Serio absolutely caught a whiff of having interrupted something...well, at least mildly blush-inducing for Novelty. The curiosity that he'd brushed past before bubbled up now--did Novelty have an attachment in Bronwen's camp that Serio didn't know about? That would be fascinating--but he carefully set it aside again, and made sure to keep his expression neutral-warm as he nodded to the soldier and then started leading the way.
The captain made a quick calculation about where to speak. He wanted to be findable, but not necessarily start stirring the pot with a visible private conversation in front of their whole encampment by heading back to his tent. He opted to head towards the edge of camp, walking alongside the fuzzy border of Bronwen's encampment towards the open meadow where some soldiers jogged or sparred or ran drills. Serio reckoned that this would keep his location sufficiently visible, but mostly to folks who would be preoccupied with their own activities and not all that curious about what he and Novelty were up to.
"I wanted to thank you for bringing Rutliff's appearance in the mess tent to me," he opened once they were out in the field, "It's already proven very valuable. The commander has confirmed that we are to seek volunteers to send to the goddess. Do you know if Rutliff has brought this to his own troops yet?"
Truthfully, Serio wasn't all that invested in the answer to that question--oh, data was data, and if Novelty had any, it'd be nice to have--but mostly, he was just poking around the subject to get a feel for where his soldier seemed to be in processing it.
Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Continuing to think about the situation that might soon present itself to him, Novelty followed his captain, taking note of the choice of location. So, then, the conversation was not too classified if Captain Kade was comfortable enough to talk openly in front of others. Or at least while visible to others.
Novelty cautiously smiled as Serio praised him. He was certainly grateful to hear that what he had said to his captain had been useful, but he was still anxious about where this all might be going. Perhaps there was something the Commander said that changed the situation? Perhaps it had sparked something that Serio needed clarification about. Or--gasp--what if something Novelty had told Serio had been incorrect? To allay his fears, he sorted back through the scene and what he said about it, making sure everything matched up as perfectly as possible. Yes, he was sure that he delivered the best report possible, so perhaps he should just accept the praise.
The question Serio asked did take Novelty off guard, however. He very nearly opened his mouth to say that he had no idea, but he knew that wouldn't look good, and he also didn't think that was entirely true. He did know something. Granted, it was not information he had been prepared to share, but now that it was relevant... Novelty's blush darkened half a shade.
"I am not entirely certain who he's told, but other than his appearance at the mess tent, I am under the impression that he has been otherwise preoccupied. He went back to his tent..." with someone "...and hadn't reemerged last I observed."
Novelty hoped sincerely that that was a competent answer in Serio's mind. He really did want to do well by the man.
Novelty cautiously smiled as Serio praised him. He was certainly grateful to hear that what he had said to his captain had been useful, but he was still anxious about where this all might be going. Perhaps there was something the Commander said that changed the situation? Perhaps it had sparked something that Serio needed clarification about. Or--gasp--what if something Novelty had told Serio had been incorrect? To allay his fears, he sorted back through the scene and what he said about it, making sure everything matched up as perfectly as possible. Yes, he was sure that he delivered the best report possible, so perhaps he should just accept the praise.
The question Serio asked did take Novelty off guard, however. He very nearly opened his mouth to say that he had no idea, but he knew that wouldn't look good, and he also didn't think that was entirely true. He did know something. Granted, it was not information he had been prepared to share, but now that it was relevant... Novelty's blush darkened half a shade.
"I am not entirely certain who he's told, but other than his appearance at the mess tent, I am under the impression that he has been otherwise preoccupied. He went back to his tent..." with someone "...and hadn't reemerged last I observed."
Novelty hoped sincerely that that was a competent answer in Serio's mind. He really did want to do well by the man.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Ah, see, now that was interesting data. Serio couldn't help entertaining the idea of some of the possibilities of Evan's preoccupation, but he was careful to store those thoughts away as speculation. Still, he did allow himself one further probe:
"Mm, preoccupied with what, I wonder?"
Voiced as a rhetorical contemplation, aimed as much at the sky as Novelty. The captain was certainly attentive to his soldier's posture and expression in the immediate wake of his comment, but he moved on quickly. Novelty might know better than to think that Serio was one to make such idle comments, but even so, the captain banked on Novelty's nervous system still having something to say, if only for a moment before he eased up pressure on that particular game.
"Well, the commander has asked for my help securing some volunteers. All the more important if Rutliff is preoccupied."
