In My Time of Troubles

by Crossposted

Crossposting of the TheIrishDreamer’s FanFiction on SpaceBattles all credit goes to the original author.

37. Entry 37

When: Daytime, another drawn out night in a war camp

Where: Our Horde Camp, up in the hills and forests

Apparently the world is filled with idiots who can't tell the difference in power between them and those they propose to slay for being supposed evil-doers. Really it's impressive, in a retarded sort of way, this merry band of morons holding in their sense of 'righteous justice' till 'all the enemies of civilixation' were in the one place for them to slay. Or attempt too and cause a great deal of amusement to all present after we were all fairly sure the other side wasn't making an attempt on the other; for a moment I thought things had gone tits up despite all the progress.

Because really?

This armoured idiot and his buddies march up to our guard outside the current impromptu 'meeting zone' and call out 'us minions of evil' and something about traitors and some such. Pretty sure that wasn't aimed at us, what with us being orcs and apparently agents of darkness and evil. Anyway, turns out our would be heroes weren't exactly levelled for this challenge rating that our group; what with assorted wizards, dwarf king, high priest, clerics, two Chosen of their Gods...

Sorry had to laugh again; because this was fecking ridiculous, and largely wasted the day's negotiations once we all got passed the initial 'are we being betrayed' and then the 'oh, god these idiots are being serious?' phases of the five second fight. Oh, their alive by the way, somehow probably due to the fact they were all like level one and two maybe and our guards [orc and human] were too busy being wary of each other to 'finish off' the reckless five when they went down. Anyway gave them over to the Harpells after Darth Phargk roughed them up, healed them up, and then roughed them up a bit as we got answers [like how the five were morons] out of them. Largely who sent you?

Short answer; nobody really, though Luskan's apparent reward for our heads does appear to help with 'financing' the operation. What'ca gonna do when faced with idiocy like that?

Now, what can one say as to actual work and alliances?

We're sort of getting there, though this screwed up the day albeit through good cheer of sorts rather than hatred of each other. Slavery is an issue of course, though Qilue Veladorn seems to be at least practical about her goals towards dealing with us practicing it, and her hating its existence. In truth I've worked against 'our' orcish position by basically having slavery illegal zones within our Kingdom after some talks with her, and then with our dread Emperor. Long story made short – an expanded version of what I've promised within the valley; ie. islands of abolition in a pool of slavery. What can do?

--

When: Another day another killing

Where: Illuskan War-Camp, across from those bloody dwarves

Someone tried to stab me today; I set him on fire with Grease and my Holy Sword. One of the new dumbass recruits who though calling me out was the way to go. Well, technically I didn't kill him despite the screaming and the flames as it was my guards various other clan orcs doing so after they heard said screaming and saw said flames. Trying to take a piss and blood assassins; thankfully I wear armour and stupid people are still stupid people who make me very angry, and I have magic.

Needless to say his corpse is now a warning to other would be assassins about the importance of not fucking with me or mine. Oh, and we gave his squad punishment duties for the next few ten days for not doing their jobs and reigning in his apparently rampant stupidity. Or, worse, he was put up to it by someone, but one can hope not and even if;- me and Zah are taking precautions as this wasn't even a real danger to myself in truth. Sadly, we're back to threats and spreading word that bad things happen to those who attempt treason, heads, spikes, walls yadd, yadda.

So, now me and Zah are back to public training sessions – or public trashing recruits as the veterans like to call it. All in the middle of negotiations; in part probably because of it really as I've had to use more of personal guard to ensure order, guard Rose, the drow, Ned...the list goes on, so I'm more active and exposed. Dammit, it couldn't come at a more problematic time, especially as I've been clamping down on any trouble just before we get this deadly caravan of war on the road again. Exactly when I don't need an angry gloomy Karguk stomping about tents being super paranoid; or for my quasi-paladins to just as paranoid and kill happy in response to potential dangers either.

--

When: Spring 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Army of Illusk

Hardly the most hospitable of weather, or friendliest of times, but we're on the move shortly. Bribes have been paid, a shipment of gems and other shiny crap to sweeten the deal with our more base-greed based 'allies' and more promised under a blood and magically binding oath given by all parties. Hate to admit it but cutting your palm is painful despite magical healing afterwards and I still hate doing it; but duty calls and blood and magic binds us to try not murder each other for a little while. Oh, and a bloody howling north wind and light snowfall with it just as set out; hardly the most ideal of omens.

But, regardless of that, we're moving shortly and I'm using these last moments to write and relax myself as Rose gets a quick nap before marching many miles in the cold and wind. Getting an army this size, along with a shadowing army of dwarves, and adventurers to match our murder-hobo wannabes, is not an easy or quick endeavour so it should be nightfall before we're on the road. Off to war, if we can avoid assassins and turning upon each other of course. Oh, and having to leave behind a small detachment [maybe two hundred orcs plus our small several dozen strong cavalry force] to play watcher-orcs on the Longsaddle caravan currently off in our valley doing trade stuff.

Zah's taking charge of the centre, and me the rearguard; technically Zah's the vanguard as well, but that's irrelevant as we're behind the Moonblades and by and large are the rearguard of our merry horde. Phargks Night Tombs on our flank, and then the dwarves and other lot opposite and just behind our other side. That's pretty deliberate in putting us and Moonbladess opposite them, and then the vanguard being mostly junior clans and then Oboulds lot and Red Axes on the flank in front of his Darthness. Basically Karguk gets to ensure discipline in the Auxlia of our own and other clans between us and Phargks lot, while serving as a buffer to our dear human and dwarven 'allies' on the other side. Joy, just bloody joy!

Anyway, must go now, this gaggle aren't going to organise themselves and Rose needs a rest before we move, so I'll let her doze a bit longer. Slán.

--

When: Spring of course. Bloody cold one too for late in the month.

Where: Army of Illusk, Heading down from the Crags proper

Slow progress so far. Largely due to watching our 'allies' while moving through cold and miserable late spring weather; mud, cold, sleat, fog, and snow holding us up as we tromp along the more mountainous tracks to try take some bloody fortress the Utties assaulted, and might-or-might-not occupy, by surprise before swinging up towards Mirabar. What's concerning is the Thunderbeast Tribe might have their giant skeleton T-Rex's on the field, or nearby, or gone off back to the East – the Griffons and others went after Mirabar, but the others tribes involved could be potentially ranging south and east of the siege looking for food, or easy looting now winter has [in theory] cleared.

Sadly I can do little on that, my job is busy keeping the rear scouted and secured, and preventing trouble from erupting within the ranks. Desertion, fights amongst the ranks, inter-clan feuds, or just not having access to either a bed-warmer or just not being fed leading to fights over such. Or 'the usual' as one might more accurately put it. Rose is a great bloody help, along with Hreshgk and my Red Branch Knights who serve as Enforcers/Not-so-Secret Police, as I can't be everywhere in this giant cluster-fuck that calls itself an army. It's amusing, and problematic, as along with that there's a chunk of quasi-illict trade going on between ours and our 'allies' army thanks to the various humans, gnolls, and other species meeting in the ground between our forces and exchange stuff. Adventurers being adventurers, and I'm pretty sure a few spies [or just murder hobos seeking better pay or a whore to be crude] have slipped into the ranks. Not can...

Time to work. Slán go foil a chardaí.

--

[Zahgorim 28]

Illuskan Legion moving north-east along the southern hills of the Crags

"Well so much for the element of surprise" Karg was muttering as they trudged along through the mud, drizzle, and mists that made up the weather in these winding hills and mountains they had to march through. Zahgorim yawned, adjusting his damp cloak, and gave a snort of amusement at the continued irritation of his friend and clan shaman at unsurprising events.

"It pretty hard to hide a entire horde, an' a big old bunch of them height challenged beardy bastards, even up in these mountains Karg ye know? An' ye and the Big Boss Shaman wanted to wander up by this tribe of Utties home range so don't be all whinin' just cause a few Utties lurking about. Not even that many of'em, weren't much of a fight according to them Red Axes"

"Yeah, but the Mounds are definitely empty as well, and their moving away from us rather than try fight...so, gotta assume they'll warn the main force"

"Eh, big giant skeleton zombie things and evil magic..." Zahgorim grinned, clapping a gauntleted hand unto Karg's chainmail covered shoulder with clink clap "...and that's why we've got you now isn't?"

"No, it's why we've got mad wizards and magic tanks thanks to this here cleric actually..." Karg grumbled back with a sigh "...because giant skeleton dinosaurs really isn't not something I'm planning on taking down by swinging my sword at it"

"Then get a magic sword to swing at it. That'd work grand I'd bet!" he replied with obvious answer as before them the great horde stretched out along the mountain trails despite the mists and fog banks of the mountains valleys. Or at least had been stretching out as it marched; now instead beginning to form up into clustered camps, fires flaring into existence in the early morning gloom as they came to a stop once again. Good ground to set camp on Zahgorim found as the two of them ceased their walk atop the slope and watched as the wagons were awkwardly pulled into a semi circle and clan-orcs began to divide up the camp into areas to rest in and others to stand watch from.

"Doubtful, maybe a magic warhammer though...anyway that idea aside, we'll just have to press forward to Xantharl's Keep and keep a close watch"

Zahgorim shrugged "Less us than the clans ahead of us Karg, we're busy enough guarding the rear and keeping watch on them dwarves over yonder"

A tired sigh "Aye, true; least we got a decent enough spot to do that here. Even if we're moving slow as a glacier feels like"

"Good ground Karg, even if gonna be a bitch setting up camp on the slope with the wagons an' what on these slopes with all these shrubs and trees. But all these toys of yours and the other shamans, an' the wagons with food and what not, don't make swift marches through hills and valleys all the easy...even without having to work with those damned dwarves and their friends"

Moving forward with the better organised clans in themselves, the Moonblades, Red Axes, and the Ancient One's Night-Tombs had been annoyingly slow to move because they had to herd along the minor clans, all while beating them into some sort of order as they did so. Getting tribute from the vicious short beardy bastards, and them hopefully serving as a distraction and arrow stoppers at the coming battle, was great...but it had meant slow moving in case they suddenly turned on the horde as all their kind did eventually. Even getting the horde to encamp for a short time, in roughly the same area, was a chore not helped by the cold, miserable, wet, and misty spring weather turning the ground to cold muck.

