[color=8eafdf][h3]Sonya[/h3][/color]

After the events of the previous night, Sonya had only been able to enter a light sleep, her mind awash with thoughts and feelings that she could not bring herself to quell. This day would no doubt prove to be a defining moment of her life, and possibly her final moments her mind reminded her as it strayed to darker thoughts that invoked frightening images. The nightmarish images only played at the corner of her mind though, the conversation between herself and Odessa last night had been a very fruitful one and had no doubt given them both a spark of hope for this coming day. As the first rays of the morning sun began to reach across the land and creep upon her face, Sonya roused herself from her light sleep, her mind replaying the details of the previous night to keep the less desirable thoughts at bay.


[hider=The Night before]
Facing away from Odessa as she was, Sonya's concentration focused around her hearing as she listened to the woman's reply, noting the heavy tones of sadness that seemed to ebb from her words and sighs. Despite the heavy topics that were presented, Sonya noted there was an undercurrent of determinations in the woman's voice, not so much a desire to see victory but something more compelling then that. Sonya's thoughts paused as she felt the skin on the back of her neck tingle slightly, feeling that fierce gaze sweep back to her form. 

As the cool night air continued to sweep across the camp, Odeessa's words hung for a moment before Sonya remembered to rouse herself out of her thoughts and continue the conversation. [color=8eafdf][b]"I feel too many here are only interested in their own self-preservation and gains, no matter what kind of front they put on."[/b][/color] Sonya finished with a soft sigh, before turning her eyes to meet Odessa's once more, gazing at the details on the face as though attempting to understand her motives [color=8eafdf][b]"..But you have a true concern for the group, not for any selfish reasons but out of goodwill...a rather fleeting quality in this day and age"[/b][/color] Sonya commented, her voice carrying respect and admiration.

It had been awhile since Sonya had found someone she felt she could talk to honestly, and though the topic was dark in nature, the prospect of such an open conversation was almost refreshing. Glancing towards the boulder Sonya asked [color=8eafdf][b]"Would you care to have me join you for the evening? If it would help ease your mind, we could discuss tactics to perhaps lessen that loss tomorrow"[/b][/color]


Odessa blinked softly at the compliment and even adorned slight surprise as the woman offered her company. It was an odd feeling to be sure, especially having just met a stranger, but there was some comfort in how she spoke to her. Truth be told, the compliment did warm her heart so despite having been given them numerous times within the past year - perhaps it was because she felt it was more genuine and less so to slither into her shorts. In the end, it made her cheeks glow slightly against the cool air, causing her to readjust her composure as she slid down from the rock.

[color=fe7e53][b]"Thank you.."[/b][/color] she said softly and looked over the camp as others started to lay their head to rest. [color=fe7e53][b]"My name is Odessa, by the way.. but tactics might be a good idea.. something that might fight the orcs off as well as save a few of those less experienced? Though to be honest.. I have yet to fight in a real battle.."[/b][/color] She let out a slightly nervous sigh, though it was more because she didn't want to be judged for her lack of experience. [color=fe7e53][b]"But I have been training and sparring for the last year - I feel confident I'll be able to adapt,"[/b] [/color]she added in defense


Sonya watched as Odessa slid down from her perch, joining her beside the rock. It was as times like this she was glad for her mask, a mix of emotions flashed unseen across her face as her offer for company was accepted. Though she had grown used to her self-chosen isolation, it was a enjoyable sensation to have such promising company to spend the next few hours with, especially with the enormity that tomorrow promised to bring.

