Peace: Myllenoris

[18:53] The High Lady of Myllenoris sat atop the meditation platform elevated over the rest of the room.

Crowned, adorned in the regalia of black and white of the High Lord. The room was dim, lit by the few red lanterns all around the room. There was a sweet smell to the air. Like burning incense. Calming. Relaxing.


She sits there, waiting for her people to assemble in the meeting room. It might even begin to feel a little crowded after a while. Only when there appears to be a sufficient number of her subjects present, she speaks.


"Thank you for gathering today on such short notice," she says. On tables nearby, scribes were writing down every word she spoke.

"As you know, we are at war with the 'kingdom of bandits', Ilburg. We suffered a setback in the desert when we marched on their territory in attempt to scour their lands, their homes, for our true enemy: the Elysium Coven. Witchcraft.

Many of you have heard rumors that this war was started on a farce. That the claims of suspicion of the occult in Ilburg were false. Justifications to start a war. That we are pawns of Osrona, fighting for them. This could not be further from the truth."

Asta raises her hands up to the crown, and removes it gently. She displays it before the people.

"I have only bore this crown for a handful of years. Not long enough to use it with infallibility. My connection with the Unseen World and Aschea has not had the decades to mature as it did with the previous High Lord. And so, I come before you, to say that I have failed.

My judgement was incorrect. The battlefield in the desert was the perfect setting for experimentation. For information-gathering. I no longer believe that Elaide's wrath stirs in Ilburg. In truth, I began to doubt this before the first battle even started.

For this, I apologize. I am your High Lady. Your authority on Aschea, and I have demonstrated inability to divine Her will.

It is because I no longer believe the justification of our Holy War, that I must announce the cessation of hostility against Ilburg henceforth."

She dons the crown again, and her eyes scan the gathering to judge their reactions.

"The terms of peace, or ceasefire, that I offer to Ilburg and their High Lady: not another drop of blood shed. Should they reject this, we will defend Myllenoris. We will strike down any that threaten our sacred grounds. As we did, during the Invasion of Barsburg."
(Asta Hargrave)
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[18:55] Freya seems to rather take this well. She doesn't seem to mind, and appears rather cheerful that her mother apologized.

She does turn to the one in the room, with the bow of shame, for their reaction, munching and drinking, cookies and lemonade.
(Freya Hargrave)
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[18:56] Finley was leaned back upon the armrest of a vacant chair, his arms crossed before him and head tilted downward. With eyes closed he listened to the news of what he had already known, a speech that had come too late in his mind. But still there were lesser hopes to cling to, and cling he'd have to if he was to see his duties to the Vale through.

The young Greycloak doesn't offer anything more than a single nod of agreement, his pale gaze cast toward the High Lady while he allowed the rest of his countrymen to have the floor should they choose to speak or not. But with the Rhoynish victory, it wasn't likely this would end in peace.

He wondered if any of them already knew that though.
(Finley)
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[18:58] Cetta kept her attention fixed upon Asta. She knew there were concerns and confusion regarding the attack on Ilburg. Cetta hated wars, they brought so much death, so much killing, for goals that not everyone agreed with.

She isn't going to fault Asta for her actions, she did the best she could. Nobody should expect her to be perfect. Would any in this room have done things different? Cetta doesn't think that anyone other than her or Amy would have.

When Asta spoke of trying to push for peace, a small smile appeared upon Cetta. She was happy that Asta wanted to go for this route now. It's something that Amy and Cetta have been working on for quite some time. Perhaps the combined efforts of the two will be successful this time.
(Cetta)
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[18:59] She sat there, listening, one of the few things that she could do correctly right now. The sweet smell of incense calming her body which was shaking. This war - it had done plenty of damage to her, and she was in no state to protect her home if further attacks were to come...

Yet to hear Asta proclaim her failure... It stirred and moved her. All of her suspicions of the crown making her a person who was unable to see her own faults lifted in a second and a new found respect was found for the woman...

"Actually...!" She raised her voice, perhaps a little too loudly. "I don't wish to stir the pot of war, but perhaps the witches reclined from the war on purpose? They just didn't fight because if we found them... Then the war would continue."

