Toran remained quiet as he followed after the captains, using the chance to take a longer look at the city and the castle they were headed to. Well, at least the castle seems better defended than the city. One main way to enter it, meaning that any enemy will have to pay a heavy price for a direct attack. The soldiers are clearly young and inexperienced, likely gathered in a hurry when the prince was forced to take charge after it became clear that war was inevitable and most of the royal family fled. And speaking of the prince... Toran examined the young man that came to greet them. So he came to check on the training soldiers and to greet us personally. That's a good sign. He does seem a bit weak... but everyone is weak at first, it's what he will grow into that is important. At least he did not run away, unlike his older brother and sister. If he is willing to stay and fight for his country and his people, then he is already a better ruler than many. The young warrior thought before he knelt as well, though anyone who looked at him for more than a few moments would realize he was just being polite, nothing more. “All wars are bloody affairs, your majesty. That is no reason to give up before the fighting has even began. Besides, battle is not the only way to win. Sometimes convincing the enemy that fighting is not worth it is preferable.” He finished with something that was not all doom and gloom.
Perhaps, Yolanda thought, but he seems aware of it. And men aware of their weakness can still be dangerous if they know how to compensate for what they lack. Giving a very courtly bow of her own to the Prince, a smooth, well-practiced action performed out of habit that showed deference to his superiority in his own kingdom before joining the others in kneeling. She also cast an eye in Rosalind's direction, curious how someone so... awkward had managed to climb up the ranks as she had. Were they that short on people here?
@Tjf While he tried to keep eye contact with the sorceress, he fidgeted a bit trying to hid the kind of awkward flush before he recomposed himself. Clearly, he didn't really know how to react to her actions, but he seemed to be doing his best to try and keep firm. "That's....not necessary. I..it's..." @asddas193 Yanase seemed to shrink back, obviously embarrassed at Artemisa's forwardness to the prince, but seemed to be trying to work up the courage to steer the conversation past it. "...we'll be good to have though! We made our decision so we got to stand by it!" Her voice came out much louder than she intended, and the minute she realized it she was back to trying to stay quiet. @moonblack "I...see." Seeming to take that as enough, he gave a nod to Toran, not seeming to find anything wrong with the token etiquette he offered. @Daylan ♒ The girl...she's an interesting case. Normally, I'd say those types are in over their head, but if you ask me, what's more interesting is none of the ones taking order from her seem to mind. It's hard to say, but...from what I can tell, not one of them has even looks like they're second guessing, anything she says....it's very strange. It's not uncommon for brats to take commands they aren't ready for, but they aren't also generally commanding any actual respect. From what her supposed manifestation of confidence and authority, suggested, there may have been a point. As she took a glance, she could see most the older knights not paying attention to Rosalind, focused on the prince. But the ones who did look at their supposed leader, weren't doing it with judgement. They were deferring to Rosalind without any kind of fight. As she took her gaze back to what was going in front of her, the prince seemed to take her kneeling as a sign she was reaffirming most of what the rest had said. @Tjf @Daylan @moonblack @asddas193 "....okay, then. You know what you're in for. I'll make my intentions clear. I have no plans to surrender. Even if it's impossible, I'm counting on your support." Bond Link Established-Level One-Pandora But it had no effect.... Taking a breath, the prince's gaze tightened trying to make himself look more like he could take charge of the situation. "Admittedly, we have no word of an officially planned invasion date, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to happen....unfortunately, two of our largest noble houses don't believe the threat is genuine and are...focusing...on other matters. I think our first move, should be to convince them we need to be properly unified so our forces are unified and we can mount a proper defense....that's only the first of a thousand problems though, but I think it's the most pressing one."
Artemisia smiles at the youth, letting him know he can look anywhere he wants. That sounds more or less up my alley. "A house divided can't stand." Artemisia agrees. "With your permission, I'd go to see one of these houses as your representative and try to assure them of the danger."
Hearing Yanase's loud reply, Marius was caught by surprise. "U-hm, what my captain meant is that we've already decided to help you. And you've accepted our services, so we'll do everything in our power to provide support." He said with a forced smile, hoping he won't get executed for speaking out of turn. And as the prince shared their circumstance, Huh. That's odd, why would they ignore a threat? Even if it isn't genuine, it wouldn't hurt to at least be prepared. And not focus on other matters... unless they aren't scared. But war is always scary, and if they are invaded, there's a chance their lands might be taken away... unless they managed to find a way to secure their interests in the event of an invasion? No, it's not right to jump to conclusions. Marius thought to himself, as he decides to let the others investigate, while he and Yanase try and secure supplies, and other items to make sure their other members don't run wild.
