Eastwatch had been transformed from the former hot spring resort it once was into the compound it now was; after the Cataclysm, the mystical springs had been overrun by Arali seeking to make use of the waters. Through a strong campaign, the Freehold managed to flush the demons out but not without a long and difficult battle that saw many of their own fallen. Though it took many long, strenuous months, the Freehold finally repaired and restructured the springs, creating a new base of operations for the Freehold.
As Nadja navigated through the group towards the line, many of the enlisted members looked around towards her as they whispered amongst themselves. A guest to Eastwatch wasn’t uncommon but this was one as they are usually accompanied by one of the Ravens or Generals, special protection given to travel directly to the waters that were off limits to most of them. As the whispers spread, Nadja joined a line of people waiting to talk to someone, eventually making her way to the front of the line before speaking and asking to join the Freehold. The woman at the desk looked at her for a small moment, before turning back to her paperwork and mumbling in an earpiece.
“Nadja, was it? The Freehold is always accepting new recruits who have proven their dedication to the Freehold as well as a commitment to protect mankind from any threats that may arise.
However, only the best can be a part of the Freehold as we are only as strong as our weakest member. As noble as the cause may be, all those Uchiha in Mianmen, was it.. will not be joining the Freehold. Mianmen is already a territory of the Freehold and thus under it’s protection and networks. When the last group of new recruits from the region joined, there was no word nor sight of men when scouts patrolled. We recently just accepted the new groups of recruits who passed their trainings,” she said, waving around to the men who were watching the conversation.
“That is not to say one cannot be an ally or friend to the Freehold should they prove useful and helpful. There is always room for allies,” the woman finished as a dark haired man walked out of one of the larger buildings behind the group, deep in discussion. He walked with 2 others, a cloaked man who walked with a hunched over posture, making him seem half as tall as he truly were. The thick cloak he wore concealed his appearance except for red and yellow eyes, staring up towards the man in the middle as he spoke in a wheezing voice.
“But what of the relic?”
“In time, my friend,” replied the other figure who walked on the opposing side. His black cloak atop the black kimono he wore also concealed his face, though he stood regally as he spoke, his arms folded and tucked into his sleeves. “We shall learn what we can before it is too late. I can investigate north of here while you search the southern areas.”
“Very well,” said the raspy voice, coughing as he did. The two departed, both leaving with one another towards the Gates before disappearing. Meanwhile, the black haired man stood, scratching his beard as he pondered. He had just began to reach for his communication scroll when he noticed the woman standing at the line. Walking towards them, he spoke to them.
“Oi! Where’s your uniform, soldier? I don’t see your rank or colors, Miss…..” he said, looking towards the woman seated for help.
“Nadja, sir. Miss Nadja”
“..Nadja, right, right. Wait” He frowned at the name. “I don’t remember seeing your name on any briefings recently, are you from our sister branch? Hmm, maybe an exchange program member,” he said as he scratched his chin, gazing into the distance as he thought absent-mindedly.
“She’s from Mianmen, a Uchiha from the region requesting help and membership.”
“And you guys let her back here? With no clearance pass? Sheesh, looks like you all will have some gauntlets to run, get to it! Make sure they have someone out there to watch them though,” the man said, grinning at the group mischievously as he nodded to the seated woman. The idea of making them run drills later annoyed the recruits as they stood to leave, flashing looks of annoyance at the mysterious woman who showed up. “Now, you.”
As he turned towards Nadja, his expression hardened swiftly as he stared down at her. “If it was help you sought, it would have been wise to seek this at the entrance and not with the new recruits still in training. As she told you, Mianmen has been a part of the Freehold for the last 2 years. Resources as well as scouts are sent out monthly to lands we control in order to aid for those in these lands, so to hear you say you need resources is….curious, to say the least. Very strange for you to show up in these times,” as the man spoke to her, his eyes narrowed. She claimed to need resources but this couldn’t be possible unless the resources never arrived there. If that was the case, they would be aware as they scour the lands repeatedly. Coupled with infiltrating the restricted areas, he was tempted to arrest her, though he still didn’t know much about her or where she came from.
“Sir, she said she had a message from Tomoe to be delivered to Kaida.”
“Oh? Is that so? Where did you encounter Tomoe, girl? What business did she want?”
