Romani Montclaire - Torn Down (5/15)

[22:24] He nodded, more in understanding than agreement.

"I know the feeling. How I felt after the reception...I was lost. Everything I'd worked towards in the past several years was gone in an instant. Asta helped keep me together until I could recover. But Romani still has years left, if I've anything to say about it."

He produced a slip of paper, a record of Alexander's recent words ferried to him by those few loyal agents he had left.

"This won't stand. Alexander's no right to remove a Stellus, and to do so for one that's done so much for Osrona? A grave insult. I don't recognise it as legitimate."
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[22:27] She peered at him stoically in silence as he spoke before she shook her head.

"It's foolish. It's stupid." She commented. Her gaze would shift down the steps to her husband, and that stoic exterior cracked, a smile forming. "Hello Romani! Do you still need medical attention for your ribs?"
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[22:31] The Once-Stellus' head is cast downwards, slowly as not even the dim follows him as he stepped through the temple. He is silent, the voices almost seeming to flow in an out of focus until he is called to specifically. Tilting his head up, his eyes glance to Regulus and Ophelia weakly, eyes showing bags under the result of his sleepless nights, and collapses for days intermittent.

"My ribs are still broken, yes." At least his words are not mumbled but there is an utterly tired tinge in his voice.

"And, while it is his right or not, Alexander certainly decreed it. And if people are loyal to him? They will follow. No matter who is abandoned along the way." An exhale breathes past his lips.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:36] Regulus nodded, before his expression turned a little confused.

"I was not aware you were injured to a degree that required medical attention, Stellus. I do wish you'd have told me. I'll arrange a medic unless your Lady wife is capable?"

He left that without an answer for the moment, instead turning attention properly towards Romani.

"If he'd not already overstepped his authorities multiple times, Alexander certainly has now. The King may not dismiss a Stellus, and attempting to do so is grounds for excommunication should you deem it necessary. In any case, our victory over Osrona will return you to your rightful position."
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[22:40] Her finger tapped against her cheek idly before she sighed out.

"I can try to find a medic - one of us can, anyway. Whichever is faster, as long as he's healed properly... Don't be so confident of victory, Regulus. One may never tell what will happen." She said.

"After all, Osrona was very confident of victory time and time again."
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[22:45] Regulus' words cause Romani to pause for a second. A small laugh then fills the air, and small tears begin to well up in the corners of his eyes, pathetically rolling down his tears.

"My ribs were fractured in the battle against Mihalis. I believe I spoke up a little before about that, but I can not blame you." His arm raised up, lightly wiping at the tears.

"I have something of a history of my injuries going unnoticed for a while."

He manages to catch his breath, exhaling as he closes his eyes. "I am not sure how I feel about it, in honest. The King can not dismiss a Stellus, but neither am I sure if I am worthy of the role. I have found success in life in only one thing. While it is cruel to be abandoned,"

"Maybe it is right to abandon a failure all along."

He would let out a small sigh before gazing up. A nod towards Ophelia, moving up those steps and going to hold her hand.

"All the same, I would like a medic. It is a bit painful. for my ribs to be broken as long as they are."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:55] A short nod followed Ophelia.

"Fair. But not confident, I'd say. Optimistic. We win, and this war ends. We lose, and then next three years are exactly the same as the previous three. Is it so wrong to hope for the sooner end?"

His attention shifted to Romani a moment later. A brief moment of consideration and he stepped forwards, a hand extending out to clasp him by the shoulder. More a ..manly comforting gesture than anything aggressive.

"You're in the shadow of a literal Saint, and have been trapped in a losing war your whole term as Stellus thus far. When this is over, Osrona will need leaders to help rebuilt and move on in a way that avoids further bloodshed. I truly believe you're one of those leaders. Don't give up on yourself just yet."

A wry smile, then his attention shifted to Ophelia. "I daresay this conversation is not quite over yet. It might be best for you to go seek a medic. Amalia is capable, as I recall." He turned as he noted the appearance of two others. A..slow, tentative wave was given to Finley, though he didn't say anything to him.

Wasn't sure if Finley wanted to even speak to him.
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[23:00] Finley walked into the tower, trailed by Walter, after his time meditating in the Vale. Instead of his Mistseer robes, which were still heavily damaged and stained with grime, Fin wore a simple grey tunic the opened down the front, revealing his torso wrapped in countless bandages. He appeared somewhat gaunt and sick, still in recovery, but at least walking.

As he entered, he heard Regulus' voice echoing down the stairs only to quickly spy Romani awake and about.

