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Re: The Great Hunt (Tassadar) GM'ed by MAF
RJ: (Was holding onto it until Kavika looked at her directly, but since our session ended early, I'll leave it here.)
RJ: (Olga: (Link:
Tass: More slaughter. Kavika was starting to get tired of it, but still there was nothing she could do, even if the slaughter of noncombatants filled her with deep disgust. Though the logic put forth by the woman now doing the killing might have been sound, from a certain perspective, but divorced from morality as this group seemed to be they were quickly growing to be as bad in Kavika's eyes as Korgoth and his minions. She would watch, and slide down from Atego's horse to walk among the numerous dead. She would approach the final slaughter at the top of the hill slowly and calmly, watching each orc die and remembering. When Korgoth was dealt with, this woman would pay for her crimes. Perhaps beforehand, if things didn't go well here. Regardless, Kavika would wait until she was acknowledged rather than announce her presence.
RJ: "Chief Olga." Atego announced herself, as the blond woman turned about, her eyes fixing on Kavika, but not making a single move to act as if Kavika were a threat. "Lieutenant Commander Atego." Olga acknowledged her, as the Lt.Commander saluted her official. Olga did nothing, not seeming to salute someone of lower rank. "I bring to you, Svana's daughter, Kavika." Atego announced, which caused Olga to smile. "Very good. I expect she is much like her mother. You are here for an alliance, of course." Olga said, addressing Kavika.
Tass: "I am here for negotiation," Kavika replied in a stony voice, "if such results in an alliance, all the better." It was beginning to sicken her, having to hold herself in, but... One problem at a time.
RJ: Olga immediately frowned. "We live in times where humans must band together against threats of orc and corruption. Where do you stand that you cannot immediately see an alliance between fellow human beings?"
Tass: "We live in times where monsters kill and destroy without remorse or conscience, and where violence is commonplace and the easy refuge of relying on those who are of the same race as yourself is any easy trap to fall into. I have not lived through what I have by being trusting," she said quietly and calmly, again keeping her bile down while speaking and tinging her voice with an earnestness suggesting simple practicality.
RJ: "So it seems." was all Olga said in reply, seeming neutral in all regards. "Regardless, the Red Army is the last hope for humanity in this part of Crolia. Many other villages are recognizing this fact. If our reputation isn't enough, then what else do you need?"
Tass: "Prudence," Kavika replied simply, and would pause for a moment before saying; "You seem to be finished here. Would you like to relocate elsewhere that we may discuss this further, or shall we negotiate right here?" It was a calmly asked question, no hints of her distaste showing still, but it was also a question that would determine an important part of Olga's character in Kavika's eyes, and so she would observe the other woman's reaction carefully.
RJ: "It would be best if we negotiated elsewhere." Olga stated. "But I must take a moment to honor the dead who have fallen while fighting in battle. Atego, see to their burial while I relocate back to HQ with comrade Kavika. Just as well, gather the corpses of the orcs and have them all burned." Olga ordered, as Atego saluted her commander. "Da, I will see them honored, Chief Olga." Atego replied, before Olga walked along side Kavika. "Are you not impressed? Surely our forces will be valuable to... Well, I'm sure you have an army of your own." Olga assumed.
Tass: "Oh, I am most certainly impressed. You have a large force who are growing well disciplined. I have done similar with my own forces, but in a fairly different manner. You will forgive me if I would prefer to retain my autonomy and strategies, I trust. I prefer agility and precision to brutality such as this, even if the latter is admittedly sometimes necessary." Kavika would follow along with Olga, giving Atego a nod as she'd departed, and speak as she walked alongside the other woman's horse.
RJ: "Do you prefer to walk? Join me on my horse. The child of Svana is great enough to be offered as much courtesy." Olga announced, offering Kavika a hand. Whether or not she accepted, Olga didn't seem to entirely prefer one way or another. "Exactly the kind of tactics I would expect from such a woman. You have learned well from your dear mother I see. A shame what happened to her. If I were there, I would have proudly executed her myself before letting those pigs mount her for their purposes."
Tass: Kavika would hesitate for only a moment before accepting Olga's offered hand, and that thankfully kept her from seeing the frown that creased Kavika's face at that proclamation, so tinged with pride. How could someone value life so little and pride so much? "I... Am sure she would have appreciated that. I saw your lieutenant kill one of your own earlier when they were attempting to quit the field. Are your soldiers all here with you by choice?"
RJ: "Of course. Everyone is given a task, which they are free to choose. But in the case of that..." Olga sighed. "Sadly, many of my soldiers were but villagers before all of this. So despite their answer to the call of war, they sometimes break down. They cannot kill, cannot slaughter for the sake of winning the war. I think you and I can both agree that pacifists will get nowhere in this war." Olga said, glancing back at Kavika. "It is our goal to die in battle, because in all honesty... How many of us can come back from what we have endured, and live the cozy, villager life? All soldiers dread being away from war when it's all over. Others can stand neither idea. So, those who die in battle are the envy of others."
