Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

JP with Tarmen, Alexis, Voah and Gonyaul

Voah quietly expressed her opinion to Alexis that they had no real stakes in this except for their lives and that it was really the Odonine’s problem, but Alexis stressed the fact that she was obliged to her code. The woman had a noble and honorable heart that Voah wasn’t sure she could match for a mass of people she cared little about and whom probably cared less for her. But she had already made her own pact to stick with the group that saved her. If they were to die here, she would die fighting by their sides.

The problem now was that everyone seemed to have good ideas but many hinged on the mine.

Alexis and Voah marched over to Markus and the translator.

“Ask these men what they fear more, death or curses. Our plans involve the mines as a fall back position or even a solid defense in case of an overwhelming assault. We need to know NOW if that option is even on the table.”

The overwhelming consensus was that most would not agree with the mine. Then at least that was settled. Or maybe not, if Tarmen had something to say about it.

Tarmen couldn’t think of a worse time for morality to be brought up. The Odonine had made their choice to hold on to their fears instead of seeing the situation they were in.
And as always, Alexis’s code would drive her to do something stupid. It felt like Sentinel Island all over.
Reigning in his current fury, he spoke to Alexis in as gentle a tone as he could and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“I know you will argue till our hour is up to stand with the miners, but right now it just isn’t practical. We already have plans to defend the forges, but once the mine is our only option, we will die or worse if we don’t use it. If you want to honor your code, then stand with the men and women who would respect your sacrifice and not just spit on it because you don’t have a dick.”
His face looked stoic as always, but there was a softness in his eyes that revealed the true concern he held towards her current path.

Gonyaul had missed Tarmen’s perfect word-blend of crassness and eloquence, because upon hearing Of Alexis’s decision he disappeared from the group. Even he could see that fighting in the front, and foregoing the strategic advantages of the natural terrain or constructs would be a potential death sentence. Nope! not his friend Alexis. ‘This would not be how her story ends’, he resolved in his mind.

He asked one of the miners to just briefly borrow his large pick axe. Gonyaul then returned, just catching the last few words of Tarmen’s opinion. He stood right next to the taller Alexis and smiled up at her. He took a battle stance and lifted the heavy weapon in a way that it wasn’t meant to be wielded. He looked ridiculous.

“Alexis fight in front. I fight in front.” He spoke to the others, not so much Alexis. He made sure to saturate his tone with that of misplaced vigor and false confidence.

He was sure hoping his diplomatic approach would work. He had absolutely no desire to fight at all, let alone the front. He was just trying to get her to reconsider, by showing how absurd he appeared when in the wrong place. If Gonyaul stayed to fight in this way he would surely die, he was unprepared, ill equipped, and lacked all experience for this form of combat.

Alexis appreciated Tarmen’s concern, but this was hardly about her sacrifice being acknowledged or anything like that. She was about to explain to him as much, when Gonyaul made his declaration, rendering her speechless and having the colour drain from her face.

She stared at him as she realised that he knew exactly what he was doing.

If Tarmen and sweet Gonyaul hadn't spoken up, Voah would have gone with Alexis to the end and for that she was grateful. She knew how much the code meant but she was learning for herself that sometimes, it isn't practical.

"Alexis... I agree. And I would sooner kill myself than be a slave to those mountain men."

“A mhic an damnaidh!”
Alexis growled in unbridled frustration, turning her back to her companions in an attempt to get a hold of herself.

Stance tense and fists clenched she stood there, drawing breath to gritted teeth.

It was her duty to hold the frontline. But only her‘s. None of her friends was obligated to her code. And now here was Gonyaul, pretty much telling her he would stand at the front as long as she would. Untrained in any weapon and with still so little experience in life or death combat. And he would do it, too, the imp. Hoping she would change her mind along the way. Making it her responsibility.
It… was just unfair.

A few more heartbeats before her muscles loosened in defeat, as she could not fight off visions of her dear friend being run down by the marauding brigands. She… couldn’t.

“Tha mi duilich, athair…”
She quietly said.

A bit louder she said flatly:
“Fine. Alright. The mine.”

Gonyaul breathed out in relief, though he did not like that he caused frustration for Alexis. He dropped the heavy pickaxe. If that didn’t work, he was going to volunteer for Alexis to hold him as a shield on her forearm.

Tarmen sighed, both in relief and his own frustration. He knew she would be miserable in the mine, but she would have a chance there.
With the issue resolved, he then addressed them all.
“We stick to the forges, use Barrel Boys idea of stakes to ward off what we can, though focus on putting them near the mine. Leave the rest of the camps to the raiders and do not leave cover unless your life depends on it.”
He then looked to Markus and the translator to emphasize their position.
“If all else fails, fall back to the mine. Those that refuse to follow will be left to fend for themselves. Do with that knowledge what you will, but if you turn on us you will be cut down.”
Lacking any elegant words, he concluded his speech.