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2Maria Gwynn jumped slightly as she was noticed, quickly looking away.
3●Nydia Vitrea moves on over to take up a spot near Yves, for some odd reason.
4Vath Aegir: "The comics are delicious! Full of tasty and nurtirious flavors! Red ink! Blue ink! And our favorite! YELLOW INK!" He raised his claws to the air in jubilation.
5♥Yves Gaultier: "Evening, Marshal."
6Ser RhodesMateus: "Welcome, Master Gaultier and Madame Fugorier, to the Zoo."
7Aelina Forester bows her head respectfully, "Lord Gaultier."
8Magnus CirilliumMalboro: "Is that what the Scholasticate are calling their pets? 'Vath'? They resemble bipedal versions of the antling beasts of Gyr Abania.."
9Vath Kintamer pats its dome with a claw, thinking. "We believe that we prefer the black ink."
10♥Yves Gaultier: "Guardsman Forester."
11Egrine Fugorier raises a brow at Rhodes comment but nods to the Marshal.
12Cassiopeia Argent eyed Magnus. " You certainly don't venture outside the home much, do you?"
13Vath Adventurer thunked the top of his dome. "We are not pets! We are Vath! We are individuals!"
14Maria Gwynn offers a little wave on towards Aelina.
15Fiona Delaine dips her head in greeting to Yves and Egrine.
16Ser RhodesMateus: "Cute."
17Aelina Forester tries to suppress a bright smile at being remembered, but does a relatively poor job of it.
18Tzee Vanu stared hard at the floor. Everyone was moving away from them... How humilating.
19Vath Kintamer: "Ow! We are in pain!"
20Egrine Fugorier leans over to Yves. "Are we going to be expected to hold hands?"
21Vath Aegir: "Why are you in pain, Kintamer! Is it the black ink?"
22Magnus CirilliumMalboro: "I venture out far more than you think, however I've naught seen a wink of these creatures..."
23♦Delphine Viroux exhales. "Not the turn out I was hoping for, but this will have to do."
24Vath Adventurer: "You must not spend much time in Dravania! The Vath are vast and plentiful! <click><click> We are ever growing!"
25Cassiopeia Argent remained right where she was.  " They hail from the Dravanian Forelands." She explained to Magnus.
26♥Yves Gaultier: "I sincerely hope not."
27Vath Kintamer extracts something from its mandibles. "We have eaten a stapler! They are not as tasty as the comics themselves."
28Egrine Fugorier gives him a look. "Ah well."
29●Nydia Vitrea murmurs wryly. "I doubt it. I would not want anyone to suffer my cold hands."
30Mazin Khin slides right into the empty spot.
31Vath Aegir: "Did you egg layer not tell you to remove the staples before you eat?"
32Magnus CirilliumMalboro: "Ah.. Then there is reason why I've naught yet seen their kind... Hardly is there a reason for I to venture into such a wastes."
33Egrine Fugorier gives Mazin a cursory look.
34♥Yves Gaultier: "I never noticed your hands ran cold."
35♥Yves Gaultier: "To be fair, mine are fairly calloused."
36Mazin Khin feels eyes on him and gives a smile and a wiggly finger wave to Egrine, "Good to see you again."
37Vath Kintamer: "Yes, but-" The Kintamer spits out another stapler. "This is just so delectable, <click><click>"
38●Nydia Vitrea: "Yet another fun side effect of my lasting health condition."
39♦Delphine Viroux: "Thank you to all of you who have come to join us. I understand some apprehension to the idea of another gathering in the city after last time - But I'd ask you all to remember the important work the War Bond Rally did for this campaign, rather than its conclusion. We have enough in our treasury to worry only of strategy, not finances."
40Egrine Fugorier narrows her eyes. "And what are you doing here?"
41Mazin Khin: "And you too, ser wordsmith."
42Cassiopeia Argent: " Hm." Cassi responded.
43Vath Adventurer: "Our lands are not wastes! Our lands are sprawling forests, full of chocobos! Roaring water falls! And mountains! <click><click> Floating mountains! It is beautiful. Quite beautiful."
44Mazin Khin: "I heard of some speech to be given and thought I would come and listen. Is that wrong?"
45♦Delphine Viroux: "If we could have silence."
46♥Yves Gaultier smiles and nods politely to Mazin Khin.
47Vath Adventurer: "....."
48Egrine Fugorier shrugs, turning to look at Delphine.
49Lancelaux Fiermont doesnt vape loudly, but smokes silently.
50♦Delphine Viroux: "Now then. Though finances are no longer a pressing concern, the matter of cohesion and unity are. Every sun that passes is another clear message to me that too much is at stake to lose to controversy. Though our first war as a Republic was destined to not be an easy one internally, we still have no choice but to secure victory for the protection of our country."
51♦Delphine Viroux: "Ser Beaumont. Ser Alarias."
52Florian Beaumont: "Marshal."
53♦Delphine Viroux: "Do you both agree with my assessment after what you witnessed last eve?"
54Florian Beaumont nods. "Aye."
55Hilda Alarias: "I do."
56♦Delphine Viroux: "For those who do not know, the Ixal attempted to perform their windscarring ritual upon a dragon. Though our dragoons intervened, and the possibility of tempering dragons is debatable, it is still a wake up call. In my mind, at least."
57♦Delphine Viroux: "Every victory we take comes at the cost of time. For our enemy will grow more and more desperate and wicked."
58♦Delphine Viroux: "As we begin the final preparations to retake the Steel Vigil, we cannot afford to be split apart. At eachothers throats."
59♦Delphine Viroux: "Allow me if you will, to explain our next steps. Then it is important that everyone's speaks on these matters - If you have grievance, it has to be brokered now."
60♦Delphine Viroux: "There are two objectives I would like to see done before our main foray. That is finally securing Dannifen's Perch, and investigating the possibility of Zilotl's horde operating at the border between Coerthas and the Shroud. Then we must achieve two victory. Natalan's defeat, and then, finally, the reclaiming of the Steel Vigil."
61♦Delphine Viroux: Victories*))
62♥Yves Gaultier shakes his head and looks up, blinking a few times.
63♦Delphine Viroux folds her hands behind her back, slowly pacing forward. "The actions of those who interrupted the War Bond Rally - Whether they were misinformed fools, or Imperial patsies, reveals to me that there is confusion, perhaps distaste, for how we achieve Natalan's defeat."
64Egrine Fugorier purses her lips at that.
65♦Delphine Viroux: "A peace faction from Natalan now exists. We know this. The question is whether they are our path to Natalan's surrender."
66Delphine Viroux: "Unless your mind has changed, Sergeant, you find this untenable."
67♦Delphine Viroux: "Is that right?"
68Mazin Khin shakes his head and just switches his gaze from Delphine to Rhodes. Listening and weighing the words spoken.
69Hilda Alarias has an elbow waiting for him.
70★Ser RhodesMateus: "Of course. I was carving their thoraxes not 15 years ago- Beasts aren't reliable. Neither are Dragons. Talk of peace is talk of subversion and further risk in the future through close affiliation."
71★Ser RhodesMateus pointed at the Vath.
72Mazin Khin narrows his eyes at the dragon talk, then side eyes Hilda. "...tch."
73★Ser RhodesMateus: "I am here speaking as Man. Not Temple Knight- so stow whatever complaints you lot've towards the Order for one who cares. I'm here of my volition."
74Mazin Khin 's gaze shifts to Fi and he smiles, but covers it with the palm of his hand.
75♦Delphine Viroux nods slowly. "Thank you for being plain, Rhodes. It's one of the things I admire of you."
76♦Delphine Viroux: "But there are many who disagree. Is that right?"
77Fiona Delaine offers Mazin a wry look for but a moment.
78Cassiopeia Argent observed Ser Rhodes as he delivered his thoughts.
79Egrine Fugorier looks Mazin up and down again before returning her focus to Rhodes.
80★Ser RhodesMateus: "Knights don't lie, Marshall."
81♥Yves Gaultier: "Yes and no."
82Lancelaux Fiermont snorted.
83Mazin Khin: "...eh."
84Zuyoyo Zuyo: "Hm..."
85Hilda Alarias: "Yes."
86Vath Kintamer was lied to by a Knight once. That was certainly /not/ Nanka eggs in that basket.
87Lyra Thane grunts.
88♦Delphine Viroux: "Speak. Any of you. Now is the time, because after this, I'll have no more petty in-fighting at Dragonhead. Not mere malms from our enemy."
89Tavin DeissaGoblin: "I know that this is not the venue for debate, but I will state that I disagree with the argument made so encompassing."
90♥Yves Gaultier: "My job is simple, Marshal. My job is to see that we aren't dragged into another thousand turn war. I have no desire to make friends and shake hand and claw with an Ixal, but if any  form of diplomacy even buys us time... that's a win, tactically, as a Republic. It's a decrease in casualties - man, money, and materiel. If diplomacy fails and we're left with war, we win the war. It's a simple and pragmatic take."
91♦Delphine Viroux: "Are you swayed, Sergeant?"
92Lancelaux Fiermont: "You speak as if defeat are surrender are the only options. The Ixal are no new foe. The tide need only be stemmed."
93★Ser RhodesMateus: "Indeed. So why bother to begin with. Why risk the farce and niceties. Kill them outright and bedone with it."
94Lancelaux Fiermont or*))
95Hilda Alarias: "To say that I find certain people's viewpoint- that anyone who does not fall under the auspices of man- is inherently untrustworthy is an understatement."
96Hilda Alarias: "And to add-"
97Fiona Delaine: "I am of similar mind as the Minister, Marshal. Peace, even as a temporary measure, will spare us Ishgardian lives and materiel- which are strained at best given the Ghimlyt deployment and the general chaos of the last few turns since the Republic's founding."
98Lyra Thane: "Speaking as a soldier, if you do not mind my being forward 'n puttin' my voice out there, I care not either way, I leave peace talks an' the like to wiser more level heads. But I do know this, pointless bloodshed is just that, pointless...yeah maybe that's not much for words of wisdom, but like I said. I leave that to others."
99Hilda Alarias: "I am *loathe* to work with a man who outright calls my order- and me, specifically- a traitor at every chance he can."
100Maria Gwynn: "I agree we ought to at least try."
101Fiona Delaine: "If *nothing else*, it's a tactically sound move to not engage in any more wars while we're still in recovery."
102Mazin Khin: "I stand by the likes of the Minister and Fiona, as much as simply bringing the major player at the head of the incursion to a swift demise."
103Fiona Delaine: "Diplomacy spares lives. And that is why I am a diplomat, Marshal."
104Vilette Laurent: "It is our duty as soldiers and knights of the republic to defend the people of this city."
105Vilette Laurent: "Committing completely to a war and asking for no quarter is tantamount to throwing the lives of our people away."
106Aelina Forester: "I can't help but agree. As Lord Gaultier says, at the very least, it can buy us time with which we can better strategize, let our people recover, train, so on. Every /minute/ in a conflict such as this is crucial, and we cannot waste them."
107Fiona Delaine: "As my Captain says."
108♦Delphine Viroux: "Hold, if you all would for am oment. I want to address a serious charge."
109Fiona Delaine quiets, cants her head.
110Aelina Forester falls silent, bowing her head respectfully.
111★Ser RhodesMateus stood in patient silence.
112♦Delphine Viroux: "There has been rumor and gossip about the Dragoons. I do not accuse you of being the spark, Sergeant, but what you said mirrors what I've also heard. I suppose I'd hear what you have to say for yourself, in disrespecting one of the most holy orders of the Knight-Dragoons, the Saints who bore such name, including Prince Haldrath."
113★Ser RhodesMateus: "It's simple. The Dragonsong War is, seemingly, over. For now. Revelations have come to light that questions the nature of the Order of Knight Dragoons. I, for one, trust none that flirt with Dragon's Blood. Mayhap most of you are too young to know what Dravanian Warfare is like, but those with time can attest to the vehemency of such discourse. Ishgard, in my eyes, stands in a very tumultuous time. The Knights Dragoon were, throughout history, revered Saints. Heroes. Men and Women of (c
114Vath Kintamer pulls a small bundle out of...... some place it's better not mentioned, revealing a gysahl green covered in small, wriggling larvae. A perfect snack!