RJ: "Glory, to the first man to die." Olga qouted.
Tass: "In war, no, but we do not march to war for the sake of war. If there is no one to fight for, then we spill blood for no purpose. As for what happens after... I won't bother to disagree. I don't see myself in a cozy retirement after this either. I will say that I prefer to go without casualties, and have done so mostly successfully up until now."
RJ: "That is your ability that shows, but you dream, Kavika... But in fact, can you clearly say that no one important was lost? That you truly protected everyone?" she inquired, as Kavika may remember Nidhog, who died protecting Routa.
RJ: "What about later? Can you still protect them? In all the fighting, the war... Can everyone truly survive? That is the dream. And it is called as such for a reason."
Tass: "Of course it is a dream. But if it is my way to fight for a dream, then it is my way. I do not expect others to do the same, and do not expect all whom I care for to survive it. I wish it, and will do all in my power to make it so, but living in these lands required a sense of realism even before Korgoth's horde came."
RJ: "It is good that you recognize as such. I won't criticize you for your methods. I find them adorable, and precious. An innocence that I lack. But I ask that you do not hate me for what I do. It's an honest kindness to even the enemy. If I took prisoners, the angry husbands and wives would cry for their torture. It's my gift to the enemy. A swift death."
Tass: "Prisoners are a waste of resources. Though, when I cannot use them, I generally let them go if they did not fight. Even if they continue to work for our enemy, I retain the ways of war of my people." That Olga called her attitude an innocence did not sit particularly well with Kavika, but again she kept her complaints to herself.
RJ: "You let them go? How naive..." Olga sighed. "Alas, we're almost there." she said, before inquiring as to whether Kavika was hungry, and what kind of tea did she prefer, before nearing a large construction, presumably Olga's personal chief hut. Olga would ask two human girls to prepare whatever Kavika wanted, before inviting Kavika to sit inside of her home as it were, which was lined with various militant latches and windows that were perfect for fighting from inside the home while also insulated enough to stay within. As militant as it was, it was also simple. A bed, stove, counter, table and four chairs, and a bed to be found within. No rugs, few candles. It seemed that Olga survived on very little, possibly indicating that their resources were thin.
RJ: "Now," Olga began, sitting across from Kavika. "You have the floor. You speak, and I listen."
Tass: "I do not have set defenses or positions for them to report on, and my force composition and tactics shift constantly. They feed fear and misinformation into Korgoth's ranks, which serves my purpose nicely." Arriving at Olga's home, Kavika was surprised to find servants, but not at all surprised to find its spartan contents. "Something simple if I must. Icicle mint, if you've got any," she said when offered food and tea, naming a relatively abundant local tea that was used to help with minor illnesses. She would sit across from the other commander, her gut still clenched after the scene from earlier. >>
Tass: She would remain silent for a moment at Olga's statement, and then let out a sigh. "You and I both know that we cannot pass up on those who would fight at our side, but I find that lies taste ill in my mouth, and so I will be candid. I would appreciate the same from you, Olga, that we might speak as one woman to another as much as one leader to another," Kavika said, and then slowly reached up to pull her hood back, revealing her inhuman features, her eyes and her ears. She would await Olga's response to that, and move on from there.
RJ: Olga's immediate reaction would be to draw back in pure shock, eyes going wide. For a long moment, she said nothing. The shock seemed to stay at a high note for Olga for the longest time, before she found the words to speak. "... How did it begin?" she inquired.
Tass: "I don't truly remember. Have you heard of what happened before Korgoth attacked my mother's camp, on my coming of age hunt?"
RJ: "I assume you succeeded."
RJ: "She was quite proud... She said you were going to slay an impossibly huge boar. She assured me of your success. She trained your heart and mind to not fail... Even taking note of another woman who was captured." she revealed that her mother knew about Routa.
Tass: "I did, though I also did not. The great beast was slain, but its kin cornered me while I attempted to aid that woman who had been sent before me. I was there for several days before orcs killed the boars, allowing us to recover our strength and go free. From there I found the ruins of my mother's camp, found my own village enslaved by poison and lies, and then the war began. I came from that place changed. My breasts leaked, and my body... Craved more of what had almost broken me. From that point on the changes continued as... Well, the eyes came next. Then the tail, and the ears. I am, at this point, not entirely human myself anymore, as you would put it. So.... There's that. Now, I will be candid, and would prefer that you do the same." >>
Tass: "Now, I find your methods of leadership abhorrent, your slaughter of noncombatants without proper reconnaissance or assessment despicable, and the lack of empathy for those you kill displayed both by yourself and your officer an abomination. But I do not have any more right to tell you what to do than you have to do otherwise, and as I am not leading your forces I will do nothing to inhibit the running of your operation so long as you return the same courtesy. Naive as you may consider me, your effectiveness is not to be questioned. An alliance of convenience would suit us both, but working too closely together would only cause friction for both of us even with the present threat of Korgoth's forces." >>
Tass: "So, I will offer you the same that I have given to many others before. I would be your ally when you need me, and fight at your side until Korgoth's threat is ended. But, I would ask in exchange that you respect the boundaries of those I have made similar agreements with. We are not all the same, and while we might kill one another when the threat that unifies us is ended, we should save it for then. I came from the West, from the lair of the corrupted wolves that you mean to eradicate. An ally of mine is there, and I would see the fight between you and she postponed or prevented."
