Conscripts

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Near Nabarask
Interactions: Timothy + Aurora + Rowan @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Morning came. Before the sun woke up, Barrock was already on the move. Their target was a construction area on the southwest of Riverport. The place was a construction area by day, commonly joked by its inhabitants for their permanence. Long delays, setbacks were excuses to separate the average civilians from the shady activities happening at night there. It was where those Black Maws would take Vasco. Rowan, eager and well enough to prove his redemption, would head there first to scout things out.

Barrock headed southwest to the forest of the Nabarask. He'd be careful not to attract the attention of those flower-children orcs, for they were rather wary creatures, never trusting of anyone in the land, let alone a member of the tribes they considered 'less-evolved'. They tended not to kill intruders, often just knocked them out and tossed them into the forest nearby, them often dying to predators and the environments instead. It wasn't a nicer fate than dying in orc captivity, but hey, they get to flaunt their moral high-ground that way.

But there was one guy that, if captured, stood likely to be executed, or at the very least handed over to the Dark Elf. A bastard son of a dwarf and an orc, amalgamated with an unnaturally long nose, derisively called a goblin, this creature utilized his small dwarfish stature, magical inclination, and orcish strength and agility to steal, loot, terrorize, and overall being a menace to society. He mostly operated in Nabarask territory, for their farm animals were so easy to hunt, and their group too incapable to even know where he was. He sometimes went into either of the three towns, Riverbloom, Aldrakh, and Riverport if there was any juicy money to be made, but it was growing rare nowadays.

Upon seeing an inconspicuous oak branch lay resting against a pine tree nearby, Barrock knew this was the goblin's territory. The orc picked it up and walked a little bit further deeper into the forest, noticed another pine tree, or rather the rotting corpse of what was otherwise an ancient witness of this land's history. There was a hollow on its large trunk, just big enough for a dwarf-height creature to get through.

Barrock used the long oak branch to reach into the entrance. The second the branch crossed the shadow of the gate, an axe blade shot out a nearby bush and flew past Barrock, thankfully nowhere close to hitting him. The blade slammed into a nearby tree, digging cleanly into the belly of the tree. Without a doubt, it would have maimed, if not outright kill, any creature Barrock's size or smaller if made contact with.

The orc stood silently for a couple of minutes. He knew this was enough.

"Barr! My good friendddd! What wind brings you?"

Barrock heard his voice. It came from behind him, but his figure was at his 2 o' clock, perching on top of a tree branch. Clad in sandals and a black suit that covered him top to bottom, with only his eyes and nose visible. His left arm were mechanical, coated in red, holding a large golden axe quite a bit as large as his own head.

"Are you on hand?" Barrock cut straight to the point.

"You already know." The goblin, Goroth, replied. "5 gold for standard business days. 3 platinum for immediate service."

Barrock sighed and pulled out three platinum amas from his pocket and showed it. Greedy bastard, he thought.

"Good boyyyyy. Orcs like you are so simple to deal with. No bullshit, no price wrangling." Goroth dragged out his hum with amusement. "What's the deal?"

"The construction area close to Riverport." Barrock said, as he put the credits away. As much as Goroth was good with his words, rules of hired swords remained the same: no payment until the deal was done.

Goroth's amused grin quickly disappeared.

"9 platinum." He altered.

"Done." Barrock did not hesitate, which rattled the goblin a little.

"You're breaking every rule of a mercenary, Barr." Goroth whispered, standing up straight on his tree branch. "Black Maws are all fair games, unless they're in government area. You'll invite all sorts of trouble for yourself and everyone."

"If that's the price, then so be it." Barrock replied. "There's this creature needs saving. A very important creature, so they say."

"Don't tell me..." Goroth growled with a low gravelly voice.

"I'll pay 12 if it helps the getaway easier." Barrock said. [b]"But consider this my offer to you."

"Hmph." Goroth exclaimed, before his figure on the tree faded with an eye blink. He landed right next to Barrock, the axe strapped on his back.

"I'm not thinking about it." Goroth whispered. "I save the creature, you pay me. That's it."

