Meet the Landers: Mizufa Trude

With the recent waves having passed, things are still tense in the Holy Empire Westelande. The military is in a constant state of alertness - more than they already were. And as such, they have also been hiring. Not just Landers, but they've also been leaning on those who are allied to their Kingdom - Adventurers.

It is at one such hiring event that Goldenblade would find herself. Or rather, at the tail end of one. The arena has a lot of people leaving, but the General of their ground army is still present, literally whipping someone into shape in a combat exercise. Wielding one of her whips, she lashes flames towards a lieutenant. "Good!" She calls out as the Salamander manages to parry her blow as she waits for the last arrival.

Goldenblade steps up toward the general, bows at the waist. She's actually not sure if you bow or salute, but she's not joined up yet, that may be a proper response once she's joined? She hasn't served previously, herself, but she grew up having great respect for soldiers. She was maybe seven or eight when the soldiers came home from World War Two, and the immense feelings everyone had towards them, who had stopped not one but two global juggernauts. How can she do less, when it is her turn?

"Good afternoon, General," she calls. "I am here to serve, if I may. I have some skill at arms that may be of use to you."

The General looks at Goldenblade as she approaches. Short. Young. Bright red hair. Yet, the General doesn't look at her the way that Goldenblade has come to find a lot of Landers seeing her. Many of them looked to her and judged her based on her apparent age. Yet, Mizufa Trude walks forward, putting the whip away on her belt, and bows her head.

"It isn't often we have an Adventurer so readily looking to be conscripted." There's this look in her eyes. "Are you sure you are up to that kind of life? I am sure I do not need to explain this to someone such as yourself. But the rigid life is not for everyone." Mizufa Trude is making rather direct eyecontact. As if she could see what lies beyond the person on the surface.

"The way you carry yourself... you seem to have experience." The woman states, though it seems partially like a question.

Goldenblade is used to being scoped out. Back home, that was called checking the cut of a person's jib, and it meant sizing them up to see if they look like they're up to what you want out of them. In Japan, it was them simply impressed with her western build, called 'cornfed' in some circles. Cornfed men tended to be big and strong and sturdy, and she carries herself that way, though this avatar isn't exemplifying that characteristic.

Now a rigid lifestyle, that makes her smile. "You wouldn't ask if you knew my father," she says with amusement. "Kids today," and here, her tone is the seventy-five year old man behind the mask, "a lot of them grew up easy. But where I grew up, you worked hard, and when you were done, you found something else that needed doing, and you went and did that." Growing up before TV may be closer to the reason for that, but it's a strong belief just the same.

As far as experience, she says, "I left a sword in the Tower in the heart of a monster, so I guess you could say I have some experience."

"A mindset not many Adventurers seem to share. You sound more like us Landers." Mizufa Trude offers to Goldenblade, clearly impressed. There's this bright note behind her eyes at this. "Someone who understands the meaning of a good day's work. That life is hard." She then smirks at the mention of that monster. "Ah yes. The parasite on the third floor." She remarks.

It's surprising for a Lander to know about such exploits. "I visit each area of battle in the tower once in a while. It's good to understand those who travel through that place." She explains to Goldenblade. "I will be glad to have you of course. But, that would not be fair for the other applicants if I pushed you before others, simply because I know of your deeds in that tower."

The woman touches her chin, furrowing her brow. Considering the next step. "It is important to keep up tradition. You will understand."

Goldenblade nods grimly about a hard life. Fifty years as a bricklayer probably counts as that. "It keeps you busy, though, and when you're done, you can point to a thing, and say, 'I did that.' It's about character as much as accomplishment, though both are important," she explains. Goldenbade nods about the third floor, perhaps surprised that a Lander would have checked over the scene's aftermath. But if she had, she'd have seen Goldenblade's name on the monument, which ought to confirm her story. Or she may recognize the sword on one hip as the mate to the one left in the monster's heart, her other sword is similar, but not quite a mate.

She nods about not being pushed ahead of other applicants, and upholding tradition. That's something she found Japan steeped in, and the sense of longevity it brings is a good thing. When you find youself alone against a horde, it's somehow comforting to know that it's not just you standing there, but the hundreds, or thousands, of people whose shoulders you stand on. Metaphorically. "I understand completely," she says. "And I would have it no other way." Then again, no one can say she achieved something via special favors or duplicity. Far better to be beyond any doubt.

The woman nods her head. Indeed, the blade has been recognized. "May I have your name?" The General then inquires. It is notable that Mizufa Trude had, unlike other Landers, not introduced herself. An unusual matter. Landers almost always introduce themselves to an Adventurer upon meeting.

Once given, Mizufa Trude gives her name, and proceeds to say; "There is a cave to the east of here that we use to train each year's members. We use it for the Trail of Honor. The Sher Kar. However, as of late, there have been other species - some kind of ants - invading their nests. I need you to go in there, and clear out the various ants out of the Sher Kar nests." She explains.

"I'll get you a contract through the Hunters Guild. Bring me back some of the Ants' mandibles."

Goldenblade winces at being asked her name. "Please call me Goldenblade," she says, in place of giving the mouthful of names her errant click (or several clicks) in character generation saddled her with. As far as not introducing herself, she has found that many people of note expect you to recognize them.

She nods about clearing out the Sher Kar nests. "It shall be done," she says confidenly. "I was there when they attacked before, I am glad to be able to finish the job," she says.

The woman nods her head. "Thank you, miss Goldenblade. When you are done, come to my office. There's a dark omen on the horizon for Yamato, and I wish to discuss it with you when I can properly take you into our military's fold." She proposes to her. "For now, I will not saddle you with the knowledge I possess."

Goldenblade arches her brow at the hunt of more information, but bows deeply, respecting the general's wishes. "Thank you, General. I await the day when you can share with me fully," she says, and then will head out to prepare for the journey out into the desert.