Rogue Wars (closed/started)

Reva Airdronac

"This is stupid Reva," Darsor hissed, deep voice slightly out of place in the busy market place as I watched the tavern door in front of me carefully. "You're a woman- you should not be going into a place like that."

I squared my shoulders- tightening my hand on the dagger that was his weapon form. "I understand your concern Darsor- but this is required of Phoenix. I want to see hi squirm."

Master? Kitty's gentler voice rang as I felt her warm head nuzzle my hand gently. Why this tavern of all places? He's a blacksmith- we could have met him in his shop.

No Kitty- we could not have. In order for him to supply us with the mail we need he needs to be in business- it would be no surprise to see the Phoenix in a seedy tavern- however, if we met him in his shop then the soldiers would begin to suspect.

"You do not even know if they have discovered what you look like," Darsor pointed out dryly.

I stood a little taller- as tall as I could get. The army needs chain mail. I will not risk losing a friendly asset on something I do not know. With that I stepped inside and was immediately assaulted with the harsh scent of filthy men, alcohol and the sickly sweet smoke of opium. Seedy indeed.

The blacksmith was easy to pick out. His dark, tangled mass of hair helped, as well as the way that he towered over everyone else in the room- his broad shoulders at the height of an average man's head. He spotted me easily enough and eyed me- raising his eyebrows in surprise as I made my way over. "You're Phoenix?"

"How much will you sell each chain mail set for?" I asked briskly.

He shook himself- looking a little surprised that someone as small as I am could have the reputation I did. "Three hundred copper for one."

And so the negotiations began.

Verah

He waved me over, the legendary Dead Man walking. Taking a seat opposite him with some hesitation, I placed Greer in his weapon form upon the rotting table.
"Now young lady, I wouldn't recommend escapades like that again. You nearly froze out there," There was a stern but kind and fatherly expression in the old land lord's eyes. Greer was twittering without stop in my mind but I forced myself to ignore, focusing on the man infront of me.
"Thank you, sir," I smiled shyl, "You are kinder than most," He nodded, turned then walked away, leaving D.M.W and myself with little but some privacy.
"You requested me? You must be brave," He had an interesting voice, older than his years.
"Yes, good Shepard, I would like to join your cause. I saught your group in the hope I might join," I gave a wry smile hoping I would come across as genuine. I had a terrible ha bit of sounding false, even when I wans't. To make the situation ever more awkward for myself, Greer shifted and began cherping out loud. I gently banged my head on the table repeatadly muttering to Greer to shut up.
"Please, Greer... Just shut up... For once..." What a first impression... As I was thinking this, Greer spontaneously stop making sound all together. Glacing at him D.M.W had his fingers gently placed on Greer's beack making it utterly impossible for him to talk. And I swear I saw him smile.
"Dante used to talk as much as that, although I believe he wouldn't admit it," I too smiled, eventhough I had no idea who Dante was... "Now, little one, if I let go will you be quiet for your Rogue?" Our conversation was hushed and one of many but still, he practically mouthed the word 'Rogue'.

Alia

Damn rain. My cloak keeps the water from actually touching my skin, but it's enough. I'm powerless for the moment, walking into a small town.

It'll stop soon - Miat says in my head.

"Not soon enough." I grumble.

My eyes set on a tavern and inn and I consider waiting there for clear skies, but as soon as the thought crosses my mind the rain ceases.

Told you - Miat chimes.

Sighing, I still walk towards the tavern, deciding to wait until I regain my powers to continue. But the moment I step in I know I'm not welcome at the moment. A man is in hushed conversation with another girl. I apologize and slip back out, Miat shifting from his sword form to the red tailed hawk on my shoulder.

This could be interesting, Alia - Miat muses.

"Glad you think so." I whisper sarcastically. "Help me find another place until their business is done."

Just wait on the bench, listen in. They shouldn't hear you.

"With my luck they will."

Alia. Listen to me for once. It's not eavesdropping unless you're caught. Just sit down, stay silent, and I'll see what I can hear.

Sighing, I sit, crossing my arms. He presses his little hawk head against the wood and I roll my eyes, refusing to look at him. I discover that the bench leans back a tiny bit and decide to create my own backrest, tilting it slightly towards the building.

I swear, Alia, you will be the death of me - Miat breaks the mental silence.

Us, actually. I'm pretty sure we're connected that way, I think back.

He pries away from the wood just to glare at me, going straight back to his bad idea. Then the bench tips back all the way, knocking into the siding and turning over. I fall back, stuck between the building and the bench, and swear. Miat hushes me and returns to his weapon state as the two in the tavern rush out to find me in this embarrassing position.

Great, I think, Told you, Miat, but you don't listen.

Don't even start - He responds.

Ryder

Ryder awoke to the soft breathing to Gale, in her animal form. A white wolf with snowy fur. He woke her slowly by shaking her shoulder.

Five more minutes Ryder, I'm not in the mood to travel ~ She said.

But he ushered her up, they soon set about to find more rogues. Ryder was after the Rampart leader...

