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In aches felt all over, and a not so pleasant feeling of warmth at her back, Kiria awoke in the early hours of dawn to a slither of light blaring over her eyes from a gap in the tent. Though momentarily disoriented as to her surroundings, she quickly realized where she was, and very suddenly she felt her heart sink. There behind her, heavy of breath and bearing a scent unmistakably masculine, laid the ram who had violated and enslaved her, currently engulfed in peaceful slumber.

Careful not to wake Dekkon just yet, she sat up and looked him over. Whilst her own form laid partially covered from breast to knees, he remained decent only at the legs, the rest of him plainly put on vulgar display. Under light of early day, his nude body revealed details henceforth unnoticed - bulging veins lining his incredibly muscular body, and scars over his legs and pelvis, one in particular reaching near his groin. Not near enough, in her opinion. His brutish form she now saw as strictly intimidating, and the erection casually resting upon his pelvis induced only revulsion in her. She wondered if she would be able to look upon the body of any man with anything other than distaste, her recent experiences having left a scar upon her mind she imagined she wouldn't be rid of easily.

She considered her options for the moment, and other than some reckless wishes of revenge, which would no doubt result in fates much worse and mayhap her death, she thought only to lie back down and get more sleep before her 'master' rose himself. Another option she then considered, was to simply flee. Find the nearest exit and run out, nude as she was. She quickly abandoned the idea, however, as that plan could only end in her capture and punishment, a lone nude wolfess not very difficult to spot among the horde of oversized men.

Perhaps the strangest idea that came to her mind, as she once more looked over the sleeping Dekkon's nude form, was to try and curry favour with the great ram through means readily available. Though she realized her pride and sense of dignity would take an even greater blow than they had the previous day, for the moment it seemed her only method of gaining his ear. Other, less degrading forms of persuasion could then follow. Yet the more she looked upon him, the more the idea of putting tongue to his balls again turned her stomach. She realized she would eventually be forced into it regardless, but she could not bring herself to do so willingly. Not to him, nor to any other male within this accursed encampment.

Feeling resigned, but too restless to return to sleep, she laid back down, and began to ponder other potential means of earning back her position. She was an officer of the Imperium, bred and schooled to lead armies. Even if she was incapable of taking the reins of this company, she could find value as advisor, trainer, scout, anything. She would not accept her fate as some mere whore slave to a bunch of foul-smelling simpletons.

As she ran a hand over her abdomen, however, a different stream of thought invaded her mind. She'd taken so many in her. Even with the thorough cleaning of the night before, she feared it'd been much too late. Abject terror filled her mind at the prospect of becoming heavy with child with one of these brutes. She wouldn't know for another week, when it was her time to bleed, if that was the case, and she suspected many more chances for it to come true before that. She couldn't even be sure she'd be able to tell who's seed it was that fertilized her, even once she had the child in hand. At this moment only, she truly hated being born a woman, the burden of childbearing nothing more than a hindrance to an officer.

Laying there for what felt like an hour, the ram finally began to stir, even as the outside brought the noise of ongoing and quickly growing bustle. It seemed lax for a leader to rise so late next to his men, she thought.

As Dekkon fully came to, his hand abruptly landed on Kiria's chest.

"Nh-!", Kiria sounded out in surprise as her breasts were smacked, then roughly handled. Dekkon's arm quickly turned downward, running along her abdomen and onto her sex. She flinched, and further convulsed as his digits harshly pried their way in between her folds. For a while she simply remained there like that, enduring as his fingers explored her insides anew.

"Get to work and lick my balls.", Dekkon suddenly instructed.

Though terrified, Kiria did as told, and sat up only to lower back down again onto the ram's manhood, even as his fingers continued to prod her femininity. She lingered over his sac for a while with extended tongue quivering in anticipation. She really didn't want to do this, yet felt it would only get worse if she didn't. With a deep breath, unfortunately tainted by the ram's odours, she squinted her eyes shut and descended muzzle-first onto the ram's fuzzy sac. The taste hit her similarly to the day before - mildly salty and sour, and otherwise bland. But as she forced herself to lap at it again, it only grew fainter, until she no longer perceived the taste, but only the shapes brushing against her tongue, and the way they stirred within his loose sac.

