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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 11, 2008 19:41:04 GMT -5
*Finnerator Rudderbow leaned against the battlements and peered at the horizon. She had a few minutes of free time and decided to use them by taking a stroll on the walls. The otter had not expected to see anything so she was surpised when she saw a thin line of smoke rising from the treeline. It was obviously some kind of campfire she reasoned as she pushed herself off the battlements so that she was standing upright again. The sea otter pondered the smoke for a moment with forepaws crossed*
A campfire usually means one of two things. *she mused aloud* Either there's a group of travelers camping in the woods or there's vermin gang out there. *A grin spread across her face as she continued* If it is the former, they should be happy to see us and stay under the protection of the fort for the night. If the latter, then things could get interesting.
*It had been a long time since Finnerator had been in a good battle mostly because running the fort took so much work. That's an understatement, she thought sarcastically, Let's see, there's the food and weapon supplies to purchase and stock, then the recruits to train, patrols to organize, councils to go to... and the list goes on. The General shook her head and chuckled at herself* Well, it wasn't like anyone made you do it, Finnerator.
*Finnerator raised her head again to see the campfire then looked at the sun that was almost at the end of its daily journey* I think it's time for a little night patrol. *She said with a grin. With that she dismounted the wall by way of the stairs and marched over to the barracks. Within a few moments she was in the mess hall, where many beasts were taking their supper*
Ahoy! Who's up for a little patrol tonight?
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Post by Captain Fishrudder on Jan 11, 2008 19:44:08 GMT -5
**Fishrudder was eating dinner and talking to several new recruits at the same time. He was wearing a simple undertunic and pants. Only because he had had his armor on earlier that day and hadn't had time to change, since he had been late to dinner. The River Otter was just taking a bite of a Hotroot soup as Finnerator walked in. He immediately stood up, he wanted to see Finnerator in battle. She hadn't gone with them for awhile and he wanted to watch, he could always learn from a leader. He chuckled to himself at that and said to Finn** I'll go with you, how many do you think you will need, I know a few that would want to go.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Jan 11, 2008 20:12:37 GMT -5
For once, Linx wasn't heavily armed... And he was actually eating dinner at the mess hall with all the soldiers. It was never like him to do that, he preferred to eat alone, but to be honest once in a while he just missed this place. The food here wasn't that bad, especially since that new guy got here. He could actually enjoy eating here... And he had the freedom not to, if he wished, thanks to his wonderful small fortune from selling weapons. But it's not that bad. The food here, I mean... I can't think right. What's gonna happen if I have to SAY something?
The mouse might have started needing to do that, too, as he noticed Finnerator(!) and Fishrudder conversing near the edge of the mess hall. His half-finished dinner was now rendered completely irrelevant. Linx pushed himself out of his chair and strode over to where the pair were talking, his mind racing at the sight of Finnerator(!!!), which was extremely rare despite his being an officer now. What's she doing here? He heard something about gathering others as he approached. "Hey, Fishrudder... Finnerator," Linx added, slightly nervously. He was never great around direct superiors. "What are we doing?"
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 12, 2008 15:49:57 GMT -5
*For a moment, Finnerator wasn't sure if anybeast heard her over the usual din of the mess hall for she was never very good at projecting her voice. Immediately, however, Fishrudder rose from his seat and approached her, seeming eager to join her on the little patrol. She smiled at the youthful enthusiasm of the Commander and his direct answer* Glad to hear it, Fishrudder. I don't know exactly how many we'll need, but not too many.
*Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Linx approach, though not nearly as confidently as Fishrudder had. Although Linx was Fishrudder's equal in rank and Finnerator respected his opinion, he still seemed nervous around fellow high-ranking officers. Nevertheless, Linx did not hesitate to try and find out what Finnerator was planning*
"What are we doing?"
