[IC] Into the Unknown

[chefTENGU]

"...It's confirmed. We'll make landfall tomorrow morning."

"Excellent. We're making good progress."

"Progress? There's no way you could have known about this beforehand. The entire corps is astounded we've found land so quickly."

"Come now, Quenlin. You know as well as I do that very little is impossible where the designs of the Lawgiver are concerned. But then again… perhaps I'm simply speaking my thoughts on our exceptionally good fortune aloud."

*Ahem* "Right. My thanks to the Holy Cudgel that his favor comes to carry us so swiftly on our way."

"Careful, now. You wouldn't want the wrong people to think you're being sarcastic, speaking in that tone. But why shouldn't he, anyway?"

"Why not indeed. I'm sure the others will find your assessment most inspiring. All the better for your mission; the Emperor will be pleased."

"And are you not pleased for me? Tut, tut. Though that is to be expected. Don't fret, you're certain to win a heaping portion of glory for yourself, as well. Here, take this. Destroy it once you've finished reading, and get some rest. There'll be much to do upon our arrival."

"As you wish. Protector watch over you."

"Of course he does; that's why you're here, isn't it?"

[chefTENGU]

As dawn breaks over this nameless land, three ships close in to the shore; the men and women aboard move quickly to transfer all the stores aboard onto dry land, and pitch huge tents to serve as makeshift facilities for the officers and to protect their supplies from the elements.

About three hundred and fifty souls are among them, mostly soldiers, accompanied by the ships' sailors. They know not what awaits them here, but they are eager to begin in their task, having spent the last week crammed into tight quarters.

Of all these hardworking souls, however, three have been directed to ignore all else but a single directive: to report to the commander's tent without delay.

A cloaked individual is the first to arrive, accompanied by a wolf. The tent seems to be empty, save for a few simple furnishings. He is followed by a dwarf dressed in simple garb, and then by a hulking figure wearing plates of armor. Though he wears helm, the large tusks jutting from his mouth and his greenish skin tone betray his orcish extraction.

[Killer_Man_]

He streached out as he stood there, "It is good to get off that god forsaken boat and perhaps get some action." he murmured out as he soon blinked a few times looking at the cloaked figure and the dwarf. Though he studied them a few moments before speaking, "Name is Krushak," he said to them though keep quieting. After all, he had heard tales on how dwarfs disliked other races especially of the orcish kind.

[Seegtease]

Khal turned his head to look at Krushak for a moment, looking directly into his eyes for a good few seconds with a look of irritation, until he turned again to look at the cloaked individual, for a briefer duration. He then resumes his previous posture, waiting for the commander.

[chefTENGU]

The awkward silence is broken by another entrance.

"Oh my… I didn't realize I'd been so tardy. You're all already here. One moment, this ought to make things a bit more cheerful in here."

He raises an his right hand and speaks a strange phrase, then touches his right hand to an object in his left. A seashell he is holding there begins to shed bright light, illuminating the entire tent. He places it on a table in the center.

He has elven features, but enough stubble to prove he is of human heritage as well; long dark brown hair with flecks of gray, green elven eyes, and a small, friendly smile. He is dressed in shining, ornate plate armor that covers most of his body, with a crescent moon engraving on the breastplate. An equally ornate shield is on his back, and he is wearing a longsword at his side.

"I got caught up investigating a rumor; I heard we had a man overboard this morning. Still, no one has been reported missing or hurt, so hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.

"The commander will be here shortly; she has much business to attend to as well. Until then, please, have a seat and relax."

He motions toward the simple cushioned stools and chairs before sitting down himself.

[Seegtease]

Khal didn't sit down right away, but looked at the man.

"We dwarves don't care much for ships, but only a damned fool would fall off, so I wouldn't call it much of a loss," Khal said, before sitting down, adding, "Of course, he was probably pushed."

[Z]

"It is good to get off that god forsaken boat and perhaps get some action," spoke the Orc. "Name is Krushak." Fenris, the sizable black wolf to Val's left, let out a low growl as he eyed Krushak. With a small gesture, Valandil silenced his beastly companion. It wasn't that the half-elf disapproved of the wolf's behavior. Quite the opposite. Valandil had no love for Orcs, but he did understand that there was a time and a place for conflict and this wasn't it.

The Dwarf didn't seem too eager to introduce himself, nor did he seem too receptive of the Orc's attempt at socializing. He just seemed reserved and ready for whatever duty his superior would assign him. Val liked him already.

Another figure entered the tent. One sharing similar physical traits to Val. After the other half-elf spoke, he offered the three a place to sit while they waited for the commander to enter.

Val seemed to be the first to accept the offer, taking his place on one of the cushioned stools. Fenris stayed at his side.

"While I don't know why we were called here," Valandil began to say, "I take it as no coincidence that we are all here at once. I would not be surprised if our futures are to be bound for at least a little while and, if such is the case, it probably wouldn't hurt to know what to call eachother. I am Valandil Coamenel and this," he said as he patted the wolf's head, "is the mighty Fenris."

