Val laughed. "Thank you, but I meant for after the sewer mission." She examined her now clean dress. "This is nice. I'm glad we became friends."
"Eh, didn't hurt you now." She ruffles the girl's hair.
"There'll be food, Val. Your old boss has been cooking for us from his stores as payment," Ardas said. He let out a long sigh before moving to the next topic.
"If the sewer plan is decided then there's one last matter before we go into logistics: team leader. This raid will require split second decisions and there won't be time for democracy. Right now one of you has to lead this mission. I don't know the three of you very well but Nikandros is a paladin of our god so he can lead from the front quite well. Fear holds no power over him and I trust him to do the right thing or die trying. If any of you have military or equivalent training, now's the time to mention it."
"I have...nothing," Anya said awkwardly. "So I guess that immediately takes me out of the race. Not that I'd want that responsibility anyway."
"Have you led soldiers in battle before? Make no mistakes these demon-loving bastards have declared war on life itself and we must answer them," Ardas said deadly serious.
Val giggled as Anya ruffled her hair, enjoying the chance to just be a kid for a moment.
"Willem was always nice, and he makes good food. I'll have to make sure to tell him thank you."
Val laughed. "Military training, me? Never been a fan of the yessir-nossir lifestyle."
"I mean, I'm a natural leader, though" She'd led during some thefts, but it would not be a good time to mention it now. Nikandros might be a good leader, although the fact that he felt no fear might make him reckless.
She gave Tarik a curious look. "Mercenary?" He looked a little scruffy for a professional soldier of a national army.
She flinched when Ardas commented that this was a war. "I just wandered into a war... I have terrible luck"
"Then it's settled. Nikandros will make tactical decisions when there's no time to vote. Now Ophelia can fill you in on the details of the assault."
Ophelia leaned over the map and ran her finger across it as she talked. "We come up through the sewer here, Anya cleans us off, then we sneak through here, the kennel. There should be some old hunting dogs there but nothing too fierce. Our first true obstacle is here, the alchemy lab. There are automaton guardians here under the control of the Viscount's alchemist Elina Halkias. She is bit callous and doesn't like to concern herself with things like morality or decency...or frequent bathing..." Ardas coughed loudly and Ophelia started.
"Sorry, sir. Once you take out the constructs, take her in alive. She's probably not a demon worshiper. After her, we'll have a clear shot to the Viscount's chambers. For the foreigners, our Viscount is Lord Darrion Artino. He is not a warrior nor does he command magic. His position is hereditary. So he won't be much use in any fight. Still it's best if get him out of there. If the demon-f@%~ers keep their hold on him, it'll cripple any resistance movement. Any questions so far?"
"Elina's always been a little mercenary but you're right; I wouldn't gainsay her loyalty. However, consider Gustav's fate."
"Or those guards," Ophelia adds.
Nikandros was glaring at the people who kept suggesting that he lead, but they were not deterred. Guess I better just deal with it...not like my tactical decisions are bad. Overall decisions...maybe, but tactical I'm normally ok. He shook his head, focusing in on Ardas' briefing.
"I think she will likely resist any attempts to remove her from the situation unless she is clearly beaten - from what I recall once she's been bought she stays bought."
"A few whacks to the head should convince her to return to the path of righteousness. Right, Nikandros?" Ophelia says with a nudge and a wink.
"So when exactly do we do this?" Anya asked.
"Tomorrow morning, just before dawn. Sneak while we have the night on our side then attack with the sun out. Eat your fill tonight, say any goodbyes, and sleep as much as possible. Especially you, Anya," Ardas said in a fatherly tone.
"Yessir!" Anya gave a little mock salute. "So you said something about food?"
"Of course! Willem should be done with the food by now. He's been serving the refugees and priests but I hear he's prepared a special just for you four as a thank you," Ardas said sitting up. "Let's finish the discussion in there."
Ophelia turned to Val. "Don't be surprised if Willem gives you a raise for this," she said with a wink.
"Do we know Elina is hostile? Can't say I like the thought of fighting automatons. They're creepy."
Val shook her head mock-sadly when Anya salutes. "You've caught the military lifestyle. You'll all be wearing fancy uniforms and marching before long if we don't get you medicine."
Val brightened at the mention of dinner but groaned at the talk of waking up before dawn.
She smiled at Opehlia. "If the city gets attacked regularly, I could be head serving girl in a few weeks. Willem's nice, it's not every boss who gives you a raise when you make him work more."
"A few whacks indeed. Food and a nice sleep seems best before we head out tomorrow - maybe prepare some methods of dealing with the sewer's environment...it can't smell as good in there as it does here."
