Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 4 - Revision history

Aorii at 19:34, 27 February 2022

2022-02-27T19:34:41Z

Aorii at 17:37, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:37:47Z

Aorii at 15:08, 19 December 2020

2020-12-19T15:08:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:08, 19 December 2020
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	A lady in her late middle-ages had just finished presenting the strategic situation using the illusory projection in the table's center. The conjured figment was a three-dimensional terrain map of Rhin-Lotharingie, complete with its mountains, rivers, roads, and settlements.		A lady in her late middle-ages had just finished presenting the strategic situation using the illusory projection in the table's center. The conjured figment was a three-dimensional terrain map of Rhin-Lotharingie, complete with its mountains, rivers, roads, and settlements.

	[[Image:Daybreak_on_Hyperion_Rhin_Lotharingie_Map.png\|thumb\|The ~~Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)~~\|right]]		[[Image:Daybreak_on_Hyperion_Rhin_Lotharingie_Map.png\|thumb\|The Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie\|right]]

	"Do you think the second line fortresses will hold?" The Emperor asked.		"Do you think the second line fortresses will hold?" The Emperor asked.

Aorii at 15:08, 19 December 2020

2020-12-19T15:08:17Z

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Aorii: REDUX PROJECT START, FULL RESET OF CONTENTS

2020-12-19T15:06:59Z

REDUX PROJECT START, FULL RESET OF CONTENTS

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Aorii at 14:50, 15 January 2016

2016-01-15T14:50:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 15 January 2016
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	"In other words," Kaede interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."		"In other words," Kaede interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."

	Only then did Kaede realize that she just completely tore up Pascal's request of "''do not speak until spoken to, and only keep to ~~answer~~ her.''".		Only then did Kaede realize that she just completely tore up Pascal's request of "''do not speak until spoken to, and only keep to answering her.''".

	"Apologies, Your Highness," she hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."		"Apologies, Your Highness," she hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."

Aorii at 05:55, 1 December 2015

2015-12-01T05:55:24Z

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	The rapidly growing curiosity, perhaps even fascination, in the Princess' eyes did not help. Within moments, Sylviane closed the distance and reached out to Kaede's cheeks and shoulders, gently feeling them through silken gloves as though confirming the reality of what she saw. Her hands then trailed down, brushing past the familiar girl's small chest before settling on a firm hold at the narrow waist.		The rapidly growing curiosity, perhaps even fascination, in the Princess' eyes did not help. Within moments, Sylviane closed the distance and reached out to Kaede's cheeks and shoulders, gently feeling them through silken gloves as though confirming the reality of what she saw. Her hands then trailed down, brushing past the familiar girl's small chest before settling on a firm hold at the narrow waist.

	"I would ''never'' have guessed..." Sylviane spoke through an almost trance-like voice, before stepping to Kaede's side and gliding one hand gently through the ~~canary~~-white long hair. "It's like you were meant to be a girl. How does it feel?"		"I would ''never'' have guessed..." Sylviane spoke through an almost trance-like voice, before stepping to Kaede's side and gliding one hand gently through the beige-white long hair. "It's like you were meant to be a girl. How does it feel?"

	"Uh... smaller?"		"Uh... smaller?"
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	Kaede shivered as she felt a chill sweep across her from Sylviane's words.		Kaede shivered as she felt a chill sweep across her from Sylviane's words.

	"--You're a ''man''. Get off my ~~turf~~."		"--You're a ''man''. Get off my realm."

	The Princess was adamant, but her betrothed immediately cried unfair:		The Princess was adamant, but her betrothed immediately cried unfair:

Aorii at 05:12, 25 March 2015

2015-03-25T05:12:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:12, 25 March 2015
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	"In other words," Kaede interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."		"In other words," Kaede interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."

	Only then did Kaede realize that she just ~~complete~~ tore up Pascal's request of "''do not speak until spoken to, and only keep to answer her.''".		Only then did Kaede realize that she just completely tore up Pascal's request of "''do not speak until spoken to, and only keep to answer her.''".

	"Apologies, Your Highness," she hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."		"Apologies, Your Highness," she hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."

Aorii: general edit

2015-03-03T21:49:48Z

general edit

Aorii: 2nd full edit

2014-05-03T17:33:18Z

2nd full edit

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← Older revision		Revision as of 19:34, 27 February 2022
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	[[Image:Daybreak_on_Hyperion_Rhin_Lotharingie_Map.png\|thumb\|The Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie\|right]]		[[Image:Daybreak_on_Hyperion_Rhin_Lotharingie_Map.png\|thumb\|The Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie\|right]]

	"Do you think the second line fortresses will hold?" The Emperor asked.		"Do you think the second line fortresses near Pirenèus will hold?" The Emperor asked.

