Silas wasn't even done collecting his weapons before a young girl came up to him.

"Come on, i'll help you to get back to the camp. Lets take care of those wounds, you'll want to be in perfect shape to enjoy tonight's big party to celebrate your victory." She started off handing him a few of his weapons. He started to return them to their spots before she started with a barrage of statements while helping him along. Silas accepted the help, mainly because seemed it would be more of a pain to try and tell the girl he didn't need help than to just let it go.

"You were lucky to get out alive, you know?" she said.
"The odds weren't exactly at your favor, and it cannot be called a "fair" fight..." she said, pointing to the dagger wound.
"But you made it in the end."
"I'll open an exception, just for today." she said, winking to him as she put his arm over her shoulder, helping him to walk.
"At least now you can boast all you want on having killed an Orc commander in a duel." she said, laughing.
"And not only having a cute girl to cheer for you, but having her this close to you at the end too!" she said, laughing playfully.

When the girl finally stopped Silas went on to actually respond. "First off the party will be more for the men. I'll make my appearance, but I'm not one to drink till morning light." He started grinning under his mask "Luck had nothing to do with it, it was all a show my dear. Although the fact he shattered my sword that did surprise me. I couldn't win in a straight up fight against him so had to ware him out and let him think he had the edge. And even though I didn't plan to take a knife, I had more help than he did. We had a mage supporting me the entire fight, so we kinda cheated. And this Chieftain was a small fry dumb trying to prove himself, I got some good stories from other battles that puts this guy to shame." He explained. And it seemed he had put on a convincing show as it had not only sent the Orcs running but probably scared a good deal of the militia as well. "As for You keeping me company I really can't complain. Especially if your company continues to my tent tonight." Silas continued with a sly playful voice.

As they continued they came up to Stefano he made his comment and mentioned Silas' last name. Instantly his face changed, his eyes shot at Stefano but he held his tongue in public. "Thank you for the contribution, make sure it gets to Dixon he handles the funds with the Blood Rose Irregulars." He said recessing back into a normal posture. "Now lets get this group on the move. We will need to regroup with the main army soon. We won't be able to hold off another attack if one comes." Silas commented

On the other side of things Dixon hadn't been taking his down time sitting down. Although his arm now in a sling he had already sent a scout back to the main army with a report on the battle. And aside from that he had been trying to organize getting the camp packed up and ready to move again. He noticed a group of militia gathering around Odessa and he made his way over to the group "Alright listen up!" he started "We need to get moving and soon people, we don't want to be around when the Orcs come back. Those of you with medical experience start helping the wounded, I want them loaded onto wagons within an hour. Everyone else if you can still moveb get onto packing the camp. We need to move soon, once we get back to the main army we can rest!" He yelled out and got the group to separate with minimal grumbling. As the group left Dixon came up to Odessa with a little smile. "Looked like you had your hands full there for a second. Thought I might lend a hand." He said with a smile. "But I can see why they would gather around you, I mean I would take any chance I got to be near you." He continued with a wink. "Now if you excuse me there is a lot of work to do before we can set out." He said giving a wave and continuing on his way.

The next few hours were spent in the mad rush packing up camp while tending to the wounded and ensuring their comfort. The dead had been collected, wrapped in blankets and put into the final wagon as there would be a pire that night to honor the dead. The rest of the day passed with the militia on the march. Luckily the Militia were in a good mood and although they were marching there were mostly high spirits. Some of the men told their stories how they had slain their foes, others talked of the duel how one man could stand for them all against the Orcs, then there were those few who had lost someone close to them staying in the back not talking and dragging themselves along. But as Day turned to dusk The group would stop to make camp again things grew more lively as drinks started to flow and the Militia would begin to drink the battle away. But before things got to crazy Silas and Dixon had called all of the Team leaders together along with any that they deemed a capable warrior for a meeting. As soon as the group had gathered they gave the pitch, The Blood Rose Irregulars were recruiting and they would take on those who had proved themselves in this battle, those who were willing at least. With the offer made Silas and Dixon gave each of them until they reached the main army to decide then let them go to enjoy the party and their victory.

After giving the offer Silas finally gave in to let Dixon tend to his wound. Since the battle Silas had rejected most treatment settling for only an external wrapping. Once everyone had left the tent Silas finally took off his armor, his shirt, and most importantly his mask. Dixon looked over Silas's torso and back covered in scars from his years of fighting with little to no armor for years and on top of that there was the brand on Silas' left cheek displaying his past of a slave for all eternity. "I swear you have more scars than last time. You having someone else patching you up?" He Dixon asked playfully. "Please, even the best healers wouldn't help an "escaped Slave" even if I won my freedom. You just have a shitty memory." Silas shot back giving a little grunt as Dixon started to stitch the wound after putting a bit of alcohol on it. "So you think any of them will join us? I have a few hopefuls, but at the same time I saw some flat rejections on some their faces." Silas asked. "You know me. I just want the cute ones. All that fighting stuff I leave up to you." Dixon said with a grin, "But I would be ling if I didn't say I would want the lovely Odessa to join us, What I wouldn't give to have her embrace me" He continued.

Stefano was watching Silas closely, summing up the man behind the budding legend, and noticed the shock... no pain, in the mention of his last name. It passed swiftly, so quick that the careless watcher would have missed it. "Curious..." Stefano thought as Silas started giving orders. Realizing he had his own accounts to settle, he took his leave of Silas and Lala, saying to the latter, "I must take my leave for now My brave heroine, but don't forget I still owe you my life. Perhaps I can repay a bit of that at our celebration." and with that he whistled for his hounds, lifted his hand for Drusilla and set off towards the wounded.

On the way he passed the battlefield and the heaped forms of dead orcs. He smiled and looked to his entourage, "You've hunted well for me!
And as I have had my fill of the hunt for now. Go my darlings, enjoy the fruit of your labor!" he said throwing his arm signaling the animals had free range to feed on the dead orcs. The dogs and Drusilla took off with haste as Stefano continued on his path chuckling to himself.

He reached the wounded and started to searching among their ranks for two members in particular. He found the least desirable mark first. The ox of a man was huffing deep breaths trying to control his pain. The battle hadn't gone in his favor, as his face and nose looked smashed from a mailed orc fist, and worst yet was his arm missing from the elbow. Stefano however couldn't care less. He wasn't here for revenge, just his lute and wine.

"The paint was unnecessary. You already burned 8 months of artistic work. Did you really have to waste my means of making more?" the man shrugged indifferently. "I was drunk. And pissed." Stefano returned in a cool tone,"I was drunk last night too. And now..." he raised his arqubus and pointed the gun at the large man's chest, "I'm pissed."

The man didn't look up and said with disinterest, "I'm alive and tired. Fine you want your shit right? Your wine around my shoulder. Your funny instrument is in my knapsack. Be a dear and give me a hand with them." he shacked his stump and smiled a pessimist smile. He sighed deeply, "I've seen to have lost mine."

Stefano retook his possessions and asked the man indignantly, "Good Lord man! Do you even play the lute?" the man slumped foreword, "No. I figured I could sell it. Or burn it. I bet it makes some cool sounds while on fire. We even now?" Stefano considered this a moment. He looked around to see if anyone was nearby. He remembered the hours he spent on the tree tops on his favorite water color as he slammed the butt of his gun against the man's bruised head. "Ya. Were even." he didn't hear this of course as the blow had nocked him unconscious. Okay maybe he was here for a little revenge.

Stefano continued to search the camp for his second quarry. He found him in a posture of peace. The other soldiers said he was loopy and confused. They left the young farm boy to look for the other wounded, and while they were gone he must have slipt into sleep, one he would never awake from. Stefano regarded the youth in silent sadness. So young for luck to fail him. When Stefano made the bet with the boy he fully expected to be shacking his hand at the end of the battle as they dug up their gold together. Stefano sighed as he took his leave of the corpse. He didn't even know the boys name. He went to have his cheek stitched, the medic worried it would scar his otherwise handsome face, and he took his leave of the wounded.

Stefano walked to were he and farm boy had buried their coin purses and set to digging. He considered leaving the money were it was but he felt... The boy fully intended to honor the bet. No matter how it turned out.



Stefano listened to Silas and Dixon's offer with only have an ear. He was instead studying those assembled as if they were his mark studying their reactions and mannerisms. Stefano considered himself a predator. It was rare that he was in the presence of others of his kind.

He filed away from the group towords a crowd of drinking soldiers. "A group like that? With them I doubt the hunt will ever get stale." he quietly mused. He made a detour to his tent to stow a sleeping Drusilla. He ordered Incitatus to guard his possessions while he allowed the blood hounds to accompany him to the party. Inciatius whined at being left behind, so Stefano shouted behind his back, "Oh don't pout! It'll be their turn next time."

As he entered the crowd of drinking soldiers he could feel the sour mood. "This isn't right. Soldiers have no time for funerals. Just the wakes." he thought to himself. And so he drew his lute and played and sang a simple drinking song as old as time.






