Strawberry purrs as she rubs against Kressel. He changed? No, I changed. Her charge may have gotten cleaned up and changed cloths after sitting around for a month, but Strawberry Deathstrike actually looks different. Her fur maintains the same markings, but it is shinier, more pristine.
Torod had an epiphany, Strawberry Deathstrike went on an astral jouney and hunted at the side of her god. He infused her with a portion of his divine power making her a creature of the heavens. If it was possible for a feline to become more awesome, she did it.
Elaina draws her sword and swings at the worg, trying to get its attention.
"Hey! Fleabag! Eyes on me!"
Seeing their reluctance to get into the water, Elaina sheathes her sword and pulls out her bow, holding it horizontal to keep it clear of the water.
Elaina looses an arrow, butthe unusual grip sends the shot awry.
Elaina looks at the wolf-man and slowly wades out of the water.
"Tha-thank you. I am grateful for your help," she says, unsure of what's going on.
"Wh-what are you," Elaina asks, not even noticing the chill dampness of her clinging clothes.
"If it'll help me protect my friends, then do it," Elaina says.
Seraph takes the lead on the training. Running them through drills and getting a general rotation down. The password is unneeded but the standard is anyone entering is relieved of their weapons until they depart. No one save their allies, themselves and the guards move armed within the new fort, those who take issue find themselves face to face with Seraph herself. Imiria's comments didn't stop her from trying her best to bolster their flagging morale, she hardly spares the child a second glance as she deals with her still raggged followers. "Confidence is key. If you allow them to walk over you they will. So lets envision someone freely entering your home shall we, eating your food or even hurting your family. Would you allow them such free reign in your own house?" She doesn't give them enough time to respond before saying loudly. " So let it not be so here either. If they challenge you then they can just stay out. Most will understand and rather abide by our rules, so take confidence in your abilities and seek to improve. If you need help call for it, often a braggert or ass will back down when they are out matched. Let them grumble and bellyache. This is our home, if they want to be here they abide by our rules."
Whenever she spots a break in protocol she pulls that individual aside and makes them perform menial labor tasks to test their endurance or weapon drills to improve their strength. She is nearly ruthless with how hard she drives them for perfection. Often whipping their rears lightly with her tail to give them a jump when they think she isn't looking. A lack of confidence often came from a slight figure or lack of confidence in ones strength, over the next several days she continues this arduous task of breaking them in and sometimes driving them into the ground as she seeks to improve them. She isn't unkind though, often an extra food share is given to those who were punished but persevered through the tasks they were given as a reward. She hoped it was enough to make them push themselves to improve on their own.
Wooden posts were set up as archery targets and some were equipped with battered wooden shields to add difficulty or for sword and board training. It was a lot of work hacking the logs and carrying them to the hill to get them setup but it was something she was glad to see used by the amateur's she was training. She also found the time throughout this to watch for those who would be receptive of Arshea's teachings and slowly but surely convert them to her faith.
She would ensure that Asta's vison succeeded by any positive means necessary and work to create a temple in the name of her chosen goddess.
Elaina nods her head, while doing her best to hide the bite mark from the werewolf.
"I'm fine, what of you? Can you travel? We need to warn the others about the Worgs."
Torod makes his way into the fort and is surprised to find out how far it has come in the time he was away.
"Seraph, my friend, it is good to see you." Torod looks different so Seraph may not recognize him at first. Even Strawberry Deathstrike has changed. "You'll tell the others I'm back won't you? I want to get right to work." So that is what he does. He goes and helps the settlers. He talks to the settlers and tries to really get to know them as they work. He also begins to take guard shifts. The part that probably worries Seraph the most is that he actually does a good job.
Strawberry Deathstrike saunters around like she owns the place. She will act in support of the guards, growling her displeasure at any who show disrespect to them. She will warn them when Seraph is coming (and act innocent after she catches on).
"We need to be careful. There are worgs about," Elaina says without preamble when she arrives.
Elaina fidgets far more than usual as she relates what happens (leaving out the part about the werewolf.)
"I should go swimming more often, I feel great!"
Asta has been spending the time training with her new Circle, and continuing to winnow any new arrivals for those who have any kind of arcane or spiritual talent. She will snap up anyone, be it Bard, Witch, Wizard, Sorcerer or even hedge-witch.
Even while she has been working to train and learn from the growing Circle, Asta has also been sending out letters to old friends...
Basically, Asta is writing to the clergy of Sivanah, goddess of illusions, reflections and mysteries, that the time is right to come on over and found a temple to her patron. Mind that she will most emphatically NOT be inviting the NE sect, but all the others are welcome.
