Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 8 - Revision history

Aorii at 18:47, 1 June 2021

2021-06-01T18:47:14Z

Aorii at 17:45, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:45:22Z

Aorii at 15:14, 19 December 2020

2020-12-19T15:14:17Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX PROJECT START, FULL RESET OF CONTENTS

2020-12-19T15:14:07Z

REDUX PROJECT START, FULL RESET OF CONTENTS

Show changes

Aorii at 23:28, 30 January 2016

2016-01-30T23:28:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:28, 30 January 2016
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	Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.		Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.

	A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed the most powerful ~~Aura Magic~~ healing ~~spell~~ he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.		A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed one of the most powerful healing spells he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.

	He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:		He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:

Aorii at 23:23, 30 January 2016

2016-01-30T23:23:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:23, 30 January 2016
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	Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.		Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.

	A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed the most powerful healing spell he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.		A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed the most powerful Aura Magic healing spell he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.

	He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:		He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:
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	The presence of elite siphoneers always raised a warning flag. Packed with firepower, those flamethrower troops could afford to attack in a dispersed, agile formation, which made them far harder to hit. The defenders had no choice but to stop the deadly siphons. But in doing so, they lost their best chance to deliver volley fire against the massed charge that followed behind.		The presence of elite siphoneers always raised a warning flag. Packed with firepower, those flamethrower troops could afford to attack in a dispersed, agile formation, which made them far harder to hit. The defenders had no choice but to stop the deadly siphons. But in doing so, they lost their best chance to deliver volley fire against the massed charge that followed behind.

			The only blessing was that the Northmen's coordination was off. In their feverish haste to engage, the siphoneers' charge had opened a gap between them and the main force. It would take no more than twenty, thirty seconds at most, for the housecarls behind them to catch up. But for the defenders, every extra second they had to repel the vanguard before the tidal wave struck was a godsend.

	Pascal shrunk the vision overlay into the upper-right corner of his own sight. Another signal lieutenant sat further down the trench, miraculously uninjured except for a dozen bleeding scratches. Two medics soon rushed past that man, one carrying a small lemur on his shoulders.		Pascal shrunk the vision overlay into the upper-right corner of his own sight. Another signal lieutenant sat further down the trench, miraculously uninjured except for a dozen bleeding scratches. Two medics soon rushed past that man, one carrying a small lemur on his shoulders.
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	But it was so worth it.		But it was so worth it.

	"Company! Firemist and Advance! ~~Fire~~ at will!"		"Company! Firemist and Advance! Shoot at will!"

	Captain von Lichnowsky had done her duty. It was now his turn.		Captain von Lichnowsky had done her duty. It was now his turn.
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	Sylviane delayed not a second further before launching into a charge across the air, followed wordlessly by her twelve guardian aces.		Sylviane delayed not a second further before launching into a charge across the air, followed wordlessly by her twelve guardian aces.

	"''Blaze Ignition!''" She called out. Not a spell, but the keywords to ~~maximize~~ her aura expansion, and consequently that of her merged phoenix Hauteclaire.		"''Blaze Ignition!''" She called out. Not a spell, but the keywords to spread her aura expansion, and consequently that of her merged phoenix Hauteclaire.

	Blue-white flames poured off her hair and wings as her armigers formed up into a chevron. Their enchanted capes were woven with embedded phoenix feathers, acting as focus and intensifier in unison.		Blue-white flames poured off her hair and wings as her armigers formed up into a chevron. Their enchanted capes were woven with embedded phoenix feathers, acting as focus and intensifier in unison.

Aorii at 12:19, 2 November 2015

2015-11-02T12:19:18Z

Aorii at 00:33, 6 March 2015

2015-03-06T00:33:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:33, 6 March 2015
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	"Your Highness?"		"Your Highness?"

	Like always, Sir Robert de Dunois was the first to arrive. Mari didn't count; she was the Lady's Maid to the Princess. But the handsome young man with boyishly cute face was a definitely a model of eagerness and optimism. He was a tad short for a Lotharin male, but his figure was lean and athletic, his eyes a vivid green, and the chocolate-brown hair framing smooth cheeks was just elegant enough without being too feminine. In Sylviane's opinion, he was the epitome of a polite and caring knight, always ready to shine a sunlit smile on her day.		Like always, Sir Robert de Dunois was the first to arrive. Mari didn't count; she was the Lady's Maid to the Princess. But the handsome young man with boyishly cute face was definitely a model of eagerness and optimism. He was a tad short for a Lotharin male, but his figure was lean and athletic, his eyes a vivid green, and the chocolate-brown hair framing smooth cheeks was just elegant enough without being too feminine. In Sylviane's opinion, he was the epitome of a polite and caring knight, always ready to shine a sunlit smile on her day.