RJ: Olga remained silent through everything Kavika had to say. Her expression sour, mostly after the surprise faded, focused on her mutations after the fact that she revealed that the boars captured her. Though she was quiet until Kavika finished, not changing in the slightest before it was time for her to speak in any readable way. "... Have you become like Wolfe, then?"
RJ: "A... Maiden of the beasts... Is the best way I can refer to it... Politely." she said with disgust on her tone.
Tass: "No, much as some would like it otherwise. I merely do not have the luxury of being able to throw aside an ally, or the ability to betray one who has done me as many favors in times of need as Wolfe has."
RJ: "What of those who were captured by Wolfe? Who are bred by her canine creatures? I would like them returned. I care not for any complaints she may have about their numbers or the wolves we have slaughtered."
Tass: "Most of them are dead or broken, but I can most likely get them returned to you. If I cannot, then you obviously have little reason to do as I have asked in turn. I understand that it was part of a retaliation on your part, but that will only devolve into a cycle that will destroy one and leave the other weakened."
RJ: "If such is the case, then I demand justice. Have Wolfe come here to be punished for her crimes. I won't kill her as you so demand, but I will have her feel what it's like to be taken and violated. Not for myself, but for those among me who demand such justice. I cannot simply inform everyone that Wolfe will be allowed to be at peace. The men and women who cared for those lost will never forgive me."
Tass: "I..... Doubt that she will go for that, but I will deliver your demand, and do what I can to help you come to a compromise of some sort. Who knows, maybe it will work. Can you guarantee her release after whatever you have concocted is finished? Unharmed?"
RJ: "If you doubt she will do it, and you owe her favors, it's a good thing that no one knows what the real Kavika looks like, asides from Atego and myself. I don't care how it happens, in all honesty, so long as the issue is resolved." Olga said, suggesting Kavika take Wolfe's place if it mattered to her enough. "But the only other alternative is for them to see Wolfe's blood. As for release, naturally I'd let her go... Any injuries I will take care of myself, in secret. I'll pretend that I took her off to be executed."
Tass: "That, I can do. There are other things that I must do, however, and so I will ask after Wolfe first and then return. If she calls in a favor, then I will submit myself for your punishment, though I will make sure after that I do not end up with child after I depart."
RJ: Olga sighed. "I can't say that the punishment will be just for a day... I'll find a reason for you not to become pregnant. I'm sure if I pass around the idea of a mutant having babies, that will do enough..." she said, before looking very disappointed. "... I'm still shocked that you failed your intended test... Svana trained you to be better than this. Why would you..." Olga cut herself off, closing her eyes as she was about to argue against pointlessly trying to save Routa when it was supposed to be a trap of it's own as per Svana's intentions. One Kavika was to avoid. "I am sad, Kavika. Sad that Svana failed to truly ice your heart away so that you could suffer abandoning a comrade for the greater good of yourself and others." With that, Olga rose, but, with a bit of hesitance given her appearance, cringed as she acted as if she simply had to put her hands on Kavika's shoulders.
RJ: "That kindness will not help you. It will cause you to fail as it did before. Korgoth uses that kindness against us, as does his generals. He plays at heartstrings and destroys all that is good. He will use your good heart against you... This is why I insist we be allies, especially now. Kavika... You do not have the heart for this. I implore you to reconsider your disgust of me. You must!"
