Khair unslung his backpack and let the heavy pack set down on one of the waiting beds. Retrieving one of his paper cartridges he once again began to spin it between his fingers, thinking to himself what he was going to do. He decided to approach Viola.
Even though she had given them leave, they hadn't done much other then PT. He wanted to know what kind of squad structure their CO had in mind.
"M'am?"
He saluted and stood at attention.
Feeling the twinge in his recently emptied belly, he nodded with approval. He turned towards the direction of the Bandeshar and said...
"That I undertand was Lord Nex's Palace. I would wager we may find some more interesting arcane areas there. Who wouldn't want to peddle their wares in the shadow of Great Nex's domain.
The Corporal was almost out of the barracks area when Khair spoke up, and she turned around to look at him. Wherever she was going, it seemed like she was not too worried about leaving her armor behind. "Yes... Colbad, was it not?", she said with a bit of curiosity, since she had thought that most would have spent their time familiarizing themselves with the city, or enjoying their day or two of leave-- however long it took for her to get their assignment, really.
"M'am, I was wondering if you might have time to answer a few questions, M'am? I'm not unfamiliar with barracks life, but I've not had anyone communicate our hierarchy here. I know you're the CO, but do we have a clear chain of command aside from you M'am?"
Corporal Hearn shook her head once Khair finished his question. "Yes, and no", she answered honestly. "This squad is ultimately a piece of the Blood Hawks. In this region, the company grew from a platoon that followed a job to its completion. From what I understand, they decided to continue working in this region, and things grew from that. So at best, there are perhaps a little over two squads bearing the name. There is one more in the chain above me, but their work by nature necessitates it to be more clerical. I was headed there now to see what jobs were available for a squad of our size that would pay well enough, and serve as a fair evaluation of its skills."
Indeed, while the squad did have a bunk house, this seemed to be the portion of the city delegated to such operations, as there are other militaristic touches in evidence in this district, though the houses are given fair space to avoid potential conflict.
The first thing the large Kellid does is find good water to refill his waterskin. Once he does that, Cruach goes back to the bunkhouse and begins sleeping off his drunkeness. Anyone who listens in on him as he mumbles to himself will quickly learn that he simply plans to engage in a drinkfest tomorrow.
"M'am would it be out of line to request to accompany you? I would enjoy the chance to see the support structure behind our unit, M'am."
A half-shrug was the Corporal's response, seeing nothing wrong with the request. "Permission granted, Colbad."
Turning, she strode off at a determined pace, trusting that if he was going to keep up, he was going to keep up. The walk took no more than a few minutes, crossing over from the service district (where their bunks were) to the merchant's district, to a fairly simple and standard building. It was four stories of solid stone, rendered seamless by some magic. Outside of the building flew flags of various companies over the door: A pair of crossed swords in gold on a black background, a blue-bordered white flag with a rearing silver unicorn, and so on. Out of the eight or so flags, the Blood Hawks' was one of the last ones on the far end.
The door was wooden, heavy, and probably reinforced with a spell or so, since it seemed to be the case with nearly everything in this city. The door opened into an anteroom, with a single desk off to one side, an older, greying gentleman whose posture spoke of military training of some sort, who looked up at the entry.
"Corporal Hearn to see what's available on dispatch for the Tempest Coven", she stated.
Saying nothing, the gentleman waved her on with one hand and a nod, reaching to pick up a quill to note the entry.
The dispatch office that she had mentioned was one of the last at the end of the hall on the second floor. The door was already open slightly, one of those half-doors that was more open at the top than the bottom. A small bell was attached to a pull-string that hung just outside of the door. There was a single desk in the middle of the room, and the other three walls behind and to either side was stacked floor to ceiling with cubbyholes. Sections of the cubbyholes were delineated with colors according to the flags, with translucent images of the banners above the sections.
Ceragia, Colross
With the barracks being part of a larger, military-esque district, the choices for inns and taverns were many for those that were not inclined (or were allowed) a space apart from their bunkmates. While there were several criers in the vicinity advertising "Some of the prettiest dancing girls from as far as magic can transport them". There were other criers announcing things in Osiriani that looked to be in the similar vein of the criers that were announcing in common, and even one well-dressed gentleman approached them, inquiring something in Vudrani. Indeed, they are spoiled for choice.
The further they travel in the direction of the palace, more and more are there signs that were replaced by floating images that were much more elaborate versions of street signs, shifting between several different languages announcing the streets that they were on, and criers became fewer and fewer.
