First thing they knew some goons were there to round them up in the morning. Their faces were cold plates, rusted over just enough by the five o'clock shadow to make it seem like they were more human than machine; yet at the same time their intentions were obscured. No one could see into their hearts through their eyes, but to do so would have been looking too far past the brass tax of the visit. The wizard give a weary look toward the rest of them and went out first. He faded into darkness, and it took a moment for the dust to reclaim the small strands of light which held up the ceiling. “Now then… What a good example!” The Commander was dripping his venomous enthusiasm everywhere. “I expect the same spark out in the field today.”
Out past the town was a little stretch of barren land ideal for training: it didn’t give them anything too pretty to get distracted with, was essentially the same all year ‘round and required no real upkeep, and generally had the feel one might expect to be overcome with when launching oneself off the cliff of comfy life in the city and into the midnight curtain of the sea below; the craggy matador ready to pull the second hope away from them half way through the fall. It was like this for many Hylians. The army had a habit of cutting one or two out of the pack no matter how hard they worked.
“You have to be born to do this,” said one of the men next to them in line as they were awaiting inspection. They were told to just stand there, monuments to stubbornness in the sun. The mohawked man stood taller than he was on paper, and wore an extra couple chips on his shoulder just in case.
“Ibiza.” He didn’t move. His eyes and mouth were in disagreement, one smiling and the other on the verge of collapse. The man, mid-thirties, just stood there, locked onto the horizon.
They stood like this for what could have been hours, and not even the shadows on the ground moved. They just lived in that slow glug of time brought on by heat for a time. The Wizard looked as though he was ready to pass out, and, like dominos, his weakness cued in others that it was time to start struggling. One by one they started to drop. Soon Ibiza was one of the only ones left.
“Magic… Infantry… Ballistics…” The Commander was making his way down the line. He finally got to Ambiance and, turning his head only for a moment, said nothing but motioned for her to follow him. The rest he decided without much thought. Some he sent home right there. To Ibiza he gave a snide smirk and sent him to infantry. Then he went to a small tent at the corner of the field. There it would be cool and rich with the smell of accomplished men.
“Sit,” he ordered with a flick toward the only chair open. It was about three elbows away from one of the larger generals from the war room from before. “Good of you to come out, Miss Yun,” he said finally looking at her for more than a second. “Welcome to our tactical division.”
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
Naturally, the morning did come. With it, they moved out and to the training fields where others were gathered also. Some seemed excited, eager to prove themselves worthy and able to help defend their country. Some were disgruntled and yet others were furious with feeling pressured or even forced to be here. While the early morning had been mild, once the sun rose, it soon and quickly heated up. All were set in a line and all were set to different training tasks, moved to different groups for their specific brand of crash-course training.
Ambiance watched the efforts that were made from a distance, and felt a unique anticipation as the commander went down the line and declared what each individual would be tasked to accomplish. It was going to be rough. Though, compared to the rigors that the battlefield itself would demand, Ambiance suspected that this field was nothing at all.
They stood. They waited. She worried for her friends and the people who were kind enough to accept her without hesitation. Seeing the stress merely standing in this weather did to them worried her deeply. They stood still, as ordered. They waited. The commander came slowly down the line, directing people one way or another with a simple word. Then, it was her turn. Her eyes were fixed on the commander, lacking the military discipline as politeness demanded that she pay attention when expecting someone to speak to her. When he did see her he merely motioned for her to follow.
This broke the pattern of voice. He did continue to direct others to their various assignments and silently she followed. She cast one last look behind her to those she stood beside in line as she began to leave them... Then she turned her gaze forward. Her sword was at her side, her belt set at her hip, her boots and trousers suggesting that she was prepared to travel. A coat was tied just over her belt and around her waist by the sleeves. It was too hot to wear, but she had it closeby nevertheless.
Inside the tent were familiar strangers to Ambiance. She knew no names beyond the commander. Each held an imposing sense of self that radiated from them. Power and position, influence and experience. These men were soldiers who knew their command and position. She was directed to a seat, and obeying the simple command, she took it. She felt dwarfed by the large general not terribly far away.
Tactical division.
She would readily admit that she hadn't quite been expecting this particular turn. She was considered wise enough to be present for strategy meetings?
I must have made an impression, she thought to herself. The memory was briefly recalled of her speaking before the king and princess and with the generals listening nearby. Some of whom had spoken up against her testimony, and rightfully so. Because she was a stranger to them and their lands, they had little reason to believe her story then. As she remembered, she had only acted as an eloquent messenger. There must have been a reason behind this particular decision.
"Thank you, but if I may... I don't know how much help I can be with tactics or strategy-making."
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
"Not yet you don't," quipped the Commander with usual confidence. "Luckily we brought you here to eplain everything to you." He began pacing back and forth in front of a small window overlooking the training. Dummies were having the stuffing torn out of them by some less-than-elegant oafs with bronze swords. Some were getting a tongue-lashing from the overseers, being made to do pushups and run at stumps with wooden swords until the 'toughened up.'