[Killer_Man_]

He merely smirked as the two did not really talk to him, "Yes, it seems that we might have to work together so I hope that being half-orc won't be an issue." he said to them in a stern voice followed by a slight grunt. He knew that they didn't trust him but hey it wasn't his problem. He merely stood there near the entrance, not accepting the call to sit. He didn't trust them especially that wolf but there wasn't much he could do. It's not like he wanted to be one but it's what the fates gave him and he took advantage of it. He paused slightly, "Did any of you receive a parchment before we landed?" he said to them rather curiously.

[chefTENGU]

The newest arrival begins, "Yes, all of you should have received a letter from the commander…" but he stands immediately as two more people enter: a woman, elven and short of stature (only a few inches taller than Khal), but dressed in the crimson robes of an officer, and a human in chainmail.

"All stores from the Quiet Dawn are nearly ashore, Commander," he says.

"Very good," she turns around and punctuates her statements by pushing an index finger into the palm of her other hand. "Inform her crew and passengers that they are to scuttle her immediately once she's emptied; drag her ashore as far as possible and dismantle the ship, plank by plank, and I want the same thing done for the other two once they've been emptied as well."

"It will be done," he responds, though with a look of surprise.

"And spread the word: I want every capable mage we've got ready by evening to take that wood and assemble our fortifications. I'll be conducting the construction personally."

"Yes, at once!"

"You are dismissed. Move quickly, no telling what night may bring."

The human salutes stiffly before exiting. The elf turns back around with a swish of her robes and long black hair, seeing everyone already assembled.

"Ah, you're all here! Excellent. We'll begin right away."

[Seegtease]

Khal looks at the two again, and simply says, "Khal."

Moments later, some others arrive and talk for a moment, finally addressing the trio. Khal says nothing, but looks impatient.

[Z]

A small smirk formed upon Val's lips as he sensed adventure afoot. If they planned to dismantle the ships to use for lodgings, this trip was likely one-way. The half-elf couldn't help but feel all the more curious as to what the commander was about to tell them regarding their purpose here.

[chefTENGU]

She continues busying herself with various things in her tent, rummaging through her chests, as she speaks.

"You've no doubt gathered who I am; the one who sent you those letters you received yesterday. The man who met you here is one of my subordinates, Captain Sargeass."

He nods at the mention of his name.

"He is a seasoned and capable individual, as you three are. You have been selected specially for a reconnaissance mission; out of all the applicants who submitted themselves to the screening process, you three stood out. Coamenel, Waxbeard, and Krushak, you all demonstrate resourcefulness, strength, and courage which has set you apart from all your fellows.

"We need to know what's out there, we need to know what our first moves shall be. Our mission cannot move forward without you. Find out everything you can about this land, then return to make your report. Captain Sargeass has already been informed of your specific objectives, and will brief you all on them later."

[Z]

A recon mission, Val thought. Easy. He looked at his group of fellows and began pondering the outcome of certain situations, should they arise. The Dwarf and the Orcish fellow could provide the muscle necessary for any conflicts that may arise, while Val and Fenris could be the compass for which they travel.

Val was no slouch when it came to killing (in fact, he was quite adept), but there would likely be no one better than he when it came to navigating unknown terrain.

"Fantastic," Val finally said aloud without any sarcasm. As he continued to contemplate possible obstacles, he could not help but consider ways in which he could rid himself of the Orcish brute. Things happen in the wilderness, afterall. Sometimes brutal, horrific things.

[Killer_Man_]

He smirks as he stood there, putting one hand into the other in a 'popping knuckle'(you know like in Duke Nukem 3D) motion but really can not pop his knuckles while wearing plate, "Hmm, when can we start? I'm itching to get some action." he said smirking, adventure or not, he didn't care. He loved being able to take out anger on targets that threaten him or his 'comrades' and it payed well. After all, through out his life not many were receptive of who he was. When he joined the military, some did not care for him but hey, it was ability to give a name for himself and gain prestige for himself. Even though it wasn't his fault. Though he did look at the half elf, "So then, I assume you'll be the guide and Khal and I will dismantle anything that gets in our way." he said smirking, "That is, if that is what you two are thinking."

[Seegtease]

Khal didn't acknowledge Krushak's comment, but looked over to Val with an irritated look, using his eyes to motion that the object of his annoyance was the Orc, figuring he'd share the sentiment. Khal turned back to face the commander.

"Great. Where to start?"

[chefTENGU]

"Immediately," answers Arlemessia. "That is, once your mounts arrive. I've arranged to have a few horses requisitioned for your use. They should be arriving any moment now."

It isn't long before a young man in scale mail, wearing a simple wooden shield on his back and equipped with a mace, arrives at the entrance to the tent. Before he can speak, Arlemessia steps forward and announces him.