Formalities were cast aside as Finley moved as quick as he could to embrace his friend, though it was likely that he was likely jumping the gun, under the circumstances.

"Romani!" he exclaimed, though his voice was strained still and hoarse. "..you're awake." The Teraphim blinked and then looked over to Romani and Regulus before stepping back and speaking once more to the Stellus.

"...I'm sorry that you're still trapped here like this. I've done what I could..." And it showed. Finley was still covered in bruises and cuts that weren't as treated as the mortal wound across his front that had miraculously been mended by Amalia and Walter's best efforts.
(Finley)
[23:03] As Romani laughed at Regulus' comment, there was a distinct frown that crossed her features, the woman staring at him. It pained her to see him feel so down, so hard on himself. As he moved to take her hand, she squeezed it tightly before looking at him.

"Please stop being so hard on yourself, Romani. It hurts me to hear you say that... You're not a failure to me. You don't always have to win fights. Sometimes the successes we have aren't things we see immediately." She added.

As Regulus spoke on the war she opted to simply not respond, shaking her head.

"He's right, you know. Osrona will need leadership if it loses." Her fingers squeezed against him. And then, there was Finley. As Finley went to go embrace him she winced,

"Please... His ribs are broken...." She murmured gently.
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[23:09] The stand extended onto his shoulder does seem to calm the Ste- Romani, for a few moments.

"You are not incorrect. I stood in the shadow of a great man like Periclies, and it is hard to measure up. And the war going on.." A pause. "I am uncertain if I should take the rank of Stellus, but I did always have a dream. I want an Esshar with unity, an Esshar with a united organization protecting it. I believe that after this war.. My focus would ever be on building that."

He might not have won any battles, but what he hoped to do was rally others so that they would protect one another where he so often failed. In fact, his mind was so focused on his dream that he didn't notice Finley until the man was on him.

Finley would move to hug Romani. For a few seconds, Romani would smile, his arms raising to give the Teraphim a hug.

It was followed by a wheeze, and a slight screeching leaving his mouth. "Fractured, fractured rib."

He took a deep breath as Finley had stepped back and his gaze fell upon them. "It is ok. Honestly, I do not mind. I got to see my wife again, and I get to see you again after so long. I have not seen you since the start of the war. Have you been ok? Do you need someone to tend to your wounds?"

His hand would once more squeeze Ophelia's as he settled down. A small frown does dot his lips at Ophelia's words and he would give a small nod.

"I will attempt to stop being so harsh on myself. But it is a bit painful. I feel like I have been dragged down all my life into an ocean, and I will never be able to breathe in it." Another small laugh, despite the pain of drowning.

"If Myllenoris does win this war, however, I do hope that the peace organization can be made all the same. That is something I can work towards. That is something that I can do, a leadership I would like to see about working towards."

"AndI am sorry for calling myself a failure, Ophe." He gently would move to lean his forehead against her arm.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:22] Finley didn't respond to him in any way, and the former nobleman nodded silently to himself. Fair. Instead, he responded to the only person who'd responded to him, although given his words it was understandable Opheliai did given Finley's appearance.

"A united Esshar? A worthy dream. A dream I'm striving towards too."

He weighed up the options, then figured this close to the end it wouldn't hurt.

"The end I've been envisioning for after the war is exactly that. A coalition of Myllenoris, Theria, Ilburg and Alabastre, similar yet more than the Treaty of 1733. A united front from any enemies. The original motivation was to stand against Essharan expansionism, but...I've proposed an alternate solution to the war. A modification to the demands. Asta doesn't have any faith in the Petrakis dynasty, and I cannot blame her. So instead of simply replacing Alexander with Marie, I made a new suggestion."

He'd not had the chance to speak to anyone else about this. Perhaps it would be beneficial.

"The end of the Essharan dynastic monarchy, in Osrona at least. Instead, Osrona leaves the Empire and returns to the Triumvirate, with one key difference; no more King. Instead, the third of the triumvirate is elected by the Osronan people, rules for their term, then is either re-elected or replaced. Marie would be the first of these elected, an interim ruler until the first election can be arranged. And, of course, entry into the coalition."

It was a bold dream, and one unlikely to go as well as he hoped, but that was what he was going for now.

"I'm in the process of trying to convince Asta."

Attention shifted to Tonak.

"Tonak, good timing. The Stellus needs help, he's got broken ribs. Think you could fix him up?"
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[23:24] She folded her arms. Looking towards Romani and Ophelia... "I can't believe Alex stripped you of all your rankings - To make you fight in a war for him... And then, publicly denounce all of you?"