	He also hovered in midair a good thirty paces off the ground. ''Levitation Flight'' spells were mediocre in complexity, but they were particularly hard to control and master. As the human mind was naturally wired for two-dimensional motion, few people ever picked up the affinity for aerial combat maneuvers. The Oriflamme Paladins might have their phoenix familiars to help coordinate, but their armigers had to learn it the hard way.		He also hovered in midair a good thirty paces off the ground. ''Levitation Flight'' spells were mediocre in complexity, but they were particularly hard to control and master. As the human mind was naturally wired for two-dimensional motion, few people ever picked up the affinity for aerial combat maneuvers. The Oriflamme Paladins might have their phoenix familiars to help coordinate, but their armigers had to learn it the hard way.
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	Karen von Lichnowsky immediately lost her right grip on the swordstaff. As though trying to escape the burning pain, she half-leaped, half-fell toward her left.		Karen von Lichnowsky immediately lost her right grip on the swordstaff. As though trying to escape the burning pain, she half-leaped, half-fell toward her left.

	Even after receiving enough rimefire to engulfed his shoulder, the huge northerner continued to press in like it was just a flesh wound. His zweihander easily brushed aside ~~the~~ the swordstaff before hacking into the Captain's upper arm. The massive sword cleaved its way through the lower edge of a steel-plated spaulder, then skin, muscle, and bone alike, before severing the entire right arm off in a geyser of blood.		Even after receiving enough rimefire to engulfed his shoulder, the huge northerner continued to press in like it was just a flesh wound. His zweihander easily brushed aside the swordstaff before hacking into the Captain's upper arm. The massive sword cleaved its way through the lower edge of a steel-plated spaulder, then skin, muscle, and bone alike, before severing the entire right arm off in a geyser of blood.

	''Ohmygod what have I done...''		''Ohmygod what have I done...''

Aorii: general edit

2015-03-03T21:56:17Z

general edit

Aorii at 19:47, 24 September 2014

2014-09-24T19:47:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 24 September 2014
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	...And she admired them every bit as much as she envied them.		...And she admired them every bit as much as she envied them.

	~~Over the years~~ Sylviane ~~gained~~ that royal authority for herself. Her serene composure, her regal demeanor -- they imposed her will upon others with but a sweeping glance. What charisma she lacked in aura and presence, she would make up through incisive words and intrepid actions. She had learned to inspire and convince, just as her role demanded her to.		Sylviane had acquired that royal authority for herself over the years. Her serene composure, her regal demeanor -- they imposed her will upon others with but a sweeping glance. What charisma she lacked in aura and presence, she would make up through incisive words and intrepid actions. She had learned to inspire and convince, just as her role demanded her to.

	But it wasn't the same. It was just an act.		But it wasn't the same. It was just an act.
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	Kaede was still trying to extract the siphon from its dead owner when she heard the Captain's voice. With a reflexive glance, she saw Karen von Lichnowsky use her swordstaff to pole-vault over trench and snow alike, rotating her body around the shaft as she went through the air.		Kaede was still trying to extract the siphon from its dead owner when she heard the Captain's voice. With a reflexive glance, she saw Karen von Lichnowsky use her swordstaff to pole-vault over trench and snow alike, rotating her body around the shaft as she went through the air.

	"''Flourish, ~~Animate Entangling~~ Assault!''"		"''Flourish, Animated Assault!''"

	In the middle of her spin, the Captain's wavy red hair gained a life of its own as it shot forward with thousands of tendrils. Growing like wildfire even as they flew through the air, they wrapped themselves around the translucent arcane armor of the housecarl leader that was about to cleave Kaede in two.		In the middle of her spin, the Captain's wavy red hair gained a life of its own as it shot forward with thousands of tendrils. Growing like wildfire even as they flew through the air, they wrapped themselves around the translucent arcane armor of the housecarl leader that was about to cleave Kaede in two.
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	The entire 'line' was reduced to three holdouts and just a dozen men, yet its center was still held by a lone girl small and injured.		The entire 'line' was reduced to three holdouts and just a dozen men, yet its center was still held by a lone girl small and injured.

	She wasn't wearing any ~~physical~~ armor, or even a proper Weichsel uniform.		She wasn't wearing any steel armor, or even a proper Weichsel uniform.

	But with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth without end, breaking the charge like a boulder in rapids.		But with a fiery reach of twenty paces, her jet of flames continued to sweep back and forth without end, breaking the charge like a boulder in rapids.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 1 June 2021
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	Sylviane smiled in amusement at the familiar girl's surprise. Meanwhile the latter thought: ''I certainly didn't expect this.''		Sylviane smiled in amusement at the familiar girl's surprise. Meanwhile the latter thought: ''I certainly didn't expect this.''

