasant thought, going there. Still...

Still, freedom and safety would not come cheaply. He would have to win them.

He would have to fight. But first he would listen... and see whether this battle was truly to be his.

With the arrival of the Duke, Novak knew things would be starting any moment now and he would find the reason he had been brought here and with any luck the one that will keep him here. As the duke begins to speak Novak remains silent and listens to the man while he addresses the people that had gathered first.

Listening to the man, Novak got the impression that he wished to captivate the hearts and minds of those who had gathered here with the speech he is giving. However Novak knew of only one reason that had brought him to this gathering, the thought of riches that it would bring him. Though the details did not matter as much to him, as he listens Novak gets an idea of why this man had called together so many soldiers and mercenaries. He sought to free his sister from her captors, which was something Novak seen as a good cause, at least to a point, family was of importance to some.

" Well.. " Novak grumbles lightly to himself as he mulls over what the Duke has said thus far. He did not know how much was in it for him but given what the man had said thus far, it would stand to reason that he would be willing to pay a great deal for the release of his sister or aid in her release.

Tertius had gotten close enough for his old ears to be able to Blaith's speech, though the general was still mired in the crowd. The Duke's words confirmed the bleak news that the general had already gotten through messenger. Kella a prisoner and political release unlikely.

He sighed. He'd hoped against hope, but no, war was probable. And he would be a part of it, ordering Connlaothians to fight Conblaothians. He hated it. Still, he'd do anything for the twins, just like he knew that Blaith would do anything for his sister.

He stood, waiting to hear if Blaith had anything more to say and considering the best route from the square to the gates of the palace. The guards would let him in, he had the letter, and from there he could get to Blaith. He was going to need a full update on the situation.

Blaith raised a hand and the crowd went silent again. Though for a moment, he did not speak as Igna held a breath. She didn't want to miss what he was about to say, and for the moment, the rest of the world around her did not exist.


"To let the Duke of Ajhfeld know I am not taking kindly to his... denial, I plan to march into Ahjfeld myself, with the backing of the entire Turgall army." He paused a moment, hard eyes moving through the crowd. "But it won't just be the army that is helping me, but I've asked many men willing to fight for this cause to come here today. For this fight is not just about the money, or even just about my sister- but about the ignorance cast upon this country and those too blind, they'll follow. Too long our country has been at war, too long have we all been treated like dogs. It's time we remind the Grand Duke his word is not law- but it was our joint efforts that secured hm the throne, and it is our duty to withdraw if we see fit. Well.."

He gave a dark smile towards the crowd.

"This is the official announcement of our withdrawl from the war. Turgall will no longer support the Grand Duke, or his new laws- and we will go into Ahjfeld and let their duke know- we are not those weaklings they always believed us to be- that even a small duchy cane have it's voice heard above the winds. So if you are with me, if you are desiring change- then come- march with me unto Ahjfeld- and help me make a difference in this war- a Fight to end this unnecessary blood shed for good!"

At the end of his speech, Igna found herself unable to hide the small smile that formed upon her lips as brown eyes remained latched onto their Duke as the crowd began to roar. Blaith was not the only one tired of the war- and Turgall, being the most lenient duchy towards the mages, was finally happy their duke was going to take action. It was just unfortunate his sister had to be the catalyst.

Too long had Igna seen the suffering of men. It was time to make a difference. It was time to take up arms.

"One step closer to the end," Jacen muttered softly.

Jacen turned to Igna and spoke to her.

"Now you will get to see a mage camp firsthand. Then you will understand why I'm here."

So, this Duke was on their side. This was a big plus for the mages. If the duchies themselves start turning against the Grand Duke, then there is no way he could keep the war going any longer. Now it was just a question of whether or not Turgall would knock over the next domino.

Igna was taken back by Jacen's words.
"He made no mention of visiting the camps.. Perhaps he can still speak peacefully to the Duke in person. There are other ways in dealing with... complications other than simply fighting. He might change his mind with an entire army backing our Duke when he arrives."

Though she had a feeling- if when they marched into Ajhfeld- there would only be one option. She pressed her lips together and turned around to survey the masses. The castle square had grown too boisterous for her. It hurt her head, and she felt a bit dizzy for it. Perhaps it was just too much to take in. And where had General Cornelius gone? There was still the matter of Jacen's fate to be dealt wth- but she had a feeling.. if he was a supporter of this cause, he might be saved from serving any time in prison.

Jacen put a hand on Igna's shoulder.

"You look a bit dizzy. You feeling alright? Maybe you should sit down."

While it was only polite to offer his assistance, he couldn't deny that he did care for her well-being. He owed her for giving her such a hard time before. That's what he kept telling himself anyway.

Igna stiffened and jerked her shoulder away from his hand. She gave him a surprised look before her gaze narrowed.
"I'm fine."
It seemed the gesture was enough to cement her as she shook off the dizzying sensation from her mind. Though she was still reeling abit from the crowds reaction, as she noted the Duke making a few concluding words, she watched as he returned towards his castle and only then did she note the General among the men. Too bad he was half way across this sea of men. She bit her lip and took a sharp hold of Jacen's wrist.

"Come on. Let's see what the General has to say about your actions now." And she moved forward, hoping to pull Jacen along.

"Ow! Not so rough," Jacen said as Igna yanked on his wrist.

Her grip was surprisingly strong, and painful. Nothing quite like being pulled through a crowd of burly men by some woman. This wasn't at all embarrassing.

"Ok, ok. I'm sorry I asked. I'll leave you to your dizziness next time."

As Blaith raised his hand Novak glances around for a brief moment as the crowed around him falls silent. Novak shifts his gaze around, glancing to some of the people in the crowed before turning his gaze back to Blaith as he begins to speak. Trough the speech Blaith gave Novak keeps is attention resting on the man while he listens. Though he listens Novak knew he did not have to really listen to what the man had to say, the reason for him being here was a simple one rather then some of the other people that had gathered.

However Novak knew he could not say his only reason for being here was the coin it would put into his pocket. No he also enjoyed the thrill of battle, that was another reason he had come to pledge his skills to aid these people in there fight.

With the speech coming to an end Novak drops his gaze from Blaith and glances to Igna and Jacen for a moment. They still had to deal with the unruly riflemen or at least Igna had to deal with him.  As Jacen speaks up Novak turns his gaze to the man for a moment, a soft and brief chuckle escaping him at Jacen's comment.

For a moment Novak lifts his attention from the two and glances around once again, his gaze slowly scanning over the crowed from his vantage point. If it did come down to fighting Novak wondered how many real soldiers would be willing to go up against there own countrymen. It was easy for a man only in it for coin however when you are someone going up against your brother or neighbor things got more complicated. Dropping his gaze back to the two after they had begun to move, Novak lets out a soft grumble and begins to follow after them as Igna leads the way towards the General.

Caleb found it... ironic, that the duke would describe his adversaries as blind. He wondered if perhaps he would grasp the irony should the two of them ever converse, though that was neither here or there. What was here was exactly what the blind hunter had expected:

The ambitions of men. The claims of moral authority. The absurd notion of ending bloodshed with more of it. This, then, was war, in all it's "glory".

And Caleb Draves would be partaking; necessity had left him little choice. He had hunted, and now was hunted in turn; to achieve peace he would hunt again, this time soldiers and commanders instead of beasts, feeding into the cycle of hate, distrust, and malevolence as it turned upon itself. It was as though the world of humanity could not turn without being lubricated by blood... and, perhaps, that was true. Nature may have been red in tooth and claw, indeed, but it took only what it needed and gave back the same. Mankind was wasteful and greedy, taking more than they ought and leaving despoiled what failed to suit them. He sighed and hung his head at the thought.

There was murmuring in the crowds, hushed but excited, energized by the duke's words. Bits and pieces drifted into and out of focus, like a whirlwind making its way amongst a hundred-thousand tree branches.



"...my son. That sword's been rusting on the mantle-place too long, and now..."



"... Ansgar's way, a voice to each of us. If he won't heed Duke Harmond with an army at his back then..."

A hundred voices with a hundred opinions, but the Duke would weave them all into the fabric of his aims. Those without weapons would surely find them, those with strength would muster it, and upon the wintry fields the truth of Duke Harmond's words would be tested. Abandoning the wall, Caleb made his way through the crowd, intent to figure out his next step, when one of the voices -- one relatively close by -- caught his attention.


A General -- a commander of men and leader of armies. Caleb's ears perked. If an arrangement for his peace and protection could be made, it would be through such a one; what's more, he knew his talents would be wasted -- likely along with his life -- were he to recruit as simple infantry. The blind hunter wasn't here to throw away his life, but to save it... and a General would know the value of a talented scout, hopefully. Finding the voice's source amidst the sea of humanity, he followed Igna and the pulled-along Jacen through the crowd.

Artemis was nearly skipping on his tiptoes as Blaith went on with his speech. Yes! They'll march!

For freedom, for the rights of all men, be they mages or not, to end this... Oppression... He gritted his teeth to stop a cheer, and stepped out of the crowd, searching for an opportunity to get to the Duke without being noticed by any nosy bystanders. He was suspicious enough as he was, especially with the stolen armour...

Slipping back among the people that stood around, he began finding his way through the crowd, but it was indeed complicated, as the metal plates and chains kept getting caught on everything around. People were often turning at the poor elf that tried to pass without being noticed with disapproving glances - that was, until he accidentally tripped over someone.

It was the same girl again, the pale-haired soldier, who he fell right onto, or almost right onto, as he managed to turn aside and stop himself from knocking her over, instead falling head and hands first onto the stone tiles. He was regretting that he took that armour more and more - falling onto the sharp edges of the metal plates was more than painful.

Tertius was diverted from his mental routing by the sight of the female soldier he had sent out earlier leading the insubordinate soldier with the rifle. He also saw the big man was trailing behind them, though the blind figure behind him escaped the general's notice.

Tertius smiled and raised his hand in greeting. He moved towards the pair, and was about to start speaking when a man, clad awkwardly in armor, almost slammed into her. He managed by some contortion to avoid the impact, but his efforts left him sprawled on the ground in a heap, right in front of Tertius. The general looked down at the man with surprise.

"Need some help there son?" The general asked, bemused. He extended one arm so that he could help the fellow up.

"Allow me as well."

When the group he'd been tailing was suddenly toppled over headlong by an awkward figure in what seemed yet more awkward heavy armor, Caleb had decided it time to step somewhat from the passive and become active in what was going on. The hard truth of the matter was that, without these two strangers, finding the Duke's General would be a difficult task -- the sighted may have been able to identify such a one on sight by markings, heraldry, or uniform, but Caleb's mage-sight was as blind to such things as real-sight was to the spirit-flow of the world. The General could be standing right in front of him and the blind hunter would never have known... a grand irony, considering that was in fact the case.

Caleb offered his hand to those fallen, willing and able to help them to their feet.

Igna would have gladly accepted any of the offered hands- but as luck would have it- it seemed she was near the bottom of the pile- well, almost. First was poor Jacen, probably half squashed beneath  her, then she herself- half squashed in her armor- and then right on top of her- that soldier from earlier who wore a suit of armor one size too big.

Cursing through her teeth, (which she knew was most unbecoming of a lady, but she didn't care) she struggled beneath Artemis and seethed.
"Get off!"

...Blood? That wasn't what he expected to taste when he hit the ground (and partially also Igna), but it was the exact taste he recognized. And it wasn't too pleasant. After a moment he concluded that he had to bite into his mouth or lip a bit too hard when he fell.

He rolled off the girl and took the closest hand nearby, staring into the ground in shame. "Thanks," he muttered shyly, brushing his hair into his face to hide how he blushed. The long strands of pale ashen blond successfully covered it - for his pleasure. Although now he could hardly see a thing.

Jacen was not feeling to good at the moment. Not only did he fall, but he ended up at the bottom of the pile with two people stacked on top of him. To make things worse, they were both wearing armor which added additional weight and elimatied any hopes of a softer impact.

"Let it not be said that I have not suffered for the cause," Jacen grunted from beneath Igna.

"With luck, this will be all you are made to suffer." Caleb said, helping as best he could to untangle the human (and elvish) knot of bodies. The others might notice the awkwardness of his movements as he did, along with the fact he didn't actually meet anyone's eyes when they looked at him; otherwise, however, he would seem like just another person in the crowd.

"My apologies, but I heard one of you talking earlier about seeking out a General?" He took a moment to re-center his quiver and bow where they rested on his back; appearances may not have been important to the blind hunter but balance was, even when there was no cause for concern. "I would like to have words with him as well. I seek to enlist myself in this effort as a scout -- may I follow with you?"

Tertius and the man with the bow managed to untangle and right the three downed people, though with no small amount of effort involved.

As they were finishing their exertions, Tertius heard the bowman's words. He was looking for the general? Well as far as Tertius knew he was the only officer of that rank nearby. He turned to look at the man. He was well outfitted and he looked capable, but the more Tertius observed him the more he wondered at the man's ability to scout.

"I might be the general you're looking for, son. However, and I mean no offense by this, I don't know how useful a blind scout will be. And before I even think about hiring new troops, I have to deal with my current ones."

He turned to Igna. "I see you brought back our insubordinate soldier. I commend you for your efforts, and thank you for your careful execution of my orders."

He then faced Jacen, still under the mistaken impression that the boy was an actual soldier. "And you, are you prepared to face the consequences for your disrespect, soldier?"

"Maybe later, sir," Jacen replied putting a lot a emphasis on the 'sir'. "You're going to need someone with my talents."

Jacen still didn't entirely respect the general. Actually, he still didn't respect him at all. The only reason he would do what he said is because Jacen wanted to take down that mage camp. He still thought that they should have a general with a better grasp on 'modern' warfare. It seemed as though this guy was around way before guns were.

Once Igna was on her feet, she worked quickly at dusting her armor off from the grit on the street, and made a face when noticed a ding. She supposed she'd get more of those in her armor soon enough; but something else caught her off guard, and she couldn't help but find herself staring at the blind mind curiously. She didn't put two and two together at first, just found herself observing the way he stared around, as if through things, rather than at them before the General stated the obvious. That's when Igna closed her gaping lips.

So a blind man wanted to be a scout? How very... odd.
Turning away she went to observe the rest of the motley crew when she found herself suddenly walking into Novak.

OOC: loool can't forget the really tall guy is there 8D

Something struck Tertius about the rifleman's words. "Going to need."

"Are you not already a soldier in the duke's army." Tertius asked, obviously surprised. That did explain a lot. The general suddenly laughed, all the tension leaving his body. The guffawing was loud and uproarious, completely out of place considering the occasion. "Well that makes a lot more sense now doesn't it. I believe there's been a misunderstanding, and I think I owe you an apology boy, for trying to court-martial you before you're even part of the army. It never struck me that civilians could own rifles nowadays. I must be more out of date than thought."

"Don't worry about it," Jacen said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I was a soldier at one point, but I struck a deal with my superiors to leave the military in order to help support my family."

Artemis listened to their conversation, but didn't dare to speak up till a while later. Moving a few wisps of his hair out of his eyes to allow him to see at least something, he studied all the people around him, wondering who'd be the most reliable source of information...

A blind hunter, an old general, that female soldier, the marksman, and the huge man. He decided to turn at the general, and stepped a little closer. "Sir, I need to speak to the duke, or someone close to him. I don't suppose he'd be that easy to get, though, so isn't there anyone else for it?" he asked, pretending to have the position for his armour, and quite successfully, except for the fact that his wonderful gear was now dirty and scratched.

Following along after Igna and Jacen, Novak didn't notice the tag along Caled as he begins to follow after them, his attention remaining fixed on Igna as she leads the way. Out of the blue a white haired figure catches his attention however before he can react to it, Novak watches as the elf from before runs into Igna and sends the whole group, excluding him, to the ground. Coming to a halt Novak looked down at what was not a pile of bodies, a soft chuckle escaping the male at the sight before him.

Though he knew it couldn't be very comfortable it was still a slightly entertaining sight to behold. Lifting his gaze Novak glances to Tetirus as he offers the group a hand, though Novak refrains from offering a hand, instead letting the others help, perhaps a rather unkind act on his part though he was getting a kick out of what just happened.

With the aid of Tetirus and the man that had been following them the pile of bodies was dismantled bit by bit until the three that had fallen where all aided. Shifting his gaze Novak turns his attention to the new individual, Caled. As it turns out the man was here to aid in the good fight something Novak thought was a good thing given the more bodies the better! Tertius' response gave Novak reason to pause in having the new comer join them, the man was blind? Then again Novak did not take the time to watch the man so it could be true.

Either way Novak's attention is taken away from the two as Igna runs right into him. Feeling the contact between them Novak turns his gaze down to Igna and offers the woman a soft smile as he brings a hand up and places it atop her head, ruffling her hair some below his hand " I do believe you cannot walk through someone. " Novak says in a joking manner, " Though if you are seeking the comforting embrace of a mans arms, I am always available. " He adds, though with less of a joking tone.

The General had been right there, the very man helping the others up off the tumbled pile. Caleb felt himself briefly flush with embarrassment, though he fought to regain composure as quickly as possible. To seem flustered would ill suit -- at such a moment, impressions would be everything.

Especially if he were to trust this man with his secret.

It seemed the one clumsy in the armor wished audience with the Duke, and made his request known. This presented a clear opportunity, one that the blind hunter could not quite afford to pass up.

"If I may interject," Caleb stepped forward, between Artemis and Tertius. The hunter quickly dropped to one knee, a sign of respect and humility before the General. "Yes... as you say, I am blind. From birth, in fact. However, my General, I am no feeble beggar -- I bear not the bow without the ability to use it, nor garb of the huntsman without having earned it. For many years I served in the Duchy of Vythe, in service to the Barony of Harstead, first as apprentice to the Baron of that land's favored hunter and then, in time, as the favored hunter myself."

At this, he removed his hat and drew the amulet from around his neck, presenting it for the General to see. It bore the mark of the Harstead Barony, one of the smaller and most forested of the southern noble lands. The General would recognize the amulet as a sign of that Baron's favor, an image of a falcon bordered in thistle wreath, sign most certain of Caleb's former occupation.

"These times have forced me from the lands I once called home." Saying that itself would give the General some notion of why Caleb, though blind, could still wield a bow and arrow and bear the hunter's role in a baron's court. "I would speak more on the matter, in private, but I can assure you of my skills, my General."

"For example, I can observe that," And here he turned his head in Artemis' direction. "One who wears the armor of a soldier and yet lacks dexterity and control with it must not have been wearing it for very long, nor practiced sufficiently since receiving it."

"Should such a one truly be brought into the presence of Duke Harmond or his court?" The implication was clear in Caleb's words.

The man in armor wasn't what he seemed.

Between the awkward armored figure's request and the bowman's accusations, the general was having a hard time keeping up with what was going on. That wasn't to mention the female soldier's conversation with the big man, or Tertius' own frustration at the rifleman's flippancy despite the general's heartfelt apology. And he still didn't know any of their names!

He could follow some of it, he was used to having multiple draws on his attention, and he was getting general impressions, but that wasn't good enough when people were making the kinds of implications he was hearing right now. Tertisus decided that it was high time to bring some order to the chaos.

In his commanding officer voice, the one that put a drill sergeant's to shame, Tertius shouted, "Alright ladies and gentleman. Before I answer any of your questions or requests, I need to sort out exactly who I'm dealing with. Now, each of you introduce yourself with your name and rank or occupation like civilized people, and maybe, maybe we can move on from there!"

Igna made a face when Novak tried to joke with her- but the flirt made her eyes cut into him like a knife. She was in no mood to be treated like some woman. She was a soldier! And though she knew it was a man's world in Connlaoth, she had signed up like everyone else and trained just like the rest. She wasn't afraid to prove her worth here, or anywhere.

Turning haughtily away from Novak, she used Tertius's request as a means to break away from all the craziness she had been thrown into and threw up a hand in salute.
"General Tertius, my name is Igna Martisse- official soldier for the army of Turgall. At your service." And she dropped her head into a one kneed bow.

