After the meeting was adjourned Laine spent his time sharpening his blade and putting on his armor and a black cloak before it came time for them to set off.

The journey was silent. No one really spoke to each other much to Laine’s surprise. It was rare for Laine to be sent on assignments, but when he was usually the group he was with conversed quite a lot. However this was not the case with this group and Laine was rather thankful for that seeing as though he is not the most social person in the world.

As they continued on their journey Laine hanged towards the back of the party trying to enjoy the silence. However this was cut short when Siegfried motioned for the party to stop before pointing out a group of orcs who were hunting and proposed that the group come up with a plan. Just a Laine was about to open his mouth Jack laid out his idea for a plan.

“That sounds like a plan to me. I cant think of a better one to be honest with you.” Laine said with a smile before he slowly placed his helmet on.

“Huh. Just a few days ago I was repairing armor and weapons and now I am about to fight with some of the best members of the Order. Go figure. Lets hope that I dont screw up that would be very embarrassing.” Laine thought as he grabbed the scabbard on his side and clenched it his eyes now fixed on the orcs.

Several days Marlis went without saying more than a word, the most that came out of her mouth was a few grunts. She kept her crossbow cradled in her arms the whole time, not giving anyone even a glance in their direction. Perhaps it was the cynicism that came with old age, but her hope in the group and the Order was growing slim.

As everyone walked, Siegfried had stopped them, pointing at a group of orcs that was gathered together, carrying some boars with them. He asked for a plan, Jack provided with what Marlis considered an overly simple scheme with Denzel playing as bait. Scoffing, she peered through the clearing, then looked back at the group. "I don't think it's wise to try and lure them all over to the young man. We pick them off one by one."

She crouched down on the ground, pulling an arrow out from her quiver and using its end to draw in the dirt. Starting with a star and a crudely drawn arrow pointing at it, she continued, "we're here. And the orcs are over," she drew an X just a few steps away from the star. "Here. Now, we split into 3 groups of 2, and we set up a few traps and and force the orcs to split into a smaller group to check out a certain distraction at these three points." Marlis continued to sketch a few circles in different areas.

"For the diversion I'm not completely sure on, I was thinking we'd use a smoke signal but that would possibly draw out more orcs than intended. Otherwise, three of us would have to show ourselves, and hopefully they'll be dumb enough to split up and follow wherever we run to."

Getting up, she placed the arrow back in her quiver while simultaneously smacking off any dirt that had caught onto her coat. "I hope that's something we can agree on."

Jack listened to the others as they talked about his plan. "If anyone has any better ideas than speak up." His attention turned to Marlis as she made a comment and formed her plan. Jack listened but wasn't in an agreeable position. "Several problems. One, your talking splitting up in to three groups of two. In case you hadn't noticed." Jack said pointing to Denzel. "No combat experience. That puts one group at a heavy handicap against orcs. You also talking about setting traps. That accounts for time we may not have. A
The lack of communication will also be bad and could use to run into each other's traps. Splitting will be fine but that's the only thing I can agree on. I can be the diversion. However, ypu used a word that you shouldn't have. Hopefully... that's a gamble that could end with a dead comrade. Also, please don't a smoke smignal in a place like this. That's unwanted attention. Whatever the group decides will be the plan. We shouldn't split up thin. The healer is a handicap to any group of two." Jack turned back to watch the orcs. He knew if they spent to much time debating then hey could get out of site. "I can do recon and follow them if needed. Killing them doesn't have to be a certain for now." Jack waited in silence for an answer.

Siegfried listened to both proposed plans. both had pieces which would be useful but at the same time both had flaws. "Alright we don't have the time to sit and debate this. We will go with Marlis' plan with a little variation. Myself, Marlis, and Saidani will ambush from three sides with our bows. Take one maybe two shots aiming for the Orc's bowstrings to force them into chasing us instead of just trying to pick us off with arrows. Then when we have their attention we run leading the Orcs into the other hiding members of our team. Jack take Saidani and Denzel to cover the left side, Marlis and Laine will cover the right. I will handle anything that comes down the center. Or at the very least stall them." Siegfried ordered. "When we have more time I'll let you formulate out a plan, but we can't let this group rejoin the main force I would much prefer to fight seven today and 13 tomorrow than 20 tomorrow. Keep each other alive and I will collect reports from each of you later to see if a leader comes out of you lot in combat. Ladies your signal to attack will be my first arrow. just make sure you are ready when that arrow flies." he finished before standing and plucking the spear from the ground. "Move out quickly but quietly." Siegfried finished before starting in a light jog to go around and head off the Orcs moving to attack from the front on his own.

