Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Jul 16, 2015 6:19:33 GMT -6
As Audric walked into the hall of Marquess Leroy Ashby's castle, he felt the tug of anxiety. This would be his first true test. Lycian politics were as cut-throat as any Etrurian assassin, and twice as brutal. Armored footsteps from the young red-headed lordling made a small rhythmic series of metallic noises, with those of Merio's accompanying his own. However he knew that Merio could only be there to bolster his courage. Despite being a knight, if the Tanian knight-commander spoke for Audric it could be viewed as cowardly or a sign of fear. Audric couldn't turn back however, nor could he accept failure. His purpose for having come to Santaruz was to rally support for Tania not only in a militaristic, but in commerce. Tania's trade had grown and spread like wild-fire in the past few years as they saw a security within their territory. Their abundance of lumber, stone, and crops (primarily wheat and corn) were finally being noticed with the severe decline in bandit presence. Trade carts and caravans were finally free to roam.
The question was however, would Audric be able to ply support of military and commercial nature from Ashby, or would he be turned aside? There was only one real way to tell..and steeling himself for the encounter, Audric was escorted into the chamber where the Marquess of Santaruz saw his visitors; he knew that he could handle this.
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The discussion was long. It had started with small customary pleasantries. Audric apologizing on his mothers behalf for not arriving in person, Ashby asking as to how Luisella was and how fared her health. Then it transitioned from there as Audric explained the business upon his mother's shoulders as of late. How Tania's economy grew by the day, thanks to Merio's efforts and the rallying of the Tanian knights. Here he had to endure small jabs thrown at him in jest by the Marquess of Santaruz, most of which at Tania's expense. As to how such a small territory could grow so fast. Where their persistence came from, and the like. Luckily..Audric was able to manage a respectful tone. This tutoring in political affairs had been very thorough in this regard. Likely because of his temperament and how quickly he was to anger. For once all those boring lectures and sessions upon which he had to act out simulated environments and situations based on him in various political instances were actually paying off. Maybe he would pay more attention to his lectures from now on...
Then came the make or break moment. When Ashby questioned the cause of Audric's visit. He made his intent known, but laced it within complimentary honeyed words of an honest nature. Facts could be pointed out, yet worded in ways which made them sound more as opinion than not. Santaruz had the strongest trade economy second only to Badon who ran open trades through port with Khan Yunis. However Audric had worded this differently. Santaruz had the strongest trade growth within the Lycian territories, connected to all but Laus who they currently bared trade with...and Tania. However now, Tania had much to offer. Here came the bulk of the time Audric spent there. Reangling and further driving the point to the Marquess. The negotiation took longer than expected..but...
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As the colossal doors to the castle hall opened once more, Audric came striding out with nothing short of a victorious grin. Now that he was out of the sight of the Marquess he let it hide no longer. He could have laughed, if it wouldn't have come off as unfitting to his position in that situation. Ashby was partially interested in the trade of lumber and crops, but had for one reason or another been greatly interested in the stone Tania stockpiled. Though he'd not secured any military support in exchange for their trade, he was far more than happy to accept their actual trade. One of two was not bad in the world of bargains among Lycian territories.
Before Audric could speak of their success to Merio, the marching feet of four soldiers adorned in Tanian armor caught his attention. The men walked in step of one-another, knowing these to be men Merio himself had trained given that nature. What were Tanian soldiers doing here though..? They hadn't sent for aid. Merio stepped forwards, Audric and he standing in the outer hall of the castle while Audric looked on in confusion. Merio spoke up, his chin raised and speaking with the tone suiting to a Knight-Commander. "What is it? Do you carry a message?"
Upon nearing Merio, the men stopped and all four clapped an armored fist to their breastplates in salute towards Merio. Then one of the four stepped forwards to speak. Audric couldn't recognize him, but with his face obscured by a helm he wasn't surprised. "Ser Mario, Marquise Tania has requested your presence back in Tania. You are to ride with haste. We have been assigned to keep Lord Audric safe during this time. " Though Merio turned to gaze at Audric, he knew he could not defy orders from Luisella. Walking over to Audric, Merio rested a hand on the hilt of his blade with a stern look only a mentor could justify. "Keep after yourself while on the road. Trust only those you know you can, and leave the rest of the interactions to my men. The last thing your mother needs is to hear something stupid has happened to you. Would you like suggestions as to which territory to visit next my lord?"
