The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Eliza watched the guards silently for a while, trying to discern whatever information she could about them. There were several, counting at least four pairs on patrol; enough to perhaps get the best of Liz and Mel by themselves, but not enough to cause any real trouble for their company.

That said, the fact that she didn’t recognize the guards’ uniforms, as well as their lacking level of alertness as they patrolled, began to hint to Liz that they probably weren’t part of the enemy forces that their sergeant had warned them about. It made sense to her that a local group of guards would be less alert than a temporary mercenary or soldier encampment would, since they would be more likely to grow bored with the day-to-day of nothing happening. It also made sense that Liz or Mel should be able to recognize the uniforms of an enemy they were specifically warned about, and the fact that they didn’t suggested that these were simply this village’s local guard force.

As the guards began to convene towards one of the larger buildings, an inn, most likely, Liz turned to Mel and briefly explained her thoughts to the other woman. Afterwards, she finished, saying, “I could be wrong, but...I think it’s safe. So unless you think otherwise, I think it’ll be okay to go say hi to the villagers and explain our company’s need to use the ferry before heading back to camp.”

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

"I agree." Melbara said, coming to much the same conclusion. "But, I hate people, as a general rule. No offense meant, but I'd just as rather go back with what we have and warn sergeant to send a runner ahead to avoid scaring people when the whole band shows up. If you wanna go down and talk though, I'll back you up."

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

“I...guess we could do that...” Liz replied to Mel’s idea, although somewhat slowly as she was left a bit confused by the woman’s comment that she hated people as a general rule. “It might be a problem if we show up later with the whole company only to find out that they don’t want us using their ferry, though. We should at least find out if they will let us use it before we head back, I think. Serge might not be happy if we lead them all the way here only to have to find another place to cross,” she continued, trying to convince her partner of her position. She didn’t want to just decide things for the both of them without hearing her partner’s thoughts on the matter.

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Mel shrugged. "Place like this, the ferry is likely to be their main source of income. They don't let people cross, they don't get paid." She commented. "You wanna go down the and find out for sure though, I'll come with. No sense splitting up."

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Liz paused to consider Mel’s words for a moment before standing up. “Alright, well...I guess we’ll go talk to them, then,” she said, looking at Mel thoughtfully. “What you said makes sense, but...I’d just feel better being able to report back to the sergeant with a guaranteed way across the river rather than just the possibility of one. Thanks for agreeing to come, though,” she finished, waiting for Mel to follow before climbing back onto her horse.

Once mounted, the pair would ride casually towards the village, with Liz actively trying to keep a pleasant and friendly expression on her face as they approached. She suddenly really hopped she was right in her earlier assessment of the village guards.

 

[Hentaispider]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

As Mel and Liz get closer, one pair of guards spots them. One of them starts ringing a bell that alerts the entire village, while another unsheathes his sword. "Halt! Who goes there?"

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Liz paled almost immediately as a bell began to sound throughout the village, fearing that she had just made a grave mistake in approaching the town. As one of the guards unsheathed his sword, Liz was quick to raise her arms slightly in gesture of the fact that she had no intention of starting trouble.

“E-Easy, now...” she said slowly – if a bit shakily – to everyone in earshot, including her and Mel’s horses. “We’re just scouts, looking for a way for our company to cross the river. We saw the ferry here as we approached and thought it might be our answer. We mean no harm,” Liz explained, pausing to await a response or for Mel to add anything if she wished.

 

[Hentaispider]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

More guards start to gather near the pair, some of them with bows. One of them appears to be an officer of some sort, and he gestures everyone to lower their weapons as he studies the pair. "What company? Whose side are you on?"

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Eliza gulped slightly as more guards came into view, many with bows at the ready. She was glad to see the apparent leader motion for them to lower their weapons, at least. Talking calmly was hard with weapons pointed at you. They weren’t attacking yet, and that was a good sign. She just hoped her response wouldn’t be taken negatively.

“We’re from Black Company,” Liz replied, really hoping that these people didn’t have a grievance of some kind with their company as she explained. “Our last mission went south and we took some losses, so we’re pulling out to regroup. All we’re asking is permission to use your ferry to cross the river, nothing more. The Company will even pay the usual charge for its use,” she said, promising that last part even though she didn’t exactly have the authority to decide their company’s use of funds, no matter how sure she was in this case. She was just trying to ease the building tension at this point.