"Sure." Barrock shrugged, and they marched. The orc was certain of one thing though: it was a blatant lie.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

"Hmmmm."

One thing having come to blows with those of that race was that the dark elves always doubled-down on a victory. But none taught them what to do after a doubled attack. The dark elves had indeed beat them to a pulp, but they hadn't killed them yet. They always assumed their enemies would rest to lick their wounds before striking back. And they loved that shit. There was a sense of importance, a mirage of heightened threats that those elves basked in, even if they may suffer defeat when struck back. They loved to be seen as fearsome.

Which was why Barrock had to strike now.

"Good enough." Barrock knocked on the wooden stump he sat on loudly. "We strike tomorrow. However..."

He looked at the state of his group, there were little hopes they could strike effectively. Rowan looked like a breeze would break him in two. Aurora might be able to if she pulled it together, but he couldn't rely on that. And Timothy wouldn't join, he'd assume for a good reason.

"Join at will, but we will need help." Barrock declared. "I will meet him early morning, with much money."

There goes his savings. But if he was going to get Vasco back, only he would do. His reputation was as elusive as his presence on this mortal plane. And for how immoral the path this guy walked, he had standards. Strict standards.

Barrock picked up the cup of firefae and downed it in two gulp. Could've done it with one, but he should learn to savor the goodness in life.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Orcs never developed the appetite to discuss highly theoretical concepts. They were all drivels to them, distraction from what they could do at this very moment. It was perhaps why they never achieved the kind of advances the elves and others were able to. Even that weird sect of so-called peaceful farmer orcs didn't find the appetite during that search for their own virtues. Barrock understood the sentiment.

Whatever the humans chose were their choice and theirs alone, fair enough. But how would they end up veering to one extreme or another? That one he couldn't make the dot. But then again, the prophecy sounded incredibly calibrated to instill a reaction, not a discussion. The truth might be somewhere inbetween.

Barrock didn't answer Timothy's first question, as the orc knew that he knew. Barrock saw no need to confirm it. It was tough going against everything that was his identity, almost akin to killing himself and reviving it with dark arts. But the second one, urgh.

"No titles." Barrock raised a finger. "Save it for the otherkins. With me, name only."

But he took the gesture more pleasantly rather than annoyance. He might be a bit mouthful, but Timothy saved his life. He also had the appearance of wisdom. And sound judgement, which Barrock wanted more right now.

Barrock took his time picking up his equipment and mannerly put them at appropriate spots in the doorway before coming in.

"A brew of Firefae, if one has it." Barrock said as he sat down. Barrock would readily admit that if he had the money in life, he would be addicted to that drink. It would be considered a strong drink for any other creatures, especially the small elves and fairies, but Barrock considered it calming, and quite a tasteful reward after a long week. A shame it cost so much.

"What calms me is a plan. Then we can talk abstracts." Barrock said, getting straight to business. "If that human is that important, we get him back. But...we don't know where he was taken. Do you know anything?"

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

To an orc, so long excluded from the world in their own self-imposed exile, it took a bit for him to understand the deeper context. But he got it, to some extent his brain could. Although, there was something to be said about the hilarity of the prophecy leaning either on a perfect world or a hell. But hey, in his language, this was how a butcher sold their meat, and a jewelrer sold their polished war skulls.

But if it was this dangerous that a rebellion was formed around this whole thing, there might be some truth to it. If anything, the best thing was to stop that second scenario from happening.

Barrock briefly glanced in Rowan's direction at the same time as Timothy. That stream of sorrow also found its way through Barrock, but not in a reciprocal kind. The orc slowly stood up and put his feet slowly in front of the other in a wide circle around the room with several deep breaths.

"The human needed to think." Barrock turned to look at Timothy, his head tilted slightly that exposed an undercurrent of sarcasm beneath. "With luck this time, he's not here. We will plan another."

His red eyes shot to Rowan, then back to Timothy, the gap inbetween was an unspoken message to the light elf. "But we don't make plans without information. What news can you find about this human?"

