MISSION: THE DIE IS CAST, PART 2

[ximilian]

● ● ● M I S S I O N   1 1 . 2

THE LEDE • WHEN THE TOUGH GET GOING • THE GOING GETS TOUGH • THE HATCHET • FYI

// INTRO. THE LEDE  

Dawn breaks over the court in grey skies, clouds drooping sadly over the horizon, as Finn (and whoever he has managed to get to train with him that day) arrives at the Knights’ Guild… and meets the beaming face of Jun Shortaxe. It is clear that the depressing weather is not dampening his spirits.

JUN

I’ve got great news!

His voice booms brightly over the Guild’s courtyard, but he seems to think better of the volume as his next words are quieter, only for the Orbers to hear.

JUN

We’ve found a lead. Alena, the Great Mulgrowe, and I. I hear they ran into some of your party, too, and so they were eager to help as well. Anyway — between the three of us, it wasn’t too difficult. Gather everyone on the plains outside Harsby, we’ll meet there tomorrow morning.

And indeed, when the next day comes with the sun finally peeking out behind the veil of clouds, it is not only Jun waiting for the Orbers but also Alena Ironspear, decked in full armour, and the Great Mulgrowe, hooded and deep in conversation with a bird.

When it seems that all Orbers are present, Jun urges his horse forward and raises his hand in greeting.

JUN

Well met, everyone! Some time ago, I was tasked by one of your own to find the heirloom that we nearly had in our grasp years ago. All of us had determined to never try to find the thing again… but if it’s to help my best friend, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do! So we set to work. And we believe we have a good lead.

Next to him, Alena nods.

ALENA

Yes. I have consulted Rahiel, the Saint I serve, and the nature around South Naelor is unsettled. The stones of Fort Gorlouch groan in pain, feeling an evil that has not been there before.

The Great Mulgrowe nods below his hood, eyes slowly opening. He pulls back the fabric to reveal the scaled countenance of a dragonborn druid.

THE GREAT
MULGROWE

The creatures speak too. They tell me they fear what resides in South Naelor and I do not blame them. To give them back their lands, we must seek this presence out.

When next Jun speaks, it is with a gravitas that he seemed to lack before.

JUN

So. That is where we’re going to head. Now… some of you may have heard that South Naelor is the former home of Ellia Roundtree. Whether we will encounter her there… I don’t know. You have given us hope that if she does have the heirloom, she didn’t do what she did out of malice. But just in case… be on guard, all of you. It will take several days for us to get there, and because a group this size would attract too much attention, we will go as three separate groups. Those of you who want to ride along the roads, you’ll come with me. Those who know the wilderness, go with the Great Mulgrowe.

ALENA

And the rest of you, you’re with me. I shall teleport us to Rahiel’s temple on the southern coast, and from there, we will journey to the Fortress.

JUN

Right! So get ready everyone… and let’s go hunt an heirloom!

Hopefully you were ready to leave at once, as the former members of the Songbird Brigade don’t wait for long — it is within the next few moments that the group is split up into three, with each party heading off to their separate directions.

TOP

// PART I.WHEN THE TOUGH GET GOING  

After some quick decisions on who to go with, and some even quicker good-byes, the groups are all ready to go — and so, with Jun, Alena, and the Great Mulgrowe wishing each other good luck, they each take their newly-formed party and get ready to travel: Jun by the roads, the Great Mulgrowe out in the wilderness, and Alena with the aid of Rahiel’s temples and teleportation.

1.0   Those following Jun Shortaxe will find that the roads that lead from Alydhion to South Naelor are well maintained, so whether you are on horseback or have chosen to put your feet to good use by walking, there won’t be too many rocks in your shoe by the end of the day. As you travel, you may hear Jun humming to himself, in a tone that’s actually not bad:

Close the door,
Follow the road

Rich or poor,
Your troubles unload

The path will take you
Stronger it will make you
The adventure that awaits!

So close the door,
Follow the road

Rich or poor,
Sing with me this ode

To whatever the fates
have in store for you!

