A small planet galaxies away set back into the Victorian age of knights, kingdoms, princesses and kings. Only it held all the fantasy told in Earth's children stories, the land inhabited by creatures of all types. Everything had been swell till the Kingdom of the North Valley decide to expand and started a war with the Kingdom of the South, a moderate village buried in the woods, its civilization living in the trees that were bigger even than the giants that roamed the forest floor. It held its advantages against the people of the south who lived in small huts built into the hills of their land. Though it didn't last long, as eight months past the Southern kingdom started to lose its lead, the tables were turning. In a last desperate effort the elven King order small groups of his troops to recruit people from all the villages in his land.

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With a hearty fire, Lawrence a double-swordsman stirred the stew him and his fellow companions would be consuming for the night. They had setup camp for the night started to glide over the land making it too dangerous to travel in fear of being caught off guard by the enemy. So for now they had to wait till the sun glistened along the horizon and the could make there towards the small village of Normin.

All the men were an intimidating bunch. Lawrence wore a mass of chain-mail, and other large metal garments fashioned to be armor that weighted over a ton. Everything hammered into sharp points, embellished with menacing carvings, anything to intimidate the enemy. His helmet made the outfit, all of it together made him look like a metallic demon just like his fellow troops.

Though at the moment his helmet was off letting his abundance of black locks cascade down his back and an unshaven weary face show, easily making him look years older than he really was. His blue eyes watched the stew bubble and brew while the other men sharpened their swords and made merry of the time they had not moving. Not a single one of them liked being away from the battle field, their armor riddled with nicks some with nasty slashes. None of that stopped them from fighting though, only the order of their superior forcing them to find recruits did.

[{I hope that is okay... It is a little rough.}]

The young woman yelled. It wasn't anything to do with the fact that her blade had nearly snapped in half, or the fact that at the beginning of the match she had been forced to go put on the under arm plastron she had forgotten to slip on. The reason for the loud sounds coming out of her mouth was the fact that she had won, and for the first time in her fencing career she was going to go into the mixed gold medal match.

All the excitement died away quickly enough though. A spinning sensation enveloped her, making dizziness and a sick feeling take over everything else. Blythe blinked and felt as if smoke was clearing away. The sick feeling in her stomach didn't leave her. Crouching down, at first Blythe didn't realize someone else stood in the clearing she found herself within. He was a tall man, with white blond hair and brilliant green eyes. His clothing was both elaborate and simple at the same time. The most shocking to her, was the fact that he had pointed elf ears. Which led her to conclude that the black and green clad man was indeed one of those mythical beings.

Tilting his head, he regarded the strangely clad person crouching before him. With a shrug, the mage stepped forward to grip the person's arm firmly. Leif dragged her behind him until they had reached the camp for those knights. His king had wanted recruits, well the mage had found one from another world who was supposed to change the outcome of the war.

She was a woman, true. Her clothing was pure white, and she held a clunky helm and a flimsy looking sword in her hands. Despite all of this, the elf was quite certain she would help. His spells never failed. They might have had different effects then expected, but they never simply fizzled. Proud of himself, Leif halted in front of Lawrence. "Here is your newest recruit," stated the elf before wandering away quickly, not wanting to hear what the knight had to say in response.

At the sight of Leif dragging something foreign behind him made Lawrence's weary expression all the worse. Didn't take too well to mages and their habits of doing crazy things. Like the thing that was now before him deemed as a new recruit. He wanted nothing to do with her till the morning, no one on the camp grounds would want to test out her skills. They were either asleep or too intoxicated to do so. "Your rather.... small." he muttered the only words he could think while he balanced the ladle on the rim of the pot. As he stood he moved over to her. "Now get up, quickly. I don't have all day." he said impatiently.

Waiting till she was fully erect he pulled one of his swords from its sheath, a rather larger sword with a long blade. "Can you even hold this up?" he asked holding it out to her. At the moment he didn't care she was a female. When the morning came and they were at the next village she would be gone. He had no faith in her being able to pass any test they threw her way. So for now he would just mess with her in no desire to really give her a chance to impress him.

"What is that Lawrence?" One of the more sober troops asked. "I don't know, a twig that Leif has dropped before me saying it is a recruit..." after those words were said a hearty laugh escaped both the knights. They couldn't see it. No way she could be a recruit. Though a lightbulb went off in his head, taking the sword back he placed a broad hand on her small shoulder with a smile. "Follow me. I'll show you to your tent for the night." he spoke mischief deep in his voice. He lead her straight to Leif's tent.

"This recruit is your responsibility Leif darling, we can't do anything with it till we get to the next village." his voice was rich with spite as he soon left the girl standing there before the mages tent. As he waked away he seemed to be clean his hands of her in shock he actually had to physically touch her.

