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 Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 5:57 pm
A man whom can conquer his fear can strive to conquer the world.>x-General Caesar-x< At last. All the time that Caesar and his men took to plan their campaign, execute its many tactical feats, and defeat the Estarcian menace had paid off. Now it was time for the final meeting of sorts, the time and place in which everything would reach a conclusion for everyone. An exchange would be made, lives for a relic. It felt like more than a fair trade in the proud General's eyes. He had them, he thought. He had them.
It was almost like for a moment, he could imagine himself walking back on his home soil. Caesar's plans were that much close to success, that he knew there would be no other outcome. He would make it through to see his family, no matter if this went smoothly, or broke out into one last fight. The Great Hero would shine his light in the Archanean Legion's direction, as it had the entire duration, a half a year's time, of this brutal war they fought. At last, soldiers would be able to lay down their arms. At last, the houses, the people, their King, all of it, the Legion would return to.
It was a shame that not all of them could return in one piece. Caesar had his fair share of losses at this time, and he remembered every last one of them with a heavy heart as he took this march with what few attendants he brought with him to make the exchange to end it all. He eyed every one of them, his trusted Captains and his armored Guardsmen. Lancelot, the silver-armored flier, Antonio, the brilliant tactician, Esmerelda, the straight arrow, and Augustus, the Great Knight... without these four and his other followers he hadn't forgotten, he could have never gone this far.
"I want to remind all of you how proud I am for you fighting so very hard for our cause. It's thanks to you, your dedication, your noble hearts, quick minds, and belief in me, your General that we have made it as far as we had. Let us go, my fine escorts. Let us meet the ones that lead Estarcia, and get what we need, as well as what the common folk need. If they wish to do it peacefully, we shall comply... but if they wish to end this with steel..." He held up his steel axe. "We shall answer them with steel, my comrades! Now, follow me. When we reach the point of exchange... we will walk upon our soil once again, one way or the other."
« ● ● ● ● ● ● »
All will fall to that which is greater, this is an inevitable truth.
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:57 pm
╚ Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. ╗ Antonio  Finally, the conclusions were about to commence. They had been stuck in this country for far too long. They needed to get home and return to the war against that prince, Marth. Because of this whole mess, their homeland might be in danger. Urgency was needed. However, certain captains did not share the same urgency. Antonio thought of course about his sister. She was more interested in sparing the lives of the vulgar that ruled this land and stood in their way of returning home. However, she was also bent on sparing the lives of everybody else. It was very typical of her... but a bit of a naivety Antonio feared she would never grow out of. After all, not everybody can be saved. There will always be losses. That is reality.
But in this case, Antonio was obliged to sympathize with her plea of no more fighting. Archanea had lost too many troops as it was... mainly because of a foolhardy wyvern lord. That fact made it difficult to properly formulate a strategy. Reports told him that the enemy still had an air brigade, whereas Archanea did not. This would put stress upon Esmerelda's unit. However, assuming that things went foul, if Archanea could make it inside the city walls quickly, then the air force's effectiveness would be reduced. To have this happen, Antonio stationed his army and Beatrix's army at opposite ends of the city. If the need came, they would begin to attack with siege magic, and tear openings in the walls for the other captains to use. The walls would naturally be more fortified and ready to counter with their own siege, but their resources were far more limited. There would be no escape route, no hope of help coming in. The strategy was the best they had, with the troops they had. ...But hopefully they would not have to use it.
The General's words rang out to those with him. Antonio was somewhat pleased that the General had requested that he and Esmerelda come along. Bale could command his army, while Neil could command his sister's. Even if they had not been invited, the sage had a feeling that his sister would have fought with everything she had to make sure she went. He knew that she wanted to make sure that nothing went wrong.
Antonio looked over to the captives. The ones from the fort were there, as well as the priestess, who had been brought from Altiplos. She showed no fear in his expression. Antonio looked back ahead, and could see the castle not far from where they were. They had reached where the exchange would take place. By now, all other armies would be in position and ready to strike if need be. Now all they could do was wait and see if their enemy would show some intelligence, by coming.
[A hailstorm approaches] ╚ Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. ╗
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 2:41 pm
 •~•~•
All things had an end. Even the most ceaseless of acts would eventually reach conclusion, and thus Esmeralda found herself with her general, her brother, the other commanders, and Caesar's words washed over her like a lukewarm wave, barely noticed. They were almost home. They were almost finished.
