voice; unseelie.

[survivra]

Each day that goes by that we're waiting for something to happen is each day the Void gets closer to all of us. We lost all last month to fight against it due to the Black Shuck's orders, and now we're left scrambling to make up that lost time. Isn't that a bit too convenient for those who would have us die against our will, to squander the little time we've left?

I can't shake the feeling there's something more that's happening than we're being told, and more we ought to be doing than simply preparing. The least we could do for now is try to figure out what that is. If you've no experience with self-defense, then I can help with that; and if you have that, or at least some experience in finding your way through the woods without getting lost and setting off warning signs wherever you walk, then I suppose I'm your lieutenant, if you wish to scout our borders.

Either way we know something is stirring, and we'd better be prepared for it.

Comments

[voice]

[survivra]

Yes—Eggsy. I'm Katsa.

[ It might sound skeptical, but just checking she heard right. That's a strange name in her opinion—but she knows a Greening Grandemalion, so. ]

Well. I'll need you to scout, clearly. [ Is that a joke? It's hard to tell. (It's only half of a joke.) ] What experience do you have with stealth or mapping? Or weapons?

[voice]

[madeover]

[ As far as Eggsy's concerned, Katsa is a weird name. But he's not going to get into it, because what's the point? ]

I meant more specifics. [ She doesn't need to have an attitude about it. She's a lieutenant, right? He thought she'd be a bit more patient. Then again, she probably has a lot on her plate, kinda like Merlin.

Eggsy's getting tired of rattling off his skillset, but fine. ] Lots of experience in stealth, some in mapping. More used to guns than swords, though, and those are in short supply 'round here.

[voice]

[survivra]

[ Unfortunately, while she has leadership experience, before Saber put her in charge of a division it was a self-run, self-organized covert group; and while Katsa always had the final say on missions and directives, there was much more discussion among others beforehand. And it had little to do with war. This is different. She's still adjusting. ]

There are a few if you know where to find them. [ Still, she'd be smiling if Eggsy could see. ] But even if there were plenty, they're not much good for being quiet. If you don't know how to use a bow, you ought to learn.

It's fine. You'll pick it up quickly. And the rest of that is what we need.

Send me your location and I'll assign you to a subunit patrol. I need you to work with that patrol to put together regular reports on movements on our borders and mapping where you see camps or evidence of non-Unseelie-aligned movement in those areas. Don't be stupid or imbecilic, but if you see spies or aggressive activity, take them alive unless you're left with no choice.

[voice]

[madeover]

[ Eggsy realizes that guns can be a dead giveaway, but when the shit has hit the fan and he's running for his life, it's nice to have one on hand. ]

Yeah, the plan's to learn how to use a bow. You know anyone who teaches it? [ He's seen lessons in hand-to-hand and magic offered, but not archery so far.

As for everything else she has to say, it's what Eggsy has been waiting for. Someone to give him orders, to point him in the right direction, this is where he does best. ]

Right now I'm in Caer Scima, but I was planning to take a fairy ring to the seventh spire and start from there. [ He almost sounds like he knows what he's doing; he's impressed with himself, at least. ] I can do all that, though. There a particular area you want me to focus on?

[voice]

[survivra]

I teach it. I'd teach you, too, though you might have to wait for things to settle down. Porthos du Vallon can use a gun, and I taught him the bow, so you ought to ask him as well; but I won't mind.

[ There's a rustling while she pulls out a map. ]

Start from the forests of Nimh Gleanne and head along the road toward Loch Noa. It leads to the Station, so the further east you go the more likely you are to see Seelie.

[voice]

[madeover]

Yeah, I ain't expecting anyone to have the time to teach me shit right now. We can take a raincheck for later.

[ It might help to learn from someone who'd originally been more familiar with a gun, but Eggsy's had to meet so many new people over the past few days that his head is spinning a little. Maybe it'd be easier to stick with Katsa, if she's up to it.

He takes out his own map and marks the path as she explains. He'd been wanting to check out this Station anyway, so that works for him. ]

Sounds good. I'll get my things together and head out tomorrow.