[Game Thread] Your First Assignment.

[LoveBug]

An elf... Firael had not seen one of The People, since he had joined the army. He had been almost immediately placed with Sergeant Capia, and had, from that point, spent most of his time among humans, hunting humans. It had been an interesting experience. Despite the fact that she was of his people, he held himself tall. He was Algathrin, firm against the onslaught of orcs for thousands of years, a house of proud warriors. Though she surely saw his dishonor, as it hung brazenly from his hip, he would not show her that he felt it.

His steel gray eyes did not stray from her during the first meeting, save to acknowledge the orders of the sergeant and this 'Jason.' He held himself tall, despite the seven rings dangling from his ears, three on the left, four on the right. Despite his heavy armor, he still seemed slimmer than many of his companions, though for the bear, or lion, of a man nearby that was not difficult. As the sergeant calls for them to leave, Algathrin shakes his blond hair out of his eyes and follows. Though normally more vocal, Firael remained silent for now, save a simple "Sir" as he rode behind.

He was not sure what to expect of these new people. They were unknown. And the Elf... he was not certain how to respond to her. She carried a shortbow with her, as did the human who had determined herself their judge. Another barbarian from the looks of her. He had others to hold his attention; she could entertain Vorim perhaps.

There was another warrior it seemed, a woman, and a man in a chain shirt. Perhaps a bard. Rarely were they skilled warriors themselves, but he could not fault them. They were useful enough in spurning their allies to greater skill, which was enough for him. So two archers, a warrior, a bard, and this Jason. He would, perhaps, have to speak with the warrior at some point. Perhaps they could learn something from one another.

His gaze again turned to the Elf as the sun started to dip in the sky. Had she been paying attention, she may have suspected he was avoiding her. In a way, it was true. It was not a conscious decision on Algathrin's part, but he did not yet trust the Elf in regards to him. The humans knew little enough that his flail would mean nothing to them, but she might understand. He had not faced an Elf since leaving Algathrin; he was not ready to face one now. He had not known them to be forgiving of his shame before he had left his home. Why would she now?

So he rode in silence, pondering the woman. Finally they stopped to make camp. He would talk to her, he decided, before they rested for the eve. But first he would attend to his duties. They were more pressing.

[Eleanor Rigby]

Since they arrived to the camp place, Sahar has been looking for an opportunity to talk to the other Elf. During the ride she didn't seem to manage to talk to him - was it a coincidence, or was he avoiding her?
On her part, she was glad there is going to be another elf around her. She managed well enough with the humans, but seeing someone who shared her ancient blood was a good surprise, only slightly tainted by the suspect he might have been avoiding her. She haven't seen any other elf for too long, and was eager to use the Elven language with someone else who spoke it natively.
She meant to talk to him as soon as the camp was set, but she then noticed the sergeant and the mage moving aside to talk. Curious, she sneaked aside and set her ear to listen, but apparently the noise the others made was too loud, and she couldn't make out words.

ooc Listen check - 16. The dice hate me.

[VexedSerenity]

Everyone else is busy as camp is made for the night and Vorim is no exception. Knowing that he is not exactly a light load to bear he makes sure to tend to the poor sturdy horse tasked with carrying him for so far. While he makes sure to keep it fed and watered, brushing out the coat and tending to its hooves as needed, he doesn't quite carry the sense of companionship that Cassandra seems to carry with her own faithful steed. Yet Vorim knows the value of a good horse, and how useful they are on the plains, and that rewarding them for their hard work is practically a requirement.

Vorim makes no effort to go out of his way to socialize, but doesn't shun anyone who wishes to make his company as he tends to himself and his gear. He picks out and sets up on his own patch of ground for the evening with a bedroll, blanket, and a folded up square of rough canvas for a pillow. There is little noteworthy done aside from the usual such as making sure his weapons and armor are in top shape. Of course he somehow finds the time for snippets of idle conversation usually involving cackling laughter on his part with the other men he has rode with for the past while now. Yet this does not exclude the others from talking to him if they so desired, but for the moment he is a bit too busy to go seeking conversation with strangers who are likely as busy as he is.

He notes the two commanders talking among themselves, a sharp eye pointed in their general direction, but he elects not to try and listen in to their conversation. He figures they are being somewhat private for a reason and he respects it for now, trusting those in charge until proven otherwise.

