[FIN]So You Want to Build an Army (Soibhan/Macaire/Rajani)

[Ashtiel Arykosa]

Palisade was so sprawling and teaming with activity that at first, Soibhan felt very out of her element. Being surrounded by such a vast number of people anytime she walked down the cobbled streets made her feel claustrophobic and ill at ease. She felt trapped and all she could think about was how hard it would be to defend herself adequately if the situation arose.

A new bow and quiver adorned her back, and a gleaming, razor edged short sword rode her hip, but what good would those do her in close confines? Already she'd nearly lost her coin to a cutpurse. Her dagger of all things seemed her best bet. After all, it had helped in the tavern against her captors back in Northport.

Thinking of that bar fight made her think of Rob Tiller and she sighed, wishing her pining thoughts away. After all, warriors didn't dream of a lost drunken night with a sailor they might never see again.

"Rajani, where is this meeting place o' yers?" she asked, her temper sour. It was her own no good fault too, damnit, though the sunny skies seemed to ruin her mood even more. Yesterday's downpour seemed a distant memory even as her boots grew sodden and muddied from the still wet cobbles. The worn violin case was a comforting weight in her hands.

"I hope this Macaire will help us. Not that I can't do it on me own," she assured, baring her teeth, "but his help would get us to our goal all the faster." She looked over her shoulder at the gypsy woman and her majestic Guardian.  

[Nyx Argyros]

As she had suspected, a journey south with a traveling companion of all things had been...interesting, to say the least. Oh, they had had their quarrels the first several days. The gypsy was used to her space and the Gaelic woman was headstrong and bossy and noisy, but they had reached a sort of equilibrium eventually. It had simply taken a few clashes. They had managed to Palisade without any blood spilt, if nothing else.

Of course, almost as soon as they had reached the capitol, they had parted ways with the promise to meet the next day. Rajani might have settled down enough to accept a temporary travel companion, and she might even consider her relationship with the woman to be bordering on friendship, but she still very much craved her space. There was no way that she was sharing her flat with anyone. Ever. The only ones who even knew she had it were the Freds, and that was only because they had given it to her. Well, the bloody noble probably knew, too, but that was besides the point. She had made it her sanctuary and she intended on keeping it that way.

After a blissful night and morning and afternoon to herself, she was feeling much refreshed. Now, she could face what would doubtless be a highly entertaining meeting under any other circumstances. Instead, she was certain that she would come out of it with yet another headache, but it would be worth it. She had arranged for Macaire to meet them at one of the unofficial headquarters for Chosen and their Guardians.

"It's called The Swan," she replied, blatantly ignoring Soibhan's foul mood. "And it's just there." She indicated a...well, it looked more like a compound now, rather than the simple brothel that it had once solely housed. Oh, it was all very tasteful on the outside, and the main building looked unchanged, but what lie behind it? Not so much. There were training grounds hidden back there, and stables and a barracks of sorts. It was much more than met the eye.

She wondered whether they ought to go through the main building or slip around back. She was rather thirsty.  

[LoveByLetters]

There is an open space, off in the middle, which is where Macaire and Cadence await them, although this had not been Macaire's first choice. He'd have preferred a table in the tavern, with a cool drink and pleasant scenery (it was the Swan, after all). But Cadence has had a burr in his hide since this morning, and so it's off to the yard they've gone, to try and expend some of Cadence's endless reserves of energy. Some enterprising soul has set up targets -- unlike Macaire's crude straw men, these are built to the shape of wolves, in so much as someone has added a fake cloth head and stuck a tail into either end of a bale of straw. Nonetheless Cadence is treating the matter quite seriously, and as Macaire stands at one end of the yard the Guardian paces back and forth in front of him several times. He is strikingly handsome, in this new shape of his, with his broad barrel chest and his curving, curling tail, lashing from side to side with impatience.

Suddenly Macaire gives the word, a peculiar sound in his own tongue, and Cadence launches himself suddenly across the yard at the offending straw bale. Upon reaching it, he assaults the straw with his antlers, digging them in and jerking his head back and up so that the straw goes flying in every direction, then rearing up to kick with his front feet, then bringing his antlers down again in a mad frenzy. Despite the fact that the straw is his only victim, there is something .. well, violent about the scene, something brutal and fierce. It is unsettling to see from a creature assumed to be a herbivore, perhaps even frightening to those who are accustomed to the gentler Guardians.

