Post by The Grand Duelist on Mar 30, 2014 21:37:39 GMT -5
Fiora bit her lip lightly, looking away from the King. It was clear Jarvan had much on his plate. The Grand Duelist shifted in her seat before speaking.
'I admit, eet was a surprise when I found out I was to travel to Mount Targon. Zee Solari are an odd choice to me. What can zey offer us besides numbers? And even zat, zey don't 'ave many. I just feel...like we can find better allies wiz more influence zan zis.'
Fiora paused, unsure if she was missing an obvious point. She knew little of the world outside Demacia's boundaries compared to other notable Demacians and she was acutely aware of this. But nevertheless, she knew there were places like Piltover that may entertain an idea of allying themselves with Demacia. But Fiora fixated her eyes on Jarvan, waiting for an answer from one of the few people that the Laurents had to grudgingly admit belonged to a family from a higher rank than them.
Post by The Iron Ambassador on Mar 31, 2014 4:15:24 GMT -5
Showing no emotion as usual, Poppy thinks for a moment before answering.
For one, it would be a powerful sign. The residents of Mount Targon have always stood tall on their own, getting even some of them to join you would be unheard of. Even if the Rakkor are too proud and volatile to consider alliances, the Solari are level-headed enough to understand the situation the world is in, and how important alliances can be.
She leans back in her chair, Whomper leaning against the chair's side.
Besides, why would I question you on this? I admit, I am somewhat worried of where Demacia will go without your father's leadership. You have proven to be wise, yet easily controlled by your anger, which could lead a nation to ruin.
However, there is nothing to question in this decision. It is a wise choice, seeking alliances in a world threatened by war, alliances with a people of great strength even with small numbers. For now, you are on the right path, King Jarvan.
She returns to her silence again, looking from Fiora to Jarvan. Hopefully, the King would stay on this path and not let his hatred for the Grand General of Noxus blind his judgment. Poppy understood hatred all too well, but had learned to be level-headed. "Valoran shall know harmony", she used to say when summoned in the League. The world was more important than any hatred.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Apr 2, 2014 22:20:24 GMT -5
Jarvan IV returned her stare, pleased to hear like thoughts coming from the ambassador. "You are right. And this only my first step down that path. My father was reluctant to forge more than a fleeting bond with other states. He felt we could not truly mingle with less lawful peoples without losing a small part of who we are." He continued with more energy, pushing his chair back as he stood and walked slowly around the table. "I understood it. For some of us it may be true but then the reverse must be also. If we are to fulfill the promise of spreading the peace of law, of furthering Demacia, how can we stay isolated? Are we not the stronger people? The most dedicated with the greatest resolve? The more involved, the more others are exposed to our ways, the faster they will come to understand that ours is the right way." He paused, returning his attention to the matter at hand.
"I believe Leona understands this. Light does not spread in a cage. She has a goal quite separate from the withdrawn and secretive culture of the Rakkor. We will not agree on everything, but we have a common ground. We do not trust lightly. Perhaps just that is grounds for an alliance that will last for centuries. Choosing to reach out first to the Solari was not a plan long in the making, but it fits."
The King returned to his chair, sitting slowly and quietly refilling his tea without waiting for an attendant to step forward. He took a deep breath, taking his time with a small pastry from the table center. People would remember this as his first decision as King, even if he'd already made a hundred. It was because of how different this choice was from his father. Somehow, he almost felt guilty. It felt like disrespect, though he knew and understood this father's choices as well made. The world is different now. I am different. The King's death shook the foundations of the country as much as when the massive walls were broken down by unliving wills. Jarvan IV was expected to fill the void. The outcome of these talks could solidify confidence in his decisions or further crack the foundation of his rule.
"I have other plans, but for now we must focus on the Solari."
Post by The Half-Dragon on Apr 3, 2014 16:28:24 GMT -5
Shyvana raised a brow as she heard what Leona said, honestly she expected the defender to remember her, but what could you expect of someone living on a mountain? Straightening her back slightly she looked at the two guards in the room before looking back at Leona.
"Well then, let me introduce myself once more. I am Shyvana, the Half-Dragon and daughter of Vaeroth." she started and looked over at the guards again. "Valokein wah Demacia, Rakkor ahrk Kreiniil." (Welcome to Demacia, Rakkor and Solari.) Shyvana added at her father's native tongue. Her draconian speech had become a bit choppy since she never had any use for it now that she lived with the people of Demacia, not that it was that good even when she lived with her father.
"Your request to train has reached my ears, Defender, and I was told to take you to the training grounds myself." the Half-Dragon said, she considered bowing but she didn't fully understand the concept of bowing to other humans.