Tass: "I can deal with it myself after, I was merely making sure that you knew that, if I did as you ask, I wouldn't be carrying anyone's child to term." Kavika would then scowl darkly at Olga's exclamation of disappointment, finding the woman's patronizing attitude not only insulting but, given the source, ludicrous. She had never met this woman, and as far as Kavika was concerned she had no right to display such feelings. As such, when she reached down to touch Kavika's shoulder, the huntress's hand shot up and caught her wrist, and looked fiercely up at Olga as she allowed the leader of the Red Army to finish her plea. >>
Tass: When she had finished, however, Kavika would reply with the icy cold that Olga and Svana had probably wished her to have forevermore; "My mother is a sociopath and, by any decent standard, barely even a human being. She has never shown a moment of anything but rage and cruelty in the guise of attempting to teach me in the entirety of raising me, and though the skills that she has endowed in me are of use I will not at any point offer her thanks for that, nor will I ever seek to emulate her. Given your statements and attitude, I cannot help but think that you are another of the soulless fools who worship her for her attitude toward others. At this point, I can do nothing for you but offer pity at how empty your existence must be. I will never be like Svana, nor would I ever seek to be. >>
Tass: "Korgoth has already attempted what you warn of, and it has failed, both in besting me and in breaking me as you would wish. You say that I do not have the heart for this... And you are so wrong. You do not have the heart for this. Svana did not have the heart for this. She failed, just as you will fail, just as Korgoth will eventually fail. Because you, none of you, understand the value of people, nor the value in true sacrifice. I have no interest in seeing you change, but mark my words Olga. You will meet the same fate as my mother when Korgoth truly turns his attention upon you, and even though I might truly despise you, I will attempt to save you. Because I understand... I understand that blood is worth nothing, that the color of one's skin is meaningless, and that what really matters is who we are and how we treat one another. >>
Tass: "I understand that you are a product of the life that has shaped you, just as my mother is, and just as I am. I understand that you think because I am mutant, and because I do not share your worldview, that I am lessened in your eyes. And, I do not care. I will fight with you, against one who is worse than you, because it is necessary. Thank you, for helping me truly understand my own feelings on this subject." With that, Kavika would release Olga's wrist and stand up, replacing her cloak and turning to leave. "Thank you for the tea. I will be back soon, with Wolfe's answer."
RJ: Olga would release Kavika, but the words to follow seemed to be slowly less surprising to her. In fact, Olga would adapt a seeming bored expression, as if Kavika had already said as much before. Of course, the information about Korgoth wasn't possible given the circumstances, but Kavika's true meaning behind it was one that was not alien to Olga based on her reaction. With a shake of her head, Olga simply sighed at the conclusion of Kavika's speech. "... It was a long time ago. You weren't even born, and I was still a young girl. Wolfe, before her name was as such, faced your mother and said nearly the same words to her. I can see now, that you are not the daughter of Svana. You are the daughter of Wolfe, if only spiritually." Olga said in reply. "For all the beasts she openly rutted with before us all to prove her point, bringing dozens of tamed mutant creatures to our doorstep to parade them in the light of peace, and as disgusting as she appeared... Wolfe was still a clanswoman. One of us. Just as you are." >>
RJ: "Here you stand, doing the same thing. Wolves at our doorstep, and you singing desires for peace. We cannot accept such things into our lives, Kavika. Perhaps you can, but not us. Wolfe tried to get so many of us to see. To coexist. It was not by my hand that she was banished."
RJ: "It was everyone who scorned her."
Tass: Kavika didn't bother listening to Olga's reply, as she simply started walking once the woman sighed.
RJ: Kavika's lack of lending an ear noted, Kavika would find her shoulder held for but one moment as Olga got one line in. "Damn woman of disregard! If you are so confident in your ways that you disrespect me by turning your back on me, then let us see the source." she said, before Kavika would either pull herself free or be let go by Olga, walking outside. "Turn your back on me now, and you know how this will end!" Olga voiced after Kavika as she walked. "I will not strike you down, Kavika. Our war is one you can prevent, for you shall be the one to draw first."
Tass: Kavika would pause when grabbed by Olga, having an inward sigh herself but outwardly keeping silent. When release, she would begin walking again, but when Olga threatened war she paused again and slowly glanced back, one eye hidden by the hood that she wore. "I have no interest in conflict with you at this time, Olga. It would be a waste of my time and resources. I aim to leave, to fulfill the conditions set by you to prevent a war between you and Wolfe, however I may. If you are willing to go back on your word by continuing that pointless conflict and declare me an enemy in the name of your pride, then say so now."
RJ: "You know well enough that such is not the issue here." Olga stated. "I respect you, and I respect Wolfe. I'd see neither of you dead despite it all. But you speak quite clearly of your thoughts, and leave before hearing mine. All that tells me is that in the future, your eyes of war will set upon me. I am no fool, I know you have at least considered it. And I tell you, that war is one of your own design. You alone are free to stop it. I make no demands, I give only statements. If we fight, I will be defending myself and my people against you. If that is in your interest to prevent, you are welcome to do so."
Tass: "I do not hear your thoughts because I know them already. Whether you would believe it or not, I am Svana's daughter, and have heard all of this before. More than once over, now. As I have said, I have no interest in conflict with you. Much as I might desire to see your ways corrected, I recognize the pointless folly and hypocrisy in trying to do so through force. You and your people are safe from me, so long as your brutality is directed only at each other and at those who are not my allies. Even after that, do not think that I will add to my already long list of enemies out of spite or anger. Not lightly. Is that all?"
