Siege Caravan (Closed, PM for entry)

[Rogus]

I didn't realize doctors carried sickles, mate. Rogus seemed to come out of nowhere as he spoke up. He'd been watching from a short distance but after Myscha settled the fiasco for the most part Rogus decided to do his part. Since everybody seemed to have their eyes locked on the blonde (A common occurence it seemed), Rogus easily would have gone unnoticed as he approached. Blood-boots seemed to be a defiant man, eyeing Myscha with a rather stead-fast gaze. Rogus knew everyone who was hired was already here by the time blood-boots had walked into the camp, and unlike most others he was thinking the doctor's story was missing a few details. Furthermore, Rogus was a decent healer when he needed to be. Though, admittedly, Rogus had more experience working on his own wounds than taking care of others.

Rogus stepped in further to pick up the pouch of herbs. He knew more about the human body than he did of medicinal herbs, but he knew enough to be able to verify what the man had said. He looked back up at dayan after scooping the pouch up and smiled. Mind if I curate your herbs? Can't have a doctor with a subpar medicine supply, can we?. He held the pouch in his hand, but lost the grin as he got down to business.


I'm Silas. What's your name, and why weren't you here for the check in like your pal over there? Herbs or not, surely your friend would have spoken up for you. Rogus wasn't one to overlook these kinds of things, and even if Mr. Blood-boots told the truth anyone would be hard pressed to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was grinning and holding up his hands as if to signal he wasn't looking for a fight, but if the other man was any kind of thief worth his salt he'd hear the underlying message; 'I don't think you are who you say you are'. He was careful not to say Cen's name either, if the man was lying then he wouldn't know the name of his 'friend'.

[Dayan]

"Then clearly you've never tried to properly harvest Gelndrig seeds, a key component in a variety of anti toxins. If you damage the stem you'll render them useless, so a proper harvesting tool is required," he responded to the other man. Now, he turned his gaze from the blond to look at the other man, hard.

"Feel free, but I need those for healing people, not making you take leave of your senses. Ask if you don't know what they are. I'd rather you not poison yourself by eating something you shouldn't have."

While several of the herbs Dayan had were toxic, they were more the 'violently ill' toxic than the 'murder' toxic. It would be kind of funny to see this man hurling up his lunch they spoke so much about, but Dayan didn't want to waste the medicine.

When he was asked about the cavalier, Dayan saw the immediate direction this was going. To feign familiarity with the unknown cavalier would be stupid, they could easily disprove that with any number of simple questions. "I don't know the knight at all. He decided to assist me when those proud and mighty defenders decided they wanted an altercation. Good choice in meat shields, by the way." he added with a chuckle.

"Doc will do, I suppose, he said, not really giving it any thought. "I was not at your meeting because nobody cares if a doctor knows the strategy, the plan, or the combat formations. All they care about is that I have the materials and the experience to patch up a hole when everything goes to crap. I don't even know what you're transporting, and frankly I don't care. You aren't hiring me to protect it, so why should I trouble myself with it? I have a job, and I do it well."

Something told Dayan that the woman, at least, would appreciate his directness. She had all the markings of someone stressed, and someone under lots of stress tended to have very little patience for foolishness.

Quick and to the point, a precision strike.

[Charlotte]

Rogus was quick to jump down the man’s throat, though Charlotte knew it was well-intentioned. After all, with someone the lot of them had never met before coming into the picture on the eve of their job beginning, it was rather peculiar. For all they knew, the man was an Illian operative trying to weasel their way into the small caravan, trying to quell one of the rebellion’s supply moves. Then again, an operative should have been working their way in weeks ago, so Charlotte doubted that was the case.

The woman was slightly surprised when the man was rather frank in admitting he didn’t know the soldier. It was a risky admission, but one that Charlotte actually respected. It took major guts to just come forthright and admit the soldier had been lying to cover his ass. She didn’t much appreciate the stab at their “choice” of men; in fact, if Charlotte had been able to pick her men for this mission, none of the rebels from this camp, at least, would be coming along. Regardless, Charlotte didn’t need to argue for her pride with an herbalist.

While his attitude was very stark and plain, almost to a point of insult, Charlotte grinned, seeing a bit of her own attitude in the man. Granted, while their roles were different, Charlotte knew exactly what it was like to be questioned about her ability to perform her job. But like her, he didn’t give a damn what they thought and was just ready to do his job as was prescribed. She liked that.

