Ꮐames oғ Ꮰusтιcє || Ꭿℓℓ σя noтнιnɢ

[Godsanity]

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Godsanity
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Chive It Up
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υиαυтнσʀιzєᴅ ᴘσsтєʀs ωιʟʟ ʙᴇ sнσт
ѕυʀινσʀs ωιʟʟ ʙᴇ sнσт ᴀɢιᴀɴ

[Godsanity]

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◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

Hidden behind a reputation of glory and wealth was a kingdom almost in ruins. Despite being hailed as one of the largest, wealthiest countries in the West, Grenadorn was in heavy debt, with her citizen's morale an all-time low. The palace was glamorous, but it was the only glamorous thing in the city. Construction of temples, public buildings and wonders were halted and the money was used to fund unnecessary military expenses. The reason behind Grenadorn's death spiral was her king - King Jared was a bad of a king as he was a good of a military commander. He forged his kingdom together from ruins after the people rebelled against his father, but his inadequate leadership left it in ruins once again. Now, in the dire moment, war against an immensely rich neighboring country was the sole solution King Jared could find, against the voice of all his advisers and citizens. The news shook the country and if it weren't for the respect his men still held for the young hero Jared once was, there would have already been another rebellion.

Margaery Baltimore of the North Isles was listening carefully as one of the country's advisers relayed the information to the royal siblings. He spoke about a recent small-scaled rebellion that was squashed and he spoke about how the country was waiting for the annual Sun Fest before acting. The Sun Fest was a 72 hours event, where three of the neighboring countries would gather in Grenadorn to compete peacefully and discuss politics. Each country would be represented by a prince. The country hoped that the king's intention to go into war would be quelled by the Sun Fest but Margaery knew it was more complicated than this. The other countries may have the ambition to urge Grenadorn into war, then ally together to conquer Grenadorn when Grenadorn was disrupted by rebellions and weakened by war. She kept her opinion to herself, playing the role of a quiet, dutiful princess.

Her brother, Prince Jackson, was listening blankly with wide eyes and no opinion. When the adviser finished, Jason nodded without knowing what he was agreeing to or acknowledging. Margaery frowned, then dismissed the adviser with a gentle sweep of her hands. Then she left herself, after giving her brother a squeeze on his shoulder. There were no words exchanged between sister and brother.

Truth to be told, Margaery loved her father and brother but she couldn't agree with either of them. She didn't think war was the solution and she simply could not respect her brother. War would waste resources that the country couldn't afford and no doubt her father would want to lead the soldiers himself, which meant the royal palace and country would be left to the mercy of the angry citizens and rebellions. Margaery did not know what she could do, but she, too, was looking forward to the Sun Fest for an answer.

The Sun Fest would officially begin in three hours, but Margaery believed the princes and representatives from the other countries were already here. Some people arrived the day earlier and some arrived the week before. Margaery would be speaking with the other country's advisers, trying to gauge their reaction and opinion on the war. She would also be speaking to the other princes. Essentially, doing everything her brother, the crowned prince, should have been doing but Margaery already knew her brother would simply be sitting there like a puppet.

After taking an hour to dress up, Margaery approached the halls where the preparation of the Sun Fest was taking place. She wore a silver tiara of diamond and sapphires, the gems and metal an outstanding contrast with her dark hair. Her white dress was simple but luxurious. She'll probably need to change into something more ostentatious for her formal parts of the event, but for now, she was content. The noises swept her up as soon as she drew closer and Margaery mentally prepared for the only chance she'd have to bring Grenadorn out of the looming war.

[Chive It Up]

Ereldune was a country with a reputation for thriving in unfavorable conditions. It's people were hardened by the harsh weather, the lands unsuited for farming, and the unfriendly bordering countries. And yet, they prospered as they always had. Out of their difficult circumstances rose a people unwilling to give up and bow down to any foreign power. Certainly not one from Grenadorn.

It was absolutely no secret to the Royal Family of Ereldune that the Grenadorn militia was preparing for war. King Jared had apparently run his country into the ground after his father's war, and unfortunately not learned from the man's mistakes. In response to the passive aggression, Ereldune began to build up their own defenses. If it came to battle (which everyone waited with baited breath to begin), then the hope was that Ereldune would win. What little farm-land they had was flourishing, and they'd had successful venture into mining, with plans to expand once the weather conditions turned favorable again. But now, none of that was important.. since all eyes were turned on the Sun Fest.

