Valcus laughs, a rare occurrence in recent times. He slows to a stop, regarding the orc's massive frame. "I have neither the delusion of vanity nor the time needed to try and best you in a contest of strength," he explains. And if I was injured doing something as careless as such... I might not be able to lead these people to safety. What good is a broken knight who needs to be protected?
A Tale of Two Orphans — IC
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
With Valcus stopping, Ghor decides to put his foot in the door. Why so rushed? You have come far, by the look of it, surely you could use a chance to enjoy yourself? I am sure your men would agree."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Valcus' demeanor turns more sullen. "My men would most decidedly disagree," he says, his voice solemn now. "While we stand here and chatter, there are around a thousand people outside these walls with no home and nothing but the clothes they wear. The three of us here are the only ones that are capable of doing anything about that."
He sighs, remembering his duty. "I mean you no disrespect, my friend. If you had propositioned a challenge before this land was at war, I might have taken up your offer. Good day," the knight says with a curt nod.
Valcus begins to walk toward the Warden's premises, but stops and spins on the spot. "You say you are the strongest man in the world, and that may be true. But are you the bravest?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Ghor realizes Valcus has just put him in a tight spot. No strongman wrestler can afford to appear cowardly in front of a crowd. Ruining his image would ruin his profits. "The Great Ghor never backs down!"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"There exists an enemy more fierce than I have ever seen. They plague this land like weevils. They murder our people, our family. Subjugate us to their atrocities. They have no morals, no honor -- not where our lives are concerned. And you know what? They outnumber us. Their organized sorties overshadow our own warriors. Their navy could break any armada. They fight with vigor and initiative that mortals should not have."
The knight draws closer. "Some might say that to bring the fight to their encroaching horde would be foolish. That it would be futile. But I disagree," he says, shaking his head briskly. "I call it courage."
"You called us warriors of renown, yes? And you've claimed you will fight many men, even at once," Valcus reminds the mountainous orc. "Then what greater honor is there to fight many men alongside us warriors of renown? What greater honor is there than to prove to this land and its people that not only are you the strongest man in the world, but the bravest, too?"
The knight extends an arm, a clear sign for a clasp of hands. "So join our struggle, O' Great Ghor." He gives the orc a wan smile.
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Ghor mulls it over for a moment. Money with the troupe wasn't great, but neither is a soldier's pay. Still, I'm not looking to travel with these guys as they wander back toward Serran. And I doubt Crescent Bluff will ever catch up to me here. Ghor neglects to take Valcus' hand. "I am not of this land. Why should I take a soldier's pay to go to war for it?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Neither are the dozens of Serranborn mercenaries aiding our mission," Valcus says, retracting his extended hand into a shrug. "But they are here, and so are you. Sometimes the course of one's life causes them to take up a fight they wouldn't have expected. I never asked to be in such a position as this, and yet here I am, too. The mercenaries fight for a living. I fight to continue living. In that regard, are we really all that different?"
Sighing, Valcus looks back at his two companions. "Well, Great Ghor, I hope you consider my words. Can't say how a soldier's wage stacks up compared to your performances, but it carries more weight." He nods once again at the man, before turning to leave for the Warden's. "We will be in or outside of Red Bridge for another hour -- two at the most. If you deem it in your interest, or deem others' interest above your own, then seek me out."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"It's strange, Ser Gildras." Valcus cocks his head around as he walks, taking in the almost untouched bastion that Red Bridge has become. "It feels like before. When our kingdoms were at relative peace with each other... When we felt safe and stable."
The knight can't help but feel uncomfortable, however. It feels wrong to be so blissful and distracted. How can they seem this way? Are they not worried for their lives?
"How has the Warden maintained such order? Such contentedness?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Ghor gives his boss the scoop. "They're fighters for some clash or another. If we're gonna use them to get out here, and I think we should, we'd better pack it up quick. He said they don't plan on staying more than another hour or two."