115★Ser RhodesMateus: "Diligence, Candor, Piety and Sacrifice. Despite this- now the War that they championed alongside us is, according to you lot, over. Despite this- Men of Dragonblood yet remain. They are Dangerous. Untrustworthy, in my eyes, even. Were I Dragoon, I'd spare Ishgard the trouble of killing me in 10 years time and expedite the process. But, alas, I am not. My knees have seen to that. Ishgard faces more threats, domestically, than ever before. The followers of the Wayward Ser and their (c
116Vath Adventurer: "The Dragoons of Ishgard have been the backbone and defenders of the Holy See for generations! Generations!"
117★Ser RhodesMateus: "Abyssal Magicks, for example, seem to multiply in candor and number like. My job is the Defense of Ishgard from all threats- foreign and domestic alike. I trust not Ambiguity, and at the moment-"
118★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Hilda pointedly.
119★Ser RhodesMateus: "That is what they are. Plain and simple."
120●Nydia Vitrea: "If I may, Marshal?"
121Vilette Laurent folds her arms.
122♦Delphine Viroux holds up her hand to Nadia.
123Florian Beaumont grimaced under his helm.
124Mazin Khin stares coldly at all that paranoid drivel, especially the call to suicide of all things. Then he looks to Hilda for reaction.
125Cassiopeia Argent raised her brows at the speech.
126Tzee Vanu: "To dare question the honor of the Knights Dragoons, deplorable."
127Vath Kintamer claps its claws together for this magnificent and succienct speech!
128Lancelaux Fiermont: "What one gil papers have you read that leads you to believe such a thing?"
129♦Delphine Viroux: "Your response was thought out. I expected such, Sergeant. If I'm speaking as a war leader for this country, though?"
130Hilda Alarias takes a deep breath. Her gaze falls on Rhodes, and she waits *patiently* for Delphine to call upon her. Best to let her ask the questions and get her own answers, anyhow.
131Fiona Delaine just looks utterly baffled and thus appropriately speechless.
132Tavin DeissaGoblin mutters, though loud enough for those near him to hear. "Inane drivel."
133♦Delphine Viroux: "None of us can defeat dragons the way Dragoons can. Now you speak true, that the war is over with dragonkind. Perhaps if that were the end of it, I might see some of your point. I'll remind everyone here again, however, that our war against the Ixal is not the precipice of the mountain we face. It's but a step. As was seen last eve, we still have great need for Dragoons, and when our -greater- enemy comes, we'll have a need of the Knights-Dragoon to match that of the Dragonsong War."
134Egrine Fugorier gives her cousin a shrug.
135Aelina Forester 's expression is one of unreadable stone, for the most part, but there is clear surprise in her slightly widened eyes.
136♦Delphine Viroux: "I speak to all of you about the thunder in the east."
137Hilda Alarias nods to Delphine's words.
138♦Delphine Viroux: "A wheel of metal, and ceruluem, that threatens all of us. An enemy who has far greater air superiority than any other. Meaning we need every one capable of countering that."
139Sigmund Bettencourt rubs his chin, his forehead creased in deep thoughts as he continue to listen
140Vath Kintamer: "<munch><crunch>"
141Vilette Laurent stepped forward for a moment, if only to take a look at Florian, briefly. And then Hilda.
142Aelina Forester 's gaze slowly turns to the Vath, then slooowly back to Delphine.
143♦Delphine Viroux: "You may believe as you will, but consider this my warning to keep your thoughts to yourself unless a Dragoon should truly become monster before your eyes. The next Temple Knight who approaches me and speaks ill of my holy Saints will meet my holy fist."
144Florian Beaumont shrugged at Vilette.
145Hilda Alarias is staying silent, for better or for worse. She simply waits.
146●Nydia Vitrea is still waiting, herself.
147Florian Beaumont smiles as Delphine delivers her words.
148Vath Adventurer: "The Holy Saints! <click><click> The Knights Dragoon!" He raised his claws in the air approvingly.
149★Ser RhodesMateus shrugged a lone shoulder, "So long as you are ready to receive one in return, Marshall. You may do as you see fit. I am a patient man," he said- gesturing to the Dragoons. "-Time is on my side. Hopefully, I am wrong."
150Vath Aegir: "The Knights Dragoon!"
151Mazin Khin breaks his gaze from Hilda and back to Delphine, some reassurance given in those words.
152Vilette Laurent: "I'd like to agree with the Sergeant here, Marshal."
153♦Delphine Viroux: "Captain."
154Hilda Alarias looks over to Vilette, her mouth slightly ajar in shock.
155Lyra Thane glances sidelong at Lancelaux and rolls her eyes exageratedly.
156Lancelaux Fiermont sighs.
157Vilette Laurent: "Ambiguity is awful. And those who toy with processes that take away their ability to think and feel for themselves should, on paper,"
158Vilette Laurent: "Not be trusted."
159Vilette Laurent stepped to the center, and looked to Rhodes. "But."
160Vilette Laurent: "Rhodes."
161Vilette Laurent: "You've faithfully defended this country for all your life. What saved us in the skies agains their wyrms?"
162Mazin Khin narrows his eyes at Vilette's words but gives her time to speak in full.
163Vilette Laurent: "How many of the dragoons have you seen gladly give their lives to protect *us* on the ground?"
164♥Yves Gaultier briefly looks up at the sky, frowns, and looks back to the center.
165Aelina Forester 's lips twitch ever so slightly as she watches Vilette.
166Vilette Laurent points towards the direction of the Firmament. Down. "How many -dragoons- are names on those memorials?"
167Vath Adventurer: "The Dragoons! The Knights Dragoons!"
168Vilette Laurent: "Plenty."
169Vilette Laurent: "And how many -actualy- succumbed to the Song?"
170Vilette Laurent: "If anything, this track record shows us that we have -all- the reason to trust the Dragoons, for their actions speak more than what -could- happen."
171Vilette Laurent: "That defending Ishgard is -not- a state of the blood,"
172Vilette Laurent: "But one of the mind. That one can be whatever the -hells- possible on this star, yet love this country so much to give their lives for it."
173Vilette Laurent: "To -leap- into dragonmaws. To -leap- into cannonfire."
174Lancelaux Fiermont audibly ground his teeth, pretty much ruining his cigarette.
175♥Yves Gaultier leans over just a little.
176Hilda Alarias looks to Vilette, nodding gently. She smiles.
177Vilette Laurent: "You challenge my brothers and sisters in the Knights Dragoon -- and it's not only the Marshal's fist you'll be dealing with. I pre-emptively challenge you to a duel for their honour."
178Mazin Khin slowly cants a look to Lancelaux but then gives attention back to Vilette. "...hm."
179●Nydia Vitrea favours Yves with a motherly sort of smile. Nodding.
180Tavin DeissaGoblin nodded along with Vilette's words, giving a sound of approval.
181Hilda Alarias | ...oh.
182Vath Adventurer: "A duel! A duel! <click><click>"
183Mazin Khin: "...oh."
184Vilette Laurent: "If you leave them be, then that's it."
185Florian Beaumont: "Gods..." He whispers.
186Aelina Forester 's eyes widen in surprise.
187Vath Aegir: "<click><click>" He chittered with agreement.
188Cassiopeia Argent 's brows were very high now. She looked back and forth between Vilette and Rhodes.
189Fiona Delaine blinks.
190Vath Kintamer: "<click><click>"
191♥Yves Gaultier: "...Oh."
192★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Delphine. Ever patient.
193Hilda Alarias: "...Vilette."
194Vilette Laurent stepped back.
195Lancelaux Fiermont barked out a harsh laugh.
196♦Delphine Viroux: "What say you, Sergeant?"
197Blade Henge: "Hn.."
198★Ser RhodesMateus: "Well first off, hats to the woman for a Speech that could move boulders. Were I young and ignorant, I'd certainly weep."
199Egrine Fugorier takes her own cigarettes out, as well as a match that she strikes before looking up, letting the match burn a little. Her eyes narrow before putting it to the end of the cigarette.
200★Ser RhodesMateus: "But I'm not."
201★Ser RhodesMateus: "You mistake me."
202Mazin Khin: "...tch."
203Vilette Laurent: "I do not mistake my comrades living in fear of being stabbed in the back."
204★Ser RhodesMateus: "I do not wish* for the Knights Dragoon to fall or some nonsense. I fully recognize their purpose and sanctity in defense of our Nation, their sacrifices and the like. I've known plenty."
205★Ser RhodesMateus: "Good men, all."
206Lancelaux Fiermont muttered something sardonically that sounded a like like 'white knights'.
207Lyra Thane: "Piss poor timing on your part though."
208★Ser RhodesMateus: "But I am a man of Law. I am a Man of Order. The Battlefield is Chaotic enough. While Ishgard's defenders are not, as you say, decided by blood- the call of the Dragon is.* We live in Wild, Confusing times. Everything is nigh debate. This entire discourse and exchange is proof of such things."
209●Nydia Vitrea clears her throat.
210♦Delphine Viroux lifts her hand again.
211Vilette Laurent: "Then shut the hell up about trusting or not trusting the dragoons and come back to help us on the front lines."
212★Ser RhodesMateus: "It's my job. Do yours."
213♦Delphine Viroux: "Enough."
214Lancelaux Fiermont: "Any man or woman of this city is just as likely to partake of this. A Knight dragoon is not founded on blood, but on the beatings of those who break them."
215Lancelaux Fiermont spat.
216♦Delphine Viroux: "The matter of the Dragoons is closed. Your thoughts are yours, Rhodes. Keep them in your head."
217Egrine Fugorier raises a brow at that. So much for concerns being aired.
218●Nydia Vitrea scrubs at her face with one palm. Sighing wearily.
219Mazin Khin gives Lance a momentary glance, but then tries to keep a civil front, glancing to Delphine.
220Tzee Vanu: "I dare say it's heresy to bespeak such slander of Halone's most Holy Knights."
221★Ser RhodesMateus: "Awful cute coming from a Feathered Whale."
222★Ser RhodesMateus: "Mind yourself."
223Florian Beaumont walked backwards slightly and behind Vilette to whispered "Now that the matter is closed Captain, forgive me, but I must abscond myself. An urgent matter requires my attention in Dragonhead." (Something would be calling for him in the real world.)
224♦Delphine Viroux: "I need cohesion. Not perfect agreement, and I want to achieve that by each of you. However, my duty as Marshal is one thing - And that is victory, and if I need to create cohesion with my fist, I -will-. That is not what I want though. That is not what is good for this campaign. What is good for this campaign is for all of us to stand together."
225Vilette Laurent nods to Florian. "Gods speed."
226Florian Beaumont nods back and walks away/
227Tzee Vanu: "There is no need for such c-childish insults, Ser." His feathers bristled.
228♦Delphine Viroux: "As it is known to Captain Laurent, I delayed my order to have Toltan, the Ixal who leads this peace faction, sent home."
229Maria Gwynn frowned at that, before looking over the Vanu. Was it fat or fluff? An investigation must surely look into this!
230♦Delphine Viroux: "Though my anger at the events of the rally's conclusion fired up my temper, even if it should be that we reject him - I would do it with a clear mind."
231Cassiopeia Argent checked her chronometer. Ah. Time for class. Cassi quietly excused herself from the circle.
232Fiona Delaine gives Hilda a wry look.
233♦Delphine Viroux: "If we can secure Natalan's surrender, we basically have a straight shot to our enemy."
234Fiona Delaine leans over, murmurs real low, "I needs be off. The Trine yet deliberates on what to do regarding Uhm Ala's death- I will hopefully have good news in the effort for our survival, much as much the camp might seethe."
235Hilda Alarias: "Be safe."
236Mazin Khin: "...take care, Fiona."
237♦Delphine Viroux: "We save manpower, materiel, and coin as has been said if we use Toltan as our key to Natalan lowering their weapons."
238Fiona Delaine dips her head toward Hilda- and offers Mazin a smile. She turns and slinks off.
239♦Delphine Viroux: "Are you yet convinced of this, Rhodes?"
240Aelina Forester bows her head to Fiona as she leaves, offering a light smile.
241Vilette Laurent nods at Delphine.
