Romani Montclaire - Asta's Starfall March (5/3) (CoI)

[18:14] The Battle of Starfall Tower was about to begin.

The representatives of the coalition formed to combat Osrona stood in the no man's land of the months-long battlefield. There, some dozen few men surrounding Asta and her cohort held flags of ceasefire. As the Order of the First Light, the Church, and Petrakis' loyal men and women marched onto the field, they'd have the opportunity to parley with the opposition.

The battle was temporarily suspended.

Scouts from either side report that both Myllenoris and Osrona have brought thousands of warriors to take Starfall in one decisive push.

At the center of the opposition parley, stands the High Lady herself. Atop her head, the arcanium Crown of Aschea. She sets her sights on the enemy, and breaks a fascinated, unintimidated smile.

"King Petrakis and company!" she exclaims, extending her arms out to greet them.

"Come, come! Let us chat! Let us stand, and talk. We have demands to share with you. Demands that, if met, shall stop the bloodshed before it even begins!"

She unfolds a piece of paper she held in her hand.

"Alexander and Nebula Petrakis will abdicate the throne to another; Marie Petrakis preferred. Alexander and Nebula Petrakis will be deposed from power and exiled from their city.

The 'Empire of Esshar' will pay reparations for violating the Treaty of 1733. Your options are two-hundred live human bodies to appease the offended spirits of the Greatwoods. Or 50,000 coins.

Elizabeth Amor, tradeswoman, merchant, will be repaid 120,000 coins for damages to her business." Asta covers her mouth to hide a giggle. That bit there was mostly for herself. Only a select few people might understand the context.

A certain loan, that was unpaid.

"And Regulus-..."

She nods over at him. Letting him continue.
(Asta Hargrave)

[18:24] Regulus was, of course, part of the Parley party. Naturally, of course. Where once was nondescript coat, he seemed to have fully embraced his Myllenoran allegiance, a silvery Mistseer cloak resting over his shoulders. Even so, there was a sadness in his eyes. That it had come to this. That Alexander and Nebula had led his people so astray.

As Asta's demands completed, the former nobleman added his own words.

"As part of the demands, my titles and lands will be reinstated, at which point I will renounce my Essharan citizenship and abdicate my Lordship in favour of my daughter, who you've stolen the birthright of by starting this war."

That was the demand. Now for the other words. His attention glanced over the other two in the Osronan party.

"Stellus Pericles, you should not be here. Our fight is not with the Celestialist faith, nor the Petrakis bloodline as a whole. We simply seek to see removed those who would attack their own allies over a few words at a reception and a mere look. Should this war be won, the Faith will not be punished or restricted in anyway. March home, Stellus. This King is not worth your blood."

His eyes flickered over to Serea, but there was only sadness in there, followed by a callback to another time. "Still think I'm soft, Serea?"

And, last but not least, he amplified his voice with an illusion so it might be heard.

"Astrid and Lord Eric Salis. Esbern Antioch is in our hands, and has been treated well. I implore you, see sense in this and abandon your tyrant King. The true Lord Grimmore has not broken faith with you; do not break faith with him."
(Regulus orn Grimmore)

[18:24] So this was the parley. The pair of gold and blue eyes would look at the group ahead of them, frowning at the demand of thrown abdication, exile, but most of all the live bodies that were demanded. He only shakes his head.

"So no matter what they desire blood."
(Romani cos Montclaire)

[18:24] "Hm, hm, hm..."

"What an exciting offer. Pay up money, or we'll deal with you like a bunch of thugs. But you don't want this war, do you?" Her eyes roll at the words of the High Lady, finding it surprisingly easy to dismiss any of her offers. Was it her place to do so? Maybe, maybe not. Did it matter? Not really.

Asta Hargrave would not be handed anything so easily after the crimes she has committed.

"Look around you, demon. You've had to stoop to the level of the people you've accused of practicing witchcraft, a bunch of cowardly drakanites who begged of us to forgive them after their dragon was slain - and..."

She pays a glance at Mars.

"I suppose the Lionhearts haven't done anything bad. It's a job for them."

One of the Queen's arrows is carefully picked, retrieved to the front as she creates a couple of short incisions across her wrists, allowing her blood to flow freely.

"No, but thank you. For showing us their true faces. For showing us yours."

"Hrist's death will be avenged. You will pay. You will die." Her expression remains neutral. She wasn't smiling.
(Nebula rei Petrakis)

[18:30] Another march.

Pericles led on towards the field that would hold the upcoming conflict that had sparked out across Esshar. He couldn't help but wonder how many more times would he march alongside others to the drums of war.

It had happened too many times already.

Steps led him closer, coming to a pause beside the others as blue orbs scanned across the thousands of soldiers, of magi, of warriors that would soon be participating in a blood conflict if the parley didn't end in a favourable light.

"...What..?"

Confusion tinted his face as the reparations demanded from the High Lady left her mouth. Two-hundred live human bodies, that was a shock to the Stellus's system, the matter of another option of fifty-thousand coins ignored.