Post by The Radiant Dawn on Apr 3, 2014 16:42:15 GMT -5
Leona and her guards remained silent while Shyvana spoke. If they were any bit surprised or confused by what Shyvana had said, they showed no obvious signs of it. Leona nodded with appreciation when Shyvana had finished. They were wasting no time with training. Always an excellent thing. Leona reached over to a pile of things she had carried and hefted up her shield, her two guards doing the same. She took a moment to adjust the straps on the shield as her two guards took positions slightly behind her and to both sides. "Lead the way." she said, waiting for Shyvana to do just that.
Post by The Half-Dragon on Apr 3, 2014 17:01:06 GMT -5
The Half-Dragon nodded in return as the group got ready. Always the Solari had her shield at hand it seemed, but why one would use a shield baffled Shyvana a little. Sure it allowed you to block attacks but it also slowed you down and made it harder for you to kill what attacked you. Never the less Shyvana led the three through the castle and down to the largest of the training grounds.
Inside the sun shone through the open roof and down onto the ground, a few soldiers were training in there when Shyvana and Leona arrived. The sound of various equipment being used quickly stopped as the Soldiers noticed who had arrived. As usual they continued shortly after until Shyvana spoke. "Soldiers, clear out the training ground, this area is now reserved to the Rakkor and Solari until further notice." After a few seconds the Soldiers put back the equipment and then proceeded to leave, Shyvana would then turn to Leona.
"As I just said, this will now always be available for you as long as you stay here or Jarvan decides otherwise. You are free to use any and all equipment in here if you like."
Post by The Radiant Dawn on Apr 4, 2014 15:54:33 GMT -5
Leona was gradually becoming irritated with how far out of their way the Demacians were going to service them. They had no need for the entire training field, in fact, Leona preferred having more people on the field than less. The sounds of others training made it slightly less awkward for her, standing practically alone alongside everything present. Leona also took notice of Shyvana's use of the word "Rakkor". She apparently did not entirely understand who her guards were, but she did not bother to correct her. Perhaps, in the future, if misinterpretation would be an issue. She could only imagine the effect that the word had on the soldiers. They would no doubt be at least unpleasantly surprised, if not furious, at being kicked off of their own ground for an old enemy to use it.
Leona brushed her thoughts aside and focused on the reason she was there. Training. She briefly scanned the field and took note of the equipment they had there. It was not what she was used to, but it was certainly enough to make do. She almost forgot to voice her thanks to Shyvana before starting. "We appreciate it." she said, speaking for the three of them. With that, she turned to her companions and said something briefly in the Hellenic language of the Rakkor, before starting off running to the other end of the field, with the other two following. Their speed was impressive, especially considering the weight of their armor and equipment. They reached the end of the field, and turned around and ran back.
This carried on for a few minutes before they broke out of their running drill. Their breathing was obviously quicker, but yet it did not seem all that heavy, nor did they seem tired at all. They spent a few moments searching through a weapon rack for a blunt sword that suited their individual fighting styles. When they had each picked a weapon, Leona gestured for one of her companions to follow her, and the other simply continued the running drill. Leona moved to the center of the field and turned to face her companion, both assuming a combat stance. In an instant, they were attacking each other. They moved with wicked speed and a kind of deadly beauty. For every strike, there was an infinity of ways to counter. For every block, there was an infinity of ways around it. Even the shield, although generally perceived a strictly defensive implement, was a weapon to them, with an infinity of ways to use it. Although both were obviously very skilled with their weapons, Leona almost always came out the victor, landing more strikes than her opponent. Despite how incredibly tiring it must have been, they kept at it, showing no signs of fatigue. Even the vast multitude of blows both received must have been painful, they shrugged it off and persisted. To them, the outside world seemed to not exist. It was just the two of them, and the sword and shield they held in each hand.
Post by The Grand Duelist on Apr 5, 2014 2:47:15 GMT -5
Fiora exhaled quietly as Jarvan announced that the Solari would only be the first of what seemed to be a line of possible allies. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, letting Jarvan and Poppy continue their conversation in a hushed manner, content to listen for now.
The world is always changing, Fiora thought darkly. She knew that her life of privilege and honor was only upheld in the delicate constraints of Demacia. Her title and status meant little outside of the city-state. Fiora was never extremely patriotic. She preferred to serve herself before her nation, although she was careful to keep this opinion quiet, knowing that some may find this an unfavorable perspective to stand by. She found Jarvan IV a fully capable leader, much like his father. But power was shifting in Valoran and the new King would have to adjust his reign accordingly. And as for nobles like Fiora...they had better keep up.
Fiora turned away briefly, shoving these thoughts aside. She cleared her throat, interjecting herself into the conversation. 'I believe Shyvana must 'ave located zee Solari and 'ave taken them to zee training grounds by now. I will do as you wish and oversee zee proceedings, m'lord.'
