General Zaman and the Tribune have committed to the occupation. We cannot appear weak now by simply withdrawing, and so we must address the concerns of the residents. They gripe about our presence, and yet without it, they would still be fleeing from their farms every dusk. Zenith held that island before, but they did nothing to rid it of the monster problem.
So we will rid them of it. I and two others have been tasked with assembling teams to search for the source of the beasts and root it out.
[ There's a bump of surprise through their connection; given Hayame's strict standards, Gray wouldn't have expected to make the jinba's cut. But the surprise quickly smooths into ready acceptance, responsibility an anchor to her spirit. If Hayame feels Gray is reliable enough for the job, then Gray won't take that esteem lightly. And besides, it sounds like a sensible purpose; she's as eager as anyone to make sure the people of Alenroux are happy with them (if a bit less critical about the farmers' attitude than Hayame is). ]
I understand. I won't let you down.
[ It's as simple as that. Less simple will be the arrangement of care for her chickens and Johnny's horse... though actually, ]
Will it be alright if I bring a horse along as well? She does very well in a fight.
[ Slow Dancer requires permission more than any other horse... ]
[ "Beast" is a pretty good description. Gray doesn't have the heart to tell Hayame that she'll only be riding Slow Dancer if Slow Dancer feels like giving her permission to do so, but either way she's sure the horse will be an asset. ]
She'll be okay. Slow Dancer is a braver horse than most people are.
[ And more violent too. ]
Then... if there's nothing else I need to know, I'll start preparing now.
[Little does she know she's going to recognize this horse...
But first, the passing thought... "Slow Dancer"? What a weird name. Not that she thinks naming horses in the first place makes any sense, but. ... Fine. She can still trust Gray even if she names her horse something like that.]
There is one more thing.
The General thinks that the source of the monsters may have something to do with that man Aetos. That the witch Yima might be working with him in some way- that it would explain why she never attempted to clear the monsters in Alenroux.
I participated on the raid of Aetos' laboratory in Kowloon to retrieve Vander, some months back. He is a powerful sorcerer, and the traps in that place were deadly. I need you to be ready for that possibility.
[ The more dangerous the venture, the more keenly she feels the absence of her usual weapon-slash-partner-in-crime, Add. She'll be feeling it even more given his ability to eat magic... but she won't let her lack turn into cowardice. Surely there's still plenty she can do. ]
I understand. Can you tell me a bit more about what kinds of traps and magic he used?
In honesty, I do not understand the magic that was involved in his traps. But I have asked Akua, who is a powerful sorceress, to accompany me as well. I will ask her to brief you.
There were puzzles and hidden doors and sigils that triggered things... But that was in a base he had constructed. Hopefully there is no such compound in Alenroux.
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no subject
I require your expertise in Alenroux.
It will likely take several days. If you can commit, I will brief you.
no subject
Alright. I'll make the time. What should I prepare for?
no subject
General Zaman and the Tribune have committed to the occupation. We cannot appear weak now by simply withdrawing, and so we must address the concerns of the residents. They gripe about our presence, and yet without it, they would still be fleeing from their farms every dusk. Zenith held that island before, but they did nothing to rid it of the monster problem.
So we will rid them of it. I and two others have been tasked with assembling teams to search for the source of the beasts and root it out.
I would have you on that team.
no subject
I understand. I won't let you down.
[ It's as simple as that. Less simple will be the arrangement of care for her chickens and Johnny's horse... though actually, ]
Will it be alright if I bring a horse along as well? She does very well in a fight.
[ Slow Dancer requires permission more than any other horse... ]
no subject
So I am trusting in your abilities.
[It's that simple. Surely.]
If the beast won't throw you when it scents monster, then bring it.
[They can move faster that way.]
no subject
She'll be okay. Slow Dancer is a braver horse than most people are.
[ And more violent too. ]
Then... if there's nothing else I need to know, I'll start preparing now.
[ She has some shopping to do!! ]
no subject
But first, the passing thought... "Slow Dancer"? What a weird name. Not that she thinks naming horses in the first place makes any sense, but. ... Fine. She can still trust Gray even if she names her horse something like that.]
There is one more thing.
The General thinks that the source of the monsters may have something to do with that man Aetos. That the witch Yima might be working with him in some way- that it would explain why she never attempted to clear the monsters in Alenroux.
I participated on the raid of Aetos' laboratory in Kowloon to retrieve Vander, some months back. He is a powerful sorcerer, and the traps in that place were deadly. I need you to be ready for that possibility.
no subject
I understand. Can you tell me a bit more about what kinds of traps and magic he used?
no subject
There were puzzles and hidden doors and sigils that triggered things... But that was in a base he had constructed. Hopefully there is no such compound in Alenroux.