Rayden Thorn-- the dancing dragon still:

"Now little one," I said to the tiny owl, holding his beak close to keep him from chittering, "if I let go, will you be quiet for your Rogue?" I mouthed the last word, even here that word was like a lit match to tinder. The tiny owl went wide eyed for a second, but his struggling slowed then stopped altogether. "Good boy,"


The tiny thing gave me a glare that reminded me strongly of Dante when we were younger. Slowly I removed my hand and looked back at the young girl, still lightly banging her head into the table, I moved my hand inbetween. "Stop, you're going to hurt yourself if you keep that up." She raised her head and gave me a narrowing srearchibg look, I smiled. "It's alright -- you never told me your name Miss." She looked at me in surprise, i wasn't sure if it was my manners or what-have-you but I couldn't stop the painful twist in my heart- she had robins confused frown....

Rayden, don't. Dante's voice rang in my mind, I shoved my feelings back to the corner of my heart where they belonged and surveyed the girl.

"Verah." She said with a small tight lipped, schooled smile, I raised a eyebrow.

"Verah?"

Her name you silly ass, again Dante spoke into my mind, and I could feel the mental eyeroll he gave me. Honestly... sometimes I think you are too stupid to be alive. I couldn't help smirking at my mirror, but the smirk further seemed to confuse Verah.

"Um.. Verah is my name- Verah Mire...and that's Greer." She nodded towards the tiny owl.

"It's. A pleasure to meet you both," I said leaning back in my chair, watching her searchingly. "So, you want to be a Shepherd?" She nodded firmly- she was resolved at least.

"Yes sir, I truly want to be a Shepherd." Her eyes were earnest even if her voice was slightly forced, too schooled.

"Why? " I asked bluntly, "why do you want to be a shepherd, this isn't a game."

Her face worked slightly, a myriad of emotions splayed across it- this girl was an interesting puzzle. She was about to reply when a terric crash and squeal of fright sounded from just outside the inn door. I rushed out, and found a young girl, pinned like a jackknife between the wallof the inn and the old wooden bench that stood without. Quickly I stooped, picked her up, and set her on her feet.

"Are you alright miss? " I asked, she was flushed red with either the awkward position she had been stuck in or embarrassment at having fallen- i knew not quick but it didn't matter. I smiled gently and asked again. "Are you alright? "

Alia - Outside the Dancing Dragon

The man from inside the tavern rushes out and finds me there, stuck between the bench and the building. My cheeks redden deeper from the possibility of him assuming that I wasn't just sitting here, that my mirror wasn't eavesdropping.

Speaking of that, Miat, what did you find out? I think.

"Are you alright?" The man asks for the second time, helping me to my feet again.

I'll tell you later Miat responds in a whisper.

I brush myself off and nod, thanking him for the help.

"I guess I misjudged how far it tilted back." I flash a sheepish smile, looking away.

Reva Airdronac

I talked the man down over the course of an hour to a much more reasonable price for chain mail- I arranged for the transaction to take place and left- going back to camp. There was still much to do- tents still needed to be erected for the new recruits, food had to be organized, our next attack had to be planned, I needed to work out the accounts, and set up a guard for the night....

Reva, you can't do everything yourself. Darsor reminded me- shifting to his fully released form the moment we were out of the city and falling in step next to me. You need to learn how to share this responsibility

He's right Master Kitty commented from my other side- rubbing against my leg with her white head. You have to sleep sometime

Sleep? She hasn't been sleeping? Darsor responded- suddenly sounding worried. How do you know this and I don't Kitty?

She keeps waiting until we're asleep to-

"Alright that's enough." I bit out in my no nonsense voice- cutting their conversation off. "I will sleep when I get the chance- right now there isn't the time or the resources for me to do so. You both know that there is too much to be done. Small wonder Ever-" I cut myself off, not wanting to deal with the hurt that came along with the memories of the first resistance.

Master- pain is part of healing. You know that- you're a healing Rogue. Kitty whispered gently.

I glanced over at her- shaking my head. This is the pain that isn't going away.

I was distracted enough with the turn the conversation was taking that I didn't notice someone in front of me until it was too late and I ran right into them.

((Go ahead fellow Ramparts there isn't a specific person she just slammed into))

Ryder

After a good deal of teleporting, Ryder found the Dancing Dragon. He didn't notice anyone that looked very suspicious on the outside. Gale transformed into her bow form and he walked inside.

Upon first glance he noticed one outstanding individual, a girl with firey red hair.

I can tell by here aura that she is a Rogue Ryder, you should speak to her ~ Gale whispered in his mind

Serena Crown – Ramparts Camp
I was still in shock. It hadn’t been that long since Sebastian had left me, something I had honestly never thought he would actually do. But then he did. It was only really starting to sink in that he really wasn’t coming back. It was irritating to me to me to think that after all these years of watching out for him, I hadn’t realized how much he was suffering.