"I know Zah, and I agree...but we'll need siege equipment and the field artillery unfortunately...blasted weather never stops..." Karg muttered, his breath steaming on the cold air as he adjusted his own cloak around him after giving it a shake to release some of the water droplets clinging to it "...not if we have to fight our enemies if they've gotten inside Mirabar's walls, or when we need to march on Luskan...or even just take out anyone holed up inside Xantharl's Keep"

Zahgorim didn't disagree as outside of powerful magics, near perfect surprise attacks, or just throwing waves of warriors at the walls it wasn't exactly easy to take out a fortified enemy. Something he'd learned over the past few years as the clan often made enemies attack their fortifications and leaving a slaughter in the aftermath of said battle; it was why they were even now 'wasting time' [as certain other clans occasionally, before they lost usually, called it] setting up basic camp defences for the day ahead. Attacking the big warlord Wyrmog had meant charging in like lunatics in a snowstorm to get inside his stronghold; one with pretty crappy defences all in all he remembered fondly thinking of the slaughter of enemies that happen once he'd gotten inside. So he nodded in response.

"Aye, what can do eh Karg?"

"Not much more than we're doing I don't think" Karged hummed back glancing at him "...and you met with Chief Obould earlier, how'd you find him and his...warriors?"

Zahgorim snorted in amusement "Were him and Kurnak ah met earlier"

Karg gave him a curious look and he nodded back to his friend "Aye, Red Axes were sniffin around tryin' to make friends looked like to me. Don't trust the backstabbing fucker, but looks to me like he's tryin' hard to firm up his alliance with us and the other clans"

"Till the going gets tough anyway, and they decide to cut and run...or change to the winning side"

"Yeah, backstabbin' fucks them Red Axes I'll agree with ya when the going gets tough, but they can fight..." Zahgorim grinned "...cuz their trying to fight like us of course. So course their going to be tough even if their only half as good as one of ours in a fight"

"I'll admit it's useful to have some level of discipline amongst another clan, even one I trust as far as I can throw them. But the Uthgardt he's got beneath him?"

"That Northerner got'em whipped in obedience looks like to me, not sure how well they'll fight against other Utties mind you, but they've been playing at being almost proper orcs so they maybe as good as our auxlia if they keep training like their training when I was with them. Don't think they'll rebel if that's what your wondering"

Karg shrugged "I doubt it. Not when their surrounded and their women and children are held hostage for their good behaviour far from the battlefield. Just I'm wary of Obould he's got...potential to rise high, and that could be good or bad for our clan ya know?"

Zahgorim gave the faintest of grunts; it was hard deny having seen the warrior and son of a great chieftain from the Spine of the World fight. Honestly he wasn't sure he himself could take him in fair fight, and there was something about the northerner that would make him a dangerous enemy as Karg had said "I know, I too can see it as you do Karg. I'm going to have his Utties fight some of our Humans if we stop for an extended time, test them out"

"Hmm, not a bad plan, if we have time anyway without exhausting our fighters, and anyone needed to heal up the injuries from the training. Way things are I doubt we'll have the chance before we hit Mirabar beyond maybe a squad or two at best"

"Eh, just a thought" he replied to his friend with a yawn "...and you will be seeking out our Emperor now I gather"

"Indeed. Training, and being given orders phrased as suggestions I expect. Still, evil old bastard is powerful and knowledgeable so best learn what I can however fucked it might be at times"

"Ah, well, that's why yer the Shaman and I'm gonna go now and fuck me half-elf assuming me tent's all setup that is" he answered with a grin and getting an eye roll and hand gesture of irritation from his friend "...so, onward brave shaman, sooner you go, sooner ye can rest. Hard marching ahead by nightfall, can seem far away but ain't when everyone and their whelp comes to ya with problems needin' sorting. Thinks were simpler when we were younger"

"Yeah, they were also shite as well"

"Aye, that too"

"Anyway, best I go speak to our Emperor as you say. I leave you to your rest oh glorious and mighty Chieftain of Sparta Clan"

"And the Gods go with you Shaman of the Clan who is Blessed by the Gods..." he snarked back with a roll of the eyes "...now, get. And don't fuck up or stabbed, don't want Oggy mad at me"

He waved at the retreating form of Karg's muttered reply as he himself strode off up the slope through the almost leafless trees and bushes being chopped up or torn up to where tents and huts were being noisily thrown up. His guards wandered along behind him, as he found the location of a decent sized tent with a small banner of his planted outside of the hide structure wedged between the large rocks and a stakes hammered into the muddy ground. Pulling up the entrance cover, ducking down as he did so, he was glad to see his slave, and his elf beside her, sitting cross-legged on fur covered ground.

Hastily closing the thin book Karg had given her to read despite the gloom of inside the tent and sliding to her knees, bowing to him as his elf wife bowed her head respectfully to him "Master / Lord Husband"

'Ah, it was good to be the Chief' he mused motioning at the elven Holawyn to help him remove his armour as the half-elven slave quickly began to discard her own travelling clothes. It had been a very long, hard, march so far..or it at least it felt as such...and a few hours rest were badly needed before they returned to it. Soon they'd come to the first likely battlefield and he'd get to release his tension through more bloody and violent means at long last upon the clan's enemies...

--

[Karguk 73]

Illuskan Legion moving North-Eastward along the Southern Crags

I gritted my teeth as the icy cold wind, flecked with snowflakes, bringing up my hand to adjust my cloak as it flapped and flailed about by thanks to the increasingly howling gales. Bad weather had bedeviled our march, and it just moved from bad to worse over the past few days with a late spring storm front moving in on the harsh northern winds.

Damned thing had forced our forward momentum to stall out a little, and take increasing time holding sheltered camps as we waited for the blasted thing to roll over for risk of getting disorganised, or blundering into a fight with the nearby dwarves. While my clan's force advance was reasonably disciplined, or had been more accurately, the minor clans, non-orc 'allies' of other clans and such were like herding cats in poor visibility like this. Something I had to do right now as I marched through the storm along with my escort to ensure that the forces on this flank were moving into the desired positions under the shelter of the trees and dips in the broken hilly terrain.

Fights had broken out, as per usual, when things got tangled and groups started clashing over the 'best place' to rest; or simply idiots seeking to take advantage in a chaotic situation against perceived rivals. And that was amongst the orcish clans, without the tendency of non-orcs to clash with non-orcs of a different species where they clashed over petty things often enough. Breaking up a series of clashes between our kobolds and some goblins of the Moonblades vassal minions had been the latest trouble spot needing heads being bashed together by me.

"Where are these bloody idiots" I muttered to nobody in particular as we passed another, but not the ones we wanted, warband moving into shelter along the line of advance. It looked like we'd taken a wrong turn, or they had, judging by them being not exactly where they were I'd imagined them being. Instead now I got to walk through a forest in the middle of a bloody storm and try to figure out exactly where we were in the midst of the flexing tree branches, shrieking winds, and falling snow and sleet obscuring my/our view. Trees creaked and groaned, wind shrieking we trudged, drowning out my mutterings and turning interactions with the nearby clan-orcs via the means of loud shouts and wild gesticulations.

...the sooner this cluster-fuck got settled in, the sooner I could get a rest after all...

I shivered after the last of these, readjusting my cloak once again after it had been blown open by these strong frigid winds. Rose and the column of clan-orcs of personal guard trudged and fought their way forward, eyes alert as the winds and trees reduced sound and visibility around us to minimal levels. Mud splashed up on my leggings as I stepped in a puddle of water and slimy earth; just another irritation to join the others I supposed watching another squad hustle by in apparent confusion. Hand gestures from me and mine managing, after a time, to direct them into the 'correct' direction and shelter during this stage of the march.

Something shoved at my arm, a glance back revealing it to be the helmeted and cloak wrapped form of my adopted daughter who was tapping at my arm with one gauntleted hand while gesturing to our right with the other arm. She was saying something as well, but the words were gibberish upon the winds and noise. Turning my head that way showed a cluster of warriors, a mixed band of auxiliaries or would-be adventurers with weapons out seemingly arguing with a group of orcs, from the...Black Hills tribe?, a distance away with weapons out and a goblin rushing off back down the line away from them.

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU! OKAY, WE GO!" I shouted, nodding back at Rose and gesturing at the group distant with my hand in a commanding gesture to Hreshgk and the rest of the squad. Looked like we'd another fight to break up, or potential one at least, as my hand shifted back to the hilt of my blade and my squad formed up around me and Rose in a rough fighting formation. Twigs and small stones crunched softly under my boots, crushed down into the muddy earth as we strode forward while the energetic groups ahead of us appeared to be shouting and gesticulating wildly at each other. Honestly, it was odd I found as there appeared to be confusion than hostility between the two different groups...so maybe there was hope it'd be an easily sorted situation.

"WHAT PROBLEM?" I shouted, again barely being heard as I motioned with my free hand and shouted again a little more loudly after the whistling shrieks surrounding me "PROBLEM?"

It still seemed nobody had heard me despite closing the distance; instead focus seemed to be on each other and a patch of trees and brush on a slope to their rear. Only when we neared, over a dozen big, burly, heavily armoured orcs, did one of the actually manage to take note of us and wave wildly in our general direction through the stormy gloom. Didn't say much for their situational awareness really, but they were sensible enough not to draw weapons or show challenge as they caught sight of us at long last. Recognised me it seemed, at least judging by the mixed group of gnolls and goblins appearing to react to me...by frantically gesturing off into the valley over the wooded brush ahead of me.

"WHAT?" I shouted over the sudden rumble of thunder, itself barely audible to me over the wind even as I wiped off the sleety snow splashing my face and gesturing at the dozens of orcs gnolls, goblins, and one or two humans milling about. What came back wasn't really understandable, shouting, gesturing and growling from a dozen throats as my guards motioned at the threateningly to stay back and not cause trouble. Something flashed in this distance over the snow and dark, another rumble disrupting efforts to figure out what the gibberish being thrown out by a dozen mouths.

