Schmidt
Adventurer
Lord of the Bargain
All for one, one for all, every man for himself!
Posts: 1,330
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Post by Schmidt on Feb 23, 2015 6:55:49 GMT -8
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The sun had finally set on a long, painful day. Prince Chartres sat at the head of the table inside the Royal Castle’s Great Hall. The room, and most of the castle, was quite barren. After the funeral procession of Queen Galainir, the knights of the faction leaders had begun taking down every sigil and marking of the wicked Queen present throughout the castle. As a result, the castle was quite empty and lacking in any form of décor. There were no dragon knights or Queen's officials to be found. The castle itself was now in the possession of the united factions of Roawia.
The door to the conference room burst open, and in strode a rather ill-tempered Triphian, leaving his Chief Advisor Domnall in the hallway outside the door.
“Could this matter have not waited until the morn?” The highlord of Lenfald wearily asked, making his way to the nearest vacant seat.
“This is no way to address Roawia’s future king, Triphian,” smirked Prince Jarius, seated to the right of Chartres.
Triphian now stared intently at the three of them, suddenly aware that key discussions had taken place without his knowledge...and behind his back. "I was unaware Roawia had selected a king. I have been under the impression the last true king was murdered by a Loreesi lapdog.”
Jarius shot a glare across the table to Triphian, but was unable to retort as Jarl Eindrik, seated at the far end, burst in, “Please, my brothers! Put aside thy malice and let us listen to why the lad has summoned us.”
The air was incredibly tense, as were the stares exchanged between Lenfald and Loreos’ leaders, but both quieted down.
“Thank you, Jarl Eindrik.” Chartres gratefully offered.
“Tell us now, lad,” the Jarl began, “why we are summoned this late in the eve.”
“Very well then,” Chartres confidently started, “I do not know where to begin so I shall just present the matter at hand.”
The room grew eerily quiet as the eyes of the faction leaders narrowed in watching the Prince.
“I intend to marry Princess Emmaline.”
Reactions varied. Triphian seemed shocked, but remained silent as he thought through the consequences of such a union. Prince Jarius nodded at Chartres and agreed, "Well done lad! The joining of royal bloodlines assures legitimacy."
Even the Jarl himself, had a hard time hiding a sheepish grin beneath his black beard.
The three now looked to Triphian for his reaction. He slowly leaned forward and asked, "Tis such a poor decision I am wondering if this is a joke?"
“Twas no joke, my lord Triphian.” Chartres seriously replied. “My heart is set in such matters.”
Triphian’s eyes narrowed as he studied the confident, young prince. He rose to his feet, and the tension in the hall rose as he did. "This is the daughter of a powerful witch who seduced our people with magic charms, promised them paradise with her lips but once in control delivered tyranny, death and destruction. The idea of joining oneself to such a line, of producing offspring of it and allowing such influence over all of Roawia is utter nonsense."
“This is no nonsense," Chartres passionately explained, "Emmaline is a fair princess and an honest woman. Her blood is of the royal blood that…”
The Falling Out, by Sir Caelan
Triphian could barely contain his anger as he interjected, “Rubbish! Such a bloodline slaughtered Roawia by the thousands! Tis the bloodline of awicked, deceiptful monster and you are now allowing yourself to be charmed just as Roawia once did..."
“Emmaline is not of her mother!” Chartres, youthful temper raising, retorted. “She had no part in her mother’s wayward doings!”
"Fruit doesn't fall far from it's tree," Triphian, face red, now yelled to Chartres. “Only a young fool would fall so fast for the seed of a witch whose only legacy is destruction!"
“Triphian, please, stay thyself!” The Jarl barked, rising to his feet.
Triphian’s lips had gone dry. He looked around the room momentarily, shocked at the thought of such foolishness. So much suffering had been caused by this young man, the Highlord thought. The Loreesi had taken in Chartres him and sheltered him, and raised him up to be sympathetic to the desert dwellers and against his own faction. His very name had been the cause of a civil war in Roawia, and Loreos’ unnecessary aggression against Lenfald had caused the death and suffering of thousands. Chartres was shipped off to the frozen norths, where the fairminded Jarl Eindrik himself had become intertwined in the boys fate, and was now supportive of his cause. And this same boy, stood before men, and dared to say he intended to marry the daughter of one of Roawia’s greatest enemies, and make her his Queen?
“My lord Triphian,” Chartres’ regained his composure, as he brought forth his case to the Lenfel leader, “I believe I have the support of both Loreos and Garheim in this matter. My life’s purpose has been brought together to lead Roawia from the pains and sufferings of war, to a time of peace and prosperity. I need someone at my side. Princess Emmaline is of royal blood, this cannot be disputed. Her ties to King Alphundus himself are far closer than any of ours. She is a legitimate heir.”