With the remark, Novak keeps his attention resting on Igna, watching her reaction to what he had to say. Though he was attempting to make light of the situation and change the mood in some way it seemed his remarks and perhaps flirtatious comment towards Igna was not received well by her. If he were not so emotionally guarded perhaps the look she gave him would have had some form of effect on him, however Novak showed no sign of the look affecting him, rather continues to offer the woman a friendly smile.

Despite the fact that he had heard the request from Tertius, Novak kept his gaze resting on Igna for a brief moment longer, her response to the man's question coming first. Given that it would happen sooner or later Novak decides to follow in Igna's footsteps and lets is hand fall to his side as Igna sinks to one knee. For a brief moment Novak glances down at her before looking to Tertius. " And I am Novak, just a simple mercenary looking to make some coin. " Novak says, not giving any form of salute or sinking to one knee as Igna had done.

"I am Jacen, one of the best marksman in all of Connlaoth," Jacen said with an exaggerated bow.

He normally wasn't one to brag, but this generally needed to know that he wasn't just some kid with something to prove. He was serious business. He had a family to protect and country to pull out of the gutter, and he planned on doing just that.

"Arian Hunter." Artemis introduced himself, using one of his many aliases, and bowed, with perfect grace and elegance despite the armour being a little too big. He knew what to do now... Just pretend, just play the role, and everything will be good.

"I am a hunter and archer, and I work for whoever hires me. I understand you can't see that, but this armour is not fashioned for a soldier. I do admit I have little experience wearing it, due to the nature of my profession not regarding it, but for today, I needed something better than rugged leather armour - due to reasons that are my own, if you do not mind." he explained him in a slightly soft tone, perfectly calm. The mask has fit on its place, and nobody could recognize that it was just another role this master thief and actor played.

He took the crossbow off his back and handled it with expert care and proficiency. "You'll only find a few that can aim and shoot this better," he raised a half-smile at the men, and returned it onto its place.

Still kneeling, Caleb heeded the General's instruction following the suspicious freelance hunter. "Caleb Draves, my General, former hunter for the court of the Barony of Harstead."

So, two of those assembled claimed to be superior marksmen. Caleb wondered if, perhaps, they might have opportunity for contest at some point. He doubted either had ever held a match of aim with a blind man using a simple bow and arrows before... or, he thought with a slight smile, been bested by one.

Unlike the rifler and the crossbowman, Caleb made no further claims, no boasts or brags. He knew what he could do and would gladly demonstrate if needed... but his utility to the Duke's endeavors wasn't something he felt ready to publicly announce. Time and cause would prove his worth, of that he felt assured.


(EDIT: Changes made to reflect the list of Duchies in Connlaoth. Thanks Spice!)

Igna felt her brow twitch a little as one man said he was here for coin, and another- trying to vouch for his reason in wearing armor that was not his. So thieves and mercenaries would be working with her here? Pushing her thoughts on that matter aside, she kept her head low and bowed and simply waited to see what the General had to say. She at least took peace in knowing that each men obeyed him willingly and without tribulation.

Tertius listened to each of their introductions in turn. The way someone put expressed themselves in these moments revealed a lot about their character, and he listened intently, trying to catch every detail.

He was happy with Igna's simple and respectful greeting. She seemed like a solid soldier, well-trained and well armored. Especially considering her gender and youth. Actually though, hard experience had taught Tertius that women could be just as fearsome of combatants as men. He'd seen Adhara in battle, and it had been a truly impressive spectacle. He decided not to judge Igna on her gender, and instead let her actions speak for her.

Novak's simple introduction also met the general well. Tertius didn't as a rule like mercenaries all that much, but this Novak fellow seemed alright and while he didn't kneel or bow like some of the others, the general didn't fault him for it. Why should he kneel, Tertius wasn't a superior officer or even an employer yet.

Jacen still wore on Tertius' nerves a bit, but now that he knew the man wasn't an actual soldier, the general could tolerate him. He wondered about the man's claim of marksmanship, however. In his experience, rifles were too inaccurate to be fired with any hope of hitting individual targets reliably. Sure you could get close, but the general was pretty sure he'd only ever seen rifles used effectively when they were employed en masse. Then again, maybe things had changed still further beyond his knowledge in his absence. He made a mental note to consult one of Blaith's officers about the new innovations in war that had occurred over the past decade.

The Arian fellow put the aging general ill at ease. His explanation seemed contrived and over-long and something about him didn't ring true. He was going to have to keep an eye on him and see what he noticed.

And then Caleb. The general liked that he was terse and to the point in his introductions, though something about the man did seem off. His blindness was much less of a hindrance to him than it ought have been. Tertius had heard him speaking some explanation of it before, but the man's words had been lost in the general commotion of those vying for his attention at the time. He'd have to talk to the man further when he got the chance.

Everyone else having spoken, Tertius cleared his throat to make sure he had their attention. "I'm pretty sure you all know who I am, but manners dictate I introduce myself as well. My name is Tertius Cornelius, and I currently hold the rank of general in the Duke of Turgall's army." he gave them all a slight nod of his head.

"And now that we are all acquainted, I believe it is time to begin clearing up whatever business we may have." He turned to face the man he knew as Arian. "I believe you were the first to inquire after my attention, and so I shall hear you first. Speak now, and we will see what I can do for you."

"Sir, I need to give a particular information to the duke, or someone close by that I can trust to give it safely. Please, would you be so kind and see if it's possible?" Artemis asked the general, politely, though the look the man gave him wasn't comfortable with him at the least. Yes, it was true that his explanation for wearing a suit of armour like this wasn't the most believable one, but if he said that  his own clothes were stolen, and atop all by a tavern maid, who would even trust him?

The armored man's request wasn't unreasonable, and Tertius didn't see why he couldn't help. He nodded to Atermis, "Alright Arian, I will mention your name to Bla-," he paused, "I mean I will mention your name to the Duke and we will see what he says."

EDIT: changed the order of actions to clarify with Ana's post

Artemis nodded. Blaith would definitely not recognize his name, at least not this one... He pulled a letter from beneath his armour, where it was hidden underneath his shirt, and handed it to Tertius. "Just give him this, that should do." he smiled.

The letter was encased in a slightly rugged envelope, sealed by a completely ordinary wax with a plain imprint - a completely ordinary one.

Tertius accepted the letter with a nod, and then turned to the blind bowman. "I believe you also wanted my attention, Caleb?"

"Yes, if you please, my General." Caleb donned his hat and rose back up to standing, though he still kept his head bowed somewhat. "I seek to serve the Duke's endeavor as a forward scout as we head towards Ajhfeld, and in return I would simply entreat the Duke's permission to live and hunt within the wilds of his lands as I did in the Harstead Barony."

Here he paused, choosing his words carefully. "... I can offer much in such a role, in spite of -- or, if you like, because of my sightlessness. I would prefer to discuss the details in private,  if I may be so bold -- at your leisure, of course. Perhaps the matters of these others should be addressed before my own; I do not mind waiting."

Igna kept one ear open, trained on what these men were saying. Did these two honestly wish to speak directly to the Duke himself? That was some request, but she was curious if the Duke would oblige. Shifting her weight from where she stood, she peered around at the lot of them before Novak's tallness caught her attention and she found herself staring at him again. By Ansgar's name was the man ever tall!

Jacen couldn't help but notice that Igna was staring at Novak yet again. He idled up next to her and said "He is rather big isn't he?"

Startled Jacen caught her staring, she flushed and turned to bare her teeth to him but staved off a growl. She didn't want to draw unnecessary attention her way from the General. She only gave a silent snort and looked away trying to save face as she straightened her posture.
But he was right. She'd hate to be caught on Novak's bad side. At least he was hired out to help- but since he was hired... she was a bit worried it meant he could easily change sides for gold...
Drawing in a careful breath, she kept her shoulders squared off and at attention. They had business to do anyways! And she anxiously awaited the General's orders.

Jacen chuckled at the reaction he received. Igna was awfully uptight. She needed to loosen up. Jacen decided to make it his goal to make her laugh at least once before they parted ways. Jacen nudged Igna with his elbow.

"You need to loosen up. Loyalty and respect are admirable traits to have, but it must get boring after awhile."

Looming over everyone like a silent giant, Novak listens to the others as they answer the question put forth by Tertisus. Two marksmen and another mercenary, this was what comprised the rest of the little group aside from himself and the solider. Novak shifts his gaze between the others in the little group that had been forming, his thoughts wondering as he questioned there abilities to handle combat.

Though he had taken his attention off Igna he still remained close to her, however unaware of the fact that she was looking at him once again. This changed as Jacen speaks up, drawing his attention to the two of them. Dropping his gaze Novak looks down at Jacen and Igna for a moment, a soft chuckle escaping him as he watches Igna's reaction to what Jacen had to say. He had grown use to people starring and the comments in regards to his height and knew not to let it affect him.

" Some cannot loosen up and I would not expect it much of some during this time. War is a serious thing, especially for those who are not as experienced. Igna is a soldier, she was taught to be like this. " Novak says in response to Jacen's comment as he brought a hand up and placed it lightly on Igna's shoulder. " After all this is over we all can go and enjoy a drink, then we can relax and enjoy ourselves. " Novak adds with a grin.

The blind bowman's request made sense. If he served well enough it was possible for him to earn hunting rights in Turgall. However the man was making implications about his own abilities that Tertius wasn't sure he liked. Still, a if he was a good scout he'd be invaluable. The general was conflicted for a moment, but came to the conclusion that it was his responsibility to use whatever resources were available.

He turned to the assembled group, decision made. "I'll be going to the palace now, and I'm going to tell the Duke about you," he looked at Caleb, "and give him your letter." he looked at Artemis. "If you two will come with me and wait at the entrance, I will send someone to relay what he says, but know that it might take some time. The Duke of Turgall is a busy man." Tertius didn't know that before, but all Dukes were generally busy men, especially when they were declaring non-support for things like a war.

He paused for a moment, before addressing the other three member of the group. "Do any of you three have any other business, with me, or should I be on my way?"

Artemis shortly glanced at Caleb, and gave Tertius a nod with a slight smile on his lips. "That's completely understandable... I think that what's currently happening has an effect on all of us. Not only the soldiers, but dukes, too. Especially due to their responsibilities over the common folk." he concluded. It was only a plain observation.

What made him wonder was the blind man... He was not completely blind, that was evident. It was only a question whether he is faking it, but as there was no evident reason to do that, he assumed that Caleb was using a different form of vision, rather than his eyes. And his observations were excellent...

There was something odd about this. He could sense it in his very bones. This hunter... Must be a mage. There is no way something similar would be possible without the use of magic.

Igna cut Jacen a look, not dignifying that with a response. And she didn't respond to Novak, either. No, instead, she remained at attention, trying to keep those two men behind her- more like background noise as she remained at attention until she was dismissed.

She wondered what her sister would think about all of this... She'd have to relay the information to them before they were to leave. But that begged the question as to when they were going to March on Ahjfeld, and curiously her gaze lifted to the immense stone palace looming over head.

Tertius waited a moment longer, and no one spoke up. "Alright then, I'm off. Soldier Igna, you are dismissed. I will be speaking to your superior officer as soon as possible to make sure you receive that commendation I mentioned, and I bid you well."

So saying, the general turned and started making his way to the palace gates. He'd been in the city before and he knew the way. He didn't check to see if the two men were following him. if they were, fine, and if they weren't, oh well.

Even as he moved he pulled the letter form Blaith out of his pouch. He'd probably need it to get past the guards.

Once she was relieved of her duty, Igna relaxed some as she watched the General walk away. ANd it was only then she realized the buzzing in the square was in full force. Where as some of the people had left to return to their daily lives in Turgall, a lot remained, discussing over the fate of their duchy.

"Do you think we're going to war against Ajhfeld?"

"Most definitely, you heard the Duke!"

"What a mess this war is becoming, I hope when we back out of support of the Grand Duke it'll send a clear message and end this ridiculous nonsense. Connlaoth was fine before an Allarian man was placed on the throne."

"Yes, well, it could not be helped when the last Grand Duke was assassinated."

And the murmurs of the crowd continued as Igna drew in another careful breath, and moved to turn away from the men. She should inform her family of the updates. She knew her sister would be worried.

After the General's parting words Caleb found himself conflicted. On the one hand he had every reason to follow and wait as he'd been bidden, to perhaps find the hope in this conflict that he'd been waiting for. On the other hand, though, some part of him recoiled at the idea of waiting in a place certain to be bristling with armed guards. He couldn't "see" clearly amidst so many people and so far from the wilds... if perhaps he'd overplayed his hand, he'd be all but defenseless.

And his fearful hesitation cost him the General leading him to where he needed to go. Caleb cursed himself as the man walked off, his 'silhouette' in Caleb's beyond-sight quickly mingling with others in the area. He could perhaps have tracked him...

No, that would have spoken ill, both of him and his abilities. He, however, had another idea.

Uttering a brief chirping noise, mostly for pretense, the blind archer reached out with his mind. Even in this chill season the city had birds, hiding in the eaves of buildings or nested near chimneys for warmth. The creatures of Connlaoth were as hardy as her people and when winter came upon the lands fewer of them migrated than people realized. It wasn't hard to find a common sparrow, rooting in straw scraps in a nearby stable, and whisper for it to come his way. His magic lured the small flier and soon it was perched on Caleb's outstretched hand.

While others talked with each other of war and the Grand Duke the hunter whispered to the mind of a bird, which soon flew off, keeping its eyes on the General.

And then the one named Igna turned to leave. Out of everyone in the group she seemed both possessed of a good disposition and connected to the General... it would be wise, he realized, to encourage her in letting him keep her company.

"Your General seems a good man, smart and prudent as well." The blind hunter walked towards her, bowing his head apologetically. "I am fortunate to have encountered him... I'm not so sure my hopes could be realized without such a one."

"I... don't mean to occupy you -- you seem busy," Caleb fell into stride alongside the woman. "But I am new to this city and know not my way around. May I trouble you to direct me to an inn or tavern, good lady of the sword? I'd wish a bit of food after my travels before I hear your General's verdict of me."

Jacen looked around and shrugged as the general left. It seemed that business had been concluded. He made his way out of the crowd and began cleaning and performing maintenance on his rifle. It would need to be in good working order if they were to take on a mage camp. Mage camps were usually kept very well defended.

As Tertius  begins to speak again Novak lifts his gaze and looks to the man as he spoke, though it seemed what he had to say held nothing pertaining to him, rather it dealt with the men that wished to see the duke. Having no further business with Tertius, Novak did not speak up to answer the man, rather he remains silent as he lets his gaze drop from the man once again.

For a brief moment Novak shifts his gaze, glancing around as he listens to the murmurs of the crowed. His attention does not turn back to Igna until he feels her begin to move. Turning his attention down to the blond woman he lets his hand fall back to his side as she begins to move away from him. Novak holds his ground and glances to the blind man as he begins to follow after Igna.

Given he had nothing better to do at the moment Novak speaks up. " Igna, would you like some company? " He asks the blond haired woman though given what the man had brought up he wondered if he should go grab a bite to eat much as the man was doing, it was always an option though.

Blaith strolled through the hall of his palace, boots clicking against the marble floors. He appeared an imposing and impressive figure with his armored guards flanking him on all sides, all dawning the dark, regal crest of their duchy. He had a lot of work to do, and if things went well with his Uncle, the armed forces could move out as early as dawn.

He wanted to waste as little time as possible, to remind Ajhfeld even the duchy of Turgall was not to be trifled with- and the Grand Duke could not protect him from such an assault. Ajhfeld would fall if they refused his in person demands, and next- so would the infamous Fort Dhagh. No walls could keep him from his sister. She would be free.