She raised the newspaper from which she was reading. Quiet astonishing news.

"Perhaps it's a ploy, make you all rankles so that you're citizens... But -" Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked up the stairs.

"I can't believe it..." She shook her head. "He lost all value for you... He's unbelievable." She frowned, that turned into a smile quickly.

"Yes, Tonak, can you fix his ribs please?"
(Ella Gracia)
[23:26] Coincidentally enough, it was Regulus himself whom the youthful Teraphim was seeking. After witnessing his rather... brutal treatment of Paisley, she could only wait to personally introduce herself.

What she didn't expect to hear was the future plans for Osrona. Not that she couldn't be trusted with such information, as one of Aschea's own.

"Pardon my interruption, Lord Consort, but-"

A deep inhale, as Agate smoothed out her dress, ascending the stone steps. Gaze interlocked with the husband of her High Lady.

A human, no less, but one which she could actually trust.

"Don't you think it might be wise if we install a Teraphim leader within Osrona? The humans more than anything require guidance, which can be given through such means."

Agate knew well enough her station, but she couldn't restrain herself. Ideas were always better refined with input, after all.

"A united Essharis an appealing option, but I believe oversight will be necessary. If we simply... do that, won't the humans once more revert to what they were? Conquering war-mongers..."

Agate trailed, it made sense to her. With a Teraphim at the helm, there would be no err.
(Agate)
[23:28] Tonak eyes would go to the man. Quiet as he hummed.

"Well of course I can fix broken ribs nothing to much to do that. Just a bit of opening and stitching progress." It wasn't how he described it. It was most likely going to be more problems down the line. Though he look at Ella. She could see he was more than likely shocked to hear her voice. Though his expression didn't show anything his eyes did that.

"When you are ready lets go to a place to get started."
(Tonak Botcher)
[23:33] "Apologies.." Finley said, realizing his hug hurt Romani more than he'd intended. "I know the pain of broken ribs." He said with a small smile, the usually stoic Teraphim clearly more expressionable than he'd been in quite some time. "Walter and Amy managed to recreate some bone I lost. Most of my ribcage is now metal." He explained.

"We might be able to ask Amy to see to yours." Fin looked over his shoulder toward the exit, half expecting Amalia to walk in, only to turn back to the conversation at hand to hear the rest. He frowned in recognizing Romani's discouragement, but the Teraphim was more than sympathetic.

"..we can speak as she does that. There's plenty I wanted to talk to you about. I waited by the bridge of Starfall for a full day for you, but the message came to late, I see."

Regulus was suddenly given a glance from Finley, and a small wave, but little else. It was clear he was still hesitant to make any actions at the moment, waiting in the limbo between his duel with Asta and the next time he'd meet her.

With the new Ella brought, Finley went silent on the matter of Romani's titles and Regulus' explanations as to what might come. He held no reason to speak on the subject after so much had happened. A glance over his shoulder was given to the other Teraphim present, only for Finley to turn back to those on the landing.

Regulus was addressed with a single, "..if you truly wish to change something, it will be to convince all of my kin who believe in this war for superiority that was now dragged into broad daylight. Our allies are likely to abandon us with these rumors surely spreading.." Quick diplomatic advice that wouldn't be prolonged.

"Let's go with Tonak then." Fin said, recognizing Amy wasn't around. "And see to Romani treated."
(Finley)
[23:38] There was a small stare given to none other than Agate who suggested a Teraphim lead them. Her gaze narrowed and then she eventually looked away.

"Not all humans are conquering war mongers. Maybe you should look at the collected blood on your leaders hands before you try to throw stones." She said. Once more her gaze moved to Romani and it softened.

"Thank you. Respect yourself more, Romani, that's all I ask. Because you're deserving of it." She said softly. Her eyes fell upon Finley.

"I think that's a good idea, yes."
(Ophelia cos Montclaire)
[23:42] A small smile, and a nod would be made towards Regulus.

"It is a good dream. I attempted it before a bit. I wanted to steer the Aedphi shields that direction, as well as attempt to create it if Orsona had won the fight for Starfall tower. But such attempts did not pan out." A small sigh. "I might have seen it as fruitless if a friend did not tell me that every effort was at least worth it, every effort was something that could be remembered."

He does pause at the words of Regulus. A Coalition between Myllenoris, Theria, Illburg, Alabaste. His head would slightly cant as Orsona was not included in the list, if it were beaten in the war. "I would like to say the Petrakis Dynasty has the divine right to rule. But now? I am not so sure. Maybe the angel's signs were not for Alexander. Maybe it was for the church trying to save Pericles. I do not know."