The tone of the travelling song is catchy, and perhaps you'll want to join in (and learn another song that the illustrious commander of the Ximilia has composed).

As the road is long and darkness falls quickly in the evening, you are required to make camp — so find a good spot on the side of the road, set up your campfire, and spread your bedding around… or, if you’re not a fan of staying under the open sky and watching the stars, you can always try and find a thicket of trees to stay under, or a cave where you’ll be safe from any sudden downpours.

2.0   The journey through the Forests of Gha’har throws you into the middle of wilderness, away from the comfort of roads: instead, the Great Mulgrowe will lead his group through thick bushes, over fallen tree trunks, and under the canopies of the tall, old trees of the forest whose presence seems almost oppressive. There are moments when you may look around and feel as if everyone around you has disappeared; moments when the trees rustle above you with a quiet, menacing sound… only for it to be broken by the trill of a bird, or perhaps a druid friend among your party, settling the trees once more.

Eventually, you will hear it: the unmistakable sound of water. From behind the trees, you see the river gleaming in the sunlight like a silver snake, twisting this way and that as it flows towards Naelori Lake. This means that you have finally made it out of the Forests, and traveling by the riverside is a nice change in scenery… at least until you’re required to cross the river in order to make it to South Naelor. Well — better be ready to get your feet wet, or figure out an alternate way of crossing the river with dry shoes!

3.0   Whereas Jun and the Great Mulgrowe lead their respective groups immediately towards South Naelor, Alena takes hers back to Harsby; the reason for that becomes apparent when right outside the borough, a beautiful temple surrounded by flowering vines comes into view. It is the temple of Rahiel, and Alena explains to the group that she is only able to teleport so many people from one temple to another — and the one closest to the ruins of South Naelor lies at the mouth the Gulf of Ifyln.

It is almost as soon as everyone has stepped inside the temple, its walls decorated with paintings of the Seven Sisters, that Alena claps her hands together and a golden light envelopes you… and the next moment, you smell the sea air, and feel the cool breeze blowing your hair. When you open your eyes, feeling a little disoriented, you see the steep cliffs that line the coast from the open temple.

The cliffs don’t persist for long, though, and Alena quickly leads the group to the shore, where a small ship awaits them: just large enough to fit all of them below deck, you best hope you’ve got those among you who know how to raise the sails and steer the ship through the tides… and lower the anchor when it’s time to stop for the night. At least you’ll have a cosy rest in the ship’s cabins, or on the deck watching the stars.

However, don’t get too attached to your little ship: soon enough the river becomes too shallow, requiring you to make the rest of the way on foot.

TOP

// PART II.THE GOING GETS TOUGH  

However, the journey to S. Naelor isn’t without its challenges. The skies above might seem to darken one day, the heavy clouds splitting at their seams to let out a torrential downpour. You and your group might also stumble into the wrong place at the wrong time, not uncommon for many parties that travel through (and across) the boroughs. Whether by foot or on horseback, it would be wise to keep your senses alert and your weapon close. A battle of some nature is never too far away.

4.0   Past the crest of gently rolling hills you might hear the sudden rapid stomping of hooves against dirt as a party of bandit orcs on horseback appear, their shrill cries meant to scare and alarm you. Seek a place for cover or meet them with full force, weapons at the ready — if you’re traveling with Jun Shortaxe, he won’t be far behind, expression steeled into one of strength and determination. Within the thick, lush foliage of the Forests of Gha’har, if you’re traveling with the Great Mulgrowe, you may encounter winged bat-like creatures in the trees that squawk and cry as they fly out to attack you. Mind their sharp claws and sharper teeth — and anyone with the ability to communicate with creatures might want to utilize their skills to placate the flurry. Finally, steering the small ship on the river past Rahiel’s temple may seem quiet at first, but past the temple’s walls and emerging from the Gulf of Ifyln, winged kelpies appear to have caught wind of your group’s presence. Alena Ironspear will fearlessly lead the charge but she’ll need your help to keep the winged kelpies at bay and continue your journey northwards to Fort Gorlouch.