Moving into his office, he got word Cornelius had approached the castle, and he waved off his men and informed them to bring him up to his study, while he ordered tea from the maids to be brought in, post haste. He had his own war to run now. There was no more pretending. The Grand Duke was soon to be received as his enemy.



~~~~~~~~~


Elsewhere, the female soldier had barely made it a few steps before she was confronted by two of the gentleman she had met earlier. It was the blind man who approached her first, as she blinked and studied his face a moment before nodded and informing him, "I am take you to the Swallow Nest Inn. It's owned by good people. They would love the business." And hse paused, before asking, "The bird you own- what sort is he?"

But her moment was interrupted by the tall mercernary, who, once again, was towering at her side. Her lips sagged into a frown as she observed him. Did this man really think a capable soldier needed an escort? She shook her head.

"I don't live far, but if you need a place to stay, you can follow us to the Swallow Nest Inn."
And without so much as another word, she moved past the men to lead them towards the East end of town. But even here, it seemed the streets were busy, and when she approached the Swallow Nest Inn- the no-vacancy sign was hanging off the door. Visibly frowning, she released a short breath.

"Seems you might have to take your business elsewhere. No vacancies here."

Cornelius walked the streets quickly, and it didn't take long to reach the gates. He didn't hear anyone behind him, and he surmised that the two he'd been talking with earlier had decided not to follow him. He introduced himself to the guards, and showed them the note with the Duke's seal. It didn't take long for the emblem to be authenticated and for him to be let in.

A runner took off to inform the Duke, and Tertius took a seat in the palace's foyer. It wasn't long before an aide came back to the general informing him that the Duke wanted to see him post haste. Tertius stood up and followed the man up several flights of stairs to Blaith's chambers.

The guards there opened the doors for the general, and Tertius walked inside. Blaith was waiting there, and as soon as the aging general was far enough into the room, he knelt. "My lord," he spoke gravely and with the utmost formality, "I have come as you have summoned me."

Artemis didn't want to follow the others to the inn. He didn't want company at all, to be honest... And he didn't have money, either. He was most likely going to spend the night somewhere in the corner around here, shielding himself from the wind. It didn't really matter - he was used to it.

But even then, he silently followed the odd group, hiding in the crowd a few feet from them, far enough not to be noticed, and yet close enough to see and hear them clearly.

To see his Uncle on bended knee made the Duke laugh.
"Come now, Uncle Cornelius, off your knee and into my arms. That is no way to greet you nephew!"
And he flashed a toothy grin his way before embracing his uncle properly, though in a way he always practiced so they would not brush skin.

Pulling away, he gestured for his uncle to sit.
"Please, take a seat, and enjoy some tea with me. It has been a trying day for us all. Was your travel well? I know the roads to the north can be a bit... dangerous to travel now a days." ANd he took a seat in his own chair, leaning back and stirring the sugar about in his tea.

Tertius took Blaith's instructions gladly. He'd erred on the side of caution, just in case, but it appeared that his nephew's time as Duke hadn't turned him into one of those men who always focused on formality. The general was glad. He didn't usually get along with those types.

He warmly responded to Blaith's embrace and he sat when the other man gestured to do so. Blaith's question about travel elicited a laugh from the aging general. "Any riding is hard on an old man like me, but other than that it was a pleasant trip. I saw little of the, dangers, that inhabit the northern regions, and it was mostly uneventful the whole way through."

He paused for a moment, and suddenly became gravely serious. "I get the feeling that it won't be that way for long, however. How bad are things, Blaith? Please, tell it to me straight. What are we dealing with here?"

Blaith smiled after he took a sip of his tea.
"Ah, that's good to hear. Glad to see you're still up for the challenge!"
And with a dry laugh he turned from Cornelius down to the tea he had set upon the table and watched how the steam rose into the air. His eyes became unfocused a moment as he digested the words before his smile grew a bit, but it was not a true smile and mimicked more of a frown.

"War, Uncle Cornelius," he told him, a finger drawing around the lip of the cup before he glanced over at him. "You might want to take some tea before I explain."

War. That word made a cold hard pit settle deep in the general's stomach. Not a demand with force, not battle, not even a campaign. A full-fledged war. Slowly, tensely, Tertius nodded. Well if war was what Blaith wanted, his uncle would do all he could to assist him. Still, war...

Why did it have to go so far?

The old man took a long draught of tea, and then set his cup down. "Alright Blaith, out with it. If I'm gonna help you run this thing than I'm going to need every piece of knowledge you can give me." Tertius consciously avoid the word "war". He hated that word. It and all it's implications. And now he'd be fighting another one.

((OOC: You don't have to post all the details of what's going on here, you can just say something like about Blaith telling Tertius all the details and pertinent information. I don't think we need to post the entire plotting page for this here. XD))

Blaith took a moment to examine his stirring spoon, his reflection distorted in the metal.
"As you're aware, Fort Dhagh is in possession of Kella. I will take any means possible to bring her back. She has been... gone for too long. Though I am relieved she is well, I am angered of her fate." His frowned deepened as he found himself bubbling on the inside with a thousand voices. He forced the spoon back to the table, yet he start pretending it were a knife. His eyes now cut to his Uncle.

"Come, if you are not up for tea, there are a few things I'd like to show to you. And come first light.. well.." he chuckled softly. "I'd like to be read to march North. Into Ajhfeld."
And he did not need to explain why.

OOC: As an ooc side note, I was going to have Igna feel a bit guilty there are no vacancies in any of the inns- maybe someone wants to note that in their next post? That all of the inns seem to be ful? And she, albeit it a bit reluctantly, might offer up the loft in her stable for some of them to stay at for the night. Just a thought!

Tertius stared at Blaith's face as he spoke. He could tell that there was something different about the boy since the last time he'd seen him. Something substantial. Then again, Blaith had grown up so much since their last contact, who knew what he Tertius had missed?

His invitation to see something prompted Tertius to stand up. "Then lead on boy. If we are leaving so soon, then I need to know as much as possible, and especially what preparations need to be made. "

At the swordwoman's prompting Caleb fell into step behind her and alongside the near-giant of a mercenary. He still wasn't used to dealing with other people, certainly not to this measure and this scale, and Novak had an aura that strangely reminded the blind huntsman of an unpleasant altercation he'd once had with a grizzly bear... though the mercenary seemed far more amicable.

"Just a sparrow." Caleb explained with a soft non-expression. "I have a way with animals..." He paused, considering, and then uttered the half-lie. "A technique I picked up as a hunter. Living in the wilds tends to make one a bit... 'forest-touched'."

'Forest-touched'... it was a vague enough way to put what he was without going into detail, and not entirely untrue. He would have to remember that turn of phrase; the blind man had a feeling he would be using it quite a bit that day.

When Igna came to a stop in the middle of the street he was immediately a bit concerned. Where a regular person would have seen the sign as well Caleb 'saw' only the flow of human bodies stirring the undercurrents around him like a school of silverfish that couldn't decide where it wanted to go. When she explained that the inn was full the idea of 'no vacancies' struck him as a curious notion indeed... the forest always had room for one more and the wilds never declined visitors. So odd that people would choose to make their homes in boxes sewn from the earth's skin and bones, knowing they were closing themselves in just as they closed everything else out? Curious indeed.

"I appreciate your kind gesture." Caleb tone was apologetic, as though to say he was sorry that her kindness had not worked as she'd hoped. "Is there anywhere else we may go?"

Artemis stopped just in time before walking into the blind hunter, and close enough to hear their quick exchange. So the inn's full? How... Convenient. Poor city folk, not used to sleep under the sky.

"Yes. There are the wilds. Their embrace is always open and... Welcoming." The last word came out of his mouth a little reluctantly, with an almost indistinguishable spike of cold sarcasm. The forests were a dangerous place, not welcoming at least, and in this season, they were also cold and cruel. However, there was no other place to go.

He was sure he's been through worse. The cold couldn't harm him, and he had enough money - for now, at least - to buy food in the closest bakery, if needed. About the others, he didn't care one bit. They were no concern of his.

Had he sight Caleb would've been tempted to shoot a glare over his shoulder at Artemis; the comment was almost certainly directed towards him, along with its subtle sarcastic tone. He was blind, not deaf -- where words were concerned, at least, Caleb could read people better, indeed, than most. As it was the blind man just turned his face towards him, letting his blank stare convey what it would. That seemed to unsettle most people sufficiently. "It is, for those who know them well enough. Even in winter the land isn't without comforts entirely, crossbowman."

OOC: I got ya Spicy!

------------------------------

Though it seemed she may not wish for his company, Novak decided to take her up on the idea of finding a place to stay and perhaps get something to eat. Having Igna lead the way would be a great deal easier then walking around trying to find a place when the area is unknown.

With a faint nod Novak follows after Igna as she begins to lead the way, his gaze slowly shifting from side to side as he takes in the area around him. Though he could hear the white haired man following after them Novak keeps his attention fixed elsewhere as he follows Igna.

When she comes to a stop Novak looks to the inn she had brought them to though the sign indicated they did not have rooms available. " Mmmm. " Novak grumbles lightly as he turns his gaze away from the Swallow Nest Inn and glances around. Given his height advantage he could see over everyone which allowed him to spot another inn, however it held the same sign as the Swallow Nest Inn. " It's seems we may be sleeping on the streets tonight. It would appear that we are late getting a place for the night. " Novak says with a grumble.

Igna peered around at all of the other Inn's lining the street with a frown. And as the men talked about spending the night in the wilds, she visibly cringed. Shaking her head, she spoke before she had a chance to change her mind.

"My place.. you can all stay there for the night if you wish. We have a loft above the stable. It will be warmer and more comfortable than the forests this time of year."
Though usually, even outside, it would not be this cold during a usual Connlaothian winter.

Finishing his rifle maintenance, Jacen went to turn in for the night. He knew full well that all of the inns would be full, but he knew where all of the secret hiding places for mages were located. Making sure that no one was watching, he slipped down an alleyway. Checking for nosy individuals again, he moved aside a crate, revealing a grate. He removed the grate and slipped through the opening, replacing the grate once he was inside. He ended up in a small underground room with a simple bed and a lantern. There were hiding places like this all over the place, this particular one was meant for only one person, but that's exactly what he was. Laying down on the bed, he let out a sigh and shut his eyes. He would need a lot of rest to be prepared for what was to come.

Though the prospect of sleeping in the street did not bother him much, nor did the idea of sleeping in the woods. Novak would much rather a bed to rest on, even if it could not fully accommodate his size, a bed would be nice non the less.

As Igna spoke up, offering her place for them to stay at, Novak turned his gaze down to her for a moment. Gazing down at her he thought on the offer for a brief moment before giving a faint nod " That sounds fine. " He adds, accepting the offer. Though it was not the comfort of an inn it would still be better then sleeping on the ground and offer more protection. " Lead the way. " Novak says with a smile, allowing Igna to lead the way once again.

OOC: Just going to post things along to get this thread moving XD

----------

Igna nodded, and for those accepted her hospitality, she lead them to the loft of her family's barn. It had been late hours, and she spent little time explaining to her family the circumstances, but naturally- they were worried for a new sort of war, especially Igna's sister Lana. But she assured her she'd be back for her, that this was just one step int he right direction to end all of this,a nd unfortunately, left her sister in tears.

Moving away from her house, she guided what men were with her to the barn, and opened the door. The cows mooed upon seeing a few new strangers and Igna stepped inside with a candle, and moved over towards the ladder on the opposing side of the room.
"Up here," she said, the soft glow of hte light illuminating the rungs and the open room above. "You can all stay here for the night. It's not much, but we've got a few cots, or for those who prefer it, hay to sleep on. I can afford a few blankets, but other than that, this s all that can be spared for warmth."

Gesturing towards a window, she nodded wtih her head, " And just tbehind here is a well for those who are thirsty or wish to wash up before you rest."

Staring at the group for a moment, she just hoped she was doing the right thing before she turned away nd began to climb up into the loft, and began to help assemble a make shift sleep area for the men.

Artemis followed into the barn reluctantly, with extreme care, checking out every possible danger and trap, even though they seemed unlikely. He was so used to being careful that even a family barn could possibly be a deadly trap in his eyes.

He took a place in the corner, on a large pile of hay, which he considered both secure and warm. "I'll do with this..." he assured Igna. Cold wasn't an issue for him... Artemis Daerick was never cold.

His hands unbuckled the reins that held his crossbow in place, and began maintaining it with expert care. Every single part was to be polished and checked before he would rest, not one bit to be left out. His weapon was his greatest worth...

Having taken Igna up on her offer of a place to stay, Novak follows after her as she takes them to her family residence. As she spoke with her family, Novak remained outside leaving Igna to tend to her personal matters before taking them to the barn where they would be residing for the night.

Moving along after Igna as she takes them to the bar, Novak gives a quick glance around at the interior of the barn as he steps in after Igna. Turning his attention to the ladder Novak glances up towards the room above where he would be resting for the night. " These accommodations will do just fine. " Novak says as he glances to Igna with a soft smile, " I appreciate what you are doing. "

As Igna begins to climb the ladder Novak watches her for a brief moment before he follows after her, climbing into the loft of the barn. Though he knew he did not have to, Novak begins to help Igna, his gaze shifting to the white haired male for a brief moment.

Once things were situated, she dusted off her hands and turned towards the men.
"If you need anything for the night, I can get it now. Other wise this will be the only contact we'll have until morning." Brushing her blonde hair aside, she waited to see if they wanted anything- other wise, she'd simply leave them to rest for the night. It had been a long day, after all.

After everything was taken care of Novak stands and glances around for a brief moment before he turns his gaze back to Igna as she speaks up. For a moment he remains silent, dwelling on her question as he glances around once again. " If you don't mind. " Novak begins as he turns his gaze back to Igna, " Perhaps we could see about getting something to eat? " He asks with a soft smile.

Igna had been pulling her hair from over her shoulder as she inspected the loft. But at Novak's inquiry, she turned to the big man and released a sigh.
"I presume that's fair. I could retrieve some jerky from the shed. It's not too far, and I could spare enough for you all to eat."

Given what she has given them thus far, Novak was glad to hear that she could spare some food as well even if it was jerky. " Some jerky would be fine. " he says with a faint nod as he gazes down at her. " You wouldn't mind if I joined you? " He asks, having nothing else to do and finding he enjoyed his time with the woman, Novak sought to spend some more time with the woman and perhaps get to know her to some degree.

Igna blinked.
"I do not need an escort, but if it so pleases you, you may follow."
And she moved away, down the ladder and headed outside of the barn. The large door creaked open and she held it there for him and waited for the large man to exit first.

Novak frowns faintly as she makes the comment, he didn't mean it to seem as if he were offering to escort her. " I didn't mean it in such a way. " As she moves down the ladder Novak follows after her and makes his way towards the barn door " And I didn't mean to offend you if I did. I would only offer an escort if you wished for such a thing. I simply wished to accompany you. " He says as he steps out of the barn and looks to her.

Igna looked him over with a frown.
"No need to apologize so much. We'll be working together soon enough. I suppose I should get used to the help." And she turned away from him, moving from the barn and through the grasses to the eastern side where a small shed, constructed to store meats and grains for storage, was kept.  She fiddled with the lock ad once it was open, she stepped inside.
"If you want to make yourself useful, find a small burlap bag over there. I can place the food in there and we can carry it back."

Listening to Igna, Novak gives a faint nod. They would indeed be working together soon, fighting for the same cause and he may come to rely on her capabilities as a soldier to defend his life. Coming to the shed Novak glances around for a brief moment before turning his attention back to Igna as he steps into the shed with her. Turning his gaze from her, Novak glances to the burlap bag and shifts over to them and fetches one. " Indeed, we will be working together. I don't mean to offend you by this but how confidante are you in your skills as a soldier? " Novak asks as he turns is attention back to Igna and steps closer to her. If she were to fight along side him, he needed to know she is capable of taking the life of another soldier and posses the physical strength to do so.

SHe filled up the sack with food for the group of them, but when Novak posed his question, she blinked and looked up into his eyes.
"Confident enough."

Gazing down at Igna as she answers him, Novak looks into her eyes as she gives him an answer that he figures was to the best of her ability. " Mmmhh... Good. " he murmurs lightly as he gazes down at her. The only true way to know would be to put her to the test and see if she is capable.

Bringing a hand up, Novak reaches out to take hold of her and push her back against the wall behind her. " And do you think you possess what it takes to kill a man? ... If show, show me. " He says as he gazes down at her, he made no move for a weapon however he showed some signs of aggression. Though he knew his actions could change things for them in the end, he wished to know if she could kill when pressed to it.

"What?" Her brows furrowed angrily. "What are you doing?" And she tried to fight his hold. "Don't mess around, Novak!" She snapped. "We've got a lot to do here tonight and the last thing I need is for you to try something funny!"
And if he did, he would be sorry.

As she tries to fight his hold he tightens his grip on her while keeping her pinned to the wall, showing the strength he had in comparison to her. Listening to her, he felt he was getting part of the response he sought however he wished to see if she would be willing to use her blade to defend herself.

" I have a purpose for this I assure you. " He says as he brings his free hand up and reaches for her sheathed sword. " Draw your weapon and show me you are willing to use it.. Words will not achieve the goal we wish to accomplish tomorrow, only the use of steel will. "

Oh, she didn't like where this was going and he didn't have to ask her twice. Drawing her blade in mere seconds, she pointed the cold steel to his throat.
"This blade was my father's, and it would only honor him if I were to slit your throat, or any of those around me that threatened my life, and those to whom I care for. I don't need you to ask me to do anything. Now stand aside," she growled, and she meant business.

As she draws her sword, Novak lets his hand fall to his side while keeping a hold of her. For a brief moment he glances down at the blade she has pointed at his throat before he lifts his gaze back to hers while listening to her.

Bringing his free hand up from his side he takes hold of the blade of her sword and begins to shift it so it pointed to his cheek rather then his throat " That is good to hear Igna. I do not doubt you are a competent soldier however and you are willing to defend those you care about. I just needed to make sure of this, it is one thing to say you will do it, it is another to actually do it. Especially when the people you are fighting are your countrymen. " He showed no sign of fear in response to her having drawn her blade " I only ask that you uphold what you have said and defend those you care about to your dying breath. "

"So you were doing that... just to test my values as a soldier?" She lowered her blade and shook her head. Then suddenly socked him clean across the face. "Don't waste my time!" And she hefted up the sack of food and resheathed her blade and stormed back towards the loft.

It seemed that she came to understand why he was doing this which he felt was good. His grasp on her blade loosens as she begins to lower it, though he wanted to see if she would, he was not going to force her into injuring him. With his guard down he was not ready as she socks him across the face, his head cocking to the side in response to the strike. Releasing his hold of her arm he reaches up and rubs his face as he turns his gaze back to her as she begins to leave. " I had to be sure. " Novak says as he quickly catches up to her. " I do hope you don't hold my actions against me. " He adds.

"I'l make my own judgments, "she said, growling as she tosses the sack of food back at him. "I'm retiring for the night. You can show yourself to the loft." And with that, she was off.

Listening to her growl, Novak smirks faintly and catches the sack as she throws it at him. Listening to her as she speaks again, he gives a faint nod. " Then a bid you a goodnight. " Novak says before he turns and heads back up to the loft to get some rest.

(OOC: Sorry about the delay in posting, had some stuff going on IRL lately along with odd work hours. Anyways, back into things...)


A barn. In all truth Caleb wasn't sure he'd ever been in one before. Even if he hadn't been able to 'see' the cows a long way off the smell was certainly enough to announce their presence. In time he found himself and the crossbowman the only ones remaining; where Artemis set himself up with his weapon on a pile of hay Caleb found his way into the rafters, feeling almost as at ease amongst the wooden struts as he did tree branches. The man below him may have been concerned with traps; Caleb, by habit, was instead wary of being ambushed, and thus high ground suited him well. Plus he had never quite been able to get comfortable on a bed of any kind, even a pile of straw. This was more to his liking.

He had asked just where he might purchase food, and instead had a nights' stay extended to him by a total stranger. That twisted paths he walked now, amongst these people of the north. Leaning back against one of the roof supports the blind huntsman drew a cake of dried wheat and grains from his pack and chewed off a small piece of it, drowning the flaky morsels in sips of water from his canteen. This would certainly do... at least, until a little bird told him that the General was looking for him.

"So..." Caleb, at great length, broke the silence. "What's your story? The real one, if you please." He stowed his rations, hung bow and quiver from a nail that hung out too far, and tried to get comfortable. "Or, if you'd rather not, then it's no business of mine."

Artemis flicked himself at the sound of the blind hunter's voice, almost dropping the small piece of dry meat he pulled out from a secret pocket in his clothes. It was only his quick reflexes that caught it in mid-air after his hands let go off it. After the noise the butcher he stole it from made, it would be a shame to waste such a wonderful flank of ham.

He swallowed the piece he already had in his mouth, and turned his sea-green eyes at Caleb. An unusual inquiry, to say the least.

Drawing a sharp, short breath in, he stretched himself across the pile of hay, and turned his head up. "It's simple." he shrugged. "I lived, killed, suffered, loved, I hunted and I was the prey, I was the hand that holds the sword and I was the neck underneath it." It was all true, but it also told nothing in particular about him. Artemis was a master of words - he didn't lie, but at the same time, he also said only as much of the truth as he could afford. His real story was for a different time.

And by different time is meant no time.

"Things we have in common, it seems. More, I admit, than I'd initially suspected."

Caleb went silent for a moment, as if contemplating what to say next. "I... apologize, for causing you difficulty in approaching the General earlier. Whatever else we may be, it seems likely we are to be fellow soldiers in what is to come, and I meant no disrespect. I merely needed a means to show myself capable despite my eyes... and in so doing I may well have been too hasty."

His 'gaze' was on Novak as he headed back towards the barn, they had a short while yet, enough to ask the question that had been on his mind for some time. Turning roughly in Artemis' direction, the blind hunter attempted a soft smile... though, sadly, it looked anything but right. "We have another commonality, one you haven't mentioned... but one that these blind eyes can see with assurance. And that is not quite so simple, crossbowman."

"How long have you known you were a..." And Caleb deliberately let the question trail off, unfinished. 'Arian Hunter' would almost certainly be able to guess his meaning in a heartbeat.

And how he responded would tell Caleb everything he needed to know about whether or not this man, this mercenary, could be trusted.

Artemis scoffed. He bent his arms behind his head, using them as a pillow, and his gaze slowly sled up to Caleb. "Since I was a kid." he replied sternly.

"And I know you're, too." he added then. "You stink like it more than a stable stinks from horse piss and shit. Off course, those that have never been near a horse don't know how it smells. But, metaphorically... Trust me, I've lived my whole life with horses. Metaphorically." The way he spoke was strange. He was a child of the streets, that was apparent, and a pretty rude one at that, but his natural intelligence popped even through such a thick veil of harshness.

"And don't apologize like a priest, either. Neither of us are saints, and my poor ears hurt from hearing so much sorry words. I don't need an explanation." The mischievous smile on his lips eased what he just said. At least a little.

"All the more reason I wish to return to the wilds," Caleb turned his face away, musing over the mercenary's words. "But not something I can do whilst this 'hunt' is ongoing. I've no desire to spend the rest of my life like prey waiting to be slaughtered and, as you've said, what I am is... a bit too obvious, unfortunately. People... ask many questions."

He fell silent for a time... then, making a sudden decision, grabbed his bow and quiver and dropped down from his perch, walking over to 'Arian' so that he could speak in a lower voice. "You said you've lived with... horses, as you put it." Caleb's voice was a whisper now. "I've heard stories, just enough to know there are camps and oppression, fear and suspicion, but... what is the true condition of those like us? How bad is their plight? Is the Duke's march going to do more good than harm? I know the wild lands and the ways of its creatures like my own heartbeat, but the ways of men so often confound and elude me."

"...What is really going on in Connlaoth? Please, tell me what your sighted eyes have seen of it. I wish to understand as best I can."

As the 'soldier's were conversing over their thoughts and preparations on this new turn in the war- Blaith Harmond stayed up late, watching the stars come out and the sun begin to rise. He was too restless for sleep- the next few days to come would be of great importance- or of stupidity.

Finally rising from his chair, she stretched out the kinks in his bones and moved to open the door of his bed chamber and called for a servant.
"My uncle, wake and fetch him at once."
It was finally time this day were to begin.

Tertius was deep in slumber when the servant came to rouse him. The old man was no longer used to starting the day at an ungodly hour, several years up north had seen to that, and it took no little effort to get him awake. As he prepared for what was likely to be a long day, the general resolved to try and regain old habits as soon as he could. He wasn't too concerned. In his experience, routine was powerful, and it didn't take much to reawaken it. He'd be back in soldiering order in a few days, he was sure of it.

He didn't have as much time to ready as he would have liked, apparently Blaith wanted him right away, and he had to leave his beard untrimmed for the time being. The servant led him through the halls to his nephew's chambers.

While they walked, Tertius mused over the things that the younger man had shown him last night. He resolved that they would need to talk about it, as soon as they had the chance. Oh, and about that bowman and crossbowman. He'd told Blaith about them last evening and handed his nephew the crossbowman's letter. He needed his nephew's answer so he could send someone to relay an answer to the pair.

The general and servant reached the doorway to Blaith's chambers. The one of the guards, upon seeing him, peeked into the room. "The general is here."

The door opened, and Tertius strode into the chamber. "Good morning my Lord." He spoke formally due to the presence of servants and guards. It was only right that he demonstrate the respect that their Duke deserved. Besides, there was no need for rumors to spread about just how close Blaith and Tertius were.

Artemis pierced Caleb with his wary eyes, and pulled himself a few inches further from the hunter. "It's just as bad as you may think. I don't know if this is going to do it bad, or good, but something will happen. I hope it will." he muttered.

"It's been too long. You know what happens? They drag you to a camp and keep you there till you die. Even before... You got arrested, chained, shoved into a dungeon for a few decades. Or killed, if you did something bad. But if you lived in peace..." He shrugged and shook his head. "Now they don't need a reason to tie you to a mule's ass and drag you up north. Breathing's a reason enough for them."

He opened the bracer on his left forearm and rolled the sleeve of his shirt up, revealing white scars from chains. "Even if it's in self-defense. I didn't want to die, and so they chained me for twenty years." he whispered. It sounded funny from his mouth, as he looked no older than seventeen or eighteen.

"Sorry to call upon you so early, Uncle. But as you understand, because I have gone public on my intentions, we should not waste any time," Blaith began. "Please, take a seat, there is much to go over. Those who wish to take up arms will need to be gathered and notified we are to leave before the evening, and will travel as swiftly as we can up North. The intentions are to bring the entire army with me- and to see if we can't coax a better response out of the Duke of Ajhfeld once he sees how serious I am." Because such a man could not ignore such large numbers of men. And if they were lucky, a fight might not be needed to free his sister. But if not.... Ajhfeld will fall.

Jacen emerged from his little hiding place and stretched. His first order of business was to try and find some breakfast. That is, if all the taverns and restaurants weren't already out of food from yesterday. Jacen began his search, rifle in hand, for some nourishment. It was going to be a big day, and a big day required a big breakfast. The big breakfast part usually never happened though. As long as he got something to eat, he would be satisfied.

When night had come and gone, Igna found herself waking up early- though to be fair, she hadn't slept much that night. Having complete strangers staying in her barn left her feeling defensive, and she was relieved when she awoke and everything in her home seemed to be in tact. Even her sister Lana seemed to be cheerful as she gave her sister a hug that morning, which surprised Igna.

"Lana... what's wrong?"

But her sister simply hugged her closer.

