Fang's Justice

The lands of Bern were in some ways quite similar to Ilia. The mountain peaks that ran down the country were reminiscent of the heights of the pegasus knight’s frozen home. And yet, there was something about this place. Something deep within her that made Fiora feel truly… Tense? All this for reasons she couldn’t quite fathom. She’d been here several times before to deal with bandits hiding out in the hills, but this was her first time making contact with another mercenary force. It was her first time, as well, being here for purely diplomatic reasons. 

Upon approaching the camp at the designated time, the Ilian circled the skies a few times so as to announce herself to the people, before she made her descent, a bit outside the area. Hopefully her arrival was broadcast enough to get the attention of her contact.

She dismounted her pegasus, giving the steed a few pats in appreciation, then turned to the people in the camp. Her voice rang up, not quite a shout, but loud enough to be heard by a crowd. “Greetings. I am Fiora, of the 5th Wing of Ilia’s pegasus knights. I’m here to speak with the one in charge of this camp. Sir Lloyd of the Black Fang mercenaries.”

Starter for @fangsjustice​ (Lloyd)

It had been quite some time since any of the Black fang had worked alongside an outsider to any degree. Lloyd could only recall a handful of times that had taken place, most of them in the very early days where their group was small and just gaining purchase. It would be an interesting change of pace, and when he learned that a pegasus knight of Ilia was heading their way, Lloyd was genuinely intrigued. 

Mercenary culture ran deep with both lands, but it wasn’t often he got to see one in action or otherwise. Lloyd had experience with horses and wyverns -- not a fan of the latter -- so he was curious about the knight’s steed and how they handled each other. And if this matter could be handled civilly, all the better.

One of his men came in to the makeshift war room they’d set up -- maps and other bits of reconnaissance information laid out and being looked over, less a room and more just a handy rock that was sheltered enough from the winds to make use of -- and gave him word that a pegasus had been sighted, circling the skies above their camp. Lloyd stood from where he’d marked something down on one of their maps, rolled his shoulders to try and get rid of the knot that had settled between them and left the small alcove just in time to hear the knight make her entrance.

He couldn’t help the slight amusement at such a title being pinned to his name.

“You have my attention, Fiora of Ilia,” Lloyd spoke up in return, stepping forward and gesturing for the few men that had stopped their work to inspect the newcomer to carry on. “I’m afraid I can’t offer you much in the way of comforts out here, but we can at least speak out of the wind.” He paused a moment, hazel eyes flicking to the winged animal beside her. “My men may not have exact experience with pegasi, but if you care to, we have supplies to share should you desire them for your mount,” he added on, a polite smile on his face as he regarded the knight, turning slightly and nodding toward the overhang of rock they’ve further reinforced against the chilling winds with thick tents. 

the brains

people are not so much your forte. you are more at home with thoughts, ideas, hobbies, skills. as such, you probably have to learn how to work well with others--but once you do, hey, it has its moments. while you are treasured for your ability to solve problems, people also have this unique love of novelty. when you break from your schedule, when you say something no one is expecting--that's novel. you are as curious and lovable as the subjects you study. you are family. this place is not the same without your witty comments and wry observations. you definitely feel more comfortable when someone needs a straightforward answer than a shoulder to cry on, but it's not impossible to give both. know that your family loves you for more than that, though, and will (usually) remember to respect your boundaries.

- - -

the silent sufferer

you love your friends, but the truth is, you go through most of the real things alone. it's better that no one sees you like this. you'll be fine, really, because you're used to feeling this way. it'll pass. it always does. that's what you believe, anyway. you're more likely to give someone advice on a lesson you've learned without telling them how you learned it. you've come to realize that, if they're coming to you for advice, they'll be too preoccupied to ask. it stings, but it's... that's just the way feelings work sometimes. when you're around others, most of these problems seem to vanish, and you're better able to love the person you are. only on the worst days do you continue to hear that insistent whisper that it's, "all a lie because they don't know what's *really* going on." it's not a lie. you are loved. those moments together are real. there are times when you can afford not to be so strong.

tagged by: @neomacaught

What’s your opinion on Ursula, Jerme, Pascal and Jaffar? Are they able to bust out the plates while both of you serve Fang Justice and Fang’s Justice?

