A kindred spirit

"No openings"

That's the phrase that Khel thought of when she observed Lauren's demeanor. If the half-orc was on her guard 24/7, this woman was somehow beyond that. Her life of living among constant threat and then the wilderness had trained Khel to spot lapses in most creature's attention, but the silver haired woman seemed to have none, even with her back turned.

The two reached the end of the hallway and entered a door leading to a modest room. The office consisted of a plain wooden table covered with scrolls and trinkets, some chairs, and a few chests pushed to the corners.

"Sit, please." Lauren intoned as she herself sat in a chair behind the table.

"I'm fine standing." Khel responded. Lauren seemed to mentally shrug and continue.

"I won't waste your time then, why the Crimson Aegis?"

Was this a test? Better go with an honest answer. "Because I've heard of your strength, how the tides of battle would be turned when the Crimson Aegis enters the fray." Khel paused before speaking again. "That and if I tried to join the Eagles March, they would sooner skewer someone like me than let me join."

Lauren's smirk returned to her lips. "It's true that we accept everyone, as long as they're strong, but we also prize honor above strength. Tell me half-orc, where is your honor?"

It was a question she had never really considered. Her whole life was a struggle to survive. She could make something up, but it seemed like the lieutenant would see through her. "I... don't know." Khel answered truthfully. "I have only ever trusted in my own strength, so that is the one thing I'll never betray. Myself. Be fair to me and I will be fair to you, however, if you cross me, then expect to be paid back in full."

Lauren pondered her answer before speaking. "You know, I was a **** too." Khel's eyes widened. She realized the cause of the lieutenant's grimace from earlier.

"That's how I got this." Lauren continued motioning to the scar on her face. "It was hell." She let that phrase hang in the air as it needed no further elaboration.

"The Crimson Aegis crushed the black market and freed me, so naturally I joined up when I had the chance."

"Is there a point to this?" Khel interjected.

"I used to be like you, focused on myself, but when I joined the Aegis, I became part of something bigger and it wasn't just about me anymore. I had to rely on others, trust them." Khel remained silent.

"Can you be part of a team and not a lone wolf?" Lauren questioned. There weren't many times Khel could think of where trusting someone else worked out in the end for her. Once as a ****, she was stealing food from the main orc camp with another **** on watch for guards, only to be sold out by her compatriot. She shuddered as she recalled being tied to a stake for a whole day under the bleating sun, the younger orcs used her for target practice with rocks and mud. Later, the Chieftan's wife also had her way with Khelgrath.

Lauren's voice interrupted her reminiscing. "You don't have to answer now, just something I want you to be aware of. Regardless, if you want to join, we'll need to put you through a series of trials..."