242Tzee Vanu made a note of the debate and left quietly.
243Egrine Fugorier leans over to Yves. "That is an awful lot to be riding on the shoulders of one Ixal."
244★Ser RhodesMateus: "So permit me clarify this plan. Your angle is to use the Prisoner in Whitebrim to permit you access to Natalan proper, that you may kill the Head of the Assault? Something along those lines?"
245♥Yves Gaultier shrugs at Egrine Fugorier, "And if that fails, we take Natalan. We'd have to anyway."
246♥Yves Gaultier mutters, "Talk is free. Manpower is expensive."
247♦Delphine Viroux: "He is untempered, he will not be allowed in to the Steel Vigil. He could, however, rally his peace faction within Natalan that their Matriarch fears -our- retribution more than Zilotl's. If we do that, Natalan should surrender, and thus leave us with only one front to take."
248Egrine Fugorier nods in agreement. "But Time is more precious than both of those together."
249★Ser RhodesMateus: "Indeed. And it would also leave a rallied, armed faction in Natalan whom we've brokered Peace with. Correct?"
250♦Delphine Viroux: "We have ample evidence Natalan only stays in the war out of fear of what Zilotl may do to them if they wish to quit."
251♦Delphine Viroux: "You imply they would turn on us."
252●Nydia Vitrea: "What would they have to gain by that? Destruction and naught else."
253Mazin Khin: "Much of their own forces have been depleted as it is, from this upstart's war to the tempering of their unwilling."
254♥Yves Gaultier stares up at the sky and just closes his eyes.
255Mazin Khin: "They are not so idiotic as to throw it all back in Ishgard's face."
256Egrine Fugorier clears her throat. "Other than those that approached us on their own, what evidence do you have that we are not simply playing into their hands?"
257★Ser RhodesMateus: "In time. Yes. This is a cycle. Beast Tempering is nothing new. Peace brokered today is peace broken tomorrow. In my eyes- your bread-breaking's but a temporary solution. You are buying them time to regroup, reorganize their civilization."
258Vilette Laurent looked to Egrine.
259★Ser RhodesMateus: "While there's Honor in such kindness- we've seen what they will turn to when pushed. Every time."
260♦Delphine Viroux: "Captain Laurent's dragoons can attest to those alongside Toltan's claims."
261Vilette Laurent: "There was an Ixal who helped our Knights Dragoon rescue a boy and his mother from the Vigil."
262Egrine Fugorier: "The dragoons we just spent several bells arguing about."
263♦Delphine Viroux: "An argument that is over."
264Hilda Alarias: "Ala Mhigo and Gridania were once bitter rivals who slaughtered each other without mercy."
265●Nydia Vitrea: "Is it? There is one aspect of unity you missed."
266Hilda Alarias: "They now fight on the same common grounds; the defense of Eorzea."
267★Ser RhodesMateus: "Ala Mighans don't summon Primals."
268Egrine Fugorier: "Oh yes, I am aware, Marshall. What I ask is what -else- do you have to go on."
269Hilda Alarias: "Baelsar's Wall begs to differ."
270♦Delphine Viroux: "What is that, Nadia?"
271Vilette Laurent huffed amusedly.
272●Nydia Vitrea steps forward. "How many of us here were born in Ishgard, or the surrounds? Of Ishgardian heritage?"
273●Nydia Vitrea: "All but those few foreigners remaining, I expect."
274★Ser RhodesMateus 's head rose to the sky for a moment, taking a deep breath.
275Hilda Alarias: "The capacity to summon exists in any living thing with enough will- that is not my point, however. You suggest that we should not even *attempt* a peace in preperation for some idea of conflict in the future?"
276Egrine Fugorier gives Nydia aa look. "What sort of question is that? Most of us."
277K'zara Qhotar feels like she might be called out right now.
278★Ser RhodesMateus: "Is this truly open forum for every dramatic speech in the Pillars?"
279●Nydia Vitrea: "Yes. For good reason."
280Hilda Alarias: "You call anything that challenges your view a "dramatic speech"."
281●Nydia Vitrea: "You forgot a detail, Ser Rhodes. We all have a certain unity. Even you. If you would mistrust and declare anyone with dragon's blood dangerous, then I suggest you look in a mirror."
282★Ser RhodesMateus: "I was asked a question, Dragoon. I answered."
283●Nydia Vitrea: "Every descendant of Thordan has it. That is most of the population, now."
284●Nydia Vitrea: "I call that a cause for unity rather than mistrust."
285●Nydia Vitrea: "Do with it what you will."
286Khidyr Ugund slowly leaned over to Maria.
287Magnus CirilliumMalboro: "Are we back to bickering about Dragoons and Templars? Give it a rest... While you bicker, your orders become further antiquated."
288♦Delphine Viroux: "I would make something plain to all of you."
289♦Delphine Viroux: "If this peace is untenable or temporary, as Ser Rhodes says - Then the fact of the matter is, we have two other choices to secure our country and Coerthas."
290Mazin Khin: "...damn one, you damn them all," He mutters quietly, then glancing to Hilda, giving a nod, "...duty calls elsewhere. Try to keep your head above water, at least." A final glance to Delphine and that thing in shining armor not far from her. He breaks away from the crowd.
291♦Delphine Viroux: "We occupy Natalan and disarm them by force, and remain there as wardens, or we burn Natalan in its entirety. Doing nothing is unacceptable, and if the idea of Natalan's surrender is so flimsy, then we have to accept those options."
292Aelina Forester respectfully bows her head to Delphine, then turns to slip out as discreetly as possible.
293♦Delphine Viroux: "Am I mistaken?"
294Vilette Laurent: "And if we are 'playing into their hands', unfortunately, that's what diplomacy is." Vilette looks to Egrine.
295★Ser RhodesMateus: "Whatever force you choose to emplant in Natalan will not be of our Order, that much I assure you. We're stretched thin as-is between Ghimlyt and the Homefront. A point to bear in mind."
296Egrine Fugorier: "Oh it is not."
297♦Delphine Viroux: "I understand that, but do you agree that your solution is one of the two regardless?"
298Vilette Laurent: "We can discuss that later."
299Egrine Fugorier: "You do not go into diplomacy without a backup. That is how nations fall."
300♥Yves Gaultier: "There are backups, Egrine."
301★Ser RhodesMateus looked up for a moment in contemplation, thinking it for a pause. "Aye. I'd end the lot and be done with it, had I choice."
302Vilette Laurent: "Our backup is continued war. That is -exactly- the sort of backup diplomacy has."
303♦Delphine Viroux: "What I'm saying to you, Madame Fugorier, is are you willing to stand by those back ups if peace fails?"
304Egrine Fugorier: "Yes. If that is what is required."
305♦Delphine Viroux: "Do you accept that a true peace, if not this one, is either by our rule, or their execution?"
306♦Delphine Viroux: "So long as there is no doubt."
307Egrine Fugorier: "What a question. Marshall I lived my entire life in a war. This does not shake me."
308♦Delphine Viroux: "That's what troubles me."
309Egrine Fugorier: "But, I am not one to walk blindly in and hope for the first peace offered to me."
310★Ser RhodesMateus nodded.
311♥Yves Gaultier: "Egrine."
312★Ser RhodesMateus: "So desperate are we to be Eorzea now."
313Egrine Fugorier: "That is--what."
314♥Yves Gaultier: "Let's ask a simple question."
315♥Yves Gaultier: "Marshal?"
316♦Delphine Viroux: "My lord."
317♥Yves Gaultier: "Forget the morals, tactically speaking... if an invasion of Natalan were to occur, would that be started tomorrow, or is that later down the pike? I want -only- the logistical answer, forget the morals."
318●Nydia Vitrea murmurs. "If we continue debating morals we will all end up blue in the face."
319★Ser RhodesMateus: "I can do this all day, girl."
320♦Delphine Viroux: "Unlike the Steel Vigil, a concentrated fortress, Natalan is a veritable maze of cliff-side. Difficulty of taking the fortress aside, it will not take as much time, truly, compared to our march through said cliffsides."
321Egrine Fugorier mutters back "Welcome to politics."
322♦Delphine Viroux: "So it would likely come after Zilotl's defeat."
323Vilette Laurent: "Fortifications are also flimsy. The main obstacle is positioning the artillery to have clear firing arcs."
324♥Yves Gaultier: "So then we have time to bring in intelligence and broker a diplomatic option in such a way that wouldn't hamper planning for a backup military option, am I correct in that understanding?"
325♦Delphine Viroux: "Little time, but yes. How does this differ from dealing with Toltan, exactly?"
326♥Yves Gaultier: "I'm speaking on the options present through Toltan."
327K'zara Qhotar hesistantly raised her hand looking to see if she was even allowed to have a word.
328Vilette Laurent: "I figured we'd delegate it to you and those trained in diplomacy."
329Vilette Laurent looked to Delphine, after that.
330♥Yves Gaultier: "In other words, and I'm about to speak -very- freely..."
331★Ser RhodesMateus looked over.
332♦Delphine Viroux: "Madame."
333♦Delphine Viroux: "You may speak after Lord de Gaultier."
334Egrine Fugorier: "I have nothing more to say, really."
335♥Yves Gaultier: "What in the nine hells are we even arguing over? All of us? This is a joke. We're hurting nothing to go forward and see if the diplomatic solution is viable. We're not undermining our position, we have a military backup if diplomacy fails or better intelligence leads us to believe it's a trap."
336Egrine Fugorier clamps her mouth shut as she looks to her cousin.
337♦Delphine Viroux: "I would have asked that question a sennight ago, Yves."
338Hilda Alarias nods. "Here, here."
339Lancelaux Fiermont spoke softly. "But Ser, how else would men posture so?"
340●Nydia Vitrea: "A whole lot of nothing. The goal - however - is to get us to unify on it."
341♦Delphine Viroux: "But it lead to the Fourth walking out."
342●Nydia Vitrea: "We have had enough division and infighting."
343♦Delphine Viroux: "So perhaps I am not the one you should be asking."
344♥Yves Gaultier: "We're being children."
345♥Yves Gaultier: "All of us."
346♦Delphine Viroux narrows her eyes.
347Vilette Laurent: "He's not wrong, Marshal."
348●Nydia Vitrea laughs brightly. "No, he is not. Right down to some of us taking our toys and angrily going home."
349Egrine Fugorier puffs away on her cigarette but nods.
350Vilette Laurent: "All we need from this meeting is for the Fourth to assent to coming -back to the frontlines-."
351♥Yves Gaultier: "Talking about fears of blood and faith... when there's a war on, and indeed Garlemald is knocking at our door."
352★Ser RhodesMateus looked around, "Well, quite frankly if you lot merely wanted my god damn time that* badly you could merely ask me for Dinner."
353★Ser RhodesMateus: "Regardless."
354Vilette Laurent: "Just get your men and come back to the base, grandpa."
355Sigmund Bettencourt lookat Yves and to Delphine "Like it or not, each of us have different beliefs but our motives already unified no?" he point back to the direction of the Dragonkeep "Remember the day we stood side by side, Dragoon, Temple Knights, Nobles, hell, even a cook holding a ladle defending the wards from the windscarred. Put aside all your pride, this is the moment we support Delphine and our true cause."
356Blade Henge quirks a brow at Vilette.
357●Nydia Vitrea smiles wryly. "Careful Vilette. Abrielle and I might get offended if you start throwing age around."
358♥Yves Gaultier blinks and looks at Egrine Fugorier, whispering rather quietly, "...Did that just work?"
359Egrine Fugorier shrugs, offering him her cigarette.
360★Ser RhodesMateus offered Vilette a frown. "61 summers. Not 81."
361♦Delphine Viroux: "Are the Fourth returning, or not?"
362Vilette Laurent huffed in amusement.
363●Nydia Vitrea: "Peace or not, there will be Ixal to fight. We will need the help, Rhodes."
364★Ser RhodesMateus: "Yes, heavens, yes. If it will but mean you people shut up with your speeches for nigh thirty seconds. A man can only stomach so much Call to Action and Inspiration before he loses his lunch."
365♥Yves Gaultier takes the cigarette, lights it, and sticks it in his mouth.
366Vilette Laurent: "Excellent."
367Egrine Fugorier snorts.