For three days the three countries would come together to compete, peacefully, in games and to discuss current politics. But more than that, it was an opportunity for both countries to get a feel for the state of things in Grenadorn, and to determine a course of action. For Ereldune, they had already decided what to do in case of war, but it never hurt to have allies in a campaign of this magnitude.

Prince Gaderian Nyel was the person who had been sent to the Grenadorn Palace for the Sun Fest. He was less than pleased to be here for three days. Accompanying him had been a myriad of advisers and attendants, none of whom were very important to the grand scheme of things. If truth be told, that was precisely why Gaderian was here; he was not important. Gaderian was the youngest of three siblings and would have to wait for quite a few people to die before he was crowned as the King of Ereldune. His oldest sibling was a brother, Gareth, and his older sister's name was Garyn. His father, Tedmund Nyel, was the current King and his health was at no risk of failing anytime soon. Even still, King Nyel and the Council thought it ill-advised to send Prince Gareth to the Sun Fest with war on the horizon. So, instead, they sent a sacrificial lamb named Gaderian. It had been a year since he'd been here. Last year his entire family had attended, but this year.. it was only him.

He'd arrived in the Grenadorn capital only just now, not wanting to spend more time than necessary in the lion's den, and was now preparing for the beginning of the Sun Fest. His only hope was that he and his advisers could soak up some useful information before the war broke out, and that they all returned home alive and intact. He still wore what he'd come into the Capital in; a leather tunic with white linen shirt beneath, a pair of riding pants and boots, and a light set of leather armor that covered his shoulders and upper chest. It was certainly nothing that announced the wealth he and his country were in possession of, but the insignia emblazoned upon his armor proclaimed him to be of the Nyel house. A young male attendant followed him, and both men made their way to the hall.

The events had not yet started, and he knew he would like to freshen up from his journey before the celebration began, but he could not help wanting to walk through the halls to make his presence known.

[Godsanity]

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◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

No one dared respect the princess of Grenadorn as she walked down the corridors, pale dress shimmering on her body. Her hair was elaborately done and framed by a web of braids, but it was loose and allowed to cascade over her shoulders to convey that she wasn't married yet. At twenty one, she knew there were people who attended the Sun Fest for yet another reason: her hand in marriage. She was far too beautiful to remain single, but the princess of Grenadorn was known for her pursuit of true love, claiming that she'd wed no man unless he won her heart. Margaery had already declined six princes, two kings, sixteen dukes and countless other rich, noblemen. Just this year.

Across the terrace, Margaery could see her brother conversing with an adviser from the North Isles along the regent of the land. Prince Jackson appeared to be listening, but his eyes were wide with innocence and ignorance. Shaking her head, Margaery began to strike up conversation with people nearby. She learned that Ereldune, despite the looming war, still chose to attend the Sun Fest. Oddly, instead of the whole royal family coming, only their youngest and relatively insignificant prince attended. Margaery could not remember if she'd spoken with the youngest prince before, but his name was Gaderian Nyel. Through the other people, Margaery also learned that the third country, Akielo, sent two princes and a princess, but not the king nor crowned prince.

It would seemed that the countries were avoiding intimate contact with Grenadorn. Perhaps out of fear of a hostage situation, or out of fear that the war would leave Grenadorn weakened. Margaery knew, since her father ruled by fear, the other countries would stop backing Grenadorn as soon as the country proved weak enough to conquer. Judging from the tones the Ereldune people used to speak with her, their country was more than ready for war. More than ready for a victory against what would be a war-torn, rebellion-infested Grenadown. The situation was more dire than she thought. By the time Prince Gaderian Nyel entered the halls, his presence sweeping the halls into a tense silence, Margaery's hands were sweaty and twisting her dress mercilessly.

In the same movement Margaery released and flattened her dress, she strolled up to Prince Gaderian, smile sweet and eyes calm. "Welcome to Grenadorn once again, Prince Gaderian. I was upset to hear that your father and family could not make the voyage, but I understand politics can be... draining," said Margaery. She curtsied, sweeping her dress out before it fell against her body again as she stood. Her hair fell to frame her face, but she pushed it back with a snappy movement that betrayed her nerves. Yet, her eyes were still calm as she looked up. Glancing at his riding clothes and armor, Margaery said, "I see that you have not yet have the time to change and refresh yourself, but it is the man that makes the clothes, not the clothes that make the man."