It was never in his head that he would ever take the lead on anything but his own lives, but reality never made any sense, so why not go along with it - if it gets the job done.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

They didn't say exactly Aurora was okay, but it was good enough. Now it was time for the apologies. A part of Barrock was so over Rowan's constant state of regret. But this was necessary, and to be fair he wanted this a few miunutes ago. If there was a harmless peeve that the orc could not get over, it would be performance. If one were to improve, do it. And if one were to promise to improve, one ought to be short and concise. And Rowan's was quite short, no dreary teary stories.

"Save the sermon for that moment."

The orc left it with a nod. It was Rowan's responsibility to act on that promise, not Barrock's words.

Barrock turned to Timothy with a much more softened expression. He was the one who came to his aid when he needed it the most. That was a debt he would remember, even though the motivation might be because of Rowan more than Barrock himself.

"Thank you." He bowed slightly.

Now that they were all here in one place, it was time to figure things out. Without Vasco, it would be much easier to concoct a good plan. But first, about Timothy.

"Who are you in relation to these two?" He asked. "Do you know about our human?"

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

“There’s always room for weary ones like yourself.”

Timothy judged correctly. After all that happened today, Barrock was more tired than anything else. His slowed responses showed more than his face did. Once he found an appropriately spacious space to sit, he unstrapped his gears and let it fell flippantly into the ground with a loud clang. With a growl that came oozing from deep in his throat, he sat down opposite from Aurora and Rowan.

And then silence. The only sound to echo in the room were the sparks coming from the fireplace.

Barrock spent most of the moment with his eyes closed, his breathing calm and rhythmic. He sometimes opened his eyes to observe the room around him.

Vasco. He was not here, so Timothy either hadn't gotten him or didn't get him. Depending on it, they would have to go and retrieve him. At this point, Barrock was okay with that. If that was his duty, he'd have to do it.

Rowan. He was in front of him. The guy who left him behind to fend for his own. The orc's feelings towards him was of a soup. Was there spice in it? Anger that he left a comrade behind to die. Yes. Bitterness, salt. That too. But for the most part, there was some sweet in it too. Barrock came in expecting to be wilt him with his stare or let the nature of his neglect rupture their relationship, but now that he was in front of him, he felt more calm. He didn't know what to say yet, however.

Aurora.

Aurora...

She wasn't there. Was she in danger again? Looking at Rowan, who looked gloom. The orc didn't interpret it as a sign of guilt, but more of worries, or even...grief? Could that be the reason why the elf went so far as to abandon him? Was Aurora's wounds that bad?

Nevertheless, maintaining his calm, Barrock opened his deep-red eyes and looked at Rowan.

"Where is Aurora?" He asked very directly.

His chest began to heat up. One could misconstrue his worries, and his frowning face for his anger. Only when Rowan would confirm she was safe did the orc allowed his expressions to relax, break even. His eyes would close again, looking slightly away, letting out a long sigh.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Barrock was quite astonished. He expected to have to swim upstream against the inquisitive, but this elf not only was fixing things up for the orc, he made the point as clear as possible with the jovial manner. Although there were information that Barrock found a bit cryptic, so far the first impression was a positive one.

Barrock maintained his unflinching glare at Timothy throughout the whole session, ready to retaliate if he was going to test his kindness, but it seemed more than apparent that the elf wasn't a poser. His muscles was more than relaxed enough for Timothy to do his work. His gaze only broke off of Timothy when the wind stirred up the trees. His eyes visibly dilated as he observed the surrounding, stopping after the empty threat died with the wind.

"No complaints." Barrock said, after Timothy suggested to go to where he was, where Rowan and Aurora were located. His hand picked up the sword and lifted himself up using it. He twirled his limbs several times to test the quality of the elf's work. His verdict was pretty good.

The ruffling sound of leaves and cracking branches followed the floating beacon through the forest. Whereas the elf blended into the forest, the green orc which should naturally have been a natural camouflage, stood out with every lumbering step taken. But it seemed like danger wasn't seeking them out today, as they arrived at the unseeming cottage unharmed.

