Log: Third Division Turnover Briefing

From FiranMUX

As the Second Division crests the ridge nearest Ellish, Argin lifts a hand signaling a halt to the march. In the distance, the Firan camp is visible, and riding out to meet them is whatever contingent the Third is sending to report. Argin signals to Aeryk, Yacen, and Thaddia to join him in order to receive said report within earshot of the rest of the troops.

Cortik makes his way through the field to find Rinzik. When he does, he places a hand on the commander's shoulder, "Commander. I lost track of you on the boat. But things related to the city items are covered. So we can focus here." *Firan*

Looking from Arinsana to Zutani, Albel eyes the leash. "You really think I need that?" Albel smirks a bit, and taps his thigh, "Come on, Girr. Follow." he offers and unclips the leash. Then, he waits. Waiting for this briefing.

Anorna looks back around the field as she speaks in quiet tones with Rinzik. Every now and then she looks across to the city, watching it, as if waiting for it to do something. Or go back to being what she remembers it as. But it doesn't. Blue eyes return to Argin as she continues to listen to Rinzik.

Firistan is closer to the front of the group, nodding to Thaddia as she is called forward. The Hydran Warrior hooks a thumb in his sword belt as his eyes move over the contingent that is riding toward them, his face set in stone.

Thaddia gives a last little check over her company, nodding as she sees them still in formation, then she steps over to join Argin at his signal. The Princess' armor has been freshly cleaned, though there's still a discoloration on the breastplate where the lightning struck her. Thaddia returns Firistan's nod in passing.

Aeryk briskly breaks ranks from the head of the Air Force column, hands clasped behind his back. He marches toward Argin and takes up a stiff-shouldered attention behind and to the side.

General Guvell Junik, followed by his aide de camp, Captain Tanasi Menophik come to greet Prince Argin and his Second Division. They have brought maps. And a pointer. And they're frowning. "Prince General," they salute. "Don't suppose you know there's a Griffon Clan Army camped south of the city..."

Yacen moves briskly toward Argin and away from the rest of the Fifthers so that he can receive the report.

Zutani eyes Girr, who finds Albel more appealing than her mistresses. "-We- need it," Zutani tells Albel. "She's very excited today." Falling quiet, she lingers by Arinsana's side to listen to the briefing. *Firan*

Veliana gathers herself in the back of the crowd. She's not all that interested in being too close to the rest of the people. She simply waits for the briefing as she scans the crowds and then her attention is on the people up in the front.

"Lord Centurion," Rinzik says, greeting Cortik with a dip of his head after speaking to Anorna with a slight frown. His expression is a trifle rueful, and he says aloud, "Unsurprising. It was quite the crowded boat. Did you--." He starts to speak, but then there are the members of the third, and he tips his head in that direction, listening as best as he can.

Sabria had arrived much earlier in the day when the griffons were brought to the front. She's quiet and stands a bit off to the side. As she sees Argin about to address the troops, she straightens up and starts listening.

Ion, if anything, is more relaxed out here than he was in the city. Sure, it's hot. Sure, armor is heavy. But there's something about the land about Ellish that tints his expression with the barest hints of a smile. His impulse, of course, is to run wild over those hard-fought fields...but that, unfortunately, is not possible given the present circumstances. And so he remains where he is, leaning against his bow, his helmet tucked under his arm.

Udettos stands near the back of the group and just watches the going on, he stays to himself right now but looks around for his fellow air force. Not a pleasant way to start the report. Argin frowns. "So I've heard. I sent Lord Adan ahead of me, thinking they were Cockatrice soldiers. Have the Griffons attempted to enter the city, yet?"

Girr, the large hound jumps up and begins howling and snarling madly as she chases her tail!

Sarina regards the city silently, one hand tapping lightly on the hilt of her sword as she mulls something over in her mind. She glances over towards Argin where he speaks to the Third Division personnel, but doesn't intrude on the general at present.