'Damn but do I need to learn some sort of telepathy spell or party communication one that isn't just me enhancing my own voice' I thought unhappily as I got the general 'gist' that there was trouble of some sort up the trail. Unfortunately beyond that bare fact I, we, had no real gods-damned idea what it might be beyond there was a 'fight' of some sort going on, and this lot clearly wanted it stopped or dealt with. Something was wrong, of course, and that was always a...

'More bloody thunder...da fuq' I silently growled over the shouting as moments before the sky illuminated once again faintly and...movement through the snows and flash caught my attention. As it did others around me, startled movements, weapons been drawn, and my arm pushing Rose back as my guards formed up around me as the large shadow came into view and swaying trees became breaking trees. Out of which strode the massively tall and bulky figure of a Pits Damned Giant wielding a big giant fuck off battle axe in his hands...followed by a bunch of Uthgardt savages dressed in furs and wielding their own weapons...

'Not ours, not ours' I thought after freezing in surprise for a moment, a few of those around us panicking and running amongst the groups we'd strode over too, even as the others readied weapons. Thankfully our suddenly appearing enemies didn't react quickly either, apparently surprised by our presence...or perhaps my formed up escort and banner. It didn't matter as my mind came into focus, hands moving and voice chanting even as it was drowned out by the winds and snow and thunder. Magic flowed, energy manifesting between my cold gloved hands as I brought aim upon my target...

"Acid Arrow"

...and just let the power flow where it needed. Like a tap being turned the magic surged out of me, the sickly green arrow flying forward at the massive battleaxe wielding giant's face. Sadly it missed; the bearded giant brought his arm up at the last moment and having the magical arrow slam into the arm, splashing over it slightly as best I could tell thankfully, instead of hitting his face like I'd intended. Not that it mattered, inability to effectively coordinate a bit limited aside, weapons were being drawn and I could feel spells from one or two of my acolytes lashed out in direction of the eight or night Uthgardt milling about around the Frost Giant.

Several dropped immediately; Sleep spells seemingly taking effect as the gestures of the giant indicated its pain even as myself and Rose fell back behind the shield wall of spears and unsheathed blades. One of our foes, framed by another flash and rumble through the clouds and snowfall starred out at us a hundred metres distant, clad in light white robes that ridiculously light for the weather as her arms began to wave frantically in the air as she caught sight of us...

...aannndddd...then she turned around and bolted after finishing her incantation apparently; the very snows and mists seemed to flow about her form causing her to be almost invisible within seconds. My own attention was more focused though on getting my fight formation forward, there were several dozen of us and only three or four standing enemies, a fucking frost giant being one of the unfortunately. Thankfully his stumble backward had turned into retreating from us, at least after reaching down and grabbing one or two of the unconscious guys on the ground while holding up an arm before it's face.

My hand tapped off helmets, gesturing forward to my front ranks, before turning and grabbing Hreshgk's arm and pointing at him, them a few of the rearmost guards, and then back to the camp where we'd been. He nodded swiftly as I turned away, my fiery blade now unsheathed along with those of my four present Red Branch Knights in one hand while the other pulled out an amulet from my pocket to contact our Dread Emperor with a warning there was craziness afoot...

--

[Zahgorim 29]

Illuskan Legion, The Crags/Savage Frontier

The wagons were on fire. Well, smouldering really, but considering the lashing winds with damned snow all around them that was a bad thing as he roared out commands to put them out and to drag the wagons back to their laager. It was hard to do so over the shrieking gales, either to simply give orders to two of the wagons having been blown over along with all the foodstuffs and barrels of whatever they carried before being overturned. Zahgorim growled, waving at them with his great-axe causing a squad to trudged over to the nearest, watching them hunching down against the winds as the trees and wagons creaked and groaned their wooden protests around him.

Much to his frustration there was seemingly no enemy to fight here; having struck the idiots 'defending' these wagons and tents it seemed they'd vanished off into the blizzard leaving damage and bodies in the wake of their attack. It was a mess, a mass of chaos where his warriors had actually ended up killing a few of the idiot Graven Blood clan warriors who'd fled...chasing down the attackers they'd claimed...and blundered into Zahgorim's own guards and starting a fight. A hands worth of dead orcs there, and another two hands worth here looked like to his eyes, and not a single dead enemy in exchange...and it was gods-damned fucking cold as well. This was turning into a shitty night and day all in all he thought boots crunching into the cold muddy earth, weapon pointing and orders being shouted again to try bring some order to the scene.

"GET THOSE WAGONS UP! YOU LOT WATCH ON THAT RISE...NO WATCH ON HILL THERE! GO NOW! TREES! WATCH TREES DAMMIT!"

'Damned Uttie bastards, can't they be stupid and charge out and get killed' he growled silently in his mind as strode over to the nearest overturned wagon, where the squad there was struggling and, after slinging his axe over his back, braced the big heavy overturned thing along with his guards. A roar of anger drowned out partly by the groan of the wagon being shoved first unto its side, as bags and barrels thudded off the ground or rolled thanks to the strength of the winds. Zahgorim grunted in relief as the brief struggle ended and the four wooden wheels creaked, bouncing slightly before they steadied it against the wind and he had the squad hurry up and refill it so that the weight might stop it being blown over once they took their hands off it.

"GET THEM BACK TO OUR CAMP..." he ordered, or started to before one of the nearby idiots from the Graven Bloods started to protest and he had to deal with that. Straightening himself, standing tall and looming over the leather and fur clad other orc in his full plate he didn't bother making a motion to grab his weapon while he towered over the idiot and glared down him and his nearby, in theory, allies "...SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU SCREWED UP YOUR ONE FUCKING JOB SO WE FIX IT! YOU DRAW BLADE, YOU DIE!"

Wisely the idiot pulled back, retreating as Zahgorim motioned with his arm at the other wagons where the smouldering flames had been extinguished "GET BACK TO WORK!"

Grabbing the shoulder of the nearest of his guards, Vurkagk who'd turned out alot like old dead Vretkag Zahgorim had found he leaned in close so he could hear his words, then motioned at the minor clan orc warriors milling about amidst the white and windy backdrop "Take a squad and keep a watch on these idiots"

"Yes Chief" came back in response, or at least Zahgorim assumed that's what had been said, as the younger warrior strode away motioning at a number of others to join him. There was no guarantee that they wouldn't up and flee again should the enemy show up again, or for them to decide to try stab him and his warriors in the back once they started getting to work moving this mess back towards the rest of the camp. Or their part of the camps anyway, as the horde was spread out up and down amongst the hills and trees; some of whom were doing a terrible job like these fools before him. Gritting his teeth against the cold he gathered up his warriors and continued to move down the line, where he'd hopefully link up with Karg soon and try to get the stragglers back in line...

--

...something that turned out to be battle in of itself, even without the enemy ever making an appearance. It was a fight against the wind and snow, and more problematically bands of stragglers from the flanks of the horde as they sought shelter from the weather, hunting the enemies, or in the last case seeking out vengeance for an inter-clan feud. Eleven dead between them, and one of his too irritatingly, when they'd decided to fight his more numerous warband as well as each other as the storm rolled ever onwards. Thankfully it had eased off a little bit and he could shout out orders properly, and now Karg's squads were formed up before him along with several other squads of what looked like auxlia.

"Well?"

Karg grunted, shaking his head and give a shrug after sheathing his magic sword "End of the line, dwarves are over that way...I think, it's a damned mess and we've maybe killed a handful of the attackers. Good news at least is pretty sure we've kept a handle on that, no more stragglers out this way now, and got a patrol of dwarves to bugger off without a fight. That and, well, storm's dying down a bit thanks to our Emperor, and/or the Drow or Wizards...but magic an' stuff make it worse"

Zahgorim gave his own tired grunt as at a gesture their two forces formed up into one formation "Still pretty bad Karg"

His friend shrugged "Eh, don't ask me I've just got what got communed to me and what I've felt; Old Shaman says it's a normal storm made worse, so that's what's I'll go with. Been too busy getting this mess under control to know more"

"Good nuff fer me Karg, but we need pull back camp I say, need rest an' make sure everything in order with supplies we rescued. Or there ain't no more trouble further up"

Karg sighed deeply as he feel in beside him, gloved hand rubbing at his face and beard between the folds of his helmet as the ever fuckable crimson haired human girl Rose followed along at his friend's side "What now?"

"Near fight between them Utties Chief Obould mastered an' some idiots..." he answered, then corrected himself with a yawn and rubbing at his eyes with weary arms "...nay, were a full on fight maybe some of the boys said. Not sure really. But were something of a fight an' Jernak and his Moonblades had to move up and separate them messenger said. Whole things been a fucking disaster"

It looked like the horde had gotten itself all tangled up into knots as it blundered about in the magical storm and small bands of raiders confused things even more. Karg seemed to agree with him as the warband began a steady march once again through mud and sleet "True, hopefully it'll pass in a few hours and we can take stock...the camp?"

"Secure don't worry, Drow and Auxlia all forted up too an' under watch. It's the rest of the pits damned horde outside us and few others that's a disaster needin' killing of idiots to keep in line"

"Eh, don't I know it. We're going to have to get forward and link up with Jernak, then Phargk once the winds die down some more. Could be an army moving on us in the wake of this storm, maybe, possibly...since they've got least a Storm Lord and a Frost Priestess running about, probably more somewhere else. Need get the other chieftains and shamans and get a move on soon as we can"

Zahgorim sighed, of course that's what was on Karg's mind, but other things need to be done. Thinks like "Aye, and we need hunt down the lot that attacked us too Karg. Can't let them slip away either, gonna catch'em and gut'em I am"

After all how dare they interrupt his elf banging time, an unforgivable crime against him that must be punished in his view. So once they got back into the camp and brought order to the great mob that was the other clans in front of them then they would hunt down whoever had tried to raid them and teach them of what orcs did to enemies when they couldn't hide in magical storms or whatever it was they'd done. For now though booted feet stomped through the cold muddy earth and snapping frigid winds as any stragglers moving too slowly back towards the main camps...

