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Post by cerdigon on Jan 28, 2015 20:25:54 GMT
'' Thundercrown is in no imminent danger. The Wastelanders will have to settle in for a siege but the Firetooth capital has strong walls and an even stronger garrison. '' Not to mention Titanhand's troops would now be arriving any day. '' The heavy infantry will be needed to hold our crossing at the ford or the mountain passes should we need to withdraw. I would rather take the risk. '' King Aeron said standing, indicating that the matter was decided -- at least in his mind. '' Shall we march? ''
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Post by ravigen on Mar 13, 2015 19:23:04 GMT
The Commonwealth/Ikegami march back to their respective home territories was a mostly quiet affair, both armies seemed to be in good cheer, Sayoko knew her comrades celebrated the victory every night, praising the heroic efforts of the innumerous men and women who fought there as well as jeers and jokes about the Wastelander host.
The two armies were marching side by side with little to no interaction besides scouts from both armies updating the other to nearby terrain, On a whim and partially out of genuine desire for conversation with perhaps one of the only other female champions in the entire Northern kingdom, Ikegami Sayoko kicked her horse into motion and slowly trotted over towards the Commonwealth army, her family watching her curiously but otherwise not interfering. She'd seen Beora Brightheart retreat from the main battle due to her wounds but had not gotten around to checking on her health as of yet.
Despite the quite frankly pointless tensions between their two kingdoms she had nothing against the woman or her people and had brought with her some herbs that might speed up recovery and sake to congratulate her efforts and that of her king.
That said she made her way towards the Sylph woman, following the banners. |
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 13, 2015 19:33:31 GMT
Shame. Dishonor. The words cut through Beora Brightheart's flesh, cutting deeper than any blade ever could. The Champion of King Aeron Sefti and purported lover if one was to listen to the cruder gossip at court had found a stream to clean her wounds. The Commonwealth army was moving slowly, it was burdened by hundreds of wounded men and had suffered griveous losses. King Aeron had marched with them for more than half the distance before departing with a company of lancers for home, leaving General Silveon in command, no doubt urged on by rumored tensions at home. The crack of a snapping twig caused the blond valkyrie to fix Sayoko with a penetrating stare. Yet there were no biting words on her tongue, no spite to spill from her lips.
'' My Lady. '' Beora murmered, before returning to wrapping her bloodied arm that hung limply from her side.
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Post by ravigen on Mar 14, 2015 0:53:48 GMT
Sayoko paused, noting the bloodied arm before returning her attention to the woman in question, she didn't say anything at first, simply reached for the pouch of herbs on her belt and took a few steps forward, offering them to the other woman.
"These should help with that, as much as we tend to beat ourselves up in training we've gotten pretty good at finding herbs to help speed recovery, mix them with your drink and it should help."
Sayoko didn't mention the battle, didn't feel that was the best way to start this conversation, but her intentions were the same regardless, she did want to help the Sylph woman recover. She'd found the presence of female champions outside her own territory to be quite rare and felt at least some sort of shared kinship with the other woman in that regard but just because you understood someone didn't quite mean that you would automatically get along, but Sayoko hoped for at least civil conversation. |
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 14, 2015 15:36:29 GMT
'' I thank you. '' Beora said, her tone a touch surprised as she eyed the elf warily. A pot was brewing at the nearby fire, the Sylph staring out into the distance for a long moment. '' You fought well, far better than I. Take pride in that. I pray that our nations may enjoy peace and that we may fight as allies. '' Tens of thousands had died at Thundercrown, and Beora had no wish to see even more of her countryman put into the ground. It was also known that King Aeron had little love for his neighbors, save the Navaren. Her liege lord's plans to build a great empire was reaching fruition but Beora feared the ultimate cost of where those ambitions might lead.
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Post by ravigen on Mar 14, 2015 17:33:20 GMT
Sayoko, stepped forward, sitting down slowly before stretching out, the march had been long and after Thundercrown everything ached. She reached for the small bag slung over her back and pulled out a bottle and two small cups. A quick motion and she'd poured sake into both cups, setting the bottle down and offering one of the cups to Beora.
"You did well yourself, you survived and that is more than many could say from that battle." She took a sip of her cup and allowed her feet to dip into the stream, letting the cold water soothe her legs. |
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 18, 2015 4:09:26 GMT
'' At times I wish I had not. '' Beora said, sipping from the sake, nodding her thanks once again. '' I ponder what your plans are after going home? Is there a match planned for the noble Princess? Some far off Survaekom elven noble perhaps? '' The warrior asked with a raised brow. For Beora, there was no husband. She was married to the duty of serving her King, even if it would lead to her demise.