The ram seemed to react to her ministrations with enthusiasm, his subtle masculine grunts and heavier breathing complementary to the rigid stiffness bobbing in rhythm with her efforts. He, in turn, had almost ceased in doing anything to Kiria's depths, his fingers almost annoyingly still given her own attempts at pleasing him. Not that she wished to be pleasured at that moment.

"Alright, enough.", Dekkon said as he pulled Kiria off of himself.

She expected him to put her to other work, but was surprised when he got up and began to stretch instead.

"Come. There's work to be done.", Dekkon said.

"Are you... finished?", Kiria asked in cautious disbelief.

"No. Just prefer to fuck in the evenings. Slows the blood.", Dekkon said.

Kiria wasn't sure what to make of such a theory, but she welcomed the lessened stress upon her form. She got up and readied what little of her looks she could, given the lack of clothes. Dekkon, meanwhile, poured some water into a bowl and splashed himself before proceeding to run a washcloth over parts of his body. Kiria very much wished for something of the sort as well, but feared the request would only draw ire.

"Here. Clean yourself off.", Dekkon suddenly offered, handing Kiria the washcloth. She took it in hand but only looked at it with distaste. Using water tainted by the ram's stench would've only made her feel dirtier than she did.

"Might I replace the water?", Kiria requested tentatively.

"You're a slave, not royalty. Get used to it.", Dekkon grumbled as he pulled his pants on. Over no undergarments, at that. Not that she had any at the moment either.

With a strong sense of foreboding, she dunked the cloth into the bowl and began to run it over parts least clean. Though the effort hardly felt like it helped.

Within a moment of this, however, she noticed something peculiar. Dekkon was down on one knee, head lowered and muttering something. It almost seemed like prayer, though not the kind Kiria knew.

"What was that?", Kiria asked as Dekkon finally got up.

"Morning prayer.", Dekkon said in disinterest.

"I thought you were the Godless Band.", Kiria said curiously.

"That is not a name of our choosing.", Dekkon said, now sounding annoyed. "We are the Sons of Hesrethon. You would do well to remember that.", he added in cautioning tone.

Kiria merely nodded slowly and returned to trying to get clean. She had no idea who Hesrethon was, but more so had to wonder how much of this company she'd been misinformed about.

---

Venturing out into open daylight, Kiria felt a renewed sense of shame being bared like this before everyone. Though no conditions could possibly get her used to this, it'd been one thing in the dark of night, and another entirely in such light. Despite wishing she could retain some sense of shame and dignity, she kept her arms firmly at her sides and maintained a gait more regal, as unfitting as it was given her position.

As Kiria hurried in tow behind the large ram, a sudden bump against one of the bigger males sent her stumbling. For a moment she looked at the black goat accusingly, but realized her scorn held no sway, and so looked away. She was no officer anymore, and none would grant her the right of way. Given her stature, it was in her best interests to avoid further collisions, lest she wished to acquire new bruises unintentionally.

"Grik no ke kest slats, brina?", an idle-looking brown horse called out as Kiria passed nearby. She had no idea what he'd just said.

"Grik ke stoth vom ter kotte.", Dekkon said back at him. "Brina na.", he added, gesturing towards himself, at which the horse backed off, gesturing apology. "Come.", he then said towards Kiria as they continued on.

"What was that?", Kiria asked.

"Don't understand Colhese?", Dekkon asked back.

"No.", Kiria admitted.

"Some liaison you turned out.", Dekkon said, shaking his head. "Thankfully for you, all the top officers speak Zernese. To some extent.", he said, the latter sounding like more of an admission.

"I can learn.", Kiria assured.

"Of course you can.", Dekkon said dismissively. "Here's a first - grik. Repeat.", he said.

"Uh. Grik?", Kiria said uncertainly, doing her best to match the pronunciation. "What does it mean?", she asked.

"It means prick. Which is what that soldier offered you to suck.", Dekkon explained.

Kiria frowned, but said no more on the matter. Instead she decided to pursue some lines of conversation potentially more helpful to her.

