Romani Montclaire - King and Signature (5/3)

[23:48] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "Greetings."
[23:48] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Greetings."
[23:53] The paper was clutched in one hand as he headed off towards the castle, eyes flickering towards the multiple guards that stood in position to guard those within.

It had been quite some time since he had paid a visit to the castle, eyes idly roaming along the stone walls as he finally arrived within, Alexander luckily instantly spotted.

A short dip of his head followed in greeting, before silently following the King to a more private location to speak.

"Your Majesty. The Faith has had plenty of time to think over matters, to properly form a decision on the path we will take. And we finally decided on one, till news from Theria ended up with us being informed about Theria also joining Myllenoris's side."

A pause was given by Pericles as he allowed words to set in, before steps led him forward to pass along the paper towards Alexander, a single step leading him backwards as he remained on the steps towards the throne.

"I can only offer these words to you, King Alexander."

And so he spoke words he had spoken before, mere moments earlier, and ones he perhaps should of said to the King when the talk of war had first been brought up within the Triumvirate.

"War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children. You will not be honouring your birth right by walking over the corpses of those that are to be our neighbours."

"So, I can only request that you read over the church's wishes, our hope that a proper attempt at communication can be made to halt this upcoming war that will tear us all apart."

Another pause, tongue wetting his lips. How the usually passive Stellus hated to be involved in such long talks, but it was a matter that had have his personal involvement.

His role demanded it.

"We will aid in the Starfall Tower siege, and when Osrona is victorious we request the land to be used for a setting of a peace summit, for all to be invited to be given a proper voice."

"There are other enemies out there. The Barsburg Empire being one such example."

Talk of demons, occultists and witches wouldn't be pulled forth by the Stellus, hidden threats that didn't need to be spoken to the bloodline of the Petrakis.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[00:07] The Petrakis King leads them to the throne room, a more private place for what was to be talked of. The mention of Theria joining Myllenoris' side only causes a more solemn expression to take hold of his visage.

The piece of paper is taken and held within the king's grasp. Only once Pericles finishes speaking does he start to read. Eyes of blue fall down the page, line by line. The words of the Stellus in his mind while he does.

"What if the other leaders do not agree to a peace summit?" the Petrakis asks, looking over to Pericles and Romani Montclaire.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[00:09] She stood behind the two, unsure if she should have left - though given what they were speaking of, she felt it prudent to stay. Thusly, she found a pillar and stood by it patiently.
(Ophelia Soleis)
[00:10] Romani would give a nod to Alexander.

"When we are successful in holding Starfall tower, the Peace summit will around be announced. I, personally, suggested a clause for such in the past, but members of the church did not add it to the contact."

"I believe that if the Church dips it's toes into this battle, we have to stay till the end. If the Peace summit is not visited by the other leaders, we must defeat their leaders, and make them willing to have peace by force."

"It would be the first duty of the Peace Keeping Organization in clause three. That is what I imagine, at least. However, the ultimate choice would be made by our Stellus."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[00:15] That would be a rather tragic turn of events, especially after all the time he had to spend in recent meetings. But luckily he wouldn't have to speak further on the matter, Romani's words cutting in to offer an explanation.

"Yes, the other clause."

A nod thrown back towards Romani.

"Which worries me in truth, because of the past Triumvirate meeting that led to your wish to unite everyone underneath one banner. I would not wish to see the Faith used as an instrument of war in our attempt of forging a proper peace."

Where was his cosmic-codex when he needed it, already he regretted passing off the book towards Alice, his arms coming to cross behind his lower-back as he stared ahead towards Alexander.

"The third clause would no doubt lead to us having to take forceful measures if other leaders didn't wish to attempt to forge a peace, if they didn't even want to attempt to try once more. Especially with the hatred that has seeped into every settlement, with disputes that should of never happened. That could of been handled if miscommunication wasn't a common occurrence."
(Pericles Vitalis)
[00:41] The Petrakis King nods his head. The contract was well and good but there was an issue that stung out, a few in fact. It does not show on his face but it comes to it in his mind.

"I doubt it is even miscommunication," Alexander said. "I invited Rinn and Yani to Osrona for peace talks as soon as the war ended and they never came," he informs, speaking on the matter shortly.