Audric appreciated the gesture, but he waved an armored hand airily to dismiss it as he grinned at Merio. "I don't think that will be necessary. I've got to visit them all regardless, so I'll figure it out. Travel safely, Ser Merio. Bring news of our success in Santaruz straight to mother for me!" The balding knight nodded in confirmation before turning around to leave the castle. Audric rested a hand on his side for a moment as he pondered. Yeah..he'd told Merio it was no issue but..seriously. Where did he want to go next?
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Jul 21, 2015 23:07:40 GMT -6
Wein had been sitting on a marble bench outside of the main hall, pondering his next move, when the red-haired man came bursting from the throne room like a conquering general. The Ostian looked at the youth with a bit of a scowl. What was he so happy about? No doubt a request granted by Marquess Santaruz, and probably one that was wholly unimportant. The archer harumphed loudly, though the expression of frustration was directed at no one in particular.
Was Wein bitter? Oh yes he was. He had come all the way to Santaruz looking to see if the Marquess could spare anything for the Lycian Counter Offensive, be it men, coin, or supplies, but he had been turned away. What was worse, he hadn't even gotten a "No" from Marquess Santaruz. He hadn't even met with Marquess Santaruz. Upon arrival Wein had been politely recieved and brought before the Chancellor of Santaruz. The man had possess the proper, orderly air one would expect from a man of his station, but after the Ostian had explained his reasons for appearing before them, the Chancellor had rudely thrown the topic back in Wein's face. He had flatly told the Ostian that the they had known he was coming, that the Marquess was "too busy to meet" with him, and that he wasn't about to "fritter away the Marquess's time entertaining the delusions of Laus". Then he had advised Wein to pack his bags and head back in the direction he had come.
The encounter had left Wein, a usually easy-going and even-tempered man, fuming. Yes, the archer had known that Laus and Santaruz were on very poor terms. Who didn't? And no, he had not expected any debate or meeting to be anything but an uphill battle. But Wein had figured that, given the operation's anti-Etrurian focus, and its pan-Lycian nature, that he would at least be given the time of day to make his case. Did Santaruz believe itself safe from Kraft? Was the tragedy of Ostia and the scourge that had followed no greater than an intra-Lycian political squabble? Or was Marquess Santaruz calling on his own favors in an attempt to beat Marquess Laus to the punch? Whatever the case, Wein thought it awfully petty to be playing power games in the midst of an invasion, though perhaps that lack of ambition was yet another reason among many why House Lowell would never produce a Marquess.
But Wein would have to suck in his disappointment and put on his big boy pants because sulking wasn't going to do much more than nurture a useless grudge. There was work to be done. "Are you Marquise Tania's son?" Wein asked, calling over to the red-head and rising to his feet. He approached the red-headed lordling as the youth's knight cadre departed. If Marquess Santaruz would refuse to see him, then Wein would need to find allies elsewhere. Wein put on his best polite and proper noble face. "I am Wein of House Lowell of Ostia. Might I ask what brings an important young man like you to the throne of Marquess Santaruz?"
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Aug 9, 2015 19:24:09 GMT -6
Are you Marquise Tania's son?
His eyes were still closed as he registered the man's voice and listened to his surname spoke aloud. The crimson haired lordling turned around as he opened his eyes, responding initially with a simple phrase. "Hmm?" The small unit of soldiers assigned to the lordling were swift to take a place around the young lord as if to assert their presence. Sure, they were only doing their duty; but that didn't prevent the imminent eye roll from the young lord as he lifted a hand and spoke openly to the armored Tanian soldiers. "Please, wait for me outside. If I am not safe within the castle halls of Santaruz, surely Tania has no hope. I am sure the Marquess' guards will suffice. " There was a brief silence, before the soldiers turned and progressively moved to exit the hall. Audric knew his safety was important...but he also needed room to breathe. Turning to propperly address the man, Audric cleared his throat and looked more squarely towards him.