Still, it was risky just allowing a random doctor to join their caravan, even if he knew what he was talking about and they didn’t have a healer past a first aid kit. Charlotte mulled over what to say as Doc finished his piece and found herself listening to an overwhelming gut-feeling. Charlotte glanced to the sickle on the ground for a moment before looking back to the man.

“Well, ‘Doc,’ we appreciate having the extra hands to help with our group for the next few days.” Her response would likely surprise Rogus, as she didn’t often just allow people into her business. Sometimes, though, her impulsiveness and her business-sense didn't work together very well. “We’re almost ready to go, so if you’d like, you can head over to the wagons with Silas and I.”

[Rogus]

Fair enough, Rogus tossed the herb pouch back toward "Doc". Try and play nice. Although every fiber in his body screamed 'Hit him in the mouth', Rogus didn't question his partner's judgement. She was a better judge of character than he was, something he readily admitted, and the constant antagonistic tone the other man spoke with had bored him far quicker than Rogus would have thought. He was much the polar opposite of 'Doc' in terms of demeanor; far more laid back, and had some sense to not make enemies everywhere he went. He put a hand on Myscha's shoulder as he passed her on his way back to the wagons, dropping his voice low enough to be heard only by her, and his back turned to 'Doc'. It was a more polite way of saying 'I don't trust you', that outright saying it.

Never seen a doctor who carried poison. Thought you should know. Was all he said. He made a point of keeping the comment exactly that, a comment. Rogus only gave her the information she needed to know, the woman was frustrated enough without having her partner arguing with her. He had no wish to critisize the decision to let the stranger aboard, nor challenge it either, Myscha was the boss here in the first place. Rogus didn't exactly agree with her on this matter, but his body language, surprisngly obvious for once, said that for him.

With his mind set at ease, he moved behind her and took a few steps before stopping to make sure they were coming too. If they weren't he'd walk to the wagons anyway, if they did he'd wait and then fall in step alongside the others.

[Dayan]

Dayan watched as the sickle and bag were both deposited on the dirt. He bent his knees, picking them both up and returning them to his person. He nodded to the blond, who remained nameless. It was pointless, anyway. He didn't think anyone here had used their real name.

And why would they? He hadn't, and he expected similar amounts of mistrust from the rest of them. He didn't trust them, they didn't trust him. They merely worked together because the other had something to offer them. He had a service they could make use of.

And they didn't yet know it, but so did they.

It was a perfect agreement. No expectations of loyalty or altruism, just a man and his job. Of course, there were some there who seemed a bit put off by his frankness. Never the less, 'Silas' wasn't much of a concern. It was clear that he deferred to the blond, which made this much easier. So long as Dayan didn't go too far with any altercations that managed to find him, the man wouldn't make a move on him. Still, he wouldn't be surprised if someone on this camp started spying on him.

It's what he would do if he were in their position.

"Lead on then, boss," he said, following behind her as she went back to her work. He'd need to find a relatively open part of a wagon to set his gear. Delicate instruments should be treated with care, after all.

Now, what other interests would tonight bring? Only time would tell, he supposed. "Though I do need to ask one question. Some of the better salves for wound treating have a... limited effective time, a few days at most. Should I begin preparing some tonight?"

It was his way of asking if they expected to run into a fight anytime soon. The reason was actually true, and he didn't wish to waste his resources if no trouble was expected.

No trouble. Yeah, right.

[Charlotte]

“That’s why you’re going to keep an eye on him,” Charlotte replied as Rogus passed, mimicking the volume he had taken with her. She knew they needed to be cautious with who they associated with, especially someone suspicious like Doc. But Charlotte also knew having some form of healer along would be invaluable considering their pre-Doc group had fairly limited medical knowledge. Considering they didn’t know what they would face on the road ahead (though Charlotte had a hunch they would run into trouble at some point), It would be foolish to turn down the opportunity to have the man along.

And besides, if he was a real threat, having him under their watch would allow them to dispose of him quickly if anything went sound. Charlotte hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but she was prepared for anything. All she knew was at the moment was that the man did have legitimate herbs among his wares, as well as poisonous ones, according to Rogus, and that he was apparently stronger than he looked.

Charlotte returned Doc’s nod as she motioned for him to follow her, catching up with Rogus before pacing their walk. The wagons were only a stone’s throw from where they were, and since the sun was rapidly reaching its final destination below the horizon for the night, Charlotte was sure their 'refugees' had already started gathering for their departure. As soon as the three of them were in step with one another, Charlotte looked to Doc. “The trip is going to be a week at least, likely longer if we have to slow our pace.” She paused, considering their path in her head. “I’d say prepare enough for two treatments if you can, in case something goes awry. When we make it to the first town stop, we can reassess from there.”

