Florans March

The parade ground was filled with movement and voices. Bags were filled, gear checked, and goodbyes said. Horse-drawn carriages, a rarity inside city walls, were on hand. Equipment was loaded inside, florans putting aside their distrust of pack animals for the sheer necessities of an army on the march. The 1st was moving out today, to reclaim their sister city from the humans who had seized it.

Leader Bellis stood with General Daphne at the very same overlook she'd spoken with Viola about the war. Now she didn't know if her verbal sparring partner and colleague was even alive.

"Understand that this mission is necessary, General. I wouldn't request it otherwise."

Daphne straightened. "I understand, Leader. My men...or rather my women, I guess? My women and I are ready for a fight." Daphne gave a small grin. "This foreign terminology is pretty male-centric, isn't it?"

"Quite. The art of war is new to us. But I know we'll take to it quickly."

The General nodded. After the mysterious disappearance of General Montana, Daphne was promoted to the head of floran forces. She was stern but affectionate towards her troops, and most importantly, fiercely loyal to the new way. If things had remained the way Ophrys and Viola wanted, she'd be a farmer, or doing some other kind of menial labour. Now, she was a warrior. With the hopes of her entire race on her solders. She bore the burden well.

"Once we defeat the barbarians who have taken the city, what should we do with them?"

Bellis gestured to a series of ironwood crates, now sitting by the edge of the parade ground. "Rosalind has created a...restraining device, capable of keeping the captured in check. She also has sent along two of her assistants to instruct your forces on its use. Be careful though: once on, it is very hard to remove." The Leader smiled as if remembering an old joke. Her joviality only lasted for a moment. She had a reputation to maintain.

"And the florans we find, Leader?"

"What do you mean?"

"They abandoned us. Shouldn't we...punish them?" Daphne asked.

"We must be magnanimous in victory, General. Capture the city, capture the slavers, but free the florans. General amnesty for any of the wayward pilgrims you save. They've suffered enough."