"The Lodge"
Stonewall Mountains, Kohlewald
07 March 1910
Six months spent fighting insurgents in southern Nafisah. A year spent on security detail along the national border checkpoint in Sharif-I-Taari. Eight months, two weeks, and three days in a POW work camp in Shaad.
Corporal Irien dav'Lareth of the Kohlewaldish National Infantry had spent the better part of the last three years in Egyria, embedded among the cultures, and fighting everything from religious terrorists to bedouin rebels. But now, the military was taking him very far away from the sands and arid hills of Egyria. First, to Vinterland, a neutral nation which served as the central grounds of the Alliance of Nations, where he was officially debriefed in regards to his time spent as a prisoner of war. After that, he recieved new orders, and a new posting.
The International Special Operations Group, more commonly known throughout the world as The Mavericks, were the AN's elite special operations task force. In 1887, they brought down a ruthless Amran drug lord's entire operation. In 1902, they infiltrated a notorious Tenhi arms dealer's organization, not only bringing the dealer down, but gathering valuable intel on no less than six other potential threats he had been selling to. They were the best of the best, an extensively trained international paramilitary force answering directly to the AN. Their base of operations was a closely guarded secret, highly classified at the topmost level of clearance, though many suspected it lay somewhere in Vinterland. The prevailing rumor was that it lay underground, beneath Vinterland University.
Of course, Corporal dav'Lareth was rather surprised when he found out that the top secret operational headquarters of The Mavericks, codenamed "The Lodge", was not in Vinterland, but in fact located deep within Kohlewald's Stonewall Mountain range. And moreso to his surprise, or more adequately, his disappointment, his posting would not be that of a Maverick, but simply as part of the Lodge's security team. Irien had dreamed of becoming a Maverick since he was just a boy, it was largely part of what spurred him to join the Infantry. And while now being one of the select few privy to their secret headquarters, he couldn't help but feel slightly... cheated. At heart, he knew why. He lacked the proper extent of experience necessary for admission- three years in Eygria might have seemed like a lifetime to him, but in the grand scheme it was still a relatively short military career. He could only hope that his continued service would eventually open the door. Until then, he continued to go where the Infantry told him to go, and do what it told him to do.
He travelled to Kohlewald from Vinterland by sea, landing in Laverton and taking a train to Tristram. From there, it was a relatively bumpy ride in the back of an Infantry transport truck from Laverton to the town of Steppingstone, at the base of the mountains. It was uncomfortable, of course, but three years in the military had made him used to such things. In Steppingstone, they escorted him to a remote cave just oustide of town- within lay a hidden railway. The train was clearly meant primarily for cargo- supplies and weapons. But there was at least one car retrofitted to house passengers for the trip through the maze-like wilderness of The Stonewall.
The trip from Steppingstone took nearly two hours through serpentine turns, steep inclines, and the occasional mountain tunnel, until the train finally screeched to a stop. As Irien peeked his green eyes out the window of the passenger car, he could see, just up the hill, the high concrete walls that made up the outer defenses of the complex. A few watchtowers stood just above them, that he could see. The Lodge, clearly, was not just a well-kept secret, but a literal fortress.
With a duffel slung over his shoulder, Corporal dav'Lareth made his way up the hill, to the large iron doors that formed The Lodge's primary entrance.
"Identify yourself." The accent was Kohlewaldish, a rough and abrupt cockney verbage.
"Corporal Irien dav'Lareth, 301st Regiment."
"Password."
"Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat." He struggled with the words, his Greylunder brogue not suited to words in Adunic, despite growing up in the Church of The One True Light.
The doors swung open with a loud, rumbling creak. "Central building, door to your left."
Processing took near to another hour, including a stack of paperwork, and a rather invasive series of questions, not the least of which had been the last time he had used the restroom. Still, by the time it was done, he had been released, given his key to the armory, and then directed to the barracks. He was given the rest of the day to adjust to the new setting, and would assume his post tomorrow. But for now...
"...where's a guy gotta go ta get a meal 'round here?"
Stonewall Mountains, Kohlewald
07 March 1910
Six months spent fighting insurgents in southern Nafisah. A year spent on security detail along the national border checkpoint in Sharif-I-Taari. Eight months, two weeks, and three days in a POW work camp in Shaad.
Corporal Irien dav'Lareth of the Kohlewaldish National Infantry had spent the better part of the last three years in Egyria, embedded among the cultures, and fighting everything from religious terrorists to bedouin rebels. But now, the military was taking him very far away from the sands and arid hills of Egyria. First, to Vinterland, a neutral nation which served as the central grounds of the Alliance of Nations, where he was officially debriefed in regards to his time spent as a prisoner of war. After that, he recieved new orders, and a new posting.
The International Special Operations Group, more commonly known throughout the world as The Mavericks, were the AN's elite special operations task force. In 1887, they brought down a ruthless Amran drug lord's entire operation. In 1902, they infiltrated a notorious Tenhi arms dealer's organization, not only bringing the dealer down, but gathering valuable intel on no less than six other potential threats he had been selling to. They were the best of the best, an extensively trained international paramilitary force answering directly to the AN. Their base of operations was a closely guarded secret, highly classified at the topmost level of clearance, though many suspected it lay somewhere in Vinterland. The prevailing rumor was that it lay underground, beneath Vinterland University.
