Uri and the plan to rescue Esbern.

[22:38] Astrid cos Salis exclaims, "Lead the way!"
[22:44] With him... His men followed only to the door for they were not allowed. With him, he brought Astrid... And along with her, the many loyalist of his would help guide the many steeds into the castle...

"Twenty two...And...Six to myself and those who have helped me upon my journey across the sae, upon my conquer of the island of Los'tal…" And with him, or rather behind him, the horses were lead into the courtyard of the royal family...

They wouldn't enter the castle, but Uri made it clear, that this was no sell, it was a donation, "This is the gift I've been trying to give you for a while now... They have all been kept in my ship, we only wait for your stables to be built," said the young Pirate Lord.

"While you manage the land my friend, I've been doing my best to manage the sea," he smiles at Alexander with that usual cheeky grin of his...

"Though, gifts aside, I'm sure, there are many concerns you, or lady Astrid must speak of... Concerns of a friend and my Vice Wing, Esbern'o…" Yes, you must say the O, Uri made this clear for it was a bit of endearment from his part. "I have arranged, eleven of the horses we've brought back to be given to Xyth once his settlement is forged as well...I hope this isn't a bad time for this gift to be given.."
(Uri Brienne)
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[22:47] Astrid walks in along with Uri. Allowing him to attend to his own business with the king before she bothers her


She would begin thinking though

When did SHE get a horse!? She always wanted one after all! Maybe she should name it something like Snow!

Oh...that's important at the moment..

Bowing at the King, she changes to a respectful and noble demeanor. Trailing off Uri's own mention of Esbern

"Greetings, my King. I come to you with information regarding Esbern. And....a proposal, of sorts. Excuse me for troubling you with such matters. But...I think the information I discovered is important...."

The girl darts her eyes to the side for a moment, thinking of the right words to say...
"And if possible...I think I can work out a...deal, of sorts with Esbern's captors. Though, again...I wanted to ask you before even attempting to consider such plans."

With that out of the way, Astrid sort ofmurmurs something toward Uri in a cheeky way
"H-hey..c-can I get a horse t-...*ahem. Nevermind!"

Man, she really wanted a horse...
(Astrid cos Salis)
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[22:54] Alexander leads them into the start of the castle but not before seeing Uri's gift arrive. Twenty two horses. Alexander blinks, eyes clearing away as he looks over them all.

"Thank you, Uri," a small smile, especially with mention of the manage the sea. The words would not do justice to the gratitude for that would come later. Either way, the Brienne would soon find out Vivian's name was cleared.

"It is not a bad time," he says shortly and then turns to Astrid. What Uri mentioned does bring the conversation to a more somber note.

"What information was discovered and what deal would you suggest?" the Petrakis asks. He took her enquiry seriously but first he would have to learn all of the facts.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[23:07] Astrid nods her head. Her ruby hues looking upon Alexander as he sit upon his throne. Astrid seemed to be almost...intimidated. A slight stutter emitting from her voice as she spoke. It didn't seem she had ever spoken to someone so important before..
"Mm. R-right! Here is what I've discovered."

The Cadet would rummage around in her bag. Pulling out a letter addressed to her from Esbern.
"I-I was recently sent a letter from Esbern regarding his condition. From the looks of things, it seemed his captors allowed for him to do so. Unless he did it in secret...b-but anyway, here's what it reads."

Astrid clears her throat as she begins reciting the most important part of the letter
"*Ahem. 'Dear Astrid, Eric, and Inante.

It is with a heavy heart I write to inform you of my imprisonment in Myllenoris. I was most foolishly caught attempting the crossing of the river in order to retrieve my products from my store here, and am now a prisoner of war for the duration of the war.

Though my stall and its produce were confiscated, I myself am relatively unharmed besides a minor wound I sustained when fighting Bella Senatus. I'm deeply sorry, I believe the wedding will have to be postponed until I can return home.

