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[Colour=Pink]"Yes, I believe my block are a good bunch.  They vary in skill, but I cannot fault their heart or their work ethic."[/colour]  

"Yeah," Zell agreed.  "Got a similar situation meself."

He nodded along as he listened to MacKensie's day.  He was glad she'd found someone that would help her out, but truth be told, he was confident that she had all the qualities required to take full charge, if she was really pushed.  MacKensie was a well-rounded woman - skills, brains, aura, heart... she was better than 'a mouthpiece.'  But it was only the first day on the job.  Zell had a feeling she would find her unique voice, for her soldiers, in the week ahead.

[Colour=Pink]"I am to lead the block because of my strength as a Crystal Bearer.  This, I can do.  But I would be wrong [i]not[/i] to delegate control of our days leading up battle, to my more experienced Sergeants."[/colour]

"Well," Zell started, folding his arms.  "Knowing when and where to delegate is an aspect of good leadership.  It takes keen sight to see the strengths of those around you.  And wisdom to take advantage of that.  But listen; don't be too quick to take a back seat to experience, all the time.  All the experience in the world hasn't won these dudes a single battle yet, you get me?"  He quickly checked over his shoulder to make sure Gildor was out of earshot.  He'd rather not offend the blacksmith - a man who was keeping the secret of The Black Sword under wraps.  "We've been brought to this world because they're all so bloody [i]lost[/i], they'd put trust in lottery-picked randomers from the universe next door."

That was the best way he could put it, without getting all corny about her 'having a hidden power within her heart' or some shit like that.  He [i]did[/i] want to say 'some shit like that' though.  [i]Ell-oh-ell.[/i]

[Colour=Pink]"How about you?"[/colour] she asked before smiling as she assumed, [Colour=Pink]"I'm sure you got along just fine, no?[/colour]

"Ha!  You know me too well, darlin." Zell was all teeth with the closed-eyes grin he flashed.  "My guys and gals have proved quite... what's the word... [i]receptive[/i], to my err, infectious confidence."  He laughed as he thought about the day.  "I just wish I had more time.  When the time comes for The Lions to show their worth, our roar will drown out the din.  Mark my words."  He heard Gildor come back and wheeled around to pay for his shield.  "Thanks, Gilly, bruv."

As Zell went to take the shield, Gildor pulled it away and looked extremely serious.  "Never.  Call me that.  Again."  Zell froze up for a second.  "That's two things you cannot call me.  'Your friend' and [i]especially[/i] not 'Gilly.'  Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal, boss."  Zell held out his hands for the shield and Gildor held on for a further moment to stamp home the point, then handed it over and stepped away to sort out the money.  Zell peeked at MacKensie and shot her the look of a cheeky schoolboy in trouble.  It was then that his mind reminded him of what he'd thought when he first walked into the shop:  MacKensie was dressed in casual clothes, looking extra amazing (she looked regular amazing even in ripped up Ranger gear.)  It made him think of an idea he'd had a while ago, back when touring Valhiem for the first time.

[i]What was that place called again?[/i]  Zell thought.  [i]The Nightingale, that's it.[/i]

"Err..." Light-speed thinking - engaged.  "Gildor, any chance I could trouble you to do a little job on my armour?  Just a dent or two needs knockin out.  A bit of a clean.  Nothing too much."  Gildor looked Zell up and down, then nodded and gave him a small price.  Zell agreed.  "You're a star, bruv.  Do you mind if I jump in the back and take it off now?"

Gildor led Zell into the back and the Englishman stripped his armour pieces off, leaving himself in just his black trousers and white shirt, which he proceeded to rub down with his hands, trying to iron out the creases.  He popped his collar a few times to give it some volume, then turned it down neatly and proceeded to start messing with his hair a bit.  "Gildor, could you err... spare a belt strap for my sword. So I can where it on my hip?"  Gildor narrowed his eyes at Zell's lowered tone.  Or maybe it was mention of The Black Sword.  Either way, his reply was that he was adding it to the price.  Zell winked at him as he undid his the top button of his shirt.  "Cheers mate."

Zell finally emerged from the back room, looking a little bit like a pirate, but definitely more suitably presentable to walk up those fancy steps to The Nightingale.

[Colour=Pink]"All set?"[/colour]

MacKensie reiterated her gratitude for Gildor's help and bid him a good evening, so that she and Zell could take their conversation outside.  Zell too thanked the blacksmith and let him know that he would return tomorrow for his armour.  [Colour=Pink]"I'm eager to know what James and Adam have been up to."[/colour]

"Yeah, should be interesting to hear about their day," Zell agreed.  It wasn't lost on Zell that the military garrison was completely bereft of magic users.  Perhaps The Academy had it's own Defence Division.  Zell hadn't heard any information to say either way.

[Colour=Pink]"I wouldn't expect them to be on the front lines, but I still have no idea how the magic-wielding forces will be deployed.  The flexibility of James with his blessings and Adam with his plants, will be boundless.  A keen strategist's dream, I imagine."[/colour]

"Oh jeez, Adam and James might, [i]alone[/i], be the turning point of this battle."  The warm breeze was nice and after spending day-after-day in armour, Zell always felt so light and free without it on.  Being with MacKensie always lightened the mood too.  "I can see it now.  Adam goes Bear-mode, starts throwing giant trees, firing laser beams and whatever else.  Saladin has his most powerful cronies charge.  James chants some wildly random blessing that turns the bad guys into clucking hens and Adam to double his size."  The visual was hilarious for Zell, especially as he imagined, "Sil flys into the picture, swipes up a chicken and flys off with it."  He laughed.  "Seriously though, magic is wihout-doubt gonna be a decisive factor in this battle.  Especially our two lads."  Zell shook his head with awe as he thought about just how powerful Adam and James had proven to be.  "Their impact will be immense."

Zell was sure to take a subtle lead when the time came to turn towards the street that would head towards The Mended Drum, instead he headed towards the roads on the other side of the river.  "Just making a quick detour," would be his excuse if she questioned their direction.