Of course, Corporal dav'Lareth was rather surprised when he found out that the top secret operational headquarters of The Mavericks, codenamed "The Lodge", was not in Vinterland, but in fact located deep within Kohlewald's Stonewall Mountain range. And moreso to his surprise, or more adequately, his disappointment, his posting would not be that of a Maverick, but simply as part of the Lodge's security team. Irien had dreamed of becoming a Maverick since he was just a boy, it was largely part of what spurred him to join the Infantry. And while now being one of the select few privy to their secret headquarters, he couldn't help but feel slightly... cheated. At heart, he knew why. He lacked the proper extent of experience necessary for admission- three years in Eygria might have seemed like a lifetime to him, but in the grand scheme it was still a relatively short military career. He could only hope that his continued service would eventually open the door. Until then, he continued to go where the Infantry told him to go, and do what it told him to do.
He travelled to Kohlewald from Vinterland by sea, landing in Laverton and taking a train to Tristram. From there, it was a relatively bumpy ride in the back of an Infantry transport truck from Laverton to the town of Steppingstone, at the base of the mountains. It was uncomfortable, of course, but three years in the military had made him used to such things. In Steppingstone, they escorted him to a remote cave just oustide of town- within lay a hidden railway. The train was clearly meant primarily for cargo- supplies and weapons. But there was at least one car retrofitted to house passengers for the trip through the maze-like wilderness of The Stonewall.
The trip from Steppingstone took nearly two hours through serpentine turns, steep inclines, and the occasional mountain tunnel, until the train finally screeched to a stop. As Irien peeked his green eyes out the window of the passenger car, he could see, just up the hill, the high concrete walls that made up the outer defenses of the complex. A few watchtowers stood just above them, that he could see. The Lodge, clearly, was not just a well-kept secret, but a literal fortress.
With a duffel slung over his shoulder, Corporal dav'Lareth made his way up the hill, to the large iron doors that formed The Lodge's primary entrance.
"Identify yourself." The accent was Kohlewaldish, a rough and abrupt cockney verbage.
"Corporal Irien dav'Lareth, 301st Regiment."
"Password."
"Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat." He struggled with the words, his Greylunder brogue not suited to words in Adunic, despite growing up in the Church of The One True Light.
The doors swung open with a loud, rumbling creak. "Central building, door to your left."
Processing took near to another hour, including a stack of paperwork, and a rather invasive series of questions, not the least of which had been the last time he had used the restroom. Still, by the time it was done, he had been released, given his key to the armory, and then directed to the barracks. He was given the rest of the day to adjust to the new setting, and would assume his post tomorrow. But for now...
"...where's a guy gotta go ta get a meal 'round here?"
"Bugger."
The blonde woman was fussing over the contents of her luggage and, no matter how many times she'd checked, triple times over again, she knew she'd forget something. At least it wasn't very important... just a book on ancient Egyrian rituals. Though, she did make it a point, months ago, to copy quite a few into her own journals. Just in case something like this happened, and it did. And at the most inopportune time! Gnawing at her bottom lip, she checked one more time, rifling through her clothes and her second case completely filled with books.
She'd arrived a number of hours earlier and she'd spend most of that time going through her things because she felt like she'd forgotten something; that feeling followed her wherever she went and part of it was because Lisbeth might be a little too scatter brained at times to really get everything she needed... but the majority of it was because of her brothers. Their disappearance pulled a fog over her person and she hadn't quite been as sharp as she'd been before. That feeling of forgetfulness stemmed from forgetting they weren't around and missing. It was a plague in her life, especially since they were rightfully her only family; her parents' death was what drove her brothers out into the world, leaving her behind to deal with... well, everything else.
Lisbeth threw her hands in the air followed by an aggravated sigh as she turned from the piles of books.
"It's not that important, Lis. You have everything else. That's what matters."
Everything else included books on the ancient languages and their translations in Eygria (though she didn't necessarily need them, she didn't want to muck anything up), a few books on the cultures there, more on their religion... including their gods and superstitions. Those, along with her good luck charm were enough. Oh, and her brothers' journals. Those were the most important piece of this puzzle; how could she hope to find them if she didn't have their map?
She was by far counting her blessings, from whatever God or whatever energy there was in this universe, that she was tasked to come along this expedition; there were other linguists just as qualified! But, her minor might have set her ahead of the rest. The pieces were lining up and maybe this time she'd be able to find her brothers. At least she certainly hoped so... this whole thing seemed to be going a very specific way, but she'd do her damndest to persuade whom she needed to for her interests.
Lisbeth shook her head quickly, trying to rid herself of the that forgetful feeling. She needed a walk and maybe something small to eat - when wrapped up in her own mind, eating was easily on the bottom of important things to do. The woman snatched up a book - a journal, to be exact. Her older brothers. She'd read it enough to nearly have the thing memorized, but she was going to read it again because she was obsessed; maybe unhealthily so, but they were her family. She didn't want to miss something hidden in the pages. Reading while eating was supposed to be better, right? More relaxed, less pressure, easier to find something you might have missed before...
Nose in the book and glasses on her face, Lisbeth moved through the barracks and out, aiming to find the cafeteria. She wasn't sure what kind of food would be here, but... it would be food. She'd eaten some rather 'off' things, so she was sure this wouldn't be too-
With her nose in a book, she didn't see the new face wandering. She didn't barrel into him exactly, but there was a moment where it could have ended bad if she didn't glance up. He might have already seen her coming, depending on how close to the corner he was.
"Oh! Pardon me."
She stopped in her walking, giving warm and polite enough smile as she shut the journal, a finger keeping her spot. She gave him a quick look over, careful not to let her eyes linger longer than a few moments before she was back at his face.
"You've only just arrived?"
It was a question, not a statement, before she 'tsk'd herself and shook her head.