"I know you'll be leaving- and probably for a while," her sister murmured against her as she clutched her into a tighter hug.  Igna frowned, but did not know what to say to that. Her sister had been right, and with the news from yesterday... Stepping back,s he placed her hands on her sister's shoulders and looked her int he eyes.

"Yes, but I'll be back."

And Lana searched her sister's face.

"I promise,"And Igna offered her a rare smile before she found her sister hugging her again- and noting the tears, she moved to tilt her head up. "Hey.. no tears, okay? I said I'd be back. and I promised."

"I know I just.." and here she released a breath and brushed the remaining tears away. "But this is war, Igna, and I'm not a child anymore. I... I know the realities of what can happen."

"Yes, and the reality is I will come back." And Igna moved to ruffle her sister's hair. "I promise, now come on- let's see what there is to eat."

And she moved to check the pantry, but seeing as they were low  on supplies, opted to check out the shed out back that held their supplies, and as she was gathering them for her own breakfast, she peered curiously towards the barn and wondered how the other men were fairing and if they were awake and still even in the loft.

They drag you to a camp and keep you there till you die...

...they chained me for twenty years.



The night hadn't passed easily for Caleb after hearing those words from the mercenary. And how could it? The thought of spending the rest of his days bound in irons, kept in the cold dark of a cell fasioned from dead stone, where no sense of life and freedom could reach him... to be not only truly blind again, but made to suffer the rest of his days as though he were already dead and buried...

It chilled him. It wasn't the cold winter's wind coming in through the gaps in the barn that left him cold and shivering that night. It was the thought of what would happen to him if the mage-hunters succeeded...

... or if the Duke's march failed. In the end, he resolved, it must not. Could not.

Everything now depended on it.

Sensing the warmth of daylight -- bleak though it was in this winterfallen land -- at last break, Caleb, almost sleepless, rose from his lofted perch amongst the rafters and occupied himself. He ate small portions of his provisions, stretched, then slipped out of the barn -- ironically, just when Igna would prove to be looking towards it. He guessed that the crossbowman would be fully alert -- he seemed the type, after all -- but tried to move quietly anyway, out of respect. The wind on his face did him good, the chill breath of the land carring with it the whisper of its farming, its industry and homesteading and more. He wasn't fully awake and refreshed... but it helped to be out and about.

'Seeing' Igna going about her morning activities, the blind archer made his way over to her with a polite bow at the waist. "My thanks for the lodgings this night hence. May I return your kindness in any way? Anything that I might help with?"

The offer was sincere, of course... but he also made it in hopes of taking his mind off of Artemis' grim words. Hopefully the swordwoman could find some task that a blind man could assist with.

The night was just as sleepless as most. Artemis wasn't a lazy man, or one that would sleep a lot - as the dark rings and bags under his eyes would say - but tonight, he slept even less than his usual one or two hours. He kept tending to his crossbow almost aimlessly, as there was nothing left to fix on it, till the sun arose, when he had a little more of his scarce provisions, and stretched himself, half buried in the hay.

He noticed everything that was happening around. When Caleb woke up, when Igna walked somewhere afar outside the barn...

Outside. Well, it seemed about time for him to dig himself out, too. Stretching himself like a cat again, he climbed out of the hay, and left the barn, blinking in the suddenly bright light. The archer and the girl were still there... Might just as well ask for better food than a piece of dry bread and some smoked meat.

He saluted her lazily, with an apparent amount of sarcasm in an attempt to joke, and grinned. "Got some food?"

Waking with the morning Novak lets out a soft groan before he rouses from the cot he had been sleeping in. Sitting up he runs a hand over his face before moving his fingers through his hair. Lifting his arms into the air he lets out a grunt as he begins to stretch and raise from the cot. Shifting his gaze Novak takes notice to the fact that he was the last man in the barn.

Grabbing his coat Novak slips it back on and makes his way down from the loft and slips out of the barn taking the sack of food she had given him the night before. Taking his leave of the barn Novak's gaze falls upon the white haired elf as he salutes. Pausing for a moment Novak looks at the man and blinks, wondering why he was saluting before he finally realizes that they are not alone.

Shifting his gaze from the man he glances to Igna and Caleb though his attention falls upon Igna as he dwells on the encounter they had the night before and what had been spoken between the two. With his gaze resting on Igna, he gives a faint nod.

Igna shook her head.
"Do not worry about helping. I hear the horns calling us back to the castle entrance. We should all make haste." Catching Novak had awakened, she looks down to the sack he carried, and recalling Artemis's question, she gestured to the bag.
"Eat what you want from there. I'm going to grab my things and meet back where we had all gathered yesterday. The rest of you should do the same."

It seemed the day was already off to the start he had expected of it. Met with no greeting from Igna, Novak drops his gaze from her for a moment as she gestures to the bag in his hand before speaking of eating. He had not caught what they where talking about before he came out of the bar though given her comment he figured it was about food.

Bringing his gaze up from the bag Novak looks back to Igna and gives a faint nod to what she had to say " Alright. " he added before glancing to the other two men that had slept in the barn with him. Not sure which of the two had asked about food Novak lifted the bag and out stretched it " Well, you heard the lady. Have at. " he says, taking a few bits of dried meat for himself and letting the others take some of they wished to.

With no need to remain any longer Novak turned away after given the two time to get some of the food in the bag if they wished, and began to head back to the place everyone had gathered at the previous day.

It did not take Igna long to prepare for her own journey. Once the men staying at the barn were seen to, she returned to the house to say her goodbye. As usual, her sister was teary eyed as she hugged her, but reassuring her again that she would be okay, the two sisters said their goodbyes and Igna was on her way.

Somehow she had come to be a short-term leader for these men. And strangely, not one of them was a soldier. As they made their way towards the looming shadows of the castle, where the square awaited them were a vast amount of men already begun to gather, she found herself studying just about everything around her-
Except the rifelman from earlier as she suddenly found herself walking clean into him.

Artemis followed Igna, as silent as a cat now that he missed a large part of his armour. He walked out of the barn right after her, and unnoticed, walked a few feet behind her all along. He may not have liked her much, but she seemed to know the place well, and he'd rather rely on her sense of direction than his.

He, however, was too careless to warn her that she's just about to walk into that other man from yesterday, instead stopping a few inches behind her, and piercing her with his glance.
"You better watch your steps..." he mused coldly.

Jacen had been walking around looking for someplace that wasn't utterly packed so that he could eat. As he searched the crowded city, someone ran into him. It was Igna. Of all the people that could have bumped into him in that moment, it was her. She probably still hated him, but that was fine by him. Jacen was able to keep himself from falling over by using his rifle to steady himself.

"Our fates appear to be intertwined," Jacen commented.

Igna barely managed to catch herself from falling when Jacen spoke up. She frowned outwardly at him, but at least he wasn't being stubborn and impossible like he had been the other day. WIth a curt nod, she now simply replied, "But of course. All of our fates are when we leave this place. For we're all here to fight for a just cause."

((OOC: Jumping somewhere else))

Tertius followed Blaith through the halls of the castle to the parade ground. His discussion with his nephew had left a bitter taste in his mouth. Plotting to fell another duchy was a terrible thing to have to do, even under these circumstances.

He wasn't even sure they could do it. He hadn't seen Blaith's army yet, and he needed to have a grasp of their numbers and training before he could asses their chances.

However it looked like he'd have the opportunity soon, he thought wryly as he followed his nephew through the corridors. Blaith had said that they'd be collected on the parade grounds this morning.

Indeed, as Novak began to approach the horns of Turgall began to sound, summoning those who would heed their call. And not many moments after a familiar little bird flew over and perched on the blind huntsman's shoulder, it's dry bird-song telling Caleb of things going on at the castle. The General had not emerged yet, but many were gathering. Clever little bird...

Not failing to notice his companions were already going about their own preparations to depart Caleb made himself ready to go. As the others set out, each their own way, he followed his feathered guide.


---------------------


Birds, he reminded himself, made excellent scouts but gave terrible directions, having little care for the walls and obstacles that ground-born creatures endured. After getting him lost not once but twice, the blind huntsman was at last able to navigate to where the Duke's army -- and those who had come but to gawk -- now gathered. He didn't notice it at first but his path brough him out not far from Igna and the others... perhaps their fates truly were entwined, as he heard the voice of the rifleman suggest.

A 'just cause', he heard Igna say. Perhaps... though, to be fair, what causes were 'just' depended greatly on whom was asked. Maybe others were here to fight the 'good fight', like the swordswoman seemed to be, but Caleb simply would fight to survive. And, as was nature's way, he knew that the difference between predator and prey was reduced to just one simple thing: blood.

What unfolded here, today, would determine which he would be... and whose blood would fall.

"Now that you know what we are up against, Uncle, tell me what you see?" And he swept open a curtain to where thousands of men and women gathered for the cause. "Men, women.... all coming here today to fight for a cause they believe in. They all know this war is wrong, and what the Duke of Ajhfeld is doing is blatantly disrespecting me and their Duchy, but it is also testing the unity that is so fragile between the duchies. It is today we begin that long March Northward... To show them how we truly feel and that Turgall should not be trifled with!"

And as he moved to step out before the crowd, the crowd grew louder before a hush took them over like an ocean wave. Igna's gaze lifted from Jacen towards where Blaith began to speak, and she kept herself silent, shoulders back, chin held high- keeping all proper respects to the attentions deserved to her Duke.

"Today, citizens of Turgall!" he called out, voice echoing in a boom. "Today, we start a long march North. Nothing will stop us. Nothing will get in our way. And as we join here together I aim to thank you, to thrill you that it is through us, that we will make a difference. You are all tired oft he suffering and the blood and the death that puts a weight upon our hearts... well... today is our chance. This is our time. We will march northward, through duchy of Belkrath (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14741.msg148390#msg148390) on the eastern woodland path then onward north, into Ajfeld. We will only stop to make brief camps and to eat and sleep, then we move onward. Nothing will stop us. We will go directly to Ajhfeld castle and make our demands."
And here, he withdrew his own crested blade in a hiss of metal and held it up so the masses could see. "FOR TURGALL!!!! FOR LADY HARMOND!!! AND FOR A NEW FUTURE WE WILL SCULPT THROUGH OUR MARCH NORTH!!!!!!!!!!!"

And the crowd roared to life in approval, and Igna could not help herself but smile and raise her own weapon along with the rest of them. Fancy that, it was time for them to move.


And to his men, Blaith commanded, "LET'S MOVE OUT!"

Jacen remained silent amongst the uproar. He never thought that Igna would be capable of smiling, but that's not what bothered him. Something wasn't sitting right with him. What it was, exactly, he was unsure of, but something just wasn't right. This Duke was going to an awful lot of trouble. Mage camps were fortified, but not enough to warrant an army of this size. An army this size would be capable of........oh no. It's not possible. He wouldn't. Liberating a  mage camp was one thing, laying seige to an entire Duchy was something else entirely. Maybe he just wanted to be very sure of victory. Yes that's it, assured victory. Success is practically assured with an army this size. Surely he wouldn't try to take an entire Duchy.

In the chaos of the moment, Igna had all but forgotten about the men all around her as her heart was soaring in the cries of the victory to come. But as she turned, she noted the expression on Jacen's face. And not one to ignore a troubled person, her brows furrowed as she tilted her head.

"Does something trouble you?" she asked, keeping her voice low and between just the two of them.

"Something about this just isn't sitting right with me," Jacen told her. "This army is much larger than necessary for taking a simple mage camp. This force is nearly three or four times larger than necessary. This might sound a bit ridiculous, but I'm not sure that your friend the Duke plans on stopping after we take the camp."

Jacen was not at all acting as lighthearted as he was before. His expression was now grave and serious, the result of a young man having experienced so much death and fearing that much more than anticipated would be caused.

Artemis didn't feel at ease, either. This place was too crowded and this enthusiasm too big. Hell, they went to wreck a camp, not on a fair! People were cheering as if they didn't even care, and that worried him. Not that he'd actually care about them... But they were ignorant.

This army was too big to simply free a single camp. It was an army to assault a dutchy, a d to get caught in something like that wasn't his goal! He was a stealth soldier. A cat in the night that scales the roofs and fires deadly bolts, not an open combat warrior!

Blaith Harmond. What are you trying to do?

Unlike Jacen, it wasn't numbers that bothered Caleb about this endeavor... it was haste. The Duke seemed ready to march right away; from what the blind huntsman had experienced of nobles and their activities in his home duchy, this surprised him. Were matters such as this always embarked upon with only a days' notice? He had imagined at least a week for the laying up of marching provisions and materiel, for the registering and organizing of troops and volunteers like himself, and for other matters attending to preparation. Yet Duke Harmond seemed intent on the march beginning immediately... and the hunter wasn't sure if it was a prudent or reckless move. Sometimes a hunter had to act swiftly and without much deliberation, but there were just as many times when patience and planning earned a catch.

Was the Duke hoping that, by so sudden a move, he could surprise Belkrath and Ajfeld, put them off-balance and instill a sense of shock by his acalrity?

Or... was this brash rush to Ajfeld castle just as hasty as it seemed?

Regardless, with a need for so many to move so fast Caleb's particular skills would serve the Duke's amassed numbers well. This haste might not prove prudent, but it did put him in a good position to earn the General, and perhaps the Duke's, favor as they went. He would have to keep an eye out for the General as they went, see if perhaps he had considered him as Caleb hoped.

Igna's eyes moved to trace over the hoards of men around them. She frowned too. He was right. There certainly was a lot of men...
"My Duke wishes to act on the element of surprise. And we are at war, are we not? Who's to say the Duke would meet us more sincerely than if we had an army to back our Duke than to have him go alone? His pleas to have the Duke of Ajhfeld release his sister fell on deaf ears.." And here, she peered at him curiously. "If it was your friend, or family, or a lover, would you not do the same? To rectify this mistake? I'm just hoping our Duke knows what he is doing. Because I wish to join him in making a statement, and to end this war and it's injustices."

And as far as she was concerned, no one was better suited for it than Duke Harmond.

"That's just it," Jacen replied gravely. "If my sister was taken, I would do the same. She's the only blood relative I possess, and if she was taken I would topple mountains to get her back. I fear that the Duke wishes not to topple one mountain, but the entire mountain range."

Igna thought the words over carefully before asking, "And what would be wrong with that? This entire country is in quite a state."

"Taking out a mage camp is one thing, but conquering an entire Duchy! That isn't a resistance movement, that's all out war against all of Connlaoth."

Jacen couldn't believe that Igna didn't see why this was bad. Was she that blinded by her loyalty to her Duchy? Did she not have any common sense? This was a war between Connlaoth's extreme anti-mage policy and a few ballsy resistance fighters. This wasn't meant to be a full-fledged war against the entirety of Connlaoth between two massive armies on the field of battle. That took the idea of the defiant few and turned it into a true civil war.

It was only at this did her expression begin to fade. No, she had not made the connection of what that could mean and stubbornly, she turned away from him, eyes wavering as she found herself fighting over her emotions.

"No one is saying that is what will happen here," she assured him, though perhaps the words were spoken to assure herself.

Jacen's words came louder, perhaps, than he realized; Caleb, some distance away, heard him plainly -- nor was he the only one. Even amidst the tumult of the crowd there would be those who overheard... and, for some reason he couldn't quite discern, Caleb felt he had to step in before the gunslinger got himself into trouble.

"And what will you do, exactly?" Caleb stepped from the crowd, voice as low as the excited shouting and hollering would permit. "Do what I cannot -- look around you. The wheels are already in motion, and what will happen next will happen with or without us."

He stepped up to the two of them so he could drop his voice a bit more. "If we are a part of this then we can at least influence the outcome -- if we walk away it is out of our hands. If this is to spark true civil war do we not owe it to our country and each other to do what we can to make it something good instead of mere roiling chaos?"

"If the Duke is planning on doing what I think he's doing, it will be chaos," Jacen replied. "There is too much momentum behind this for us to stop it now. I want to restore peace to my country, not plunge it further into madness."

Jacen then lowered his voice as much as he could while still loud enough to be heard amongst the crowd.

"If all out war is, in fact, what the Duke is planning, then the only option I see that would stop it is his death."

Caleb's expression -- or what passed for the expressions of one who had never seen his own face or another's -- darkened immediately at the rifleman's words. "That is a dangerous path you suggest, more dangerous than you realize! Yet again you forget the Duke's support; were he to die, either in the conflict to come or by an assassin's hand, he would go from being a man and a ruler to a martyr and a symbol. His death would nearly deify the man. The same thing happened with the former Grand Duke; I care little for politics but anyone can tell you it was his death at a mage's hands that spurred events towards this point. What would Harmond's death at your hand unleash, I wonder?"

"Another martyr on the mile-long list," Jacen replied. "Most of these soldiers are mercenaries. When their employer is gone, they will leave, taking with them any major threat. He is not resistance, he is a full-scale uprising, and once this is realized his cause will lose all momentum. I have not killed my own countrymen just to let my country fall to a madman." 

Artemis had - not completely willingly, but his keen ears wouldn't let him otherwise - listened to the whole exchange, standing somewhere behind Jacen and Igna (and looking gloomy as always). What he heard... He didn't like.

"And what good would it do, was he to die?" he questioned the marksman, appearing behind him like a pale shadow. "I'd rather to plunder one dutchy, than have them all slowly rot and decay... That's where they've been going the past two centuries, for as long as I remember. It would be foolish to just stand by and not act when you have a chance."

When he spoke, it was silent, nearly careless, but he chose his words with great care, and behind every one of them was a hidden meaning.

"If he conquers one than what's to stop him from taking them all," Jacen replied. "This war is meant to be a restoration of peace, not a hostile takeover. The mages are the victims, we can't turn them into the aggressors. If we do that then mages will never be accepted and treated fairly."

That comment made his ice-cold blood boil in his veins. "And what do the likes of you-" he hissed hatefully, "-know about that?" He knew nothing. Nothing...

Nothing at all of the chains that took you if you, even by accident, made the wrong step. Nothing about the eyes, filled with hate and fear, that pierced you. And in his eyes, he had no right to speak of something he knew nothing of!

"Because I had served as a guard at a mage camp," Jacen told him. "Because while I was at that camp, I saw a man with a rock."

The man with the rock. Jacen had only ever told his sister about the man with the rock. He had questioned the existence the existence of mage camps, and that man and his rock was the catalyst the cemented his belief about the injustice of mage camps and compelled him to actively resist this atrocity against mages.

Igna had grown quiet as the men battled in words among themselves.
"You believe what you want, but they are only presumptions. And it would not be the first time a duchy stood up to another. Our Duke is here to bring back his sister and to remind the other duchies they are not the sole ones in command. How long are we to allow this war to continue and just allowing the Grand Duke to Shepard us all into a war none of us believes is right? Killing mages will not halt their threat,t hey are born as naturally as any one of us- and what this man.."s he siad, gesturing towards Jacen, "Had told us- these mage camps are abominations. Perhaps it's time someone did take a stance against the others, to remind them they are toying with human lives and killing human lives over a ridiculous but very real fear. Somehow it has to end, and if it's through my Duke, well, then so be it. I am but one hand in this war, and I will support this means to an end, even if it costs me my life."

"Ridiculous... That is right. A mage is capable of killing just like a warrior who knows nothing of magic..." Artemis muttered coldly. All this hatred was just the result of some idiotic rants of villagers.

Oh, how he hated those.

He breathed in, and let his head cool down. "I agree with you, Igna. Though, I don't know if any one of you has ever been inside a mage camp, or a prison for mages. No, I don't mean as a visitor. As a captive." His voice became but a whisper, and his eyes seemed dim and distant as he spoke.

Igna turned towards Artemis and her gaze softened. She knew what he meant, but not having lived it- she could not conceive the horrors.

"All the more reason to support someone wanting to end this.. no matter the cost."

"Unlike our 'friend' here, I support the cause." he replied, crossing his arms on his chest. As he said the word friend, his voice was entirely bitter from sarcasm.

"And unlike some, I'm not going to idly stand by and watch."

'No matter the cost'... those words came with an undercurrent that made Caleb more than slightly uncomfortable. Still, as the debate raged between the crossbowman and the rifleer he slipped back into silent listening. The two had their sides and stances -- he merely sought a cautious path where others blazed hard trails.

Everything was moving forward around them. The Duke's gathered force was marching already, an unorganized line making its way towards the city limits.

"There will be time to discuss this further. The march to Ajhfeld has begun."

Jacen turned his head and took in the sight of the motley army on the move. This was really happening, and he was part of it.

"For justice and for Connlaoth," Jacen said softly.

With that, he began the march Ahjhfeld. This was going to be one of the longest walks of his life. There was no way of telling what would happen once the Duke got his way. This could either go really well, or very bad. Jacen was praying to whatever god who would listen that it would be the former.

The trail through Turgall heading North would take most of the day, and though Blaith wanted to make an impression on the Duke of Ajhfeld, he was not stupid enough to believe no one would question an entire, massive army rolling in North. He had scouts a plenty, who moved ahead to ensure they ignored any passes where current armies resided, and they were lucky that as they began their march, all military posts were at least ten miles away from their current position at all times. And this pleased Duke Harmond greatly.

As he sat upon his horse as his men road forward, a sharp, wind from the west was cutting through, and snow had begun to fall. The snow was to be expected, especially going North at this time of year. And as the army continued on it's way, Blaith Harmond kept close by to his Uncle and turned to him in confidence.

"Uncle Tertius, may I ask you something? I know you see this army, and like most who are marching here today, I see and sense both fear and pride among the ranks. I know it sounds crazy to bring such masses into Ajhfeld, but we all know how Turgall is seen with it's ranks in power. We have always been seen as just another portion of Matron's Hallow, gainging barely any recognition since the fall of the Duke of Harmond in the North. Though we all know that story, where the Duchy had only existed but two generations before the Allarrians reconquered the land gifted to my ancestors, it is a bit ironic indeed that another of that family line speak out against the very other blood line who has been the ones to adamantly shame us." Blaith paused a moment to chuckle here.

"I am aware.." he went on, a smile creasing his face. "How all the world might perceive this but I do not care. I am here to do but one thing- and that is to take my army into Ajhfeld to let that Duke know I mean business, and if rumors are true,a nd I know they are.. " he said, a certain glint in his eye that showed he had proof to back his claims. "There is great weakness int he unity ad power of Ajhfeld, and the reason to defy me is to disprove any of this. Rolling in with such a large number of men, Ajhfeld will no doubt, be hesitant to fight, considering they had pledge more than the majority of their men to the Grand Duke's war."

Blaith was laughing again at this, his blue eyes dancing as he returned his gaze from his uncle, then out to the crowd behind him.
"Before we reach the boarder, Uncle, I wanted to ask you a favor- to have you help me split the army in half. I'll take one heading east, along the boarder of Belkrath and Falkenrath. You will take the others through the farm land west of my trail, and we'll reunite just south of the capital in Ajhfeld in one week's time. There is an outpost there, recently abandoned due to the mages burning it to the ground and driving the Ajhfelds army out. It will be perfect for a rendez-vous point, and if anyone asks what we are doing along the way, we can simply say we are following orders to send men up north to check on a mage crisis."
And at such an idea, Blaith appeared to be laughing again, but it was reserved to his gaze.

"Well, at such a fact given, we would not be lying, but bending the truth, and I... have procured a few... official documents, in case anyone has questions about this."





It had been many hours since the march had began, Igna remained stead fast in her own troupe, thought not much was organized except per pre-distinguished divisions where she had been trained, out here on the road, it seemed they were organizing as tehy went, and an official scribe was moving about on a sand colored horse, asking around at every man's name and occupation, and what his skills were at war. It was here, this scribe came to approach Igna as he inquired, "Name and rank?"

Igna stood at attention, saluting and delivered her name swiftly.
"Igna Martisse, foot soldier."

"Any proficient skills?"

"Proficient in arrow and sword, sir."

"Anything else?"

Here, Igna hesitated before informing him, "Proficient in cooking and sewing, and minor medical knowledge."

The scribe looked up at her with an inquisitive raising of his brow.
"Medical knowledge?"

Igna shifted the weight of her feet a bit before stating, "Yes, I worked on a farm. I know how to help an animal give birth and sew of wounds- but these skills have only been used on farm animals."

The scribe stared at her, pushing the spectacles up the bridge of his nose.
"I see... anything else?"

"No sir."

And with a nod, he turned to someone else.
"Name and occupation? And tell me any general skills."
And as he awaited the response, he hastily scratched in what Igna had told him.


OOC: Just in case it isn't obvious, Blaith's dialogue is not loud enough for anyone to hear other than his Uncle~

((OOC: OMG sorry everyone I am so behind DX
Oh and Spice, hope you don't mind Tertius claiming some credit here, but just tell me if you do :P))

The transition from plaza to the field was dizzyingly quick, and Tertius was run ragged, well his horse was run ragged, making sure everything was in order. Blaith seemed to have complete disregard for organizing his army, so the aging general took it upon himself to send out men to record each member of their troupe and organize them into workable formations.

It took him the better part of several hours on to identify the army's most senior offices and pull them aside to question each about his unit. Tertius could see why Blaith had wanted his assistance, for not a one of them seemed to have a head for the logistics necessary for this endeavor. It wasn't really there fault though, none of them had ever been part of an army this size before. There had been no reason for it. Until now.

It took him a bit more time to get couriers willing to hunt down the men he'd met yesterday and inform them of the state of their new and gainful employment as scouts. He took it upon himself to hire them with or without Blaith's permission. What his nephew didn't know couldn't hurt him, and someone needed to organize the mercenaries.

Which is what he set another group of men doing. Cataloguing all the sell-swords and figuring out how much to pay them was the next topic he was going to bring up with his nephew, but Blaithe launched into a question before he could. The query took some working up to, and Tertius was impatient to get back to his previous endeavor, but when Blaith did make his point the again general dropped his own query for later and instead answered his nephew's question and launched one of his own.

"I'll take half the army," Teritus spoke carefully, "but why? What does it gain us to split our forces here in this situation? It's not as if doing that will conceal our numbers. If anything, it will make us look bigger. Is that your intention Blaith, to increase the pressure on Ajhfeld's duke? Because if it is, please just say so."

Blaith gave a laugh.
"The idea was to make us look smaller, and the smaller numbers mean smaller questions. Though I see what you're getting at, but yes... yes and no. The idea is to meet up on either side of the Duke and pin him in while I personally call him out to speak to me. He will, if my calculations are correct, and I am more than certain they are, have but only one option- to allow us safe passage to retrieve Kella from the mage camps."

And here he paused, mulling things over for a moment before asking his uncle, while keeping his blue eyes on the road ahead.
"Were you not curious what the real mage camps looked like? This Fort... Fort Dhagh... it houses three within it's walls- three of the largest and claiming to carry not only the most mages, but the most dangerous. Now, if my sources are correct... dangerous mages were simply killed. So what does that leave at Fort Dhagh? Families? Women? Children? You've heard the stories, Uncle, I'm sure you can see what I'm aiming at."

For the Duchy of Ajhfeld but was one step in his plan of many. First, the Duchy, then the Fort. If he could conquer Ajhfeld without even causing blood shed and take in whatever resources were left...
He had more than enough men to tear open the grand Fort Dhagh in the North, and burn it all to the ground.

Though he had been present for the talk between Igna and the others, Novak had chosen to remain silent and simple listen to the 'group' he had fallen into go back and forth between each other talking about the large number of people that had massed and how measures could be taken to bring this march to an end. Given that he was simply here for the money, Novak had little to anything to say about it aside from his desire to get paid however he does not voice these concerns to his 'group'.

Having gotten on with the march Novak remained close to Igna and whoever else walked with her, his mind shifting from what they had spoke of before, what the duke had said and what was to come with this march and the fighting.