Once he got everyone's attention he addressed the crowd, "Come now friends! The time for mourning in sorrow has past! Now we must honor our comrades with joy! The joy and merrymet they felt in life! The joy and freedom they fought to protect! I bet you sing, dance, drink and be merry! For the unlucky may be without these pleasures tommarow! And for the love of Ristoth,
someone hand me a beer!" a soldier was kind enough to oblige him, And in a great of pure showmanship he tried to chug the whole tankard, got halfway threw before spluttering for breath. The crowd laughed with Stefano, though some walked off in indignant disgust. Stefano didn't care. He couldn't force men and women to have a good time. Merely provide the tools he stuck up the lute and had the beginning of a drunken chorus joining in.






As soon as the crowd was good and loose, and inhabitants cast aside, he switched to more rhythmic folk music to promote dancing. It was an old country harvest festival piece, he trusted the soldier's would be familiar with.

The monk gave her friend a hug in return, but before she could really study or respond to Sonya, Dixon was over by them, shooing the crowd away by the way of commands. She had to admit it was a relief and the man seemed to catch sight of that, though the wink made her raise her eyebrow and just smirk. It was certainly flattering, though she wondered how far that'd truly go, if the man ever learned what sort of person Odessa was. Regardless, her attention turned back to Sonya, tilting her head slightly. With a slowly growing smile, she blushed slightly herself as she finally realized how shy the masked woman sounded, subtly thinking of why that might be. "Of course I'd keep my promise," she said with resolve. "I sort of.. see myself as your guardian now.. lest you refuse my self-appointed station." Odessa smirked, fairly confident that Sonya would not. "But yes, let's gather the camp and tend to the wounded as much as we can - we'll find each other later, aye?" Though Odessa still felt slightly at odds, she still knew things needed to be done.

Later...

Silas had gathered the group of warriors and sold them a pitch - to form a mercenary group. A lot of the team leaders were there, along with some of the more skilled and unique individuals (Sonya included, of course), making Odessa glance around. Taking slight notice of Stefano's stare, she pursed her lips and kept quiet for the most part, especially since he had given them all time to ponder the proposition. She wandered away slowly in thought. 'I don't do it for the coin though..' she said softly, folding her arms over her chest as she strolled around the edge of the camp. 'But it might give me an opportunity to do some good. At the least, I could honor Ashley.. hm.' Before long, she found herself briskly walking over to Sonya and waving her attention to gain the smaller woman's attention.

"So.. are you going to take their offer?" she asked. "I think I'd still be keen to be your acting guardian, if you did.. though I'd really hope they do good - real good - more so than other groups." She paused, weaving her fingers through her hair in thought. "I guess it's fair to share with you something - I had someone special.. her name was Ashley.. but, before anything could happen, she fell in battle." Her expression tinged in pain before letting out a small sigh. "Either way, I meant to honor her passing by doing good, like she always wanted. That's why I ended up joining this battle.. either way.. what do you think?" She let her arms down and looked intently at Sonya, mostly watching her body language since reading her expression was out of question. If it wasn't obvious by now Sonya could likely tell that Odessa, for some reason, was looking to her for an answer.

_@SimpleD

Aimée Bellerose

"Luck had nothing to do with it, it was all a show my dear. Although [...] I had more help than he did. We had a mage supporting me the entire fight, so we kinda cheated. And this Chieftain was a small fry dumb trying to prove himself, I got some good stories from other battles that puts this guy to shame."

"Really? A mage? But I didn't see any fancy and flashy magic going on like the mages that sometimes perform with me on big cities..." she said, curious.

"Oh you do? she exclaimed after hearing about the stories. "Please tell me them! I would love to hear them if you have time!" she said, he eyes shining with curiosity.

"As for You keeping me company I really can't complain. Especially if your company continues to my tent tonight." he said, with a sly and playful voice.

It wasn't the first time someone had made that proposal to her, as it was common on the big cities when others saw her dancing. Most women would get offended and irritated, but for Aimée hearing that was more of an compliment than something to be offended. After all, every woman likes to know that other men desire her. Women always took being called pretty and wonderful as a compliment, so why think different about something like that? After all, our words can tell lies, but our bodies always tell the truth. And for someone who gains her life by dancing, using her charm and her beauty to keep the audience interested, but at the same time maintaining the mysterious air and never fully showing herself are things that are natural to her.

"Oho~ You're quite the bold man aren't you Mr. Silas?" she said, in a playful voice.
"You flatter me with your words Mr. Silas, but I'm a very hard woman to conquer. After all, the most satisfying and memorable victories come with the hardest challenges, am i right?" she said, giggling.

"But you should be careful. Those who play with fire..." she said, letting go of his arm and spinning around him, her fiery red braids spinning with her.
"Often get burnt down to a crisp!" she said with a playful giggle as she poked the knife wound on his back with her finger.
"Mr. Silas, you're quite the interesting guy, I'll be keeping an eye on you." she said, walking away with a wink and a mischievous smile.
Lala was truly an fiery woman. Flirting and using her charm, bright and beautiful as the sun, but at the same time, unattainable. That way of keeping the men interested, never fully rejecting them, but always dodging their proposals, making they feel like they still have a chance with her is one of the motives why on every city she goes to dance, men always come to see her dance, as the women envy and hate her.

"Champion! You sir have never ceased to amaze me! And my most beautiful Lala, I will play the Lyre and lute until my fingers bleed tonight! Hell I'll sing dwarven opera if you wish!" She heard Stefano saying as she was starting to walk away.

"Please do Stefano! It would be rather entertaining to see you singing opera!" she said, laughing.
"I will be happy to perform with you tonight, lets give the weary soldiers a show to lift their spirits!"
"Now if you boys excuse me, i need to prepare myself to the party tonight. I don't want to use this combat outfit to perform. After all, i promised the soldiers to show them a special dance, and i cant let down my audience!" she said with a smile.

Aimée found a tent for her rather quickly, as some soldiers recognized them from the battlefield and promptly gave her an empty tent that was being used to store things.
The rest of the day passed really quickly as Lala slept a little bit and prepared herself to the party that night.



Aimée was called by Nixon and Silas to a sort of meeting... She didn't knew what it was about, they only said to her that they wanted to make her a proposal.
"The Blood Rose Irregular? Hm... Sure, why not? It sounds fun." she said, with a smile. "You got a very interesting group of people here."

Gettting outside, she heard Stefano's familiar voice in the middle of the crowd. It was Stefano. He was playing the lute and... singing?
Unexpectedly, his voice was very nice! Even after the failed attempt to drink the entire tankard of beer.

"Bravo! Definitely the selling point of your performance was the part with the beer!" Aimée said, approaching the crowd.
As she walked in Stefano's direction, the other soldiers stopped what they were doing, to look at her.
Getting near him, she raised the ring blade, now wrapped carefully in red silk, to hide the blade, and said.

"I promised you a dance, and I don't want to let down the courageous soldiers who sent the orcs fleeing with fear back home!"
"Lets do a party that even the orcs can hear while they cry over their defeat!!" She yelled, with the soldiers cheering loudly after the last statement. Opening a small circle around her and Stefano.

"Lets rise the temperature a little, shall we?" she said both to Stefano and the soldiers with a wink and a mischievous smile.
As soon as he started playing, she got the ring and started to dance, a different dance from the ones she performed on the battlefield..
Graceful and provoking, she put the ring on the ground, holding the top of it and passing through it, showing her beautiful legs in the process.
The dance was slow and did make full use of her flexibility as she did the provocative and sensual dance. Obviously the soldiers stopped doing everything they were doing and started cheering loudly to her dance. Their eyes were glued on her as she continued dancing.
"Don't get distracted Stefano." she said giggling provocatively to him, as she was dancing right next to him.

"And don't even think about touching me without my permission." she said to him loud enough for the soldiers to hear in a playful voice.
"This ring can cut snakes as easily as it can cut orcs!" she said, slamming the ring between Stefano's legs, a couple of inches away from him as she leaned over the ring, getting near his ear.
"Just play along, just a little thing to spice up the show." she whispered in a playful voice as the soldiers laughed in the back.

---

Jehan sighed heavily as he sat down on a stool next to the lance's fire with a cup of wine in one hand. The battle had been a bloody mess, though most of the lance had gotten out without any major injuries except one, who did not get out at all. Henri's body was wrapped up with the other bodies and soon all the bodies would burn, sending the souls onwards. Jehan looked at the faces of his lance, lit by the yellow firelight. Each one of them looked tired, with a streak of sadness though there was also relief; relief for still being alive with most of the lance intact. Charles was the only one who looked more strained, though Jehan was unsure if it was grief or the fact that both of them rode in full battle harness until they made camp again. It had not been a pleasant experience by any means. But Jehan considered it a necessary effort, in case another attack came, it was better to be ready.

At the sound of singing, and music; celebration Jehan turned his head. A few rows of tents away he saw movements and could hear laughter and song, though he was unable to make out any of the words or faces. He could understand them, though he could not possibly join them. His own mood was far too sour for celebrations. He raised the cup to his mouth and drank as he turned back to the crackling fire.

"Jehan?" Charles asked, and did not continue until Jehan met his eyes. "What are you going to do about the offer?"

