"Yes, it would seem Marick here is convinced we will be the most powerful squad in the group. And what of you, Rowan was it? What do you bring to the group?"
Viktor smiles at Anastacia, "Understood, but Acolyte Anastacia is quite a mouthful, don't you think? Besides, Acolyte is your rank in the church hierarchy. In this expedition you are an equal among many of the other Lord's and Lady's present and I would not like to see your modesty be taken advantage upon." He shakes his head and gestures with his spear to the open lands surrounding the road, "Out here titles mean little anyway."
His gaze turns further back in the ranks where Felix, Marick and Rowan are conversing. Well, look at that. They seem to be getting on better than I expected. Seems that man can play nice when he wishes it. Much as he's gotten under my skin I suppose I shouldn't give up on him just yet. Let's see what a few weeks in the wild away from cutthroat politics does for his demeanor.
As the group begins to settle in, Viktor approaches Majda as she's brushing down Thunder.
"Your team acquitted themselves well this first day, Majda. You seem to be working together quite naturally. It will be good to find a mount for Wilhelm to increase your mobility, but for now he seems to be keeping up."
He steps forward to the large black stallion and reaches out his hand slowly to rub the beast on his nose if he allows it.
"I'm amazed every time I see him. Does your home posses many horses of such quality, or is this one unique? My family is fairly small and while I can sit a horse without falling, I never had one of my own to truly learn to ride. I always wished it was otherwise for I find these majestic creatures truly fascinating."
Rowan it is. And I agree with Marick. I have a little bit of healing to offer to the group, and can cover short range support for the front lines. I haven't had much experience in battle but I believe these thick hides and a good shield will see me through until the enemy is defeated. I'd like to eventually get my hands on a good bow... He looks away wistfully for a second before continuing. And if we are not moving too quickly, I'd like to mount up and do some hunting as we travel so that we may conserve our rations for when food does get scarce.
Also, these are my companions. Argos, one of the most loyal canines I've had the pleasure of knowing, is an excellent watch dog and quite fearless for a pup. And Sleip here has been a great horse to work with and also trained for combat. Eventually I'll find a leatherworker to make a set of hides to protect him just as Majda has done for Thunder.
"If we are starting up a hunting party may I be apart of it?"
Maybe I can back my words back at the Manor with this.
Viktor smiles at Anastacia, "Understood, but Acolyte Anastacia is quite a mouthful, don't you think? Besides, Acolyte is your rank in the church hierarchy. In this expedition you are an equal among many of the other Lord's and Lady's present and I would not like to see your modesty be taken advantage upon." He shakes his head and gestures with his spear to the open lands surrounding the road, "Out here titles mean little anyway."
His gaze turns further back in the ranks where Felix, Marick and Rowan are conversing. Well, look at that. They seem to be getting on better than I expected. Seems that man can play nice when he wishes it. Much as he's gotten under my skin I suppose I shouldn't give up on him just yet. Let's see what a few weeks in the wild away from cutthroat politics does for his demeanor.
As the group begins to settle in, Viktor approaches Majda as she's brushing down Thunder.
"Your team acquitted themselves well this first day, Majda. You seem to be working together quite naturally. It will be good to find a mount for Wilhelm to increase your mobility, but for now he seems to be keeping up."
He steps forward to the large black stallion and reaches out his hand slowly to rub the beast on his nose if he allows it.
"I'm amazed every time I see him. Does your home posses many horses of such quality, or is this one unique? My family is fairly small and while I can sit a horse without falling, I never had one of my own to truly learn to ride. I always wished it was otherwise for I find these majestic creatures truly fascinating."
Majda smiles at Viktor. "Yes, I was going to speak to you about getting all my squad mounted if we are going to be the scouts for the group. Casimir's metal man is more of a concern than Wilhelm. We can put my cousin on a steed, but that metal monster seems to have a top speed about the same as a man walking. I'm not sure if it can ride a horse or not."
"Every leader should have a horse, certainly. It helps to have men need to look up to you." Majda continues to brush Thunder, reassuring him enough that he merely jerks his head back rather than biting Viktor's hand. "He's very particular about who touches him, sorry Viktor. Thunder is unique, that's for sure. In all my years of breeding horses I've never seen his like, in size, strength or intelligence. The only problem with him, if you can even call it that, is that I'm the only human he'll have anything to do with." Majda works further down Thunder's flank, beginning to brush out his tail. "Today was easy. To be honest, I won't feel like my squad has fully bonded until we've faced real danger together. Though the men were pleasant and obedient."
