Laura
*After assisting in the Siuian endeavor for a training, Ryker decided to make a final trip up to Upper Mentia to see what could be done about their ongoing invader issue before he'd go back to his own personal mission. He was on his way towards Lynndum, currently traveling with only his small metallic drake companion as company for the time being. The mechanical creature was flying just above him and keeping watch of the area in the event of any ambushes.*
Rolando
*If the drake were vigilant enough, perhaps it would notice what seemed like a small speck on the horizon. A speck that seemed to be moving along the road towards Ryker. A speck that grew bigger as time went on, revealing itself to be a wagon driven in a reckless speed by a figure.*

*It isn't long before the wagon decends upon Ryker, although it manages to pull over before it runs him straight over. On the driver's seat, a hooded figure of great size sat.*

"City will be under attack. Go back home if you want to live." 
*Seemed like a warning on the understanding Ryker was a civilian.*
Laura
*His drake had let out a metallic shriek from overhead to get the Oni's attention. Upon noticing, the growing spec approaching, he swiftly moved out the way and summoned his staff defensively as if he expected to be jumped by whatever maniac was riding around so recklessly. As the dust finally cleared a bit, and Ryker got a better look of who was driving, he let out a quiet scoff and brushed himself off a bit.*"I assure you, I am fully aware of the state the city is in and fully intend to go there for that exact reason."*He finally said once he had a chance to respond. He eyed the large rider warily, his staff still resting in hands.*"And I fully intend to walk away from it after the fact as well."*His drake proceeded to land on his shoulder and hissed at the driver.*
Rolando
*The wolf silently stared at Ryker for a moment before laughing to himself. He flips his hood, revealing his beastkin lineage, as well as a smile.*
"Confident aren't we? Better than cowardice I suppose. I'm also to Lynndunn, need a ride?" 

*He motions to his carriage, although the passenger seat seemed cramped due to his size.*
"Should be quicker than on foot. Carriage is about an hours way out, assuming we have no hiccups."
Laura
*He narrowed his eyes in slight suspicion of the Beastkin. Ryker was partially sure it was his kind leading the assault on the city to begin with. He hesitated for a while longer, knowing full well the only reason he didn't use his drake was the risk of being shot out of the sky with how close they are, but he doubted the beastkin would do anything without knowing what the Oni was here for completely.*"I suppose..."*He said slowly. With a but of air magic, he had floated up onto the seat, seeming particularly uncomfortable being this close, but he seemed to create some space between them regardless.*
Rolando
*The wolf held his smile, waiting for Rykers response. He took note of the magical abilities his new companion seemed to have, and made what space he could for the man.*

"Good company. I'm Grey. And you?" 
*Before he waits for a response, the wolf spurs his horses. A jolt of movement and the carriage was off, trotting along the trail at an admittedly faster speed.*
"What's the occasion?"
Laura
*Ryker held fast to his seat as the horses took off, never really used to these animals. At that point, his Drake had decided to nope out of there and flew back off overhead to return to just keeping an eye on things.*"Ryker."*He said at first, waiting until he could adjust to the new speed.*"Dusken."*Ryker sat more upright before continuing.*"Currently, I'm heading this way for Mercenary work. It appears to be quite abundant in the area. How about you?"
Rolando
"Much of the same, Mr Dusken. War breeds death and misery, as well as coin and opportunity."
*The carriage settles at an even pace, and the sounds of objects sliding around in the back of the carriage come to a halt. 
"Though my chance to seize opportunity might be stopped." 

*He reached a hand up to his maw, rubbing it tiredly.*
"It's the beastkin who are invading. They might not take kindly to a beastly defender."
Laura
*So he was considering fighting in defense of the city? It was strange that Ryker considered it a possibility, even stranger that it may be true if the wolf had yet to decide fully.*"Is there a reason you are possibly considering doing such?"*He decided to ask the beastkin. If Ryker was going to be defending the city, he'd rather know who look out for if there was a chance of any enemies getting within the walls.*
Rolando
"Morals and compassion. As well as the coin I'll make along the way." 
*The beastkin glances towards the side lines as if looking for any would be ambushes. Granted the metallic dragon thing seemed to have that on lock.*