Jehan sighed heavily and stood, finishing the wine and placing the cup of the stool. "Come."he said, "The pyre should be ready now". The lance rose as one, though Charles took a deep breath to calm himself. "These 'Blood Rose Irregulars' will be as ragtag as this very force, unless someone organizes it into a proper company and somehow acquire proper equipment for them." he said as the lance walked towards where the pyre had been built for the dead. "Plus, it would need far more men than this, which means recruitment campaign in the towns and villages which means a need of coin. Though there is no shortage of work for proper companies and the pay should be pretty good, considering the troubles." Jehan shrugged as they arrived at the funeral pyre. "If it becomes a proper company, then it won't be a bad bet." The words seemed to make Charles content and the subject dropped, all of them too tired to care at this moment of what their next move was.

As the funeral pyre was lit, Jehan offered a silent prayer to Henri's soul. The worst of it was probably the fact that he would never know what kind of Knight Henri would have become, if only he had lived. He looked at Johannes and Michael, Johannes was quite obviously the more affected of the two valets as he tried to stifle a sob. It would all be better in the morning, with new worries and dulled memories.

A collab post by @Blubaron45 and @SimpleD

---

The dispersing of the crowd via Dixon’s actions were appreciated by Sonya, never having been the most fond of large crowds. Listening to the man’s comments, it was clear there were some other feelings that drove his actions but as such intentions seemed directed at Odessa who seemed to take them in stride. As the two were left by themselves and faced each other once more, Sonya couldn’t help but feel herself relax as the other woman let a large grim spread across her face.

”You see yourself as my Guardian?” Sonya repeated a little surprised at the statement before giggling softly before replying ”I would have never been so forward to ask such a role from you, but given how well you’ve protected me so far, I would see no reason to refuse you such a station.” Nodding in agreement to Odessa’s next comment she replied ”That’s a wise decision, I saw there were quite a few wounded from the battle who were in need of aid, hopefully we can prevent anymore loss. But once that is done, we can catch up and celebrate properly." A part of Sonya did long for the chance to relax, today had already been quite taxing but she could not find it in her to condemn those who had fought by her to a grave just for her own comfort. There would be time to rest later...




With the wounded gathered, the camp had now assembled a place to house the casualties. The seven deceased have yet to be placed anywhere properly though for the time being, they were rounded up and placed into a smaller tent on top of tables, covered with long white blankets. Another larger tent was made for the wounded that were in no grave condition while a smaller tent just adjacent was for those that were in such a condition. This whole portion of the camp was in all practicality a make-shift infirmary, built with whatever cloths and tents were gathered to house these soldiers who needed to be treated for. Thirty of the men were wounded, though most of them likely ready to fight at a moment's notice given some small medical aid. Five of which, however, were in severe and critical condition and were placed in a smaller, though more durable tent with whatever medical supplies were necessary to try and aid these soldiers.

Amare was quite impressed with the men that helped during this whole ordeal and so was Luke who seemed to be rather used to seeing combat, quite a few years ahead of Amare most probably. Luke seemed to take the initiative just after Dixon ordered for the wounded and deceased to be carried by wagon. Those helping with the wounded followed Luke's orders as he seemed to be the one who was giving orders at all, his younger brother still unaware of what happened until a moment later. He was a freshened boy, with little experience, one could say he was sheltered most of his life judging by his tear-jerking reaction to finding out about his father though Amare thought that could've had an affect on anyone.

Jowen was quite different from his brother, more handsome in comparison, though less of the "rough" and experienced type appearance that seemed to give off so predominately to Luke. It was his looks that gave him away; the clean shaven face and well groomed hair that complemented his innocent looks and not quite the menacing warrior of the men he followed around, though he had grown to be rather sharp-tongued and social according to while Amare had helped during the whole ordeal. Luke had the stoicism as his father, as well as his humor which made the young ashen haired mercenary feel a bit less morbid.

For the moment however, everything had been put in its proper place and just a few hours after the duel had ended which seemed to be at victory from what Amare heard as he and Luke carried Jasper back towards the camp those few moments ago. The excited yelling over the defeat of the enemy leader was something a man could never forget, or experience until he recognizes the cheering of men. It was a joyful scene, though such small celebrations of victory were only short lived in such a time just after a battle. For the horrors of war were not quite often in the fighting as they were often in the aftermath of bloodshed, often consisting of both bleak moments of despair and celebration for their victory. Yet there was still some work to be done for Luke it seemed, as well as any other knowledgeable man or woman with the experience in the art of healing. Amare helped in anyway he could, though when he exhausted his abilities in organizing the small area of the map where the wounded were carried.

Here and there Amare, along with some soldiers, attended a few errands as commanded by Luke: Making improvements to the small infirmary and tending the only meagerly wounded while leaving Luke as well as a masked, petite warrior named Sonya and one of the militia called Normad to tend the more seriously injured. Sonya had taken a few minutes to explain to some of the soldiers how to properly apply the healing salve before bestowing it to them, allowing them to treat the lesser wounds more efficiently. Unfortunately such an item would be of minimal use to the five that lay before her and the other two medics, though it could knit flesh and repair wounds, it could not return all the blood that had been lost or turn back the spreading of infections and nor could it regrow organs that had been hacked in the course of battle.

It was the usual, typical, and minor injuries: the few broken bones, a few lacerations that could easily be disinfected and healed with a basic spell and/or herbal application, burns, flesh wounds, etc. The same however, could not be said for the five who were in grave condition, and as the hours passed in the dark confines of the tent, the team endured a long period of fortitude and uncertainty. One man had to be held down by five men given he was already very large while having his leg amputated to prevent him from dying of infection, the other had his eye gouged from his socket from a hammering blow of an Orc's sledgehammer. These two were the fortunate ones who were well on their way to survival though the same could not be said for the three in an even graver condition including Jasper, still unconscious from a hours before while Jowen stayed by his side the entire time. There was not much anyone in the entire army could do until the old man could either succumb to his injures or awaken once more.

It was a sad, gruesome sight though such was war. Amare in the time being, had spent the past hour finishing up the design of this part of the camp, making adjustments while pacing back and forth and thinking of ways of perfecting the tents he and the men had constructed. The man was rather obsessively compulsive about the whole ordeal, though when the part time engineer was satisfied with his work finally made his way towards the tent where Luke, Sonya and Normad were with the wounded that needed the most priority. Jowen, the youngest of Jasper's two children, went out to collect himself in the meanwhile after leaving his father's side to be taken care of by the medics.

"The men and I have finished attending our tasks." Amare told the medics who were tending the seriously wounded, Jasper still unconscious and unattended since there was nothing else to be done. "Have another job for me? I'd hate to go off drinking with the rest of the men and sulk in fine ale while still having a possible task to attend."

Normad, who was sitting on a crate closest to the entrance, gave Amare a nod of acknowledgement as he removed his smoking pipe. “Aye, you and your men have been a great help, having extra pairs of hands for the more mundane tasks is a blessing when dealing with a mess like this” the man replied, gesturing towards the blood-stains splattered across his clothing from the operations they had been forced to perform. Though his skills as a medic were limited, Normad had been a masterful taylor and with some guiding from Luke and Sonya he had been able to act as an effective surgeon for the operations.

“That said, I think at this point we’ve done all we be able to. As that’s not just me being eager to get away from having to weave together flesh mind you - I’d put up with this perversion of my craft if it could save another life, but putting flesh back together isn’t going to solve the problem with these three.” Normad continued before taking another smoke of his pipe, the stress of the situation revealing itself for a moment as his hands trembled before the smoking calmed the nerves once more. Letting out a puff of smoke he indicated towards one of the figures standing further in the tent “If she and the other can’t be thinking of any other way we can help these three then I don’t be thinking any of us will be coming up with a grand idea”

Deeper inside the tent, Sonya stood by the side of one of the less fortunate soldiers, her face hidden by the mask but her body language told enough of a story on it’s own. The old man before her lay on the makeshift bed as his body struggled to breathe, the crimson stains across his stomach and the stitched scar that traversed his torso spoke of the origins of the injury. Though the gaping wound had been stitched closed, beneath the surface the Orc’s axe had struck deep, puncturing both of the man’s lungs. There made been efforts made to repair the internal damage but it was uncertain as to how successful it was, and even if by chance they had succeeded, fluids had seeped into the wounds and flooded the lungs causing problems that Sonya was simply not skilled enough with her magic to fix.

Holding her knife clenched in both hands in-front of her, Sonya’s mind was filled with thoughts. Though she had seen her share of hardship in her times, it all paled in comparison to the reality of wars and the consequence that had to be borne. Above all though, her inability to help frustrated Sonya, she had spent years of her life practicing and refining her magic, creating a powerful craft that was hidden from the naked eye. And yet here and now, when the life of an individual hung in the balance, she found her powers lacking. ’Would you hold it against me that I could not save you, or would you say that it’s okay and bear no ill will?’ Sonya wondered to herself ’I recall reading that only beyond the beaten path, at the absolute end of one’s journey before death itself, that the truth of a person is revealed. I heard that in the battle, you took this blow to protect a comrade from his own death, perhaps knowing that it could easily end your own. I guess in the end that means you were a good person, and I’m sorry I can’t save you’ .

