(1874-07-13) A Plea for Unity
A Plea for Unity
Summary: Crown Princess Atreis goes to New Kashmir to fill in the leaders there of what she knows from her travels south. The information is bleak and she came baring unwanted gifts.
Date: 07-13-2018
Related: Any Vengeance related logs, They Came on the Waves, Vengeance Pt III: Battles of the Northern Ocean, Fog of War
NPCs: None
Players:
Atreis  Sylvain  Mercy  Antina  Augustin  Jasmina  Vemmorn  

War Room
The War Room in New Kashimr.
1874-07-13

The Blue Cavaliers come into the War Room, settling along the exits and windows, it would seem they're not taking chances with their charge. It's late and the moon hangs high, nearly at its zenith, as a cool breeze from the coast comes whistling through the open windows. Some of the gathered leaders in the room don't seem too pleased by the hour, but when one is waiting on royalty, one does not complain too awful much. As more filter in and get settled, the Blue Cavaliers ever watchful, Atreis enters the room to the usual fanfare, "Her highness the Crown Princess, Sir Atreis de Greyl al'Ramar, of Aequor." Her armor, not ornamental, is clearly well wrought in steel, a work of art for those that are armor snobs. Every clasp and rivet is perfectly placed and polished, she wears a royal tabard over top and it looks to have seen some serious travel in recent days, even some smoke and ash smudges here and there. She doesn't wear a diadem, her diadem is her helm that is currently tucked neatly under her arm as her cool gaze travels the room, sizing up the leadership here in New Kashmir.

Alas if the princess wished for formlity, she should've gone to a ducal house, Antina is crowded around the table with several other captains as she examines the map and mutters something now or again in note. She does of course notice Atreis enter and offer her a nod, but she's clearly not inclined to interrupt her work completely. "Your Highness, welcome, i'm afraid i'm a bit busy to bow, but i'm not too busy to inform you, my mother should be along shortly," she offers with a grin up to the royal before her eyes glide back down to her work.

Following after his sister, Sylvain enters, nodding to those he knows from his previous visits. He's properly introduced by one of those heralds as well, but keeps quiet as he looks around, expression a bit thoughtful, but then again, it often is.

Augustin stands ready, he isn't phased by the time, nor is he apparently phased by much of the recent horror that has stricken his beloved Kingdom. Just a grim countenance etched upon Augustin's weathered and wrinkled face, which when all is said and done, is no different to any other time. Awaiting the arrival of Her Highness, the ancient mariner Lord stands firm and proudly so, adorned as he is in his scale armour, blue sash, and oilskin long coat. With the Princess' arrival, the long-serving Captain bows stiffly if deeply, before narrowing his gaze to eye those present. Beside him stands a youngish male clad in much the same manner, scale armour, oilskin longcoat, blue sash, and a wrapped item about a couple or so feet or more in length that is held cradled within both arms. While a few more staid crewmembers of the Redoubt stand about their Captain, looking about at all those gathered, having bowed and paid their respects to the Princess accordingly. After a moments pause, Augustin simply states while eying Antina, "There is always time to pay ones respects to your betters, whelp."

Jasmina is dressed down for herself, wearing a simple dress instead of one of her fancy gowns. But while the garment itself is less elaborate it still bears the colors commonly found within her wardrobe, black trimmed in silver and purple. When the princess arrives she bobs a slight curtsey from where she's standing against one wall, allowing the military types to have access to the war map without her being in the way.

For his part Vemmorn is doing a decent enough job of staying out of the way as the officers all bustle too and fro. He moves a few feet to the left when the blue cavalier's come in, giving them a most interested look, before going back to fiddling with the crown he's playing with. As Atreis is announced he straightens, smoothing down the coat of his Rikton naval uniform, and waits to see if everyone else is going to bow or not. If even a quarter of the folks here should bow then he follows suit, otherwise he just leans back, plays with his coin, and watches.

The Blue Cavaliers do get some looks from the Arcadian Knights opposite them, though the latter knights much more nautical than other knights within Aequor. Their leader, though never knighted, still, a leige, enters as well, her own herald giving out her FULL title with a practiced and steady breath.

"Her Excellency Countess Mercedes Aria Juli d'Juliano of Arcadia, Admiral of the Zephyr Legion, Vassal of his Royal Majesty, King Marius al'Ramar of the Kingdom of Aequor.

