[Game Thread] The Human Conflict

[Nexin]

Taylee would clean up her things and start to pack. She did not have a lot of things, so this went pretty quickly.

She then went outside and started to look around, hoping to gauge the morale of the soldiers.

[Josiwe]

Originally Posted by The Yellow Bin

Bretta gave the question some thought, and then replied: I don't believe so. Why?

Bretta goes back to packing her things, and at the same time, she would be listening to Kadelia and her questions...

Kadelia frowned. "Bretta, I need to know in order to use them effectively. Strategic planning requires a full understanding of the assets at our disposal. Please speak to them during the march today, and find out what training they have."

Kadelia returned to her tent and mounted Blaze, then rode to the head of the column, where Ciniran was waiting. "Let's get moving," she said. "I want to arrive tomorrow night, so we need to cross most of the plains today."

Ciniran nodded and soon after the march was underway, the only observers a few wild stallions galloping in the distance.

[The Yellow Bin]

Bretta bowed in understanding. She is also new in this type of missions. Many of the soldiers have not had a lot of trainings outside of the training field, they are definitely rookies in battles. Bretta went about her work once Kadelia left for her tent.

The troop filed out, the day turns out to be nice. It is not unusual that wild animals would appear once in a while in the plains, however, to see fifty plus people marching, if there are any bandits, they would be staying way away. Kadelia watched as she led in the front, up on a hill, she spots a horse rider. He wasn't close enough for her to get a good look, but when he saw the marching of the troop get close, he dove tailed and went east.

Ciniran ran up next to Kadelia and said: That may have been a scout, Lady Kadelia.

[Josiwe]

Originally Posted by The Yellow Bin

Bretta bowed in understanding. She is also new in this type of missions. Many of the soldiers have not had a lot of trainings outside of the training field, they are definitely rookies in battles. Bretta went about her work once Kadelia left for her tent.

The troop filed out, the day turns out to be nice. It is not unusual that wild animals would appear once in a while in the plains, however, to see fifty plus people marching, if there are any bandits, they would be staying way away. Kadelia watched as she led in the front, up on a hill, she spots a horse rider. He wasn't close enough for her to get a good look, but when he saw the marching of the troop get close, he dove tailed and went east.

Ciniran ran up next to Kadelia and said: That may have been a scout, Lady Kadelia.

Kadelia grimmaced. "If he got an accurate count of our numbers, that could cause a problem. I could try to catch him, but I'm the only one with a mount, aside from the cart horses."

She nearly cursed. "What a piece of luck! What is a scout doing all the way out here? I suppose they must have a spy back in Caer Natal. If they know we're coming, that may change our options. What do you think, Ciniran, can Blaze and I catch him?" She looked to her second in command for advice, feeling uncertain for the first time since the expedition set out.

[The Yellow Bin]

That's too much of a head start, Lady Kadelia. Ciniran said quickly. Also, there might be an ambush up there, you would be going up there all alone. It would be too dangerous.

Although Ciniran is known to be more careful than anyone else, it is a pretty accurate assessment of the current situation. Why do you think that changes our options, Lady Kadelia?

[Josiwe]

Originally Posted by The Yellow Bin

That's too much of a head start, Lady Kadelia. Ciniran said quickly. Also, there might be an ambush up there, you would be going up there all alone. It would be too dangerous.

Although Ciniran is known to be more careful than anyone else, it is a pretty accurate assessment of the current situation. Why do you think that changes our options, Lady Kadelia?

"The more intimidated they feel, the easier it will be for Taylee to persuade them. I had hoped to make them think we had twice as many soldiers as we do. Also, depending on their state of mind and level of preparation, the Monahan may set an ambush for us now that they know we're coming. I doubt, however, that the scout has one set up anywhere near here; we can see for leagues and leagues on these plains, there's nowhere to hide."

Ciniran shrugged. "No plan survives contact with the enemy," he said.

"You're right, I know," she replied. "I suppose I simply wanted everything on my first real mission to be perfectly planned and executed. Well, nevermind then, let's just keep pushing and see what happens when we get there."

[The Yellow Bin]

The company keeps on going towards the east and perhaps they will gain their passage later on this day. Once again, the day ends without any sorts of encounters.

As the soldiers begin to set up camp, Ciniran comes towards Kadelia and asks: Tomorrow, we will be reaching the village, how do you think we should proceed, Lady Kadelia?