5.0   Along the way, whether through grassy plains and grey skies, the darkness of trees and thick foliage, or the sandy coast and the salty ocean waters, some of your party will experience some obstacles and immunities specific to their chosen race and form. Unnatural phenomena and sudden spots of darkness and flame appear to pop up like a presence following close behind.

If you suddenly become shrouded in a strange, thick fog, you’ll hear haunting voices and see visions of malevolent creatures all around you. You might try and swing your weapon forward as the voices command you to defeat every last creature trying to crowd in on you — but only your human party members will see what you can’t and will need to snap you out of the presence currently trying to control your mind, persuading you to attack your own friends and fellow crew.

While there is no shortage of dangers to be found no matter what path you travel, it might seem that there is something intentionally challenging your journey through South Naelor. While it is easy enough to take up your weapon against a stray bandit or wild creature (to some degree, anyway), it is much harder to cast off an avalanche of boulders from the nearby cliff edges, or to catch a fallen tree trunk that aims to block you and your path. Call on the orc-kind in your party to help, as their superior strength will allow them to swat boulders away like flies, or catch heavy tree trunks in mid-fall.

Some of you might find when you try to start a campfire, either during the day or the evening, for warmth or for cooking, that the flames might appear to grow hotter and larger than usual. Keep the fire going for too long and you’ll be (un)pleasantly surprised by the sudden voracious appetite the flame has for the measly kindle you have collected. It spreads and seems to grow into a predatory form that can only be challenged by those with an immunity to fire. Your tiefling companions will be able to tame and put out the fire before it does any more damage than singe your bedroll and turn your dinner to charcoal.

In the evening when the last of the daylight has disappeared past the horizon, the darkness may feel thicker, even blacker. For most of you it will seem difficult, almost impossible to see; you won’t even be able to see your hands before you. Only the dwarves in your group, possessing dark vision, will be able to decipher your surroundings and guide you to a safe place to wait out the darkness before it passes. (And thankfully, like a passing shadow, it won’t last for too long.)

Even your Brigade leaders appear to be having difficulty at moments. It will be more important than ever to chip in when you can and keep your fellow team members afloat as you trek through this perilous part of the journey towards the fortress. But one thing is clear at least: you’re getting closer.

6.0   It isn’t difficult to guess that the path to South Naelor is one less traveled — the dirt road is crude and beaten down by wagon wheels, hoof-prints, and feet but there isn’t much else around for miles. Aside from the random attacks from bandits and hungry creatures, and the strange happenings, there are also the natural elements to contend with.

Windstorms, rainstorms, and the changes in temperature (generally warmer in the day, cooler during evenings) are common in this part of the land being situated between the ocean waters and too far away from the shelter of Ffuren and the Jolnora Peaks. The plains experience heavy monsoons of rain at times, and with trees so far and few between it can get cold in the nights. The tides can rise, taking in a large part of the beach by the coastline, making it too easy to be swept into the water if one is not careful enough. Rain isn’t uncommon in the Forests of Gha’har either, and may require brief moments of shelter under the large leaves of the trees to escape getting soaked. The best thing to do during these moments is to find a cave or shelter of some sort and wait it out, catch up on some sleep, or once again go over your plans for when you arrive at Fort Gorlouch.

TOP

// PART III.THE HATCHET  

They say that it’s more about the journey than the destination, but sometimes it really is a relief to arrive where you want to be. The gates to South Naelor appear on the horizon in the form of long stone ramparts and large towers. Only ... these gates appear to be in serious need of repair, the walls partially broken, chunks of stone missing, and wooden posts hacked in half, leaving crude sharpened points directed at the sky. S. Naelor appears to be a court that had once seen better and brighter days, and it isn't hard to think that the court of Alydhion itself might one day see a future like this one. It is unclear whether this once majestic court had always been in decline or if this is a more recent event. Whatever the case may be, there’s only one way to find out … it’s time to ride forward.