When not working with the spellcasters, the Witch spends some time scouting out the land close to the fortress, mapping it with an eye to being farmed by the new arrivals. Ideally, a time will come when they can build homes away from the fortress, which is a military installation after all. Still, she is not blind to the people's need for protection, and so does whatever she can to assist in Seraph's efforts to build a militia.
When Torod returns, Asta is quick to greet him.
"Listen," she says as she takes the Elf aside. "I know we did not always see eye to eye, but the nature-magic you wield is a powerful thing, and I do agree that the wilderness needs preserving. That, and I would like to create a balance against the elder Fey the Mites told us about. How would you feel about guiding the formation of a Druidic lodge, or whatever it is you call it?"
When Elaina and the Kobolds return, the Witch hisses her displeasure.
"Worgs! Nasty beasts. Are any of you still injured? Do you need healing magic or medicines? That reminds me -- we need to set up a group of dedicated healers, to be on call at need."
Elaina begins to bounce on teh balls of her feet.
"Our friends might. I feel great," She answers chipperly before asking, "Do you need anything else? I'm getting a little itchy to go somewhere."
Torod's return isn't a terrible shock but the change in his demeanor and look was more then enough to make her wonder what had happened during his time away. Perhaps he was wooed by a Dryad, that'd be enough to make a Druid smile. Her thoughts were pushed aside when she saw Strawberry's sleeker appeal which was as much of an eyebrow raiser as Torod. However she didn't question it, fate moved in mysterious ways and now that her small cult was growing she was starting to feel more at ease. I hope Torod begin's building a group of Erastites, it would be a welcomed change in this fort as well.
She made sure to thank Torod when she could, his help would be a great boon as she was running ragged after so many days of breaking in these wayward souls on her own. "You have my deepest thanks Torod, its an honest relief you've returned, both in knowing you are safe from harm and because its been a strain teaching these newcomers on my own. Besides your woodland knowledge is essential and far surpasses my own, let me know what I can do to aid you."
When Asta traveled abroad was the times that Seraph left the fort, not wishing to leave Asta unprotected but remaining behind if Asta asked her too.
Elaina's return was a moment of great happiness for Seraph as she approached her fellow Tiefling. She throws her arms wide open as she exclaims. "It is good to see you are safe from harm Elaina! What news of you from your travels? Anything good, sultry or perhaps both?" The last part she says with a smirk at seeing Elaina looking so chipper.
Torod smiles. "It is good to be back. Strawberry really missed Croft. And it will do me good to get a break from all of her incessant chatter."
"The settlers are good as they are. The problem you are having is that you are trying to make soldiers out of refugees and wanderers. Give them something to protect first. Once they are a community. Once they are farmers, carpenters, and tailors, they will be ready to pick up arms to protect the town they have helped to build."
Strawberry is a gleaming streak that races to greet Elaina when she comes back. However, she pulls up short and raises her hackles once they are in close proximity. Strawberry is obviously wary of Elaina and won't come near her or is very much on edge when they are close to one another.
Torod is confused, but takes the cue from his trusted friend and keeps his distance from Elaina (though he would rather get closer to her).
Seraph pauses for a moment in confusion at the way Torod and Strawberry were actin. She turns back to Elaina and sniffs for some sort of scent before shrugging. "You smell fine to me..."
"Maybe I still stink of worg," Elaina says, a little upset at Strawberry's reaction.
It doesn't stop her for long, though. Soon she's running around introducing herself to everyone, almost like a little puppy getting to meet new people.
"Yes. I'm sure that's it." Torod doesn't seem to entirely believe it, but goes with it anyway.
As she goes about in such an extroverted manner, though. Torod has to reassess. "Seraph, does Elaina seem to be behaving differently to you? Since she came back I mean."
"Actually," Asta says as she approaches Torod and Perlavish, "the custom when saying goodbye to friends is to throw a hum-digger of a party and exchange promises of friendship and support. What do you say? Will the two of you stay for a farewell party?"
"Ah, well, in that case the custom is for those staying at home to tell the ones leaving to please be careful and come home safe," Asta says as she gently lifts Perlavish off of Torod's shoulder and settles him on her arm. "I'm sure a pipe could be arranged, Master Dragon of Greenheart, but do you even smoke?"
"Perlavish!" Elaina cries before sweeping the tiny dragon up in a hug.
"I hate to tell you, but you and Tyg are both wrong, you are supposed to get the dog to put his nose in everyone's back while they sleep," she says with a grin, "so you two are going into the woods? Great! I was wanting to go visit the temple anyway! When do we leave? Can we leave right now?"