"I'm terribly sorry, my manners seemed to have stayed on the train. Lisbeth Sloane, sir."
A hand was thrust his way as the smile grew more broad, her voice eager to know everyone involved in the expedition. She honestly was just very glad to be apart of all this; even if her brothers hadn't been involved, the thrill wouldn't be any different.
The blonde woman was fussing over the contents of her luggage and, no matter how many times she'd checked, triple times over again, she knew she'd forget something. At least it wasn't very important... just a book on ancient Egyrian rituals. Though, she did make it a point, months ago, to copy quite a few into her own journals. Just in case something like this happened, and it did. And at the most inopportune time! Gnawing at her bottom lip, she checked one more time, rifling through her clothes and her second case completely filled with books.
She'd arrived a number of hours earlier and she'd spend most of that time going through her things because she felt like she'd forgotten something; that feeling followed her wherever she went and part of it was because Lisbeth might be a little too scatter brained at times to really get everything she needed... but the majority of it was because of her brothers. Their disappearance pulled a fog over her person and she hadn't quite been as sharp as she'd been before. That feeling of forgetfulness stemmed from forgetting they weren't around and missing. It was a plague in her life, especially since they were rightfully her only family; her parents' death was what drove her brothers out into the world, leaving her behind to deal with... well, everything else.
Lisbeth threw her hands in the air followed by an aggravated sigh as she turned from the piles of books.
"It's not that important, Lis. You have everything else. That's what matters."
Everything else included books on the ancient languages and their translations in Eygria (though she didn't necessarily need them, she didn't want to muck anything up), a few books on the cultures there, more on their religion... including their gods and superstitions. Those, along with her good luck charm were enough. Oh, and her brothers' journals. Those were the most important piece of this puzzle; how could she hope to find them if she didn't have their map?
She was by far counting her blessings, from whatever God or whatever energy there was in this universe, that she was tasked to come along this expedition; there were other linguists just as qualified! But, her minor might have set her ahead of the rest. The pieces were lining up and maybe this time she'd be able to find her brothers. At least she certainly hoped so... this whole thing seemed to be going a very specific way, but she'd do her damndest to persuade whom she needed to for her interests.
Lisbeth shook her head quickly, trying to rid herself of the that forgetful feeling. She needed a walk and maybe something small to eat - when wrapped up in her own mind, eating was easily on the bottom of important things to do. The woman snatched up a book - a journal, to be exact. Her older brothers. She'd read it enough to nearly have the thing memorized, but she was going to read it again because she was obsessed; maybe unhealthily so, but they were her family. She didn't want to miss something hidden in the pages. Reading while eating was supposed to be better, right? More relaxed, less pressure, easier to find something you might have missed before...
Nose in the book and glasses on her face, Lisbeth moved through the barracks and out, aiming to find the cafeteria. She wasn't sure what kind of food would be here, but... it would be food. She'd eaten some rather 'off' things, so she was sure this wouldn't be too-
With her nose in a book, she didn't see the new face wandering. She didn't barrel into him exactly, but there was a moment where it could have ended bad if she didn't glance up. He might have already seen her coming, depending on how close to the corner he was.
"Oh! Pardon me."
She stopped in her walking, giving warm and polite enough smile as she shut the journal, a finger keeping her spot. She gave him a quick look over, careful not to let her eyes linger longer than a few moments before she was back at his face.
"You've only just arrived?"
It was a question, not a statement, before she 'tsk'd herself and shook her head.
"I'm terribly sorry, my manners seemed to have stayed on the train. Lisbeth Sloane, sir."
A hand was thrust his way as the smile grew more broad, her voice eager to know everyone involved in the expedition. She honestly was just very glad to be apart of all this; even if her brothers hadn't been involved, the thrill wouldn't be any different.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
May 31 2019
12:40pm
Irien managed, just barely, to swerve around the blonde woman, arms in the air and back arched out as he narrowly dodged the collision.
"Oi, wha--" He grunted, already in a bit of a sour mood from spending the last month straight en route to The Lodge, but as he realized it was merely a young woman and not some uppity seargant or the like, he stopped himself, exhaling slowly through his nose. "Er, sorry 'bout that." He slowly lowered his arms to his sides, green eyes settling on her face.
"Oh, uh. Irien da-- Corporal Irien dav'Lareth. Um, new. Ya, only just settlin' in." He answered quickly, accepting the gesture of the handshake- possibly a bit too firmly, at first, due to the habit of shaking hands with men, but he quickly lightened his grip as he remembered he was greeting a woman. Was she part of the security team? A Maverick, perhaps? She didn't seem particularly soldierly- as he let his eyes make a quick pass over her again, he noticed that her figure, or what of it he could measure from her rather conservative clothes, was... fit, but not necessarily conditioned for physical pursuits like that of a soldier.
He realized after a moment that his eyeing of her figure might be misconstrued in it's intent, and he quickly lifted his gaze to meet her eye. "Uh, sorry, I-- are ya a diplomatic liason, or...?" It was his best guess off the cuff. He cleared his throat, running his hands down the front of his button-down shirt to smooth out the wrinkles. He wore the olive-drab uniform of a soldier, though currently in a more casual form. His shirt was untucked, sleeves rolled up just past the elbow, and his top two buttons were comfortably undone, displaying the chain of his dogtags. It was lucky he was off-duty, because had he not been, he'd have been very harshly reprimanded.