7.0   The travels might begin to feel like they’re taking a toll on you but you and your party finally arrive — and in mostly good spirits, too. South Naelor as it stands feels nothing like the court of Alydhion, which seems so vibrant and alive by comparison. If anything, it is a court now mostly in ruin, an artifact in the history of this world. Over the centuries, nature has reclaimed some of the built structures, and rivers have carved wide canals through the land, connecting to the Gulf of Ifyln. Without needing to be told by your former Songbird Brigade leader, you might already begin to feel the prickle of goosebumps along your skin, or the hair rise at the back of your neck. It’s that sensation of expecting something dangerous that will keep you alert as the three groups converge just before Fort Gorlouch. The Great Mulgrowe bows his head in Alena and Jun’s direction, and Jun nods, opening his mouth as though to address the crew at large.

But just before he can speak, deep and guttural growls fill the quiet air from somewhere within the old fortress walls followed by the sudden blinking of bright light as though there are doors opening and closing to let these unwanted guests through. Claws frantically click and scratch against stone as the lanky greyish-white furred creatures, long-limbed and snarling with venomous teeth, rush out to meet the teams.

Alena’s eyes widen as she swears under her breath.

ALENA

May Rahiel help us all.

One of the patchy-furred beasts rises on its hind legs atop one of the half-battered ramparts and howls into the sky, commanding all of its brethren. One does not need to be a druid to understand their message: they mean to attack, and they mean to kill you.

THE GREAT
MULGROWE

Beware that the Dremnin do not bite you. One touch of that venom, and you forfeit your life in this realm to the unknown beyond.

Next to the Great Mulgrowe, Jun squares his shoulders, a determined look in his eyes.

JUN

Come on, have heart! We’ve faced these beasts before! Right now what’s important is that someone, anyone, makes it into the fortress to see if the heirloom is there. I’m going to stay here and fight. That’s what we promised to do, isn’t it? I'll hold them back for as long as I need to... and as long as there's life in me.

As if in response to these words, without hesitation, Alena seems to compose herself as though falling back into the old habits of their former party. She turns towards the Orbers, gripping her sword tightly in her hand.

ALENA

Come. We need to keep going.

The moment Jun hangs back to stand his ground, the Dremnin start to crowd forward, followed by all other manner of beast: some recognizable, and others that are unfamiliar, like a new kind of beast this world hasn’t seen. You’ll have to fight your way through some of these beasts to keep moving forward in search of the heirloom as Jun takes care of the brunt of it from behind.

TOP

F Y I

• The events in this log take place during the month of February. The team will return to the station by the end of February.

• If you have questions about any of the prompts or the mission in general, please direct them HERE.

• A voting post regarding the conclusion will go up on February 10.

• And finally, your soundtrack for this log: ♪ ♪ ♪

TOP

▶ NAV

Comments

Felix | Red vs Blue | Open for those Traveling by Road with Jun Shortaxe

[swordandshield]

I. Best at Being the Worst

1.0 starting the journey

[Felix had done enough marching to last him a lifetime. So he was not about to walk all the way to South Naelor. Instead, he got himself a horse to ride the way there. It was not, unfortunately, anything like riding a motorcycle. He hated it thank you very much. Though it turned out he was neither the best rider nor was he the worst at least. But it was clear he was learning as the trip went even if he was fairly good at do so quickly and while looking mostly in control.

After a few days he got more steady but by no means more comfortable in the saddle. The longer they traveled the more it became obvious that he was physically uncomfortable with the means of transportation, irritated and sore from the constant ride. Periodically his tail flicked moodily against the horse's flank causing the animal's hide to flinch from the irritation. The horse, fortunately, was a steady beast. Though it was clear that both rider and horse were uncomfortable the longer this trip lasted.]

I would rather be on a Mongoose right now.

[And he didn't even like those. His voice was bland, cut dry and his expression matched the tone.]

II. Cruel World

4.0 orc attack

[Felix had already tuned out of the conversation that Finn had fostered upon him as some point during the day's travels but his expression shifted as he heard something beyond the boy's droning voice.]

Do you hear that?

[He interrupted. Felix paid no attention to whatever the boy did after that, he had figured out what was coming next. He pressed into the sides of his horse's flank and made for the rumbling sound coming up on the group. A group of bandits suddenly appeared and rode towards them on horses of their own, the galloping making the rumble that Felix had heard to alert him of the impeding attack. He was ready.

