Post by Soleil on Nov 6, 2008 0:20:07 GMT -5
" Off duty? And what is your duty?" Zane's green eyes studied the woman on horse. Well, she wasn't commander of the calvary, infantry or archers. He wouldn't have presumed calvary just because she was exploring the isle on horse, that would be naive and he wasn't that. As her attention shifted to the water so did his own, searching as far as the eye could see. He honestly loved being near the water and part of him was, perhaps, getting homesick for the rock of a boat. It seemed weird to him because all his life he had detested being stuck on a ship for months on end but now that he wasn't tied to his previous duty he found he missed it. Well only a little bit. His attention came back and to them. "I was supposed to have other plans tonight but they didn't transpire so here I am. It's nice to meet you Terra"
Naevah, all the while remained silent as Zane and Terra spoke. Her rounds had pretty much ended, since this was the final spot she checked. So she had an hour to spare before she would need to make her next round. The nights on duty were quite rough, she had found, offering her very little sleep, and the next morning she could not afford to go to bed and sleep her day away. As the two spoke, her eyes drifted around the surroundings, keeping watch of things and making sure the last of her guards were posted in those final spots. When Zane spoke of ruined plans, she shifted her attention back to him, an almost apologetic look in her eyes. She had promised to meet him to read his book to him, but she had been thrown duty at the last minute since one of the other commanders that was scheduled had to back down and asked her to take the responsibility.
"A pleasure," she replied in response to him. Brown eyes shifted down to him once more. "I am a member of the cavalry, m'lord." That was the third time she had said that since arriving here...and in all actuality, it felt great, even if she was currently in the lowest rank, something she truly hoped to change one day if not sometime sooner. Like stated before, she wasn't very good with conversation at times, and she fell silent as mind searched for words. When none came, she sent her gaze back to the ocean.
"Cavalry eh? I am also in such a position" His palm pressed into his chest to emphasize himself in the mention of it. He had met their commander and liked the man very much but to meet another member like himself...well that was awesome and his smile said so. His eyes briefly cared over to Naevah, not catching the apologetic glance. He didn't mind and wasn't upset by it in the slightest, though he wouldn't let her know that. He thoroughly planned on giving her a hard time, it was more fun that way. "Have you seen the lances? They are of a genius design and I am looking forward to practicing with one. Since I'm new I still haven't gotten all my gear together." His head lowered in the shame of the statement and his loose brown hair tumbled down only to be pushed back once his head righted.
She was a bit displaced here now, it seemed, with the two being in the same division and her being the commander of what others considered the lesser priveledged division, based on the fact that they were more at risk to die in battle, and were not skilled enough in fighting upon horse. Though Naevah had drilled it into her men to not take that kind of attitude from anyone that spoke lowly against them. She prided in her division and fed them her own opinions of the infantry being the strongest, most needed division in a military. She liked to think it gave her men more of a hope and more pride in themselves so they would better fight and be more confident in themselves, rather than to feel like the grunts of a battle, doing all the dirty work because they were forced to. However, with the recent gossip comment made in the newsletter, she had to do some more convincing to keep the men on their feet. She would have a little talk with the queen in hopes that it was untrue rumors. She was still feeling sore about it. All the work she poured into everything, and she was the one that would look poorly at for not training the infantry hard enough for them to be strong in their duties.
The man's smile left her a little relaxed as dark gaze traveled back to him, and she heard no comment on her being female. Yes, these people of Avalendor seemed like a very welcoming bunch...in a sense. "I am glad to meet a comrade," she answered, smile broadening a little bit in her politeness. At the mention of the lances those golden-brown hues seemed to widen, only slightly, but noticeably nonetheless. Her dream was slowly weaving into fruition, slowly but surely taking the time to bring the young woman into the reality that she was currently in. "No...I have not..." she spoke, voice holding faint hints of anticipation and yet also of disappointment. For a moment she would glance over to Navaeh, feeling a bit out of place as the commander hadn't been saying anything. Last thing she wanted to do was exclude her from the conversation, whether accidentally or not.
Zane didn't buy into all that I'm better than thou bullshit, one division didn't fight better than the other. Each were of need and had purpose. But his opinion wasn't of the many and he knew very well that there was tension between ranks. He too had read the same article and knew well that Naevah was probably not in a good mood. He would have been pissed if the tables were reversed. But back to lances and horse fighting... Zane had a boyish glee when he talked about calvary because, like Terra, this was his dream. He remembered that the commander laughed at his excitement on the first day. "The commander designed them himself. I Have been eagerly waiting to use one, for they seem that they will hold up much better. We could practice one day if you like." His offer was made in honest; some people said things that they didn't mean but not Zane. Well, unless he was joking but that was a whole other matter. "So, Ladies what would say ye to a man who waited for a friend to arrive a whole hour and she had not? Should he worry for her safety? Or should he take insult?"
Naevah seemed to have her focus elsewhere as the two spoke of lances and cavalry. She was watching something off in the distance, the features of her face never changing from that serious, stoic expression so so more than often wore. Eyes squinted to attempt at getting a better look. Something just didn't feel right to her, but there was nothing she saw yet that was threatening. Eyes pulled away and turned back to Zane when she heard his question. She could feel the weight of the book resting in the deep pocket inside the cloak. Lips parted and she'd finally speak. "Neither. Perhaps this woman is able to take care of herself and her safety should not be worried for... And if she promised to be there, then something must have come up to prevent her from being there..." She knew what he was speaking of and she gave him the correct answer to what he was wondering, even though she made her words sound like an opinion. Icy blues would shift once again away from Zane and back to the spot she was watching just moments ago.
A gentle cant of her head sent that gaze back to Zane, noticing how he acted when speaking of the cavalry. She was just as eager, but was trying to contain it all inside. "I would like that, very much so," she said to his offer before dark eyes moved to Navaeh and followed her gaze curiously while Zane spoke again. Then an arch of a brow when the commander finally spoke...and for some reason, she felt she should refrain from answering. Not that it bothered her at all. Aimlessly attention drifted away, looking for something to hold her wandering eyes for a minute.
He nodded in agreement. It would be set, the two would have to practice one day together. As they spoke he pressed the palm of his hand into the hilt of his sword, the cold steal felt nice against his warmer palm. "oh? You think that's what might have happened? What about you Terra, what are your thoughts on the matter?" He asked with a half smile. He had assumed that the timing had gone askew and honestly wasn't dishearted by the no show. It was just more fun to talk about it in 3rd person, plus he himself had been posed a simular question the night before. It had amused him then. His eyes hadn't drifted in the direction their's had but he was in tune to their curious gaze. The other hand that held the reigns gently tugged his horse closer,easing her into a different position. "I suppose I should just let her off the hook since no harm had been done."
Naevah semi-ignored what Zane was saying. She was fully paying attention to something that sparked her concern. The stoic, expressionless face soon changed to one that showed alertness and suspition. Lips parted and chin slightly lifted as eyes squinted a bit more. In the distance were three dark figures that appeared to be sneaking around by the military building. They looked as if they were trying to find a way in without being seen by the guards posted around it. She shifted upon her horse, turning him slightly so that he was facing in the direction. She mumbled quietly. "You've got to be kidding me....." The muscles in her jaw tightened before she spoke in harsh tones. "Matters of such things are not important...We have enemies on our hands... Spies of Saelis." She could not remember if she had told Zane that was where she'd come from before arriving to Avalendor. But it was why she had recognized the men as such. She'd seen them before and it took her a moment to realize them as such. She glared at Zane and shouted in a whisper. "Get on your bloody horse now! The two of you stay behind me." She nudged her heels into Silver's sides, hard enough to make him realize he was to go faster than she'd typically make him go when starting out. She rode quickly, not even waiting for the two to start following her. Something needed to be done and fast. As she approached closer towards the building, her sword was pulled from its sheath at her hip and she continued to race forward.
Quickly eyes darted to Zane as he asked her opinion. "Well..." She still felt she should remain out of the situation. Eyes would slowly drift to Navaeh as she continued to speak, "I think I agree with-" and her talking ceased at the change of expression on the commander's face. There was no need to ask what was wrong, nor did she even attempt it...Body grew stiff and finally she was on full alert as she listened to Navaeh explain. Well, a few days in Avalendor and she was already about to see action. Hands gripped Altair's reins a little tighter before one moved to unsheath the sword within its sheath upon the saddle. That brown equine seemed to already know what was about to come next... Heel digging into the horse's side, Terra raced off after Navaeh; Altair bred for speed quickly advanced but she kept herself away to remain behind the commander as instructed.
Zane had made the adjustments while talking because he had noticed their own reactions. The horse was closer to him and he was able to swing up on it in one fluid motion. He had seated himself on the horse before she even finished her command to him. Which, by the way, he felt was slightly unnecessary but that wasn't something he concerned himself with right than. His hands were already holding the reigns and with a simple flick of the wrist and leather, the two were on their way. Those legs tightened their hold around the horse but his heels did not dig in. The two stayed in line with Terra as Zane was commanded, allowing Naevah to take up the lead. His own sword was pulled free from it's sheath and held at wayside as they approached the three spies. This must have meant that the ships weren't far now. The three men who were lurching about had their attention brought to the sound of hooves as the three riders approached their marks. Zane silently thanked the gods that he had worn his sword tonight as he fanned out slightly to his rightful side. It had seemed like the natural position to take for Zane had already calculated the spies own possible formation and escape routes.