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"Best they don't know?" Valcus repeats punctuatedly, a mix of horror and anger. "Are you serious?" He bites his tongue, not wanting to be overheard.
"Do they even know what's happened to the western holds? What's happened to my home? My people?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Drake pays the entertainers little attention while Valcus talks with them, eager to speak with the Warden. His attention is caught however when Valcus brings up the idea of the Orc joining them.
He does look like he can handle himself in a fight, he thinks, sizing up the Orc.
"Surely the city being closed off arouses some suspicions," Drake says, joining Valcus and Gildras' conversation.
"No merchants passing through such a vital crossing of the Red River can't be normal around here."
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Valcus shakes his head in a private manner to Drake. Not good. He continues along, now picking up the pace. "Well, I want to hear the Warden's reasoning behind this," he says.
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Boss is right. We've been cooped up long enough, let's get going while we have the chance." With that, Ghor turns to start packing his meager gear. He flashes a smile at the others, "You can toy with them on the road."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
The elf boy is baffled as Ser Gildras explains the state of the city. "How does the Warden plan to explain this when the warfront reaches this far east? Caelen asks, bewildered at their willingness to force their people into blissful ignorance. I suppose they'll just say the armies of Trelheim got aid from Imardin?
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Nos vamos, hermanita. Aunque tenemos la oportunidad." He says with a smile.
- serran translation
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"It is a difficult line to walk, being an advisor to a leader," Valcus says. "You are expected to speak your mind some times, and keep your mouth shut others." He looks up at the tower on the bridge. "No matter. We will speak to the Warden ourselves and see if we can't talk sense into him. These people have to know..."
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This city cannot continue to live in this state. The truth must come out, the elf boy thinks as the party draws closer to the tower. He nods along with Valcus, adding, "It's dangerous to keep them in the dark. Let's hope the Warden can shed some light on it."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"If we don't convince the Warden to tell the people. They'll soon find out for themselves when Imardanian Banners fly from the siege camps in the fields surrounding the Bridge and Imardanian Ships are showering the city with arrows," Drake says.
"This isn't a war anyone can sit out. Hiding in a castle and pretending it isn't happening is only going to mean you're the last to fall. The only way we stand a chance is to meet the Imardanians as one."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Valcus shakes the Warden's hand as they meet. Strange throne room, the knight considers, realizing how high up they were -- yet still over water.
"Greetings, Warden," he returns. "Ser Gildras broke the news to us at the gate -- Red Bridge has no room for our weak and weary. We are considering petitioning the Queen of Menora next, unless you have reconsidered. There was more to our request to meet, however."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Drake too shakes the Warden's hand, before letting Valcus speak. As the knight opens the conversation, Drake looks around the throne room. Despite being very different, it reminds him of his own throne back in Spearpoint. I've not even sat on the throne since I became Lord. It doesn't seem right that an Imardanian should sit in my father's chair before I do, he thinks, starting to wonder if the Imardanians marching on his home had arrived yet.
"There is a war raging out there, and soon it will be at your gates," Drake adds, getting straight to the point after being riled up slightly by his thoughts of home.
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Yes Ser Gildras was filling us in on your situation on the way here," Drake replies.
"We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves when all of Tulrisse is under attack. It's exactly what the Imardanians want," he says somewhat frustrated. "What started the war with Trelheim?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Caelen nods along with Drake, remarking, "Can't Red Bridge and Trelheim make peace to deal with the larger threat at hand?" Though he'd grown up in Tulrisse for part of his life, he has never understood Tulrissian politics and warring. What's to gain from these petty squabbles? It'll be their downfall if they keep this up.
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"With respect, Warden, isn't a false hope worse than realistic fear? The Imardanians are not slowing in their invasion. I'm sure you've heard many keeps and cities to the south and west have already fallen in their wake. What will you say to the citizens you protect when these armies show up at your southern gates?"