I could still picture him in the moments before he abandoned the group. His face was unsurprisingly in the same stony mask it always is, but he seemed so relaxed. He sat there petting Mat as if nothing was wrong while he told me that he couldn’t take it anymore.

So I really wasn’t paying attention when someone walked right into me, sending me staggering. I didn’t realize who it was until I glanced back to cuss her out. Now the Phoenix had caught me spacing out.

On the other hand, she had been the one moving, not me. Mat protested, but he was in weapon form and couldn’t really do anything. I glared at the woman, crossing my arms.

“What was that about?”

Charlotte Caverly

After this long, even pebbles seemed simply fascinating.

I was sprawled under a shady oak with Vern curled around me, eyes closed and paws neatly tucked under his chin. I was on a hill that rose just above the rampart camp that gave a perfect bird's eye view of the whole place; from everyday pedestrians passing by to stoic rogues training or simply going through their everyday routines.

I brought my fingers up to my lips and blew into them, hoping to capture some frost in my minds, something that could entertain me for another few minutes or so.

Just a few days ago, flyers were posted all around my town, trying to capture the attention of anyone who wants to 'become a hero and join the ramparts!' For no reason whatsoever, the burnt out wick inside sparked again, happy to have found some sort of purpose again.

Now though, I just needed the courage to actually step inside the camp. I sucked in a deep breath and pressed my face into Vern's pelt, hoping to drown out the all-consuming emptiness filling inside of me.

I wished something would just happen. Something that would tell me what to do next.

Verah Mire | Dancing Dragon Inn

As soon as we heard the cacophony of squeals and thuds outside, both D.M.W and I stood simultaneously. Reaching the door I had a pair of Chakrams hanging from my belt again once again.
Here if you need me Verah
"Would you just shut up!" I murmured a little louder than intended, I flashed a quick smile at the leader of the Shepherds as he looked at me with concern on his face. Your making me look crazy I thought furiously.
You always were a bit strange Unable to think of an intelligent response, I settled for a mental glare.

Outside D.M.W had already helped a girl to her feet.
"I guess I misjudged how far it tilted back," she had a sheepish smile and was looking away as I stepped out into the light of day. Instantly my powers died away leaving me feeling weak and yearning to be back inside where the shadows were thick. And soon enough we were. D.M.W led this girl inside and together we sat at the same table as we had previously, with the roaring fire casting the shadows of dancing dragons across the walls. Making a conscious effort not to speak out loud, I warned Greer not to shift. In the process I completely missed another man walk into the inn, a bow strapped to his back. He seemed to have eyes for the girl with red hair whom had been rescued from between the wall and a bench outside.
"Hi there," I openly glared, distrust plain on my face.
Tone it down there Verah, if looks could kill he'd be dead ten times over, following this advice I softened my expression but kept my eyes narrowed looking for any sign of danger.

Reva Airdronac

“What was that about?” She snapped- eyes flashing as she glared at me.

I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin coldly, keeping my face expressionless. "My apologies for running into you. But speak to me like that again- and you'll find out why I have two Mirrors." I told her- keeping my voice calm and collected. "You are... Serena- am I correct?"

Alia - Dancing Dragon Inn

The man and girl have me sit with them inside, not quite continuing their conversation before a boy with a bow across his back bursts in, staring right at me.

Don't get a big head, Alia. He's a rogue, looking for rogues, and, in case you've forgotten, are a rogue - Miat says inside my head.

I picture him smiling or shaking his head at me, and I mentally roll my eyes. Taking in the boy's appearance, I can't help by find that I'm slightly mezmerized by him, something that my brother would be scolding at me for.

"Um, do I know you?" I ask.

Of course you don't. He's...Whatever he is. I would remember a rogue like him. - Miat sighs.

Another mental eye roll and I focus on the boy's response.

Serena

"Yes, that's my name."

I rested my hand on the whip at my side, but even I wasn't stupid enough to try anything more overtly threatening. I could guess how easily she could crush me. And I suppose I couldn't really blame her for deding to do so.

SHe knew who I was though. That was surprise. My brother and I had been apprived by her when we joined, but she probably met a lot of people that way.

So it was with some trepedation that I waited for what she mgiht have to say to me.

Reva Airdronac

Serena... She was one of the few that joined that were down to earth. She seemed to understand what was at stake in a way that several of my recruits didn't- and I noticed. She and her brother were the sort of people that understood their place, who thought before they acted.

I eyed her thoughtfully- noticing the way she put her hand on her weapon, but stopped herself from attacking.

A child running past behind her caught my eye- throwing my thoughts back into worry for the army. This was no place for families- war crushed childhoods, and ruined gentle and kind women. It needed to change- I had to find some way to spirit the women and children off to safety while at the same time planning the next course of action...

What about the Shepherds? They're friendlies- and they're already used to doing that sort of thing. Kitty suggested, sitting down to my left.

I snapped my attention back to Serena- only having lost focus for a short moment. "Come with me." I kept my voice more gentle than normal- but hardly warm. She might be able to help me solve this particular problem.