	Broad-shouldered and tall, Geoffroi Jean de Gaetane had an imposing figure that towered over most others even as he sat. The Emperor was almost a century old, which for a mage meant he was approaching the end of his adult prime. His face was fairly wide, with plum-black hair and an intense blue-violet gaze that felt as though he saw straight through people. His prominent nose and thick mustache gave him an ever-stern expression, while his shaved cheeks held a thin stubble that he often rubbed in deep thought.		Broad-shouldered and tall, Geoffroi Jean de Gaetane had an imposing figure that towered over most others even as he sat. The Emperor was almost a century old, which for a mage meant he was approaching the end of his adult prime. His face was fairly wide, with plum-black hair and an intense blue-violet gaze that felt as though he saw straight through people. His prominent nose and thick mustache gave him an ever-stern expression, while his shaved cheeks held a thin stubble that he often rubbed in deep thought.
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	"And what of reinforcements from King Alistair?" She looked towards the King of the northern Kingdom of Gleann Mòr.		"And what of reinforcements from King Alistair?" She looked towards the King of the northern Kingdom of Gleann Mòr.

	Alistair raised his hands in an almost casual shrug:		Alistair Aileas Mackay-Martel wasn't a handsome man by any means. He was youthful and tall, appearing in his late-twenties with a towering height and broad, muscular shoulders. However his head leaned on the squarish side, his eyes were faded blue, and his hair a dull brown. Apart from a rustic smile and a goatee-like fuzz, his face could easily blend in among the crowd.

			The King raised his hands in an almost casual shrug:

	"What can I tell you? Winter is setting in. The snow is locking my bannermen in their valleys and mountain holds even as we speak."		"What can I tell you? Winter is setting in. The snow is locking my bannermen in their valleys and mountain holds even as we speak."
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	"Then I suggest we continue to hear the regional reports," the Emperor replied with a knowing look before turning away. "Duke Hugh? What is the readiness of the eastern territories?"		"Then I suggest we continue to hear the regional reports," the Emperor replied with a knowing look before turning away. "Duke Hugh? What is the readiness of the eastern territories?"

	Duke Hugh de La Tours de Lorraine is the head of the powerful La Tours family that Perceval ~~comes~~ from. Nevertheless, it did not please Pascal one bit to sit next to the grossly overweight man. The Duke had to rest on a special armchair as the seats provided for the others were insufficient to bear his girth. His bejeweled, fat fingers stroked the small, blonde beard he grew in an attempt to hide his quadruple chins.		Duke Hugh de La Tours de Lorraine was the head of the powerful La Tours family that Perceval came from. Nevertheless, it did not please Pascal one bit to sit next to the grossly overweight man. The Duke had to rest on a special armchair as the seats provided for the others were insufficient to bear his girth. His bejeweled, fat fingers stroked the small, blonde beard he grew in an attempt to hide his quadruple chins.

	Even before coming to Rhin-Lotharingie, Pascal has heard of his unflattering nickname: 'Duke Huge the Rotund'. Though if it had merely been a matter of weight, Pascal wouldn't feel as offended by his proximity. The problem was that behind his layers of blubber was a greedy, selfish, and aggravatingly shortsighted bird-brain.		Even before coming to Rhin-Lotharingie, Pascal has heard of his unflattering nickname: 'Duke Huge the Rotund'. Though if it had merely been a matter of weight, Pascal wouldn't feel as offended by his proximity. The problem was that behind his layers of blubber was a greedy, selfish, and aggravatingly shortsighted bird-brain.
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	Geoffroi then turned towards Queen Katell:		Geoffroi then turned towards Queen Katell:

	"Once Marshal Cosette blunts the Caliphate's push in Garona --and I have every confidence that she will succeed-- Gabriel's reinforcements will head to Avorica to stabilize the front. Together with Edith's army, they will drive back the invaders to reclaim any ''temporarily'' lost lands."		"Once Marshal Cosette blunts the Caliphate's push in Garona -- and I have every confidence that she will succeed -- Gabriel's reinforcements will head to Avorica to stabilize the front. Together with Edith's army, they will drive back the invaders to reclaim any ''temporarily'' lost lands."

	The queen of Avorica nodded back, satisfied at last by the promise of support.		The queen of Avorica nodded back, satisfied at last by the promise of support.
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	"Yes, Father." The Princess answered without hesitation.		"Yes, Father." The Princess answered without hesitation.

	"With that said, I believe we've covered everything." Geoffroi looked about to all participants before he declared. "This meeting is adjourned. Marshal Cosette," he then turned towards the senior lady as her azure phoenix familiar flew down from the ceiling corner. "Good luck, and may ~~Courtain~~ guide your hand to victory."		"With that said, I believe we've covered everything." Geoffroi looked about to all participants before he declared. "This meeting is adjourned. Marshal Cosette," he then turned towards the senior lady as her azure phoenix familiar flew down from the ceiling corner. "Good luck, and may Veillantif guide your hand to victory."