"I saw very few sentries on my way into camp. And what few there were seemed ill-dressed to defend.", Kiria began as she followed.

"Oh, not this foolishness again.", Dekkon said with a groan.

"I merely wish to suggest that we increase our guard. We are but two days away from hostile territory.", Kiria noted.

"We are well prepared.", Dekkon said plainly.

"Doesn't look it.", Kiria argued.

"To a dumb pampered girl.", Dekkon grumbled.

"Despite everything, I really do want this company to succeed. Else it's my head on the chopping block.", Kiria assured.

"We've had success without your wisdom. I suggest you not forget that.", Dekkon warned, his tone rather irate.

"It's a wonder how, given its state.", Kiria said, her own ire growing. "Looks more like a refugee camp than a-", she began, when at that moment, Dekkon suddenly spun around and back-handed her face with a resounding smack. Kiria dropped to the dirt below in shock, her right cheek reddened and stinging under a dozen needles.

"Keep your cunt-mouth shut!", Dekkon boomed, standing over her. "I'll not have some slave bitch talk shit about this company or its men.", he growled.

Kiria could only shield herself from further harm, the ram's radiantt rage very sudden and unexpected. Apparently the company was sacred in Dekkon's eyes, and it was a poor idea to draw hurtful comparisons. She nodded meekly and awaited his tempers to cool.

"Get up.", Dekkon said sternly and began to march on again, barely awaiting her to comply. She did so on her own, and hurried along behind, once more reasserting her higher posture.

She followed in silence for a while, fearing to draw further ire.

"So what were your last orders?", Dekkon suddenly asked.

"Uh?", Kiria said uncertainly.

"Just to assume seership of our band?", Dekkon asked.

"Yes.", Kiria said, remaining meek.

"So we now await some messenger to give us direction?", Dekkon asked.

"Yes. About a week's time, I've been told.", Kiria said.

"Fine by us. Just means we'll have a shorter march once the rebels near.", Dekkon said with a shrug.

Kiria had indeed considered that before. She wasn't certain what their generals intended, as it seemed the delay only served their foes and meant greater woe to their lands. Her best guess was that they were hoping to muster additional forces and equipment before a greater battle came to pass, but she couldn't be certain. She could only trust in the Imperator's wisdom.

"Tangle!", Dekkon called out as he caught sight of his cervine commander, standing at the edge of a greater clearing.

"Pick.", Tangle answered. He was better dressed than the night before, wearing a gambeson and padded cap. With a tower shield and wooden short sword in hand, he seemed to be overlooking a drill. The shield-bearers were busy in mock fight, split into two walls of shields that pushed into one another, testing their strength and endurance.

"Find some work for the girl. Need someone to make her useful.", Dekkon said. "Don't really trust the men to keep their hands off. Wouldn't want to lash them over some whore either.", he added.

"I'm busy making sure the men don't slack off. Can't Backser put her to use? He's at the outskirts half the time.", Tangle suggested in turn.

"Backser's got little use for a whore only he could use.", Dekkon said with a smirk. Tangle likewise found this funny and grinned. "I can take over here.", he said, then considered something. "Brina teht slats o pokres gohe. Ote vadi.", he added in a rather suggestive tone. At least some of those words Kiria remembered, and the way Tangle now smiled and looked at her gave her a decent idea of what it meant.

"Alright.", Tangle said. "Think I can find something for her. Baths can always use an extra water-carrier.", he said.

"Sounds fine.", Dekkon answered.

"Come, whore.", Tangle called as he moved onwards.

Kiria hurried after him.

---

"Bucket. Buuucket.", Tangle talked at Kiria as though she was simple, pointing towards one of many buckets within the supply tent.

"I can understand Zernese just fine.", Kiria said with a frown, then proceeded to take a bucket in either hand.

"Given your attempts at negotiation, I am not so certain.", Tangle said in a reservedly mocking tone. He then began their journey towards the stream. For a longer while they walked in silence.

"What do you make of the state of this company?", Kiria suddenly asked. If she could not turn the ear of their leader, then perhaps she would gain purchase within his subordinates.

"Oh no. You be silent with such talk.", Tangle warned.