Normad turned his attention back towards Amare ”That girl’s been going around with that deflated look for a while now, don’t think she’s used to her magic powers failing. I guess if you are after one last task, maybe see if you can pry her away from this place. There naught be anything else here for her to do but have sullen thoughts clouding her mind. After that though, if you been needing someone to join you in a drink, I could do with trying to forget what I’ve done tonight.” He finished with a gaff laugh before returning his attention to the pipe.

Amare turned his head to see that Sonya had been looking down towards the somber sight of Jasper, bloody and carefully sewn together as if he were a doll. A gruesome sight to see what horrors of war could do to great men. Amare was no smooth-talker, the young mercenary typically used his good-looks to sway the attention of a female, yet Sonya was like none other. She was seemingly pure and kind-hearted, yet so dark and mysterious behind the white and crimson veil of that mask of hers. Nonetheless, there was still something to be said at the moment. Right now could not be such a time for mourning and if someone should add some input towards this situation, it had to have been the man who stood next to him during his last few moments unscathed and well. The young mercenary then approached the masked woman.

"His name was Jasper." Amare spoke solemnly, his voice low and sounded genuine. "The man who saved my life." There was a short silence as Luke, standing just a few feet away turned discretely to listen to the young ashen-haired mercenary. "A man who lived as he died, a brave warrior, and if there were any man in the world I could choose to fight along side with - It would be with men like him. He sacrificed himself to save my pathetic ass and out of the multitudes of unfortunate thrown at him, out of confronting a sea of troubles in his many years as a brave and hardened man, he managed to live this long and keep his both his humility and charm." Amare looked into the dark holes of Sonya's mask with his bright red eyes. "This was sign of a great man. And how many men could live long enough to tell of such tales of grandeur? Though with great tales, came great sacrifices, and there's no way any person can save all of the brave and courageous soldiers who put their lives on the line, this is the reality war." Amare reminded himself more than anything, though after a short pause, just before Amare could utter another word, Jowen had managed to come back and stood in the entry opening of the tent as Amare finished what he had to say.

"Though keep in mind that in times of war, stoicism is a key virtue to have on the battlefield. You did very well out there and I commend you for that, but there's nothing else to be done. here was nothing either one of us could do." There truly wasn't though that was a painful to swallow, for all the soldiers in the tent had been helped and the medics had exhausted their abilities. Amare then followed Normad's advice. "I don't speak on the behalf of his two sons, but I think it should be most appropriate to have them be left alone for them to say a few last words to their father." The mournful silence began to sink in once more though his tone of voice changed to reassurance. "I wouldn't worry about guarding the place, we'll have two able-bodied guarding the wounded here. If there's anything needed of you, or anyone of us - I'm sure they will call upon us again." He said, referring to Jowen and Luke who both returned a graceful and serious nod to the young ashen haired mercenary. "You're welcome to join us for a drink, or tend to your business though I think either way, it would be best to leave for a while." Normad nodded in the background. "What do you say?"

Sonya had waited until the ashen-haired mercenary had asked his question before finally turning to face him. The words he spoke held some truth to them, but it was a bitter truth that provided little comfort. Her face flickered towards the two sons who seemed eager to spend some time with their family, their claim to the company of this soldier far stronger than hers now that her medical talents had been exhausted. Stepping back from the vicinity she moved towards the front of the tent to give the sons their own space as she analysed Amare’s words. It sounded like a genuine offer with hints of concern and comfort woven through-out it, rather than a pretense just to speak with her.

“You are right, all that can be done here has been performed already, it is time to let the others do what they require. Sonya finally replied as the three medics now stood at the entrance. ”I will have to pass on the offer for a drink, but if you have no objections I will still accompany you for awhile...there is business I do have to attend to but having company for now is likely for the best and if you are keen I would like to hear more about Jasper. Sonya asked of Amare. It was a strange request but a part of her did wish to know more about this individual, perhaps allowing her to remember and honor his passing as a way of atoning for not being able to save his life

”I doubt either of us be having an objection, though if you do change your mind about your drink you be more than welcome to try some. I think I’ll be cracking open a drink I had been saving for awhile, meant to be rare and strong stuff, should help drink away the worst parts of the day” Normad replied as he looked between Sonya and Amare, clearly keen to have some company to drink with as well.

Amare turn to say his goodbyes to the two sons who then stood by their father's side, before abruptly leaving the tent. Outside, the air was fresh and cooled as the night crept in, the illuminated fires projecting an even more brightly colored scene of the campsite. It had become vivid and lively, a just way to start such a party and as the cool fresh air kissed Amare's soft skin, so did the rhythmic folk music that was playing just a tents ahead where another tent had become turned into a make-shift bar. After a few moments, Sonya and Normad had followed thereafter and succumbed to the same feeling of at ease. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, the small party began to make their way away from the small, make-shift infirmary and leaving to tend the celebrations where the same Stefano, who had essentially started the duel a few hours earlier in order to save the army from more bloodshed, please a crowd of tired warriors. Though this time, the young mercenary had finally gotten a good look out of the man. He wore flamboyant noble cloths colored purple and green and a gaudy artist's beret that made Amare thought he was more of a jester than a nobleman given his attitude had it not been for the fine silks he wore.

"Well, this ought to be fun, eh?" Said Amare as they approached the festivities to which Normad nodded in agreement.

"Never would have picked this group to know how to fight or know the best way to have a good time. Guess that be the difference a few good leaders can make he replied as he indicated towards Stefano, the man's jubilant attitude having an almost infectious nature as it spread throughout the weary militia. As Sonya's head shifted from side to side, taking in the sights of the celebration she also chimed in.

"That is true, though it was shocking at the time, Silas replacing our previous captain was no doubt for the best though I do wonder if there was more to his actions than simply preventing our previous captain from getting us all killed". It was true that their interactions had been limited so far, but Silas struck Sonya as a rather calculating individual who planned many moves in advance. There was something about his actions that indicated a greater purpose though as of yet she could not fathom what it could be.

Normad gave the masked girl a glance before chuckling. "Ah you be reading to much into it girl, he just strikes me as a man who knows how to lead and can tell when someone can't. Given the way he dueled that Orc putting himself at risk, I doubt he'd be having any nefarious plans". Sonya considered correcting the older man for a moment before dismissing the notion and simply nodding in agreement. She didn't suspect Silas of anything nefarious but rather having some kind of grand plan.

'I guess hes right though, there's no need to be trying to analyse everything, this is meant to be a celebration after all Sonya mused to herself before pushing those thoughts aside for the moment and returning her attention back to her current companions, letting herself relax as she soaked up the senses of the celebration.

"Interesting lot. I suppose the great of men are often the most intriguing." Amare added as they approached the party, looking at a man dressed in only a pair of pants who had just passed him. He was holding a wooden jar of golden ale and from what Amare could tell was walking in the direction from which such beverages were being handed. "Excuse me." Amare paced towards the bar, built together by just barrels of ale that had made for a bar stand. A server stood behind it all. He was tall, fat, and bearded, smiling through his big yellow teeth at the festivities as he handed out the cups of ale.

"Hey, where can a man drown his thoughts anyway? The music is just fine, and I'm now in the mood." The ashen haired mercenary asked.

"Weeelll", said the bartender, his voice crisp and raspy before opening his mouth and letting out a loud and echoing burp. "Look no furtha..." He sighed, trying to get a hold of his breath, the smell of ale on his breath was all the more predominant. "then hera!" The bartender laid before him five ups of ale and set it on the counter, two of which Amare took while grabbing an empty one and filling it with water as he handed it over to Sonya the moment he came back with the drinks.

"To a good battle." Amare toasted, raising his wooded mug of ale to his new drinking companions. Sonya offered a soft thanks as she took the mug of water, joining Amare in his toast.

"To our friends who saw us through the battle" she replied, recalling both those who had fallen and those who still remained. Normad quickly grabbed the remaining mug of ale and eagerly raised the drink as he joined in the toast.

"And to damn good ale" letting out a chuckle before just as quickly raising the drink to his lips and taking a long swig of ale. Sonya gave the veteran a curious glance before letting out a soft chuckle, the jolly atmosphere seeping through the group as the festivities of the night wore on.

"You'll have aim a little higher. I'm afraid this 'snake' is hiding from the cold." Stefano said in a masterful stage whisper, allowing the watching soldiers to erupt in laughter, "Perfect..." Stefano though to himself, knowing his joke and Lala's beauty would guarantee a captive audience. Stefano gave them a few moments of laughter then he played a loud cord, Which he let resonate in the air silencing the crowd and enthralling them to what would happen next Once the string had ceased vibrating, he began to play and dance.

"Well, lets heat this party up a little then, shall we?" Lala said as the music started, gently touching Stefano's chin before backing away, moving together with the music.