Ursula

“She’s a professional. She plans her missions out effectively, and even if she isn’t as skilled in direct combat, Ursula knows how to use the skills of those around her to balance out her own weaknesses in order to succeed,” Lloyd said, attempting to keep his answer as concise and businesslike as possible.

Linus had other ideas, as usual.

“Bit of a bitch, really,” he replied flippantly, not even hesitating. “Like, yeah, her magic is useful, but the attitude?” Linus made a disgruntled noise at the very thought, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head in irritation. “She’s pretty and she knows it, and hell will freeze over before she lets you or anyone else forget about it.”

Jerme

“Absolute maniac! Can’t say he didn’t know his way around a blade, but the guy was a few knives short of a full on circus act, y’know?” Linus scoffed. 

Lloyd wasn’t sure he would have used the same...colorful description, but the sentiment was generally shared with his brother. “Jerme was incredibly skilled in doling out death; he was the Fang’s best assassin, for a time. But his motives didn’t truly align with our goal, and it didn’t surprise me as such when I heard of his removal.”

Not that it had really lasted all that long. Their new employer may have replaced Jerme with his own hand picked killer to secure a spot within the Four Fangs, but that hadn’t meant he wasn’t worth keeping a hold of. Though, considering the unstable rage with which Jerme had stayed on in their ranks, Lloyd hadn’t exactly thought it a wise choice. 

Pascal

Neither Reed brother had a favorable reaction to the name.

“I will admit, Pascal was only ever going to be a complete and utter mistake. I don’t understand our father’s reasoning for taking him on, but he hardly lasted long enough to be worthy of any note more than his removal,” Lloyd bit out stonily, not at all fond of the man -- even with how little the interacted. “He was cruel, vile and everything we stand against--”

“Fucker wasn’t even subtle ‘bout it!” Linus piled on, “The most uptight, stick up your ass nobleman I’ve ever had the displeasure of breathing near. Pompous motherfucker really thought he could pull that shit with us and get away with it! Wish I could’ve seen the look on his face when he finally got what was comin’ to him. Rotting in prison and getting denounced wasn’t enough for the likes of him, he deserved the shameful, pathetic death he was served.”

Jaffer

Linus pulled a face. “Don’t like ‘im. Fuckin’ weird li’l man,” he muttered, nose scrunched up in distaste. “He doesn’t do anythin’ wrong exactly, but he doesn’t even do anything outside of what he’s told to do by his master. Doesn’t say a gods damned word. Don’t trust that shit.”

There was a difference to him between loyalty and servitude. Linus was loyal to the Black Fang, to his father and brother, but like hell would he give up his entire agency without a word.

“Oh…”

It was an - interesting idea. Screaming to gather motivation.”I - I’m not certain I would know how to do it properly, but it does seem to suit you.” Raven would probably know better than him how screaming would benefit anything.

Ugh, this guy...Why was he so-- Just-- 

Linus wasn't the smartest guy around. Or the most observant. But, really, who the hell wouldn't notice someone like that creeping up into your personal space with such a crazed look on their face? He was dumb, but he wasn't so willfully ignorant.

Whatever this freak was trying, it wasn't going to work! The Mad Dog didn't back down from a challenge so easy, nor would he be unnerved or cowed by such a pathetic attempt.

“I - don’t think that I ever have, no… does - does it help?”

   Though the Erk in Serra’s imagination is brooding, silently, ignoring the world and totally self-collapsed, the Erk in reality is watching in something between shock and disgust. He really shouldn’t be surprised anymore, should he? But Serra always finds ways to completely uproot any expectations he has. How does she do it? There’s food, half-paused from his face, listening to her telling one of the leaders of the Black Fang to grovel to her. Where does all of that confidence come from? That freedom? 