And just like that, as Charlotte had finished speaking they emerged from behind a few tents and were back at the circled wagons, with a handful of the men and women ambling around them, getting things ready to go. Charlotte motioned to the second-smallest wagon, one that carried no cargo, only meant to hold about 6 or 7 bodies, along with the driver. “You’ll be riding with that wagon, Doc. Your old friend Cen will be riding with you as well.” She paused, looking over to him as she pointed. “It’d be wise to stay on at least neutral terms with your cart mates, clear?”

Assuming he would not disagree, Charlotte shifted her attention to Rogus. “Silas, you already know you’ll be scouting ahead to keep an eye out for any trouble, and I’ll be with the point cart or on foot checking on the other carts.” She gave one last glance to Doc. “If you need anything while we’re moving, just ask your driver where Myscha’s at.”

Looking over the movement around the caravan and anxious to get going, Charlotte looked to her left and right. “Everyone ready?”

[Cen]

Cen listened as the Woman and her gentleman shadow approached with Dayan. So her name was Myscha? That's an odd name. Was she Ilian. Oh, and fantastic, he was going to be riding with the Doctor, which was not at all the most terrifying turn of events possible. Before Cen did anything else, he decided to inspect his equipment. All javelins accounted for, his lance, plate, cup, knife, chest plate, pauldrons, helm. As the young man lifted his Helm from the larger of his two bags, he inspected it for a moment. Technically, if Cen wore it back home, he'd be committing treason. His family was not meant to have a crest, but the front of Cen's helm was marked with the insignia of his family before their knighthood, and lineage, was stripped away. After a brief moment of longing for his family, Cen carefully slid the Helm back into the bag. He had visited Bern once before, and heard a few whispers about a Knight who in the storied told by farmers and Mercenaries matched the appearance of his Eldest brother. Cen hoped they wouldn't have to see each other while he was here.

Once he was done inspecting his equipment it appeared everyone else was ready to be off. Cen threw his larger back onto his back, and slung his satchel over his left shoulder. He must have looked like a pack mule, a massive carrier on his back, another on his right hip, and a quiver of javelins on his right. Cen vaulted himself over the back of the cart he was set to ride, and leaned back against the side. He wished he hadn't sold his hat, the sun was always so bright before Twilight, and he could use some cover for his eyes. Still, he'd been able to ride a wagon most of the way from Santaruz to Caelin, so the Squire was pleased with the decision. He eyed the Doctor, "You comin' Doc?"

[Dayan]

Dayan listened to what the blond had to say and nodded wordlessly. When she made her remark on his attitude, he smiled.

"Oh come now, do I seem the type to hold a grudge over such silly matters?"" he asked with a smile. It wasn't simply body language, everything about him had changed to a relax and casual demeanor, almost in an instant. "I am sure there will be no issue that we cannot find a peaceful solution to."

He whistled to himself, grabbing the side of the wagon and pulling himself in with a deft jump. "But of course, Cen, was it?" he asked, knowing full well he had heard the man's name correctly. "All I ask is you not go into my bags. I would prefer my tools not be needlessly dirtied in the case of emergency work," he said, setting his pack down in a corner and then sitting against a wall.

"Your assistance before was appreciated. Some people like to think with their muscles instead of directing that blood flow to their brains. So, what brings you out here? The eternal search for coin?" he asked, relaxing quite casually as he took a drink of water from his skin.

[Cen]

Cen switched his legs from their locked position to a more relaxed straight leg position. He put his arms behind his head and let out a loud sigh. The squire was content for a moment, but he knew it wouldn't last. They'd be attacked, or a wheel would break. Something would go wrong, and that's okay. It was just party of going on an adventure.

The stranger had jumped into the wagon, and once he got himself situated, started speaking with Cen. "All I ask is you not go into my bags. I would prefer my tools not be needlessly dirtied in the case of emergency work," the Doctor spoke. Cen shrugged and with a small grin said, "What's a bodyguard gonna do with herbs and scalpels?"[/font]

As the caravan began to move the squire moved his lance and javelins to attempt to give Doc more room. The doctor asked what Cen was doing out in Bern, and the squire scratched his chest as he thought for a moment. He said, "Mostly for the coin. Ah need to make enough to food to you know, avoid the whole starving thing, but ah-I also need the money to buy the sponsorship for my knighthood. Plus, it's always nice to help people out, even if they're like those 'refugees' who decided to attack someone for walking. Don't mention me helping you, you probably could have handled it." After a bump, Cen moved his hair back out of his face.