The spies heard the horsemen riding towards them and quickly turned, drawing their swords, prepared to fight. As Naevah got closer, she sped up, raising her sword as she prepared to strike from upon her horse. She could hear Terra and Zane behind her as she had instructed, and knew this situation would not get too out of hand. It was three against three, though Naevah knew she could take all three herself. She had seen the techniques of Saelis fighters and they made her laugh. As she passed one of the spies, her sword came down, slashing across his back. Another one swung his sword at her own, in attempts to knock her from her horse. Silver let out a loud whine before he stood upon his hind legs. Naevah held on tightly with one hand and with her foot, she kicked the man in the face. As the horse came back down, she threw herself off of him and right towards the final spy that had been untouched. She jumped on him, knocking him down to the ground on his back and began punching his face hard. She yelled out. "Are there anymore of you here!?" The man struggled against her, trying to knock her off of him, but she wouldn't give in and let him tear her off of him.
One of the other spies laughed out loudly.
"Naevah Northam? Is that you? So now we see which side you have chosen."
Teeth clenched together as she heard the voice. Her fist was raised but did not come down at the man's face again. She quickly pulled away from him, standing up to her full tall height, pulling the man up with her as she held onto the collar of his shirt. Eyes narrowed at the man and her sword was raised to press against the man's throat as she held him there. She glanced to Zane and Terra in a way to command them to grab the other two so they could not get away. One man was on the ground bleeding from the wound she'd given him on his back, while the other stood there watching Naevah.
Icy eyes stared at the man, she recognized him but did not give him the pleasure of showing that she did. "I repeat... How many of you are there her now? Just the three of you?"
The man laughed and shook his head. "There's no way of telling, my lady... Whatever I say you will not believe me."
"Tell me or this man's head will drop to the ground right now." She brought the blade of her sword closer to the man's throat, her eyes remaining upon the unwounded man speaking to her.
The spy laughed again at her. "My, my... You have not changed one bit. Here you are acting as if you've never known me before... But I think both of us know that is not true at all..." He held his hands up and started to move closer to her.
Naevah narrowed her eyes at him and pulled her sword away from the man's neck and extended it out, the tip pointing at the approaching man. "Do not come any closer." She was relying on either Zane or Terra to capture the man, but knew it would not be an easy task since he was capable of defending himself at the moment. She knew she'd have to keep him distracted in order for one of them to get hold of him, or she'd snap the man's neck she held now and attack him herself. Either way, something would happen to get the man captured.
Upon reaching the three spies, Zane half stood on his horse. Those calves dug into the ribs of Artemis as he gained his position, circling the remanence of Naevah's wrath. He was about to take on the lone untouched spy, blade raised and all, when the man called Naevah by name. Zane paused and those emerald green hues squinted in their examination of the voice's owner. How did this guy know her? He hesitated, judging the situation he wasn't sure if he should attack but along the course of conversation he realized that he was in fact foe.
The foe was speaking to Naevah, eyes intently studying her as she held tight to his companion and because of this he was slightly distracted. The spy would have anticipated Zane's horse's hooves and so it was a small shock when the dagger snagged through his shoulder. Zane always had a dagger on hand, stashed at the small of his back. It had an abnormally small blade, similar to what we consider a modern dagger. Zane had pulled it out while the man was in conversation and sent it sailing in the air towards the man's back. It pierced into the sword arm's shoulder and the searing pain that followed was indicated by the spy's frustrated yelp.
That had gotten his attention. The spy turned towards Zane and Zane advanced. His elevated position on the horse was secure and confident as the two moved in. The spy's sword was thin and best against armor as a piercing sword, that was the kind scouts would use. This minor detail didn't go unnoticed and when Zane struck out he struck out hard against the other man's blade. The two blade's met and since Zane had the advantage of extra force from his lofty position, coupled against a thinner piercing blade, the spy's sword snapped. Half the blade remained pointed at Zane, no longer usable in the fight.
Having half stood and throwing his weight into the downward swing, Zane had lost his balance and came tumbling off the horse. It was anticipated though and in his land he rolled right up onto his feet. In a last ditch effort the spy pulled out Zane's dagger and attempted to use it against it's owner. Zane received a slice on his non-dominate left forearm while his blade pressed into the spy's throat in a counter.
"Drop it."
The words were said through clenched teeth. The pain in his arm was delayed, several nerve endings were undoubtedly severed. The blood was already trickling down his hand. The spy let go of the dagger and Zane chose to hit him upside the back of his head, utilizing the handle of his sword for added power. The result was one passed out spy. He looked over his shoulder to see if Terra had secured the last spy. He wasn't about to bother just yet with his arm, instead they had to secure the spies and maybe check the perimeter for more.
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On Altair, Terra wavered off to the opposite side in reflection to Zane, coming around to circle the three spies and the infantry commander. Her admiration grew for the woman as she watched the display, but fell right into action herself when she came within the appropriate distance.
A glance to Zane, she saw he seemed to be prepared to take the unharmed spy, so she maneuvered her horse to come near the fallen man sliced across his back with a wound that might prove fatal if not treated in a decent amount of time. Not that she expected any healer of Avalendor to make such an attempt. He began to force himself up to his feet and Terra from her position could have deepened that wound or severed off his head when he lifted to his full height...However, she was unsure whether the spy should be left alive or not- No such order had been made, and though Navaeh was not the commander of the cavalry, she and Zane were following her orders for this time.
Before Altair was able to fully stop, leg swung over the animal and she leapt down from the saddle in one fluid motion; quickened steps bringing her over to the man where she lashed out with a harsh kick to bring him to the ground once more and onto his stomach. Boot rose and slammed down hard upon the man's bleeding back, further irritating his wound and further bringing him pain. The tip of her sword pressed lightly to his cheek though not hard enough to draw blood yet, "Remain where you are..." demanded words quietly hissed from parted lips.
Gaze drifted over to the others, furrowing her brows as she had heard what the spy spoke to Navaeh. She did not know the woman, so naturally she was confused. It was not necessary to speak nor ask any questions, so Terra remained where she was, holding one of their captives down with foot and blade, but was ready to assist the other two if it was needed.
And so, she waited.
Icy blues watched as Zane managed to send the dagger into the man's back. Her eyes remained narrowed upon the spy. No emotion played over her features as Zane fought with the man and eventually had him down on the ground unconcious. The blade of her sword was returned to the man's neck and she spoke harshly into his ear. "I want answers or I will have your head." Fingers curled around his hair forcing his head and neck back as she pressed the blade closer against his throat. The man coughed and cried out. "There are no others!" Naevah pulled back on his hair some more, pressing the blade almost hard enough to rip open his skin. He cried out again. "There are three others!" Naevah's jaw tightened and she tilted her head with a look of annoyance. She pushed up on the blade, giving the man a knick to his throat. She yelled out loudly. "Where are they!?" The man flinched, nearly crying out of fear he'd soon lose his life. "Please! I don't know. We went our separate ways." Naevah was growing more annoyed. She kicked the back of the man's knees, causing him to fall, though she held onto his hair and pulled him back up to stand up, her sword dangerously risky of cutting deep. She spoke harshly in his ear again "Tell me one more lie, I dare you..." Then, she yelled out loudly, turning her head in the direction of the military building. "Guards!!" Face turned once again to the spy she held against her. "Where are they?"
The man was crying now and Naevah did not show an ounce of compassion for him. "They are on the other side of the isle... In the village, trying to find out anymore information."
Five guards rushed over, seeing the situation clear enough to understand that something had happened. Naevah glanced to them and spoke her command. "Bring these three men to the dungeons. They are enemies of Avalendor. I trust you men are capable of doing this, despite what our queen may think of your abilities." The guards nodded, each one stepping up to take the three prisoners, including the unconcious one. She released her grip on the spy she held when the guard took him from her and she returned her sword to the sheath at her hip. Eyes watched for a moment as the guards moved towards the military building. Naevah growled angrily and then took a deep breath, trying to settle her nerves now. She turned to look at the two cavalry privates. Terra had been uninjured, but Zane hadn't. Concerned eyes fell over him and she spoke a bit softer now. "Are you alright? We should get you to the infirmary. It's on the way towards the village..." Part of her knew that he'd be like any other typical man and refuse to go and would insist to stay and help her with finding the other three enemies that roamed Avalendor now. But either way, she didn't wait for his answer and she climbed back up onto her horse.
The guards came up to them and took over the watch dog role, lifting up the lifeless body of the knocked out guard in front of Zane. Now that his duty was over he took the moment to look at his arm, applied pressure to it, and held it up slightly. The wound wasn't that bad in reality. It was a deep cut but he could get away with out getting stitches.
Zane picked up his dagger and whipped the blade off on his knee. The dagger had been his for many years and so he remembered to replace it to it's typical holding spot at the small of his back. His sword was sheathed as well. Blinking at Naevah he spoke clearly and calmly, "I'm fine. Don't be ridiculous, lets find these guys." With that he pulled himself up on to the saddled horse with his good hand and took the reigns in his left. Even though he deemed his arm fine, he still held it with the good hand, looking to stop the bleeding for good.
There were lots of surprises that evening. The first and foremost was the spies. The next in line was that the spies knew Naevah. They knew her whole name... Zane and his horse took up their previous formation as he assumed they would all be making the trek across the isle. All the while, he couldn't get the later fact out of his head; the one had seemed so familiar with her.
He glanced at Terra with a look that was obviously questioning. Was she wondering what he was? His strong voice came out slightly muffled by the wind that pressed against their ears as they rode out. "How did they know you?" Maybe it wasn't the right time to ask, but Zane asked anyways.