Serio paused there, partly to once again gauge Novelty's response, and partly to carefully calculate his final approach. Should he continue being coy, or just come in directly? Serio sobered, perhaps unexpectedly, as he decided that perhaps this was in fact a rare opportunity to lay some cards down on the table and speak plainly with someone.
"I want to send at least one soldier who will be able to look and listen and learn, amidst whatever the goddess demands of them. I believe that Rutliff intends to get the volunteers back, and I intend to help him in that endeavor when the time is right. Among other considerations, the knowledge those soldiers who volunteer might bring back with them will be...unfathomable, from where we stand right now."
Serio stopped walking, and turned to face Novelty head-on.
"That said, I suspect that whoever I send will need to want to look and listen and learn, above all else, or the goddess of desire might prevent the effort. Do you understand?"
"Mm, preoccupied with what, I wonder?"
Voiced as a rhetorical contemplation, aimed as much at the sky as Novelty. The captain was certainly attentive to his soldier's posture and expression in the immediate wake of his comment, but he moved on quickly. Novelty might know better than to think that Serio was one to make such idle comments, but even so, the captain banked on Novelty's nervous system still having something to say, if only for a moment before he eased up pressure on that particular game.
"Well, the commander has asked for my help securing some volunteers. All the more important if Rutliff is preoccupied."
Serio paused there, partly to once again gauge Novelty's response, and partly to carefully calculate his final approach. Should he continue being coy, or just come in directly? Serio sobered, perhaps unexpectedly, as he decided that perhaps this was in fact a rare opportunity to lay some cards down on the table and speak plainly with someone.
"I want to send at least one soldier who will be able to look and listen and learn, amidst whatever the goddess demands of them. I believe that Rutliff intends to get the volunteers back, and I intend to help him in that endeavor when the time is right. Among other considerations, the knowledge those soldiers who volunteer might bring back with them will be...unfathomable, from where we stand right now."
Serio stopped walking, and turned to face Novelty head-on.
"That said, I suspect that whoever I send will need to want to look and listen and learn, above all else, or the goddess of desire might prevent the effort. Do you understand?"
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Novelty was terrified about the possibility that Serio might ask for more information, and when the captain slyly put it as a comment rather than a question, Novelty braced himself for needing to answer in some way. On the one hand, he didn't owe Evan discretion by any means, but the information still didn't seem terribly relevant to the situation. Novelty was very nearly ready to respond when Serio moved on, and the soldier was visibly relieved.
Novelty nodded as Serio spoke about gathering volunteers. A bout of sharp butterflies took flight in his stomach, but he focused through it. Ah, Serio was right. What Evan was doing was relevant. Novelty was certainly under the impression that they needed to gather volunteers as quickly as possible, and if Evan was indisposed... Some slight frustration that Evan might not be taking this all seriously bubbled up in Novelty, but it was abruptly shoved aside by what Serio said next.
By the time his captain got one more sentence out of his mouth, Novelty's heart was already bursting with excitement. Serio... really was going to ask him to go! Or at least suggesting it, right? Was he waiting for Novelty to offer? It was thrilling to believe that Serio trusted him with such an important task, not just to go to the goddess but to report back on what he learned there as well! What he wouldn't give for such an opportunity!
But, wait, wait, perhaps he was getting ahead of himself. It wouldn't look good to be overexcited. Serio needed to believe that Novelty would take the situation seriously and keep his wits about him enough to have useful information upon his return.
...whoever I send will need to want to look and listen and learn... Novelty felt in his gut that he would be the perfect candidate. Wasn't he even now chomping at the bit to go? In doing this, it would satisfy both his urgency to be valuable and his immense curiosity about what exactly happens with the goddess.
But there was absolutely a risk that he would not come back. It was subtle, but he heard it in the way Serio talked. They intended to get the volunteers back, but that was a far cry from guaranteeing their safety.
Taking a breath, Novelty said, "If it's not too bold to say, sir, I would like to be considered for the role. But, I can also make some other recommendations if that's what you mean to ask for." There was more to think about, but it felt very important in that moment to let his captain in on his interest lest he miss the opportunity entirely.
Novelty nodded as Serio spoke about gathering volunteers. A bout of sharp butterflies took flight in his stomach, but he focused through it. Ah, Serio was right. What Evan was doing was relevant. Novelty was certainly under the impression that they needed to gather volunteers as quickly as possible, and if Evan was indisposed... Some slight frustration that Evan might not be taking this all seriously bubbled up in Novelty, but it was abruptly shoved aside by what Serio said next.