Prince Jackson still stood across the halls, barely noticing Ereldune's prince. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Margaery knew it was probably better this way. Given Jackson's usual attitude, he would have lapped up their father's word and gave Gaderian the cold shoulder after staring the man down from the slope of his nose. Despite the tense silence caused by the entrance, Margaery's approach seemed to have shifted the crowd's attention back to whatever they were doing. Even then, she knew people were glancing at them, wondering what was brewing between the two royal child whose father would possibly soon be at war.

[Chive It Up]

Gaderian spotted the Princess Margaery approaching him, a pleasant smile on her face. She wore a beautiful gown, and very briefly he considered how terrible it must have been for her people to see her in such an expensive gown, knowing her people were starving. He had to admit that she was a striking beauty, and she carried herself with elegance and grace. Every bit the Royal heir her brother wasn't. Prince Jackson was a shifty spineless coward, and while Gaderian should have been grateful that he didn't take after his father.. he wasn't.

The Princess spoke to him politely, welcoming him to Grenadorn and feigning regret that his family was not present. What did she care whether or not the rest of the Ereldune royal family was present? There was a hint in her voice, however, that she understood the reason behind his family's absence. It was dangerous.. when war was so close to blossoming, for the King and Crown Prince to be in enemy territory. But he wondered if she was sympathetic of that reason, or simply commenting on it to catch him off guard.

“Ah, thank you,” he told her, when she referenced his riding clothes. She was attempting to flatter him, it would seem, “I thought it best that I arrive on time, rather than bother myself with changing. I hope I haven't upset anyone's delicate sensibilities..” Gaderian glanced behind him towards his attendant and nodded his head. He would be all right, and shouldn't need any assistance for now. The man seemed to understand the gesture, and stepped away with a polite bow.

“I do apologize for my family's absence,” he told her with a smile, looking back up the brunette, “It's become quite.. busy around the Palace. My brother and father were engaged in some local politics, and my sister, well,” he smirked and shook his head at the thought, “She intends to appoint herself as our Military General. All these.. whispers of war.. they've gone to her head. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?” he wondered, raising a brow, “War, I mean.”

[Godsanity]

↶⊰ ＳＡ Ｎ Ｃ Ｔ Ｕ ＳXX ＥＳＰＩＲＩＴＵＳ⊱↷
♘
◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

Margaery gave a small, appropriate laugh and nodded, reassuring him that he wasn't offending anyone's delicate sensibilities. Smile still on her face, she mentally calculated what was happening around them. The advisers and guards around the prince seemed to be feeling proud; they didn't look worried at all. It further hammered in the idea Margaery had in her mind that Ereldune was more than ready for a war they thought they would win. The prince himself also seemed at ease, not worried that he was in enemy territory. Of course, no violence was the point of the peaceful competitions between the three kingdoms during the Sun Fest, but everyone knew about underhand politics.

If Gaderian's words made Margaery far more nervous, it didn't show. She gave him an understanding smile and walked up besides him, attempting him and his men into movement. They could walk while they talked. It drew less attention than the princess and prince standing there awkwardly and walking made Margaery's clearer. She had no opinion or knowledge about Gaderian's sister's military skills, but the subtext was clear: there was going to be war and Ereldune didn't mind. Margaery shook her head at the prince's words, her voice deceptively soft, "Yes, politics. Politics make my head spin." It really did. She was dealt with the worst hand possible between her Father's iron fist, the queen's favor on Jackson and her brother's personality.

Margaery knew Gaderian's next question wasn't as it sounded. Thank God he'd asked her and not her brother. Jackson would have probably bragged about all he knew about Grenadorn's war preparation, from the dozens of catapults to the fleet of three hundred warships. "I only know that I dislike war, Prince Gaderian. The innocents suffer and many men are killed." Margaery never knew Princess Garyn had a hand in the military, but she wagered there would be conflict if Prince Gareth wanted to command the army too. No doubt he would, as crowned prince. Prodding the validity of the information a little more, Margaery said, "Your sister is a strong, proud woman. I'm afraid I'd believe my place is besides my husband rather than in front of an army. Are many of Ereldune's woman so ambitious?"

