[Bêthberry]

Bethberry's post

She watched Grash intercede and take the stinking swine away, not sure whether he meant to protect her or the Haradrim or join with the pig. There was something strange about Grash, as if he was in his head fighting Orcs who weren't there, pulling himself away from them. Why had he released the prisoners? Why had he returned? she wondered.

"Mlungwana dharlotte mushabi. Whana dnego." The ancient words came back to her and Khastia stood more proudly erect at her full height. The few who were left in the area stared at her with some alarm and even Grash stopped to look at her in some amazement. She felt power surge back into her muscles, a feeling she had not felt for over a year. Watching the Haradrim closely and not trusting Grash completely, she raised her right arm into a fist and a warning and sneered. "Unala umwhano. Shuridah."

Then she looked down at the pots and vases Grash had pointed to. They were not her job. She flicked her head over towards the other slaves and then looked down at the pots before she turned her back on both, to catch the other woman's face.

The woman had been prepared to fight and in her face Kashtia saw iron will and determination. This one she would keep by her side, maybe an ally, she thought.

"Bhun lasta nunjoga. Arhana," she said to the woman.

She walked into the courtyard where the orcs' bodies lay, see ing the woman come with her. There were clothes here to find, if she could find a shrift and vest that would fit her. Better yet, clothes which she could pile on layer over layer, making herself look larger, as large as some of the orcs perhaps. They wore strange hard leathers on their feet, these orcs. Maybe she would try some for herself. And weapons. She saw no bows as yet, but cautiously explored the bodies and the perimeter, picking up knives and throwing some away that did not balance. She scooped several into a bag she found and then sought clothes. By the time she was ready to return, she would have a black leather vest over her torn clothes and several layers, which made her shoulders and chest look massive, and strange leggings. She picked up a helmet and other items which she secreted about ther, so others did not see.

The bag of knives clinked at her side. When the others returned, she would show them the right way to throw a knife, so to determine its weight and balance. Grash would learn and so would the Haradrim how a warrior could defend herself.

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alaklondewn's post - Lyshka

Lyshka understood naught of the other woman’s words, but she saw strength and pride in her eyes. The Easterling would keep close to her as they would prove to be quite a challenge to overcome together. Following the other woman, Lyshka stepped out into the courtyard and witnessed the remains of the bloody scene.

Corpses littered the dusty ground, and the Easterling walked slowly through them winding her way around their bodies. Many were face down, knives protruding from their blood soaked backs. Others whose faces were shown…wore eternal expressions of anguish. Lyshka was not saddened by the scene, nor was she sick. She was more curious than anything. Taking her bare toe, she nudged one body just to be sure the hideous creature was not faking death and would pounce on her from behind and slash her throat. The Orc lay still, however, its expression remained unchanging.

Kneeling, Lyshka examined its clothing and searched for a weapon. A short broad blade still lay in its hand, and she pried it free to hold in her own palm. The knife was heavy in hand, but the handle fit well. Rising, the Easterling tossed the knife side to side, hand to hand, to get a better feel. She lunged forward and jabbed the empty air, then quickly threw a glance over her shoulder at the other woman…ensuring her actions were not seen.

The woman then searched for clothing. She quickly found a thick leather vest that tied at the breast. The garment was bulky on her small frame, but was satisfactory in length. A large gash had opened the lower back of the vest, but it covered her nicely. As nicely as any Orc garment could do.

Peeling the dark leggings from another body, Lyshka was soon in Orcish attire and ready for more action.