368Maria Gwynn furrows her brows, glancing downwards.
369Lancelaux Fiermont rolled his eye, muttering towards his left. "Imagine such a meeting, to court a fucking temple knight."
370Hilda Alarias: "I would speak to you all-"
371●Nydia Vitrea goes about digging out her pipe. Filling it, clamping it between her teeth, and snapping her fingers over the bowl to conjure flame. Puffing away til it takes. "Shows of unity are worth more than one man, Ser."
372Blade Henge: "Even now my call to all available axes in the realm goes out. If even a few answer, it is a boon. But the Fourth's aid only stands to increase our chances."
373♦Delphine Viroux: "I pray more of our shared kin arrive, Blade."
374●Nydia Vitrea: "Go ahead Hilda."
375Hilda Alarias: "No matter your opinion on the Fourth or the men who represent it, you must see that all hands are currently needed to fight this war. No matter our disagreements, we must come together for this."
376Vilette Laurent looked at Maria.
377Hilda Alarias: "After this war, *then* may we return to secret words and putting daggers to each other's backs."
378★Ser RhodesMateus wishes he didn't have Vows against Drug use. Man needed a Cigarette.
379Maria Gwynn seemed troubled.
380●Nydia Vitrea smokes extra. Just for Rhodes.
381Vilette Laurent could tell.
382Lyra Thane outright laughs, the nstops herself. Ahem. She murmurs to Lance, "Shocked they just start takin' heads for desertion. But we all do things different...."
383Khidyr Ugund leaned over to Maria and whispered quietly. "I assume, then that we shall not be killing each other this day."
384Lyra Thane: (*didn't just.  :( ))
385Lancelaux Fiermont offered a half hearted shrug, turning back.
386♦Delphine Viroux: "Is that all, Ser Alarias?"
387Hilda Alarias: "Yes, ma'am. Apologies."
388Hilda Alarias steps back in line and shut up once again.
389Hilda Alarias *shuts)
390Maria Gwynn raises her brows, glancing over towards Khidyr. "H-huh? Of course not."
391♦Delphine Viroux: "Forgiven. I take it then there is nothing more to be said. I can only say something so many times repeated, aye?"
392Khidyr Ugund: "Mmm."
393●Nydia Vitrea murmurs around her pipe. "There is another point of unity. Ishgardians like to make speeches."
394★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Delphine, "When you've a moment, I've like a small dramatic speech of my own. I don't make these often, and I don't care to waste my Oxygen on those who'd but scoff and fetishize the thought of slandering my name. Those who don't care- piss off."
395♦Delphine Viroux rubs her forehead.
396★Ser RhodesMateus: "Listen and listen well. What I do, regardless of your thoughts, your little quips and closet banter- I do it for Country. I've been doing this for longer than some of you have been alive. Most, even, I'd wager. While Idealism is inspiring to see in the young, and it pleases me that so many could find open forum to challenge and stand for their ideas, know that the Order of Temple Knights cares not for opinions. We care not for who we upset, who we offend, etcetera. We care for Ishgard (c
397★Ser RhodesMateus: "And Ishgard alone. I don't give a damn about much else, quite frankly. Tell me Ala Migho's a crater and I'd but shrug and ask what did it, so we may begin to prepare. That is who I am. That is my job. Consider that when you lot return to your scampering. Your Knights work diligently to grant you roof and hearth to sleep in."
398★Ser RhodesMateus: "Slander my name if you like, I don't really care. Slander the Order and we'll have issue."
399★Ser RhodesMateus: "That's all. Return to your cigarettes."
400♦Delphine Viroux: "Thank you, Rhodes. Unless you have anything to say to me personally, or your name is Yves de Gaultier, you are free to leave. Thank you all for coming."
401Vilette Laurent: "We know, Rhodes. At least, I and my soldiers know."
402★Ser RhodesMateus nodded.
403★Ser RhodesMateus nodded.
404♣Eleisa Laisard arrives from the direction of the Tribunal, hearing Rhodes speak -- perhaps retort is a better choice of word -- and twists her mouth into a faint grimace, wondering what could have caused the interjection.
405Egrine Fugorier nods, golf clapping before putting her cigarette back in her mouth.
406Lancelaux Fiermont leans towards Lyra. "Someone remains furious they've been seperated from state."
407Vilette Laurent: "That's why we're pissed that you fucked off."
408Vilette Laurent: "But you're back."
409Vilette Laurent: "That's what matters."
410Egrine Fugorier: "Oh dear. Teacher called on you specifically."
411Lyra Thane nods sternly at Lance's comment.
412♥Yves Gaultier: "...Fury, I thought I might eat dinner tonight."
413♦Delphine Viroux: "Let's have words. To the  rest of you, remain here at the Hoplon if you wish to speak to me, or if you have no need, you are free to return."
414♦Delphine Viroux: "You might have, my lord."
415Khidyr Ugund looked from side to side, then quietly backed away.
416Egrine Fugorier pats his arm gently. "We will find you something."
417★Ser RhodesMateus: "I will not commit a single Blade to a Battle I don't trust. No Soldier would. Either way, enough of this. I can feel another speech coming from someone* here."
418♣Eleisa Laisard || At this rate, it feels like the man is more likely to find himself against daggers in the night than Lord de Gaultier. Well... at least he can defend himself just fine.
419Lancelaux Fiermont: "No Ser, there seems to be no air remaining for another."
420Vilette Laurent: "I'm out of them. My speeches are reserved for telling people I want to fight."
421Vilette Laurent headed over to Maria.
422Lyra Thane: "Air was thin enough up here already."
423Vilette Laurent: "Hey. Let's walk, for a moment."
424Vilette Laurent heads down the stairs.
425Maria Gwynn nods her head.
426♣Eleisa Laisard: "Sergeant."
427Hilda Alarias: "Hello, Haru."
428★Ser RhodesMateus offered Eleisa a hearty wave. "Ser Eleisa. How can I be of service?"
429Egrine Fugorier raises a brow, before ashing her cigarette.
430Lancelaux Fiermont flicked his cigarette disdainfully onto the ground. "Hells."
431Ramona Zale loosened a tired sigh as she broke from her post to steal a quick drink from a belted flask.
432Haru Hisoki: "Hilda."
433Sigmund Bettencourt shrugs "Now where was i...oh yeah...i was going to buy that Apple Strudel for Vivi" he look around
434Tavin DeissaGoblin sighed a little at the conclusion of this, muttering. "Superstitious nonsense."
435Cullun Coppereye: "By Rhalgr, such pagentry... "
436Haru Hisoki: "I was expecting to find Fiona here, once I caught word of this.. gathering."
437♣Eleisa Laisard smiles thinly, shaking her head ever slightly.
438♣Eleisa Laisard: "Just good to hear you and the Fourth are back," she says.
439Hilda Alarias: "She's gone in the direction of the Trine, I'm afraid."
440Lyra Thane turns to Lance, "If this is the bickerin' concerning featherless birdmen, you lot are going to fare worse than we did with the Garleans."
441Haru Hisoki: ".. Any particular reason why?"
442Haru Hisoki: "I've just returned from business."
443Blade Henge sighs in relief of that being over. He looks about the Hoplon.
444Egrine Fugorier looks the Miqo'te up and down. "She is their diplomat."
445Lyra Thane: "Thousand years of kickin' dragons in their scaley balls, think there'd be no issue here."
446Hilda Alarias: "Her duties as Special Ambassador- and we've also had trouble in the form of a death of one of the dragons from the Trine."
447Lancelaux Fiermont: "A thousand years of lies and dictators, and people know nothing of how to act with freedom."
448Magnus CirilliumMalboro: "Curious what one finds when wandering the pillars..."
449Haru Hisoki: "I.. ah."
450Lancelaux Fiermont: "Democracy is a new concept here, no?"
451★Ser RhodesMateus sighed heavily, his face betraying a brief, -very- brief, genuine fatigue. "Aye," he muttered. "Aye, we're back. A good thing I wore Plate to this- Felt like I'd need to clear out the entire Pillars for a moment there."
452Lyra Thane grunts, "Should make it easier to follwo orders without quesiton then."
453Haru Hisoki: "Kami bless- that /is/ troublesome."
454Niobe Ondine mutters to herself while tapping her chin, "A far different tone from the previous weeks. That is well and good, at least."
455Haru Hisoki: "I can only imagine that'd prove difficult from a diplomatic standpoint."
456Zuyoyo Zuyo: "From what I know of Ishgard, it is."
457Hilda Alarias: "With her... not so much. As much trust as the Trine has in her."
458Lyra Thane: "Aye, that's fair enough..."
459Hilda Alarias: "It is a matter, however, of discussing how the Trine will assist in Ishgard's struggle against the Ixal."
460Hilda Alarias: "The Ixal have taken one of their own, and honor will likely bid them to come for the Ixal of their own accord."
461Egrine Fugorier: "Yes?"
462♥Yves Gaultier: "I fear my next speeches won't be so grand."
463♦Delphine Viroux: "You don't need to give me a wide berth, Madame."
464♦Delphine Viroux: "Only that your cousin did well to quell the circle."
465Egrine Fugorier: "Yes, he is quite good at that."
466Egrine Fugorier: "I apologize if I twisted the knife. I am nothing if not a pragmatist."
467Egrine Fugorier tilts her head. "If not a cynic."
468♣Eleisa Laisard: "I haven't, alas -- only recently did I return. What was all this --" she waggles a hand at the crowd of lingering onlookers, " -- about? I'd had to..."
469♥Yves Gaultier: "...Please, that's why you're my chief of staff. One of us has to be."
470♣Eleisa Laisard || Oh boy.
471♦Delphine Viroux: "'tis why it is also good to have you around."
472♦Delphine Viroux: "Aside from being a sight to look upon."
473♣Eleisa Laisard raises a brow.
474♣Eleisa Laisard: "Did you win?"
475♥Yves Gaultier: "..."
476♥Yves Gaultier: "Oh i should definitely leave now."
477Egrine Fugorier blinks a moment before growing a little red.
478♦Delphine Viroux: "You may. You've given me much to think about."
479♦Delphine Viroux: "Namely, I'm going to start drawing names and structure for Ishgard's coming military junta when democracy inevitably fails."
480♥Yves Gaultier motions towards Delphine Viroux, "I got my hands on a Durendaire Cellarage wine from the Gorgagne holdings."
481Egrine Fugorier: "Ah. Well. I speak only of--experience. I very much think it best that we--" she quiets. "....oh."
482♦Delphine Viroux: "Go on?"
483♦Delphine Viroux:  "It was a half joke, Madame, be at ease."
484♥Yves Gaultier: "Please make sure you fire me when you take over. I miss making watches. We'll share the wine."
485♥Yves Gaultier: "Good luck."
486Egrine Fugorier has never been at east once, ever, in her life.
487♦Delphine Viroux: "I would not keep you either, my lady. Unless there is aught more you would say?"
488♣Eleisa Laisard: "Aye, I'd thought the Steel War a fine opportunity to clear the lot of them from Natalan -- hold Coerthas absent the lingering beastman threat, but..."
489♣Eleisa Laisard nudges Yves as he walks by.
490Egrine Fugorier shakes her head. "I'd rather not speak in place of my cousin, who is the one you really want talking. I am just the numbers person. But I have watched enough kind hearted naivite from monetarist to the next bite them in the back with teeth shaped like daggers."
491♣Eleisa Laisard tilts her head at Yves. She thought he liked wine.
492♦Delphine Viroux: "I will keep what you have said at heart, my lady."
493♦Delphine Viroux: "How is your ah... Husband?"
494♦Delphine Viroux // Say dead. Say dead. Say dead.
495Egrine Fugorier nods. "Hus--oh, I wouldn't know. Holed up somwhere on his back I'd imagin--oh." she claps a hand over her mouth. "That was uncouth of me. I am sorry."
496♦Delphine Viroux: "... Oh, okay."
497♦Delphine Viroux: "Great."
498♦Delphine Viroux: "Tell the group that if any would speak with me to come here."
499♦Delphine Viroux: "Goodbye, Madame."
500♣Eleisa Laisard: "The cost in fighting Natalan and Zilotl's faction on two fronts is greater than I'd wish to pay -- I'd rather see the primal dealt with, absent any other distraction."