By the time his captain got one more sentence out of his mouth, Novelty's heart was already bursting with excitement. Serio... really was going to ask him to go! Or at least suggesting it, right? Was he waiting for Novelty to offer? It was thrilling to believe that Serio trusted him with such an important task, not just to go to the goddess but to report back on what he learned there as well! What he wouldn't give for such an opportunity!
But, wait, wait, perhaps he was getting ahead of himself. It wouldn't look good to be overexcited. Serio needed to believe that Novelty would take the situation seriously and keep his wits about him enough to have useful information upon his return.
...whoever I send will need to want to look and listen and learn... Novelty felt in his gut that he would be the perfect candidate. Wasn't he even now chomping at the bit to go? In doing this, it would satisfy both his urgency to be valuable and his immense curiosity about what exactly happens with the goddess.
But there was absolutely a risk that he would not come back. It was subtle, but he heard it in the way Serio talked. They intended to get the volunteers back, but that was a far cry from guaranteeing their safety.
Taking a breath, Novelty said, "If it's not too bold to say, sir, I would like to be considered for the role. But, I can also make some other recommendations if that's what you mean to ask for." There was more to think about, but it felt very important in that moment to let his captain in on his interest lest he miss the opportunity entirely.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Serio smiled again when Novelty spoke up. He was relieved and delighted that the soldier had thrown his own name into the hat. Of course, Serio had to temper it with the fact that he'd obviously come to Novelty with the opportunity, but even so, to whatever extent Novelty had felt that Serio was describing him... that just meant that he was that good of a fit for the role.
"Not too bold at all, soldier. Truthfully, I was hoping you might be interested." Serio turned and began strolling again, figuring the time for a solemn showdown was now passed. Though, he gave sort of a strange-looking shrug as he continued.
"Well, and also hoping you wouldn't be. Don't think you won't be missed." He gave a bit of a more playful grin to Novelty before returning to his more standard, neutral-warm expression.
"I understand if you need time to mull it over before you can commit, but I'd like to prioritize gathering whatever information you would need to make the most of your time with her. Do you have any questions right now?"
Serio was already queueing up the information in his mind that he already had that he anticipated giving to Novelty. Some of it he'd need to hold back and give to Novelty only after the soldier had sufficient time to contemplate the decision and truly commit to it, but some of it he may be able to go ahead and give out. Most important here, though, was getting a sense of the kinds of things that Novelty needed, and the kinds of things that Serio himself would still need to learn more about, if he could.
"Not too bold at all, soldier. Truthfully, I was hoping you might be interested." Serio turned and began strolling again, figuring the time for a solemn showdown was now passed. Though, he gave sort of a strange-looking shrug as he continued.
"Well, and also hoping you wouldn't be. Don't think you won't be missed." He gave a bit of a more playful grin to Novelty before returning to his more standard, neutral-warm expression.
"I understand if you need time to mull it over before you can commit, but I'd like to prioritize gathering whatever information you would need to make the most of your time with her. Do you have any questions right now?"
Serio was already queueing up the information in his mind that he already had that he anticipated giving to Novelty. Some of it he'd need to hold back and give to Novelty only after the soldier had sufficient time to contemplate the decision and truly commit to it, but some of it he may be able to go ahead and give out. Most important here, though, was getting a sense of the kinds of things that Novelty needed, and the kinds of things that Serio himself would still need to learn more about, if he could.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
At first, Novelty was elated that Serio hoped his soldier would be interested, but then a strange melancholy washed over him. This wasn't an elaborate attempt to get rid of him, right? No, as much as Captain Kade was mysterious, he wouldn't lie about something like this, and Novelty felt wholly confident that Serio would have every reason to try to get Novelty back. He would, after all, be valuable. He would know at least some of the inner workings of how godhood functioned in the world, after all.
Any remaining concerns were washed away by Serio's next comment, and he was struck with a feeling of awe that his captain always seemed to know the right thing to say. While it might have been difficult to imagine himself saying it, Novelty was proud to be Serio's subordinate. Never a dull moment. Novelty returned Serio's smile with glee and glow.
