NTR quest

NTR Quest 15 - Push

Vetting the suspicious person is the right call and it is mostly up to you, as Kara is distracted by hangers-on. But, you understand that asking on your way back from the guild is probably not the right time. You choose to bide your time until you are settled back at the inn. The others are fitted with accommodations which essentially amounts to a shared room, though you make it clear that they can pay for whatever extras they like if they aren't comfortable sleeping in the same room together. Notably, the elf seems to be the only one that minds, and pays extra for their own accommodations, despite not seeming particularly wealthy. After everything is sorted you all sit around a table in the main hall of the inn to discuss plans and expectations.

"When are we leaving? Do we have transport set up?" Heilan asks as she waves over a server to order. She divides her attention and whispers what she wants as you try to explain.

You are a bit annoyed by the distracted wolf girl, but speak to address the group more than just her. "Once we're all bought up on supplies and equipment we'll charter a ship to cross the straight and be on our way."

"That being said, we kind of know what everyone is capable of but not everyone's experience level. I think it is important so that we don't ask someone to do something beyond their capability." It's a principle you know about that extends from adventuring into warfare, even. The most experienced members are obviously going to be the ones to pick up most of the slack. In combat those are the ones who are going to be at the front and back to offer the most direct contribution. Throwing your least experienced members into the grinder is certainly a doctrine that can work in war, but by your estimation that is a heartless way of leading a small party. You look to the human, Vura.
"Seems like you might have some experience." The woman blushes, tugging at her collar.

"Oh, this?" Chuckling nervously she adds.
"I've got some experience, but this isn't a battle scar. Regardless, it's probably a good move to put me in front, as much as I'd like to be in the rear to watch all your cute asses." She winks at Kara, who just stares back blankly in response. You look to the elf. She acknowledges your gaze and tilts her head down as she begins speaking.

"I have experience and I should probably be in the back." You and Vura both perk up. Being in the back is not exactly a cowardly position as a layman might assume. Even as a rookie yourself you understand that being at the direct rear is just as difficult as being at the front. Enemies are not stupid and you should always assume they they will be trying to gain an advantage as you try to do the same. Even simple animals like wolves carry out basic flanking maneuvers while hunting. So, being in the back is actually a responsibility that requires some confidence to take. As you look at the timid elf, you do see confidence in that regard, layered over anxiety at some other cause. You decide you really do need to get to the bottom of this, but do not want to confront her in front of everyone.

"What about you?" You look at Heilan, who's ears perk as you speak in her direction.

"I'm trained but I'm a first timer." She explains. The first timer is not necessarily a bad person to have in your group, but you know that they are going to need some help. Generally, they do not understand the weight of their actions and there is a chance they freeze up. By her silence after the announcement of her inexperience, you get the impression that she is uncertain about where she should be.

"Stay in the middle. Let Luire pick targets and trust her call." You ask, smiling at the elf girl. She seems a bit shocked by your order. Based on everything she showed, she likely did not expect to be chosen as a shot caller, but you can tell that it is the right choice based on how confident she is in this particular area.

"What about you two?" Vura asks astutely. You note that she is experienced enough to ask important questions confidently, but did not question your handing of the shot-caller role to Luire. The impression you get is that she is genuinely quite concerned with the well-being of everyone present. With that in mind, the capabilities of you and Kara are going to be quite important and you have definitely done a lot of the executive action without saying much about yourself. It is somewhat embarrassing, because you are going to have to admit your experience after all that.