Following Odessa's gaze, Sonya too looked out over the camp as a number of individuals made their final preparations for the night. [color=8eafdf][b]"My name is Sonya, and it is a pleasure to meet you Odessa. I believe we are both in the same situation in regards to experience in battle. Though I have been in a few scuffles and brawls, I don't think any of those will compare to the situation we will be in tomorrow"[/b][/color] Sonya replied, feeling as though if Odessa was being so open with her level of experience then it was only right that she did as well. [color=8eafdf][b]"In some ways that could be a small blessing though"[/b][/color] Sonya continued [color=8eafdf][b]"most of the militia gathered here would be as green as we are with proper combat, so being at the same level of experience might help us understand the situations that unfold tomorrow from their perspectives better"[/b][/color] she offered, as encouragement to both Odessa and herself. Pausing for a moment, she turned her gaze back to Odessa, once more gazing at her face both to read her reactions to her own words and almost out of a strange compulsion she could not yet explain. Not wanting to make the stare awkward she quickly asked [color=8eafdf][b]"I believe I saw you training earlier today, you are quite proficient with wind magic like myself correct?”[/b][/color]


[color=fe7e53][b]"Huh?"[/b][/color] Odessa tilted her head a little and looked back to the small woman for a moment. [color=fe7e53][b]"O-oh! No, um.."[/b][/color] and just for a moment, she felt herself getting flustered, for no apparent reason. Trying to settle her mind, she regained her posture and took a quick breath. [color=fe7e53][b]"It was arcane magics, actually.. I was using it to propel myself into the air.. I decided a long time ago to mix my martial training with my magics, but I felt arcane suited me better."[/b][/color] Odessa then gave Sonya a soft smile, shifting slightly in place, unsure of why she was responding so strongly to her at only a single meeting.

[color=fe7e53][b]".. but I hope you're right. In either case.. what can you use? Oh-"[/b][/color] she interjected quickly, [color=fe7e53][b]"-I also don't use weapons. I tend to rely on my body for attack, just in case it wasn't clear.."[/b][/color] She reached up and rubbed the back of her neck, looking away for a few moments. Her eyes found their place on Sonya's once more though, finding them shining against the moonlight.


Sonya blinked behind the mask, the edges of her mouth giving an indication of her surprise even with the mask hiding so many of the details [color=8eafdf][b]"Arcane Magic? And yeah with such control and grace in the air?"[/b][/color] Sonya replied, her voice tinged with surprise and amazement, finding herself gathering a growing respect for Odessa's abilities. Having limited experience with other magical users it was a breath of fresh air to see how others made full use of their abilities. 

Though Sonya forced her eyes away to look at the moonlight landscape, they seemed to be drawn back to Odessa, as though part of her did not want to look away from the sight of her current company. Tilting her head ever so slightly, she continued to look at Odessa outlined against the moonlight as she replied [color=8eafdf][b]"Oh well I have dabbled in both Water and Wind Magics. I haven't really found the knack for more destructive magic that most seem to expect from mages, I found myself drawn to the more protective and subtle effects."[/b][/color]

Reaching down Sonya broke their shared gaze for a moment as she brought out the knife she carried , holding it carefully in-front of her with both hands. [color=8eafdf][b]"I also carry this around, though I prefer not to use it. It's more of a tool for self-defense than I weapon really"[/b][/color] she explained, looking back at Odessa as she re-sheathed the weapon


The martial artist smiled softly at her companion as the dagger was once again hidden from view, gently folding her arms under her chest. [color=fe7e53][b]"I can respect that.."[/b][/color] she said with a soft nod. [color=fe7e53][b]"So you would do best staying towards the back and somehow making use of your magics to adjust the field.. could even try and make a fog, actually.. if you're talented enough."[/b][/color] Odessa quietly hummed to herself in thought as she bit her lips. [color=fe7e53][b]"Might be best that I defend you in particular then... that way you can do what you are able for the entire company - a lot more than I could in the chaos of real battle - and I can make sure you stay alive."[/b][/color] She personally loved the idea, so much in fact that it made her smile gently, but proudly. Odessa also had to admit, despite not being able to protect her fellows directly, she was more than happy to help protect someone who could.

[color=fe7e53][b]"What do you think? Anything to add, by chance?"[/b][/color] she asked, definitely looking less sullen than before. Though the reality wasn't lost on her nor was she naive enough to think it would save everyone, but it was certainly better than anything she had in mind before Sonya's arrival.