A young woman with red hair and a helmet pressed firmly over her head enters the mustering field. She stays toward the back, decidedly away from the barking dogs. Every time they move, she flinches slightly. Other than that, she listens intently.

"Will, Rinzik. I promise." Anorna says to the N'Gato friend and squeezes his hand so that he knows she is being truthful. She looks back around for her sponsor and frowns to herself.

Karana stands, looking over the scene before them, her hood up slightly on her robe, her quarterstaff in her hands, end on the ground like a support staff. She murmurs a soft prayer as she watches the delegation meet.

The look of the Third Division contingent, though unspoken, is clearly 'Thank the Gods you guys are here, it's about time.'

Karana closes her eyes for a minute as if in prayer.

Yassamin also keeps her distance, staying as far as possible from anything dog like or otherwise non-humanoid.

Cortik turns his head to eye the Junik General. Look at that... it's a relative, all the way out here. He strains his ears to listen in and catches the words "Griffon" and "Cockatrice" he frowns deeply. *Firan*

Omiak watches as the leaders meet each other and discuss the happenings going on. The big man reaches up to remove the hood of his robe from his helmet and head. He looks around a bit and lets his ears try to hone in on Argin and the group. Crossing his arms over his chest he waits.

Eriden gives Aldrin a nod, then moves toward the other air force members, focusing on the briefing more than where he's walking. Tsking quietly, he nudges a hound out of his way.

Karish is staying rather nondescript. He seems to be straying a little close to Princess Thaddia, if anything, to give his sponsor a watchful eye. He's clad in black armor, a far cry from the forest green he wore to war, and he's as well-armed as usual.

Nyla stands in amidst the general press of crowd, but her bearing suggests that she is a bit aloof from it, as if that were possible. All her attention is trained on the delegation and the Prince, and the low murmurs of individual soldiers around her are tuned out.

Thaddia stands at easy attention a little behind and to one side of Argin. Her blue gaze looks over the contingent from the Third division, but nothing in her expression gives a hint to her thoughts.

Gaddineez turns his eyes upon Cortik. "Sir, dont frown so deeply, it doesn't help your pretty Gold Dragon features" *Firan*

Alessandro stands near Prince General Argin, with a scroll in his hand, scribbling notes as the two Generals converse. Griffon army. Lord Captain Adan. Thought Cockatrice. Got it.

Davonos is quiet. His breastplate rises over a deep drawn breath, and that is about it, once forward progress draws to a halt. His head turns slightly, as if the marginal change of angle will help him to hear better as he glances past those nearest him.

General Guvell shakes his head to the Prince's question. "The Griffon Army hasn't entered the city yet. Won't, either, if I have anything to say about it. Give me a couple hundred Gold Dragon soldiers and we'll go teach them a lesson they won't forget, much like the one they learned in Skir--" It's not often that a Captain will interrupt a briefing, but Captain Tanasi does so, "Prince General, I have maps to show if you'll get your men standing in rank and ready to listen."

Zeynus settles back to listen to that briefing from a distance, eyes looking over the members of the third thoughtfully. He's quite silent himself, simply playing the analytical observer.

Arinsana is somewhere in the ranks of the Fifth, wiping sweat from her brow. She's still in good spirits despite the heat, half-listening to Albel and Zutani, and grinning, before she looks ahead to the leaders and the other contingent curiously.

Cortik looks toward Gaddineez and lifts his frown into a scowl, "Don't worry, as long as I'm near you, Gadd, they won't think I'm anything less than the best looking soldier in the entire Republic." *Firan*

Aeryk has his nice, neutral-schooled expression as he listens to the briefing, if there's certainly a flicker of /something/ at Guvell's words re: Gold Dragons vs. Griffons.

Alessandro takes more notes. Griffons scared to enter Ellish while Generall Guvell is in charge. Maps.

Tyrin walks towards the others of the fifth as he nods his head in greeting to them. Fortunately the young medic finds his skills not being needed at the moment, but does glance to the supplies that were brought with them.

