Arrivals & Departures

"Arrivals & Departures" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread started on [IRL DATE] and finished on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
The dawn of a new day brought light through the tiny window that hit the bare torso of a ferret with the slightest movement as the sun made it’s way towards the western sky. The heat of a much warmer day against his dark fur was typically a nuisance to Blair, but given his decision to return home from the Jaw after what felt like years in the midst of the Rebellion, this was barely a bother. 
The morning was spent cleaning what clothes he had harbored during his stay for the trip home and staying out of the way of his co-habitants, who still had an entire day’s work ahead of them. Blair lightly stepped through the halls, hoisting his rucksack of clothing behind him as he passed a pair of Rebellion soldiers locked in conversation.
“…the Commander. Not something I want to do, I can promise you that.”
“You’re saying you would pass up on the chance to travel? I’ve seen enough of this place for one lifetime.”
“Volunteer yourself, then. I’m finally getting used to being here.”
“Could you imagine the sights you would see? The people you could meet? It’s thrilling!…”
The ferret scurried quicker to his room, tossing the bag on the cot and rushing back to the duo.
“Pardon, ye’ mentioned travel? Care ta’ explain?”
The smaller of the two laughed, looking down to the half-breed. It was a reaction the mustelid was used to; his small stature and… innocent face, as much as he detested admitting it, did not fare well with regards to instilling confidence.
“Yeah, the Commander is looking to send ambassadors out to… what was it again?… ah, yeah, she wants to try and boost our numbers. Not sure why, but it’s happening. You interested, tiny?”
“Cute.” Blair didn’t have any physical response to the insult. “And where might I find this Commander o’ yers?”
“Uh, your guess is as good as mine.” The taller soldier motioned vaguely to the east. “Usually out and about at this hour. Your best bet is to wander and hope you run into her, really.”
“Helpful, the lot o’ ya.” Blair turned to return and collect his belongings before seeking out the aforementioned leader. “A pair ‘o big tall boys like ye’ ought ta’ consider sticking around ‘ere. The muscles, and all that.”
Once his affairs were in order, Blair took to the grounds of the Jaw, hoping to spot any figure that stood out as elevated in the ranks.
Feb 21, 2021
Lila had just walked out a discussion with one of lead Rangers. Deoiridh was on a personal leave back on Haligan for some reason or another, she didn’t really care why, so her second had stepped in for the time being. She was now headed to speak to Jari about her progress on the various research projects she was working on. As she walked people moved to get out of her way. She exuded and aura of leadership, one her troops respected. She was easy to pick out of the crowd.
Feb 21, 2021
She wasn’t easy to miss.
The shifting crowds caught the ferret’s eye almost immediately, and without any doubt, he locked onto the Commander herself. His strides were as long as his legs would carry him, and before too long, he found himself nearly side-by-side with a Rebellion leader.
“Excuse me, ma’am- your highness- I’m so sorry… Commander.” He was already out of breath, exerting great effort to keep up. “I wanted… to speak with you… if you had a moment.”
Feb 21, 2021
Lila saw the ferret struggling keep up so she stopped, allowing him to catch his breath. “Commander is fine.” She said, crossing her arms as she looked down at him. “I don’t believe we’ve met what can I do for you?” She asks.
Feb 21, 2021
Blair hunched over, resting his paws on his legs and taking in oxygen as quickly as he could.
I need ta’ work out more.
“I was hoping ta’ chat with you about… ah, what did they say… somethin’, somethin’, ambassador… somethin’ like that.” He looked up to meet her gaze, grinning at his own incompetence. “I know these lands well. I might be able ta’ help.”
Feb 21, 2021
She watched as the poor Half-Breed tried to get his breath back. “Oh really?” She asked curiously. “Can you walk and talk or should I fetch you a wheelchair?”
Feb 21, 2021
The ferret shot the Commander a glare, unamused by her insinuation.
“Tha’ won’t be necessary. I can fare just fine.” He followed suit as she began to walk, thankful for the slowed pace despite his demeanor. “Blair Birns, by te’ way. Pleasure to make yer acquaintance.”
Feb 21, 2021
She chuckles at her joke and continues on her way, at a slower pace now. “So, I take it you have experience with speaking to various leaders, negotiating deals, brokering peace, things like that.” She says, going straight into the interview.
Feb 21, 2021
The rapid fire list was delivering punch after punch to the ferret’s ego. Blair struggled to think of anything he had done that could be relatively close to experience.
