Jennifer
*After some time spent with Sola's army, Sivne would be relaxing on her own in the city of Aberardtir. It was fairly early in the morning and she'd managed to slip her usual friends. She was sat near the lakeside on a bunch of crates, looking out across the small fishing harbour and the boats out in the lake. She looked pensive, her mind elsewhere.*
Jesus
*Kibaru saw Sivne, staring at the nothingness while she pondered. His predatory and prankster like instincts taking over him, he decides to sneak up on the giant warlord lady. Maybe not the best of plans, but he was ready enough to take a hit for his little prank* *Sneaking up on her slowly before lightly jabbing his fingers into her side with a "Boo!"
Jennifer
"Oh noo—" *She blinked. It seemed she expected it, or at least heard him coming. But she seemed confused. She turned to look at him.* "Oh— Mmh. Kiba. Wasn't expecting you." *Seems like she was expecting someone else to try and sneak up on her and poke her. Just someone else entirely did it.* "Heard you were nearby."
Jesus
*Kibaru pouted a bit. Unpleased with her reaction...* "How'd you both expect me and not expect me" *He then sighed with his little prank being unsuccessful* "Must be getting rusty. Anyway. What's up Sivne?"
Jennifer
"Mmh- Was expecting someone else to do that. They normally do.." *She shrugged, reaching over and giving the wolf boy a quick headpat, ruffling his ears.*
"Just watching the ships go by, remembering that i've only been on one once. Watching the fishermen haul the fish around port. Mmh.. People-watching." *She mused.*
Jesus
"Hmmm... That so" *Kibaru's tails wagged slightly with the headpats.* "Though you were sorting out some things in your head. You seemed deep in though"
Jennifer
"A bit of both. Planning, thinking.." *She looked back out to the lake, tapping her knuckles against a box.* "Come on, sit." *She said, slapping the top of a nearby crate.*
Jesus
"Bossy as per usual" *He said in a joking manner before hopping on* "What's up?"
Jennifer
"The war, thinking about what we're doing here. Mmh.. At first it was to make some money and fuck over the Imperials, now it's something bigger. Now i'm working for a rival." *She pursed her lips.*
Jesus
"A rival? You mean Sola?" *Kibaru frowned slightly. Tails tapping the crate from his idle position* "Why is it you see him as a rival?"
Jennifer
"He's conquering land, I know what this is. One day it's Mentia and the next he's marching north. He's either going to be a long-term rival, or get in my way." *She was still deadset on conquest, it seems.*
Jesus
"I don't know about that. I think after his marriage he'd be have a little more responsibilities. Being the son in law of a king means he can't just act on his own anymore... Besides that, I see him more as an ally in conquering the north... The question is, why don't you?"
Jennifer
"Mm. He's too ambitious to work with. My land borders Kadrush, I may need to fight Kadrush. He's either useless to me or an enemy."
Jesus
"Pfffft. Wow. That's quite an aggressive stance. But I doubt they'd lay siege to you. Maybe if you have slaves they might. If anything, I'm sure the council would rather have you as an ally... Though... Maybe you don't want to fall under their rule... Or have the land you have your eye on taken from under your nose... Or am I wrong?"
Jennifer
"Mmhm, you're wrong. I don't expect an outsider to understand." *She shook her head. And even then.. He's a lost cause. The Imperials are fully mobilising to fight us here, and they're willing to give up half of Mentia to do it."
Jesus
"An outsider... Ouch." *Said jokingly punching her arm* "I'm in the same boat as you... If not worse. Sento doesn't fall under any allegiance and both north and South are potential enemies to me. Either might decide to just attack Sento" *He looked at her seriously* "Me not understanding you is more of us just being different." *He then turned his gaze to the people* "I don't just fight for sento here. In a way I'm happy to work under Kadrush and the liberation army. They fight for something I believe in. Freedom. The whole reason I build Sento so far in the isolated frontier was to be free. And anyone that threatens the freedom of me and my people are enemies."