"Aye, I'm Audric Tania, of House Tania. Well met, Wein Lowell. I admit, I'm surprised to meet a man of Ostian nobility, or any prestigious family within Ostian holdings to be fair. No insults are meant, simply conveying honest surprise. It is a pleasure none the less to know that at-least some of our Ostian fellows have endured. "
It felt odd to him, having to be so formal. However it was expected of him to say the least. The armored mail shifted, leaning his weight to the left as he looked at the man briefly. A single gaze quizzically while he debated exactly how much to reveal. The game of Lycian politics was a dangerous one. Any information could, and would, be used against everyone applicable to its fullest extent. The young lad however realized it was likely in this case a matter of how he said everything more than what he said. He spoke again after a moment of wording his thoughts with greater caution. "I am here as a representative for my mother. Securing trade and support for Tania in return for goods, from Santaruz firstly before touring the other Lycian territories. Tania's in a new prime, which means other territories will find it more appealing to offer aid knowing full well they may call on us at a later time. I intend, as did my parents obviously given my presence here, to see to it that we receive the full most aid possible. Who knows, perhaps we'll unite Lycia once more along the way, eh?"
Chuckling at the obvious joke, the man quieted himself to observe this man a moment later. It dawned on him. What was he doing here? An Ostian noble in Santaruz. Seeking refuge? Had he come here to live? As per the game of conversational exchange, the question was his to ask. "What then, brings you to Santaruz if I may ask, ser Lowell?"
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Aug 22, 2015 16:54:42 GMT -6
Wein raised his eyebrow at Audric’s use of the term “ser”. In Ostia the use of the honorific was reserved for knights and baronets, though “sire” could refer to one’s liege lord. But Wein was neither a knight, nor Audric’s liege lord. Perhaps the title was used less formally in Tania than it had been in Ostia. It wouldn’t be surprising if true; for all its merits, Ostia had been a place of unmatched proprietary and decorum. That’s what happened when you were the head and political center of the Lycian League.
In fact, as the son of a Marquise, Audric held a greater title than Wein could ever hope to achieve, notwithstanding his role as political leader of the Lycian Counter Offensive, so perhaps the use of “ser” was simply referring to Wein’s lower noble status. Gah, even from territory to territory social graces could very so much, which infuriated Wein’s categorically organized mind. And of course Wein’s natural tendency to overanalyze what could have just been a simple title didn’t help much either.
“To speak with Marquess Santaruz,” came Wein’s plainly spoken reply. “Marquess Laus is organizing a united Lycian front to oppose Etruria’s eternally greedy grasp, and so I come as his representative.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Of course it is no secret that the two men are on very poor terms, which leads me to believe that my Ostian prestige dried up with my scorched holdings because the Marquess of this great hall has refused my audience.” The Ostian did his best to hide his scowl, but Wein had never been a master of his emotions. He really was put off by the Marquess's complete dismissal. Did the lord not realize that the threat Etruria posed was a bit more important than this Lycian power struggle? Marquess Laus seemed to have little reservations about burying the hatchet, at least for the time being, but Marquess Santaruz seemed to be holding onto his grudge for dear life. Then again, that may very well be because Marquess Laus had a lot to gain with Wein at the head of this united Lycian offensive.
“I trust you have faired better? You seem to be in an upright mood.” With Marquess Laus uniting the western territories, Marquess Santaruz was likely uniting the eastern territories, and if Audric was here offering Tania's support, no doubt the Marquess would accept with haste. A territory known for their stalwart defensive architecture, Tania was not a weak ally by any means, even if they were more of a defense against Bern than they were agaainst Etruria.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Sept 28, 2015 17:05:22 GMT -6
"Well..I did. More than I expected you might say. I suppose that the embargo of goods between Laus and Santaruz has opened their mind to more trade routes and potential allies. I can only hope it lasts. Alliances seem so..shaky..in today's day and age."