[Josiwe]

"Send scouts ahead of us in a wave pattern - one north east to look at the road and bridge, one due east to look at our campsite, and one south east to check the hills and forests. Once we've settled in, we'll scout the town itself to see what we can see, and hopefully other information will be available. If it seems reasonably safe, Taylee and I will ride into town. If not, we'll send a soldier under a white flag to see if they will parley."

[The Yellow Bin]

Ciniran bows in respect. Yes, Lady Kadelia. I will make certain that these orders are carried out.

Just as Ciniran was about to leave the tent, a soldier dressed in his studded armor can be seen running towards the two. He is carrying his helmet on his right arm, and he seems flushed. In his left hand, an arrow with an apparent message on it. He comes closer to Kadelia before saying: Commander, I... He pauses for a moment in order to catch his breath. I... found... this...

That is a flat lie if you ever heard one. As you know, all of the Neri issued helmets have a little circle on top that is filled with wood. And the soldier's wood part of that circle is gone. And that part of the helmet can be seen hanging on the tip of the arrow. The soldier clearly turns red, feeling embarrassed.

[Josiwe]

Kadelia looked at the soldier with obvious disbelief on her face. "You found it?" she said. "Give me the arrow and tell me what really happened."

The soldier handed over the arrow and as he began to speak, she unrolled the message and read it.

[Nexin]

Taylee found her way to Kadelia, seeing the arrow and the message that is attached to it, she wonders what the message is about.

[The Yellow Bin]

The soldier's eyes trail down to his feet. He said it with embarrassment. Well, I was standing guard when the arrow hit my helmet. It really scared me. I... I had to change my trousers before I came...

It is apparent that the messenger was clearly beyond embarrassment. His face turns bright red. To admit that to a couple of ladies really hit hard at his manhood.

But he handed over the scroll and Kadelia opens it to read it.

Message Kadelia, The Monahans know that you're coming. It may be best for you to send an emissary before you arrive tomorrow. Just to soothe their minds. O

[Josiwe]

Originally Posted by The Yellow Bin

The soldier's eyes trail down to his feet. He said it with embarrassment. Well, I was standing guard when the arrow hit my helmet. It really scared me. I... I had to change my trousers before I came...

It is apparent that the messenger was clearly beyond embarrassment. His face turns bright red. To admit that to a couple of ladies really hit hard at his manhood.

But he handed over the scroll and Kadelia opens it to read it.

Wordlessly, Kadelia handed the message to Taylee. She looked at the soldier and sighed. "It wasn't entirely your fault, man. The person who shot this arrow is extremely skilled in the wilderness. Nevertheless, I expect you to redouble your vigilance when next you stand as sentry."

The soldier nodded vigorously, still staring at his feet.

"Well, go on then, and consider having told me about your trousers sufficient penance for your lapse. I also want you to spread a... less personally embarrassing version of the story to the other troops. It won't hurt for them to know we're being watched. Dismissed, solider."

The man bowed and strode away.

Kadelia turned to her allies. "Olan has a nasty sense of humor as usual," she said. "His advice, however, is probably valuable. Taylee, can you write a letter of introduction describing our intentions and that we shall arrive tomorrow morning? We can send it ahead with one of the scouts. Ciniran, we'll need a volunteer. Olan probably would have warned us if a messenger would be killed on sight, but it will still be a dangerous mission. Ask the guard-captains to speak to their soldiers and find us someone willing to go ahead."

Ciniran nodded and departed toward the center of camp. Meanwhile, Kadelia looked to Taylee, awaiting her response.

[Nexin]

Kadelia read the letter. Thinking it through very carefully. She steps away silently for a moment, contemplating her options. Looking back at her friend, she lowers her head. You know what I think? Kadelia? I think I should go instead of sending the messenger with my message. This would be ideal, letting them know that we mean no threat. It is a risk, I understand, but it is a risk that needs to be taken. Many lives are at stake here.

[Josiwe]

Originally Posted by Nexin

Taylee read the letter. Thinking it through very carefully. She steps away silently for a moment, contemplating her options. Looking back at her friend, she lowers her head. You know what I think? Kadelia? I think I should go instead of sending the messenger with my message. This would be ideal, letting them know that we mean no threat. It is a risk, I understand, but it is a risk that needs to be taken. Many lives are at stake here.

Kadelia looked hard at her friend. "If you go, I go, Tay. I'm your shadow on this mission. I know you can defend yourself, I've felt your damn ki strike in sparring before. The two of us together should be handle anything. But we will be a tempting target - two members of the Circle of Eight families, alone and without support. If you think this is the right move, I'll back you up. Just be sure."