	Given the Princess' demands during the previous two days, Kaede had resigned herself to be sidelined and kept away from Pascal for much longer. Yet here was an opportunity staring at her in the face.		Given the Princess' demands during the previous two days, Kaede had resigned herself to be sidelined and kept away from Pascal for much longer. Yet here was an opportunity staring at her in the face: the chance that she'd been waiting for to prove to Sylviane that she was worth keeping around, and not merely as an 'unwanted attachment' to Pascal.

	"I-I'd, I would ''very much'' like the opportunity to help out in a meaningful way, milady!" Kaede rushed to add, this time with more enthusiasm.		"I-I'd, I would ''very much'' like the opportunity to help out in a meaningful way, milady!" Kaede rushed to add, this time with more enthusiasm.
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	Kaede was certainly starting to grasp why Rhin-Lotharingie was a poor country. If hauling food and provisions to the front lines was this difficult, then moving resources and trade goods between the various duchies would be as well. Worse yet, most of their roads go to the Holy Imperium of the Inner Sea, who had awful relations with Rhin-Lotharingie and would persistently embargo the Lotharins' access to Inner Sea markets.		Kaede was certainly starting to grasp why Rhin-Lotharingie was a poor country. If hauling food and provisions to the front lines was this difficult, then moving resources and trade goods between the various duchies would be as well. Worse yet, most of their roads go to the Holy Imperium of the Inner Sea, who had awful relations with Rhin-Lotharingie and would persistently embargo the Lotharins' access to Inner Sea markets.

	~~''It's like trying to grow the economy while under American sanctions,'' Kaede concluded.~~

	This made Kaede realize another reason why Emperor Geoffroi secured an alliance with the Kingdom of Weichsel: the North Sea trade route was unreliable due to its stormy weather and the Northmen's tendencies to raid merchant shipping. However, Weichsel's territory runs along the north sea's southern coast, all the way from Cross Lake --where the two Lotharingie Rivers met-- to the borders of the Grand Republic of Samara. This allowed Rhin-Lotharingie secure access to their historic ally, who happened to be the premier trading power on the Hyperion continent.		This made Kaede realize another reason why Emperor Geoffroi secured an alliance with the Kingdom of Weichsel: the North Sea trade route was unreliable due to its stormy weather and the Northmen's tendencies to raid merchant shipping. However, Weichsel's territory runs along the north sea's southern coast, all the way from Cross Lake --where the two Lotharingie Rivers met-- to the borders of the Grand Republic of Samara. This allowed Rhin-Lotharingie secure access to their historic ally, who happened to be the premier trading power on the Hyperion continent.
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	"I know, I know," Pascal chuckled. However, he was still grinning from ear to ear as he strolled back to stand behind Kaede. "I just never thought I would get to hear that from a girl. It is always the lady's maid who gets the pleasure of handling this particular brand of 'logistics'."		"I know, I know," Pascal chuckled. However, he was still grinning from ear to ear as he strolled back to stand behind Kaede. "I just never thought I would get to hear that from a girl. It is always the lady's maid who gets the pleasure of handling this particular brand of 'logistics'."

	''Clearly, Pascal wants to be the commander-in-chief of his future's wife's dresses,'' Kaede mused, which Pascal only confirmed as he continued:		''Clearly, Pascal wants to be the commander-in-chief of his future wife's dresses,'' Kaede mused, which Pascal only confirmed as he continued:

	"I mean -- why make ~~womens~~' clothing so complicated if it is not for the husband's benefit?"		"I mean -- why make women's clothing so complicated if it is not for the husband's benefit?"

	"Your ego is as astronomical as always," Kaede retorted, which only made Pascal chuckle.		"Your ego is as astronomical as always," Kaede retorted, which only made Pascal chuckle.
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	Two days later at dusk, Kaede watched with an exhausted, yet proud smile as Sylviane looked through all of their finished work.		Two days later at dusk, Kaede watched with an exhausted, yet proud smile as Sylviane looked through all of their finished work.

	The final plan included scheduling time tables, manifests for every caravan and vessel, drafted orders for local nobles with action items to support the resupply effort, and more. The arrangements would require the mobilization of over 1,900 wagons of various sizes, all 39 of Rhin-Lotharingie's riverine barges and trade cogs, plus 65,000 personnel for labor, transport, and security. In total, ~~over~~ over 1,300,000 stones of food and forage, as well as 240,000 articles of winter clothing and other equipment, had to be collected across the country and sent south. Their recipients would be the tens of thousands of frontline troops in the Kingdom of Garona, as well as supply depots along the various reinforcing armies' marching routes.		The final plan included scheduling time tables, manifests for every caravan and vessel, drafted orders for local nobles with action items to support the resupply effort, and more. The arrangements would require the mobilization of over 1,900 wagons of various sizes, all 39 of Rhin-Lotharingie's riverine barges and trade cogs, plus 65,000 personnel for labor, transport, and security. In total, over 1,300,000 stones of food and forage, as well as 240,000 articles of winter clothing and other equipment, had to be collected across the country and sent south. Their recipients would be the tens of thousands of frontline troops in the Kingdom of Garona, as well as supply depots along the various reinforcing armies' marching routes.