*The sea otter shrugged and communicated her vague plan* I spotted a campfire in the woods and I think that somebeast should go check it out, incase it's a vermin camp. Most of them have cleared out of this area since Otter's Fort was built, but you can never be too careful, eh? So, would you like to join Fishrudder and I to go investigate the area? It'll be dark out, but I'm up for a little adventure. *The female otter said with a grin that revealed she had not yet lost the adventurous nature of the youth, though she was now over thirty seasons old*
*While Finnerator awaited a reply from Linx, she again scanned the mess hall to see if anybeast else was interested in participating. There was no reason to order anybeast to come because it was likely just a traveler in the woods, not to mention that three experienced officers could handle any small band of vermin. Still, the more the merrier she thought to herself*
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Post by Linx Exotic on Jan 12, 2008 15:59:46 GMT -5
Campfire... That could be a number of things. Linx's mind promptly exploded with thoughts, most of them relieved ones regarding Finnerator(!) not biting his head off for some reason, a few actually rational ones planning what he'd want to bring. It would probably be a small engagement if any, so if they were to encounter resistance, Linx would only need a bolt repeater to hold his own. But spring was approaching and he had racked up a major stockpile of CAR bullets which would be rendered useless come warmer weather when the expanding air set them off. Best to bring a CAR, then. He'd need to go to his shop for that, a minor detour.
It took a moment for Linx to muster enough will to speak again. Even though he had been around Fishrudder for quite some time and never really had any problems with the otter as a subordinate, let alone now as an equal, it was speaking to Finnerator(!!!)– The Finnerator(!!!)– that proved a challenge. That was the beast who ran everything, who could send him packing on a whim. That was something he could never get used to. "I'll join you. But I need to go to my shop and pick some things up if I'm going anywhere." There, he said it. Now he could be pelted with the lightning of command and there was no excuse...
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Post by Captain Fishrudder on Jan 12, 2008 18:53:32 GMT -5
Ya, I need to run to the barracks and grab my other sword, and a few of Linx's sidearms **The otter was hoping that it would be vermin. The thought had been going through his head for sometime, he hadn't seen Finn on the battlefield in a long time, he couldn't wait to see it. Hm, maybe I should ask...** I have a quick question. **He continued on without waiting for an answer.** Where should we meet?
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 12, 2008 20:42:25 GMT -5
*The sea otter was glad to have two willing companions for the journey incase they ran into trouble. It looked like most of the others in the mess hall were more interested in her supper, however. She shrugged mentally for it didn't matter to her either way. When Linx spoke again, Finnerator turned her attention from the noisy dining area back to the conversation at hand*
"I'll join you. But I need to go to my shop and pick some things up if I'm going anywhere."
*The otter grinned and nodded* Okay, I have to go grab my longbow from the barracks as well. *Although Finnerator always carried her dirk at her left hip, the longbow and quiver were impractical for her daily work around the fort*
Ya, I need to run to the barracks and grab my other sword, and a few of Linx's sidearms. I have a quick question. Where should we meet?
I was just about to mention that myself. *She considered it for but a moment. The campfire was spotted from the eastern wall, but towards the north near the river* The north gate would be the best place. Just outside the gate then? *The otter paused to make sure they agreed then turned back to the door to leave the room* I'll meet you both there.
*Finnerator turned right out of the mess hall and walked swiftly down the hall to her quarters. It was easy to get to, being in a central area of the fort and she was soon in possession of both her longbow and a full quiver of arrows. As an afterthought, she also grabbed a long grey cloak to guard against the chill of the winter air. It was not a bitter night, but it certainly wasn't warm out either. She decided against her usual leather armour, not planning on putting herself in any serious danger. Now prepared for any small skirmish they might find in the woods she left the barracks and headed for the north gate*
*By this time, the sun had already sunk below the horizon. It was not very late, but the days were always shorter in the winter. There was a spring in Finnerator's step as she marched decidedly towards the gate. It had been a long time since the otter had been in any kind of battle and despite her dislike for killing, she was excited for the possibility of action.Thus, she reached the gate in a couple of minutes*
*The sea otter called up to the guard on duty who had closed the gates for the night* Ahoy, Commanders Linx, Fishrudder, and myself are going out for a patrol tonight. Open the gate, sir. *With a salute, the guard opened the gate for the General and left it open so the other two could arrive. Now that he knew of the patrol, he would be sure to watch for them when they returned. The sea otter walked confidently outside the fort and leaned against a wall to wait for the rest*
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Post by Linx Exotic on Jan 13, 2008 8:31:08 GMT -5
Linx had a stockpile to clear. He was so busy thinking about what he would be bringing that he barely even acknowledged Finnerator before walking off to his shop. The trek over wasn't too long, and while the mouse traversed the moderately short distance he was too occupied with what his inventory would be to care. Upon reaching the shop and entering via the locked back door, possible because he had one of two keys for it, Linx could freely choose from whatever he wanted. Bolt repeater, repea... Why am I looking at those? I have a CAR.