Mercy walks in in her uniform, weapons on her belt and a black velvet folder tucked under her arm stuffed with parchment papers. "Your Highness, other gathered nobles and knights, Aequor is in a state of emergancy, one that even our full naval might wouldent have been able to quell." She starts wit hthe most dire of news as she sets her folder down and takes out a parchment. tossing said parchent right into the middle of her map, which covers a huge round table complete with ship and troop figurines. "And my heir is not a whelp captain, war or no, we can of course talk matters like sailors if you wish to continue your assertion." She says to the old sea dog. Then back to the matter at hand. "One Hundred and eighty ships came from whitehall, and quite a few were the long ships. i manage to sink one and cripple a few more, though, we were out numbered six to one, at best we could have taken out sixy, with a complete armada loss on our side."

A raise of a brow is given by Atreis to Antina at the lack of formality, and a quirk of lip when Augustin speaks, but she brushes it off to address the room. Then claps her mouth shut as Mercy speaks, taken aback by the pomp and ceremony she brings with her. She blinks at her words but continues, preferring to get her own information out first. "I have been riding south after the retreat of the royal fleet," her voice raises over the din to quiet those in attendance, "on request from my father to get the state of our great lands. I can tell you, good sirs," she says as her gaze slides across the room noting some noble ladies in attendance, "and ladies, that things are not looking all too well. You might well wonder why I'm here instead of making battle plans to the north. We have found that, rather annoyingly, the raiders from White Hall have been killing every and all moongazers they see. Before they hit land, they released various birds of prey, falcons mainly, to hunt and kill our valuable birds. What wasn't taken by air, was shot down by arrow. We have heard nothing from any location on the coast." Atreis lets that fact sink in, and lets the flury of conversation reach it's peak before rising a hand to quell the anger. "I need to hear from you all what has transpired here and what you have done to protect yourselves, lay on me your concerns and fears before I tell you all that I know." The Crown Princess takes a seat, raised higher than all chairs in the room to denote a position of authority, and waves to a scribe to start taking minutes of the meeting.

Antina rolls her eyes at Augustin, she's not truly an adult yet and that youthful arrogance shows, but for all her immaturity she says no more about anything to do with betters, though she does arch an eyebrow when the princess actually has to sit on the highest seat, still royas'll be royals. "It's as simple as it sounds, one hundred and eighty ships came down from whitehall, my mother and her fellow captains were the one to encounter them so i'll leave her to give you the gory details of what we know,' she states bluntly before going right back to whatever it is she's working on."

"When she ceases behaving as such, I may change my assertion." Augustin replies gruffly and without a hint of apology as he moves along with his representatives to eye the map and the various pieces of information contained therein. A glance is given Atreis, and then his gaze flits to those others about the room, "Though had perhaps our full naval might been brought to bear, perhaps we wouldn't be…" Augustin pauses for a beat, "Here." A brief glance is given the room, before looking to Jasmina, a deferential nod given, and then the Princess once more, "First those savages my Squadron encountered last month, and now these savages. Proving if ever that the only good White Haller is a dead White haller."

"My scouts inform me thatt they are moving up the rivers within Evalle, it's our weakest province since the west war, still with problems of bandits. His Grace, Cesare al'Callenta was dealing with the problem, but we've no word from him either." Mercy says as she picks up the parchment and hands it to a paige to hand to the princess. "That's my current count of sailors, marines, knights and ships we have at the moment." She looks to the room and removes her hat, blonde hair flowing back as her one green eyes gazes across the room, the other covered by an eyepatch. "Our next move will of course, depend on his majesty's word, but, I do have a semblance of a plan."

Sylvain looks between the people present as he listens, offering polite nods, before he frowns as he listens to what's being said, moving to find himself a seat as well. While he's not an expert of the naval side of things, but when he has something to contribute, he'll do so.

"With our navy having taken such a hard hit, it will undoubtedly be just a matter of time before they make landfall and make with an attack on our people." Jasmina's voice, quiet as it is, is unwaivering, steady. "When that time comes, I will send what I can of my house's troops to join the fight." She frowns at that, knowing she has already sent 500 of her soldiers to fight in Paras. She is not sure how many more she could spare without leaving Rhone under-defended.