As the scribe comes to him, somewhat daunted by the man's size, Novak turns his gaze to the scribe upon being questioned. " Novak Reinhardt and I am a mercenary. " Novak answers with his gaze resting on the scribe a moment longer before he glances towards Igna. " And you're skills? " the scribe retorts to Novak's answer. " I am skilled in the use various weapons as well as hand to hand combat.. That is about it. " Novak ended with a faint nod though he did not touch on the fact that he also possessed magical abilities. With Novak's answers the scribe begins to jot down what Novak had said while moving to another person.

With the scribe gone Novak turns his attention back to Igna " How are you doing? " he asks as he looks at the woman with a soft smile.

"Name and occupation?" The scribe went on, his words jarring her from what Novak had inquired. She turned to him briskly before turning away. "I'm doing just fine." Though anxious as she was, it was hard to hide it as her brown eyes searched the area, frowning a bit as she realized what was going on.
"Don't you find it strange we're only organizing ourselves now?" To think, this information had not been gathered earlier was a bit irksome, but she tried to steel her nerves as best she could, along with a shiver when another sharp wind tore through the sea of marching men.

With his gaze resting on Igna, Novak gives a faint nod as she informs him that she is doing fine, though he could tell that she may say she is fine it seemed other wise. However he wasn't sure if he should push the subject or not. Given what happened the night before he figured things with her may be a bit tense.

For a moment he remains silent and listens to her as it seems the subject she talked about earlier remained on her mind. Turning his gaze from Igna, Novak glances around for a moment before looking back to her. Turning his gaze back to Igna he gives a faint shrug " I don't know who you military types do it really. Though I guess it might have been better to organize before we left. That way you can have people in the right places should we run into any trouble on the way... "

"That putting it lightly," Igna nearly spat the words out as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It's not that I have any doubt on this, it's just...." She sighed, obviously frustrated. "Forget about it. I'd rather not think more on it." And she moved to continue to march in line like the rest.

With his gaze remaining on Igna, Novak listens to her retort before she continues speaking. Given the sign and her comment he decides to drop the subject and move on, perhaps try and get her mind off the matter. " Mmh, well it is good to hear that you are doing fine. And as long as you remember what you told me last night I'm sure you will do fine. "

Jacen had been deep in thought when the words of the scribe brought him back to reality.

"Name and occupation?"

"Jacen, rifleman."

"You have a last name?"

"No."

The scribe peered at him over his glasses. Having no time to argue because of the hundreds of other men he had yet to go through, he just wrote 'No' as Jacen's last name.

"Any other skills?"

"No."

The scribe huffed and scribbled down everthing Jacen had said. He couldn't expect all of them to be so cooperative.

As the scribe moved on Jacen went back to his thinking. It seemed rather odd that they would take the time to get organized now. The army was as unorganized as it could possibly be right now, especially considering that Jacen, a rifleman, was surrounded by swordsman instead of other ranged combatants. This Duke was really eager to take that camp.

"Name, rank, occupation and skills?" The scribe asked, moving onto the next one of the group as he pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
And while the scribe was busy, Igna let Novak's words sink it. But she still felt numb. At Jacen's bit of information, she had studied him in silence, and recalled what he and Artemis had said about mage camps.

"It must've been a terrible horror to witness, to see.." she said to Jacen, then peered over at Artemis. "Or be apart of. I couldn't imagine what life would be like to be forced to live there. I just wonder what the Grand Duke intends to do with all of those mages. There are over a dozen mage camps in the Kilanthros." She shook her head. "Is that where he intends to keep all of those people for the rest of their days?" It was enough to set her blood on fire, but she cooled her temper, and released a hot sigh as she studied the make shift army. As it was before, she had a chilling sensation tighten in the pit of her belly, and one glance away had her almost walking into Jacen again, but she caught herself and turned shamefully away.

"Er.. sorry.." she said, tucking back some of her blonde hair that had come loose from it's bindings. But her eyes met to Jacen's briefly before she looked away, mulling over everything. This march, this battle, this destiny.....

She was fighting for an end to the war- but at what costs? And could their Duke really make a difference. She could only hope.

"With any luck, we'll have the mages freed before the Grand Duke can do anything with them," Jacen replied. "They are terrible places. All of the mages are underfed, underclothed, dirty, and sick. The guards sit around placing bets on who will last the longest, and there are strict rules against interaction with the mages. It's a miracle I never got caught breaking as many of those rules as I did."

The memories of his time at the camp came flooding back to him. The mother sacrificing herself to keep her children warm, the twins who still managed to share what little food and water they had with each other, and the man with the rock. Of all the things he had ever done, his time at that camp was what he regretted the most. Jacen almost felt bad that Igna would get to see the atrocities that her own country was performing. It would be a huge shock to her.

Igna's eyes went wide as she stared at him.
"Rules?" she asked quietly. "What rules did you break?"

The scribe moved to Artemis, and he could see him quiver a little under his utterly menacing look. He did the best to scare the crap out of him...

"Name?" he asked.
"Shut up and get lost." the crossbowman growled back, barring his teeth as he spoke.
"Sir-"
"I said shut up and get lost. Something unclear?" Artemis repeated angrily.
"But-"
"My occupation is an archer for hire and my skills include kicking your ass all the way to Reajh!" he burst out. The scribe jerked himself at the sharp sound of his voice, and passed to some other person in the crowd.

He was feeling sick from this march. Even if it was for good...

He couldn't help but hearing Jacen before himself speak. "Let me ask you something..." he spoke quietly, pushing through the crowd, and suddenly appearing right next to him. "Have you been on a trip to the camp, or actually chained in one?"

"Handing out food and water when no one was looking," Jacen replied. "I also talked with some of them and killed a squirrel and gave it to the man with the rock."

They were subtle things he had done, but they meant the world to those mages. He could never bring much food or water to them because there was only so much that he could hide on his person. He couldn't give them better clothes because that would have been too obvious. Some were content with just having someone to talk to. One night he had snuck out into the camp and talked with a man that he had seen earlier that day. Jacen had spent the rest of the night listening to the man talk, at length, about his family. It was astounding at how happy that man was to just talk to someone.

Jacen's thought were then interrupted by Artemis's question.

"I've been on a trip to one on escort duty," Jacen told him. "You've made it pretty clear that you've been in one. If you're trying to make a point than make it, but keep in mind that I've seen what those camps are like."

"Name, rank, occupation and skills?"

Caleb wasn't at first certain it was he who was being spoken to; eye contact was something Caleb had heard of but could not percieve, thus understand. Upon the scribe's repeating himself without anyone answering, however, the meaning became clear. Doing his best to pretend that he had not at first heard, Caleb gave a deep, apologetic nod to the official.

"Apologies, friend, I was lost in thought. Caleb Draves, former hunter for the Barony of Harstead. My skills include," And here, he realized, he had to chose his words wisely. "Scouting, tracking, archery, herbal medicines, and animal handling." It was all true enough, leaving out of course his magics. That was not something to be spoken of aloud, least of all in uncertain company. He was careful not to turn his head towards the mounted note-taker, lest he appraise the huntsman's eyes.

"A request, if I may. I had spoken briefly to General Tertius back in the city, the day before, regarding what role I might serve in. Can I ask you to convey --"

"I'll note it in your record, hunter." The scribe, apparently on something of a time table, interrupted him before riding off. Caleb sighed. Here they all were, marching... marching towards whatever fate had in store for them. He could only hope to meet it as a hunter, not as just another foot-soldier on the front lines.

Igna spared but one curious glance to Artemis, then another to Jacen before moving away from either of them. She could not take all of this bickering, these arguments. They were barely a few hours out on the road! The madness was to come during a fight, not during the conversations among her allies! ANd she needed to clear her head if she was to keep her wits- for this march was real, and they were already well on their way to Ajhfeld.

Now walking alone, though barely just fifteen feet from where the others had been, her dark eyes chanced a glance at her Duke, who seemed almost miles away at the front of the line.
What was she doing here? Could she really do this?
Thinking back to her sister, to her loss, and to everyone's losses- from those who had been confined and had to endure those terrible mage camps, to the others with words that fell on deaf ears in hopes to bring about an end to these new laws...

Yes, she could take up her arms for then. She just had to keep reminding herself-
This was a noble cause. This is what she believed in. ANd yes, it was worth dying for-
For if she doubted herself now, but a few miles from home- how would she even make it out of this alive?

Though he brought up the encounter they had the night before where he tested her, Novak noticed that his comment garnered no response from her though he could see that they may have some affect on her. He decided not to press the matter as he could see that she had more to deal with then just what they had spoken of the night before. Unlike him, she had more ties to this conflict then just money. This was her homeland, these were her people that she had to fight against and with. That itself can be a hardship to get over, one that not everyone is capable of doing.

As everyone around him spoke up, Novak was content to remain silent and simply listen in from time to time as he marched along with everyone else. A march to war, to bloodshed, and with any shred of luck victory. Catching sight of Igna as she begins to move away Novak watches her as she moves a few paces away from everyone else seeming to move off into her own little world rather then remain within everyone else. For a few moments Novak keeps his gaze fixed on the blond soldier as he watches her, wondering many things upon her as he looked at her before finally turning his gaze from her, a soft sigh escaping him.

His business with the scribe apparently concluded, Caleb set his thoughts on a different path -- re-centering himself, now that they were leaving the city behind.

The land here was cold, but not unfriendly. With every step he took away from the houses and walls the world came more and more alive to his senses. Beneath the snow that they trod was a world that was far from dead, and in fact barely slept. The bones of the earth, living stone, groaned quietly to him. The seeds in the ground sang of dreams and hope. The trees they passed hummed and whispered to each other, not unlike children wrapped in a blanket together against the chill of wintertime. The sky breathed down upon him and from every direction he could hear the creatures of the north like the heartbeat of the untamed lands. With each step the huntsman felt more connection flowing back into him, felt his own life restored by the life all around him. Even in so vast a throng of humanity it could not be kept out, and he began to quietly make his way to one edge of the march that he might embrace it more fully.

Again, his path and Igna's would intersect entirely by chance. He was not even aware of her when he breathed deeply, sighed, and muttered his gratitude to be 'amongst the land' again. It was only after his moment of relief that he picked Igna out from the others, her aura now somewhat familiar to him, and perceived the tinge of concern and conflict that stewed amongst the radiant waves of her person.

"You are troubled?" He inquired, coming up alongside her. "Is there any way I can help? You have been kind to me in the short time since we met... please, consider me at your disposal, Igna."

OOC: Moving things along to the night before the two armies are reunited. I figured to fast forward through the splitting and the travel time, considering I didn't think it was necessary for us to write that all out. So as it was stated earlier in the thread, Blaith and his Uncle split the army and at this part- have now been separated a few days as they continue to travel, and come morning, they ought to be reunited again~

I figure we can have a fun night of tension while the army is halved and who knows, maybe they run into some sort of short bought of trouble (or more character development among the shoulders) before the inevitable advancement upon the castle in Ajhfeld will begin~

-------

"I am fine," Igna spoke evenly, and she hoped, confidently when she turned to the blind man and observed him and his unfocused gaze. "But thank you for your concern. The road is long. I suppose it's the fore sight into travel," she went on, only partially lying about it. In truth, she was just uncertain about everything, but then again, just about everyone was. There was confident in the men's steps, but there was also uncertainty, too. But so many had money in their eyes, or were blinded by the sure fire thought of victory, and one so swiftly for themselves, and their duchy, to help make a mark in this world, that it was an even force for them all that drew them onward towards the long, trail ahead.

And when the time came for the parties to split up, Igna felt herself growing even more anxious. A few days had passed already, and this plan of action made her nervous. Why split the armies? Why not keep together? Would it truly surprise the Duke of Ahjfeld? Could it truly deter any other armies they came across, or scouts?

So many thoughts ran through her mind as Blaith's portion of the army made camp for the night. And the crackle of fire before her kept her warm, but her mind was still numb to things. She watched how the flames danced and curled and snapped towards the wintry night sky, which had been wonderfully clear after several days of marching in nearly blinding snow. And snow was just about up to her knees now in height, so she was thankful for the crystal clear moon.

Had it been any other time, perhaps the female soldier would have enjoyed the beauty of the snow and ice, as it capped the world in a crystaline shell, while the moon made it all glittering like silver. And the dark night's shadows kept everythign in an even, deep blue shade, except where the fire was now dancing in orange colors across Igna's face, while long puffs of white snow escaped her lips, which, despite the chill, she found a way to keep herself from shivering. At least for now, at least while her mind and eyes were lost to the welcoming warmth of the tamed camp fire before her.

The splitting of the army seemed questionable to Jacen, but it wasn't his place to question. He was just another rifleman. As he wandered through the camp, he observed all who would be fighting beside him. There were all kinds of mercenaries, sellswords, soldiers-of-fortune, and cutthroats with a couple of actual soldiers mixed in. He wasn't sure under what category he himself fell under, but he liked to think that he fought the good fight.

Looking for a place to sit, he came upon Igna. Seeing as how he wasn't really familiar with anyone, he sat down next her.

"It's funny how fire tends to warm your body and calm your nerves," he commented.

"Yes.." she replied idly, staring at the flames and not looking up at him. "But so does alcohol." At such a phrase, she spared a small smile his way. "I see you haven't abandoned this army yet." For some reason,s he thought he,out of the few deserters they had had, he might be one of them. He as, after all,t he one who questioned her Duke's motives the most.

Thinking about her Duke, she spared a small glance his way. It seemed Duke Harmond was alone, by his own fire, and this made her wonder what was on his mind, as well as Jacen's. She turned back to him,and stared at him in thought.

"Alcohol does indeed have the same effect," Jacen replied with a small smile. "I don't drink though. It throws off your aim, and one shot could mean the difference between life and death."

Jacen stared into the fire, watching the flames leap and dance over what firewood could be found. When she mentioned him deserting the army he still did not take his eyes off the fire.

"It is not the army I fight for, but the cause. Connlaoth is sick. I want to see it cured. This perversion of our faith cannot be allowed to continue."

Igna gave a silent nod.
"Yes, it is unfortunate what it has become." And she grew as silent as arms wrapped around her legs as she peered at the fire in thought. "You spoke of being a part of a regiment who was stationed inside a Mage Camp." She peered over at him curiously. "I can't begin to imagine what horrors they had there. But I can see it gives you great reasons to fight." Pausing, she thought over another question she wished to ask him before saying, "Do you know someone?" And here, she lowered her voice. "Someone you once cared for that was a mage?" It seemed to be the popular story that was going around that was for sure. Someone joining the resistance because someone they loved was greatly affected by all of this.

Jacen shook his head.

"No one I know is in a mage camp," he replied, "but I've seen plenty of people that are loved ones to someone else. The twins, the mother, out of all of them the man with the rock is what spurred me into action."

Jacen was silent for a moment before finally taking his eyes off of the fire and turning to face Igna.

"I would also like to put an end to all of this so that my sister doesn't have to grow up amidst all this hell like I did."

Igna had heard the story about those poor folks before, but him bringing up his sister really hit home for her. Her lips parted slightly.

"I... I'm doing this for the same." She turned away from him and looked at the dancing flames. "For my sister. She already lost so much to this war... something had to be done. Someone has to defend people like her."

Jacen nodded slowly in agreement as he returned his gaze to the fire before them.

"My sister is all I have," he told Igna. "Both of my biological parents are dead. Besides me, she's what's left of my family."

"Then I suppose I am lucky." ANd she afforded him a small smile. "I still have both my younger sister and mother to care for." She realized she had been staring at him and smiling perhaps a bit too long and turned away, her cheeks burning, but perhaps that was from the cutting cold wind of this weather. She rubbed at her cheeks, then at her hands as she breathed hot air onto them, the heat of the fire helping her to remain warm, but her limbs were still biting cold.

"It seems the march is endless.."s he went on to change the subject. "As is this winter." And despite herself, she found herself laughing shortly, soft breaths of white escaping into the night air as she peered up at the stars, keeping her gaze particularly upon a pair of twinkling stars near the moon.

"See those stars by the moon?" she said, pointing upwards and leaning back on her hands, and leaning back a bit towards him so he could follow where her finger now directed. "The pair right there... well, those are our 'twin' stars, or so my sister says. She thinks when we die, we'll go up there to live." She shook her head. "I just like to stare at it and escape into my head. Just let my thoughts go away from this world for just a moment....."
She sighed through her nose, more white smoky breath expelled gently through her nostrils as she glanced at all of the stars around them.

"I guess I've been looking to these stars more often than not lately. ANd I can't help but wander if we're doing the right thing. War with... more war. It seems brutal. And who knows if we'll even live through it." She peered away from the stars and back to the fire, realizing she was rambling.

"Er... sorry, I didn't mean to go off like that." And she frowned over at him. "Do you have something like that? Stars I mean. Or some sort of thing you seem to strive for? I know I just want to be strong, to keep my family safe, and to end this suffering."
She went quiet again and looked away from Jacen and back to the fire now popping and crackling before them.

"But sometimes I wonder," and she laughed, albeit briefly, breathily. "If this march will even end. We're worried about the war... but here we are, marching endlessly." She shook her head. "I can't help but fear some of us might get lost to this cold."

Jacen sat and listened thoughtfully to everything Igna had said about the war, being strong, and the stars. Jacen and his sister didn't have anything like the stars, they just held on to each other. It turned out that Igna also wandered about the nobleness of their cause and this war. Jacen, however, believed that he was doing the right thing. Yes, more war and more casualties was bad, but how many more would die if they did nothing? As for the cold, it didn't bother Jacen too much. He had always hated the cold, but he had so much to worry about already that the cold was an afterthought.

"So, what do you plan on doing after this is all over," Jacen asked, changing the subject to something happier. "Are you going to stay a soldier? get married? Surely there are plenty of suitors waiting for you."

Now seemed an awfully odd time to start teasing her, but Jacen knew the benefits of taking your mind off of war for a little while. Perhaps a bit of distracting teasing would do them both some good.

Igna cut him a look.
"Suitors? Hardly. I haven't the time. It's why.." and here she paused and turned away from him. "Well, one less reason I can become a disposable soldier." she muttered. "One less thing to have to worry about. But no, I never considered it. I don't know. I twas just never something that crossed my mind. I guess stay a soldier so long as I'm needed."

And she peered back over at him.
"What about you?" And here she looked him over. He was handsome himself. "I'm sure you've got plans to settle down, start a family. You seem the type."

"You are not disposable," Jacen replied. "No human being is disposable. People are not a renewable resource because none of them are ever exactly alike. You are the only you that will ever exist, and losing the only you that will ever exist should not be taken lightly by anyone. It's one of the reasons why I'm not such a good officer."

Jacen was, again, silent for a moment as he became momentarily lost in thought before remembering that there was more to the conversation.

"As for after the war, I guess I'll just keep my day job. I've never really had my eye on anyone or considered starting a family."

Igna found herself frowning at his remark. Though it was true, and her sister tried to persuade her over thoughts exactly like it, she'd rather ignore that aspect and focus attentions on others. It was just how she was. Since her father died, she more or less had to step it up to help keep their family afloat. She was the glue, not the heart of things. She was just there to make sure her mother and sister were happy.

Then at his last thought about not considering a family, she could have snorted. And she almost did. For a man who tried to flirt with her no numerous occasions, it was odd to think he'd do it for nothing. Then again, she'd seen men use women, just not as often as she'd actually seen good men be there for the ones they loved. So she wasn't about to go about wanting to catalog men like that. Flirts meaning nothing, that was. It was why when the 'shallow' flirts that came her way, she glared at the men coughing them out. She had never been the target of such... 'attacks' in her life before, but sadly, it was the effect of being a woman in a male only army. And the women who did choose to sign up were still few and far between. And ironically, most of the women that did were already married.

And to soldiers.


"I suppose it doesn't make sense for either of us to settle down. Plus I've had enough of raising a family for one life time," Igna went on with a sigh. "When my father died, I took up his post to help keep my family together. And that, as I see it, is all the family I need. My sister had married a soldier, but unfortunately the war had taken him. I was hoping the best for her, but it seems Ansgar can be cruel in whom he takes and the tragedies he allows by having this war continue in his name."

"That is why I've come to stop this war in his name," he replied. "I'm tired of watching good men die because a bad man told them to."

Jacen fell silent again as his mind went back to the mention of starting a family. He really never had thought about it before. He had gotten so wrapped up in stopping this war that he had given no thought to his personal life or what he would do after it was all over. Igna had said that she had no interest in starting a family, but plenty of women who say that end up starting a family anyway. Jacen didn't think that any woman would take an interest in him. He did not have the heavier build most Connlaothian men had, he did not have any facial hair that most Connlaothian men had, and he didn't have much to offer in the ways of money or power. All he was was just another face.

"You never know. Maybe you'll change your mind about starting a family someday."

"Change my mind?" Igna frowned. "I don't think so." But as she observed the dark haired man beside her and his green eyes, she found herself wondering if his children would have those same eyes. But then again, why would she care?
"Only if you'll change your mind," she added with a roll of her eyes. "I suppose we should be calling it a night." She turned back to observe him a moment as her eyes began to take in the camp. "We've got a long march in the morning." But even as she said it, it's one reason why she was still awake and volunteered to help tend the fire. She was just too anxious. She couldn't possibly sleep.

But the only thing she was grateful for with sleeping in a camp like this was was the body heat. THough it was a bit against what she was comfortable with, the soldiers slept, body to body, nearly cheek to cheek at night in groups stuffed inside what make shift tents they could muster in the snow. Though it was uncomfortable and a bit awkward for a woman to remain as a sandwich between rows of sleeping men, it kept everyone warm. ANd she was thankful that, so far, no one was cruel enough to try to take advantage that she was a woman. She had heard some lewd comments, but other than that,s he- like all the other soldiers, slept like the dead.

Jacen allowed himself a small chuckle at her reaction, something he didn't get to do often. He wasn't entirely sure how to take her 'only if you change your mind' remark, but he left it slide. As he looked for a place to sleep, he decided to wedge himself in next to Igna, just because. He took off his cloak and covered her with it, for she was already asleep. Jacen figured that she needed it a bit more than him because his clothes were already pretty decent in keeping him warm. Besides, it put a little more material between her and the men next to her, which she might appreciate as well. With everything situated, Jacen fell asleep amidst anxiety and thoughts of home. Was Connlaoth worth the lives of so many?

The day had been long before she finally passed out, and what little sleeps he got was still needed. But when the men came around camp to quietly awake the troops, Igna groggily opened her eyes and was surprised to see herself almost face to face with Jacen.

"Jacen?" she found herself say, and was immediately cringing at such a statement as she sat up, for the men around her chuckled and gave one another knowing looks, which made Igna cringe as she realized one arm had come around him as she had slept. God damn it. It figured she had to wake up to something awkward.

Grumbling,s he rolled away from him and was surprised when his cloak fell off of her. She stared a the piece of clothing before glancing over at him.
"Err... I believe this is yours?" she said, handing it back to him. And she began to wonder if she was saying or... doing things in her sleep. Oh man. How embarrassing would that be?

Jacen awoke to the sound of Igna saying his name.

"What? What happened," he asked groggily.

Then he felt Igna's arm slide off of him. Had she wrapped her arm around him in her sleep? Jacen sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. When Igna handed his cloak back to him he nodded.

"Thanks."

All of the men that had been standing around and saw Igna's are around him were talking amongst themselves. That was embarrassing, but Jacen decided to let them have their little moment of fun. Many of them could possibly wind up dead soon, so let them have one last laugh before dying. It was the least he could do.

With the coming dawn Novak begins to groan as he starts to wake with the other soldiers he had been sleeping with. Though some may find it awkward or unliked to sleep with others in such a manner Novak had little trouble doing it given that it was for survival. He was one willing to do a great deal of things to ensure his survival.

Pushing his coat off his body he sits up and glances around for a moment before he starts to climb to his feet, grasping his coat to take it along with him. The day before he had lost sight of Igna and the others during there march though he thought he had split off into the right group, but he was not completely sure he had. Pulling his coat along he works his way out of the make shift tent, unfortunately they did not set up one that accommodate his size so he was forced to move at a crawling pace, hunched down so he wouldn't cause any problems.

Stepping out of the tent he listened to the crunch of the snow as he set foot in it, his gaze slowly shifting as he slips his coat while taking a moment to scan the area. It had been a few days now since the group slit and Novak was starting to wondering if they would meet back up before or during the conflict. Reaching into his pocket he grabs a bit of dried meat and pulls it out before he begins to nibble as he glances around for any familiar faces.

Once Jacen took his cloak, she avoided and worked quickly to help the men down the tent and gather her things. Breakfast was to be taken out of each person's rations, but she figured to forgo her food this morning. She wasn't hungry, and in fact, felt a bit ill. For it was today they'd be stepping into Ajhfeld, and there would be no turning back.

Jacen ate very little as the army prepared to resume its march. He wasn't very hungry, probably due to anxiety. Igna seemed to be going to extra trouble to avoid contact with him, but after that little scene from earlier, he couldn't blame her for wanting to have no affiliation with him. Maybe she'd resume talking to him later. He secretly hoped that would, for she was the only he could relate to and that could relate to him seeing as how they both came from incomplete homes. Maybe when the stopped to make camp again he could talk to her some more.

A whisper moved throughout the camp. The command to move out had been given. Igna stole a glance around to her fellow soldiers, to her fellow men at arms. She noticed Caleb, the blind scout among the men, and furrowed her brow as she noticed her Duke approaching him just as the party was heading out. She was curious as to what he was about to say, but then noticed another, larger looming figure near to her.

Novak. She had almost forgotten about the behemoth of a man. She just spared him one look over before nodding slightly his way, then gathering up her things, she began to fall in line for the long march to Ahjfeld. It was said in less than ten hours they'd be over the boarder and reunited with the other half of Blaith's troops.  Igna could not help herself for her nerves, feelings herself sweating beneath her armor, despite the chill of winter.

And as they walked, the snow was falling sparsely and slowly, but falling none the less, and down in kept coming within the silent, ghost of a world. Her eyes spared but one glance over to the Duke again, but hse noticed he was still talking to Caleb. Interesting... she might have to converse with the man later, if given the chance and as she turned away from Duke Harmond, it was then Igna noticed Jacen again. She said nothing, simply looked forward and onto the unmarked road ahead.

Men stretched for miles before her in a great and massive line. To think, they were so close to their purpose. But would they be found out before they even got there? There had been rumors spreading a small war assembly just south of where they were caught wind of their march north. Would the Grand Duke's men approach them? And with each passing hour, she was growing anxious as the winds that were sweeping more wildly all around them.  But it seemed the rumors came and went, and they were getting ever closer to the tenth hour of the day. Briefly the camp would pause, if only to eat something, and it was then Igna decided it was best to eat some of her rations.

Taking out a small bit of hard wafers, she began to munch on them beneath a snow covered tree, her back resting against the bark.




