Chapter 1: Making Introductions

It took Radiza some effort to wake, but a seasoned campaigner did not complain and just got about it. At least she had long mastered the trick of catching sleep no matter the time of day in short stretches, so she was up before first light. It wasn't as if she needed it after all and the Waning Moons often used her as the night's watch for her eyes. Rather then try to set up her tent in the storm she had snuck out back and had rested in the stable's hayloft. It was a far more comfortable place for sleep then anything on the road, that much was for sure. As she sat up she shrugged off her blanket and stretched. Then she plucked some hay from her fur. Next to her was her armor which she got into after taking care of the morning's business. She could dream the order every piece had to be put on in and her fingers easily found each belt and clasp. She could do this blindfolded if need be. Finally she took up her weapons and nimbly climbed down to get out before the stableboy would be in. Outside she brushed off the last bits of hay before taking a little walk that had her end up at the inn's front door once more.

As she entered along with the first light of dawn she noticed the resting forms of folk who had used the hard floor as their bed. It wasn't comfortable she knew from experience, still a stretch better then sleeping out in a storm. Her paws padded softly across the room where she entered the kitchen. The smell of bread in the oven met her. She would eat the stuff if there was nothing else, but she was Tabaxi and it agreed poorly with her. Meat was generally on the menu and she asked the cook for another plate of sausages. She left the coinage in the kitchen after which she sat down in the common room, once again resting her paws on the table as she waited for her breakfast. It would be the last hot meal in a while. She had dried meat to last her quite a while but like most rations it lacked a good taste.

As the local rooster finally went about his job the others began to stir, and Radiza watched to take their measure..

I knew it.... he got sick again... at least my debt towards his father has been repaid... Huffing in slight annoyance as he helps Atticus with finding a trader on his way towards the general store in the morning. He remembers Lord Rohmner the man has helped him many times during his service at the army, he always took his side when others began to point fingers at Alans strange diet or not exactly changing looks trough his 7 years of service. Having a noble on his side saved him a lot of trouble, so in turn he agreed to accompany Atticus once the lad decided to make a name for himself - not that he had any plans of his own. Now that the young knight Atticus will be sent home safely he can deem his dept repaid.

He runs his hands trough his dark locks on the way back to the tavern and thinks On one hand i don't owe anyone anything anymore, on the other - I lost the only trustworthy ally in this place.... He eats a whole half pound of fowl on the way back, while feeding small pieces to Chuckles, that is comfortably resting on his head, the bird has refused to leave his side since yesterday, it looks like it truly didn't enjoy the storm.

Soon he enters the tavern, puts most of his purchases into this bag while keeping a small amount in his pocket for a quick snack. Sits down across from Radiza. He looks at his tiger tattoo on his right shoulder, a result of a bet he made with Radiza a long time ago, she used to like to constantly remind him how he passed out just after a couple of bottles of ale and then she was graceful enough to spare his poor soul and pick just a tiger - after all the loser of the bet had to get a tattoo of the winners choosing, in the most shady place possible. He speaks up Were down one person, the knight that was with me got sick and I don't think that the other one got the mettle, she probably has already ran away... Do you think that the two of us will be enough to make it without major casualties?

Chuckles (the pet crow) soon grows bored and begins to wander across the table making a few playful pecks and rattling coos at the tabaxis clothing and paws, the bird clearly has begun to recognise her.

Shifts his gaze at the waking Milaki, he must admit that her new look rather suits her - a troublesome hairdo for a troublesome person.

Milaki eats her breakfast fast, fix her hair and then she comes closer to Alan and Radiza and says: "Good morning! My name is Milaki! I would like to join your company to the orc hunting!" Looks at Alan: ''You look pale...maybe you need to do some sunbathe more often...ohhh nice crow, what its name? they say they are smart animals and they bring shiny things to you as presents!'' and then to Radiza: ''Hello...I have a weird question..Do you cough hairballs?''

The moment that he was about to answer with the usual Don't worry about it he lightly coughs, choking on his own unspoken words as Milaki addresses Radiza. He chooses to remain silent, looking at the two and waiting for the following reactions, curious glint evident in his yellow eyes. Now, this might be interesting...

Not for the first time Radiza pondered the edible qualities of the bird. Especially now it started to pick at her. Why someone would keep the pest around was beyond her. Then again, she mostly knew crows for their handiwork on the bodies of the fallen after a battle..