	It was a monumental, multi-staged execution plan.		It was a monumental, multi-staged execution plan.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 10 April 2021
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	"I don't have any other request, Rachel. So if you're busy, don't let me keep you," Sylviane added.		"I don't have any other request, Rachel. So if you're busy, don't let me keep you," Sylviane added.

	"~~Will do~~, Your Highness." The elderly woman replied before she curtsied again and left the room.		"Of course, Your Highness." The elderly woman replied before she curtsied again and left the room.

	Kaede could feel her heart beat faster as she heard the door close behind her. Being alone with the envious princess made her worry and unlike last time, Pascal wasn't in the room to offer his support.		Kaede could feel her heart beat faster as she heard the door close behind her. Being alone with the envious princess made her worry and unlike last time, Pascal wasn't in the room to offer his support.
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	This time, Pascal examined his familiar with a careful gaze before he smiled and nodded:		This time, Pascal examined his familiar with a careful gaze before he smiled and nodded:

	"I agree. Vivi's hair ~~color~~ is colder, and her eyes ~~are~~ a bit too intense ~~to match~~ the soft lavender hue. Kaede's ~~pearl~~-white hair and her soft pink eyes are just perfect to accompany this dress. And I am not surprised that it fits her perfectly, though... it feels she is, a bit taller?"		"I agree. Vivi's silvery hair is colder, and her eyes can be a bit too intense for the soft lavender hue. Kaede's snowy-white hair and her soft pink eyes are just perfect to accompany this dress. And I am not surprised that it fits her perfectly, though... it feels she is, a bit taller?"

	"I gave her a taller pair of heels. She's easier to hug this way." Sylviane said as though 'huggability' was one of the most important attributes for any girl.		"I gave her a taller pair of heels. She's easier to hug this way." Sylviane said as though 'huggability' was one of the most important attributes for any girl.
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	"<What can I say? I do not regret summoning you in that form at all when I see you like this.>"		"<What can I say? I do not regret summoning you in that form at all when I see you like this.>"

	His smug reply only made the Samaran girl pout.		His smug reply only made the Samaran girl pout. "<nowiki><I</nowiki> hate you.>"

	"<nowiki><I</nowiki> hate you.>"

	Pascal chuckled to himself for another moment before he looked up to meet Sylviane's gaze. "Sylv I do believe you asked me here for a serious matter. Not that I do not enjoy seeing this, but you know our rules."		Pascal chuckled to himself for another moment before he looked up to meet Sylviane's gaze. "Sylv I do believe you asked me here for a serious matter. Not that I do not enjoy seeing this, but you know our rules."
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	Pascal had requested her to work through all the accounts of food and provisions based on their location of storage. They'd been separated into four groups, depending on which of the four main transit arteries --two highways plus the North and South Lotharingie rivers-- would be best suited to transport the supplies. The categorized lists were then arranged based on how far they were from the front lines. In addition, information such as the amount of time it would take from each location to reach the main artery or the next supply depot had to be appended for ease of scheduling calculations in the next step.		Pascal had requested her to work through all the accounts of food and provisions based on their location of storage. They'd been separated into four groups, depending on which of the four main transit arteries --two highways plus the North and South Lotharingie rivers-- would be best suited to transport the supplies. The categorized lists were then arranged based on how far they were from the front lines. In addition, information such as the amount of time it would take from each location to reach the main artery or the next supply depot had to be appended for ease of scheduling calculations in the next step.

	Even with ~~three~~ clerks assigned to assist her, it had taken Kaede many hours of comparing location names against maps, tracing local roads, and measuring the distances involved. By the time she was finished, night had already fallen and her stomach was sporadically growling.		Even with several clerks assigned to assist her, it had taken Kaede many hours of comparing location names against maps, tracing local roads, and measuring the distances involved. By the time she was finished, night had already fallen and her stomach was sporadically growling.

	She hadn't had a proper meal since breakfast. Lunch had been a mere handful of sandwiches delivered from the kitchens.		She hadn't had a proper meal since breakfast. Lunch had been a mere handful of sandwiches delivered from the kitchens.
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	"Bet it's still better than the bread, cheese, and squash soup I had last night," Kaede shrugged. ''And I don't even like cheese much.''		"Bet it's still better than the bread, cheese, and squash soup I had last night," Kaede shrugged. ''And I don't even like cheese much.''

