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MERAYEN PRELUDE
ST ::Like all Citizens of Lookshy, Merayen had served her five years of required service in the Seventh Legion -- a scout and forward observer for the Second Field Force. She hadn't seen a whole lot of action, serving in a few brushfire wars and one particularly brutal barbarian uprising.::
ST ::Still, she'd earned a few commendtations and a promotion(a Gunchei). Many of the people she'd went in with, having completed their terms, were now cycling out of the service to go onto other matters...but some had higher aims, hoping to stay in a bit longer, maybe even make a career out of the Legionnaire's work and earn their citizenship.::
ST ::Marayen, at 20, was one of those ambitious young helots and the Dragon-Blooded Officer looking at her now seemed to have paid little attention to her paperwork...instead gazing into her, looking into her soul.::
Finnre`Merayen stood proudly, but inwardly a bit nervous. She had expected this, but to stand before the Dragon-Blooded and have them looking so intently was quite a different matter. She focused her eyes forward, flickering once to look at the officer.
Maheka`Lahdaris ::Indeed, to stand before a Dragon-Blooded at all was quite the honor!::
Maheka`Lahdaris ::Usually a Shonai would handle such things, at best...::
Maheka`Lahdaris just nods a bit, as if coming to some kind of decision.
Finnre`Merayen would show that she was capable of carrying the honor of Lookshy any day it needed her.
Maheka`Lahdaris "You have served the Legion well, Gunchei Finnre. You also show your character well, by seeking to re-enlist. I have read in your file that you served with distinction at the Battle of Marnomber,"
Maheka`Lahdaris ::Marnomber, of course, was a year ago -- with the Barbarians...::
Maheka`Lahdaris ::You'd served as a scout, keeping the main legion abreast of the forces location at all time.::
Finnre`Merayen nods softly. She looks to see if she is expected to speak of the battle at all.
Maheka`Lahdaris indicates that he would like to hear your thoughts, gesturing with a stony hand for you to speak.
Finnre`Merayen "I had asked for the chance to serve as a rear guard. While I believe that Herr Murti did not expect the events. The barbarians boiled out of the hills with a speed that was unexpected, and the message must be brought back to the main army."
Finnre`Merayen "But, with their speed, it would be hard to keep abreast of them without someone to offer at least some sort of resistance so I fell back and started to place arrows into their mount's knees. I was ready to die for the honor of Lookshy that day."
Finnre`Merayen "I was fortunate to hear the horn that signaled the change of orders, and I raced back firing all the way. It was the day that showed to me how important what we do here is. It's why I desire to stay in service."
Maheka`Lahdaris smiles softly; pleased to see such loyalty among the Helots.
Maheka`Lahdaris "An act of bravery that earned you great commendation," he notes, simply. "Nor is that the only such you have earned; in fact, the self-same report I had mentioned before also bore witness to that of your commander -- Murti -- praising your great stealth and keen eye."
Maheka`Lahdaris "Are you interested in serving such capacity to the utmost of your ability, Gunchei?"
Maheka`Lahdaris "Even, indeed, serving beside the Dragon-Blooded on the front lines?"
Finnre`Merayen "I would be proud to serve Lookshy however she asked me, but I will gladly serve there. It is an honor above many others."
Finnre`Merayen "Danger is a soldier's life, as much a companion as their weapon. I would have it no other way, if I could."
Maheka`Lahdaris "Then you shall be reassigned to the First Field Force," he notes, "within the week. Enjoy your few days of leave, and report to duty promptly with the start of the new week."
Maheka`Lahdaris places a hand lightly on your shoulder.
Maheka`Lahdaris "I look forward to having you serve under my command, Gunchei."
Maheka`Lahdaris gives you a smile, a salute, and lets you go.
Finnre`Merayen nods softly, blushing softly with the honor given this day. Then she salutes crisply and leaves.
Maheka`Lahdaris ::Several long months later, in the Hundred Kingdoms, near the border of the Kingdom of Budan Mar...::
Rainnes drags Chevis under cover, keeping her head down and grimacing at the arrowhead embedded in his shoulder...
