[color=f7941d] “It’s a rather interesting religion to say the least, but it comes with it’s own catches. True enough their gods will take them after death, but that’s only if their death was with honor. They are supposedly judged and those worthy are brought to the mead halls where they await the end of the world where they will battle against the enemy of the gods. It’s a very broad religion that cannot be explained in a simple short conversation.”[/color] Chalsea said in the end with a smile.[color=f7941d]” To fully explain everything, a priest would be needed, but they stay to the north. Still I’m sure some of my people would be glad to explain however they can.”[/color] 

 [color=f7941d]“Well I suspect orcs had a lot of help on this one. Probably magical to boot, I personally slew an orc shaman out in the field today.” [/color]Chalsea recalled, making a not really pleased face.[color=f7941d]” Shamans rarely leave orc camps. What’s more shamans act as the defacto leaders of their groups, which makes it even stranger there were a few of those out here, for as much as orcs respect their shamans, shamans themselves actually do not like to take to the fields.”[/color] She added.[color=f7941d]” Still dangerous opponents if left unchecked. Also while it’s not really my place to tell you how to fight, I’d suggest you engage in siege warfare next time orcs attack. The city has walls and orcs can’t really use their numbers advantage when the battle is raged up on the walls instead in open fields beyond the walls.”[/color] The mercenary leader stated in the end. This was probably a bad thing to say to her host who welcomed her so well, but it just was something needed to be said. It would save a lot of lives next time. Being in siege offered a lot of defensive benefits while also having some negatives. Still if they went with a siege option when the orcs attacked, they would have had a lot less casualties.

 [color=f7941d]“Well we are mercenaries after all. Sadly that’s just how it goes. In the eyes of people we just don’t count as proper people or soldiers. Many expect us to do anything we are told just because money is thrown our way.”[/color] She added.[color=f7941d]” Well those who know better, understand that mercenaries shouldn’t be underestimated or angered. Believe me last thing you need is for the mercenaries you hired a while back to return for payback while let’s say helping the enemy after your contract has ended. Well I luckily had not have had to order such actions, but that’s mostly because the last king who tried to order us to massacre a civilian village without even a militia, got his jack cracked an 2 missing teeth. Mind you we still got paid, but he kind of didn’t hire us again. Guess the information about the event spread cause no one since then tried to demand stupid actions from us!”[/color]

 [color=f7941d]“No worries, it’s not exactly easy to notice 2 people casualties in a warband of 200.”[/color] Chalsea replied with a smile and nodded after hearing the queen speak.[color=f7941d]” Same with my people. It will practically be two funerals from different cultures for the same people. A thing that is quite fine in my opinion. Men and women who died with honor, defending that which they held dear, deserve respect in any form it can take.” [/color]The mercenary leader said and though about her people. 

  [color=f7941d]“True enough, guess I got lucky back then.” [/color]The blond woman said, recalling how close to her head there was a spear stuck.”[color=f7941d] If things went just a lil bit differently, I may not have made it out of that battlefield and who knows what would have happened today.[/color]” She stated with a smile. Things were fine as they were right now. She never regretted anything in her life and was proud with that.

 [color=f7941d]“Yes I quite agree, but I meant it more like, not all of your soldiers will be able to keep up with the training I’m about to put them through. I will not make it obligatory… only those who wish will take part of it for one reason. The training will be a living nightmare, putting them through the limits of their bodies. My purpose won’t be to break them, thus only those who chose will continue with it. They will be able to stop at any point they desire and simply continue at a later time. Those who manage to go through it all, will be very different people form when they began. They will be true warriors.” [/color]

 [color=f7941d]“Hmmm? Ahh… well do not worry, despite the fact how much I enjoy a good drink, I actually do not drink that much. I prefer to safe the drinking for special occasions.”[/color] The blond replied with a friendly smile.[color=f7941d]” I’d love to see it during the night. It must be gorgeous when bathed in moonlight…! Also it will not be raining, do not worry.” [/color]Chalsea added with a smirk.[color=f7941d]” I’ve grown up on the roads and among nature. I’ve learned to read the weather way, way back It will be a nice cloudless night.”[/color]

 [color=f7941d]“I guess, I can take a few days of rest…” [/color]She started after hearing Adalia’s comment.[color=f7941d]” It has indeed been a good while since my people and even me got any kind of proper rest. Its been months since we last had any time off. Alright, we won’t be starting the training for a day or two. Might as well enjoy this chance before we have to eventually head out and who knows when a chance such as this one will present itself again.”[/color]
[color=f7941d]
 “Well my people would certainly enjoy having a bigger tournament to fight in. As for the second in commands, that could be arranged. If I manage to convince my vice captain to take part in the tournament. He kind of prefers to not bother with such things.”[/color] Chalsea said with mildly annoyed expression.[color=f7941d]” You see,  he is very responsible when it comes to work, but whenever we are off duty, he loses all motivation. Last time I saw him participating in a tournament was when he got asked by a lady in waiting to win. I think you can guess from where his motivation came from.”[/color]

 [color=f7941d]“No, I’m almost done with the bath myself too.” [/color]Chalsea replied as she also quickly got out of the tub and she herself too wrapped herself in a towel.[color=f7941d]” I will leave you to your duties, Queen Adalia. For I too have affairs in need to be done back with my troops. I will just dry myself, dress up and get going. Though, would it be possible to leave my battle attire here for your maids to clean up? I brought myself a change of clean clothing.”[/color] She said and picked up the cloth bundle from the floor. After untying the string and unfolding the cloth. A long clean, very high quality fur tunic was revealed. Clearly of nomad origins. This was one of the few things Chalsea owned. She paid good money for it. It wasn’t exactly easy to come across all the way to the north.