   Their new companion stands, and his body language is submissive. No. He’s not really going to do it, is he? “You really don’t have–”  

   But his words die in his throat when he does bow. How. How does this woman do this. How! How! 

   In response to Lloyd’s bowing, Serra’s beaming. Like a cat that’d just caught a bird. Like the queen of the world. 

   “See, Erk? Some people know how to treat someone of my station.” 

   He wants to argue, but squabbling in front of… well, in front of Lloyd Reed… is just a touch too far. So he stands, silently takes his leave with his small plate of food, glowering at the floor all the way and wondering if he’ll even be able to choke it down. 

   Any other day, Serra would chase after him, but her attention is focused on her new vassal, now. “Well, that’s better! I’m Lady Serra.” A breath in, puffing out her chest, confident. “Duties? I don’t waste my time on things I can get other people to do! Besides, introductions are plenty important, aren’t they? And if you’d had proper manners, I wouldn’t’ve even had to come over in the first place.” She takes him in. Bowing. Really leaning into all of this. “I’ll try to forgive you. To make it up to me, go fetch some of the food Rebecca made for me and sit with me. If you’re going to be apart of my legion, after all, I should probably find out a bit who you are.” 

The boy that had been lingering nearby the gregarious cleric seemed utterly taken aback and equally disgusted with how things were going, and Lloyd couldn’t help but find some amusement in this entire situation. It was now abundantly clear that this girl didn’t really hold any sort of leadership position in this army, and so there was no real point to going along with her desires other than to be friendly. 

Lloyd didn’t mind, at the moment. He only had a little over a year of experience dealing with Nino, but he could draw some early similarities here. Besides, as silly as all of this likely appeared to anyone watching, it was...rejuvenating after everything else far more serious that had been going on. 

It was a distraction. And normally, Lloyd didn’t care for such things, but...

He was worn, he was tired, he’d lost too many comrades to this war. He’d been walking forward blindly in the dark ever since Sonia and Nergal, and while he was not yet out of that darkness, there was a light to guide him forward now. He had a new mission, one entirely his own, and not handed down to him by people he dared not trust any further than he could throw them.

Lloyd focused his attention back on the pink haired cleric, a faint smile on his face as she continued on with such confidence and brightness.

“My apologies for making you go out of your way. I simply wished to give everyone else their own space while I recovered. We were enemies until only a few hours ago, after all,” he mused, straightening back up into a more relaxed posture. 

He didn’t blame the others their distrust. It was like a flock of sheep welcoming a wolf into their midst. Even if he was injured, and they had made an agreement, it was a fledgling bond at best currently.

She really still wanted to talk with him? Quite bold, this lass.

   Maybe he’s trying to supress it, but it’s clear as day to Sirise Jihnou that he’s wound up. The way he stands, feet slid apart as though ready to fight, the way his hands curled at his sides, the slight hunch in of his head. She wants to laugh! 

   But… she can’t. That’ll ruin the game. 

   Boooo. 

   She shrugs, lips pressed into an unsure frown, leans forward with sharp eyes. “I have to say Linus…” Hands hesitate, and there’s just a hint of a smirk. “I didn’t take you for a person strict about their interior design.” 

The audacity. The sheer, balls to the wall audacity!

He’s pretty sure he’s using that word right, anyway. Whatever, it applied as far as he was concerned.

Cool, cool -- keep it cool. Play her game. Beat her at her damn, stupid game. Win. Fuck yeah.

   He certainly was beautiful himself. Perhaps it was just the way the candlelight caressed his features — but, no, it was often said that he was quite handsome. Not more than she was, so far as she was concerned, and the recognition that he was visually stunning did nothing to attract her in any particular way. 

   But things must be done for success. After all of her hard work… this was just a trifle. 

   Her smile was soft, consideration and interest laid as thick as she could will it ( which, with years of practice, was rather much. ) “Lloyd, then.” 

   That was a good start. He already saw her as an equal. Good, then — maybe he’d be able to see how exceptional she was, unblinded by idiotic prejudice. 