Marlis snapped turned her head towards Jack quickly, eyeing him as he pointed out the blemishes of her plan. "Of course I know about him you jacka-" Before she could say anything further, she bit down on her tongue, and silently counted to 10. Now calm and collected, she continued to speak. "Right. You're absolutely right."

Shifting her attention towards Siegfried, she privily enjoyed the satisfaction of her proposition being chosen, not at all minding the changes. Nodding her head as he spoke, she watched him leave before looking at the others. "Good luck." She muttered, turning to head right, bringing her crossbow closer to her chest as she quickly made her way.

Saidani was silent, listening to the plans and the changes in them; Siegfried was right, choosing to gradually take the orcs down rather than doing it all at once. The longbow replaced her sword, Saidani's knuckles white from gripping so tightly as she listened to the plan intently. Her hand tightened around its structure as she looked over to Marlis who seemed to seethe with annoyance, which was quite honestly the most amusing thing she had seen so far. Her head tilted as she watched the two leave, hearing a quick "good luck." She sneered, pulling an arrow from its quiver and laying it against the smooth wooden bow. The woman nodded to those she was still with, dismissing herself from the premises to weave around the trees that kept her hidden.

A fortnight proceeding Nox's debut as a member of the Black order presented a new voyage. The objective: aid in the expulsion of a nearby orc camp. Prior to this instance, she had only been assigned solo expeditions. The prospect was curious; she had no knowledge of anyone else in the organization. Half heartedly, she strode through the dusk wood allowing the situation to soak in. The battlemage was to arrive at the designated coordinates by nightfall, though she had fallen late. A tightly fitted glove reveals an envelope bearing the wax sigil of the Black order. Upon inspection, she confirmed the camp before her was indeed the target. To most, the grotesque size and brutish nature of said orcs instilled fear. Nox however, thought they were merely dirty.

Regardless, there was nothing she could do on her own. Years of experience gave her the time she needed to test limits and capabilities. With utmost confidence; she could fell a single beast and injure the rest, yet, that would lead to her downfall. Instead, she analyzed the situation. The maven concurred: several archers and all with muscular builds. Close combat for someone as frail as she would be suicide. The assembly persisted directly in the center of a forest clearing. An ambush would be impossible without access to high range attacks. Likewise, she was assured her safety, as the enemy's advancement is easily detectable from her position. Neatly creasing the parchment, ensuring that no edges fray, Nox tucked it deep within her person.

As night's chilling winds beckoned, the Fayette daughter remained undaunted. She knew reinforcements would come eventually. Wind gathered, sweeping hazel locks with lavender and herbs. She was not suitably dressed for the weather, in any case, the cold never bothered her anyways. The woodland's freshness was of its many qualities the mage enjoyed. Through branches bleached blue by the inky sky, Nox could see stars and galaxies far beyond her reach, stained in the rich dark purple hues she found to her liking; and contemplated on poetic subjects such as the vastness of the world in which she lived. Steeling herself, Nox, hand over heart, waited.

Siegfried made his way around the Orcs trying to over pass them without drawing their attention and had finally gotten to a point where he could attack from their front, but the others weren't in position yet and going in alone was suicide. So he continued to stay ahead of the Orcs watching to see when the others would get into place to start the attack. But unfortunately as he moved there seemed to be a clearing ahead. In the clearing a the camp of the Orcs. "Shit... Didn't think they were that close to their camp" Siegfried cured knowing the time to strike would have to be sooner than he anticipated. But that wasn't all Siegfried saw a woman near the camp and almost immediately noticed the Order's symbol on her glove. He quickly rushed over to her making a bird call as he approached to signal that he was coming up to her. When he arrived he didn't waste any time. "I'm guessing you're one of the scouts that were looking for the Orcs, well you found them and now your going to help us. a group of seven is broken off from the main group lets finish them now before they have time to regroup." He quickly explained before grabbing her hand to take her back into position to attack the smaller group. When the Orc's were within range Siegfried let go of the Female member's hand and stabbed his spear into the ground next to him reading his bow. A quick glance back confirmed that they didn't have much time, and the combat could quite possibly attract the rest of the Orcs. His sting drawn Siegfried gave out another bird call this one had a simple meaning "Rush them!" he hoped the message would go through to the rest of the team and they would understand the plan had changed.