Olga
RJ: (Was holding onto it until Kavika looked at her directly, but since our session ended early, I'll leave it here.)
RJ: (Olga: (Link:
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)Tass: More slaughter. Kavika was starting to get tired of it, but still there was nothing she could do, even if the slaughter of noncombatants filled her with deep disgust. Though the logic put forth by the woman now doing the killing might have been sound, from a certain perspective, but divorced from morality as this group seemed to be they were quickly growing to be as bad in Kavika's eyes as Korgoth and his minions. She would watch, and slide down from Atego's horse to walk among the numerous dead. She would approach the final slaughter at the top of the hill slowly and calmly, watching each orc die and remembering. When Korgoth was dealt with, this woman would pay for her crimes. Perhaps beforehand, if things didn't go well here. Regardless, Kavika would wait until she was acknowledged rather than announce her presence.
RJ: "Chief Olga." Atego announced herself, as the blond woman turned about, her eyes fixing on Kavika, but not making a single move to act as if Kavika were a threat. "Lieutenant Commander Atego." Olga acknowledged her, as the Lt.Commander saluted her official. Olga did nothing, not seeming to salute someone of lower rank. "I bring to you, Svana's daughter, Kavika." Atego announced, which caused Olga to smile. "Very good. I expect she is much like her mother. You are here for an alliance, of course." Olga said, addressing Kavika.
Tass: "I am here for negotiation," Kavika replied in a stony voice, "if such results in an alliance, all the better." It was beginning to sicken her, having to hold herself in, but... One problem at a time.
RJ: Olga immediately frowned. "We live in times where humans must band together against threats of orc and corruption. Where do you stand that you cannot immediately see an alliance between fellow human beings?"
Tass: "We live in times where monsters kill and destroy without remorse or conscience, and where violence is commonplace and the easy refuge of relying on those who are of the same race as yourself is any easy trap to fall into. I have not lived through what I have by being trusting," she said quietly and calmly, again keeping her bile down while speaking and tinging her voice with an earnestness suggesting simple practicality.
RJ: "So it seems." was all Olga said in reply, seeming neutral in all regards. "Regardless, the Red Army is the last hope for humanity in this part of Crolia. Many other villages are recognizing this fact. If our reputation isn't enough, then what else do you need?"
Tass: "Prudence," Kavika replied simply, and would pause for a moment before saying; "You seem to be finished here. Would you like to relocate elsewhere that we may discuss this further, or shall we negotiate right here?" It was a calmly asked question, no hints of her distaste showing still, but it was also a question that would determine an important part of Olga's character in Kavika's eyes, and so she would observe the other woman's reaction carefully.
RJ: "It would be best if we negotiated elsewhere." Olga stated. "But I must take a moment to honor the dead who have fallen while fighting in battle. Atego, see to their burial while I relocate back to HQ with comrade Kavika. Just as well, gather the corpses of the orcs and have them all burned." Olga ordered, as Atego saluted her commander. "Da, I will see them honored, Chief Olga." Atego replied, before Olga walked along side Kavika. "Are you not impressed? Surely our forces will be valuable to... Well, I'm sure you have an army of your own." Olga assumed.
Tass: "Oh, I am most certainly impressed. You have a large force who are growing well disciplined. I have done similar with my own forces, but in a fairly different manner. You will forgive me if I would prefer to retain my autonomy and strategies, I trust. I prefer agility and precision to brutality such as this, even if the latter is admittedly sometimes necessary." Kavika would follow along with Olga, giving Atego a nod as she'd departed, and speak as she walked alongside the other woman's horse.
RJ: "Do you prefer to walk? Join me on my horse. The child of Svana is great enough to be offered as much courtesy." Olga announced, offering Kavika a hand. Whether or not she accepted, Olga didn't seem to entirely prefer one way or another. "Exactly the kind of tactics I would expect from such a woman. You have learned well from your dear mother I see. A shame what happened to her. If I were there, I would have proudly executed her myself before letting those pigs mount her for their purposes."
Tass: Kavika would hesitate for only a moment before accepting Olga's offered hand, and that thankfully kept her from seeing the frown that creased Kavika's face at that proclamation, so tinged with pride. How could someone value life so little and pride so much? "I... Am sure she would have appreciated that. I saw your lieutenant kill one of your own earlier when they were attempting to quit the field. Are your soldiers all here with you by choice?"
RJ: "Of course. Everyone is given a task, which they are free to choose. But in the case of that..." Olga sighed. "Sadly, many of my soldiers were but villagers before all of this. So despite their answer to the call of war, they sometimes break down. They cannot kill, cannot slaughter for the sake of winning the war. I think you and I can both agree that pacifists will get nowhere in this war." Olga said, glancing back at Kavika. "It is our goal to die in battle, because in all honesty... How many of us can come back from what we have endured, and live the cozy, villager life? All soldiers dread being away from war when it's all over. Others can stand neither idea. So, those who die in battle are the envy of others."