Rada , a young man not much older than you, was a few feet apart -- holding strong bow loose in his hand, keeping up a steady rate of fire with your help to keep the enemy off-center...
Finnre`Merayen slowed for a moment to fire a shot upwards, hoping to strike the enemy. Unfortunately, it struck near Rainnes' leg, but not in it.
Rainnes paid no attention to it, just saying a small prayer and gripping the arrowhead piercing Chevis and giving him a weak smile...
Rainnes then got to work on the bandaging.
Finnre`Merayen started to work on raining arrows over the barrier and into the enemy. She moved her attack closer, listenening carefully to his spoken prayer barely discernable under the twang of bowstrings.
Rainnes ::The enemy wasn't much; a small advanced party of the Warlord Chaki'Mar's main force. Even so, they had your small scouting detail outnumbered considerably...::
Rada joined your barrage, firing arrow after arrow...
Avilar`Topeka was in the back of the camp, crouching, her brilliant Dragon Armor glorious. She'd retreated lightly shortly after the engagement began, and you didn't even need to ask why -- the main force had to be warned of this flanking action. It was easier to get word out :with charms than word, so the four of you provided cover for her...
Finnre`Merayen noticed a shimmer and struck Rada's side, causing his shot to vear off, as an arrow passed and snicked through her hair and the surface of her neck, making a painful but light wound.
Avilar`Topeka stood, finally, her Dragon Armor straightening...
Avilar`Topeka "We will have reinforcement in 5 minutes; hold fast."
Rainnes nodded softly, but paid more attention to tending to Chevis' wounds...
Finnre`Merayen snapped off two quick shots from the source of the arrow, then one towards the enemy under cover.
Rainnes ::The enemy was beginning to surge at this point, moving ahead of their protection, attempting to rush your current position... There were a lot of them, and they noticed that your fire had cut off somewhat...::
Rada curses, and quickly takes aim at the head-most skirmishers, aiming at throats and eyeslits...
Finnre`Merayen reached back and pulled out the arrow fired at Rada, catching one in the eye, but not killing him. His scream echoed against the stone.
Finnre`Merayen smiled silently, and worked on taking others in the face or neck. Even without a kill, they would demoralize the others.
Rainnes "Rainnes! Merayen! Rada! Draw swords," she says, drawing her own Daiklave! The enemy was upon you.
Finnre`Merayen had listened to the information they had... it was said these warriors had a terrible fear of their eyes being damaged before death. It was said such could maim the soul even through death.
Topeka "Rainnes! Merayen! Rada! Draw swords," she says, drawing her own Daiklave! The enemy was upon you.
Topeka "We must defend Chevis."
Topeka quickly steps to the front of the line, taking the brunt of the enemies attention while driving them back with her sword-play...
Finnre`Merayen drew her blades backhanded and leaped to catch one who came over the barrier the stones had made. Her blades danced with his as she moved in beside Topeka
Topeka ::Steel against steeel, the four of you formed tight ranks around your wounded comrade and fought off the advance of the skirmishers. The battle was heavy, and you all sustained injury (especially Topeka), but at the end of the day the brunt of the First Field Force arrived and the enemy was routed...::
Topeka ::Three weeks later...::
Topeka collects her Daiklave, which Rada had cleaned and polished for her, while Rada carefully extinguished the small fire that they had camped by for the night.
Topeka ((while Rainnes carefully...))
Topeka "I trust everyone had their fill at breakfast this morning," she notes, seeming somewhat excited -- more so than the last few days, at least... You were FAR in front of the force now, on an extremely advanced scouting mission into the heart of the Warlord's territory...::
Topeka ::Rada:: "I could do with a nice home cooked meal, my Princess,"
Topeka just laughs a bit.
Topeka "We're almost done here; give it another week."
Finnre`Merayen nods and smiles. "If things continue like this, I think I'll have my fill for the month. But it's wonderful to have anything really."