Valcus shakes his head. "Your position is a difficult one," the knight admits. "But keeping your Steppemen in the dark on what great evil could -- and likely will -- come their way... This is wrong."
He looks the Warden in his eyes. "However, I have a solution."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Valcus' face sours at the Warden's insensitive words. "You were not there when they cut down my people. My family. My Lord," the knight says, keeping his tone as even as he can despite his irritation. "They have a stronger military, and they are gobbling up our other brethren. Virem and Eranor first, then Twinriver -- my own home. And now Spearpoint, too. Taken."
"Yes, Darden's Hold may stand. But what stops these northerners from marching around it and onto more vulnerable positions like Greywood, or Garland?"
The knight shakes his head again. "These are not small details, Warden. There are lives at stake. There is no sound logic behind pledging your armies and your focus on this feud with the Trelheimers, when there is a full-scale war behind you. Thousands have died already. We cannot continue divided, caught between struggles of land and border-right."
"...What if I was able to convince the Lord of Oak Crossing to end this?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"It's not just armies either," Caelen interjects, well aware of the foreign dangers beyond just troops. "The Imardanians take part in intrigue and subterfuge as well." The elf thinks back to Natalia and Antonio and their actions in Violet Keep.
"The Lord and Lady of Violet Keep were murdered by a pair of Imardanian assassins, one posing as the new lord's betrothed. There may be more too, trying to weaken us from the inside," he adds with distress, hoping the party's words can make it through the Warden's thickened skull.
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...caught between struggles of land and border-right."
"You're right, I was not there," the Warden interjects, clearly now quite annoyed with his guests, though not showing signs of outright aggression. "I was here, defending my homeland from an invasion of outsiders who seek to steal our lands and kill our people. Does that not sound the same as what you are asking me to do for you? Defend my homeland? Except the west is not my home, the Steppes are, and if they fall to Trelheim then what is there left to protect from Imardin? You'd have me simply abandon my people to fight a war to protect westerners who are unable to protect themselves? Bah!"
...trying to weaken us from the inside,"
The man listens as the elf interjects, looking annoyed still, but not enough to interrupt. Once the boy finishes speaking he continues, saying, "I'd heard of the events at the Violet Keep. Gunther was a friend and it is sad to know he's gone, and in such a gruesome way at that. But his murder, or the fall of those cities, does not erase the army I already have at my gates. I cannot take in new mouths, or send my armies west, when the armies of Trelheim still plague my lands and my people. I will not abandon them to fight your war, and if that is all you've come to ask then I think we're done here." He turns his back to the group and begins walking back towards the window he'd been gazing out before, when Valcus adds a final thought.
"...What if I was able to convince the Lord of Oak Crossing to end this?"
With this the man turns again, though does not re-approach the group. He looks towards one of the windows for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then back at them. "And how do you propose you'll accomplish that?"[/sblock]
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"I'll have the time between Menora and back while I draw up a plan of action," Valcus responds, also unsure of he might do so. "The refugees come first, though. The commonfolk are the lifeblood of our land. They hold little choice in which banner they live under, and yet are the first to suffer in times of peril."
Valcus sighs, disappointed. "I seek not to irritate you, Warden Karlach. I understand your desire to defend your people, I really do. I can't blame you for thinking of them first."
The knight looks up at the man again. "But I need to do everything in my ability to end this war between your people and the Trelheimers. On our return, would you at least let us through, so that we might parley with Lord Rautrel?"
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At the leader's words, Valcus dons a sad smile. "Warden, we've been traveling for weeks now -- evading Imardanian assassins, troop movements, bandit ambushes, and strange beasts I wouldn't wish upon an enemy. I don't think you need to warn us about the Trelheimers."
He straightens up. "I did have another question, however. You probably know Queen Millicent better than I could. Do you see her taking in our tired and weary? Menora is one of the safest places in Tulrisse right now. I'm sure she is in a better position to receive them, with only one flank to keep watch over."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"We can only hope so. It's either her or the dwarves," Drake chimes in, having been content to let Valcus lead the conversation with the Warden.