--

When: After a fiasco of an attack

Where: Barely Organised Chaos is where

Damn but this has been tiring and stressful. Bloody and violent too; - with hoarseness induced from shouting amidst the storm, and then the resulting violence from said magical induced storm. All for not even managing to kill those responsible, or at least anything more than a handful of bodies that are definitely not ours mixed in amongst the several hundred dead amongst the Horde. Did I mention we fucked up and managed to get turned into a big giant clusterfuck?

Yeah, because things are big giant mess that need tender love and care to herd the cats back into line. Which meant [and means] heads, spikes, stakes via yours truly, Zah, the clan as a whole, etc, in alliance with our glorious allies who maintained discipline during and after the big magic storm attack. Yup, after being fecking exhausted dealing with getting everything during said storm, there has been a day and a night of 'restoring order' to the clan in the vanguard and centre of the army. Oh, and too the 'auxliaries' of course too;- not ours largely, but the big blood pile of idiots assembled alongside us and the dwarves.

Ah, because the failure didn't apply to us greenskins entirely [though we're more green-grey, eh] as their murder-hobos fucked up as badly as our murder hobos looks like. Chaos, chaos, all around and all it bloody took was a few dozen enemies, magically directed storms, and of course copious amounts of magic to direct said storms to fuck shite up for us. Huzzah, good for them. Because WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON THEM...

Right, no use crying over split milk. Damage done, fix damage, move on, punish foes late. So damage; hundreds dead on our side, largely amongst the forward and centre when they folded into each other, and then when I and Darth's Phargk's Assassin-Priest Mirrinock moved to restore order to the resulting chaos amidst the ranks. Turns out we're good at that, albeit in the bloody violent 'obey or die' sort of way. That and I expect we probably killed as many as were killed during the storm and resulting pinprick attacks from what I'm sure was a bunch of mercs, or 'adventurers', hired by either Luskan or the Uthgardt. Or those who haven't heard Mirabar called off the whole 'kill orcs' thing and are still working for that gold supply because the quest marker never came off the bloody journal or something.

Right, going to pray, rest, and then terrorise some more when I wake. Write late, I'm tired and I'll explain with more damned time – whenever the hells I managed to have more bloody time to spare.

--

When: Spring, 1367 Dale Reckoning

Where: Crags, just about to go on the march again

Okay, I've had two days to be calmer and more organised. Largely because it's been a matter of beating the Horde back into shape, negotiating with our allies, and one spell casting ritual involving me, his Imperial Evilness, the Godslaves, and several dozen clerics of the Orc Gods to prevent a repeat of the recent events let's say. That and healing up our several hundred injured [from minor to a few serious] of course; we had time as there were wagons to be fixed, and haulage animals to corral as well. Long story made short our foes have managed to slow down the horde and dwarves by at least a ten-day between doing all that and talking with our quasi-allies and erstwhile paymasters.

Fun times that as always, though one can't complain over much about the usefulness of the powerful Priestess in our presence, as well as the mad wizards across the way. Keeps out the scrying and other magical spying at least; and gave a better explanation of what happened and how to avoid a repeat. Something that came down to Weather Control being use to boost an actual strong Spring Storm coming down from the Spine, and send it in our general direction. Talos cleric basically, has to be as Rose says, and an Auril priestess or two thrown in alongside a frost giant or two for good measure to help the Uthgardt tribesmen raiders making up the mini-strike force. Griffin and Thunderbeast Tribes per the tribal tattoos and warpaint on the few bodies we managed to recover – as they largely got away despite scouts and hunting parties by us and those shorty beardy fellas. Don't you just hate a competent enemy making you look like an idiot?

Zah's taken charge of the army, our part of the army I mean, while I get to play enforcer and apprentice to our resident Dark Lord. Oh, and diplomat of sorts as well in regards dealing with the Harpells and the handful of drow under Veladon of course – though I've Rose and Doctor Ned to help me there alongside my various acolytes. We're the not so secret police of the Horde I think by default. Well, more the military police with Murderous Mirrinock as the Secret Police with his fellow clerics of the friendly orcish God of assassins, rogues, and other such activities. I don't overly like dealing with the orc, but needs must and order must be restored by fire and blood. So, back to work, blood must flow and the army needs to march.

--

When: [Late] Spring, 1367 DR

Where: Crags-Savage Frontier-South of Xantharl's Keep

Bad weather continues, though not magical this time around, nor is a storm. Just miserable spring rains and mud that seem to continue every day, day in, day out, and just make everything a grind to move forward step by muddy step. Thankfully the rock overhang we've sent out tent under is dry enough and I can take some time to write and organise my thoughts somewhat before resting. It helps I find, relaxing in its small way no matter what my red haired minion over yonder tells me about wasting precious time between rests. Not that she is entirely wrong on that, but sometimes you just have to waste time relax or the life gets to you. Gardening is her thing, but writing is mine, and I do it more regularly that her source of stress relief in general.

And I've got stuff to talk about, like I managed to create a familiar. Well, sorta get one. It's a crow, and I called him Bob, and it was weird really. Okay, it's not really a familiar bond, but it's sorta one I think and I shall count my failure as a success even if it wasn't what was intended. Right, right, not making sense I imagine. Now I was 'studying' [during one of our terribly slow and long stops for food and camp building] and the intention was to practice the steps laid out after several talks with Doctor Ned and my 'mentor' the Orcish Sith Lord. Basically Karguk planned on doing A, and kinda managed B as the outcome instead. See I didn't really get a familiar, or awaken an animal, more-so I managed [somehow, still making notes] to 'commune' with animal about what was seen/smell/heard.

Sadly Bob has flown away so one can't continue with him, but I'm not exactly going to rush the subject. Rushing in magic can lead to great breakthroughs of course, but normally it leads to bad things like death, and madness, and shit like that. Bad things as I mentioned. But this is a useful, useful, skill to try develop I think. Crows have eyes, and eyes can be spies, and I can spy with many eyes. Or so it could go in time, like that dude from that stoy...yeah going to have a read of the fiction section of the Tome of Wiki I get a chance. Take my mind off the bad things I've had to do recently, not that it was to good people but killing is rarely fun and it's been a bit apparently and stories of another lifetime have faded into the fog. Which means reading them again will be just as fun as the first time as I won't remember what happens next with many of them! Yay! Also it might give me ideas for the future, and imagination is a tool and weapon after all.

I do wonder is Shandy an influence on this, or is it magic thing in my head leaking out. Get occasional migraines and odd dreams since, well, the incident, and then I've ideas or blunder into an advance. See I had a lesson with her before it, impromptu and a 'walking' one at that, and then BAM magical testing idea time not long afterwards. A pressure relief valve? Plan by the Boss or coincidence? I've a magic golden scroll in my head/soul/somewhere so if it is I'm not complaining as I'm still at 'mastering' whatever the feck power the Boss Orc infused into me. Not easy to research when I'm actively trying to hide the situation from all potential sources of information on the subject. Books will be my demand from Mirabar, and Luskan if we actually manage to survive and pull off looting/extorting that particular city – obviously ones on magic of course, but I doubt ones on penmanship or horse training would be much good for instance.

Anyway, need to rest now. Slán go foil a chardaí.

--

When: Spring, 1367 DR

Where: On the march again

Encountering significant numbers of enemy scouts, or just warbands, according to our allies scouts. Not surprising, we're moving steadily towards our first target and apparently it's occupied. That's according to his Darthness and the Mad Wizards we call allies right now, so one has to work on that assumption. Taking the Keep there is something of a necessity of we're to keep our Horde moving as one unit, and in 'coordination' with the army of dorfs under King Grumpy and his Not So Merry Men. Because dear Gods does that Catti-Brie girl glare alot; at me, at Rose, at her big burly Uttie savage companion, at everyone on our glorious orcish side in general really. Oh, and the Drow too for whatever reason, because she's a big giant grump that most make her an honorary dwarf just like her daddy wanted I guess.

Yeah, so got the 'joy' of talking to our 'allies' for extended periods of time the past two days; largely to avoid troubles between us as we move into the passes coming into the road through Xantharl's Pass up northward towards Mirabar. Basically I get to play glorified messenger between our War Council and their War Council along with a few other 'trusthworthy' orcs. Basically those of us smart enough not to start pointless fights with people who hate us but have to work with. Teeth clenched teamwork for the win, huzzah!

Now that means...

Time's up, got to get moving again.

--

[Krowluc 22]

The Long Road, South of Xantharl's Keep

It was good to be coming out of the hills and mountains of the Crags he found resting his gauntlet clad hands on his saddle and gazing out at the terrain before them. Not exactly green and lush, but Krowluc found it much more appetising than the tight mountain passes that rendered his, and his Company's, mounts mobility rather irrelevant. Now at least the relatively small cavalry forces of the orcish horde he served could fan out and act as a screen for said orcish horde as it came out of the mountains. Something rather important now that they'd come out unto the Long Road, ready to turn northward towards Xantharl's Keep, and Mirabar beyond, and into supply line and general movement area of the Griffon and Thunderbeast Uthgardt tribes.

Other cavalry bands, of the Horde but also some of the human 'adventurers' working for the Dwarves, had clashed with small number of the barbarians since the magic storms sent their way;- so Krowluc was glad to see the wariness from his leaders on this matter. Weather and ground was still poor after all, misty, rainy, and muddy along with being cold generally, and that was slowing the army down when it was clear the enemy knew they were around. He snorted softly at that; damned raid had been a damned debacle for many of the orc clans dragged off to war by his new overlords and it had taken killing and threatening a fair number to bring them back in line.

'Sa'why I've got these idiots under my command now I guess' he thought bringing his stallion to a halt on the small earthen mound overlooking the ground ahead of his forces. He'd easily doubled his number of riders to over a hundred and twenty thanks to 'inheriting' the remnants of one minor clan's band of idiots, some mounted fools that called themselves adventurers, and of course the dozen and a half dozen goblins on those big, ugly, mangy animals of theirs.

