Expedition: Resupplying and Resting [ABANDONED, DO NOT JOIN]

[The Madness]

Oleg jumped off of the carriage, walking to the back as he spoke to the others. "Right. We are stopping here for a day or two to resupply. Now. I want you all to fix your relations before you start killing eachother. I'll get us rooms and food... Rest is up to you." Oleg then left the others, walking towards the Inn to get them rooms and singing their names.

[Rogus]

Damn... Gus cursed as he woke from his resting. He'd been out for hours at least, maybe even a day when the caravan stopped and his head hit the cart's backboard. His neck hurt, his head hurt, what next his pride?

"Now. I want you all to fix your relations before you start killing eachother."

There it goes, right to the pride. Thanks boss. He groaned miserably as he forced himself to sit up and look at the others in the cart if there were any at all, mumbling unintelligibly about lucky throws, and bandit guts. Rogus patted his trusty knife's handle... handle... no? It wasn't there. Sure, the thing cut his neck, and even almost killed him, but it wasn't the damn weapon's fault, it was the bloody bandit's! He'd look at the others on the cart.

Who's got my dagger?...

[Ryuzaki]

"Here." Ryu walked up to the wagon, tossing the dagger handle-first towards Rogus. Hopefully the poor guy'd be quick enough to catch it. As for the others... Ryu quickly glanced at the rest of the crew before deciding to go to the edge of town to relax. Relations? He didn't really have any problems, besides that one girl. She irritated him. The rest were a decent bunch, he supposed.

"See you later, Gus. I'll be back soon." With that, Ryu pulled his cloak closer to him and walked away, eventually settling under a tree at the edge of town. He unclipped the scythe from his back, laying it next to him. Relaxing, Ryu slipped out the book, and once again began to mumble the words and smell the pages. As the sun shone down, Ryu relaxed and drifted into a light and uneasy sleep.

[Oichi]

It was clear to Oichi that there was some beef between Ingrid and Near. From what she could tell there was also friction with red thief, who name Oichi could not remember. Still it was a bit extreme to threaten to kill somebody. The distrust between them must be great. Ingrid did not seem like such a person one should have such hated for, but there was something there. Oichi eventually decided it was best to get to the bottom of this herself. She did not like to see fighing amongst the men. It reflected badly on her father's leadership and a bad reflection on her father was a bad reflection on her.

Oichi decided she would start with the heart of the problem. She could talk to Ingrid all day, but Near might disappear somewhere if she was not careful. Oichi immediately began to follow the thief. She ended up catching up too him under a tree near the edge of town. Near seemed to have already dozed off. It would be rude for her to simply wake him up, and she doughty she would get any information out of him if she did. Oichi simply took a seat on the ground under the tree and waited patiently for him too wake up.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid had been napping for the rest of the road and woke up when Oleg started giving orders. She got up and turned to Rogus.- How is that neck holding out for you?- She asked slightly concerned, even if she didn't liked him she had to look after him. They where on the same team for now.

As for the other one she really didn't understood why he was so mad at her. Was it really that she told on them? (is it as childish as it sounds?). It seemed like a very lousy reason to threaten her life.
When she noticed that Oichi went after the other she thought of following them in case he was as weird as he looked to her unless anything of interest might happen here.

[Kyle]

So, finally time for a stop, about time. It was a bit stressful making sure the wound didn't break open at anytime. And his legs hurt, growing muscles were a pain. But good in the long term. Maybe now the man could go see a healer, it would cost a bit, but it would be worth it. But take a day off? That is something Kyle can do. Getting his dog he began to walk through the town, quickly finding not much of interest he started walking outside of the village, thoughts racing through his head, the stress of the last fight beginning to catch up with him. It seems that thinking isn't always the best thing to do.

Hm, a life was in his hands, his hands, A LIFE. If he hadn't reacted would the man have died? And that fight, it was completely possible someone could have died, that death could of been HIM, KYLE. Was everything like this? Sure, he had been in some intense situations with his dad. but his dad was the best fighter he'd ever seen. He'd breeze through all of the problems. But this, this was real. His dad was no longer around to help. He'd almost lost a person that was supposed to be on his team! With his dad he'd always thought his side was invincible. But this, this was far from the truth. Should He even be out here? If that person could almost get killed, what would happen to Kyle? That man HAD to have more knowledge about fights than Kyle, and still he almost died. Was life always this stressful? Should he go back now? Admit to his father that he couldn't do it? His heart was racing, his vision blurred, the world seemed to be moving in erratic fashions. Over there, that field of flowers. It looks nice. The world was spinning now. Should he? Could he? It.... He.....Maybe.....But...... And with that Kyle fell over hitting the patch of waist high flowers with a thud.

Hm? What was this? Master? What is he doing? Why is he down on the ground? Is he okay? The dog then nudges Kyle with his nose, Kyle still isn't moving. Why? Is he napping here? I should guard him. I will! I will attack any who come too close. I WILL protect my master. There are many like him but this one is mine.

