He would describe the Convictory as a “quaint†encampment. The stakes and steel lances planted in the ground were notable--Kasrjin wondered idly if cavalry attacks were common given the weather, or if dragons were prone to similar tactics to warrant such fortifications--and the rocky bluff surrounding the tents provided ample cover from the air. The soldier in him asked numerous questions all at once: was this camp intended to be mobile? The gaudy violet tents that nonetheless appeared collapsible and the occasional wagon seemed to suggest so, which in turn implied that these were dragon hunters in the truest sense of the word: they sought and pursued their prey, rather than waiting for the dragons to come to them.
Assuming that this particular band of knights had some measure of success with their tactics, the tenacity required for such a task was rather impressive. The Au Ra supposed he would see it for himself during this hunt.
Amusingly enough, Kasrjin felt his appetite vanish momentarily as his head swivelled about like a newborn coeurl, scrutinizing everyone and everything with an intense emerald gaze. The knights were dressed in chainmail--once again, he noted that there was a great deal of harvestable metal in this land--presumably as a balance between defense and mobility. There were none of the massive harpoon launchers that Camp Dragonhead had. Even in the calm after the blizzard, there was a bustle of activity. Rope, chains, and lengths of lumber were being assembled into what he could only assume were traps. Firewood was deposited into a nearby wagon, crates unpacked, bows were restrung. True, the Xaela had been exposed to Western military forces in Camp Dragonhead, but unlike their fellows among the Convictory, they did not display the same martial discipline that he saw here.
It was comforting. The atmosphere felt almost familiar.
Several knights stiffened or tensed up upon seeing him. The Elezen--Kasrjin had already forgotten his name--appeared to mollify them somewhat. A few eyebrows were pointedly raised at the sword in its harness upon his back, a few more at the brass-coloured armour and black tabard that were clearly of Ishgardian make. For the most part, he ignored them, though at times the knights would receive a blazing stare in turn, though it was out of curiosity than of apprehension or irritation.
As he sat down, the bowl was offered and Kasrjin knew food when it was presented. The spoon was unhesitatingly buried into the viscous gravy of the stew and in but a few moments he had quietly shoveled several mouthfuls of sustenance into his face. It was not that he was particularly hungry--the Au Ra was used to fasting during hard times and eating was very often more a matter of practicality than of satiating an appetite--but force of habit dictated that the warband would move very soon and anything that was not eaten would be left or must be eaten on the march, and Kasrjin found the latter quite aggravating to do.
It was only after several rapid spoonfuls that he registered Roen asking him a question. He took a moment to slow his chewing to swallow before glancing at her.
“I do have other obligations,†he admitted. “But I am curious. And my objective’s location is not something that will be simply deduced. There is risk in this, but it is acceptable risk.†Kasrjin eyed her steadily. “A dragon is a...new foe. I do not intend to be reckless. I intend to observe, and should I be called, follow directions given by those who are experienced.â€
His emerald gaze sharpened. “Do you believe this risk acceptable? You may be a skilled combatant, but you admit that you have not faced true dragons. My homeland contains a number of large and dangerous beasts; the Khadai are called upon to defend our territory from them. And so this is...comfortable. Within my role.†Kasrjin shifted on the little stool he was sitting upon that seemed to struggle to hold all of the Au Ra’s frame. “It is not the same for you.â€
Assuming that this particular band of knights had some measure of success with their tactics, the tenacity required for such a task was rather impressive. The Au Ra supposed he would see it for himself during this hunt.
Amusingly enough, Kasrjin felt his appetite vanish momentarily as his head swivelled about like a newborn coeurl, scrutinizing everyone and everything with an intense emerald gaze. The knights were dressed in chainmail--once again, he noted that there was a great deal of harvestable metal in this land--presumably as a balance between defense and mobility. There were none of the massive harpoon launchers that Camp Dragonhead had. Even in the calm after the blizzard, there was a bustle of activity. Rope, chains, and lengths of lumber were being assembled into what he could only assume were traps. Firewood was deposited into a nearby wagon, crates unpacked, bows were restrung. True, the Xaela had been exposed to Western military forces in Camp Dragonhead, but unlike their fellows among the Convictory, they did not display the same martial discipline that he saw here.
It was comforting. The atmosphere felt almost familiar.
Several knights stiffened or tensed up upon seeing him. The Elezen--Kasrjin had already forgotten his name--appeared to mollify them somewhat. A few eyebrows were pointedly raised at the sword in its harness upon his back, a few more at the brass-coloured armour and black tabard that were clearly of Ishgardian make. For the most part, he ignored them, though at times the knights would receive a blazing stare in turn, though it was out of curiosity than of apprehension or irritation.
As he sat down, the bowl was offered and Kasrjin knew food when it was presented. The spoon was unhesitatingly buried into the viscous gravy of the stew and in but a few moments he had quietly shoveled several mouthfuls of sustenance into his face. It was not that he was particularly hungry--the Au Ra was used to fasting during hard times and eating was very often more a matter of practicality than of satiating an appetite--but force of habit dictated that the warband would move very soon and anything that was not eaten would be left or must be eaten on the march, and Kasrjin found the latter quite aggravating to do.
It was only after several rapid spoonfuls that he registered Roen asking him a question. He took a moment to slow his chewing to swallow before glancing at her.
“I do have other obligations,†he admitted. “But I am curious. And my objective’s location is not something that will be simply deduced. There is risk in this, but it is acceptable risk.†Kasrjin eyed her steadily. “A dragon is a...new foe. I do not intend to be reckless. I intend to observe, and should I be called, follow directions given by those who are experienced.â€
His emerald gaze sharpened. “Do you believe this risk acceptable? You may be a skilled combatant, but you admit that you have not faced true dragons. My homeland contains a number of large and dangerous beasts; the Khadai are called upon to defend our territory from them. And so this is...comfortable. Within my role.†Kasrjin shifted on the little stool he was sitting upon that seemed to struggle to hold all of the Au Ra’s frame. “It is not the same for you.â€