[Dayan]

Dayan arched an eyebrow at Cen's answer. "Knighthood is a mark of honor and respect. What value does it have if it is purchased by coin?" Dayan understood the practice, but he was curious what this squire thought about it. It was just another way to exert foul authority over people, forcing them to pay for the 'honor' of service. What sort of crap was that?

"While I may have been able to handle it, the assistance was appreciated nevertheless. I would advise watching out for the lady, however. She's likely going to be a bit mistrustful of you vouching for someone you didn't know.

Dayan reached into his pack, pulling out a small roll of cloth and a stack of various herbs, as well as a mortar and pestle. He began crushing down the plants, before pouring a bit of water of the green mixture and then laying the strips of cloth into it. "Surely there are better things to spend coin on than paying for the right to serve. You don't need a reason or permission to help people."

Now, granted, sometimes they didn't always want the help you had to offer, but that was neither here nor there.

[Rogus]

Yeah. I'll see you in a few hours. Rogus gave Myscha a nod, and quickly went about gathering some essentials from his pack in the lead cart; A horn, and a flask filled with water. He took a third item out of the pack too: A metal disk the size of a small plate. He was careful to hide it between his belts, if anyone recognized the symbol he'd be framed as a bandit... Which wouldn't entirely be false. The disk bore the seal of the Ruinz Bandits, the badge of an agent of the horde. It gave him some authority over most ruffians, and he wagered it might come in handy at some point in this journey. It was also a danger to him if someone recognized it, but Rogus knew that. The benefits out-weighed the risk, and he wasn't intending to sell the convoy out to his bandit friends.

Rogus wandered over to the second cart. He was fine with being alone, but his distrust of Doc was significant enough that Rogus didn't feel comfortable letting the man sit in the center of the caravan. He heard Cen and Doc conversing, he could identify which voice was whose easily enough; apparently, Cen was saving his gold to pay for a... knight sponsorship? It was all the thief could do to hold in his laughter. What a farce, no noble would except gold from a commoner and make them a knight unless they were of very low standing. The thought of a sponsorship for such a thing was laughable at best, but apparently Cen was confident he could get a deal like that lined up. Truth be told, Rogus was surprised Doc hadn't laughed in his face. To his knowledge knighthood was a honor bestowed, not bought, but maybe Cen came from some strange land where payment for such a position was the norm. It didn't make it any less funny to Rogus.

He walked behind the cart and poked his head in. Doc, I think you should come assist me. He interrupted the conversation as delicately as possible, but Rogus's suggestion sounded more like an order, An extra set of eyes will come in handy. In actuality, Rogus had no need for the other man's help. He simply didn't want him in the convoy in case he actually was some sort of agent or spy. The fact of the matter was that if Doc stayed in the convoy he could perform some sort of sabotage, if he went with Rogus, the worst that could happen was the red-cloaked man's death at the good doctors hands. If Rogus didn't come back and Doc was dumb enough to he wouldn't be alive for much longer, and if Doc didn't come back, no one would be angry with Rogus. Half the men already hated the good doctor.

Cen, you have sentry duty as soon as the carts start moving. Hope neither of you planned to sit on your arses all night. Rogus joked. He grinned at the two of them before walking away and waiting for the doctor to come join him. If the doctor didn't come then that was just one more reason Rogus had to distrust the man. Herbs can wait, the caravan can't.

[Charlotte]

Charlotte watched for a moment as everyone took to their respective roles, or rather, positions for the moment, finally feeling some of the stress of readying the caravan lifting from her shoulders. With the sun finally dipping entirely below the horizon, it was time for them to get moving. The journey certainly wouldn’t be the longest she had taken, but it was one of her more dangerous pursuits, to be sure. But with great risk came great reward, both monetarily and in her increased skill.

”Alright everyone, finish up, we’re moving out in just a minute!” Charlotte projected her voice loud enough for the entirety of their small crew to hear. Most of the men and woman, thankfully dressed as they had been instructed, gave brief acknowledgement of Charlotte’s order, their pace quickening as they finished up what they were working on. It took only another minute or two for everyone to load into their carts or take their respective points; all the while, Charlotte taking count in her head, making sure they were only short one for the man who had fought with Doc earlier.

When her count was complete, Charlotte moved towards the back of the caravan. Starting from the back and walking to the lead cart where she would be seated, Charlotte gave the OK signal to the cart drivers as she passed, who gave the same OK symbol back to her, signaling they were ready to go. When she got to the lead cart, she hesitated before pulling herself up, looking back on the curved line of wagons one last time.

