Empires of Ashes Reboot

The immortals have camped across the oasis from the dracian camp. Not opposite, for that would make reinforcing one another impractical. But as far as could be done without creating undue hazard.

The dracians set up camp with their usual drilled efficiency

*The Cymriacs are camped not far from the Dracians, far enough to prevent any fights but certainly not far enough to stop people shouting at eachother*

The guard is heavier than one would expect, but aside from this, all is normal.

the dracians have also done their customary erecting of earth ramparts and wooden pallisades around the camp

The patrols range quite close to the dracian ramparts,

Trajan has made sure to station the IVth legion closest to the kelthrovi camp, and their first cohort on the edge, being the best of his best.

One of the T'sebi of immortals. Ten warriors, simply stands facing the IV legion's rampart.

the guards notice this
Legionary: You lot need anythin?

*the immortals simply stare back. Spears planted in the sand, shields rested.

the legionaries look a bit confused but get on with guard duty

Unless justinian should come into sight. The immortals do not move.

he does, just on his usual inspecting of the men, as is his usual duties

A female voice rings out. "AVE, JUSTINIAN!"

He pauses, recognising the voice, turning out to the group. He reaches up, removing his helmet so he can get a better look.

he sees one of the immortals, with her helmet resting on her shield's rim. Dirty blonde hair, cut short like a mans.

His eyes widen, as he visibly freezes in place for a moment. A huge smile makes its way across his face, and without hesitation, he vaults the pallisade, and swiftly makes his way down the ramparts, towards the immortal.

She leans on her spear, resting her cheek on the hand gripping the haft.

He rushes over to her, stopping as he gets within about four feet of her. It's clear a lot of thoughts are rushing through his head, before he speaks a moment later. "Y-you...You're alive!"

*she smiles widely* "And so are you..."

he starts to laugh, more certain of himself now "You're Alive!!" *unless she stops him, he hugs her. Hard.

"Woah... okay... Uhh..." *she speaks in kelthrovi to the side.* "Take five."

The immortals shrug, laugh among themselves a little, and wander off

Justin lets go, composing himself
"Sorry... Didn't mean to go quite that overboard" *smiles*

"To be fair, it has been... what? Six... years?"

"Five years, three hundred and fifty two days."

"You counted? I... tried to forget."

*pause of realisation*
"...Sorry...Didn't mean to dig up old wounds"

She shrugged. "Old wounds heal, i guess."

Justin: I just... gods, I almost can't believe it! *she can tell he's sort of having a moment, joy in his eyes at the mere fact she's still alive*

Diana: "Oh don't be a sop Justin." *she leans forwards and elbows him in the ribs* "You'll embarrass me."

his smile only grows "Sorry. You know me, can't help it"

"Haven't changed a bit have you?"

"Not as shit a fighter as I was back then, but other than that."

"First spear though. Thats not bad."

"Yeah...With our lot gone I signed up with the IVth Cause... well" *averts his gaze a little*

"Cause...?" She tilts her head and looks at him with a concerned expression

"...You know what the IVth do these days... Slave rescues and the like..."

"Oh its you lot who barge in and wreck the place?... I... Akali's breath... We... You..." She's turned quite the deathly shade, even under her tanned skin

Justin:...I wanted to find you.

"And we fought you off every time..."

"Not every time. We saved people, a lot of people, from those camps. Never found you though..guess I know why now eh?"

"yeah.... I guess you do."

he's silent for a few seconds, making direct eye contact with her. She can see a lot of things are going through his mind... but the thing that settles is something she's not seen in him before. Rage.
"I... Forgive me...I don't want to reopen scars... but... those who took you... who kept you... Are they still alive?"

*she draws her sword an inch.* "Those who took me, i have no idea... But those who... 'kept' me. I know damn well."

*Deep inside the Cymraic camp, a rhythmic hammering of metal rings out from behind Mordred’s tent*

Justin: *In a sadistic tone of voice* Good.

Diana: "Thats not like you..."

Justin: I... I've seen what they do to the people they take. *he's trembling a little*

Appius decides to investigate this

Appius discovers Mordred wearing a leather apron with a hammer in one hand and a vaguely sword looking smthing in the other. He is surrounded by small portable versions of a traditional blacksmiths toolsc including a somewhat small furnace.

Diana: "I know. It was... It was bad i wont lie. But i got though it."

Justin closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. he stops trembling, as he reopens them.
"Of course you did...You're the strongest person I've ever known."

Appius, wondering where this is going, just watches for now