“Ah! Yes, those things… well, no, I ‘ave not. But!” He stood as tall as his form would allow, puffing his chest out a bit. “I ‘ave made contact with quite a few groups throughout te’ land in my travels, and I reckon they would be more than willing ta’ lend a few bodies if ol’ Birns here were ta’ ask.”
He wasn’t lying to the Commander, though it would be fair to conclude that his words were slightly exaggerative. His confidence was genuine, if not misplaced at times.
“Just what are ye’ planning ta’ do once ye’ get yer ranks?”
Feb 21, 2021
Her brow furrows as she looks down at the ferret man. "Have been asleep for a few years Birns? Or in all your travels have you somehow missed that there's a war on?" She asks, sidestep a soldier who was rushing somewhere, probably late for something. "They'll join the ranks of the army. We lost a lot of good people taking the Jaw, and we'll need more than that if we hope to take High Central."
It was too late for Blair to control the eruption of laughter that followed the Commander’s information. He used the back of a paw to wipe the newly formed tears under his eyes; roaring laughs fading to a hefty chuckle.
“Oh- oh Gods, thank ye’. I needed a good laugh t’day.” He forced himself to quiet down, with an unavoidable grin still present on his face. “Yer going ta’ do what now? Miss, I am so sorry ta’ be te’ one ta’ tell ye’ dis, but yer gonna need a miracle ta’ pull enough people here. I ‘aven’t seen hide nor hair of the lot in a bit, but if memory serves, they’ve got quite te’ army themselves.”
Blair tapped his paws together, thinking on the situation. Even with numbers not stacking in the Rebellion’s favor, he wanted to believe that they were different. After all, he had seen what just one in their ranks was capable of. For the sake of himself and those he left back home, he had to be on board.
“That bein’ said, I’ve got good news fer ya.” Blair moved in closer to Lila, looking to her with eyes wide. “I am just the ferret fer te’ job! My village alone has got plenty ‘o strong, able folk ready ta’ work. Beyond that, I suppose I could rally a decent amount fer ye’.”
Feb 21, 2021
She frowned and turned on her heal, stopping directly in front of her. “Then you can get the Hel out.” She said firmly. “If that is your attitude then we’ve already lost. We have all sacrificed so much just to get even a shot at them, and I don’t need someone like you laughing at all our work.” With that she turned and started to walk off.
Feb 21, 2021
Blair hadn’t expected this reaction out of the Commander and immediately pivoted into damage control. He managed to slide himself in front of her, paws out to stop further movement.
“Aye, aye, listen, I did not mean ta’ offend, honest.” He placed a paw over his heart and held the other one upright next to his head as he swore to her, before letting it fall softly against his side. “I guess… it’s almost remarkable, what ye’ve been able to do ‘ere. Where I come from, we… well, my parents at least… we’ve suffered. A good chuck of us were displaced after te’ exodus of half-breeds, and I don’t reckon we will ever fully recover. I ‘ave never known a life that hasn’t been at te’ mercy o’ their kind”
He felt remorse for his outburst; Blair couldn’t even look Lila in the eye.
“I commend ye’. We liked ta’ joke as pups about doin’ exactly what yer doin’, and I think I’m just in disbelief about te’ whole thing. Please accept my apologies, with all respect to te’ work that ye’ve put into all o’ dis.”
Feb 21, 2021
She hums as she hears his apology. “Alright, I accept your apology. Do you have any people in particular in mind. If it’s easier you can write up a list and send it to me, but either way I’d like to know who you’re talking to and as much about who you’re talking to as possible, understood?”
Feb 21, 2021
“Understood, ma’am. I will start with my home, an’ work my way east. Should cover a decent amount o’ ground that way.”
Blair adjusted his back to hang from his opposite shoulder. He had planned to return home regardless, but the thought of having a purpose for his travels worked greatly in his favor.
“I will certainly be in touch, Commander. Ye’ can bet on it. I will seek ye’ out before I take my leave.”
Feb 21, 2021
She nods to him. “Sounds like a plan.” She replied. As Blair turned to go she called out to him. “Birns! Did your family have a house or anything in the city? Before the exodus that is.”
Feb 22, 2021
His head turned to look at her from an angle, contemplating how to respond to the unprompted question.
“Aye, they did, nothing that I could remember. That was before my time. I can bet ye’ it was lovely, though.”
Blair didn’t move for a moment. His ears flicked softly before tilting downwards ever so slightly.
“…thank ye’, Commander. I’ll be seeing ta’ getting a plan together fer ya.”
Feb 22, 2021
She hums as he says that and makes a mental note, filing it away for later. "Thank you Blair, I look forward to working with you." With that she heads on her way.