And still, the Learanian General's words came to her thoughts. "Nobody else from another world's ever gotten back." If that was true, then they were in over their heads. Far too much over their heads. They relied now on the glimmering hope of returning to Archanea; if that couldn't happen, then they were as good as jailed or dead.
Or possibly worse.
Caesar had never exacted any sort of lecture towards her for her actions. Had he blamed Lancelot entirely for their 'mission,' or had he simply forgotten? Esmeralda didn't press that. Instead, she folded her arms loosely under her chest, thinking of her own men, ready for battle. Neil, trustworthy as always, was leading them now. They would not raise arms unless it was to respond to the Estarcians' attacks, or in conjunction, the Learanians' attacks. He was a smart man, a strong one. He would lead them well.
"General. If they refuse, and they fight back... what of them?" Esmeralda didn't like to use the actual phrase 'prisoners' in regards to them. She remembered something one of her superiors years ago had told her, deciding it was probably true: It was easier to take hostages when they had no identities. If you spoke to them and learned who they were, you grew soft towards them.
"Do we let them go? Do we continue to hold them?" Esmeralda shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "If they don't take them back, do we... continue to keep them in reach, or do we send them back to Learania?"
•~•~•  My answer is...
→I will always be here.←
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 3:07 pm
I've been lost in loneliness, of these nights deeper than darkness I want someone to notice now... Because I want to get out of here -Cyric- So this was it, the final meet and it would end. Or so the captain would like to think. He was standing strong for the others, but in reality, he was ready to crash once this entire fiasco was over and he prayed that this would be the end. However...something lurked in the back of his mind, repeating the words 'Its not over yet...Its not over by a long shot' He didn't know what that meant. Cyric just had a very bad feeling that this meet, was not going to go as well as most would like it to. Slung over his shoulder was a bow that almost no one has seen their own captain use unless it was a dire emergency. A double bow imitation with but a simple design that resembled a silver bow.
In his left hand was the Fire Emblem. Its formed was wrapped around a white piece of cloth to hide from others as it left the gates. The silver knight took a deep breath, hand over his chest. He looked over to Caterina, watching her for a moment before mounting his horse. "...Everybody ready...? Lets move" the tone in his voice did not assure the others that this was going to go well. This would be a chance to find out the real answers if the enemy was willing to talk.
The walk was not that far off for they were already here. The priestess was noted, standing behind a man in heavy blue armor.....their leader..? Perhaps? Standing next to him was a young man and next to him...that woman...he remembered her.
Cyric stopped, raising a hand, motioning for the others to stop as well. If they got any closer then they would be attacked for sure. The siver knight climbed down, taking note that Rina did the same as well and slowly followed behind the silver knight. He eyed her for a moment. "....Don't stray from my side.." with that, the captain took a step toward the small group. He stopped in his tracks, taking out the small object and unravled the item. "...I have the Fire Emblem...release the priestess"
He could see the smug look on their faces, and it did not calm the silver knight one bit. "Tell me" he spoke, once more. "Why did you invade us?"
___________
I don't want a fight. So I can't say anything...
I have dreams and ideals...
But my feelings just keep taking over...
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 3:59 pm
Isadora led Tuomas and walked along Cyric and Caterina.
This was it. They were about to end the war through exchange. Although the paladin was satisfied that the war was about to over and there would be no blood to be spilled, she couldn't help but felt grim. Even though the lives of Estarcia were spared, she felt as if they had lost to the enemy. What would these people think if they were to find out how the war had ended.
The paladin looked over at Cyric to see what he had in mind. She could see that the Silver Knight was holding strong but had something else bothering him. Was he thinking the same idea as her? She wasn't sure. However, if they were to end the war, then they had to do what they must do.
"I'm ready," Isadora replied as she mounted on her horse and followed Cyric and Caterina. As they head toward their destinations, the paladin ignored the stares of the Estarcians who watched them rode by, avoiding their gaze to see if there was hope in them. It would be wrong to let them see disappointment or to give them false hope of what was happening.
