Thread: Daughter of Rome (Belle x Rivine)

Einion stood i the shadow of the trees, a few miles away from one of the larger Roman forts on the frontier. It had been more then a month since they had first started to notice the legionaries withdrawing from their camps, being replaced by levies from lands to the south. He had seen this with his own eyes. He had watched as centuries withdrew from forts to be replaced with the levies. Most of the southerners had no experience in combat, but that is why they were sent north. Rather then having to watch coasts that were never assailed they were to be blooded on the frontier against the barbarians to the north. Einion had been more then willing to oblige the commanders of the Roman troops in this desire. For the past several weeks he head lead foray after foray into Roman lands, his warband using the cover of darkness to their advantage. The levies did often leave torches burning on the walls, wanting to see any foes that would come. But what they had not learned was that torches made them blind to what was beyond the light, as well as providing good light for those wishing to shoot them. Furthermore he had kept a close eye on any patrols that were sent out. He would often harass these patrols at night. Perhaps they would light campfire after campfire all around them, making the Romans think that they were surrounded. Or he would have his warband spend the night blowing horns and depriving all those in the Roman camp of sleep. Other nights they would kill just one of the sentries, leaving him for the others to find. All of these tactics served a simple purpose to sow fear. Some patrols he would let go. Some he would butcher. All these green soldiers knew was that they had left the safety of the south and had been sent north to face an enemy the likes of which they were ill prepared to face. This campaign's sole purpose had not been only to kill Romans though. His forays against the outposts had been at night, but during the day he had been petitioning chieftains, landed men, anyone who would listen to him. They had come to know how the Romans thought and Einion new well that the day would come when they would try to drive north again. So why should they wait for that day? Why should they wiat for the Romans to gather their strength? His raids were proving already how it could be done, how they could take the fight to their enemy, avenge those they had lost. But as Einion watched parts of another legion march into the very fortification he had watched other legionaries leave from a month before, his heart sank slightly. His campaign to this point had been against untested troops, levies who could barely hold formation together. But these were legionaries, doggedly trained and tested in battle. He gripped the haft of his spear as he watched them, his mind a whirl. He remembered well what a legion could do in battle. Against his father's wishes he had lead some other youths south and joined Boudica's revolt against the Romans. The final battle had been.... horrific. And now here the legions were again, coming to impose the will of Rome on he and his people. He was pulled from his thoughts as someone cleared their throat behind him. Einion glanced over his shoulder to see his closest companions and a shield bearer, Bran. The dark haired man motioned to the fort with his head, then asked Einion, And what do you plan to do about that? Einion looked at his friend for a moment, then looked back to the fort. He was silent for awhile, then said softly, We let them settle in, get comfortable. Let them think that all that they have heard from the levies are stories, fabrications meant to frighten them. Let them lull themselves into complacency. He turned away then, walking toward his friend and pausing beside him. He looked into the other man's eyes, his emerald eyes burning with an inner flame as he said, Then we will show them that they too can bleed...