Everything happened so quickly. A few things caught her mind, like the word 'recruit' and then the fact that the person who had called her... Simply left her in front of a muscle bound warrior. A light entered her blue eyes as she regarded him and listened to his words. Angrily, she extended her hand to catch up his sword, but was disappointed when he put it away.

Then came the laughter, and she hated that. They didn't even see her as a person either. The young woman realized that when she was pushed and lead every which way, without any say at all in her own direction. Fuming, she went to follow the man. She ran in front of him and stood there with her hands on her hips, the right gloved the other not. "My name is Blythe, not it! You listen to me mister, I'll prove to you that I can keep up with any of you." In all seriousness she knew it wouldn't be easy, especially at the beginning, and that her words would definitely get her in trouble.

Leif listened to the altercation from his tent and found a grin crossing his face. This was how she would change the tide of the war! Simply by proving that if given a chance anyone could become a recruit. silently, he waled outside and whispered a spell so that every person in the place would hear the challenge this Blythe was posing. They would both have to go trough with it, but Lawrence especially was caught.

With a slight raise of his eyebrow Lawrence kept calm even as she reprimanded him. Honestly, it only got him to laugh all the more. "It seems you are blind and deaf. I don't care for your name. You are of no importance to me till we reach the next village. There you can prove your worth, till than hold your tongue listen and realize no one will pay any attention to you. We are at war, the enemy ambushing us is more important than a scrawny recruit trying to act tough. You will be tested with the rest of the recruits. Learn your place before it gets you in trouble." he was serious as he spoke not giving Blythe special privileges. There were others waiting, she just happened to be summoned by a mage. She would have to wait for her turn.

No matter how much she yelled at him or pestered him, he would not budge, female, male, scrawny, or muscular. They would all be put to tests and if they pass they would go into training. He just didn't think she would make it past the first one and already deemed her a failure. An bit of entertainment for tomorrow. Though a few laughs still escaped his broad chest unable to let go that she thought he would pass up a possible troop. Even he knew they were getting desperate, still though they had to make sure they could handle what laid ahead. "Goodnight, the both of you and everyone else in the camp!" his voice rumbled knowing Leif did something when he sensed all the eyes of the other troops on them the second Blythe tested him. Only Lawrence was quite levelheaded and hard to panic. War had made him cold and hard, he didn't just get his position of authority by pleasing the higher ranking officers.

Instead of going after him once more, she walked past him. That man was infuriating! Of course, the mention of a war had ruffled her but still... It wasn't the most shocking thing which had happened. Being pulled from one world to another with no warning was enough change for anyone. The fact that is was in a place war torn and with the kind of people like that man really didn't help matters.

Shaking her head, the young woman ignored the mage who had gotten her into the mess. Her eyes were full of determination as she entered then tent. It was a mess, with scrolls and parchments everywhere. Books littered the floor and clothing lay about every where. A small frustrated sigh escaped Blythe as she surveyed the place, all the while hoping she could change out of her sweaty things. It didn't seem likely. The young woman grabbed some extra blankets and proceeded to remove the plastron, vest, under arm plastron, and body cord, before laying down in the nest she made for herself.

Leif watched as Lawrence left with a frown. The elf didn't even pay attention to the human until he entered his tent to find her sleeping already. Seeing that there was truly nothing to do, he sighed and went to sleep on his cot. It would be terribly difficult for the woman to prove to that stuffy warrior that she was indeed recruitable.

As the sun caressed the horizon shining warm rays of light through the trees life seemed to erupt in the camp. All kinds of men were working, some cooking others going to clean themselves, and most of all they were getting their things ready for the march to the nearest capital where the recruitment station was. People from all of the villages would be showing up there to join the war. Only they had to be deemed worthy for even spending the gold and time on them. Some of the slower men were the ones that would be staying behind to watch the camp. One seemed to be making everyone angry, was the faun. An ugly creature, legs of a deer, antlers and a nasty attitude. He was the medic and was forcing the men to carry his supplies and tent to the recruitment station fussing that people would get hurt.

One of the unfortunate men listening to his wails was Lawrence, acting obedient for once. The faun reported everything back to the King, the messenger and an asset when things got bad. Been saved by him a few times so his respect went towards the centuries old woodland creature. When finished he went to round up everyone to make sure they were all her before the headed to the village, that was more like a small city.