As they passed the gate of Archesis and rode a little further, Isadora saw a group of people ahead of them. There were five people; three men and two women. Isadora looked at the woman in the white gown. That woman was the Estarcian Priestess. It seemed that the Priestess was safe from harm. Standing right next to her was a man in blue armor. Was he the leader of the enemy? She could see confident from that man as well as being bold and authoritative. That man must be quite strong. It was no wonder why they seemed to lose to them.
Standing behind the group, Isadora saw Ghis and the others. So they brought the prisoners with them to the meeting. She couldn't help but felt relieved that they were safe. Probably wounded, but safe from harm... For now.
Isadora stopped her horse when she saw Cyric stopped. She gripped onto her reins. The paladin had the urge to place her hand onto her sword just to show them she was cautious, but she refused. She didn't want the enemy to think she was ready to attack.
The Dame Knight watched as Cyric and Caterina dismounted their horses and moved slowly toward the group. She watched as the Silver Knight unwrapped the cloth, revealing the item that was the Fire Emblem.
So this was the Fire Emblem. The valuable relic that the Estarcians held so pride and honor about. And yet, it was to be given to the enemies in exchange of the lives. Well, there was nothing they could do if they were to save people's lives.
As soon as she heard Cyric questioned the enemies, her hand lingered over toward her sword, but not too near it. She had to admit it was a bold move for the Silver Knight, asking the enemy of their goal. However, she too wanted to know. All the battles they had fought over the Fire Emblem. Usually, enemies would try to take over of the land when being powerful. But those enemies.... They didn't care about the Estarcian land. They only cared for the relic. She watched carefully at the scene before her as well as letting her ears be opened aware. If these enemies dared to attack them, then they would have a full force of her strength as well as those who were with her and in the capital. They refused to be back down. Even if it seemed that they were about to lose.
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 8:27 pm
As long as I live. . . . I shall protect the ones I love. ~Caterina~
------ The end. Just a bit more, and everything would be over. Somewhat rested and now fully healed, Caterina was ready for all of this to be over. And yet, it all seemed too easy. She couldn't shake the feeling that something else was about to happen. Sitting in her saddle, she felt antsy, even with her best sword strapped to her side; Adara scratched at the ground with her hoof, sensing her mistress's unease. Rina fingered the hilt of her sword. Though the blade appeared to be ceremonial in design, the handguard crafted into the shape of wings, it was far deadlier than one might expect. She prayed that she would not have to use it anytime soon, but it was comforting to have, just in case.
Waiting next to her were Lady Isadora of Learania and Cyric. Seeing Cyric's bow, even though she knew the damage it could cause, did not make her flinch. She'd come a long way from the scrawny little girl dragging herself through the front gates of Archesis and cringing away from any clergy she happened to see. In Cyric's hand was the Fire Emblem. Although Rina wanted the Priestess Gwyneira free and back in her sight, she was not entirely certain that giving the enemy the most important relic of Estarcia was a good idea. But who was she to say what they should and should not do to get the high Priestess back?
Rina watched Cyric take a deep breath before looking back at her. He stared at her for a long moment before saying, "...Everybody ready...? Lets move." His tone sounded as uneasy as Rina felt. Slightly worried, mostly for Cyric, Rina griped Adara's reigns, taking off and doing a loop around their small group before coming to land just behind Cyric once they'd reached the meeting place.
And there was the Priestess, safe, but perhaps more than a little annoyed. The Priestess Guardian was more than relieved to see her charge, but it was not over yet. Several powerful looking people stood around her; a man clad in heavy blue armor had to be their leader. Cyric dismounted; Rina following his lead did so as well, following behind him. The silver knight's eyes caught hers for a moment. "....Don't stray from my side," he said softly. "Never," she wanted to say, but instead, she simply nodded, not trusting her voice just now.
Cyric took a step closer to the enemy, holding up the Fire Emblem and uncovering it. "...I have the Fire Emblem...release the priestess," he said clearly. To Rina's annoyance, some of the enemy soldiers looked almost smug. It's not over yet, she thought, frowning slightly. Don't get cocky.
"Tell me," Cyric asked, "Why did you invade us?" Rina had been wondering about that herself. She waited, ready for any action that may occur, hands by her side, ready to reach for her sword. ------ My Liegexxxxxx xxxxxxMy LadyMy Lord. . . .