	She had subconsciously withheld her last comment, as Pascal's favorite food was a beer-and-cheese broth.		She had subconsciously withheld her last comment, as Pascal's favorite food was a beer-and-cheese broth. However as Pascal opened the door and strode out, he began walking at such a brisk pace that Kaede had to scurry along as she followed him.

	However as Pascal opened the door and strode out, he began walking at such a brisk pace that Kaede had to scurry along as she followed him.

	"Do you have to walk so quickly?" The familiar girl said as she struggled to keep up. "I'm wearing heels!"		"Do you have to walk so quickly?" The familiar girl said as she struggled to keep up. "I'm wearing heels!"
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	"Who's Wiktor von Falkenhausen?" She then caught on. That's Cecylia's surname.		"Who's Wiktor von Falkenhausen?" She then caught on. That's Cecylia's surname.

	"He's Cecylia's father, my father's chief-of-staff and closest associate," Pascal's expression turned nostalgic. "Cecylia and I grew up together because of our fathers' close relationship. He is also known as the ''Accountant General', as the man is a logistics wizard."		"He's Cecylia's father, my father's chief-of-staff and closest associate," Pascal's expression turned nostalgic. "Cecylia and I grew up together because of our fathers' close relationship. He is also known as the ''Accountant General'', as the man is a logistics wizard."

	"There's a discipline of magic dedicated to logistics?" Kaede asked, which brought a faint chortle from Pascal.		"There's a discipline of magic dedicated to logistics?" Kaede asked, which brought a faint chortle from Pascal.
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	''Saying you 'agree' is an understatement,'' Kaede giggled to herself. Still, it certainly explained how Sylviane had no problems treating real girls as her personal playthings. ''She clearly believes she deserves it for all the stress and burdens she carries.''		''Saying you 'agree' is an understatement,'' Kaede giggled to herself. Still, it certainly explained how Sylviane had no problems treating real girls as her personal playthings. ''She clearly believes she deserves it for all the stress and burdens she carries.''

	Kaede couldn't even entirely disagree. There was a reason why ~~the~~ Lee Kuan Yew, the Father of Singapore, famously made the prime minister position of his tiny city-state the most highly paid head-of-state in the world. To encourage the best performance from national leaders, Lee argued that it was important to provide the best wages and materialistic comforts to satisfy a person's basic, physiological needs.		Kaede couldn't even entirely disagree. There was a reason why Lee Kuan Yew, the Father of Singapore, famously made the prime minister position of his tiny city-state the most highly paid head-of-state in the world. To encourage the best performance from national leaders, Lee argued that it was important to provide the best wages and materialistic comforts to satisfy a person's basic, physiological needs.

	Of course, the big difference here was that Sylviane never had to compete for her position. It had been handed to her by birth and circumstance.		Of course, the big difference here was that Sylviane never had to compete for her position. It had been handed to her by birth and circumstance.
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	"Wait..." Kaede stopped Pascal before he could walk out. "I need help taking off my dress."		"Wait..." Kaede stopped Pascal before he could walk out. "I need help taking off my dress."

	A huge grin spread across Pascal's lips as she said that.		A huge grin spread across Pascal's lips as she said that. Kaede immediately felt her cheek turn into red hot irons as she realized the implications of what she had just said.

	Kaede immediately felt her cheek turn into red hot irons as she realized the implications of what she had just said.

	"That's not what I meant!"		"That's not what I meant!"
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	"Just give me a moment. I am trying to remember how to cast this spell. It has been some time since I have used it."		"Just give me a moment. I am trying to remember how to cast this spell. It has been some time since I have used it."

	It took a minute before Pascal magically unwinded the laces. Meanwhile Kaede couldn't but pout as she suspected:		It took a minute before Pascal magically unwinded the laces. Meanwhile Kaede couldn't help but pout as she suspected:

	''The Princess did this on purpose, didn't she!?''		''The Princess did this on purpose, didn't she!?''
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	Kaede didn't find out until the next morning that after Pascal left her room, he went straight back to working. It was only after he finished processing the remaining stack of papers, which took until midnight, when he at last retired to bed.		Kaede didn't find out until the next morning that after Pascal left her room, he went straight back to working. It was only after he finished processing the remaining stack of papers, which took until past midnight, when he at last retired to bed.


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	Two days later, Kaede watched with an exhausted, yet proud smile as Sylviane looked through all of their finished work.		Two days later at dusk, Kaede watched with an exhausted, yet proud smile as Sylviane looked through all of their finished work.