It was a relatively new piece of music but one Stefano knew found itself often at weddings, troupe performances, and sometimes in brothels. It was know as the Keelash and started out slow and almost predatory, as each note was aloud to resound and vibrate to its fullest in quiet low pitched hums, like a wild cat circling its prey. While he played this portion of the Keelash he circled Lala and the blade embedded in the ground, making sure to keep opposite of her. Each step was deliberate and strut like, the goal was to show both relaxation and tension at the same time, desire and fear, danger and pleasure at the same time.

With her hands on her hips, she strutted around the blade, keeping on the opposite side as Stefano. A provocative and alluring posture was sure to draw the attention and eyes of the public as she swung her hips while strutting around the blade.

As this continued each strum of the lute was faster and louder as well as the dancer's pace. The goal of the Keelash was for each partner to summarize each other as the song picked up speed, and once the slow advance and cation of the song was abandoned for the frantic Chase like tempo of the piece, the two partners would rhythmically race and weave into and past each other avoiding contact, yet only remaining a breath from one another. The Keelash could be very classy and used to symbolize things like hunting, combat, or even the wind itself, with certain inclusion of feint kisses and brushing around certain areas, it could symbolize very different actions entirely.

As the tempo started to get faster, Lala spun and started dancing on the opposite direction, towards Stefano. Getting near him, she touched her face with one hand on his chest with an mischievous smile, while moving her hips with movements similar to those made on belly dancing. Before Stefano could react, she gave him a light push, spinning while getting away from him. Facing the crowd, she threw a kiss to them as she changed directions again, dancing on the opposite side that Stefano was.

"Is it still cold for you?" she asked to Stefano and the crowd, leaning on the blade that was embedded on the ground, showing some cleavage to the crowd and Stefano, as the soldiers cheered loudly to their stage play.
"Maybe this snake is afraid of something?" she said, provocatively. "After all, a snake would try to catch its prey, especially when its provoking it." she said with a smile.

"On the contrary my dear." Stefano said with a glint in his eye, as he took the briefest break in his playing. "I think its getting rather warm." he said as he unbuttoned his noble vest, and loosened the string of the shirt underneath, revealing a lean muscled chest. This stunt received mixed reaction from the crowd, some gave hushed "ooos", other simply laughed, others gave high pitched cat calls. Stefano gave them their moment and resumed playing the Keelash much faster and frantic them he had before his break.

The Keelash had began in earnest, Stefano would pursue Lala and lean very close to her to try and plant a kiss. Lala would then duck past him with her graceful provocative moves, and give him a shove that would leave him off balance and remake the distance between them. With the space given her Lala would continue to entice the soldiers with her dance and wiggle her finger to beckon Stefano closer. And so the game continued but faster and with new moves for the process. After some time of this arousing chase, during the climax of the song when Stefano could barley managed to play and give chase as the same time as Lala moved to dodge he grabbed her by the waist and whisked her in a tango like finish. The crowd cheered as Stefano leaned in close and whispered for just the two of them, "Miss Aimée, do i have your permission to kiss you?"

His face was so close to hers, she could feel his muscled chest, pressed against her hands, his firm, yet gentle embrace, his eyes looking at her, she could feel his desire.
Gently she touched his face, approaching her face from his. She didn't knew exactly what... They had a certain... chemistry going on. It was only a short while

Giving him a mischievous smile, she gave him a small kiss on the tip of his nose, gently putting her finger over his mouth before escaping his embrace.
"I hope this will suffice for today, Mr. Stefano." she said with a mischievous smile and grabbing the ring blade.
"I wont lie... I was very tempted to accept your offer though..."
"You've caught my attention, Stefano. This night was wonderful. I'm looking forward to what other surprises you have hidden for me."
"Who knows... Maybe someday i'll make that offer to you myself." she said with a seductive wink and a giggle.

Stefano returned her smile and wink. "My dear if there is one thing I can promise you, it's that I'll never run out of surprises. I look forward to that offer." at this Stefano turned to the silent crowd and yelled with mirth in his voice, "Can somebody donate a drink to this wounded lover and exhausted dancer? That dance took more cardio than any of you lot gave in the battle!" the man laughed at the joke and brought up two tankards of ale. And this the two continued to drink, and sing the night away.

After Dixon was done stitching Silas stood up. "I hope one of the new recruits knows how to actually stitch a wound. Or better yet we get a healer." He said as he got himself a fresh shirt and mask from his belongings. "Don't get to drunk out there tonight, going to need you coherent to get my ass off with the Commander tomorrow" Silas said to Dixon as he put on his new clothes and went out to join everyone else.
Outside Silas saw the performance being put on by Stefano and Lala, he stopped to watch a bit of it but didn't watch the entire thing before moving on. Sonya and Amare were at the make shift bar that had been set up, Although he didn't care to join them himself he could see why others would want to drown themselves after the day's events. Along his wanderings he also Saw Odessa, but she seemed to be lost in thought, wanting answers ones Silas couldn't give so he let her be. Where Silas finally ended up was the pyre for the fallen, he made his way up next to Jehan.

"So one of the fallen were one of yours?" he asked already knowing the answer from the mood around the group. "I am sorry for your loss, but as I am sure you know his sacrifice saved countless innocents who couldn't fight back." Silas said looking at the pyre. "Luckily there is only seven dead so far. It could have been much worse. None of these men will be forgotten, I will personally see to that much at least."

Sonya

It was some hours later that Sonya found herself bidding farewell to her current company. In the midst of their conversations and the festival air of the camp as celebrations were had, Sonya had lost track of time as she drawn into the light-hearted banter of Amare and Normad, the two helping to keep her mind from wandering back to the struggles earlier that evening. During the early hours of the evening before the celebrations went into full swing, the group of three had found them invited by Silas for a proposition.

Arriving at the location, Sonya quickly made note of the individuals that had also been summoned, each of them having made a noticeable impact in the battle earlier that day. ’Curious, seems I may have been correct he was planning a few moves ahead Sonya mused to herself, curious to see what his plan was. As Silas presented the offer, Sonya noting it was one of the more likely options given the circumstances, she glanced around at the faces of the other gathered individuals, though reactions were fairly mixed Sonya could not see any outright negative reactions most likely indicating the recruitment rate would be rather high. ’Too be expected I suppose, given the options between the former commander and the one who saw us through battle today I can’t say it's a difficult choice.

Catching sight of Odessa, she tried to interpret her reaction but she seemed to only give off a neutral vibe, no doubt taking the opportunity to consider the offer overnight. As the meeting broke, Sonya politely bid her farewells to the company of the two veterans Normad and Amare, taking the chance to stroll towards the edge of the camp, where the flickering flames of the torches cast long shadows and the cool night breeze washed over her form while her mind considered the proposition. ’It’s not as though I have any true fealty to the army, while I do have a desire to protect the lands I call home I still have the choice of how I wish to do that. And if I am going to wade into battle, I would prefer to be working with people that know what they’re doing

Her train of thoughts was interrupted as she caught movement at the corner of her vision. Turning to face the source, she relaxed as she saw Odessa quickly approaching, walking over to meet her. ”I have given it some thought, I don’t have much of an attachment to the army but much the same as you I have a desire to do good for these lands. Given the way SIlas handled this battle and our previous captain seemed ready to march us off to die for their own glory, I can say I know which group I would rather be a part of” Sonya replied, per mind preferring to focus on the more logical questions first.

Beneath the mask, she felt a small bloom of heat on her cheeks as she processed the statement of Odessa looking to continue her guardainship of her, Sonya’s hands fidgeted at her side as she looked to the side to break eye contact while she replied ”I admit that it was very comforting to know I had a guardian looking out in me for battle and...I would still be keen to have that continue”, Sonya’s voice trailing off and leaving the two in a moment of silence before she turned back to face Odessa once more. ”Given what I know of you so far Odessa, no doubt Ashley would have a wonderful person if you called her special. It’s a noble goal to want to honor her passing, given the person she was it could perhaps be the most fitting?” Sonya offered, knowing that if she fell in battle there was a good chance she was a soldier who fought for similar ideals.

Aimée Bellerose

Several hours later, after most of the soldiers were already too drunk to stand up or were already in their tents, Aimée was laying down looking to the night sky. Her body was tired, but it was good. She had a lot of fun that evening. She heard a lot of stories, met a lot of interesting people, had many surprises...
She didn't even remember the last time she had that much fun. Maybe she should hang around for a little more. The Blood Rose Irregulars were a very interesting and merry bunch. The battles were exciting, the stories, even more so...

"Yeah... Maybe I should consider joining the Blood Rose Irregulars for good." She said to herself with a sigh.
"The stars are beautiful today." She said to no one in particular, looking to the night sky.

The stars were shining bright in the sky. A beautiful full moon illuminated the night with its silver glow.
Aimée lifted her legs, covering the moon with her feet, moving them around almost like she was playing with the moon, spinning it with her feet.
It was funny, even with death, wars, battles and disgraces, she was always with a smile on her face. All the Belleroses always had a smile on their faces. Some said it was a curse that all the Bellerose carried. Aimée liked to think it was a blessing. The Bellerose were always entertaining people. On their own way, they tried to make the world a better place, with smiles, music, jokes, dances...
Even if it wasn't enough to change the world, it was just enough to bring a smile to the face of the people who watched them.

