Noxian base camp; outside the temple of shadows.

Cane, step, step. The Grand General approached, the march of heavy Raedsel boots accompanying his own uneven footfalls. The honor guards walked behind him, ready to take a bullet or shuriken should duty call for it. But there was little likelihood it should. The surrounding territories had mostly been evacuated of Hadoi, and those that remained in their homes lay licking their wounds and wondering. Luminous eyes scanned the forest clearing in acknowledgment of Maria's handiwork. She was strong, efficient, results-oriented. For these reasons, she fulfilled her role as High Commander to The Master Tactician's exacting standards.

He strode past the piles of lumber, his cane sinking into the mud in places, the train of his robes rustling the springtime carpet of cherry blossoms. General Blackwind seemed to be pondering something as she completed her work. Swain watched as her arms returned to their natural size--still well-muscled and toned, even for a woman of her stature. He folded his hands over his cane, awaiting her recognition. The four Raedsel stopped in perfect formation behind him.

A cough sprang from his chest. It was not, as it might have seemed, an affected attempt to command her attention. Rather, the series of hacks that followed were a compulsion to clear his labored lungs. He composed himself quickly, chin lifted in dignity despite the fit, and resumed his expectation of her attentions.

A single gruff nod came in acknowledgment of her salute and national sentiment. Crimson eyes narrowed as he appraised her. Maria Blackwind was swift and efficient--and could often guess what measures would be necessary before he gave his orders. It was perhaps for this reason that she had thus far avoided his ire in his months as Grand General. The same could not be said for all the members of High Command.

"Permission granted. I have come to inquire after your preferences in subordinates, in fact." He took a few uneven strides, his robe clearing a path in the cherry blossoms as he went. He stopped again beside her pile of lumber, briefly surveying her handiwork before he turned his blazing gaze once more upon her. His face set purposefully as he continued. "Choose your men wisely, Blackwind. This campaign bears your name, your reputation." He paused, the fires of grim resolve burning in his eyes. "And it is very important to me. To Noxus."

The Raedsel guards followed in perfect timing with his steps, each angle of potential assault efficiently covered. The Grand General cleared his throat again. "There are those who will assume our endeavors an echo of Darkwill's campaign. They will not be. They must not be." Beatrice offered her shrill cry of accord from his shoulder. "We will not make the same mistakes. I hope I've been clear."

Crimson eyes narrowed in scrutiny of McIna. As the scribe inched nearer to Swain, the rough hands of a Raedsel guard seized the boy by the shoulders and cast him closer to Maria, unceremonious, duty-bound. Swain lifted his chin, commanding gruffly, "I will expect you inside in fifteen minutes to discuss the allocation of your assets, General Blackwind."

Again, his burning gaze washed over Jay's nervous form in apparent distaste. "After you have dealt with your peon." With that, the Grand General turned to go. Cane, step, step, he limped away, four Raedsel at his guard, leaving Jay to the mercy of his mistress.

"Trees do not hit back", a gruff voice said from behind Maria. "We would be more impressed if you did not use unnatural methods to attain commendable strength."

The beast man of Ionia was sitting on the stump of one of the trees she had fell. A few leafs were stuck in his beard, ones he was picking out slowly. "What is your purpose here?"

Udyr raised an eyebrow. He leaned forward, staring at the woman. "All of Ionia. Truly? We believe the last time that the Noxians, the Zaunites and the Bilgewaterans attempted to fight Ionia, they lost. The stronger won. Zed's might is palpable, true, but asking Noxians, such as yourself for help?" The beast man grinned and let out a light chuckle, a disconcerting sight to see. "A woman who needs to use toys to augment her own abilities. How pathetic. He would fare better on his own merit."

The beast man rose up from the tree trunk and cracked his knuckles. His arms lowered, and he glared at the woman. His brow knitted, his lips drawing back. "A demonstration? Show us what you are capable of, and we shall show you your weakness. You will not win."

Udyr took no stance and stared at the Noxian woman. He grunted, "Whenever you wish, you may begin."

Udyr stared at her, not reacting. The punch came, the beast man allowed it to strike his chest. Maria's fist would feel as though she struck a slab of iron rather than flesh, but even then, she would see the beginnings of a dark bruise start to form, showing that she could harm him. "Tch," he grunted, looking nonplussed about the strike.

His fingers twitched, the beast man's fist rocketed out at blinding speed. He would reply to her punch with one of his own to her chest, his Bear aspect prevalent and strengthening his strike. It was his turn to test the waters.