Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Aug 27, 2010 21:12:09 GMT -6
"No offense was taken...and we had injured of our own, and had been on a force march for several days, so, it remains debatable."
Marle just gave a quick shake of her head, aligned with a sly look. She was used to little snippits of caution mixed with insults before. Arthis was a good teacher for strain. Taking from her armor, Marle plucked a cloth from her hand, and proceeded to dry and clean the blade of her Dragonspear, while listening in. Clair did indeed need new armor. That style of armor was what Marle trained to use back before she was admitted as a full recruit, to build her body muscle up for actual recruits armor.
There wasn't a whole lot for the girl knight to say, but she did remark on Mavick's words about training with a sword and axe...she would wish to learn them as well, but mostly the sword. She had very little proficiency with them, as all went under sword training, and she knew the basics, but not the display that Richter could use out of it...she would have to ask him to teach her how.
While she sat on the same chair that held her upper armor, Marle nodded with Mavick.
"A shield would serve a very functional role, and if you are indeed in the thick of battle as you say, it would be very practical to have. I can speak from experience, that is can be a saving grace of it's own."
Marle once again hushed, the talk about army colour was a little drab for her. Her own troops were coloured in Blue and white. It wasn't the most imaginative colour scheme, but it was her own.
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Fran
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"I am so excited."
Posts: 66
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Post by Fran on Aug 27, 2010 21:31:24 GMT -6
Fran tilted her head, a strange hooded man was running towards her. "Who is he?" She couldn't take a good look at his face because the hood hide most of his face. But as he came closer, she began to recognize him as someone who left the village 500 years ago. "Hey, I think he is...who?" She tried to remember him. "Marcia? No, who is Marcia anyway... Then, Markis? No, he is still in Nabata... Maybe Marrone? No, that stubborn old man will never leave the village..." Then her necklace which made from the shard of Marcus and his brother's dragon stone started glowing, she immediately remember who that man was.
"Marcus!!! Is it really you???" She leapt towards him and hugged him tightly, meeting with her childhood friend at this kind of place was something she would never expect to happen. "What are you doing here? Oooh, I miss you so much. Where is Eryk? Your brother?" She smiled to him.
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Mavick
Seer
Little Strategist
"The Darkness... It consumes me."
Posts: 208
Etruria Fame: -2
Sacae Fame: 1
Affinity: Dark
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Post by Mavick on Aug 27, 2010 22:03:27 GMT -6
Mavick nodded. "I think it sounds allright." he commented, throwing his two cents in. Not finding much more interest in this conversation, he hopped off his crate. "Well, I need to finish my report. I will see you all in the morning. By your leave, Commander." Turning from them, the short tactitian made his way through the fort back to his room.
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Post by Clair Feldsky on Aug 27, 2010 23:40:22 GMT -6
Clair nodded her head at Richter's comment about the blood shed by the prophet. It hadn't really had time to hit her, but they weren't just in the small times anymore. Richter was quickly attracting the attention of one of the most influential dictators in the lands. Ostia's genocide was on his hands, not to mention the invasion into Sacae. From what she knew, the Etrurian missionaries hadn't always been the peaceful sort.
Mavick suddenly got up and announced he had work elsewhere to do. "Goodnight, Mavick."
"White and red... I've always liked light colors. And black will look very imposing on you Commander, I'm sure." The truth was, she thought he'd look handsome too. Dashing even, but she admitted those thoughts only to herself.
The quiet patter of rain on the roof filled the air They'd finally made plain their purpose in fighting the Prophet. She could only guess what the reaction would be. There were still two more forts in the region. The war was far from won.
"I can't believe you two are related. Learning that I'd being hired by the cousin of my friend from basic training was the last thing I expected."
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Post by Richter Abend on Aug 28, 2010 0:00:07 GMT -6
"Why thank you, Feldsky. Looking imposing is always a benefit during battle," replied Richter. He felt slightly...well, he couldn't quite name the feeling, but he quite liked Clair's compliment. Not so much the compliment itself, but the fact that it was she who was complimenting him. And this is a man who could usually care less. He paused as she continued.
"I'm fairly surprised myself," he said, looking towards his cousin. "For one, I had no idea you of all people, Marle, would show up with a contingent of Ilian soldiers in tow, and two, I wouldn't have guessed that you two were close." Richter sighed, shaking his head. "Small world. Though that brings up the matter at hand. What is it that you came all this way to speak with me about? I imagine it's important or Arphen would have just sent me a pegasus rider."
