[IC] Fire in the West (Freeroam)

[DrowsyPangolin]

Crom was a bit surprised by Soah's offer. Up until this point, he had gotten nothing but hostility from the young man. Perhaps there was more to him than there seemed. Regardless, Crom saw no reason to reject the offer. He wasn't one to turn down a free drink, and perhaps it would serve as a means to patch up the animosity between them. He was also somewhat curious to find out more about Soah's ability to turn into a werewolf. He had never seen such a creature in his entire life. Crom nodded, following Soah as he walked down the alley. The mercenary spoke with a more relaxed tone now. "Sounds like a plan." He nodded to Adrian as he walked. "So, did you two make it through the mountains alright?" The soldier took a swig from his wine bottle as they walked down the street.

It was clear Milo had no intention of sharing much else about himself. Alec listened to the young man as he spoke, watching him carefully. He nodded along. "Useful skills to have..." the lord said, before turning his head towards the window. "But tell me, Lieutenant, what actual combat have you seen?" The black-clad foreigner's voice deepened. Alec was not used to commanding foreign troops. He knew his soldiers and what they could handle, but the Scouts were a mystery. The way Milo described them, they sounded to be expert soldiers, but Alec was unsure.

[Sightles]

Milo corked the brandy, and sat it beside him. Milo felt oddly challenged, and defensive, now, by Alec. Milo leaned forward, still keeping his indifferent look. "You can put your trust in me and the Scouts." Milo said, simply, as the carriage lurched to a halt. Milo opened the door, grabbing the brandy as he went out. It was now getting increasingly darker outside. The carriage had arrived to a small building, that looked very lavish, and made out of huge tree trunks, instead of boards. It was reminiscent of a log cabin. Milo nodded to the Scouts on top of the carriage, and they set about taking care of the horses, and the carriage. Milo waited for Alec at the door to the building, before preceding in.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec slightly raised his eyebrows at Milo's assurance that he could trust the Scouts. He'd been about to comment on the young man avoiding his question, but was pulled from his train of thought when the carriage came to a halt. He followed Milo out of the carriage and back out into the rain. The sky had darkened, and though the sun was near invisible behind the clouds, it didn't take much observation to realize the day was drawing to a close. Alec entered the building. It wasn't as illustrious as the Branch Office had been, but it had a certain charm about it and every fixture of the wooden building looked intentional and well-crafted. The appearance of the building didn't particularly interest the lord, however. He'd slept on a stone floor for six years, anything was better than that. Alec looked towards Milo with a look that seemed to ask 'What now?' He still had a number of questions, but it didn't seem Milo was very open with information. That was fine, he'd learn enough to do his job, one way or another.

[Sightles]

When the pair entered the building, it was completely empty. The CBO had rented the entire building for the night, a three story log cabin. A fire had already been set, and it was roaring to life. Milo, now sufficiently buzzed, tossed the brandy on a nearby feather couch, and took off his field jacket. Milo's professionalism had all but left, partially due to the fact that he was expecting to spend the next few months with Alec, and partially due to the brandy. His two scout swords strapped to his back were instantly visible now. Milo sat on the couch, near the fireplace, attempting to warm himself and dry his clothes at the same time. Milo sighed for a moment, before turning his head to look at Alec, "Come and sit, Mister Cross. We can keep chatting." Milo said, his voice slightly whimsical now, which took on a odd turn considering Milo was, impressively, able to hold his stoic visage perfectly.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec nodded as the lieutenant spoke. It seemed the alcohol had begun to have an effect on him. Alec walked towards the fireplace, dragging an ornate-looking wooden chair from a table and placing it near the fire. As Milo removed his jacket, Alec noticed his weapons. The lord unbuckle the brooch at his neck and placed his long black cloak over the back of the chair. The removal of the garment revealed what Alec had been hiding beneath it. His crimson vest shown bright in the firelight, and the dancing embers glinted off the hilt of the dagger at his side. His morningstar, being made of unpolished black iron, was merely silhouetted against his side. He turned the chair towards Milo and took a seat, allowing his cloak to dry while they talked. He put his gloved hands together, making the spiked knuckles on his gloves rather noticeable. His figure was slightly darkened from having his back to the fire. "Certainly, Lieutenant Ranier... now where were we?"

[Sightles]

Milo smirked as his professionalism started fading away, "For a leader of people, you sure lack initiative in conversation." Milo said, as he turned his head back to the fire. The weapons on Alec didn't bother Milo as much as it would a normal person. While Milo was slightly impressed that the man felt the need for such a extensive arsenal, he had seen people carry more weapons while at the Granite Keep. Milo sat comfortably in his chair, starting to relax. He lackadaisically picked up the brandy once more, uncorking it, and took another long draw. The endurance for such a small man was impressive, having drank nearly half the bottle by himself. After his draw, Milo corked it once more and placed it beside him, returning his gaze back to the fireplace. This was going to be a very long few months, Milo felt.