The offer to have a protector was surprising to Sonya, once more the slight change in her posture giving a small indication of her surprise  [color=8eafdf][b]"W-well, most of the time I try to cast my magic in a way so people don't notice that I am the source of it. But I suppose if you were staying around to protect me, I can be a little more liberal in my actions which may help save more people..."[/b][/color] Sonya trailed off for a bit and looked forward, having to force herself to look away so she could properly consider the idea. 

The crackling sounds of the few remaining campfires and the murmuring of the individuals that still remained awake filled the night air before Sonya replied  [color=8eafdf][b]"I think that might be a very grand idea. I have experimented with things like creating marsh-like ground and fog-clouds which should make it hard for any of the enemies we encounter to marshal their forces, perhaps giving ours the small edge they need. I also often keep control of the air around me when I feel I'm in a dangerous situation, slowing an approaching blade or fist just enough so I can slip out of the way. If you were there to protect me from any attacks, I could instead focus that ability on others and perhaps save someone from an otherwise fatal blow."[/b][/color]

Nodding to herself, Sonya turned back to face Odessa once more and though her smile was hidden behind the mask, the happy tone in her voice was easily apparent  [color=8eafdf][b]"I think that might be a very good plan, we should be able to make a good difference to a number of these people tomorrow."[/b][/color] Looking back at Odessa, the sag in her shoulders seemed far less pronounced, and the troubled look on her face had noticeable receded bringing Sonya a small bit of warmth to know she had been able to improve this woman's mood even the smallest amount


At Sonya's approval, Odessa even seemed more pleased by her idea, giving the smaller woman a truly warm smile in return. [color=fe7e53][b]"I'm glad to be of service then,"[/b][/color] she spoke in half-jest, giving the masked warrior a playful bow. [color=fe7e53][b]"I shall play the part of your guardian as you manipulate the field.."[/b][/color] A tinge of warmth crossed her cheeks once more, though she knew why this time - at least in part. Finally, she was able to play a role that would honor Ashley, even if it was not in the way she had imagined it. Odessa did enjoy the idea however, playing as a make-shift of knights of sort for some lady, though those daydreams usually ended in a romantic encounter of some sort.

[color=fe7e53][b]"In seriousness though.."[/b][/color] she continued, [color=fe7e53][b]"I really am glad you came up to me, if just for this reason alone. Tomorrow will be... less than pleasant... but I assure you, I will do my best to keep you safe."[/b][/color] At that, she gave Sonya a very serious nod, that look of determination flashing across her face once more. [color=fe7e53][b]"I.. suppose we should get some rest then?.. I will find you before we march."[/b][/color] Odessa gave Sonya a friendly smile.


Watching Odessa, it was impossible not to notice the warmth emanate from the woman, not only was it such a radiant smile but the sullen mood that had been plaguing her seemed to evaporate and was replaced with a far more playful demeanor evident by her mock bow. Unable to help but smile herself, and feeling a slight heat blossom on her cheeks, Sonya found herself doing a small curtsy in response [color=8eafdf][b]"To be graced with such a knightly figure for protection, I shall work hard to control the field knowing I can leave my safety in your hands"[/b][/color] she replied with the hint of laughter and joy in her voice, though her words still carried a serious meaning. Despite the lightened atmosphere the two had cultivated, the reality of tomorrow still loomed large.

Sonya watched in curiosity as Odessa confirmed her resolve, that same look of determination that she had seen before flashing across her face for just a moment. It was such a strong look, and seeing it made Sonya truly feel she could put her safety in her hands. Feeling that same tinge of heat spread across her cheeks Sonya nodded in response [color=8eafdf][b]"I am glad I was able be of help, and I am glad to entrust my safety to you tomorrow."[/b][/color] Turning to look up at the moon, it seemed to have climbed rather high into the night sky. [color=8eafdf][b]"Yes, I suppose it is best to get our rest while we can. I'll look forward to catching you again tomorrow morning"[/b][/color] Sonya replied as she returned the smile, though once again hidden her words carried the friendly tones
[/hider]


Smiling to herself as she donned the Opal mask once more, Sonya could not help but feel a degree of confidence in the day to come. Gathering her things and assembling with the rest of the 100 militia, Sonya felt as though no matter the hardships this day brought that they would see this through.

