The camp became even more active with the arrival of the Stone Scorpions, half-orcs were known for being competitive. so it didn't take long before the pit was used for challenges and drinking matches started near the barrels of ale. Aekkar was quick to forbid weapons in the pit arena as well as killing. Even if there were fewer half-orcs, they could be dangerous if they provoked them all. The chiefs didn't join in the merrymaking though, instead they discussed the terms of their collaboration, something that was rather between the tribes as they often neighbored each other, but it was not the case with these two clans. The main strongholds of power of the Lodian Empire separated them, making cooperation the best way to deal with their common enemy.<br/><br/>"We managed to settle in the Dead Highlands, those Lodian cowards don't dare explore them." Brog said with his usual disdain for the Imperials in his voice. Aekkar couldn't really blame the Lodians for not wanting to chase them into the highlands, there had always been stories of armies disappearing in them and skeletons that often resurfaced whenever it rained.<br/><br/>"I see..." Aekkar said holding his own reservations to himself. He didn't believe the highlands to be haunted like the stories said, but he knew they were dangerous for some logical reason. He still thought it was a good choice. If anyone could survive there, the half-orcs wouldn't have many problems. "The winters will be tough, my friend."<br/><br/>"But thanks to the Ebon Wolves we'll get to see them and raid some other places to keep us warm." The half-orc said with a toothy grin before chugging his ale. "Now… back to business. Let's step outside" Time to see if the effort was worth it.<br/><br/>The rewards offered by Brog were quite significant, among them five full sets of intact Lodian plate armour and enough weapons to arm all of the Wolves. The raids were often on towns or small cities, but they never could stay enough time to loot properly, so getting good equipment was one of the best things Aekkar could ask for. He couldn't stop himself from grinning under his headdress, thinking of what he could do with the new resources, something that the half-orc was quick to see. "Now your clan can be as strong as ours… But that's not all, we also have- Ah, right on time. Aekkar, may I present to you the first rare item I promised in return for your aid. Lady Raesha of the Lodian Court."<br/><br/>The Ebon Wolves chief turned to see the person Brog was referring to, a woman in shackles, but the way she was dressed and the air of confidence around her backed Brog's claim. They had raided enough places to know the difference, particularly in the eyes, peasants looked down. She didn't. "So she's a noble… She'll be a nice asset." Just by keeping her Aekkar would become influential among other tribes. No one had managed to capture nobles in their surrounding area. He approached the woman to inspect her up close out of curiosity.<br/><br/>The other item was a couple of gemstones, the half-orcs had no appreciation of them and barely anyone traded with them, so Brog figured they would be of use with Aekkar. The trade was certainly way more than what he expected, and he couldn't hide his smile under the wolf headdress. "Where did you find these? And her, how did you do it?"