In turn, Margaery wanted to direct questions at him, but he'd already told her what she wanted to confirm for now. The topic and direction of their conversation had to be distracted before anyone got suspicious. She turned her attention to the fruits on a half-prepared table nearby. There was the regular fruits: apples and oranges. Then, there were the more exotic fruits. One of Margaery's favorite was a succulent yellow fruit from the sunny islands in the south. Unlike most fruits, the peel was easy to remove and there were no visible seeds. Margaery peeled half of one, let the skin fall like a flower on her hand and offered it to the prince, smiling, "It's called a banana. They're only available for one month a year and it's delicious."

[Chive It Up]

It was very clear that Margaery wanted to change the topic, or perhaps the scenery in which the topic was discussed. It was of little matter to Gaderian what the specific desire was, since he'd learned what he had intended to learn from the matter. Princess Margaery did not seem to like the idea of war. Or at least that was the sentiment she wished to project. Gaderian was aware that a person could say one thing and truly feel another, but she did seem displeased with the idea, and presented her reasons for such. It was true. Innocents suffer and men died when wars are waged. Unfortunately, it is often that the people who suffer the most are those who had little to benefit from winning the war.

Ah, but the Princess had turned her attention towards the table of fruit before them, presenting a yellow fruit to him. A banana, she'd said. Ah, yes, he recognized the name, but he'd not personally eaten one of these before. “Only one month a year?” he repeated with interest, reaching over to take the fruit from her. He'd pulled off the top portion of the fruit, finding it soft, and quickly ate it. It.. had a unique texture and flavor. Not unpleasant, but certainly unusual. Ah,if this fruit was as rare as she described, then it was likely expensive to import. A waste of coin, he thought. Why import rare and exotic fruit when there were plenty of fruit that was grown in Grenadorn. Their people were starving, and they were wasting coin importing fruit.

“And to answer your question,” he responded, once he'd swallowed the food she had offered him, “Not many Ereldune women are as ambitious as my sister. However, they are not discouraged from such, either.” Gaderian gave her a sympathetic smile. He was well aware that other countries and places in the world did not have such a generous view of women. Ereldune allowed women many liberties, whereas they were slaves to their husbands in other places. “She has a good mind for military strategy, my sister. I believe she will make a good General.” Reaching over to the table, he took up an apple, rubbing it against his sleeve briefly to give it a quick shine. “I have a suspicion that she'd turned her eyes to such work in order to avoid marriage, however. Which is likely just as well.. since I have a feeling your brother would not appreciate such a head-strong wife.”

There had been a time when his father, the King, may have made strides to arrange a marriage between the crown Prince of Grenadorn and the Princess of Ereldune. But now.. there would never have been such an arrangement, even if Princess Garyn had not been so interested in fighting in battles.

“Do you think, Princess, that there is enough time for me to bathe and change before the festivities truly begin? I had quite a journey here, and I would actually prefer to freshen up a bit. However, I would not wish to miss the beginning if I can avoid it.”

[Godsanity]

↶⊰ ＳＡ Ｎ Ｃ Ｔ Ｕ ＳXX ＥＳＰＩＲＩＴＵＳ⊱↷
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◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

So his sister was an exception, not the rule? It was an interesting thing to learn about Eredune. However, when the other prince speculated a marriage between the Ereldune princess and Grenadorn prince, something else began churning in Margaery's mind. That wasn't the only combination. Grenadorn also had a princess and Ereldune had a prince. Margaery wouldn't marry someone she didn't love, but if she could get the court to speculate about them and start the rumors that there was something between them... Her father might reconsider before going into war, especially if all the advisers, the Treasurer, the Hands and citizens protested. Despite everything, her father was a man who loved his family and treasured his daughter. He may see her brother as his successor and future, but she was forever his treasured princess.

If there was one thing on Margaery's mind, it was that Grenadorn could not go into war. The country couldn't afford war and with the troops away, rebellions would tear the country apart internally. Margaery must both calm the inner turmoils and maintain a peaceful relationship with Ereldune. Beginning with the prince. When he spoke to her again, Margaery nodded, giving him a bright smile, "Of course. My lady-in-waiting will show you to our best guest rooms for you to bathe and change. There is still two hours before the festivals begin with music and the opening speech."