“Remember, stay sharp everyone! Tell your driver if you see anything suspicious, and stay close!” Charlotte gave one final OK signal, which was returned by all of the drivers, which sated Charlotte enough to get them going. So with that, Charlotte pulled herself on to the cart, sitting herself next to the lead driver, who was none other than Bush’s brother, Trent. “Everyone’s ready, so let’s move.” Trent nodded in reply, lifting the reigns for the horses at the front of the cart and signaling them to start. With a few snorts and whinnies, the horses began pulling the cart, with the rest closely following as they began their move.

[OOC: I’m planning for us to do a skip past the first stop, so this is a good time as any for supports if you guys want. Let me know when you guys are ready for me to skip and I’ll post. Until then, skip me.]

[Cen]

Cen hated explaining his Squireship. Squirehood? Cen hated explaining the situation of his being a Squire. Cen looked down at his feet as he started, "Ah started my time as a squire in Laus, where you're required to have noble blood to be a knight. I was, at the time, sponsored by the Lord of Cornwell for... reasons. A few months ago however, a horse my father gave him as a gift bucked him off, and my sponsorship was removed, the Lord saying that unless my family provided the gold to pay for a new horse. I need to make enough coin. Five hundred gold pieces isn't the easiest amount to come by. Neither are the horses fit for a lord." Cen looked up and gave the Doctor a smile. "I don't want my family to continue to live their lives at the beck and call of a man who can love us one day and mistreat us the next. I owe it to them."

Then the man in red walked up to the cart, and gave both the men an assignment. Cen sighed and leaped out of the cart, grabbing his lance and javelins after his feet rested on the ground. As Silas walked off towards some unknown thing, presumably to look for something in the dark, Cen said under his breath to the good Doctor, "I've always thought Sentry implied you were guarding a fixed spot." Cen slung his javelins over his back, and walked off towards the most important part of the train. The blonde woman who he didn't want to be on the bad side of.

Ooc: Ready for the skip when you guys are.

[Dayan]

Dayan was divided between Cen's explanation of someone with power over him abusing it. The idiotic lord probably got tossed because he didn't know how to ride a horse.

Fools.

And then there was the man from earlier, Silias or something. Dayan looked up and him, but didn't stop his work on the herbs. "This particular brand of herb will be useless if the bandage isn't prepared before the mixture dries. Since I have already begun, under orders from the master of this caravan, I am going to finish doing what my job is." He didn't even look up at Rogus as he spoke, focusing on his task. "If, when I have finished with the job I was hired for, you still require assistance with your job, I will be more than happy to assist you," he said, making no indication of moving at all. He nodded to Cen as the squire left, and continued his work with not a thought of following the man with something to prove.

Maybe he'd get over it, maybe not. Dayan didn't care, and he knew that the blond wouldn't give him much trouble over doing his job.

OOC: Ready to move as well.

[Charlotte]

Four days after leaving Macendew. Three days away from final stop.

Thump... thump, thump... thump, thump... Charlotte closed her eyes tightly as she touched her forefinger and thumb to her temples, massaging them deeply but slowly. It was close to one in the morning now, and while Charlotte had been able to catch a brief nap prior to their departure, she hadn't been able to sleep off the after effects of the alcohol she had imbibed earlier that day. In fact, she was pretty sure if she hadn't caught those forty winks she might have been able to skip the headache; she probably would have felt more nauseous, but she hated headaches to no end.

"Yallright there Myscha?" Trent's voice sounded next to her, a bit of concern behind it as he continued to steer the horses onward. Myscha simply waved off his concerns with her free hand, knowing they were largely selfish in that he needed to know where to turn next.

Charlotte did her best to focus on the task at hand, mainly getting to the second to last stop, but she found her mind wandering more than she would have liked, namely to her and Rogus' raucous evening in the tavern. She was mad that she'd let herself be so vulnerable, that she'd let herself start even getting remotely close to the thief she had been working with. For the first time in years, she was feeling incredibly insecure having given someone so much insight to herself. Did she regret it? She didn't think so, but she wasn't sure yet.

For now, though, the blonde was glad that Rogus was scouting ahead, not sure how they would approach one another moving forward. So she kept massaging her temples, opening her eyes to look around whenever she had the chance. The most dangerous part of their trip had just begun, the caravan moving closer into Illian-controlled territory. The rebels still had influence north of the river, but that didn't mean the Illians didn't still have patrols and influence there too. They'd have to be more careful now, and they'd have to stay as quiet as they could. Being only a few days away, Charlotte couldn't have them be caught now.