RJ: "Glory, to the first man to die." Olga qouted.
Tass: "In war, no, but we do not march to war for the sake of war. If there is no one to fight for, then we spill blood for no purpose. As for what happens after... I won't bother to disagree. I don't see myself in a cozy retirement after this either. I will say that I prefer to go without casualties, and have done so mostly successfully up until now."
RJ: "That is your ability that shows, but you dream, Kavika... But in fact, can you clearly say that no one important was lost? That you truly protected everyone?" she inquired, as Kavika may remember Nidhog, who died protecting Routa.
RJ: "What about later? Can you still protect them? In all the fighting, the war... Can everyone truly survive? That is the dream. And it is called as such for a reason."
Tass: "Of course it is a dream. But if it is my way to fight for a dream, then it is my way. I do not expect others to do the same, and do not expect all whom I care for to survive it. I wish it, and will do all in my power to make it so, but living in these lands required a sense of realism even before Korgoth's horde came."
RJ: "It is good that you recognize as such. I won't criticize you for your methods. I find them adorable, and precious. An innocence that I lack. But I ask that you do not hate me for what I do. It's an honest kindness to even the enemy. If I took prisoners, the angry husbands and wives would cry for their torture. It's my gift to the enemy. A swift death."
Tass: "Prisoners are a waste of resources. Though, when I cannot use them, I generally let them go if they did not fight. Even if they continue to work for our enemy, I retain the ways of war of my people." That Olga called her attitude an innocence did not sit particularly well with Kavika, but again she kept her complaints to herself.
RJ: "You let them go? How naive..." Olga sighed. "Alas, we're almost there." she said, before inquiring as to whether Kavika was hungry, and what kind of tea did she prefer, before nearing a large construction, presumably Olga's personal chief hut. Olga would ask two human girls to prepare whatever Kavika wanted, before inviting Kavika to sit inside of her home as it were, which was lined with various militant latches and windows that were perfect for fighting from inside the home while also insulated enough to stay within. As militant as it was, it was also simple. A bed, stove, counter, table and four chairs, and a bed to be found within. No rugs, few candles. It seemed that Olga survived on very little, possibly indicating that their resources were thin.
RJ: "Now," Olga began, sitting across from Kavika. "You have the floor. You speak, and I listen."
Tass: "I do not have set defenses or positions for them to report on, and my force composition and tactics shift constantly. They feed fear and misinformation into Korgoth's ranks, which serves my purpose nicely." Arriving at Olga's home, Kavika was surprised to find servants, but not at all surprised to find its spartan contents. "Something simple if I must. Icicle mint, if you've got any," she said when offered food and tea, naming a relatively abundant local tea that was used to help with minor illnesses. She would sit across from the other commander, her gut still clenched after the scene from earlier. >>
Tass: She would remain silent for a moment at Olga's statement, and then let out a sigh. "You and I both know that we cannot pass up on those who would fight at our side, but I find that lies taste ill in my mouth, and so I will be candid. I would appreciate the same from you, Olga, that we might speak as one woman to another as much as one leader to another," Kavika said, and then slowly reached up to pull her hood back, revealing her inhuman features, her eyes and her ears. She would await Olga's response to that, and move on from there.
RJ: Olga's immediate reaction would be to draw back in pure shock, eyes going wide. For a long moment, she said nothing. The shock seemed to stay at a high note for Olga for the longest time, before she found the words to speak. "... How did it begin?" she inquired.
Tass: "I don't truly remember. Have you heard of what happened before Korgoth attacked my mother's camp, on my coming of age hunt?"
RJ: "I assume you succeeded."
RJ: "She was quite proud... She said you were going to slay an impossibly huge boar. She assured me of your success. She trained your heart and mind to not fail... Even taking note of another woman who was captured." she revealed that her mother knew about Routa.
Tass: "I did, though I also did not. The great beast was slain, but its kin cornered me while I attempted to aid that woman who had been sent before me. I was there for several days before orcs killed the boars, allowing us to recover our strength and go free. From there I found the ruins of my mother's camp, found my own village enslaved by poison and lies, and then the war began. I came from that place changed. My breasts leaked, and my body... Craved more of what had almost broken me. From that point on the changes continued as... Well, the eyes came next. Then the tail, and the ears. I am, at this point, not entirely human myself anymore, as you would put it. So.... There's that. Now, I will be candid, and would prefer that you do the same." >>
Tass: "Now, I find your methods of leadership abhorrent, your slaughter of noncombatants without proper reconnaissance or assessment despicable, and the lack of empathy for those you kill displayed both by yourself and your officer an abomination. But I do not have any more right to tell you what to do than you have to do otherwise, and as I am not leading your forces I will do nothing to inhibit the running of your operation so long as you return the same courtesy. Naive as you may consider me, your effectiveness is not to be questioned. An alliance of convenience would suit us both, but working too closely together would only cause friction for both of us even with the present threat of Korgoth's forces." >>
Tass: "So, I will offer you the same that I have given to many others before. I would be your ally when you need me, and fight at your side until Korgoth's threat is ended. But, I would ask in exchange that you respect the boundaries of those I have made similar agreements with. We are not all the same, and while we might kill one another when the threat that unifies us is ended, we should save it for then. I came from the West, from the lair of the corrupted wolves that you mean to eradicate. An ally of mine is there, and I would see the fight between you and she postponed or prevented."