[DrowsyPangolin]

The corner of Alec's mouth curled into a slight smirk as Milo spoke. Clearly the brandy and loosened the man up quite considerably. Alec leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning up and down the young man. The lord sat his chair back down and spoke. "Perhaps, I'm not really one for formalities though." His voice was slightly faster and less smooth now. His eyes widened a bit, any attempt to hide the bloodlust behind them was now gone. "Well then, tell me about Arcartus. What's it like, what do you think of it? And what exactly is the nature of this rebellion that we'll be dealing with?" Alec spoke slightly quicker now, and with a greater intensity. He drummed his gloved fingers on the armrest of his chair, watching Milo and waiting for an answer.

[Sightles]

Milo smirked, as he stared into the fire place. "You ask alotta questions, Alec, not very charismatic of you." Milo said, another slight tease at the man. "I know as much as you do at this point." Milo replied, uncorking the brandy once again, this time opting for a sip, rather than a swig. "Didn't you talk to the Marshal? I mean, he told you everything we know. We're gonna have to just go check everything else out for ourselves." Milo added, taking another sip. Milo's face was now noticeably reddened at this point, and his head slightly bobbing up and down. He kept his slight smirk on his face, as he continued to look into the fire. "You're all business all the time, aren't you?" Milo asked, turning to look at Alec.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec smirked at the lieutenant's implication. "That depends on what you consider business, lieutenant." Alec leaned back in his chair again, crossing his hands. His eyes glanced around the darkening room. It was clear he wasn't getting any answers out of the lieutenant, regardless of how drunk he was. He wondered when he'd get a chance to see the Scouts in action. He turned slightly, so that he was closer to the fire. The flames illuminated one side of his face, shimmering in his eye and outlining the deep cross-shaped scar on his cheek. He glanced down at his side, to the black iron morning star that was attached to it. It'd been too long since he'd used the weapon. The wait would soon be over, though. He had no doubt it'd be drenched in blood once they set out. Something told him told him the rebels likely wouldn't cow down, especially to a foreigner.

[Sightles]

Milo turned his attention back to the fire, "Why don't you go to bed? You aren't having fun, and we have to wake up early in the morning, anyway." Milo said, as he sipped on the brandy, lightly. Milo had always had sleeping problems, and had found that alcohol helped him get rest. They would have to wake up a hair before dawn, in order to prepare for the day's journey west. Milo turned to look at Alec, scanning his person, and taking a interest in the weapons the man held on him. The man seemed to glance at his weapon with a type of gaze that implied desire. Milo wondered for a second just how true the rumors about the man was, "Just how many people have you killed, exactly, Mister Cross?" Milo asked, his indifferent and more serious visage coming back to him.

[Sightles]

Whoops

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec had almost considered listening to the Lieutenant's advice and going to bed, but the man's second question stopped him. He glanced up at Milo, the fire flickering beside him. He seemed surrounded by the flames, a shadow, scarcely even human. His fingers stopped drumming against the chair and a smile, slightly wide than a smirk, covered his face. He chuckled slightly before replying. "Honestly lieutenant, I lost count several years ago. Hundreds, thousands perhaps? Knights and peasants, princesses and whores. They all die the same." The man's voice was now heightened, as if merely the talk of killing excited him. His eyes came to life much more than before. There was a spark of madness behind them.

[Sightles]

Milo sipped from the brandy, again, focusing on the fire, with his face still holding the indifferent look, " 'When no power is vested in a turbulent man, he behaves sorrowfully like a nearly killed holiday goat, but when fully endorsed, without considering his level of insanity and evil gestures, he cuts everyone in the society into pieces' .” Milo quoted, taking another sip from his brandy. He then smirked, and corked the brandy. "Well, that just means your the best at what you do, doesn't it?" Milo added, his demeanor seemingly changed in an instance, "I can't boast of killing that many people, since I haven't killed at all." Milo said, laying back in the couch seat, relaxing on the feathered couch. The fire's warmth washed over Milo, grabbing him in it's warm embrace. Sleep seemed like a natural thing at that point, but Milo soon shook the feeling, and returned his gaze back to Alec.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec listened as Milo recited his quote. "An interesting quote. Not entirely accurate, but interesting nonetheless. Who said that?" He remembered to the time before he had any power. He had been beaten, tortured continuously. He'd forgotten nearly every detail about the world around him, but nothing they did to him ever made him abandon his lust for vengeance. If anything it only strengthened it. "That's what I've heard." He said, in reply to Milo's question. Alec listened as Milo mentioned he had never killed before. The lord blinked for a moment. "Not even once?" He was extremely surprised that a soldier, even one as seemingly mild-mannered as Milo had never taken a life. He wondered if all the Scouts were as inexperienced as Milo.