Still playing with her legs and the moon, she started to sing to herself. Her voice had a happy, cheerful tone, the music was enjoyable, it inspired those who heard it to dance, but the lyrics were almost a lament.

"Je n'suis qu'un troubadour
J'amuse mon monde mais le monde va mal
Et la Terre tourne tourne tourne tourne tourne pas rond mais je n'peux rien y faire
Rien d'plus qu'un troubadour
J'amuse mon monde mais le monde va mal
Mes chansons tournent tournent tournent autour du pot de ce monde à refaire
 
Le monde va mal je m'en amuse
Insolent impertinent
Quand nos dicateurs abusent
J'écris une chanson ça fait rire les gens
 
Le monde va mal mais que puis-je y faire
Avec mes coups de gueule mes calembours
Ni politicien ni militaitre
Je n'suis qu'un troubadour.

De toute façon ce monde n'est pas le mien
J'écris des chansons pour fuir cette Terre
Au lieu de vivre aujourd'hui je préfère
Chanter en attendant demain bis"

As Sonya replied, she would simply nod to herself a couple of times. 'She has a good point..' she mentally replied to her reasoning. Silas had done an excellent job of leading the company and because of his tactics, they had all survived, not to mention his own personal prowess. She could only hope the man would seek a way to do good rather than make some coin - that Dixon character seemed more of the sort - though Stefano seemed even more so. "I guess it's decided then," she said out loud, looking relieved and more than content to follow her direction. However as Sonya continued, Odessa couldn't help but produce a small grin, letting a small tinge of redness blush across her cheeks. She had never thought this guardian idea had meant so much to the smaller woman and wondered quietly if she even had anyone else.

More so, as the masked woman continued, Odessa felt a strange surge of pride only subtly tainted by the sadness of her passing. She had never thought of it that way - it was a two-fold compliment though, both saying that Odessa was supposedly a wonderful person and that Sonya somehow viewed her words as trustworthy. Odessa's smile grew, though seemed more shy as she brushed her hair back in a sort of bashful way. "Well... I didn't realize you enjoyed the idea so much.. but yes, in that sense, perhaps being your charge and guardian would be the most fitting way to honor her. She was a defender.. though she often said I had a heroine's heart, she mostly saw herself as a protector of the people than a crusader for good - but her soul was pure as snow, that is without question." She pursed her lips for a moment before shrugging and just giving Sonya a genuine, warm smile.

"She would've liked you, I think."

Sonya

Leaning back against a nearby tree, Sonya turned her attention towards the night sky above as her heard swum with various thoughts. For the corner of her vision she caught the changes in Odessa’s expressions, her eyes flicking beneath the mask to catch the details. Though Odessa struck the smaller woman as a very capable figure - especially based on the actions that had transpired today, it was undeniable that she was comfortable for someone else to take that spot of leadership. More curious for Sonya though was the red tinge that spread across Odessa’s face, the sight stirring a strange string of emotions within Sonya’s own form that brought a torrent of thoughts of their own.

Sonya’s forced her eyes skyward to quell those emotions for the moment, the moonlit sky offering a sense of calmness as she gazed off into its illuminated darkness, all the while a melodic song seemed to carry itself across the night’s breeze. As Odessa took the time to explain her fallen comrade, Sonya found herself closing her eyes as she attempted to imagine the kind of person Ashley must have been to leave such a strong impression on Odessa. ”I would have to agree with her assessment of your heart, and it would seem that many of her traits have rubbed off on you. It would have been quite an experience to meet someone who has earned such praises from you” Sonya replied to Odessa’s after she had described her fallen comrade.

Though earlier at the triage tent she had been wanting to bring this night to an end, as Sonya brought her vision back down and caught the sight of Odessa’s warm smile, a part of her did not feel ready to bid farewell for the night. Prompting a conversation Sonya asked ”So what do you make of the others that have been extended the same invite as we were? A few of them I am uncertain of what motivates them but given the events of today I feel they are trustworthy and wise is their own ways. Amare was especially helpful to me earlier after we had finished in the Triage tent...they were able to offer some valuable wisdom that is no doubt only gained from experience”

---

"So one of the fallen were one of yours?" Silas asked already knowing the answer from the mood around the group. "I am sorry for your loss, but as I am sure you know his sacrifice saved countless innocents who couldn't fight back." Silas said looking at the pyre. "Luckily there is only seven dead so far. It could have been much worse. None of these men will be forgotten, I will personally see to that much at least."

Jehan turned his head to Silas as he spoke. "Yes." he answered after a moment and turned to look at the flames again. Jehan did not believe in what Silas said. Henri, and the others who spent their lives so that others may live on would be forgotten, just like everyone would be, given time. Certainly not today, or tomorrow or indeed for the rest of Jehan's life would Henri be forgotten. Thought of less often he would be by the time Jehan's end came, that much was certain, but not forgotten. Likewise he would not be forgotten by Johannes, Charles or Michael or even his archers. Perhaps his name would survive as a memory of a story for some time longer in any of their future children. Perhaps his story would be written down, but books burned, wasted away, disappeared. Even things written on stone would waste away given enough time. All of them would be forgotten in the vastness that was time like all that already forgotten, never to be known ever again. To be forgotten, it was the fate that awaited them all, and all their souls. It a bit of a sad thought, yet it was also felt proper in a way; that even the grandest of Emperors would be forgotten, as sure as the poorest of beggars. So would Henri, the squire who would have been a great Knight but been forgotten all the same.

Jehan smiled as he looked at the flames. But he did not bother to dispute Silas' words. "Henri was my squire, and a damn good one." Jehan explained instead and looked up at the rising smoke. "The Blood Rose irregulars" Jehan began, announcing his change of subject. He turned his head just enough to look at Silas, "You do plan to make it a proper company?"

---

It was with the first rays of sunlight though the tent opening Jehan awoke from a night of deep, much needed sleep. He took his time preparing himself for the coming day, and spent some time with the rest of the lance. All of them were in a better mood and they ate together at the remains of the night's fire. Not that there was any fire left now, so the morning air was cool on his skin with the sun's rays not being warm enough just yet.

Jehan felt better then yesterday, in both body and soul. Most aches had left him during the night, though there was still a certain amount of sadness around Henri, it was no longer as pressing. He expected the others felt much the same. Much came before thinking of what could or would have been. Other matters had to be settled, preparations made and decisions to take.

Jehan had a single decision to make. It was one that should not wait for longer then necessary. He needed a squire, and his entire lance expected it to be Johannes he knew. Johannes was the obvious choice being strong, old enough and smart, a most useful feature in any young man. But Jehan knew Johannes better then the simple uses he could serve. Simple put, Johannes was not at all ready to become his squire. Johannes taking Henri's place the day after his fall; no, it would not do. There was however another choice none of them considered.

Jehan observed Johannes quietly for a moment before meeting eyes with Charles who had been inspecting him much in the same way. Charles raised his eyebrows, the question obvious but unspoken. Jehan rose, and Charles stood in the following moment. "I will return soon." Jehan announced as if they were not expecting him to make Johannes squire. Charles opened his mouth to speak but Jehan silenced him with a look before turning, leaving the lance behind. He knew they would all be harbouring questions now, but they would be answered upon his return, or at least so he hoped.

It did not take long to find Amare, since his tent was only a few lines away. It helped that the ashen-haired man was sitting outside his tent with his sword and whetstone. Amare had, by all accounts, done well in the battle and Jehan saw great potential, but he was certain that it was something that could be improved further.

Jehan approached and stopped in front Amare, covering the morning sun. Jehan was dressed in a blue doublet of fine quality. Fine enough for an army camp at any rate. His sword hung from his plaque belt, which was the only thing that really showed his status as a Count's son. It was a highly decorated with enamelled surfaces showing the heraldic symbol of House de Challon.

"Amare" Jehan said in greeting with a slight nod before stepping out of the way of the sun. Jehan inspected him for a moment. "Do you know the curse that afflict all men?" he asked, scratching his chin casually as if that was a normal question.

"The insatiable desire to interrupt others as they are attending their own business? Or is it the need to ask such questions at such an early time in the morning?" Replied the young mercenary, the early mornings did not fair him very well as they usually did. Though the tone of his voice sounded more playful than it did annoyed, Amare knew better than to come off as rude especially with a man he had spent fighting beside the day before in a bloody battle. It also had taken him a while to realize that it was in fact Jehan, for this time, he had worn no armor and instead clothed himself with a more formal attire as it complemented his noble appearance. His clean yet stern face, short golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and fair skin were all indications of his inheritance from the southern peoples of the Empire especially with that predominant long nose of his. It was first time looking at Jehan and after hearing his voice did he realize that it was in fact the young knight he had fought beside despite never seeing his face before. The knight had a look that complemented his noble background as well as a body language and speech that could identify his nobility instantly. Amare grinned before breaking eye contact, turning back to sharpening his bastard sword which had been dulled the day before. "Oh, I'm only kidding, though if you are to ask such questions then I should let you know: I am not very good with riddles. I'm afraid I'm not as sharp as steel."