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Mel stayed silent, making sure not to look threatening at all either. She spoke up after a bit though, adding to Liz's explanation of who they were with. "Far as I know, we're quitting the field anyways, so I don't think we're on a side, anymore. Just jobless mercenaries again, now..."

 

[Hentaispider]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

The officer pales upon hearing the name and the other guards aren't looking too happy about it either as they hurriedly lower their weapons. "We won't do anything to stop such...such heroes as you. You have my word."

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Liz practically gaped at the apparent officer’s response, the guards lowering their weapons and toting them as heroes. She had been afraid that the villagers might have a problem somewhere in their history with the Black Company when she’d given the name, but the reality seemed to be quite the contrary. “Umm... T-Thanks...” Liz muttered, still a bit dazed before relaxing her hands as a sense of relief washed over her.

The blue-haired girl then glanced over at Mel, chuckling lightly. “Hah, wow... Didn’t see that one coming,” she said, waiting for Mel’s reply – if any – before turning back to face the guards.

“So then, um... I assume that means our unit can use the ferry then?” Liz asked the guard officer. “If so, then we can head on back to camp and give our sergeant the good news.”

 

[Hentaispider]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

"Yes...yes, of course, corporal." The officer doesn't exactly seem scared, but despite there being only two of them, many of the guards seem intimidated or afraid.

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

“Um...alright, then... Thanks again,” Liz replied with a smile, trying to hide the uncertainty she was feeling due to the guards’ sudden, seemingly unsettled demeanor. With a polite wave goodbye, she turned back towards the direction of their camp and started off on her horse alongside Mel, waiting until they were out of earshot of the village before looking over at the other woman to voice her thoughts. “Hey, Mel...what do you think that was all about?” Liz asked, concern evident in her voice. “I mean, maybe it was just me, but...those guards seemed almost afraid of us after we told them we were from Black Company...”

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Mel shrugged. "I have the feeling the Black Company is the bad guys, in certain circles. That wasn't a hero's welcome, it was a 'don't hurt us!' response, I think."

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

“Hmm... I was afraid you’d say that...” Liz replied, her shoulders slumping slightly at Mel’s response. “So I guess when he referred to us as ‘heroes’ he was just brown-nosing us then, huh...? Comes with being part of a mercenary company, I guess...” she continued, letting out a brief sigh. “Oh well... If they are that afraid of Black Company, though, then we should definitely remember to mention that to the sergeant when we get back. Maybe if we leave a decent impression it’ll soften their opinions of us a little. No sense making an enemy if we don’t need to.”

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Mel nodded, thinking for a second. "Agreed. And I honestly don't know what the 'heroes' thing is about. First he seemed releived to hear the name, then they clammed right up. Ah well, sure we'll figure it out soon, either way."

She kept a wary eye out while they travelled, she'd like to try and keep her distance from any other creatures, fun as the last one was. With any luck, the'd spot something early enough to put several arrows into it before it closed the gap, this time around...

 

[Hentaispider]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

After riding about two and half miles to east, Mel and Liz find a sign left by other scouts signifying a probable campsite for the night. It's not much past noon, so the main force probably won't arrive for another few hours. The pair is starting to feel hungry, and if they thought to check, they'd find rations in their saddlebacks.

 

[Shrike7]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

Mel stops and hops off the horse to examine the trail markers more closely. "Well, there's no guarantees this is where the company's making camp, but we could rest here and see, I suppose. Thoughts?"

 

[xgkf]

Re: The Art of War(Melbara/Shrike7 & Eliza/xgkf)

“Sounds good to me,” Liz replied, smiling lightly as she started to dismount her horse. “If nothing else, I guess I could do for a snack. I am starting to feel a bit hungry,” she mused, pausing for a moment as she suddenly realized what she’d just said before continuing. “...which is actually kind of amazing, now that I think about it,” she said, turning and joining Mel at the apparent campsite.

“I mean, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at what this EGG is capable of making us feel after...um...well, you know...” she muttered, blushing and turning her head to the side a little at her reference of their ‘encounter’ with the tentacle monster. She quickly caught herself and cleared her throat, “Ah...I, uh, just wasn’t really expecting the game to actually make us feel hungry or thirsty. Although...I’m not really sure if that’s good or bad...”