A sense of excitement and energy ran through the air for Zane. This was his first fight for the isle and it had gone well, save a cut. He couldn't help the rush of adrenaline that coursed through his body. Though he still was nagged by the question. It wasn't like he didn't trust her, he didn't think she was one of them or anything now... But the question still was there nagging like a fly and disturbing his perfectly giddy feeling. That rush of excitement that one only gets from fighting with another and winning.
Terra stood her ground, holding the one spy down as Naevah questioned the other. A small sense of dread struck her with the information the man had given, but it did not show. She was new here, however she had already grown a fond attachment to the lands and people...even if she didn't interact with too many of them.
Lips remained shut while she stepped away from her captive and allowed the guards to take him away. There was nothing to be said, and all she could do was climb back up into Altair's saddle and sheathe her sword back in its place. Terra felt she had a small part in this brief battle, yet still felt it was her duty to continue the rest of it with Naevah and Zane, if that was what the commander wished.
A small shift of her head, brown hues caught Zane's attention, noticing that questioning look on his face and her own would inform him she wondered the same thing. The spy knew who Naevah was...Had she been one of them? She seemed too well respected and trusted to have Terra believe she carried ill intent towards the isle. She was not going to ask the woman about it, but it appeared Zane couldn't hold it in.
Silent still, she nearly rolled her eyes before she sighed softly, following the two...To her, it didn't appear as the best time to ask, but perhaps Naevah wouldn't be bothered by the question.
Naevah rode slowly at first, mostly to make sure the other two stayed on her tail. She had heard Zane's question and knew exactly what he was thinking. When she had first come to the isle, many people had thought she was posing as a spy or traitor, planning on working closely with Avalendor only to turn against them and help Saelis with distroying the Isle. She didn't look back at either of them, but Zane's question would partly be answered, a small hint of annoyance in her tone. "If you are asking if I am on their side, the answer is no. I was once part of their army and it was the worst mistake of my life..."
There was a whole lot more to the story, but there was no time to sit and chat to explain herself. That was all she would say. If Zane was concerned or wanted to know more, they could speak of it privately at a better time. This was not that time. They needed to find the others before they could learn what they were looking for, and worse, escape.
She quickly flicked Silver's reins and nudged her heels into his sides and the horse began to speed up, riding quickly through the Isle, traveling to the other side where the village was.
His head shook slightly from side to side and he sighed. That wasn't what he meant at all but that would have to wait. He was at least grateful that Terra had been curious about it too. As the pace quickened Zane hit either side of his horse with the reigns, encouraging her to follow behind closer. They covered a lot of ground in a quick amount of time. Apparently all three horses were eager for the exercise or they knew the riders wanted them to be so.
They were in eyesight of the village outskirts. It was late and not that many people could be seen walking around. Actually, most people were either at the destination or at home in bed. How would they find the spies? Zane spoke up over the rush of wind and the sound of the hooves. "What is the plan?" Was there even a plan? Zane chose not to ask that last part. He was trying to figure out if it would be wise for them to split up and start their search or if they should stick together and pick the most trafficked building hoping the spies were trying to gather information through word of mouth from the Isle citizens.
Whatever the plan was, Zane was ready. As the three approached the village their horses were slowed down a bit. The good hand of Zane's went to the hilt of his sword for whatever might come their way. His body started tensing up again and he could barely feel the cut that was on his left arm. There was a lot of adrenalin pumping around and he was ready for whatever, following whatever was asked of him.
And well, she was right. It was obviously not the best time to ask. Yet Terra couldn't fully blame him for his curiosity...He was only human after all. Though even still, light brown hues shifted over to him quickly, narrowing softly as if she was ready to scold him. Her face remained stoic, however, having only met the man so she did not say anything on it. Instead, she looked away, heels nudging into Altair's sides once more to gain up speed and remain close to the other two. The horse had the drive to go faster, to test himself, but Terra made sure to keep behind at least Naevah the whole time.
She made the travel across the isle to the village in silence. One would think her a mute for being so quiet, and this was actually very odd for her. Terra wasn't talkative but she voiced her opinions about matters without thinking about the consequences at certain times. Yet for this, she had nothing to say. Zane kept asking the questions that lingered on her mind already, so she had little to nothing much to say. Wasn't bothering her in the least though.
Pulling back on Altair's reins, she slowed the horse down as they made their closer approach to the village. Eyes scanned the area before traveling over to Naevah to await her answer to Zane's question. Splitting up might be faster, but it might prove to be too risky as well.
Naevah did not answer Zane's question right off. She went the rest of the ride quiet, focusing on the sounds of Silver's hooves beating against the ground as he ran quickly. It wasn't until they'd get to the center of the village where most of the marketplace and Avalendor's tavern resided, that she pulled back on the reins, forcing Silver to slow down.
The tavern was by the shore, almost near the port, and that was where her eyes fell first. The port. And sure enough there was a small row boat sitting idly as if it awaited its rowers to travel back to a hidden, distant ship that was somewhere off in the horizon. Naevah rolled her eyes and cursed under her breath. At least they hadn't gotten away yet. She climbed down off of Silver and tied him up to a post, expecting that the two privates would follow her lead. She thought for a moment, icy blue eyes glancing around wildly as she tried to think up a plan quickly.
Then finally, Zane's question would be answered. "Alright... You saw the clothing those men wore... Black. Look for the small gold symbol on the back. It would be on the back of their cloaks as well if they have a cloak on. Naevah thought it was quite funny that they'd come to an enemy isle, wearing the symbol that would give them away. But she knew they were brainless sometimes, and they probably suspected no one would know the symbol of Saelis' spies or military. It was different than the symbol of their ships. Her eyes fell to the tavern. In a way to act casual, Naevah asked a question that was not at all related to the situation, but would give them both the idea that they were to stay low and act normal. "Would either of you care for a drink?" She lifted her chin, motioning to the tavern. She did not wait for their answers, but rather started walking towards the entrance of the building.
Zane slid off of his horse and moved to tie her up. A gentle pat to her neck was his parting trade mark, assuring her in her stay. As the three walked towards the tavern door Zane suddenly grabbed Naevah and pulled her to the sie motioning Terra to follow.
"What if we go in there and find them? Are we going to engage them in the tavern? They could take a citizen hostage and make the situation get ugly. "
He had grabbed her arm to keep her from opening the door and now that the job was done he released his hold. His idea had come to him suddenly and so he spoke with quickened words. It was as if each work was rushing in line to spill out of his mouth and his voice was a hushed whisper in case someone was near by them.
"Look I don't know if this is a good idea but what if one went in a lone and the other two follow a little bit behind. One of you girls could try your female powers on them, if we find them in there. You should pretend that you know something about the military and are willing to show them something outside. Get them out here and we follow you. Once outside we can take them down."
His green eyes looked to the faces of his companions. He had no idea if this was a good idea and half assumed that it'd be brushed off. After all splitting up even if in eyeshot might be dangerious. What if there were more than three? His eyebrows arched up as if asking for what they thought about his idea. This was his first experience with the military. Sure, he had been in brawls and fought and trained but that wasn't like this moment and his lack of experience might have been showing just by stopping them. But the act was done; his idea out there for rejection or accpetance and that couldn't be taken back.
Naevah glanced down at her arm as Zane grabbed onto it and pulled her aside. Icy eyes looked back to him as he spoke. He was right, it was best they did not rush into this and cause a scene, just for the safety of the citizens. A slow nod was given and a look of thought showed upon her features as she tried to devise a plan for them.
Finally, she nodded again and spoke quickly. "Alright...Here's what we're going to do." Her eyes moved back and forth between the two before she began to explain. "The two of you go in first and find a seat at the bar or at a nearby table to the spies if you find them. Listen to what they talk about, if you can. I will give you five minutes, and after that time is up, one of you will excuse yourself from the other and come back outside to tell me if you found them or not. I am staying out incase they are to leave within those five minutes... If you find them, the one that comes out will stay out and wait. I will go in and will look for whomever stays, sit down with you and pretend to be in a conversation with you. Then I will pretend to recognize the spies and act as if I am on their side and have been waiting for them to come. They may recognize me so they will talk with me and I will give them false information and get what they know out of them. I will tell them to come with me, that I have to show them something, and I will take them outside. The one who stays behind wait until we are out of the building and give a small head start before you follow us out. Then we will capture them and take them to the dungeons, if everything goes to plan.." She watched the both of them, waiting to hear their confirmation that they understood and agreed with her plan.
Terra didn't rush to follow the other two's lead, but she didn't slack in her motions too much either. Dismounting soon after Zane and Naevah, Altair was tied near the other equines before making her way to the tavern's entrance, pausing in step as Zane spoke with the commander and voiced his opinion on a plan. Terra agreed that the three of them just waltzing in there might prove to be a bad decision, but both suggestions didn't seem to sit well with her in some ways...but then again, she never really did this before. She executed simple attacks and confrontations with her mentor when he was teaching her everything she knew now...but this was serious business.
A furrow of brows, she remained silent as the two spoke, running everything over in her head. Finally, a parting of lips, her voice was heard, "They are that easy to manipulate?" she questioned lightly, gaze shifting to Naevah. "And what if they do recognize you...They'd trust you that easily, or would it make matters worse?" Attention idly shifted to Zane to judge his reaction before it drifted to the door. "I don't know...To me, it would seem too suspicious for the two of us to go in, one leave, just have you enter afterwards...with time in between or not." She shrugged her shoulders as if dismissing her opinion just like that. "I don't know these men...But for a group of people making such threats to the isle, I don't picture them being that oblivious to such." Light brown eyes averted back to the commander and awaited her reply.