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 8:48 pm
And Jin was there totally not cramping Abel's style.
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Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:36 pm
 So, they wished to go about a more peaceful route, did they? These fools were proving to be grossly unreliable... Razevi scoffed at them. After all, she had taken the time to go out to them and tell them what they needed to know, to get home. She just... didn't tell them that she really wanted the Fire Emblem for herself. And she left out a few important details about it being at the capital and that Estarcia wasn't exactly 'evil', per say. So what? They were doing their jobs just fine. They didn't even need to be influenced to go on, the misunderstandings took care of themselves! Razevi chuckled at the memory of the monsters from Mordache and the dolt of mage who attacked the sniper captain. Marvelous, truly. It was like watching a comedic play.
But then things changed. Ah, Estarcia.... how Razevi hated that country. Not only did the gods give the Fire Emblem to them instead of Sentria, but they refused to be productive with it! No, they kept it secure within their petty fancy temple, instead of choosing to use it on Loki! The neutrality of it all was sickening. Power in the hands of cowards was a waste. So, now that she was back, she figured why not take it for herself the way it should be? It would do much better in her hands.
However, there was still the matter of this.. this peace nonsense! If they started talking, then everything would be ruined and she would be exposed. This was simply unacceptable. The gate passers would just have to be made to fight. And they will tear the pathetic do-nothings that are Estarcians to shreds.
The faint chuckle of a woman blew on the breeze, too faint for it to be clearly heard. From within the group of guards that the Estarcians had taken with them to this exchange, one guard was set apart by a sinister grin. Well, so far things seemed to be going well. It was time to change that. What was that, silly man? You asked the general why they invaded you? Sorry, Razevi can't let him answer that.
Before the Archanean general could answer, the one guard suddenly ran out and threw a spear straight towards the blue-armored leader. "DIE, WEAKLINGS! DEATH TO YOU ALL! ESTARCIA SHALL CONQUER THE WORLD!!" After finishing, the guard took out a knife and slit his throat. Though none would surely inspect his body, it didn't change the fact that red lipstick was on his cheek. That guard truly must have been weak-minded. But then again... Razevi was awfully persuasive... even when her commands ended up being against the person's will.
Another faint cackle of a woman blew passed that only the sharpest of ears would hear. From off in the distance, too hidden from sight to be seen, a lady in red backed into the darkness of the forest and vanished. Peaceful negotiations? Not anymore.
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:49 am
A man whom can conquer his fear can strive to conquer the world.>x-General Caesar-x< Everything was on its way to a peaceful resolution. The two parties were about to speak, and already, questions were being asked. Yes, questions gave one the power of knowledge... the more of that Caesar had in the final moments of this whole thing, the better. He was going to answer, he truly was. The General's very mind was about to tell the Estarcians everything, but then, the unexpected happened. One of the low-ranked soldiers on their side had the audacity to throw a spear in his direction, when Caesar himself was prepared to lay down arms? The weapon was coming so fast, the General barely managed a dodge.
Augustus's mood wasn't the best, to say the least. How dare they put up this act that they wanted peaceful negotiations when it was really just a last-ditch trap to try and seize a victory in this hopeless situation! They would pay dearly, as the General said in his speech, with steel. With a quick step upon his armored steed's saddle, Augustus readied his steel lance for a charge. Eying an Archanean messenger, his words were as cold as the tip of his weapon. "Tell the other Captains that it's time for us to battle."
"You insolent fools!" Caesar shouted towards Cyric and the other Estarcians, this time putting his steel axe to the side and drawing Decimus from where it rested on his back. "There is only one fate for the cowards that attack a man willing to negotiate. All of you shall FALL! Legion soldiers! Destroy them! Let those "Learanian" captives watch as their friends perish before them!!!" Caesar shouted his orders, pointing the cursed axe in the direction of the treacherous ones whom set up what they thought was a clever trap.
The Legion soldiers, one by one, answered the call to battle, with the archers aiming, the armored ground forces now pointing their spears in the direction of their enemies, and the cavalry drawing their swords preparing for a charge. Caesar raised up Decimus with both his hands, and brought the weapon down with a mighty swing that unleashed a wave of dark energy. Anyone unfortunate enough to get caught up in it would be in for a world of hurt.