Gaddineez shrugs a bit at this. "Eh... Us Griffons cant be too good looking, you know, we got all them war scars and such, eventually your clan will figure it out" Gaddineez pauses a moment, then winks with a grunt *Firan*

Yacen is the commoner among all the royals up in the front and he's a good five inches shorter than the rest of them as well, but he stills listens attentively to what's being said.

Argin appears to be somewhat amused by Guvell's gumption toward 'dealing' with the Griffon situation. "The Griffons seem have have made some less-than-intelligent choices, and judging by Lady Srenni's lacking presence, I can only assume she is the one currently leading them. But, we will attempt to solve this problem without killing anyone, General." To Tanasi, he nods. "Indeed, let's see what you have. Lord Aeryk, bring the troops in line if you will." *Firan*

Anorna doesn't really know what is going on. She still hangs back by Rinzik and tugs at her armor uncomfortably. Hydran women, even ex-Hydran women, are not made for armor. Even blindingly pink armor.

Captain Tanasi shouts to you all, "Line up in formation!"

The redhead seems to be a civilian; she moves somewhere away from the rest of the soldiers, wrinkling her nose at all the shouting. Hello, translators. She stands with them.

Karish closes the a heavily reinforced leather backpack with a silver clasp.

Aeryk turns from Guvell and Tanasi and marches some few steps back toward the forces. And he echoes, since Tanasi rather beat him to to the punch, "In formation. Now!" *Firan*

Karish hops up and makes his way towards the rest of the group, finding a place in formation.

Cortik nods at Gaddineez then and moves forward a bit. He calls out angrily toward Guvell, "Hey Lord Uncle! Why don't you come and-" then Tanasi starts shouting and his mouth shuts as he scowls, since everyone is getting in formation, "Of all the timing for a formation." *Firan*

Zutani blinks at the shout but doesn't move from her sister's side. She's just a translator and probably won't take part in any fighting.

So.. Albel doesn't have the experience at all this, but he does know at least how to line up. So he mirrors that of the numerous other people around. The people he ends up next to are mainly ignored. He isn't much of a people-person anyway.

Omiak hears for the soldiers to fall in line. The old retired-General however moves off to the the side to watch and stay out of everyones way.

Sabria goes to formation near where Yacen is. He may not be one of her chain of command but he's a Captain in the Fifth. She goes to attention.

Alessandro scribbles. Tell Cortik not to kill any Gruffles if possible. Lady Srenni leading Gruffle army. The Sir Commander stays near the Prince General, continuing to take notes for his further review. After he translates it into officialspeak of course.

Gaddineez does not really have much of a spot with the rest of the soldiers, but Gaddineez moves off to a far end of the formation, presumably where he figures Argin will pass by on his way back to the army.

Yassamin is not a military person,.. and she certainly doesn't seem thrilled with all this yelling and stuff. But once everyone else starts to line up, she sort of moves in to line up with the rest, her brow furrowed.

Karana pats Omiak's shoulder, before moving up to take her place in formation, standing straight. She may be a diplomat, but she makes sure her troops are in military protocol.

General Guvell is decked out in his best Republic Green uniform, but as is the case with most Gold Dragons, he's ornamented his uniform with a bit of magenta and cyan. He salutes crisply once you've formed up, but with the wrong arm--his right shoulder is a bit mangled from an old war injury, and he favors it. "Welcome back to Ellish, soldiers! I'll let my Captain Tanasi fill you in on the intelligence briefing, but before he does, I thought you might want to know what the overall situation is since y'all bugged out of here when General Donos fought his last battle."

Dalinuel looks around and then makes his way through the crowd to where Rinzik is. At the call to form up, Sarina moves silently into position with all the other captains.

Nyla steps seamlessly into a formation with the others around her, letting any confusion on the matter be sorted out without her interference.

Emma straightens up and falls in with some other infantrymen and -women. Peeling away from Anorna with one last 'Behave' sort of glance, Rinzik goes to find a place in amongst the rest of the soldiers -- especially Firsties. He nods to Dalinuel.