His pause had been accepted and for that Zane was grateful. He had been worried that speaking out to the infantry commander might have been seen as questioning her authority, which wasn't the case. If he had done that on the ship, to the ship's commander he would have been ignored for the pure fact of it; maybe that was an additional perk to having female commanders, besides the visual appeal. He looked between the two and listened to each one's idea. Zane thought that no matter what they ended up doing it had a possibility of being wrong. They needed to act quickly because time was of the essence but they needed to also be wise about their choices because they might be putting innocent lives at risk.
Fingers combed his chin a couple of times in thought. He wasn't really the planning type and apparently neither were they. "Your right Terra, you both will have your swords and even if you are women... the swords will make you hard to trust. What if you guys go in there together and find a spot near them. Talk a little loud about the military and how they don't accept you as women, how your having a hard time fighting the men but you have found their secret weapon... than one of you asks the other if she wants to see it. Maybe the men will leave to follow you, they will have three to your two and naturally want to see the secret weapon? If they don't follow we can just wait for them to leave and take them as they exit. Who knows, they might not even be in there."
Zane looked between the two, cucumber eyes waited to see if they accepted or rejected his latest idea. They would eventually just have to do something, plan or not. The Tavern was their first stop and for all they knew the spies might not have even been inside and the night was only going to get older. Who knew how many other places they may have to search before they found the 3, now wanted men? Perhaps they should just sit near the boat and wait for the owners to return to it, ambushing them there. It would ensure that it would be private and that the men hadn't gotten off the isle, unless they realize they are being ambushed and steal another boat. Or worst if they attack a citizen wile the three heroes just sat in waiting for them.
It seemed that the options were piling high and there was not yet a solution that struck the group's fancy. Zane was starting to think maybe just rushing in would have worked out better, at least they would have been doing something. But that was too late now.
A small look of annoyance came across Naevah's features as both seemed to disagree with her plan. But both had good reasons to, and she wouldn't lash out at them. The look of annoyance was for the fact that they were taking much too long to get inside and for all she knew, there could be a back entrance the spies could escape out of.
At Zane's idea, Naevah stood quietly, contemplating the idea. Eyebrow rose slightly. "And if they do recognize me as a former Saelis soldier...?" Eyebrow raised and she shook her head, eyes closing in frustration. "Alright. We can't stand around here waiting for a perfect plan to come up. This is what we are going to do... No more question about it..." She paused, allowing herself to think up everything straight before delivering the plan. "Since I will have an easy time spotting them, we'll risk the chance that they may recognize me. Terra and I will go in and sit by them and have a little conversation to try and get their attention." Her eyes fell to Terra, then. "Nothing obvious, either..." She turned to Zane. "You stay out here and watch the door for them and us. Once they are out, we attack and get them to the dungeons. Do both of you understand?" She held a serious expression as she looked between both of them, waiting for their confirmations.
Yes, whatever way they did decide to approach this situation, there would be a downside. It was inevitable and they would have to deal with whatever may go wrong. Arms folded beneath her chest as she listened to Zane, noting he had a fairly good idea. The look of annoyance on Naevah's face was also noticed and she bit down on her tongue to refrain from saying anything more to add to Zane's idea. The final decision was made and there was no more room for objections less they wish to piss off the commander...which didn't seem like such a difficult thing to do actually. Terra offered a slow nod, "Understood."
Zane nodded in agreement too. Cucumber greens watched the women transcended into the Tavern. He was going to have to simply wait for whatever it was to go down. He took up residence along the front of the building, hiding in a a shadow that the tavern roof created. His right shoulder rested against the wall, leaning on it not for support but for comfort. He didn't know how long the two would take and hoped they would be safe on the inside. He bided his time by examining the wound on his left arm again. The thick padded tunic was stuck literally into the wound and the blood was dark and dried. It at least had clotted and was currently fine how it was. He'd have to take care of it later. Minutes had passed and he was anxious to know what was going on inside. He couldn't tell much through the muffled sounds that emerged from the tavern and part of him longed to go up to the window and peek in. But he resisted and instead rested his head against the tavern outside wall too. As soon as the door opened he'd break from his lean but until than he allowed his mind to examine the fighting style he had last witnessed from the spy he had taken on.
Naevah moved inside the tavern along with Terra. She spoke up to her, the act becoming played out now. "I hear they have some good ale here..." She motioned towards the bar as icy blue eyes moved about in search for the spies. As they moved towards the bar, she spotted three men and recognized them right away. She'd seen them before. They were not looking at them yet, so she took the opportunity to throw the hood of her cloak over her head to hide her infamous braids that she was mostly remembered for. She motioned to Terra with her eyes where the men were and moved towards the bar, a couple seats away from the men. She slid onto one of the stools and did not even glance at the men next to her. Instead, she spoke to Terra loud enough for the men to hear her. "I wonder how long it will take the tender to notice us here. I'm so tired of how this place treats women... We have to have men order our drinks for us just so we can get one..." She tapped the tips of her fingers against the wooden surface of the counter. "And that damn infantry commander...He won't give me a chance. Keeps telling me I cannot fight in this war because I'm a woman and am too weak. I've seen how they work, though... I've seen their techniques they think will win over Saelis..." Naevah didn't dare look to see if she had caught the attention of the men beside her. Instead, she kept her back to them, mostly, eyes remaining on Terra, but constantly glancing over at the tender as if she were waiting for him to come over to them.
He sat slumped at the bar listening to the conversations around him when he heard the woman speak of fighting and not being able to join in the Isle's war effort. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye not wanting to draw attention to himself he shuddered slighty at what he saw. Of all the people on the Isle it had to be the one who could single him out in a crowd of strangers. Tugging the hood of his cloak further down on his head he toyed with the mug of ale in front of him as he sat thier straining to hear what she had to say.
Terra followed Naevah into the tavern, already falling into the part she was to play. The air was thicker here, the smells stronger and frankly, she liked it better outside. A look of annoyance painted her features, a long, drawn out sigh exited her nose as she made way for the bar with the commander. She saw Naevah motioning to the men, so a casual look was given to all the patrons of the tavern in order for her spot them without being even a slight bit suspicious. Their position was remembered and it was Terra who would have a better view of them once the two women sat at the bar. Elbow upon the counter, head leaned into the palm of her hand in her look of boredom, the annoyed look remaining as well while Naevah began the conversation. "Well, look...I don't know what else you can do besides keep trying," she answered, trying to be the somewhat consulting one. "It's ridiculous, yes, but its the way this god forsaken land works. They'll learn soon enough that their men won't be enough and that their so-called techniques have flaws." Terra did her best to watch the three men from the corner of her eye, wanting to try and see if their attention was gained or not but not wishing to make any sort of eye contact yet.
Naevah let out a long sigh and nodded to Terra. "Aye, I know..." She shook her head then and leaned in closer to Terra to say something, and she spoke it quietly, but loud enough for curious ears to hear. "They have something huge planned for when Saelis comes to attack. They really believe that they stand a chance against them with this. I actually heard and saw with my own eyes what they've been building. But they don't think anyone else knows... Just the commanders have been planning it...Part of me thinks that they have come up with something clever and they just may possibly be able to squash Saelis' armies... But, it's the fact we'll be outnumbered that worries me most." She shrugged her shoulders. This had, indeed caught the attention of at least two of the spies that were seated nearby the women. And the leader of the three slowly stood up from his seat and moved towards them.
"Pardon the intrusion, ladies... But I could not help but overhear that the men here do not accept you to fight in the army? Even at a time of war when all are needed?" He raised a brow and shook his head. "That is not right." He scratched his chin and thought. "May I buy the two of you drinks?"
His back stiffened slightly as his comrades both quite obviously turned to look at the two woman before he shot them both a dirty look and they went back to the drink in front of him. He glanced at the one who was leading them on this mission and leaned even further over his mug as he heard him offer to buy them drinsk. He had wanted to be able to slip away and hide out till things had blown over but now that plan was slowly being washed away before his eyes. Damn of all the people on the Isle why did it have to be her.. she would never believe his plans on leaving Saelis, he had always been a very loyal follower when they had been part of the same regiment. Quietly he prayed she would just take the offered drink and move on so he could go about with his own plans without the others noticing.
Terra would come to notice the spies were tuning into their conversation and when one was clearly moving to approach, she felt it safe to shift her eyes over to him with little to no emotion on her face. It wasn't until he agreed to their 'dilemma' did she force a smile onto her lips. "Well...it's nice to know there's a man on this isle that understands," she replied, shifting to look at the tender when the man asked to buy them drinks. "No thank you. I'm too ...aggravated right now to even drink." Head shifted so that she could massage her temples with thumb and pointer finger. "The cavalry is just as bad. I don't understand it. A woman can't even ride a horse better than a man." Averting her gaze from the man to Naevah. "We will be outnumbered, and honestly, I blame it on the commanders' lack of good judgement."
Naevah moved her eyes away from Terra as she heard the man. She hoped the man would not notice her and that their plan would become ruined. The hood of her cloak remained covering all the braids. Most of the features of her face were shaded so they could not be seen as well. She shook her head slightly in response. "Aye, you can buy me one...Ale, please..." She wasn't going to turn it down, simply because she didn't want to make things seem suspicious if both of them were there and turning down a drink after that's what it might seem they came in for.
The man had not noticed Naevah and he simply nodded, asking the tender to bring over an ale for the lady. He shook his head. "You know.. Where I come from, we treat women equally... They are allowed to fight in our army and no one ever judges them."