"There are fireworks when the sun sets! You must watch them with me," Margaery insisted as she waved her lady-in-waiting over. She spoke in a hushed, excited voice, eyes bright with anticipation. Firework was something imported from the Eastern countries. With an odd technology, people were able to light up compressed air and have it burst into fire in the air. It was a beautiful, almost ethereal experience. The Grenadorn princess rested her hand very briefly on the price's arm, then drew back, letting Sansa take over and show the prince to the guest rooms. "This is Sansa. She will guide you around." Margaery curtsied, sweeping her dress over the floor and dipping her head. Then, Margaery remained where she was, standing and smiling until it was time for another topic.

Typically, the King made the opening speech, welcoming the other countries to the land and explaining the current pressing issues. However, this year, the King wanted to Prince Jackson to make the speech. Prince Jackson was supposed to boast about Grenadorn's military strength, mention how rich and happy their citizens were and remind people they were the biggest, wealthiest countries in the inland. His speech meant to dare anyone to oppose the force of their army. Margaery didn't think it was a good idea. The speech would goad and anger all the other royal families and advisers. Especially Ereldune's visitors. They would see the speech as a challenge and threat. Not to mention, Jackson's words would make the citizens think Grenadorn's royal family had no idea how poor some of her citizens were. Nobody wanted the mention of war either.

Hence, Margaery made one of the hardest decisions in her life - she ordered Jackson's bodyguards and maids to keep him there while she made the speech. Jackson would be easily distracted if avery pretty baroness was present and eager to be impressed. Due to her beautiful face and hour-glass body, Baroness Janet was the one Margaery chose to distract Jackson. Margaery made the arrangements a week ago and right now, the beautiful blond girl was already next to Jackson, batting her eyelashes and twirling her hair. If all went to plan, the crowned prince would invite her back to his room to show her his dagger collection and he would be kept in his room with the pretty girl while Margaery gave the alternate speech to the other country's representatives and Grenadorn's citizens. Her Father would not be able to interrupt the opening speech since it was a crime to do so. It was probably her one chance to make an impact.

Meanwhile, in the two hours leading up to the speech, Margaery entertained the other guests, gauging the other country's opinion of Grenadorn, teasing information about Ereldune's war preparation and interacting positively with the guests.




Chive It Up


OOC; Again, I'm sorry for taking a while without giving you notice. Feel free to move Sansa/any other characters! I suspect you can time skip in your post until Margaery gives her speech? Unless there is something else planned!

[Chive It Up]

Princess Margaery informed him that he had plenty of time to bathe and change before the festival actually began, and he was grateful for the opportunity to get clean. Of course, she suddenly remembered the fireworks that would happen at sunset, and excitedly asked him to join her in watching them. With a smile and a nod, he agreed, “I would very much enjoy watching the firework display with you, Princess.” Then, he was introduced to a young woman named Sansa who would escort him to his room. She was a no one, so he didn't bother bowing to her, just nodded his head with a smile.

He was led to a rather nice guest room, and after ordering a hot bathe to be brought to his room, he relaxed in the room. His own attendant brought up his clothing and belongings for this short event. It might have been more customary to come laden down with things, but beyond the various clothing he brought, he had not come with much. After all, his father fully intended this to become a hostage situation. To be fair, it irked Gaderian that he was to be offered up like this to the Grenadorns, but he hoped it wouldn't turn out in such a way. The Princess didn't seem the type to allow that to happen. But, this was a man's world.. and she was only a woman.

After he had bathed and dressed himself, he once again left for the celebration. He felt more refreshed, now, in his finer clothing. A dark green tunic with black breeches, leather boots pulled up to his knees, and the fine gold trappings of a Prince. He felt like himself, now, even though he was quite comfortable in riding clothes as well. Now, he would wait for the King of Grenadorn to make a speech, no doubt boasting of the Kingdom's strength and power, and gloating of the impending battles. This was going to be the longest few days of his life.

OOC: Sorry it took so long. I had to move my sister, as I said, and we finally got her settled today.