Nikandros strode toward the food room, throwing a glance at Val. "What exactly is wrong with the military lifestyle anyway? Good for you. Builds discipline. Martial skills. Confidence."
As the heroes walked to the main altar which had been hastily converted to a common area for refugees and defenders alike, the last few rays of sunlight disappeared and night descended on the Shrine of Erastil.
Near the top, at a special table, were places for each of the heroes, Ophelia, and Ardas. Willem fussed about making sure everything was perfect. The first dish, rustic potatoes sauteed in garlic sauce, and cold drinks were already on the table waiting for them.
As the party walked towards their places, a cheer rose throughout the temple along with plenty of toasts to them and to Old Deadeye.
Anya stumbled when the cheer rang through the hall, immediately ducking behind Nikandros. There was no need for all of that, thank you very much. "Just trying to get some dinner here, never mind me," she muttered as she hurried around to one of the empty seats. By the Everbloom, why did she have to be seated up front?
She tucked into the dinner, nodding her approval over to Ophelia and Ardas. It was quite good. But other than that, she was prepared to remain silent over her food.
Val laughed. "Well, some uniforms can be kinda cute. But I don't lack for confidence. And I don't like a job you can't leave." she explained to Nikandros. "And I'm unattached, don't need marital skills yet" she joked. "Oh, martial skills, got it"
She curtsied to Willem. "Thank you, boss. I'm really grateful. Tell me if you need any help serving the rest."
Val blushed a little as they were cheered. She'd never had acclaim, and had avoided attention because it was dangerous. "Um... I, uh... Hello, folks" she said awkwardly. She waved to the crowd. "Thank you, I'm just trying to help." She sat down and ate gratefully.
"How are things in the colonies, Rik? You come back covered in medals and glory?" she asked Tarik.
"Silver, they want to like you. Give them a wave." she reassured Anya, a touch hypocritically.
"I'm fine like this," Anya responded, not lifting her head from her plate.
Nikandros looked back toward Anya ducking behind him before sitting down at the table, grabbing a glass full of some sort of amber beverage. Drinking it, he discovered it was a sort of fruit cider, before looking at Anya. "Not a huge fan of recognition, eh? The crowds do tend to go wild for the pretty, competent types. I'm not quite cute enough for them to love me as much. Plus the big sword scares the children."
He flushed a bit at Val's joke, struggling to contain a small grin.
"You can always leave I suppose...though I'm not sure why you'd want to. Besides, you shouldn't have to practice those...skills...before you get married anyway"
Nikandros shrugged, putting aside the ridiculous idea of someone not wanting to serve their country and god to enjoy the potatoes in front of him.
Ardas lets the heroes eat for a bit then hits his tankard on the table. The various priests, militia, and refugees stop still and all chatter stops.
"Today we stand after an unprecedented attack on our city. Thanks to four young heroes, we stand in a position to take it back. The Black Wolf tried to scare us into submission but we did not bend. The Demon cultists tried to threaten us and we stood tall. Now an unknown enemy has our keep and we will not take it lying down.
Long ago, the Stag God showed us the joy of a hard day's work and the strength of a close community and we have followed him ever since. But also warned us about those who cannot see these gifts: liars, thieves, scoundrels, and, worst of all, crazies. For only the addled would give their souls over to Demons. They do not understand what it is to make something. They are told to take what they want. They see the ties that bind us as chains instead of harnesses.
Let us all pray to Erastil for the strength we need. For Hearth and Home; For Faith and Family."
All those in the room who kept the faith of Old Deadeye, which was most of them, bowed their heads and repeated "For Hearth and Home; For Faith and Family."
Afterwards Ophelia whispered to Anya, Tarik, and Val. "We know you lot don't keep the faith. We'll see if we can find priests of your religions should you want them. We're gonna need all the help we get after all."
The room returned to its previous flurry of activity after the prayer. Strong arms carried boards, doors, and stones for makeshift barricades. Older men and women did chores like prepare beds and help with cooking. Children stayed in the main room with the sick and ran errands for the nurses.
"Surprisingly, I'm not being funny this time. Not a volunteer, then. What trouble were you in, colonial?" Val asked Tarik. "Scandalous romance with a nobleman's beautiful daughter?"
She looked over at Anya embarrassed. "Sorry, I don't mean to push you. If waving bothers you, don't worry about it. Don't mind me" she said to Anya
"You can't leave most armies before they wantcha to, they tend to kill you for that." Val drew her finger across her throat to emphasize. She smiled when he gave her advice and tossed a mock-salute. "Is that an order, sir?" she teased.