« ● ● ● ● ● ● »
All will fall to that which is greater, this is an inevitable truth.
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 11:07 am
I've been lost in loneliness, of these nights deeper than darkness I want someone to notice now... Because I want to get out of here -Cyric- Something caught the captain's attention and before he knew it..one of his own suddenly started spouting some nonsense! Cyric turned just in time to watch the guy raise a dagger to his throat. What was he doing!? Stop it..Stop! STOP THIS. All of this, everything! Just like the last time! It was all wrong! STOP THIS!!!
"ENOUGH! STOP!!!" Cyric screamed, but it was too late. Blood spilled out violently from the man's neck and no later then a second was he dead on the ground. The captain stared, horrified at what just happened. This wasn't what he wanted..this wasn't what he planned! Just like when he was trying to talk with the sniper, everything went wrong! No...No...No no no no!! Unacceptable! This...there had to be another way! "You insolent fools!" The captain turned his attention back to their leader. The most horrified look never left Cyric's face. He backed up, pushing Rina slowly behind him. This wasn't good...the situation was getting much worse then he had imagined...they have to run...they needed to run. Those eyes..they were not that of same light as before. Was this person mad? One second he was calm, the next he became a psychotic being that knew nothing but blood.
Cyric stumbled, then suddenly, made a mad dash toward the other group, carefully pulling Rina along with him. He turned, pulling the priestess's guardian toward him, covering her as arrows flew by them. It grazed the corner of his armor, cutting off a few strands of hair. Quickly, Cyric pulled her to her feet. "MOVE!!" The captain screamed, leading the Falcon knight to her mount before he got on his.
He made sure everyone had left before him, especially Rina. God forbid anything happened to her while he was still here. He wouldn't allow it...absolutely not! No harm shall come upon the person he holds dearest in this entire world. Not now, not ever...not like before. Cyric raised his hand, piercing the air with a sharp whistle. Moments later were they turning their backs to the enemy and returning to the castle.
___________
I don't want a fight. So I can't say anything...
I have dreams and ideals...
But my feelings just keep taking over...
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 11:30 am
Just when the paladin thought that the war was about the end, disaster struck. As she was about to listen the reason behind all this, one of the Estarcian soldiers attacked the leader. The fool! Didn't he know that they were here to negotiate, not to create another war?
Before the paladin could react, she watched the very same soldier slitted his own throat. Horror loomed over her face. This was not good. Not only could they not explain themselves about this soldier's foolishness, but it would give the wrong idea to them.
"You insolent fools!"
Too late.
"Everyone, head back. They're attacking!" Isadora shouted as she turned her horse around.
She could see Cyric and Caterina running toward their mounts as volley of arrows and spears were flying. The Dame Knight raised her shield to block the arrows. Spears soared pass her, nearly glazing her legs. They had to go back to the castle. As much as she wanted to rescue Ghis, the priestess, and the others from being captive, it would seem that they had to wait a little longer. There were too many army to defeat with three people here. She hoped that they would continue to live and be out of harm way.
Isadora snapped the reins, urging Tuomas to head toward the castle while avoiding the attacks. As she rode forward, she felt a tremor behind. The paladin looked behind to see a dark energy heading toward them. What was that attack?
The Dame Knight rushed toward the gate, moving slightly on the right to dodge that attack. She didn't look back to see if there were more coming after them. What she knew was that she had to get everyone in Archesis ready to defend.
((Those who come back from the battles or are reinforcements, make your post now. You are now in Archesis. Get ready to defend.))
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 12:09 pm
 Cornelius had stayed behind to finish preparations and make sure that they could react quickly. He hoped that it wouldn't come to having to resort to violence. However, fate had something else in mind, it seemed.
On the walls of the castle, soldiers watched the exchange take place in the distance. Suddenly, they saw the attack from their side followed by retaliation from the invaders. Commander Cyric and the others began to retreat back to the castle, but unfortunately it was in failure.
One of the soldiers on the wall shouted for news to be delivered to Cornelius, and somebody ran off in compliance. When the general got the message, he gave a deep sigh. "Blast... so it has come to this..." He grew a stern look and clenched two fists. "Open fire! Unleash the catapults!! Once Cyric and the others have made it inside, barricade the gate! Archesis is not a weak city... and we shall show them the difference in our resolves! Attack!!"