Of course that was a lie. Naevah had been there and seen what it was like first hand. It almost made her want to laugh in his face, but she held back from it. "Is that so? Where is this place?" She turned to Terra and nudged her. "Maybe we should let them take us there and fight in their army. We won't be doing any good for Avalendor if they won't even let us practice with them..." She rolled her eyes slightly.
Naevah, all the while remained silent as Zane and Terra spoke. Her rounds had pretty much ended, since this was the final spot she checked. So she had an hour to spare before she would need to make her next round. The nights on duty were quite rough, she had found, offering her very little sleep, and the next morning she could not afford to go to bed and sleep her day away. As the two spoke, her eyes drifted around the surroundings, keeping watch of things and making sure the last of her guards were posted in those final spots. When Zane spoke of ruined plans, she shifted her attention back to him, an almost apologetic look in her eyes. She had promised to meet him to read his book to him, but she had been thrown duty at the last minute since one of the other commanders that was scheduled had to back down and asked her to take the responsibility.
"A pleasure," she replied in response to him. Brown eyes shifted down to him once more. "I am a member of the cavalry, m'lord." That was the third time she had said that since arriving here...and in all actuality, it felt great, even if she was currently in the lowest rank, something she truly hoped to change one day if not sometime sooner. Like stated before, she wasn't very good with conversation at times, and she fell silent as mind searched for words. When none came, she sent her gaze back to the ocean.
"Cavalry eh? I am also in such a position" His palm pressed into his chest to emphasize himself in the mention of it. He had met their commander and liked the man very much but to meet another member like himself...well that was awesome and his smile said so. His eyes briefly cared over to Naevah, not catching the apologetic glance. He didn't mind and wasn't upset by it in the slightest, though he wouldn't let her know that. He thoroughly planned on giving her a hard time, it was more fun that way. "Have you seen the lances? They are of a genius design and I am looking forward to practicing with one. Since I'm new I still haven't gotten all my gear together." His head lowered in the shame of the statement and his loose brown hair tumbled down only to be pushed back once his head righted.
She was a bit displaced here now, it seemed, with the two being in the same division and her being the commander of what others considered the lesser priveledged division, based on the fact that they were more at risk to die in battle, and were not skilled enough in fighting upon horse. Though Naevah had drilled it into her men to not take that kind of attitude from anyone that spoke lowly against them. She prided in her division and fed them her own opinions of the infantry being the strongest, most needed division in a military. She liked to think it gave her men more of a hope and more pride in themselves so they would better fight and be more confident in themselves, rather than to feel like the grunts of a battle, doing all the dirty work because they were forced to. However, with the recent gossip comment made in the newsletter, she had to do some more convincing to keep the men on their feet. She would have a little talk with the queen in hopes that it was untrue rumors. She was still feeling sore about it. All the work she poured into everything, and she was the one that would look poorly at for not training the infantry hard enough for them to be strong in their duties.
The man's smile left her a little relaxed as dark gaze traveled back to him, and she heard no comment on her being female. Yes, these people of Avalendor seemed like a very welcoming bunch...in a sense. "I am glad to meet a comrade," she answered, smile broadening a little bit in her politeness. At the mention of the lances those golden-brown hues seemed to widen, only slightly, but noticeably nonetheless. Her dream was slowly weaving into fruition, slowly but surely taking the time to bring the young woman into the reality that she was currently in. "No...I have not..." she spoke, voice holding faint hints of anticipation and yet also of disappointment. For a moment she would glance over to Navaeh, feeling a bit out of place as the commander hadn't been saying anything. Last thing she wanted to do was exclude her from the conversation, whether accidentally or not.
Zane didn't buy into all that I'm better than thou bullshit, one division didn't fight better than the other. Each were of need and had purpose. But his opinion wasn't of the many and he knew very well that there was tension between ranks. He too had read the same article and knew well that Naevah was probably not in a good mood. He would have been pissed if the tables were reversed. But back to lances and horse fighting... Zane had a boyish glee when he talked about calvary because, like Terra, this was his dream. He remembered that the commander laughed at his excitement on the first day. "The commander designed them himself. I Have been eagerly waiting to use one, for they seem that they will hold up much better. We could practice one day if you like." His offer was made in honest; some people said things that they didn't mean but not Zane. Well, unless he was joking but that was a whole other matter. "So, Ladies what would say ye to a man who waited for a friend to arrive a whole hour and she had not? Should he worry for her safety? Or should he take insult?"
Naevah seemed to have her focus elsewhere as the two spoke of lances and cavalry. She was watching something off in the distance, the features of her face never changing from that serious, stoic expression so so more than often wore. Eyes squinted to attempt at getting a better look. Something just didn't feel right to her, but there was nothing she saw yet that was threatening. Eyes pulled away and turned back to Zane when she heard his question. She could feel the weight of the book resting in the deep pocket inside the cloak. Lips parted and she'd finally speak. "Neither. Perhaps this woman is able to take care of herself and her safety should not be worried for... And if she promised to be there, then something must have come up to prevent her from being there..." She knew what he was speaking of and she gave him the correct answer to what he was wondering, even though she made her words sound like an opinion. Icy blues would shift once again away from Zane and back to the spot she was watching just moments ago.
A gentle cant of her head sent that gaze back to Zane, noticing how he acted when speaking of the cavalry. She was just as eager, but was trying to contain it all inside. "I would like that, very much so," she said to his offer before dark eyes moved to Navaeh and followed her gaze curiously while Zane spoke again. Then an arch of a brow when the commander finally spoke...and for some reason, she felt she should refrain from answering. Not that it bothered her at all. Aimlessly attention drifted away, looking for something to hold her wandering eyes for a minute.
He nodded in agreement. It would be set, the two would have to practice one day together. As they spoke he pressed the palm of his hand into the hilt of his sword, the cold steal felt nice against his warmer palm. "oh? You think that's what might have happened? What about you Terra, what are your thoughts on the matter?" He asked with a half smile. He had assumed that the timing had gone askew and honestly wasn't dishearted by the no show. It was just more fun to talk about it in 3rd person, plus he himself had been posed a simular question the night before. It had amused him then. His eyes hadn't drifted in the direction their's had but he was in tune to their curious gaze. The other hand that held the reigns gently tugged his horse closer,easing her into a different position. "I suppose I should just let her off the hook since no harm had been done."
Naevah semi-ignored what Zane was saying. She was fully paying attention to something that sparked her concern. The stoic, expressionless face soon changed to one that showed alertness and suspition. Lips parted and chin slightly lifted as eyes squinted a bit more. In the distance were three dark figures that appeared to be sneaking around by the military building. They looked as if they were trying to find a way in without being seen by the guards posted around it. She shifted upon her horse, turning him slightly so that he was facing in the direction. She mumbled quietly. "You've got to be kidding me....." The muscles in her jaw tightened before she spoke in harsh tones. "Matters of such things are not important...We have enemies on our hands... Spies of Saelis." She could not remember if she had told Zane that was where she'd come from before arriving to Avalendor. But it was why she had recognized the men as such. She'd seen them before and it took her a moment to realize them as such. She glared at Zane and shouted in a whisper. "Get on your bloody horse now! The two of you stay behind me." She nudged her heels into Silver's sides, hard enough to make him realize he was to go faster than she'd typically make him go when starting out. She rode quickly, not even waiting for the two to start following her. Something needed to be done and fast. As she approached closer towards the building, her sword was pulled from its sheath at her hip and she continued to race forward.
Quickly eyes darted to Zane as he asked her opinion. "Well..." She still felt she should remain out of the situation. Eyes would slowly drift to Navaeh as she continued to speak, "I think I agree with-" and her talking ceased at the change of expression on the commander's face. There was no need to ask what was wrong, nor did she even attempt it...Body grew stiff and finally she was on full alert as she listened to Navaeh explain. Well, a few days in Avalendor and she was already about to see action. Hands gripped Altair's reins a little tighter before one moved to unsheath the sword within its sheath upon the saddle. That brown equine seemed to already know what was about to come next... Heel digging into the horse's side, Terra raced off after Navaeh; Altair bred for speed quickly advanced but she kept herself away to remain behind the commander as instructed.
Zane had made the adjustments while talking because he had noticed their own reactions. The horse was closer to him and he was able to swing up on it in one fluid motion. He had seated himself on the horse before she even finished her command to him. Which, by the way, he felt was slightly unnecessary but that wasn't something he concerned himself with right than. His hands were already holding the reigns and with a simple flick of the wrist and leather, the two were on their way. Those legs tightened their hold around the horse but his heels did not dig in. The two stayed in line with Terra as Zane was commanded, allowing Naevah to take up the lead. His own sword was pulled free from it's sheath and held at wayside as they approached the three spies. This must have meant that the ships weren't far now. The three men who were lurching about had their attention brought to the sound of hooves as the three riders approached their marks. Zane silently thanked the gods that he had worn his sword tonight as he fanned out slightly to his rightful side. It had seemed like the natural position to take for Zane had already calculated the spies own possible formation and escape routes.
The spies heard the horsemen riding towards them and quickly turned, drawing their swords, prepared to fight. As Naevah got closer, she sped up, raising her sword as she prepared to strike from upon her horse. She could hear Terra and Zane behind her as she had instructed, and knew this situation would not get too out of hand. It was three against three, though Naevah knew she could take all three herself. She had seen the techniques of Saelis fighters and they made her laugh. As she passed one of the spies, her sword came down, slashing across his back. Another one swung his sword at her own, in attempts to knock her from her horse. Silver let out a loud whine before he stood upon his hind legs. Naevah held on tightly with one hand and with her foot, she kicked the man in the face. As the horse came back down, she threw herself off of him and right towards the final spy that had been untouched. She jumped on him, knocking him down to the ground on his back and began punching his face hard. She yelled out. "Are there anymore of you here!?" The man struggled against her, trying to knock her off of him, but she wouldn't give in and let him tear her off of him.