~~~~
Earlier in the march, the Duke had taken a look over the list of scouts. He recalled something his Uncle had mentioned about this Caleb Draves. There was something interesting about him, and he'd soon find out what that was as he asked one of his men to go seek him out and bring the man to him.

Like many of the other soldiers, Novak enjoyed some breakfast before getting things packed up and heading out to finish the march to there destination. When glancing around he spotted Igna and as she gave him a nod he returns the gesture before going back to what he was doing.

As the march began he fell in line and begin to steadily march along. However as he walked he slowly worked his way towards Igna, wishing to speak with her since this was the final push until they reached the battlefield. It took some time but finally he came to her and looked down at the blond haired woman, offering a friendly smile as well as a bit of jerky as she munched on a wafer. " Here, have some of this. You will need every bit of strength you can muster when the time comes. " He says before taking a bite of the jerky and offering it to her again as he begins to chew on the bit of meat. " How are you feeling? We didn't get a cane to speak last night though I was wondering if you still felt the same way you spoke the other night. " He says, showing a bit of concern for her. Perhaps her safety, though it could be tied to the fact that they could be fighting side by side and he wanted her to be in tip top shape and fighting strength.

"Caleb Draves?"

The voice was one the blind huntsman didn't recognized, yet it spoke with the air of authority. The march had been on for some time now and Caleb's apprehension had grown marginally with each passing hour. Many, he'd overheard, had already received roles in the semi-improvised army the Duke had formed -- front line, rear guard, flank, supply guard, message carrier. Many more had yet to receive any kind of formalized assignment, but the archer's worry that he would be cast as fodder to the front in what he feared would likely turn into armed conflict was not in the least abated by the passing hours. It was merely brought into sharper focus.

Doubly so when the unfamiliar voice called his name.

Turning in the direction of the one who spoke, Caleb swallowed hard. "Yes, I am he."

"Duke Harmond wishes words with you."

The aura of the one who approached surprised Caleb greatly. He'd felt that amongst their number were those touched by magic -- knew at least one by name -- but as the man he was told to be the Duke approached, a slight chill of terror ran up the huntsman's spine. The man's aura was... reaching, grasping, pulling at the energies around it like a hungry multi-headed hydra barely kept in check. The energy of his being burned with crackling fire and gnawing hunger, like a miniature star turning into a black hole at its core. His head spun as a jarring sense of duality washed over him, as though in Duke Harmond's wake the world was just slightly askew, unhinged just so and enough to leave the hunter almost tasting his dizziness.

Partially to stave off vertigo, and partly so not to earn the ire of this twice-powerful man, Caleb was quick to drop to his knees in the Duke's presence... all the while wondering what he'd gotten himself into, and whether he was in over his head.

"M-my lord," Caleb spread his hands and bowed his head. "What service can this huntsman do you?"