She got up and bowed gracefully to Jarvan. The Grand Duelist gave a curt nod to Poppy once more, still bristling inwardly from the yordle's comment. With a turn of her heel, she exited the room, hand tapping the hilt of her rapier reassuringly.
---
It took only a few questions and resulting directions to locate Leona and Shyvana. Fiora entered in the shadows of the training grounds entrance, away from the sunlight pouring in from the open roof. She was lucky too, having just entered when as Leona and her guards had their backs turned to her, picking their weapons from the weapons stacks.
Quietly, the Grand Duelist hovered around the outskirts of the field. Her presence was no doubt noticed by the Solari; one of them turned and looked at her directly, unflinching. Fiora returned the gaze coolly, her standoffish nature overcoming her manners for a moment.
But with a snap of her head, she watched silently as Leona began sparring with her companion. The Duelist instantly began picking up the styles and fighting patterns of the Solari, mentally making notes. Their fighting was far from crude, but perhaps not as flourished as Fiora's dueling. It was clear that they would be able to fend off multiple opponents, as well as take on one large opponent. Once, her gaze wandered to Shyvana, but the half-dragon seemed to be keeping her temper in check, although she most likely was inching for a spar with the Solari.
She kept her face impassive, hoping that she looked like she was merely curious. Half of her wondered what it would be liked to duel one of the Solari, but her diplomatic side reminded her of her duties. Alert nevertheless, Fiora paced around the training grounds, casually observing.
Post by The Iron Ambassador on Apr 5, 2014 16:36:04 GMT -5
The Rakkor will not take kindly to requests of alliance... they might consider it an insult, suggesting they would need help from someone. Trying to work with the Solari first to gain their trust, is a good idea. I do not know if they Solari will be willing to ally however, they are Rakkor at heart still, as we could see from Leona and the guards.
Poppy looks towards the door, sighing. She did not have a good feeling of having both Fiora and Shyvana keeping company with the Solari. Hopefully, they would not end up causing a scene. If only the Crownguards were around, the contact with the residents of Targon would be less to worry about. But, the king would have to make due with who was around, and the ones around were still capable combatants.
Let us hope they are willing. It might be unlikely, but unlikely things have started to happen more as of recent. One thing that remains constant, is hope. Hope... of a better tomorrow.
She looks at Whomper, her mind seeming slightly conflicted by something. Something was bothering her, but knowing her past, that was nothing new.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Apr 5, 2014 21:39:29 GMT -5
A casual wave acknowledged Fiora's departure and Jarvan IV gave Poppy his full attention. Her opinion was important, as a strategist and a baseline for her state's stance on policy decisions. Demacia's ties to Bandle City had always seemed strong, but never truly tested. He could take nothing for granted. They would be valuable allies, with a strength that others underestimated out of hand. If he damaged his relations with the yordles, it would be a big step in the wrong direction. He listened closely, noticing the trailing tone of her voice and the faraway look in her eyes.
"Speaking of tomorrow, I have preparations of my own to attend to. Hope holds everything, but we make real only those things we work toward."
There was a moment of silence, and The King simply studied Poppy's face, unclear of what embers of memory she was holding to. "Poppy, there's been little effort made to hide it, but Diana and her Lunari have made a deal with Noxus for land and the right to recruit. I have chosen not to mention it yet. Yes, it was one of my motivations. Our old enemy is not sleeping. He is still attaching strings to everything within reach, whether or not they know it."
"When this is done, when the Solari have made their decision, I will have a message for you to take to Bandle."
Post by The Iron Ambassador on Apr 8, 2014 15:16:18 GMT -5
Poppy glances up at Jarvan, her gaze steeled. Whatever was bothering her a moment ago, was either gone, or hidden beneath her usual stern expression.
As expected. Will there be anything important happening in the near future after the message? If there are no pressing matters, I will probably deliver the message myself. In times as uncertain as these, I wish to take any chance I can to visit home while it is possible.
Her fingers, wrapped in bronze-colored metallic gauntlets as usual, wrap around the handle of Whomper, lifting the hammer in front of her view. The hammer glows slightly with power, and Poppy's gaze seems to soften slightly as she looks at it.
I have spent so much time away from Bandle City in the years I have acted as Ambassador. If the world does not calm down soon, I might choose to stay at my home indefinitely. Bandle City is not nearly as strong in a military sense as Demacia, and every trained soldier will count.
The Lunari however... from what I know, they have no interest in the hatred between Demacia and Noxus. I have my doubts that they would choose to get into a war when they barely have started existing again.
Post by The Half-Dragon on Apr 10, 2014 4:26:08 GMT -5
Shyvana looked at the Solari and the Rakkor guards as they trained, it was interesting. Her father had told her some about their cultures but that was all and she had only seen Leona and Pantheon fight on the fields of justice. And as she assumed, the defender's skills were a lot more precise than on the fields.