"Surely you notice some things wrong. Such as lax defences, disorganization.", Kiria pressed on.

"I notice a slave straining her permissions to talk shit.", Tangle said humourlessly. Kiria decided not to press the matter further. "Here's the stream. Fill em up.", he then said.

Kiria did as tasked, kneeling at the edge and placing the two buckets within the shallow stream. She considered whether to give herself a splash from the much cleaner water after the questionable cleaning of that morning, but decided to hold out until she was less supervised. "I am more than just a slave. I was trained as officer to the Imperium.", she began again, desperate to convince someone of her worth.

"Right.", Tangle said as he knelt down behind her.

Kiria only briefly looked behind to find the buck's pants had dropped down. "Uh, wh-AH!", she yelped as she felt the deer's dick roughly pushed in between her folds. Whatever objections she may've wanted to voice were now frozen in her throat, the suddenness of the act leaving her in shock.

"Did officer training teach you how to hold your breath?", Tangle then asked, even as he continued to casually inch his way inside the quivering wolfess.

"Uh. Huh?", Kiria asked in growing fear. It was at that moment that she felt Tangle's hand placed upon her scalp, a realization mixed with disbelief rushing through her mind.

In an instant, she found herself submerged head-first in the stream, water flooding her ears and eyes. Holding her down, the buck continued to plow into her sex, his balls now slapping her parts with each thrust. Try as she might, she could not raise herself back up, and as her supply of air began to feel more scarce, so her attempts grew more panicked and desperate. With her every muscle tensed and her nethers aching in response to the forced penetration, she tried to fight the bigger male's considerable bulk, but found no luck. Frantically she began to flail her hands, splashing water to no avail as she felt just about ready to breathe in water. Was she going to die this day? Getting fucked like a worthless disposable whore slave?

She barely noticed the warmth suddenly filling her insides when the hand over her hair eased its hold. Eagerly she pushed herself up past the waterline and took a deep breath. Tangle no longer attempted to dunk her head, and instead just pulled out of her.

"That was fun.", Tangle commented as he pulled his pants back up.

"I... nearly... died!", Kiria hissed, gasping for air. The disgusting stickiness between her legs proved a distant discomfort in her mind this time.

"You did not. Didn't even get any in your lungs.", Tangle said dismissively. "Come, grab those buckets and let's head for the cleaning tents.", he instructed.

Kiria took a while longer just to shake off the shock, her terror steadily turning into an impotent anger. Once more she had been taken by force, her sex filled with the foul-smelling seed of a simple brute. Her very life had been put in danger for the sake of some mad idea of 'fun'. Worst of all, the most she could do in response was stare at him in rage, as though a petulant child being punished for some misdeeds.

"Don't give me that look, slave.", Tangle said, matching her glare with an arrogant calm.

"Trying to drown another, Tangle?", Kiria suddenly heard an approaching voice call out. She turned to find Awl, the brown bull, currently dressed in only pants, much like yesterday. His fur seemed damp with sweat.

"Just having some fun. They get really tight when they struggle.", Tangle said with a smile, sounding pleased with himself.

"As long as she still breathes after.", Awl noted. "This one we really prefer alive.", he added.

"I know, I know.", Tangle assured. "Besides, that one wasn't intentional. Just took longer after she squeezed my balls.", he added.

"Suppose that bitch had it coming.", Awl said with a shrug. "Mind if I take this one for a minute?", he then asked.

"Sure.", Tangle said with a wave of his arm.

As the brown bull approached, already undoing his belt along the way, Kiria felt dismayed. She'd just been nearly fucked to death by the buck, and already she was getting passed along to another. She wasn't certain how much more of this she could endure.

"Go on. Put that mouth to use.", Awl said as he presented her with his flaccid parts.

Kiria looked at the unimpressive veiny member with a sense of unease. The fish-like smell breaching her nostrils was strong enough at present distance, and it would only grow harsher as she neared. Yet there was no avoiding it. Eyes closed, she leaned in with tongue at the ready.