Blaith went quiet as he observed the man on bended knee before him and.. much unprofessionally of him, he laughed. And it was a laugh without reserve.
"So I heard you were a scout, yet they bring me a blind man." He laughed again. "Well, I can't say my Uncle hadn't warned me, but ... he said you had some skills of interest and... we're at a rather delicate state in our journey. So tell me, and do so as concisely as possible, all of your skills that would make you... more than adequate for this job. Because I need a scout, a good one, and one I can trust to get this job done without hesitations or fault."
And he let the man remain on bended knee to reply.

~~~

Elsewhere in the camps, Igna lifted her gaze and watched as the hulk of a man Novak approached. She didn't know why, but she found it odd such a large man smiled so much. Maybe it was because of her prejudice that he was a mercenary, either way, she accepted the jerky with a nod and, "Thanks."
But the second he brought up his question, she gave a subtle narrowing of her gaze at him.
"Why would my views have changed now?" she asked, raising the beef jerky to her lips and taking a quick, sharp bite.

And there it was -- the question, the one he had known was coming when he'd decided on this course of action. Caleb had hoped it was a discussion that might be had in private, somewhere with walls to hold in his secret... but, the moment allowed for none of that. He had to answer.

And so he would.

"Blind, yes, my liege. But not sightless -- not by far. I... I am magic-touched, great Duke."

And from that moment of admission the rest poured forth, a flood of words and secrets. Caleb tried to keep his voice constrained but knew others would hear nonetheless. It could not be helped. "My eyes betrayed me at birth, my lord, but my spirit was kindled to see beyond sight by a traveling mage-healer. I know what I am, what the faith of our forefathers says I am and what should be done with me, but I can no more stop using the mage-sight within me than you can reject your next breath. Without it, I would surely be a beggar or worse... but as I am I can be of great service to your lordship, if allowed."

"I can see things others cannot, perceive the ebb and flow of the world around me and all the life it contains. With this I became a hunter in the Barony of Harstead, learned the ways of the wilds as few other men could, and mastered my nature therein. My perceptions can lead me with surety to things your forces will need along the way -- safe food and water sources -- but..." And here Caleb paused, knowing he was about to put his trump card on the table. "Most essentially, should we need to find the leaders of Fort Dhagh, the Mordecai who stand watch over the mages and maintain order in the camps, I can tell you where they are by the 'darkness' they cast around them to my sight. You will have a great strategic advantage, my lord."

"My bow is keen and my arrows seldom miss. I can will the land to aid us and the elements to bend and shift for us. Though my eyes cannot see the eyes of the hawk can be made to report to me... and the fangs of the northern wolf hunt alongside me. The minds of nature's creatures are malleable, clay in potters' hands; this too I can offer you in my service. And the trees and growths of the wilds themselves hide me in their embrace, unseen and untraced."

"You march to reclaim the one who is dear to you, my lord, and oppose the wrong-treatment that the camps represent. I gladly offer all I can to this task. All I would seek, once your success is achieved, is refuge in the wilds of your lands -- to return to the life of the hunter... and no more be the hunted."

As she takes the jerky from him he lets his arm fall back to his side, catching the gaze before she spoke. Listening to her he gives a faint shrug. " To be honest, I do not know. We are all different people and are affected differently by things, such as the snow and this march plus countless other things. " Novak says as he glances to Igna. " I do not know the workings of your mind so I cant say why you would change your views now. Though given your response I take it you have not changed them. " Or at least he hoped she had not changed them. " I would hate to see something bad happen to you. " He says though it was in a more hushed tone of voice. And he was not insinuating that he would do something bad to her, simply voice his concern for her safety.

OOC: I hope this makes sense XD I'm like half asleep while I posted this

As Blaith listened to the man, his smile seemed to only grow and grow, and at the end, he was chuckling softly.
"You make it seem as if perhaps I should not give you this task. It's awfully dangerous," he went on, studying the man a moment before he went on. "But it seems you're almost too perfect for the job." The light chuckle came again as the Duke moved to stalk around the man. "So one who is born but can not use his eyes for sight, can see far greater than a man who was not." He smiled again and gave an shake of his head, amused.
"Unbelievable. It seems even Angsar is in our favor."

Pausing only then in his moment of amusement, he then inquired to the blind man, "And so, my Uncle, I'm sure you remember him? I need someone to go ahead, and someone I can trust. But most of my scouts are out and are slowed from the snow and so I thought to myself.. I am not a patient man, but patient all the same. We marched quickly for a reason and so I wish not to delay. So my question is, can you do this for me. Will you take feather, my Uncle will know what it means, and deliver it to him? We are to march here soon. So if you've got something to prove.."
And he rubbed his fingers together, causing the feather to twist in his grasp. "Then here's your chance."


~~~

Igna looked up from her food. She still didn't understand his concern. Had he some sister or something she reminded him of? She was not fond of so many questions, and was irritable after what happened earlier this morning as she looked away from him,
"I'm a soldier. You shouldn't worry about my views or my safety. I am trained just as well as anyone else here to fight."

Listening to her, Novak gives a faint nod though he felt like it was something he heard before from her. " Training is all well and good but it is not the only thing you need to kill a man... " He begins, his gaze shifting down to her once again, " And I am sure you know this. I of course am not speaking of a weapon though. You can take a life with your bare hands. " he adds with a faint nod before taking another bite of the dried meat. " I do not doubt your training but your heart. And I mean no offence by it. Though it is only a matter of time before you will prove my doubts wrong and show me just how good of a soldier you truly are. Am I right? "

"I haven't the choice. We are all apart of it now. We will all get our chance." And she finished up her jerky. "Excuse me," and she found herself needing.to walk away. All of this questioning made her irritable.

Looking to Igna, he gives a faint nod. Indeed their was not much option to turn back now. To do so would mean you are deserting your side and that can be looked down up. " As you wish. I will be here if you wish to speak or seek company. " He says with a smile as he watches Igna walk off.

At the first the Duke's soft laughter terrified Caleb... but as he expounded on its meaning, the moment of dread was replaced with a wash of reassurance. It was only the aura of the Duke's power, obvious to him but likely not to anyone around him, that kept a sense on unease in the hunter's mind. At least, he thought, the Duke seemed satisfied with his new scout -- whether Angsar felt the same, however, was certainly an open question.

"The General, yes -- I remember him, my lord." Caleb accepted the feather graciously, as he had learned to under his mentor many years ago. Even when offered something, he'd said, you never take it from the hand of a noble; you let them put it in yours, as this is the order of things. That it suited a blind man's way of being as well was simple convenience, one of which Caleb was grateful.

Feather in hand, and knowing that the Duke was testing him, Caleb rose. "I will prove myself a capable man for this task, my lord. In this you may trust."

And, as if to underscore the point, the blind huntsman turned and whistled oddly into the air. At first it wasn't clear what he was doing... however, when a white-feathered owl suddenly came on wing from a nearby tree to perch on his shoulder, the huntsman's purpose was at once clear. "By your leave, my lord."

To find General Tertius Cornelius amidst the army was the Duke's test for him... Caleb would accomplish that with ease.

"We have little horses to spare," The Duke began, observing Caleb thoughtfully once he had accepted the job. "But if you need one, it is at your disposal. My Uncle, he is a few miles due west of here. If you can ride out to him and come back with he and his men, that's all I ask. Tell him we march again at morning. And if his men are not here, then I shall take what I have and move ahead." ANd with that, he found himself chuckling. "We can meet at Ajhfeld Castle."

As if they were coming late to a ball...

"Oh, and yes, there is another thing." And here he paused, deadly close to Caleb so the man might have been overwhelmed by his aura. "I don't take kindly to deserters, or those who steal from me.I expect both my feather back, and the horse." And he flashed hte man a grin and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
"May Angsar protect you!" And it was almost a joke thing to say.

Seeing that Igna was alone again, Jacen decided to see if he could get another conversation going with her to pass the time.

"What's with that Novak fellow," Jacen asked as he came alongside Igna. "What is always rambling to you about?"

That Novak was a pretty unusual fellow. Why did he follow Igna around so much? It was awfully strange considering that Novak was a mercenary. Why would he even care about anyone else when he was just there for the money?

Igna was still irritated over Novak's little pressing questions, so when Jacen approached her with Novak as the subject, she let out an irritated sigh, arms still folded across her chest.

"I don't know. He's a strange one. He keeps making sure I... I have the heart to kill, or something. Have no doubts." She shook her head. "I should be more offended than I am. I'm a soldier!" And just because she had truly never killed before...
It did not mean she was not capable of it. Her eyes lingered on the snow, her face still red with anger as she frowned.

"That shows how much he knows," Jacen replied. "The heart doesn't kill. The mind and the hand kill. Your heart is what tells when to stop and when not to kill."

It sounded kind of cheesy, but that was what Jacen had figured out during his fighting experience. He also guessed that Igna had never actually killed anyone before by the way she acted. Jacen didn't know many soldiers that could go around announcing with such confidence that they are a soldier after experience the chaos and death of actual combat.

Igna peered up at him with a long and thoughtful expression, before turning her gaze away and sighing.
"I know that much, that's all my sister lectures me on," she said quietly. "I just...." She sighed again. "I suppose everyone gets antsy before battle." And part of her hoped she'd never see combat, but realistically, she knew she would. She just hoped to make it home alive. This was important to her, it meant a great deal for her to support her duchy, support what it means to be walking with all of these other men and soldiers...

It was just difficult. All of this walking. Was this really how the life of a soldier was? Then again, the blood, the death.. it all had yet to happen. It still didn't make her any less anxious for it.

"That mercernary... he.. he is a strange one thought," she said, trying to change the subject. "He seems almost too smile too much. You'd think someone who's hired out for blood wouldn't be so.... I dunno, like that."

"You've never actually seen combat before have you," Jacen asked even though he was pretty sure of the answer already.

He just wanted to be sure that his suspicion was correct. If this really was Igna's first time in combat, then he would help her like he was helped the first time he was in combat. It was a comforting feeling to know that someone had your back, especially in combat, so giving Igna any little bit of comfort was the least he could do. Besides, she had a sister to go to just like he did. He couldn't let anything happen to her.

Igna frowned.
"Is it that obvious?" She shook her head. "No, this is my first time. I've only been in the army a few months, completed my training only a few weeks ago and haven't seen any action so far."

Jacen couldn't help but chuckle softly at her reaction.

"It is kind of obvious," Jacen replied.

Jacen placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her the most reassuring smile he could muster on an eve of death and destruction.

"Don't worry. I'll watch your back."

Igna couldn't help but blush through her frown at that. It was rather embarrassing to appear as a green horn, and being a woman in the army, a rare thing as it were, didn't help the matter either.

"Er... thanks. But won't you be stationed with the other mercenaries?" she questioned with a tilt of her head. "When we advance, if the fighting begins..."
Though the idea was still nice, she was still a realist.

"I'm not a mercenary," he told her. "Besides, this army isn't organized at all so I can go wherever I want."

Jacen took his hand off her shoulder and smiled at her blush. It wasn't often that he made a girl that wasn't his sister blush.

"Don't worry. I'm the best marksman in Connlaoth. I probably won't hit you by accident."

Igna made a face. That was part of the problem. They were all unified and following her Duke blindly... yet when the battle started, who was to say it would not be chaos? Then again, she had no idea what true chaos really was, or true battle.

Peering over at him at his last statement, she only frowned. She hadn't considered the fact she could get shot. She was more anxious about the swords and men she had to face, but there were other means of battle aside from this and anxiously, she drew in a breath.

"I wish we could just get there already. But we must be getting close." And she paused to observe him. "Do you think we've come past the boarder? That we're in Ahjfeld now?" There had been rumors spreading around that they were, but all of the wilderness looked the same to Igna, and she had never left her home in Turgall. So she hadn't a clue. Besides, with all of the snow all around them...
Everything looked the same- just a cold, white mess.

Jacen thought for a moment.

"We've either passed it or are very close to it by now," Jacen observed.

Jacen remembered that feeling of wanting to get there, but not wanting to really get there. She probably wanted to get there to stop the anxiety, but then she would want to leave once the chaos began. There was so much conflict involved in war, both externally and internally. Jacen wondered how well Igna would be able to hold up in her first real fight, but he decided not to bother her about it. One of the best things you could have on the way to war was a friend.

Igna released an anxious sigh. Her eyes wandering, and her mind still reeling over what was to come. But then her dark eyes drifted over towards the Duke of Turgall's tent, and before it, was the blind man from earlier, Caleb. She pressed her lips thoughtfully together as she studied the exchange and murmured, "I wonder what they're talking about..."

Jacen followed Igna's gaze to where the Duke and Caleb were talking.

"He's giving him a horse, so he's probably sending him to deliver a message or something," Jacen observed.

Igna found it strange. Though she knew little of what Caleb had as far as magics, it was definitely interesting the Duke would select him for such a task.
"Yes.."s he murmured, eyes glued upon the scene. "It looks as though it's his horse."
And she began to wonder if there was more to Caleb that met the eye.

Tertius sighed as his horse plodded along the muddy road. He was about two thirds of the way back in the steadily advancing line of soldiers, surrounded by officers, couriers, and aides. The march was exhausting for him, even on horseback, and the aches in his joints kept reminding him just how old he was.

The column was making a steady pace for the rendezvous with Blaith's army, but Tertius was starting to get just a little bit worried that the map he had if this area was incorrect. It seemed as if this road was longer than the piece of parchment said it should be. Not an uncommon error with maps, but an annoying one all the same.

He sighed again. Well at least they had scouts at. They'd get their, one way or another. Tertius just hoped they weren't late to the encounter that Blaithe surely had brewing with Ajhfeld's duke.

OOC: Just a note, going to wait on Nascent to post and get the thread all caught up, then we can move onward with the plot towards Ajhfeld castle :3

-----

Igna finally tore her eyes away from the scene. Her mind was moving swiftly through all of the possibilities that could happen and she almost felt dizzy for it. No, now was not the time to start panicking. They weren't' even seeing battle right now! But the entire scene was just over whelming. She had to wonder, that the soldiers before her... did they to, have this sense of dread, this over whelming anxiety over taking them when they were forced to wait?

Not realizing she had done it, she stole a look over towards Jacen, hands fiddling and clasping at her wool coat before she looked away. There was just the faintest amount of snow now that clung to her blonde hair in tiny, white crystals. ANd as she breathed, each breath was given away by a layering of soft, white breath.

"I wonder how long we have to wait..." she murmured through a breath of white.

Jacen's brotherly instincts kicked in and he placed a hand on Igna'a back.

"We wait until we're told to go," he said in a soothing voice that was usually reserved for his sister. "Ours is not to worry about such menial details. I would rather enjoy the calm than worry about the storm."

Jacen removed his hand from Igna's back and held it out to allow the snowflakes to land on his palm.

"We just need to be like snowflakes," he said as a soft grin graced his lips. "They know that they are destined to fall to the ground, so they have a hell of a time fluttering and swirling before they get there."

Jacen seemed to snap back into reality and looked at Igna, quickly dropping his hand back to his side. He looked embarrassed.

"Sorry. I got a bit carried away there didn't I with the whole snowflake thing? I hope it made sense."

Igna tensed the moment his hand came down upon her shoulder, but glancing his way, she found herself simply staring at him as he spoke-a nd explained things in a way...
was he trying to comfort her? She stared at him curiously, then when he was done speaking, she remained silent and stared down at the snow collecting around their boots.

"I just don't like waiting," she told him with a frown. "We've got to be really close to the castle now.." But as she peered over her shoulder, as it was before, there was no castle in sight.

"You worry to much," he told her. "You need to calm down a little. Losing your mind before the battle even starts is just as bad as losing it during battle."

Jacen still felt a little embarrassed about his little snowflake tangent, but Igna didn't seem to mind too much. It had been awhile since his first combat experience. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to come to grips with the fact that you were going to have to kill people and that those people that you had to kill were going to try to kill you. Jacen had always been sort of lucky being a rifleman because he didn't need to see the ones he killed up close. Igna, on the other hand, would be able to clearly see the life leave her first victims eyes. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered. Was Igna up for this?

Igna released a held breath.
"I can't help but feel this way." And she turned away from him. "Perhaps I should have eaten more this morning." But it was too difficult to eat. Her stomach was tying into knots.

"There isn't really anything I can say to take away the worry," Jacen admitted. "War is a terrible thing. This is going to be the absolute worst experience of your life. All you can do is be prepared; physically and psychologically."

Igna frowned, but as he went on to explain the situation to her- it brought up a memory about her sister and actually made her laugh.
"And here I thought the worst thing I'd ever experience would be child birth."
Then again, she had never considered a family. Perhaps it just wasn't her cup of tea.

"I wouldn't know anything about that," Jacen said chuckling at her comment. "It sure sounded painful when my mother gave birth to my sister, but I still think it be better than fighting."

Igna blushed at his chuckle. SHe wasn't sure how their conversation ended up proceeding in that direction, but it was strange none the less.

"Y-yeah.. I suppose this isn't really a battle field sort of question," she murmured, embarrassed. But then again, they weren't truly on the battle field-a nd there were no other females in sight. This was definitely something she had to get used to, even though she tried to mentally prepare herself or it.

"Then it's a good thing we're not on the battlefield."

Jacen wasn't sure how to explain it, but he felt comfortable around Igna. Maybe because Igna also had a sister and could relate to him. Maybe because she served as a substitute younger sister, though he guessed they were about the same age. Maybe because he had the chance to make someone smile and feel more comfortable despite the hell they were about to walk into. Maybe because he knew that she could die in the upcoming battle. It was always a possibility, but he was determined not to let that happened. As far as he was concerned, meeting Igna, someone much like himself, was the one good thing that came out of this war. He couldn't help but wonder what would become of them once this was all over. Would they just go their separate ways, or would there be more to this story?

"You can say that again," she muttered and reached into her sack to look over her rations. Eating another jerky might not be wise, but she needed something to stave off her nerves, so she removed it and began to chew on the end of it, eyes avoiding Jacen.

"That again,"  Jacen said with a small grin.

When she started eating and kept her eyes off of him he just decided to leave her alone. He didn't want to be too irritating. He didn't really have any food on him. Instead he was just going on what he had eaten for breakfast that morning, so it was good that he ate a lot.

Igna peered over curiously at Jacen. She hadn't noticed him having eaten anything,a nd wondered if he had brought anything to prepare himself for such a journey. Peering down at her quarter eaten stick of jerky, she moved to break it in haf and turned to him.
"Do you have anything to eat?" Then she offered out the other half of it. "Here. Eat the rest of this. It isn't much but food rations are limited." But they all needed to eat.

"No, no, it's fine," Jacen insisted. "I had a big breakfast. Besides, you need it more than I do. I've gone for a day or two without eating before. I'll be fine."

Though he knew it wouldn't be long until he started feeling a bit peckish, he didn't want to take any of Igna's food. She needed it more than he did. He had gotten used to limited food supply over his time with the resistance movement. Even when he was at home he didn't eat often because he was used to not eating often. And although he would need all the strength he could muster for combat, he wasn't going to take food from Igna.

Igna gave a huff and stuffed the food into his hand.
"Just eat it anyways, alright?" And she turned away, pink cheeked. Did he have to be so difficult?

"Igna, this is yours," Jacen pleaded. "I can't take this from you. I'll be fine."

Jacen tried handing it back to her, but she was awfully stubborn. He knew that he would probably cave and eat it anyway, but he still didn't want to take food from her. Just because she had some doesn't mean that she had a lot. That could be her last piece for all he knew. There was no way he could take it without his conscious kicking him in the head for doing so.

When he tried to give it back she shoved his hand aside.
"From my duchy, you don't refuse gifts from a lady."

"If it was anything other than food at time other than this, I would gladly accept any gifts from you," Jacen replied. "But I don't feel right about taking food from you."

Igna glared at him for being as equally stubborn as her, and she was about to put him in his place when she realized arguing wtih him over meat would do no one any good. So she released a hot sigh and folded her arms across her chest.

"Look just eat it. Rations are scarce as they are, but I'm not about to let a fellow soldier go hungry." And she gave him a look. "And don't correct me on that. As far as I see it, we're all soldiers here."
For they were a rag tag group of men and women, they were all unified for one cause- for one reason or another...
and as far as the definition of a soldier...

Well, each of them qualified for that as far as she was concerned- which wa sa view point that came a long way from when she first laid eyes upon all of these 'unique' men.

Jacen sighed.