Then Serio got back to business, however, and Novelty had to return to thinking about what he would need to make a decision. It was a difficult question. First, there were the personal aspects of the experience. What would Novelty need to feel confident that he was thinking about this from every angle? Who would he want to say goodbye to if he didn't come back? Honestly, though Novelty had made quite a few causal friends during his time with the army, he had already said goodbye to the family who had taken him in as though he wouldn't come back. And, though it pained him to think about it, there were few others who would greatly miss him. And maybe, maybe this was why? Had Novelty been saving himself for an opportunity such as this?
And then there was the information he would like to know to perform the mission well, which was even more difficult to think about. There was so little he knew, even though he was probably one of the most informed soldiers. Should he talk to Evan? No, he didn't want to slow down Captain Rutliff's progress, and there were likely many, many other people who would need to talk to him. No, Novelty had gotten a potent secondhand experience from Rutliff this morning and felt like there was likely little additional information Evan could--or would--provide.
What about talking to one of the thralls? The first to be attacked, maybe, since he had been there the longest? But... that boy didn't seem altogether stable when Novelty had seen him walking around camp, and he had only just come back. That also ruled out the other soldier who had woken up today. They were probably already getting bombarded with questions and didn't need a stranger to come knocking. Then there was Seth, which Novelty felt was none too friendly and far too tight-lipped, not to mention that he hadn't actually spent a night with the goddess. Trevor? Lieutenant Pemberley? Wait, there was an idea. Novelty wasn't sure he could get much out of the lieutenant--he seemed a person of few words--but his rank and the fact that he'd had at least a day to collect his thoughts made him the most reasonable candidate.
But, to simply say that he needed to speak to Philip first would be a waste of an opportunity. Here Serio was offering to put in some legwork to improve Novelty's chances of success! What a rarity! After putting some thought into it, stroking his nearly bare chin once in the process, Novelty said, "I think it would be prudent to discuss the matter with Lieutenant Pemberley. I'd like to have his firsthand account if he'll give it to me. If I tell him I'm planning to go, I think the odds are good that he'll talk." Novelty paused there for a moment, contemplating. "In the meantime, it would be useful to know what the goddess is typically interested in. Most of the stories talk about an offering of some kind; perhaps I can arrive with something to appease her." Novelty paused again, feeling like there was something else he should mention.
"And, the old woman? The one who initially visited the camp to tell us about the goddess? I don't know if I'll have time to visit her myself, but if there's anything anyone knows about her and the role she plays with the goddess, I think that will help me understand the dynamics at play when I go." Novelty hoped that Serio would appreciate that his soldier was already speaking as though he had made up his mind on the matter. And, in some ways, he had. Now, it was just a matter of improving his odds of success.
Oh, wait, there was one more thing. "When should I be ready by?" Novelty asked sincerely.
Any remaining concerns were washed away by Serio's next comment, and he was struck with a feeling of awe that his captain always seemed to know the right thing to say. While it might have been difficult to imagine himself saying it, Novelty was proud to be Serio's subordinate. Never a dull moment. Novelty returned Serio's smile with glee and glow.
Then Serio got back to business, however, and Novelty had to return to thinking about what he would need to make a decision. It was a difficult question. First, there were the personal aspects of the experience. What would Novelty need to feel confident that he was thinking about this from every angle? Who would he want to say goodbye to if he didn't come back? Honestly, though Novelty had made quite a few causal friends during his time with the army, he had already said goodbye to the family who had taken him in as though he wouldn't come back. And, though it pained him to think about it, there were few others who would greatly miss him. And maybe, maybe this was why? Had Novelty been saving himself for an opportunity such as this?
And then there was the information he would like to know to perform the mission well, which was even more difficult to think about. There was so little he knew, even though he was probably one of the most informed soldiers. Should he talk to Evan? No, he didn't want to slow down Captain Rutliff's progress, and there were likely many, many other people who would need to talk to him. No, Novelty had gotten a potent secondhand experience from Rutliff this morning and felt like there was likely little additional information Evan could--or would--provide.
What about talking to one of the thralls? The first to be attacked, maybe, since he had been there the longest? But... that boy didn't seem altogether stable when Novelty had seen him walking around camp, and he had only just come back. That also ruled out the other soldier who had woken up today. They were probably already getting bombarded with questions and didn't need a stranger to come knocking. Then there was Seth, which Novelty felt was none too friendly and far too tight-lipped, not to mention that he hadn't actually spent a night with the goddess. Trevor? Lieutenant Pemberley? Wait, there was an idea. Novelty wasn't sure he could get much out of the lieutenant--he seemed a person of few words--but his rank and the fact that he'd had at least a day to collect his thoughts made him the most reasonable candidate.