For what it is worth, I am treated reasonably well here, and am safe. I hope that you are all safe and doing well. I miss all of you, and hope to return home soon.'"

Astrid looks up at the King. Even offering the letter up to him if Astrid's letter was not enough.
"I know this is Esbern due to his handwriting. So it is undoubtedly authentic. It was also given to me by Demios. Someone who I know to be a dear friend of Esbern. The chances of the letter being forged or written against his will are low. Especially considering there are private details that only Esbern would know about containted within it. With that out of the way, the information I have gathered from Demios and Senna seem to be that Esbern is being treated rather fairly despite his captivity. And that they plan to keep him there until the end of the war."

Astrid takes a deep breath before continuing her explanation. Already seeming quite exhausted
"*phew. With that information in mind, I've also recently discovered the name of Esbern's captor. Lord Regulus Grimmoire. Someone who....my family has relations with, given our heritage."

The girl looks up at Alexander, it was evident that this was something she had never done before. But...she was trying her best
"Me and my siblings are vassals to the Grimmoire family. Considering this fact, I ask that you give me the permission to set up a private meeting with Regulus to negotiate for Esbern's freedom. A civil negotiation between me and them. While there are no guarantees of this plan working, I feel it's an option that should be considered.Even with the risks associated. Other than this, there seems to be no other options when it comes to Esbern's freedom besides waiting for this war to be over. With that in mind, what do you think, my king?"

Astrid taps her foot eagerly, fumbling with the letter in her hand quite nervously as she awaits his answer..

(Astrid cos Salis)
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[23:09] Uri would have stood by Astrid, agreeing to this. He wanted to help Esbern'o but. They needed to devise a strategy, one that won't get their numbers brought down to zero. And so, to make sure that all were aware, Uri would read a portion or even all of the letter written to him by Esbern.

"But as I have mentioned before... Confronting Regulus could put you in harms way, even if he is kind to you. There's no promise that you will return after your talk with him... There are many there, who might want to take your heard just due to your name."

He moves onto the letter as they both had one.

"If I may...Ahem.."


He whips out the letter, it was a bit dusty from his travels, luckily, not burned from the flames.

"Dear Uri, and Vivan cos Brienne.

I am deeply sorry, for I managed to get myself captured while attempting the crossing to Myllenoris. I thought I could get in and retrieve my produce before the war ramped up properly. For what it is worth, I am relatively safe, and live in a reasonable level of comfort.

To Vivian;
I hope you've been cleared of all wrongful charges. That you were accused of a crime due to someone else's actions is a travesty.

To Uri;
My best and closest friend, I only ask that you don't try to rescue me - incase you were thinking of trying to. I've been chatting with a few of your cousins here, which has been pleasant - Lemuria, who tells me she is no longer a prisoner (though I still am. Not entirely sure why.), Demios arborea (very friendly), and of course, Bartholomew Otho (friendly, as always).

Demios mentioned he and Skadi might be needing a ship for an expedition they'd been planning. Perhaps the Soaring Phoenix guild could come to an arrangement with them? I'll leave that in your hands, though.

I hope to see you both soon.

Yours faithfully,
Esbern Antioch"


And with that, Uri would roll up the letter, lightly tapping his own head with the paper. "Skadi, she is from the same settlement that has Esbern captured... We can use this... If anyone has a spec of influence within that town, it will be one of their own, and clearly, there is a need... Things we have that they don't... Esbern is fine, because of his expertise in the crafts.... They lack that and he is surviving by using his negotiation skills as anyone would... If anything, this gives us a clear advantage, that their numbers might not be as well equipped," said the young Captain.


(Uri Brienne)
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[23:38] Astrid nods her head. Her ruby hues looking upon Alexander as he sit upon his throne. Astrid seemed to be almost...intimidated. A slight stutter emitting from her voice as she spoke. It didn't seem she had ever spoken to someone so important before..
"Mm. R-right! Here is what I've discovered."

