Making Amends And Hiding From The Spit ( Soldier)

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

After entering through the city gates a carrage driven by a foot man and surrounded by six guards armed with sheathed longswords entered the city. Looking through a window Elmaryia's blue eyes widened at the devistation. It had been cycles and still little was done. The emotions of sorrow, anguish and rage could easily be felt. On this brightening Elmaryia knew that she would not be welcomed with open arms. Though she was prepared to take the brunt of the citizens frustrations and aid them in restoring the city to what it once was. Of course it would not happen over night and would be a gradual process.With cautious eyes the guards watched for any of the citizens trying to approach the carrage.

Looking through the window, Elmaryia sought out the familure face of Colin as he was her contact in the city and the one she addressed the letter to.

[Soldier]

Standing outside the city gate, a small group of heavily armed Barbarians stood in a circle, waiting for the arrival of a certain carraige. None were the familiar face of Colin, though one was his right hand man, a thickly muscled lad named Ryan. When the carraige arrived, the Warriors lowered their spears loosely to their sides, and Ryan made his way up to the door. “Lady,” he said in the musical accent of the Fiannas. “It’s been awhile. Colin is in th’ stockade. It’s not safe fer you in th’ city, sure an’ it’s not. Right now, no government officials o’ th’ Empire can show their faces in th’ city without bein’ attacked. Unfortunately…” He hesitated, then spoke bluntly, in the Fianna way. “Th’ Fianna will defend any citizen o’ Archadoon, even from Imperial troops. As such, we feel we shouldn’t be bringin’ ye in to temptation. When ye be ready, I’ll take ye to him.”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Tension of course Elmaryia expected it, after all the citizens felt that there plea's for help had been unanswered, even though they were never made. Though that was the purpose why she was here, Elmaryia was to listen to the citizen's complaints and bring aid to the ruined city. This was her first home where she had been free and Archadoon had a special place in her heart. Once she was greeted by the barbarian's Elmaryia left the carrage so that she could speak to them. None of them looked familure but she knew that they were Colin's men. The Fianna clan were a group of proud men and they had done there best to bring the city out of ruin. At the way the barbarian addressed Elmaryia she did not take any offence.

Heeding his advice she ordered her guards to remain by the gate. " He is right if the citizen's see you it may stoke more chaos. Keep your eyes peeled and your eyes open." Some of them protested as they respected the lady under their protection and she was a kind and fair woman. Smiling at the Fianna clans men she nodded her head. " I am ready though could some of your clans men make sure that my men are taken care of. It has been a long trip and they must be tired and weary. Take me to Colin in the stockade please I wish to speak to him. Once I do I shall send a letter to the regent informing him of the circumstances."

[Soldier]

OOC: Never asked for? That’s SO not true…

IC: The huge Barbarian glared at the Imperial soldiers, taking in their civilized bearings, their discipline, and their weapons. Not proper Warriors at all, but useful in their own right. “Very well. We’ll take care of your babies, sure an’ we will,” Ryan said cheerfully, grabbing a young-looking soldier by the cheek and squeezing painfully. “Don’t know why ye’d want kids around ye, but hey, I’m not one fer pokin’ fun. O’ course, ye’ll be changin’ yer uniforms. No exceptions, unless ye want a riot!” With that, the soldiers were led off by the rest of the Warriors, leaving the official with Ryan. “When ye’re ready, m’lady, we’ll go. Colin’s waitin’ fer ye.”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Abuse to her guards Elmaryia would not stand for after all they had protected her during their journey and were good men. Turning her head she gazed at Ryan while her face was relaxed her tone was strong not commanding but authoratative. " They are not mere babies they are men and I hold high respect for them as I do the Fianna clan and I would not see them made jest of. If we are to aid the citizens of Trysvale we will have to work together and put snide remarks behind us. I did not come here to babysitt and see which man has the largest sharpest sword and all that nonsense." It was best to let the Fianna men know where she stood so that they could get to the real issue of aiding the citizens.

Letting a gentle smile curve her lips her face softened. " That is a very intellegent idea I did not think of changing my mens clothing you are very bright Ryan. Now please if you would take to Colin so that I can speak to him about these pressing matters that would be much appreciated."