"The location for a summit, a peace summit is a good one and I had always planned to make a spot for a gathering since Keeper Romani gave me the idea at Baleford Bridge. The lack of funding is the main reason it was not made sooner," he says.

"Unfortunately. There is one part here I can not agree with," he informs, hard to say given the Church's forwardness on bringing this issue to the forefront, trying to find a resolution.

"The apology to Asta Hargrave and the cease of hostilities towards her. I will not forgive her. She did not need to attack anyone there but yet she did. She is not excused from breaking the Crown Law while on my land and will be brought to justice."

Alexander speaks, a hard topic for him but it was not one he would back out of. Unlike the Siege, his stance on Asta Hargrave being held for her crimes was required.

"The war against the other leaders, I never created a fight with them. They saw their opportunity and they are taking it. I would not call that peace. I would call that plain greed. It is why having everyone under one banner would mean we do not have to worry about that, because we would all be of the same mind. There would be no need to conquer for land, nor fight for differences."

"For that reason alone, I can not agree. Asta Hargrave will not be pardoned for committing murder on my land. Much like the duel with Weiss should never have happened on Osrona soil, neither should Hrist had been killed. She had no reason, she was more than strong enoughto leave. She was given peaceful solutions. Still, she resorted to murder. To war against not only me, but the entire Petrakis line."

"She wants to usurp the Crown, make no mistake. I do not speak these words lightly but it has been obvious looking back. The way Regulus wanted to break the Triumvirate without permission, so there was only one leader. The way he wished to enable every Kingdom to have independence. The way he told me to continue the Siege and then Asta broke it."

"I only have my conversation with her as proof, when nobody else was around but she believes man is not fit to rule. That they can not rule justly and that all they want is conflict. Asta Hargrave believes herself to be a god and our savior. To judge the souls of others, a right reserved only by the stars and angels above. It is not only an affront on the Petrakis line but also upon the Celestial Church."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[00:50] "I do not know the full story with the peace talks. That is why I wish to hold one that involves the leaders of all nations. We name the place. We name the time. If they do not come to it? They do not want peace."

Romani would say simply, his arms crossing behind his arms as he looked towards Alexander.

"I can say, I was not the one who came up with the idea of the apology. And my personal thoughts are Asta should be tried for the murder of Hrist. However, I am also aware that we broke sacred hospitality. We should not strike down those on our soil without proper warning. It is a problem, and we need to address such."

"She is not a Witch. Nor did she assault Nebula at that time. We broke the hospitality first, and should apologize for such. However, I am very much on your side she did not need to attack anyone. She did not need to murder."

"This would be something better discussed in front of all leaders during the Peace Talks, however."

Romani would pause, looking towards Alexander in silence for a few moments. "If you insist on following bringing her to justice, I heavily advise it be where all can hear. There, not here."

"As such, I would advise the signing for the contract, even with such an objection. If some sort of contract is not signed, the church will only defend what is inside the walls, which would mean that Starfall tower will have no church members defending it."

"But ultimately, if the Stellus wishes to strike, or add a condition to the contract, that is up to him."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[00:57] Pericles's head slowly nodded, perhaps it was expected to come, a denial when it came to the topic of apologizing to Asta Hargrace for the matters held within the party room.

A knight was slain after all.

"A matter that wouldn't of happened if Lady Nebula didn't destroy the offering of...cabbages that had been brought by the small group from Myllenoris. An incident that could of been resolved without outbursts."

"There would of been no need for bloodshed if words were used instead of instantly resorting to violence. Peaceful solutions perhaps, but the way they were termed could only lead to Asta lashing out in retaliation."

He paused, tiredness seeping in as he wet his lips with his tongue for a moment.

"Ser Hrist's death was a loss to the Kingdom, and like Romani has suggested a trial should be put into place so that instead of a private resolution, a more public once is made sono doubts remain within the minds of others."

"But. Blame doesn't solely rest on the shoulders of Asta, on the shoulders of Myllenoris for the war that was come to our doorstep."

Truly he wished he was at the party so he could properly have the information that was necessary to come to a proper image. Recent information after the triumvirate meeting had only further confused matters.

"An apology would be only a step forward, Osrona is to blame for the first offence against Myllenoris, a gift destroyed, and further conflict arising."