A united Lycian front? Perhaps it was the fortuitous nature of the timing for this. Hadn't he been speaking of it recently in the few ideological conversations he'd had(With those that would even listen) about his desire to see Lycia returned to the unity it once had? So..this idea intrigued him. Though..if Marquess Laus had expressed the idea first, Santaruz would almost certainly ignore it until the Etrurian forces were knocking at their doorstep. Audric crossed his arms over his chest as he looked to the Ostian noble while he tilted his head. This was an idea that could certainly benefit Lycia..and importantly enough, could also help Tania. Huh...there was a new one. He had just looked to Tania before all of Lycia. Was that good? Probably not from a moral standpoint..but hell..looked like he was on the way to being a better Maqruess than he thought if he was in that mindset.
"I take it what you just told me was shared to Marquess Santaruz before speaking with him? Ah..far be it from my place to speak ill of his choices while we stand within his house, but I believe that if Laus stands behind something, it may take most of Lycia backing it to see his words swayed. However..."
The pause in his words was almost more for his own sake than the other mans. He didn't wish to speak prematurely..but he really felt as if this could've been precisely what Tania needed. Beyond what his own venture could have established. They would have gained the support of other countries over time no doubt...but the idea of Lycia being united against a common enemy? If... if it succeeded..it could draw Tania into a greater standing were they one of the first to back it. The boy tilted his head in thought and stuck out his chin as he squared his shoulders in thought; perhaps an odd idea but indication that he sternly took on the full implications. For..just as the rewards for success could be harvested...so could the price of failure be shifted onto their shoulders. With them having just started to come into their own once more..could they afford it? Audric looked to the man again before speaking.
"I would have to speak to my mother before giving any form of official answer..and obviously hear more...yet..I could convince her to throw Tania's weight behind this union of forces. Aye...a chance to unite the Lycian armies..if only for a brief time? It'd be a welcome turn of events. "
He realized how presumptuous he was. Perhaps that was his grace however, he could afford to be. If he was coming from Marquess Laus, to Santaruz with little success..he had few supporters yet. Which would increase the likelihood that his own home would have more weight in an initial pledge. The young fiery haired lycian lord looked to this Ostian noble while awaiting his answer. This could easily have made his trip to Santaruz far more profitable.
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Oct 15, 2015 15:14:49 GMT -6
"Indeed," replied Wein. Perhaps this admittedly failed quest to recruit the support of Marquess Santaruz would still result in some success after all. Perhaps an ally even? A glimmer of a smile danced across Wein's face as the red haired lordling expressed interest in the very idea idea, that of a united Lycian front, but he quickly made sure to stifle it. While Ostia & Laus had perhaps found an ally in their endeavours, Wein realized tha just an ally was no garuntee of success. Audric himself, sympathizer he may be, had no official authority to pledge any of Tania's power to the Lycian Counter Offensive, and so the archer should hardly get his hopes up. Or show any excitement at all for that matter. To show any joy at just the idea of aid would make him look desperate.
And heroes didn't do well to look desperate.
"Believe me, I'd welcome any sort of cooperation between the territories," the archer continued, placing a hand on his hip. "Though that's likely obvious given my presence here." Audric seemed like an alright fellow, forthright and upfront, and so Wein figured he'd be equally so. "After Ostia fell I figured the Marquesses would be scrambling to fight back, yet all it seemed to do was break their spirits. Now all anyone seems to do is bicker." The Ostian shook his head disapprovingly, recalling the events in his mind, then looked straight at Audric. "It wasn't hard for Marquess Laus to enlist my support. He's a man of action, and man of his word. To fight for the memory of my family and my home, I want no less." Then Wein paused for a bit. These words felt awkward coming out of his mouth, uncharateristic as it were. They were strong and assertive, but they were honest. Wein was far beyond tired of sitting around, and if he could do something he would, Marquess Ashby be dashed!