501Egrine Fugorier tilts her head up. "It matters not how he is, I am the one who handles things. He does not speak for me or my holdings. I--o-oh...okay..."
502♥Yves Gaultier: "Oh Fury. On what matter?"
503Haru Hisoki: "People are more than valid in desiring to stay in their ways. And sometimes, it's not up to us to assign such."
504Haru Hisoki: "Err, if that's wrong that is."
505Vilette Laurent: "In case Natalan takes the olive branch."
506Egrine Fugorier: "If there is anyone else who would like a word with the Marshall. Now is the time."
507Hilda Alarias: "You're one of the few in this city who believes so."
508K'zara Qhotar: "Seems theres almost a line to do so."
509Hilda Alarias: "...hells, I can't even say I fall to that line of thinking."
510♥Yves Gaultier: "Are they taking it -now-?"
511♣Eleisa Laisard pauses to peer suspiciously at the Miqo'te that smells unnaturally strongly of baked goods.
512Haru Hisoki: "Perhaps it's why my involvement could prove beneficial. An outside view."
513Niobe Ondine raises a brow at the ongoing conversations."
514Haru Hisoki: ".. Ah, admittedly- I'm not one who could /always/ say that."
515Hilda Alarias: "Mayhap."
516Vilette Laurent: "No. But in the event they *do*, we need to be prompt."
517Haru Hisoki: "But, I had somewhat of a kinder spirit come through my path."
518★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Eleisa in agreement. He looked back at Vilette, then over at Yves- "Absolutely not," he said bluntly. "You are not risking a member of Parliament in said Olive Branch."
519Tavin DeissaGoblin: "Are you here for the same, then?"
520Hilda Alarias: "Oh?"
521Egrine Fugorier falls into step with her cousin, red in the face.
522Vilette Laurent: "That's nto what I was suggesting."
523Vilette Laurent: "I was asking for suggestions."
524Vilette Laurent: "I'm a half-breed, not an idiot."
525Haru Hisoki: "I would without a shroud of doubt be peddling somnus and root into Eorzea from my empire in Kugane."
526★Ser RhodesMateus narrowed his eyes upon the Captain, then shifted his gaze to Yves. "Ha," he merely replied.
527Haru Hisoki: "If I hadn't met her, mind you."
528K'zara Qhotar offered a formal bow, "Qhota an Alchemist, though I am not sure if its right for me to approach just yet given you are speaking with another."
529Lancelaux Fiermont: "An interested party. I couldn't care less for the posturing of lords and knights. But innocents are at risk, as often are."
530Hilda Alarias: "..."
531Hilda Alarias: "...is that a good thing?"
532Haru Hisoki: ".. That I'm not pushing drugs across borders?"
533Haru Hisoki: "Aye."
534Vilette Laurent: "So. Suggestions?"
535K'zara Qhotar: "I had been working with the restoration project when I had over heard what had been going on with this war. I have spent the last few days in getting informed and seeing what could be done on my behalf for the effort."
536Egrine Fugorier: "For what?"
537Hilda Alarias: "Not sure if that's something you regret, or... suchlike."
538Haru Hisoki: "I.. ah."
539★Ser RhodesMateus: "She wants a Diplomat."
540Tavin DeissaGoblin gives a solemn nod. "Indeed. That problem is not unique to Ishgard."
541Hilda Alarias: "Once Vilette finished up her business, it would be best to speak with her."
542★Ser RhodesMateus: "At the ready, I mean."
543Haru Hisoki: "Ah, of course. No rush."
544Hilda Alarias: "...which may be a while."
545Lyra Thane nods at Zuyoyo, "Hm.  Its...got some charms to it, that I'd like to see preserved.  Not why I'm here though...."
546Vilette Laurent: "Someone more qualified than..."
547Haru Hisoki: "I've naught but time left in this world."
548Vilette Laurent gestured at Rhodes, then herself. "Us."
549Haru Hisoki: (hrrrk- brb)
550Egrine Fugorier: "Not a soldier, then."
551Vilette Laurent nods.
552Egrine Fugorier: "But...perhaps a politician..."
553Egrine Fugorier narrows her eyes.
554★Ser RhodesMateus scoffed in slight offense. "I'll have you know I've been praised for my Negotiating skills. Hostages, especially."
555♥Yves Gaultier motions nebulously, "We offer a simple armistice. They rise up against Zilotl, fight on a front separate of our own that our troops not meet in the middle, and in turn they keep their land and enough weapons to defend themselves from beastkin, poachers, and the like provided we're allowed persistent overwatch."
556★Ser RhodesMateus: "Just not enemies of the God damn State."
557Lancelaux Fiermont: "No. And it's a damned place. But those below have suffered for so long. So I'll fight for them, while I'm here."
558Blade Henge: "Forgive my interruption, but what matters does a warrior have in Ishgard but for a fight?"
559Tavin DeissaGoblin: "Well, I'll daresay that you'll not fight alone."
560Vilette Laurent: "Do you want to write that for us?"
561♣Eleisa Laisard snorts lightly to herself, covering her mouth with one hand, imagining Rhodes as the envoy to Natalan.
562★Ser RhodesMateus would do it proudly.
563Niobe Ondine: "If you are not picky over characters who may have stepped on your collective toes once or twice, I would offer myself. That is, if the esteemed Sergeant is not hellbent on throwing me in the gaol for our actions the other day. Apologies for the eavesdropping."
564Egrine Fugorier narrows her eyes. "Oh no. We are not having *you* do it."
565Lancelaux Fiermont: "No, I suppose that's something, hm?"
566Lyra Thane nods at Blade as he approaches. "Hail, and that's more the reason behind my staying, there. That and I thought I'd see the prowess an' fighting spirit of the Ishgardian knights for myself."
567Vilette Laurent: "If our plan is to just send a letter, then Yves is plenty capable of writing."
568Egrine Fugorier: "Who the bloody hell are you?"
569Vilette Laurent looked at Niobe.
570Tavin DeissaGoblin gives a small chuckle. "Step by step, ser dragoon?"
571Lancelaux Fiermont grimaced. "Something like that."
572Blade Henge: "You will find them a tempered, but dour sort normally, givin the history."
573♣Eleisa Laisard: "Perhaps a poor choice of words, Henge. Given the circumstances."
574Egrine Fugorier looks her up and down. "I hardly think eavesdropping serves in your favor for anything. Especially not diplomacy."
575Niobe Ondine: "A diplomat, first and foremost. But I am the one who.. Beyond that... Well.."
576Blade Henge: "Hn, hn."
577★Ser RhodesMateus: "Out with it, already."
578Egrine Fugorier gives a slight tsk, waiting.
579Vilette Laurent: "... Don't beat around the bush."
580Vilette Laurent: "It's not only the sergeant you angered, that day."
581♣Eleisa Laisard faintly muffles a 'snrk' again.
582♦Delphine Viroux: "Fill me in?"
583★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Eleisa, then back over at Niobe. In truth, the man's memory wasn't what it used to be. He genuinely did not know who this was.
584♥Yves Gaultier: "Do you have inroads to Natalan?"
585Lyra Thane: "The dourness is somethin' I am already accustomed to." Elesia's comment earns a slight chuckle.
586Egrine Fugorier: "We speak of an envoy for your Natalan fellow."
587♦Delphine Viroux: "Who?"
588Egrine Fugorier: "That is what hovers in the air."
589Niobe Ondine: "I have been a part of the folks who opposed much of what you all were passing. I will not deny that I made a fool of myself the other day, in that I let the tribesman interrupt something they should not have," she turns to Yves, "Yes, I do. Have been there before on a handful of occasions."
590♣Eleisa Laisard: "Yves -- would the envoy simply be delivering these terms? What authority would the have to negotiate, and make allowances?"
591Egrine Fugorier: "I will ask it is -not- my cousin."
592Blade Henge: "As it happens, should you wish a first hand experience; I am putting word out to any warriors willing to bring axe to bear in the upcoming conflict."
593Vilette Laurent folds her arms.
594♦Delphine Viroux: "Wait."
595Tavin DeissaGoblin: "Well, call upon me when you would like another blade joining yours in that goal. I will be happy to help."
596♦Delphine Viroux: "This woman here is responsible for that commotion at the War Bond Rally?"
597Lyra Thane: "The chance to fight next to some, other than the Dragoons an' marksmen I've hunted beside in the past, is something I'm looking forward to. Best way to get a true measure of someone, afterall."
598Hilda Alarias suddenly turns sour.
599Yrys Arda silently lays her left hand on Delphine's right shoulder.
600Egrine Fugorier frowns.
601Egrine Fugorier: "That is grounds for you to be arrested than hired for anything, young lady."
602Niobe Ondine: "Partially, but I claim responsibility. Will say I am most certainly /not/ a Garlean, as the postings have read."
603♦Delphine Viroux steps around those gathered for a closer look.
604♦Delphine Viroux: "You might have fooled me."
605♥Yves Gaultier shrugs at Eleisa Laisard, "I honestly don't know. Tis the next step."
606♦Delphine Viroux: "You certainly forward the Imperial cause of division with your misinformed foolishness."
607★Ser RhodesMateus 's eyes widened. He took a step forward, "You violated the Sanctity of the Pillars with your display, girl. You know that? Disturbing the Peace is Felony," he said flatly. "I applaud your integrity and gall for presenting yourself, that you may have spared me the trouble of finding you, nevertheless."
608Hilda Alarias: "Rhodes."
609Egrine Fugorier: "He is right, Alarias."
610Zuyoyo Zuyo: "A good, and rare, opportunity it is. Our kind is sparse enough as it is, but the call to arms for gil and glory make them easier to find."
611★Ser RhodesMateus: "Your Domain begins and ends at Dragons, woman. This is mine."
612Vilette Laurent reached out to pull Hilda back.
613Lyra Thane cracks a grin, "I heard word of that floating about, pointed Zuyoyo here int he direction of Dragonhead shortly after I offered my axe to the campaign's service."
614Lancelaux Fiermont sighed, putting a cigarette between his lips. "Well, good luck, Ser. I shall...keep that in mind. But, work to be done." He gestured vaguely, turning to march off. "Until the next battle, or, grand act of posturing."
615Hilda Alarias went silent at Egrine's word, there's no need.
616Vilette Laurent || It was completely muscle memory, these days.
617Vilette Laurent still does it because she's in Rhodes' way.
618Hilda Alarias doesn't blame her.
619♦Delphine Viroux: "Although you do not look as I thought you might. Tell me true, then, if you're no Imperial patsy."
620Blade Henge glances to the other posessing an axe. So you too care to fight for the safety of Ishgard - and be paid of course."
621Lyra Thane: "Hey lance don--.....dammit."
622Lyra Thane: "Hate when he just flips off like that."
623♣Eleisa Laisard: "Well. Can't be her, anyroad," Eleisa shrugs. "The position would be at risk of abuse for personal enrichment."
624Egrine Fugorier: "I aggree with Laisard. Nepotism is not a pretty look."
625♥Yves Gaultier: "It would have to be a military negotiator, unarmed, away from any known lines."
626★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Yves.
627♥Yves Gaultier: "Dead drop with a linkpearl."
628Niobe Ondine: "I will gladly take what atonement and reprimands I must after this is said and done," Niobe stands her ground, "But I will not deny that the hung Ixali stirred an anger in me that I let get out of hand."
629Vilette Laurent: "Hanged," Vilette corrected.
630Vilette Laurent: "Unless you're talking about his crotch."
631Haru Hisoki .. snrrk.
632Blade Henge: "I know not how many of our ilk we can muster, but for every axe there is five men worth of force in the least."
633★Ser RhodesMateus: "Which I split open. Sternum to groin."
634Yrys Arda: "T'was taken down before a sun had passed, wasn't it?"
635K'zara Qhotar snickered.
636Egrine Fugorier choked on her cigarette.
637Niobe Ondine: "Hanged, yes. Apologies."
638♥Yves Gaultier opens his mouth to say something, and almost chokes.
639Vilette Laurent: "It was." Vilette said to Yrys.
640Lyra Thane: "Agreed!"
641♣Eleisa Laisard looks rather aghast at the Captain's indecorous comedy.