Toran frowned. “This won't do. We need to take care of any internal issues quickly so that we can focus on the external ones. Who are these noble houses, what are they doing, exactly, and most importantly – why? What makes them think now is the best time for whatever they are doing?” He asked the obvious questions. Are they so greedy that they would try to gain concessions from the young king even as a threat looms on the horizon... or did they make a deal with the invaders? If it is the latter, they are fools. While the latter was the more worrisome possibility, the former seemed more likely. Hmm, I wonder why he is using us to solve this problem? Does he really have so few people he can trust and rely on? Then again, most of his relatives fled, so he might really be that short on reliable helpers... not that it matters – we have a job to do, regardless.
Interesting indeed, Yolanda internally agreed. It could have been she was acting the fool in front of strangers, to make them relax their guard and underestimate her. Or perhaps she had talents on the battlefield that were not apparent in this kind of setting. Yolanda made a mental note to try talking to her alone later. As they would need to prepare the coordination of their forces on the battlefield at some point, there would be no lack of opportunities to do so. Yolanda frowned at that bit of information, it certainly sounded like believable behavior for someone versed in how nobility could act sometimes. No need to pay attention to the starving masses inside your borders and the hungry horde around them if your own belly was still being stuffed with food. And those types were loathe to part with any resources that might help the greater cause just because the threat was not immediately on their doorstep (and that was the most charitable reading of the situation). To that end, she asked, "What 'other matters' might they be? If we know some of what their needs or desires might be, we may be able to help you find ways to draw concessions out of them for support."
@Tjf "That....might work." Not able to properly look Artemisa in the eye, clearly still embarrassed from earlier, he seemed to be thinking before settling for a nod. "Duke Engel has....a certain weakness. He might be more willing to listen to you." The prince's face shifted into a look of disgust. "I don't like him. If I was in a position to revoke his titles, I'd have done it already. But I don't have the manpower to deal with an uprising from him too right now. And he knows it." While prince Issac looked visibly annoyed at his inability to do anything about the Duke, Rosalind perked up at that moment. "You should just give us the order to break down the door and beat him up! He's so gross." It was only now that the other knights alongside her actually seemed to look a little taken aback by her behavior. "Yeah..maybe.." Stopping himself he shook his head. "No. The order isn't a weapon just to settle personal grudges." ♎Okay, I was wrong. He's not the one we need to party with. But..seriously. What the hell? He could do just whatever he wants, and he just....I don't get this guy. This Duke Engel guy though....sounds like he'd at least be interesting. "I don't think it would be good for you to be completely by yourself though. I'll round up a squadron- "If I may say something." The voice came from a....unusually dressed man approaching from the castle, seeming to have came out to join the conversation. "Julius? It's not a problem. I'll survive on my own for at least a day! Besides, you know what he's like!" The prince's voice seemed to get increasingly more worked up, but the blonde haired man didn't seemed phased at all. "Sending a large force to the Duke's estate could easily be taken for as a sign of aggression. You hired these people because they're able to take care of themselves, did you not?" The tone was stern, but none of it sounded like it was intended to actually be malicious. The prince gritted his teeth, straining himself to come up with any kind of good counter, but after the silence hung for long, it was clear he had failed. "I...suppose." It was all he could manage. "Still. I could act as an escort. If I can guard a prince, I can handle a slightly long walk." "Y..you.." The prince seemed to perk up a bit more, but looked to Artemisa for approval. "Is that fine with you? I promise you, even if our army is weak....Julius is....unbelievably strong."
@Daylan Hearing the question, the prince hesitated for a moment, before speaking. "Well....I don't know about House Engel of what they're trying to do. But...Lord Erik is something of a special case. He represents House Weingard, even though he's not technically the head of the family. But Lord Erik was...our tactician. He was the only one of his house who understood the importance of preparing for war before it happens. But....we had...a falling out. It was my fault. The plans he had in mind...are not the kind of things we should ever use. Getting him to be willing to push the rest of the house into support and also having him agree to step back from trying to lead our battle plan sounds pretty much impossible. I hoped giving him a few weeks to cool off would help...but, I don't think it did. Still....our chances of trying to fight off an invasion without our full strength is poor. He has to realize that. Maybe, if he just hears it from someone not directly involved he might at least admit we need to be united to have any chance at success."