"Please reconsider, please take a step backwards and look at this situation not as the husband of Lady Nebula, but as the King who rules over the Kingdom of Osrona, the light to thousands."
(Pericles Vitalis)
[01:14] The Petrakis thinks it over, long and hard, they raised some good points. Though, there was a point where he disagreed with Romani. Alexander believed that no matter whom, they should be subject to following laws. And at the end of the day, he asked the Keeper to make sure nobody died. That included Asta Hargrave.

The folly of the Crown was an issue that was no doubt a mistake, however. He had thought the Crown led to unwarranted aggression, something that if the Stellus and Romani were Alexander, they would understand why. Unfortunately the way Asta acted in private with him seemed to escape anyone else.

"This is not about Nebula, nor has it ever been. Truth be told. I have.. very strict views that not many people share. I believe people should be good. That these leaders should not act so unbecoming of their people. I am disappointed in them all, the way they act so aggressive, the way they treat human lives. The Lionhearts will not agree to a peace meeting without asking for our Bridge. Theria will ask for Marie to replace me and Asta Hargrave will want my Crown."

"If I sign this. Know that I will not give up any of those demands."

The Petrakis took in a steep breath.

"And yes. If I do not sign this, it will mean the Church will only defend what is in our walls. And if we lose Starfall tower, it will mean the war will be on our ground, with our people in the line of fire. The lives of innocents at risk because one leader thinks she is above everyone else."

That was the truth of the matter to Alexander. The way Asta ran around constantly toeing the line between aggression and peace. Inviting a gang of misfits into a private party, and then summoning spirits. Something even Finley had spoken out against. With Asta's own red wedding, he assumed people would understand his side, but it seemed not.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[01:21] Romani would give a nod to Alexander.

"I am not saying 'let them agree to Peace talks'."

"This contract is to put a different message out entirely." His hands clenched behind him. "That Orsona is unified. That Orsona will be strong enough to fend them off at the Starfall tower, and strong enough to protect it's walls."

"We are not asking to meet them for peace talks. We are telling them after we defeat them, they can meet us for talks, or they can have their war. If they are unwilling to create an organization of peace?"

"Then the organization that is created for peace will force them to summit. They will either accept protection, or they will fall under the banner."

A moment of silence to stare towards Alexander. "I have tried and tried to make things peaceful, and this is a way, a final way, to try for peace with little bloodshed. If they want the same, they will meet ourdemand."

An exhale. "We can talk about the Bridge, the trial, and all else there. If the Church does not like the way they wish to handle it, we will remain involved until the finishing of the wars, I imagine." Romani would nod, casting his gaze towards the Stellus. "Which, again, is why I recommended that clause."

His eyes turned back to Alexander. "Exactly. You see what happens if it is not signed. This is the way that the majority of the church was able to agree to fight in the battle. This document, to end our arguing."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[01:30] Demands from the multiple settlements that truthfully the Stellus would never agree to also, and it only further solidified the Faith's decision to finally make a proper impact when it came to the matter of simply pure strength.

"Romani is right. Currently, everyone believes Osrona is already finished, and so the scavengers have appeared to pick away at the corpse. All those demands will not be spoken of in the peace summit, because we would be victorious over an alliance of kingdoms."

He paused, before continuing again.

"We would be in a position of power to properly engage in talks with the other leaders."

A showing that would strike throughout the continent, and hopefully bring forth the understanding that Osrona wasn't merely free pickings for others to take from.

"A united front, showing no cracks within our forces, that we have the will to fight on. To give them the realisation that war is something that will only take more from them than they'll gain."

It was time for a more forceful approach to the matter of gaining peace once again throughout Esshar.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[01:42] Alexander rei Petrakis considers it for a short while, hearing out the Church speak more on the matter. It seemed the contract was not only to unify Osrona but also the Church and the priests inside who wished desperately for peace.

His eyes meet Romani as he explains, and then a short nod. He understood now and it was in line with his own beliefs to a great deal. Merely different ways of phrasing it.
"Thank you, Keeper Romani. Stellus Pericles."

Nothing else needed to be said. The King gestures a hand for the nearby guard and they bring over a pen which he grasps and begins signing his name.