RJ: Olga remained silent through everything Kavika had to say. Her expression sour, mostly after the surprise faded, focused on her mutations after the fact that she revealed that the boars captured her. Though she was quiet until Kavika finished, not changing in the slightest before it was time for her to speak in any readable way. "... Have you become like Wolfe, then?"
RJ: "A... Maiden of the beasts... Is the best way I can refer to it... Politely." she said with disgust on her tone.
Tass: "No, much as some would like it otherwise. I merely do not have the luxury of being able to throw aside an ally, or the ability to betray one who has done me as many favors in times of need as Wolfe has."
RJ: "What of those who were captured by Wolfe? Who are bred by her canine creatures? I would like them returned. I care not for any complaints she may have about their numbers or the wolves we have slaughtered."
Tass: "Most of them are dead or broken, but I can most likely get them returned to you. If I cannot, then you obviously have little reason to do as I have asked in turn. I understand that it was part of a retaliation on your part, but that will only devolve into a cycle that will destroy one and leave the other weakened."
RJ: "If such is the case, then I demand justice. Have Wolfe come here to be punished for her crimes. I won't kill her as you so demand, but I will have her feel what it's like to be taken and violated. Not for myself, but for those among me who demand such justice. I cannot simply inform everyone that Wolfe will be allowed to be at peace. The men and women who cared for those lost will never forgive me."
Tass: "I..... Doubt that she will go for that, but I will deliver your demand, and do what I can to help you come to a compromise of some sort. Who knows, maybe it will work. Can you guarantee her release after whatever you have concocted is finished? Unharmed?"
RJ: "If you doubt she will do it, and you owe her favors, it's a good thing that no one knows what the real Kavika looks like, asides from Atego and myself. I don't care how it happens, in all honesty, so long as the issue is resolved." Olga said, suggesting Kavika take Wolfe's place if it mattered to her enough. "But the only other alternative is for them to see Wolfe's blood. As for release, naturally I'd let her go... Any injuries I will take care of myself, in secret. I'll pretend that I took her off to be executed."
Tass: "That, I can do. There are other things that I must do, however, and so I will ask after Wolfe first and then return. If she calls in a favor, then I will submit myself for your punishment, though I will make sure after that I do not end up with child after I depart."
RJ: Olga sighed. "I can't say that the punishment will be just for a day... I'll find a reason for you not to become pregnant. I'm sure if I pass around the idea of a mutant having babies, that will do enough..." she said, before looking very disappointed. "... I'm still shocked that you failed your intended test... Svana trained you to be better than this. Why would you..." Olga cut herself off, closing her eyes as she was about to argue against pointlessly trying to save Routa when it was supposed to be a trap of it's own as per Svana's intentions. One Kavika was to avoid. "I am sad, Kavika. Sad that Svana failed to truly ice your heart away so that you could suffer abandoning a comrade for the greater good of yourself and others." With that, Olga rose, but, with a bit of hesitance given her appearance, cringed as she acted as if she simply had to put her hands on Kavika's shoulders.
RJ: "That kindness will not help you. It will cause you to fail as it did before. Korgoth uses that kindness against us, as does his generals. He plays at heartstrings and destroys all that is good. He will use your good heart against you... This is why I insist we be allies, especially now. Kavika... You do not have the heart for this. I implore you to reconsider your disgust of me. You must!"