Topeka ::Is, of course, referring to the entire war. The Warlord's force was almost decimated, but THIS particular pest had resurfaced two times already. This time, the money they earn splintering his forces regardless, Lookshy wanted Chaki'Mar utterly destroyed.::
Finnre`Merayen knows but is joking. She had a reputation as the one who tried to bring morale up, even under the worst conditions.
Topeka ::Rainnes finishes covering up the sheltered cooking fire...::
Topeka "Alright. Rada, Merayen - you both take advance guard. Rainnes, up the center. I will take rear guard, and cover our tracks."
Topeka "Keep our pace light."
Rada nods, bowing, and heading off without much pause...
Finnre`Merayen "My only request is that the meat they keep sending to us be a bit less stringy, and a bit more meaty."
Rada ::Everyone laughs!::
Finnre`Merayen nods and moves to take the lead with a wink to the others.
Rada is a tall, somewhat stringy fellow -- very wiry, without a whole lot of muscle. He was attractive enough, though, with short black hair and a good complexion from a life spend under the sun. The light armor he wore suited him well, and he moved easily over even the relatively rough terrain, bow held at his side...
Rada keeps his head on a swivel, alert for tracks, hidden attackers, or any sign of what they were looking for -- the Warlords' hidden base.
Finnre`Merayen had light hair, unusual, and it forced her to blacken it with soot often times. She crept forward over the area, being the stealthier of the two, while he was more clever at catching the rats.
Rada ::A few hours later, or so...::
Rada "I think we're getting closer," he notes, idly.
Finnre`Merayen nods, trusting his assessment and thinking the same thing.
Finnre`Merayen "I hope we put this fire out soon. I noticed the laughs still come, but they're a bit quieter than before. This war could wear down even the most used to this kind of battle."
Rada moved slowly, keeping to natural cover, always moving as if he might be under observation... A handy habit for a scout, who might always BE under observation...::
Rada just grins.
Rada "The battles were harder than any of us had expected; this rat hunt hasn't helped things either, I suppose,"
Rada "I believe it's even starting to get to Topeka," he notes, though she'd handled it quite stoicly.
Finnre`Merayen moved with a more natural motion, those of the very shadows around her. She was more a natural at hiding, and was talented at sniping and driving the enemy into Rada's capable hands.
Finnre`Merayen "I was wondering if I was the only one who had noticed that. That little skirmish seemed to shake her a bit a few weeks ago. I think she was more worried about us than she put on."
Finnre`Merayen "We're a family born in blood, and this war threatens the fabric of it."
Rada just nods; we almost didn't make it through that battle.
Rada "Especially since this is, what, the third time we've fought this Warlord? He is a canny one,"
Rada "Not good for the pride, I suppose."
Finnre`Merayen "No, but I would say worse for his. That and it says something about his wisdom, considering. He knows we will come and defeat him again and again."
Rada just nods...
Finnre`Merayen "Some would ask why he would choose to fight battles he knows he'll lose."
Rada raises a hand for quiet...
Rada ::And, that, is when things get interesting...::
Rainnes ::Several months later, almost a year after your re-enlistment...::
Rainnes ::...you were digging a ditch. It was a big ditch, even an impressive ditch, and the day wasn't too hot with a nice cool breeze from the north. Still, it was a ditch. Busy work, really, to keep most of the enlisted men (and even those such as you) busy...::
Rainnes "This has been...one very very boring deployment," she notes, idly.
Rainnes ::A month in the rain, on the edge of the jungle, fighting off the occasional raid and but mostly just garrisoning a small border fort and ... "helping out".::
Rainnes keeps, however, digging.
Finnre`Merayen "Agreed. It almost is enough to make one wish that it'd rain some soldiers... or even just some policing duties."
Rainnes laughs and nods.
Finnre`Merayen "But, remember, it's our own fault!"
Rainnes ::Rada, a distance away, just digs without protest -- he doesn't mind. Plus, he'd promised -- after the engagement at Chiki'Ma's hidden encampment, -- that he'd never curse boredom ever ever again.::
Finnre`Merayen "We smacked the Warlord so hard, no one has even thought about warring anywhere near Lookshy's interests."
Rainnes snickers a bit, and continues to dig.