Jennifer
"Mmh.. Got your priorities all wrong then." *She took out a small flask, letting her words hang on that as she took a long sip.* "My lot are here to free slaves, so that's what we're doing. None of my lot care about Sola or this war, its a cover to do the things they want to do. Don't hitch your fortunes to *Kadrush* And Sola. Mmh.. But you did build Sento in a shit place, only a matter of time until someone gobbles you up."
Jesus
"Hmmm... Nope. I can't see that ever happening. Even if I draw my last breath, Sento WILL fight on without me. And I'm sure i can depend on you to be there when the time comes" *He said with a smile* "Besides that. What exactly do you mean. You treat me as if I'm some fool who doesn't know anything but the illusion. Yet you refuse to elaborate on it. What exactly is it sola and Kahdrush want?"
Jennifer
"You're too—Mmh.. Idealistic. You buy into this idea that Kadrush and Sola are doing this out of some.. Altruistic desire to free slaves." *She was pulling out the big words.* "They do the same as the Siuians do. Lofty claims about liberation and freeing slaves, but it's just a justification for war. War can never just be for the sake of war in the eyes of non-beastkin, there has to be some reason. They abuse your foreign naivety."
Jesus
"Huh. That so. Maybe they are driving me like some idealistic fool. Maybe they tell me to charge is head first with the promise of coin. But their "Justification" For war is exactly why I joined them and not someone else. In the end they want war and money. In doing so they free people. Not a bad trade off I reckon." *Kibaru's smile soon faded as a slight grin appeared on his face* "And me- I'm the fool that charges head first into battle. What better pawn could there be?" *He said before scoffing* "An idealistic fool that is easy to controlled" *His grin then suddenly shifted back to his innocent smile* "Oh well."
Jennifer
"You're a **Lord** For fucks sake, not some pawn. If you like being played like a fiddle you should hand over the town to someone who can rule. What've you done since working for him, hm? Are you liberating slaves every other day, or is he using you as a bludgeon to bash the Imperials over the head with? **Think** Kibaru, when was the last time you meaningfully worked towards your goal of freeing slaves?" *She snapped, a little uncharacteristically.*
Jesus
"Why indeed do I not just hand over Sento" *He said with a slight laugh* "To fool ones enemies, one must fool ones allies, huh" *He said smirking at Sivne again* "Let them use me. Let them think they can control and leash me." *His grin darkened more as he looked at the horizon* "Hah" *He smiled normally once again* "When last did I work towards liberty? I never stopped"
Jennifer
"You're letting them use you for no gain you idiot, answer the question." *She looked like she was on the verge of exploding on him, like he'd gone full circle. He wasn't just feigning to be an idiot to fool people. He was an idiot feigning to be an idiot to himself to make himself seem smart.*
Jesus
"Hmmm. You know little of who I am or my reasons. Yet you judge me as an idiot. A fool incapable of understanding what's happening. Yet when I act the fool you think I am, you get angry." *He says dropping the facade and looking a little annoyed himself* "Instead of just telling me what you think, you go one in the most roundabout way of telling me while insulting me. Acting as if I'm just some idealistic outsider and a naive fool. It pisses me off."
Jennifer
"Then answer the question. You tell me how many slaves you've rescued and plantations you've raided since you started working for him. I can tell you how many I've saved, seventy. And that was by ignoring his orders and us lot doing it ourselves." *She frowned, he was just getting angry but still not addressing the elephant in the room.*
Jesus
"Who knows. I never bothered counting. Maybe I should've. Clearly its some competition no one told me about" *He said looking at her with a frown* "I didn't just free slaves that could easily be inslaved again. I joined a kingdom that stands for liberty. And expanding its reaches as far as I can go, is allot more meaningful than freeing a handful of slaves and not being able to guarantee their freedom. If Khadrush falls all those people. All the lands they've taken, will just be replaced with more and more slavers and slaves."
Jennifer
"I'll ask ***Again***, how many times, working for Sola, have you gone out to go and liberate people?" *She crossed her arms.* "You're just being used to go kill his enemies. I don't blame you for wanting best for the enslaved, but my lot don't have any illusion as to who they're fighting for. Go talk to Sonja or Shaw, they know what I mean, they know why we're here."