Tilting her head she sat down on the ground, folding her legs and took up a rock which she played with whilst watching.
Someone that caught her attention more than the dueling Defender was the Duelist herself that had decided to enter the Training grounds as well. Raising a brow at Fiora as she stood and watched the training. Shyvana rolled her eyes at the sight of Fiora then returned her focus to Leona.
After a few more minutes she got tired of just watching, standing up the Half-Dragon went over to one of the lockers and pulled out a pair of training gauntlets she kept there. Not as sharp as the ones she'd use in combat but still sharp enough to leave cut wounds. After putting them on she'd walk out into the sun and stop a few feet away from Leona.
"Leona, you are entertaining to watch, but I can't help to wonder what it would be like to fight you." She begins and as she had done against Fiora she raised one of her gauntlets slightly and let it catch on fire. "That's why I challenge you." Shyvana looked at Leona and waited for a response of some sort.
Post by The Radiant Dawn on Apr 10, 2014 10:24:37 GMT -5
Leona barely seemed to take notice of Shyvana as she approached. She knew she was there, but her eyes were set upon her opponent, the two still dueling. Leona was still in this state when Shyvana delivered her proposition. The two disengaged quickly, and Leona's focus moved to Shyvana. "Very well." Her reply was underwhelming, at best. To her, it was a simple challenge, and it only needed a simple answer. It did not even seem to register with her that Shyvana's hand was burning. She turned her head for a moment to shout out a brief command at her other companion, still doing exercises on her own further down the field. A nod of the head came as a reply, and she darted up and dashed for Leona's sparring partner, the two instantly engaging one another.
Leona took several steps toward an area of the field further away from her two dueling companions so that they might have space to spar. She calmly turned to Shyvana and assumed a battle stance, shield in front and sword held with it's tip pointing diagonally toward the ground. "Strike when ready." she said, and waited for Shyvana's opening move.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Apr 11, 2014 22:09:20 GMT -5
He leaned back in his chair, considering her words and the implications of her leaving. "Whether they are interested or not, they'll be drawn in. There is no one who doesn't have a stake in the outcome, no matter how isolated they believe themselves. When forces like these collide the echoes alone end lives and twist fates." She was his tie to Bandle City, and starting fresh with a new representative of the Yordles could be a disaster. Their temperaments being just as varied as humans if not more, there'd be no telling who they'd send or how they would react to what he had in store. Then again he felt for her, being so far from home for such an extended time. Perhaps it was time for her to go home, and to the benefit of them both. "Time is of the essence. When I send word I expect it to move quickly, whether or not you choose to follow it to Bandle City." He paused as he had so often of late, to reign in the hundred consequences of every action that plagued his thoughts. It was tiring being king. "Whatever you decide, I appreciate your presence here for all this time. I hope life in and around the city has not been difficult for you."
The Prince stared at his cup, distracted. He had reasons to hope, and hands to work with. If she left it would be another challenge for breaking down and pushing aside. He added it to the list. "I had better go. We'll talk again tomorrow maybe?"
Post by The Half-Dragon on Apr 13, 2014 14:31:03 GMT -5
The words that Leona uttered to Shyvana was enough for the Half-Dragon. Looking at the Defender as she took her position Shyvana stretched her neck and rolled her shoulders before beginning to move towards Leona. The stance was defensive, which was to be expected from Leona, she was a guardian of sorts, trained to defend whilst Shyvana was quite the opposite. Shyvana focused mainly on one form of combat, and that was attack.
She scanned Leona's pose and looked up at the sky, from this angle she'd end up with the sun glaring her in the eyes which would lead to Leona taking the upper hand. Could she turn the Avatar's own element against her? It was worth a try. The Half-Dragon began to circle the Solari, keeping her eyes locked at Leona's whilst she slowly step by step moved to the right.
Shyvana didn't want to make it too obvious so instead of walking till the sun was in her back she'd stop halfway then move slightly to the left. The Solari's position was a very defensive one, Shyvana thought, trying attack her directly like that would be like attacking a stone, she'd have to get her up from the ground or get behind her. Maybe she could use the environment to gain some advantage besides trying to get the sun into Leona's eyes.
After a few seconds of considering different possibilities Shyvana decided to engage. Moving to the right again with the goal of having the sun in her back she pushed against the ground, dragging her left gauntlet along the ground gathering dirt in it for a moment and closed the distance between the Defender and the Half-Dragon. Once Shyvana was close enough and the sun was behind her back she'd toss the dirt from her gauntlet in Leona's direction then strike at her sword with her right gauntlet, aiming to disarm Leona.
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