Norman, was a huge place. A civilization living in the trees and a grand waterfall that flowed through their city streets. Screams of joy from little kids could be heard and they soon turned to undefinable chatter when the Knights came walking in. They were always greeted with much enthusiasm. Their destination though was to a field just outside the village. It was a small training grounds they changed into a recruitment area, where hundreds of people crowded around holding an array of weapons, muscular builds, species and abilities. All of that meant it was going to be a long day and they quickly went to separating all the recruits into categories of weapon and than fighting style. They would have a bracket competition. Top ten moved on without question, than around twenty others would be throughly picked through for the best. If they still had room they would go down the list.

The march had wearied Blythe, but she was still determined to prove to that man that she could make it. Of course it would mean entering into a war, something that Blythe really had no idea what she was getting herself into. The trials she was sure, were going to be difficult. The young woman kept her eyes away from the faun and the warrior whom she had been thrust upon at her arrival. Instead she walked to where people were being separated by groups.

The way they explained the process made her smile. This was exactly the type of thing Blythe was used to. Tournaments were run very much like this. They directed her towards the rapier wielders, and the lighter bodied ones at that. Smoke wafted up from fires, making the air heavy and thick with it. Some men smelled like they hadn't washed in months, and others looked like prissy noblemen. A few other women were wandering around, but none as small as Blythe. It seemed like only the toughest ever showed up, even if things were as hard as it seemed to be to gain new recruits.

Surveying all the people that showed up, the sight of one person let out a bitter sigh from him. A tall, lean muscled, gypsy girl stood in a group of rouge, long dagger fighters. What bothered him was her wardrobe, a colorful skirt full of sheer layers in warm colors, her navel was showing and only a small top covered her chest. "Are you sure you want to fight in... that?" he asked out of concern not deeming her unworthy but in dangerous proximity of an injury which reminded him of a particularly scrawny female recruit. In his eyes the gypsy had a better chance, she wasn't near as small and was rather pleasing to the eye like most gypsies. They were tied with the fair skinned elves.

A twinkling laugh a singing voice escaped Vadom. "Just watch an learn dear knight. But don't you think you should be over by the swords man." she said in a haughty tone playing a strand of her curly dark brown hair her big, surprisingly violet eyes following him. The little gypsy harbored some dark secrets, like the fact she was quite the notorious thief. Best way to get away from authority was through the war. She was the only one though, many men here could be consider dangerous.

With a shake of his head moved over to the swordsmen area and started pairing people up, while the village children called them out to the waiting people. He put Blythe up to a man he deemed her size, at least as close as he could get. Believed in a fair fight. Though the most amusing was the other pairings. The other knights had deemed people they thought were best and already were skewing the outcome. Now, they just waited to see who came out on top of the brackets.

One thing was for sure Lawrence was watching two females in particular and about three males that fought in his duel swords style. He just couldn't believe either of the girls could make it. The other female participants were either Ogres, mass and could pass for a man, and a few wild looking elves with bows. Not a single one he would want to encounter on the battle field just be shear intimidation. Even the prissy males would get roughed up after a day in training, and be completely ruined on the battlefield.

Leif watched as things unfolded, seeing Lawrence pairing up the recruits he went to join him. "You should stop judging them all so quickly," murmured the elf. His eyes wandered to a beautiful gypsy woman, whom he was sure was going to succeed. There were many different ways of winning battle the brawn. At the thought, his green eyes shifted to the human he had summoned from her own world.

She was having to adjust her épée techniques for a rapier. Having never taken very much time to learn saber, she knew she was in trouble. Still as she moved fluidly forward and backwards she could tell the man before her was a little surprised with her quick footwork and speed. With a flash of silver she feinted and attack in quarte, before quickly backing away. Then the young woman moved forward, a sudden idea sprung to mind. Pressuring the other, she kept doing so until the moment she saw his muscles relax. That was when she struck with an explosive lunge. There was nothing her opponent could do save forfeit the match as Blythe's blade rested comfortably at the bade of his throat.

Finished with the match, she bent down and started stretching her muscles on by one. She got strange looks, but knew that being limber would aid her in her next matches. Things were going to get much harder, of that there was no doubt.

Lawrence looked over at Leif before laughing. "Look who is taking. Are you not weighing too much upon that girls shoulders? And can you blame me for being worried. Looks as if she could get broken like a twig if hit hard." he explained his thoughts watching all the battles before him. Even noticing Blythe's speed and intellect it didn't exactly impress him, not till he saw how she took a hard blow. Had the skills he just wanted to know how she would survive on the battle field. Nothing was comparable to getting severely hurt and having to continue fighting because if you stopped it would cost you your life.

On the other side of the field the gypsy seemed to just be playing with her opponent like this only fazed her as a game and nothing more. Every lounge he took towards she bent her body in a fluid motion looking as if she was dancing circles around him. It got to the point the man bellowed out in anger "Stop moving and fight me!" his anger got the best of him though. That mere stall to scream at her gave her the time to slam her gold tanned knee into his stomach finishing him off by jabbing her elbow into his neck. Not once during the fight did she have to pull her daggers from the holsters around her thighs. A benefit to close combat, didn't always need to fight with a weapon.