With a long drag of her tongue along the side of Awl's sac and flaccid prick, she tasted his manhood. Similarly to Dekkon's, it was mildly salty, but also rather meaty. She continued to focus on his balls, lapping gently at their underside, until finally his rod began to stiffen. It made her all too happy, she realized, though she kept in mind that this was merely her wanting to see the deed done with quicker. She yet dreaded what came next, the very sight of the rigid, if unsizeable length filling her with renewed distaste.

With a deep breath, she took the head of the bull's penis in her mouth, merely kneading his soft glans and skin, the strongest of the taste then hitting her tongue. Following a pause for breath and another apprehensive look at the throbbing prick, she dove back in and began to suck on it as hard as she could. The occasional spurt of pre dissolved over her tongue with a stronger salty tang. Moving along its length, her nose hit the big male's pubic mound, getting a greater whiff of his masculine scent. It irritated her, but also somewhat excited her, she realized much to her shame.

"Not bad.", Awl commented as he placed a hand over Kiria's wet hair. She blushed as he began to gently caress her ears, further cementing her feeling of worthlessness. In turn, she began to fondle his balls, stroking and rolling them around in their sac. "Good girl.", he added, only more so making her want to bury her face in shame.

Hastening her tempo, she began to hear the bull grunt and pant, her efforts apparently bringing desired effect. In a shameful way, it made her feel slightly less useless. Within another minute, Awl strengthened his grip and tensed up, then began to gently pump his hips. Spurt after spurt, he spilled his seed in Kiria's welcoming maw, but as its dull, disgusting taste hit her in full, the illusion of tolerability broke, and she once more felt only revolted by the act. She felt nauseous at the thought of swallowing, but as she turned her head to spit it out, his hand caught her by the underside of her muzzle.

"Swallow.", Awl ordered, looking her in the eye with something meant to resemble affection.

Kiria looked at him pleadingly for but a moment, then closed her eyes and swallowed hard, the load of semen feeling as though a rock going down her throat.

"Good girl.", Awl said with a smug smile. He rubbed her jaw with his fingers for a bit, before letting her face drop to the side. Kiria had yet to have felt so degraded, and it wasn't simply because of the way she was being treated, but because she no longer felt the need to resist with all her will. Parts of it she had actually enjoyed, she realized, and it terrified her to think she might become so complacent. She could not permit that to happen, and she had enough of serving as receptacle for pricks. She needed to do something to elevate her position, even if it was just to become personal whore to one of the higher ups.

"Come on. Buckets.", Tangle then instructed, rising from the squat he'd descended to in wait.

Kiria took a discrete sip of water as she took the buckets in hand. At the very least, she wished to dull the aftertaste. Though worse than that, she now had a disgustingly drippy feeling between her legs.

---

Two hours of nothing but lugging buckets back and forth, with only the concerned faces of slave girls doing the same task for company. Even supervising this had become too dull a task, and Tangle had left by then to find something of greater interest. She'd been provided with a semi-decent meal of dried meat, but nonetheless found her occupation left much to be desired. She was not meant for such menial tasks. Worse than that, she now essentially served the bathing slaves, bringing them supplies for their job. Not to mention most of the other slaves got to wear various degrees of modest clothing, whereas she yet remained nude and marked with Tangle's seed.

This was degrading. Almost as much as serving as whore. It provided her with no opportunity to try and elevate her standing with the leadership. The one blessing was that she got relatively near the edge of camp without greater supervision. Once the sun set, she could flee into the night, never to be seen by this band again. Though she would return to her own a failure, she took comfort in the idea that Dekkon and his men would suffer the consequences. But she yet had to try and save this disaster of an assignment. The shame of failing would weigh heavy upon her. She would never receive command again. Perhaps even her entire family name would be tarnished. The thought made her desperate enough to continue enduring her present situation.

As she completed yet another round, she found Tangle awaiting her in front of the cleaning tents once again, sitting on a chair in wait.

"Enjoying work?", Tangle asked with a smug smile.

"Pfeh.", was all Kiria said in response.

"Worry not. I've something more suitable for you.", Tangle said. Kiria's spirits raised for but a moment, as she knew all too well he wouldn't humour her requests. At least not yet. Instead he pulled his tunic off, then undid his belt.