Even worse, when he is surrounded by bits of straw and his chest heaves with the effort of it all, across the way Macaire calls another unfamiliar word -- Siobhan might recognize it, might understand that he's called for the Guardian to stop -- and Cadence gives his head one last shake and trots over to the tall man. A first glance at him has frightened many a poor soul, though someone from Scotland is less likely to fear an Irishman, for all that they might be just as unlikely to be fond of one. He is tall and scarred and fierce, and as Cadence approaches him he is scowling a bit, but Cadence ..

.. well, despite his awakening Cadence has not stopped being, essentially, Cadence. So the Guardian is dancing with glee, a happy little jig more suited to a colt, his tail whipping about with pleasure, ears forward, and he sticks his face right into Macaire's hair, and whuffles at his ears, and wiggles, and squirms, and pushes at his chest and demands to have his ears scratched. Even Macaire cannot maintain a sober front for long, but sputters a laugh and tries to push him back. "Go ain, ye great lump! Aye, aye, ye've killt it, ye have, that's right enough. Calm doon! 'Tis the Swan we're at, not nae empty field! Bound tae be someone watching yer foolishness."  

[Ashtiel Arykosa]

As soon as Soibhan caught sight of the other Guardian, just as massive and majestic as Oberon, she stopped and stared. Seeing the creature fight the 'wolf' was awe inspiring. Here was a warrior, a being fully capable of battling the wolves. Though she had no doubt Oberon was just as capable, actually seeing such ferocity gave her a better idea as to the capabilities of these Guardians.

The fact that he was another Awakened Guardian both surprised her and didn't. Rajani had recommended Macaire specifically for the task of training the Guardians to fight. Of course his Guardian would be awakened. This one did seem a little more exuberant than Oberon, however. More playful, where the gypsy's companion seemed more aloof, almost catlike.

"Another Awakened," she called out with a smile as Cadence molested his Chosen with affection. Macaire's accent threw her off at first; she hadn't expected an Irish(Airesh?) man, but she didn't feel the stab of instant distrust that her brother or father might have felt. "Gorgeous creature, 'e is. I wouldna want to be on the wrong end o'is antlers."

Stopping before them, she gave the two a slight dip of her head. "Are ye bein' this Macaire Rajani been talkin' aboot?" she asked, holding out her hand for a shake and trying not to look dubious at the sight of the Swan behind him. It didn't look much like a training facility to her...Than again, she hadn't expected to find giant magical deer in this strange country either.

((I honestly have no idea how to type a scottish accent? So I've been winging it throughout all my rps xD Forgive me if it's just atrocious OTL))  

[Nyx Argyros]

Upon seeing the annoying younger Guardian frolicking like a pup, Oberon cocked an ear back in disdain. Some things never changed. A flick of the tail and a loud bellow was all the warning he gave before charging Cadence. The younger male might be larger than him, but last they had met, they were still well-matched in a tussle. Time to see if that held true.

Rajani's lips quirked. Boys, no matter their species, would be boys. Oh, well. It was good practice for the both of them until they met the wolves themselves. At the very least, they would not actually try to kill each other.

"Macaire," she said with a nod.  

[LoveByLetters]

It's good that Oberon gives that warning bellow, for it gives Macaire time to hop aside -- time enough for Cadence to toss his head and brace himself, ready to lock antlers with the other buck. With so little warning, he may miss, his antlers swiping the air just past Oberon, but now it is on! And this is most certainly Cadence's idea of a good time. He will dance back with very little stagger, backing up just so that he can charge at the other Guardian, to lock antlers with him in earnest, head tossing.

Macaire greets this with swearing under his breath, his shoulders tense .. but he recognizes the other Guardian just in time, and relaxes by inches, rolling his shoulders back as he steps back towards the fence and the two approaching women.

And stares.

This is not generally like the amiable soldier, who is commonly thought of as being a bit slow because he is so good-natured, but when he'd gotten Rajani's message, he hadn't thought --

"Yer from Scootland, are ye?" There's a bland evenness to his voice, so carefully stripped of emotion that it does not seem to belong to him at all. For a long moment he looks at Siobhan's hand, hanging in the air between them, and then with a wry grimace he sighs and takes her hand in both of his own. His hands are quite large and heavily calloused, but despite this his touch is gentle as he holds her hand in his, then pats the back of her hand gently, as another man might comfort a child. It's plain he does not much appreciate her background -- but presumably Rajani is vetting her, so he has decided to put up with her. "He b'ain't nae gorgeous creatoor, really. More like a gurt fool." Snorting, he leans back, arms folding over his chest. "Oi'm half afeared tae hear what our lass has been telling of me." He has a smile for Rajani, easy and warm, giving better hints of his character than his caution over Siobhan's origins.  