He wasn't entirely sure what formalities he was expected to observe in his new position, even off-duty. In Egyria, things tended to quickly degenerate to the informal- just a handful of individuals trying to make it out of a harsh situation alive. But this posting was as much one of diplomacy as much as that of a tactical position. Still, this woman, this Lisbeth Sloane- Ms. Sloane, judging by the lack of noticeable wedding ring on her hand- seemed friendly, and that made him feel somewhat comfortable enough to relax.
"Oi, wha--" He grunted, already in a bit of a sour mood from spending the last month straight en route to The Lodge, but as he realized it was merely a young woman and not some uppity seargant or the like, he stopped himself, exhaling slowly through his nose. "Er, sorry 'bout that." He slowly lowered his arms to his sides, green eyes settling on her face.
"Oh, uh. Irien da-- Corporal Irien dav'Lareth. Um, new. Ya, only just settlin' in." He answered quickly, accepting the gesture of the handshake- possibly a bit too firmly, at first, due to the habit of shaking hands with men, but he quickly lightened his grip as he remembered he was greeting a woman. Was she part of the security team? A Maverick, perhaps? She didn't seem particularly soldierly- as he let his eyes make a quick pass over her again, he noticed that her figure, or what of it he could measure from her rather conservative clothes, was... fit, but not necessarily conditioned for physical pursuits like that of a soldier.
He realized after a moment that his eyeing of her figure might be misconstrued in it's intent, and he quickly lifted his gaze to meet her eye. "Uh, sorry, I-- are ya a diplomatic liason, or...?" It was his best guess off the cuff. He cleared his throat, running his hands down the front of his button-down shirt to smooth out the wrinkles. He wore the olive-drab uniform of a soldier, though currently in a more casual form. His shirt was untucked, sleeves rolled up just past the elbow, and his top two buttons were comfortably undone, displaying the chain of his dogtags. It was lucky he was off-duty, because had he not been, he'd have been very harshly reprimanded.
He wasn't entirely sure what formalities he was expected to observe in his new position, even off-duty. In Egyria, things tended to quickly degenerate to the informal- just a handful of individuals trying to make it out of a harsh situation alive. But this posting was as much one of diplomacy as much as that of a tactical position. Still, this woman, this Lisbeth Sloane- Ms. Sloane, judging by the lack of noticeable wedding ring on her hand- seemed friendly, and that made him feel somewhat comfortable enough to relax.
"Oh, well pardon me again - Corporal ."
She corrected herself with a slight incline of her head as the introduction was made and the firm handshake was just that - firm. Granted he had strength on her, there was no doubt, however she was used to rubbing elbows with men most of the time, so the woman had garnered herself a good strong handshake. However, the lightening of his grip didn't go unnoticed and it was silently appreciated as her hand returned to gripping the journal.
The eyes lingering on her figure were noted, but she wasn't quick to take offense just yet... it wasn't a predatory gaze he held, so therefore there wasn't a need to jump down his throat and give him a piece of her mind. Instead, Lisbeth held a slight half smirked expression, bemused, as she heard him speak again - it was a good guess. She wondered if him trying to smooth out his shirt right then was because of what she could be. Or if she were just a she standing in front of him.
"Linguistics, Corporal." A tap to her mouth was given as she kept on, "I'm hoping to prove my worth... all that money for schooling better be worth it, eh?"
A lighthearted joke, followed by an even lighter chuckle as her shoulders move up in a modest shrug. Proving her worth was something she'd had to do numerous times over, but she always always made a point to do it. Whether or not she was sure she could do it... she found a way. Or, faked it til she made it? But she wasn't a fan of that... she'd rather study and figure it out than to fly by the seat of her pants.
Lisbeth was quiet a moment, surveying him a moment longer, before she offered him to join her with a wave of her hand.
"I was just about to try and find the cafeteria... care to join? I don't know about you, but I am positively famished."
Little did she know, Irien was in the same boat.
She corrected herself with a slight incline of her head as the introduction was made and the firm handshake was just that - firm. Granted he had strength on her, there was no doubt, however she was used to rubbing elbows with men most of the time, so the woman had garnered herself a good strong handshake. However, the lightening of his grip didn't go unnoticed and it was silently appreciated as her hand returned to gripping the journal.
The eyes lingering on her figure were noted, but she wasn't quick to take offense just yet... it wasn't a predatory gaze he held, so therefore there wasn't a need to jump down his throat and give him a piece of her mind. Instead, Lisbeth held a slight half smirked expression, bemused, as she heard him speak again - it was a good guess. She wondered if him trying to smooth out his shirt right then was because of what she could be. Or if she were just a she standing in front of him.
"Linguistics, Corporal." A tap to her mouth was given as she kept on, "I'm hoping to prove my worth... all that money for schooling better be worth it, eh?"
A lighthearted joke, followed by an even lighter chuckle as her shoulders move up in a modest shrug. Proving her worth was something she'd had to do numerous times over, but she always always made a point to do it. Whether or not she was sure she could do it... she found a way. Or, faked it til she made it? But she wasn't a fan of that... she'd rather study and figure it out than to fly by the seat of her pants.
Lisbeth was quiet a moment, surveying him a moment longer, before she offered him to join her with a wave of her hand.
"I was just about to try and find the cafeteria... care to join? I don't know about you, but I am positively famished."
Little did she know, Irien was in the same boat.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
May 31 2019
8:18pm
"Linguistics? Ah, well." Irien nodded, acknowledging his mistake. "Ya, I understand the sentiment." He chuckled in return, tapping the Corporal insignia on his sleeve. Being in the military, he knew all about trying to prove one's worth.
