[Post Here First!] Northern Aozora Border

He would trail the man quietly, making sure not to make the signature metallic stomping noise of the Brotherhood Knights. He would not reply to his first line of speech, fully agreeing with him, especially since the man would know the lay of the land much better. Hans was there in case fighting was unavoidable. Realizing there were only two of them his first suggestion in combat would be "run," though of course if they managed to stay quiet he would not be against a painless night-time mass-murder.



The man's claim to be able to communicate through a language barrier,, on the other hand, seemed astounding. He tried not to sound condescending but if the man was going to try sign language he best know it is different in different places, too. "How, if it is not a secret?"

"Who is." He muttered as he followed Ram Jam. He was barely 16 and was already technically a Knight, had lost an eye, nearly lost an ear, and had a torso that looked like someone played tic-tac-toe with a sword on it. He wondered what would have happened if his parents listened to him and sent him to the Monks instead. When he said he had powers Nishida did not know about he frowned behind his helmet. "I am of the brotherhood, an autonomous force. We abide only by our own rules, but it seems you have been unfaithful to your master. Untruthful, anyway." Getting the serious business off the table he continued. "What are the risks?"

Behind his helmet he smiles, amazed at the man's abilities. "I think they will understand those." He had rarely seen magic and psychic powers used for such great, and harmless things. He had seen allied mages and such, but it had all been for the war. This was quite astounding. "If there is a way to communicate the desire for peace, I believe you have it!" He just hoped there would be no hostilities before speech could even be made. He hoped his blades and such would not be threatening, but he needed them. What if the tribals only desired to steal, or what if something else came, a monster akin to the scar-beast? He knew they were horrible thoughts but one could not get them from one's head. What if enemies have to be killed for a stupid reason like a sword drawn too early, an arm movement seen as if to attack, something so lowly yet trivial? He would later have to ask the man for more images, this truly was amazing.

Orocles and his band of 100 warriors stood before the forest that separated them from Aozora. All of them were lightly armed with outdated bronze helmets, chestplates, and shinguards. They all wore white garments and light-blue capes. Some of them had light-blue horse-hair crests, indicating their rank. They were variously armed: some with xiphoi and bronze shields, while others carried a falx; some of the men carried a spear in combination with their xiphos and shield; some of them carried peltae and javelins. Only a few rode atop horses, which had no armor at all. They had traveled a long way to find Aozora, hoping to meet Warlord Shintaro Nishida. And now their journey was almost complete.

"We could be ambushed," one of his warriors cautioned. "If not by the bandits, then Shintaro himself might attack us," another added.

Orocles turned his head slightly and they quietened down. "Shintaro could be wary of newcomers," he agreed, "but I do not believe a man in his position would be so rash as to attack us. We will send scouts to ride ahead while the rest of the column proceeds slowly."

As soon as Orocles was finished talking, a mounted warrior signaled to some of the riders and they rode forward into the woods. Orocles resumed walking forward and the column followed. They had no idea what they would find in the forest, but in truth some of the men probably hoped to find bandits; it had been to long since they shed blood. Perhaps one of the scouts would return with possible news.

Orocles was deep in thought. He wondered about Shintaro, and whether or not the warlord would accept his people. And then he thought about the camp, which had been hastily constructed a few miles back along a riverbank; most of the women, children, and elderly remained there, protected by some warriors. Assuming they were welcome in Aozora, they would work on getting the rest of their people there safely.

(I will leave it up to you whether we come into contact with bandits or make it through the forest safely).

The scout attempted to approach the tower secretly and then, seeing the Aozoran banner, approached cautiously. "I'm a scout for my master, Orocles. Allow me to return to him and inform him of my findings."

The scout turned his horse and galloped back off into the woods.

Ultimately he came upon Orocles and informed him of the watchtower. "Good," he said relieved, "now return back to camp and organize the refugees to bring them here." The scout nodded and darted off, towards the camp from which they came.

Orocles and his band of warriors marched to the watchtower and halted at the command of Orocles. The commander approached, his shield up to protect his body. "Hail, my friends," he began, "my name is Orocles. My people seek a new home to grow their crops, ply their trade, and raise their children. In return for land, I offer you my warriors."

Orocles motioned back to the armed men behind him. "They're impetuous, undisciplined, and wild in the midst of battle... but they have heart, they're strong, and they'll provide you with excellent shock troops."

Orocles nodded at the guard, smiled, and sighed a breath of relief. "Thank you, friend," he said, "I have 100 warriors with me now, but we have many refugees and fighting men on the other side of the forest." He turned his horse around and trotted towards his men. "At ease, men," he ordered. Orocles himself dismounted, hitched his horse to a nearby tree, and found a nice log to sit on. They would wait for the arrival of their allies before heading out.

Soon enough the refugees arrived and Orocles followed the road towards the castle.

"Oh, it's no trouble. I mean... It's good to get back to your roots you know?"

There was an awkward silence as both of them realized Jun had accidentally made a terrible pun.

I want another vacation. She whined to herself.

The contingent of Land-Tillers came to a gradual stop. The leader, an elf dressed in druidic garb, spoke. "Greetings! We are ambassadors from the Land-Tiller's Expanse. We come in peace. It is our intention to establish diplomatic relations and aid in the agricultural development of Aozora. We are accompanied by one of our champions, Jun of the Celadine."

It should be noted that the entire party was riding on the backs of wildebeests, a creature that the Aozorans may or may not be familiar with.