Fighting from horseback was certainly new to the mercenary. He clashed weapons with a few opponents before coming to the conclusion it wasn't worth the effort to fight from horseback with his limited range with the shorter weapons he possessed in his arsenal. So after dismounting his second foe from horseback, Felix readied himself for the third coming at him by climbing to his feet upon the saddle. He knelt in position, his tiefling tail lashing out behind him in anticipation as he waited for the perfect moment, and then leapt as his opponent got close enough.

He tackled the orc off his horse and onto the ground. Quickly rolling off, Felix got back to his feet and turned back to face his foe with a grin on his face.]

All right, bub. Let's do this the fun way.

[Felix drew his two-pronged katar-sword and leapt back into the battle.]

5.0 take the heat

[Settling down for the nights were getting more perilous as they continued to travel south to their destination. The land turned savage on them and attacks became frequent, whether it was due to bandits or monsters or even the weather working against them. Felix didn't know what to make of the more magical affects scattered across the land, neither the impossible darkness during the evenings or the befuddling illusions struck against the minds of those present. He could fight against the rest but those types of things were beyond him and he grew agitated by their hindering effects.

So when the campfire began to act up Felix was just about done with it all. The only plus side to this one was that Felix was a tiefling and he knew from experience that he was immune to fire.]

Oh, come on! Haven't we had enough of this?

[The mercenary got to his feet as he watched the fire burn bright and swell to three times its initial size, threatening to spill over the ring of rocks lining the cobbled together fire pit. His tail lashed out angrily behind him.]

Fine, fine. Sit back down. I'll handle this one! [He said to no one in particular.] I've already danced to this tune once before, but let's go, hotstuff, I'm ready for another tango if you are.

[Why yes he was talking to the flame as if it could understand him. Taunting a fire probably wasn't the most sane thing to do but that didn't deter this tiefling. Felix stepped forward, ready to douse the flame with whatever was on hand and put a stop to this nonsense.]

III. Wildcard!

[You know what to do. Note: Felix will not be available for the final battle as he's heading straight into the fortress for the orb retrieval thread. Your character may encounter him there but it will be brief as he is pushing through fairly quickly. Otherwise, he's available for anything else!]

1.0

[bindsthedead]

People travel on weasels where you're from?

[They must be very large weasels, but Sabriel travels by paper airplane back home, so she's in no position to throw stones.]

Relax. This is better than traveling on foot, and the roads are in good shape. We should make good time.

[swordandshield]

What? No!

[Felix gave Sabriel an incredulous look.

Then remembered what he said. Oh, right. Mongoose.]

No, a Mongoose is a type of vehicle where I'm from. Military grade ATV. Most of the UNSC vehicles are named after animals.

[He was going to ignore that last part. He's got this, and he's totally relaxed! Except his twitching tail said otherwise.]

[bindsthedead]

I'm sorry, but you're going to need to explain what an ATV and the UNSC are.

[She's guessing a type of vehicle and a military organization, but she might as well be sure.]

[swordandshield]

All-terrain vehicle. It's open to the elements so it's kinda like riding a horse. [Except not at all.] United Nations Space Command is the military, exploration, and scientific agency of the United Earth Government. According to the propaganda. But when you enter a war with a coalition of aliens things tend to just turn into all military, all the time.

The Great War is over but if you ask me not much has changed.

[bindsthedead]

I see. Although less likely to spook, presumably. So it's a kind of automobile?

[Another world with advanced technology and no magic.]

So they're still on a military footing?

[swordandshield]

[He smirked at her. Very funny.] Yeah, it's a four wheeled automobile.

[He deigned not to further explain or he might be at it for a while if she was unfamiliar with the concepts of different types of modern vehicles. He didn't really know. Where all magical worlds lacking in technology? Maybe it made sense somehow. If you had magic, why bother with advancing technology all that fast? Hmm.]