Aeryk strides up and down the ranks as they rather efficiently move. Good, good. His eyes flick from one group to another as he marches, checking ranks before moving back toward the front, and the briefing.

Anorna doesn't move. She spots Rikon from the corner of her eye and wanders away from Rinzik and back towards where her sponsor is. Her hair is left down out of her hairpins, falling in wild curls all around her face and down her back. She will have to cut it later. But for now, she looks much like some wild little Firan girl who has abandoned their hairpins. The ex-slave stops beside Rikon and takes a deep breath.

Eriden slides into formation with the other pilots, trying to get a look at any maps that are lying out. He smacks the back of a Sentry's head, muttering at him to tighten up his armor.

Davonos falls into place with those around him, in the same silence that's dominated the space between his shoulders since his arrival.

Gemma turns from Sarina's side to fall in line with the other soldiers, her posture straightening. Her attention is placed upon General Guvell, listening in silence.

General Guvell pauses out of respect to Donos, then continues, "There was a mess of bodies for us to clean up, first of all. We did our best to sort through the piles of dead and find the officers and give them honors, but we worried about the wrath of the Gods in our inability to give funerals fast enough, so eventually we had mass burnings, Shamibelians, Tics, foreigners and all. Burned 'em all and let God sort 'em out."

Cortik pats his fists with his hands and keeps his eye on Guvell. He wants to give his uncle a good talking to again. Since he was a bit young last time he saw that particular Junik. He'll just have to be a bit patient.

Thaddia has faith that her company will form up as appropriate. So much faith, in fact, that she doesn't even bother to look over at them. She'd find out if they didn't, anyway. And then there would be trouble. Her gaze remains steady on General Guvell and his Captain.

Ion appropriately 'lines up'. A little awkwardly, perhaps, judging by the faintest little creasing about the edges of his blue eyes as he continues to regard the third division commanders. He certainly can't hear what they're talking about, not from where he is, but there's no mistaking the color of those additional decorations on Guvell's armor.

Firistan was already standing in formation at the front of the Infantry and so he doesn't move, he keeps his eyes on the General and Captain of the Third Contingent.

After that bit of theology, General Guvell says, "We had no orders to go into the city and police it, so we didn't. What we did was keep the gates closed, and stop all traffic in or out. We've manned the gates, and held off Shamibelian raids, and our job was made easier by not having to deal with the people inside. See, they ain't all friendly. You think they'd be throwing flowers under our feet, but it's a mess in there. We throw food, water and other supplies over the gates every week, but they still ain't grateful and we're soldiers. We were never trained in how to handle complaining civilians."

Arinsana blinks as she regards Tanasi, murmuring something quickly to her sister before she falls into line again. She keeps an attentive gaze ahead, pursing her mouth.

Yacen glances briefly over to the Fifthers when ranks are calls, just to be sure that they're all falling into place, then turn his attention to the briefing up near the front.

Sarina does not let her expression change, but she pales ever so slightly at Guvell's words about mass burnings. Her father Murat is one of those still missing, after all.

Tyrin awaits to hear what the line formations, and teams will be. If it is anything like the last war season.

Rinzik's jaw tightens as Guvell speaks of entertaining new funeral procedures, but his features remain carefully, determinedly still.

Seyhalia looks rather lost when the order for formations is called out. She glances around, looking for...Priestly types. The blank, and confused look on Yassasmin's face causes Seyhalia to think shes found a kindred spirit. She goes to stand near the other woman, trying to look all formationalized.

Anorna stares at Guvell in a 'duh' way.

Aeryk is back in place. His arms are now folded across his chest, rather than his hands clasped behind his back. But any other "flickers of something" are suppressed. *Firan*

Alessandro scribbles on the scroll. Mass burnings for funerals. Pass on to Lord Priest Emil Guvell might be a secret pagan. Civil unrest, successfully managed to keep everyone in the city. As an afterthought, he raises his gaze, looking towards the 5thers to make sure Yacen's got them all lined up correctly.