Once the order was given, the siege weapons on the wall began to unleash their fury. Large boulders soared out toward oncoming enemies, and even magical spells such as bolting were put into use. Estarcia's wealth ensured that they had many siege defenses. Getting rid of them all would take quite some time.
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 12:30 pm
Jin had just stood off towards the back, hiding behind the assorted Estarcian guards. He figured the black clothes he wore might be a bit off-putting to negotiations; black was NOT the color of mercy, after all. But building defenses was not exactly his forte, either. So along he came, more or less hidden from view. Should something go wrong, he'd see it firsthand.
He just didn't think it would be some completely random a*****e guard. In addition, he didn't think said guard would then go so far as to take his own life shortly thereafter.
He was towards the back, and as such could get away with relative ease. Still, he couldn't help but wonder...
"...What just happened?"
Javert, sans weapons and shield, just stared in amazement as just like that, negotiations were completely ruined.
"D-do they WANT us to die? Is that it? After we fought for them!?"
Other Watch troops, up until now too surprised to comment, began adding their commentary.
"Yeah... jolly good way to repay us, backstabbing 'em like that..."
"We're held hostage here, and they go and chuck spears? Oh BRILLIANT, shows how much they really care..."
"Yeah! It's not our fault the fort fell! They just left us out there to buy 'em some time to build their defenses, no doubt!"
"No doubt, indeed!"
"All hands on deck for 'em, eh? Here, I'll give 'em a finger to help! TWO fingers, in fact!"
The Watch had a good laugh as one archer raised both middle fingers in the direction of Archesis castle. His comrades soon afterward followed suit.
Hey, if we didn't learn how to laugh, we'd all be dead from grief a long time ago.
Ghis sighed and buried his face in his hands for a moment. He began to wonder why he didn't just stay back home...
Only Charice seemed to sense anything wrong with the entire picture.
Not that she understood something they didn't; rather, Aphrodite did.
As the faint chuckle of a woman blew on the breeze, Aph's head perked up. Her ears started moving back and forth, as though scanning the area for some sound the humans couldn't hear. Charice noted this, but at first chalked it up to the fact that, well, horses (and therefore pegasi) just had better hearing.
But didn't it seem a bit off, that just after Aph heard something nobody else could, that soldier appeared, coming off crazier than half the combined inmates at the Eyris Asylum?
And there it was again, after the soldier slit his own throat--Aph once again perked up, ears moving. Charice looked around for the potential source, but... she couldn't see anything.
Aph, what are you picking up that nobody else is...?
She tried to listen, she really did. It was a lost cause, though. By the time the woman's cackle blew past them, it was nearly drowned out by the Legion's understandable cries of rage.
Not that Charice wasn't concerned for her safety--I mean, come on, Archesis was already launching siege weapons at them without much regard to aim (prompting more raised middle fingers by the crass Watch troops). It was just... Aph heard something strange just before and just after that one soldier's debacle.
Coincidence...?
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 12:48 pm
╚ Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. ╗ Antonio Well, they did show themselves, that much was true. However... it only proved that the Legion was in the right, the entire time, about this country.
Antonio's eyes widened as the weapon came toward the General. If the soldier had been closer, then he could have killed him. This was a planned assassination! The sage glared at the commanding officer of Estarcia. This was the man his sister described to him, from Altiplos. First, he tricked his sister and tried to have her killed, and now he did the same trick on the General. It was something Antonio should have anticipated. He was just too intent on trying to bring about a peaceful resolution for his sister's sake. But no more! The vermin of the land were going to be exterminated. The General commanded so.
The tactician pulled out one of his spellbooks and held it tightly. He turned to the guards who were looking after the captives. "Stay with them! Make sure they do not escape." Antonio turned to the General. He had drawn his cursed axe. Whenever he did such a thing, it was unwise to leave him to carelessly traverse the battlefield, under the weapon's influence. He needed companions to keep him in control. "Let us advance, General. Beatrix's army and my own should have an opening momentarily. I shall remain by your side."