She sniffed.

"Did any of you notice those two with those white masks on the battlefield? We know that the Coven cover their faces, so perhaps they were still present? While they might not live in Ilburg exactly, they could be associated by other means."

She stopped speaking, yet only for a second...

"Also...- If this ceasefire comes through, could Faelyn return to us please. Her banishment, while deserved... Falls flat for treason if there is no war to fight."
(Ella Gracia)
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[19:00] Tonak would gaze at his leader.

She admitted to fucking up. But he saw that it was like poking a hornet nest and the hornets won. Then the hornets breed more and now want to attack them. She simply made their confidence much more higher. He had questions to ask and wasn't afraid to place them out.

"My lady if I may speak." The ooker would say looking around.

"When you kick a dog when its against the wall what do you believe the reaction will be? Simply put the dog will bite or fight. The Rhoynish I will have to say gave us a chance to back away from the war. But in all due reality it didn't happen. Not only have they killed a Misteer but also injured many of our people."

He look to Ella.

"I believe the apology they are going to want is in blood most likely. Knowing them they are people like to fight or sacrifice. So I don't see a result of peace from them. If Osorna loses this side of the fight to Theria then it will only motivate them more to attack. So will a solution be placed?"
(Tonak Botcher)
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[19:01] Florale blinks in surprise, he hadn't been expecting this announcement at-all. But he was glad for it, no more did his people need to die in a pointless, hopeless war based on superstitions. No more would his people face off against other people he called his friends. It was good news. Great, even.

It was just a shame that it had been done after they had lost many of their numbers. It didn't need to occur in the first-place. How could he be happy when the damage had already been done?

And this was counting on the fact that Illburg would -honour- a ceasefire. They'd been attacked under a false pretense and they would be within their rights to want retribution.

All any of them could do was pray to Aschea that this pointless ended at the climax of their first and last battle.

He lets out a sigh.
(Florale)
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[19:01] For a moment, the young emerald clad druid sat still, his sight settled solely on the glass of sweet golden liquid atop the table before him. His muscles tensed only for the briefest of moments, fully prepared to once again return to the irate man he had been just shortly after the war, until Asta finished her address, and Cyran grew lax.

The biggest concern he had held, the sole demeaning aspect that he abhorred with this war, the meetings, and the addresses- it was dispelled as simple as that. From his unhappy grimace, a pleasant smile bloomed forth, his moody demeanor cast away, replaced by a rosy cheerfulness that seemed a bit off-putting, given recent events.

"Thank you, High Lord. For the honesty, the Humility, and the acceptance of what has happened." he responded cheerfully, glass raised to take his first sip of the sweet lemonade he had procured.

"If this war continues? So be it. I am willing to shed my blood for Myllenoris, for the sake of ensuring all remains balanced at the end of all this. If the ceasefire is accepted? Even better."
(Cyran Faeris)
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[19:03] Very close to spitting out their tea, Sam listened in on Asta speaking. The announcement was exactly what he expected, it was about how the witches were not truly known to be there. How instead, it was very possibly false information. Only after enough was said on it however, did their own sights settle down onto the table.

"I agree, with the attempt at peace. Even if it is shameful for us to have to do such a thing." Loudly they spoke, "But as Cy said, if it continues? So be it, they are Rhoynish, we should never expect them to be happy with peace. If they do not want it, then I am as willing as I have always been."

A moment was taken, "If only to keep our kingdom and citizens safe." If it was about balance and Aschea however? Then that'd just be a bonus.

Cheerfully their own glass of lemonade was raised, forcefully clinking it against Cyrens own before drinking some.
(Flotsam)
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[19:03] Perhaps that meeting he dropped in wouldn't be too horrible to listen to. While the High Lady was notorious for playing her allies and enemies, this was... Perhaps a bit more enjoyable. Their true goal was revealed and re-evaluated. The offer of peace was one they wanted— good. They knew not to mess with Ilburg again. The end of a beautiful place like Myllenoris would be tragic for the world.