"Don't let your anger get the best of you next time..." she smiled speaking warmly rubbing the head of her opponent. "...Thank you for a fun match." She had no vendetta against the man laying before her so she saw no point in being mean to him even after he screamed at her. The least she could do is give him some advice for the future.

With a heavy sigh he handed the new list to the kid to go and share the new matches. "If you are so worried about me judging them why don't you take over my job Leif? Or have you found some excuse to get away..." he muttered bitterly, honestly not wanting to do this. He would love to give it to someone else to do.

That will to fight which always came with fencing had the young woman all riled up for more. Things were indeed getting interesting. Her next opponent was a big burly man, scar filled and war worn. She could tell by his smiling leer that he thought the red-head was nothing more then a push over. Blythe was determined to prove him, and everyone else, wrong. During the match, she got too cocky and lost her sword. Panic and dismay ran trough her as she saw her opponent's blade swinging towards her. It was at that moment that her ankle gave out and she fell to the ground.

That earlier injury had just saved the young woman from much worse. Breathing deeply, Blythe rolled back and stood up weaponless against him, or so it seemed. With a loud yell her good foot whipped out in a turning kick to crash into the weapon holding hand of her fellow competitor. The sword clattered to the ground and they were evenly matched once more.

A small quirk of the lips was all that showed how very impressed he was with the girl. "Well, as you said that young woman is my responsibility. As for judging, I can hardly do that when one of the possible recruits is a favorite of mine." After glancing one last time at Blythe he returned his gaze to the gypsy. Her movements reminded him very much of his people, a rare grace exuded from her.. Leif was quite curious about that one, and planned on finding out more by whatever means he could.

With an intent gaze Lawrence watched Blythe anticipating what she should do next and if he should call for a medic. If she made it through this he still would, he picked up on her ankle quickly. Had been trying to see what Leif saw and could only pick up flaws. His way of showing he saw more potential in her than she was showing. She would still dislike him even if she got to the top, he would push her to breaking point along with all the others. "Than if she makes it through this you better take care of her. I don't want her bothering me constantly." he impatiently tapping his fingers on his leg wishing this was faster. That wouldn't happen though not with how many signed up.

A filthy competitor, just what she wanted. In disgust her lip twitched though stubborn as a mule she didn't pull a dagger out. Never did she pull out a weapon till she became desperate and this wasn't worth it. Her movements became even quicker to avoid contact with her target sending him in a chase to get a hit on her. Though he didn't seem to be letting up or getting angry. This couldn't be happening. One more twirl she got behind him sending a jab into his lower spine to give his body a shock and loosen the grip on his weapon. Hearing the gentle thud she pushed them away watching the man panic. She couldn't believe how panicked people got without their weapons. Swiping his legs out from under him she placed a firm footing on his back forcing a forfeit for having the upper hand and him gasping for air.

Though when she heard the next matches a slight rage came over her. Their were an odd number of competitors now and she got sat out. Did she not deserve to move on? Angry she went to sit down on the ground watching all the men get paired up before her hearing a few snickers. "Bastards...." she spoke under her breath using this opportunity to watch them all and their techniques. Next opponent she would take down in seconds.

A low growl escaped her throat. They had called new matches while she was still stuck with this man, which meant this would be a horrible mess. It was then that Blythe knew she was probably not going to make it trough. At that moment of slight give, her opponent charged with a loud yell. Instinctively the young woman picked up her legs and curled up, hurting her ankle more in the process. That reaction had the man tripping over her and falling flat on his face. Without thinking, Blythe jumped onto his back and put an arm around his neck. She started pressing into his wind pipe until the judge declared her the winner.

Tired and exhausted, She was thrown into the next match right away. The mind of a fencer, always calculating, tried to compensate for the injured ankle. A slight smile crossed her lips as the young woman tore a strip of cloth from her now ragged vest and placed it around her ankle for support. Upon thinking more, she removed the vest completely revealing her sweat soaked t-shirt, covered by her chest protector, or breastplate.

To say that her opponent was disconcerted was an understatement. An idea struck her, and knowing she needed every advantage Blythe went trough with it. Tying a knot into her t-shirt a small strip of skin was revealed around her waist. AS soon as the man in front of her glanced down she struck with her foot, and not her weapon. He fell back, but recovered quickly, her blade was already at his neck forcing him to yield.

