[ IP ] Stroll Along the Wall

`` Impressive, are they not?'' 
 
 The Elf who asked wore the uniform of the vaunted King's Own Hussars, her fur trimmed Pelisse slung over a single shoulder while a jacket of gold braid and dark blue cloth was tailored snug to her form. Her fitted trousers likewise left little to the imagination. A saber hung at her side, while her waist-length nut brown hair was braided into a fighting queue. 
 
 The Man walking besides her looked positively medieval in comparison, his travel worn leathers stained with mud and dried blood, his mail sleeves dull beneath the sheen of linseed oil. The sweater he wore beneath the leather jerkin was badly pilled, but looked lovingly maintained. A battered cavalry sword she knew to be an antique was sheathed in its metal scabbard, a green and white honor tassel hanging from its mount. The man nodded. 
 
 `` Very. I would n't want to attempt to storm these walls without at least a regiment of artillery. Likely two.'' 
 
 Lieutenant Orla Alathir smiled smugly at his words, as if he'd confirmed what she already knew. `` No expense was spared. After the initial conquests and landtakes, we knew it was only a matter of time before other powers would be just as settled. My father once said that it is easy to claim something as yours- proving it is another thing altogether. As you and your rangers have proved all too often.'' 
 
 Hilary Flint shrugged, his mudstained green cloak shifting around his shoulders. 
 
 `` As far as the Provisional Republic of Michigan and the 3rd Regiment of Rangers is concerned, you are all unlawful foreign invaders. Temporary illegal residents who need to be evicted, by physical force if necessary,'' he said. `` That is, of course, the *official* policy.'' 
 
 The pair passed a small watchtower, its four man garrison equipped with musket and bayonet. They saluted the lieutenant as they neared, their almond eyes carefully avoiding his. 
 
 `` And the unofficial one?'' Alathir asked, tilting her head in false innocence. 
 
 `` An ancient proverb: Better the devil you know than the devil you do n't. At least you Elves are somewhat civilized, for whatever amount that's worth. Though you claim territory that is de jure ours, your kingdom is a rather comfortable buffer state against the Helvetians.'' 
 
 The royal-born officer inclined her head. 
 
 `` We have a similar expression. *Far better to drink the poison for which you have the cure, than the one without. *'' 
 
 Flint laughed and lengthened his stride, his boots' spurs jingling softly. 
 
 `` Exactly...''