She apologized to her people. She gave a swooping declaration to admit her own defeat, and failures. Finally, Asta seemed to grow into a leader rather than the sneaky weasel she had been. Kofe watched with a rather amused smile, listening to the offer she wanted to make.

Peace.
Nothing more.

A sigh came from his lips and a nagging voice in his head crept up, leaving him to know that he should speak up. That he should mention something. Their goal was the vale's safety after all, right?

He rose from his seat, giving an apologetic smile to Florale whilst walking a bit closer to the podium where the crownbearer stood.

"If I may, there's much more to gain from this than peace. Mo— Penelope is unlikely to accept terms so simple after a victory.

If you want to protect your sacred grounds, then do so with wit. Despite the military might of Ilburg, it remains in the middle of the desert with hardly anything to feed their kids. You've got plentiful, bountiful forests and a place to defend. Doesn't that sound like... Myllenoris could benefit from Ilburg's help?"

He paused, now far too close to the podium for a foreigner, practically moments away from hopping up there himself.

"Apologize for the witch hunt to Ilburg like you've apologized to your people, and... try to think of a way to make an alliance, rather than proposing a boring peace. The people of Rhoynur love fighting; give them something worth fighting for that's bad rather than a beautiful land that deserves to be kept this way."

For a guy who hated politics and meetings and who probably shouldn't have been there, Kofe seemed to know what he was doing to some degree.
(Kofe)
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[19:04] Freya blinks a few times. Was Kofe suggesting what she thought he was?
(Freya Hargrave)
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[19:06] Shock appeared on the adolescent's face. He was obviously happy of the new development. There was no need for anymore bloodshed. After all, both sides had good people, and in war there were no true winners.

However, this situation didn't sit right with him. Indeed he wished for peace, but to ask for peace right after a defeat would only send the wrong message. It felt as though there were room for the "desert bandits" to take full advantage of the situation.

"Um, if I may be so bold to give my opinion. I know I don't have much of a leg to stand on, and I wish for peace like anyone else...But, won't this give the wrong message? If our neighbors are as fierce as many of you claim them to be, then wouldn't this seem like we're opening ourselves for them? Surely there's a way to detract them from wanting to go onto the offense."

His face was filled with fear and worry. It was after all, only natural as he had his whole life ahead of him. He was just a kid.
(Fioren Sterling)
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[19:07] Freya ponders the question, and nods to herself.

"Mother, perhaps a peace deal may be reached, if we allow them to use our land for agriculture! As Kofe said, they have little to feed themselves with, and with this, we could unify our nations, feeding and defending both."

"See, as a starving nation, with little fertility in both people and land, what better would it be for them to seek our fertility, and in that, we gain warriors to help our cause? After all, they have shown themselves to be occult-less!"

Her words, she hoped, would not fall on deaf ears. She was odd, in always pursing peace. But perhaps it was warranted in her naivety.
(Freya Hargrave)
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[19:09] Florale would watch Kofe's approach, half tempted to step closer and prevent him from doing anything foolish. But when he heard the other teen speak, it became clear that he was anything but a fool. Maybe a little bold, considering how close he had made himself to the high-lady.

As such, he remained still. Waiting and listening for Asta's response. He would however vouch Rhoynur if needed, they didn't seem like a bad person and Florale was a pretty good judge of character.
(Florale)
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[19:11] Valkai remains silent as others speak, taking in the various views expressed, and the countenance of those who remain silent.
His brows lift at the mention of an alliance from Kofe, not a terrible Idea if the savages can curb their bloodlust. Though that they can... is doubtful if any of his previous dealings are to examined.
(Valkai)
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[19:18] Regulus had already discussed this speech with his wife significantly, so there was nothing about it that particularly surprised him. His wife rising to the occasion, taking responsibility and trying to move forwards. He'd counselled her recently that the best way to regain the faith of her people would be to admit to them that she was mortal, could make mistakes, and learn from them, and she seemed to have taking that advice to heart. And it was working. He was seeing people who'd seemed almost ready to walk listen and respond positively. His joy thrummed across their bond.