Once he noticed the gypsy sitting on the side lines, Leif glided over. Sitting down beside her, he smoothed his cloak. "It is a pleasure to meet such a graceful lady. Perhaps you would permit me to ask for your name? I am Leif." This was a wonderful opportunity to learn of her people, and escape Lawrence. Leif was fascinated by the curls of this woman's hair. This type of mane was never exhibited in his race. The thought had him now wondering of there was some way to create a spell which would give an elf such a wonderfully lionesque mane of hair.

When the second match in a row for Blythe ended Lawrence was moving with long strides across the field sending any matches in his way to a screeching halt. Getting to her he picked her up around the torso with a single massive arm and once she was up he slid the other one under her legs. Not a word escaped his lips as he carried her off the field, everyone stared but said nothing. Lawrence set her down on the grass before taking her ankle into his hands with an unbelievably gentle touch and bandaged it up the best he could with what he had. "Cover yourself." he spoke in a leveled tone throwing his cloak over her. In his eyes she won by disgusting means, but he hand to give her credit for thinking. "Now don't start screaming at me. Your high enough to make it in. You have a mage on your side." he explained lacking enthusiasm not wanting her to scream at him.

Unable to stay with her any longer he left her there on the grass before walking back to the judging area yelling at the participants to continue and not get sidetracked by the show. He was relieved though that Leif was gone, he didn't even try to look for him. Just glad he didn't have the elf breathing down his throat about the human girl. He wasn't wrong in her being, good. Not great though, not for him yet. It would take her some work to get there with him. Still didn't think she could survive on a battlefield long. All he hoped for is that act of, kindness in his eyes would get her to have no desire nag at him again.

Intently watching the fights raging on before her, she didn't realize the company she gained till they spoke. Not responding for a few seconds she turned her head to look at him. "I do not see grace in what I do sir. I am Vadoma and I hope you don't mind my rudeness but could you give me a few minutes. Need to inquire how my next competitors will fight." Without waiting for a response she turned her head back to the situation before, stopping halfway to watch Blythe. The sight of the redheaded girl got Vadoma to laugh in amusement. "Smart girl that one is." she said with a smile. She always used the assets she was given when the time called for it.

Honestly, the sight of Leif surprised Vadoma and she kept insisting on taking side glances at him. Even though she was a gypsy and traveled constantly this was her first encounter with an elf up close. Most of the ones that crossed her path were to haughty to talk to a gypsy, deemed her people beggars. That was probably why she was a hired thief at the moment. Letting out a heavy sigh she turned to him. "So what is your opinion on all this?" she motioned with her hand to all the fights going on. Only the archers seemed, civilized.

She smothered the incredulous tongue lashing she wanted to give him. Blythe was perfectly decent, actually she was more then decent by her world's standards. Cover herself indeed! Then, the thought came to mind that this wasn't her world, and that so far the only woman she had seen with more skin showing then herself was a gypsy.

A blush crept up her cheeks as Lawrence took care of her ankle. "Thank.." The young woman trailed off as she saw the warrior walk away. Grumbling about him never staying around so she could speak with him, she stood while favoring her bound foot. Carefully hobbling over to stand beside him, she ignored the snickering glances sent her way. "Thank you, but I don't want any preferential treatment just because I come from another world." She would keep fighting, and prove to them that she could make the ranks just like everyone else.

Chuckling, Leif shook his head. "What do I think? What a good question.." Gazing at the battles, a small twinkle set itself into his eyes at the sight of the girl and burly Lawrence. Small strands of wind blew trough the field, lifting the smoke for a moment and letting the participants breathe. It would be a very long trial day, more so because of the tests he had conceived for everyone. To fight, one needed intelligence as much as brute strength, if not more so. It was one of the reasons why Leif was there, to doubly test all the people there and add more to the roster, or remove some, after ascertaining their intelligence. "I think that only the strong and intelligent will be accepted, no matter what these initial brutal tests might say."

Not expecting to see her standing at his side he looked down at her while his hand pet his beard in frustration. All he wanted was for it to be gone. "Talk to the mage than. I am showing you no preferential treatment. So before you start lashing out at me you should know what you see is not what it seems..." he spoke in a calm tone not allowing her back on the field. "You are the one that needs to learn that continuing to fight on your injured ankle could lead to a worse injury and ultimately make it impossible to fight. Not proving anything but your idiocy." This time Lawrence didn't hold back, he saw no point. He wanted her to realize that the brackets meant nothing. Tell a group of people they can't make it if they aren't in a certain percentile and they fight to their best.

So even with the snickering men they didn't realize they might not make it. "Oh and don't think this is because you are a girl. There is an amazing archer climbing the ranks, a broadswords woman, and a rouge." He also wanted to get that point across so she didn't start after him on that topic. Nothing wrong with a female fighter, men might be strong but if the female was good she could have other skills not involving strength.