[Soldier]

Ryan said nothing as he led his charge through the city, past massive destruction still under repair. Inside one of the smaller camps, he led the girl past the guards and into a small yurt. Inside, Colin was sitting at a desk with his back to the door, busy with paperwork, his face aged a good ten years in only a few months. Ryan nodded and ducked out, leaving Elmaryia alone with the seemingly oblivious Colin.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It seemed as though Ryan paid no attention to her commands. After all a woman in power was a rare thing and most men felt threatened by it. All the same she would have to earn the men's respect if she wished to help the city of Archadoon. Though their was one man that Elmaryia was friendly with and that was Colin. Hopefully he still remembered her fondly and would aid in her quest to help the citizens of Archadoon and restore order.

Upon entering the office of Colin, Elmaryia could feel the uneasyness and worry in the room. He was a good man and a fair man, but was forced to take too much on. Though no longer would Colin have to bare it alone. Quietly she walked towards him and stood behind his chair. " Colin I do hope I am not bothering you amongst your work. Though if I can I would wish for an audience with you." Elmaryia said softly to not frighten the man.

[Kubricize]

Contrary to his demanor, the man had been aware of the woman sicne she had entered the room. Howevere since he was in the middle of a task, he continued to do it until it was finished before he studied it a moment, and set it aside, dropping his feather pen into the ink pot. Not the best way to care for the instrument but his lined face didn't seem to care. He leaned back a moment and rubbed his eyes, for a moment it gave him the look of a tired child but the eyes he turned to Elma were anything but that of a child.

Tired, worn by worries and terror the man regarded the woman for a long moment before he gestured for her to sit. " Forgive the wait but I had things to finish. Never thought I'd be left to run a city. Much prefer to leave that for men with more brains than me, but only thing to do is make lemonade when handed lemons eh?" His voice was husky with fatigue but he managed a small smile for Elma that lit his face briefly was quickly lost like a candle in a hurricane. " 'Fraid we don't have much to offer you to drink. Cheap wine and cheaper beer is all. Most of the good stuff is long gone. Maybe some tea and some stale biscuits. Anyways why are you here?"

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It had been a many months since Elmaryia had seen Colin last though from his weary face it seemed like years. Heeding Colin's invitation Elmaryia sat down her blue eyes studying him with concern. My how the city had taken its toll on the clan leader. Upon hearing his cruel words, Elmaryia frowned and leaned over and gently placed her hand over his own, offering comfort. " That holds squat and you know it. You are a wise and a brave man. I shall not tolerate you speaking of yourself in such a manner. When the fire burned Archadoon it was you and your clan that saved the citizens. Nay Colin Fianna the city is very blessed to have you."

At the mention of refreashments and biscuts, Elmaryia politely shook her head refusing his offer. "I am now the Imperial Consul of the province, and I knew how the fires devistated the city. As you remember I was here and Archadoon has a special place in my heart. I am here to assess the situation, and get aid from the kingdom. I know that the citizens have little faith in Prince Milo. Though he did not know of the tragedy as no officals sent request for aid. I know that the situation is dire and the citizens are angry, and I shall take the brunt of that willingly. My prime concern is getting Archadoon on its feet again and helping the citizens of the city."

[Soldier]

“It’ll take somewhat more than a simple foray, don’t you know. The dead are piling up, and we’re afraid they’ll rise to join those already walking. We’re only the Fianna and the Ravens’ Wing. We haven’t enough to feed the people anymore.” He started to rub his face with his hands, trying not to cry in frustration. “Come, let me show you something.”

Getting to his feet, he beckoned the administrator to follow him, leading her out of the building and into the street. Her soldiers fell into step around her, dressed in the kilts and chain of the Fianna. Colin led his group down the broken street to the charred remains of a villa. Inside, he showed no preamble as he pointed to bodies, stacked like cordwood. “We ran out of space to bury them with the honor they need,” Colin said quietly, crossing his arms over his thick chest. “And these are just some. There are more in other rooms throughout the city.”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

From the tone of Colin's voice it was evident that the circumstances were dire. " I know that it shall not be fixed over night. Though I shall help you in the task of rebuilding Archadoon. Colin I know that this has been a heavy burden for you but no longer shall you have to bare it alone," Elmaryia said softly. Heeding his command Elmaryia stood up and followed him. Her blue eyes widened in horror as she seen the pile of the dead. Seeking comfort and offering comfort, Elmaryia walked over to Colin and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "When all is done we shall build a place for them a mosulem to give them the proper respect. This I promise Colin we shall make things right. I have money saved as I did not travel much. I have ten thousand Bank notes and I offer it to you," letting go of him she clasped her hand in his own. " Archadoon will rise from the ashes and be glorious once again."