[color=f7941d]“Ogres… hmmm ogres are almost like orcs in a way. In a way at least. They are completely barbaric race who’s only goal is the destruction or enslavement of those around them. They posses intelligence equaling that of humans and their strength is generally greater than an average human.”[/color] Chalsea explained, rubbing her arms with soap to get rid of the paint and grime.[color=f7941d]” Generally they have lesser numbers, but are non the less extremely dangerous. Imagine a cavalry charge of ogres who are 2 times as tall as humans and at least 3-4 as wide. All of them riding big mammoths… Gosh that was one hell of a nightmarish battle. Happened two years ago, near one of the northern capitals. My warband used to be 350 people at the time. We lost nearly 250 and are still recovering from those loses.”[/color] The mercenary leader explained.

  [color=f7941d]“Well it’s not really that different, I had to take baths like that because my warband was denied access to cities… Basically the situation to the north is a political nightmare.” [/color]She explained as she had just finished scrubbing off all paint from her arms and torso.[color=f7941d]” In simple terms… corruption, distrust, political games, treason… the north is ripe with those. Most rulers to whom we fought didn’t allow us access to their cities. We were forced to camp outside the walls because they feared someone would pay us more and we would turn on them. Needless to say I wouldn’t do that, but there are cases of that happening back there with other warbands. It's because of people who forsake their honor for money that we get called dogs of war.”[/color] She recalled and started cleaning her very long blond hair which looked almost ashen at the moment from all the dust and blood.

 “S[color=f7941d]tories are the lifeblood of any northern warriors. They rulers may be stupid and corrupt, but the warriors still hold true. My warriors would welcome any chance to boast with their past accomplishments, just don’t give them breakable tableware… only metal or wooden mugs for their drinks and metal or wooden plates for their meals. Nords get very cheery when they start boasting and drinking. Lots of hitting their cups at the ground when they down it in one go happen. They know not to do that when on the job, but currently they are off duty so if the drinking get’s out of hand one or two barfights may happen.”[/color] The blond woman laughed, still cleaning her hair which now had started to return it’s original almost pale golden color.

[color=f7941d] “Queen Adalia I think there may be some misunderstanding here.”[/color] Chalsea said with a smile, relaxing down into the bathtub, allowing the water to cover her up to  her neck, which admittedly her knees showed a little.[color=f7941d]” I myself am not from the north. I was born a nomad here from the steppes. In fact my tribe used to wander the edges of your kingdom and the orc territories long before the orcs territory even reached this land. For that I do know all the stories about orcs… my mother used to scare me with them every night to make sure I never wander far from the tribe alone.”[/color] She explained, recalling those times.[color=f7941d]” Anyhow… point is… whatever orcs once were, that was generations ago. The current orcs were born orcs and they do not care about humans or elves or any race. They would pillage, rape and destroy everything in their paths. Because of that there is no need to feel anything like  that for them.” [/color]She stated as she finally finished cleaning most of her hair, revealing it’s splendid color.

 [color=f7941d]“As for the secret on the battlefield… it’s rather simple really. You just get used to it if you do it enough. At least that was for me, aside the throwing up in my first battle, I’ve never had problems since. Guess it means I’m a little touched in the head…”[/color] She stated with a smile.[color=f7941d]”  Still the more veteran soldier would say you this - on the battlefield it’s you or the enemy. You just have to accept that once you enter the battle someone is going to die. The big problem is that very first time. I’ve noticed that after their first battle, soldiers tend to start accepting enemy death a lot easier.”[/color] The mercenary leader stated. People who lived on the battlefields like herself tended to think a lot differently from those who lived ordinary lives most of the time.

 [color=f7941d]“Hmmm….”[/color] She made a sound indicating she was thinking through Adalia’s request. To stay and train the queen’s armies now that was a job that while would help White Stone City a lot, wouldn’t be exactly easy to pull off. First of all, Chalsea’s mercenaries were a little bit on the big numbers side. That meant at least 200 more mouths to feed for days maybe even weeks. Not to mention there was also the factor about payment.[color=f7941d]” This is a possible request. We can stay and train your troops, but won’t be exactly easy. My soldiers would need proper meals and not to mention even payment for their services. There’s also the case my soldiers would expect some payment for aiding your town today. We are mercenaries after all… Hmmm…”[/color] She explained, still thinking things through.[color=f7941d]” Alright how does this sound, I shall give you a token price for this battle today. That way I can pay my troops and please them. After that I would grand them some… vacation. They aren’t exactly without money, after all we just arrive from the north. While the majority of my troops are on break, living in the housing your provided us today. They would be paying for their own expenses otherwise. In the meantime, I will gather some volunteers to train your soldiers, free of charge. That way, some welcomed income would arrive in your city after the orc attack, my troops will get the chance to relax a little bit and we will still be able to train your soldiers.” [/color]She explained her plan. Frankly she also liked the idea of staying for a while. It would give them enough time to gather information on the orcs, using the tracker magic the witch girls used. She didn't like the fact how organized orcs were getting.