Quietly she listened with a little smirk pulling at the corner of her lips. "I have to contradict your statement. I don't believe they should be chosen based on strength and intellect alone. Much prefer if they viewed them for their endurance, strength, intelligence and calm nature. Have seen the most intelligent of men become savages with a weapon in their hands or completely petrified and a strong man with no endurance will not last long on a battle field." She spoke with a melodiously rich voice, the words just rolling off her tongue in flourishing ways as she spoke of something she had passion towards. The smile on her lips grew as she let her body fall back into the grass. Having a good idea of the men she would be against she allowed herself the pleasure to view the vast never-ending expanse of sky and enjoying the conversation she was partaking in.

Shrugging uncomfortably, the young woman watched the proceedings a little stiffly at Lawrence's side. In the end, she sat down without saying a word. To say Blythe was embarrassed would have been an understatement. From where she was, the other battles were quite clearly visible. It was true, other women were doing quite well and without the same misfortunes that seemed to have befallen the young woman. "I doubt anyone even knows how strange this world is to me... Not even the mage," murmured Blythe with a slight gleam in her eyes. It was all so terribly confusing! There was a war, one she had no idea about and there were all these things she thought were applicable in a medieval seeming place... "What's your name, I don't think I caught it." Truly in all the fuss of that day and the night before it hadn't even crossed her mind to ask.

"But even those criteria aren't quite right either," stated the mage simply as he regarded the woman laying in the grass beside him. "There is no way of knowing how people will react in the heat of battle. So we do what we can in order to weed out those we know wouldn't survive with certainty. The rest are prepared as best as we can, and after that their fate is in their own hands. Many of them have never truly wielded a weapon before, and so they are at a disadvantage in that... But their lives will have been harder then that of the knights and noblemen. So in reality, everyone has their good traits and bad... Some are simply not fit for battle." The thoughts flowed from mind to tongue in seconds, freely lifting trough the breeze to be carried off. Leif was ignoring the battles now, and concentrating on this marvelous debate.

Reluctantly Lawrence got down to join Blythe in sitting down. Though it rude to speak above her and not at her level, either way it was hard to hear what she said in all the noise around them. "Is not any new place strange? Each place you go to has different costumes and rules. The best thing to do is learn them and attempt to adapt. Do you think it is not strange for us to be living like this? Most the men you see have a wife a children and they left them for war. These are strange in of itself." he spoke calmly laughing at her distress. Her timing in entering this world did not help the strangeness she felt. Not like they weren't inhuman, the ate, worked, had families. Yes, they looked different but everyone functioned pretty much the same and that brought the only one good thing out of war. A brotherhood of men. Got pretty close to the men in their troop knowing their lives were in their hands. So with a smile he turned his head towards her. "The name is Lawrence. And do not worry, I'm sure you'll find your place her. Even though the guys don't seem friendly, they really are. Brutes with the softest of hearts, you just can't be rude to them." He did not want her lashing out at other people and causing troubles.

"It is true there is noway of knowing how someone will act, but there is a good indication on how they value others. If they seem killing a man like killing an animal, I would not want them anywhere near me. Ignorance is the worst of vices. Having Awareness to the value of human life and how we are all connected in a way. That is the man I would want next to me..." words just poured out of her she just couldn't keep herself from talking. This debate was rare, a debate almost like a conversation. No fighting or yelling, or saying each other's views were wrong. For her it was an enlightening discussion to her someone else's opinion. "...So saying people who weren't forced to wield a weapon are at a disadvantage is just doesn't seem right... The reason they are wielding the weapon is the disadvantage. A person being born into it maybe someone spiteful or have a hateful air to what they are doing. Revenge is the worst, greed not any better. But if they have a desire to fight for something greater I can't see how that is a disadvantage. Good, bad or ugly traits, traits make the person. The ability makes the fighter." With such a distraction Vadoma couldn't stare at the sky instead her head turned to watch the elf.

The young woman bit her lower lip. A nervous habit which always surfaced when things were not necessarily understandable to the young woman. Turning her eyes to Lawrence, Blythe tried to think of a way to explain her distress more fully. At the same time, she also wanted to know more about this war, about these struggles which caused people to fight against each other and leave everything they loved behind. "This war, what is it about? Why are these loving people going off to war?" Leaning on her hands, the blue eyed fencer made sure her ankle was comfortable.

Lawrence's actions and words had surprised her. She hadn't thought such words could come from the gruff armored man. He wasn't quite so horrible as Blythe had thought. "Do you have anyone you've left behind?" Blythe wondered aloud. Somehow, she couldn't imagine Lawrence with just anyone. Maybe a strong willed person, someone who could stand up to him... Failing that, she rather thought it would be better if he remained alone.