[Ashtiel Arykosa]

Soibhan noticed his surprise, then the way his face blanked, and she tried not to scowl. Sure, her people and the Airesh didn't have the greatest history, but she was not defined by the actions of those before her. Already she'd gotten incredulous stares from the upper crust ladies they'd passed on the streets, and dumbfounded ones from the men as they stared at her weapons and clothing. She'd bared her teeth at them all, uncaring of their views of her.

So why then did this Macaire's reaction irk her so?

"Aye, I'm from Gaels," she said lightly, trying to ignore the way he patted her hand like a child. In a sort of retaliation, she tightened her grip as hard as she could. Her brother had always taught her that first impressions were the most important, and a strong, assertive handshake tended to speak volumes. "And yer from Airelund," she continued, her smile turning a little wolfish. "Now tha' we 'ave that out the way, I'd like ta buy ya some ale. O'course, once these fine beasties be done fightin'."

To her, Cadence seemed far from a foolish creature, but who was she to argue with a man about his own Guardian? The way the two stags fought, however, continued to awe her and she enjoyed watching them. They had a fierceness about them now, but with enough reservation to keep from harming each other. This was no petty territorial fight, but a duel of sorts. No intent to harm, because what good were two Guardians injured because of their own foolishness? She wondered which of them would 'win' this little contest.

Nyx Argyros

 

[Nyx Argyros]

Heedless of the nearby humans, Oberon charged past Cadence's near miss and whirled around to meet the next attack head on. Antler to antler, it was a contest of strength. Regardless of whoever won that first push, he would rear back with a toss of the head and challenge Cadence anew.

For her part, the gypsy frowned at the pair of humans. Bloody national rivalry. They had more important things to worry about than old prejudices - like the preservation of human life in Sunderland. Seeing as neither was yet making a large fuss of it, however, she decided to leave it be for the time being. If it became an issue, she could always knock some sense into the pair of them later.

"Only what's true," she promised the soldier. Somehow, that did not sound as comforting as such innocuous words should. She glanced at Soibhan. "That may be a while," she informed the other woman. "Unless you want to stay and watch, you may want to get that ale now." She shrugged. "Or we could drink out here. No rule against that."

Despite the vicious appearance of the Guardians' attacks, Rajani was not concerned about leaving them unsupervised. They were both experienced enough by now to know where to draw the line.  

[LoveByLetters]

Ashtiel Arykosa

Siobhan has taken precisely the right note with the old soldier -- a route just as sure but far easier than Rajani's well-vetted ability to knock sense into those who had need of it. The offer of ale lightens the mood considerably, with Macaire at once giving Siobhan a well-you-aren't-so-bad-after-all sort of look, as if all the history and all the tradition of fierce rivalry can be easily set aside for the sake of a drink or two. "Aye," he says amiably, "if it's ye as will be buying, we can take it out here, or in stable. Cain't say much for me ability to talk, if'n we go inside." As easily as he says this, he suddenly seems to recall his audience and their location .. and for all that he towers over the average man here, for all that he looks like he's been through multiple wars and come out swinging, he flushes like a green lad, realizing he's just candidly spoken of the fact that if they sat inside, he'd be unable to think for staring at the Swan's comely serving wenches.

Somewhere between mortified and horrified, he pushes away from the fence and heads off towards the tavern itself. "Er .. oi'll go fetch a lass, tell her we'll have a few rounds out here watchin' the lads, aye?"

Cadence meanwhile seems to regard this as a grand game; he is snorting over and over again, a pattern that occasionally sounds like laughter. Once more he shall have a slight advantage, which can again be overcome with cleverness; although he is larger and heavier, he is not so intent upon winning, and Oberon could very well take advantage of his carelessness. Just now he dances aside, hoping to turn about in time to run his antlers along Oberon's side, just firmly enough to feel the press of them.  

[Ashtiel Arykosa]

She watched him sputter after mentioning the inside of the Swan but kept her mouth shut until he disappeared inside to fetch the serving wench. As soon as the door shut, she jumped over to where Rajani leaned, watching the stags.

"Wha' exactly is this place?? It doona look like any army base I've seen 'afore." She wiggled her fingers at the main building. "It's too flowery and pretty! And why'd he blush? Huh? All stern and frownin' one minute, blushin' and fumblin' like a wee lad the next!"

Her gaze caught Cadence's grazing blow out of the corner of her eye and turned to watch, crossing her arms over her chest. The day was cool, the breath of each stag misting lightly about them, but the sun itself was so warm she felt more than content with sitting outside while they talked and drank. It would give her more of a chance to watch the sparring guardians and learn how they fought, things she needed to know if she were to help train them.  