Perhaps it was right for the Faith to march if such words were to be spoken, for the goal of bringing forth the peace that they wished to push onto Esshar.

Forceful measures would have to be taken it seemed, for the other side seemed to only crave for more blood.

Pericles remained silent, his attention remaining between the married pair of Regulus and Asta. The ex-nobleman's words entering his ears, a shake of his head following the man's advice.

"Unfortunately if things progress further the innocent will be dragged down even further."

Reception, one that he wasn't a part of, otherwise perhaps he would be even clearer when it came to what had truly sparked the actions that had led to the alliance being swiftly destroyed.

"She'll be put on trial, Lady Nebula."

There was no need for more words from the Stellus, a sigh sounding out as Nebula spoke. A hint of distaste revealing itself on his visage as she proclaimed Asta a demon, his hand coming to rest upon the handle of Caladbolg.
(Pericles Vitalis)

[18:40] Alexander rei Petrakis listens, even if he did not appear to be. The striking Petrakis gaze held steady on those in front, as the demands are said and fielded.

Then came the mention of two-hundred living bodies. Sacrifices. The Petrakis King turns, looking over his entire army of people. One person to the next. From the Faith, to the Knights, to the lowly merchant that brought up arms to protect his family.

Lloyd's words break the silence after everything else, a cry that speaks of Alexander's thoughts.

The Petrakis King turns, walking off. There was no need to even entertain such evil.

"I will see you on the battlefield."


"Angel Maltziel in the sky. Grant my people strength and bless them with the fortune of the stars."

Quiet whispers as the King leads his army off.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[18:44] Asta's cold, spectral eyes scan the line of Osronan representatives. Before they leave to begin their respective preparations for battle, she raises a hand to the air. Fingers contorted together in some strange arcane gesture.

"The slaying of an enemy during time of war," she says. "Is not murder."

"If you want peace, the terms that cannot be negotiated: the restoration of Regulus ven Grimmore's titles and lands. The removal of Alexander and Nebula Petrakis from the throne."

She turns around. Begins heading back to her front.

War would begin, soon.

"Just know! Osrona! This is a war of retaliation. We would be at home, sipping tea, enjoying peace. Were it not for Alexander and Nebula Petrakis attacking us in their castle.

If this war continues...

Our terms for peace will only cost you more, the more this war upsets balance. The longer this war ofmagic destroys the peaceful spirits of the land."

She looks over her shoulder and smiles.

"But sometimes, balance must be upended. Temporarily. To achieve balance, in the long term. Perhaps... for so long as a Petrakis sits on the throne... there shan't be balance. Goodbye. See you on the field."

It was over.

In mere hours, the Battle of Starfall Tower begins.

The rest of her cohort has a brief moment to add any last comments.
(Asta Hargrave)
[18:46] {NARRATION}
Myllenoris
TIER A
Asta
Sythaeryn
Flotsam
Finley
Urlen
Mars
Scarlett
Thadria
Alya
Tiernay
Owyn
Edelaide
Finley

TIER B
Regulus
Theo
Khione
Tieru
Miranu
Ezekiel
Zefa
Lazuli
Cyran

Osrona
TIER A
Lloyd
Del
Romani
Pericles
Garm
Thalis
Ilsa
Elesius
Nox
Serea
August
Nebula

TIER B
Mikhael
Malikos
Ash
Eric
Sethon
Betelgeuze
Nero



-Your first match should be someone in your tier, or you should try for that anyway.
-Cap 2 suggested for initial matches, but not mandatory. Cap 1 or 0 for follow up matches unless they seem like they'll be close.
-No need to A-Help your results since we have an RPB tracker in the Discord now.

Good luck!

[18:51] The last time he had talked, had been for the defensive only. However this time? Armies marched. The battles around began, and holy light began to pour across the battle field below them. No blade is drawn, he holds no weapons, instead slamming his fists into those that draw too close.

The large symbol of peace and hope resides on his shoulders, flying up into the air as the sun and moon eyes would fall upon Alya.

"As I said, if armies marched upon Orsona, we would defend. This is aggression. Not only that, but you support a side that demands bodies in the hundreds."

"You choose to demand lives and blood. I do agree, the King should apologize for breaking the sacred hospitality, and have talked to him about it. But if you people demand human lives as payment?"

"Then I am all for tearing down the side that only wants blood."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[18:57] What a mess. Myllenoris up to its usual antics, but this was only minor detail at this point. Alya was here to do as a General should: Lead an army. Enough of political sophistry or pushing for change. It was going to be settled in a language they all knew: Violence.

Everyone's favourite Priest, Romani, presented himself from the heavens to Alya. Funny, given she was the one with wings, and yet she was the prey on the soil. The Flowing Arno was slowly drawn, as if she was preparing for the usual spar or casual exchange.

"Human casualties are a reality of war. The consequence of letting your leader cause this."