"Cafeteria, ya, o' course. I haven't eaten since the train from Laverton. I was just on my way there, myself. Wherever..." His green eyes looked up one side of the hallway, then down the other, then back around the corner he came from. "...there is. Where is the bloody..." He trailed off at half a mutter. The Lodge didn't share the typical common layout of the standard military base. Most seemed to follow a fairly similar template, making them relatively easy to navigate no matter where you might be stationed. It was becoming increasingly clear the more he saw of the complex that The Lodge had not originally been intended to be a military base, but had been repurposed from... something else. As to what, he hadn't the faintest idea, but some parts of the layout that he'd seen made very little tactical sense.
"So..." He looked her way, suggesting a direction- should she not point him in the right direction, herself. "Linguistics, eh? What languages ya speak?" Irien had a... passing familiarity with Nafisi, and knew enough Shaadi to survive if he really had to, but he couldn't really have a conversation in either with any level of understanding. A Kidon agent in Nafisah taught him a few key command phrases to understand while working in tandem with the Nafisan intelligence agency, and he had managed to suss out what few Shaadi words he knew from having them screamed at him during his time as a prisoner.
His grasp of neither, of course, would be significantly less than impressive to a trained linguist, of course, so there was no particular point in boasting.
God, he was so hungry...
"Cafeteria, ya, o' course. I haven't eaten since the train from Laverton. I was just on my way there, myself. Wherever..." His green eyes looked up one side of the hallway, then down the other, then back around the corner he came from. "...there is. Where is the bloody..." He trailed off at half a mutter. The Lodge didn't share the typical common layout of the standard military base. Most seemed to follow a fairly similar template, making them relatively easy to navigate no matter where you might be stationed. It was becoming increasingly clear the more he saw of the complex that The Lodge had not originally been intended to be a military base, but had been repurposed from... something else. As to what, he hadn't the faintest idea, but some parts of the layout that he'd seen made very little tactical sense.
"So..." He looked her way, suggesting a direction- should she not point him in the right direction, herself. "Linguistics, eh? What languages ya speak?" Irien had a... passing familiarity with Nafisi, and knew enough Shaadi to survive if he really had to, but he couldn't really have a conversation in either with any level of understanding. A Kidon agent in Nafisah taught him a few key command phrases to understand while working in tandem with the Nafisan intelligence agency, and he had managed to suss out what few Shaadi words he knew from having them screamed at him during his time as a prisoner.
His grasp of neither, of course, would be significantly less than impressive to a trained linguist, of course, so there was no particular point in boasting.
God, he was so hungry...
"Then it is settled! You'll be my escort. Or, I'll be yours."
A chipper enough smile as she rocked on her heels a moment. He was hungry! Possibly more than she was. No, definitely more than she was. She was a waif compared to him, so if she was hungry? He was the one that was famished. Lisbeth chuckled as he tried to figure out exactly which way the cafeteria was. She wasn't one hundred percent herself, but she was told where and she was usually pretty good with direction.
With another slight wave of her hand, she gestured for him to follow along side her as they walked. She was sure that it was this way... but it was a little further than a few moments, so it would give them some time to talk. And it seemed Irien was the first to initiate conversation.
"Well, I can roughly get along in most places... at least enough to find where most things are, so on..." She used her hand to emphasize, rolling it at her wrist as she continued, "However Nafisi and Shaadi and all the wonderful intricacies that come with them, as well as Arman and Amrish. Basically, that part of the world. Though, the dialects can get bothersome... "
Lisbeth chose that part of the world to study more intricately than any other place because she was completely fascinated with the customs and the cultures, past and present. She has studied many ancient civilizations, but Egyria had held a special place in her heart since she was a child. The blonde wasn't going to go off spouting all of that, however; she doubted the Corporal would want to hear it. Not many did outside that line of work.
"The whole continent is just remarkable! Don't you think? Have you been?"
Lisbeth had that little gleam in her eye as she look over and up to Irien, grinning. Now she was excited. But, she was of course talking from a purely archaeological perspective...and not many got that outside of the field. especially someone that, say... spent time as a P.O.W. there. She wasn't aware just how badly she'd stuck her foot in her mouth.
A chipper enough smile as she rocked on her heels a moment. He was hungry! Possibly more than she was. No, definitely more than she was. She was a waif compared to him, so if she was hungry? He was the one that was famished. Lisbeth chuckled as he tried to figure out exactly which way the cafeteria was. She wasn't one hundred percent herself, but she was told where and she was usually pretty good with direction.
With another slight wave of her hand, she gestured for him to follow along side her as they walked. She was sure that it was this way... but it was a little further than a few moments, so it would give them some time to talk. And it seemed Irien was the first to initiate conversation.
"Well, I can roughly get along in most places... at least enough to find where most things are, so on..." She used her hand to emphasize, rolling it at her wrist as she continued, "However Nafisi and Shaadi and all the wonderful intricacies that come with them, as well as Arman and Amrish. Basically, that part of the world. Though, the dialects can get bothersome... "
Lisbeth chose that part of the world to study more intricately than any other place because she was completely fascinated with the customs and the cultures, past and present. She has studied many ancient civilizations, but Egyria had held a special place in her heart since she was a child. The blonde wasn't going to go off spouting all of that, however; she doubted the Corporal would want to hear it. Not many did outside that line of work.
"The whole continent is just remarkable! Don't you think? Have you been?"