Perhaps, if not conventionally, he could forge an alliance with Ilia through Marle. His band of soldiers was large enough to be called an army, but no so large that he wouldn't need help fighting the Prophet. He need fresh recruits, mercenaries if necessary, and hopefully Ilia or Sacae would be able to provide him with some.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Aug 28, 2010 9:51:38 GMT -6
Marle watched Clair closely for a time. Her eyes narrowed, thinking she may have saw...something...between the two in that brief moment, but for now, she would rest her mind on that sort of thing, it wasn't her right to pry, but she did enjoy meddling, especially when it dealt with family. With a contented sigh, she remained quiet until she was called on, and quickly tucked the rag back behind the belt which kept up her skirted armor.
"Small world? Yes, I guess that could be...I also volunteered for this assignment, knowing you would be here. You've been gone for a long time, so I guess I must figure out where to begin.."
Setting her Dragonspear against the wall, Marle unfurled a map of Ilia, already with a few circles and X's marked about, mostly to the south and west of Ilia.
"Ilia has come under increased Barbarian attacks. They're much more organized, and dangerous than any I had encountered during my time as a recruit. When I came back from Eturia to proceed with my knight training, the village I was staying in was hit hard. It was like an army, clad in skins and armor, had enveloped us. Thankfully there were a few mercenary groups stationed there by Ilia itself...it was a bloody mess."
Marle sighed and then ran her hand over three X's, and seemed to frown at he look of them. This was where she was when she was wounded.
"These three marks here were base of operations. I led a unit into this one here, but we were misinformed. These men were led, a zealot of the church, and a shaman no less. It is mentioned, only in secret, however, that Eturia is staging Ilia for capture. I don't know the extent as to why, probably because Ilia wasn't committing to them as they had hoped, and wish to take it by force."
Marle's hand went to her chest, she could still feel it where that shaman's Fenrir spell struck her, and it caused her to tremble.
"The leader was slain, but Ilia is plagued by insurgents everywhere. The higher ups thought, with Eturia coming here, it was a staging ground for when Eturia would eventually move into Ilia by force, where they would shed off the ruse of barbarian attacks for full fledged assault, and with supply trains being stopped constantly through the mountains, its looking that way."
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Post by Richter Abend on Aug 28, 2010 11:03:54 GMT -6
Richter was deep in thought. He had thought that, at most, Ilia would be tied up with their occupation of Bern, but it seemed that his home country had larger issues on their home soil at the moment. This was both disturbing and heartening. While the barbarian attacks could be putting Ilia under plenty of pressure, now that the southern border was relieved, if Richter could aid Ilia in removing the rest of the of the insurgent bases from the snowy north, he might be able to bind Ilia to his cause. This would mean more troops and supplies, but at the same time if Ilia was worn out by the fighting, they might not have much to spare, and Richter will have wasted both time and men.
He looked up at Marle, who was clutching her chest and trembling. The memory seemed to be a bit traumatic for her. Richter wanted to comfort her, but realized the best way was to probably just continue with business. Bad memories were strengthened the longer one dwelt on them. He would know.
"Well now that Ilia's southern border is no longer under threat, I see they could use some help," observed the Ilian rebel commander, breaking out of his thinking state and continuing the conversation. "Would you be bringing all of this up with me because you're asking for mine?"
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Marissa J. Calderon
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"I think you know my bestest cousin ever? His name is Rayl!"
Posts: 12
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Post by Marissa J. Calderon on Aug 28, 2010 13:32:44 GMT -6
Marissa repeated the salute, and said "Yes Captain, right away!" Captain Daviau left to follow the other group's commander, and so Marissa and Salina went about searching the camp for an ideal spot to pitch their tent. As she scanned the area for a good plot of land she couldn't help but notice how weary everyone looked. They must have been through quite a bit recently, they look like a strong breeze could knock them over, she mused to herself. "I can see why we were assigned to Captain Daviau's unit, they look like they are in desperate need of some fresh legs," she said to Salina walking behind her.
Most of the good campsites were already taken, so it was taking a while for Marissa to find a space to pitch her tent. Not that she was in any hurry to to get out of this rain, the cool water felt glorious on her skin. They were getting close to the outskirts of the camp when they saw the regal looking knight and his lady following the horse. Marissa could swear he recognized him from somewhere, but she couldn't put her finger on it until he turned his head and she got a good look at his profile.