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Post by ravigen on Mar 18, 2015 4:15:50 GMT
Sayoko laughed, silently accepting the change in topic with grace, the question had come up but the answer was as it always was.
"For me, no, but possibly for my younger siblings, though I have heard the potential talk of a partnership with the Feymoure. As the heir my father has allowed me the freedom to chose." she took a sip of her sake and sighed, enjoying the sweet taste of the rice wine.
"And what of you, surely such a strong warrior has many potential suitors." |
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Post by ravigen on Apr 23, 2015 19:02:12 GMT
It had been some time since an Ikegami representative had been sent to the Commonwealth but the recent declaration of war had forced their hand, Lord Naozumi was preparing troops for the possibility of war but he always had felt it prudent to prepare negotiations first. For this reason, Koizumi Chuugo was sent to the Commonwealth capital to negotiate a cease-fire to end hostilities and bring this conflict to a diplomatic end.
The Commonwealth had broken the armistice and non-aggression pact, Naozumi would not abandon the Jotun but neither could he afford a war he wasn't prepared to fight so with one hand he would offer peace, the other would prepare for the worst just in case. |
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 23, 2015 22:00:46 GMT
The Ikagami diplomat would be kept waiting...and waiting. Days would pass and at last when it seemed as if he was to be turned away, Lord Chuugo was summoned at dawn for a meeting with King Aeron. The King himself was perched over his desk, his bronze hand stained with ink. Stacks of books and parchments leaned precariously on one side. It was quite an odd spectacle for a warrior king yet clearly Aeron was taking an active role in not only reigning but ruling his kingdom. Lord Carvin, his elven Chancellor, waited in the corner of the room.
'' My Lord Chuugo. '' Aeron said, cleaning the fingertips of his hand with a cloth. '' You come at a difficult time. Sit. Tell me what words Daimyo Naozumi brings. '' The words came easy, yet beneath those tired blue pools, there was tension.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 24, 2015 2:35:08 GMT
Chuugo bowed respectfully before taking his seat.
"My Lord, Naozumi, has sent me here to make a request for an end to hostilities in your war with the Jotun and to seek mediation to the conflict with the Imperial courts. His honor demands he come to the aid of his allies but he wishes to seek a peaceful end to the war." |
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 24, 2015 2:43:54 GMT
'' The Jotun attacked my fellow King, slaughtered my citizens, and looted Leoten. I have given my terms for peace. I demand compensation and the head of Wulfrik Thundrfist, amongst other obligations. I'm sure you have read the declaration. The Vizier is aware of my actions and the fact that there has been no official condemnation should tell you the righteousness of my cause. I would advise you to abandon your ally. There is no honor in supporting a pirate. If you wish to bring this matter before the Vizier, then by all means, do it. I do not want war with the Ikagami either but nor can I accept the murder of my people. ''
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Post by ravigen on Apr 24, 2015 3:23:35 GMT
"The Jotun will never accept those terms and a forceful incursion into Voltheim would cost countless lives for both sides, my Lord merely wishes to ensure that this does not come to pass by negotiating a peaceful and agreeable solution to both parties. Would it not be better to negotiate first? If they fail then you've lost nothing but time and if they succeed you get compensation." |
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 24, 2015 11:58:17 GMT
'' I am willing to negotiate but I will not do so from a position of weakness. The blockade stays, the Jotun Clans are still a threat. They've demonstrated a willingness to raid my coasts and kill my people. Perhaps with their own city under the guns of my navy, they won't be so hasty as to committ the same mistake again. After all, isn't that what your own lord is doing? '' The King said with a quizzical raise of his brow. Rumors had been circulating far and wide of mercenary captains flocking towards the Ikagami banner for the eventuality of war. There was no doubt as to what direction those troops would be unleashed if the Ikagami Clans and Commonwealth could not reach a settlement.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 24, 2015 13:43:06 GMT
"My Lord can not simply abandon oaths he made so simply, he wishes for peace but must prepare for war if all else fails. He wishes to bring this matter before the Vizier but cannot do so with a war going on that obliges him to respond." The Jotun may not have been the best of allies but they were the Ikegami's only significant military ally against a Commonwealth that had done everything in it's power to provoke them.
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