One of the other spies laughed out loudly.
"Naevah Northam? Is that you? So now we see which side you have chosen."
Teeth clenched together as she heard the voice. Her fist was raised but did not come down at the man's face again. She quickly pulled away from him, standing up to her full tall height, pulling the man up with her as she held onto the collar of his shirt. Eyes narrowed at the man and her sword was raised to press against the man's throat as she held him there. She glanced to Zane and Terra in a way to command them to grab the other two so they could not get away. One man was on the ground bleeding from the wound she'd given him on his back, while the other stood there watching Naevah.
Icy eyes stared at the man, she recognized him but did not give him the pleasure of showing that she did. "I repeat... How many of you are there her now? Just the three of you?"
The man laughed and shook his head. "There's no way of telling, my lady... Whatever I say you will not believe me."
"Tell me or this man's head will drop to the ground right now." She brought the blade of her sword closer to the man's throat, her eyes remaining upon the unwounded man speaking to her.
The spy laughed again at her. "My, my... You have not changed one bit. Here you are acting as if you've never known me before... But I think both of us know that is not true at all..." He held his hands up and started to move closer to her.
Naevah narrowed her eyes at him and pulled her sword away from the man's neck and extended it out, the tip pointing at the approaching man. "Do not come any closer." She was relying on either Zane or Terra to capture the man, but knew it would not be an easy task since he was capable of defending himself at the moment. She knew she'd have to keep him distracted in order for one of them to get hold of him, or she'd snap the man's neck she held now and attack him herself. Either way, something would happen to get the man captured.
Upon reaching the three spies, Zane half stood on his horse. Those calves dug into the ribs of Artemis as he gained his position, circling the remanence of Naevah's wrath. He was about to take on the lone untouched spy, blade raised and all, when the man called Naevah by name. Zane paused and those emerald green hues squinted in their examination of the voice's owner. How did this guy know her? He hesitated, judging the situation he wasn't sure if he should attack but along the course of conversation he realized that he was in fact foe.
The foe was speaking to Naevah, eyes intently studying her as she held tight to his companion and because of this he was slightly distracted. The spy would have anticipated Zane's horse's hooves and so it was a small shock when the dagger snagged through his shoulder. Zane always had a dagger on hand, stashed at the small of his back. It had an abnormally small blade, similar to what we consider a modern dagger. Zane had pulled it out while the man was in conversation and sent it sailing in the air towards the man's back. It pierced into the sword arm's shoulder and the searing pain that followed was indicated by the spy's frustrated yelp.
That had gotten his attention. The spy turned towards Zane and Zane advanced. His elevated position on the horse was secure and confident as the two moved in. The spy's sword was thin and best against armor as a piercing sword, that was the kind scouts would use. This minor detail didn't go unnoticed and when Zane struck out he struck out hard against the other man's blade. The two blade's met and since Zane had the advantage of extra force from his lofty position, coupled against a thinner piercing blade, the spy's sword snapped. Half the blade remained pointed at Zane, no longer usable in the fight.
Having half stood and throwing his weight into the downward swing, Zane had lost his balance and came tumbling off the horse. It was anticipated though and in his land he rolled right up onto his feet. In a last ditch effort the spy pulled out Zane's dagger and attempted to use it against it's owner. Zane received a slice on his non-dominate left forearm while his blade pressed into the spy's throat in a counter.
"Drop it."
The words were said through clenched teeth. The pain in his arm was delayed, several nerve endings were undoubtedly severed. The blood was already trickling down his hand. The spy let go of the dagger and Zane chose to hit him upside the back of his head, utilizing the handle of his sword for added power. The result was one passed out spy. He looked over his shoulder to see if Terra had secured the last spy. He wasn't about to bother just yet with his arm, instead they had to secure the spies and maybe check the perimeter for more.
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On Altair, Terra wavered off to the opposite side in reflection to Zane, coming around to circle the three spies and the infantry commander. Her admiration grew for the woman as she watched the display, but fell right into action herself when she came within the appropriate distance.
A glance to Zane, she saw he seemed to be prepared to take the unharmed spy, so she maneuvered her horse to come near the fallen man sliced across his back with a wound that might prove fatal if not treated in a decent amount of time. Not that she expected any healer of Avalendor to make such an attempt. He began to force himself up to his feet and Terra from her position could have deepened that wound or severed off his head when he lifted to his full height...However, she was unsure whether the spy should be left alive or not- No such order had been made, and though Navaeh was not the commander of the cavalry, she and Zane were following her orders for this time.
Before Altair was able to fully stop, leg swung over the animal and she leapt down from the saddle in one fluid motion; quickened steps bringing her over to the man where she lashed out with a harsh kick to bring him to the ground once more and onto his stomach. Boot rose and slammed down hard upon the man's bleeding back, further irritating his wound and further bringing him pain. The tip of her sword pressed lightly to his cheek though not hard enough to draw blood yet, "Remain where you are..." demanded words quietly hissed from parted lips.
Gaze drifted over to the others, furrowing her brows as she had heard what the spy spoke to Navaeh. She did not know the woman, so naturally she was confused. It was not necessary to speak nor ask any questions, so Terra remained where she was, holding one of their captives down with foot and blade, but was ready to assist the other two if it was needed.
And so, she waited.
Icy blues watched as Zane managed to send the dagger into the man's back. Her eyes remained narrowed upon the spy. No emotion played over her features as Zane fought with the man and eventually had him down on the ground unconcious. The blade of her sword was returned to the man's neck and she spoke harshly into his ear. "I want answers or I will have your head." Fingers curled around his hair forcing his head and neck back as she pressed the blade closer against his throat. The man coughed and cried out. "There are no others!" Naevah pulled back on his hair some more, pressing the blade almost hard enough to rip open his skin. He cried out again. "There are three others!" Naevah's jaw tightened and she tilted her head with a look of annoyance. She pushed up on the blade, giving the man a knick to his throat. She yelled out loudly. "Where are they!?" The man flinched, nearly crying out of fear he'd soon lose his life. "Please! I don't know. We went our separate ways." Naevah was growing more annoyed. She kicked the back of the man's knees, causing him to fall, though she held onto his hair and pulled him back up to stand up, her sword dangerously risky of cutting deep. She spoke harshly in his ear again "Tell me one more lie, I dare you..." Then, she yelled out loudly, turning her head in the direction of the military building. "Guards!!" Face turned once again to the spy she held against her. "Where are they?"
The man was crying now and Naevah did not show an ounce of compassion for him. "They are on the other side of the isle... In the village, trying to find out anymore information."
Five guards rushed over, seeing the situation clear enough to understand that something had happened. Naevah glanced to them and spoke her command. "Bring these three men to the dungeons. They are enemies of Avalendor. I trust you men are capable of doing this, despite what our queen may think of your abilities." The guards nodded, each one stepping up to take the three prisoners, including the unconcious one. She released her grip on the spy she held when the guard took him from her and she returned her sword to the sheath at her hip. Eyes watched for a moment as the guards moved towards the military building. Naevah growled angrily and then took a deep breath, trying to settle her nerves now. She turned to look at the two cavalry privates. Terra had been uninjured, but Zane hadn't. Concerned eyes fell over him and she spoke a bit softer now. "Are you alright? We should get you to the infirmary. It's on the way towards the village..." Part of her knew that he'd be like any other typical man and refuse to go and would insist to stay and help her with finding the other three enemies that roamed Avalendor now. But either way, she didn't wait for his answer and she climbed back up onto her horse.
The guards came up to them and took over the watch dog role, lifting up the lifeless body of the knocked out guard in front of Zane. Now that his duty was over he took the moment to look at his arm, applied pressure to it, and held it up slightly. The wound wasn't that bad in reality. It was a deep cut but he could get away with out getting stitches.
Zane picked up his dagger and whipped the blade off on his knee. The dagger had been his for many years and so he remembered to replace it to it's typical holding spot at the small of his back. His sword was sheathed as well. Blinking at Naevah he spoke clearly and calmly, "I'm fine. Don't be ridiculous, lets find these guys." With that he pulled himself up on to the saddled horse with his good hand and took the reigns in his left. Even though he deemed his arm fine, he still held it with the good hand, looking to stop the bleeding for good.
There were lots of surprises that evening. The first and foremost was the spies. The next in line was that the spies knew Naevah. They knew her whole name... Zane and his horse took up their previous formation as he assumed they would all be making the trek across the isle. All the while, he couldn't get the later fact out of his head; the one had seemed so familiar with her.
He glanced at Terra with a look that was obviously questioning. Was she wondering what he was? His strong voice came out slightly muffled by the wind that pressed against their ears as they rode out. "How did they know you?" Maybe it wasn't the right time to ask, but Zane asked anyways.
A sense of excitement and energy ran through the air for Zane. This was his first fight for the isle and it had gone well, save a cut. He couldn't help the rush of adrenaline that coursed through his body. Though he still was nagged by the question. It wasn't like he didn't trust her, he didn't think she was one of them or anything now... But the question still was there nagging like a fly and disturbing his perfectly giddy feeling. That rush of excitement that one only gets from fighting with another and winning.