"Wh-... again?", Kiria asked in sheer terror. She had no desire to repeat his particular idea of fun.

"I said worry not. It is a job this time, not pleasure.", Tangle said with a cocky grin, just as his pants dropped to the floor. "Come. You will clean me.", he instructed, beckoning her into one of the tents.

Kiria did as told, bringing the two buckets with. The small tent somehow felt even more cramped than it had the night before.

"Go on.", Tangle hastened, handing Kiria a washcloth while he himself sat upon the small stool in the middle.

As she crouched down to wetten the washcloth, she couldn't help but imagine the deer suddenly forcing her face-first into the bucket. Her experience had left her quite fearful of being around bodies of water with the deer nearby.

"You do not intend to drown me in one of these, do you?", Kiria asked as she lathered the cloth in soap.

"Not today. Not if you do a good job.", Tangle said with an inappropriate smile.

With a sigh, she got to work, starting at the head and shoulders. He seemed to bask in the attention. For the moment he smelled of musk, sex and burnt wood, though that'd soon change.

"Make sure to wipe down the antlers.", Tangle instructed, and so Kiria did, trailing their smooth shape and making sure not to snag on the sharp ends. Something bothered her, however, and she needed to discuss it.

"Did you really drown a girl before?", Kiria asked.

"Yes.", Tangle said without hesitation. "Was a shit slave, so not much loss.", he added dismissively.

"Not intentionally?", Kiria asked on as she moved lower onward, cleaning his arms.

"Not really. She tried to fight back, made it harder to focus, took longer than usual.", Tangle explained with a shrug. "Shit slave is still a slave, though. Worth more alive than dead.", he noted.

Kiria wasn't certain how reassuring that was. It made her fearful of any attempts at resistance, as that could mean being labelled a 'shit slave'. She wasn't about to let fear guide her hand, however.

As she proceeded ever downward, she neared areas more private. The buck quite suddenly and unceremoniously rose to his hoofs. She suddenly found herself quite hesitant, the area she knew to be delicate. Though she would've liked nothing more but to hurt him, such actions could only lead her to a swift end. Possibly in one of the nearby buckets.

She proceeded nonetheless, making sure to run the cloth more gently, nudging his flaccid parts and inner thighs.

"Are you trying to turn me on right now?", Tangle asked with a tilted brow.

"Uh. Huh?", Kiria asked.

"Be firm. I'll tell you when to ease up.", Tangle said.

Kiria nodded and resumed her efforts with greater vigour. Though the buck seemed largely unfazed by the friction, he did betray a flinch of discomfort as she touched areas in between his skin. It gave her a slight sense of satisfaction to be able to get away with it so.

"Tangle?", they suddenly heard a voice from beyond the tent call out. "Tangle!", it repeated.

"In here!", Tangle called back in answer.

Soon after, the relatively familiar head of Ballrin entered the tent. "Tangle. Bitch is needed.", he said, looking at the girl in question.

"What for?", Tangle asked curiously.

"Uh... Em... emnes...", Ballrin began, obviously seeking words less known to him. "Sorthret.", he finally said, the word likely Colhese.

"This early?", Tangle asked in mild disbelief. "Alright, take her. I'll be needing another girl to finish the job here, though.", he said.

Ballrin nodded. "Bitch come with my.", he said with a mangled accent towards Kiria, who in turn nodded and got up, wiping off her hands as she did.

---

"Finally.", Dekkon grumbled as they entered the tent that used to be Kiria's. "Put on a clean uniform. Some Imperial prick's come asking for you.", he said, sounding rather impatient.

"Huh?", was all Kiria said in response.

"Go on, put it on.", Dekkon urged with growing ire.

Kiria did as asked, and as she put on clothes for the first time that day, her mind raced with possibilities the sudden development presented. Was this all a ruse just to see how she would react? Or could this be a way for her to signal for help? She couldn't afford to risk the messenger's well-being, however. She would have to be discreet were she to try anything, and she would have to take a close look at the man to make certain he carried himself adequately to his position and wasn't just an impostor sent in to test her obedience.

"Hurry up. We've kept him waiting long enough.", Dekkon said.