Jehan chuckled and grinned. "Oh, I always interrupt others, and I am the great terror of the morning; he who asks philosophical questions." he said, then made a sound that was almost a chuckle but was something closer to a 'Heh'-sound. Jehan held out a hand, "May I?" he asked, glancing at the sword. Amare put the sword in his hand and Jehan stepped back swinging the sword in the air a little bit, feeling the weight and the way it handled. Jehan stalked in half circle as the swung the sword through the air. He stopped, and looked back at Amare with a half-hidden smirk, "Walk with me" he said, then started to walk off, still doing some lazy movements with Amare's sword.

"Tell me" Jehan said as they walked through the camp, "What is your current goal, that can be obtained within a reasonable amount of time?"

"Well, I hope to join the Irregulars." Amare exchanged casually, wondering when Jehan was to give back his bastard sword Daeniel, a sturdy weapon given to him by his former company while the knight played as if it were a just a regular sword. Walking to wherever they were headed, the ashen haired mercenary pondered to why he brought him out in the first place though nonetheless chose to play whatever game he had presented to him as he continued the conversations during their walk around the camp. "If that's what someone might call reasonable. A hired sword is all I am my lord, and I've survived this long in my youth and probably have another good several years ahead of me. Or at least I hope." He added in honesty, though Jehan had no response.

It did not take long to reach their destination, a spot not to far away from Jehan's lance, but not close enough to be noticed at once. Jehan stopped and leaned against one of the army wagons. He watched his lance. Charles was having the two valets spar with the archers watching close by. Jehan smiled, then looked back to Amare. "What is the curse of all men?" he asked again, returning to the same question he had asked earlier. He held up Amare's sword, offering it back to him hilt first. Jehan knew full well doing what he was doing could annoy someone plenty, but if Amare got annoyed, Jehan wanted to know how much it would show.

"Well, if you want me to play your game..." Amare said with a slight tone of annoyance before slowly reaching for his sword from Jehan's naked hands. The young mercenary hadn't the slightest of what the noble knight wanted. Was it some sporadic attempt at philosophy? At this early in the morning? Amare certainly was not an educated man, seeing that he left home at such a young age and never truly reached University though he could have. No. Amare was just some young mercenary, nothing more than what someone would expect from an intellectual. "I'd say the false belief of intuition; The belief that most would firmly surmise to have control over a situation when they in fact do not. I suppose that most would rather be fond of convincing themselves of a white lie than a dark truth." He said, remembering how Sonya could not save the life of Jasper as she wish she could. Amare looked at his own reflection through the steel of his blade before getting a good glance at his work, its edges sharp and clear as bright as day. Looking back at the knight with a solemn look, Amare returned his sword in its scabbard which he held in the other hand. "Though I assume that's not the answer you were looking for."

Jehan considered Amare's answer for a moment. "No" he said slowly, "It wasn't but that is not necessarily a bad thing."

Jehan was quiet for a moment. Then he turned to face Amare fully, "I have a simple offer for you, which was actually my purpose instead of terrorizing you with questions in the morning. I offer you to become my squire; it will involve what you would expect, but by the end well.. I hardly need to explain." The offer was delivered easily, almost casually, his voice and features relaxed yet Jehan could not help but think perhaps it was to soon. He knew that it probably was not, but cold facts often had little effects on opinions formed by emotion.

The offer was, to all extends and purposes an uncommon one. 'People' didn't just become squires to Knights out of the blue. The post of squires were generally reserved for the sons of the gentry. Not only was the post of a squire a good one to start earning a name in certain circles, it was a place to learn various things, be it swordsmanship or proper manners. Then, by the end of it all, the chance to become a Knight in his own right which, even as a new one came with perks no sane man would deny. The reasoning behind Jehan's offer was simple enough; he head seen competence and potential in Amare but the potential needed to be released.

"That's an interesting offer." Amare paused and gave himself time to think. This wasn't just some vein conversation - No. This was an opportunity at hand. A son of a small businessman who was to be a squire which by itself was to be a rare occasion. He heard of the few knights who had originally came from the peasantry, becoming lords and holding lands and houses on their own. Perhaps it was his hard work finally being rewarded, his dream of becoming a great man was finally to be foretold and at such a young age. For the moment was stupefied, unable to distinguish the feeling of either appreciation or doubt - though didn't show in his solemn pale face. A part of the ashen haired mercenary wished not to be under the wing of anyone, given his short experience as a freelance since his years after a guild member.

Though to swear an allegiance to a nobleman would mean to share a host of opportunities that were at hand for a nobleman like Jehan to which Amare found comfort in. Jehan was a good man who Amare, despite knowing him for a few hours, he felt compelled to keep fighting beside this young knight. "If that means to get a piece of the action then I'm in." He finally answered looking back at the blonde knight, grinning with sincerity.

Jehan watched Amare as his offer was considered. The younger man's face showed nothing but Jehan could imagine what was going through his head. It was not the kind of offer one turned down, but at the same time it was a commitment which could not simply be broken. It was, in many ways, a decision that would impact the rest of Amare's life.

Jehan smiled widely, showing teeth. "Very good" he said, obviously pleased. He put a hand to Amare's shoulder, turning him towards the lance. "Come." he said as he started walking, "I shall introduce you to the rest of the lance, and your new duties. Formalities can come later." Jehan took the opportunity to explain the lance organization during the short walk to the area occupied by the lance. The wind picked up, buffeting the entire force of men. But the introductions to the lance were easy and the lance accepted him without complaint. After the introductions were completed, Jehan found a stool to sit on before telling the valets to introduce the new squire to his tasks. The two valets quickly descended on Amare with explanations, lists of things to remember and what would be expected of them all. Yes, this would be his life for now, leaving his old life as a freelance mercenary to begin his new formal training as a newly dubbed squire.

The way Jehan changed the topic so quickly was its own answer it was clear that Henri was close to Jehan and Silas would just let the topic drop. Then came Jehan's next question about making the Irregulars a "proper company" Silas had a serious face under the mask. "I assume by Proper Company you mean growing to about 200 troops, organizing, and becoming pawns in the games of Nobles?" He said coldly, "No I don't plan to get caught up in the games of Nobles, our troop will take on jobs to protect man not continuing our decline to fight each other. There are plenty of creatures and monsters out there looking for man's downfall, we don't need to focusing on who owns more land and What number you are in line for a throne." Silas continued. "Aside from creatures we have lost a lot of history since our decline. I plan to take us on expeditions to reclaim lost treasures. A much better goal then climbing the ranks of nobles in my opinion." He finished his little rant knowing that it might hurt any chance of Jehan joining the Irregulars, but he wanted to make sure the Noble knew what he might be getting into. "Get some rest if you can, the days events can be fatiguing even to veteran warriors." Silas added before turning away from the fire and left the knight to his thoughts. Silas spent a bit more of the night checking on the prospects and getting a general feel of the camp's post battle moral and feelings before turning in for the night.



Silas woke up early the next morning before dawn. He spent a bit of the early morning helping cook breakfast with a few of the Militia troops that knew how to cook. It wasn't the best thing ever but it would be a warm meal for the troops as they woke up in the morning. After there was enough food for everyone he would go back to his tent to wait for those who would agree to join the Irregulars. The morning was quiet for the most part and peaceful quite a change from the day of battle that had come before.

Once the meeting time had come and gone Silas stood in front of those who had showed up to join the Irregulars. "Welcome everyone, Since you showed up you have an interest in joining the Bloodrose Irregulars so lets get started." Silas said to the group before he went on to explain how the group would continue to support the Empire against the Orcs before moving on to take other contracts. Dixon the stepped in with a list of contracts that Him and Silas thought the group would be able to take on as is. After making the suggestions and gathering opinions Dixon went to set thing up for the coming contract. After that bit Silas once again stood in front of the group. "So before we continue there is one thing you should know." Silas said moving his hand up to his mask pulling it down revealing the slave brand on his face. "At one time a long time ago I was a slave, if any of you have a problem taking orders from me feel free to walk out now. Also if any of you think you could do a better job leading this company just because of my past feel free to challenge me at any time, I won't back down." he said confidently watching the group's reactions and seeing what move would be made next.

Sonya

As the night wore on, Sonya eventually found the fatigue of the day's event catching up with her as it became harder to keep her thoughts in order and she struggled to find the right words. As the idea of sleep crawled from the edges of her mind and vision, she bid Odessa farewell for the night, knowing the two of them would meet once more in the morning. Making her way through the campsite illuminated by the moonlight and flickering flame of the torches, Sonya managed to keep herself steady until she was inside her tent before succumbing to exhaustion and falling asleep

Despite her tired she was, Sonya was a creature of habit and awoke shortly after the rising of the sun, its rays filtering through the tent and bringing the world to life. Though it was still early, the camp was already beginning to buzz with activity with a number of militia, though others would unlikely to be getting up before midday without help given the amount of liquor that had been consumed. Even with the activity throughout the camp, it was a relatively quiet morning, the songs of birds and other wildlife filtering through the air as Sonya managed to find the energy to shuffle out of her tent. Breathing in the cool morning air deeply and catching the smell of warm food, it was hard not to find such sensations relieving compared to the blood and chaos of the day before.