[Godsanity]

↶⊰ ＳＡ Ｎ Ｃ Ｔ Ｕ ＳXX ＥＳＰＩＲＩＴＵＳ⊱↷
♘
◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

When the clock struck and the feast was ready to begin, there was the announcement that Prince Jackson would make the speech. Fifteen minutes later, there was still no one in the elevated terrace, ready to speak. That was when Margaery stepped up. Law forbade anyone, including the kings to interrupt the speech when it was happening. Hence, the princess of Grenadorn took advantage of the situation to speak about the complete opposite of what everyone expected to hear.

In a speech that she'd researched, pored over and practiced for hundreds of hours, Margaery introduced herself as the princess, then honored the guests, addressed Grenadorn's citizen's and spoke of the war no one wanted to speak about. Margaery declared that there wasn't going to be one. She brought up the military activities in both kingdoms in depth, then declared it a misunderstanding. She listed every rebellion group she knew to exist, addressed their concerns, respected their values and verbalized a solution to their cause. Afterwards, she praised Ereldune, recognizing their growth and military strength, saying that their countries could both increase their wealth by eight times if they worked together and gave examples of how.

When the speech ended, Margaery sent her Father a cool, but conflicted look. Her Father was standing, but even he couldn't do anything against the laws of the ceremony and the thousands of cheers that followed Margaery's speech. To the entire country that didn't want war, Margaery's words were God-send. She could see the nods of approval and praises all around, the glimmer of hope in the people's eyes that there wouldn't be war. Margaery knew her Father would be angry. She knew she'd have to deal with him sooner or later. But for the sake of peace, Margaery was willing to lead a peaceful rebellion against her Father, starting with the eight guards she'd assigned around her Father and the six advisers speaking in hushed whispers with the enraged king. For as long as possible, Margaery's people who be holding the King and Prince back while she represented Grenadorn.

As soon as she stepped down, she was swept by endless waves of questions and praises, all which she did her best to address. She confirmed that Grenadorn's objective was to increase their trades, gather more natural resources and cement relationship with other countries. The warships was for pirates and aggressive countries. The army was for irrational internal skirmishes. Finally, after what seemed to be hours after her speech, Margaery spotted the Ereldune prince. She watched him for a long minute, then walked over and curtsied again, wondering what he'd say now. Her stance on the war was clear now, as was her intentions and desires. She didn't know what he thought, however.





Chive It Up

[Chive It Up]

The feast was ready to begin, and it was announced that Prince Jackson would issue the opening speech. Only, it never began. Not exactly. Minutes passed, and the crowd began murmuring amongst themselves as to what the delay was. Gaderian wondered if it wasn't indicative of something sinister. If perhaps one of the other countries had taken Prince Jackson out when they'd had the opportunity. Truth be told, Gaderian didn't think he had it in him to do something like that. But that didn't mean there weren't others who would have.

However, that did not seem to be the case. At least, Gaderian assumed that the Princess Margaery knew and understood that her brother was not going to be issuing the speech, because the speech that she began to deliver instead was well-rehearsed. He found himself wearing a wide grin at the realization that she'd likely arranged her brother's delay, in order to make this speech. Oh, and what a speech it was. She spoke at length about military activities in the various countries, and ways that her own government could resolve the issues that existed within it. She spoke about the war that no one wanted, and that they apparently were not going to have. Unfortunately for Princess Margaery, her father did not look at all pleased with the change in speakers, and Gaderian had a strong feeling he did not share her sentiments.

After the speech was over, and Gaderian applauded happily along with everyone else, he watched the Princess as she made her way over towards him. As she approached, he gave her a quiet and polite clap again, a wide smile on his face. “Quite impressive speech, Princess,” he began, a hint of amusement in his voice, “I am very pleased to see you have such a strong opinion of politics, and quite pleased to hear we share a similar view on this...” he waved his hand around in search of a war, “Situation?”

No, Gaderian wasn't interested in war. No more than the next person. His sister was quite keen on the idea, but he had a feeling it was more so she could show her prowess for military strategy than anything. “I am curious to hear how you managed to delay your brother, though. Nothing sinister, I hope?”