She kept quiet politely through Ardas' speech. Not much showed on her face; the silence of the normally talkative Val was the only giveaway about what she was thinking. She carefully sipped her wine, but didn't drink much of it. Liars, thieves, scoundrels, crazies. Well, lucky we don't have any of those around... other than me.
A community? Val was a solitary girl. She had to be, it was dangerous for others to know her.
For Hearth and Home...
Val had no home, hadn't had one since she was young. She slept anywhere she could; in inns, apartments, rented places, attics, street corners, anywhere
For Faith and Family...
What was her family? A mother who had probably died years ago, a sister that was better off without her.
I don't understand these people. But I'm happy for them, they are very lucky.
"Nice speech" she said softly.
"Desna. But don't worry too much about me" she told Ophelia. "Tend to the others first."
Anya nodded at Val, acknowledging her apology, but she otherwise remained silent. Not that it would have matter much anyway, given the way that Ardas droned and on. It was a nice enough speech, even if she was no hero like he made her out to be, and he prayed to protect something she had never had and barely understood. Anya ducked her head respectfully, worrying the ring around her finger as she waited for it to be over.
"Huh?" she said, Ophelia's question startling her out of her reverie. "The offer is kind, but I am used to praying on my own. You need not find a priest for me." Pushing the empty plate aside, she glanced around the room. "Is there something I can do to help? I do not like being idle."
Ophelia shrugs at the heroes' polite refusals. "Suit yourselves. We don't got an altar for anyone but Deadeye so you'll just have to pray in your rooms. Speaking of, your 'mission' is to eat up and enjoy a good night's rest. We're gonna need it. I'll show you to your rooms when you're ready."
Val shook her head. "You're very generous, offering to help out" she said warmly to Anya. "After you braved death today and everything"
"Hmm... tough mission, but with a little luck I think I can pull it off" she said to Ophelia with a smile. "I'll do my best, commander"
"Time to go to bed I suppose then. Early start tomorrow morning. Head out before the sun gets up, and then start the assault as soon as we can"
Nikandros retired to his room after spending a moment near Erastil's alter, falling into bed as soon as he removed his armor and drifting off to sleep.
Anya shrugged. "Well if I can't be of any use, I think I'll go pray...or something. Where is the room where I will be staying?"
Ophelia showed everyone to their room. Anya and Val had one room while a bed was moved into Nikandros' room to allow Tarik a place to sleep. She wished them all a good night and told them to be ready before dawn.
The Heroes awoke the next slightly before dawn. The sun's first few rays were beginning to pierce the darkness as the party made their way across the rooftops. Ophelia jumped them with the practiced ease of an Urban Ranger while Nikandros needed some assistance with his heavy armor. All made it to the high wall without injury.
Ophelia called for a general halt, surveying the roof. "The roof looks clear but we don't know what they may have done. I'm going to shoot one of these arrows up there and we're gonna climb up as quickly as we can. Don't worry about noise; the walls are thick. Any last thing anyone wants to talk about?"
Nikandros stumbled over the top of the building, barely managing to avoid a loud clang.
"This is not a place for me. Too much climbing! I do not like climbing. I prefer nice, long hallways for easy charging."
He glances up at the sun, before looking across at the roof they were aiming at.
"I don't think I see any traps, but you never know. You've probably got better eyes than me Val, wanna give it a once over before we do a righteous charge?"
"Wait! Did one of those statues move...? Anya, you know of any magical traps that could cause that?"
"Let me think," Anya said, closing her eyes.
Val was perfectly at home on rooftops and in the dark before dawn. She seemed enthusiastic and energetic, but the normally chatterbox Val was silent most of the way. "I suppose Paladins don't normally go skulking about on rooftops" she replied to Tarik, finally breaking her silence. "It's a good way to beat the crowds. It can be a mistake if you are wearing a skirt, though. That's not a problem for you... I assume."
"Yeah, animate statues can hide by pretending to be normal statues. I'm guessing that's what these are. You wouldn't think stone could be sneaky, but they can give you a real scare. Statues are real good at remaining still." Val said.
Anya bit back a laugh. "That's why you shouldn't trust those things. Maybe we just need some real firepower." Her eyes glinted with excitement. "What do you say?"
The shot blew away some stone work on the statue. Though it could not feel pain or anger, the statue's face sprang to life with a reasonable approximation of both.
"Intruders detected. Awaken! it yelled as more statues hanging from the parapets broke off. Two Gargoyles accompanied the main statue as it readied its response.
"Here we go!"