Closed the Forivec Coup, iv: a slaughter.

[Aoren]

Listening to Kavala’s plan, Aoren had to agree that it was based in sound logic. To upset a routine simply for the sake of charging in with the hopes of overwhelming an opponent with pure force was foolish. Why do that when with a well-executed plan one could weaken them first minimizing the amount of force needed to subdue them? He noted the discomfort with which Kavala spoke on the issue of slaves. It wasn’t a notion that sat well with Aoren either. He detested the idea of being bound in chains, broken and sapped of the will to live with fervor and independence. Altogether, he couldn’t say that he wasn’t looking forward to the chance to be a part of the dismantling of such a disgusting trade. All the same, most of them seemed to be in agreement about the validity of the Konti woman’s plans.

“If it’s a volunteer you need, I’ll step up. You could say that you’re training a new Healer. It wouldn’t be a complete lie.” Aoren gave a shrug of a shoulder. It was partially true. He was a new Healer in need of training as far as the care of patients and medicine went. He had skills to help in the treatment of disease but they were sorely lacking. He didn’t know exactly how skilled Kavala was in a fight but she gave Aoren the impression that she could handle herself. If she was comfortable enough to walk into the den of slavers on her own there was little in the way of doubting her prowess.

He ran through the possible scenarios in his head. Any number of things could happen when they went to face those who were the target of Caelum’s wrath. He didn’t know why Caelum was so determined to annihilate this particular individual but the fact that he wanted to was reason enough. Aoren ran a hand over the flank of Silk appreciating the calm demeanor of the warhorse. He watched the group carefully for a few moments awaiting the decision to move out. There wasn’t much more he could offer. This assault seemed to have been some time in the making and none of those present seemed to be the type to approach any of this lightly.

“Are there any other of this Haev Provedan’s companions that we should be aware of? Strengths that we should be prepared to face? Weaknesses that we could exploit? Has there ever been bad blood between Haev or any of his underlings?” Those around him obviously knew more about this group of slavers than he did. If he sounded redundant, then so be it, but it was better to ask and be prepared than to be left ignorant and be caught by surprise.

[Sarshassilivoss]

oocApologies for this rather insubstantial post

Planning was important, this Voss knew. Kavala spoke and illustrated a cohesive, well thought out plan, with important pertinent information that would seem to benefit everyone involved. Despite this, Voss did not like the plan, in so much that involved the Konti going in alone, and gave a curt nod at Caelum's statement. She should take someone with her, it would be dangerous within, even if she was as familiar with the place as she said. Of course, bringing a new person could also jeopardize whatever rapport she had with this person who they were acting to bring down. His eyes shifted once in a while to the girl who sat next to him, for the most part silent as well.

Voss was not one who generally listened, or was patient. In fact the small subdued part of him that had been in control of his body for more than a century rather fumed at the discussion, having more in common with the eager warhorse than he would have imagined. But the Iyvess that had swam into Riverfall had been changed, at least temporarily. And though one hand twitched, eager to hold his Trident, that time had not yet come.

Aoren spoke and Voss only nodded. If this arrangement had taken place when a more headstrong Iyvess was in control, he may have also volunteered, perhaps to pass as a slave, or...something, no particularly tempting ideas coming to mind as the Dhani was not focused upon them. He would wait, he would listen to those who knew this man and what he was about, and when they needed him...he would strike.

Just the thought of it put a relaxed smile, belonging to an almost entirely different Iyvess to the tanned man's face, and he leaned back , giving Elise a small smile as they both waited for the others to decide on a course of action.

[Kavala]

Kavala looked thoughtful and nodded. "I could take one, but Aoren... you'd have to appear.... awkward and non-threatening to them. They don't like men, especially dangerous one, coming into their midst. I would be safe alone, but I can take another if it makes you all feel better." She added, and then looked thoughtful about the other question that was asked of her.

"Haev's men change often. I think there is often bad blood. It depends on how much they have to eat, how well the coin or booze is flowing, and how the dice go at night. He has a second but the second isn't trusted. Truthfully, hes really a one man operation with a lot of mercenaries behind it. You don't need strength to beat down already weak and broken slaves. You just need bodies willing to do unsavory things." Kavala said, glancing from man to man.

The Konti waited to see if anyone had any other ideas, then slipped off Ghosts' back and headed towards the paddock that held some of her resident striders. She cut through a barn, picked up to more yvas designed for speed and carefuly geared up two mounts she picked from the paddock. She lead them back with her through a gate rather than through the barn and the additional two horses joined them in the courtyard. "I can't not take the warhorses now that we've promised them a fight. But they can hang back with you and come in with the attack after we've got the recon." Kavala said, handing off a claybank dun strider gelding to Aoren and taking a palamino filly for herself. Spitfire and her were old friends. She introduced Aoren to Tornado, a passive fellow who was named for his speed rather than his attitude, and remounted Ghost.

"If that's all... we should really head out." She added, wanting to get the party moving so that something could be done finally. Talk was great, but action in her mind was far better in this situation than inaction. When Caelum had a bee in his bonnet, there was no stopping him until he had it swatted thoroughly.