I am bone weary, for it has been a long day so far as Irem fell under attack shortly after sunrise. I was one of the few, the very few, in camp at the time the first waves of unliving assaulted us. At that point, I had thought perhaps my journey to the land of the Jackals would be cut very short indeed. Despite the presence of the Jackal's war leader and one other, I had not felt quite so alone in some time.
Fortunate, I suppose, that my warding spells were able to deflect the blows of the unliving, at least at first. Then I found myself struck hard from behind and assumed I had missed foes sneaking round behind me.
Instead it transpired to be a fae, dressed in the drab grey of the Accord, who Apsenniel had amusingly described as "the murder fae." I struggled to find my humour at this point, as being on the receiving end of murder during a pitched battle will do that to even this cynic. I compounded my annoyance by breaking my chant to inquire as to what prompted the assault.
To his credit, the Fae was apologetic. Apparently he had mistaken me for some sort of "dread overlord of the unliving." This is a compliment of sorts, although somewhat worrying at the same time. I've never really thought of myself as a "dread overlord" before or even considered that my appearance might provoke such a reaction. I will reflect on this further at a quieter moment.
Apologies concluded, the battle concluded, with more of the Jackals and other visitors making their appearences. By the time Apsenniel arrived, I had been fighting for quite some time and had expended a good deal of power. Her arrival cheered me somewhat, although she did gently chide me somewhat for my battle zeal. I took this with good grace, as the comments were well founded, although under the circumstances, about an hour too late. Of Squad D and Henry Kane there was no sign until some time after the battle, which was unfortunate, as the shield wall of the greenskins would've been a comfort. Both the squad and Henry seemed confused at my exasperation and exhaustion. This led to something of an "argument" between myself and Henry later, regarding my faculties as a "bodyguard" to Al-Reisha. Given his absence for the entirity of the morning's battle, I did not take kindly to such criticism and my have been immoderate in my use of language.
The day continued in a similar vein, with my growing frustration at the general inadequacy of the Jackals as a martial force (with but a few exceptions) and that most of the work appeared to be done by visitors. I was particularly struck by the effectiveness of the Accord, who fight with a mix of great finesse and brutal simplicity. The one they call Marius is deeply disturbing and of very quick temper. I have made a mental note to avoid offending him or indeed avoid any conversation at all. Their leader, Duibhre, at least seems rather more tractable and thoughtful. Other vipers, included the Starcraft and the House of the Serpent, also fought with considerable vigor, although I find Remus intensely, intensely annoying. He seems to derive amusement from viewing women as mere chattel. I am quite sure he is some way from what could be considered "sane" even by my standards.
Lady Fama remains intriguing. She possesses great intellect, but is emotionally quite detached. I find a strange complusion to test my mental capacity against hers, although I've yet to find a subject on which we might be equals. Interesting.
I am resting now or at least Apsenniel is. I believe the intent is that we should both recover our energies, but I find I cannot rest here. But I do feel at peace.
Watching Apsenniel at rest is a new experience. I have grown so used to her striding purposefully and everything she does she conducts with great vigour. I had wondered from where she derives such energy and it would appear she has a faculty for rest that I do not. I am somewhat envious.
Where does my energy come from I wonder? How do I keep going?
She looks so peaceful at rest and so free of care and worry, and I know she worries and cares a great deal. The world seems quite ready to place burdens upon Apsenniel's shoulders and she is unwilling to share them, for fear of burdening others. Does she not realise how much I and others want to aid her? Another puzzle.
Time enough to ponder these mysteries later. I hear the alarm bell sounding in the Jackal's command tent and already there is the sound of movement in the woods outside the tent. I would leave Apsenniel here at rest if I could, just to know that she is not carrying her burdens for a little while longer. However, I cannot leave her unguarded and asleep in the middle of a fight.
If we proceed cautiously, I'm sure everything will be fine.
Fortunate, I suppose, that my warding spells were able to deflect the blows of the unliving, at least at first. Then I found myself struck hard from behind and assumed I had missed foes sneaking round behind me.
Instead it transpired to be a fae, dressed in the drab grey of the Accord, who Apsenniel had amusingly described as "the murder fae." I struggled to find my humour at this point, as being on the receiving end of murder during a pitched battle will do that to even this cynic. I compounded my annoyance by breaking my chant to inquire as to what prompted the assault.
To his credit, the Fae was apologetic. Apparently he had mistaken me for some sort of "dread overlord of the unliving." This is a compliment of sorts, although somewhat worrying at the same time. I've never really thought of myself as a "dread overlord" before or even considered that my appearance might provoke such a reaction. I will reflect on this further at a quieter moment.
Apologies concluded, the battle concluded, with more of the Jackals and other visitors making their appearences. By the time Apsenniel arrived, I had been fighting for quite some time and had expended a good deal of power. Her arrival cheered me somewhat, although she did gently chide me somewhat for my battle zeal. I took this with good grace, as the comments were well founded, although under the circumstances, about an hour too late. Of Squad D and Henry Kane there was no sign until some time after the battle, which was unfortunate, as the shield wall of the greenskins would've been a comfort. Both the squad and Henry seemed confused at my exasperation and exhaustion. This led to something of an "argument" between myself and Henry later, regarding my faculties as a "bodyguard" to Al-Reisha. Given his absence for the entirity of the morning's battle, I did not take kindly to such criticism and my have been immoderate in my use of language.
The day continued in a similar vein, with my growing frustration at the general inadequacy of the Jackals as a martial force (with but a few exceptions) and that most of the work appeared to be done by visitors. I was particularly struck by the effectiveness of the Accord, who fight with a mix of great finesse and brutal simplicity. The one they call Marius is deeply disturbing and of very quick temper. I have made a mental note to avoid offending him or indeed avoid any conversation at all. Their leader, Duibhre, at least seems rather more tractable and thoughtful. Other vipers, included the Starcraft and the House of the Serpent, also fought with considerable vigor, although I find Remus intensely, intensely annoying. He seems to derive amusement from viewing women as mere chattel. I am quite sure he is some way from what could be considered "sane" even by my standards.
Lady Fama remains intriguing. She possesses great intellect, but is emotionally quite detached. I find a strange complusion to test my mental capacity against hers, although I've yet to find a subject on which we might be equals. Interesting.
I am resting now or at least Apsenniel is. I believe the intent is that we should both recover our energies, but I find I cannot rest here. But I do feel at peace.
Watching Apsenniel at rest is a new experience. I have grown so used to her striding purposefully and everything she does she conducts with great vigour. I had wondered from where she derives such energy and it would appear she has a faculty for rest that I do not. I am somewhat envious.
Where does my energy come from I wonder? How do I keep going?
She looks so peaceful at rest and so free of care and worry, and I know she worries and cares a great deal. The world seems quite ready to place burdens upon Apsenniel's shoulders and she is unwilling to share them, for fear of burdening others. Does she not realise how much I and others want to aid her? Another puzzle.
Time enough to ponder these mysteries later. I hear the alarm bell sounding in the Jackal's command tent and already there is the sound of movement in the woods outside the tent. I would leave Apsenniel here at rest if I could, just to know that she is not carrying her burdens for a little while longer. However, I cannot leave her unguarded and asleep in the middle of a fight.
If we proceed cautiously, I'm sure everything will be fine.
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