Seraph looks to Torod, digesting the question as her opportunity for impromptu physical contact with Elaina was dashed by the distractions. She smirks at Pervalish and was about to say something witty when Asta beat her to the punch. Nodding to her Witch she left the dragon to her as she answered Torod and points out the obvious. "She is quite energetic, friendly and... Well Enthusiastic."
"I still think she had a pleasant encounter, besides the Worgs." She turns to Torod and looks him up and down before smirking. "That does beg the question... What happened to you while you were away? You seem. Different now. Not in a bad way just... How do I explain it." She tilts her head in a thinking pose, tapping her chin with her nail as her tail dances around excitedly behind her.
"Who? Me? Nothing happened to me. I'm the same as always."
Seraph's gaze shifts from Torod to Strawberry and back to Torod again before she smirks. "Hmmm, I suppose not." She taps her lips for a moment before settings her hands at her sides. Her tail continues to betray her as it was wagging slowly back and forth in amusement, it finally stops as she becomes more serious. "Since we are friends I have something of some import to say to you specifically." She speaks despite her two most recent converts being nearby and despite their haggard beginnings they were a start to something greater in Areshea's name on this new frontier. "If you hadn't noticed yet, let me make it clear that I am and plan to continue building a following for Arshea here in this new land. However I will not stand in Erastil's path, nor yours as you undoubtedly seek to do the same. I believe we can gracefully sort out differences if anything were to arise between our groups, though I have the strong belief nothing will. I will not seek to have it endorsed as the primary religion in this frontier as it would be foolish to look over Old Deadeye's guidance and especially yours when it is needed the most. I hope that Iam not overstepping my boundaries and wish to remain friends with you Torod." She remains serious looking as she waits patiently for Torods response.
Torod responds nervously. "Who? Me? Nothing happened to me. I'm the same as always." He looks to Strawberry Deathstrike for validation, who is as nonplussed as ever. Then he returns his gaze back to Seraph, "See?"
The nervousness turns to confusion. He looks at Strawberry for an explanation before eventually saying, "Of course. I never thought it could be a problem. I much prefer Arshaean whorehouses to Calistrian ones." His says it like his words are complimentary and he does not understand the insult he actually offers.
Breaking through the whole thing....
"Well if you lot need to handle business of some sort, I can stay here and keep this place in shape. Any specific rules and punishments I should know about?"
"I find that the basic precepts as devised by laid out be Erastil works well for me. It should suffice for our fort as well. These rules will help keep the fort functioning in harmony as well as begin to build a sense of community." Torod gives the girl a sheet of parchment with the Precepts written on it.
Seraph nods in agreement with Torod's statement. "Much as Torod has said save for the only punishments are for lackluster duty which is to be followed by several rounds of physical exercise or performing menial labor to the craftsmen. Aside from that the olny rules so far is that any who visit are to disarm so long as they remain inside the fort, their armaments will be returned to them upon leaving. This is not optional." With it settled she turns to finish speaking to Torod.
Seraph smirks and pats Torod on the shoulder as she corrects him kindly. "Freedom, physical beauty and well... sexuality in a way are our pursuits Torod. We are not in the same way as The Savored Sting. We are more into living freely, perfecting the physical form, respecting your form and enjoying the benefits such positive pursuits often garner." It wasn't that Torod was incorrect but misguided as Calistra's faith often abused their wanton Lusts and created friction for other groups. "Often we guide those who aren't able to to follow a certain path to reap those rewards. Though this does lead to contests I look forward to the what we shall put forth in this pursuit. Especially in friendly rivalry with those of the Erastilian faith and others. However I will be pursuing a bathhouse connected to a training ground as a shrine. A dual purpose structure and open to all who wish to use it however this is a talk for another time."
She looked to Asta then. "Is it alright for me to accompany Elaina? I have been thinking long and hard in gathering darkwood but I am unfamiliar with where it could be in these lands. I am hoping we can find a source of it or perhaps Jhod might have an idea. That is if you do not need me to remain here that is Asta." She was comfortable with the collar around her neck, the clear indicator of their covenant and it actually brought her a sense of peace to be contracted to this particular Witch.
Seraph chuckles at Pervalish's comment, finding humor in how fast a dragon his size could fly before realizing he was probably far faster then her despite the size difference. "Before Tyg and your self go to have your fun in the woods. Would you mind accompanying us then to where they lay?" She would look for more of it once they were there, not for herself but for outfitting the fort or even helping in its repairs. It would be wonderful to find saplings and bring them back her to create a Darkwood Grove.