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Jul 3, 2021 19:05:54 GMT -8
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Post by Roderick on Jul 3, 2021 19:05:54 GMT -8
```Name: Roderick Starting Land: I’m not sure but let’s say Central Lands New Land: North Lands Steps Required: 1 Thread Type: Misson/Travel NOTE: If you are ever in doubt as to what type of thread your Travel Thread counts as, assume it is a Personal Saga for the sake of rewards and abilities.) Thread Link: (If this Travel Thread is a continuation or part of any other thread, mission, bounty, spar, etc. link the original thread here. If it is not, leave this blank) K. Mode of Travel: Normal. (If you have no special abilities affecting your travel, this will be “Normal”. If you have a Vehicle, Are using Effort Points, or are doing Leisure Travel, indicate it here. If you are using any ability to reduce your word count, make sure to indicate it here as well. So this may appear as “Leisure Travel, Vehicle: Personal Yacht, 25% Reduction to Travel Time” or “Flying Nimbus, 50% Reduction to Travel Time”)```
He wasn’t sure when he started his travel. He wasn’t sure how he started his travel. Wait, no, he does know that one. He remembered there being something about a town in trouble. About to be in trouble anyways. A snowstorm going to happen and they need all the hands they could get to clear the snow. He looked back at his bag, checking to see if he still had his warm clothes in there. It was just going to get colder as he went up North. Once he saw he had his warm clothes, and the rations he had packed, he tied it up and hung it on his shoulder. It was oddly peaceful being alone like this. Not having to worry about any people or having a screen in your face. It was… nice out here.
Okay, no, this was boring. There was no one to talk to and he was starting to regret not bringing a portable charger. Plus, it wasn’t too long in his journey that he was starting to get chilly. He paused to crouch, seeing his warm breath puff out a cloud as he took out his warm clothing, not paying too much to his surroundings. There couldn’t be anyone near him, right? Oh god, what if he really was here alone?
Word count: 218
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Jul 4, 2021 19:48:18 GMT -8
Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 4, 2021 19:48:18 GMT -8
Colonel Azure - or as those in her inner circle truly knew her, General Cerola - led the squad of Auxiliaries as they trekked through the forest. This was part of their training regimen, as they made their way north, to Yunzabit, where their true goal lay, imprisoned beneath a mountain of ice. They were in training for arboreal combat. Anywhere with the terrain dominated by trees, whether forest or jungle or something else. And where better to train for such a thing than an actual forest? The two squads of nine each - and their commanding officer - weren't too far off from the nearest Dragoon encampment. There would be no true emergencies here. But it was far enough that a little manageable risk was present. Enough that they would need to rely on their wits to get back in time for supper. As of now, it was a simple march. There wasn't anything to shoot at just yet. But in time, they would reach their destination for the day to get into some war games. "In the treelands, your greatest enemy is the lack of visibility," the colonel preached as she climbed her way up a rocky incline. The troops followed suit. "Which is why you must master it with your other senses."She waited at the top as the two squads worked to get to the top by the time she was done speaking. "You must also learn to master the topography. Once you know the lay of the land, you can turn this enemy into a friend... and use it against your enemies." These were basic principles, of course. Learn the workings of the forest, so you could turn its obscurity to your advantage in the need to defend. "In a proper setup, a small unit should easily be able to sow confusion and panic even in a force several times its size."As such, it was up to her to teach this fresh blood the way to fight. But something wasn't quite right. And it was an all-too-familiar sensation. Nothing so supernatural as the tingling of her spine, of course. Just some small observations of the surrounding area. The way the wildlife sounded. They weren't alone. And whoever it was wasn't too far away. Cerola held up her fist, and just as quickly, the two squads took elevated covered positions where they could. Another series of quick hand signals, and the two pointmen snuck forward to investigate ahead of the group. They reported back quickly enough, and after some quick deliberation, she nodded to herself. "Corporal Maples, assume command and continue the lecture. Fireteam Able, on me. Keep your distance, and show me how much you've learned about stealth."With the acknowledgement of her orders, the two groups parted ways. Cerola led the way to this new development, the four members of Fireteam Able following from a distance where they could remain hidden. In case things went bad, she would at least have some backup. She doubted it was anything serious, but it was always good to prepare. Nearby, along a dirt path, a teenager sat crouched, retrieving some cold-weather clothes from his bag. Just another traveler, perhaps. But she would find out soon enough. "Heading north?" she asked, in as casual a way as possible. You know... so she didn't end up scaring or provoking him. [558/558] Roderick
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Jul 4, 2021 20:31:24 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by Roderick on Jul 4, 2021 20:31:24 GMT -8
He felt himself tense up at the voice. He turned to meet the voices gaze, staring at the blue haired woman then. He was a bit surprised, to say the least, when he saw them wearing a militaristic uniform in the middle of a forest. He then realized they asked a question and wondered how to respond. Should he be honest? Lie? Divert the question? This could just be some random person ready to rob him or worse. They did have important looking clothing though. Just because they looked important didn’t mean they had his best intentions. “Um… Yes.” He answered honestly.