It was a frustration having to hammer discipline and obedience into the new 'recruits' during their stay under his command while on the move. But, sadly, beggars didn't get to be choosers in this world so he kept them together nearby while Bareyaras scouted ahead with his squad. Or at least had been scouting forward; the half-elf now trotting his horse up alongside him along with the other 'senior' leaders of the Company. Krowluc glanced towards him "Well? What's up ahead?"

"Possible trouble..." came back the unhappy sounding tone of the currently human looking half elf "...got tracks, horses over mud not long ago, day, two, maybe"

"Right, any idea how many?"

"Fraid not Boss, more than enough that their trying to hide'em didn't work"

Krowluc hummed in thought, looking over and glancing down at his gnome wizard sitting grumpily astride her small horse. Still looked to be unhappy to his eyes at having being dragged away from her comfortable room, books, and easy pay over in Sparta stronghold for cold, wet, and miserable wilds of the battlefield once again. Unfortunately for her he, and the others, needed their arcane support if these damned savages were throwing about magical induced weather and such. Didn't hurt also that their mad little illusionist was on good terms with the even madder shaman Karguk "You don't sense anything do ye Nims?"

A shake of the robed head caused water droplets from the morning drizzle to bounce and splash off her and flicker in the early morning gloom "Nothing much out of the ordinary Captain. Not sayin' there ain't, but if there is it's hidden or off a ways and I can't feel it"

'Hardly a bell ringin fer clarity, but be that as it may...' he rumbled silently a moment before speaking again now the others had fallen quiet "Right. Well, we're here to scout forward and see what's out there, so we'll have to do just that I reckon. Bareyaras you and your squad take point, we'll put the gobs out on the right van and that lot under 'Sir' Yanda on the left van, largely since they got shit all decent medium or heavy armour and seem have some skill ridin'. I'll take the centre column, all the heavies to respond to any attack, and the rear..."

He motioned at two of his subordinates "Kyras you take the right rear guard with your squad, and Dargunk you the left with yours. We'll sweep forward in a spread out wedge, arrowhead, and I want line of sight between groups at all times understood? No fuckin' about or lettin' these new lot fuck about either lads, we got enemies about;- so let's not get surprised out here. Understood?"

"Right/Understood Boss/Onnit/Got'it Boss" echoed back, though as usual it took a few minutes to shake out the Company and get them into the desired formation without blowing warhorns or shouting too loudly. They couldn't afford draw too much attention to themselves when playing scouts after all, but he didn't want anyone getting 'lost' as they started moving further away from the army behind them and the Moonblade cavalry scouts on their flank. So he settled for the slower process of threatening gestures and 'herding' certain groups into position till their 'commanders' got them in hand and started doing what he wanted them to do.

"Kinda shit aren't they" Nimmil noted as they kicked their mounts forward into a trot, the 'heavy' two squads behind them doing likewise as the familiar clopping clatter of horseshoes on earth and creak of gear in motion filled his ears with their tune. He snorted, not even bothering to glance at the Company Wizard and likely sour look upon her face as the drizzle pattered ever so softly off the open visor of his helm. It wasn't entirely an inaccurate statement, but he'd seen, and fought with, worse over the years...and so had she.

"You fight with what you get handed not what you wish you were handed Nims"

"Aye, true, still means ye were handed shit"

"Oh stop whining, we've had worse and they can at least fight..." he retorted rolling his eyes at the complaints "...and yes, I know, they'll cost us coin ta pay, but theys be pain' us more for havin'em as well so we're coming out the better for it. Need the bodies too with the fightin' ahead of us. Big war, big risks, big rewards Nims"

He heard her sigh loudly at that; impressive for her size really "True Capn', but it'll be hard take a rock like Xantharl's"

Krowluc hummed, a soft rumble from his throat as the Company trotted along through the morning gloom through the trees and brush "Maybe, maybe not. Depends on who the Utties left in place, and how bad the damage was for taking the place. Bosses seem to have plans for dealing with the place even if the walls and keep are still standing strong"

They'd asked alot about the place, same with Nimmil it seemed despite her seemingly overlooking that due to her whining about saddle sores and other things, and he'd offered his own suggestions for dealing with the old fortifications. The Keep had fallen to the Uthgardt after all, and that was with properly trained dwarves and their crossbows and ballistae to man the walls; most barbarians hated being behind walls, and when they were they didn't fight the best anyway. Magic, or simply storming the walls, would likely take the place...but that wasn't his concern as cavalry wasn't the best to be used for such roles and it wouldn't be his boys and girls shedding blood to take the place.

Their challenge was times like now, and when the horde broke out of the northern passes unto the flats surrounding Mirabar. Birds were chirping their song, annoying really, as they pressed forward passed a long since burnt out building that probably been an inn or farmstead along the Long Road. The sun apparently refused to show its face even as the morning very slowly brightened into day as they advanced into yet another dreary day's march. He frowned as they came across the tracks his half-elven subordinate had found tracked back to a relatively well hidden, or attempt at been hidden, campsite.

Orders were passed along the Company quickly and quietly, a messenger sent back to the main force at what they'd found; definitely Uthgardt raiders lurking about, and probably after raiding something or somebody recently if he had to guess. Something answered about an hour later as Bareyaras returned to where he'd dismounted his heavy squads for a quick rest amongst the trees and abandoned camp while the scouts took position a bit forward "Boss, looks like we've got our friends marked out up ahead. Looks like twenty, maybe up forty, moving at a steady pace northward about two leagues that'a'way"

"Do we know tribe?"

"Nah, sorry, didn't see no totems or banners on'em. Looks like a couple of slaves or livestock slowing them, but their movin' pretty stealthily fer that been honest since was strugglin' figure out their actual numbers..."

'Oof, that'll be a problem' Krowluc mused thinking on the matter as Bareyaras explained the situation he'd left a trio of his riders to monitor "Any chance we'll catch'em unaware?"

"Nah, they knows we're about I reckon, and they's watchin' like hawks even if they didn't seem catch wind of me and me boys"

"Small numbers sticking to cover?"

Bareyaras nodded "Small numbers stickin' ta cover"

"Hmmm...right, well, don't want risk a fight by chargin'in like fools case there's more lurkin about..." he started before pausing and motion at Nimmil "...right so what we'll do is let'em see the gobbies and we'll hang back outta sight. Nim's I need a few extra goblins and mounts to show up when we do this so I'll need ya ta..."

--

When: Cold, Miserable, Spring 1357 DR

Where: Long Road, Savage Frontier

Weather is horrible, as always. Pretty miserable spring all in all, though the water supplies back home are likely well stocked at this stage. Our marching forces certainly are after all, along with the joys of mud now the spring thaws have arrived late and all as they have. Slowed us down certainly, and we've had skirmishes between our cavalry and enemy cavalry on the fringes of our patrolling range to add to the delay. Nothing serious, and interrogations of captured prisoners indicates we're not facing much than raiding warbands and such, but considering earlier we're hammering discipline in over idiots wanting to chase down easy prey.

Or supposed easy prey as there's no guarantee trying to chase them down won't lead into a trap, or blunder into great dangers along the way. Problem of being near those damned moors and woods westward of here, and more irritatingly the beasts and things that had lurked within them but now seem to be drifting our due to all the fighting and chaos. Oh, and our not-so-friendly visitors who threw our camp into chaos not too long ago; never caught them, so there be giants and enemy clerics lurking about out there as well. Not to mention 'coordinating' with the damned dwarves, which is always a font of frustration since they hate us and our lot hate them. Super duper fun times really.

Right now we're encamped on a water supply, former inn with well basically so not great, along the Long Road and forming up as the dwarves come down out of the mountains. Sounds simple, but we're herding cats here [big, angry, armed and bloodthirsty cats] and let me tell you; it's a bloody tiring nightmare of moving up and down the line threatening as we go. Or as I go at least, interspersed with the occasional death or whipping depending on the stupid involved. Zah's really leading out column now as I've devolved, along with my acolytes and Red Branch Knights, into enforcers of our glorious Emperor's will amongst the non-Spartan ranks of this division of the horde.

In that regards things have shaken out largely as expected;- Zah is our Legion, with me enforcing order, which is Sparta clan, the auxlia, and a chunk of minor clans that outnumber us two or three to one as whole. Well more 'magic users' [divine or arcane] too of course; I like to see us as the 'special forces and support' of the army let's say. Jernak and the Moonblades command another division made of their clan mainly, plus affiliated ones, heavy infantry to our shock troops and artillery really in my view. Darth Phargk of course has taken the lion's share of the horde, though that's more his clan's elite light infantry taking charge of a pile of other clans just being trained enough to follow orders vassals. Last 'real' solid division is Red Axes of course; pretty similar to the Moonblades, though more medium and infantry despite efforts and limited cavalry like us.

Oh, and I can't forget Obould and our 'auxliary' Uthgardt and other rabble allies. Now I admit we've more auxlia that Sparta clan orcs with us, but his forces are seen as unreliable at best. Haven't been risked in battle yet, but they have performed in the defensive role and he is been shown respect with his own 'division' of the mighty Illuskan Legion. Certainly got more orcs to bolster his numbers, and he is rather dangerously resourceful at building a powerbase on what little he's been given or simply managed to acquire by force or guile. I'll be glad when he departs in later seasons to his home and retakes it from his dear old dad;- largely so he isn't trying to become our overlord or some such. I've spoken to him several times since theattack, and he's smart; learning too, and being pragmatic. As they say – a good ally and a dangerous enemy.

Anywho;- gotta go, Rose just said Shandy has arrived for lessons, and that means Doctor Ned shan't be too far away either. Learning, and study, of my own to be done in the little time available for me to invest in the growing of my own powers and abilities between all the marching and fighting; Slán!

--

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Long Road, South of Xantharl's Keep

Well fuck - Werewolves.