@moonblack "Well...I'm fine with leaving Yolanda to deal with the political maneuvering. Pretty much the reason I had her in the first place." Athyln didn't seem too bothered by the prince trying to direct tasks to his band. He seemed more focused on the view he could get from the cliffs down onto the town, most likely trying to visualize the range and effectiveness his bow would have here, before acknowledging the Prince again, only casually gesturing to Toran. The captain seemed to have been getting fed up the formalities already, though he tried to not let it show. "Toran will be something of the representative on professional conduct. Any crimes committed by our band should be reported to him. Poor communication in trying to make arrests could result in a mess for everyone involved. We don't abide by criminal conduct committed to our allies, and....all that." Obviously having forgotten the whole speech he had prepared, he seemed to settle with that being good enough, though the prince didn't look particularly worried. "Well...the sisters are kind of the closest we have to a proper guard, but I feel like if I could borrow your man here, it would be good to have an experienced fighter train at least a small group of volunteers into becoming a proper guard. It would at least save on having to get the soldiers from running around needlessly while we prepare if there's at least a proper guard post to patrol the city. Diana alone, isn't enough."
@asddas193 "So...I think...we should be looking at what kind of things you need to stay supplied. From the looks of it..." Yanase paused, trying to think. She wasn't used too having to talk so much at once. "You're on an island, and have managed to sustain yourselves, so running low on food isn't really a problem. The only way to cut off supply routes between other islands would be by boat....I don't know much about how hard that would be, but seems like more trouble than it's worth. But...what about the other islands? The equipment you're soldiers use looks kind of.....rusted. Is it because you can't get metal easily here?" "Well....you're not wrong." Prince Issac's face made it evident how painfully aware he was of how poorly equipped his men were. "The other islands don't have heavy deposits exactly either, and our merchant fleet has been pretty heavily raided, so we still need to repair the surviving ships on top of everything else." ♏ But you know what people came here on decently sized supply ships that still have theirs in working condition? I smell an opportunity for some nice markup by service fees. This kid? Doesn't know the value of a dollar, guaranteed. I'm ninety percent confident he wouldn't even question if someone was trying to gouge him just a little.
Are you kidding? The kid being innocent makes me like him more. It's so rare that I get to break someone in. Still, the Duke's 'weakness' bodes well, I think. Artemisia thinks deviously, as Julius interrupts. Hmph, this guy seems like he has a high opinion of himself. "Your majesty, you humble me with your generous offer of an armed escort, but I must concur with this...whoever he is." She rewards the prince with a smile that's not entirely ingenuine. It was sweet of him to be concerned. "If I need a bodyguard at all, I think we have bigger problems, but I'll take Julius if you insist." She nods. "With your permission?" She curtsies as she asks his blessing to head off on her mission, making sure he gets an eyeful as she does, before turning to Julius. "I assume you know where we're headed? Please, lead on."
“Everyone is tired from the trip here. I expect it will be at least a few days until our men recover and start growing restless. That means a few days before they might start causing any serious trouble.” At least I hope so... “Using that time to start training a proper guard seems like a good idea. Do you have any volunteers available already? And where should the training take place? Here in the castle, or somewhere else?” Toran asked a few questions as he thought about the task given to him by the young king.
Listening to Yanase, and the prince talk. Marius once again thinks deeply, Hmm. True, I doubt they'll lack food, unless people start getting sick of fish. But... no. He meekly raises his hand, "Uhm, excuse me. I'd like to suggest to also start stockpiling food. Not that I think you're lacking, it's just... if we expect that we can simply fish for more, once the fighting starts, we may get backed into a corner. They may start going after fishing boats, just to starve us off." He shared his thoughts, basing it on how merchants selling supplies would be prime targets for bandits. "And uhm, if you need ships. The ones we used are still in good condition. We can... provide additional support." Marius replied to the prince' concerns, "As for weapons... uh, it may not be the most ethical, but have you considered... looting the invaders?" He said in a slightly soft tone. "I mean, we already know they're coming. And your men surely know these lands, and waters a lot better than anyone. So maybe hit and run tactics?"