Antina was perfectly calm and collected, but Augustin clearly can't let things go, and while she could /almost/ forgive his continued insolence in /her/ home, well the white hall comment touches a nerve. "And when you cease behaving like an ass I will stop calling you an ass, this is not your home and as the heir to this house I can and will have you thrown out should you insist on antagonizing me, also my fiance is a white haller, so not all of them are bad," though the first words are stern, mentions of Beowulf bring a small smile to her face and she merely glances back down to the table to continue her study of the map and the many figures placed upon it.

Vemmorn flicks the coin he's been playing with from one hand to the other where its simply bounced along the back of his knuckles even as he glances between at Antina, Augustin and Mercy with an amused little smirk. Augustin's word of savages gets his full attention briefly and he studies the old Captain with obvious curiosity. News of Antina being betrothed to a white haller turns his attention back that way. How curious.

"Silence!" Mercy says with authority as she looks to the both of them. "There are people in danger, that takes precedence." She says to the both of them, old and young. "Antina, stand down or be releived of post."

"Indeed," the Princess says of Augustin's feelings on White Hallers. "As for the ships, I fought them first and had to retreat back home with whatever I could salvage. I need to know what's going on with the lands. Now. What do you know, have you scouted to see what they were up to?" Her eyes slide to Mercy with that question before turning her gaze to Jasmina. "I appreciate your commitment and loyalty to the crown and realm. These things are not easily forgotten but easily remembered." Her gaze snaps once more to Antina, "I think it's entirely unproductive to hollar at a man who does nothing but speak the truth. I do not have time to waste on frivolous arguments."

Then With a curt nod to Mercy for the calming of her child, and a look of concern for the people around, Atreis raises her voice to speak once more. "I am sad to announce I cannot stay for too long and must away tonight to head further south and try to substantiate some rumors I have heard," she sighs lightly while fingering a piece of chain mail. "What I am willing to report I have heard so far, and have checked personally from afar if the cases allow before coming here," she adds with an edge, "is that d'Orianne has been taken, there is no word on the nobility there, no one fleeing could tell me either, and d'Bellet has been sacked. Until I can get more people into these places, which I cannot supply a timeline on until I get the entire picture, that is all the information I may get on that."

Looking around the room Atreis waves for a box to be brought in and continues to speak as the page struggles with the fine piece of craftsmanship.

"Furthermore, any of you that wish to have more pride than wits, do take a look at the head in the box and heed this generous warning." The head of Duke James al'Morena lays in a velvet cushioned box, a solid warning seemingly from Reist. "You are no good to the kingdom if you are dead, this is the head of Duke James al'Morena," Atreis sniffs distastefully and waves for the box to be closed,"Alasce has fallen to Reist. We are unable to get close enough for an accurate count of what forces he has, all I know is he wanted us aware of the fall of Alasce. We are unable to know the amount of damage he has already done, due to the moongazers with such reports being taken down and those areas now, seemingly, over run. I will do my best to find out all there is to know."

Augustin looks to Antina and snorts dismissively, "Marrying a White Haller? By the One, the depths to which we sink. Watering down a bloodline with treacherous blood? Are we to entrust our command to those so intertwined with our enemies?" Though he doesn't stop there, his gaze flits to Mercy with ease, "And perhaps handing out high ranks within the Aequorian Royal Navy to foreigners, foreigners whose names seem have a decidedly barbaric ring to them, is unwise…" Augustin growls, his voice rising sharply as he rests a hand upon a braced hand cannon, "How are we to know if the plans before and here now were and will not be immediately sent winging their way to the ears of this barbaric plague. Those who consort with barbarians…" The ancient Captain's eyes flit from Mercy to Antina, drifting easily about the room and those assembled naval sorts, "… are likely to be in league with them, knowingly or unknowingly, one cannot surmise. Blinded by love perhaps?" The rasp of the old Lord's voice rings out, each word enunciated crisply and sharply, with a single digit jabbing the very air before him with each point made, "Had our plans not been known by our apparent barbarian allies." There is indeed a snort of utter derision, "Would things have turned out differently? Would there have been a smaller enemy fleet? As opposed to one sent to crush all that the Admiral raised? That we can never know, nor can we know the true sympathies of these apparent allies. They aren't Aequorian, therefore they can't be trusted."