"The rebellion has good intentions, but its call to violence is dangerous. The death of the emperor could lead to even greater conflict, wiping both sides out. My brother's cry 'death or freedom'. I disagree."
Laura
*The Oni could see that he supposed. Though war was quite lacking in the two anyways. He wasn't exactly sure what the beastin's goals were, likely fighting for their freedom of some sort with all the slaves he had been freeing with the other group. Although now, it seems the Beastkins may well be the aggressors in this situation. It was quite interesting to watch the oppressed change into the very thing they were fighting against.*"I hold no connection to the people of Mentia."*He admits.*"Though I'd rather spend the time assuring the city won't fall from the amount of assaults focusing on it. I cannot say I'll fully understand your kind or why they are fighting or... Frankly what they are fighting at this point... This place is quite foreign to me. But you seem to be a worthy ally if you do so decide to stick to this side for whatever means that may be."
Rolando
"Quite. They have gotten out of hand, if you would. In their hurry for freedom, they've become tools for expansion."

*The wolf adjusted his hold on the whips.*
"They may even attempt to turn the tides, enslaving their masters. Preaching freedom while taking away others..."
Laura
"Likely. Their spirits appear quite vengeful. But what are you to do if they fail their endeavors? Surely little would change and they will likely return to their beastkin enslavement or whatever was happening prior to this large revolt. Possibly punishing those that were apart of the revolt or even vaguely related to it. I'd imagine you'd want to help your kind out of their situation if that became the case?"
Rolando
"..." 
*The wolf seemed to remain silent, as if not even he had the answer. Surely he could not leave his own kind to return to their enslavement. But he could not tell the man beside him that, else he wouldn't make it passed the first gate.*

"I have no allegiance to the beastkin, nor to the Mentian. In the end, those who pay more will likely win no matter their moral high ground. But when the time comes, I suppose I will defend those who are defenseless, beast or man."
*The wolf sighed. A vague answer that gave him no trust or suspicion. At the very least, he must keep an eye on this Ryker fellow once they reach the city.*
Laura
*Ryker eyed him for a while, then looked back off towards the city they were heading towards.*"Regardless of outcome, I doubt they will fully be able to dispose of those acting against the higher order. I am sure whenever this war ends, there may well still be people out there assisting those enslaved as I very much assume this is where the original conflict lies."*It was probably the best Ryker was ever going to give of reassurance. Once he finished up in upper Mentia, he would have no reason to return to this place unless his search guided him back here somehow, but so far, after several months of looking, that was heavily unlikely.*
Rolando
"I would hope so. Although my hopes lend more towards an outlawing of slavery itself. Legislation could fix this all, if the beastkins could put down their grudge and the mentians their pride."

*Rather abruptly, a deep growl would come from the wolf. Seemingly his stomach crying for help, causing the wolf to look slightly embarrassed.*
"My apologies. I've been riding since morning without breakfast. Could you hold the reigns while I get something from the back?"

*He offered the Oni the leather reigns on the still running horses.*
Laura
*He raised an eyebrow in surprise. He'd hardly expect most Onis to take a legislative approach to the war let alone a beastkin. Fortunately, Ryker didn't have the chance to respond as the wolf excused himself and offered the reigns. The Oni looked to them skeptically, knowing full well he likely wouldn't be able to keep the horses under control if anything happened, but to anyone's hope, nothing should.*"I suppose I can for the time being."*He said as he took the reins awkwardly.*
Rolando
"Thank you Mr Dusken. I won't be long." 
*Even more awkwardly, Grey moves to hop from the driver's seat into the wagon. His huge size causing the carriage to shift uncomfortably before settling. After about 30 minutes, the beast returns seemingly with a full stomach.*
"Much appreciated! And we're almost there as well." 

*He points forward as the gates of the city seemed to be fast approaching. They'd be there within another 10 minutes or so by the look of it.*
"Tell me Mr Dusken, have you ever gone through City Importation while at war? It's quite a process."
Laura
"Can't say I have. Most of my time has been spent in camps for the jobs I've been doing it private estates away from the city."*Ryker answered, glad to be rid of the reigns. As they got closer to the city, he had his drake return back to sit on top of the cart in case someone in the city got trigger happy.*
Rolando
"I would warn you, but every city handles it differently. At the least, expect to have your weapons removed and interrogation to begin until they realize you're an ally mercenary."

*The walls seem to get bigger as they walk. A troop of guards sit outside the wall, regulating the traffic. Grey moves to slow the carriage, and approaches the checkpoint.*
"Let's play nice and try not to cause a mess."