"COUSIN RAYL?!?" she shrieked with a combination of surprise and excitement. The knight turned to face Marissa upon hearing his name, his look one of complete surprise. This glance confirmed Marissa's guess and she followed it up with another shriek, this one of complete excitement. "COUSIN RAYL!!!" and she charged headlong at the man and tackled him to the ground, embracing him in an airtight bearhug. "It's been so long cousin Rayl! How is my bestest cousin ever?"
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Post by Rayl Torien on Aug 28, 2010 14:41:19 GMT -6
Once the two stood before the paladin's tent, he walked around to stand infront of Guinevere, taking both her hands in his," I can hardly explain how happy I am that you're coming with me." He was half tempted to lean in and kiss her again...actually he was almost there, when he paused and looked up from someone shouting [color=669 9CC]"COUSIN RAYL!"[/color][/b]. Looking up in confusing, taking it as Cousin Kelvin someone appearing in Sacae...and with a girly voic-
...No it couldn't be! They're parents said that she had drowned in the river! Had even let them attempt the funeral! At the second shout, he only caught a glimpse of a girl in pegasi knight armor moments before he was looking up at the rain clouds and was knocked into the tent. Obviously off guard, he soon changed, wrapping his arms around her in just as tight an embrace,"Cousin Marissa! They said you were dead! Ha Ha!"
Truth be told, out of all his cousins, Marissa had been his favorite. He'd often ride down with his father, and he'd take her riding into down and along the trails around Caelin, her parents nice as could be...he didn't know the truth behind them...actually come to think of it, he sort of wondered how a family of knights such as the Calderons were related to poor horse ranchers as the Toriens had been for years, but he eventually contributed it to two things:
Love between his Parents. And that his father was one of the finest horse breeders of Elibe.
But he digressed
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Post by Clair Feldsky on Aug 28, 2010 16:54:54 GMT -6
Clair smiled at Richter's reply to her comment. It was true. Seeing the map, the pegasus knight moved over, reaching a point where she could see the parchment as it was layed out. Her face furrowed in concern when she heard about the trouble in Illia. Maybe Sacae really had been a stepping stone for the conquest of the frozen north. If that was the case, then Ariston's death would set them back, but it hardly meant that the Etrurians would give up. Marle seemed shaken by something, as if she'd remembered a horrible memory. She gave a concerned look, but otherwise remained quiet, listening to what was said.
Clair was torn. Over the months, she'd been fighting for the Prophet, under Richter. She'd been misled at the time of her joining. Then she'd seen the massacre in Ostia, and witnessed the true colors of the Inquisitorial army. Since then she'd dedicated herself to helping Commander Abend fight the Etrurian Army. Now she was being told that her own homeland, which she'd thought was secure, was under assault by Etruria. They were on too many fronts. Where did one go to fight?
"Richter, we can't assume that Etruria is done here. Even the loss of a High Commander may not be enough to deter them from Sacae. Especially if, as Marle says, they're cutting off trade caravans." She paused as she pointed down at the map, indicating the mountains that walled off the northern country. "If they aren't opposed somehow, we could march into Illia, and they could follow us all the way up to the passes, trapping us." She may want to go home to help Illia now, but the nation had very little in the way of resources. Being trapped in Illia, with no supplies coming in would be catastrophic.
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Post by Richter Abend on Aug 28, 2010 18:21:38 GMT -6
Richter nodded. What Clair said was true, but still... "You're right that Etruria might not be done with Sacae yet, but the forces here are no longer a threat to Ilia, if they ever were. Sacae is not our main concern." Richter sighed. He didn't want to leave the people Sacae to the mercy of the Prophet, especially after witnessing the tragedy in Ostia, but Ilia was, frankly, more important in this war than the tribal people of the plains. "We can't lose sight of our goal. We're not a liberation movement. We're not a conquering force. We can't waste our time wiping out every Etrurian fort in Elibe. We have neither the time nor the resources," continued the commander, punching his left palm with his right hand.
"It's risky, but our only hope is to strike the Prophet hard and fast in his critical operations. His forces will just stagnate in Sacae at this point," said Richter, nodding towards Marle. "Clearly the Prophet wants Ilia, and he's managed to cripple the country itself without expending many of his own soldiers." He looked Marle straight in the eyes. "We need Ilia's help, and right now Edessa is spread thin from trying to govern both Bern and Ilia while being attacked from within their own borders. In my opinion the concept is ridiculous, but politics aside, I won't be able to get what I need from Ilia with this nonsense going on. It sounds opportunistic, and it essentially is, but that doesn't change the fact that Ilia needs our hep and we need Ilia's support."