Sylvain looks between the people as they argue and otherwise speak, nodding at Mercy as she silences them. He frowns at his sister's report, nodding a little, at the reports given. "I will take part in whatever of the scouting and such that's needed," he offers to Atreis, before he pauses as he looks to that box. "What the…?" A brief breath, as he looks to al'Morena's head, muttering something under his breath.

"SLANDER!" Mercy says as she slams down her folder. "I'll take your croaking no longer you old fool. You DARE to question my loyalty to the crown, well question it with a blade in your hand, I chalenge you to a duel!" She says as she places a hand on her hilt.

Antina isn't chastised by her mother in the least bit, not even her threats. "If you will let a man insult you and yours, then by all means, releive me of post, I am a knight and I no longer have to take blows by you or him quietly," she states, though she at least has the decency to say it under her voice, while augustin rants and raves like a mad man and her fiery gaze goes right back to him. "Who I marry is my buisiness and my mothers, it has nothing to do with al'mordan," she states calmly but then he speaks of loyalty and had her mother not beaten her to it, antina herself may have done so, but instead she just watches the chaos with lips pressed.

Vemmorn takes a few steps forward so that he might see the grisly contents of the box. "A duke she said?" He mumbles to Sylvain, who he happens to have ended up nearish. He looks over at the d'Juliano's with a surprised look on his face. "Is that normal?"

Sylvain is given a soft smile and a nod by Atreis, "that would be of great help, I really appreciate it," as Augustin spits his clear hatred for the state of this place, and it's personal navy. A heavy sigh comes from the Princess at the outbreaks of young and old. "Enough!"Atreis barks, her command voice ringing through the room, "I will not have our people trying to kill each other in my presence. Put down your be-cursed weapons, NOW!" She eyes Mercy sternly, and Augustin warily. "This is neither the time nor the place. We shall let success or failure tell of people's intent, failure, which is not an option, would ring true to foul deeds. I cannot worry about who she puts in charge of her own fleet," she speaks to Augustin directly before sliding her gaze to Mercy and Antina, "She fails, she answers to the proper people for it. That is not, I might add, myself!"

There's a heavy sigh as Antina speaks, "If this nonsense does not stop, I'll send a recommendation to my father myself to relieve you both! I have one rule. One. Be productive, do your duty, and try not to get people needlessly killed." There is a severe bite to her tone but Vemmorn is given a nod, how she heard what he said is his best guess. "Yes, the Duke James al'Morena, Alasce is done, and unless you all wish for your lands to be overrun you had better get your act together and toe the line."

Jasmina's face is pale as the sight of the severed head does a job on her constitution, delicate as it is. This is one of those times where such sights does well to bother the normally-unflappable Archduchess. Thankfully the box is already removed and the commotion further distracts her from the welling upset that's growing within her.

Sylvain frowns, especially as he hears the reaction of his sister, looking between the others. "Let's focus on the enemy first, then anything else," he suggests, never raising his voice much. Nodding to Vemmorn, he shakes his head a little. "Not normal, thankfully. We'd run out of nobility fast then…"

Mercy removes her hand from the hilt of her blade and takes a moment to regain her composure. She looks ot antina and gives a nod, meaning that Antina should follow her lead and be quiet. Removing her eyepatch, and what some people like expect, isn't a missing eye, but a bright blue one opposite her own green one. She looks to those gathered and clears her throat. "I already have my vassal's land forces marching to the border, though they are enough to defend Arcadia, there is not enough for an invasion unsupported. I can, however, lead thease men should any commander the crown wishes to put in charge wish that of me. Also, the zephyr legion is being repaired as we speak, and can of cours,e do battle on the rivers just as well as on sea, and a choke point will diminish their numerical advantage."

A short, sharp bark of annoyance mingled with amusement erupts from Augustin, only to be stilled by Atreis' words. Though he and his contingent remain stiff and clearly unimpressed by their surroundings, the threat of a duel does bring the faintest of crooked smiles to the old Lord's lips. And though there is clearly more to be said given the flash within his eyes, he simply nods once more to Atreis, while gazing at both Mercy and Antina, evidently with some measure of utter distrust, "Yes Your Highness." The words despite being somewhat grim, are spoken with a measure of respect, "We should find where their vessels are moored also. If indeed they moor together believing strength in numbers."

