Adjusting

"You sure about this, Kira? I mean, you seemed pretty out of it earlier... I don't want you risking your life unnecessarily!"

I gave the blonde Dogkin a small smile, trying my best to hide the fear I felt in my heart and give an outwardly alright appearance to the woman I had just had intimate relations with.

"Yes... Yes, I'm sure. I'm fine now, Alessia, really. The best thing for me would be to take up some work and get some more coin; I can't possibly ask you to host me each and every night, after all."

She stared at me for a few moments before letting out a sigh, letting the earlier happenings go and instead turning towards the here and now, as well as the immediate future.

As such, she returned to her normal self as she gave me a small smile and murmured "If you want to 'impose' on me again, I certainly don't mind, Kira... You can 'impose' on me whenever you want, and however many times you want. I think I'd prefer you 'imposing' on me as well, Kira, so..."

Her mild attempt at changing the topic and attempt to lead me away from whatever had gotten to me earlier was warm and something I appreciated, but I shook my head and replied "Believe me, I don't want to decline that tempting offer, but I'd rather not become accustomed to relying on others for something so simple as room and board... though that doesn't mean that once I find a place to crash, you couldn't come over..."

Alessia just smirked at me, the Dogkin nodding her head before leading me towards the Supply Depot, humming quietly to herself before eventually asking "How long do you plan on staying in Qingrad, Kira? A few days, a few weeks..? Months?"

Pursing my lips, I continued to walk beside her even as we entered the Supply Depot, where quite a few of the soldiers had already gathered to begin pairing off to complete their tasks and missions.

"I... I don't know. Maybe a week or two, maybe not. I want to restock my supplies, get myself some better gear - if possible - and replenish my coin purse before heading off to one of the larger cities. There are many things I want to get done, and I think I can be pretty efficient about them. I think, anyways; we'll see."

She just nodded quietly, leading us over to the counter and straight towards Quartermaster Hu, who was already talking to Trania.

"Ah! I got a mission for you and Trania! Young Master Qin wants to clear out some of the forest; we need to begin preparing for winter, and the Young Master wants to set up an outpost near the edge of Yngrave Forest to be a staging area for the yearly raids. About damn time too..."

The Foxkin let out a low sigh before turning towards the map behind her, which displayed Qingrad at the bottom left and the plains around it, before the forest of Yngrave appeared on the top and on the right, the gigantic forested area taking up almost half of the map.

"This area here... or this area here. These were the two spots that the Young Master decided would be ideal for the outpost. You and Trania are going to take your squads up to the forests edge and begin clearing out the land for said outpost. This'll do Trania some good in understanding how to set up and manage territory, and I need to make sure you're still up to snuff as well. Since it's going to be a few days to set up the area, you'll be receiving double pay for approximately four days of work. By that fifth morning, another squad will be coming by with supplies to help fortify the area. Sound good?"

Alessia frowned, looking at the map for a few moments before her shoulders slumped as she muttered "Another one of these... hah... Yes, Quartermaster Hu. An area for approximately a hundred soldiers and workers, right? The normal raid party size?"

The Foxkin nodded, making Alessia sigh again before she glanced at me, a wry smile on her lips as she said "Well, unless you want to join us in this boring endeavor, I'd recommend hitting the Mission Board and taking whatever you can."

"Alessia, you said you vouched for the half blood, correct? Take her with you; you'll need the muscle. Besides..."

Quartermaster Hu sneered at me, not disguising her disdain as she said "I don't want her in my Depot. She can get paid all she wants, but it won't change who she is."

Before Alessia could say something, I just shook my head and grabbed her wrist, asking "Quartermaster Hu, is the city still buying Goblin Ears? Or are there any other monsters that need culling inside of Yngrave?"

Despite her prejudice, the Foxkin nodded as she gestured to the papers behind her, saying "Goblin Ears - and all of their disgusting evolutions ears too - as well as Blade Stags antlers and Arborousean Sap have a premium, while most other monsters can be sold for parts. The Depot will always buy them, even from people like yourself."

Alessia gave the Foxkin a look, though Quartermaster Hu just shrugged as she added "Do what you want, half blood. Aid the two Talonmasters, or go brave the forest if you wish. It doesn't matter to me; just stay out of my Depot. Alessia, Trania, the Young Master wants you at Yngrave before noon, so gather your things and your squads. Dismissed."

Giving the Dogkin's wrist a quick squeeze, I turned and led her away from the counter, before letting her go and asking "So how long will it take to get everyone ready? I think I'll join you, even if it's just to be closer to the forest."

The two Talonmaster's exchanged glances, with Trania answering "A few minutes. They should be back soon."

Nodding, I moved towards one of the free tables and sat down, placing my falchion on the wood and pulling out my whetstone, grinding out the small rolls and dull edges as I waited for everyone to arrive.

There was no way in hell I was going off on my own right off the bat... and with the Quartermaster here, I didn't want to be left alone in this city.

So I guess I was sticking with Alessia for a bit; that wasn't a bad thing either, since I had access to Yngrave where I could farm and begin adjusting to the world.

This was my new home, after all...