Hearn, Colbad
The clerk looked up as Viola rapped on the ledge of the top-open dutch door, and nodded rather birdlike, going over to the red and black banner that hung over a delineated section and pulled a scroll from a cubby. In comparison to the rest of the sections, the Blood hawks only had about eighteen or so spaces compared to the thirty or so of the other organizations.
Striding over to the door, he handed it to her with a quick motion, before briskly turning and going back to the sorting of the several or so scrolls that were on his desk, sealed with different colors and stamps of wax.
after seeing much of the street noise die down the further that we went, I spot what looks to be a large domed establishment with tables set up at the entrance. The sign by the door says, The Waiterless Hole. I walk up to the tables and seat myself and a hovering pan slides over from somewhere I hadn't really noticed.
I'll have some desert brew with a side of meat. And please bring some for my friend here but a larger portion.
I toss a gold piece on to the hovering tray.
Keep the drink coming until this runs out as well.
to ColrossI certainly hope thats what it meant by waiterless and I'm not just out a gold piece.HAHA
I look over to Colross and gesturing towards his tattoed body.
Do the marks on your body provide you with magic or are they there as a ranking system in your tribe. I can't say that I have seen anyone in this country that looks like you. But i always like to learn of how other peoples magic is used and manifested. I know of some sorcerors and shaman that have no need of books and components like i use. They seem to have it in them and just call it forth.
An uncomfortable silence seems to stretch out for a solid minute as Colross gazes at Ceragia contemplating the words that were spoken. He then straightened on his seat and says...
Thank you for the food and hospitality Ceragia. The markings on my body were placed there by the Hawks Shoulderwomen during the ceromony of my naming day. It is the bond that exists between me and my totem spirit, the Raven. All of the People of the Hawk bare such markings. The ink on my face was given later on my first blooding. It is the proof that I am worthy of my name.
As for the rest of your question. It is more complicated. I do not intend to offend you or your people.
Colross takes a deep breath and sighs...he begins again...
Our people's history and it's traditions are past down from one generation to the next through song. Long ago our people would use magic much the same way that your people do now. Eventually there were those who would abuse the arcane and become sick. Driven mad with the ease at which power came to them. These men and women became corrupt and enslaved all of the people of the Shoanti as well as the savages that dwelt on the ice to the north.
They used our people along with their foul corrupted magic to raise great keeps and monoliths in their image. Eventually they grew isolated and paranoid and began to lash out at each other. Wars the devastated and reshaped the world we live in today. At last their greed for power brought everything down. Destroying themselves in the process.
Some time afterwards. The people of the Shoanti found each other again. And their spirits told them what had happened. It was decided that the people of the Hawk would not be corrupted in such a way again.
Now our Shouldermen and women only barter magic with the spirit world. Taking only what we need, so no one man can climb to such power as before and risk the madness that comes with it. Our most powerful magic is that of the songs and the drums. In our rituals the drums beat till the earth shakes and the shoulderwomen cry out so loud that wildlife flees before the sound. When the will of the people of the Hawk are behind such a "Song of Ritual", the mountains can rise to the heavens, the sky can be brought down to the ground, the water can burn all before it and the fire floods the ravines and valleys.
I fear for your people Garundi. From what I have seen here they are on the path to madness.
The Kellid man washes himself, and then proceeds to sort through his gear. Checking armor and weapon straps, sharpening his blade, oiling leather belts, all of the general maintenance that a good mercenary goes through. Should anyone else be around to talk to he speaks up with a smirk, "So, what's the story with the rest of you? What brings such an odd band together out here?"
Still in his meditative pose on his bunk Caern did not open his eyes but responded to the large man.
"The cards showed that my fate lay with the swords of crimson hawks. I signed on the next day as the Lady of Graves demanded of me."
[Ceragia, Colross]
The tray moves back towards the table bearing a pair of sweating mugs. The liquid in them seems to be an amber color, though the liquid does not flow as easily as water. The taste is sweet, but turns slightly bitter when swallowed, tasting like some of the local herbs perhaps. It goes quite well with the pair of plates that showed with another tray, portions of rice, beans and neatly sliced meat next to equally neat sliced flat breads, a small cup of some sort of cream garnish set between the two plates. Much like the name of the place, no serving staff is visible.
A card lay on the tray, the words written on them indicating what was served: "Halrash with Tava, Culaf, and Wasir."