Finnre`Merayen "And think, if we do a few more like that, maybe we can become professional ditch diggers."
Rainnes "I still wish I could have seen the looks on the Lords of Bhudan Mar when the Generals presented his head," she notes, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. "That must have been a sight."
Finnre`Merayen winks to Rada and Rainnes while speeding up a little bit.
Finnre`Merayen nods. "From what I hear, it was presented on a platter as if serving dinner. But, I think they weren't too hungry for food or battle after that war."
Rainnes "I'd heard the General carried it by the hair into their great hall, tossing it to the floor before them,"
Rainnes "But there have been many versions; idle mines, I suppose."
Rainnes "Still; /That/ was a battle."
Finnre`Merayen "Yes, and we all felt quite involved considering how much blood, sweat, and tears were spent in the war."
Rainnes "The life of a soldier... Meh; this is one long ass ditch."
Finnre`Merayen "Yes, but think... war's such an old thing... haven't you heard, I heard ditch dirt is all the style in Lookshy this year!"
Rainnes "Well, in that case, we are /so/ ready for our Leave."
Rainnes "We won't even have to clean up!"
Rainnes giggles.
Finnre`Merayen smiles
Rainnes ::Mortal Officer, wandering buy, shouts out 'PRESENT-TUN!', and everyone snaps to attention as the Officer inspects the ditch in question...::
Rada stands in some of his best armor, ankle-deep in mud, his wet hair falling flat around his head and face. It was raining, the Legion was marching through a muddy field, and somewhere in the distance -- unseen through the conditions -- were the Fair Folk that had been harassing Port Calin.::
Rada was on edge, ready to erupt into violence at any moment...
Rada ::All around, soldiers of the Legion. No scouts here (mortal ones at least); the Generals had called all the force together...::
Rada ::You'd all seen the Village that the Fae had pillaged, what was left of it at least.::
Finnre`Merayen wished that the rain would stop... her bow was good, but under these conditions, it would fire little well, if much at all.
Finnre`Merayen felt ready to kill... wishing to put an arrow or blade into a fae warrior for Justice.
Topkea was nearby, her Daiklave in hand, essence-enhanced senses picking out more than you...but she didn't seem to have seen any more, for all her prowess. The battlefield was quiet, except for the sound of the rain and of thousands of soldiers marching through the mud.
Rainnes was also armed with a melee weapon, her heavy slashing sword, the water washing off her spartan armor in rivulets...
Finnre`Merayen watched as a slight fog began to rise from the ground, tensing, feeling in her bones this wasn't a natural fog.
Rada ::Orders rang out over the gathered, as Dragon-Blooded shouted encouragement and caution...::
Rada swivels, quickly, looking to and fro...
Rada scowls...
Rada "Why won't they show themselves," he notes, quietly, so only you and maybe Rainnes could hear.
Finnre`Merayen readied her blades, keeping close to the ground. "They seek to confuse and anger us with this fog, and with the waiting."
Finnre`Merayen "They attack our minds, not our bodies, I suspect."
Rada ::The fog inches in closer, obscuring everything even more...::
Rada ::A high, enchanting laughter echoes over the battlefield...higher in pitch than the rain, more perfect and echoing than any human's laughter...::
Finnre`Merayen "They'll save that for last... the monsters that they are."
Rada ::Shortly after, the screams begin -- followed quickly by the sound of steel on crystal, as the battle is joined!::
Rada looks about, searching for someone to kill, but the Fae seem to have attacked the OTHER side of the battlefield...
Finnre`Merayen nods to ready themselves for attack from any direction... believing this could jsut as easily be an attack on their minds, to confuse them.
Topeka warns much the same, telling everyone to be cautious, to not give up their defensive stance -- with good warning, for soon another force of the Fae attacks this side of the Legion, a pincer move of some sort!
Rada keeps himself manuerverable, attempting to stay away from melee range as he fires away with his bow...