[lcg16]

Holly snuggles in to her bedroll soon enough, after taking quite a while to actually pack away her gear and take off her armour so she could sleep tonight. Exhausted by the ride, she barely noticed the talk between the two veteran officers. She shrugged it off, figuring they were comparing notes on the troopers at their disposal. It was what she would do in their place, at least.

Soon enough, she slipped into slumber. She figured she needed the rest, if she was to have a full complement of spells on the morrow.

[Jordz92]

The camp settles down, and those who have chosen to take watch set themselves up at the perimeter. The rest huddle down, wrapping themselves in bedrolls, blankets, and anything that would keep them warm. One disadvantage of the open plain was it's distinct lack of protection from the elements. Wind, rain, and the chill of the night all contributed to the discomfort of the soldiers. But most slept soundly, and those on watch found the night to be unimaginative, with little more than the occasional rabbit creeping around.

The next morning rises as it would on the plains, with a bright, blazing sunrise. The night sky began to lighten near the horizon, as the sun light chased the blackness of the night sky away. Then, as the very edge of the sun crept over the horizon, the sky was lit with a blaze of pink, yellow, and blue. Within minutes, the camp was light enoug for everyone to get up and ready, in fact, both the sergeant and the corporal already were, as were a few men.

[Fading Echo]

Cassandra wakes readily on the emergence of the sun, sparing no words or attention for her companions as she dons her armor, carefully inspects her bow and arrows, and moves to check with her horse, moving with calm and purposeful efficiency.

[lcg16]

Holly is, once more, a slow riser, but she is up faster than normal, even for her, and praying for new spells at a somewhat earlier time. Apparently, even she could feel the anticipation of upcoming battle, and was at the very least, anxious to get this whole mission over and done with.

[MrCompetition]

In a morning grump, Kaleb shall rise and don his armor (and hopefully a fresh set of clothes). Keeping mostly to himself this morn, he goes about the usual hustle and bustle of the morning camp.

[VexedSerenity]

Much like Holly, Vorim is awake earlier than most of the others. He seats himself in a cross-legged manner facing toward the rising sun with his head bowed and eyes closed both in supplication and meditation. Despite his boisterous nature this hour of the day is spent in contrasting calm and quiet.

After his morning devotions to Kord are finished at about the time when everyone else should already be awake he enacts the usual morning routine, packing his belongings and readying his horse for the day ahead. Of course anyone still lagging behind at this time will get a friendly boot delivering a light tap to their backside in order to encourage them to get the rocks out of their trousers and move faster.

[Jordz92]

The preparation for the ride were made quickly and efficiently, and swiftly you were on your way. This was the day when you would come toe to toe with the enemy. And finally fight the Orcs who had caused so much destruction. Through Erin's arcane talents, Capia had located a pass through which the convoy must travel. It was at the very extent of their days ride, and it the sun would be low in the sky when they attacked. But Erin's foresight would allow them to plan their tactics in advance, and use the terrain to the most advantage.

He described the pass as shallow, with sides only 15 feet higher than the road the convoy was on. The walls were sloped, enough so that someone could climb them, but not so much that they could do so quickly. The path through the pass was about fifteen feet wide, and curved gently as it wound through the natural crevice.

[LoveBug]

It could no longer wait. Algathrin had avoided the other woman since the day before. He had taken a separate watch to prevent their interaction. He had worked slightly more slowly on his tasks, so as to always be busy. And he had begun to ride apart from her. But they would battle this day. Death could overtake either of them in this assault. Firael could not allow that to pass.

So as they rode, Algathrin did begin to move his horse nearer the other elf. He said nothing, riding proudly with his flail displaying prominently on his hip. His megil may once have been his shame, but he would have it no longer. Here his megil was not a coward's choice. Here he was honored, and though he still bore rings in his ears, and she seemed to have none, he would bear himself as a son of Algathrin, instead of the foolishness he had fallen prey to the day before. Algathrin was no coward, and whether it was friend he faced, his own blood and people, or foe, seeking both, he would not back down. He was Algathrin.

 

Megil literally translates sword. I am using it as a reference to any melee weapon, as they have no word for such.

[lcg16]

Holly listen attentively, then gives a tactical appraisal, using what she'd learned at the temple, Well, it seems we have two ways of doing this. Either we seal of both ends of the pass, with our sturdiest folks having to hold both ends, or we block one end, and scare them into running and breaking formation. Our best riders can then kill them with less loss. One's mor likely to kill them all, but do us more harm in the process while the other may lead to some escaping, but will keep our forces more intact.