	"Thank you, Your Majesty." Cosette bowed in deference while her familiar --the phoenix ~~Courtain~~-- chirped back. However Geoffroi would have none of the formality as he took the lady's hand with both palms and gave it a heartfelt shake.		"Thank you, Your Majesty." Cosette bowed in deference while her familiar -- the phoenix Veillantif -- chirped back. However Geoffroi would have none of the formality as he took the lady's hand with both palms and gave it a heartfelt shake.

	"Rhin-Lotharingie is counting on you." Geoffroi added in earnest.		"Rhin-Lotharingie is counting on you." Geoffroi added in earnest.
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	"Not that I don't appreciate your sincerity, Pascal, but are you sure you should be telling us all this? When even Ambassador Gerhard has kept his silence?"		"Not that I don't appreciate your sincerity, Pascal, but are you sure you should be telling us all this? When even Ambassador Gerhard has kept his silence?"

	"Ambassador Gerhard has his orders and may not be free to choose his own actions. However I am, and I have a will to see through my own beliefs," Pascal declared as he raised a hand to his chest. "I am the son of my father, whom he entrusted to serve as the future link between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie. I wish to preserve this alliance with every means at my disposal, even if that means being more truthful than the King would like and more unfiltered than you might wish to hear. I ''will'' serve both the interests of Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie to the best of my abilities, to ensure that both countries' goals are united on the road forward, and not divided to go separate ways."		"Ambassador Gerhard has his orders and may not be free to choose his own actions. However I am, and I have the will to see through my own beliefs," Pascal declared as he raised a hand to his chest. "I am the son of my father, whom he entrusted to serve as the future link between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie. I wish to preserve this alliance with every means at my disposal, even if that means being more truthful than the King would like and more unfiltered than you might wish to hear. I ''will'' serve both the interests of Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie to the best of my abilities, to ensure that both countries' goals are united on the road forward, and not divided to go separate ways."

	With his gaze still locked with the Emperor's, Pascal could see from his peripheral vision that his fiancée the Princess smiled and looked expectantly to her father. Meanwhile Geoffroi's blue-violet eyes measured his determination for a minute longer before his own grin broadened:		With his gaze still locked with the Emperor's, Pascal could see from his peripheral vision that his fiancée the Princess smiled and looked expectantly to her father. Meanwhile Geoffroi's blue-violet eyes measured his determination for a minute longer before his own grin broadened:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 10 April 2021
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	Broad-shouldered and tall, Geoffroi Jean de Gaetane had an imposing figure that towered over most others even as he sat. The Emperor was almost a century old, which for a mage meant he was approaching the end of his adult prime. His face was fairly wide, with plum-black hair and an intense blue-violet gaze that felt as though he saw straight through people. His prominent nose and thick mustache gave him an ever-stern expression, while his shaved cheeks held a thin stubble that he often rubbed in deep thought.		Broad-shouldered and tall, Geoffroi Jean de Gaetane had an imposing figure that towered over most others even as he sat. The Emperor was almost a century old, which for a mage meant he was approaching the end of his adult prime. His face was fairly wide, with plum-black hair and an intense blue-violet gaze that felt as though he saw straight through people. His prominent nose and thick mustache gave him an ever-stern expression, while his shaved cheeks held a thin stubble that he often rubbed in deep thought.

	"The southwestern mountain passes will hold without a doubt. '~~The~~ Trio' may cry a shortage of troops, but they have the advantage of terrain backed by formidable mountain fortresses. In such narrow lanes of advance limited by the steep South Lotharingie Mountains, the martial prowess of three Oriflammes will easily make up for our severe numeric disadvantage."		"The southwestern mountain passes will hold without doubt. The 'Trio' may cry a shortage of troops, but they have the advantage of terrain backed by formidable mountain fortresses. In such narrow lanes of advance limited by the steep South Lotharingie Mountains, the martial prowess of three Oriflammes will easily make up for our severe numeric disadvantage."

	Standing next to the Emperor was Dame Cosette Louise Granger, whose thin figure and unassuming appearance contrasted greatly with that of her liege. Cosette was widely known as the lifelong mistress of the illustrious Duke Gaston, though she was neither a great beauty nor of aristocratic birth. The woman was just shy of old age and upheld a respectful elegance in her classy dress and calm image. However Pascal knew that behind her silver-gray hair and plain gray eyes lay one of the best minds of Rhin-Lotharingie.		Standing next to the Emperor was Dame Cosette Louise Granger, whose thin figure and unassuming appearance contrasted greatly with that of her liege. Cosette was widely known as the lifelong mistress of the illustrious Duke Gaston, though she was neither a great beauty nor of aristocratic birth. The woman was just shy of old age and upheld a respectful elegance in her classy dress and calm image. However Pascal knew that behind her silver-gray hair and plain gray eyes lay one of the best minds of Rhin-Lotharingie.