Rada ::twang, twang, twang...::
Rainnes , meanwhile, slashes away with her sword while using her sword to block the Hobgoblins. The Dragon-Blooded, gathering together as a force, attempt to bring down the Cataphractoi as they can...who mostly seem to be ignoring most of the mortals.::
Finnre`Merayen slides forward to provide an opening for Rada, her blade stabbing into the elbow joint of the monster with the crack and then a hissing noise like that of steam.
Rada ::The curving blade of one of the hobgoblins cuts down a warrior not far from you, a hissing stream of blood splattering on your cheek...::
Rada quickly swivels, placing two arrows in that Hobgoblin, one in his throat and another through his chest.
Rainnes quickly decapitates another Hobgoblin, after ducking under its deadly blade.
Finnre`Merayen growls and moves back, before placing a kick into the back of the Hobgoblin's leg before her, blade catching his fall in the throat.
Rada ::More Hogoblins rush in, to take the place of the Fallen Ones. More Legionnaires fall, as well, but though the overall affair of the battle is hard to pinpoint you seem to be doing well...::
Rada ::The whine of essence weaponry, the roar of the Dragon-Blooded, the howling of the Hobgoblins, the laughter of the Fair Nobles... All these things ring out on the battlefield...::
Finnre`Merayen hears the screams of those who's minds are being attacked, her resolve firming to strike harder for each who has fallen this day. She would make sure this battle was a success, if she had to singlehandedly.
Rada ::The battle was fast-paced, harsh... More than a few times, you or one of your friends seemed close to falling -- then an arrow or a blade would slice out, beating back the attacker, and the tables would turn...::
Rada was bleeding from a small wound on his abdomen, but kept the arrows coming...
Rada *twang!* ::A hobgoblin trying to sneak behind you went down!::
Finnre`Merayen snaps her blade back at the heavy breath of another goblin behind Rada, where his kidney would be, pulling him away.
Rada ::Rainnes bashes in one Hobgoblin's face with her shield, then running him through... She'd probably go down to the OTHER Hobgoblin, if you hadn't been there...::
Rada ::Slowly, the battle was starting to slow down -- the losses, a casual glance over the field revealed, would be pretty bad...but the battle was going in your favor.::
Rada looses another two arrows, growling a bit as he notices he's running low, taking down another Hobgoblin -- he's more used to one arrow being all it takes to down most men.
Finnre`Merayen stabs another Hobgoblin in the eye and throat, pulling him as a shield, as she gets close to Rada. "Use my quiver, Rada."
Rada grabs it, quickly, and gets back to firing...
Rada ::Twang, twang...:
Finnre`Merayen kicks the hobgoblin away to slide through the mud at the feet of the others, tripping two.
Rada ::You're near exhaustion now, but a few Fae yet remain. Most of the Legionnaires still standing are wounded to some degree, but still the signs of steel weapons and the whine of essence cannons can be heard.::
Finnre`Merayen feels her breath come hard and fast, turning to mist in the cooling air.
Mighty`Hobgoblin roars out, his obsidian blade slicing at Rainnes side, opening up a bleeding wound -- she collapses. It comes at you, raising it's blade, you parry but it knocks your blade from your hands...it clattering several feet away.
Mighty`Hobgoblin ::Rada...is not going to be able to save you in time...::
Topeka glances in your direction, and grimaces, letting her Daiklave fly -- guided by the winds -- until it's tip sprouts out of the Hobgoblin's forehead...
Topeka draws her two long daggers, and slices her way through the battlefield toward her blade, as the last few Hobgoblin's are being taken care of...
Finnre`Merayen gasps trying to catch her breath, grabbing up her blade, scrambling as she sees a long and thin Hobgoblin rise behind Topeka, diving to catch it's blade, and take it's life even at cost of her own life.
Topeka ::You're not sure how much later...::
Topeka ::You'd blacked out, at some point. The memories of the battle, of your sacrifice, were clear -- but you were not quite dead just yet. Every part of you ached, and you had no doubt you'd have a might scar .. even with, you'd guess, the attentions of the Wood Dragons.::
Rainnes "Looks like your waking up," she says with a grin.
Rainnes has a heavy bandage over her stomach, but seems in fair enough health, standing next to you.
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