"Would you prefer it obvious I just threw this on for show?", Kiria asked back critically. Though she likely preferred that they realize something is wrong, her disheveled look was unlikely to prove a sign telltale enough. Yet it seemed much too late to prepare a hint more material. She would have to improvise.

With her attire tidied and her hair swept into something resembling order, she gave a nod, signalling her ready to tell bold-faced lies before Imperial authority. The uniform itself filled her with a renewed sense of pride, yet likewise weighed upon her conscience.

---

As they neared the clearing where the envoy's carriage awaited, Kiria's heart sank as she realized whom it was - her half-brother, Esekius, lupine much like her, though predominantly dark brown of fur, his hair a near-black shade, swept back over his scalp and drooping to the sides. He was likewise an officer of the Imperium, one who'd enjoyed somewhat greater success within their ranks, though Kiria ever considered it a matter of greater opportunities being presented to him. The gods were strangely favourable towards this particular whoreson.

"Greetings, brother.", Kiria said as she neared, desperate to maintain proper posture after the draining morning and night before. "What brings you here?", she asked.

"Just checking up on my sister.", Esekius said in his usual aloof manner. "Some of the suppliers told some interesting stories of your first moments within this camp. I've been sent to verify such claims.", he said, suddenly looking quite stern.

Kiria cursed under her breath. This was no doubt a task the whoreson had volunteered for. She couldn't hope to pass on any truths even if she wished it. Her half-brother would've likely used it in some way against her, either immediately or once he'd returned. Assuming he wouldn't simply withhold it.

"I do not know what you speak of.", Kiria said, feigning ignorance. "I've assumed the role of liaison as tasked, and await further orders.", she assured as her brown counter-part neared. His height advantage made it difficult to converse as equals, now more than ever.

"That so?", Esekius asked, looking somewhat suspiciously towards the gathered men. "Why don't we speak in private?", he offered.

"I've no need.", Kiria said. She had only the company's mistrust to gain from this.

"I insist.", Esekius said, looking quite adamant.

Dekkon discreetly nodded towards her. Apparently he was quite confident she would maintain his story, and he wasn't wrong, as much as Kiria wished otherwise.

"Very well.", Kiria said with a roll of her eyes.

They walked some distance away from any unbeckoned ears.

"So is it true?", Esekius asked in hushed tone.

"Is what true?", Kiria asked back.

"That you were beaten and suffered dishonour.", Esekius said, sounding strangely serious. "I can hardly permit such insult to my sister to go unpunished.", he added vehemently, so much so she almost believed him.

"We got into a scuffle, but that was all.", Kiria assured. "One must assume the methods of the wild to gain their respect.", she lied, the words quite draining to give voice to considering the reality of the situation.

"So you were not ravaged?", Esekius asked.

"Only my uniform. Thankfully I have spares.", Kiria said resolutely.

"That is reassuring to hear.", Esekius said with a strangely warm smile. She couldn't help but wonder how much of it he was aware of and feigned not knowing. It was difficult to ascertain the potential purpose of such theatrics, but then no good ruse was ever so readily apparent.

"How long will you be staying?", Kiria asked.

"Not long. Only a brief rest before I make the journey back.", Esekius said.

"Good... good...", Kiria said in uncertain answer. She couldn't decide whether it was good or bad, and whether Esekius actually cared if it was either.

---

As she watched his carriage ride off back towards the capital, as she should've the day before, she considered how deep her many errors ran. Perhaps this'd been the one time where Esekius could've been of help to her. Perhaps the cost of such help would've been much less than she imagined. Perhaps she had just shoved off the only life raft she would ever be offered off this sinking ship. Probably not, however.

"Right. Song and dance over.", Dekkon said as he walked up to Kiria.

"Might I remain in uniform? If only for the day.", Kiria asked, sounding quite tired and in need of reprieve.

Dekkon looked at her with some displeasure, then nodded with a roll of his eyes. "As long as you drop 'em when we tell you to.", he said.

Kiria likewise nodded, and smiled ever so slightly. It was a miniscule victory, but one she'd very much needed. Absentmindedly she maintained her grip upon the commendations on her chest, gathering the strength to continue, and planning ahead.