   “Not at all. I prefer nighttime, myself. I find I can get more work done when it’s quieter, and my schedule suits the missions I’m elected for.” 

   Even though it felt as though she hadn’t been selected for a mission in forever… 

   “I’m sure I’m keeping you, however.” He smelled of the wood — he’d just gotten back from doing something — while she smelled of wax, parchment, and jasmine perfume. As though she’d been spending all her time reading before coming over here. ( Perhaps that was selected because she’d noted him buried in words in his off-time, and was doing all she could to even unconsciously draw him towards her. ) “I’ll make it short.” 

   She smiled, eyes closed, took a breath that perhaps looked as though she were gathering her courage… 

   “I was wondering if it were possible to commune over a cup of tea at your leisure.” ( Oh, yes, she’d studied. ) “I know how busy you are, and that it’s rather presumptuous of me… but I appreciate getting to know those I’m working with. It’s far more difficult to perform adequately if you don’t know your team.” 

   A lie, but only a half one. She preferred doing it herself — preferred not dealing with the problems that came with others. But, in truth, she did have to know the liability the rest of her team would be, as well. Were they too slow? Too loud? Did they linger too long, were their methods too messy? She had to take it into consideration. A finished hit was not just her — if she wanted the mission to be perfect, she’d have to make sure she accounted for her team’s mistakes so that she could correct them. 

   “We haven’t been slotted to fight side-by-side yet, but I believe it’d be better to be acquainted before that time comes. Wouldn’t you agree?” 

Ah, good, she was willing to drop that title rather quickly. Chain of command was important, but primarily on the battlefield; off duty, like now, Lloyd tried to separate the two. Even if he wasn’t exceptional at being...casual with most others. It took him a while to warm up to people he was not closely familiar with, but he still tried to be amenable. After all, they were all a unit, no matter where they fell in the rank.

“Ah, well, that’s understandable. The later hours do tend to serve us well in our work,” Lloyd inclined his head in agreement. He enjoyed the darker hours, or the wee hours of the morning best; everything was still and calm, then. “It can get rather hectic around here, when everyone’s coming and going. But, it’s good to hear that it doesn’t infringe on you at all. You seem quite adept in your work, from what I’ve observed. We don’t have many of your kind among the Fang.” Both as a magic user and a woman, to be perfectly honest. “It’s part of my duty to make sure everyone here performs to their fullest, and if there’s an issue preventing that, I like to sort it out as quickly as possible for the benefit of everyone.”

After all, they were only as strong as the weakest link in their chain. Not that he viewed her as such -- far from it, really, she had a near spotless record -- but as one of the Four Fangs, he needed to make sure that those under his command were ready and capable for any mission that came to them.

He could smell the candlewax on her, the old archive smell of paper and leather bindings. It made him ache for a quieter time; different walls, and different stories. But, that place was long gone now, and there was no returning to it. She still did not seem totally at ease, despite her smile. She seemed to gather herself for what she was going to say, and Lloyd attempted to adjust his body language to assuage whatever was making her hesitate just that little bit still as they spoke.

Oh? Oh, she wanted to...spend more time with him, talk more? As professional as the talk she proposed likely was, he couldn’t help feeling...underprepared. He was fairly unused to speaking with women one on one, and while he didn’t expect anything unusual to come from what she was offering, it set a nervous tingle off in his gut all the same.

“I’d be rather grateful for the opportunity, Ursula,” Lloyd responded, the corner of his mouth ticking up in a hesitant smile. “A chance to calm down would be appreciated” Because she was correct, he’d been busy. There was never a lack of work to be handled in the Black Fang. There were contracts to deal with, missions to plan and strategize, targets to take out and supplies to be acquired. Their mountainous headquarters held the grand benefit of making them hard to find and difficult to attack, but it also made travel difficult.

“I agree, knowing your allies better can really only serve you and your team well in the future. And for all that we’ve seen each other around, we never really stopped to talk. How long have you been with us, Ursula?” he asked, motioning for her to join him as he continued down the hall.