Barrock didn't really attempt to make his arrival discrete. It was as if he wanted to hear an appropriate welcome from his two 'friends'.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Barrock narrowed his eyes before him, as if to limit the intake of energy from this light elf, but also disarmed the orc. An awkward staredown took place as Barrock squared up whether or not he should take this elf seriously. Knowing his name, Aurora, and Rowan was obviously a noteworthy sign, if not the only important sign that he was one of the rebels, but his paranoid mind continuously warned him of a potential poser, running through various possibilities that this guy could weasel his way in. The weigh that ultimately tipped the scale was ultimately cold hard logic.

Barrock broke off the staredown first by looking and pointing down at his knee, which looked obviously busted up from the previous fight.

If he was right and the elf was who he said he was, Barrock could relieve himself of pain. If not, whatever. He didn't have that much to lose anyway.

Barrock could also tell that the elf was curious in him. One could kind of understand it, although he definitely wasn't fond of an overly prying attitude. But it was coming no matter what he'd say, so Barrock invited it anyway.

"Who are you?" The orc said, as he laid his back against the tree, letting the elf work on his injuries, while bracing himself against the barrage of questions that inevitably was coming.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Did they really leave him behind?

Barrock lumbered, stumbled and tripped his way through the forest to no sight of Aurora and Rowan. As he saw the eventide reflected onto his face, he sat down upright by one of the nearby trees his eyes closed. For a couple of hours, tranquility came in the form of chirps.

He didn’t know if this was a thing with orcs, or if it was just him, but he didn’t dream. He didn’t sleep either. As his body was in its healing cradle, his mind seemed to wander in a colorless area, surrounded by thoughts that appeared in no direction and order in particular.

’That was such a waste of time’

It was whatever. He was a mercenary a few days ago for years. There was no pain in coming back to it. Barrock didn’t have high opinions of these rag tag rebels, and if they were so disorganized to the point of leaving him the moment they got injured like that, why would he trust them with his life? He’d pretend like he never knew them.

’I thought it would have amounted to something.’

He really did though. He didn’t know what to think of that. Stupid, naive?

’As much as those pigs disgusted me, they really made me fear for my own life briefly’

’Did I really devolve back into such a subspecies?’

People liked to remind him that no matter who he was and what he did, he was still an orc. He saw it for himself, when pushed to the brink, the animal in him had taken over, and he did what they do best. Were they ultimately right?

Then suddenly in the backdrop of nothingness, he saw physicslly a white light approaching, expanding and engulfing the space around him.

Barrock opened his eyes, his ears perked to the sound of rustling leaves. He immediately stood up with his sword raised horizontally in the direction of the sound. The orc saw him, a pale creature was hard to hide in the greens.

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Silence fell upon the corpse-ridden battlefield, as more of the living organisms, intelligent or otherwise, went cold. Barrock's temper also cooled off, and his vision cleared to what had happened.

The rest of the syndicate had left, along with Vasco. The first week ever since humans arrived to assist in this rebellion, and the group had lost two already.

What a colossal clusterfuck of an operation. All because of that fucking human. Barrock had told him to be methodical, and the bastard didn't listen, now he's kidnapped too.

Fuck him.

He could die for all he cared. All he had been to him, Rowan and Aurora had been nothing but being a reprehensible prick.

As for the elven siblings, they seemed okay, but they were quick to leave. The orc instinctively followed, but one step forward and his knee buckled, and he stood with his sword in hand as support. The fight had left his knee rather badly injured, though nothing too critical. Looking around, he ripped out some cloth from the more intact deads and wrapped his knee up in a crude, somewhat painful but serviceable bandage. The quintessential orc way to do about things. He also took his time to take off his armor and reviewed the damage that the orc and the warforged caused to him.

A thought crossed his mind briefly that Rowan just left him here after seeing what happened, and what he had become, but...whatever. He had lived a rugged life before, if they chose to let him go, then so be it. It wasn't the end of the world.

"Hmmm..."

He looked at the dent made on his armor, and on his chest. It was turning colors. Could be concerning, but as of now, it was just a slight discomfort.

Barrock bent his armor back into shape with his hands, then saddled back up. He emerged from the warehouse the same Barrock as before - a little beaten up, but the same stoic man. But the carnage behind him was still visible as a reminder of what this stoic man could and would do.