"And you just listened to a deck of cards and joined up just like that? This crew might be nuttier than I thought." Cruach shakes his head in disbelief as he cranks his legs up onto a table.
"I listened to my goddess. The cards are her voice. She answers my prayers and I serve her will." he replied to the giant.
After watching the locals dig in with there hands, Colross tried to emulate their mannerisms. Balling up the rice and beans with his finger tips he began shoving the food in his mouth. Much better than the fare he was served at the Souk. After rolling the meat into a piece of flatbread and taking a bite, he took a long stare at Ceragia. After a few moments of chewing and gazing, he spoke...
"You are obviously Garundi. And by your trappings, most definately a practicioner of magic. Probably from Nex at least, if not Quantium itself. You don't mind playing the role of the helpless women, although I doubt that is the case. We have women such as that in our tribe. The men use them. But they do not take them as partners and have children."
Colross looks at her intently. Trying to gauge whether he is offending her.
"Most men in my clan desire women such as the Corporal, hard in body, mind and spirit. Many women of the Hawk become warriors."
After another long pause, he leans towards her across the table.
"Why are here? Why the Blood Hawk? Why now?"
...........
Just listen to everyone chatter with curiosity to learn more of them, since they are all doing questions about themselves or how they got here.
Cruach snorts in amusement and says "You sound pretty damn crazy to me, but you still look like you can get the job done, so I won't complain. Hell, you're pretty stable-minded for most of the people I've worked with."
Ceragia thinks for a while before answering Colruss.
I have a chosen to study the arts of evocation because that is what my family has chosen for me. What kind of insult would it be to not take full advantage of the opportunity my family has given me. I do understand that power corrupts those that do not care about others, and the ones in your tribe that chose to subjugate the weak with their great power deserved all they had coming to them. It speaks well of your tribe to know that they deny people uncontrolled power. unfortunately in this land the people have never learned that lesson. I seek to learn and keep learning the secrets of my magic. And if i am careful and do not let the power of the secrets i discover control my destiny then I will choose to become a great and powerful wizard that is tempered with wisdom.
ceragia waits for another round of the brew to come.
Now, do I need a man to do any of what i just said? I think not, unless, of course, he would like to present himself a fair target for the end result of a well placed fireball.
as she speaks of fire ceragia clasps the cup much tighter and a strange gleam comes to her eye.
catching Colross' look again she says with a quik wink.
Wait a minute, it almost sounds like your... with a chuckle Hmm never mind must be the brew getting to my head
Ceragia leans over and refills Colross' mug
I need no one for what I do. My husbands are books. My suitors are spell components. But I will tell you this Colross I like you and trust you. And that my tattoed friend will take you far because i will always have your blind side covered.
I will remain at the restaurant till dark with colross and head back to the billet house when he is ready.
Ceragia thinks for a while before answering Colruss.
I have a chosen to study the arts of evocation because that is what my family has chosen for me. What kind of insult would it be to not take full advantage of the opportunity my family has given me. I do understand that power corrupts those that do not care about others, and the ones in your tribe that chose to subjugate the weak with their great power deserved all they had coming to them. It speaks well of your tribe to know that they deny people uncontrolled power. unfortunately in this land the people have never learned that lesson. I seek to learn and keep learning the secrets of my magic. And if i am careful and do not let the power of the secrets i discover control my destiny then I will choose to become a great and powerful wizard that is tempered with wisdom.
ceragia waits for another round of the brew to come.
Now, do I need a man to do any of what i just said? I think not, unless, of course, he would like to present himself a fair target for the end result of a well placed fireball.
as she speaks of fire ceragia clasps the cup much tighter and a strange gleam comes to her eye.
catching Colross' look again she says with a quik wink.
Wait a minute, it almost sounds like your... with a chuckle Hmm never mind must be the brew getting to my head
Ceragia leans over and refills Colross' mug
I need no one for what I do. My husbands are books. My suitors are spell components. But I will tell you this Colross I like you and trust you. And that my tattoed friend will take you far because i will always have your blind side covered.
I will remain at the restaurant till dark with colross and head back to the billet house when he is ready.
".............."
With a very big smile he speaks in his sign language "Well is the option to be your bed still open then?" laughing at his joke and then just putting a hand on his chest were his heart should be. "I'm proud of your dedication to your art, you have discipline that most lack and wise enough to know the path before you, you shall be great and I will protect you as well, for I understand that dedication and discipline tho our ways are not the same"
".............."
With a very big smile he speaks in his sign language "Well is the option to be your bed still open then?" laughing at his joke and then just putting a hand on his chest were his heart...