Terra stood her ground, holding the one spy down as Naevah questioned the other. A small sense of dread struck her with the information the man had given, but it did not show. She was new here, however she had already grown a fond attachment to the lands and people...even if she didn't interact with too many of them.
Lips remained shut while she stepped away from her captive and allowed the guards to take him away. There was nothing to be said, and all she could do was climb back up into Altair's saddle and sheathe her sword back in its place. Terra felt she had a small part in this brief battle, yet still felt it was her duty to continue the rest of it with Naevah and Zane, if that was what the commander wished.
A small shift of her head, brown hues caught Zane's attention, noticing that questioning look on his face and her own would inform him she wondered the same thing. The spy knew who Naevah was...Had she been one of them? She seemed too well respected and trusted to have Terra believe she carried ill intent towards the isle. She was not going to ask the woman about it, but it appeared Zane couldn't hold it in.
Silent still, she nearly rolled her eyes before she sighed softly, following the two...To her, it didn't appear as the best time to ask, but perhaps Naevah wouldn't be bothered by the question.
Naevah rode slowly at first, mostly to make sure the other two stayed on her tail. She had heard Zane's question and knew exactly what he was thinking. When she had first come to the isle, many people had thought she was posing as a spy or traitor, planning on working closely with Avalendor only to turn against them and help Saelis with distroying the Isle. She didn't look back at either of them, but Zane's question would partly be answered, a small hint of annoyance in her tone. "If you are asking if I am on their side, the answer is no. I was once part of their army and it was the worst mistake of my life..."
There was a whole lot more to the story, but there was no time to sit and chat to explain herself. That was all she would say. If Zane was concerned or wanted to know more, they could speak of it privately at a better time. This was not that time. They needed to find the others before they could learn what they were looking for, and worse, escape.
She quickly flicked Silver's reins and nudged her heels into his sides and the horse began to speed up, riding quickly through the Isle, traveling to the other side where the village was.
His head shook slightly from side to side and he sighed. That wasn't what he meant at all but that would have to wait. He was at least grateful that Terra had been curious about it too. As the pace quickened Zane hit either side of his horse with the reigns, encouraging her to follow behind closer. They covered a lot of ground in a quick amount of time. Apparently all three horses were eager for the exercise or they knew the riders wanted them to be so.
They were in eyesight of the village outskirts. It was late and not that many people could be seen walking around. Actually, most people were either at the destination or at home in bed. How would they find the spies? Zane spoke up over the rush of wind and the sound of the hooves. "What is the plan?" Was there even a plan? Zane chose not to ask that last part. He was trying to figure out if it would be wise for them to split up and start their search or if they should stick together and pick the most trafficked building hoping the spies were trying to gather information through word of mouth from the Isle citizens.
Whatever the plan was, Zane was ready. As the three approached the village their horses were slowed down a bit. The good hand of Zane's went to the hilt of his sword for whatever might come their way. His body started tensing up again and he could barely feel the cut that was on his left arm. There was a lot of adrenalin pumping around and he was ready for whatever, following whatever was asked of him.
And well, she was right. It was obviously not the best time to ask. Yet Terra couldn't fully blame him for his curiosity...He was only human after all. Though even still, light brown hues shifted over to him quickly, narrowing softly as if she was ready to scold him. Her face remained stoic, however, having only met the man so she did not say anything on it. Instead, she looked away, heels nudging into Altair's sides once more to gain up speed and remain close to the other two. The horse had the drive to go faster, to test himself, but Terra made sure to keep behind at least Naevah the whole time.
She made the travel across the isle to the village in silence. One would think her a mute for being so quiet, and this was actually very odd for her. Terra wasn't talkative but she voiced her opinions about matters without thinking about the consequences at certain times. Yet for this, she had nothing to say. Zane kept asking the questions that lingered on her mind already, so she had little to nothing much to say. Wasn't bothering her in the least though.
Pulling back on Altair's reins, she slowed the horse down as they made their closer approach to the village. Eyes scanned the area before traveling over to Naevah to await her answer to Zane's question. Splitting up might be faster, but it might prove to be too risky as well.
Naevah did not answer Zane's question right off. She went the rest of the ride quiet, focusing on the sounds of Silver's hooves beating against the ground as he ran quickly. It wasn't until they'd get to the center of the village where most of the marketplace and Avalendor's tavern resided, that she pulled back on the reins, forcing Silver to slow down.
The tavern was by the shore, almost near the port, and that was where her eyes fell first. The port. And sure enough there was a small row boat sitting idly as if it awaited its rowers to travel back to a hidden, distant ship that was somewhere off in the horizon. Naevah rolled her eyes and cursed under her breath. At least they hadn't gotten away yet. She climbed down off of Silver and tied him up to a post, expecting that the two privates would follow her lead. She thought for a moment, icy blue eyes glancing around wildly as she tried to think up a plan quickly.
Then finally, Zane's question would be answered. "Alright... You saw the clothing those men wore... Black. Look for the small gold symbol on the back. It would be on the back of their cloaks as well if they have a cloak on. Naevah thought it was quite funny that they'd come to an enemy isle, wearing the symbol that would give them away. But she knew they were brainless sometimes, and they probably suspected no one would know the symbol of Saelis' spies or military. It was different than the symbol of their ships. Her eyes fell to the tavern. In a way to act casual, Naevah asked a question that was not at all related to the situation, but would give them both the idea that they were to stay low and act normal. "Would either of you care for a drink?" She lifted her chin, motioning to the tavern. She did not wait for their answers, but rather started walking towards the entrance of the building.
Zane slid off of his horse and moved to tie her up. A gentle pat to her neck was his parting trade mark, assuring her in her stay. As the three walked towards the tavern door Zane suddenly grabbed Naevah and pulled her to the sie motioning Terra to follow.
"What if we go in there and find them? Are we going to engage them in the tavern? They could take a citizen hostage and make the situation get ugly. "
He had grabbed her arm to keep her from opening the door and now that the job was done he released his hold. His idea had come to him suddenly and so he spoke with quickened words. It was as if each work was rushing in line to spill out of his mouth and his voice was a hushed whisper in case someone was near by them.
"Look I don't know if this is a good idea but what if one went in a lone and the other two follow a little bit behind. One of you girls could try your female powers on them, if we find them in there. You should pretend that you know something about the military and are willing to show them something outside. Get them out here and we follow you. Once outside we can take them down."
His green eyes looked to the faces of his companions. He had no idea if this was a good idea and half assumed that it'd be brushed off. After all splitting up even if in eyeshot might be dangerious. What if there were more than three? His eyebrows arched up as if asking for what they thought about his idea. This was his first experience with the military. Sure, he had been in brawls and fought and trained but that wasn't like this moment and his lack of experience might have been showing just by stopping them. But the act was done; his idea out there for rejection or accpetance and that couldn't be taken back.
Naevah glanced down at her arm as Zane grabbed onto it and pulled her aside. Icy eyes looked back to him as he spoke. He was right, it was best they did not rush into this and cause a scene, just for the safety of the citizens. A slow nod was given and a look of thought showed upon her features as she tried to devise a plan for them.
Finally, she nodded again and spoke quickly. "Alright...Here's what we're going to do." Her eyes moved back and forth between the two before she began to explain. "The two of you go in first and find a seat at the bar or at a nearby table to the spies if you find them. Listen to what they talk about, if you can. I will give you five minutes, and after that time is up, one of you will excuse yourself from the other and come back outside to tell me if you found them or not. I am staying out incase they are to leave within those five minutes... If you find them, the one that comes out will stay out and wait. I will go in and will look for whomever stays, sit down with you and pretend to be in a conversation with you. Then I will pretend to recognize the spies and act as if I am on their side and have been waiting for them to come. They may recognize me so they will talk with me and I will give them false information and get what they know out of them. I will tell them to come with me, that I have to show them something, and I will take them outside. The one who stays behind wait until we are out of the building and give a small head start before you follow us out. Then we will capture them and take them to the dungeons, if everything goes to plan.." She watched the both of them, waiting to hear their confirmation that they understood and agreed with her plan.
Terra didn't rush to follow the other two's lead, but she didn't slack in her motions too much either. Dismounting soon after Zane and Naevah, Altair was tied near the other equines before making her way to the tavern's entrance, pausing in step as Zane spoke with the commander and voiced his opinion on a plan. Terra agreed that the three of them just waltzing in there might prove to be a bad decision, but both suggestions didn't seem to sit well with her in some ways...but then again, she never really did this before. She executed simple attacks and confrontations with her mentor when he was teaching her everything she knew now...but this was serious business.
A furrow of brows, she remained silent as the two spoke, running everything over in her head. Finally, a parting of lips, her voice was heard, "They are that easy to manipulate?" she questioned lightly, gaze shifting to Naevah. "And what if they do recognize you...They'd trust you that easily, or would it make matters worse?" Attention idly shifted to Zane to judge his reaction before it drifted to the door. "I don't know...To me, it would seem too suspicious for the two of us to go in, one leave, just have you enter afterwards...with time in between or not." She shrugged her shoulders as if dismissing her opinion just like that. "I don't know these men...But for a group of people making such threats to the isle, I don't picture them being that oblivious to such." Light brown eyes averted back to the commander and awaited her reply.
His pause had been accepted and for that Zane was grateful. He had been worried that speaking out to the infantry commander might have been seen as questioning her authority, which wasn't the case. If he had done that on the ship, to the ship's commander he would have been ignored for the pure fact of it; maybe that was an additional perk to having female commanders, besides the visual appeal. He looked between the two and listened to each one's idea. Zane thought that no matter what they ended up doing it had a possibility of being wrong. They needed to act quickly because time was of the essence but they needed to also be wise about their choices because they might be putting innocent lives at risk.