"And this must be Holt," she turns back to inform the others. "You'll be taking him along as well, he will be attending to you all as a squire; his training is nearly complete."

"You can't be serious…" bursts out Sargeass, who continues in heated elven. Arlemessia responds in kind, and Sargeass goes very quiet.

[Killer_Man_]

He sighed as he rubbed the back plate on his helm, he did seem a little young but he said nothing about it, "If we must, we must, the name is Krushak," he said though he watched the Dwarf and Half-Elf saying nothing, he rolled his eyes, "If there is nothing else then we should prepare to head out soon then, after all the Dwarf seems so eager to leave." he said giving a few snorts as he laughed. As he walked passed the Dwarf, "Look, we're going to have to get along, after all, it's not like I choosed to be Half-Orc." he said in a sneering remark, "I'll meet you three at the center of camp in one hour." he said as he left the tent to prepare.

[Seegtease]

Khal grinned at the mention of a squire.

"Excellent. An extra set of arms for any... treasures... we come upon might prove useful."

[Z]

Valandil listened to Elvish squabbling. At a certain point in Sargeass' rant, a face of curious excitement came over Val. Subtly, the helf-elf looked to the Orcish brute and the Dwarf to see if either had shown bodily signs of recognition for what had just been said. Neither appeared to understand the Elven tongue (or, at least, they didn't appear to react) and therefore must not have heard.

The Orcish brute then began to speak, ending with, "I'll meet you three at the center of camp in one hour," as he exited the tent. With him gone, Val locked eyes with the Dwarf but for a moment and gave a small sideways nod coupled with a very serious look, intending to indicate that he wanted to speak with him privately as soon as they got a chance.

Putting his attention back on the commander, the squire and Sargeass, he said, "Very well. We shall wait for the arrival of the steeds before setting off. Is there anything else we are permitted to know," He asked harshly with blatant indication that he understood every Elven word they had just spoken, "or are we dismissed?"

[chefTENGU]

Arlemessia shoots an angry glare at Sargeass.

"As I said, a further briefing awaits you in the field. Provided Holt brought the horses with him, you are all to leave immediately. Captain, go and fetch Krushak, we're not to have the slightest delay."

Sargeass immediately exits the tent to chase after Krushak.

Outside, there are indeed six horses; five are saddled and ready to go, a sixth is carrying bulky packs filled with supplies.

[Killer_Man_]

He merely shrugged, "As you wish." he said to Sargeass and soon returned inside the tent, he merely awaited for them to answer or set off, though he really had no formal training of riding steeds but he sure wouldn't have much trouble as long as the steed could handle his rather heavy form, especially with all the plate. He made no sound as he awaited. He already knew about the tension between the half elf and dwarf. He would surely keep his eye on them just in case of racial tensions.

[Seegtease]

Khal nodded to Val before exiting the tent himself, and prepared to mount up. It was clear they'd have to be on the road before he could talk to Val privately.

[deathofcheese]

Aneiren walked into the tent as indicated by Quartermaster Ferwick after gathering the mounts and outfitting them properly. He first notices the head officers of the expedition, offering a clumsy but well-intentioned salute, then stands at ease as he is introduced and then takes stock of the other individuals in the tent.

After a heated flurry between Arlemessia and Sargeass, the orc turned to leave the tent, which prompted Sargeass to follow him for retrieval. Arlemessia dropped not-so-subtle hints as to the status of the mounts, to which Aneiren stepped forward and offered, "Yes, our mounts have been prepared. They are awaiting us outside."

Aneiren follows the group outside to where the horses are tied up. He mumbles to himself, "Well, after this day began so well, it only seems like it's going to get worse before it gets better." Aneiren sighs and picks out a light brown horse that seemed docile and friendly enough when he was preparing the mounts earlier.

[chefTENGU]

The mounts are all warhorses; tough, aggressive, and brave versions of large draft horses. "Looks like the commander's not taking any chances," Sargeass says idly to no one in particular, as he checks the packs. "I'm sure these are the best she has to offer, too."

He stops what he is doing and approaches Aneiren, drawing something small from a pouch and pressing it into the young man's hand.

"Here lad, you'd better have this. Keep it in case things look dire."

He climbs onto a tawny brown horse, and calls for the others. Once all have climbed on, they make their way out of the camp together, with Aneiren holding the reins of the pack horse and Fenris keeping pace close to Valandil's side.

———————————

The land is flat and grassy, with only a few palms dotting the terrain. A few small animals, looking like tinier versions of the antelopes native to the mainland, graze and watch the travelers from a wary distance.

After several hours, Sargeass holds up his hand to call everyone to a halt.

"We'll make camp here tonight. We should take our meal while it's still light; no telling what night will bring."

[Seegtease]

Khal is happy to be off the horse, his Dwarven stature clearly not built to comfortably fit horses. But he sure didn't want to walk.

He walks around to stretch his legs, walking a little bit away from the rest of the group, and then makes a subtle gesture to Val.