	The final plan included scheduling time tables, manifests for every caravan and vessel, drafted orders for local nobles with action items to support the resupply effort, and more. The arrangements would require the mobilization of over 1,900 wagons of various sizes, all 39 of Rhin-Lotharingie's riverine barges and trade cogs, plus 65,000 personnel for labor, transport, and security. In total, over over 1,300,000 stones of food and forage, as well as 240,000 articles of winter clothing and other equipment, had to be collected across the country and sent south. Their recipients would be the tens of thousands of frontline troops in the Kingdom of Garona, as well as supply depots along the various reinforcing armies' marching routes.		The final plan included scheduling time tables, manifests for every caravan and vessel, drafted orders for local nobles with action items to support the resupply effort, and more. The arrangements would require the mobilization of over 1,900 wagons of various sizes, all 39 of Rhin-Lotharingie's riverine barges and trade cogs, plus 65,000 personnel for labor, transport, and security. In total, over over 1,300,000 stones of food and forage, as well as 240,000 articles of winter clothing and other equipment, had to be collected across the country and sent south. Their recipients would be the tens of thousands of frontline troops in the Kingdom of Garona, as well as supply depots along the various reinforcing armies' marching routes.
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	Sylviane giggled. "Don't celebrate yet. The job is only half done. What's next?"		Sylviane giggled. "Don't celebrate yet. The job is only half done. What's next?"

	"Next, we meet with your ~~Father~~ and go over the details," Pascal remarked. "With all the petty nobles we have to rope in to make this work, only his authority can ''guarantee'' its success."		"Next, we meet with your father and go over the details," Pascal remarked. "With all the petty nobles we have to rope in to make this work, only his authority can ''guarantee'' its success."

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:19, 2 November 2015
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	Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.		Suspending the blood flow to his right arm wasn't much better, but it bought him at least some time. Healing magic could always restore dying cells deprived of oxygen, as long as he didn't bleed out first.

	A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed most powerful healing spell he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.		A quick check proved that his ears were indeed bleeding, probably ruptured from the sonic blast that came with the rune-inscribed boulders. Rummaging through an extra-dimensional belt pouch, Pascal soon pulled out a set of ''Metabolic Restoration'' runes and glued them to his ears with a sticking spell. These two spellwords formed the most powerful healing spell he knew, capable of automatically repairing any tissue or organ that hadn't been ripped asunder.

	He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:		He then pushed himself back to sitting upright, finally clearing his eyes for a situational assessment of the disaster:
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	Be it entire steeds or shadowy barding covering beastly mounts, the final words of the battle cry tore away all lingering ether. They formed a stampede of spectral horses that caught ablaze as they charged ahead, ramming soldiers and trampling men before detonating deep within hostile formations.		Be it entire steeds or shadowy barding covering beastly mounts, the final words of the battle cry tore away all lingering ether. They formed a stampede of spectral horses that caught ablaze as they charged ahead, ramming soldiers and trampling men before detonating deep within hostile formations.

	A flank protected by housecarls might withstand such punishment, but these were merely average warriors of the north. Morale collapsed like a ~~deck~~ of cards as they broke and routed even before the first swordstaff struck.		A flank protected by housecarls might withstand such punishment, but these were merely average warriors of the north. Morale collapsed like a house of cards as they broke and routed even before the first swordstaff struck.

	Reynald actually felt saddened by that. Flying down on an ''Air Glide'' spell, he belonged with two-thirds of the company who fought as dragoons. They rode steeds for mobility but dismounted into melee as infantry. Other than the ''Black Lancers'', most phantom companies included only one platoon of armored gryphons for its best riders; and unlike Ariadne and Gerd, Reynald had no familiar mount of his own... not yet.		Reynald actually felt saddened by that. Flying down on an ''Air Glide'' spell, he belonged with two-thirds of the company who fought as dragoons. They rode steeds for mobility but dismounted into melee as infantry. Other than the ''Black Lancers'', most phantom companies included only one platoon of armored gryphons for its best riders; and unlike Ariadne and Gerd, Reynald had no familiar mount of his own... not yet.
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	Pascal replied by pointing his left hand at the southern skies.		Pascal replied by pointing his left hand at the southern skies.

	The Phantom company had reformed and rode up towards them. Their ~~commander~~ officer was clearly not interested in riding down the fleeing remnants of an army.		The Phantom company had reformed and rode up towards them. Their commanding officer was clearly not interested in riding down the fleeing remnants of an army.