Full moon, and they wiped out a whole company, at least, of ours last night, along with an unknown number of our allies [in theory] over in the dwarven camp. Tried to break into the camps proper, but they'd vanished off by the time I'd arrived on the scene. Best guess?

One of the Uthgardt tribes has a few of them, up from the Lurkwood, or just a pack coming down from those cursed woods after the orcs who've been drifting south of join us. Whatever the case yet again we took heavy losses for not a single enemy. Hunting parties, with our few precious silver and magic weapons, have been deployed but hard to know how successfully that'll be. Going to be hard as we're starting to move once again as we're semi-organised, and skirmishing out on the flats with barbarian raiders isn't doing us much good when time is a factor.

Truth be told staying here will only draw more Uthgardt towards us looking for a fight. Elk tribe seems to be the origin of those our dark evil overlord tortured enough to tell us everything about them; we're a target of opportunity, and they haven't decided to ally with the Griffon or Thunderbeasts this time around. Other things too as the werewolves indicate, though they could be Gray Wolf Tribe who knows but them. My Tome of Wiki indicates 'small numbers' but a werewolf is a one barbarian army in of themselves during the hours of the full moon.

--

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Mountain Passes, Long Road, South of Xantharl's Keep

Fucking werewolves, just fuck them furry bastards and their damned moon. About only good news is they've run out of full moons, and were fully on guard. Hilarious part though?

They've largely stopped attacking us after the first night [but are still a deadly threat as two squads of goblins straying too far found out last night] and fixated on the dwarves! Blame Emo Drow the Mega Ranger for killing one and them wanting elf skin boots, or drow-stew, in revenge. Also?

Pretty sure they can pull off their transformation on nearly full moons, as last night was pushing it in my humble opinion. They've managed four nights now, and I'd only count two of them as true Full Moons. Sadly my Tome of Wiki isn't a great help on the matter outside basics, so something for future study as even my experts don't have answers. Wyrmog might have had, but that furry fucker and his immediate clan leaders are dead so can't really get their help right now.

Also; we're being watched, the army I mean. Off at the edges of our march, and feck we can do about it unfortunately. Sightings of potential giants or ogres judging by size, but could be the human forms of the attackers in scouts imaginations. One thing you learn is that some folk can believe what they see wholeheartedly but be utterly wrong in their beliefs or memories. Tried the crow trick, I called her Carl because I didn't realise he was a she but she Carl, and yeah I confirmed sweet feck all,

Not that being shadowed is unsurprising, but with fucking werewolves and giants attacking us the whole damned situation is driving me up the wall. Zah is being Zah about it, and his advice to 'fuck a few whores to relax' is not one I'm going to follow, or anything to effect of hunting down a new concubine. Outside of that we're focusing on military matters, and marching is solid despite unease amongst auxlia and a few clans at the 'monster' attacks. Thankfully, along with Darth Phargk and his Murderous Shadow, we've put the fear of the Gods into them and their more afraid of us than the creatures.

--

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Mountain Pass nearing Xantharl's Keep

No attacks three days now;- Fortifying an encampment prior to attacking the Keep in case of betrayal or rear attack. We're going with magic and special operations for this, since we've got wizards as 'allies' this time around. Better than assault with heavy casualties.

Sorry, less time to talk, stream of consciousness. Need to form up forces in readiness anyway. Guard positions in the side passes and reinforced watch positions up on heights – magic and silver armed nearby too. Can't forget that, and see if need assemble artillery...

Gotta go Rose says messengers, so must go.

--

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Everythings on Fire

Fuck. Fucking Oops Megumin Wizards and their EXPLOSION!

How does Sleep end up setting the place on fire! Gods dammit but THE PLACE IS ON FIRE!

Or was at least, as now its smoldering as thank the Gods for the shitty rainy weather. Take the place intact with loot?

Bugger that, lets burn it all!

Right, off to see what's left amidst the ashes. Bloody Harpells.

--

[Ogrash 16]

Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta

Ogrash found the new, odd and potentially cursed considering her luck, addition to the household was well of her place in the order with her constant bowing and kneeling. Her learning of orcish and the common tongue were hardly sufficient to have given her such instruction so it must come naturally she assume as she gave the shivering human a taste of the Goddess's power to continue her healing. Karg certainly had a way in finding strange things she mused stepping back as the tiny female breathed a sigh of relief now that the pain of the demon's magics upon her had once more waned.

The burning upon skin had eased to minor occurrences, though Tsu-ru-hoki, as her strange name was called, still could not bear the touch of much cloth beyond the faint silk loincloth that Karg had insisted on giving her for a little dignity or some nonsense like that. Just because the tiny human liked books, and her liked books, didn't mean he had to go off ruining the training in of a perfectly good servant. Soon enough, well, a season or two perhaps, she would be fully healed...mostly healed...and might be less inclined to be obedient without understanding her place. Though Ogrash did think it would be good for the poor creature to be able to grow back her hair without driving her crazy; bald heads wasn't a choice saw as good for a slave...servant...of hers and Karg's.

Standing up again human went back into one of her bowing and 'thanking' modes, but Ogrash motioned at her to go outside and get something to eat with Mara and Kethri who were showing proper behaviour by Ogrash's orders. Certainly more productive than all the scribbling and reading Karg had set aside to be done as well; there was much to be done now that Missy drew close to birthing in the end and was unable to deal with such boring things. So soft feet, barely audible feel quickly in behind Ogrash as she stomped out into the main room from Karg's 'library-study' as he called it. Off in the bedding the lazy drow slept with the naturally obedient half-elven Tris, as Ogrash's two slaves went about preparing the food for later while her youngest whelp suckled at Mara's breast.

'Hmmm, best to take one with me in case I need to do things' she mused as she watched her little Ogkra dance about at the two slaves feet, attempting to swat at her youngest whelp, now that her older brother and sister were with Zah's whelps to strengthen their position in the clan. Taking either would be problematic though; Missy was sleeping and less able to take charge for a time, and if she took one then the Drow Lua would begin taking charge of the remaining one with the half-elf's support. Which left obvious choices of course as she stomped over to the bed, the drow looking up sleepily at her, then kissing, before shoving the pale skinned and startled, Tris off of her shoulder before rolling back unto her side with a huff.

"Tttttrrrriiiiisssss, Matron wants you. Go help, I need sleepppppp"

Ogrash ignored the drow's words with a snort, taking the half-elf by the arm and 'helping' her to untangle herself from the furs and into a standing position without further disturbing the drow. Once Lua had become sure 'her' half-elf was safe with Ogrash there was rarely any resistance to Ogrash making use of a half-elven servant for the day. With a few steps she half-dragged, half-guided, her minion over to the boxes and tables with clothes upon them "Up now lazy, much work to be done. Quick now, get dressed. Hmm...this, this, this, show your Mistress's power"

Thankfully Tris was smart for a half-elf, swift too, and after a confused yawn and sigh, swiftly threw on the garb, collar, and boots to follow quickly in Ogrash's wake. Orders were given to Mara and Kethri first of course, and then too her guards at the door, but there was little trouble to be expected or for either to have to defend the whelps. Much work, but the storms and bad weather had caused that for everyone within the clan she'd found, her boots thudding off the stone steps of the towers stairs as she descended down them. The Tower was busy of course, her best acolytes and those of Karg's who'd remained busily strengthening their abilities by learning from their enemies like the hassled slave-elf-priestess Riri-something that Karg had captured. Who was now answering questions at direction of one of Karg's lot, Jhyurt, she saw with a glance as she passed the 'classroom' filled with a dozen or so acolytes.

"Ah, Taugh, our brave and mighty Captain..." she greeted stepping outside into the damp and chilly evening gloom and the training yard of the stronghold and young warriors been beaten senseless therein. Beside her, her half-elf shivered, but stayed quiet as Ogrash strode up to the old warrior of the clan "...the damage is cleared it seems. Has there been any trouble while I rested?"

Old Taugh was canny, and brutal fighter too of course, old warrior but he'd thankfully gone past his prime when the time for leadership of the clan had come into question. Keeping him supportive was important, and thankfully easy enough by ensuring he had a few females to bed; two of which, one a young former Fingercutter female and the other a slave, were already after birthing two future warriors of the clan. Ones she and Breyza ensured were raised alongside their whelps and the rest of the clans so they would be loyal as well brave in that future. Every day was a hidden battle to watch for such things now that Karg and Zah were off earning glory and loot for the clan...by risking their not returning alive. Should they not...well, both she and Breyza had ensured there were heirs and spares with supporters in the clan that meant no reduction in their status. Hopefully at least.

"Aye, fixed it all with sum slaves an' punishment some of them idjits ah gotta train..." the greybeard answered after giving one of the youngsters a good hard kick in the leg to get off the ground and walk off an injury "...like this useless piece of crap ere'. But nah, thar be nah trouble Priestess, not ere' nor down in the town below wif them humies and traders and whatnot. Be glad see'em gone, weather cleared nuff now for them bugger off their own stronghold ah reckon"

"Oh, they shall leave soon I expect. Their warriors are as eager to leave as you are for them to get gone from here..." Ogrash chuckled resting lightly upon her staff as she studied those being trained and the guards upon the walls above. The storms and constant rains had done bad damage to things, and 'trapped' the human traders within the town area below far longer than expected as the grounds they travelled over turned dangerously windy or too muddy to easily travel through. A danger, if a small one, with many of the clan's away but the extra room had been available and much of what had been traded to them had been trade back due to their staying longer thanks to booze and females "...with things as they are with a few females of their own amongst their ranks"

Taugh gave a grunt of acknowledgement "True Priestess, as you say. Oh, though I had wished to speak to you, to ask fer sumin"

"Ask honoured elder of the clan"

Another snort, of amusement "Don't be honourin' elder me youngin' ah still got fightin' and whelp sirin' left in my yet. But, aye, want ta take a one or two yer healers with me an' a couple squads out on patrol. Train'em up, as theys be youngins and dumb ones at that, with funny notions thanks ye and yer mate"

"One per squad?" Ogrash queried and got a nod in affirmative "...how many squads? I take its the youngsters then?"