"Good man Rowan. I for one would rather eat fresh meat and vegetables over the trail rations I have packed away.
Maricks legs burn and the straps on his backpack dig into his shoulders as they finally walk into the camp. Marick greets the scouting group and throws down his pack and sits on the ground to take a break. As others get settled Marick starts gathering wood for a fire as he eyes the hares that Majda had hanging from her saddle. Hope she shares, it was a long walk. Looks up as Rowan heads out for more game as Maricks stomach growls, Hope he finds something it would be good to eat well tonight.
Casimir mostly yawns - the 'orders' were slightly insulting, and he found them to be a rather bore, truth be told. The fact that she could state the obvious was a grand thing, a talent in some circles, but he just... couldn't find a way to acknowledge this person as a leader. The engineer just kept his goggles over his eyes, and rolled them behind the view, where his face gave a smirk.
He almost even spoke up! Rejects! The nerve! He was one of the more brilliant young minds in the hills just east of Eagle's Watch! It ground against his gears to restrain himself, but he knew he had to keep an image. An image of success, in fact!
He pictured the Talon in his mind for just a moment, and the machine would move to walk beside him, paced equally. He heeded her orders for the time being, but he'd have to have a discussion with her at some point. However, Casimir did turn to look at Wilhelm as he walked to his side, and smirked onward.
Casimir makes time to stop at the shrine of Abadar for a quick prayer of guidance and clarity, even if he lagged behind. He'd catch up with redoubled effort if need be, but mostly kept to his books, and spoke very few words. He seemed to be, at the very least, uncomfortable around the fact that he had so many of his house near him, and he hardly knew them - or perhaps that his own house didn't support his own claim.
The engineer had relaxed. Pitching up a bedroll - no tent here - he seemed to become somewhat distant, but did remove his goggles to stare at the starry skies above them. The construct crouched over beside his companion, and echoed out something that obviously ruined his silence.
"STATEMENT: INADEQUATE SECURITY. REQUIRE ALARM. REQUIRE SHELTER."
The engineer frowned greatly, and shook his head. "No, no, no. It's the wilderness. This is where men go to be free from civilization. Yes, it's a stretch for us, by Abadar's guidance, but we'll find something sooner or later. If we're lucky, we'll not be in such a manner more than we need to be. Be on the lookout, while you're at it though, will you?"
STATEMENT: UNDERSTOOD. SENTINEL PROTOCOLS INITIATED."
Nodding firmly, Casimir returned to reading a small journal, and began to write within it shortly afterwards.
Viktor only smiles at the the horse's reaction and lowers his hand as he listens to Majda speak. He sits down on a nearby stone and rests his spear against his shoulder.
"I wouldn't discount the time spent getting to know each other. It's true that intense heat needs temper the steel, but the material must be carefully composed before that if the blade is to be true."
He nods towards Thunder.
"No need to apologize for his behavior. You two obviously share a bond of trust. In fact, I find myself envious of your relationship. It must be a comfort travelling with a long time companion." He looks up at the faint stars beginning to appear in clear yet darkening sky. "Everything I've known in life is in the past now, and now among strangers I walk to a strange land." His eyes are clear and earnest as he gazes upward quietly for a few moments longer.
"Addressing you initial concern, I think it may be more appropriate to send Rowan along with your group and have Casimir take his place in Felix's squad. He is quite in tune with nature as well, and he is a rider. If you are satisfied with that resolution, I'll go notify Felix."
Calistril 26, South Rostland RoadThe weather continues to hold on the second day and after a few hours of travel you come across the hamlet of Nivakta's Crossing. It is a small village of around 140, consisting mostly of tradesmen, hunters fishermen and trappers. It has a wooden pallisade and a low bridge crossing the Shrike river. The southern end of the bridge is flanked by two guard towers. The town is dominated by a small inn called 'The Drunken Weasel'. The inn obviously does a good buisness catering to those traveling on the road as it is conveniently located about a day's travel from Restov and it sits at the junction of two roads. It is the off season however, the inn looks to be nowhere close to being full. There is a colorfully painted Varinsian Wagon off to one side of the inn. Other than the inn and a general store there really isn't much off note in this town.