"As such, I can not really object to a change of the Triumvirate. It would be a way that people could have more representation."

His eyes then turned to the side, looking towards Ella as she spoke up. There was a frown on his face when the stripping of rankings was mentioned, before sighing and nodding. "I believed he would be more of the type to support until the end. But, it does seem that we were discarded a bit." His hand would squeeze Ophelia's finding comfort in holding his wife's hand. "So all the same? I will work for the saving of as many lives as I can, and just hope those lives do not forsake me."

His eyes glanced towards Tonak, raising his hand. "I should be free in a moment. I am uncertain if I am more needed for this conversation."

The words of a Teraphim he did not know entered his ear, and he glanced towards her for a few moments. A Teraphim leader in Orsona? "You would want to give them some sort of support and defense while in Orsona. After a country falls,there still may be those loyal to a past regime, so it is important to secure people you would put in that area. They would also be less in contact with Myllenoris due to the distance." He does not deny the idea, but he would give his slight thoughts to the proposition.

A smile would be sent towards Fin. "It is fine. You did not know. And that sounds painful. I think metal does a lot more pain then a fracture. But I am glad to see you are tended to at least." A nod. He does however pause. "I never received a letter regarding Starfall tower. I heard Ophelia had been captured, and the message deliverer said that she was to be sacrificed. So, I came running. And got ambushed and captured by an occultist on the way here, and traded to Myllenoris." He raises a hand and waves it dismissively.

"It is a lot. We should speak on it, yes." A pause, when talk of rumors came up. He comments not but bears a light curiosity.

His head softly leans against Ophelia's shoulder and his arm would wrap around the other. "I will attempt to respect myself more. Life has done a lot of beating me down, but if nothing else, I suppose I should just be glad I am alive." With that, he would start to head south to get fixed!
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:49] His attention was on Agate first.

"I think that a Teraphim ruler over Osrona would not last long. Osrona needs to see that this war was to rid them of a warmongering tyrant, not to conquer them. If I'm able to successfully convince Asta to this new path, yes, we'll have a Teraphim oversee the city in conjunction with Marie Petrakis until elections can be held. That Teraphim would be none over than Finley."

He nodded his head towards the blackcloak.

"Granted, its all dependent on Asta's agreement, which I'll be seeking very soon. But believe me when I say it: Esshar will never be united by conquest, not in a way that achieves the Teraphim ideal of balance. I'm doing my best right now to help my wife see that."

Attention returning to Romani, he nodded.

"Its an ideal, but all theoretical for the moment. Alexander's betrayed the people who tried to help him, and shown a significant lack of gratitude or respect for those who risk their lives for him. My advice, Stellus? Announce his excommunication. People will listen, and perhaps it'll hasten the end of this war."

Hopefully this would end sooner rather than later. Avoiding the siege would be ideal.
(Regulus orn Grimmore)
[23:58] Agate's gaze shifted from Romani to Ophelia, regarding them with a guarded expression. Narrowing her gaze, however, upon hearing Ophelia's response.

"Left to their own devices humans are prone to emotional outburst and destructive behaviors. Teraphim are best-equipped to guide them, and I believe it to be our calling to lead them in addition to that."

Blessed by Aschea, uncaring if the great houses of Osrona were brought up through divine means. There were no angels defending them now, were there? No holy retribution smit upon the Teraphim for their actions?

No. It was all deserved, at least from Agate's perspective.

"A Teraphim representative should be present at least to ensure that Osrona adheres to the guidelines which will be set forth. Whatever terms are agreed upon after we take the city, there should also be Greycloak presence to protect the chosen representative. To which I would volunteer, if nothing else."

Her opinions spoken clear to the powers who actually had some say in the matter. Answering Romani's words as well, suggesting there be protection.

Golden gaze shifting over to Regulus now, before nodding.

"It can all be discussed and decided upon by the powers that are able once it happens. Merely a suggestion, as I'd rather not see the war be a fruitless endeavor."

"Enforcement and oversight is necessary."
(Agate)
[00:01] The betrayal still stung a bit, especially with how much it was brought up. His eyes closed for a few moments, thinking it over in silence.

"I will consider it. It is overstepping boundaries to remove a Stellus, and I know he tried similar things with Serea." His voice tapers off and his eyes close.

"Wars should always be prevented when they can. I am not one who likes to hear about the loss of life." Romani however, does not comment again on the insertion of a Terpahim representation.
(Romani cos Montclaire)