“Who’re you?” He asked his own question. He probably should’ve asked why they were wearing that outfit. Were they apart of an official military? What if this was part of some rogue unit? Wait… something was off. They were wearing that uniform in the middle of a forwst. They seemed calm and just walked up to him. Was… was someone watching him. He suddenly felt walls surround him.
The chilly air momentarily reminded him that he was cold. He quickly pulled out his sweater. He couldn’t put on his long sleeved shirt now. He felt goosebumps ride up his arm as the cold wind blew against him. He shifted in place, sticks crunching under his footing. Just the small shifting of him putting on his sweater made the twigs snap… why couldn’t he hear her then? He should’ve been able to hear her but he didn’t… how didn’t he hear her?
(“253 words. 471 words in total.”)
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Jul 4, 2021 20:57:33 GMT -8
Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 4, 2021 20:57:33 GMT -8
"Gets cold up there this time of year. Good thing you're ready." Cerola gestured at his sweater as she found a log to sit on. When you were in hostile terrain, comfort was a luxury, and survival was essential. So who was this kid? Again, still hard to say. Of course it wasn't like she was in any position to be hiding her own identity, but it was understandable if he still preferred to stay private, given how little they knew about each other. In diplomacy, then, it was good to take the initiative to secure trust, in the hope that they reciprocated in kind. It wasn't always the case, of course, but when a good deal was made, both sides tended to benefit. On the smallest scale of individuals, it was a similar principle. Give them a reason to trust you, and they should. In which case that called for a degree of honesty. Well... at least within the scope of her public identity, one she had had many years to get perfectly comfortable with. "I'm Azure, a private military contractor. My troops and I just happen to be in the area, training in forest combat."No need to let him know that they too were headed north. Cerola took out a ration from her pack. Nothing fancy, just a chocolate bar. High in calories. Great for staying alive under highly strenuous circumstances. She took a bite before continuing. It was something of a signal. Not so much a specifically defined one, but one of a number of loose signals that were for "common sense". Sitting down and getting something to eat. Contact had been established, and the unknown has, at least for now, been deemed non-hostile. Fireteam Able maintained their current status, quietly observing the situation from the darkness of the woods. For now, at least, there was no danger. Now, she was back to asking a question. "And who might you be?" Maybe with enough of an exchange, they could find some mutual value in each other. [340/898] Roderick
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Jul 5, 2021 10:26:47 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by Roderick on Jul 5, 2021 10:26:47 GMT -8
He wasn’t sure how to feel about this lady trying to start up small talk first. He just wore his sweater, a little on guard at the simple gesture to his warm attire. He felt better with it on and wondered if he should sit down with her or keep standing. He went with just awkwardly standing there.
His head tilted up at what she said. Private military? That would explain the uniform. Okay, he really wasn’t supposed to be here. He now knew what that bad feeling was and began to look around at his surroundings. He should’ve stayed home.