Taking a moment to visit the Triage tent, Sonya did what little could be done to ensure some comfort for those remaining but did not allow herself to linger as she recalled Amare’s words from the night before. To keep herself occupied, she headed to the location of the meeting early, waiting for the others to arrive and keeping an eye out in particular for Odessa. As the others trickled in, eventually Silas arrived as well, allowing the meeting to begin.’Plenty of information, but all to the point. No doubt Silas would be eager to get moving before we join up with the rest of the force and the former commander recovers Sonya mused to herself, somewhat impressed with how effectively Silas and Dixon managed to work.

As Silas made his reveal though Sonya was surprised, given the way the man had fought and led the others the previous day she could not have guessed his background. More than that, she could not help but ponder if such a revelation could give a clue as to his motives ’Such a fate could easily lead one down a road of Vengeance, I wonder if such a fire burns within his heart and his front so far is just a facade. Though Silas had opened the floor to challenges, Sonya took the chance to raise a question ”I would not question your skills as a commander, they were proven enough yesterday in my eyes; but I would pose a question - For what reason do you find support the Empire given history with it?” both out of natural curiosity and a desire to know more about his character given she would be joining a group with him as the head

"The others?" she responded, humming softly to herself before offering a slight shrug. "I did not talk to them much, though they are the curious sort. It's hard to guess what anyone's motivations are, when joining a mercenary company - could be for noble reasons such as us to vengeance or greed... only time will tell, I take it." Sonya seemed to consider the answer carefully under her mask before Odessa finally heard a yawn, prompting the martial artist to giggle softly. ".. it seems I must bid you farewell however m'lady.." she said, playing slightly to the knight role. "Get some rest." With a warm, affectionate smile, she waved to Sonya as she walked away.

Odessa fell in line with most of the others, having not arrived early like what she considered normal - nay, she had slept well, perhaps a tad bit too well, but the thoughts of her new companion had kept her warm through the night. It was natural, almost, to find the masked woman to whom she stood side by side easily. Giving a soft, if shy smile, her attention went quickly to Silas and Dixon as they spoke.

It wasn't long before Silas had presented his challenge, revealing the mark of a slave on his face. Odessa was slightly surprised, but for the most part - despite being a noble - seemed rather unphased. In truth, she cared little whether he was a king or a slave, that only he allowed her own self to do good in this world. And.. he himself propelled such ideals. She hadn't gotten the chance to ask before, so after Sonya had asked her own question, Odessa raised her hand quickly to interject her own query. "Also, pardon my curiosity, but what is the intent of this group? Besides taking on contracts, that is.. or is there any?"

So far the meeting was going well seeing as no one had left the tent instantly upon seeing his face. Silas heard the questions given by his new companions then started to answer them in turn. "My history with the Empire itself wasn't bad I wasn't a slave of the Empire, but a slave of a man. That is a bit of a story for later though. Trust me I am loyal to the Empire as it is the only thing that holds humanity together. And frankly I would rather of been a slave to a man than an Orc." He started with Sonya's question hoping that was a good enough explanation for her. He then turned to Odessa "As for an Intent its simple we will be taking on missions with the intent of helping mankind. And I mean that as a whole, I refuse to become part of some Nobles power grab fueling conflict between man. And don't take this as some Rigorous preaching I'm not here to say I am any better than any of them. I just know the threats we face and think we shouldn't waste our time fighting ourselves." he continued. "Now is there any more questions? or shall we get ready to return to the main army?" Silas asked the group waiting for anyone else to make a move.

Aimée Bellerose

On the next morning, Silas called everyone to a meeting. Aimée couldn't possibly foresee the words he said next.

"At one time a long time ago I was a slave, if any of you have a problem taking orders from me feel free to walk out now. Also if any of you think you could do a better job leading this company just because of my past feel free to challenge me at any time, I won't back down."

"Every good story needs to have an interesting detail, am I right? Your past doesn't matter. Although I would love to dance with you, i'll have to decline your offer. I'm just a dancer after all~" she said with a giggle, putting her tongue out playfully.

Truthfully, Aimée was a little bit shocked about that revelation. Not because of the fact that Silas was already a slave, but to the fact that she couldn't imagine someone as Silas lowering his head and obeying someone's commands. But Aimée wasn't that tactless. Apparently, that was something that Silas himself wasn't proud of, and probably wouldn't like if a stranger started to meddle on his dark past.

"Since we are talking a little about ourselves, I guess its time for me to formally introduce myself."
"My name is Aimée Bellerose. I'm a daughter of the Belleroses, probably some of you have already heard about them.
About my reasons to join the Blood Rose Irregulars? I am a troubadour, a dancer. I live to tell stories, dance and bring smiles to other people." she said with a flourished bow.

"I can fight and defend myself when needed, dance to increase the soldier's morale... All that I ask in return is stories and tales." she said.

"So... what about you all? Please tell me a little about yourselves!" she said, looking to all of them excitedly.

---

Jehan had turned up to the meeting for two reasons. He had a few questions sure, but mainly he had little else to do before the march, so this could serve as a time killer. Silas had answered his questions the night before with sabotaging most interest he had in the idea. He was not interested in building a company in excess of 200 men, which was by all accounts a low number to begin with. One hundred lances were not unreasonable for a proper company, which would have added up to somewhere between 400 to 700 fighting men at least, but no. Nor did have any interest in the Nobles who would be those that would pay the company no matter which contracts he managed to arrange for the company. He supposed merchants could also pay the company, but why limit the company so?

Jehan could not help but to smirk at the whole act of confidence. He understood it of course, for a man like Silas would not stay in charge for long unless he played on such things as being the strongest, or indeed challenge a group to try and challenge him. Not a bad thing necessarily, though a wasted effort in this case Jehan thought. Jehan let Odessa, Sonya and Aimée finish their questions and comments, and Silas to answer them in turn before he cleared his throat. His only surpise was that no one was asking the so very obvious.

“Well. That is all well and good.” Jehan began, “But I have heard very little of any substance as to organisation and payment.” Jehan said, pausing and extending a hand to those gathered. “I expect none here will fight for free and all expect a share of the contracts pay. Per month, how much can a lance expect?” he asked, giving Silas the opportunity to answer the first question before moving on.

“As for lances. How many equipped lances do you wish to form? Afterall, you told me yesterday that you do not wish to build a proper company, not even two hundred men in fact. So, I wonder, how many lances are we looking at and how are you planning to equip them?”

Silas gave his first visible grin when Aimée made her comment about a dance. "After your little show with Stefano last night I'll have to ask you leave the blade behind when we do dance. But I defiantly will take you up on that dance some time" he commented after her little giggle. With that Aimée continued to introduce herself and even suggested that the others do the same. But before the group could start with true Introductions Jehan stepped forward with his questions. With the first Dixon stepped in, "No one ever asked you to fight for free, All members of the Irregulars will receive a full share of pay with each completed contract. We will evenly distribute the pay of a contract between the participating members of the job." Dixon started his explanation, "Of course during the contracts we shall cover lodging and provisions so while on a contract you won't have to use your money for basic needs. If you want extra that will be on you to fit the bill. And with all that said the expenses of the contract will be taken from the reward before it is divided between the participants." Dixon finished his explanation of the pay before turning it back to Silas.

Silas came back into position and after a bit of thought went to answer Jehan's second question. "Truthfully I don't have much of a care for Lances. Most Lances are just a noble knight surrounded by his lackeys, What we want to form is a Family, a group of mercenaries who stand as equals with a common goal. I may lead on the battlefield but that is solely due to my experience in combat and on the field tactics, in the end I won't take any larger of a cut than any of you. Now to stop dancing around your question, I will take those who catch my eye into the Irregulars, those who are skilled and will make our family stronger will be asked to join as you all have." He started still working to sell the Irregulars to any who were on the fence. "Now for equipment that will be on you to equip your own. Jehan this might hurt you in particular as as you know only one member of your Lance has been formally invited so you will have a bit of a burden put on you to keep the rest equipped. Even then we won't leave you out to dry in this effect, and I'll let Dixon explain this." Silas continued stepping down for a bit as Dixon once again moved up.

Dixon rubbed his hands together for a moment. "Alright its time for the important things benefits!" he said in a bit of an excited tone. "First off signing bonus! For those who agree to join the Irregulars I will be paying you out of my pocket right now as a sign of faith and as a thanks. Second our base of operations can serve as a home. My Manor has more than enough room to accommodate you all and any companions you choose to bring with you. It is fully staffed and we even have a forge in the courtyard for you to maintain any equipment you need. I can't ask the smith to work your equipment for free, but I can ask for a discount. Basically all your pay goes to what you want. You need not pay for housing or food if you don't want to." He says while taking a look around the room. "And who knows if you request it I might even come and warm your bed for a night." He added with a wink directed at Odessa. "That's enough out of you there." Silas said while pushing Dixon aside. "Alright I think we should now move on to Aimée's idea. Thanks to Dixon's contacts we know who you are, but you don't know each other so lets go around the room." Silas said opening the floor back up to the others.