[Godsanity]

↶⊰ ＳＡ Ｎ Ｃ Ｔ Ｕ ＳXX ＥＳＰＩＲＩＴＵＳ⊱↷
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◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

One might wonder why Margaery let nothing slip beforehand. She'd kept her dabbling in secret for fear that it would leak to her father before time was ripe. As of right now, her Father was sitting upright, too confused and angry to speak or act. The circle of advisers on Margaery's side were speaking to deaf ears as her Father stared at her. But, luckily, the citizen's responses were unanimous and supported her words - even the king couldn't risk firing up thousands of citizens and officials. Words of her speech was probably already making way to the street corners and to the heart of the rebellion groups. Hopefully, they would feel appeased enough to let her attempt to change her country's mind before attacking.

When the prince approached her, this time she was a little different. Less girlish and innocent. Maybe her contrasting act was highly unusual to Prince Gaderian, but Margaery couldn't detect any malice in his voice. She smiled warmly at him, "Thank you. I, too, am glad. I did not believe it right, but I can not watch my country potentially fight itself to death." Her Father would say it was because she was a woman and therefore more adverse to bloodshed and violence. Personally, Margaery just didn't think war was beneficial to a country. If she was invaded, or if she had a particular motivation to invade, she wouldn't oppose to war. But peace offered the most prosperity.

"My brother is in his room. His watch tells him the speech begins in half an hour and with the beautiful blond by his side, he may not even remember the speech," said Magaery. Her servants tampered with the timepiece, of course. But aside from that, the baroness had all the skills to distract a man for hours. When you were in the company of someone delightful and beautiful, you'd want to believe that hours were minutes. "You understand the purpose of the Sun Fest, Prince Gaderian? For countries to compete for superiority in a peaceful manner. It has been in my mind that we can have another festival; to compete for military strength in a peaceful manner, but such is elaborate and require a lot fine-tuning."

"I will speak honestly to you," said Margaery as she turned to look the other in the eyes. She felt that she could trust the prince to at least not want war. If they could reach a similar conclusion and work together, then they could steer the country away from war. "I want to work with you to avoid the war. It is beneficial to both our countries not to have a few states burned down." Among other kinds of war damages, war losses and casualties. "There will be people trying underhanded tactics to undermine us. My Father must be subdued at all times until he is convinced. It will be difficult, but I think we can do it." She observed him, once again gauging his reaction, "What do you think? What do you have in mind?" Would the prince be honest with her?




Chive It Up

[Chive It Up]

Gaderian understood the purpose of the Sun Fest, even if he didn't truly believe that, at this current point in time, Grenadorn was the best place to house such a Festival. He still believed that leaving this country alive would likely be troublesome. He felt that it was much more likely that he would be held captive and ransomed back to his father. But, that was why Gaderian was here instead of his brother.

With that in mind, he had no idea what he could say to Princess Margaery to help her on her quest to keep her father subdued. Was there anything that could be done? If the only two people in Grenadorn that wanted war were the King and crowned Prince, what could be done but to get rid of them permanently? Gaderian would never have suggested such a thing to the Princess, however, nor did he even think it was a practical strategy. It was simply the only thing he could think of.

“Princess,” he admitted, shaking his head, “I have nothing in mind that would help you. I agree that your Father, and likely your brother, must have their ambition for war stifled. But my purpose in coming here was not to bring strategies to you. I am, simply, the least costly loss my father could have endured.” With a weak smile, he glanced backwards towards her own father. The man was angry, the daggers he was staring into his own daughter spoke volumes. Still, he doubted the man would harm his daughter.

Something needed to be done, and Gaderian wished he had the same tactical brain that his sister possessed. If he had, perhaps he would have some suggestion that would help the Princess on her quest. “If I am able to assist you in any plan you may have, I swear to you I will help. I want this war even less than you.” What could end a war between the countries? A treaty? But there was nothing in Grenadorn that the Ereldune people would want or need. More farmable lands, perhaps, but what would Ereldune have that Grenadorn would want? Money? Gaderian could hardly see a treaty being formed between the countries. Unless, of course, there was a marriage between the two. Margaery and himself? Did he even dare to suggest such a thing?

Godsanity

I think everything has finally calmed down.