642♦Delphine Viroux: "Though I too have lost myself to anger - You put falsities in to the public concious about a very important war. Whether by your mouth, or those around you. Lies that we started this war, or seek to conquer Xelphatol. Think of the division in our people. Think then of what our enemy might hear."
643Blade Henge looks between the women before him. "It speaks to how dire some matters have become that I consider this option."
644Zuyoyo Zuyo: "That much is true. Would be quick work to just dispatch us and be done with it."
645♦Delphine Viroux: "Though your fate is not mine, it is Ser Rhodes, who has full authority on this matter."
646Yrys Arda: "You heard my reprimand against you and yours. You acted rashly. In ignorance. Disturbing a rally and damaging chances at peace."
647Vilette Laurent: "But, if you're a trained negotiator,"
648Vilette Laurent: "You -could- atone by helping us negotiate. If the Marshal's willing."
649Egrine Fugorier: "Some training."
650★Ser RhodesMateus looked over at Delphine, "Tell you what. In my opinion, you send this one first. If the Ixali take and kill her, it'll be of scarce loss. She will be a good alarm system should something be awry, if she can be trusted with such a task."
651Egrine Fugorier: "Absolutely not."
652Yrys Arda: "Ser Rhodes' suggestion as merit. Whom do you represent?
653♣Eleisa Laisard shakes her head in disagreement.
654♦Delphine Viroux: "There's a non-zero chance this one would side with the Ixal. A risk."
655Vilette Laurent looked back at Egrine.
656★Ser RhodesMateus pursed his lips to a line.
657Niobe Ondine: "I will not deny we did. The words were not my own, but I let my friend speak them all the same without a second though. I can almost guarantee I can handle things if diplomacy is a route to be taken."
658★Ser RhodesMateus: "Your Capacity isn't the question, girl."
659Blade Henge: "If you are able, I request you spread the word. This is not a competition of comission. There are plenty of jobs for mercenaries. We need all the help we can get."
660★Ser RhodesMateus: "But the intent of character is."
661♦Delphine Viroux: "Does the name Ashcrown mean anything to you?"
662Egrine Fugorier: "Good Fury, -I- will go rather than this person. I will not have someone who deigned it right and proper to disturb a rally be our voice for 'diplomacy'."
663♣Eleisa Laisard: "Setting aside the display at the Last Vigil," Eleisa says, "I'd still argue against it. It is a conflict of interest."
664Niobe Ondine: "I would not side with wanton murder regardless of the side. And it does, yes."
665Vilette Laurent: "Fugorier, consider the politics."
666Lyra Thane chuckles a little at that, "Aye it might. Most of those I know are mercenaries of some shape or form, but that same lot have all found their way up here already. That said, I'll do what I can to get word out."
667Egrine Fugorier: "Laurent consider the self-serving."
668♦Delphine Viroux: "They recently pulled their support of our campaign, a minor loss, but they also dared to imply they would stand with Natalan if our chosen course was invasion. I pray you understand the implications if this is true."
669♣Eleisa Laisard: "Aye, Marshal -- I have begun conducting investigations into the Consortium."
670Blade Henge: "The Marshal, whom you have seen today. She is one of us, and she asks for the stoutest of heart. She knows the risks we take."
671Tavin DeissaGoblin steps forward. "Marshal, if I may?"
672Vilette Laurent: "Sending this woman, supported by someone we trust will definitively show that we care about creating peace."
673Yrys Arda recites quietly. "The Ashcrown Consortium. Formed by Sylphs and Gridanians to govern the flow of crystals so as to prevent misuse and primal summoning."
674Haru Hisoki: "If the Consortium is stand against, that'd be backlash from three instead of just one of the Beastmen tribes, no?"
675Hilda Alarias: (gonna be honest with all of you, i had to afk just now because i squirted what amounts to red dye all over me)
676♦Delphine Viroux: "A moment, sir."
677Haru Hisoki: ".. Pardon my butting in, but-"
678Haru Hisoki: .. standing.* )
679♣Eleisa Laisard: (( shoot your red goo my dude ))
680Zuyoyo Zuyo: "Hm. Is that so? I see. I'll try to support her as much as I can then."
681K'zara Qhotar: not the goo again)
682♥Yves Gaultier: "Who the hells are you?"
683♦Delphine Viroux: "If this 'group' or whatever stands against Ishgard's people and with the wicked, they will be cleaned off our boosts alongside Ixal feathers."
684Hilda Alarias coughs.
685Hilda Alarias: "This-"
686Egrine Fugorier: "That sounds like a quick way to make our men dead and--yes who indeed."
687♦Delphine Viroux: "That's the point I'm making."
688Vilette Laurent looked at Haru, and sighed. She looked back at Egrine.
689Hilda Alarias: "Is Haru. He is one who wishes to join our cause."
690♦Delphine Viroux: Boots*))
691K'zara Qhotar: "Seems like an incredible risk when your looking at actual soldier and staff lives."
692Hilda Alarias: "He is Fiona's... lover."
693★Ser RhodesMateus: "As Ser Eleisa's stated, there is conflict of interest. Marshall, send a bloody Knight. You can trust scarce else to get the job done."
694♣Eleisa Laisard nudges Yves, and murmurs, "A confidante of Leftenant Delaine, it appears. And an acquaintance of my cousin."
695Vilette Laurent: "Hilda."
696♦Delphine Viroux: "A knight, hm?"
697Lyra Thane: "I've willingly thrown myself in the path of great risk as long as I can remember, and it hasn't gotten the better of me. I don't plan to stop just yet."
698Egrine Fugorier wrinkles her nose. "This is just a family affair all over again."
699Vilette Laurent: "That was not appropriate to reveal at this time."
700♣Eleisa Laisard: "Ah. Not confidante, then. Or, well, yes, but --"
701Hilda Alarias misread things and is stupid, please ignore.)
702Hilda Alarias thought they were talking about haru ;;)
703Yrys Arda: "Have you anyone you trust to get the job done, Ser Rhodes?"
704Vilette Laurent: (( they were ))
705♣Eleisa Laisard waves her hands around meaninglessly.
706Haru Hisoki: ".. Thank you, Vilette."
707♦Delphine Viroux: "Correct me if I am wrong."
708Vilette Laurent: (( Vilette was just saying it's probably not ok to say 'this is fiona's boyfriend' in this setting LOL ))
709Blade Henge: "Indeed. I am Blade Henge. Born of the Spine. My lot is currently with Ishgard's levies, but a mercenary in all but name."
710♥Yves Gaultier: "I don't care who he's sleeping with, for Fury's sake... What in..."
711♥Yves Gaultier looks up at the sky and closes his eyes
712Niobe Ondine: "I do understand the implication. And that was when I was well under the impression that the goal was general genocide. I am and have since been informed of the happenings. But I understand, if not."
713♦Delphine Viroux: "Securing Natalan's surrender means making sure they fear us more than Zilotl. Is this true?"
714♣Eleisa Laisard shrugs at Yves. That's all she knows, garnered from the past few minutes of eavesdropping.
715Vilette Laurent looked at Delphine, then the Yvesdropping Eleisa.
716Egrine Fugorier: "Well if that is the case perhaps you could send mine mother-in-law. She's terrifying."
717♣Eleisa Laisard would never drop Yves.
718♦Delphine Viroux: "Close idea."
719♦Delphine Viroux: "Someone along the lines of..."
720♦Delphine Viroux stares at Rhodes.
721Vilette Laurent: "Too much fear will back them into a corner."
722Vilette Laurent: "It will make them want to fight."
723Yrys Arda takes one look at Yves, then quietly steps over to offer him what appears to be a bottle of mulled wine.
724★Ser RhodesMateus 'd fallen quiet upon question of a recommendation. He looked to his left.
725♣Eleisa Laisard pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales.
726K'zara Qhotar: "All the more reason to pick the right candidate."
727Vilette Laurent: "All we need to do is look like the way out for them. They'll be more amenable if they see us as a path to survival, rather than destruction."
728♦Delphine Viroux: "Before I respond to our rabble-rouser, something to consider outright."
729♦Delphine Viroux: "Sending Rhodes."
730♦Delphine Viroux: "Discuss."
731Vilette Laurent: "I -vehemently- disagree."
732Egrine Fugorier: "Sending Rhodes--AND--"
733♥Yves Gaultier holds a hand up, "No, thank you."
734K'zara Qhotar: "better then an outsider..."
735Zuyoyo Zuyo: "And I'm Zuyoyo Zuyo. From Limsa. Pretty much nothing but a mercenary as well."
736♣Eleisa Laisard: "No -- not even and."
737♦Delphine Viroux: "I'll speak plain, madame."
738★Ser RhodesMateus pursed his lips to a thin line. He crossed his arms, silently offended.
739Yrys Arda tilts her head to the left. "Even if I said 'healer's orders'? As you like."
740Egrine Fugorier looks him up and down. "That seems awfully cruel."
741♣Eleisa Laisard: "There is the risk they know it was he that was responsible for the hanged Ixal," Eleisa continues, looking apologetically at the sergeant.
742♥Yves Gaultier: "...I prefer brandy. I'll be opening a bottle at home, trust me."
743Vilette Laurent points at Eleisa."
744Vilette Laurent: "That. That exactly."
745Blade Henge: "Limsa, yes. I have spent a spell there before. I had word sent there as well in a call to arms."
746Egrine Fugorier taps her chin. "Hm."
747Yrys Arda: "Good to know.  I'll remember it if the Chasseurs host a feast after this."
748♣Eleisa Laisard: "That alone could sour the negotiations beyond the point of no return. There are no doubt many that would wish to see him repaid in kind."
749♦Delphine Viroux: "If my country demands of me to send every, single, Ixal to the hells they spawned from, I would do it. And if your group stood in my way, your skulls would crack beneath my -heels- as theirs would. It is, for the circumstance, the sole fact we will seek peace. In summary - Do not ever threaten Ishgard again, and remember where you are."
750Zuyoyo Zuyo: "A good plan. The largest amount would be around there I imagine."
751♦Delphine Viroux: "Do you understand?"
752Egrine Fugorier: "So we do not tell them who he is."
753Egrine Fugorier: "We dress him as, I don't know, Yves."
754★Ser RhodesMateus: "What."
755♥Yves Gaultier: "what."
756Vilette Laurent slooowly looked at Egrine, raising a brow.
757♥Yves Gaultier: "He wouldn't fit in my clothes."
758♣Eleisa Laisard STARES at Egrine.
759♥Yves Gaultier: "Also, WHAT?"
760Vilette Laurent: "He's also brown."
761Egrine Fugorier: "I do not doubt you can do what we need."
762★Ser RhodesMateus looked at Yves. "You're hardly that* much taller, Master Gaultier. Hmph."
763Egrine Fugorier: "But--good god the pedantry we can find something that -fits-."
764Haru Hisoki: ".. Could a glamour not be cast on him? Admittedly, I am not as fully aware of the Ixali's aetherial abilities, could they easily dispel one?"
765Vilette Laurent: "Hang on,"
766Vilette Laurent steps forward.
767Egrine Fugorier: "But I can see it."
768Blade Henge nodded. "I would have hazard a guess of Limsa, the way you carry yourself with the axe on your back made be me believe experience."
769Vilette Laurent: "My concern with the Sergeant is that,"
770K'zara Qhotar: "It could be possible."
771Niobe Ondine: "While my standing seems to be one of a conflict of interest, I have little interest in a war, but preventing them. I have a long background of working with the Tribes and Grand Companies to prevent ongoing skirmishes and misguided slaughter. I understand my actions were vastly misguided and misinformed, I regret my actions wholly. But yes, I understand. If permitted, me and my Agency are at your disposal, for means of peace. And not the temporary kind."
772Vilette Laurent: "While I'm -certain- he can negotiate,"
773Egrine Fugorier: "I would not wand someone who could not fight to walk straight into the maw."
774Lyra Thane: "Aye, and even more that arrive there through port. A good start for spreading word."
775♦Delphine Viroux: "If we should seek it, you will know. That is all I would say."
776♣Eleisa Laisard: "Look, alright, seriously -- for Fury's fucking sake -- will anybody complain if I'm the one to go?"