"Your words have much merit, but you discount the fact that people with no battle training will have a much harder time of dealing with such situations. And, with intelligence comes the ability to cope. I speak not of academic intelligence, but of life intelligence, the kind that one needs in order to survive in large cities and dangerous situations. That is what shall be tested for, that instinct for survival. Though, I must concede on the point of what one fights for being very important. ' Leif was enjoying this conversation immensely. It was very rare for others to want to have such discussions with him. Catching the woman's eyes upon him, he smiled genially and inclined his head. A thought of months before crossed his mind, perhaps he had found someone willing to go trough with his little charade... Speculation filled his fair face as he regarded the human sitting beside him.

In a methodical silence Lawrence sat there petting his beard as he sought after a reply to her questions. They left him in a rut. Everyone knew about the war. So no one ever had to explain. "First you need to understand this world. It is separated off into four kingdoms, the North, South, East and West. All have their own unique environment and people. At this moment you are in the Southern Kingdom. In all honesty, we are losing this war. A war started from the Northern's desire for expansion. If we let them take over our land, they would destroy us." he explained his voice rather, quiet. For the South this wasn't, easy to talk about. They fought to keep their loved ones safe. In this world the four kingdoms were around to keep everyone from fighting. Different cultures and customs, a bunch of people who didn't like change. The North would take over all their land, ultimately kill them or put them into slavery.

The third question though easily brought about an awkward silence. Lawrence was expressionless, his face looked like it was chiseled out of stone. Before he could even part his lips to speak his hand went to rub his eyes. "Had anyone would be a better question. She left me... I wasn't strong enough for her." he said with a laugh trying to cheer himself up. He had taken that relationship hard and everyone in his troop knew it. Why a few looked slightly panicked at the question she had asked him. Years had helped him to keep his cool about the whole situation. The hardest was losing his son. He now fought for that little boy so he can live a good life, with or without his real father.

"I discount that fact because I'm one of those, people." Vadoma couldn't contain the laugh, not feeling insulted at all by his statement. More amused than anything. "Even so. I believe you will find the right people and if you do get a bad seed in the bunch, I can't see you letting them stay around. Now, it seems I have an opponent finally so if you would excuse me I must show my worth." Reluctantly she erected herself from off the ground not wanting to leave the conversation. She was able to leave though thinking that she would not met him again. A lucky chance she met someone easy on the eyes and an entertaining companion in conversation.

Tightening the straps around her thighs to keep her sandals on she observed her target. First she thought it was young man, with a similar build and skill level, so she went for her daggers. Till he walked passed her and left standing in her arena a massive man compared to her. With a single hand he looked as if he could crush her. Still though, Vadoma rose empty handed. "Are you scared little lady?" he cooed suggestively. "The bigger they are the harder they fall." she responded and that response rang true when after a few minutes a loud thud could be heard. Vadoma knew the man would lack endurance so she danced around him wearing him out till his movements became limp and slow. With one last desperate charge from him, she also ran at him, her palm landing on his head to where she threw her legs into the air, twisted around, and brought them back down onto his back. He hit the ground face first and to her pleasure skidded a little.

She felt a little bad now for prying so much into his life. Blythe's eyes moved to the ground as she shifted uncomfortably. The sound of battles, blades clashing, made the reality of war all too apparent. A war, and she was caught up in it without really knowing what was happening. She supposed all Lawrence was trying to do... Was make sure the people under his command survived. Turning her blue eyes to him, she tilted her head.

As she spoke, Blythe tried to hide the small amount of sympathy that tinged her voice. "So I suppose this war... It's three against one with the North still having the advantage." Blythe debated about commenting on Lawrence's relationship with this mysterious woman. He certainly seemed strong enough, and she couldn't see how anyone could think he was not. "I have a hard time imagining someone thinking you aren't strong enough." Blythe stated her thoughts without even realizing it.

He watched as she stood to go and do battle once more. Leif had been pleasantly surprised by this gypsy woman, and found himself wanting to know what her other opinions were. It also helped that her wild hair and easy demeanor held a certain fascination for the elf. Rolling his shoulders, the pale haired elf stood and began walking around. He watched the battles, and waited to see who he could eliminate first.

It was as he walked that a strange sight caught his eyes. Lawrence actually appeared to be having a conversation with the woman he had summoned. With a raised eye brow, he tried to ponder what might happen. Hi thoughts were wrenched away when a ripping sensation filled his magical senses. A barrier had been broken, they were wide open for attack. Spelling his voice, Leif spoke calmly but with urgency. "Prepare yourselves, an attack is coming from the west side of the camp." That said, the elf began walking towards the direction in which his barrier had been destroyed.