	It had taken considerable time for even an Emperor as wise as Geoffroi to realize that she was behind Gaston's string of victories in previous wars. Nevertheless Geoffroi acted swiftly when he found out ~~two decades~~ ago. He had promoted her to the position of 'Marshal of the Empire' which effectively made her the commander of the Rhin-Lotharingie military, outranking even her lover.		It had taken considerable time for even an Emperor as wise as Geoffroi to realize that she was behind Gaston's string of victories in previous wars. Nevertheless Geoffroi acted swiftly when he found out a decade ago. He had promoted her to the position of 'Marshal of the Empire' which effectively made her the commander of the Rhin-Lotharingie military, outranking even her lover.

	''Though in reality she has very limited authority,'' Pascal thought. ''Unlike Weichsel, the Empire's feudal nature resists centralized command.''		''Though in reality she has very limited authority,'' Pascal thought. ''Unlike Weichsel, the Empire's feudal nature resists centralized command.''
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	"Then why have we still not seen any northern troops in Avorica?"		"Then why have we still not seen any northern troops in Avorica?"

	"Because I advised the King to send his men to Gervais, to the mountain garrisons that '~~The~~ Trio' must defend." Cosette answered. "Given the narrow width of marching routes in the mountains, quality trumps quantity. Therefore, if Gleann Mòr can only send men in the hundreds, it is ideal that they send their best highland troops which we may use to bolster the center front."		"Because I advised the King to send his men to Gervais, to the mountain garrisons that the 'Trio' must defend." Cosette answered. "Given the narrow width of marching routes in the mountains, quality trumps quantity. Therefore, if Gleann Mòr can only send men in the hundreds, it is ideal that they send their best highland troops which we may use to bolster the center front."

	"You..." Queen Katell gritted her teeth. "You are ''deliberately'' choosing to sacrifice Avorican lands then!"		"You..." Queen Katell gritted her teeth. "You are ''deliberately'' choosing to sacrifice Avorican lands then!"
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	Duke Hugh de La Tours de Lorraine is the head of the powerful La Tours family that Perceval comes from. Nevertheless, it did not please Pascal one bit to sit next to the grossly overweight man. The Duke had to rest on a special armchair as the seats provided for the others were insufficient to bear his girth. His bejeweled, fat fingers stroked the small, blonde beard he grew in an attempt to hide his quadruple chins.		Duke Hugh de La Tours de Lorraine is the head of the powerful La Tours family that Perceval comes from. Nevertheless, it did not please Pascal one bit to sit next to the grossly overweight man. The Duke had to rest on a special armchair as the seats provided for the others were insufficient to bear his girth. His bejeweled, fat fingers stroked the small, blonde beard he grew in an attempt to hide his quadruple chins.

	Even before coming to Rhin-Lotharingie, Pascal has heard of his unflattering nickname: 'Duke Huge the Rotund'.		Even before coming to Rhin-Lotharingie, Pascal has heard of his unflattering nickname: 'Duke Huge the Rotund'. Though if it had merely been a matter of weight, Pascal wouldn't feel as offended by his proximity. The problem was that behind his layers of blubber was a greedy, selfish, and aggravatingly shortsighted bird-brain.

	Though if it had merely been a matter of weight, Pascal wouldn't feel as offended by his proximity. The problem was that behind his layers of blubber was a greedy, selfish, and aggravatingly shortsighted bird-brain.

	"Your Majesty." The Duke began in a haughty, high-pitched voice. "The eastern duchies of Rhétie are in the process of mobilization. However I do not see it as prudent to send our forces southwest. My spies claim that the Holy Imperium's northern field army has swelled to a strength of twenty legions, including two of their elite Tagmata Legions. They now stand adjacent to our borders in the east, no doubt ready to reclaim lands lost in the last war should we show any sign of weakness."		"Your Majesty." The Duke began in a haughty, high-pitched voice. "The eastern duchies of Rhétie are in the process of mobilization. However I do not see it as prudent to send our forces southwest. My spies claim that the Holy Imperium's northern field army has swelled to a strength of twenty legions, including two of their elite Tagmata Legions. They now stand adjacent to our borders in the east, no doubt ready to reclaim lands lost in the last war should we show any sign of weakness."
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	"Gabriel, what of the Belges territories?"		"Gabriel, what of the Belges territories?"