The Arcanium blade was pointed right before the man, held by one hand and stance held in such a way that he could protect most of the important elements of her body.

"But . . . I will say with full sincerity that this demand was not something discussed between the nations. I'm one to accept casualties, but I am not one to accept wasted resources. People are a resource, the best kind, invaluable and full of potential."

She sighed.

"Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to do anything about it now. I need you to get out of my way, Priest. Otherwise nothing will keep this alliance in check."
(Alya Kriemhild)
[19:02] {Lost Dangerous RPB against Alya Kriemhild}
[19:02] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[19:02] ** Alya Kriemhild has inflicted an injury upon Romani cos Montclaire. ("Permanent Injury", "Permanent Injury", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-10 Vit)") **
[19:12] The Drakan General's fight was certain difficult. The Priest used a fighting style she was not so used to, compared to what Alya had grown accustomed with Magne. He was fast, very fast. And his light shined nearly as bright as Alya's.

But, where he'd fall flat was the Drakanite's mighty, natural armour. When Romani went to strike, it felt as though he was smacking an immovable wall. And, to his credit, he was eating through these thick, gold and white scales. The downfall was that he did not have the same level of defenses, which would give Alya the opening she needed.

"There!"

A habit from spars, and even teaching sessions. A reflex to say 'there' when an opening was found. And with a mere stab of her blade, one that seemed it'd miss, would end up prompting the light of the blade to 'extend' and 'pierce' his heart.

He would not actually be hurt, but he'd lose the ability to cast his magic for a time. The effects, well, he'd find out soon, but the General certainly hadn't intended to harm him too much.

"Tch. Romani."

Backing up, she did not sheathe her sword, for the battle continued to rage all around her.

"I will tell you this. No lives will be taken as payment. I may be capable of some things, but senseless kills? Fuck off. I'm a General, EVERY person has use. Even my enemies."
(Alya Kriemhild)
[19:18] It is said that in the exchanging of fists, one's true motives could be deemed. As the pugilist strikes moved forwards, trying to strike the general, his light remained bright around him. Maybe images of what he fought to protect ever aflit in his head.

Of the peace he dreamed of. Of fulfilling his duty, of not being a failure like he was called by his father. Of making a difference. Yet? Like all times before?

No matter how many blows were struck towards the Drakanite, no matter how much he tried, that armor of the Drakanite's was just too stiff, too strong. It was a wall to him. Not for lack of trying, but he could not pull it down.

Just like against Asta, against Nox, against Spark, against everyone in his life who he fought, he was once more denounced a failure.

The point of the blade finds itself, piercing his chest. His own holy power dims as he falls back, taking a kneel onto the ground as he grunted. His eyes cast downwards as the holy magic around him disapated..

"You say that, but you march with them all the same. I will try to trust your words, but it is hard when I have seen her kill when she did not need to, when I have seen her order lives so carlessly."

A sigh left him.

"But I hold no more power to fight, I suppose. But if this does not bring peace, do know I at least tried to stop the senseless death."

And with that? He falls back.

Romani's place perhaps would never be the battlefield.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[19:19] Alya Kriemhild says, "Had I known, Romani, I would have remained neutral or demanded it to be removed."
[19:20] Romani cos Montclaire says, "There is only the actions we can take now to correct things. "
[19:20] Alya Kriemhild says, ". . . This won't go unanswered."
[19:21] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I hope."
[19:52] ...Neither of them would give in to the other had been felled, and thus it ended. Sythaeryn smiled with Pericles' final words, holding the man's near corpse in his arm, "We all do. That's what makes us human, isn't it?"

"Rest, now, in the halls of Vanaheim. Ryujin will need you for the final battle of Eternia, great warrior," the drakanite said softly, barely audible. Then he picked up the corpse of the man and headed back to the sight of parley, where the two armies were still in hot pursuit of one another.

A beat of his wings takes the dragonborn into the air, and he tosses Pericles' corpse across the battlefield to land at the feet of the Osronas. "Your CHAMPION is dead! In the name of our Great Dragon that you slain. And more will follow." He called out through his fangs, his serpentine eyes fixed on their enemies.
(Sythaeryn Vartuul)

[20:02] Failure.

As the battles ravage around him, that holy spark remained suppressed by the magic of his opponent. Blood covered the noble robes as he darted to and fro over the field.

Eyes were wide, ever searching the surroundings for people he could perhaps help, or save. Yet, all he finds,

Is the body. Perhaps a failure worse then that he knew before. The heart in his chest felt as if it had died as the sun and moon eyes stared at the corpse of Perciles.

The death of the Stellus whom he had trusted. His teeth would bite into his bottom lip as he took in a breath.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[21:19] {NARRATION} The sound of defeat drums after Mylenorris secures a narrow victor, seizing Starfall Island. Numerous captured, a Champion dead. The results of this battle remain unseen, but it sure never to be forgotten. (Last RPs! Or you can a-help to be sent to spawn)