In acceptance of Blythe, Lawrence ruffled her hair a gentle smile on his buried lips. "Yes, it is three to one. One kingdom of fighters against us, misfits." he said with a good laugh looking around at his troops. Every man looked different from the next unlike the North, they were all cold and unpleasant. They all seemed to treat everyone like family when you did get accepted into their, world. "It is was probably an excuse for her to get away. I believe she was trying to say I wasn't good enough." he stood with a long stretch.

Looking down at Blythe, he let out a heavy sigh before grabbing the troop nearest to him. A scrawny little lad, an archer at that. "Keep her company." he ordered before turning to her. "Stay here, please." He stressed on 'please' before turning to catch up with Leif. Like hell he would let his best mage wonder off into the direction the an enemy maybe attacking, without and authority figure with him. He knew the elf could handle himself. To get the men moving though, that would be Lawrence's job.

Gabriel looked absolutely panicked when placed in front of Blythe, he was merely fifteen, easily the youngest in the area. The best archer though and most guarded. He was brilliant on the battlefield but a nervous wreck in front of the opposite sex. Wringing his fingers tightly around his bow he sat down next to her rather, aggressively. "Hi.." he mumbled a red tint shading his cheeks as he stared intently in front of him avoiding all eye contact. His little show though got the others to start laughing and him to became all the redder.

The thought of an enemy attack gave Vadoma the advantage to takedown her distracted opponent. Not even a gentle one like the others for this man had gotten a nice cut across her arm. It may not of been deep but it was clean and bleed beautifully. Angrily she sat there allowing one of the medics to bandage her arm after a vocal fight between her, saying she could do it, and them not allowing her too. "Bastards." she growled again after they took her out of the matches for a mere injury. She may of been a woman but she could still fight.

Without moving, she watched the warrior leave with a little amazement in her eyes. Blythe hadn't expected such a gesture from him, and so she watched Lawrence disappear with bemusement upon her face. Caught up in her thoughts about both the war and Lawrence's love life, the young woman didn't at first notice the archer plopping down beside her. Turning, she couldn't help but smile at how nervous he looked. "Hi, my name's Blythe. How good are you with that recurve?" All she knew about bows was what her gym teacher had taught her years ago.

Philomela was one of the sentries in charge of walking around the camp on the west side. Deep ragged breaths escaped her throat and she could feel the cool hands of the mage healing her burns as she lay there. He kept asking her questions that the young girl couldn't answer. Her older partner was no where in sight.

Sighing, Leif stood from his ministrations, he had done all he could. Hearing Lawrence approach, he turned to him grimly and pointed to the broken branches which led right to the camp. "They've managed to get in, and now... Everyone will have to be questioned just in case and they must be mobilized! These are part of they're assassination unit. The reek of their invisibility magic is infesting the place." Without meaning to, the elf pinched the bridge of his nose in a sign of agitation.

The long awkward silence of no reply sent paranoid shivers down Gabriel's spin. Relief swam over his rigid features when she finally spoke to him. Still didn't cure his nervous shakes or constant blushing, that would take awhile. "Good enough to be apart of Lawrence's troop." he said not knowing how else to respond. Thought it was obvious most of the soldiers were under Lawrence's lead. Most just enjoyed the commanders company and plans of action, the one they were most willing to fight for.

Deep in thought, again stroking his beard. Lawrence reviewed the situation in his head. "Everything will be fine Leif. First, we need to get all the recruits to stop fighting and together. The more spread out we are the more vulnerable we become. I'll round them up if you tell the troops that assassins are in the camp. At least let your fellow comrades know." Like usual his voice had a calm, soothing tone to it before he went to tell everyone that the tournament did not need to go on, they already chosen who would join them. Even if it was a lie after this, they would definitely know who was in and who was out.

Finally bandaged, Vadoma disappeared. Which really was her escaping out the back of the medical tent. She was quick enough to make sure no one noticed. Not delaying in her escape, she made it into the woods hidden amongst the trees. "Gin! Get out here now.." her voice was soft but slid through the air like a knife. "Why are you doing this? If you waited a little longer I would of gotten in. How am I supposed to do my job now?" she knew the one she wanted was listening the second the leaves rustled around her.

"Tsk, tsk. You are slow Vadoma, we can't let them gain all those recruits. Do you not remember you only got this job because you stole the Northern Kings ring, got caught a few days after, and he sparred you. I still can't see what he does. You are completely brainless." An eerie voice came from behind Vadoma, a sinister being stepped down from a tree. Gin was a massive Druid, the man that, watched Vadoma. Though he wasn't good at it. Would of realized the little gypsy thief still had one of the King's rings.