"You see, the reason we really need you is because we need everyone. More importantly, we need everyone to be useful. That means putting people in the right place. Would you question these good men's judgement?" Some of the men chuckled, folding their arms in self-satisfaction.
"... But I see your concern. Why should I, someone who hasn't seen war, know the first thing about military tactics, and what could I learn in such a small time even if I was to try? Don't worry, we've accounted for this too."
"It seems as though you've been having quite a time with the Hero, adventuring and what not. How fun!" The man behind the big desk in the center of the tent held his laughs back with a hand on his coral lips. "But that's exactly what we need: someone who's been around the Hero a lot; someone who can lead him into battle."
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
And there it was. She was currently and essentially useless, so she was going to be trained to lead soldiers well... most particularly the hero. ... Ambiance's expression hardened somewhat as she processed this new idea. Whatever infatuation she might have had for the Commander's focus and dedication to his job left without any design on returning.
At present, she was finding herself depressed and irritated. Was this a bad time to mention that she was not a citizen of Hyrule and therefore was not bound to the laws of the land? Ah... but unfortunately that might just land her rear end in prison as a trespasser. They would have her help or make sure she didn't cause trouble. That seemed to be the logical way of things.
So... what brief time she had spent with Link convinced the 'good men' that she could be trained in tactics and therefore the hero himself could be trained for combat? An interesting idea. She didn't know if the time she spent classified as 'a lot' but...
She took a slow deep breath in as she continued to listen. She had a feeling that she was duty-bound to hear out the men who felt very confident in their superiority and experience. They were probably very happy to be able to have the chance to boss her around in an environment where no one was watching over their shoulders to be sure that they maintained the polite rules of the court. Ambiance felt, also, that the men here were not particularly in favor of her. She braced her elbows on the table. They still had her attention.
Yes, at present, there were a lot of things she would question. She did not know these men. She was opposed to the idea of going to war, but she knew that the side Hyrule would be fighting seemed eager to fight also. It could not be avoided unless both rulers and the leaders under their command both caused their armies to stand down. ... Yet still there was the dangerous and very real threat of the portal. This was a threat she worried was going to be ignored... or treated as a sidenote. The men outside were preparing for standard warefare, not what she warned against.
Ambiance swallowed.
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
James, on the other hand, was very much happy to hear Ambiance's reaction; that silence always stood for, in his mind, compliance. But there was something else in her face. He waited a moment, watching it twist around in there what he had told her, but with a shrug left off to watch the men out in the field gritting their teeth against the elements and atrophication to unlock their goddess-given potential.
From here he could all of it, as the sounds of each of their stirring chrysalises flooded together and flowed toward him a rushing, hushed symphony in orange sun major. It was just the right volume to lay as an accompanying under-layer to his breathing. A small sigh, as he released a larger inhalation and finally noticed that Ambiance hadn't said anything in a while. Surely she would have some kind of objection... Maybe she was too scared to speak out.
"I hope you don't mind," he said turning back to her, "but it's just so nice to hear everyone coming together, discover talent they might not have known they had." One of the generals nudged Ambiance, leaning down to whisper to her.
"You know," he began, eyes fixed on her loosely, "the Commander sees a lot of potential in you. Thinks you're a great leader." He chuckled a bit, which was louder than his voice before. "If it wasn't for him, you wouldn't be here in this tent." Away from all that blood and sweat, away from sand and burning sun.
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
Ambiance was stirred from her thoughts with the contact and the words of confidence from the general. She was here on the commander's say so? ... That was interesting. But, it also raised more questions for her.
She had already mentioned her own doubt in her ability, but it sounded like she was going to be trained for the work. If she wasn't here, then she might have been found elsewhere, or she might have been among the many that were simply sent home. ... Then again, she couldn't reach home even if she wanted to.
"Potential?" She looked aside, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish and bashful. She had only ever interacted with the commander once or twice. How did he get that impression of her? She wasn't quite sure about that of herself. "I'll help if I can, but I don't know this land very well or the country we're defending or fighting against."
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
Ansel James seemed to light up when he heard her compliance, or so the others would see. To ambiance a small smile and approving nod was all that could be gleamed in this moment. "Good, good." He pulled away to his window again, his portal to the world as it was being made to order. "And don't worry; plenty of others are in the same boat as you. The man to you right, one of our most decorated generals--" as the big guy tipped his head regally-- "was a simple baker before we taught him how to move armies."
"But that's enough of that." He put his foot down. The man at the dark wood desk smirked and pulled at his mustache. "Why don't you take your lunch? You'll need a sharp mind for this afternoon's studying."
(You can choose lunch or timeskip, it's up to you)
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
Well... learning could only be a good thing, right? This was useful knowledge, and she knew that it was something that was vital for any effort to protect a nation. She would admit that she felt that being limited to one side almost felt as though she couldn't adequately protect the others she came into contact with, too. War meant that she had to be loyal to the side that in turn protected her.
On the other hand, if by her assistance, she was able to help bring a quick end to the war, then lives on both sides would be saved. Wasn't that the goal? She hoped so... the last thing she wanted was to have any part or place in causing carnage. Perhaps that was the reason one needed to learn their lessons well, particularly if she was to help design plans that men would take to battle and execute.