Lisbeth had that little gleam in her eye as she look over and up to Irien, grinning. Now she was excited. But, she was of course talking from a purely archaeological perspective...and not many got that outside of the field. especially someone that, say... spent time as a P.O.W. there. She wasn't aware just how badly she'd stuck her foot in her mouth.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
June 1 2019
10:31am
"Um, actually, yes. Just came back from a tour there." The Greylunder nodded as he followed alongside her, tucking his hands in his pockets. "Nafisah Proper, Sharif-I-Taari. Cut my teeth in counter-insurgency 'fore they stationed me at the border on security detail. And I, er, had a stay in Shaad for a bit." He gave a quick sniff. "I know a little of the languages. Just a little. They give us a Nafisi dictionary at deployment, and our liaison from Kidon taught us some basic actionary commands for the field." He gave a short shrug. "My Shaadi is worse. Only Yessir, No sir, hungry, thirsty, tired."
He gave a clear impression there was more to his Egyrian experiences, but also a clear impression he wasn't necessarily the talkative type.
"I've only been back 'round from there for a few weeks. My first posting since I came out."
He gave a clear impression there was more to his Egyrian experiences, but also a clear impression he wasn't necessarily the talkative type.
"I've only been back 'round from there for a few weeks. My first posting since I came out."
"The basics are always a good start. A solid platform to take off from!"
She wasn't aware of the story behind why he knew those few words, but if you gave her a moment to really think about it, she might be able to put two and two together. Right now, however, she was elated to talk about that part of the world, and to someone who'd just recently come from there.
The journal was soon hugged to her chest as they continued on, Lisbeth only pausing in her foot falls to decide which way was it that she wanted to go. She seemed like she knew where she was going... turns out, she might have just gotten lucky! They were rounding their way to the cafeteria, the smells of food hitting them quickly.
"Ah hah! Just in time." Her stomach was aching for something to fill it. "Doesn't smell too off putting."
She slipped a light joke in, but she doubted that the food's taste would deter anyone if they were hungry enough. The pair (assuming Irien moved to follow or she, him) got their trays and food. It didn't look high class, but it was edible. That's what mattered.
"Care to join me, Corporal? Unless you are the type to eat alone in silence."
Her brow perked as she watched him. He could go either way, judging by how he had kept her company. He was polite and well mannered, but seemed a little to himself. Which was fine! She wasn't judging either way. She was a little too extroverted for most and tended to get easily excited when history was the topic of conversation.
She wasn't aware of the story behind why he knew those few words, but if you gave her a moment to really think about it, she might be able to put two and two together. Right now, however, she was elated to talk about that part of the world, and to someone who'd just recently come from there.
The journal was soon hugged to her chest as they continued on, Lisbeth only pausing in her foot falls to decide which way was it that she wanted to go. She seemed like she knew where she was going... turns out, she might have just gotten lucky! They were rounding their way to the cafeteria, the smells of food hitting them quickly.
"Ah hah! Just in time." Her stomach was aching for something to fill it. "Doesn't smell too off putting."
She slipped a light joke in, but she doubted that the food's taste would deter anyone if they were hungry enough. The pair (assuming Irien moved to follow or she, him) got their trays and food. It didn't look high class, but it was edible. That's what mattered.
"Care to join me, Corporal? Unless you are the type to eat alone in silence."
Her brow perked as she watched him. He could go either way, judging by how he had kept her company. He was polite and well mannered, but seemed a little to himself. Which was fine! She wasn't judging either way. She was a little too extroverted for most and tended to get easily excited when history was the topic of conversation.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
June 3 2019
1:15pm
The type to eat alone in silence, he was not. And you'd likely be hard-pressed to find any home-grown Greylunder that was.
The smells were starchy, and savory. The military was all about the two basic food groups- meat and potatoes, because they were easiest to store and save and gave the correct fighting nutrition. Bread would also well be on the menu, mostly as s vessel of delivery for the first two food groups. The military had a plain and predictable diet.
That bothered Irien not at all. Greylunder food wasn't exactly the most creative in all the world, and in truth meals growing up weren't too far off from the meals he often found himself dining on as a soldier. Sure, his mother's lamb stew was always going to be a cut above the beef stew he might find at any army base, but it was never enough for a growing boy like Irien to complain about.
As for eating alone... Greylunders tended to be all about family. Grown siblings, aunts and uncle's and cousins and grandparents would all flock back to the homestead long after having left for their own life pursuits to share a meal, a nice porter, and a handful of jokes and songs. So when Irien enlisted, he felt himself attracted to the busy tables, or the rambunctious campfire gatherings, to feel something akin to what he left behind back home.
"Be happy to oblige ya, Ms. Sloane." He took a guess at the proper prefix, having not seen a ring in her finger.
As the two seated themselves, trays in hand, he lifted his form and glanced up at her. "So, what brings a linguist to a top secret military facility hidden in the mountains?" He asked before slipping a bite of meat into his mouth.
The smells were starchy, and savory. The military was all about the two basic food groups- meat and potatoes, because they were easiest to store and save and gave the correct fighting nutrition. Bread would also well be on the menu, mostly as s vessel of delivery for the first two food groups. The military had a plain and predictable diet.
That bothered Irien not at all. Greylunder food wasn't exactly the most creative in all the world, and in truth meals growing up weren't too far off from the meals he often found himself dining on as a soldier. Sure, his mother's lamb stew was always going to be a cut above the beef stew he might find at any army base, but it was never enough for a growing boy like Irien to complain about.
As for eating alone... Greylunders tended to be all about family. Grown siblings, aunts and uncle's and cousins and grandparents would all flock back to the homestead long after having left for their own life pursuits to share a meal, a nice porter, and a handful of jokes and songs. So when Irien enlisted, he felt himself attracted to the busy tables, or the rambunctious campfire gatherings, to feel something akin to what he left behind back home.