Wilhelm listens attentively as Majda introduces herself and nods politely when she asks the group to gather together. As his cousin relays her orders, he nods a few time to indicate his understanding and promptly begins to move when order. Forced marching for a few days will have to be sufficient penance for leaving home without a horse. It would make my life significantly easier now. Oh well, Father wouldn't let me leave with one and I wouldn't stoop to stealing one. Boots to the ground and keep moving.
For the first hour, Wilhelm's primary focus was to simply put one foot in front of another. Iomedae be praised that it's not summer or I'd be sweltering. Clearing him mind, Wilhelm refocuses his effort on running and tries to ignore the trickles of sweat that beaded on his brow. After the grueling effort of the first hour, he's able to enjoy the march and keeps to himself, enjoying the crisp air.
Once in camp, Wilhelm removes his armor and carefully scrubs away as much of the sweat as he can with a rag before thoroughly cleaning the gear with water drawn from the creek. Content that his gear was in good working order, he glanced around realizing for the first time that the other group had long since arrived. Glancing around, he finally manages to spot Viktor as he gazes at the stars. After giving him a few moments, Wilhelm will approach and ask, "You wished to speak to me, Viktor?"
Viktor smiles at Anastacia, "Understood, but Acolyte Anastacia is quite a mouthful, don't you think? Besides, Acolyte is your rank in the church hierarchy. In this expedition you are an equal among many of the other Lord's and Lady's present and I would not like to see your modesty be taken advantage upon." He shakes his head and gestures with his spear to the open lands surrounding the road, "Out here titles mean little anyway."
Anastacia smiles slightly. "It would be. Of course, every one can just call me Anastacia. I was just saying, if we have need for formal introductions, then it should be: Acolyte Stormwing."
Anastacia bows her head. "I'm sorry, Lord Viktor. It's not my place to lecture you on matters that you know of better than I."
Anastacia stops in town long enough to buy two more days worth of trail rations. A night at the inn would be nice, but Anastacia's funds are running low. It will be a night under the stars for her.
As the sun sets, Anastacia meditates on the holyness of Pharasma. When bedtime comes she removes her armor, sleeping on the hard ground is unpleasant enough. it would be impossible to sleep with armor on as well.
At least I can pick up my shield easily if we are attacked in the night
Lanya keeps up with the rest, even with a light spring in her step as she walks along the others, she keeps a bit to herself, something is troubling her.
Being close to nature is thrilling and fun again, but I can feel the pull once more. My heritage feels compelled to show itself, I'll have to pay attention to it and keep it from other's eyes.
At the first night's meal she uncorks a bottle of special wine she brought with her to celebrate the beginnings of a new life and toast to the success of the expedition.
"May we all benefit from the experience and make the Stolen Lands, or at least our part a safe haven and paradise."
Dante makes the trek in relative silence and contemplative thought. His mind wanders to many things, his desire to wed, the application of magical potions in warfare, the need to establish an armory, blacksmith and combat school at wherever they finally settled.
Dante sits staring into the fire eating his allotted meal and remaining awake until his watch. After his watch ends he offs his armor and rolls out his bedroll, settling in for a rest.
Addressing you initial concern, I think it may be more appropriate to send Rowan along with your group and have Casimir take his place in Felix's squad. He is quite in tune with nature as well, and he is a rider. If you are satisfied with that resolution, I'll go notify Felix.
"I'd be fine with that Viktor. To be honest, Casimir didn't seem too happy to be taking order from me this morning, and he's barely said anything all day. Perhaps you should ask Casimir as well?"
***
After her brief chat with Viktor, Majda seeks out her squad. She finishes her earlier field dressing of the two hares and the bird, and starts a fire for her men. After spitting the animals she says to Dantalion, Wilhelm and Casimir, "You three can eat these. You all did great today. Especially you Wilhelm. I know I pushed you pretty hard at the beginning there, must have been rough with your armor. Thank you." Majda hobbles over and places one hand on Wilhelm's shoulder, smiling at him.
She examines the construct that she'd seen Casimir talking with a few minutes earlier. It's now standing still over his bedroll, "Cousin, I didn't have the chance to talk to you much today. That construct is really amazing, I saw you talking, is it intelligent? Did you make it yourself?"