Tass: "I can deal with it myself after, I was merely making sure that you knew that, if I did as you ask, I wouldn't be carrying anyone's child to term." Kavika would then scowl darkly at Olga's exclamation of disappointment, finding the woman's patronizing attitude not only insulting but, given the source, ludicrous. She had never met this woman, and as far as Kavika was concerned she had no right to display such feelings. As such, when she reached down to touch Kavika's shoulder, the huntress's hand shot up and caught her wrist, and looked fiercely up at Olga as she allowed the leader of the Red Army to finish her plea. >>
Tass: When she had finished, however, Kavika would reply with the icy cold that Olga and Svana had probably wished her to have forevermore; "My mother is a sociopath and, by any decent standard, barely even a human being. She has never shown a moment of anything but rage and cruelty in the guise of attempting to teach me in the entirety of raising me, and though the skills that she has endowed in me are of use I will not at any point offer her thanks for that, nor will I ever seek to emulate her. Given your statements and attitude, I cannot help but think that you are another of the soulless fools who worship her for her attitude toward others. At this point, I can do nothing for you but offer pity at how empty your existence must be. I will never be like Svana, nor would I ever seek to be. >>
Tass: "Korgoth has already attempted what you warn of, and it has failed, both in besting me and in breaking me as you would wish. You say that I do not have the heart for this... And you are so wrong. You do not have the heart for this. Svana did not have the heart for this. She failed, just as you will fail, just as Korgoth will eventually fail. Because you, none of you, understand the value of people, nor the value in true sacrifice. I have no interest in seeing you change, but mark my words Olga. You will meet the same fate as my mother when Korgoth truly turns his attention upon you, and even though I might truly despise you, I will attempt to save you. Because I understand... I understand that blood is worth nothing, that the color of one's skin is meaningless, and that what really matters is who we are and how we treat one another. >>
Tass: "I understand that you are a product of the life that has shaped you, just as my mother is, and just as I am. I understand that you think because I am mutant, and because I do not share your worldview, that I am lessened in your eyes. And, I do not care. I will fight with you, against one who is worse than you, because it is necessary. Thank you, for helping me truly understand my own feelings on this subject." With that, Kavika would release Olga's wrist and stand up, replacing her cloak and turning to leave. "Thank you for the tea. I will be back soon, with Wolfe's answer."
RJ: Olga would release Kavika, but the words to follow seemed to be slowly less surprising to her. In fact, Olga would adapt a seeming bored expression, as if Kavika had already said as much before. Of course, the information about Korgoth wasn't possible given the circumstances, but Kavika's true meaning behind it was one that was not alien to Olga based on her reaction. With a shake of her head, Olga simply sighed at the conclusion of Kavika's speech. "... It was a long time ago. You weren't even born, and I was still a young girl. Wolfe, before her name was as such, faced your mother and said nearly the same words to her. I can see now, that you are not the daughter of Svana. You are the daughter of Wolfe, if only spiritually." Olga said in reply. "For all the beasts she openly rutted with before us all to prove her point, bringing dozens of tamed mutant creatures to our doorstep to parade them in the light of peace, and as disgusting as she appeared... Wolfe was still a clanswoman. One of us. Just as you are." >>
RJ: "Here you stand, doing the same thing. Wolves at our doorstep, and you singing desires for peace. We cannot accept such things into our lives, Kavika. Perhaps you can, but not us. Wolfe tried to get so many of us to see. To coexist. It was not by my hand that she was banished."
RJ: "It was everyone who scorned her."
Tass: Kavika didn't bother listening to Olga's reply, as she simply started walking once the woman sighed.
RJ: Kavika's lack of lending an ear noted, Kavika would find her shoulder held for but one moment as Olga got one line in. "Damn woman of disregard! If you are so confident in your ways that you disrespect me by turning your back on me, then let us see the source." she said, before Kavika would either pull herself free or be let go by Olga, walking outside. "Turn your back on me now, and you know how this will end!" Olga voiced after Kavika as she walked. "I will not strike you down, Kavika. Our war is one you can prevent, for you shall be the one to draw first."
Tass: Kavika would pause when grabbed by Olga, having an inward sigh herself but outwardly keeping silent. When release, she would begin walking again, but when Olga threatened war she paused again and slowly glanced back, one eye hidden by the hood that she wore. "I have no interest in conflict with you at this time, Olga. It would be a waste of my time and resources. I aim to leave, to fulfill the conditions set by you to prevent a war between you and Wolfe, however I may. If you are willing to go back on your word by continuing that pointless conflict and declare me an enemy in the name of your pride, then say so now."
RJ: "You know well enough that such is not the issue here." Olga stated. "I respect you, and I respect Wolfe. I'd see neither of you dead despite it all. But you speak quite clearly of your thoughts, and leave before hearing mine. All that tells me is that in the future, your eyes of war will set upon me. I am no fool, I know you have at least considered it. And I tell you, that war is one of your own design. You alone are free to stop it. I make no demands, I give only statements. If we fight, I will be defending myself and my people against you. If that is in your interest to prevent, you are welcome to do so."
Tass: "I do not hear your thoughts because I know them already. Whether you would believe it or not, I am Svana's daughter, and have heard all of this before. More than once over, now. As I have said, I have no interest in conflict with you. Much as I might desire to see your ways corrected, I recognize the pointless folly and hypocrisy in trying to do so through force. You and your people are safe from me, so long as your brutality is directed only at each other and at those who are not my allies. Even after that, do not think that I will add to my already long list of enemies out of spite or anger. Not lightly. Is that all?"