Still, there were points worthy of addressing before he mentioned another part of their intent. "Make no mistake, we met Ilburg with a relatively small force, admittedly underestimating their skill. But on the field, the High Lady defeated their leader. Ilburg is not as significant threat as some might fear, but neither should they be dismissed out of hand."

"What we are offering is a chance to end this without further bloodshed. We marched to seek out Witchcraft, because even if we believed that it was unlikely to be there we still needed to be certain. We did not march to fight Ilburg itself; they started that. I'm sure there are arguments that our actions provoked it, but the end result is that their leader threw herself against Lady Asta, and was subsequently defeated."

"We are willing to overlook this fact, to offer a return to the status quo, but we will not bend to unreasonable demands. No-one has ever defeated the Myllenorans on their own territory, and that will not change. At this point, we offer neutrality for the same. Perhaps, if Ilburg curtails its raiding, we might someday see a path to prosperity between both cities, but for now the suffering is too fresh."

He actually rose now, standing before the group. "Additionally, with the conclusion of the war with Theria, Lady Asta and I will be seeking to formalise our alliance with Osrona. Till now it has been of a more ephemeral nature than preferred, the sole bond our marriage. We will be seeking a public acknowledgement of Myllenoran sovereignty and a prosperous trade and defensive alliance. I have high hopes this will come to pass, and the Shimmering City and the City of the Spirits may be joined in common purpose and reciprocal prosperity."
(Regulus ven Grimmore)
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[19:19] Amy smiles as happily, and as peppy as she usually is.

She understood that Asta had not started this war, even if she was the one who was declaring her intent to march, it was not to go to war with Ilburg, but to go to war with a more cunning foe.

Though her smile faltered slowly at the suggestion of the.. girl?

She used to not be able to see all of the political maneuverings, and what the causes and effects were from simply befriending everyone. Perhaps these last few years being so involved with her mother's conversations had given her a little insight however.

The culmination of that insight made her aware that an alliance with Ilburg is incredibly unlikely so long as the alliance with Osrona is observed and continued to be pursued.
(Amalia Hargrave)
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[19:19] Tonak Botcher whispers something.
[19:22] Considering the High Lady was suddenly assaulted with a bunch of questions and comments, all asked at once, she decides to first answer the one who stepped forward and presented themself before her.

Kofe.

"I know Penelope is unlikely to accept peace. Hers are a people that value brute strength and fighting. I'd even go so far as to say she enjoyed me beating her senseless." The High Lady cracks a faint smile.

"However, the Teraphim of Myllenoris will not cower before an enemy if they threaten our homeland. We did march on theirs. We did threaten them. But all that matters, now, is the defense of Myllenoris. We won't back down. We will offer them ceasefire. We won't give them an inch."

She leans forward.

"I don't believe an alliance with Ilburg is possible. I have already received confirmation that their principal term of peace is such:

My head."

She looks around to gauge reactions, then gestures at Regulus.

"Instead, we will be further negotiating military alliance with Osrona to defend our home."
(Asta Hargrave)
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[19:24] Freya calmly sighs. If its her mother's head, she won't allow it.
(Freya Hargrave)
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[19:26] Ella sat, waiting to see if her questions would be answered as well! She hoped she had made some good points.
(Ella Gracia)
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[19:30] "I'm sure she enjoyed such, too." He said, offering a smile to the woman. Lies and deceit were not the way of his people commonly, let alone for Kofe. His eyes remained onto the one who had the last say in all of it.

"To think that Ilburg wishes to threaten your livelyhood is nothing but the same poison Serea has consumed for years. An oppressed people who has had to scavenge and steal for their survival will react harshly to any threat, especially the kind that wrongfully accuses them."

A proper way to set things straight, to explain the actions that had been made.

"The thought I bring you is one without battle. There is no defeat in an alliance; you gain a proper defense force and the guarantee that a small town you consider to be full of bandits won't attack you. You merely share an abundance of fertile lands."

Kofe's unrelenting yellow gaze remained for a few moments longer before he finally turned heel, his poncho shifting with his motions.