	Duke Gabriel Gautier de Gaetane was Emperor Geoffroi's older brother. However appearances were deceiving and he seemed the younger with his lean and handsome image. He had the same plum-black and and blue-violet eyes as his brother the Emperor, except his face was more oval and his height was modest compared to his imposing liege. His well-kept appearance also looked to be in his best years, despite the fact he was now past his prime and ~~his~~ first century.		Duke Gabriel Gautier de Gaetane was Emperor Geoffroi's older brother. However appearances were deceiving and he seemed the younger with his lean and handsome image. He had the same plum-black hair and and blue-violet eyes as his brother the Emperor, except his face was more oval and his height was modest compared to his imposing liege. His well-kept appearance also looked to be in his best years, despite the fact he was now past his prime and the first century of his life.

	"The dukes of the northeast are assembling an army of ~~fifty~~ thousand even as we speak," Gabriel answered with a dutiful smile. "They will begin the march south under my banner before the end of this week."		"The dukes of the northeast are assembling an army of thirty thousand even as we speak," Gabriel answered with a dutiful smile. "They will begin the march south under my banner before the end of this week."

	Emperor Geoffroi grinned as he exchanged nods with the Duke. "Thank you, brother. I knew I could count on you."		Emperor Geoffroi grinned as he exchanged nods with the Duke. "Thank you, brother. I knew I could count on you."
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	"We must all strive to make father in heaven proud," Gabriel replied with one hand against his chest in a display of sincerity and courtesy.		"We must all strive to make father in heaven proud," Gabriel replied with one hand against his chest in a display of sincerity and courtesy.

	''They really are brothers who grew up together like Sylv said,'' Pascal thought with a smile.		''They really are brothers who grew up together like Sylv said,'' Pascal thought with a smile. It was moments like these when he wished he wasn't an only child.

	It was moments like these when he wished he wasn't ~~the~~ only child.

	Geoffroi then turned towards Queen Katell:		Geoffroi then turned towards Queen Katell:
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	"Queen Katell," the Emperor turned towards the young monarch. "I shall entrust you with supplying Edith's army in Avorica as well as Gervais' forces in the mountains. The harvest in Avorica this year has been bountiful and you should have enough to spare."		"Queen Katell," the Emperor turned towards the young monarch. "I shall entrust you with supplying Edith's army in Avorica as well as Gervais' forces in the mountains. The harvest in Avorica this year has been bountiful and you should have enough to spare."

	"Your Majesty," the young queen was quick to object. "Avorica is the smallest of the four kingdoms within the Empire. We might be able to feed and pay Edith's army, but surely you cannot expect us to take on the burden of supplying '~~The~~ Trio' as well! That responsibility should rightly fall upon the heartlands' granaries!"		"Your Majesty," the young queen was quick to object. "Avorica is the smallest of the four kingdoms within the Empire. We might be able to feed and pay Edith's army, but surely you cannot expect us to take on the burden of supplying the 'Trio' as well! That responsibility should rightly fall upon the heartlands' granaries!"

	''And at the Emperor's expense,'' Pascal added in his thoughts.		''And at the Emperor's expense,'' Pascal added in his thoughts.
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	"Very well then. Avorica will supply Gervais' forces in the mountains. The reinforcements ''must'' be given priority in transit."		"Very well then. Avorica will supply Gervais' forces in the mountains. The reinforcements ''must'' be given priority in transit."

	"Please remember that '~~The~~ Trio' also guards the backdoor into Avorica," Dame Cosette added for good measure, just in case the Queen thought she might cheat her new role.		"Please remember that the 'Trio' also guards the backdoor into Avorica," Dame Cosette added for good measure, just in case the Queen thought she might cheat her new role.

	Pascal only had to take one look at the map before he realized: if the mountains passes fell and the Caliphate emerged on the northern side, they would be able to block the narrow gap that linked Avorica and Ceredigion to the Lotharin heartlands.		Pascal only had to take one look at the map before he realized: if the mountains passes fell and the Caliphate emerged on the northern side, they would be able to block the narrow gap that linked Avorica and Ceredigion to the Lotharin heartlands.
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	''Father, do you see this? This is what your work meant to our people...''		''Father, do you see this? This is what your work meant to our people...''

	Pascal's eyes ~~glazed~~ at mentions of his father's legacy. Even as the young noble shared a hug offered by his childhood friend Cecylia, he could not stop reflecting on how deeply felt the ambassador's words were to him.		Pascal's eyes grew glassy at mentions of his father's legacy. Even as the young noble shared a hug offered by his childhood friend Cecylia, he could not stop reflecting on how deeply felt the ambassador's words were to him.