The Cadet would rummage around in her bag. Pulling out a letter addressed to her from Esbern.
"I-I was recently sent a letter from Esbern regarding his condition. From the looks of things, it seemed his captors allowed for him to do so. Unless he did it in secret...b-but anyway, here's what it reads."

Astrid clears her throat as she begins reciting the most important part of the letter
"*Ahem. 'Dear Astrid, Eric, and Inante.

It is with a heavy heart I write to inform you of my imprisonment in Myllenoris. I was most foolishly caught attempting the crossing of the river in order to retrieve my products from my store here, and am now a prisoner of war for the duration of the war.

Though my stall and its produce were confiscated, I myself am relatively unharmed besides a minor wound I sustained when fighting Bella Senatus. I'm deeply sorry, I believe the wedding will have to be postponed until I can return home.

For what it is worth, I am treated reasonably well here, and am safe. I hope that you are all safe and doing well. I miss all of you, and hope to return home soon.'"

Astrid looks up at the King. Even offering the letter up to him if Astrid's letter was not enough.
"I know this is Esbern due to his handwriting. So it is undoubtedly authentic. It was also given to me by Demios. Someone who I know to be a dear friend of Esbern. The chances of the letter being forged or written against his will are low. Especially considering there are private details that only Esbern would know about containted within it. With that out of the way, the information I have gathered from Demios and Senna seem to be that Esbern is being treated rather fairly despite his captivity. And that they plan to keep him there until the end of the war."

Astrid takes a deep breath before continuing her explanation. Already seeming quite exhausted
"*phew. With that information in mind, I've also recently discovered the name of Esbern's captor. Lord Regulus Grimmoire. Someone who....my family has relations with, given our heritage."

The girl looks up at Alexander, it was evident that this was something she had never done before. But...she was trying her best
"Me and my siblings are vassals to the Grimmoire family. Considering this fact, I ask that you give me the permission to set up a private meeting with Regulus to negotiate for Esbern's freedom. A civil negotiation between me and them. While there are no guarantees of this plan working, I feel it's an option that should be considered.Even with the risks associated. Other than this, there seems to be no other options when it comes to Esbern's freedom besides waiting for this war to be over. With that in mind, what do you think, my king?"

Astrid taps her foot eagerly, fumbling with the letter in her hand quite nervously as she awaits his answer..

(Repost)
(Astrid cos Salis)
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[23:59] It was a lot to take in and consider, and Alexander was not in the best of minds to be considering all of the information that is released. The letter is shown and eyes glaze over it quietly, it is taken a second and then handed back.

"Regulus wants to try to convince you to join him," he says plainly, thinking it over. "Capture could also be in the books, like Uri had said."

The Petrakis King clasps his chin a moment.

"There is another option. The Stellus, the Lightbringer and myself are in agreement. Our own innocents will not be let die. Esbern will be our first rescue of the war whether you succeed or not."
Alexander makes it clear. For now, he waits to see the Salis' resolve and perhaps any thoughts Uri would have.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[00:11] Astrid eyes would widen in in intrigue as Uri spoke. It didn't even occur to her that Esbern was so useful to them because of their lack of numbers and artificers
"...Huh..."

She nods as she agrees with Uri's words
"You....may have a point. Again, as I said before, it's a risk for me to even attempt such a thing. Hence why I wanted to discuss it beforehand. And given the risk, i'm sure many of Myllenoris would take my head just from the mere sight of me. Unless perhaps I were to wear a disguise..."

She ponders the possibility for a moment before shaking her head and turning her attention toward the King
"...Mm. I've thought the same thing. It could very well be a suicide mission if I were to show myself. But please know, my King. I have no intention of joining Regulus. I...can't condone his actions nor can I condone his will to support this war. I'm trying my best to do what I can to -stop- this war, my King. Joining Regulus would go against everything I stand."