[Sightles]

"Some old dead man." Milo replied, with a faint smile, turning his gaze to the roaring fire. At Alec's question, Milo shook his head. "I've come close before. Never close as a solider, but as a child." Milo replied, glancing stoically into the fire. "I grew up rough. Every once in a while, I would get a urge. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? The urge for destruction. The urge to hurt, maim, kill. To defeat those that wish to hurt us or hinder us. It’s quite a thing, to experience that urge, to let it wash over you, to give in to it. It’s addictive. It’s all-consuming. You lose yourself to it. It’s quite wonderful, actually. I can feel it, even as I speak right now, tapping around the edges of my mind, trying to slip its fingers in. But we’re all like that, aren’t we? We’re all barbarians at our core. We’re all savage, murderous beasts that want to hunt. I know I am. I’m sure you are. The only difference between us, Mister Cross, is how loudly we roar. I don't roar very loudly, a squeak if anything. You, however, roar very loudly, don't you?" Milo said, turning his gaze back to Alec. There was a different kind of emotion in Milo's eyes now. It was the same indifferent look, or even the goofy drunk look, it was one of a man with a burning will in his heart.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec sat back in his chair as the young lieutenant spoke. His insight was impressive, especially for someone so young. Alec considered what he'd said for a moment. It was true, most people had the urge to kill, but many didn't have the stomach for it, and others were too weak. Alec sat in silence for a few moments before answering the lieutenant. "Wanting to kill and actually doing it are two very different things, Mister Ranier. It's not like you imagine, I assure you. It's unlike anything else in this world. The look as a man's life drains from his eyes. It's not something for the faint of heart." Alec leaned forward in his chair towards the young soldier, his eyes filled with a cold gleam. "A vulture does not roar, Lieutenant. A vulture feasts."

[Sightles]

Milo smirked, and took a sip of the brandy. "You're right, Mister Cross. A vulture does feast. It feasts on the dead and the weak." Milo replied, as his lackadaisical attitude began to come back to him. Milo leaned back in the couch, the brandy held in his hand. For a moment, Milo believed he would pass out. He hadn't drank this much since his graduation day. Milo wondered for a moment if passing out in front of such a dangerous man was really a smart move, but he was sure Alec wouldn't kill him, tonight. Alec still needed Milo, for now. Milo leaned his head back up for a second, corking the bottle as he did. "I think that's enough for one night." Milo said, as he stood up, placing the bottle above the fireplace on a mantle. Milo stood in front of the fire for a moment, letting it warm him. He was nice and toasty by now, his clothes completely dried. Milo could hear a sound coming from behind him, and turned around, seeing Maria enter the small log building. Milo smiled as he saw his Captain. He then turned to face Alec, "I'll be able to kill when the time comes."

[Epsir]

Her business in the city had been concluded without a hitch. A few messengers had went out, and she had made personal stops where it had been possible. All it had resulted in was a long sequence of goodbyes and a certain roster of who was and was not departing from the 33rd with Alec Cross. The actual numbers were worse than she would have hoped, the vast majority of her company was being entrusted to the operation and she was to simply continuing doing whatever it was she did, with a skeleton crew now. The rain hadn't stopped, didn't seem to her that it would stop any time soon anyway, and her poor green jacket had seen better nights. From the mist, her target slowly came into a view. An otherwise unsuspecting hotel, held by two of her own men. She waved as she passed, and gently shouldered open the door of the hotel in time to vaguely overhear one of her lieutenants. Conversations between soldiers always seemed to veer that way sooner or later. "Good evening, Milo, Cross," She said flatly, removing her jacket as she walked across the room and took a seat in the vacated couch. "Most scouts aren't hesitant about killing," she said, her eyes slowly passing from Milo to Alec. "But they're not hired killers. The reason you've been given Scouts is to protect you from a kind of threat you don't understand." She stopped, looking to the brandy perched above the fireplace, seeming to take a kind of solace. "I wanted to say goodnight and goodbye, but I'm happier to find you all still awake. Milo, I have the list of companions." A crumpled up piece of paper, the one she'd been all over town to fill out, was pulled from her pocket, and she unturned the list in her hands, holding it out to MIlo. Naturally, it included over half of the company's current size, all told 24 men with a distinct shortage of officers.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Alec rose from his chair, about to agree with Milo's statement, when a woman entered the inn. Alec turned on a heel to face the newcomer, and recognized her as the woman that had been with Milo earlier. The lord gave a slight nod to the woman. "Good evening. And you are?" The man's voice had returned to it's icy calm. She commented on the Scout's skill, in an attempt to quell his suspicions that they may not be as good as Milo was making them out to be. Alec smirked slightly. "I would certainly hope not... Please, elaborate more on what this threat is." Alec spoke calmly, his hands at his sides. He hadn't had time to throw his cloak on before the captain walked in, so all of his weaponry was still clearly visible. The woman seemed to be an authority on the Scouts, likely Milo's superior. Alec glanced at the woman with a smile that was completely drained of any real emotion.

[Sightles]

Milo took on his same stoic expression, when he turned to face Maria. He took the crumpled piece of paper, impressively putting on the aura that he was not drunk. After gazing over the paper for a second, Milo nodded his head, thoughtfully, before turning around and tossing the piece of paper into the fire, "I....I should be heading to bed." Milo said, indifference in his voice, "I'll let you two hash things out." Milo added, as he began to head upstairs, but, as if forgetting something, Milo turned around and grabbed the bottle of brandy, "Goodnight." Milo mumbled, before once again turning around, and beginning his ascension up the stairs. Milo managed to find his way to his room, locking the door, and taking a swig of the brandy. The room was extremely luxurious, and unlike anything Milo had seen before.