They've always had the military services built in far as I know, but the war started the same year I was born so I couldn't tell you how that worked back before the aliens showed up. There's always a war somewhere. Still keeps popping up so I guess humanity isn't downsizing what's left any time soon.

Supposedly the civvie government got full reign again after the war ended but the UNSC military still has plenty of pull in the galaxy.

[bindsthedead]

When people get power, they're often not eager to give it up.

[And the mark of true virtue is being willing to.]

What are the aliens like?

[swordandshield]

[Yeah, Felix wouldn't know anything about True Virtue so he has nothing to say about giving up power. He wouldn't either. He left the military and yet never stopped fighting, killing. He vied for more and more power, strength, money, anything to make him happy in a world that never would live up to expectations. He was cunning and ruthless and without moral obligation.

And ever much the hypocrite for recognizing it in others but not caring if it reflected his own characteristics. He would badmouth the military, other people, anything he felt the need to even if it in some way represented his own shortcomings.

Oh well. Too bad.]

The aliens? Depends. [He went quiet for a few seconds but he wasn't ignoring the question. Besides, he liked talking so any topic was a worthwhile topic if he had something to say about it.] There were several different species. The Grunts were the most common ones, dog-like in appearance but upright and they couldn't breath our air so they always had heavy gear on to keep them alive on our planets. The Jackals which were like big, ugly bipedal vultures with more scales than quills on them. And then there were the split-lips, the Elites, that were the specialists and commanders of their military might. They were the biggest threat and highest priority targets. Besides maybe the Prophets which didn't enter combat so I never saw one in person. Fanatical religious leaders that kept the war going for their own purposes.

And I could go on because there were plenty other species. [He glanced at her to see what she thought of all that so far. Or maybe give her a chance to clarify what else she might want to know instead.]

Wildcard!

[heroooic]

[Wherever Felix is sleeping, he'll wake to the smell and sounds of cooking. Just outside his camp, Finn was already settled in front of a cookfire with a cast iron pan of eggs scrambling. Vending Machine Sword and his backpack were slung by his side, Agatha roosting in the latter with a sour expression on her beaky face.

Finn wasn't an early riser by habit, but morning trainings with Jun over the last month had reprogrammed his internal clock. It felt strange, not waking up and getting right to work on some new technique or footwork... and, well, with Jun so busy leading the party there was only one other person Finn could think to turn to.

And it just so happened to be a person who did tell him he'd show him some pointers.

Upon noticing Felix waking, Finn immediately perks up with a wave. There was still an anxiety to Finn where Felix was concerned, his movements imbued with a nervy self-awareness. Not the good kind of self-awareness, unfortunately.]

Morning, dude! [He holds up the cast iron, pointing to it for emphasis.] I brought eggs.

[swordandshield]

[Felix was not expecting the lively company so early in the morning. His tail flicked once with a hard thump against the ground as the mercenary stared blandly at the cheerful teenager. The only thing that saved the morning's greetings was the tribute of food. The tiefling's eyes slid over to the pan and two seconds later he went from impassive stare to yawning and stretching much like a cat.

He rolled onto his feet with ease and sidled over towards where Finn was set up.]

Well, they do say the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. You just push right up past the ribcage and- Anyway. It'll do as payment since I doubt we'll be needing local currency much longer.

[He sat down and leveled his gaze at Finn pointedly. Despite this, his voice almost had a sing-song quality to it in the knowing tone used when next he spoke.]

So. What do you want?

[heroooic]

Just thought you seemed like a breakfast-guy. [Finn nods at the eggs, smiling. They were most of the way through cooking, sizzling nicely in the pan. He gives them a stir with a wooden spoon. There was definitely some shell in there. ]

Aaaaand, I was thinking…since we’ve got all this extra time out here… [See; you’ve got nowhere else to be. ] Maybe we could do some training? Together?

[His smiles takes on a hopeful slant, watching him.]

[swordandshield]

Uh-huh.

[Felix made the non-committal sound at Finn's amusing attempt to bribe him with food. He glanced at the egg in the pan and tried not to make a disgusted face when he spotted how bad it was turning out.