She returned her attention to the conversation. Being down one man where there were so few to begin with was a nuisance for sure. It meant they really had to start looking for isolated orcs to take down and the slightest group would become too much for them to tackle. The Tabaxi was beginning to ponder waiting a little longer to see if more folk trickled in from Triboar and was just about to offer the suggestion when the gnome spoke with the restraint normally reserved for four-year old infants. At least it fit the size. And it wasn't anything Radiza hadn't heard a thousand times before. She traveled with mercenaries after all. 'Do you cough hairballs Radiza?' 'Can you lick your own butt Radiza?' 'Why are you nailing me to a tree with a spear though my gut Radiza?'

Well, two could play at that game..
"This is no job for children ya little pink-haired menace. Go bother your mother and try killing some mice before bothering the adults."

Here we go... getting comfortable in his chair Alan picks up the bird and cradles it in his arms, not willing to risk an emotional outburst followed by claws and cuts. He listens in, hoping that the little argument would last, after all they need more people and at this point it takes time, so why not enjoy a show if it's literally given to you.

At this point the bird stirrs from his arms and climbs onto the lads head using his body as stepping stone - hopping from his arms onto his shoulders and head..

Alan nods understandingly, he mentions that safety should be their priority and that Lord Rohmner will thank them handsomely if Atticus gets back safe.

''I am not a kid, I am a halfling....and I think you did not like my question...you are so tense...you need to relax and enjoy life..." and puts her hand behind her head ''We can help each other, we can do this together, go kill the orcs to gain some money... Also, I know the place, I grew up around here''

"How much, half an inch?" Radiza replied laden with sarcasm. She clearly wasn't convinced the halfling had what it took.
"And a real killer, are you? Can't say you look like the orc-slaying kind. More like the get stomped flat by orcs kind, If I'm honest here. The pale lad and I have seen battle girl. It ain't daisies we're plucking here."

"Oh well...I do not like killing. But I am good at hiding, being fast and backstabbing the orcs!" and she takes off her dagger to demonstrate her fast dagger trick.

Radiza let out a long, exasperated sigh. She really want to take along the pink eyesore but what choice did she have? Go with just Alan?
"Gods above and below and in-between help us! Fine! But you don't get a copper unless you bag at least one of the green bastards!"

Well backstabbing doesn't limit itself to orcs, either she's naive or she's going to stab us in our sleep... Alans eyes widen when she mentions stabbing, but he becomes slightly paler when Radiza actually agrees with her proposal. He looks at her wide eyed If you're sure, then alright, but we probably should wait for more people... No way I'm sleeping in the reach of pinky, her whole image screams 'Undertable'

He then turns to Milaki and points at the bird on his head This is Chuckles, he's a friend, not food... he looks her dead in the eyes, the thought behind it 'you hurt the bird and I'll skin you alive'.

The whole intimidating sharade gets ruined, when Alan dips his head and the bird looses his balance on his head almost tumbling down to the ground followed by the lad himself attempting to catch the critter as he falls off of the chair. In the end Alan is face-down on the ground the bird jumps around displeased by Alans performance.

Milaki nods "That's great...! Me? eating the bird...? the other one you should worry...'' murmurs and smiles.

After getting up and dusting himself the lad sits back down, he cradles the bird in his arms and invites the hafling to sit beside him,She won't, they're good friends, right Chuckles? he scratches the birds head, content that the animal is unhurt.

If you are joining us, I believe that introductions are at hand, my name is Alan, as you have probably already guessed, this is Chuckles. It is nice to meet you Milaki. First he points at himself then at the bird, giving the hafling an awkward smile.

The tabaxi wasn't impressed with the sappy attempt at niceties.
"Well isn't that cute, the boy meets his first girl. If yer done playing nice, let's go over the plan with the short one, eh?"

Whilst still tipping back her chair the large feline warrior looked over Milaki.
"It's simple really. Three of us aren't going to tackle the main force those orcs have up there on that hill. But the hill turns out to be desolate. Even if they find some ancient rations in the old tunnels up there it won't last them long. So they got to hunt and forage. Same for water. And they're up to something too, so I want to find isolated orcs, maybe small groups, and take 'm out hard and fast. I'm even happier if they hit the ground without knowing someone stabbed them. Either way we got to stay ahead of their armed groups. So I hope that little boast about being fast goes for running from a horde of orcs too. Especially if they manage to raise the alarm. If that happens we make a break for it and try again in a few days."

Listening in, Alan rests his head on his chin and looks at Radiza Well something got you angry bright and early, alright, i will humor you.Don't worry love, simple pleasentries, nothing more, if you go on like this people might misunderstand. the joking tone is clear in his voice.

The plan is alright, simple and obvious, but impossible to predict, by orcs at least. About running, i am not able to outrun you on short distances, but I'm pretty confident that i would be able to shake a couple of orcs from my back.

Milaki is clearly not paying attention to what Radiza is saying...she just looks at the bird, daydreaming, then yawns and if they look at her she just nods predating she is listening.