Antina nods back to her mother, seeming content that the matter did not go unaddressed. She's not unreasonable! Just young and full of spite and vinegar as young ones tend to be. So once the matter is addressed, augustin is put in his place, and she and her mother are told to shut up, she does shut up and leans back over the map.

Jasmina glances at Mercy upon hearing her offer to lead… "Commanding land troops is different from commanding sailors. Have you ever done so?" She's not trying to be antagonistic.

"Stressful times I suppose." Is Vemmorn's answer to Sylvain. He watches the goings on for a while before adding. "Ambitious woman."

Princess Atreis nods to her brother and finally to Mercy, "Many thanks, now, what I'd suggest… for now, is to heal up your wounded, send out scouts to surrounding areas towards the coast and assess your lands. You must send runners, not moongazers, to father once this is complete with whatever you find." Her gaze flits over to Augustin. "That would be wise, I would also like if you would send a runner north, or maybe mine own brother with both of your assessments?" She eyes Sylvain questioningly, allowing him to decide if he wishes to run missives or not. "Your knowledge of such things may be helpful, Archduchess," she says to Jasmina, "if you would do the same for your lands also, I would be very much pleased," she is given a soft smile before everyone else is addressed. "Do not let your guards down, this is no where near over," there's a coldness to her tone. "Is there anything else you need to address before I must needs leave?"

Jasmina shakes her head to the princess. "I have nothing to add, Your Highness. Just remember to let me know if you need any of my troops to help bolster your number."

"One thing your highness." Mercy says as she places her hands behind her back. Her now uncovered blue eye looking right at Atreis. "Would it be wise to send the zepjyr legion's river guarde up the majestic river and down into evalle, maybe a group of engineers to dam the river and attempt to halt them moving further inland?" She says and then turns that same blue eyes to Jasmina. "I have, skirmishes and bandit hunts, but I have led knights into battle on occasion."

Stalking forward, Augustin moves to stand but a pace or so from the box, head tilted faintly as he makes 'eye-contact' with the severed head within, "The message I see here, is that a great city such as Alasce was ill-prepared, as any city would be against such an onslaught. Though they appear to have fallen a touch too readily and easily." Augustin pauses for but a moment, exhaling loudly with a rumble as he eyes those about the room, "Their ships are anchored somewhere, a fleet that size is unwieldy. We'll find it. We'll burn it and set the skies ablaze with the fire of righteous fury. I would suggest starting at Alasce." Though there is the faintest of smiles as he looks to Mercy, "I hear you ransomed yourself for a single commoner before? Perhaps your value has gone up and you can ransom yourself on behalf of the citizenry of Alasce? Well. We'll see the value soon enough, won't we?"

Sylvain nods as he hears Atreis, "I'll bring the information once it has been gathered," he replies. After all, it means he gets to do some of the things he's skilled at.

Vemmorn clears his throat at Atreis' last question and steps forward. Halfway through that step he realises he's still playing with the coin and puts his free hand atop the other to still it. Then he bows. "Your Highness." He asks. "Would you like me to take a letter, or maybe a representative, back to the King of Rikton?"

"This is going to be larger than a bandit hunt or skirmishes, Admiral," Jasmina's quick to point out, using Mercy's rank instead of her noble title. "We're not talking a few hundred men on both sides. We're going to undoubtedly be looking at thousands. And, while I trust you to lead a large scale battle on water, I'd be concerned of your ability to command land troops."

Mercy fulls out her fan and begins to flick and fan herself. ::The Rikton captain followed me from four corners like a lost pup.::

"I will be sure to let you know as soon as I do," Atreis gives a nod of respect before turning to Mercy. "I would first send scouts by land, to see what's going on here first. My lord Augustin has already said he'd take his eyes to the river. You two, must learn to work together," Atreis adds firmly. "Decide with him what you should do once you've gained proper scouting information. This is not a time to go off without a real plan based off of facts." A nod is given to Vemmorn, letting Jasmina handle Mercy at the moment, she's not wrong so why butt in. "If you wish to do so, then please do, if for anything to make sure information gets there. Many thanks."

Mercy blinks and looks over at Jasmina, giving a genuine bow. "Your grace, with all do respect, I don't plan on leading the land defense, just aiding where I can."

"You might not have a choice!" Atreis says sharply to Mercy. "Your ships may not be able to sail. It is never a good idea to dismiss sound advice," she looks to Jasmina, "and she certainly has it. Do come to terms with the mere possibility that you will need to abandon sea and river battle and must need go on foot."