His eyebrows lifted as Finn continued and Felix looked up to meet the kid's expectant, hopeful expression. Inwardly, he cringed. He supposed he sort of asked for this to happen when he acknowledged the teen through the network the other week. And unfortunately he had, essentially, already agreed to this.

Fuck. What was his life. Maybe this whole deal thing was actually hell and this was his penance for all that he'd done. Torture by way of clingy children.

He looked away and closed his eyes as he leaned back in his seated position, the better to hide his feelings from showing on his face. Reluctant acceptance of his fate. He'd brought it on himself really. A moment later, he cocked his head as he looked at Finn again.]

Can't interfere with travel time and I don't want to hear any complaints no matter what. [ a beat ] But sure, kid, we can start now.

[heroooic]

Deal and deal. [Finn gets up, setting the still-hot pan onto the flat rock he'd been sitting on. He grabs a handful, hot potatoing the also-still-hot egg lump between his hands before popping it into his mouth. Eating with your hands isn't ideal for eggs, but silverware was hard to come by on the road. With a quick gesture towards the eggs, he invites Felix to do the same.

Shell aside, they could certainly look worse. He's had a lot of practice at these since joining the crew.]

Ow ow ow. [Second egg lump grabbed, Finn begins to speak mid-chew.] Shoooo, where do we shtart?

[swordandshield]

[Felix watched the kid burn himself with the egg with disinterested aplomb, a few blinks his only giveaway. Giving up, he heaved a sigh and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

He'd wait, thank you, before attempting to murder himself with the eggs.]

Finish breakfast. You'll need it. [And he needed the precious few minutes to collect his calm before starting.] Then I'll show you some things.

[heroooic]

[Your loss, pal! Piping hot's the only way they're palatable...]

Haha, well that's vague. [Not that Finn seems too bothered by it, horking down another mouthful of eggs. Eating was really where his upbringing showed most, not that Felix would have any way to know it. Though if he's ever fed any dogs, the resemblance is uncanny.

A few more too-big bites and Finn stands, miming a few phantom punches at the air.] So what's first? Hand-to-hand biz?

1.0

[spikedbats]

[ The exhaustion is starting to get to Steve. Maybe it's because he's not human, more likely it's because he's still getting nightmares no matter where he sleeps or who he sleeps around. He should be getting used to that by now, but apparently his body never got the memo.

By the time they start this march, Steve is looking worse for wear. His patience is wearing thin, and his paranoia that something is about to go wrong is starting to make him a bit more jumpy than usual. It's a good thing he's got company, because there is no way in hell he would be able to do this alone.

The company, of course, is maybe a little questionable. But it's better than nothing, and although Steve is walking alongside those on horseback, he still manages to keep up. ]

Mongoose? Like the animal? You can ride those? [ He's seen them in an encyclopedia, but that's about the extent of his knowledge. ] Unless that's, like, a model of car in the future that I get to look forward to. [ What? There's the Mustang, it's totally possible. ]

[swordandshield]

[Felix's head swung around to Steve at a slow swivel, an incredulous look on his face. He rolled his eyes.

But at least Steve managed to redeem himself and guess right in the end. Felix smirked and then shrugged.]

Close, it's a model of military style ATV. If you want the car you'll have to find a Warthog. [He gave Steve a facial shrug like he was slightly chagrined but incapable of apologizing for the crappy names the military gave their vehicles.] Care to guess what the dropship is called?

[spikedbats]

[ Steve is actually kind of surprised he was right. Although an ATV makes more sense, especially given their terrain. ]

Warthog...pfft. [ He considers for a moment what kind of animal they would use for a dropship. ] I don't know...something with wings, like a hawk or something? [ He's pretty sure there are helicopters named after hawks, but his knowledge of the military tends to begin and end with his grandfather's experiences in World War II. He's not even sure they had dropships back then. ]

Or I don't know, maybe some kind of insect? Please tell me they didn't name it something stupid like...a fucking wasp or something.

[swordandshield]

Nah, the Wasp is a one-seat VTOL unit they put into production after the war. I hear ONI likes to use them. [Felix gave Steve another shrug and amused look.] Good guess though. The hawk isn't far off either. There's a couple of Hawk models. Both of them are attack birds, more for air support for ground troops than transport.