	"Smart man, whomever is in charge over there," Pascal declared firmly. "Battle is not concluded as long as opportunities remain. This is our best chance to take Nordkapp with minimum bloodshed, now go!"		"Smart man, whomever is in charge over there," Pascal declared firmly. "Battle is not concluded as long as opportunities remain. This is our best chance to take Nordkapp with minimum bloodshed, now go!"
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	"First you send her off to fight other men, then you sulk about it?" the gray-haired healer in her 'fifties' asked.		"First you send her off to fight other men, then you sulk about it?" the gray-haired healer in her 'fifties' asked.

	"I feel almost like ~~the~~ housewife who just sent the husband off to war," Pascal muttered in barely more than a whisper. "She is leaving to risk her life again, and I am just sitting here uselessly watching."		"I feel almost like some peasant housewife who just sent the husband off to war," Pascal muttered in barely more than a whisper. "She is leaving to risk her life again, and I am just sitting here uselessly watching."

	"Says someone who probably just earned a star for his Knight's Cross? Men..." she remarked with a tone to accompany rolling eyes. "Now quit-yer-belly-aching and heal faster."		"Says someone who probably just earned a star for his Knight's Cross? Men..." she remarked with a tone to accompany rolling eyes. "Now quit-yer-belly-aching and heal faster."

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 3 March 2015
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	"Sir I'm just a medic..."		"Sir I'm just a medic..."

	"You see anyone better around? Now off to it or we will all be a head shorter by sunset!"		"You see anyone better around!? Now off to it or we will all be a head shorter by sunset!"

	The tall and lanky medic's eyes grew wide as saucers when he finally realized the severity of the situation. He then spun around and dashed off without another word.		The tall and lanky medic's eyes grew wide as saucers when he finally realized the severity of the situation. He then spun around and dashed off without another word.
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	One stumble against a hurdle and everything would come crashing down. She would then second-guess herself at every opportunity: ''Did I make a wrong decision? Do others agree with my approach?''		One stumble against a hurdle and everything would come crashing down. She would then second-guess herself at every opportunity: ''Did I make a wrong decision? Do others agree with my approach?''

	Yet even as she looked upon others for counsel and approval, only advisors with the truest integrity would voice their honest thoughts. After all, she was ~~a royal~~ -- someone far easier to flatter and praise than to correct.		Yet even as she looked upon others for counsel and approval, only advisors with the truest integrity would voice their honest thoughts. After all, she was royalty -- someone far easier to flatter and praise than to correct.

	Acclaims must be doubted, while criticisms embraced and examined. Such was the life of a wise ruler, or in her case -- crown heir.		Acclaims must be doubted, while criticisms embraced and examined. Such was the life of a wise ruler, or in her case -- crown heir.
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	Armies had signal officers for a reason: so commanders could focus on tactics and leadership rather than spending their time relaying orders.		Armies had signal officers for a reason: so commanders could focus on tactics and leadership rather than spending their time relaying orders.

	"<u>What is it</u>" she asked after mentally accepting the link with a visualized handshake.		"<u>What is it?</u>" she asked after mentally accepting the link with a visualized handshake.

	"<u>We are under attack by Skagen reinforcements. Entire force on brink of annihilation. I need help ''immediately''!</u>"		"<u>We are under attack by Skagen reinforcements. Entire force on brink of annihilation. I need help ''immediately''!</u>"
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	Pausing briefly to adjust her aim, she then tapped a burst at the giant overwhelming her guardian.		Pausing briefly to adjust her aim, she then tapped a burst at the giant overwhelming her guardian.

	At just a few paces of range, Kaede nailed the shot on the nobleman's left shoulder. ~~Some~~ of the liquid fire splashed off, landing on the Captain's right forearm and wrist...		At just a few paces of range, Kaede nailed the shot on the nobleman's left shoulder. But some of the liquid fire splashed off, landing on the Captain's right forearm and wrist...

	"aaaAAHHH!"		"aaaAAHHH!"
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	Under his orders, over two platoons of dismounted Reiters stopped to reach out with casting gloves. Nearly a hundred chromatic ether blasts soon lashed out, hurling into and beyond the trench line before detonating in a cacophony of thunderous fire.		Under his orders, over two platoons of dismounted Reiters stopped to reach out with casting gloves. Nearly a hundred chromatic ether blasts soon lashed out, hurling into and beyond the trench line before detonating in a cacophony of thunderous fire.

	Assuming the enemy had standard wards, such a basic elemental barrage of fireballs would kill and disable few. But battles were also a contest of morale~~, and the~~ chain of explosive shockwaves knocked countless foes off their feet, buying his forces valuable time.		Assuming the enemy had standard wards, such a basic elemental barrage of fireballs would kill and disable few. But battles were also a contest of morale. The chain of explosive shockwaves knocked countless foes off their feet, buying his forces valuable time.

	Better yet: there were now plenty of foes prone in pools of icy slush.		Better yet: there were now plenty of foes prone in pools of icy slush.
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	The Princess then brought herself back to standing upright... flying upright, anyhow.		The Princess then brought herself back to standing upright... flying upright, anyhow.