[Godsanity]

↶⊰ ＳＡ Ｎ Ｃ Ｔ Ｕ ＳXX ＥＳＰＩＲＩＴＵＳ⊱↷
♘
◜snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◞ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX◟snʇᴉɹᴉdsƎ snʇɔuɐS◝
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX↳ REDEEM US FROM OUR SOLEMN HOUR XXXXXXXXXXXXXX{.INSANITY IS ALL .AROUND. US.}
ιи ᴍч 【ᴅαʀкєѕт нσυʀѕ】 ι cσυʟᴅ ησт ƒ.σ.я.s.є.є XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX тнαт тнє тιᴅє cσυʟᴅ X t.u.r.n X sσ ＦＡＳＴ ᴛσ тнιѕ ＤＥＧＲＥＥ
▌CAN*T BЄLIЄɅЄ MY Є.Y.Є.S XXXXXX⊰♤⊱ XXXXX➬ {{ мαʀɢαєʀч
XXXX▂ ▃ ▅ ▆ █XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX《• • •》 HOW CAи YOU BE SO ►ßℓɨи∂◄ ?
:❉: ↯ is the heart of stone, no empathy inside? ⇊⇊⇊XXXXXXXXXXXXXX【♥】
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXtime keeps slipping away and we haven't learnedXXXXX▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX☆ XXXXXSO IN THE END NOW WHAT HAVE WE GAINED?

No, the last thing Margaery would ever do was get rid of her father and brother permanently. No matter what they did, they were still family and that was what mattered. She could have thousands of horses, thousands of men, hundreds of houses and millions of citizens, but she would only ever have one of her brother and father. Of course, there was politics and she had to go against the two men in order to stop the war, but it wasn't hurting them anymore than their war was hurting their country. "Understandable," said Margaery. Least costly loss, huh? So they were expecting a hostage situation.

"Which country do you believe needs to bow down first? Ereldune to Grenadorn or Grenadorn to Ereldune?" asked Margaery. She wasn't sure what the situation was in Ereldune. Whether if Grenadorn had to lay down armor and weapon first to pacify Ereldune or if Ereldune didn't really want war and was happy for peace. Another strategy would be emotional appeal. If she and Gaderian claim to be in love and appeal to their family - but then, what would happen when the farce fell through? Both countries would take offense. "I can regulate my own country, having built up my political power in the court over the years." Thanks to her useless brother, Margaery felt the need to step in and interfere. "I also have many connections to the rebellion groups and such."

"Perhaps what you can do is provide me with as much information as possible so I can formulate a plan to please your country as well as my own," said Margaery. She had spies, but every spy had a different story and a different opinion. Spies who wanted war would report outlandish military movements while spies who didn't would twist their own stories. "Of course, I'll answer any questions you have if you need any information."

From here, Margaery could feel her father glaring at her. The council members around the man kept him grounded and Margaery didn't plan to speak to him until he was less angry. Yet, her brother was due out soon and she'd have to say something to him. She would have to drop her innocent and kind farce now and back him to a corner so he wouldn't interfere with her plans. She felt terrible doing something like this, but the war at to be stopped, at all cost.




Chive It Up

I'm done with my messes too! Landed the internship of my dreams and all that - I can finally post as frequently as you plan to! :3

[Chive It Up]

Prince Gaderian understood her position. Understood that she wanted to end this war as peacefully as possible. He still found it hard to believe that it would happen, but he was willing to put aside his own doubts and negativity for the moment, in order to envision a peaceful union between their countries.

“Bow down?” he wondered aloud at her question. Which country needed to bow down first? Using those specific words.. well, he couldn't see either side bowing down to the other. Certainly not as a show of inferiority. It certainly wouldn't settle well with either King. Still, he understood what she'd meant. Which side would need to weapons first. “Princess, Ereldune is only preparing for war in order to defend ourselves. That is not to say there are not those who are eager for war. It is..” he shook his head for a moment, searching for the right word to use, “Clear.. in some ways, that Ereldune might win. They would have little incentive to avoid a war. But if Grenadorn were to.. make a genuine effort on the side of peace, show themselves to be.. peaceful... in these times, I do not believe Ereldune will attack.”

Now, he glanced around himself, curious who was standing nearby and who might overhear what he'd had to say. “Perhaps we should discuss these sorts of things another time? In private?” he asked quietly. It was possible that someone might assume the worst if they heard him speaking of such things. This was, after all, to be a festival celebrating peace.

“How are the preparations for the Festival?” he questioned with a smile, “I'm eager to see the competitions.”