	Gerhard did not need to mention that Cecylia was a member of the King's Black Eagles. The young dhampir may have only graduated from Konigsfeld Academy last year, but she nevertheless served as the eyes and ears of King Leopold in the Empire's capital.		Gerhard did not need to mention that Cecylia was a member of the King's Black Eagles. The young dhampir may have only graduated from Konigsfeld Academy last year, but she nevertheless served as the eyes and ears of King Leopold in the Empire's capital.
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	"Not that I don't appreciate your sincerity, Pascal, but are you sure you should be telling us all this? When even Ambassador Gerhard has kept his silence?"		"Not that I don't appreciate your sincerity, Pascal, but are you sure you should be telling us all this? When even Ambassador Gerhard has kept his silence?"

	"Ambassador Gerhard has his orders and may not be free to choose his own actions. However I am, and I have a will to see through my own beliefs," Pascal declared as he raised a hand to his chest. "I am the son of my father, whom he entrusted to serve as the future link between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie. I wish to preserve this alliance with every means at my disposal, even if that means being more truthful than the King would like and more unfiltered than you might wish to hear. I ''will'' serve both the interests of Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie to the best of my abilities, to ensure that both ~~country~~'s goals are united on the road forward, and not divided to go separate ways."		"Ambassador Gerhard has his orders and may not be free to choose his own actions. However I am, and I have a will to see through my own beliefs," Pascal declared as he raised a hand to his chest. "I am the son of my father, whom he entrusted to serve as the future link between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie. I wish to preserve this alliance with every means at my disposal, even if that means being more truthful than the King would like and more unfiltered than you might wish to hear. I ''will'' serve both the interests of Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie to the best of my abilities, to ensure that both countries' goals are united on the road forward, and not divided to go separate ways."

	With his gaze still locked with the Emperor's, Pascal could see from his peripheral vision that his fiancée the Princess smiled and looked expectantly to her father. Meanwhile Geoffroi's blue-violet eyes measured his determination for a minute longer before his own grin broadened:		With his gaze still locked with the Emperor's, Pascal could see from his peripheral vision that his fiancée the Princess smiled and looked expectantly to her father. Meanwhile Geoffroi's blue-violet eyes measured his determination for a minute longer before his own grin broadened:
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	"<He'll no doubt make an excellent general one day, but he is too forthright for courtly intrigue. I would certainly keep and treasure him if I were you, Sylv. I doubt you will find another this earnest and reliable for your future reign.>"		"<He'll no doubt make an excellent general one day, but he is too forthright for courtly intrigue. I would certainly keep and treasure him if I were you, Sylv. I doubt you will find another this earnest and reliable for your future reign.>"

	Sylviane's shoulders slumped ~~slight~~ as she replied: "<nowiki><</nowiki>I know, Father, I know.>"		Sylviane's shoulders slumped slightly as she replied: "<nowiki><</nowiki>I know, Father, I know.>"

	"<Speaking of, who is the Samaran girl who follows him around?>" Geoffroi then asked in curiosity. "<nowiki><</nowiki>I do not remember her the last time I met him.>"		"<Speaking of, who is the Samaran girl who follows him around?>" Geoffroi then asked in curiosity. "<nowiki><</nowiki>I do not remember her the last time I met him.>"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 3 March 2015
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	It certainly didn't help when she recognized that even Pascal's military rank made him too junior for this meeting. It was likely why General von Falkenhausen insisted on calling him 'Landgrave', since an entitled feudal lord stood more appropriate to debate strategy with generals than a mere captain.		It certainly didn't help when she recognized that even Pascal's military rank made him too junior for this meeting. It was likely why General von Falkenhausen insisted on calling him 'Landgrave', since an entitled feudal lord stood more appropriate to debate strategy with generals than a mere captain.

	...Sort of. Weichsel's feudalism was more administrative than military. While each lord governed a region and were required to maintain sufficient forces, command of these troops ultimately fell to the army's General Staff. Officers swore allegiance to the crown directly, and the nobility had no direct military power unless they served as commanders. Combined with extensive kingdom laws on governance and taxation, it centralized power within Weichsel for a uniformed state nearing that of absolute monarchy.		...Sort of. Weichsel's feudalism was more administrative than military. While each lord governed a region and were required to maintain sufficient forces, command of these troops ultimately fell to the army's General Staff. Officers swore allegiance to the crown directly, and the nobility had little direct military power unless they served as commanders. Combined with extensive kingdom laws on governance and taxation, it centralized power within Weichsel for a uniformed state nearing that of absolute monarchy.

	In the end, it was Pascal's audacity, plus the King's respect for his father and fiancée, not his own standing, that allowed him to contribute to the discussions.		In the end, it was Pascal's audacity, plus the King's respect for his father and fiancée, not his own standing, that allowed him to contribute to the discussions.
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	''...Though a few bruises when he deserves them are perfectly fine,'' Kaede added in the safety of her own mind.		''...Though a few bruises when he deserves them are perfectly fine,'' Kaede added in the safety of her own mind.