"Fine," he said finally surrendering. "But it's not a gift. I'm going to get you something to eat in return at some point so that we're even."

He popped the whole piece of jerky into his mouth and ate it. It tasted pretty good, or least better than what he was used to. They had to be getting close to Ajhfeld by now. It was only a matter of time before all hell broke loose. Hopefully Igna would still be around after this whole mess so that he could return the kindness she had just done for him.

"Good." She replied a bit huffily than intended, but she had won their little argument, didn't she? But then why didn't she feel at all victorious? Releasing an anxious breath, she turned to regard more of the men before deciding perhaps it was a good time to pen her sister. She only had a small nub of charcoal and a corpse piece of paper to write on, but as she moved to lean against a tree and contemplate what to write- the words alluded her.

Jacen couldn't help but smile a little. His sister might mock him for being bad with the ladies, but that had been pretty smooth in his opinion. Igna may have won the argument, but now he would get to take her out to eat. Not bad for having never asked someone out before. It seemed that Igna was now trying to write a letter, but was at a loss for words. Jacen didn't write any letters home for his family's sake. He didn't want anyone to make the connection between the sender and the receiver.

Jacen approached Igna and observed the charcoal she held hovering just above the paper. He guessed that this letter would be for her sister.

"Telling her that you're still in good health would be a good place to start," he offered. "Writing on a tree doesn't really lead to legible letters though. You can write on my back if you want."

Igna almost broke the piece of charcoal, not thinking he would have bothered to approach her. Peering over her shoulder at him, she looked away and sighed at the paper before muttering, "And how do I know your back isn't worse off than this tree bark? It could be... lumpy."

Angsar's name, did she really just say that?

"Lumpy? How could my back be lumpy," Jacen asked with a soft chuckle. "My back is quite smooth I assure you."

Lumpy? Did she really just say that? Igna seemed to be getting awfully flustered. Was it still because of the impending battle? Or was he making her flustered? Was him making her flustered a good sign? Wow. I am bad at this, Jacen thought.

She was pretty sure her face was red. Even her ears felt red, and she was at a lose of what to say.
"Er.. well... you never know," she said, trying to brush it off, only to find the small charcoal nub fall from her gloved hands and into the snow. Her face fell as she sighed, but quickly she dropped to a crouch over the thick snow and began to dig around for it.
"Shit." Did she really just lose her only charcoal piece!?

Jacen smiled again as Igna became even more flustered, but it quickly faded when she dropped her piece of charcoal. As Igna frantically searched for it, Jacen kneeled down next to her and plucked it out of the snow, for his sharp eyes had seen exactly where it had gone.

"It won't do you much good wet," he said offering it back to her. "If we dry it over a fire you should be able to write with it again."

We? Did he just say we? Why did he say that? If it's her charcoal then there's no need for him to get involved, so why was it 'we'? Hopefully things wouldn't get too much more awkward than they already were.

Lucky for Jacen, Igna was too flustered to notice.

Igna sighed and just stuffed the piece of charcoal into her pocket.
"Too bad there are no fires," she muttered with a shake of her head. "Guess I can try writing my sister a letter later."

"We'll just make a fire next time we set up camp again," Jacen assured her.

There he goes with that we thing again. He really needed to stop that, but maybe he didn't want to.

Igna released a sigh, which was almost like a groan.
"Who knows next time that will be. We're trying to make this a surprise, remember?" And as she stood there near to him, her eyes caught sight of something on the horizon and her brows knit together with a frown.
"Storm clouds... looks like we can expect more snow." And though while it would be a good means to hide an entire army, she did not look forward to travel in something that could be quite unforgiving.

"Well if there is a snowstorm then we'll have to stop and set up camp," Jacen tried. "Then we can build that fire  to dry your charcoal with."

Igna frowned.
"I have a feeling we won't just set up camp.." and she peered over towards the Duke's tent before looking away, her eyes finding Jacen's before they dropped to the snow.
"Maybe I could just borrow someone's charcoal..." Not that she knew who to ask as she awkwardly looked around, for no one in particular.

"You really are a glass half empty kind of person, aren't you?"

Jacen reached into his bag and pulled out a lead ball. Lead was a very soft metal and Jacen knew of guys who had used lead to write with. It worked best if the lead had a point on it, but they didn't have that luxury at the moment. Maybe if he borrowed a whetstone or was able to flatten it somehow.

Jacen held it out to Igna.

"I know a couple guys who have written letters with lead. Want to give it a try? I don't guarantee neatness though, even with my smooth back."

Igna wasn't even sure how she was to respond to that, so she kept her lips closed, cheeks burning.
She simply turned away when she got the nerve to tell him, "I'm just being realistic."
Though even still, he was right. Maybe they wouldnt dare trek through such weather. But she had a hunch they would. And how do you explain a hunch without sounding crazy? Sighing, she went to move away from him when he offered her some lead. She blinked and peered down at it. And in spite of her self, she suddenly laughed.
"Don't you mean your lumpy back?" She still wasn't convinced the idea was all that good but, it did get her to at least laugh. Though that could also be from nerves.

Jacen reached behind himself and rubbed his back with his hand.

"My back isn't lumpy," he said with a pout. "You're just jealous because my back is smoother than yours."

Jacen didn't think he would ever here her laugh. It was a wonderful thing to hear given the situation they were in. Maybe he could get her to laugh again.

"I'm not buying it. Even my own back is a bit tense and knotted from carrying all of this stuff. But I suppose I'll get used to this." And she paused a moment to rub at her shoulder and neck. "And the way we have to sleep on the road... I'm still not accustomed to it. I feel all tense." Which definitely did not help her apprehensions about this situation at all.

"Yeah, but look on the bright side. Once you get back home, your bed feels even more comfortable by comparison."

Igna gave a snort of a laugh through her nose and then peered down at the lead in her hand then looked over at Jacen.
"Maybe I should try writing this later." When she wasn't so... well, frazzled.

Jacen couldn't help but smile. Being able to bring a smile to someone's face instead of death during this wretched war meant a lot. It was moments like this that reminded him that he was still human and not just some killing machine. He would definitely have to spend some time with Igna again after this was all over, whenever that would be.

"Don't smile about it!" But she was smiling too. "Besides, it's because your back is too lumpy. So don't get any ideas. Perhaps if I find someplace better to write..." and she moved to turn away from him, tucking away the paper and lead ball into her pocket before she paused in mid turn to peer back at him.
"Oh, but thanks. For the lead anyway." And she gave him a smirk and returned to readjusting her coat, just as a heavy, chilling breeze blew past.

"My pleasure," he replied with a smile that was still quite evident.

Jacen would definitely have to find her again when this was all over. Not only did he owe her something to eat, but he managed to get her smiling and even laughing despite the situation they found themselves in. Jacen wondered what talking to her during a time of peace would be like. Would she laugh and smile even more? There was only one way to find out, and Jacen was looking forward to it.

Under the cover of the weather, a man... flew? Yes, it seemed he was flying into the area. All around him were large numbers of weapons. Swords, knives, spears, axes, even bows and arrows, all within ten feet of him and closely packed in. He landed, and made his way to some random NPC.

"Where can I find whoever is in charge? I have a delivery." The man directed him to go to Blaith, though he might be hard to find. Sighing, Alex went on his way, weapons still around him, only enough room for him to see and talk. He made his way around,and saw a woman and a man conversing. He went up to them, and announced himself.

"Hello there! Would either of you know where to find the Duke, or where I could deliver these? They're all enchanted to be a bit tougher and to set fire to things they hit. I don't know if the fire will last if it storms tomorrow, but it'll do something! Still, these are kind of taking on me, so if you could help..." He trailed off a bit sheepishly. Carrying all of this for so many hours had made him feel kind of numb. He didn't know how much longer he'd last.

OOC: Just a suggestion, but since the game is conducted more like a story than DnD or a video game, Id' be more realistic to label an 'npc' as a 'random person' as, at least to me, it seems to break the third wall and take the reader/ writer out of the story too much to give misc. characters technical names rather than proper labels :)

-----

Something moved over head and caught Igna's attention, she had almost missed it but found her lips falling open. She had never seen magic work in such a way, and considering there were no mordecai for miles, it seemed to make sense that one could freely use such a thing. But either way, it was almost askign for trouble, to use magic openly, even in the wilds of Connlaoth- who knows what wrong eyes could see her. And she found herself instinctively moving closer to Jacen for it, no realizing that she was a bit fearful of what this man's presence seemed to mean, but when he landed and begn to converse with some of the other soldiers and hired hands, she found herself almost unable to swallow the knot in her throat.

"Did you see that?" she asked Jacen. "That man... he just... flew."
And before she could even hear what the man had to saw, Alex was approaching them and Igna found herself staring- and only staring, not speaking before she realized that he had spoke.

"You're... here for the duke?" she asked lamely, still just sort of staring at the man, gaping. But she moved to collect herself, mving uneasily from where she stood and stole a glance towards Jacen, wondering what he thought of all of this.

((I had only done that as a small joke, but I'll remember that for the future. xD))

Alex saw the look on her face and internally sighed. He rarely had the opportunity to do much with his skills, and knew this was a big risk. Still, time was of the essence, and flying was much faster than walking. So he did. Still, he replied, an easy smile still on his face despite the staring, "The Duke or whoever controls the Armory. These weapons are pretty heavy, and I've been out for many hours."

He wasn't trying to be rude, but he was very tired. He didn't know that he could be put under such a strain, but apparently he could from overusing his talents. He had so many weapons around him, all controlled by his ability, plus flying for so long... Well, he was about to collapse under the strain, and if he collapsed with all these weapons... Well, he might die if they landed on him and cut him open.

"He did indeed," Jacen confirmed. "But after you've hung around a bunch of mages as much as I have not many things surprise you anymore."

When the mysterious flying man came down to ask about the whereabouts of the Duke, Jacen decided to let Igna handle the situation. It could be entertaining.

OOC: Ah XD sometimes those things are hard to translate in text :)

----

Igna examined the man a moment before glancing over to Jacen again.
"I could take you to him, but I'm not sure how well received your presence will be if you're not expected." She was sure the Duke wouldn't appreciate surprises of his own, considering he was trying to hide an entire army before showing up on the Duke of Ajhfeld's door step. But seeing how the man was carrying an array of weapons, she new something like this was evidently valuable, and certainly someone could not booby trap weapons... right? Because she'd hate to be the one to lead the Horse in that broke Troy.

Alex nods his head and explained amicably, "He's the one who commissioned me for weapons. They're not the best quality weapons out there, but like I said, they're enchanted to last longer than the average blade. The enchantments will have to wear down before they chip and dull, and the all can set things on fire when they strike, though it has to be flammable. It's a bit grisly, but it works. Some of the arrows are special too. But I'm afraid I'll have to explain that to the Duke." Alex finished his monologue with an easy smile. He was trying to keep in good spirits despite that there was about to be a brutal battle and the tools he created would shortly be used to kill countless numbers.

Now, he was just waiting to be led. He'd deposit most of the weapons safely on the floor outside, and only take in one example of each. He didn't want them to get the wrong idea, after all.

Igna hesitated, still obviously uncertain over the man's claims. But glancing once over to Jacen, she gestured for  the new guy to follow, but she was wary of.him with each step. By the time she reached the Duke's camp, she wasn't quite sure if she ought to personally approach him, but it seemed she had little choice. Clearing her throat, she managed to get his attention. When heglanced her way, she bowed her head.
"Duke Harmond, this man has approached me claiming he has enchanted weapons you requested."

At first the duke regarded them with mild scrutiny, but them his lips curled up into a toothy smile as he told the man, "You're late."

With the weapons all just outside the tent, and Alex by the door, free from it all, he bowed at the waist. He wasn't worried about being late. If the Duke decided he didn't want to pay for the weapons because he was a bit late trying to avoid being spotted, than he'd just take his stuff and leave. Still, he was always polite, and responded, "My apologies, Duke Harmond." The man didn't ask for an excuse, so one wasn't provided, "However, I have everything you ordered. Flaming weapons, enchanted to not dull as quickly and be sturdier, tougher shields, and arrows that explode, release electrical charges to stun and a few that, well, are a bit more complicated. One of those arrows feed off of the natural energies of the land and create phantom copies, about 20 per arrow to hit surrounding targets. I have 100 arrows of each, as well as many more normal ones. Other than that, there are swords, shields, spears and axes." After that, he fell silent.

The duke's eyes shone like twin flames, and the grin stretching across his lips show cased he was very pleased.
"Yes, come, we have two wagons over here we can disperse the weapons through. But dare I ask, and do not take offense, that I should see these enchanted weapons at work?" ANd here he gestured towards Igna.
"You two could have a test battle." And he stared between the two expectantly, but also amused.

But while the Duke seemed to be taking joy in this spontaneous moment, Igna could only gape as she stared from the weapon's smith to the duke.
"My duke?" she inquired, blinkingly. But the only reply she got was a nod as she blinked again and turned to Alex. Did he honestly wish for the two to fight?

A grimace crossed the face of the man. He was no warrior. Sure, he could swing a sword, and if he cheated, shoot a bow, but he wasn't a warrior. And while he had no problems making weapons for the resistance, he knew he could not fight in it. Alex may have been a simple man, but he could tell what was to come from this. He didn't mind the man wanting to test his weapons, but Alex would lose if he fought this seasoned warrior woman. He simply was not skilled enough to take her on in combat. Well, fair combat, anyway. He could use his powers to win in a one-on-one confrontation, but he really didn't like to fight. He knew his creations would spawn bloodshed, but he wanted no part in dealing it out.

Still, could he refuse this man? He was a Duke, after all.  Well, Alex wouldn't go against his morals. He shook his head firmly, "I'm afraid I'm not the man you need to test these out. I'm no fighter, after all. I have no training, nor am I cut out for it. I'm just a black smith, sir. My apologies." He bowed, though he kept his eyes on the Duke.

Duke Harmond could not help himself but laugh, and where Igna was nearby, standing at attention, even in her stance she visibly flinched from her Duke's reaction. Laughter? She moved only but her eyes to catch him, and the mirth there seemed almost maddening.

"This is not a fight to the death," the Duke reassured the other man, a gloved and resting upon his shoulder. "I just want to see how these things work out. You'll understand. I'm sure you had to test them out somehow. Just use this woman here as your test opponent, and show me what sorts of secret magics these goods can contain."

And he took a step back, his heavy cloak dragging in the snow as he paused just beside a pine tree, laden heavy with thick, wet snow. His blue eyes pierced out through the grey shadows as he raised a hand, saying nothing, fully expecting the pair to proceed.

Igna discretely drew in a breath and lead her eyes away from her duke and over to her knew opponent, and silently, she waited for him to begin.

Well, he tried to get out of this. Unhappy about the prospect, he picked up a blade and held it with both hands. It was heavy, but nothing Alex wasn't used to handling. He examined it carefully. The blade was a bit rushed, but he did have to make a lot of them. Still, it was a relatively easy job, if time consuming. He held the blade in front of him in a basic grip that felt alright. Of course, he wasn't ready for this. The most combat he had seen lately was that one small scuffle with that demon thing.

He took a deep breath and charged forward, swinging the sword in a wide arc from his left shoulder diagonally downwards. As he swing it, the blade itself turned red as it began to heat up before setting on fire. The flames, while hot, didn't melt the blade, though it glowed with heat. The runes inside of it sparked the chemical reaction needed for fire and contained it in a flickering field around the blade.

All Alex could hope for is that she would dodge, block, or something. He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want to hurt anyone.

Igna, having selected a sword as well from the arsenal, gave it a few brisk test swings to get used to the weight of it. But when she saw the metal hum and come to life with flames, her eyes went wide as she stared at it, momentarily mesmerized. But recalling her position and the Duke himself was watching (of all persons) she quickly returned to her readied position and never let her eyes leave her opponent's form, even as the flames of her weapon were now flickering just at the edge of her sight.

When Alex moved forward, she could tell his swing was with little effort, and it took little effort to block. She used one of the shields from the stock, and the metal of the blade clunk off of it, but as Igna braced herself behind it, she was unscathed- as was the shield, despite the flaming weapon that had struck it.

Anxious to test this enchanted sword herself, she wasted little effort in thrusting her own blade forward, catching it to his and striking hard. And while the two did mock bottle, the duke simply watched.

((OOC: I'm hoping this is what you want Spice, but I can change things as needed, honestly I'm not super sure what's going on in this thread at this point so again, if there are any problems please speak up.))

Tertius made his way through the camp on his horse, looking for Blaithe. His nephew's messenger had arrived several days prior with the signal that it was time to meet up. His army was outside of Blaith's encampment, waiting to be reintegrated with the other army. Tertius was hoping that he could find his nephew and get the whole process started. The logistics of it were difficult and it would take some time, so better to get started early.

He'd asked around the camp, and he was slowly zeroing in on Blaith's position when he noticed a crowd. Sure enough, there was his nephew, watching what looked like a sparring match. Tertius approached the man, who didn't see him, and said, "My Lord, I received your message and I have arrived, the other half of your army with me."

The second Blaith spotted his Uncle, he flashed the man a smile and raised his hand.
"No need to continue this. You are both dismissed. Leave the enchanted weapons where they are, and you.." he gestured to Igna, stay watch while I talk to our general."

And Blaith met him a few good strides from where Igna now dropped her weapon as she turned to Alex and told him stiffly, "You heard the Duke."
And as the weapons were all placed into a pile, she peered over at the duke curiously, before noticing Jacen. Had the man been watching the fight?

With the Duke distracted Jacen picked up the sword that Igna had dropped and examined it.

"Magic, huh," he asked. "Did it even feel any different from a regular sword? What's so special about it?"

It just seemed like a sword to him. Sure it burst into flames and all that, but what was the point of a burning sword. Maybe if you were fighting at night and needed light or something, but beyond that it was just overkill. A flaming sword would just cauterize all the wounds that it caused and make it less effective overall. That just didn't make much sense to him.

"I think the idea is placing fear into our enemies," Igna said as she went to catch her breath. "If you see your enemies wielding fire, and you are one who fears magic, you will create a hesitation, or fear among your enemy. Plus it couldn't hurt if you wanted to light someone, or something on fire."

"If I see someone wielding fire I just shoot them before they reach me," Jacen replied. "I still think this is overkill."

Jacen dropped the sword back onto the ground.

"So where did you learn to fight like that? Surely you didn't learn all of that from just the normal training routine."

"Each person is entitled to an opinion," she replied simply. "And the training I've gone through was anything but the usual. We do more drills than are required by the primary army, and only have half a day of rest to ourselves. With constant training and repetition, it's not too difficult for even a novice to know how to swing. Just build up the memories of the movements, and the rest will follow. It's like anything else, really. Once you've one it long enough, it just becomes natural- like when a child learns to walk. Though I doubt my technique is anywhere near perfect, we have an excellent teacher. But no, before I joined, I had no other formal training." But at this she smirked.
"Unless you count me fighting the other children in my town with sticks when I was younger. I suppose one could count that as sword play." And she paused, her smile growing just a bit. "And I always won at those sorts of games."
And she had never considered she'd ever put such a 'skill' to practical use. Then again,s he never imagined she'd be joining up to fight against this war.

"I was never much of a fighter," Jacen told her. "That's probably why I'm a rifleman. I don't have to see the death I cause up close."

Jacen fell silent as he was bombarded with a series of flashbacks. He didn't like killing. Every time he pulled the trigger and watched a body drop, he cringed a little of the inside. With every one of his fellow Connlaothians that he killed, Connlaoth began feeling less and less like his home. Hopefully it wouldn't always be this way. He didn't want his sister to grow up living in the same hell that he had to endure every day.

"Perhaps you've got it lucky then. I can't boast to any kills, but it would be impractical to assume other wise. Death will happen, either to me, or by my hands. Or perhaps both. It's just the nature of the beast. A horrible hell that's necessary, to procure a future that's anything but this."

"I guess you're right," Jacen said solemnly. "Though I don't consider myself lucky, I do suppose it is necessary in this circumstance. It's just that with every man I kill, I feel further from home even though I never left."

"Yes, this war is tearing this country apart. It must end, ... Or there could be nothing left but a husk of what Connlaoth once was. And it will become as desolate as the Fell."