"Oh that scratches the itch of the Loreesi nobility certainly enough," Triphian stated with surety. Regaining his own composure, he now made his case. "They will profit immensely from a solid bloodline and lay claim to many things, but what of the people, oh Prince? What of the people who you supposedly will lead, who feed the nobility with their sweat and toil? What will they think of such a union, after their seduction and subsequent persecution by your apparent sweetheart's own mother? Or does their collective opinion not matter to one who would rule them?"
Jarius, upon hearing these words, leaned closer to Chartres and urged, "There is no need to let this hothead dictate your marriage arrangements. Follow your heart, Chartres."
“I intend to marry Princess Emmaline.” Chartres boldly stated to Triphian, settling the matter. “I intend to make her my wife. I intend to have her my Queen.”
Triphian stared deeply into Chartres’ eyes, and saw such a determination as he had never seen before in this young man.
“I have one thing to ask of thee Triphian,” Chartres solemenly spoke, laying all of his cards on the table. “As your future king, I ask for your trust and support concerning my judgment. Will you give it to me?”
The hall fell silent. Triphian returned Chartres’ stare with a one more determined, his eyes as cold as the most remote corners of Garheim itself. Chartres' heart was settled for a certainty in these matters. Prince Jarius encouraged Chartres to pursue this path, and the Jarl had not reprimanded the young prince (a clear indication he was not too terribly concerned with the matter, Triphian thought). Triphian closed his eyes as if wishing none of this had happened. But when he opened them again he now saw clearly what he must do. It was time for a decision; one that would determine everything, all their futures, perhaps forever.
"A true king," he stated with authority in his voice, "knows that personal sacrifice is part and parcel of his fate." He held forth his left hand off to one side, "True love." Then he held out his right, "True king. It is clear which one you have chosen."
"In my land there is a saying," he continued in quiet but disappointed anger, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. We in Lenfald will not be fooled again by the witchcraft-empowered charms of a would-be Queen. And we will not follow the fool who follows her." He turned suddenly on his heel and made for the doors.
"How DARE you...!!!" Jarius now shot to his feet with an indignant air.
The Jarl merely planted his face into the palms of his hands muttering, "Not again..."
To Chartres' great credit, he controlled his temper in spite of what he saw as a grievous insult to his judgment, and called to Triphian, "High Lord of Lenfald, I entreat you to reconsider..."
Ignoring him, Triphian called in a loud voice to his advisor outside, "Domnall! Prepare the ships,” Triphian, composure regained, ordered the attendant. “We depart immediately.” Just before leaving he turned once more to them and growled, "Send any army towards glorious Lenfald, and I will tear your kingdoms apart, limb from limb." He slammed the doors behind him with finality.
Once outside, he and Domnall marched forcefully down the hallway toward the castle gates. "Send word immediately to all of Lenfald: fortify and prepare to defend yourselves once more. And expel all Loreesi loyal to Jarius from our land, but leave the Garhim be. They are not our natural enemies." Back in the conference Great Hall, the three men stood, still trying to piece together everything that had just transpired.
“I appreciate thy faith and support, gentlemen, but I cannot be crowned king.” Chartres hopelessly spoke. “I fear such a move would cause Triphian to declare sovereignity and war.”
“Then let him do so Chartres.” Jarius warmly assured the prince, clasping him on the shoulder. “None of us desire this of Lenfald, but Roawia is ready to crumble. She desperately needs a king.”
“Lorean is right,” the Jarl grieved. “Our beloved land needs a ruler. Worry not for Triphian. He means the best for Lenfald but not necessarily the best for Roawia. We will guide thee Chartres. Above all, a king’s heart must be right, and yours is, as you've just displayed. In Garheim, we delight in honor, and you have shown much. We trust your judgment regarding this princess. You have not led us astray thus far. You will make a fine king my boy.”
“And what of Triphian?” Chartres wearily asked. “What shall become of him?”
“It is of no doubt, Lenfald will prosper immensely when the backstabber is finally gone.” Jarius, hands behind his back, calmly responded. “Know this, regardless of Triphian’s response, you have our unwavering support. We will aid thee to whatever end. If he truly separates from Roawia, he is an enemy of the crown and has committed treason.”
“But my lord Jarius… such a crime,” Chartres sorrowfully stated, “is punishable by death.”
Jarius Lorean narrowed his eyes, as he looked first to the Jarl, who nodded his head, then to Chartres.
“So be it, my King,” he gravely responded. “So be it.”
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Lego3364
Lenfald
Gotta love Cracklink
Posts: 574
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Post by Lego3364 on Feb 23, 2015 7:06:28 GMT -8
Wait, if there is no King until Triphian agrees, Than how could he be committing treason? And this could get interesting.
It's great to see Triphian explaining his grumpiness for once.
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str0ngbad
Garheim
Building for the next GC. Aren't you?
