Trial by Fire - RPLOG

Participants

• Ictus
• Peril

Date

22/8/475

Log

The military training grounds weren't far from the city proper nor were they hard to find. Despite being located in the midst of woodlands many well travelled trails led to it from all directions and the sound of mock battles regularly piercing the otherwise peaceful atmosphere assuring all that sought it out they were heading in the right direction. By the massive stone building a pair of foxes in heavy plate male and carrying spears stood. Both with grim expressions and staring blankly straight ahead.

Ictus steps up to the two guards and salutes, "I was told I could find information about my brothers unit here?"

both of the guards turn their heads at once looking to the new arrival eyeing him sceptically for some moments before the nearer of the two, who was short and stocky, with his hair bristling out from beneath his armour and weary look in his eyes rose his free hand to return the salute while the other guard turns his head away looking in the other direction looking to the tree line across the open field.

Drawing a deep breath the short guard cleared his throat noisily before speaking in a horse tone: 'What Unit?'

Ictus nods to the shorter fox and states, "Unit one of the Grey Fox brigade."

The guard's attention seems to drift, his eyes shifting to stare blankly over your shoulder thought he replies promptly "You're in the right place. They are due back any moment now. Off doing drills."

Ictus hmms? and nods at that, "Alright, I see. Is it alright if I stay here while I wait?" he glances around curiously

The guard shuffles on his feet nervously leaaning his weight on the spear which starts to sink into the softened earth as he looking to his companion who is still silently staring off into the distance. Both men suddenly stiffen to attention, standing straight with spears clutched securely in hand as a distant though booming cry carries through the air from somewhere behind the building.

Stiffening his jaw and giving you a nod the guard speaks in a more authoritative and confidant tone 'Wont have to wait long. That's the captain leading them in now'

Ictus nods as he stands to the side and watches for the captain

Quite soon the clatter of metal and the wet squelch of mud is heart coming every closer along with bellowed instructions of 'pick up the pace' or 'watch the line'. Shortly after a troop of foxes come marching round the corner in rows of five. Wearing a mix of plate and mail and carrying wooden staves in hand, some tipped with spear heads others axes and All of them are covered from head to tow in mud with their shoulders hanging and their ears down, clearly exhausted.

As they marked passed the structure the captain's voice rang out first with 'Halt' which brought the entire troop to a sudden stop, their feet clapping down side by side as each straightened up their posture before the next command of 'Left Face' had them all turning about in place, water and earth splattering about their legs as they tuned toward you and the guards.

Only when the unit had again come to a stop did the figure of the captain appear. Helmeted and dressed in a heavy steel breastplate over thick hardened leather armour he looked over the rows of exhausted and firth foxes without saying a word, striding out in front of them. He doesn't seem to notice you or pays you no heed as he strides up in front of his men, head turning back and forth before exchanging 'At ease'

Ictus glances at the exhausted unit and nods to them, he hmms? and salutes the captain when he gives the at ease command, "May I speak with you captain?"

the entire unit seems to breath a collective sigh of relief they attention remaining fixed on their commander though they visibly relaxed. They don't acknowledge the salute or the presence of anyone else only watching their captain until he gives the command 'Fall out' and then as once they step back on their left foot then their right before breaking out of formation, spreading in all direction to give one another room to stretch and run at aching joints while the captain turns about, finally fixing you with a long hard stare. Walking forward, he marches up to you stopping just short with both arms folded behind his back. Finaly getting a good look at him he stands a clear head and shoulders above you, seeming to be a giant compared to most of the others. His snout is covered in scars, his lower lip cleft to the point you can see his teeth through the opening even with his mouth closed. His left ear is shorter than the right and he is greying all over with age showing clearing around his eyes.

Drawing a deep breath the captain speaks with a lowered volume though still the weight of command in his voice �what can I do for you lad?� while behind his the soldiers are shuffling about exchanging glances between each other along with brief bits of hushed conversations. A few comments along the line of 'he looks just like...' being heard.

Ictus stays firm under the stare of the captain and nods as he is spoken to, "I'm here for my brothers belongings, and... A request." he ignores the hushed conversation, though he clearly hears them

the captain lifts his head, peering down the length of his muzzle without seeming otherwise moved 'Oh? The younger brother are you? And what is your request?'

all around behind him the unit is exchanging the whispered confirmation of your relation to their former comrade.

Ictus nods in confirmation at that and hmms, "I'd like to take my brothers place... Provided I earn it of course."

The battered looking old fox snorts, his gaze breaking away from you and moving to the taller guard 'fetch the lads things'

The taller guard turned toward the door, raising his spear and planing it down into the earth again ahead of him before beginning to walk forward, limping heavily and using the shaft of the weapon to support himself. He pulled open the door and vanished inside. The captain returned his attention to you looking you over with the same critical eye he had used on his unit before with a cluck of his tongue he turned toward his men, raising a hand and beaconing one forward �Ipson, Your staff�

A soldier hurried forward, approaching his captain with arms outstretched offering up the long pole he carried.

Ictus hmms at the guard as he enters the building, never taking his gaze off the captain though, and nods to the staff in recognition. "Sparring is it?" he tilts his head curiously

taking up the staff in one hand the captain looked back to you, his weight shifting to rest on the pole, the sights of his own exhaustion beginning to show through his well drilled mannerism as he ignored the question and addressed you "You think you're fit to be in my unit do you?"

Ictus looks at the captain and shrugs, "There is only one way to find out, and I plan on doing just that." he stares up at the captain

Shaking his head the captain continued "I don't believe you. I don't want some hot head in it for revenge and I sure as hell don't need some daft pup who thinks he can ride in on his dead brother's tail and find glory here. So how are you going to prove to me you're worth keeping about?"

Ictus hmms? and shakes his head, "Revenge? That's not what this is about, and I intend to prove to be my brothers equal... If not more, I don't care for glory. I just want to defend my people as my brother did... As for how to prove my worth?" he thinks a bit and gazes at the other soldiers, "How about your best and I spar? That will prove my abilities are in order."