Jack had no fuss when he heard Siegfrieds plan. "Understood." He turned around and headed off. He was moving along to the left of the Orcs. He made sure to stay hidden and npt be seen. Jack followed and waited for the plan to commence when he heard a bird call. Jack's focus somewhat shifted. "What happened that change the plan entirely? Well it's my plan after all." Jack unsheathed his twin swords and was the first one to tho charge into the fray. He rushed from the bottom left angle (if you looked at the orcs from an elevated perspective). Jack ran quick hoping to glide his blade across the closest orcs rib cage. Even if he missed he would have to keep going. It's what he fighting style relied on. Jack wasn't trying to kill them as much as he was tryong to get their attention. If he could get the Orcs to focus on him then maybe something about this plan can go right. Until the others charged into the fight, Jack would use his fighting style to glide between opponents to avoid and block attacks. His style almost making him look like he was dancing in combat.

Saidani weaved incessantly, her hands still planted firmly around the bow and its feathered arrow. She was determined now, nothing was going to extinguish the fire that had brewed within her. It had been so long since she's felt such a rush that had actually come comparable to the ones she had before. She was fast on her feet, even quicker with a bow in her hands; resourceful and connected. Ducking under branches and shooting a few arrows with impressive accuracy, Saidani taunted, wanting to irritate them as much as possible. The expression on her face showed the amount of amusement she had through the small space of her helmet.

She was only a few paces away as she pulled out her sword, replacing the bow. Saidani jostled for attention from the orcs. Her lips curled into a half smile, a brow cocked as she composed her thoughts waiting for a next move. A grunt left her lips, smoked with charcoal and warmth as her boots crunched the branches that scattered below her feet. Saidani had been moving, but kept close to the "handicap" Denzel to ensure his safety.

(( will revise and stuff, u feel me, fam ))

Immersed in the tranquility of night's blackness, Nox's impaired sense of self-awareness failed to notice the flustered scrambling of her reinforcements. Introductions would have to wait; a man had already dragged her into the fray: she did not question the urgency. Allies around her leapt into battle in a haphazard frenzy, it was unrefined, inelegant, and poorly positioned. Yet, she did not have time to reminisce over tactics; the skirmish had begun after all. Looking back would be a waste of time, surely her allies would be competent enough to avoid a possible flank. Maintaining perfect posture, the maven promenaded to the battlefield, ardently anticipating her target's countermeasures.

In a particularly maniacal fashion, a chevalier clad in inky plate mail bludgeons through the Orc ensemble: a feat deserving to be praised for it's audacity, though in hindsight perhaps too intrepid. In all honesty, she truly did question the necessity for immediate action. Arrows and bolts dart from the rear, at the very least, the marksmen pulled their weight. Scattered Orcs refuse to recoil under the mediocre pedestrian assault. Retaliation came aptly; the scattered enemies made it somewhat difficult to notice, but several brawny Orcish archers already knocked their bows into a full draw. The velocity produced in combination with the sheer size of the ammunition would easily tear an armored man in half. Nox concurred that that disabling them is imperative.

Gingerly gesticulating an incantation through her non dominant hand, a gentle draft gathers in the immediate vicinity. The twin tails of her overcoat whisk at leather-dressed ankles; ascending in the air as a thin layer of frost infects the nearby flora. The thinnest ray of moonlight finds itself showcasing her faintest of smiles. Then, immediately, without an ounce of warning, an excessively violent surge of glacial tendrils discharge in a burst of blade-like petals crackling in a satisfying utterance akin to that of breaking glass, narrowly avoiding the berserking knight. Though she was unable to disarm the Orcish bowmen, Nox figured her allies would be able to react appropriately in the time she bought. Forestry crashed under the force of her volatile conjuration. The collection of deadfall severely crippled the enemy's chances of escaping. Not a single beast as of yet hath fell, and though Nox has had enough of these mindless fanatics, she knew equally well it would be a long and difficult fight.