Vemmorn seems a little unsure about Atreis' answer, warring with the urge to talk, but in the end he just bows again and steps back to the area near Sylvain. Sylvain gets asked almost the exact same question. "Do you wish to ask something of the kingdom Your Highness?"

Augustin looks to Vemmorn, regarding the man with barely a flicker of emotion or recognition, "You'll make it back to Rikton?" He asks a touch bluntly, before looking to the Princess herself and bowing his head but once. Respectfully. The way one does when a Princess enters the room. His eyes flit to Antina. Hrrm. As to Jasmina's offering, the old mariner Lord nods once more, "This will certainly be a fight through the streets of Alasce one day ahead of us. Land warfare. A most ignoble manner of war."

Jasmina dips her head. "I must have misheard, Admiral. My apologies." She caught what the other woman said with her fan but chooses to ignore that. "I will need to return to Rhone and speak with my advisers. Once I figure out numbers, I will send word of how many troops I can send along with any surplus foods stuff and other supplies I can."

Mercy smiles. "Urban warfare? THAT I can do, and with gusto." Mercy says with a smile as she looks around the room.

Antina sighs and actually /facepalms/ at the situation before finally speaking up. "Your Grace, Your Highness, unlike my mother I was trained in military command and tactics, though I lack her experience I am, no pun intended, more grounded and perhaps it would make everyone feel better if i aided whoever is leading this when the time comes," she states in an effort to move things along from this topic.

Augustin arches a brow at Antina's mention of 'everyone feeling better'. Evidently there's a slight trust issue there, possibly not noticeable, "Will your betrothed be fighting alongside you?" He asks simply, his face utterly deadpan.

Pausing as he hears Vemmorn's question, Sylvain offers a brief smile. "Tell him that I'm fairly certain that this threat will not simply be to Aequor. If they break us, they will most certainly start expanding, probably in any direction. I believe it would be wise to ready your armies, in case this enemy will turn south…" He looks to the others, a bit thoughtfully.

A quick snap is heard as the almost seven foot tall Arcadian Knight moves to look at the map, standing right inbetween Augustin and Antina. "Pardon bruf, milady." The hulking seemingly absentminded knight says as Mercy reaches to pull antina closer to her and whisper in her ear.

"Look," she steadies her resolve, "all I need is for everyone to work together. Listen to sound advice," she eyes Mercy, "and help push back the threat. If we're ignoring each other, not working together, or otherwise being a severe pain in my side, that means we're not getting things done," Atreis eyes Augustin and squints at him. "If we aren't getting things done, then we are all going to be overrun and I can add this place to my list of sacked and fallen cities. Does everyone understand? From here is only further inland, so it does affect everyone here. Yes?" She doesn't wait for a reply just stands and rolls her shoulders, nodding to Sylvain's words to Vemmorn, she doesn't need to say more on that. "Now, I've got to go further south. I do not know if I will make it back." There is pleading in the Princess' eyes. "Please, make sure you all do what you can to save your people."

"Nobody harassed me on the way up here My Lord." Vemmorn tells Augustin. He'd have been more surprised if Augustin recognised him than other wise. "So I've no reason to assume they will stop me." he gives a slight shrug. "I can't guarantee it of course but the princess said they are shooting down moongazers so its really the only option if you want word taking south. Of course, if you are right about the leaks, I'd be a fool not to expect them to try and stop me." He gives a little bow to Sylvain. "A letter would be better your highness, but I will endeavor to see your message is passed along."

Antina actually chuckles a bit at what she likely sees as augustin trying to rile her up, but it doesn't work. Whatever her /mother/ whispers angers her though and she glares at the woman brielfy. "alas my love was snatched up with obligations to galenthia, so he will be aiding them in their battles," she states simply with a shrug before she looks up at the princess and nods, without saying a word, she does actually know when to keep her mouth shut.

Sylvain looks to Atreis as she stands, pausing a bit as he hears her words. There's a brief glance to Vemmorn, and he offers a brief grin. "If you have some time after this meeting, I will write a letter." Turning to Atreis again, he steps further over in her direction, lowering his voice even further, the words meant for her alone. "Make sure to make it back, sister. Who knows which one of us Father will heap the responsibility onto the shoulders of if you fall." There's a brief grin offered, and he adds, "Be safe."