Jesus
"You know what. You are perfectly right" *His annoyance vanished and he simply shrugged* "I guess I should just kill him. Off the head of every noble in khadrush. That would certainly help achieve my goals and you wouldn't need to worry about khadrush, huh"
Jennifer
"This pouty child act doesn't suit you, Kibaru. I know you've possibly only attacked a single plantation or slave caravan since you got in Mentia. Probably on your own accord. Mmh.. Why can't you accept that you're just being used like a tool for his own ambitions? That you just fell for some slogan or something. If you want to free some slaves, go do it, don't let him boss you around."
Jesus
"..." *Kibaru stared at Sivne almost dumbfounded before shaking his head* "I already admitted they were using me, didn't I? And it doesn't bother me. As long as he doesn't go against his word of freedom, I don't mind... I mean after all. I'm using him just as much. It's how it works" *He said before looking up at the sky* "In this world people always want to use others. There's a difference between being ignorant to it and accepting it" *He answered* "Why's it bother you so much?"
Jennifer
"So how *Are* You using him? You can't just say 'i'm using him' as though you're some master puppeteer, mmh? It bothers me because **You're a fucking Lord.**"
*She said with a frown, his servile peasant mindset was definately grating her.*
Jesus
"I'm no mastermind. Nor a puppeteer. That's not my style. I'm using him as a stepping stone towards the future I want." *With her mentioning him a lord, he looked at his hands and became in deep though for a moment* "I wish the title helped. But it's only a burden. A massive load of responsibility. I don't always know what to do. Or if what I'm doing is right. I don't know if Sola and Khadrush will ever see us as allies. But I know for a fact Anushken doesn't. And never will. And by helping our here, I can insure Khadrush will survive to help me destroy them." *He then looked at her.* "You of all people should know the uncertainty and weight having a domain brings. But I don't have the luxury of paying taxes to a warlord for protection... I alone have to stand and endure for my nation. For my dream. I am the one that will doom them or ensure its survival."
Jennifer
"Your nation? You're a town out in the middle of nowhere with a few farming hamlets scattered around. Do you really think these people are going to march across Anushken just to save your town? What if it's not Anushken, and it's just a tribe coming to raid you, mmh? What good will they be?"
Jesus
"I don't expect them to save me. But Anushken will go down. As it stands. Whether it's a loose tribe attacking me or some other threat. Doesn't change that I view Anushken as my enemy. And I will use Khadrush to destroy them." *He frowned at her slightly* "With or without your help. They will be toppled. And I'll keep them down until a ruler fit can take over. Whether that is The king of Khadrush, Sola, or you. It matters not to me as long as they are better"
Jennifer
"You do have some strange dreams. Stick to short term goals, mmh? Something achievable. No one is going to attack Anushken because you happened to sell your sword in a foreign war. I'm not under some illusion that helping them is going to be of any help to me in the long-term."
Jesus
"And what would you recommend I do, hmm?" *Kibaru shook his head. Didn't seem like he was expecting an answer to that question* "Sit and wait? Wait for them to attack? Wait for them to burn sento to the ground and enslave my people?"
Jennifer
"...Go swear alliegance to your Southern neighbour. Keep your city, your lands and everything around it, all you have to do is swear your loyalty now before they come knocking."
Jesus
"And hows that any different from swearing my loyalty to Khadho. Or to Anushken." *He said looking back at her* "I'd rather swear loyalty to Khadrush. Neither other option I agree with. Their ideals, practices and laws. If I wanted to be ruled by them, I'd have built in their territory. I'm not spineless as to just pledge my city to another simply to stay alive. Sento will be a nation on it's own. A place of freedom and mixed cultures." *His eyes went from shimmering at the thought to frowning at her* "Though you'll just say I'm idealistic again and simply write me off as a fool, so forget it" *He said before hopping of the crate he was sitting on*
Jennifer
"Mmh. By all means, continue to be idealistic and prideful. And when five thousand centaur warriors show up on your doorstep, you'll remember today." *She watched him as he got up from the crate, her arms still crossed.*
Jesus
"I won't." *He answered bluntly* "I'll slaughter everyone that intends to harm my people." *He said with a cold voice as he looked at the water* "And when I make my dream nation. You are more than welcome to come visit. I don't even care if you apologize for being wrong. But nothing will stop me. Not now. Not ever."