	Anxieties notwithstanding, Kaede couldn't help appreciate her growing impression of the Princess. Royal politician or not, there was candid sincerity in the way Sylviane expressed herself. If nothing else, she seemed a reasonable person who could think through others' perspectives -- which was far more than Kaede could say for Pascal, or most nobles in general.		Anxieties notwithstanding, Kaede couldn't help appreciate her growing impression of the Princess. Royal politician or not, there was a candid sincerity in the way Sylviane expressed herself. If nothing else, she seemed a reasonable person who could think through others' perspectives -- which was far more than Kaede could say for Pascal, or most nobles in general.

	The fact their opinions of him drew parallels certainly helped.		The fact their opinions of him drew parallels certainly helped.
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	"SHE is not the problem. YOU are!" Sylviane declared as she jabbed her index finger into his chest. "A familiar does not choose the summoner, but I have no doubt that you ''did'' specify the result, ''Runelord''!"		"SHE is not the problem. YOU are!" Sylviane declared as she jabbed her index finger into his chest. "A familiar does not choose the summoner, but I have no doubt that you ''did'' specify the result, ''Runelord''!"

	"I cannot deny that one," the lord himself admitted. "But, if it is any consolation, she did ~~use~~ to be male. I ''really'' was not looking for anything of romantic or sensual interest, honestly."		"I cannot deny that one," the lord himself admitted. "But, if it is any consolation, she did used to be male. I ''really'' was not looking for anything of romantic or sensual interest, honestly."

	After freezing for another brief moment, Sylviane spun around on her heels. Her waist-long, dark-plum hair fluttered about in voluminous tresses as she stared straight at Kaede with shock-enlarged eyes.		After freezing for another brief moment, Sylviane spun around on her heels. Her waist-long, dark-plum hair fluttered about in voluminous tresses as she stared straight at Kaede with shock-enlarged eyes.
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	Sylviane leaned forward, forcing herself deep into his personal space to continue her offensive without giving him a moment of respite. Even Pascal's steadfast determination to hold his ground soon began to buckle under the relentless verbal assault:		Sylviane leaned forward, forcing herself deep into his personal space to continue her offensive without giving him a moment of respite. Even Pascal's steadfast determination to hold his ground soon began to buckle under the relentless verbal assault:

	"--I have a portable projector if you would like show us your memories. I'm sure your eagerness of the moment will be perfectly noted by your ravishing hands as they anxiously stroked every length of that porcelain skin, carefully examining a girl's most intimate parts. Or when..."		"--I have a portable projector if you would like to show us your memories. I'm sure your eagerness of the moment will be perfectly noted by your ravishing hands as they anxiously stroked every length of that porcelain skin, carefully examining a girl's most intimate parts. Or when..."

	Kaede felt her cheeks ignite as Sylviane's exaggerated descriptions began conjuring vivid, uncensored images in her mind. Before she knew it, her thin arms had wrapped themselves around ~~her~~ in a tight, protective embrace while her glare fixed itself on Pascal.		Kaede felt her cheeks ignite as Sylviane's exaggerated descriptions began conjuring vivid, uncensored images in her mind. Before she knew it, her thin arms had wrapped themselves around herself in a tight, protective embrace while her glare fixed itself on Pascal.

	She felt dirty from just the visualization. Worse yet, Pascal could have done exactly ''that'' and she wouldn't even know...		She felt dirty from just the visualization. Worse yet, Pascal could have done exactly ''that'' and she wouldn't even know...
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	Kaede braced herself for the heat of scorching air so close to the flame source. Yet as the phoenix settled on Sylviane's shoulder, she felt only the envelopment of a soothing warmth, as though she laid just far enough away to enjoy a lit fireplace on this wintry day.		Kaede braced herself for the heat of scorching air so close to the flame source. Yet as the phoenix settled on Sylviane's shoulder, she felt only the envelopment of a soothing warmth, as though she laid just far enough away to enjoy a lit fireplace on this wintry day.

	"Relax," Sylviane reassured. "Phoenixes are natural empaths; ~~Hauteclere~~'s flames only burn those he detect hostility from."		"Relax," Sylviane reassured. "Phoenixes are natural empaths; Hauteclaire's flames only burn those he detect hostility from."

	"Was that a test then? Milady?" Kaede asked with relief, wondering how weird they must look to Pascal's amused eyes right now: bird standing regally on top of a Princess lazying over another girl.		"Was that a test then? Milady?" Kaede asked with relief, wondering how weird they must look to Pascal's amused eyes right now: bird standing regally on top of a Princess lazying over another girl.
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	Perhaps it was just another way for the Princess to warn 'you ''really'' do not want to become my enemy'.		Perhaps it was just another way for the Princess to warn 'you ''really'' do not want to become my enemy'.