777♣Eleisa Laisard fixes each one here in turn with a sharp glare.
778Vilette Laurent: "Will he be able to negotiate with Ixali without speaking down -at- them? And will his bias towards not wanting peace hamper negotiations?"
779♣Eleisa Laisard: "Anyone? No?"
780Vilette Laurent looked at Rhodes, as if directing both questions to him.
781♥Yves Gaultier: "Alright, Alright..."
782Egrine Fugorier: "I doubt he would say anything that would hamper peace for All of Ishgard, would you, Ser?"
783♦Delphine Viroux: "Now, if you would excuse me."
784♥Yves Gaultier: "There is -far- too much cross talk and we're standing in the middle of the bloody Hoplon."
785★Ser RhodesMateus looked to his left. His eye twitched in silent protest. His eyes shifted back to Vilette, "I. Am. A. Professional," he said succinctly. "If my task is to Negotiate, then it is to Negotiate. I would never compromise anything out of my personal opinion. That's questioning my character."
786Egrine Fugorier: "Let us take a few steps away, then."
787♥Yves Gaultier: "We need to sit down and talk this out at a table somewhere, when we all have time for it."
788♣Eleisa Laisard is about to go apeshit.
789Niobe Ondine nods and bows slightly, "Very well, I look forward to future correspondance."
790★Ser RhodesMateus: "Ser Eleisa."
791Hilda Alarias: "Vilette."
792♣Eleisa Laisard: "Sergeant."
793♦Delphine Viroux: "So, how is the mess I made? Any conclusions?"
794♥Yves Gaultier: "I have no idea."
795★Ser RhodesMateus smiled lightly, "I'd happily put your name in the draw, for whatever it's worth. I would trust none more."
796♦Delphine Viroux: "Rhodes."
797Hilda Alarias: "I feel as though my word carries little weight, so I'll not continue intruding."
798★Ser RhodesMateus: "Aye?"
799♦Delphine Viroux: "Say that again?"
800♦Delphine Viroux: "What you just said."
801★Ser RhodesMateus blinked.
802Egrine Fugorier: "Draw straws."
803★Ser RhodesMateus: "Say wh- Oh."
804♦Delphine Viroux: "That's not what he said."
805Egrine Fugorier: "You have options. Pick one."
806♦Delphine Viroux: "Also not what he said."
807♥Yves Gaultier: "Trust."
808Egrine Fugorier definitely misread it then ||
809♦Delphine Viroux: "He would trust none more."
810Yrys Arda: "If he trusts her so, then she's the right choice."
811★Ser RhodesMateus pursed his lips to a line. Did he really say that?
812Yrys Arda chimes in quietly.
813★Ser RhodesMateus || So Dramatic.
814Vilette Laurent: "I agree."
815♦Delphine Viroux: "Ser Laisard."
816Vilette Laurent: "Lieutenant,"
817♣Eleisa Laisard blinks. ... did he really say that?
818Egrine Fugorier looks from Rhodes to Laisard.
819♦Delphine Viroux: "I have chosen you."
820Vilette Laurent: "Then it's settled."
821Vilette Laurent turned around.
822Egrine Fugorier: "I...do not...oppose."
823Vilette Laurent: "What's your name."
824Blade Henge runs a hand over his beard. "As the bounty huntress has suggested, Zuyo, you may prepare yourself here and report to Camp Dragonhead when things are ready. You will get word."
825♣Eleisa Laisard dips her head in assent and respect, rather thankful that this particular conundrum has been settled.
826♣Eleisa Laisard: (( brb sec! __
827♦Delphine Viroux: "Now then."
828Niobe Ondine: "Niobe Ondine."
829♦Delphine Viroux: "I think it's close to seven bells in the evening?"
830Zuyoyo Zuyo: "Well, that was my plan as it were. I've been gathering the supplies I would need between here and Gridania as needed."
831Vilette Laurent nods. She holds out a hand. "Vilette."
832♦Delphine Viroux: "I need to pick up Girard from my mother's."
833♥Yves Gaultier looks right down to one of three watches he's wearing, "...Fourteen ticks past, yes."
834♦Delphine Viroux: "Ah, bloody. I'm going to hear it when I get there."
835♦Delphine Viroux exhales in irritation.
836♦Delphine Viroux: "Alright, thank you all."
837K'zara Qhotar: "May I simply chime in terms of setting the time, any additional time spared to the logistical teams would be beneficial in the off chance peace is not assured."
838Niobe Ondine blinks for a moment, before smiling weakly and taking the hand, "A pleasure, Vilette."
839♥Yves Gaultier: "I have a bottle of brandy at home with my name on it."
840♦Delphine Viroux: "You will be made aware, Qhota."
841Vilette Laurent nods, shaking the hand, before releasing and heading off.
842K'zara Qhotar: "Perfect thank you."
843Vilette Laurent: "Good luck."
844Blade Henge: "Good to hear. I will continue to seek mythril hearts to add to the fore."
845Haru Hisoki: ".. Hm."
846♦Delphine Viroux rubs her hands together. "Now to go deal with my biggest critic."
847Vilette Laurent: "Henge,"
848♦Delphine Viroux: "Fury bless."
849Blade Henge pauses, looking to his right.
850Vilette Laurent: "Status on those reinforcements?"
851Egrine Fugorier: "Congratulations, Ser Diplomat."
852Blade Henge: "Captain. Two stand before us."
853Egrine Fugorier: o right she's brbing))
854Vilette Laurent: "Ah. Lyra."
855K'zara Qhotar: "Apologies, though are you involved in approving the papers pushed through or. I am unfamilar with your role."
856Lyra Thane: "Grand way of puttin' it, suppose we'll both be seeing you there."
857Vilette Laurent nods at Lyra, and then looks to Zuyoyo.
858♥Yves Gaultier: "If you'd like, I can provide you a linkpearl. Talk you through things."
859Blade Henge: "More to come, hopefully."
860Tavin DeissaGoblin gives a little sigh at this.
861Vilette Laurent: "Hopefully."
862Lyra Thane returns the nod, giving a very slight but polite bow. "Aye."
863Vilette Laurent: "Apologies for all the talking."
864Blade Henge: "Lyra, Zuyo, Captain Vilette Laurent of the Chasseurs."
865Vilette Laurent: "Ishgardian custom."
866Yrys Arda: "Ser Yrys. One of the Knights Chasseur. I'm just helping with healing the wounded."
867K'zara Qhotar dipped her head respectfully, "I see I see, well given your profession we may find ourselves working closely to assure those wounded are taken care of."
868Vilette Laurent nods at Zuyo. "You'll be taking the van in an assault, behind Henge."
869Zuyoyo Zuyo: "I see."
870★Ser RhodesMateus rose a hand to his hair, clearing his throat. In the midst of such embarassment, the man'd quite genuinely forgotten all about Niobe and the Gaols. For a moment. He turned to his right in brief contemplation, as though he'd forgotten something. Curse Aging.
871Hilda Alarias looks up to Blade, then down to Vilette, and ending with Haru. "...I'll take my leave, then."
872Vilette Laurent: "Good night, Hilda."
873Haru Hisoki: "By all means, do make sure to take care of yourself."
874Haru Hisoki: "Wash behind the ears, scrub for thirty ticks on the hands."
875Vilette Laurent: "Any complaints?"
876Haru Hisoki: "Drink water before bed- the usual."
877Yrys Arda: "Like as not, yes. Forgive me. I've much on my mind right now."
878Lyra Thane: "More than I'd have cared for, but diplomacy has its place, I'll just try and bite my tongue when it comes to opinions concernin' some of it all. Some of the best men I've fought beside happen t' be dragoons, for starters."
879Lyra Thane: "But I'll jus' leave it at that."
880Hilda Alarias: "You too, Vilette." She begins to turn towards the west.
881K'zara Qhotar: "Tis alright, when time is more of a luxery we can speak more on it."
882Hilda Alarias: "...much appreciated, Haru." Thanks, Dad.
883Hilda Alarias: "Be well."
884Haru Hisoki: "Ciao."
885♥Yves Gaultier looks back over towards Niobe Ondine.
886Vilette Laurent nodded at that. She looked at K'zara.
887Vilette Laurent || And then Haru.
888Haru Hisoki: "Captain. When you have a second."
889Yrys Arda: "You're still under arrest, I believe."
890Vilette Laurent: "Now, then."
891K'zara Qhotar offered a respectful nod.
892Haru Hisoki: "I- ah."
893Yrys Arda: "Perhaps talking to Lord Yves and Ser Rhodes is in order."
894Haru Hisoki: "By all means, don't let me impede on your conversation."
895Vilette Laurent: "Do hurry, I intend to try and apologise to the grumpy old man over there."
896Vilette Laurent: "What do you need?"
897Haru Hisoki: "Ah-"
898Niobe Ondine smiles, "Yep! I spoke of atonement and reprimands, I would not dare be like my predecessors and run from such words."
899Lyra Thane: "Anyhow, everyone here's a busy lot and enough air has been stolen by banter already. I should be setting off."
900Haru Hisoki: "I simply desired to assist in the efforts here. If Fiona is to be involved, as well as Abrielle- two very important women in my life, I thought only proper to offer my assistance as well."
901Yrys Arda nods gently. "Please don't." she murmurs. "I'd prefer to avoid knocking you out."
902Vilette Laurent: "What can you do?"
903Zuyoyo Zuyo: "Talking and negotiations are sadly not my strong suit. I was always dispatched into action first. Guess that's just one of my shortcomings."
904Haru Hisoki: "Unfortunately Gil only goes so far - outside of donating as much as I can to the restoration efforts, I need to get out of the house."
905Haru Hisoki: "Typically whatever it is you need of me. I'm a flexible individual."
906Vilette Laurent: "Have you fought in a battle before?"
907Yrys Arda gestures toward the others, who're suited to the whole dealing-with-legal-matters thing.
908Haru Hisoki: "Several."
909Blade Henge: "More often than not, it is our lot to be the anwer when negotiations failed."
910Haru Hisoki: "As well as experience in dealing with infiltration and acts of guerilla warfare."
911★Ser RhodesMateus had found himself beset with genuine, dumbfounded stupor. 'Trust no one above', What? That was insane. Upon his ears catching the word arrest*, however, he snapped back to reality- "What? Eh?"
912Vilette Laurent looked Haru over for a moment. "Alright. Get what you need, report to Dragonhead. I'll talk specifics with you, later."
913Vilette Laurent: "Do I have to pay you?"
914♥Yves Gaultier: "...Does that man over there have three tails?"
915♥Yves Gaultier: "Do all Miqo'te have three tails?"
916Haru Hisoki: "I've dosh in spades, no worries."
917Egrine Fugorier: "No."
918Vilette Laurent: "Alright."
919K'zara Qhotar only had one.
920Haru Hisoki: "I do this to keep me out of the house and away from housewife duties."
921Egrine Fugorier: "I can tell you this from--" she coughs into her hand, politiely.
922Vilette Laurent: "Very well."
923Vilette Laurent: "Will that be all?"
924Haru Hisoki: "Aye, ma'am."
925★Ser RhodesMateus: "Oh right, the Gaol. The Gaol for the Protester. The Gaol specifically designed to Jail the Protester, the Protester's Gaol."
926★Ser RhodesMateus snapped his fingers.
927Vilette Laurent nods, and headed over to the group again.
928Vilette Laurent: "Take care."
929Egrine Fugorier tries very hard not to smile.
930♥Yves Gaultier: "Wh..."
931Haru Hisoki: "Ah-- likewise."
932Yrys Arda bows to Rhodes, then steps out of his way.
933Haru Hisoki: "It's.. nice to see you again, and in good health."
934Vilette Laurent waved, and then headed off.
935♥Yves Gaultier: "...Do we have a protestors' gaol?"
936Egrine Fugorier: "Perhaps all of this has caused poor Ser Rhodes to lose his last marble."
937Blade Henge gestures in farewell to Zuyo and Lyra. "On that note, word will come when it is time for action."
938Egrine Fugorier: "Do I look like I would have been in one? I know not."
939Haru Hisoki: ".. If I may, before I depart. I apologise for my sudden contribution to the conversatin prior."