Felix sits a crossed from Lanya at the fire. His eyes follow her movements as she uncorks her bottle. "I see great minds think alike." Pulling out his own bottle he uncorks it without ceremony. A chuckle escapes his lips as he pours himself a glass. "Not as good of a vintage as we had back at the Lord Mayor's, but it will suffice." Felix sips at his glass, the bright red wine glowing in the firelight.
"What are your thoughts on this merry band? I for one am liking our chances as of this moment." Felix lets his smile go, brows furrow with worry and his mouth relaxes into a saddened expression. He seems to stare off into the fire as if seeing something in the jump and dance of the flames. I have been wrong before. Maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up now.
At the concept of food, Casimir accepts the meal graciously, with a smile and a nod. He eats his portion, while the construct simply stands beside his small area.
When Majda approaches him, he lifts a hand, as if to motion her to join him more casually - apparently he was not so high-and-mighty to not be polite in turn.
"I know I didn't speak much today, Majda, and it's something I plan to improve on. Certain actions sting deeper than the flames of a forge, but I'm very sure I won't need to tell you that." He clears his throat, then offers his waterskin to her for a bit of shared gratitude. "The Talon's intelligent enough to be able to converse with me, when I need the company. I cannot say I actually built him, though in a manner I could say I did. He's a product of both conjuration and imagination. I do look forward to how he progresses, and what more I can do to make him more... competent."
"Either way, he's very cool. You must be very creative to come up with such a creature, I've never seen anything like it before." Majda hesitates for a moment and then says, "I think Viktor is going to reassign you. He wants to move the other horse and Rowan into my group. The goal is to get all of the scouting squad mounted as soon as possible so that we can cover more ground."
"Thank you Majda, I forgot to tell Caelus to find food for himself while he was circling us."
Dantalion feeds the hare to Caelus he takes out his trail rations and eats himself.
"If you are wondering why I'm doing this." [pause] "In order to have a working relationship with an animal who also eats meat, you must give up some luxuries when it comes to food."
Rowan sets about fixing the small deer for everyone gathered. It may have slowed the main group's pace down a little but hopefully the good meal before sleeping under the stars will more than make up for that.
Majda, do you mind if I use your campfire. He asks politely. It'd take a bit of time to get another one going hot enough to cook this thoroughly. He then notices the conversation between the two cousins. I apologize if I've interrupted.
Dantalion, it'll be a little longer of a wait but I'll have enough venison stew for everyone here tonight.
"It makes sense, tactically. I just know it places me farther back, where I may feel less useful. Either way, as long as nobody's killed in the process."
He does smile a bit more, mostly from the compliment. "Thank you, by the way. He's loyal, and always acts according to certain parameters. Something I can count on. They do say he comes from some plane of machines, but I'd like to think I just sort of... made him with my creative thinking." He does tap the arcane rune that runs across his forehead.
"Your horse is very different from others I've seen, also. Slightly larger. Where was he bred, if you don't mind unveiling a secret?" he asks politely afterwards.
"Hi there, you must be Rowan. By all means, please, use the fire." Majda sits down herself, stretching out her leg near the blaze. "Did I hear that you're a druid?"
Lanya looks at Felix with a smile as well. "I do not pretend this is as good as the wine we had yesterday, but it is a fine wine nonetheless."
She glares into the fire as Felix asks her what she thinks of the expedition members so far. In her mind she sees the flames of the fire dance as wisps and coiling like snakes, but then wipes away a few locks of hair that are in her face and answers on a solemn tone.
"Well I like our chances so far as well, many of our party seem eager and excited. One can only hope that our skills equal our eagerness in this expedition, if that's the case we can't fail, if not... well let's not talk about it so soon."
Lanya seems lost in thought again before asking Felix something.
"So I'm guessing there is a particular eventful story tied to the condition of your hands. Are you willing to share?"
I am. It still feels weird for me to think of myself as one though. I've only recently been initiated. Rowan stirs up the coals a bit to get the water boiling. I've been selected by the elders of my village to travel and experience the world and gain a better understanding of Erastil's ways. To learn how to balance the needs of civilization and communities with the needs of the natural world. It is a sacred duty that I pray that I do not fail at.