"Five squads, one them veterans under me, so five healers since we gotta coddle'em by not kill'e off cordin' the Chief and the Shaman. Aye, just old enough ta be proper warriors and they need testin' by huntin' and trackin'...killin' too course, tha' black elfie yers little hunters spotted few beasties can down. Pack'a wolves, some deer, be about after the storm"

Ogrash hummed thought a moment, wiping the faint sheen of moisture from the drizzly rain off her face as she did so "That won't be a problem, I'll choose them later in the night or tomorrow"

He nodded "Right faster than I expected, thank the Gods Priestess, it'll make me life easier with these idjits"

"Of course Taugh, I must go now I'm afraid, Chieftess Breyza awaits as do some brats needing instruction on the Will of the Gods afterwards"

Losses were expected to be high in the battles according to Karg and Zah and they both wanted as many, loyal, young warriors of the clan to make it through the training. No weaklings of course, but those who could also do more than punch things real hard as her Karg said. Okay his obsession with having them all being able to 'read and write' was a bit odd, but that was just the way the Gods had made him; on the bright side Tris following behind her had written nice stories that Ogrash's fellow clan females [those that could read them anyway] found very entertaining and had encouraged younger clan-orcs to learn words. Runes and rune magic too, but that was harder and even she was still learning it. Now though she and Breyza had much to plan, a death or two too arrange, and seeing the human traders away safely...

--

[Karguk 74]

Xantharl's Keep, Savage Frontier

The Keep, and small 'village' area within, had seen better days I noted gazing down at it from spot atop the outer wall as the army march through the fallen citadel in quasi-orderly ranks. Lots of shouting and jostling from our 'officer corps';- but it was proceeding quick enough for my liking, especially considering our brief encampment and clearing of rubble in between watching the dwarves warily as they did likewise with us. The Keep had a great location, smart on the original builders truly, but it'd need a decent effort to rebuild the fortifications after being essentially stormed by us and the Uthgardt. More-so the Uthgardt despite the impressive pyrotechnics unleashed by the Harpell family and friend, as while it had been impressive the stonework had resisted the flames pretty well...

'But the Uttie repair jobs and piles of ill-gotten loot out in the open didn't' I mused to myself enjoying the soft breeze on my face in a rare moment of pleasant weather amidst this miserable stretch of spring. Seemed that the 'garrison' had managed to get into, fairly impressive in truth, dwarven made, alcohol stores of the Keep after the main body had passed through. I gave a snort at that; perhaps it had been found before the fall but certain folk didn't want to share. Whatever the case booze, along with the pitch, stray and general filth the Uthgardt 'garrison' littered the place with had turned it from a fortress into a health and safety violation waiting to happen when a Harpell appeared on the horizon. Then the patch repair job, flammable repair job, on the walls came a tumbling down as the place turned into an inferno inside the walls.

'Well, I suppose we should just be glad most of the place is good solid stone...though what broke down the wall in first place is a concern of course. Big whatever it was, and not siege equipment from the word of the experts on the subject'

"Hey Papa..." Rose's voice, and booted footsteps, interrupted me from my thoughts upon the great rent inflicted upon the old fortification that was the stone wall further along the way from me "...sorry it too so long to come to you. Hreshgk said at the walls, and I thought in the camp below the walls, and then I got held up breaking up a fight and...the usual stuff"

I smiled, resting back against the solid stone wall of the tower behind me, chainmail clinking and clicking softly as the sun shimmered bloody red upon the sky as it set for yet another day off to my side "No, your fine dear, tis hardly nightfall yet anyway so your hardly late. Not too much trouble I hope? Do I need names to deal with?"

"No, Papa, just village stuff. One man sleeping with another's sister and daughter, things like that..." she replied humming as she half skipped over to stand beside me and rest back against walls with a contented sigh "...and it's real pretty up here! Look at that sunset, isn't it pretty?"

"Hmm, yeah it is, horrible burnt out fortress with massive army marching through it aside"

Rose huffed at me, arms folded across her armoured chest as I looked out at the host marching through the valley with a thump-thump sound as thousands of feet moved almost in unison "Oh don't be so dreary Papa, you're always complaining you know?"

I gave a bemused snort at that "We're at war, surrounded by enemies, I've alot to complain about I think"

"Aren't they, like, our allies?" she almost hummed back to me in a cheerful tone nodding out at the great host march past us. I gave her a look at that, a faux innocent smile upon her face now she'd taken her helmet off and allowed her long dark red hair flow freely, seemingly to her relief. One could relate, it was rather stuffy wearing it and the armour all the time; though certainly had helped maintain muscle strength and general fitness.

"Their friendly enemies, Frenemies I call them"

"That's not a real word Papa"

"Well I invented it, like I did with scissors"

She sighed "You did not invent scissors"

"Nobody in the valley had made any or used any till I arrived, though it's more reinvented them than invented probably"

"Papa we know what bloody scissors were, and how to make them, before you arrived. We just couldn't make them because they are friv-ol-ous th-in-gs..." I rolled my eyes as she stretched out the words in a childish tone for a moment "...according to Grandma. Like many things you 'invent' I might add"

"Hey, some of those things turned out very useful...even if not as original envisioned I'll admit..." I muttered gazing out at the sunset. Once upon a time it had hurt the eyes to do such, but now it was rather beautiful thanks to training and adjusting to the 'hated' sunlight. That and the sea of banner, some ugly, some pretty, and some rather explicit on the weavers intentions, was also an impressive sight as they flapped and fluttered under the gold and red amber hues illuminating the valley. It was disturbing how attractive war could seem at a distance, even monstrous things like the horde once a little order was applied.

"But, anyway, back to business at hand. I'll admit I've been moaning about it, but there's been alot of effort getting this lot through a narrow valley like this, and been also thinking on what did the damage to the wall over yonder"

"I thought that was 'I'm a Harpell, Fear my Magic, muhahahahaha...oops, didn't mean do that!' that was the cause"

I shook my head slightly "Nah, the original damage when the Uthgardt took the place. Further proof of the giant dino...lizard-dragon skeletons and magic, and they'll be a bitch to deal with if, when let's be honest, we meet them in battle. That and we can't garrison this place ourselves"

"Don't want to start a fight with the dwarves, the Longsaddle wizards?"

"Nah, inter-clan politics and the fact the place is loot-less, damaged, and in need of repair. Nobody wants to do that, not with battle around the corner, but nobody ones one alone to have it...nor the dwarves alone, or work with the dwarves..." I sighed rubbing the bridge of my nose as the memories of the loud shouting 'meeting' not too long ago over wanting-but-not-wanting this place "...we want it, but don't want to do anything, but also don't want it...but don't want you have it either. There was less trouble taking the place then there was in deciding what we're doing with it"

"And what ARE we doing with it?"

"Oh, it's getting a garrison. Drawn from a number of the clans, one or two from each, and having them stay here in an armed peace with a small garrison of dwarves and a few murder-hobos who drew the lucky straw..." I sighed as she gave me a curious look, and I expanded upon it "...see, this place is wreck, but a wreck astride a primary trade route. One that's closed down right now, cuz war, but one they reckon will reopen and then this place goes back to being on a chokepoint on the best and safest passages through the mountains on the Long Road"

I gestured out at that army "Like so, so the dwarves, Mirabar, and Longsaddle, do not want us locking it down and potentially raiding out from it. While we don't want to it be lock that traps our best route, our current horde I mean, should we want to move back this way, or bring up supplies or other clans that decide to join in as word of our success spreads. But...they don't have the troops to waste with a large garrison right now, and most of our lot don't want to sit around in a loot-less, booze-less, burnt out ruin while a big battle is on the horizon. Nor do they want US..." I gestured at me and her and my guards a little ways away "...occupying it either. That be everyone but us of course, dwarves and orcs alike"

"Because they're not stupid enough to let us fort up and play future toll collectors?"

"Uh-huh..." I replied back with a nod "...nor let Veladorn and her drow setup shop here. Which, to honest, probably wouldn't be a bad option but nobody trusts drow..." and I doubt the hard refusal from the humans and dwarves even before ours had made Qilue Veladorn all that happy no matter the calmly smiling face she had throughout the negotiation earlier "...so that's out. Not that I trust Drow especially much outside the small band worshipping their Goddess"

Rose nodded "I know Papa, Lua can be pretty smart when she talks about religious matters and isn't trying to get you out of your clothes, or getting drunk, or generally being herself. All other Drow are evil mind-mad-people whose Goddess is an evil angry spider demon-thing who eats babies"

"I'm not sure..." I paused considering "...actually she probably does, murders them after all, and the whole turning people in driders so certainly par for the course there really. But yeah, messed up society of murderous psychopaths with a bondage and torture fetish, largely to avoid the murderous dominatrix's in chief they call a Goddess. So yeah, that was out, along with the fact there are definitely drow of that sort lurking about seeking out Lua's lot; now we get the muddled mess of a garrison after shoring up the place so a bunch of bandits can't setup shop here"

"Or the Uthgardt tribes east of here that have been raiding?"

I nodded. They were less of a fear in truth, but still a small concern and a small cache of silver weapons were being left behind just in case of that particular danger. The non-magical creature ones even less than that as they'd have less interest in the place and they were currently skirmishing with a cluster of clans and others that had gone eastward counter raiding. It seemed, having spoken to the broken Sky Pony tribe under Obould's rule and...interrogations ...of prisoners that only the Griffons and Thunderbeasts had much interest in once again seeking battle with us orcs. The dwarves, and Veldadorn through one of her priestesses, likely knew more thanks to Wulfgar, but he wasn't exactly talking to us orcs so that source of info was closed off. Now all I had to worry about was getting out into the plains and marching on Mirabar proper...

--

[Interlude 19]

--

[The Blood Moon Witch]

He was planning something, plotting and scheming, she knew gazing out of her cave and listening. Of course he was always planning, plotting, and scheming in some manner so that in of itself was not unusual to her mind as she ran her claws of the stone idly to keep that flesh rending sharpness desired. No, what was different now was in the focus, the seeking out of things and agents with renewed energy not seen from the others in quite some time. Not since the Wars anyway; now scheming and energy was committed to struggling against each other almost entirely rather than into subordinates and empowered agents.