He was going to say he was going to leave until he heard her ask the question as to who he was. He internally sighed and decided to answer once again. “Roderick. Roderick’s the name… well… at least that’s my nickname anyway.” He answered as he began to look around once again. “Um… did I intrude onto your training?” He hoped there weren’t repercussions. He didn’t even know there was training happening here. There wasn’t exactly a sign around here. Wait, if she really was from a private military, where were her guys? They were probably around here…
(“199 Words. 670 words in total.”)
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Jul 5, 2021 18:09:45 GMT -8
Post by Emargine "Azure" Cerola on Jul 5, 2021 18:09:45 GMT -8
Cerola continued to munch on her chocolate bar ration. If anything, this kid definitely had a good sense of caution about him. His alertness didn't waver even as he put on his sweater to prepare himself for the cold of the north. And even after telegraphing a signal of low tension, he considered it better to remain standing rather than join her on the log. Stalwart at keeping up his guard. If he decided to just go right here, she wouldn't blame him. Strange PMC's out in the forest just walking up to you would definitely set up warning flags in anyone with good basic common sense. But even after she explained who she was and asked for his name in return, he opted to answer. Briefly, she wondered if he was frustrated at the continuing engagement, or genuinely confident in sticking around. "Roderick, huh? It's a good strong name, nickname or otherwise."Internally, she smiled, as Roderick started looking around. It was understandable. When you say you're training with your troops, and those troops aren't visible, they start to get a little antsy. Especially when they happened to be traveling alone, oblivious to what was going on perhaps just a few hundred feet away. "Not really. I have assistants overseeing the training in my absence. I was just amused to find someone going this way. We try our best to stay away from people so as to not bother them."She took another bite from her chocolate bar. "But now that you've found our training area, well have to kill you."For one long second, the mercenary leader paused. And then she broke out laughing. "I'm kidding. We're not that kind of PMC." Cerola finished the last bit of her chocolate bar and tucked the wrapper away in a side pocket. "So relax. Those men that you're watching out for are only there to guard me. And since you seem like a good kid, they won't do a thing."She took out two more chocolate bars and held one out to Roderick as a peace offering. "Because like I said. We're not that kind of PMC. We have high ethical standards."[362/1260] Roderick
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Jul 5, 2021 18:42:22 GMT -8
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Post by Roderick on Jul 5, 2021 18:42:22 GMT -8
He wasn’t sure if him internally shaking was from the cold or something else about the lady. He managed to not visibly shake but inside, he was shook.
He then was taken aback by her compliment. Was this to lower his guard or what? He just decided to take it at face value and felt good about himself in awhile. He wanted to know why she thought it was a strong name though. “If I may ask… why do you think that?” He held in his ‘Mam’ since he really didn’t know how old this girl was. She could be in her early 20’s for all he knows. She did look young if he was being honest.
He didn’t like how she said that. ‘amused’. Made it sound ominous and not at all friendly. He almost forgot the rest of what she said. Soon as he zoned back in, he heard what she said. ‘We’ll have to kill you.’. His body reacted on its own as he quickly hit the deck, falling on his stomach as he put hands over his head, expecting gunfire to follow soon…
He was confused when it was silent. He was going to try and roll to the sides, thinking some sniper or soldiers were readjusting their aim when he heard laughter coming from the lady. He looked over to her, now visibly shaking as he stood up. He felt embarrassed and just a t a d bit angry at this cruel joke she pulled. He was panting and then crossed his arms. You cross your arms when you are upset, right?
”That wasn’t funny.” His voice was just a little shaky which didn’t help with him trying to sound serious. He had went into fight or flight mode. He genuinely thought his life was in danger! He tried to listen to her over the beating of his heart and the loud pumping of blood in his ears. He looked at the chocolate bar, considering wether to accept it after all that. If she wanted to hurt him, capture him, or kill him, they probably could’ve already. He decided to walk over and take it gently. He didn’t want to upset her incase they really were that type of Military group or PMC. Whatever that meant. He looked at the chocolate bar, feeling how cold it was in his hands as he held it against his chest. He then stared back at her, not eating the bar as he stood in-front of her.
(“418 words. 1,088 words in total.”)
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