FE: A Reason to Fear the Dark

[Moonlight]

The young woman nodded slightly in thanks as the two archers passed, before moving on. Ezra was already quite a ways ahead of them, the whip of his plain cloak somewhat audible as they moved through the underbrush. Darkness had fallen by the time they made it back to camp, which was now fully set up.

Alister moved to set the doe beside the fire, giving them light. Wasting no time in moving to skin it, pulling the knife from the sheath strapped to his thigh. Quietly moving about his work, before cutting the choicest parts for Cassandra to cook for that evening's supper. The blonde healer setting the pieces on a metal sheet, holding them over the fire whilst the rest of the broth stewed.

But whilst most of their small and admittedly rag-tag armada went about its business in the cool night air, the young noble sat off by himself. Although just in range of the firelight, the map set across his lap that was marked with crests barely lit. Tracing routes, before shaking his head and mulling over it once more. Combing his fingers through his now messy cobalt locks, silently frustrated.

[Zorayda]

The scent of venison filled the air, causing Elssandra's mouth to water. When was the last time she'd really spent the time to eat real food? And here, she'd helped to bring down a deer for the entire group...she wouldn't say it out loud, but she felt proud to help in the large group of people. Like she was a part of something much larger than herself, a good cause... She noted Ezra across the fire, aloof and antisocial as usual, and her mind wandered. What was his story...?

She suddenly noticed that Damien was off by himself, frowning and muttering as he looked at a piece of parchment. She saw his fingers tracing something and her curiosity was peaked. Unable to rest until she sated her curiosity, she wandered over to him.

"May I ask what it is that you are doing with this map?" She asked, finally seeing what the parchment was.

[Moonlight]

Ezra's gaze bore into the firelight as he watched the dancing flames, uncaring of those around him. They only gave him further excuse to travel, a guarded train to his own allies. The rag-tag armada cared nothing for him. It was just as well. With no reason to grow attached, he had even less reason for remaining about them when his means were complete.

The steaming venison was soon added to the broth, which he simply accepted as it was passed to him with no comment. Pausing briefly upon noticing the new addition to their little group edge over towards the young noble, an amused chuckle - dry as it was - escaping his lips. Hard ruby eyes returning to the flames, the vivid heat dancing in his eyes once more.

Damien glancing up at Elssandra's question, however, before simply shaking his head. "There are two routes that we may take. Both carry a fair amount of risk to them, however. I am attempting ... that being the key word ... to find an alternative."

[Zorayda]

(If I get something wrong here, just tell me and I will edit lol.)

"Hmmm...." Elssandra immediately went into her deep thinking mode, the lines on the map calling out to her to solve its puzzle. "So, what are our options? What routes do we take and where must we end up? It would probably be helpful to know the terrain, too..."

The archer had always been good at solving puzzles and figuring the best way to avoid problems, and maybe now was her chance to prove that she could be of use to the group. She leaned over his shoulder and traced the map with her own slim finger. She began muttering to herself as she did so, as well.

"So, we have you, sir, the strong but slow fighter, am I right? Kendra and Ezra use the sword? There are mages, and two archers... hmm..." She glanced at Damien, thoughtful.

"How much damage can you take before your armor wears out?" She asked bluntly, looking at him. Obviously, the rest of the group didn't have nearly as much protection as Damien... and yet, being a noble, he needed to be protected. A silent takedown and guerrilla tactics would have to come into play. Perhaps a distraction, also...but whoever provided that distraction would be in a lot of danger. They needed someone with plenty of skill to provide that ruse...

[Moonlight]

Damien nodded after a moment, before holding up his hand. "In hindsight, we have at our disposal ... My lance, a sword and a knife user, a healer, two archers including yourself, and two mages," the nobleman simplified, nodding towards the group that was centered around the fire. "I myself am not truly that slow, due to only having paldrons and a breastplate," the young man added, as his armor was relatively minimal in comparison.

Explaining the terrain to the best of his knowledge then, going through what details he knew and the possibilities of each route. Their main concern was staying out of line of sight, arriving unnoticed. But if the occasion did arise that there was combat, Damien's main concern was protecting Cassandra as the healer was not able to fight. Although the said healer did carry a knife with her, it was only a last resort weapon. It was not something that could stand up to prolonged combat. Although mentioned in passing, one fact remained the same - Without a healer, their lives were forfeit.

The duo then moving on to discuss tactics and strategy, night slipping away.