Hearn, Colbad
The Corporal frowned at the single scroll, and broke the wax then and there, unrolling the scroll to scan it with her eyes. Her expression was somewhat uncertain, wavering between curiosity and distaste as she read, but she eventually shrugged, rolling it back up with a sigh. "Guess it is what it is..", she said with a nod to Khair.
Smartly turning on her heel, she headed back the way they came, tapping her leg with the scroll. Thoughtful, she looked back at Khair. [b]"I haven't actually met any of our higher-ups, but then again, I've been content to receive the assignment scrolls. Our superiors are one floor up-- well, one is.
"It is obvious Ceragia that I have much to learn from your people. I have gazed upon you and heard your words, but now I see you. Thank you."
After finishing the drink and food. Smoke Raven escorts Ceragia back to the rack house and retires for the evening.
Caern finished his meditation and stood. "Enlightenment is often veiled in madness." He looked about the room and straightened his robe. "I believe I will join the others in some refreshment before turning in this evening."
He walked outside and let his instinct guide him to the nearest eatery.
The inn that Caern first runs across is one called "The Crimson Goblet", as the sign is that of a red-painted goblet, lying on its side, spilling its contents. As the sign would imply, upon entering the establishment that was filled with military types, the noise in there a dull roar. This establishment's claim to fame was the number of kegs and bottles that sat against the far wall, though the smells that came from the kitchen were edible, though not very distinctive. The light came from lanterns,though there seemed to be a subtle glow from the seams of the boards in the ceiling around the support posts. There are a couple of spots at the bar, and only one table. There are servers making their way around the room, hastening as orders come and go out.
Caern settled in at the bar and ordered a pint of modest mead as he observed the atmosphere of the place and the patrons. He had the draw down his half-mask to drink and it revealed that the scar over his eye extended all the way down his cheek to his jawline.
He simply waited as he knew the Lady had drawn his instinct to this establishment for a reason. Everything had a reason.
"Every unit works differently I suppose. I do thank you for bringing me along Ma'am. Understanding how a unit works from the top down can be just as helpful as knowing what to do when you're down in the mud on the ground level."
[Hearn, Colbad]
Khair could see her head bob in a nod to his words as they exited the building. The streets were a little more crowded than they were before, this time with those who worked in this district drifting away towards tavern and home alike. The criers were out in force, trying to attract this nights attention, and the temperature was steadily getting cooler, though it was unlikely that it would drop to uncomfortable levels at all. There were some light displays in the skies over some parts of the city, colorful shows that were likely meant to attract or entertain.
It was through these crowds that Viola strode purposefully, heading back towards the barracks that housed the Tempest Coven.
[Stern]
The two men seated on either side of the vacancy each give Caern a look-over and a slight nod of recognition before turning back to their respective conversations. The mead is passable, but nothing special, and as he bides his time, he hears snippets of conversations. They come and go, but there are some things repeated about the Wastes in several of the conversations, and that is enough to draw his attention. So far, he has been able to piece together something about a change in the Wastes, though what it means for the city is something unknown. The change is recent at least, no more than a week since it happened, and mention is made of some unreliability on maps and tools.
"Huh. Whatever you say, Stern. Have it your way." Cruach settles himself in for a short nap as he awaits the squad's return.
Caern whispered to himself. "Thank you, my Lady, for this insight."
He ordered a meal of whatever was to be had in the establishment and ate in silence. Once finished he politely paid his tab and was on his way back to the barracks.
[Tempest Coven Barracks]
Ceragia and Colross return slightly before Viola and Khair, with Stern coming in midway through the briefing. Those present in the barracks when the Corporal returns just before the sun sets would see her return with Khair, not looking very pleased with their assignment, but accepting it stoically.
Stepping into the barracks, she looks around to see most of them present, and nodded. "Good to see most of you present, and I'm going to apologize for having to do this, but I am going to have to rescind that extra day I had given. We've got a priority job before us, and we are going to have to take on some company for it.." Her tone of voice was that "official" tone, and gesturing to the scroll, she unrolled it.
"Turns out that the local cartographer's guild has heard about the changes that have happened on the borders of the wastes, and have hired us on to help re-chart what has changed. I personally do not know about any of the changes that have gone on, though it looks like we are going to find out first-hand." Shaking her head, she looked over the top of the unrolled scroll. "I don't like that. So, tomorrow, we are going to delay departure as long as we can, while those of you that can, do some checking to see if you can find out how the borders may have changed."