"You remain the one who's fingertips clenched upon a primordial's gift. Squandering it and making her sacrifice vain over a sense of pride would remain etched in history forever. Every battle is born with a loser. Admitting it is what allows us to move past it."

He was already stepping towards the exit, having made his point and pushed an idea forth; sown the seed of change within people's mind.

"I hope you think about it, High Lady. I quite enjoy Myllenoris' sights."
(Kofe)
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[19:35] The voice, that spoke to Asta was not one that she had heard before, but at the same time - she disagreed greatly. "They would not agree to an alliance. What they would agree to is them taking over us, or else putting some sort of measures into our own land."

"Only the ones with the upper hand can offer an alliance, and we currently - do not have that."

She would swallow. Disagreeing greatly with Kofe… She whispered something to Tonak before speaking, hoping nobody else is.

"I mentioned something regarding the witches. While there may not have been any at the battle - Did anyone else see those two strangers with those large white masks concealing their faces? They didn't fight, they just ran around the chaos - We know that the witches wear masks, could that be them?"

Her hand rose to itch the side of her face...

"Also... I had asked that if this war is postponed or better yet an agreement is met between Ilburg and Myllenoris where no more fighting is happening - that Faelyn's exile is lifted. She is one of our own. Theria and Osrana combined, seem to house more Teraphim than we do..."

"It's kind of a joke."
(Ella Gracia)
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[19:36] Valkai admires the bow in the teens hair as he defends his idea. Not a bad plan, if Ilburg will fall in line with it, unlikely without an agreement to fight Osrona, given their thirst for conflict.
(Valkai)
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[19:36] Ella Gracia whispers something.
[19:36] Tonak Botcher whispers something.
[19:36] Tonak Botcher whispers something.
[19:38] Ella tries to wave Hadwin over...
(Ella Gracia)
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[19:38] Ella Gracia says, "Pst... Hadwin... I think you're nearby..."
[19:38] Ella Gracia says, "Com'ere..."
[19:38] Hadwin Hazaiah says, "Huh-"
[19:39] Ella Gracia whispers something.
[19:39] Cetta has always disliked whispering during a meeting. Especially one of great importance, it's highly disrespectful.
(Cetta)
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[19:39] Hadwin Hazaiah whispers something.
[19:40] Ella Gracia whispers something.
[19:40] Ella Gracia whispers something.
[19:40] Once Kofe has sowed the seeds of doubt into the minds of all present, Asta merely waves her hand dismissively at him.

"If Penelope wishes to meet, personally, on neutral ground, to discuss matters of nonaggression-"

A chilling wind rushes through the chamber. The torches lit all around the walls are snuffed out, in an instant.

Everyone present can hear some form of otherworldly whispers at the precipice of their minds. Just barely audible. Some might even mistake it as people in the crowd talking privately.

"Go home and tell your High Lady that I am more than willing to parlay."

She then turns her attention to Ella.

"If Faelyn has not done anything to jeopardize our alliance with Osrona, or instigate hostilities with Ilburg, then she could be accepted back. But you understand. She defected during time of war. The ending of the war doesn't suddenly pardon her. She knowingly defected. Who is to say she won't turn her back on us again, if allowed to return?"

She then extends her outstretched hand to the rest.

"If there are any other concerns, speak now."
(Asta Hargrave)
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[19:41] Ella Gracia whispers something.
[19:42] Tonak would look to his lady.

"I have no concerns my lady. Your word is righteous at the end of things." Tonak wasn't going to question her choices. Whatever his queen decided he would stand with and to.
(Tonak Botcher)
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[19:42] Freya seemingly fell asleep during the meeting, standing.
(Freya Hargrave)
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[19:42] Yonah says, "So this is where everyone is, heh."
[19:42] "Oh, no. Definitely not. I'm not a messenger; if you wanna talk to my mom about peace, you go ahead and make the effort of making it proper. Call a summit or something— politics are way too boring for me to get involved any further."

Ironic considering the overwhelmingly attention-attracting move he had just pulled without needing to. Kofe didn't take too long to move towards the exit.
(Kofe)