Augustin looks to Atreis as she pleads for unity, there is indeed something unfortunate about a Princess of the Realm having to plead so, especially one so heroic a champion of the realm, "We'll see this threat is halted. It will likely get worse before it gets better. They've gained quite the foothold and sullied our lands with it." The Princess is bowed to once more, "Before you go Your Highness." And his Midshipman moves to present Atreis with the package. Said package being a wrapped Matingan sword, wooden, carved, and inlaid with deadly shards of obsidian along the edge, "A small trophy from one victory, perhaps it will inspire another eventually."

Jasmina dips into a curtsey. "If I may be excused, I do need to see about returning home." So many details to see to before the storm hits the kingdom, so to speak. Pausing next to Augustin, she murmurs, "You have leave to speak for me. Just don't commit to any numbers, please." Smiling at him, she gives the older man a wink before leaving the war room.

"I am in no great hurry to leave." Vemmorn tells Sylvain. "And I am sure the King will appreciate word from Aequor at this time." That coin starts to work through his fingers again.

Augustin is given a nod by the Crown Princess and a light smile. "Many thanks, all I ask for is that. You are no doubt correct," his midshipman is given a polite smile as he opens the package before Atreis, the Blue Cavaliers sliding their gaze to the person so close to their charge. "Well, my lord, I thank you. I will be sure to keep it with me always, perhaps a bit of luck is what we all need. A victorious blade can only be lucky, yes?" She turns away form the midshipman and the group to hand off the blade to her guard, leaning in to hear Sylvain's words she gives a bright chuckle. "Oh," she swats, lowering her voice, "don't you know he'd put it on my cold, dead shoulders. I simply cannot die, I am not allowed," she says, though it somehow comes out serious. A nod is given to Jasmina. "Indeed, Your Grace, I shall take my leave as well, may I walk you out?"

Jasmina pauses to let him catch up to her. "Of course." Once they're side by side, the two depart.

Sylvain nods, "I don't think any of us are allowed to," he offers to Atreis, before he offers a quick hug. While there's been formality, some things needs to be done. That quick hug handled, he turns back to Vemmorn, offering him a smile. "I will let you know when I have the letter written."

"Never brother," she hugs him fondly yet quickly in return, "stay safe," she whispers in his ear. Having seen to any last requests, Princess Atreis does, indeed, go to Jasmina's side. "I hope to see you all prosper and shall pray for your safety while I'm away." Her Blue Cavaliers following in her wake, she leaves, no doubt to immediately get on her horse and ride south.

Mercy frowns and places the ugliest looking figurine she has on hand over allasae. "Alas poor james, I knew him well." She says with a sigh before her eyepatch covers her blue eye once more, covering up the brilliance to be left in the dark once more. "Antina, I want you to make sure all our vassals are at the southern border, then I want defense blockades up, and the scouts report to you. Kory, you are her second in command, Sir Myke, I want you to get sea scouts out and I want information, and find halfblood, he must be appriased." She says as she turns to look at a cabin girl. 'Find Bess, and tell her to ready the dragon, there's more allies I should inquire about." She says turning to the room. "With respect, the Aqua court will meet in time. Lord al'Mordran, lets put this spat behind us, or at least, kill each other when this is over, for now, we work to put ours lands back in our hands."

Antina nods silently at her mothers instructions, with the royals gone she's not /obligated/ to give anyone parting respect, so she doesn't. "I hope you weren't planning to sleep tonight, I haven't slept in days and that doesn't look to be changing!" she remarks with good humor as she throws her arm around her new second in command and heads off to get work done.

Augustin inclines his head towards Jasmina, "By your leave Your Grace." A breath is taken and with a nod to those about him, Augustin and his crewmembers make ready to move from the room, though Mercy's words give the ancient Lord reason to pause and eye the young Countess, "There is some merit to your words." A glance is given Antina, though little is said or any notion he even noiced her is barely given, his attention soon slipping back to Mercy, "We'll report back within a day or so." That said, there's no bow nor acknowledgement. Just a curt nod, brief as it is, before the old Lord and his crew depart for the moored Redoubt.

Mercy nods and turns a final turn she looks to her paige. "Finger… I want you to retrieve my mask, the red mane will have a visitor."

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