Zutani listens silently until Arinsana's whisper catches her attention. She looks towards Tanasi with a slight frown as though trying to place his face, murmuring back to her sibling.

Gemma keeps a rather blank look on her face as she listens to General Guvell, her features unchanging even when he speaks of mass burnings and angry, complaining civilians.

A few Third Division soldiers snort, and so Guvell says, "Lemme clarify, Gold Dragons know how to deal with complaining civilians. We Juniks helped the Firgaliks do it in Scirlut all those years ago. We _know_ how to subdue a hostile population. You burn everything, rape the women, demoralize and humiliate the men, and make it so that the hostiles would rather leave and find food in the wilderness than camp in your city. Unfortunately, the officers from other clans won't approve of our methods. Hopefully, Republic higher ups will see the wisdom of the Gold Dragon method once you see what's inside those gates."

Argin maintains an expertly crafted neutral expression as Guvell goes on about the spoils of war.

Omiak does not react to this. He has seen worse things happen and done. He turns to look at the General and then cant help but smirk and shake his head at what is said next.

Zutani peers at Guvell with disapproval, not bothering to hide her dislike over the Gold Dragon 'method'.

There's a faint tightening of Thaddia's jawline, but she makes no comments.

It is easy not to react when your face is permanently sober and somber. Davonos's brows do definitely twitch down at Guvell's words, but a frown is suppressed to little more than a faint tug at one corner of his mouth.

Dalinuel looks a bit pale at that idea. Lady K ain't gonna like that...

Tezzer is already with the 5th - well, that part of it not with the leaders of the army. He quietly reminds them of the proper formation and where each belongs in it with a finger-wave here, an eyebrow-quirk there and, rarely, a whispered reminder.

Albel burns with anger at the General's ways. His face is pure white, the complexion the only change, save that for his eyes that flicker angrily in the dark ebony depths.

Emma's jaw tightens somewhat, and her gaze betrays an internal conflict inside, but she continues to stand quite still in formation.

Tyrin's expression is of sheer distaste for Guvell and his tactics. There are many reasons why the young Cockatrice should despise such a man.

Udettos has no comments about that, but he thinks that's savage.

Aeryk turns his head to the side and lets out a muffled cough. Just a bit of a cold, that's all.

From there, Guvell clears his throat and hands the briefing over to his officer, Captain Tanasi Menophik. The young man appears to be a fire breathing soldier eager to tear the gates down and go in, but he salutes and begins to fill you all in on the situation outside the city. "We own and control all the battlefields from Agadin leading to the northern gates of Ellish. We also surround the city, and we have possession of the outer gates and the towers. This is where we've stationed our mess halls and barracks, just inside the hollow walls of Ellish the way the Shamibelians did before us. We got some enemy nasty griffons that need taming--our farriers were all killed, so I hope the air force has sent some help with that. Anyway, the reason we mostly stay inside the walls at the four gates, is because we keep getting raided. We don't know how far south the Shamibelians are, or where their next city is or where they are making their base camp to launch attacks, but they do, and the fire bombs do brutal damage to us when we're exposed and not under cover."

Gemma can't help but shake her head at the Gold Dragon's "-------" though she at least manages to hide the scowl that was threatening to show. She continued to stare straight ahead regardless, making mental notes as the General continues on. *Unknown*

Seyhalia looks absolutely disgusted at what Guvell suggests, her lips curled down into a frown.

Anorna looks a bit pale at something Rikon says and speaks back to him in a harsh whisper.

Karana shuts her eyes... oh yes, she shuts her eyes, remaining at attention, in formation and she takes slow.... slow deep breaths. Her expression is neutral otherwise.

Gaddineez looks over those who are getting all tense-jawed and weak-stomached. Gaddineez just grunts and shakes his head

The redhead lifts her helmet to see a little better; in doing so, she reveals what appears to be a rather fantastic unibrow. Look out, Emma.