But, to simply say that he needed to speak to Philip first would be a waste of an opportunity. Here Serio was offering to put in some legwork to improve Novelty's chances of success! What a rarity! After putting some thought into it, stroking his nearly bare chin once in the process, Novelty said, "I think it would be prudent to discuss the matter with Lieutenant Pemberley. I'd like to have his firsthand account if he'll give it to me. If I tell him I'm planning to go, I think the odds are good that he'll talk." Novelty paused there for a moment, contemplating. "In the meantime, it would be useful to know what the goddess is typically interested in. Most of the stories talk about an offering of some kind; perhaps I can arrive with something to appease her." Novelty paused again, feeling like there was something else he should mention.
"And, the old woman? The one who initially visited the camp to tell us about the goddess? I don't know if I'll have time to visit her myself, but if there's anything anyone knows about her and the role she plays with the goddess, I think that will help me understand the dynamics at play when I go." Novelty hoped that Serio would appreciate that his soldier was already speaking as though he had made up his mind on the matter. And, in some ways, he had. Now, it was just a matter of improving his odds of success.
Oh, wait, there was one more thing. "When should I be ready by?" Novelty asked sincerely.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Serio nodded thoughtfully to everything that Novelty said. He was glad to hear the soldier's thought process, and begin strategizing how he could best support it. He'd already been considering visiting the old woman today, and Novelty's interest in her pretty well sealed that plan into place. Serio had gotten some information from Mizu the other day, but surely there was more to be gotten directly from the source.
"Captain Rutliff has said that the goddess summons him at sundown each evening. I presume you should check in with him before that, and I certainly want to debrief you before then." Serio glanced at the sky to gauge how long they really had. "We should have plenty of time for you to talk with Lieutenant Pemberley if you can, and for me to pay a visit to the woman in the woods. I'll need to set a couple other things into motion, first... stay available after your chat with Pemberley, and I'll find you with what I know."
Serio raised his eyebrows to Novelty in a gesture that frequently served as a question from Serio--something like a nonverbal, Sound good?
He certainly debated whether he should give Novelty a heads-up about what he'd heard of Pemberley's state, but he wasn't sure that'd actually be helpful--it wasn't as though Serio would in good conscience recommend Novelty try a different volunteer to speak to. The captain genuinely hoped that Novelty might in fact be able to help the lieutenant open up, and Pemberley's perspective would certainly be a good one to have.
"Captain Rutliff has said that the goddess summons him at sundown each evening. I presume you should check in with him before that, and I certainly want to debrief you before then." Serio glanced at the sky to gauge how long they really had. "We should have plenty of time for you to talk with Lieutenant Pemberley if you can, and for me to pay a visit to the woman in the woods. I'll need to set a couple other things into motion, first... stay available after your chat with Pemberley, and I'll find you with what I know."
Serio raised his eyebrows to Novelty in a gesture that frequently served as a question from Serio--something like a nonverbal, Sound good?
He certainly debated whether he should give Novelty a heads-up about what he'd heard of Pemberley's state, but he wasn't sure that'd actually be helpful--it wasn't as though Serio would in good conscience recommend Novelty try a different volunteer to speak to. The captain genuinely hoped that Novelty might in fact be able to help the lieutenant open up, and Pemberley's perspective would certainly be a good one to have.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Novelty nodded excitedly, the reality of the situation starting to settle onto his shoulders. His stomach was jumping in a distracting way, and Novelty was thrilled at the idea of having an excuse to ask Lieutenant Pemberley questions. Truth was, Philip seemed like the most aloof of all the men who had been attacked, which made anything he might share of very high value. Plus, Novelty had already been headed toward Captain Bronwen's camp. What great fortune! Yes, luck felt like it was certainly smiling on him today. Or maybe that was just the shimmer.
The thought of that magical moment brought a grin to Novelty's face, but he subdued it slightly when Captain Kade looked toward the sun. Sundown felt all too near. Would Novelty really be ready by then? Could Serio really talk to everyone in time? Novelty's eagerness to get started leapt from his stomach again. There was so much to do.
"Absolutely, Captain. I'll get right on it." Novelty turned as though to leave but then turned back around, his white curls bouncing as he did so, and said, "And really, thank you for thinking of me. I'm honored and delighted." With that, he raised a hand to his chest and gave a deeper bow than his first one, leaving after a moment with much more spring in his already lithe steps in the direction of Lieutenant Pemberley's tent.
