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THE UNRESTING EXPANSE - EVENING
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Vandal is resting on the ground near a low-burning campfire, a bit hunched, but fully alert. A blanket draped over his back keeps anyone from accidentally stumbling into his spines. He pushes a fresh log over into the fire, watching the sparks dance up into the air.
Nesseth walks through camp on his way to the captains' planning tent, needing to speak with the rest of the captains about the upcoming duel and any plans that may or may not involve said duel directly. He nods at guards as he passes by them, noting the weird (if entirely apt) tension in the air, knowing that they're so close to saving the kidnapped folks, but also in the most danger since the ambush some time back. He passes by Vandal's fire and gives the porcupine a nod as well as he makes his way by.
Vandal tilts his head on hearing Nesseth's approaching footsteps, watching him walk by for a few moments before he hops up, swallowing a bit of pride as he moves to trot along just behind Nesseth's right side. He gives a short salute before speaking, "Evening, lieutenant! How uh... Did the talk go? Are they surrendering? You don't look like they are..."
Nesseth shakes his head, but gives Vandal a salute in turn as he continues to walk. "Evening, Vandal. They're not surrendering, no, but we've arranged a duel to determine things. I'm heading over to the captains' tent now to help figure out what all we can do about this."
Vandal slows in his step for a moment before catching it back up to Nesseth's pace. "Oh a duel! That's a bit surprising. I guess if the other ones are like 'Youzid', they'd be after that kind of thrill, hm? Any ah... Any word on the prisoners?"
Nesseth hums and nods. "Yeah, they're part of the terms of the duel, best as I can tell so far. If we win, the prisoners go free without any issues. If we lose, we have to give up one of the escapees in exchange for the rest of the prisoners. That aside, though... from what Emmeline and Lianne have told us, not everyone's coming home alive."
Vandal nods slowly at the end of Nesseth's explanation. "So either way... Not that I'm complaining, but why do we get the prisoners either way?"
Nesseth shrugs. "The 'reasonable' leader of the Abyss made those the terms. Hell if I know, honestly."
Vandal flashes a brief grin at Nesseth, "They must know we would stomp them out." His smile falters a bit, though. "We... I mean, you probably know. We can't trust them, can we?"
Nesseth shakes his head. "Personally, not as far as I can throw them. Usid and his clan, I'm warming up to, but Dyvrisse and the rest of them can bite me." He pauses for a moment, glancing around, then looks over at Vandal, "And that's why I'm also suggesting a group slip through into the Abyss while the duel is happening. If we can get the prisoners out before the resolution of the duel, then win or loss won't matter. They lose their only bargaining chip."
Vandal blinks, an excited nod preceding his barely controlled tone. "Right, of course you know what to do!"
Nesseth shrugs and gives Vandal a rather uncertain shrug. "Just... trying to cover all the angles, that's all. They might be expecting honorable, but... well..." He glances away for a moment, then gives a rather wry smile, "I guess I'm just about done with honor against these guys."
Vandal scoffs quietly, slowing his pace a bit. "They don't know shit about honor. Sir." He turns his gaze towards a campfire surrounded by some of Usid's clan, thankfully out of earshot. "Nobody honorable would do everything they've done."
Nesseth hums in agreement as he looks over at the same campfire as Vandal for a moment. "Mmh... and that's why I think, at least in this regard, it's time we return the favor a bit, you know?"
Vandal turns with a grin to Nesseth, nodding and giving him a sharp salute. "Yes, lieutenant! I'd be glad to help in any way, once you've got that all worked out."
Nesseth smiles a bit more naturally, this time. "Well, keep your ears open, then. If the captains decide to send a team under cover, you'd probably work out pretty nicely for it, along with a few others."
Vandal nods, seeming a bit more enthused to have the chance to get to the Abyss ahead of the others. "Of course, sir, thank you!"
Nesseth claps Vandal on the shoulder, though he's careful to avoid his spines. "So yeah, just keep an ear out. The meeting shouldn't take too long, I hope."
Vandal nods again, turning out one more salute. "Good luck with the Captains, lieutenant." He turns, beginning to head back toward his seat at the campfire.
Nesseth returns the salute and goes to continue on his way to the tent to talk with the captains. "Thanks, Vandal. See you soon, I think."