Yolanda pondered that. Either this Lord Erik was especially convinced his plan was the only way, despite the Prince's clear objections to its methods, or he was the sort who just had to be in charge of everything. Neither was pleasant to have to negotiate with, but not unmanageable with the right touch. She then looked over to give Athyln a small nod of approval, feeling oddly... happy, that he was willing to openly praise her in front of the others.
"Julius has acted as a bodyguard to my family for years. I have total trust in him." Prince Isaac was clearly confident about the blond haired man's skills and abilities. "Not a very high bar, I'm afraid." Julius let out a sigh, seeming more tired, than pleased with any of the praise he was given. "Your trust is available to anyone, and I'm afraid to say, that's going to get you killed. Pray tell. What exactly have they done that you value them so highly?" "They answered our call for help. That's enough." The prince was starting to sound slightly annoyed, but remaining mostly quiet. "Let it be revealed through actions." Dismissing the reply, the blonde haired main focused on Artemisa. Taking a half bow, he didn't take his eyes off her, keeping his confident look. While he smiled, none of it really looked all that warm or enthusiastic. A token effort to feign politeness. "Lord Julius Weiss. Retainer of Prince Isaac. That's about all. I suggest we move quickly while it's still daylight."
"I'm not...entirely sure. I suppose what you would need is to get familiar with navigating the city and see what you have to work with....still not much." He was clearly straining to come up with a proper plan. Julius who was about to leave, stopped his pace for a moment to turn and lean next to the prince and whisper something. It was too difficult over the sounds of the soldiers training to hear, but after Julius had said it he began to walk off to resume his own task. The prince looked more reaffirmed from whatever he was told, giving a slight nod, looking more determined. "Since our ships are badly ruined, we have a lot of sailors at the port if you want to try recruiting a band first. They'll at least be physically capable enough and most are used to living similar conditions. That sounds like a place you could start....though recruiting more men for our military ranks is also important...." The prince started to hesitate again without anyone to push him into making a decision. "But if the isles end up under siege, we'll need to keep order while still being able to repel the invasion....no. This is the right move." Sounding more like he was trying to convince himself than anyone else, he gave another nod to himself as confirmation. "We'll need a few outposts secured with their own divisions on other islands too. Even if I just sent the army, the response time would take too long if we had to travel between each island. We need to secure order in the captial and villages. But I wouldn't worry about doing all that. Once you can round up a group and work them into becoming a viable law enforcement unit, I think they'll be able to manage that from there once they know what kind of things are required to make that work." ♋His tactics actually seem quite sound. They're heavily clouded by too much naivety and impulsiveness....but looking past that, the mind is there.
"That..." From the looks and sounds of it, he wasn't too thrilled by the prospect. "I'm not sure if that would work. We have the advantage of knowing the terrain, but embarking and disembarking from ships isn't a fast process in my experience. The one major advantage to that is that they can't either. No matter the size of your army, it would be difficult to occupy the entirety of the isles. I'm guessing they'll want to focus on seizing the capital to get the nobles to surrender. If you have ships, any assistance would be valued. Though it should be stated that pirate attacks have gotten much more aggressive. It's not without it's own risk. They weren't that serious before. Mostly just petty thieves. They're....organized now. Even that could eventually be dealt with...but the real threat comes from their flagship. It has some kind of foreign magic that we've never seen. The beast that breathes fire through it's eyes. It tore our vessels apart before we could even get in range of it.' ♏ "Breathes fire through it's eyes." Sounds dangerous. Also valuable.
Artemisia shrugs, not particularly caring what the blonde thinks of her, before giving a small curtsy to return his gesture, without showing herself off like she did for the prince, though with her revealing outfit, it makes little difference. "Artemisia Kalymnos. In that case, then, you should lead on, like I said. I don't know where the local nobility lives, I'm afraid." The busty sorceress gestures for him to go forth.
Marius simply nods, already having a clue how devastating a full scale war will be. And as the prince replied to his idea, "Ah... yes, that's true. I suppose being on the sea is different compared to being on the land." He sighed, trying to think of other ways to procure weapons. Until, his highness informs him of the pirates. "Huh?" Was all the young merchant could utter as he learned about the pirates' flagship. What the kind of ship is that!? He screamed inside his head, "U-uhm, well, how about stealing from the pirates then? Maybe you can have your soldiers pretend to be fishermen to get a jump on them?" Marius gave another idea, scratching his head as he tries to come up with something to deal with such a flagship. "Uuh." He looks toward the rest of his group, hoping someone, a good fighter hopefully, was listening.