After putting on the familiar weight of his loaded CAR, several magazines, his newly reforged rake sword, an innumerable amount of small sidearms and his old, reliable black brigandine armor, Linx was ready. ...To do more killing, if he had to. He had seen so much bloodshed over the seasons, so much of it inflicted by himself, that he had become rather desensitized to his actions, essentially becoming a machine of destruction when in combat. Just like his CAR, a machine of destruction. He left out the back door as well, slowly sinking into his internal combat mode where nothing could ever hit him.
It appeared that Finnerator had already walked out, since the north gate was open and the otter was nowhere to be seen. Linx suspiciously approached the gate, saying nothing to the guard. Generally, when you went on a mission with someone they didn't just vanish a few minutes before you were supposed to leave... With extreme caution and a paw on the quartz pommel of his rake sword, Linx stepped outside the gates... It took a few seconds for him to realize that Finnerator was leaning on the outer wall of the fort, right next to him. He turned around with a start.
"Whoa! You're here! I mean, you didn't..." Linx looked around, confused at what had just played out. Apparently he had made a complete idiot of himself in front of his commanding officer... Smooth move, Linx. Maybe next you could slash your innards out with your own rake sword in order to fight the vermin. Oh, man, I am so not gonna win any favor from this... He immediately threw his paw off the pommel of his sword, surprised he had even involuntarily put it there in the first place, and looked shamefully up at Finnerator, blushing slightly at his own apparent stupidity.
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Post by Aldar and Ellich on Jan 13, 2008 21:45:10 GMT -5
Aldar had heard Finnerator, whom he really never met, and thought it would be nice to actually know your leader. So, he decided to go along too. After finishing his grub Aldar left to go pick up his weapons and armor.
"So we have armor... check. Longsword and bolt repeater..... check. Thats everything." Aldar put on all of his gear and head out to search for the others who went on this trip. After many fruitless attempts he found Finnerator and Linx standing by the wall of the fort.
"Ahoy there, mind if I join?"
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Post by Captain Fishrudder on Jan 14, 2008 18:19:23 GMT -5
**Fishrudder hurried out of the dining hall. He took a deep breath of the fresh air Ah, fresh ai... wait, is that the campfire? Strong... He turned and headed towards the barracks, and his room.**
**He got to the barracks and nodded to a passing squirrel. He scurried up the stairs and into his barrack room. He glanced around at the several beds in the room, his eyes settled on his. He strode over to his chest, opening it, grabbing his other sword and his bolt repeater, he grabbed a magazine and jammed it into the repeater, he started to walk away. Then turned back and grabbed another magazine.**
**He hurried out of the barracks and towards the northern gate. He got their just as he Aldar join Finnerator and Linx. What is he doing here? He didn't offer. Oh well, the more the merrier He got there just in time to hear Aldar say. "Mind if I join" He quickly masked his face from the thoughts going through his head and replied** No, I doubt anyone would mind. **He looked around at the other leaders, looking to see if their approval was behind him. On his back was repeater, slung threw a shoulder strap, on his waist were his two swords. And of course, his usual ridiculous amount of daggers.** So we leaving yet?
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 14, 2008 21:51:24 GMT -5
*Finnerator looked up at the clear night sky. The full moon shone brightly over the woodlands, which was excellent for their purposes. Night forays were not a lot of fun in the darkness. Soon after the otter arrived at the gate, Linx appeared from the fort, looking somewhat startled*
"Whoa! You're here! I mean, you didn't..."
*Finnerator chuckled* Sorry, I didn't mean to hide in the shadows like that. I guess I'm quieter than I think. *The otter was a naturally quiet beast, but she never liked going out of her way to be stealthy unless a mission required it. Luckily for Linx, the otter couldn't see the officer blushing even in the bright moonlight. In any case, soon Alder and Fishrudder arrived on the scene*
*The otter was glad to see that Alder appeared unintimidated by the presence of three officers. In fact, he even stepped forward to volunteer himself*
"Ahoy there, mind if I join?"
*Fishrudder replied before Finnerator and she nodded in agreement with him* I don't see why you can't come. *and in reply to Fishrudder's next statement* I think that's it. Four beasts should definitely be enough for this patrol. *Then as an afterthought she added as she looked at the other two officers* Especially considering that we're armed to the teeth with weapons most vagabond vermin have probably never seen.