"Be happy to oblige ya, Ms. Sloane." He took a guess at the proper prefix, having not seen a ring in her finger.
As the two seated themselves, trays in hand, he lifted his form and glanced up at her. "So, what brings a linguist to a top secret military facility hidden in the mountains?" He asked before slipping a bite of meat into his mouth.
She thought about having him call her Lisbeth. Formalities were somewhat lost on her, but she understood why they were in place. So, against the urge to have him today the Ms. out the window, she smiled and took her seat with him.
Meat and potatoes were fine and dandy, though she tended to eat lighter out of habit; therefore, she didn't get much of a hearty serving as many here did. Just enough, her eyes weren't bigger than her stomach most of the time. Just don't get the woman around sweets.
And, unbeknownst to her, she and the corporal had something in common! She was very close to her family, even extended (though some of them were even a little tired of the Sloane's eccentric and excitable nature). That is why this was so important to her: extended family were losing hope about her brothers, especially after her parents death.
"I heard it was a wonderful holiday location!"
Did I mention she was a terrible jokster? Lisbeth thought she was funny, at least.
"I was, uhm... Selected. Yes, that is the word. Selected to help with the mission to Eygria to help locate and procure a very special artifact that is only rumored to exist... But I believe it's really out there. And I've proof! At least, I think so... It certainly seems that way."
She placed one hand on the journal while her other held her fork, poking at the food.
"What about you, corporal? Come for the view?"
Ah, jokes.
Meat and potatoes were fine and dandy, though she tended to eat lighter out of habit; therefore, she didn't get much of a hearty serving as many here did. Just enough, her eyes weren't bigger than her stomach most of the time. Just don't get the woman around sweets.
And, unbeknownst to her, she and the corporal had something in common! She was very close to her family, even extended (though some of them were even a little tired of the Sloane's eccentric and excitable nature). That is why this was so important to her: extended family were losing hope about her brothers, especially after her parents death.
"I heard it was a wonderful holiday location!"
Did I mention she was a terrible jokster? Lisbeth thought she was funny, at least.
"I was, uhm... Selected. Yes, that is the word. Selected to help with the mission to Eygria to help locate and procure a very special artifact that is only rumored to exist... But I believe it's really out there. And I've proof! At least, I think so... It certainly seems that way."
She placed one hand on the journal while her other held her fork, poking at the food.
"What about you, corporal? Come for the view?"
Ah, jokes.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
June 5 2019
9:26pm
Egyria. Well that was a coincidence.
...wasn't it?
Irien's brow furrowed, just barely visible, but if she was paying any attention to his face she might pick it up. ISOG, The Mavericks, were launching some kind of op in Egyria, shortly after transferring him to the Maverick HQ after an Egyrian tour? Irien had been forced to run with a few KNI spooks in Nafisah, enough to make him particularly suspicious of coincidences in a professional setting. Still, nobody had briefed him on the op. Mayhaps it was nothing at all.
The Greylunder snapped back to reality, sniffing. "Security. I take up a post outside the armory tomorrow at 0600." He cleared his throat, lifting the fork again. "Can't see much of the view from there, I wager. Cement walls a meter thick, no windows." He gave shelf a smirk before taking another bite.
His green eyes turned to look at the journal. "Artifact. If the AN is fundin' a treasure hunt like that, must be worth somethin'." He swallowed, leaning back in his seat. "But sendin' ya to a classified facility ta organize it? Confusin'."
If he wasn't cleared on the op, it was likely she would be forced to stonewall him on the intel. Then again, not being either military or government intelligence, she might not have been fully cleared on that, either.
Either way, his curiosity was getting the better of him.
...wasn't it?
Irien's brow furrowed, just barely visible, but if she was paying any attention to his face she might pick it up. ISOG, The Mavericks, were launching some kind of op in Egyria, shortly after transferring him to the Maverick HQ after an Egyrian tour? Irien had been forced to run with a few KNI spooks in Nafisah, enough to make him particularly suspicious of coincidences in a professional setting. Still, nobody had briefed him on the op. Mayhaps it was nothing at all.
The Greylunder snapped back to reality, sniffing. "Security. I take up a post outside the armory tomorrow at 0600." He cleared his throat, lifting the fork again. "Can't see much of the view from there, I wager. Cement walls a meter thick, no windows." He gave shelf a smirk before taking another bite.
His green eyes turned to look at the journal. "Artifact. If the AN is fundin' a treasure hunt like that, must be worth somethin'." He swallowed, leaning back in his seat. "But sendin' ya to a classified facility ta organize it? Confusin'."
If he wasn't cleared on the op, it was likely she would be forced to stonewall him on the intel. Then again, not being either military or government intelligence, she might not have been fully cleared on that, either.
Either way, his curiosity was getting the better of him.
Lisbeth took a moment to chow down on her food a bit as he spoke, watching and nodding appropriately before she set her fork down and wiped at her face carefully. She hadn't noticed his furrowed brow, but only because she may have been distracted by her food... It wouldn't have been much expected, either.
"Oh it is! Worth it's weight in gold. Well, the history is more important than any material worth it might hold."
Money was important in this world, don't get Lisbeth wrong; she knew things cost and nothing was free. However, in her eyes history was priceless! Knowing where people came from, their customs... That was the most important. She wasn't so naive, however, and knew not everyone held that belief.
Irien spoke his mind and Lisbeth pursed her lips slightly, thinking a moment.
"I am experienced. Capable. I know what I am doing."
She was sure of herself, that was certain. She thought she may have been picked because of those things, but it was also Possession she was picked because she was the last of the Sloane's and they'd take what they could get.