Jennifer
"Then I hope you've got some strong walls." *She just shook her head. Sivne was a prideful person, but somehow Kiba managed to out-pride her.* "Good luck."
Jesus
"Uhuh." *It was less pride for Kibaru and more conviction. Conviction to realize his dream.*

*Kibaru turned around and started to head back*
 "And whatever happens. Know that all you need to do if you ever need help. Is just ask."
Jennifer
*A simple "Mmh" Came from the Brayer as Kiba began walking off, she didn't say anything, just watching him leave for a while before looking back out to the lake.*
Mark
*It wasnt even ten minutes later that a certain Silnari decided to go and hang out with his favourite brayer. Shaw snuck up behind the cow with two mugs in hand, one with a cool ale, the other a more light cider suited for his tastes. Holding them both firmly to not cause any spillage as he sneaks up behind and yells.* "Boo!" *She was right to expect someone wanted to sneak up on her, just now the one she expected actually came by.*
Jennifer
*She did actually jump, her mind being so completely elsewhere that she was actually caught offguard. She turned around, seeing who it was and she relaxed. She ruffled his hair and pulled him in against her body.*
"There you are. What've you brought me?"
Mark
*He chuckled heartily at having made her jump, not the result he expected but oh well he'll take this w while he can. He leaned into the hug before giving her a peck on the cheek and holding up her mug.* "Refreshments~" *He said with a smile as he got comfortable and sat down beside her.* "Lil respite in this h-hell hole" *And with that he raised his own mug up for a cheers.*
Jennifer
*She hugged back and took her mug, taking a sip of it before setting it down next to her. She smiled a little as he sat on the crate.* "Mmh.. I needed a drink." *She mused. As he raised his mug she picked hers back up and tapped his mug before taking another sip.* "So what's new?"
Mark
*He smiled and leaned his head against her shoulder as he mused over the question.* "Hmm... Almost got shot... Lynndum seems f-fine" *So thats where the goober had been these last couple days.* "Snuck in to see how it was" *He muttered the statement with a small smile of pride, rather glad he was able to get into a besieged city.*
Jennifer
"Shot? What were you doing over there?" *She raised a brow, giving him a curious look.* "Did you.. Find anything useful? Why bother spying on them? Mmh.. Did someone pay you to spy on them?"
Mark
"To see how it is" *He blinked and just shrugged. He really didnt get why people weren't believing he was just curious.* "No pay" *A quick shake of the head before he just looked to the horizon in thought.* "...They're doing well, so far at l-least... Hoping the reinforcements go to lynndum"
Jennifer
*She sipped her ale some more.* "Mm.. They might. Or the army is marching here. We'll see I guess." *She kept sipping her drink.* "Still don't know what side your on. You flip-flop from fighting the empire to wanting the empire to win so often I haven't got a clue."
Mark
*He shrugged and took his mug of cider in both hands and sipped it slowly.* "...Im on my side" *He opened his mouth momentarily before just sighing and relaxing against her as explaining things was as always difficult.* "I wish to see M-mentia prevail, thats... W-what I hope for"
Jennifer
"But you'll work with rebels to undermine the emperor and help us attack Imperial forces to free slaves." *She stated with a raised brow, continuing to sip.* "Why?"
Mark
"Mhm... Rebels was... B-before the invasion. M-making things better..." *Though in hindsight itd of been better to quell the rebels... He thought about the elite cavalry unit he took out. Hindsight 20/20 afterall.*

*Though as he pondered his second answer he gave her shoulder a light rub as he looked up at her with a smile.* "Helping you n Sonja... S'not like we're k-killing the emperor here"
Jennifer
"Still killing Mentians, weakening the empire as there's an invasion going on. Mmh.. You don't have a problem with that?"