At the location of where Antonio's brigade was, Bale waited intently. He shared the same point of view as his commander's sister, much of the time, and this time was no exception. He wished for no more fighting. The fact was simple; Antonio relied on logic, where his sister relied on her heart. The way Bale saw things, logic could easily be twisted into however somebody wished to see it, anyway. There's been many in history who have done evil in the name of logic. Bale recognized that sometimes the gut feeling was what really told the truth. It was something he tried to relay to his captain.. to no avail. But he also couldn't deny the captain's success in his firm stance on logic. It had brought them very far.
As a messenger approached, Bale felt that they were about to be brought further. He knew that if they were going to attack, that a messenger would be expected. Sure enough.. that was exactly what the message was. The exchange had failed. Estarcia had tried to kill the General! Nobody would let this stand whether they wanted the fighting to stop or not. Bale knew he had to follow orders, so his opinions didn't matter anyway.
"The attack has begun..." The second in command started, as he addressed the army. "We have been given our task, so you know what to do. The supplies in Altiplos have given enough siege magic tomes for most of us. Those without such spells will prepare to move out when I say it's okay." Bale pulled out a red-covered book and opened it. The other soldiers got into position and opened their own tomes. "...Attack when ready. For Archanea!!" Bale began to chant and a large piece of rock broke out of the ground before him. It rose into the air above his head and then erupted with flame. When he finished chanting, Bale held out his arm and pointed toward the castle walls of Archesis. "Meteor!"
The giant flaming boulder soared through the sky toward the walls. It was followed by flaming boulders conjured by other soldiers. Some soldiers did not have meteor spells, though. Instead, as they chanted, the skies became dark in some places and large bolts of lightning rang down upon the walls, destroying catapults or whatever else it hit. As the flaming rocks flew, some collided with the ammo from the opposing catapults, shattering the rocks into pieces. Some of the enemy's siege got through, crushing a few unfortunate souls. However, the concentration of meteors were more effective. As the ones that made it through hit their targets, they each broke off chunks of wall, siege weapon, and soldier, until passages were opened for foot soldiers to enter with. Things were going well with Antonio's army. Hopefully, the same could be said for the other captains.
[A hailstorm approaches] ╚ Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. ╗
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 2:12 pm
I've been lost in loneliness, of these nights deeper than darkness I want someone to notice now... Because I want to get out of here -Cyric- Cyric rode past the gate, much after the rest did. He stopped, looking up to see the Falcon Knight fly over the gate as well. "Close the gates!!" The captain shouted, shifting his weight with Ronan before riding toward the center of the crowd. "Prepare to return fire. Where are our defenses? Sages, prepare the bolting and meteor spells! Healers stay behind the the armored units. The rest of you toward the front lines!" No hesitation were found on their captain as orders were thrown left and right. This was no time to delay any further they already have. Everyone was here for the most part and now the next move was to counter.
The situation had not gone the way Cyric had wanted. "Tanya! Cecil!" he called, his trusty sage and paladin. He gave orders to the sage that she was in charge of the mages and mage knights, leaving Cecil to deal with his own squadron along the front. This was their last defense and there was no way Cyric would go down without a fight.
Once things were set, he turned to Isadora. "Prepare your side, I can assure you things will start to get messy, those who can fight, will fight. Those who can't, help the injured" with that said, Cyric moved to toward a location where firing from a distance would be to his advantage just a little above the gate walls.
Caterina was with him as well, however, she herself had a Javelin with her. The silver sword was sheathed at her side. He turned to look at her, then back toward the ground. "Remember what I said earlier?" he called, drawing a bow from his quiver. "Don't stray from my side...I..would like us both to survive this.."
He readied his bow. The sound of the double bow quietly creaked when the string was drawn back. Cyric had been furious from the moment he passed the gate, he was even more angry then ever before in his entire life. Nobody and almost nobody had ever seen their captain this angry before. The last time they witnessed this was 10 years ago.
Cyric wasn't going to make that same angry remark because this time, he had Caterina by his side. With her here, he could do just about anything. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, after a moment they shot open and the string on his bow was released, flying straight toward a sniper coming toward the gate. "Hold your ground everyone!" The captain shouted, loud enough for everyone around him to hear, and loud enough for it to be passed along for those who didn't hear him. "This isn't the end, This will not be the end!"
___________
I don't want a fight. So I can't say anything...
I have dreams and ideals...
But my feelings just keep taking over...
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