Mossflower Woods

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| There is no break in the foliage in sight here. Trees |

| tower up at every turn, their roots crawling across |

| the earth, lurching up in some places to create hazards |

| for a beast traveling. The faint sound of buzzing tells |

| you that a bee nest is somewhere nearby, its |

| inhabitants working busily. |

+---------------------------------------------------------------+

Exits: [T]hicket, [N]orth, [W]est

Dasting arrives from the west.

Dasting has arrived.

Kibwana arrives from the west.

Kibwana has arrived.

With:

[IC] NurJehan

[DYN] Kibwana

[IC] Dasting

Huh, odd. There's a vixen here just standing in the thick of the woods, leaning her back up against a tree and skinning an apple with a carving knife. Her ears droop to the sides slightly, poking out of the hood drawn loosely about her head. They perk as she hears the flapping of wings in the sky nearby, and she looks up to check if the avian is recognizable.

Dasting flies about, ducking in low enough to make it known who he is to the vixen. After landing, he quickly summarizes the situation with Kibwana, then flies away.

Dasting has disconnected.

Soon afterwards, the fox himself pads into the area, feather-covered cloak and long headfur billowing behind him in the slight wind. He approaches the vixen, giving a nod to her. His face seems to have a slight arrogance to it. "Good day to you, Lady Vixen. I was told by Sir Mclangley about this United Military organization. Perhaps, if you would, you could explain a bit more to me" he says, voice elegant and noble.

NurJehan's eyes narrow upon the tod as he approaches, and she listens demurely, her facial expression contemplative as she's addressed. "Well met, young Sir. What is your name? It is often difficult for me to justify speaking to a stranger such as yourself in regards to the Order.. there are those with potentially damaging motives who seek to understand our operations. We try to keep to ourselves about what we do, but there are certainly positions available for those who can comprehend the lifestyle."

Kibwana smiles slightly to the vixen. "Forgive me. I am Kibwana Firefur. Might I know yours as well?" he inquires, looking the vixen over for a few moments. Typical young male! "I have been without work in my field for some time. Unfortunately, it seems the only beasts who have use for my skills are trash bandits and other scum. I do hope your military order is of a higher sort than the common rabble that infests most of these woods. Though, if you are any indication, I believe I may be in luck."

NurJehan grins ruefully and nods her head. "I am Nurdayette Jehan D'Artunis.. you may call me Nur for simplicity's sake. I am one of two founding Magnates of the Order. We are indeed based on organized principles and backed by noble wealth. Common rabblebeasts have their place in the order of life, and are meant to be used in achieving glorious ends for those apt enough to concieve them. They hardly mind ... they're usually content with money to cover the costs of their booze habits and having been associated with such prosperous endeavors." She pauses to take a bite of her apple, chewing casually before she continues. "The United Military Order of Contract Hires and Intelligence Provision. We provide mercenary and intelligence services to the highest bidder, and front our practices with an extensive Merchant's Guild."

Kibwana laughs, the fox suddenly grinning at Nur. "Well met, Magnate Nur. I must say, I am intrigued. It has been so long since I have had a truly worthwhile occupation" he says. "That is true enough, lowly beasts have simple needs and simple goals. Poor brutes, I do pity them. Ah, but we all have our stations in life. They cannot help being what they are" the fox states, closing his eyes momentarily. He then opens them. "Perhaps you would allow me to offer my services to you and your organization? I will be plain. My motivations in joining are simply to find combat against worthy beasts while earning enough to live. That is all. I shall serve in whatever capacity is necessary, so long as it serves my personal goals as well."

NurJehan glances around quickly, lingering on the woods to the west, and then returns her sight back to Kibwana. She tilts her head inquisitively. "I do need officers in the guard, and you will have plentiful opportunity for fighting practice. The Archon of the Guard will be here soon I believe. Where are you from, if I may ask? And also.. what are your personal goals?"

Kibwana leans against a nearby tree, taking off his sword on his back to be more comfortable. He doesn't unsheath it, not wanting to make any offensive gestures to the high ranking vixen. At her question, he chuckles. "I am from Elonia. A small kingdom, far too peaceful for my liking" he says. "As for my personal goals, they consist of becoming stronger, sharpening my skills, and finding fame. I wish to be known as the strongest of all swordsbeasts. I desire to fight the strongest, and slay them."

Darkmane arrives from the west.

Darkmane has arrived.

NurJehan grins, relatively amused. "Well, we have a reputation for employing the strongest of swordbeasts, and I'm sure a few of them would be willing to spar with you a bit. Perhaps you'll enjoy that competition. I don't know about slaying within this Order though... last time I checked that was against the rules." She chuckles, and takes a bite of her apple.

Kibwana smiles and bows slightly to Nur. "Of course, that would be counterproductive. I assure you, I will not kill any of them without reason. At least while I am in your employ, if I am done the honor. Perhaps you will elaborate on the rules? I assume the usual; not stealing, killing of fellow members, et cetera" he says, relaxing slightly against the tree.

NurJehan nods her head. "The acts considered criminal are as follows, from least severe to most. Breach of Peace, Vandalism, Fraud, Forgery, Undue Impersonation, Trespassing, Smuggling, Arson, Blackmail, Looting, Kidnapping, Larceny, Assault, Treason and Murder. We proceed with a trial. Some crimes are treated as misdemeanors, others are more gravely dealt with."

Kibwana nods as well. "I understand, and accept those rules. They are fair enough. How might I enter into the service of the order? There is some form of examination perhaps?" he inquires, looking at the vixen. He moves an errant strand of headfur from his eyes, something that happens often considering the pure amount of it he has.