If you don't mind my asking, but did you injure your leg in an accident? I was curious as to why you have not had a priest make amends on it. If it is a sensitive subject, I beg your forgiveness. I've been told before that I have a tendency toward naivety and curiosity that could make a halfling cringe.
"No, I was born this way. You can't heal something that was never there to begin with. I don't mind you asking. I'm not a druid but I too am granted magical power by nature. I've heard many druids have a bond with an animal, like I do with Thunder. Is that dog your companion?"
Yes, Argos is my bonded companion. I've had him since he was a pup. He still is a pup actually, he'll grow larger eventually. I'm glad to know there are others in this group with a strong connection to nature.
"Me too." Majda traces the rough lines of Rowan's face with her eyes. He's really rather handsome. "When are you going to introduce me to your horse?" she asks playfully, grinning at the druid.
Felix sighs and begins what is by now a well rehearsed response. "It is not so interesting as one would think. I was a boy when the visions started. I was not wise enough to interpret them, to know that they were just things that would happen and all I could do is steer the way they happen. I knew that my father would die by my hand, so I tried to burn off my hands. He died in the fire that I caused, and these arms have been a reminder of my curse ever since." A look of pain and unimaginable anguish covers Felix's face. "You can not fight destiny, all you can do is try to make the way it easier to bear."
Anastacia huddles close to the fire across from Felix and Lanya. "Pharasma is the goddess of prophesy." She tells Felix. "But she does not so much create them as study, and record them. I was taught that it is often better to be unaware of predictions. Far too many prophesies are of the self fulfilling kind. In trying to avoid fate, you set in motion the very sequence of events, you wished to avoid. Many of these prophesies, of the self fulfilling kind, are nothing more than the machinations of the Outer Spheres."
Having found himself becoming more and more isolated, Casimir decides to take some initiative. Moving to join the majority of the group at the fire, he sends a mental command to Talon, to patrol the outskirts of camp for an hour, and settled in.
"My friends, let me be the first to say that we have been most cooperative since we started out. With varying personalities and ideals, we are, at least from my standpoint, trying our best to work with each other, rather than against each other." He paused a moment to allow it to sink in. "Though many of us have already begun to do this, we should take time to learn from each other. We each have endless amounts of knowledge to gain from our experiences and education that it would be a shame to let it go to waste. U urge each of you to look to each other and consider my words carefully."
Casimir bowed his head towards the others after, and pocketed his goggles for later. Hopefully he would create the reaction he had aspired for.
Having slept rather comfortable Vors enjoys the crisp morning as he walks toward the the city gate. A shiver passes through him as the weather hints of the season to come. Perhaps dressed a little on the light side for this temperature, his light woollen trousers, linen shirt and woollen vest certainly is less than most.
Approaching the group he quickly identifies their newly minted leader talking with a few of his now fellow companions. Before he comes close enough to listen, they break up and walk away from each other. One of them, Felix as best he recalls from yesterday, waves him over. Acknowledging the gesture with a nod, Vors changes direction and before coming to close he lowers the two-handed sword from his shoulder, where he was carrying the large weapon. "Yes?" he asks, waiting for the other man to talk.
Viktor turns his head to see Wilhelm approaching, "Ah, Wilhelm. A tiring day for you I'm sure. I hesitated to put you in a scouting squad, but Majda requested you personally. I hope you can hold up until we can secure a mount for you."
He pulls himself up with his spear and turns to face the other man, "I wanted to know a bit more about you. What compelled you to join our expedition and what do you hope to accomplish? I also wanted to know your take on your cousins. The Orlovsky's I've met have been fairly difficult to read, but you seem willing to speak openly. I'm not asking you to betray anyone's trust or undermine your family, I just want to get a feel for the people I'm working with." His grey eyes search Wilhelm's expectantly."
Viktor approaches Felix to notify him of Casimir joining his squad and Rowan moving to Majda's. He also approaches Casimir per Majda's request but was pleased to discover she had chosen to handle the matter herself. He spends some time looking around the camp making sure everyone is settling in with no issues and then after setting up his bedroll gathers Lanya, Anastacia and Dante for Squad 1's shift before moving out to his own watch position.