Her eyes went back to the scroll. "It looks like we're going to be out a couple of weeks-- plan over, just in case. The rest of our preparations are going to be made once we hear more." Her dark eyes flicked left and right as they went down the scroll. "On the up-side, we're getting a portion of our payment early, so each of you will have twenty-five gold to help prepare."
Rolling the scroll back up, she turned to look at the squad. "Questions", she said, making what should have been a question into a statement.
Colross eyes the coins in his palm...lines in his forehead form as he contemplates the information provided. He turns to leave and pauses next to Ceragia. Leaning over he asks her...
"Find out if we will be an escort to a group of surveyors or reporting back ourselves. I will return anon."
After a a couple turns of the glass, Smoke Raven returns with a loaded down pack mule carrying what looks to be a couple of lengths of bolster and a few yards of canvas. Without hesitation he begins unloading the items and going to work. Within a matter of minutes he fabricates a travois and attaches it to the mules harness.
As he finishes this, a older Garundi man in a blue bisht and white thwab topped of by a soiled white kufi arrives pulling a cart behind him laden with sacks and cloth wrapped bundles.
Colross immediately begins unloading these items with the assistance of the Garundi and placing the items on the travois. When they were finished Colross handed the man a silver and sent him on his way pulling the empty cart.
Covering the items with canvas and lashing everything down with chordage, he staightens himself dusting off his hands and breeches. Walking back into the billet he gazes around and simply states...
"Smoke Raven is ready for the journey."
"The people mumble of these changes ma'am. They say maps and tools have become unreliable. It is possible that our compasses will be of no use. The wastes will bar us the use of magic as well will they not?"
Caern placed the small stash of coins in its pouch on his side as he waited for the corporal to answer.
"So long as we get paid, I don't really care what we do. If you don't like losing your magics, bring a sword!"
"..............."
Nodding to Cruach, but he points at his fists and body.
In signal language: "The body is a weapon itself if you are trained"
"If the Lady sees fit to test my resolve without her aid then I am more than capable in use of spear and crossbow. Ms. Trundle, however, may be in a bit of a tight spot. It is not something that we must all take lightly." Caern sat on his bunk and began checking his chainmail for broken links. "We cannot take lightly, the fact that we will be denied the god's healing."
I listen to what the rest of the squad says and nod to colross when he speaks with me.
I hadn't heard of magic being affected out in the borderlands. Before we leave i will go to the wizard walk and try and pick up on some changes if any others have heard of it. However, even if magic has been reduced or nullified in those areas, what kind of true arcanist would I be if I didn't attempt to study and understand the phenomenan that presents itself.
moving over to my gear and drawing out my light crossbow i adjust the firing mechanism and test the drawback tension.
If your worried about me being able to handle myself wthout my magic...
I replace the weapon and begin walking towards the door
I am sure you won't be dissappointed.
I will return in an hour with a pony and hopefully some info.
I head to wizards walk with Sootee riding on my shoulder and stop off to pick up a pony with a riding saddle from the bazaar.
diplomacy
use the 25 gp advance pay and 15 gp from my inventory for pony and riddng saddle.
"Indeed, that is correct.. Stern." The Corporal was still memorizing the names and faces of the squad members. "Given that they are requesting us to be a scouting party, and the possibility exists that the properties that make the wastes can change." Viola walked further into the bunkhouse, tossing the scroll on her bed and sitting next to her armor. She looked down for a couple of seconds, and then looked back up at the squad.
"Plan for the worst, so that it may not happen." She was sober, serious, and honest. "If we are denied magic, plan around the limitations that will bring."
Khair nodded at the others conversation, a bit weary.
The waste's are not fun to find yourself magic or not. The beasts that make their homes there...they care equally little for blades at times. Strike them down, they stand back up. Attempt to use matters of the arcane or divine...and they laugh as your magic warps and fails.
"This is not going to be casual outing by any means." The Corporal agreed with a nod towards Khair. "Are any of you skilled in navigating the wilds? Reading maps? Regular healing? We need to know what we have and don't have available to us before we set out." Standing, she stuck the scroll in her belt and picked up her armor, walking around to the foot of the bed to open the footlocker that was there.