"I still am not clear on the details myself - why here, why classified... But I figure they are all precautions. Can never be too safe, hm? I'm sure we might not be the only ones looking for it... You think that might be it?"
Lisbeth quirked a brow, glancing to Irien, as she stabbed at some more potatoes.
"Oh it is! Worth it's weight in gold. Well, the history is more important than any material worth it might hold."
Money was important in this world, don't get Lisbeth wrong; she knew things cost and nothing was free. However, in her eyes history was priceless! Knowing where people came from, their customs... That was the most important. She wasn't so naive, however, and knew not everyone held that belief.
Irien spoke his mind and Lisbeth pursed her lips slightly, thinking a moment.
"I am experienced. Capable. I know what I am doing."
She was sure of herself, that was certain. She thought she may have been picked because of those things, but it was also Possession she was picked because she was the last of the Sloane's and they'd take what they could get.
"I still am not clear on the details myself - why here, why classified... But I figure they are all precautions. Can never be too safe, hm? I'm sure we might not be the only ones looking for it... You think that might be it?"
Lisbeth quirked a brow, glancing to Irien, as she stabbed at some more potatoes.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
June 9 2019
8:11pm
"Oh, I meant no disrespect. If they brought ya here they'd have made sure ya knew your business. I just meant..." He was overexplaining. He did that, sometimes. One of the reasons he usually preferred to keep quiet was an uncertainty of just what or how much to say.
"All I meant was that it was unusual for the AN to task a military force like ISOG with a treasure hunt." He picked up the tin mug that had come with his tray, sipping on the bitter black coffee inside.
"Heard rumors. Here 'n there, durin' my first tour. Nothing solid, but Kidon agents would talk about old ruins 'n tombs from the Old Kingdom, loaded with treasure. Some of it gold or jewels, other worth more to scholars lookin' ta buy on the black market. Shaadi terror cells out there skimmin' the desert to find them, use the money to find further attacks." He sat the cup down after swirling the remaining liquid a bit. "Might be ISOG is tryin to be proactive, beat 'em to the punch?" Off the top of his head, it was the only thing that made sense. But all he had ever heard were rumors. Kidon officers were superstitious as well as paranoid by nature, and even they seemed unconvinced. It seemed a leap. But what else could it be?
"All I meant was that it was unusual for the AN to task a military force like ISOG with a treasure hunt." He picked up the tin mug that had come with his tray, sipping on the bitter black coffee inside.
"Heard rumors. Here 'n there, durin' my first tour. Nothing solid, but Kidon agents would talk about old ruins 'n tombs from the Old Kingdom, loaded with treasure. Some of it gold or jewels, other worth more to scholars lookin' ta buy on the black market. Shaadi terror cells out there skimmin' the desert to find them, use the money to find further attacks." He sat the cup down after swirling the remaining liquid a bit. "Might be ISOG is tryin to be proactive, beat 'em to the punch?" Off the top of his head, it was the only thing that made sense. But all he had ever heard were rumors. Kidon officers were superstitious as well as paranoid by nature, and even they seemed unconvinced. It seemed a leap. But what else could it be?
Lisbeth bit at her lip some. She was used to defending herself and her credentials; it seemed Irien didn't mean to be that person. She shot him an apologetic look and took a sip from her mug as he did his.
Beat them to the punch? The woman's brows furrowed sharply, mug settling a little too hard on the table. Was that a possibility? Very much so. Did it annoy the linguist? You bet. The thought of being used to find something for material gains just to help fund their war rubbed her the wrong way... But maybe that wasn't it. After all, Irien wasn't sure... Right?
"Well, that... Makes some sense, I suppose. Let's hope it's for scholarly reasons."
She forced a soft smile and gave a sight shrug; his guess made more sense, but she was blinded by seeking out her brothers to really see why they'd need her to find the artifact...treasures. Lisbeth raised her mug, holding it out to Irien with a more genuine smile.
"To... hoping for the best?"
Toasts weren't her strong suit.
Beat them to the punch? The woman's brows furrowed sharply, mug settling a little too hard on the table. Was that a possibility? Very much so. Did it annoy the linguist? You bet. The thought of being used to find something for material gains just to help fund their war rubbed her the wrong way... But maybe that wasn't it. After all, Irien wasn't sure... Right?
"Well, that... Makes some sense, I suppose. Let's hope it's for scholarly reasons."
She forced a soft smile and gave a sight shrug; his guess made more sense, but she was blinded by seeking out her brothers to really see why they'd need her to find the artifact...treasures. Lisbeth raised her mug, holding it out to Irien with a more genuine smile.
"To... hoping for the best?"
Toasts weren't her strong suit.
Irien (played by spillbloodnotwhiskey)
Topic Starter
Corporal, Kohlewaldish Infantr
June 10 2019
11:20pm
He marked her disapproval. It was understandable, of course. She was in it for the history, for the knowledge contained in such ancient findings. But with the AN now struggling with Shaadi terrorists abroad, attacking not only Nafisah, but nearby Amra and even Tenhan in order to dissuade any potential allies to their enemies, it was clear they would have to make the Egyrian War a higher priority than scholarly pursuits.
Irien lifted his cup, a crooked smirk on his face. "I'll drink to that, Miss." He chuckled, clicking the rim against hers gently before downing the rest of the bitter coffee.
Hoping for the best, indeed.
Irien lifted his cup, a crooked smirk on his face. "I'll drink to that, Miss." He chuckled, clicking the rim against hers gently before downing the rest of the bitter coffee.
Hoping for the best, indeed.