	"I was surprised you did not bring him to the meeting," Pascal asked as he stretched out further in his armchair, basking in the comfort of the phoenix's extended aura. "The empathy of a phoenix is strong, and General Staff members often relax their mental shields since those rooms are compartmentalized with ''Sanctum Veil'' and other wards to protect against outside scrying. ~~Hauteclere~~ may just catch a warning flag or two."		"I was surprised you did not bring him to the meeting," Pascal asked as he stretched out further in his armchair, basking in the comfort of the phoenix's extended aura. "The empathy of a phoenix is strong, and General Staff members often relax their mental shields since those rooms are compartmentalized with ''Sanctum Veil'' and other wards to protect against outside scrying. Hauteclaire may just catch a warning flag or two."

	"I... hadn't considered that," Sylviane admitted. "Does feel like cheating though, not to mention inappropriate."		"I... hadn't considered that," Sylviane admitted. "Does feel like cheating though, not to mention inappropriate."
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	"The phoenix travels with the Oriflamme, and empathy is part of their nature," Pascal added. "It is a trick you can get away with using, so may as well take advantage of it. You know what they say: in diplomacy..."		"The phoenix travels with the Oriflamme, and empathy is part of their nature," Pascal added. "It is a trick you can get away with using, so may as well take advantage of it. You know what they say: in diplomacy..."

	"Not cheating is not trying hard enough. Yes, I know," Sylviane finished for him. "Although people often appreciate it when you relinquish an obvious advantage... Either way, the main reason was that ~~Hauteclere~~ wanted a look around. If he had ever visited Königsfeld before, it would be centuries ago."		"Not cheating is not trying hard enough. Yes, I know," Sylviane finished for him. "Although people often appreciate it when you relinquish an obvious advantage... Either way, the main reason was that Hauteclaire wanted a look around. If he had ever visited Königsfeld before, it would be centuries ago."

	Sylviane then patted down Kaede's hair twice before rubbing cheeks against them once more.		Sylviane then patted down Kaede's hair twice before rubbing cheeks against them once more.
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	''Like a blanket fresh out of the dryer,'' Kaede thought as she looked towards Pascal for support, but he merely shrugged with amusement:		''Like a blanket fresh out of the dryer,'' Kaede thought as she looked towards Pascal for support, but he merely shrugged with amusement:

	"<u>You do make a nice, ~~long~~ pillow.</u>"		"<u>You do make a nice, soft pillow.</u>"

	Only the phoenix ~~Hauteclere~~ seemed to sympathize with his fellow familiar as he gave a low whistling chirp.		Only the phoenix Hauteclaire seemed to sympathize with his fellow familiar as he gave a low whistling chirp.


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	"I apologize for interrupting the formalities, Sire," the elderly General von Manteuffel called over with his usual poker-face. "But I must get this operation going if we are to follow the set outline. Captain Sir von Moltewitz..."		"I apologize for interrupting the formalities, Sire," the elderly General von Manteuffel called over with his usual poker-face. "But I must get this operation going if we are to follow the set outline. Captain Sir von Moltewitz..."

	"Yes Sir!" Pascal saluted as he ~~clicked~~ his boots together.		"Yes Sir!" Pascal saluted as he snapped his boots together.

	"Since I am dispatching my chief-of-staff and tactical officers to the second and third echelons, I want you on my staff in the first echelon. We are seriously lacking experienced officers -- even theoretical experts, as in your case -- in this type of warfare. Prepare for an overnight trip to Nordkreuz within the hour."		"Since I am dispatching my chief-of-staff and tactical officers to the second and third echelons, I want you on my staff in the first echelon. We are seriously lacking experienced officers -- even theoretical experts, as in your case -- in this type of warfare. Prepare for an overnight trip to Nordkreuz within the hour."
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	"Just like half of everything else this operation," Sylviane smiled back, almost in challenge. "Besides, our role is simple once any battle begins..."		"Just like half of everything else this operation," Sylviane smiled back, almost in challenge. "Besides, our role is simple once any battle begins..."

	Bearing the phoenix ~~Hauteclere~~ proudly upon her shoulders, the ''Cerulean Princess'' then swept her wisteria gaze across the room -- a willful display of confidence as she directly met every pair of eyes along the way.		Bearing the phoenix Hauteclaire proudly upon her shoulders, the ''Cerulean Princess'' then swept her wisteria gaze across the room -- a willful display of confidence as she directly met every pair of eyes along the way.

	"The Oriflamme fights at the head of an army, and nowhere else."		"The Oriflamme fights at the head of an army, and nowhere else."