"If your mother, Marquise Tania, can muster up the will to fight for her homeland, let her know she has friends in Laus," Wein continued. He was about to extend a hand to the lordling, but decided against it. Instead, he simply nodded his head and put his arms akimbo, taking what, in his mind, was a heroic pose. Of course, given Wein's sensibilities, he probably looked just a bit hammish. "We're going to bring the fight to Kraft, and we are going to win."
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Oct 26, 2015 14:14:14 GMT -6
Audric simply scoffed as Wein mentioned the lack of action that the other Lycian Marquesses had, once Ostia fell. He almost mirrored the males disappointment. When Ostia went to hell, and the Lycian league began to crumble, Tania was the first on the chopping block. Hidden beneath armored plating as he was, it was hard to tell Audric's left fist tightened into a white knuckled ball of subconscious anger towards the territories around them. His expression remained that of disgust though, and his tone reflected that. "Oh I know of that crumbling "alliance"-" Audric would have, were he a bit more uncouth, spit the very name from his mouth. "All too well. After Ostia fell, and the territories began to fight for themselves, Tania was set upon. We were smaller, but Araphen, and Khathelet had no qualms taking more of our land. As if the alliance had never happened. Between that, and brigands from Bern it's no short feat of luck and timing that we didn't disappear entirely. I say this not to garner some modicum of sympathy, but so that you might understand how much action is respected in Tania. We exist still only because of those who took action. "
He took a moment to phrase his next words properly. Especially if it could impact the possibility of Tania gaining more, and being able to help Lycia as a whole. His fist lightly slackened as he shifted his arms and began to gaze around. Within the castle of Santaruz one could see lavish details. Wonderful sights. Fantastic things. Elaborate banners of the Marquess's favorite colors. Gem-encrusted gold plate bordered portraits masterfully painted of the various nobility within the castle. The lush carpet path that ran centered down the halls of the castle. Then he thought to what it'd been like in Tania up until recently. Scrambling to meet demands of others. Angry people, citizens afraid or worried or upset that they were unsafe, always around the castle or within to voice their concerns. Because other Lycian territories hadn't settled well into trying to help each-other. As Audric remembered that, he tried to remind himself that they were in a better place now. Here however, was a chance to do better, greater things. Help all of Lycia. Audric squared himself and looked to the man to return the direct gaze and match it. "I'll inform my mother of this, and you'll know soon. I can almost assure you she'll be intrigued. Tania may not have the most soldiers, nor the best, but we don't quit. Nor do we shirk from helping others if it's our duty to do so...and honestly? I quite like the idea of finally avenging Ostia. Etruria mustn't be allowed to get away with everything they have thus far."
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Feb 27, 2016 12:12:15 GMT -6
It was encouraging to see that Audric shared much of Wein's discontentment with the current rulers of Lycia, though it was much to opposite to hear how Marquesses Porfino and Akmenon had been behaving. The territory of Tania may be small, even by Lycian standards, but it was still Lycia, and its citizens still countrymen. To pillage their lands like warring states was nothing short of treason in Wein's eyes. He had planned on visiting Badon next, but perhaps the mountain territories would need to be reminded that some still saw this as a land of law, and even if his own name meant little, he suspected that Santaruz was a line on a very short list of Marquess's willing to turn their noses at an emissary of Maruqess Laus. If Marquess Ashby had already gotten to them, however, then that list might be just a bit longer.
"Even if she refuses, it's still good to know that not all the Marquesses are closing their eyes and ears to foreign threat," Wein replied. "Any attention you can bring to our cause is good." The archer's face beamed as he spoke, proud of his apparently successful attempt to get someone of importance to at least listen to him. After all, he was a noble of defunct state who'd spent years doing little more than traveling from inn to inn honing his craft and hardly a politician. Thus even small victories seemed large in his eyes, and so while it wasn't the ally he had come here to make, the archer would be remiss if he turned away Tania's help. With any luck, they would be the first of many territories to come under Laus's banner.