Mark
"A bit... Empire will prevail... Freeing slaves is m-minimal damage. I refuse to do anymore then that..." *He glanced towards the walls of the city, he was bound to speak on the matter eventually.* "Once we've... Freed folks I'll fight for Mentia"
Jennifer
"Could end up fighting on opposite sides if we do that." *Sivne said, downing more of her ale.* "Mmh.. Could always go south, fight against the Siuians. That'd be a good fight."
Mark
*He pouted at the thought of fighting on opposite sides to her but it was a reality he half expected given the current situation.* "M-maybe" *Wether he meant maybe we will or maybe I'll move wasnt clear, he wasnt sure himself really.* "Id hate fighting you" *Then a dry chuckle as if it were a funny thought instead of sad.* "Itd suck for m-me... You'd suggest south?" *He asked half curious, he knew war well but he knew Sivne had a world more of understanding then he did when it came to the battlefield.*
Jennifer
*She'd ruffle his hair and pat his back as he spoke.* "Well why not, mmh? Mentia's burning down there, lot of money to be made. Can defend your little empire and make some money out of it. Just got to get the other two on board."
Mark
*It was an okayish alternative to fighting against her but he couldnt help but raise a suspicious brow at her suggestion as he didnt understand the exclusion of herself from getting folks on board.* "Without Sonja, why fight here?"
Jennifer
"...Mmh? What do you mean?" *She didn't seem to understand, she reached a hand up and scratched the base of a horn.*
Mark
"Why f-fight for Sola?" *He tilted his head in equal lack of understanding. Lad almost thought she'd be happy to go against Kadrush given her earlier words.*
Jennifer
"Because Sonja wanted an excuse to free slaves and get paid for it. Now it's gotten out of hand and the Imperials are mobilising."
Mark
"Whats wrong with that?" *He knew freeing slaves was an equal goal but he was lost on the issue with imperials mobilising.*
Jennifer
"I don't like Sola all that much, and this is a sinking ship. Once they come in full force, we're all dead." *She huffed, sipping more ale.*
Mark
*He hummed in frustration as now he was just more and more confused.* "So, why not change sides?" *He sipped his cider and tried to consider the situation, he was at least partially glad she shared his expectation that the empire would prevail in this side of the conflict.*
Jennifer
"Mmmhm. That's what I'm saying. We go south, fight in South Mentia against the Siuians. Good, clean fun, mmh?"
Mark
"Ah" *Now he got what she was saying to an extent.* "Id like that... Once the army comes we leave"
Jennifer
"..Which might be very soon. I think they're only a few days away." *She pursed her lips.* "We could talk to the others about it.."
Mark
"Days or weeks" *Shaw nodded though, within the month he was expecting Aberardtir to be under imperial control.* "Soon... You've done good at least" *He then nodded, they wanted to free slaves and thats been accomplished to a large extent for sure... Shaw was half certain Sivne and Sonja's efforts are probably what sparked Sola's invasion.*
Jennifer
"Mmmh.. Still. Shall we talk to them about it? Might be worth getting out early." *She drank more ale.*
Mark
*He nodded in agreement.* "Tomorrow" *Was best they get that sorted sooner rather then later. He knew he would be able to get out of a besieged city via subterfuge and stealth. Two giant beastkin however might have a hard time doing so.* "...It'll be warmer south" *He smiled at the thought, hed never gone that far south before, much warmer he's sure.*
Jennifer
"Mmh.. Nice climate. Just a shame I can't pickup and move Iskar. I'm stuck to it, in a way. Ah well. It'll be fine." *She smirked a little and pet his head.* "Tomorrow then."
Mark
"Iskar's fine... But a warm trip'd be nice" *He smiled, quite glad with the current plan, he was getting a little tired of the north honestly. Only so long could he stand all this strife in the same place.*