[Samuali]

Samuali gave a sigh of frustration. He was lost in a alien land, again. He had put his map somewhere where it could not be bleed on, burned, stolen, torn, or any other way ruined and lost it. He looked at a group that just arrived. A middle aged man, clearly their leader started to walk off to the Inn. A shady character walked off followed by a women. A tall but young man walked off with his dog. Samuali decided to follow the shady character and the woman, but from a safe distance.

The Woman caught up to the character under a tree near the edge of town. He considered walking up and asking for a map but the woman was just siting there, waiting for the character, who he now saw was asleep, to wake up. Samauli settled on just sitting down and watching from a distance, if he got a chance he would approach them.

[Rogus]

He sighed, Never better, scamp....

Rogus had caught his blade nimbly and brought the shiny metal to his gaze. Using its reflective surface, he'd look at his wound. It was a grisly reminder of his blunder, no doubt, the sowing was understandably jagged and uneven, the pink flesh beneath could still be seen, it was scabbing up a bit, but at least the blood had stopped pouring from it. Rogus was happy for his life, but the wound was more than just a blemish on his complexion, and, as a noble (or ex-noble), his appearance mattered greatly to him. If anything however, at least he'd have a nasty scar to show off. He'd lay still for a few minutes, trying to fall back asleep, but found it impossible. He'd sit up after a pitiful struggle to do so, his muscles were sore and he simply felt drained. He'd take a knife from one of the packs in the caravan and carved two notches into his dagger's hilt. Not a trophy of his kills, but a reminder of the debts he owed. One to Kyle, the boy who had given him some odd herbs to help his pain and carried him to safety, and another to Ingrid, the girl who had tried to kill him weeks ago. She had stitched him up, saved his life-- or at least prolonged it. For that he would repay her in some way.

There were many notches on the dagger's hilt, all but the two that had been recently added were crossed off. Except one. The one closest to the dagger's guard, the first debt he ever owed. He could never repay that one, but it bothered him little, there is time for regret when your hair turns grey Rogus reasoned. With that, he'd replace the knife he had used and sighed again, wincing from the pain that shot through his neck. He needed someone to come back soon, his extroversion and need to converse aside, he had enough coin for a healer but he had no way to hire one if he couldn't walk.

Here lass... take my gold... and this, Rogus removed his silver crafted head-piece off and handed these things over to her if she took them, Find a healer would you kindly? And don't bloody give them that silver beauty if the gold is enough...

Just a few hours in to his injury and rogus already grew sick of feeling like dead weight. Damn this all... he muttered.

His thoughts drifted to the party. Tensions were already flaring, Oleg seemed very discontent. Rogus no longer trusted the man. Any leader that left when things got tense and told his men to solve it themselves was probably unfit for the role. The two girls, Oichi and Ingrid... Where could he begin? Ingrid hated him for being a thief, but she HAD helped him live for a bit longer. Then there was Oichi, the daughter of their fearless leader. Bah, she was here because of Daddy, sure she had offed a few bandits in the fight, but he doubted she could be relied on for much. Carmichal, one of the few rogus still had confidence in, the man was large and he knew by the way he walked, and by the look in his eye that Carmichal was a killer, a warrior Rogus could respect. He didn't see the brute in the encounter with the bandits, but there were a lot of bodies, and things were happening too fast to take notice of every single detail. He had no reason to doubt the shirtless man. Then there was that tall boy, Kyle, and his mutt. Rogus didn't particularly love dogs, but the beast seemed well trained enough. Kyle was like his dog in some ways, quiet being the foremost. He'd joke about the similarities extending to the pair's facial features in his head and got a small chuckle out of it. The boy had helped save his life however, and though he was unsure of the lad's mettle, he was certainly grateful. He seemed to use a bow, but only saw one bandit with an arrow in him, and even then it was lodged in the brigand's calf. Despite that, of the entire group, Kyle was one that Rogus actually had nothing to say badly about.

Finally, Ryuzaki, Near as he was known to the group. A solid companion in the thieving profession, but in a fight? He knew ryuzaki was of Sacaen descent, so he must have some skill with a blade, and trusted the man to be able to hold his own... But could he still be trusted? Rogus had told the man far too much about his past the last time they spoke, at any time he could use it against him. In any case, he knew Ryu was the closest thing he had to a friend in this group, hopefully it would stay that way.

[The Madness]

Oleg walked outside, reaching the caravan as he spoke with a calm yet stern voice. "I've got us rooms for two days. I just wish to state to you that our goal will be much easier if we all stop arguing. We can return to either hating or loving eachother once this job is over, but for now, we are a team of professionals with no past relations." He then turned around, walking back to the tavern...

Oleg climbed the stairs, rubbing his face as he grunted. "I should never try my hand at politics once this is over." He then opened the door and sat on his bed, opening his map as he begun to read it.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid took the gold and the silver piece and nodded. There should be a church near and most likely a healer would be there.- Alright, you stay here.- The girl jumped off the carriage and hurried her way to the center of the town.