940Zuyoyo Zuyo: "Very well then. Hopefully you fare well until it's time."
941Haru Hisoki: .. conversation. Wow, did I have a fuckin stroke? )*
942Egrine Fugorier nods to Vilette.
943Lyra Thane: "I'll be more than ready for it. See you both whe nits time."
944Vilette Laurent nods back.
945Egrine Fugorier: "I appreciate your candor, ser."
946Vilette Laurent: "Don't mind me. I'm--" she bites back the urge for another fucking pun.
947Egrine Fugorier raises a brow.
948♥Yves Gaultier: "Yvesdropping."
949Vilette Laurent: "And I, yours--"
950Haru Hisoki: "I'm sure I'll see you around soon, Vilette."
951Egrine Fugorier opens her mouth and whips her head around to look at Yves, boggled.
952Vilette Laurent looked at Yves. "That's exactly what I was going to say."
953♣Eleisa Laisard: (( back, sorry -- babb woke up ; o ; ))
954★Ser RhodesMateus cleared his throat. "Well, as you're yet here- I take it you're smarter than to try running and such rot. Should you choose to draw arms, it'll be met in Candor and you forsake your right to trial in lieu of Combat. Your rights at this are now forfeit until further evaluation is due upon the diminishing of your sentence of 72 hours. At the end of this, you will be tried for further consequence in the name of Ishgard. Have you questions at this time?"
955Egrine Fugorier: (( o no!! ))
956Vilette Laurent: "I'm just standing here waiting for Rhodes to finish arresting that woman."
957Egrine Fugorier waves her hand a little, snapping for Eleisa. "Ser...have we broken you?"
958Egrine Fugorier: "You are not truly going to duel him, are you?"
959Niobe Ondine: "Not to my knowledge! Though, restraints will not be needed unless absolutely necessary. Willingly submitting, and whatnot."
960Vilette Laurent: "That's only a standing threat. For something he probably won't ever do."
961Egrine Fugorier nods.
962★Ser RhodesMateus: "An investigation may or may follow. Such questions will be answered at the end of your Containment. Good! I am pleased to see one so comfortable with penance. It is refreshing."
963♥Yves Gaultier: ((Sec))
964Vilette Laurent: "... How's, uh,"
965Egrine Fugorier raises a brow.
966Vilette Laurent: "... Being in Ishgard again, Madame Fugorier?"
967Egrine Fugorier goes a little red. "It's--ah. Well it is quite something."
968Egrine Fugorier: "I have to say, I did not anticipate staying this long."
969★Ser RhodesMateus beckoned a nearby Temple Knight over. He spoke frankly, "Congregation, Gaols. 72 hours. No food or water, search her prior to containment and strip her of any belongings. Notify the Inquisition that further questioning may be due, Beast Sympathizers are a dime a dozen but scarce carry following." || The Knight nodded, beckoning the woman forth with drawn Halberd. <"Walk,"> he plainly commanded.
970Vilette Laurent: "... Yes. Really..." She looked around, "something..."
971Egrine Fugorier narrows her eyes. "........why do you ask, ser?"
972Vilette Laurent: "..."
973Egrine Fugorier: "Are you thinking about, I don't know, sabbatical opportunities/"
974Niobe Ondine shrugs, "Not the first time I have dealt with authorities! Plus, I am trying to prove that I am not.. Well -- Oh, very well! Good day to you all, and I wish you swift diplomatic success~!"
975♣Eleisa Laisard clears her throat quietly to get Rhodes' attention.
976Vilette Laurent: "................. Uh. No."
977Vilette Laurent: "Wait, sabbatical?"
978Vilette Laurent: "What's that?"
979Egrine Fugorier shrugs. "I don't--it's a soul searching leave of absense."
980Vilette Laurent: "Done it already."
981Egrine Fugorier: "Professors take them all the time. I trust because the Scholasticate is boring."
982★Ser RhodesMateus || At that, the Knight would jab her on the back of ankle. <"Faster,"> he commanded- Halberd at the ready. <"Give me an excuse, Beast Lover.">
983Egrine Fugorier: "Oh! Well then...I, ah..."
984K'zara Qhotar: "The far east would make for a good journey for those unfamilar."
985★Ser RhodesMateus looked to his left, patting his chest and clearing his throat. "Ser Eleisa- Yes, how may I be of service?"
986♣Eleisa Laisard: "I've questions pertaining to the investigation of Ashcrown, if you'd not mind forwarding them to her overseeing Inquisitor."
987Egrine Fugorier: "I wouldn't...know...I only got as far as Ul'dah..."
988Vilette Laurent: "I spent some time in Kugane, after Ala Mhigo."
989K'zara Qhotar arched a brow, "Then you have not truly traveled I am afraid...it is a sight."
990Vilette Laurent: "Not all too long. The ship ride back to Eorzea took the bulk of my journey."
991K'zara Qhotar: "That is true aye, it really is a far away place."
992Vilette Laurent: "Yet so similar to us."
993Egrine Fugorier: "Oh my dear I can easily say I have traveled -enough-. And I apparently do it more every bloody day..." she pulls at her wrist, checking her (still broken) chronometer. She sighs, looking upwards to the sky instead.
994K'zara Qhotar: "To an extent yes, similar to your peoples customs but also...less conservative I feel."
995♥Yves Gaultier: ((back. Work called))
996Vilette Laurent: "Hm."
997★Ser RhodesMateus stared at her for a moment. He blinked, looking away and sounding...Disappointed? "Aye, aye. Yes, the Investigation for..." He shook it off, shaking his head. "Right, anyway. Of course. What questions do you have?"
998Vilette Laurent: "Maybe."
999Vilette Laurent: "Have you spoken with the Marshal, yet?"
1000♣Eleisa Laisard: "'tis no small quantity of crystals that are required to maintain a primal given form, and the ritual employed by Zilotl's lot to Windscar their prisoners appears to require a great deal of aether as well."
1001K'zara Qhotar: "Though I really do need to find an opportunity to have a sort of...tour or erm...way to ---oh I have yes, they will be sending me a list and have the neccessary papers arranged."
1002Vilette Laurent nods at that. "A tour? In Hingashi?"
1003K'zara Qhotar: "I am unsure though if they will be covering the transportation and customs details, perhaps you may have such authority?"
1004★Ser RhodesMateus nodded, most definitely listening. Of course.
1005K'zara Qhotar: "No a tour here."
1006Vilette Laurent: "Or just Othard?"
1007Vilette Laurent: "Here-"
1008★Ser RhodesMateus: "Right. And?"
1009Vilette Laurent motioned around. "Pillars. The pinnacle of Ishgardian, and perhaps, Eorzean culture. Et cetera."
1010Egrine Fugorier: "Papers?"
1011K'zara Qhotar: "Aye I have explored and taken time to learn but it doesnt compare to immersing ones self into the locales perspective of the city."
1012K'zara Qhotar: "Papers to expedite the shipments through the cities system to get it to camp dragonhead quicker. Given the restoration project and regular trade it could delay supplies by days."
1013♣Eleisa Laisard: "At bare minimum, I've need of their shipment manifests, information on their most prevalent sources of wind-aspected crystals -- given the absence of sighted supply lines from Natalan and Xelphatol to the Vigil of late, I do wonder how long they will be able to maintain the summoning, but the sheer quantity of crystals the Leftenant estimated was significant enough to provoke my suspicions of a... backer or supplier."
1014Egrine Fugorier thinks a moment. "I believe I can secure those for you."
1015Egrine Fugorier: "Your name?"
1016K'zara Qhotar: "Qhota."
1017K'zara Qhotar: "Apologies if I am unfamilar with the erm..titles?"
1018Vilette Laurent turned to look at Yves.
1019Vilette Laurent || And then Eleisa.
1020★Ser RhodesMateus crossed his arms, nodding briskly in COMPLETE agreement. That sounded important! "Aye. Yes, of course," he nodded once more.
1021Egrine Fugorier nods. "Fugorier is my name, Madame will suit me."
1022K'zara Qhotar: "A pleasure Madame Fugorier."
1023★Ser RhodesMateus: "Perhaps, er-"
1024K'zara Qhotar: "What would an outsider like I be given besides my own name?"
1025♣Eleisa Laisard: "I'll leave a more thorough explanation of my inquiries in writing for you at the Congregation," she says, not altogether blaming him for his diminishing interest.
1026Egrine Fugorier blinks a moment, before nodding. "Indeed. If you have them filed I will make sure they are approved and presented for your--freedom? To do as you wish."
1027♣Eleisa Laisard: "If you'd be so kind as to forward that to whomever is handling the interro- er, questioning...?"
1028Egrine Fugorier: "Ah---well you are not noblity nor are you a knight."
1029Egrine Fugorier: "Miss? Or Ser? Whatever you think best I suppose."
1030Vilette Laurent immediately looks around at Egrine.
1031★Ser RhodesMateus was certainly not flustered. You're flustered. Perish. He looked away for a moment, "Right. Yes, indeed- It'll be handled promptly. Just leave whatever you like upon my Desk at the Congregation, we will pursue it with most* vehemency."
1032★Ser RhodesMateus: "I'll get to the bottom of it yet. Surely. Worry not."
1033Egrine Fugorier tilts her head at Vilette. "What?"
1034K'zara Qhotar dipped her head respectfully, "I will be sure to have the paperwork ready and let you know once its all ready. I wish to have medical supplies ready post haste." she tilted her head curiously, "What is the significance of the title ser?"
1035Vilette Laurent: "It would be miss, mister, master, madame, or -- if you want to be fancy -- monsieur."
1036Vilette Laurent: "Ser is reserved for the knighted."
1037K'zara Qhotar: "ahh.."
1038Egrine Fugorier gestures. "Or that."
1039♥Yves Gaultier watched things just... get handled, breathed a sigh of relief, and walked off as quietly and quickly as he could.
1040K'zara Qhotar: "As alluring as being fancy may be I figure an outsider offering such a thing as a title it would come off as too bold."
1041♣Eleisa Laisard dips her head in acknowledgment, returning her focus to Vilette -- then the departing Yves.
1042Vilette Laurent: "But, given your trade, it's likely you will simply be called 'brewmaster' or something of the like."
1043Egrine Fugorier: "yes...Master Qhota holds some sway to it."
1044★Ser RhodesMateus nodded, lowering his gaze to the ground. Christ. He took a hand to his hip, slapping his helmet on. Get it together, man.
1045K'zara Qhotar: "Brewmaster....Brewmistress?"
1046K'zara Qhotar looked a little amused now.
1047Vilette Laurent shrugs. "Etiquette takes years to learn."
1048Vilette Laurent: "Sergeant."
1049★Ser RhodesMateus: "Eh? What?"
1050♣Eleisa Laisard || excUSE ME SIR I BELIEVE YOU MEAN HALONE?? CHRIST? NEVER HEARD OF HIM ))
1051Vilette Laurent: "I didn't mean to question your capabilities."
1052K'zara Qhotar: "lmao)
1053Vilette Laurent: "My apologies."
1054★Ser RhodesMateus: "What? Right, sure- Whatever. You're fine."
1055Vilette Laurent: "Fury be with you."
1056★Ser RhodesMateus: "Yeah."
1057Vilette Laurent nods, and turns her attention back to Eleisas.
1058★Ser RhodesMateus waved a hand in goodbye.
1059Vilette Laurent: (( sa* ))
1060♣Eleisa Laisard moves to salute, but decides to return the wave instead.
1061Vilette Laurent: "Nervous?"
1062♣Eleisa Laisard: "To be honest, my primary concern is what deadline this sets for me to take care of the work currently at hand."
1063K'zara Qhotar: "Time certainly feels pressed and yet in flux yes."
1064Egrine Fugorier: "Ser, if you need assistance. Please allow me to help."
1065Vilette Laurent: "Overseeing our supplies?"
1066Vilette Laurent: "That can be delegated to Sergeant Zale."
1067Vilette Laurent: "For now, the Marshal's charge supercedes everything."
1068♣Eleisa Laisard: "Fiona made mention of an alchemist that would be able to provide insight on the design and implementation of ice-aspected munition," she replies. "If I can leave such a task in her hands, it would be much relief."
1069Egrine Fugorier bows her head. "I will leave you to it."