Staring up from the trunk of a tree, Marlis made haste as she jumped up to grab a thick branch at the base, climbing all the way up with her crossbow hanging from a hook on her belt. The weapon constantly hitting her thigh and the wood made things a little difficult during her ascent up the timber, but she paid no attention to it. Once she reached the top she heard the faint sound of a bird call, looking below at the orcs to see Jack already going in. Cursing, Marlis swiftly grabbed her crossbow, knocked an arrow into position and pulled the trigger.

She continued to aim for the bowstrings of the orc archers, but Jack's incessant gliding and weaving proved to impede on her accuracy. If he continued to move anymore, the arrows that she shot would just hit Jack, and therefore be a waste. Whilst adjusting her perch in the tree, Marlis had to wait a few moments after each bolt for the perfect opportunity, just to avoid her team mate.

With the orc's exit now blocked by a newcomer's incantation, the orc's movement was now much more contained due to them being boxed in. Marlis took this as an opening to fire more arrows even faster, only this time focusing on shooting the orcs themselves instead of the bowstrings.

Siegfried saw Jack rushing into the fight and let loose an arrow it lodged itself directly in the lead orc's eye making him give out a howl distracting the others from the oncoming attack before quickly silenced with another arrow to the Orc's throat. This distraction allowed Jack to slide into the Orcs giving him the perfect opening to slice one of their sides open as the fight commenced. another Orc fell as Saidani's arrows turned it into a pin cushion, The confusion of the orcs only intensified as the frozen knight also charged into the battle. effectively cutting the remaining orcs into two groups with no where to escape. And another orc Fell from Marlis' bolts as the Orc fell Siegfried looked on monitoring the battle.

Three orcs now lay dead, two injured from Jack's dance but the element of surprise had played its part and the remaining Orcs were ready for Battle.

(BK) One of the Injured orcs (Light cut across chest) focused its attention on the dancing worm in the group. With it's bow now useless the Orc switched to its Club waiting until Jack went to slash at one of the other Orcs before making a powerful horizontal swing aiming for Jack's mid section.

(Falka) One of the more muscular looking orcs hadn't taken kindly to Saidani's initial taunts and started to break off from the group A crude Sword in hand The Orc approached her and noticing her stance was cautious in charging in but soon came in with a strong downward slice attempting to make her move and possibly loose her footing in the forest terrain

The Other Injured Orc (slash across ribs) seemed to have a bit of a brain on him and charged after Nox seemingly figuring out that she controlled the Icy Knight. But it's advance was halted when Siegfried's spear flew directly in front of the Orc and Siegfried moved in between the two with one of his swords drawn.

The final Orc would charge after Denzel picking him out as the weakest and easiest to kill of the group. (Would like either Laine or Nox's Ice Soldier to intercept this one, of course Denzel could play a game of "ohh shit" and run as well)

As the battle started to play out for now the group would be safe to fight, but with the main camp not to far away every second spent fighting was one moment closer to reinforcements arriving to help the Orcs. Time was not on the team's side and things would have to be finished off quickly.

With a quick nod Laine followed Marlis as they got into position. As they did so Laine moved slower than his ally trying as hard as he could not to make noise, all the while muttering curses about his “Stupid clanky armor”.

Once at his position Laine hid behind the tree and awaited the order. He slowed his breathing and cleared his mind, as he did before every battle. Just then the silence was broken by Siegfried yelling for the group to charge. Laine slowly peered out of his cover and saw the battle taking place, Jack stood taking on the Orcs head on as a few of orcs fell to his allies. Laine patiently waited for a good opportunity to strike an unaware opponent and he found one when he noticed one of the Orcs charge Denzel. Laine instantly sprinted towards the Orc.