"To reassure you both and make sure we are all on the same page. If the peace talks fall through and our people captured, I will be commanding the entire of Osrona to rescue them. No matter whom it is. Your faithful, innocents, or my knights, they will be saved."

The Petrakis gives a last informing few words. To clear any doubts about the sort ofleader Alexander would be.

"You are both dismissed. Thank you for your help."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[01:43] The paper is handed back, passed through a guard.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[01:45] "You are welcome, King Alexander. And to reassure you?"

A glance would be made towards the Stellus.

"I believe that the following should be added to the contract, on the church's side."

"4. Agree that any nation that does not attend the Peace talks will be considered an enemy nation of united Orsona.
5. Vow any group that disrupts the peace talks with violence will be considered an enemy of the Peace Keeping Organization until they surrender.
6. Agree that the Bridge remains Orsonan territory during the Peace talks.
7. Agree that Asta Hargrave must be tried for the murder of Hrist, to be discussed at Peace talks."

"I believe that these amendments would reassure all the current worries that are had over the contract. And course, if our people are captured, we should work to save them."

A nod towards the gathered.

"I can get another piece of paper, with these amendments on them ifit is preferred."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[01:49] Pericles nodded along, cutting in swifty.

"Five wouldn't be needed, that's merely common sense I would hope. Six also, mainly because the bridge has never left Osrona's hands, and so it shouldn't even need to be brought up."

At least within the Stellus's mind, the Lionhart mercenaries attempts to claim domain over the bridge was some attempt to only cause conflict between the two settlements.

Their claims of taking any ownership was something to be ignored, not even acknowledged.

"Seven and four are excellent additions."

The matter of people being captured was a simple matter within his mind, Romani summed it up perfectly.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[01:50] Romani cos Montclaire says, "While it would be common sense, it is always better to get things in writing."
[01:51] Pericles Vitalis says, "Ah, legal matters, such a hassle. Let's add it in too then."
[01:52] Pericles Vitalis says, "The bridge though, I truly do not believe it should even be seen as a 'demand' if the mercenaries bring it up. The bridge is a vocal point of trade and travel towards towns and villages under Osrona's banner."
[01:53] Pericles Vitalis says, "Something that shouldn't even be considered."
[01:54] "That does reassure me. We can do another document if you like or you can add it after as clarification but I have the utmost trust in both of you," he says.

Unlike with the treaty of Osrona-Myllenoris that he was conveniently omitted from, this made much more sense.

Then the Petrakis nods to Pericles. "As do I. It would also stir more conflict between Theria and Osrona."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[01:54] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "The Lionheart group already ordered our capture at the last meeting we had with them. It would not surprise me if it happens again, so fair warning."
[01:54] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I will retreive a new piece of paper. And it would; but it is just being transparent with our views. I will return in a moment."
[01:55] {Item} You drop Church Contract of 1737 AC.
[01:56] She cleared her throat now, speaking up!

"I spoke with Mars." She said suddenly, "At the bridge. If we want peace with them, she wants to speak with you personally. I believe the bridge is a good area to speak to her at; it's in the middle of Osrona and Alabastre, after all."
(Ophelia Soleis)
[01:59] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "Mars does not want peace with me, she only wants my capture. But. If she shows up at the summit, she can speak there."
[02:00] Ophelia Soleis says, "Hmm, very well. And this summit will be held at the Starfall Tower, then."
[02:00] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "If we succeed, yes."
[02:00] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I believe she would be unwilling to pull her forces out of the oncoming talk. And yes, when we secure it, it will be held there."
[02:00] His own signature followed Alexander's own, the text getting a brief skim before it disappeared within his cloak, offering a smile towards Alexander as he shortly dipped his head.

Matters worked well, and now his bed called.

"Indeed, a fitting location."

A heel pivoted as he prepared to depart, waiting for any further words before finally heading out.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[02:02] Romani would give a slight bow towards Alexander, smiling at long last from the way that it ended up going.

"Thank you. And I hope that our future is ever bright." As the Stellus began to walk away, Romani would as well turn. A hand was raised, waving to the king.

But before he left he would move to his left, darting over to Ophelia quickly to kiss her cheek, before departing.
(Romani cos Montclaire)