	"Should probably charge in before they recover... maybe," she ~~mutter~~ to nobody in particular.		"Should probably charge in before they recover... maybe," she muttered to nobody in particular.

	"I believe Your Highness already knows the answer to that," Mari answered without ever turning her eyes.		"I believe Your Highness already knows the answer to that," Mari answered without ever turning her eyes.
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	Sylviane delayed not a second further before launching into a charge across the air, followed wordlessly by her twelve guardian aces.		Sylviane delayed not a second further before launching into a charge across the air, followed wordlessly by her twelve guardian aces.

	"''Blaze Ignition!''" She called out. Not a spell, but the keywords to maximize her aura expansion, and consequently that of her merged phoenix ~~Hauteclere~~.		"''Blaze Ignition!''" She called out. Not a spell, but the keywords to maximize her aura expansion, and consequently that of her merged phoenix Hauteclaire.

	Blue-white flames poured off her hair and wings as her armigers formed up into a chevron. Their enchanted capes were woven with embedded phoenix feathers, acting as focus and intensifier in unison.		Blue-white flames poured off her hair and wings as her armigers formed up into a chevron. Their enchanted capes were woven with embedded phoenix feathers, acting as focus and intensifier in unison.
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	Rings of low clouds could still be seen in the skies above, leaving no doubts about the blast waves that cleared the local weather.		Rings of low clouds could still be seen in the skies above, leaving no doubts about the blast waves that cleared the local weather.

	The detonations had also signaled that the battle had reached its climax. ~~Whomever~~ in command had already brought out the heavy artillery, and von Hammerstein couldn't wait to join in.		The detonations had also signaled that the battle had reached its climax. Whoever was in command had already brought out the heavy artillery, and von Hammerstein couldn't wait to join in.

	"Swerve right! We'll gut their belly and take the bacon! Three volleys fly-by! Then caracole and charge!"		"Swerve right! We'll gut their belly and take the bacon! Three volleys fly-by! Then caracole and charge!"
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	A flank protected by housecarls might withstand such punishment, but these were merely average warriors of the north. Morale collapsed like a deck of cards as they broke and routed even before the first swordstaff struck.		A flank protected by housecarls might withstand such punishment, but these were merely average warriors of the north. Morale collapsed like a deck of cards as they broke and routed even before the first swordstaff struck.

	Reynald actually felt saddened by that. Flying down on an ''Air Glide'' spell, he belonged with two-~~third~~ of the company who fought as dragoons. They rode steeds for mobility but dismounted into melee as infantry. Other than the ''Black Lancers'', most phantom companies included only one platoon of armored gryphons for its best riders; and unlike Ariadne and Gerd, Reynald had no familiar mount of his own... not yet.		Reynald actually felt saddened by that. Flying down on an ''Air Glide'' spell, he belonged with two-thirds of the company who fought as dragoons. They rode steeds for mobility but dismounted into melee as infantry. Other than the ''Black Lancers'', most phantom companies included only one platoon of armored gryphons for its best riders; and unlike Ariadne and Gerd, Reynald had no familiar mount of his own... not yet.

	He began another ''Phantom Steed'' conjuration even before he landed. It took under fifteen seconds for a proper Knight Phantom to summon a steed -- less than a quarter of the time it took for most mages. But fifteen seconds still left him quite far behind his friends.		He began another ''Phantom Steed'' conjuration even before he landed. It took under fifteen seconds for a proper Knight Phantom to summon a steed -- less than a quarter of the time it took for most mages. But fifteen seconds still left him quite far behind his friends.
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	But the moment she met his turquoise gaze, he stopped her with a raised hand before she could even utter a word.		But the moment she met his turquoise gaze, he stopped her with a raised hand before she could even utter a word.

	"Take your armigers and assault the gates, Sylv," he voiced through the stern mask of leadership. "Captain Horn's bombardment had destroyed their attempt to sally, and their relief force had been ~~destroyed~~ in plain sight of the walls. If we strike now and seize the gateway, maybe the garrison will accept an offer for their surrender."		"Take your armigers and assault the gates, Sylv," he voiced through the stern mask of leadership. "Captain Horn's bombardment had destroyed their attempt to sally, and their relief force had been annihilated in plain sight of the walls. If we strike now and seize the gateway, maybe the garrison will accept an offer for their surrender."

	The air did reek of burnt human flesh. Sylviane wondered just how many ''hundreds'' had died at the narrow gates to spread the smell so far and wide.		The air did reek of burnt human flesh. Sylviane wondered just how many ''hundreds'' had died at the narrow gates to spread the smell so far and wide.