The thought of that magical moment brought a grin to Novelty's face, but he subdued it slightly when Captain Kade looked toward the sun. Sundown felt all too near. Would Novelty really be ready by then? Could Serio really talk to everyone in time? Novelty's eagerness to get started leapt from his stomach again. There was so much to do.
"Absolutely, Captain. I'll get right on it." Novelty turned as though to leave but then turned back around, his white curls bouncing as he did so, and said, "And really, thank you for thinking of me. I'm honored and delighted." With that, he raised a hand to his chest and gave a deeper bow than his first one, leaving after a moment with much more spring in his already lithe steps in the direction of Lieutenant Pemberley's tent.
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Serio also placed a hand to his chest and gave his soldier a nod, sending warmth with Novelty as he left. The captain smiled after the soldier a moment, at once pleased with his choice and also melancholy with the loss of the soldier and the unknown of his fate seeping into his periphery. Well, no time to linger on that.
Serio started heading back towards his retinue's encampment to find some soldiers to deliver information to. Many had already heard of Evan's appearance in the mess tent, but even those who had would benefit from knowing that the commander had confirmed it. He gave just enough direction to make sure that the salient ideas would begin permeating camp: that an alliance with the Shel'ti relied on ten of their soldiers volunteering to stay with the goddess, and that interested soldiers should check in with Captain Rutliff before sundown. No time for detailed questioning, so things like if/when/how the volunteers would come back would have to be left up to the imagination.
That done, he needed to hurry to the crone. However, he found himself hesitating, not yet wanting to move towards the woods. He allowed himself to find a seat to contemplate for a moment instead--wouldn't be the first time he'd appeared in seated meditation around camp.
Did he need more information before he went to see the crone? He had his plan of what he'd ask, but yes, there did appear to be some anxiety about it being enough. However, who would even have more information? Serio had already conversed with the commander--and he'd already plied plenty from her--and Evan himself should really be a last resort. Elaine? She came from areas that had known more about the goddess before the king stamped her out, but Serio had yet to discern whether the captain actually knew much herself, and she certainly hadn't been forthcoming with it in the captains' meetings if she did. No, Serio worried that would take too much time to yield anything.
Serio crossed off the idea of getting more data upfront, and searched for what else would alleviate his anxiety, and he landed on getting another perspective to come with him. That actually felt much more doable, as he suspected he knew the perfect captain to drag into a strange spontaneous field trip to go see a mysterious woman in the woods.
Having decided, Captain Kade rose and started traversing camp in search of Captain Nicolaides, counting his blessings that she made a habit of being available. He found her quickly, and without even needing to be especially obvious about his urgency, which he rather appreciated.
"Nicolaides!" he bellowed with warm excitement once he was in earshot, his hand raising in a casual wave. Once he'd strode closer enough to speak in a more normal tone, he added, "Have a moment?"
((OOC: We did indeed imagine that she's out in the field running drills... but are really only attached to that insofar as how Serio approaches. If she decides she'd rather be playing cards or something, Serio would just have approached a little more subtly, whatever slides into the situation nicely.))
Serio started heading back towards his retinue's encampment to find some soldiers to deliver information to. Many had already heard of Evan's appearance in the mess tent, but even those who had would benefit from knowing that the commander had confirmed it. He gave just enough direction to make sure that the salient ideas would begin permeating camp: that an alliance with the Shel'ti relied on ten of their soldiers volunteering to stay with the goddess, and that interested soldiers should check in with Captain Rutliff before sundown. No time for detailed questioning, so things like if/when/how the volunteers would come back would have to be left up to the imagination.
That done, he needed to hurry to the crone. However, he found himself hesitating, not yet wanting to move towards the woods. He allowed himself to find a seat to contemplate for a moment instead--wouldn't be the first time he'd appeared in seated meditation around camp.
Did he need more information before he went to see the crone? He had his plan of what he'd ask, but yes, there did appear to be some anxiety about it being enough. However, who would even have more information? Serio had already conversed with the commander--and he'd already plied plenty from her--and Evan himself should really be a last resort. Elaine? She came from areas that had known more about the goddess before the king stamped her out, but Serio had yet to discern whether the captain actually knew much herself, and she certainly hadn't been forthcoming with it in the captains' meetings if she did. No, Serio worried that would take too much time to yield anything.