Viktor meets up with Majda and Felix, "I would like to put more miles on the road as the day is still young. Majda, you've had some time to rest your squad, take another hour before moving out. Felix, the rest of us will rest for a moment and restock as needed then set out in two hours. Of course if either of you thinks there's a good reason to stay longer I'd be happy to hear you out. Have the changes to your squads caused any issues?"
Lanya listens closely to Felix's story in awe and amazement. Then after Anatascia's statement she decides to join in the conversation as well.
"I'm sorry to hear that Felix, if I had known I wou;ldn't have asked you such a painful memory."
She sighs before finally asking Anastacia.
"Anastacia, what if you know you what you are destined for, but don't know as to what will happen? What would you do then?"
Listening to the conversation several feet away staring out from the camp to the tree line, keeping guard, Dante listened Lanya's question posed to the very young cleric. "If I may interject my Ladies, but a Man makes his own destiny, and while the Lady of Graves may await my spirit, she has no power over my choices in this world."
Lanya looks up as Danta interjects, but listens carefully.
"Well I know I make my own choices, but..." She shuts her mouth before saying anything too much.
"What if you know more of your destiny, just like Felix has seen of his, only this time it is not a self-fulfilling one. Just it shows your destiny, but not the events that come to pass, only that you have been chosen."
Venkar is both excited and looking forward to the expedtion. As preparations abound he stops to speak with the mayor and the swordlord once more.
Venkar does his best to be respectful around Felix as he believes him to be one to care for protocol and chain of command. Although his rudeness to Viktor has made him aware that this may be one-sided. "I look forward to working with you sir, I can tell you are a serious minded-fellow and I hope to learn some of you skills in diplomatic intrigue as I am but a simple scholar and am inexperienced in the dance of social power. I will do my utmost to make myself useful for as long as you are my superior."
During his travel on the road Venkar moves to speak with Viktor quietly.
I was the first to directly support you in the hall and they are aware of this, although I expect their ambition will quickly blind them to that. Are you hoping I will keep an eye on them? If so no problem as I am solidly in your corner better to keep all you potential snakes in one basket eh?"
Venkar will also make a point of speaking to Casimir during the trip. "Well hello sir it appears from the rumors you and I will be in the same squad. I look forward to passing notes with you on design and engineering. I always enjoy working with a fellow invetor. How are you enjoying the travel so far?"
"I think Dante has it right, we forge our own destinies. We have to make our decisions, based on our morals and the information we know to be fact. Just because someone, or something tells you that your destiny is thus, and so, does not make it so."
Anastacia looks at Dante with an arched eyebrow. "To say that a goddess or god has no power to affect our choices in life is a bit naive, don't you think? Mortals such as we are easily tricked and manipulated."
"We mortals are easily tricked and manipulated my Lady," Dante said stepping near to the small female. "But I would remind you that the Gods themselves were created by the Dragons, and that these so called Gods are nearly as easily tricked as we, and they can be killed as we can, and we mortals can be elevated to such a position. It seems to me that godhood is no more than an title to aspire to through great deeds and glory, not a state of being of which we live in fear. Nor spend our lives honoring them, for they may grant their power to mortals for use, but the right to give power is not given in turn, it is taken."
Well it seems they don't understand it, I know what courses through my blood, but I don't know what it will mean for me. I don't want to explain to them right now.
Lanya gets back on her feet, stretches and bows.
"Enough philosophy for one night I think. I'm going to check with my group, as I recall having first watch tonight. My lords and lady if you'll excuse me."
She hastens to get herself away from any prying questions and seeks out Viktor for the evening's watch.
"Well Viktor, how did you find your first day of leadership? Enjoyable I hope." She asks him as she sees him laying down his bedroll.
Lanya will ask around the town if they have heard ny stories pertaining the Greenbelt and the Stolen Lands, especially looking for things the expedition hasn't heard of.
Close to 18 miles from last nights resting place Madja's squad comes across Fort Serenko, a wooden fortification that marks the boundary of Brevoy. To the south you can see the Kiravoy River joining the Shrike. About a dozen soldiers are stationed here and you can see their mounts stabled in the fort. They are currently taking care of 2 wagons filled with lumber that are obviously heading back towards Restov. You can tell from their stance and joking manner that the loggers are obviously well known to the soldiers. A lieutenant walks up to whichever member of the squad is in front and asks "Excuse me but which one of you is Viktor Stovyet?"