[Nyx Argyros]

The gypsy grinned wickedly at Soibhan's questions. "Macaire has delicate sensibilities," she explained. "It's all well and good out here, where the proprietress has organized this little haven for Chosen and Guardians alike, but he would be too mortified to have a conversation with ladies in the midst of a brothel."

In a sense, the strengths of the Guardians were reversed. Now Cadence is the larger and heavier and Oberon, the swifter and more nimble. The difference was not enormous, but any little edge helped, particularly since the older stag retained his cleverness whereas Cadence still simply wanted to play. Oberon lunged forward before Cadence could fully reposition himself, lashing out with his hind legs to either softly strike the younger stag or ward him off so Oberon could circle around.

Had Rajani been riding him, she could have struck Cadence with her sword on the pass - something that Soibhan might take note of should she not be too shocked by Rajani's words.  

[LoveByLetters]

(Inside, Macaire is wondering about the intelligence of leaving the two women alone, surely to talk about him. What if Rajani tells Siobhan about his embarrassment over Rajani possibly having to wear pants when she rode Oberon? Or the fact that he didn't even believe in Guardians, when he first met them? Small gods have mercy! He needs to get back out there immediately!)

This blow takes Cadence by surprise, and he backs away. The snorting laughter stops abruptly as he suddenly takes Oberon for a more serious opponent -- which is perhaps a good thing. Until now Cadence has only practiced against stationary targets, or in playing games of catch-me with his Chosen, neither of which could have adequately prepared him for actual mock combat. He dances back and back again, trying to prevent Oberon from coming in behind him, and turns with a great swing of his head, to use his great rack of antlers to keep Oberon back.  

[Ashtiel Arykosa]

Soibhan blinked. Then she doubled over in a blast of laughter, her arms around her middle. "Och, Mr. Macaire can enjoy the ladies all 'e wants! I doona care one bit!" She wiped a tear from her eye, lifting her head in time to see a particularly nice move by Oberon.

Unknowingly mirroring Rajani's thoughts, she pictured how the battle might look with one of the stags carrying their chosen, the other as a wolf. Fighting ahorse seemed very similar to her, but the guardians, these two in particular larger than her own warhorses back home, were much lighter and swifter on their feet, seemingly turning on the tips of their hooves to face each other again after each charge.

"Tis an amusing gesture ta turn a brothel into a trainin' facility." The Gaelic woman glanced around, curious as to what the rest of the grounds held. "Not quite big enough, though. If'n we plan to gather any sizeable amount o' fighters, we be needin' more space afore long."  

[Nyx Argyros]

"Oldcastle was the seat of the Wardens," she said. "Though much of it is in ruin now." It was more of an observation than a suggestion. Who could say where the most strategic location was for a base of operations.

The gypsy snorted softly to herself. Doubtless, that bloody noble would want her to investigate the former capitol next. If the wolves were retreating with the change of the season, then the next thing to do would be to delve into the history of the Wardens. Know thyself. Where better to do that than Oldcastle. Oh, well. At least it was already on her itinerary.

For his part, Oberon was pleased. It was about time that the great lump of a brat started taking things seriously. He danced away from the slashing antlers, lowering his head to come in low.  

[LoveByLetters]

It is then that Macaire will return at a quick walk, an earnest expression on his scarred face, holding a set of three mugs in one hand, and a small platter balanced carefully in the other. He manages somehow to carry the mugs without slopping the liquid inside about, which can perhaps unkindly be said to do with the great amount of practice he has had drinking. Nor has he made the mistake of thinking that since he is speaking with women they would want daintier beverages; all three mugs are of good, strong beer. The platter has a single large hunk of bread and a slab of cheese, presumably for them to share between themselves; once he gets close enough he balances this on a fence-post and offers a mug to each of the others.

"Here ye are," he offers, with only a glance for the two Guardians in the ring. "Best spakeing's done with a wet throat, aye?" He regards them both curiously, having managed to regain some of his composure, such that the flush under his scars has mostly faded. "Yer lad's message were a bit spare," he offers offhandedly to Rajani, as he toasts the ladies with his mug before taking a swallow. "What 'xactly were it ye wished tae have words on?"

On the field of battle Cadence bellows a challenge, even as he dances out of the way, and then -- perhaps thinking that he is still more nimble than Oberon, despite his great size -- he turns on his heels and takes off across the clearing with his tail flagged. At first this may puzzle Oberon, which he intends for it to; it looks precisely as if he is running away. But this is a calculated retreat, and he will taunt Oberon with sharp barks of sound similar to laughter until the other Guardian follows. Then, dipping his head, he plunges his antlers into the lupine target he had earlier been decimating .. and flings an antler's full of straw directly into the other Guardian's face.