"Warden, if we can end this war with Trelheim, will you join the fight against the Imardanians? They may not threaten Red Bridge just yet but they soon will, and if all the westerners have fallen, there will be no one to come to your aid and Red Bridge will fall." Drake adds, giving the Warden something of an ultimatum.
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"Very well, Warden. I will be forthright in saying that I can't promise a peaceful resolution from your rival to the north. That being said, it is in my interest to do everything at my disposal in order to secure alliances."
Valcus bows to the man. "Thank you for meeting with us. We must leave as soon as we can in order to reach Menora on schedule." He sighs, looking past the man and out the window. How many more will perish on this march?
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Magnificent Mutar," Valcus says, taken aback by the man's introduction as he shakes his hand. The knight's eyes gleam and he smiles, remembering the stories his mother used to tell him of the man's circus troupe. I wasn't sure if she made him up or not.
"It is certainly a pleasure to meet you. I suppose it seems we have both found ourselves in Red Bridge. In your case, by choice -- I would hope."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
"Mutar..." Drake says aloud trying to place the name. "Did you perform at the feast in Darden's Hold? Four, no five years ago? Celebrating Master Raimund's Son's knighthood I think," he continues.
"I don't fully remember the feast if I'm honest. I drank a lot of wine and earlier in the day I took quite a hit to the head in a joust. Ser Alwin Harlaw I think it was." Drake says.
From The Sickle, there's a good chance he's dead now I suppose, he thinks, remembering the knight.
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"Ah, how good of you to remember," Mutar says gleefully to Drake, as he finishes shaking Valcus' hand. "One of our finer performances if I do say so myself. Our lineup has changed a bit since then, but we do well for ourselves." His smile fades slightly as he turns back to address Valcus, saying. "Yes, by choice of course. At least initially. I did actually have a request for you, if you'd spare a moment of your time for us."
"Take us with you!" Kiki shouts out, the knife-thrower from before who is standing off to the side with a host of other performers. They all turn to look at her, some looking embarrassed, others unfazed by the outburst. Mutar scowls and hushes her, motioning for her to keep quiet. She frowns, and Afsheen - the man who'd approached before - gives her an pat on the shoulder while he smirks in amusement.
"While quite lacking in manners and subtlety, that is the gist of my request," Mutar continues, turning and bowing towards the others in apology. Once he returns to his upright position, he continues. "With the city sealed off for so long we've been stuck here, and our prospects wane with the public's interest in our performance. If you'd be so kind, would you permit us to travel with you? At least until you arrive to another city we can set up camp in?"
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Ghor steps up beside Mutar. "Yes, let's. Even a short trip will give us plenty of time to get on our way, and I'm sure our number have many interesting things to keep your men's minds off the road."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Valcus stays quiet as Mutar explains himself better than Kiki could. They're asking for us to effectively be their caravan guards, the knight realizes. It was a significant thing to ask, especially considering the circumstances. Added responsibility that I ask not for -- but there is much to gain from it. They are good people. And while not all Tulrissian, they do not deserve to fall to this war any more or less than my brethren. He bites the inside of his cheek, thinking. Besides, morale might be improved with Mutar and his gang around.
The man ponders for another short moment before looking back up to the ringleader. "I suppose trying times make it in both of our interests to travel together," Valcus admits, nodding. Looking at Ghor, then back to Mutar, he asks: "Can any of your band fight?
Should the need arise, I mean. The roads are not safe. If we are ambushed, I need to know how self-reliant -- or not -- your people may be."
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Re: Tulrissian Unification IC
Ghor puts on an overdone look of hurt. "Ah, to have forgotten so soon! It is as I told you," Here he switches from his show voice to his pre-show voice, ensuring that it carries. "I can fight one or many!"