“HEY Buddy might want to find a new location.” Laine half-shouted as he unsheathed his sword and swung for the ankles of the Orc…

With the crunching of leaves and branches beneath the feet of the orc, Saidani kept herself alert. Her eyes were on the sword and the creature, eyes widening as he made his move. However, she didn't allow for the smug look on her face to disappear. She kept her balance, shielding herself with her own sword; the orc's colliding with hers. There was a grunt of frustration that came from her parted lips as she kept her stance against the larger creature. One hand reached for her short blade, fumbling, but she had eventually caught hold of it, bringing it to the Orc's side and slicing through the skin. There was a roar. Saidani had gotten shoved, almost getting grounded until she caught herself. "Well, you're not backing down, are you?"

@BKburke Jack was barely able to twist away from the Orc's swing before it slammed him in the side the orc grunted in disappointment "Damn Worm stop moving around will you!" before it charged and swung at Jack again this time to close for Jack to be able to twist away from.

@Falka The Orc was surprised when the woman caught his blade putting more weight behind the blade slowly lowering to slice into the woman's flesh, He had almost achieved his goal when her other hand flew up slashing his chest. With a growl he raised a foot and kicked the woman square in the chest knocking her back a bit, yet still she had a smart ass comment. "Feisty one are you? Don't think I'll kill you just yet keep you around for some fun" The orc spat back before slowly closing in and giving a horizontal swing that again to test her guard.

@Eodwyn Aether Laine's attack almost worked, but the Orc had heard his approach and his yell did little to help the element of surprise. With a quick leap the orc was able to avoid the man's blade and in the same motion planted his axe into Denzel's chest with a quick kick the Orc would send the healer topping over before turning back to Laine. Axe in one hand the Orc approached his next target and with a mighty upward swing started its next attack.

The Final Orc accepted Siegfried's challenge coming for a strait up attack head on. The fight started with a quick flurry of strikes as the two's swords clashed Siegfried on the defensive knocking away the Orc's blade. When Siegfried saw an opening he made a sloppy swing for the orc's midsection which was easily parried, but the sword was a feint and when the blade was knocked away Siegfried's elbow from his free arm slammed into the Orc's face breaking the creature's nose. It stumbled back a bit before giving a roar and continuing the fight.

Just beyond the forest the Orc's in the camp started to hear the sounds of metal clashing. Although not taking immediate action it wouldn't be long before they to ended up joining the fight.

Jack continued his style in the fight. His momentum allowed him to barely evade a swing made at him by a spare orc. The second swing would not be so easily dodged however. Jack brought his swords around using his momentum toatch the orcs strength for a moment. This allowed him to slow it's swing and allow him to dodge with a side step. He continied, using the orcs swing as a sling shot. His swords bounced off when he blocked. Jack swung his his swords in an upward fashion. His hope what to cut the orcs midsection as he believed the momentum would be enough to allow his swords to cut deep enough into the orcs thick skin.

Laine let out a curse as the orc evaded his strike and planted his axe into Denzel. Laine grabbed his sword by the blade and let out a small sigh "Note to self: dont announce your attack to your enemy, it is said to alert the-" Laine said before the orc attacked. Laine narrowly dodged the strike before swinging his sword over his head attempting to strike the side of the orcs temple.

His statement was comical in a way, maybe she was a bit cocky, but she knew that she'd get out of this fight alive. Saidani grunted as she clenched her jaw. The Orc was confident with his movements and it was something that Saidani didn't take a liking to. She growled back as she watched him swing, quickly maneuvering away from the blade's path with the sound of it cutting through the air that was between them. All throughout this ordeal, Saidani was quite reserved... up until now. With such a swing, she knew that she were to show him that she wasn't ragdoll material. There was a toothy grin on her face as her eyes settled on the barbaric figure before her. Her short blade was sheathed, both hands now grasping onto her sword as she slyly, and carefully, made her way around him; her movements were predatory. If he found this to be some sort of game, then she were to play along. Giving the Orc a nod, Saidani prepared her sword and followed up with a swift slice to its side. The woman let out a short, unapologetic chuckle as she pulled her sword back, "make your move, bastard."