On her way she kept thinking on the group situation and noticed that it was her who was the center of this mess. If she and "Near" hadn't started fighting things wouldn't turned out this tense, or at least not as loud as it was now.
-Oh, i forgot about Oichi!- she remembered in the middle of her thoughts.-She followed that jerk to who knows where. I hope she'll be fine, She was a very helpful team player.- She kept thinking to herself while turning on a corner to find the church right in front of her. She walked up to the door and knocked the door. When the priest showed up she explained him how in their way there they had been ambushed and one of her companions needing healing. The priest nodded and followed after her back to carriage where Rogus was. - Hey! I'm back!- she told the thief while climbing back on and helping the healer up.- It's the one on his neck- She told the healer while pointing into the wound. The healer's staff shined with the holy light of healing while Ingrid watched amazed. She grew up in one of the far-east parts of Sacae and she had never seen magic before. it was an amazing sight indeed.

[Ryuzaki]

"Mmm..."

Ryu's eyes snapped open, and his hand was on his sword hilt instantly, his other securely grabbing his scythe. Looking around, he saw... Huh, who was that? Oh, Oleg's daughter. Why was she here?

"You're... Sorry. I don't know who you are. Why are you here? Am I needed, or something?" Ryu asked cordially. He had no resentment toward her; she seemed like a nice enough girl.

Standing up, Ryu stretched and stowed the book, which had slid onto his lap as he rested. Lifting the scythe, he began to slowly move it in patterns, simulating combat, but extremely slowly.

"Feel free to talk, I'm not ignoring you. Just practicing," he said, continuing to move in fluid motions.

[Oichi]

"oh your awake", spoke Oichi as Near awoke. The maiden was humming a little tune to herself to past the time. "Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier", spoke Oichi. "My name is Oichi and I am Oleg daughter, but you probably already knew that part. Well to get straight to the point I would like too know why you don't like Ingrid so much. I don't really know her that well, but she seems like a nice person. I wonder what could have happened to bring such hostility between you too. I figured I would ask you first. I will understand if you don't want to talk about it. The past is sometimes hurtful."

[Ryuzaki]

"It's nice to meet you, Oichi. I am Near. I guess... I guess you could say that I hate Ingrid because she betrayed the Sacaean code of honor. It's not often that I hold... Well, no, I do hold grudges. But what happened was like this...

My friend and I were doing... what we do... and... the girl started screaming. Alerting everyone. She assumed that just because I steal to live, I am the filth and vermin of the earth. Do you see? Can you see why I would become upset?

There IS honor among thieves, Oichi," Ryuzaki said in a vehement, toxic tone as he slashed through the air with his scythe, moving faster and faster until his movements became a fluid stream.

"I may be a thief, but at least I'm not a RAT. I hold to my principles... That all should have an equal chance. That all should have opportunity. I believe that this world is sick, Oichi. Sick to its core, because people rise above one another, using their brothers as footstools and sucking the life and soul out of them. It's disgusting. Despicable.

And I just...

Can't...

Take...

Such...

IGNORANCE!"

Ryuzaki slammed the scythe into the tree, embedding it deep in the wood. Ripping it free, he angrily turned to face Oichi, fire burning in his eyes as he breathed deeply.

"I'm sorry, I lost my temper. It should not have happened."

Ryu tried to calm himself, blocking Ingrid from his mind with difficulty.

[Oichi]

Oichi sat patiently through Ryuzaki entire speech. She listen careful and analyzed everything he said. She began to understand his feelings and why he disliked Ingrid so much. The way he told the story it seemed a bit weird thought. He spoke how Ingrid screamed and had such a horrible reaction, but he also spoke about her using him. Was she part of the group or was she a by stander. If she was part of the group it seemed illogical for hr to just scream. It would bring to much attention to herself. From the little she knew, no in truth she did not know anything about Ingrid. Yes she was kind and the two seemed to have a friendship building, but she did not really know her. Oichi could not throw anything out.

"Um Near", spoke Oichi maintaining her calm voice. "I have a question for your. Was Ingrid working with you or was she just there. From your story it seemed she was with you two, but her reaction seemed very strange for a person who engaged in thievery."

[Rogus]

the healing spell washed over him and for a moment, he felt bliss. No one had ever used a healing staff on him. It felt like he was drunk, numb to the world and the pain his wound was causing. He felt so good he nearly moaned. The pain washed away, and as quickly as it came on, the feeling stopped. What cruelty was this? He was so disrupted by the loss of Euphoria, he forgot that his neck was no longer giving him such pain. He felt rejuvenated, so much so that he immediately stood up and looked the priest over.

Thanks pal, now i need a drink. How much did THAT cost me? He spat, he was a creature of pleasure more than anything. Taking away the healing effect so quickly left him yearning for more, just like he felt when he woke after a night of drinking. Then his mind focused on his wound, why wasn't he feeling any pain? The staff worked, obviously. But he still wanted to get his hands on a bit of whiskey or rum, FEELING drunk wasn't quite the same as being drunk it seemed.

He shoo'd the priest away hurriedly. Forgetting to let him know how much gold he'd lost, or if his head-piece was still his.

Tell me scamp, where are my things?