Udettos nods and is ready to tame any Shamibelians griffons if they need him too, just show him to them.

Cortik doesn't seem bothered by the methods. He just fumes and wants to go get in a fight with the General. But he rolls his eye when he notices others are all upset about things. He lets out a snort, "Good sense from a worthless man." *Firan*

Ion offers no reaction, save for a sudden bit of wispy, dreamy-eyed absent-mindedness. Maybe he likes burning and pillaging! But as Tanasi begins his report, the young man's gaze sharpens up, one eyebrow nudging upwards a fraction of an inch.

Gemma seemed a bit relieved when Guvell handed over the briefing to Captain Tanasi. No more talk of Gold Dragon ways, maybe. Her expression maintained it's neutrality as she listened now to the Captain.

Eriden winces at the mention of firebombs, and mutters, "Feck, I hate those things." *Firan*

Thaddia isn't weak-stomached. Just tense-jawed. She's an opinionated Princess keeping her silence. That has to happen somehow!

Alessandro pauses for just a moment. He has nothing to write for that one. Best kept out of his notes altogether, as a matter of fact. His facial expression, however, is completely placid. Own all the battlefields, surround the city. Firebombs, raids, untamed griffons. Locations of raids -unknown-. With a big underline. He writes a note to

Isik in the margins of his scroll, blinking at Udettos for a moment, and frowns. He writed his name down on his scroll.

Aeryk inclines his head with a hint of confident acknowledgment. Raiding, wild enemy griffons, not, apparently, out of Air Force capabilities.

The young Captain takes out a hand drawn map of the city of Ellish. "At first, slaves were still leaving, and there was actually some traffic, possibly spies trying to get back into the city, so we closed all the gates and are keeping out all agents, as far as we know. The Shamibelians still manage to get messages by dropping leaflets sometimes, but we're pretty sure we've now cut off all other communication between the residents of the city and the enemy by surrounding it and penning everybody in. At the north gate of the city--this is where we usually drop the food and supplies. At first there was anarchy with everybody grasping for food, but now what we see through the gates here is orderly . . . however, we've seen some starving folks, which doesn't seem possible since we are dropping so much food. More than enough food to feed the city, so we can't figure out how anybody in there is starving."

Aeryk does, however, notice something out of the corner of his eye - "Centurion!" he barks in Udettos's direction. "Stop eating at once." *Firan*

Sarina frowns slightly at Tanasi's words, considering this new bit of information. She's not actually surprised at continuing Shamibelian raids, but something in the captain's words has set her thoughts spinning forward. She doesn't look remotely confused as to how people inside could be starving, however.

Evil beasts that need taming? That is so Albel. Albel will mention later he wants to try his hand at one of those bad birdies! The guy who is eating? He gets a smirk, too. Listening to the generals he considers all this information, and remains silent.

Udettos mumbles and he was eating something but gets yell at for it. "sorry, sir, I was nervous and I eat when I nervous." *Firan*

Now Captain Tanasi points at the East gate on his map. "The East and West Gates are the most dangerous posts. We often get things thrown at us through the bars, and sometimes if we get too close we even take arrow fire."

Gemma nods her head slowly as the Captain continues to speak, mentally noting all this information. She wasn't confused as to how some people were starving, she figured she knew exactly where the food was going.

Sabria was quietly semi-fuming until she hears there are griffons that need taming. The farrier's eyes light up and she seems to be chomping at the bit to go see these griffons that need Firanizing. She frowns a little as she hears of starving people and likely means the griffons are starving too.

"Then keep your nerves under control, Centurion. This is not the time." This bark is a little less imperative from Aeryk as he returns most of his attention to the briefing.