Now in the blink of an eye there had been a flurry of activity, carefully hidden of course but she had eyes to see and ears to hear, and knowing her husband's thoughts and those of his greatest warrior were her will since times long past. Oh, the others needed watching warily too of course, but pitting her husband against his warrior to determine who was the strongest, and most worthy for her, was a different game entirely. A subtle dance of desire and hints; hidden from her one who never sleeps, to encourage the interest of his warrior...but not enough to destabilise the balance within the power structure. Loyalty to her if it came to blows, and a place at the top no matter the winner.

'What has changed my warrior, what has changed, hmm?' she mused strolling forward, claws sliding along the stone with a beautiful shriek along scratch marks in their wake. The skies were dark and burning outside, the blood moon rising as her magic hummed awaiting her call once more in the silence that greeted her as cool, yet burning, air caressed her naked skin. Beasts, feeling and fearing her power and current mood, fled before her as her bare feet strolled through the grass and ferns illuminated in scintillating colours of green, and red, and orange, and blood in reflection to her shifting emotions as she considered things. Humming in speculation she ran her fingers through her long flowing hair, the click and feel of the sharp points a joy as she straightened the wilder strands temporarily in an organised waterfall down her waist and away from the wild mass of her usual preferences.

'I must go outside more often too much time inside can make one feel so old that such a simple thing as this can feel different and joyful. That can create an unacceptable weakness' she reminded herself as strode along the overgrown path and moved her hands in a series of intricate gestures as shimmering light and runes danced about her body. Not especially with things feeling as if they were in motion, and potentially the warrior's eye beginning to wander. She sighed at that. Understandable perhaps, he was a male after all and, as she had wielded herself so many times, prone to being distracted by the sexy. Not that any could compare to her form and mind, but he was also only seeing it from afar and lesser females in the here and now were oft an option taken than the fertile beauty on the distant hilltop.

Adjusting her path at the faint pull and noise she saw the struggling beast. Weak, injured, and bleating its desire to be free from the tangle ensnaring it, it lay before her as the tangles parted at her desire and she grabbed the creature by the scruff of its neck and simply lifted. Too weak to even break free it merely bleated and trembled in her hand as she continued to walk, though now using one hand to control the magic building around her, hiding her from other eyes. Just the feel of the night's breeze on her skin, the grass and undergrowth upon bare feet, and the sounds of the faint burbling splash of water off rocks growing ever closer with each step. Soon, weakly squirming beast in hand, the sparkling pool with gushing waterfall from the overhang behind it was before her.

With a swift slash of her claws across its neck, and a few soft words over its brief death shriek, the beast died and blood flow out from its torn throat into to the shimmering pool before her. A time she stood, corpse held out before her by its hind legs as the blood drained from its body and moon above seemed itself to bleed till she was content that it was empty. Words, soft but focused, filled the air as she tossed the corpse into the air for it to ignite into spectral flames, burning into fine as before her eyes even as she stepped into the icy cold water with a contented sigh. Sinking into the chilly depths she brought her hands upon into the air, blood in the water flowing at her command even as the ashes formed into a silvery black circle before her...blood flowing with water into its centre to shimmer and pulse...

...into a circle...

...then two...

...and another till her now 'human' body was surrounded shimmering and pulsing mirrors of blood, water, and ash. Ones that 'opened' as images appeared from across Toril from where her sorcery guided her gaze, into lands of her folk, those of humans and dwarves, occasional those of the filthy elves. Already the daughter of dirty underground queen and her husband's hated foe sniffed around her warrior like a bitch in heat...amusing yet rage inducing. Oh too see the look upon the parents faces at her warrior taking such a prize, but rage if she place below such a young whelp of an elf bitch. Sadly they could not be seen here, but the affairs of the less powerful were more open to her...and even if they, the most magical skilled or perceptive, they would see nought but a nude human female called the Firehair.

"Now my warrior, what have you been scheming?"

--

[The Dark Dancer]

There was nothing more awesome that dancing naked beneath the moonlight with a sword in your hand...well other than dancing naked beneath the moonlight with sword in hand with a bunch of other people, while all of you were drunk. Or, well, she had a sword, as she *was* a responsible sword wielder no matter how drunk she was no matter what Daddy said about running around with sharp pointy things in hand. She'd out drank dwarves before, puking aside, and this was light weight hour as she watched everyone enjoy the beauty of the song and moonlight as the danced around the bonfires. And that time with the dagger had been nothing to do with being drunk, or clumsiness, and more to do with Daddy's cloak being far too long, flouncy, and billowing for its own damned good.

Joy filled her heart at the happiness coming from her children despite the darkness of the world, at their brief respite from the cruelty all around them. That group there from the respite of being hunted from their homes in the underdark and now fleeing to dangerous refugee, those further away after a long month of hunting down a terrible monster and now mourning as much as celebrating, and even the one over yonder with the big audience of orcs, humans, dwarves, and that sexy boy who just needed some luvin' to get him over Mom's abuse. Even now he was cowering away from the party, and keeping those nasty, nasty, clothes on...making him her own would Mom sooooooooo jealous. And that was worth it's weight in gold alone...

She blinked, shifting her attention and making a shooing gesture with her hands as the so-called Supreme Ranger started sniffing about "Nuh-uh, mine! Shoo! Shoo! Think of all the icky orcs and goblins there! Think of them naked too and..."

'Well that did it!' she thought in triumph as the, grumbling, other woman disappeared off elsewhere after a glance at her hated foe. Why exactly she hated them she herself wasn't fully sure of as they generally lived like a bunch of dirty tribal savages in one with nature and all that hunting nonsense the Ranger and her friends the dryads moaned on about. Sure it was great to be out on the surface, dancing and drinking and having awesome sex in a few cases, but it wasn't great fun if you lived like a savage instead of a civilized person. Whatever! Now she was off to complain to cool old grandma and dark magician girl probably too, giving out about her like always probably 'Now, how to fix what Mom broke? Hmmmm...'

Sadly the idea didn't come to her over the course of the dancing and singing, and all too soon it was all over once again. Groups split up, lovers paired off, or trebled off, while others collapsed into exhausted but happy rest before the next day's trials came for them. Sweet dreams for them as the moon rose and then began to descend in the sky above them all, and with a sigh she walked away...alone. Again. It was always hardest when the party ended, gazing up at the twinkling stars and...

She blinked...oh, it was Lady Firehair spying again on the end of the orc party. Sure she denied it, but everyone knew, and had felt it, that she liked peeping on people's baths and on...and there she was gone again. What a weird human. Returning to her thoughts she strolled along under the moonlight, blade resting carefully on her shoulder in its sheath, till she came a large stone overlooking the mountains and valleys far distant. It was cold on her bottom, but she was tired, so very tired, and didn't care as she sighed and rested her hands and chin upon the hilt of sword, balancing by the sheathed blade resting on the ground below. Soft snowflakes, cold and damp, began to fall as she gazed out and felt her skin pimple slightly from goosebumps. The cold and pain remained you were alive somehow she'd found, even when the weight of the world came crashing down upon your hopes and dreams.

"You're supposed to die"

Damn but she hated prophesies, especially ones that implied bad things about her and her friends. Magician Girl was freaking out of course once she'd told her...a poor choice that she reflected as her friend wasn't the best at reacting to unexpected, and life-threatening, things. Probably because she'd had loving parents who weren't absolutely crazy bitches...and Dad's who were totally awesome...most...some...of the time. Because she was totally not like Mom, looks aside, in being a twisted, evil-minded darkie bee-at-ch as he put it. And the 'prophet' was clearly quite mad, and his patron, potentially hotness in his wannabe manipulation aside, something of a foe her family on both sides.

'Who'll take care of the children if I'm gone?' she thought miserably, feeling the chilly and dampness upon her face alongside snow drifting unto her flowing hair 'Bro? He's off playing edgy ninja and hating me. Daddy? He *hates them darkies* as he put it. Truth...it feels true, magic and prophesy and truth...and me dead and nobody around bothering with Mom. And Mom fucks up everything, even the orky boy spouting prophesies...' one of which had definitely come through with a grumpy dwarf her smexy ranger boy hung around with.

'Probably why he was so miserable and grumpy all the time; dwarves being dwarves, and human girls are so boring...can only imagine the grumpy boring one raised by dwarves would be'

Amusing thoughts like that aside...she wasn't sure what her next move should be. Just watch, observe, and try understand what her foe...potential ally...was plotting. It could work, mutual self-interest, but was she turning into Mom by scheming and acting like this?

That way led to Evil, Capital E Evil, because she was hiding it from Daddy and the others...and they would be unhappy her turning up with 'Bad Boy' like him. Which was...sorta a selling point as well she had to admit a little, and her children would be safe as she'd be alive to continue thwarting Mom's mad schemes...which was why she'd worked with him so far. At least till she figured out what his angle was, or more likely if he betrayed her. Because everyone *always* ended betraying her for some reason or another. She sighed miserably, breathing steaming on the cold winds.

'Just need to soldier on girl. One day at a time. You can do this. Definitely. You can do this, no matter the cost you'll fix it and save everyone' she told herself. It was worth a try, better than failing into despair without a fight over a stupid prophesy...and if it meant working with *him* then fine. She'd try reaching out to her brother even as they both hated Mom's oppressive nature, even if he'd ended up trying to be all dark, and edgy, and creepy unlike her constructive efforts to help everyone through the power of song, dance, swords, moonlight, and nudism!

She turned her gaze unto the tiny figures moving in the mountains distant. Maybe. Time would tell...but first, she'd see if this little experiment would hold together. Time...time...felt like it was running out somehow and she needed to act...

--

Note:

Yeah I know there's some slurs thrown in their, but their 3rd party and they are meant to reflect POV and why she's a bit 'not normal' in the head because one parent's a near racial supremacist and the other's a psychopath, so I hope nobody has an issue or offends.