So, in the presence of these learned and experienced men, she ate lunch with them and took the chance to get to know the men she would be learning from and being mentored by.
{We can timeskip, if that suits you. ^^}
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
The spread was nice. A few things flown in and then shot. South Lanayru had the most delicious game, it was mentioned at lunch. The Commander made sure to send his regards to Ganondorf's people for sending it. There were a few shared laughs over what a pain it would have been to lead a country like that, to be the only male of his kind. Misogyny aside, the Gerudo King had to be a father not only to his own house but to an entire country, an entire people looking to him for guidance constantly. James and the others toasted to their new enemy, and then it was back to work.
The rhythm of the day fit nicely in the ticks of the Master General's desk clock, turning: geography, formations, unit management, tick. A couple hours went by like this. To their delight, Ambiance seemed to take to the new information well.
"That's good," said Di'Hama, the one behind the desk. "You can lead a group in the mock battle tomorrow." He held a hand up to stem any objections til he was done. "It's not a matter of being ready, it's getting ready. For now, though, why not take a break?" James agreed.
"Do you have any idea where that green friend of yours is? He'll be in your unit, and we'd like to make the mock battle as close to the real thing as possible."
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
The lunch hour passed and the lessons began. It was with better spirits that she ended the day with than she had begun it, though this might have been because of new confidence she felt. Perhaps it was their excitement that made her feel better and more confident with how she was learning and how much she was able to pick up. Jokes, seriousness and all, these were good men and she became glad to be in their presence.
A mock battle was tomorrow? So soon? Before she could object or raise what questions she might have, he simply answered with his response. It was a matter of getting ready. Perhaps that was her homework? Either way, it was agreed by the others that now was a good time for a break. It had already been decided.
Did she know where Link was? She shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. I haven't seen him all day."
She thought he was with her when they ducked into Relma's when they got back to town and then fled from the frenzied townsfolk. She remembered that much. But, she didn't remember him joining them here at the training field. He seemed to be a free spirit to her. It didn't seem possible to tie him down for even a little while. "Wish I had more to tell you, but your guess might be better than mine."
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
"Mm... I was afraid of that." James seemed to chew on it for a moment, lost. The rest of the men shuffled their papers around, waiting but not staring. Finally he had it.
"Well then," he began turning to Ambiance, "I suppose you'll just have to use your resources. We've in our ranks the ones closest to him: Mr. Lorant, Relma and the rest of them. Why not ask them if they know anything?" He folded his arms, satisfied with the idea himself. "I would think they would like to hear from you too."
Q u o t e s
Rihenian
O t h e r s t u f f !
Health: 100% Train of Thought: Whatever it takes to get them manageable... Jamz
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
Ambiance's eyes returned to James and she found a reason for concern. Perhaps it was her lack of understanding, but it struck her in her limited time with Link that the hero was a free spirit. When leaving, the risk of death was real, but Link did not seem to answer to anyone. Ambiance didn't feel that the hero himself needed to be reigned in, either... Besides this, if truly the Hero he was, then the only ones that could ever truly call after him or direct his paths, it had to be the goddesses.
She took a slow breath in. Perhaps she was most bothered by the assumption... that she had any kind of control over the hero. She released the breath. "I'll see if I can find him, but I can't guarantee anything. If the Goddesses call him elsewhere, I won't be able to stop him."
That was the only warning she felt she could offer here... Though she did want to see the others and check on them. It had been a long day for her, yes, but she could only imagine what they went through.
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
She would find them in different places. Before the Commander left to make his rounds in the city, he told Ambiance where the others were located. The Wizard was, of course, in the magic camp with some others who were willing to pour over arcane symbols all day. Lorant was in archery, plucking away with keen precision the eyes and throats of targets. Relma was forging a new body for herself in the crucible with Ibiza and the others. She only had time to talk to one of them before the evening studies would commence, though.
Q u o t e s
Rihenian
O t h e r s t u f f !
Health: 100% Train of Thought: It's so hard to find good help these days... Jamz
Oh, if only I could have been there I'd be a hand for the sinking
Having been thus released, Ambiance set out to find the others. She had hoped to have the chance to talk to all of them, for their various viewpoints, but she knew that time was not on her side this time around. She was expected back, and because of when she was expected, there wasn't time to find everyone.
Disheartening as this idea was, perhaps she would have other opportunities to speak to the group. For the present moment, she had to weigh her options quickly. She trusted Relma's instinct and felt that she knew Link best. Also, as the head of an inn, she was accustomed to keeping track of her people. The wizard, quirky as he was, best seemed to understand Link's role as the Hero, but whether or not he would have information regarding said hero's whereabouts seemed unlikely. Lorant, in his way, had connections and knowledge of what was going on, which would make him a useful recon scout... Did he know where Link was? If Relma didn't know, perhaps he did.
So, edging on the side of instinct and hoping also to get a bead on Relma and her group, she went to the crucible and sought out the innkeeper. She was still uneasy about the idea of war. How did the others feel?
I wish I could protect you here Oh, please don't cry, now, smile
Reply