Posts: 274
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Post by str0ngbad on Feb 23, 2015 7:37:21 GMT -8
The Jarl apparently lost an important part of his brain to that arrow. I suppose this Garhim should be preparing to assist Lenfald. There were rumors that Mark of Falworth was at odds with Jarius, right? So is there more coming soon? Great work you guys. You've gone and made a fine mess of things.
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SpearralSquid
Garheim
Green is not a creative color.
Posts: 1,049
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Post by SpearralSquid on Feb 23, 2015 8:07:26 GMT -8
Very interesting.... I wonder if the next GC will be about bringing war upon Lenfald. Anyway, interested to see what the exciting update is!
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Post by Sir Caedric Moore on Feb 23, 2015 8:31:16 GMT -8
Another great installment! I love the characterization of each Lord and Lord-to-be; it makes the story more character-driven and believable. "I am of a mind to agree with Triphian, at least on the grounds of Princess Emmaline being potentially untrustworthy, but I am also a Garhim, and honor must be proven. I say give the lass a chance and let her true colors show - she may be truly good at heart,as Chatres seems to be. Then again, if her colors are black and red, well, we're back to square one I still do not fully trust Prince Chatres either, as I still feel him too closely tied to Loreos, despite his time in each country, but I am loyal to my Jarl, first and foremost, and as such I respect his decisions and reasoning behind backing the lad; we must give both of these youths the benefit of the doubt." - Sir Caedric Moore, Captain of the Valeguard
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Lego3364
Lenfald
Gotta love Cracklink
Posts: 574
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Post by Lego3364 on Feb 23, 2015 8:54:06 GMT -8
The Jarl apparently lost an important part of his brain to that arrow. I suppose this Garhim should be preparing to assist Lenfald. There were rumors that Mark of Falworth was at odds with Jarius, right? So is there more coming soon? Great work you guys. You've gone and made a fine mess of things. I know, this could get really interesting. Jarius Attacks Lenfald, then the Heroic Mark of Falworth intercedes and side with us? Guess we will just have to see how this plays out.
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Post by Andared on Feb 23, 2015 9:00:07 GMT -8
Fantastic installment!
Triphian seemed far more like himself, and the traits of all three lords were displayed brilliantly in this latest chapter. Excellent build, Caelan, and another exciting twist at the end!
It seems as if there's been nothing but war recently, but I must admit, this is a pretty exciting prospect. As a Lenfel, I stand by my High Lord's decision without reserve. Chartres should not have even been crowned king in such manner, and I have little loyalty to a boy who would be so easily swayed by his affections. He is young, and we can forgive him that, but if he is to be king, he can no longer use his youth as an excuse. His responsibility is to Roawia. Not a wayward heart.
Lenfald has beaten back the tides of Loreesi forces before, and we can do it again, if need be. I wish for peace between our kingdoms, but any soldier who is willing to follow the orders of a man as reckless and bloodthirsty as Jarius will receive a quick death, and nothing more.
To the Loreesi, I pose this question: Are you seriously willing to continue to allow this tyrannical despot (who appears to have estranged one of your most glorious combatants, his own nephew) to dictate your fates? Your people are tired, and you have much to rebuild, as do the rest of us. Yet your leader has shown no thought or concern for your plight. He has abandoned reason in an attempt to grab more and more power. Shall he stop when he has achieved the crown itself? If so, then the only height to which he will have risen is that height that was granted by the heap of dead bodies beneath his feet.
I beseech you to rebel against your Prince. Convince him of his madness and stop this before we suffer even more bloodshed. Have you not seen enough? Is power of such surpassing value to you that it supersedes even the want of hearth and home? Jarius is arrogant, and he shows no care for you. Your lives are meaningless to him. You must either convince him to change his mind, or overthrow him. He is steering your country down a path of destruction.
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Post by Lord Rolf Thrandr on Feb 23, 2015 10:15:46 GMT -8
Even though I am a Garhim, I side with High Lord Triphian here. Princess Emmaline, daughter of that wicked witch who seduced Roawia, is not to be trusted. Chartres has shown he has courage, yes, but he allowed his attraction to Emmaline take precedence over a wise decision and, however polite he was, he refused to listen to Triphian's council. Chartres' decision shows he is unfit to be King.
"Chartres is a fool to not listen to Triphian, and I am gravely distraught to hear the Jarl plans to go along with this madness. It seems he lost a great deal more then his eye when he took an arrow to the head...
But when war breaks out I will not side with this naive boy, that is for sure."
- Rolf Thrandr, Lord of Windswept Keep
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The Brothers of Torith
Roawian Overseer
Loreos Faction Liason
Wondering the northern plains of Loreos
Posts: 165
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Post by The Brothers of Torith on Feb 23, 2015 13:09:28 GMT -8
not again... And the story just keeps getting better, I cant wait to see where this goes and hopefully Triphian will come to his senses before another war breaks out. So no time traveling?