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Aug 29, 2010 16:53:42 GMT -6
Marle got over her trembling, pushing through her resolve, and looking to Richter oddly. That was an interesting question for him to ask, if she was asking for his help. While she had been stuck in the moment of her past, a very fresh moment even as it was, Marle fixed the collar of her high necked shirt that seemed a little odd for someone in combat to normally wear underneath.
"Don't presume I carry authority on my back. I am only a knight recently assigned to Captain, with a few hundred to serve as my battle group. I personally, would like to help my homeland in any way I can."
Marle for a time, looked at the map, a little puzzled with herself. She wanted to help Richter with what she could, but at the same time, she didn't have the authority to. There was so much going wrong, and there was so little resources to deal with it all, Bern being the biggest. Taking her map, she began to fold it back up, and tuck it back into her pouch.
"I've never been one for the whole occupation and control of Ilia myself, it was enough to have them beaten for me. I'll help you, Richter, in what way I can, but I will not integrate my forces into your own, since they are my command. All in all, if things go well in Ilia, perhaps they will commit soldiers to you."
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Post by Richter Abend on Aug 29, 2010 17:29:27 GMT -6
Richter shook his head. "I wouldn't expect you to, Marle," he said. "I have don't have the faith or the confidence of your men. You're their captain. What I would ask of you is if you could accompany my force back to Edessa." The rebel commander looked to Clair, and then back to Marle. "I want to strike a deal with the Ilian higher-ups, and from what you're telling me, I don't think they have the luxury to refuse."
"I'd be willing to commit my forces, which I know would be a welcome asset, to dealing with the Etrurian led insurgency in Ilia if in turn Ilia would be willing to assign men to my cause. After all, it seems you're leaders are no friends with the Prophet." Richter found it hard to refer to himself as part of Ilia anymore. He hadn't been to his country of birth in over five years, and had no plan on ever going back. Now, it seemed, fate had different plans for him.
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Post by Clair Feldsky on Aug 29, 2010 21:01:46 GMT -6
Clair hadn't lost sight of their goal. She knew they lacked the force to drive the Prophet out of Sacae, and that wasn't their responsibility anyway. She still hated leaving the forts occupied in Sacae, but Richter was right. They did need Illia's help. She still worried that they could become trapped in their northern home if they went to Illia's aid, but the Commander was aware of the situation, and it seemed he'd made up his mind. With resignation, she agreed with him "You're right. We can't let Etruria stay in our home. It will take time to hunt down the raiders, but that's what it will take for an unhindered Illia.... Illia commands the skies, so even if we are trapped, we may still be able to break out."
If they were really going back to the north, then that meant she'd need to pull out her old "cold gear". In these southern lands, things were so warm... She'd gotten used to it, liked it even. That brought to mind that they would need need warmer clothes for Richter's army, if they were going to function. Mavick could sort that out. That's what he was good at (not to mention paid for.)
Clair smiled, tiredly at the Lance-Captain."Thanks for your help, Marle. I was starting to feel like we were all alone against Etruria, even with Rayl's help."
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Aug 29, 2010 21:20:22 GMT -6
Somewhere, back in her mind, Marle felt like she was failing Ilia to some extent, even going so far as thinking herself a kind of traitor. She wasn't in the position to strike deals, this she had already said, but it still bugged her a little. Still though, she nodded her head a bit slowly, and crossed her arms, giving Richter a once over from head to toe, then doing the same to Clair.
"We shall see. I'll go back with you. With the way your troops are, Ilia might see you as an invading force, but with me there, you should be fine."
Marle grinned, and then dropped her hands into her pockets, as if searching for something, but coming up empty. Grumbling a bit, her mind was eased over what she thought she lost by Clair. Marle's eyebrows went up as she was thanked, but it was strange, why was she being thanked? She hadn't done anything to her knowledge.
"I'm...glad I could help...I guess...what did I do exactly? Bah, anyways...I would have helped you, Clair, even if I had to betray everything. You're my best friend afterall, and I know you're no evil doer.." Grinning a bit smugly, Marle patted the younger girl's shoulder, but then paused, having kind of forgotten the mention of Rayl. "Err, sorry for asking, but who is Rayl?"
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