Such a feeling lasted as long as the Commander’s speech, by the end of it Sonya mood had sunk and the generally attitude of the nearby militia seemed to match her own thoughts [color=8eafdf][i]’Our command is a product of devolution, and he is going to get us all killed[/i][/color] her mind screamed out in both shock and horror as the man they were meant to put their faith in saw them as nothing more than warm bodies to be thrown against the enemy to swell his own importance. As though summoned by the collective emotions of the gathered group, a lone figure confidently strode up to the arrogant man, and in a moment Sonya wished she could watch again, the most satisfying of hooks was delivered as the once-commander fell to the dirt in a heap.

It took a moment for Sonya to process everything that happened, the shock from the commander’s atrocious speech still clinging to the edges of her mind and freezing her thoughts. Thankfully the second speech, delivered by a man she believed was called Dixon, was in far better taste and combined with the satisfying picture of the collapsed ‘commander’ seemed to raise moral once more. Having the captive attention of the group, Silas quickly set about getting them into a coherent formation. As the names each group were assigned however, she felt a moment of doubt spring in her stomach when herself and Odessa were assigned to separate groups. In truth she had become quite fond of the idea they had devised the night before, and while she was certain that those assigned to her group could no doubt protect her, she did not want to so carelessly break that promise they had made.

Thankfully it seemed Odessa had the same concern, as even while Sonya made her way over to Silas to make her plea, an older man identifying himself as Jasper came over to inform her of the change of positions. [color=8eafdf][b]”Oh, you have my thanks”[/b][/color] Sonya replied, her voice betraying her enthusiasm at the change in position, though she then added with a more serious tone [color=8eafdf][b]”Odessa and I promised to try and save as many as we could by working together today. I’ll make sure to keep that promise”[/b][/color]. From the older gentleman’s comment he had made about the swapping of positions, it seemed in her new position she would be with ‘his boys’, and she did not wish to let him down.

Increasing her pace, Sonya quickly moved to the front of the ‘V’ formation, where she joined Odessa, Silas and Jaspers ‘Boys’. Turning to face Odessa as she offered words of reassurance, Sonya relaxed slightly, not even having noticed herself that the nervousness had made her tense up. [color=8eafdf][b]”As do I Odessa, let us keep it not only to each other but everyone here”[/b][/color] Sonya replied in a light but firm tone, recalling that a key part of this strategy was to make sure they protected and saves as many as possible. Looking amongst the small group they had, she memorised each of their faces, each one carrying its own mix of anxiousness, worry and grim determination. She had been fortunate enough to be granted a spot with Odessa and she did not want to let anyone down.

After Odessa had asked her question to Silas, Sonya had her own to ask, wanting to confirm any tactics with their new general before committing to them. “I offer my thanks for reorganizing the groups to allow me to join with Odessa.” She started, wishing to first express her gratitude [color=8eafdf][b]“Since there is a brief window before the Orcs arrive, there are some small preparations I could perform.”[/b][/color] Taking a moment to gesture to the open land that lay before them, dried from the heat of the sun Sonya explained [color=8eafdf][b]“Such dry clay and dirt makes for easy travelling of our opponents, but by using my water and air magic, I could drive the elements into the earth itself and unbalance its structure. With pockets of air underneath the surface that would shift when force is applied and enough water to soften the ground and make it far more viscious, it could very easily become very treacherous terrain, easily collapsing beneath a charging forth and possibly turning a well-defined front into a confusing mess.”[/b][/color] Looking at the land baking underneath the watching gaze of the sun she then added [color=8eafdf][b]“Of course, the area I could do this in would be limited based on the time our enemies take to arrive, and nor would I want to disturb the terrain our forces might use less we fall into the bog ourselves. If you can think of a good distance for me to disturb the terrain at, I shall begin at once.”[/b][/color]