But- [He emphasized for no other reason than to be dramatic.] -the dropship is named after the ever so lovely bird... the Pelican. And there's no way around that one being extremely lamely named.

4.0

[oiorpata]

[ unlike felix, andy rides a horse almost like it's an extension of herself. there's no discomfort and she often lets go of the reins to use both hands, keeping her buddy lancelot on track. when the orc attack comes, she doesn't even think about it - fighting back on the horse is second nature. ]

[ the ideal would be to get her distance and pick them off from afar with her arrows, but in the interim the orcs jump in close right off the bat, so andy pulls her axe out and starts swinging. she uses the horse as part of her attacks, swinging in tandem with lancelot's movements, and mostly using the momentum of it all to try and knock the orcs off their own horses first, because it's much easier to take them out from the ground. besides, she wants to keep lancelot safe too! ]

[ felix is in the midst of striking his own ground attack when andy rides by and swings her axe down low, slamming it into one of the orcs rushing him from behind. ]

[swordandshield]

[It was the kind of thing that Felix never thought about because he was almost never alone and his six was always protected. The act of an enemy falling behind him was therefore lost in the din not because of a lack of noticing but because of a lack of concern. It was pretty typical.

But when his own opponent has finally fallen to his blade and he's whipped around to find a new foe he took notice of the elegant horse and rider that was on the battlefield, mowing down their attackers like a pro. Felix stood still for two seconds with his head cocked as he watched the spectacle. It was mighty impressive and if it had been a certain someone else he knew from his world he would have appreciated the view a little longer despite the inherent danger. But it wasn't time for that and while the figure was stunning, Felix would have more fun joining than watching at this point.

He took one of his throwing daggers and flipped it in his hand stylishly before picking a target and throwing it. The orc fell as the blade embedded itself into the beast's eye.]

Haha, bull's eye.

[oiorpata]

[ it's second nature to her in the way most battle things are, but horse-riding was born on the steppe just like she was. ]

[ she rides in the fray, continuing to be mindful of lancelot as she wields her axe against the orcs. when one blow comes a little too close for comfort to her beloved horse, andy guides him off to the side and seamlessly switches from axe to the bow at her hip. she gathers up several arrows at once, lifting the composite bow and taking aim. as lancelot rushes around the edge, she fires a few arrows in succession and each one hits its target. she might look more like a dragonlady, but the fall into nomad habits is as easy as breathing. ]

[swordandshield]

[Maybe he would need to ask for pointers on how battling on a horse was done more seamlessly because Andy certainly made it look seamless. Of course, he was only half aware because he was in the middle of a fight but keeping track of his ally was important for that very same reason. When she "disappeared" and he had a moment, he turned in both directions to find her. He was more mindful of allies' well-being in a battle situation because that was his training, and it meant he was more likely to survive as well. Old habits died hard though and he fell into team-mode while they fought off the orcs together.

When he spotted her in sniping position at the edge of the battlefield Felix immediately threw himself back into the fray. As long as she wasn't wounded that was all that mattered, and now he had reconciled her position he calculated how to keep her in his peripheral vision as she danced on the outskirts with her arrows picking off targets. Most of them went down immediately but the few that didn't quickly fell to his blades along with those that rushed in to fill the void of their fallen comrades.]

[oiorpata]

[ it is difficult - andy just has the fortunate of time on her side, learning to handle the horse like an extension of herself. it's how she handles most weapons, only she gets far more attached to her horses. ]

[ felix isn't the only party on behalf she is using her arrows, but she keeps note of him nonetheless. she's used to throwing herself in the middle of the it, and it's only after she rides her horse to safety at the edge does she remind herself of the lack of healing. ]

[ she hears a loud cry from somewhere behind her and as lancelot keeps moving forward, andy pivots in the seat without thinking, her body curving into the parthian shot as she shoots at the orc trying - and failing - to catch her there. ]

[ already holding them in her hand, she fires three more arrows from the same position, again taking down all three. ]