Fingers combed his chin a couple of times in thought. He wasn't really the planning type and apparently neither were they. "Your right Terra, you both will have your swords and even if you are women... the swords will make you hard to trust. What if you guys go in there together and find a spot near them. Talk a little loud about the military and how they don't accept you as women, how your having a hard time fighting the men but you have found their secret weapon... than one of you asks the other if she wants to see it. Maybe the men will leave to follow you, they will have three to your two and naturally want to see the secret weapon? If they don't follow we can just wait for them to leave and take them as they exit. Who knows, they might not even be in there."
Zane looked between the two, cucumber eyes waited to see if they accepted or rejected his latest idea. They would eventually just have to do something, plan or not. The Tavern was their first stop and for all they knew the spies might not have even been inside and the night was only going to get older. Who knew how many other places they may have to search before they found the 3, now wanted men? Perhaps they should just sit near the boat and wait for the owners to return to it, ambushing them there. It would ensure that it would be private and that the men hadn't gotten off the isle, unless they realize they are being ambushed and steal another boat. Or worst if they attack a citizen wile the three heroes just sat in waiting for them.
It seemed that the options were piling high and there was not yet a solution that struck the group's fancy. Zane was starting to think maybe just rushing in would have worked out better, at least they would have been doing something. But that was too late now.
A small look of annoyance came across Naevah's features as both seemed to disagree with her plan. But both had good reasons to, and she wouldn't lash out at them. The look of annoyance was for the fact that they were taking much too long to get inside and for all she knew, there could be a back entrance the spies could escape out of.
At Zane's idea, Naevah stood quietly, contemplating the idea. Eyebrow rose slightly. "And if they do recognize me as a former Saelis soldier...?" Eyebrow raised and she shook her head, eyes closing in frustration. "Alright. We can't stand around here waiting for a perfect plan to come up. This is what we are going to do... No more question about it..." She paused, allowing herself to think up everything straight before delivering the plan. "Since I will have an easy time spotting them, we'll risk the chance that they may recognize me. Terra and I will go in and sit by them and have a little conversation to try and get their attention." Her eyes fell to Terra, then. "Nothing obvious, either..." She turned to Zane. "You stay out here and watch the door for them and us. Once they are out, we attack and get them to the dungeons. Do both of you understand?" She held a serious expression as she looked between both of them, waiting for their confirmations.
Yes, whatever way they did decide to approach this situation, there would be a downside. It was inevitable and they would have to deal with whatever may go wrong. Arms folded beneath her chest as she listened to Zane, noting he had a fairly good idea. The look of annoyance on Naevah's face was also noticed and she bit down on her tongue to refrain from saying anything more to add to Zane's idea. The final decision was made and there was no more room for objections less they wish to piss off the commander...which didn't seem like such a difficult thing to do actually. Terra offered a slow nod, "Understood."
Zane nodded in agreement too. Cucumber greens watched the women transcended into the Tavern. He was going to have to simply wait for whatever it was to go down. He took up residence along the front of the building, hiding in a a shadow that the tavern roof created. His right shoulder rested against the wall, leaning on it not for support but for comfort. He didn't know how long the two would take and hoped they would be safe on the inside. He bided his time by examining the wound on his left arm again. The thick padded tunic was stuck literally into the wound and the blood was dark and dried. It at least had clotted and was currently fine how it was. He'd have to take care of it later. Minutes had passed and he was anxious to know what was going on inside. He couldn't tell much through the muffled sounds that emerged from the tavern and part of him longed to go up to the window and peek in. But he resisted and instead rested his head against the tavern outside wall too. As soon as the door opened he'd break from his lean but until than he allowed his mind to examine the fighting style he had last witnessed from the spy he had taken on.
Naevah moved inside the tavern along with Terra. She spoke up to her, the act becoming played out now. "I hear they have some good ale here..." She motioned towards the bar as icy blue eyes moved about in search for the spies. As they moved towards the bar, she spotted three men and recognized them right away. She'd seen them before. They were not looking at them yet, so she took the opportunity to throw the hood of her cloak over her head to hide her infamous braids that she was mostly remembered for. She motioned to Terra with her eyes where the men were and moved towards the bar, a couple seats away from the men. She slid onto one of the stools and did not even glance at the men next to her. Instead, she spoke to Terra loud enough for the men to hear her. "I wonder how long it will take the tender to notice us here. I'm so tired of how this place treats women... We have to have men order our drinks for us just so we can get one..." She tapped the tips of her fingers against the wooden surface of the counter. "And that damn infantry commander...He won't give me a chance. Keeps telling me I cannot fight in this war because I'm a woman and am too weak. I've seen how they work, though... I've seen their techniques they think will win over Saelis..." Naevah didn't dare look to see if she had caught the attention of the men beside her. Instead, she kept her back to them, mostly, eyes remaining on Terra, but constantly glancing over at the tender as if she were waiting for him to come over to them.
He sat slumped at the bar listening to the conversations around him when he heard the woman speak of fighting and not being able to join in the Isle's war effort. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye not wanting to draw attention to himself he shuddered slighty at what he saw. Of all the people on the Isle it had to be the one who could single him out in a crowd of strangers. Tugging the hood of his cloak further down on his head he toyed with the mug of ale in front of him as he sat thier straining to hear what she had to say.
Terra followed Naevah into the tavern, already falling into the part she was to play. The air was thicker here, the smells stronger and frankly, she liked it better outside. A look of annoyance painted her features, a long, drawn out sigh exited her nose as she made way for the bar with the commander. She saw Naevah motioning to the men, so a casual look was given to all the patrons of the tavern in order for her spot them without being even a slight bit suspicious. Their position was remembered and it was Terra who would have a better view of them once the two women sat at the bar. Elbow upon the counter, head leaned into the palm of her hand in her look of boredom, the annoyed look remaining as well while Naevah began the conversation. "Well, look...I don't know what else you can do besides keep trying," she answered, trying to be the somewhat consulting one. "It's ridiculous, yes, but its the way this god forsaken land works. They'll learn soon enough that their men won't be enough and that their so-called techniques have flaws." Terra did her best to watch the three men from the corner of her eye, wanting to try and see if their attention was gained or not but not wishing to make any sort of eye contact yet.
Naevah let out a long sigh and nodded to Terra. "Aye, I know..." She shook her head then and leaned in closer to Terra to say something, and she spoke it quietly, but loud enough for curious ears to hear. "They have something huge planned for when Saelis comes to attack. They really believe that they stand a chance against them with this. I actually heard and saw with my own eyes what they've been building. But they don't think anyone else knows... Just the commanders have been planning it...Part of me thinks that they have come up with something clever and they just may possibly be able to squash Saelis' armies... But, it's the fact we'll be outnumbered that worries me most." She shrugged her shoulders. This had, indeed caught the attention of at least two of the spies that were seated nearby the women. And the leader of the three slowly stood up from his seat and moved towards them.
"Pardon the intrusion, ladies... But I could not help but overhear that the men here do not accept you to fight in the army? Even at a time of war when all are needed?" He raised a brow and shook his head. "That is not right." He scratched his chin and thought. "May I buy the two of you drinks?"
His back stiffened slightly as his comrades both quite obviously turned to look at the two woman before he shot them both a dirty look and they went back to the drink in front of him. He glanced at the one who was leading them on this mission and leaned even further over his mug as he heard him offer to buy them drinsk. He had wanted to be able to slip away and hide out till things had blown over but now that plan was slowly being washed away before his eyes. Damn of all the people on the Isle why did it have to be her.. she would never believe his plans on leaving Saelis, he had always been a very loyal follower when they had been part of the same regiment. Quietly he prayed she would just take the offered drink and move on so he could go about with his own plans without the others noticing.
Terra would come to notice the spies were tuning into their conversation and when one was clearly moving to approach, she felt it safe to shift her eyes over to him with little to no emotion on her face. It wasn't until he agreed to their 'dilemma' did she force a smile onto her lips. "Well...it's nice to know there's a man on this isle that understands," she replied, shifting to look at the tender when the man asked to buy them drinks. "No thank you. I'm too ...aggravated right now to even drink." Head shifted so that she could massage her temples with thumb and pointer finger. "The cavalry is just as bad. I don't understand it. A woman can't even ride a horse better than a man." Averting her gaze from the man to Naevah. "We will be outnumbered, and honestly, I blame it on the commanders' lack of good judgement."
Naevah moved her eyes away from Terra as she heard the man. She hoped the man would not notice her and that their plan would become ruined. The hood of her cloak remained covering all the braids. Most of the features of her face were shaded so they could not be seen as well. She shook her head slightly in response. "Aye, you can buy me one...Ale, please..." She wasn't going to turn it down, simply because she didn't want to make things seem suspicious if both of them were there and turning down a drink after that's what it might seem they came in for.
The man had not noticed Naevah and he simply nodded, asking the tender to bring over an ale for the lady. He shook his head. "You know.. Where I come from, we treat women equally... They are allowed to fight in our army and no one ever judges them."
Of course that was a lie. Naevah had been there and seen what it was like first hand. It almost made her want to laugh in his face, but she held back from it. "Is that so? Where is this place?" She turned to Terra and nudged her. "Maybe we should let them take us there and fight in their army. We won't be doing any good for Avalendor if they won't even let us practice with them..." She rolled her eyes slightly.