*With that comment she pushed herself off the wall, against which she had been leaning, and marched off into the night towards the campfire she had seen*
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Post by Aldar and Ellich on Jan 14, 2008 22:41:04 GMT -5
"All right then." Aldar got a silly little grin on his face, after all he was going to the strange campfire with practically the most important people in the whole entire fort. Truly it was luck that he was able to join. He was afraid that the answer would be a solid NO, you are not important enough. He started to follow the mouse and two otters to find the campfire that either held friends, or an army of vermin...... Aldar hoped it was the first one.
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Post by Linx Exotic on Jan 15, 2008 20:15:44 GMT -5
Linx said nothing to Aldar, instead following Finnerator into... Wherever they were going. He couldn't quite tell where the smoke was supposed to be coming from, despite his excellent vision, so where Finnerator was taking him was beyond him. As he walked, he slowly came to the realization that Archon wasn't with him. Where is that guy? I didn't see him at my room, or the tavern... I wish he could come along.
He realized they were now reaching the treeline and decided to voice his thoughts before they made it any closer. However, it took a few seconds for him to put a sentence together, since he was putting most of his thoughts into being alert. "You know... I probably would have brought Archon but I didn't see him on the way out... I haven't seen him all day, really, since I got up. You see him lately?" Maybe he's spending more time with Ama... I figured he'd let me know before he spent the entire night out, though.
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Post by Captain Fishrudder on Jan 17, 2008 15:37:50 GMT -5
**Fishrudder was looking through the woods when he heard Linx say**
You know... I probably would have brought Archon but I didn't see him on the way out... I haven't seen him all day, really, since I got up. You see him lately?
I haven't seen Archon anywhere, I guess I thought he was in the shop. **Fishrudder shrugged as he said this. After he replied to Linx he thought to himself I wonder if it is just travellers? If not, well, I think we are well equipped enough to take on any challengers... His thoughts faded away into nothing, now he was just concentrating on the surrounding woods. He murmured to the others** I think we should be quieter from now on.
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 18, 2008 10:33:40 GMT -5
*Finnerator led the party through the woods at an easy pace for there was no rush to reach their destination. Whoever was out there had obviously stopped to camp for the night and was not going anywhere. The campfire that the sea otter had spotted just as the sun was setting was not too far east of the fort. If they just followed the river, they would soon approach the campsite and find whatever was there. Soon after they reached the banks of the river, by which they would be traveling, Linx spoke up*
"You know... I probably would have brought Archon but I didn't see him on the way out... I haven't seen him all day, really, since I got up. You see him lately?"
*The General turned her head to look back at Linx while still keeping a steady pace. She knew that Linx and Archon were in a relationship, but to what extent, the otter didn't know. What made Finnerator glance over wasn't what Linx said, it was how he said it. It might have been her imagination, but Finnerator thought Linx sounded a little insecure and lacking in confidence. Finnerator wondered what that might mean. The otter hadn't seen Archon lately, but she refrained from answering. They were coming nearer to the camp*
"I think we should be quieter from now on."
*Finnerator agreed with him. Especially since, as they trod through the underbrush by the banks, she thought she heard a sound coming from the place where she thought the camp might be. In summer it might have been harder to hear with all the leaves muffling the sound, but the trees were bare this time of year so the sound traveled better. Here she stopped the small band to give some orders before they got any closer*
The camp shouldn't be much farther ahead. *She said in a low voice, concious of how much noise they were making* We don't know whether we will meet friend or foe so we must proceed with caution. I want us to split up and scout it out before we take any action. Fishrudder and Aldar, you approach on the south side of the camp *Finnerator pointed towards the direction they should take* and Linx and I will take the north side. Once we see what's going on, we'll meet back here to regroup. Questions?
*It seemed like a good plan to Finnerator. She preferred to err on the side of caution and you couldn't get much more cautious than careful scouting and then regrouping to come up with a proper plan. Even though they had no idea of what was going on, she felt in her gut that it was a vermin camp. There hadn't been many patrols of this particular area in the past few weeks and it was entirely possible that one slipped past the warriors of Otter's Fort. She only hoped either that her intuition was wrong or that the band of vermin was a small one. Soon they would know for sure*
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