"In fact," Wein continued, his eyes growing just a bit more shrewd, "would it be possible for me to accompany you to the Stone Hall? It would make negotiations go much quicker if the Marquise Tania decides to consider my offer, Marquess Revelin's offer, and would make me available if she has any questions." The archer locked eyes with Audric. He attempted to make his best negotiator face, though he wasn't quite sure what such a face would look like, so he just kind of stared at the man. Allowing Audric to return home by himself would save him time, but it may also allow Marquess Tania to slip through his fingers. A good diplomat, Wein believed, would show his allies personal care and attention. Hopefully Audric would agree.
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Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
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Post by Audric Tania on Mar 12, 2016 19:44:43 GMT -6
Foreign threat.
He liked that idea. Not the idea of having an enemy, but if they were going to have one? Foreign. Something they could unify behind. As he'd mentioned earlier, he'd long since been dwelling on a way to unify Lyica. That was definitely the big point he liked about this notion. Obviously, Tania also stood to benefit greatly from it as well. The crimson haired lordling shifted in place, armor plates clinking together while he turned briefly to gaze at the approaching sight. Three soldiers, clad in the green toned armor Tania sported approaching him.
Hadn't he instructed them to wait while he conversed with the Ostian? The soldier leading the other two, an aging male, stopped before standing at attention and speaking abruptly; his words breaking the silence while Audric had been pondering a response.
"My lord, I apologize for interruptions. It seems that Lord Merio made accommodations for your departure when your ready. Once your ready, we can escort you to the carriage. The fees have been taken care of, and the driver is willing to take us to any of the connecting territories. "
It was true, that he was supposed to visit them. Could he truly afford to delay by moving for Tania at this moment? Audric gazed at Wein for a moment before turning to his own escort and clearing his throat slightly before speaking. His left hand rested against his side, and his right dangling idly while he flashed a slight grin.
"Actually, I believe I'd like to depart for home. I've urgent business to discuss with mother, and my friend here has an interesting opportunity for Tania. Go ahead and inform the carriage driver. Seems we'll be catching up with Merio before he knows it, haha who knows maybe we'll beat him home! Wouldn't that be a sight."
The trio of soldiers turned on their heels and began to march back, to deliver the new departure destination. Audric turned to look at Wein with a chuckle rumbling in his chest as he tilted his head. "I suppose that gives you your answer, eh? If you've other business to handle first, your welcome to Tania at any time. I myself however will be heading home sooner than not, so that I can travel to the other territories sooner than not. Your very obviously welcome to join me on the way there."
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Wein Lowell
Sniper
The Noble Arrow
If you're a glory hound, then I'm king of the glory hounds
Posts: 268
Lycia Fame: 2
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Post by Wein Lowell on Apr 14, 2016 17:23:10 GMT -6
Wein scratched his chin at Audric’s proposal. A direct audience with Marquise Tania? And so quickly after meeting with her son too. This was a good development. Revelin had clearly sent him here for purely political reasons, probably just to rub the LCO in Marquess Santaruz’s face, no doubt expecting him to fail, but if Wein was able to make this work? Well, if the Ostian was able to make this work then he would be able to return to Laus with a victory, not empty handed, and would prove to any of his doubters that he was fit to lead this movement. It would be an excellent show of his worth. He would be a fool to turn the red-haired lordling down.
“If I needed to attend to other business first, I wouldn’t have asked,” Wein spoke after a moment. "I'd have just come knocking on your mother's door in a few months time." He finished speaking, then realized what he'd forgotten. Giving a slight bow of his head, he added, “I’d be honored to join you,” paying Audric the customary respect that was due. He’d spent so long away from the pageantry of the nobility that manners no longer came natural. While the archer may have been the diplomatic head of the LCO, reporting directly to the Marquess of Laus, the LCO’s influence currently spread no further than Laus’s own borders. And as far as peerage was concerned, even if Ostia still stood Wein ranked far below the son of a marquise. That said, Audric seemed like a friendly sort, and the Ostian expected their travel would not be filled with the stuffiness of pretense.
"Will I be riding in your carriage on the way to Tania, or will I be riding alongside?" Wein extended a forefinger just below his chin, hoping the question wasn't too forward. The extra time with Audric's ear would be valuable, but it could just as easily be awkward if the lordling was used to riding alone. "I have my own horse, so either is reasonable."
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