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josdu
Outlaws
Marooned on the Island of Lost Souls
Posts: 1,176
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Post by josdu on Feb 23, 2015 13:10:56 GMT -8
Ha, I'm liking what a lot of you said, and I'll go through the leaders actions and critique them I think : Chartres is indeed unwise, perhaps naive is a better word for it, a king (or future king) should not allow his decisions to be swayed by love at all. He should, IMO, if interested in the gal first find out her mettle and then make such an important decision, even if he weren't a king to be, but such a decisions based on love and his gut is madness for such a one. Plus he needs a haircut! As for Lorean, he has much influence with the lad and stands to gain much by his kingship. As far as he goes I mostly agree with Andared. The Jarl? Yea, he should be smarter then that! That girl is not to be trusted! And Triphian, shouldn't have got mad, that was impolitic, but I totally agree with him! Also how can they crown Chartres king? Don't they need Triphians agreement? Well... awesome update, well written story too! Can't wait for more!
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Lego3364
Lenfald
Gotta love Cracklink
Posts: 574
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Post by Lego3364 on Feb 23, 2015 13:22:16 GMT -8
not again... And the story just keeps getting better, I cant wait to see where this goes and hopefully Triphian will come to his senses before another war breaks out. So no time traveling? Come to his senses? Jarius is the one who needs his senses. Following a possibly teenager who's love (at first site) is the Daughter of almost everyone's enemy? Wanting to marry her cause she shunned him? Does she want to marry him? What does she think about it? Not trying to start a flame war just stating. The sun must be getting to Jarius' head.
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Gavin of Lockwood
Outlaws
"Crazy? I was crazy once. They put me in a blue room."
Posts: 152
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Post by Gavin of Lockwood on Feb 23, 2015 13:24:38 GMT -8
Oh no... as soon as the war with Galanir was over, we go right back to civil war. Though, I suppose it was inevitable. I mean, Triphian has some serious anger management issues and I'm not entirely sure wanting to marry Emmaline was the greatest choice Chartres could make, but who knows how this'll turn out. At least it doesn't affect me too much.
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The Brothers of Torith
Roawian Overseer
Loreos Faction Liason
Wondering the northern plains of Loreos
Posts: 165
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Post by The Brothers of Torith on Feb 23, 2015 13:38:41 GMT -8
not again... And the story just keeps getting better, I cant wait to see where this goes and hopefully Triphian will come to his senses before another war breaks out. So no time traveling? Come to his senses? Jarius is the one who needs his senses. Following a possibly teenager who's love (at first site) is the Daughter of almost everyone's enemy? Wanting to marry her cause she shunned him? Does she want to marry him? What does she think about it? Not trying to start a flame war just stating. The sun must be getting to Jarius' head. Hey I never said I agreed, but does Triphian really want to go to war with both Loreos and Garheim think about the loss? Stating your opinion is one thing but storming out of the room and risking war is a completely different thing. If I were him I would state my opinion and then keep my mouth shut and deal with it and if everything goes well for Roawia and Chartres that would be good and if everything doesn't go as planned I would still be there to say I told you so, not committing treason and possibly starting another brutal war. After all all 4 factions are recovering from a war in the first place should you really risk another?
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Lego3364
Lenfald
Gotta love Cracklink
Posts: 574
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Post by Lego3364 on Feb 23, 2015 13:41:51 GMT -8
Come to his senses? Jarius is the one who needs his senses. Following a possibly teenager who's love (at first site) is the Daughter of almost everyone's enemy? Wanting to marry her cause she shunned him? Does she want to marry him? What does she think about it? Not trying to start a flame war just stating. The sun must be getting to Jarius' head. Hey I never said I agreed, but does Triphian really want to go to war with both Loreos and Garheim think about the loss? Stating your opinion is one thing but storming out of the room and risking war is a completely different thing. If I were him I would state my opinion and then keep my mouth shut and deal with it and if everything goes well for Roawia and Chartres that would be good and if everything doesn't go as planned I would still be there to say I told you so, not committing treason and possibly starting another brutal war. After all all 4 factions are recovering from a war in the first place should you really risk another? I do see your point, but is Following a lunatic who is being led on by a lunatic the best option?
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Post by Sir Caelan Munro on Feb 23, 2015 13:55:15 GMT -8
Wait, if there is no King until Triphian agrees, Than how could he be committing treason? And this could get interesting. What a great point!!! If there is no guiding document, if there is no current king...it isn't treason, at least from Triphian's point of view. Great thinking Eolhelm, perhaps you can be our Faction's lawyer! And, whoever said Triphian wants to go to war? Was that in the storyline? = No. But if you re-read the last part with Jarius and understand his intent, not preparing for the inevitable would be suicide.
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