Serio crossed off the idea of getting more data upfront, and searched for what else would alleviate his anxiety, and he landed on getting another perspective to come with him. That actually felt much more doable, as he suspected he knew the perfect captain to drag into a strange spontaneous field trip to go see a mysterious woman in the woods.
Having decided, Captain Kade rose and started traversing camp in search of Captain Nicolaides, counting his blessings that she made a habit of being available. He found her quickly, and without even needing to be especially obvious about his urgency, which he rather appreciated.
"Nicolaides!" he bellowed with warm excitement once he was in earshot, his hand raising in a casual wave. Once he'd strode closer enough to speak in a more normal tone, he added, "Have a moment?"
((OOC: We did indeed imagine that she's out in the field running drills... but are really only attached to that insofar as how Serio approaches. If she decides she'd rather be playing cards or something, Serio would just have approached a little more subtly, whatever slides into the situation nicely.))
Re: Mizu/Serio (heading into night four with the goddess)
Ari was still uneasy after her conversation with Lance and the other soldiers such that there was little else for it except to run some drills. She never forced anyone into them, but once she got a few people in on it, many others inevitably trickled in, happy for something to do with their bodies. Ari participated just as much as anyone else, happy to be moving as they ran through a makeshift relay, making a circuit around a large square of the otherwise unused meadow.
As she ran and played, she spared some part of her concentration to thinking about how the conversation had gone down. She didn't have any concrete names to offer, though she thought that Lance would have absolutely leapt at the chance. Shouldn't she have been relieved that her lieutenant was hesitating? It would be difficult to replace him, and she wasn't looking forward to it. But, on the other hand, Ari wanted to go enough herself that she did not at all want Lance to resist based on his title. Captain was one thing; lieutenant was another.
Breathing heavy, glistening with a subtle gleam of sweat, her long hair somewhat everywhere in every direction, Ari heard her last name called in a pleasantly boisterous way. Good naturedly, she smiled in that direction, though it took her just a moment to place the voice. Captain Kade? What a surprise! It wasn't exactly rare that he sought her out, but it wasn't exactly an everyday occurrence either. And, given how uncertain she was about her first half-hearted attempt at volunteers, she definitely appreciated that Serio's appearance would almost certainly mean more information. All she had to go on what was Captain Miller had told her, which was useful, but it wasn't concrete, and it wasn't exactly permission to go on recruiting early. Did she think Captain Kade would give that to her? Maybe not, but he would give her something.
"Kade!" she called back, using one hand to flip almost half her hair back away from her face. Its bouncing, slightly curling waves felt exceptionally satisfying to toss back over her shoulders. Nodding to one of the soldiers to take her place, she jogged over to meet Serio, a little flushed but giddy from activity, the sensation of the shimmer from earlier this morning working its way back out from her bones. "For you? Anything," she joked with a wide smile. She waved toward her soldiers, giving them permission to stop if they wanted.
As she ran and played, she spared some part of her concentration to thinking about how the conversation had gone down. She didn't have any concrete names to offer, though she thought that Lance would have absolutely leapt at the chance. Shouldn't she have been relieved that her lieutenant was hesitating? It would be difficult to replace him, and she wasn't looking forward to it. But, on the other hand, Ari wanted to go enough herself that she did not at all want Lance to resist based on his title. Captain was one thing; lieutenant was another.
Breathing heavy, glistening with a subtle gleam of sweat, her long hair somewhat everywhere in every direction, Ari heard her last name called in a pleasantly boisterous way. Good naturedly, she smiled in that direction, though it took her just a moment to place the voice. Captain Kade? What a surprise! It wasn't exactly rare that he sought her out, but it wasn't exactly an everyday occurrence either. And, given how uncertain she was about her first half-hearted attempt at volunteers, she definitely appreciated that Serio's appearance would almost certainly mean more information. All she had to go on what was Captain Miller had told her, which was useful, but it wasn't concrete, and it wasn't exactly permission to go on recruiting early. Did she think Captain Kade would give that to her? Maybe not, but he would give her something.
"Kade!" she called back, using one hand to flip almost half her hair back away from her face. Its bouncing, slightly curling waves felt exceptionally satisfying to toss back over her shoulders. Nodding to one of the soldiers to take her place, she jogged over to meet Serio, a little flushed but giddy from activity, the sensation of the shimmer from earlier this morning working its way back out from her bones. "For you? Anything," she joked with a wide smile. She waved toward her soldiers, giving them permission to stop if they wanted.