Astrid nods her head in resolve, looking upward at the Petrakis with a glint in her eye
"I admit, I...don't think I can do much regarding the rescue of my fiancé. As I said before, showing myself to Myllenoris would only cause unnecessary unrest and chaos as I am likely to be captured or killed given my nobility. But know this, I don't plan on just standing here and allowing them to continue this needless war. I understand I am simply a Cadet, but if there's anything I can do at all, please allow me to heed your orders, King Alexander.."

Placing her hand on her heart, she sighs before speaking once again
"...*sigh. I simply want to stop this war. As much as I want to save Esbern, their is too much blood that has already been shed. Both by innocents and soldiers alike. I don't care about such things such as glory or...honor. I...just want to stop all this."
(Astrid cos Salis)
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[00:17] Heeding her words, the young Captain spoke another piece of his.

"As it stands, there is evil in the world, yes.. But from the perspective of those we seek to rescue Esbern from... They believe that they are indeed the better good. This stands for everyone we've fought." He speaks strategically about the matter.

"There is no more talking amongst certain parties, but perhaps, negotiations can be arranged, some of which, might get us back our people without so much of a fight..."

He looks to Astrid, "Another thing we can't afford to lose, is one from the noble families, just as we cannot afford to lose anymore knights... Perhaps this would call more for a summit if anything."

He looks back to Alexander, "A summit in which, would bring forth awareness between all nations, so that even then, if they cannot come to an agreement...Our forces would've been built by then."

(Uri Brienne)
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[00:18] Uri Brienne says, "I forgot to include, that if there is one person who is friendly with Asta and the other nations, it's Elizabeth despite our past."
[00:42] The Petrakis listens to Uri but while it did seem not a bad idea, it was not appropriate for the war at the moment.
"That will not work and it involves too many groups."

More importantly was what Astrid spoke to him of. The young lady was not entirely sure what to do but had a heart full of resolve.

"Bella will capture you if you head to Myllenoris or even outside of these walls. I've decided. Have a letter sent through one of the people that Esbern is close with. Demios. In the letter see if Regulus will agree to a meeting at a neutral place. Or on what terms he will free Esbern."

Alexander speaks. An effort would have to be made in the meantime before Esbern could be rescued. He owed the Salis girl that much.

"That is all. You are both dismissed unless you have further questions. Report back to me when you receive a reply."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
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[00:50] Astrid turns her head toward Uri as she takes the time to listen to him. To her, his idea did seem like a sound one. Though logically speaking, it probably would be tough to set up such a summit during a time of war and strife.

Though....perhaps all was not lost.

Looking upward at Alexander, Astrid makes sure to try her best to listen and understand the arguments. It didn't seem Astrid was fond of politics nor was she good at interacting in them, but her resolve to put an end to more bloodshed seemed to keep her going.
"...You're allowing such a negotiation to happen, my King?"

Astrid ponders his decision for a moment. Nodding her head as she listens to his words
"Alright then. I'll make sure to make contact with Demios and send a letter to Regulus. This seems to be the best shot that we have. But i'll make sure to be cautious....w-we are treading dangerous waters after all."

With that out of the way,Astrid bows politely before leaving the room. Getting straight to work on finding Demios and contacting Regulus. If there was even a chance that they could free the prisoners without bloodshed, Astrid would take it.
"Farewell, King Alexander. May the Stars guide you. I bid you farewell too, Uri. Until next time."
(Astrid cos Salis)
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[00:52] Uri nods his head.
(Uri Brienne)
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[00:52] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "I am allowing you to see what Regulus wishes to do with Esbern."
[00:52] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "But yes. Farewell."
[00:52] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "Stars keep you both safe."
[00:52] Astrid cos Salis says, "I understand. Farewell."
[00:53] Uri Brienne says, "It's time we all rest after all. I bid you both adieu."
[00:53] Uri tips the guard.
(Uri Brienne)
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