NurJehan is feeling playful, but she keeps her expression sobered and her brow furrows. She states matter-of-factly, "Well, we will have to cut all your hair off. In fact, I should probably get around to that now before Darkmane sees you."

Darkmane smirks slightly at the question as he pushes away from the tree he has been leaning against and steps into view of the two "That would be defeating me one on one" Cracking his knuckles as he grins wryly then bows to them both, head turning to focus on NurJehan "trying to help him by removing one of my favorite tactics are you?"

Kibwana frowns slightly to Nur at first, then gives a wide grin. "Oh? Well, that would be impossible I am afraid. This headfur of mine is the pride of the Firefur family. It would be in poor taste for me to cut it" he states, laughing. When Darkmane enters, he looks the massive beast over. He licks his muzzle. "I believe you would be Sir Darkmane then? I would be honored to fight you" he states, returning the bow. Then, without warning, he gives a hard flick of his sword in Darkmane's direction; sending the sheath flying in Darkmane's direction. The fox charges, the long and somewhat thin sword held in one paw.

NurJehan smirks, addressing Darkmane happily, "Ha, I was joking! I actually rather like his hair, and I think he deserves to keep it. He seems a fine fellow and he's made a prime impression on me." She stands up straight, trying to appear as tall as possible in the shadow of the horse. "As for this examination you propose, we wouldn't be able to recruit hardly anyone if everyone was required to defeat you in battle!" Ack, swordthrowing. Haha, what a champ. She blinks as Kibwana initiates an attack, and stands back to watch, even more amused.

Darkmane grins thinly as he notes Kibwana's charge and deflects the sheath with his sapling staff as he enters a defensive stance preparing to meet any attacks if initiated "hmm, i wonder if you deserves points for bravery or docked point for being rash"

Kibwana grins as he charges, long headfur fanning out as he does so. "Either! I care not!" he yells as he launches a horizontal slash with his sword at Darkmane, if blocked his above average strength would be apparent. Though no where near that of the massive equine, for a fox it is impressive.

NurJehan clears her throat and declares loudly, "Try not to maul one other too fiercely! I don't want to deal with any gaping wounds and we don't have a healer within a few hours walk from here..." She's content to watch for now.

Darkmane blinks slightly at the strength of the slash as he does block then tries to push him away while keeping the grin "No problem angel" His grip on the sapling shifting sligtly as he swipes it toward Kibwana's legs using only part of his strength to try an trip. Something muttered as he returns toward his defensive stance hit or miss.

Kibwana frowns slightly as he hears NurJehan, the fox letting himself get pushed away. "A pity..." he says, barely noting the swipe coming for his legs. He jumps/rolls over the incoming sapling, the large piece of wood missing his body by mere millimeters and sends his long headfur in a twirl. He recovers quickly, eyes never leaving his opponent as he awaits an incoming strike that he's sure is coming next. At least when fighting, he isn't arrogant or stupid enough to take the equine lightly.

Darkmane simply dips his head and places his staff by his side again and grins toward Nurjehan "He will do nicely, strong fellow aswell" his head shaking as he looks over at Kibwana again "quick, strong and brave or rash, if the first a good thing, latter some work is needed"

Kibwana rests his sword on his shoulder, the weapon being single-edged. He looks somewhat disappointed at the sudden end to the fight. "Over already? I had hoped one of us would draw blood. Ahh well. Next time perhaps" he says, giving a small bow to Darkmane. "Thank you. I finally have somebeast to measure myself against. I see how far I have come, and how far I have to go. All thanks to you, Sir Darkmane" the fox says as he reluctantly retrieves his sheath and returns his sword to its home. He looks to Nur. "Are my skills satisfactory?"

NurJehan nods her head in agreement with Darkmane and tosses the core of her finished apple over her shoulder into the woods. "Yes, I believe so. Thank you Darkmane." She fishes a small parchment out of the pouch at her waist. It has already been written upon. Folding it up, she turns to Kibwana and handing him the note, says, "The last is this. Find the Dirt Road through Mossflower and travel south to the Black Gull Tavern. Give the barmaid - the weasel - this message. Check back within three days at the Tavern and you will have recieved a message with further instructions. Any questions?"

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The note reads:

Hold all delivered messages addressed to the name Jackdaw for three days and you will be further compensated upon verification of your compliance. Allow the deliverer of this letter to rest, eat and drink if he so wishes at your establishment for no longer than four days and compensation for all expenses incurred will be covered upon the third day after his or her departure. Thank you for your assistance. We hope to further benefit your establishment in the future.

*

The note is signed;

Magnate NJD'A

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Kibwana nods to Nur, the fox taking the message. He puts it in his pack, then looks to the two. "Of course, Lady Nur. I shall do so promptly" he states before turning his attention to Darkmane. "It will be a pleasure and an honor. I look forward to it Sir Darkmane" the fox says, giving a sudden stretch. "Oh, perfect method of limbering oneself. I feel so very alive right now and light."

NurJehan adds quickly, "Jackdaw is the name to which your message will be addressed. Do not forget it. You will be able to stay there if you so choose for four nights out of my pocket, with all the eat and drink you might desire. Be sure that the barmaid reads the note, but do not let her keep it. And give her this with it," she swings her haversack from her back to the ground, opens it, and retrieves a small cloth pouch of coins. "I trust you understand that will know if she does not recieve the amount that she is expecting." The pouch in her paw is extended to the tod.

Kibwana chuckles and smirks at Nur. "I assure you, it shall get there with the proper amount. I thank you for your gift. I have had to be frugal of late, it will be a welcome change to be able to relax" he says as he takes the small pouch. He then turns, giving a wave over his shoulders. "I shall see you at the Tavern then, Sir Darkmane. May we meet again Lady Nur..." he says as he heads off in the direction of the road.

The End.

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