Finally, Captain Tanasi points at the south gate on his map. "Now here's the real tricky part of the city. The people here at the south gate are willing to talk to us. They generally don't shoot at us, throw things at us, and appear to even have some sort of organized governmental structure. They're Firans, alright, but they ain't friendly, ok. They don't recognize our uniforms, and when I tried to tell them that I came in the name of Elianos, they screamed 'Butcher, Butcher, we won't trade one set of Butchers for another!' Worse, when General Guvell went to talk to them--"

Here the Junik General interrupts, "One of them tried to shoot me. They're Griffon bastards, I think. Same folks we raped and burned out of Scirlut a million years ago. It worked once before, no reason we can't do it again."

Yacen gives a glance over at the Fifth. None of /his/ people better be breaking rank. Satisfied, he turns back to the briefly, only to frown at Guvell's comments.

Captain Tanasi waits until he's sure his General is finished venting his spleen before saying, "As far as we know, a lot of the population is convinced that we're starving them to death. We are _constantly_ dumping food over the walls, so this is obviously a lie they're telling themselves, but . . ." Captain Tanasi looks nervous now, looks at his General, and shuts his mouth as if he is not sure he should continue.

Gemma shifts her gaze at once when the Junik General speaks once more. This time, she can't hide her scowl. Her posture tightened and her gaze narrowed, and she immediately turned her attention once more to Captain Tanasi.

Nyla is coldly standing in place yet -- in fact, she scarcely seems to have blinked. Didn't even turn to see who the fellow eating in rank was. Now that's either precise military discipline, or indifference.

"Or a situation being carefully crafted to keep the city in chaos," Thaddia states from her place a bit behind and to the side of Argin.

Alessandro writes down. People probably hoarding food for profit, crime rings. Shammie propaganda leaflets, order restored at the gates. Scribble scribble. Enemy hostiles at the East and West gates. Arrows hurt. South Gate have organized Gruffles, from Skirlut days. Have a little talk with Cortik about the General. He nods, simply, to Thaddia, and then writes her theory down.

Karana stiffens, gritting her teeth. The hippie is struggling not to beat a bitch with her cane. That much is clear. She only stands straighter though, stiffening to the point of breaking if someone were to hit her with a feather. The Diplomat is going to have words though... oh yes... there will be words." *Firan*

That unibrowed redhead steals a glance in Karana's direction. It's hard to see her expression, helmeted as she is, but she noticeably stares at the diplomat for a while before her attention turns again to the Third Division briefing.

Tyrin glances to Udettos as he is condemned for munching while in ranks, and looks to his own backpack for a moment. It is then that he opens his bag, and begins browsing through it carefully. Some of the medicinal ingredients had shifted while in transit, but they remain fairly in order. Once satisfied, the medic closes off his bag and ensures it is firmly attached to his belt.

Sarina remains standing silently in formation with the other captains, but she's frowning now. Not a frown of disapproval, precisely, but more the frown of someone thinking furiously. Her forehead is slightly furrowed and her gaze distant as she stirs these facts around in her mind.

General Guvell looks like he has nothing else to add to what the Captain has said.

Anorna continues to speak quietly with Rikon. She glances out over the crowd and then looks back to Rikon when he says something.

Alessandro frowns at Tyrin, and scribbled something on his scroll, and writes something else down. Third division hiding information.

Argin waits a moment longer as Tanasi finishes, looking expectantly at Guvell. When the Gold Dragon General adds nothing, the prince nods. "Very well. We will enter through the north gate, then. It sounds as if we'll meet the least resistance there. If there /is/ some sort of faction holding the other three gates, I wish to avoid them until we've established our foothold and can hold negotiations on our terms." He looks back toward the assembled army for a moment, "Dame Sarina! Front and center! You'll be leading the advance force." *Firan*

Eriden is listening, but mostly watching Aeryk to see if he has any comments or orders.

Jesika comes in, and forms up. Yep, that's about what you do in this scenario. She is quiet and watches her cousin front and center.

Anorna keeps talking to Rikon and points down at her pink armor. But, when she sees the look of 'wtf' that follows the pointing, she coughs and lowers her eyes, as if being scolded.