This was the almost late evening of Quantium, with the lights and displays from the various districts, quarters, and buildings being more and more revealed as the light left the sky. From not too far away, the squad could hear the sounds of revelry, such as would be found in a tavern, and the rest of the sounds of a city could be heard over that. Not much noise could be heard from the other barracks, and nothing especially stood out, though the dropping temperature was a relief, since there was little of circulation in the barracks beyond the open windows.. There was a bathouse in the central section of the district, though much like the barracks, it only offered the barest of necessaries, enough to do the job, but with little to nothing in the way of luxuries.
"Alas, the community of the People of the Hawk provided me with all that I needed to survive. My role of the people was that which was given to me free from distraction, a single minded role...that of murder. To protect the people from those threats that were of a mirrored purpose. This my companions is all I can offer. And that comes with a curse of it's own."
Corporal Hearn looked up to Smoke Raven and nodded, easily accepting his role. "An asset is an asset, and I don't think any of us are in a position to disparage.", she said as she put her armor away. "We seem to be a fairly up-front group, so unless otherwise presented the option, we'll plan tactics that way. Tomorrow early I'm going to go obtain some of the "outdated" maps of our own, so we aren't left vulnerable."
The mission scroll got pulled from her belt and dropped in the footlocker as well, while she pulled out a sack and tossed it over her shoulder, headed for the door. "Oh, another thing", she said as she walked by. "I'm not going to demand you be immaculate at all times, but if we get found because some beast out there smelled something on you that you could correct, the punishment I'll levy will make that run look like a restful nap. Get some rack, Tempest Coven."
.......
Jaqen starts a Kata to concentrate and focus on the future task in hand and show them his skill and what he is good at.
Caern stood and set his bunk straight before saluting the corporal and walking out the door and to the nearest general store.
He gave the man behind the counter his order and soon he returned with his extra rations.
He returned to the barracks and turned in for the night after a nightly set of prayers and a fortune deck reading.
Morning dawned the next day, and much of the Barracks were up with the sun. It was to be expected, in this district of guard and military types. So unless they were especially sound sleepers, the close sounds outside of squads jogging by, sergeants drilling marches, and the rising sounds of the city would keep them from maintaining their comfortable rest.
To add to that, there was also the sounds of movement within their own barracks as the Corporal was getting up and moving about, preparing for the day. Footsteps back and forth, the rattling of scale mail being laid out onto the bed, and the sounds of a pack being prepared added to the sounds without.
Anyone opening their eyes would see the Corporal, armor in her lap being inspected, sitting atop an already-made bunk, with a pack, bedroll, blanket and travelling supplies beside her. There was a small roll of leather that was unrolled within reach right next to her, while the muted light of the morning seemed to give the promise of another thick day. It might not have been overcast yet, but there was definitely rain coming.
Waking with the sun rise ceragia begins her normal ritual of study to prepare the spells she would need that day. She noticed the Corporal was up and preparing as well. It's good to see our leadership isn't lacking in punctuality.
After the brief study period I will begin to pack my kit and prepare for travel. i refresh my waterskin and tuck my spell components within easy reach if needed. I place sootee in his travel sack.
when i see the rest of the squad roust up i will help with preparations to move out.
Colross rises slowly, walks outside and splashes some water on his face. Looking up at the sky, he sees the brewing stormhead...
"It is time to be moving on."
Smoke Raven heads to the livery to retrieve his pack mule and leads back out to the front of the billet house. Walking under the front awning Colross lifts the Travois off the ground and attaches it to the pack mules harness. Reaching just inside the top flap he extracts a cloth bundle, sits on the ground, and unfurles the contents of his breakfast. A little hard tack, salted meat and wedge of cheese.
Cruach huffs at the Corporal's suggestion to clean up, but cleans up despite himself. Orders were orders after all. He grabs some extra rations and soap from a vendor and heads back to the barracks.
The morning greets Cruach with its visage earlier than he'd prefer, but knowing that the Corporal expects them to be early risers he starts prep for their trek with a jog and some stretching. Checking his gear, he gathers everything up and is ready to go.
Not long after, Viola pulls her armor on over her head, settles it on her shoulders and rolls up the kit she was using to maintain it, fastening it to her pack. Morning had arrived and she unrolled the scroll again, reading it over once more. "Alright Tempest Coven, up and about. We've got a job to do", she said in her "official" voice. The scroll went into her pack and she began double-checking her fastenings and buckles. "You've got an hour for last-minute prep, and one more hour for breakfast on me. After that, we go to meet the cartographer we will be escorting."
Added to the pack was a waterskin, and she picked up the pack to walk across the barracks and set it by the door. "I'll be back in an hour", she said before departing through the doorway.