Sarina snaps her focus back to the here and now, and moves to join Argin with a nod . "Sir." *Firan*

Captain Tanasi clears his throat and quickly interjects, receiving a pointed glare from the General, "There are a lot of people suffering in there. If I were you, I'd go do a little looking at the situation at each gate. The East Gate in particular is a horror. There are so many starving people they have made a burial mound... if you could call it that..." He looks sick. General Guvell says, "I think you should have the Air Force take some flaming arrows and set it on fire. Like I said, let God sort 'em out."

"Mmm," Aeryk draws out contemplative between his teeth. "I think that is something we could certainly investigate. If the bodies are . . . that far gone . . . "

Karana shakes her head slightly, taking a deep breath, her shoulders slumping suddenly.

Anorna looks uncomfortable at something the Captain says and blurts something at Rikon.

Tezzer perks at the information of the, ah, mound and speaks up. "Sir, that presents a risk of the so-called privy disease which we saw on our last tour of duty. Please have all who go near it report to the medical tent upon their return. We may need to enforce quarantine." *Firan*

Sarina considers Tanasi's words for a moment. Then she glances to Argin, and adds, "If the South Gate is willing to negotiate, we may be able to get additional information there, sir. I'd be willing to scout all four before we decide where we want to set up." She trails off, glancing over as Anorna interrupts. *Firan*

Argin nods slightly toward Tanasi, turning to regard the city in the distance for a moment. "In that case, Dame Sarina, your first task will be to scout the gates and make a determination. Lord Aeryk's air force can help with that, if needed..." He pauses to look at Guvell. "...But they shall refrain from shooting flaming arrows down onto the general populace." *Firan*

Anorna didn't interrupt.

Ion swears inwardly. A lot. It's in response to Tezzer, if not actually directed -at- him. And yes, he doesn't bother to keep his features at all free from blatant signs of that internal monologue.

Rikon mutters down Anorna, before turning his attention to the others.

Omiak turns his attention to the ground around his feet. He kicks a few things around. He then sees what he is looking for and leans down to pick up the nice size splinter from something. He looks at it a bit and checks it then begins to chew on it. He turns his attention back to the leaders to see where this goes.

Argin adds, "In the meantime, and as a measure of distraction, I shall make our official greeting to the people of Ellish in front of the north gate." *Firan* Some of the air force looks fairly disappointed at the idea that they can't shoot flaming arrows at the populace.

Gemma drops her attention to the ground as the leaders go over their mission. She didn't entirely understand everything that was being said, but she was listening anyway.

Davonos remains silent and somewhat tense. And hot. His armor is dark, so that the sides of his arms are kept lifted slightly away from the hot plating. He continues to look serious. And blank.

"Indeed. Investigate, not shoot," Aeryk confirms. For the sake of all the Air Force behind him. "The Air Force is at your disposal, Captain Sarina. If you need air support or eyes in the air, we will be there."

Eriden sighs a little, No shooting.

Sarina nods once to Aeryk, then turns back to Argin and Guvell. "I'd like to see about requisition some of supplies we normally would drop in, sir. To take to the south gate directly, if we choose to enter there. A starving man is likely to answer any questions posed by the one holding the bread, after all. So if they /are/ starving they may be more forthcoming if we come bearing food." *Firan*

Alessandro nods to Argin. "Do you want me to accompany you as your Aide de Camp in the absence of Lord Captain Adan, Prince General?" says the man who already is doing just that. "And can we dismiss the 5th so they can begin to get our logistics in order, if there's nothing else?" *Firan*

As the selected unit heads out and the troops begin to make camp, Argin and his little entourage venture forth from the camp near the north gate so the prince can greet the citizens.

Aeryk glances well behind him to a spot somewhere in the once-formation and somewhat stiff shouldered still, prepares to depart.

Alessandro turns to the 5th. "5th Detachment, dismissed! Get to work!" he says, looking at Argin expectantly. *Firan*

(The Mission Participants go to do their part, and the rest of the army disburses)

TinyPlot: Operation New Start Logs & Summaries