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Date: 5th of Seliel, Turn 698 AU
Location: Lyonhall Citadel
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Lyonhall Citadel. The Continent of Elyden held many a marvel, but when the League of Builders were tasked in constructing what was to be the main base of operations for the Royal Army of Elyden, they left nothing to chance. Built on the highest rise of earth in the hilly country of Aglil, Lyonhall, often simply referred to as the [i]Citadel[/i] by soldiers of the royal army, the magnificent structure was built around an entire inner fortress complex roughly 1350 feet in length and 500 feet in width, constructed with large, carefully squared spell forged stones. Along the inner walls were numerous rectangular and semicircular towers, roofed with pointed cross-arches.

Overlooking the high, eastern edge of the inner fortress stands a large keep, measuring 200 by 150 feet and protected by massive rectangular towers. The outer curtain, walling the inner fortress and wrapping it in further redundant defences, perfectly circled the rest of Lyonhall, marking the borders of the Citadel. Small walls connected these outer walls to the fortress walls within, thus segmenting off sections of Lyonhall. The citadel was thus a huge concentric nest of defences, cunningly designed to support each other and to be abandoned by the defenders in stages so that the attacking force must fight for every square inch of ground. The outer walls and gates are formidable enough, but these were only the first layer of defence. After that, the going for an attacker would only turn bloodier; with towers strategically placed to allow defenders to attack outward sections, but always lower than the inner wall, thus, in stages, even should an enemy take the first towers, they would still ever be at a disadvantage.

The western gate was almost always open in times of peace, as it was the most often traversed and used, with troops moving out of the Citadel to head either to Greenwood Castle, Skyhaven itself, or Lochbridge beyond that. The western gate section was also the main staging grounds sorties, and was thus packed with small stables for swift horses native to Aglil's hills. The flag of the Royal Army, an Eagle in flight with two swords crossed behind it's outstretched wings, flew high above the Citadels ramparts, even in the face of a coming storm. The west section also housed the King Stables, where knights and their mounts made their home while called to duty, groomers, horse hands, and other servants ran back and forth in the falling rain. Bells were singing and echoing in the cool high breeze, the spotters having seen the approaching caravan, one no doubt holding their newly appointed Lord Marshal and Firstsword’s shipment. 

Jopol sat outside the citadel gates, a long shadow enveloped him as he sat in the damp green grass, a luxury of land that he was not used to as both a sailor, and an Ash kin. Having arrived days before as per Gori Lamillur urgent request he found this spot to be his favorite when he was not listening to Gori’s commands, even if they were more watching his facial features rather than any actual listening. Jopol never really saw much of the Stars because of his pauper lifestyle and sailing career before this, but he had heard many things about the stars, particularly Gori, which they have proven themselves relatively true. When Jopol first laid his eyes on the tall man, he concluded that he does in fact look as if he was carved right out of a formidable stone, with very powerful and striking features. The sailor knew however not to mistake the stone like figure for sloth and slow movement, for even the weakest of minds knew that if this man could counter gnolls in combat, he must be clever and quick as well as powerful. This has proven true to Jopol expectations, as he found himself more often than not having long tactile tangents with the seasoned General and First Star for hours when there wasn’t much business to be taken care of, he even had the pleasure of practicing against one of the Ashtoken guards, which, he still remains sore from at this moment.

Suddenly the all too familiar hiss and whistle of a giant fuwma filled his ears, causing him to leap to his feet, nearly slipping on the wet grass, as it had started to rain; water seemed to have an uncanny way of following him wherever he went. Sure enough his silver eyes picked out the long line of a fuwma caravan in the distance coming up the road. Large wagons were attached to the great beasts that moved so effortlessly against the weight of the shipment. Jopol could tell however, that they weren't moving as fast as they normally do.

[i] Probably homesick,[/i] Jopol concluded, as fuwma tend to hate leaving the desert and her comforting warm sun that shines off and warms their dry sand colored scales. Before he knew it or even could finish his thoughts of the desert, the caravan was upon him, requesting entry through the imposing gates. Jopol walked over to the foremost wagon, and put a booted foot on the slippery step, “Mind if I tag along, I was just on my way in,” Jopol flashed his usual charmingly roguish smile. 

The driver looked over, she was a pretty one with light soft features and big eyes, and far too well dressed to be an actual fuwma driver, this connection caused Jopol to wrinkle his shaven brow in confusion, lifting himself on without ever getting a reply.

“Well, I suppose you can!” The woman sarcastically said with a flowing accent, seemingly taken aback by the rude entry.
Jopol lifted his brow and narrowed his eyes.
“I’m sorry, it has been a long and strange trip,” the woman defended, no look of sincerity emerged from her gentle face.
Jopol just nodded blankly, a typical stoic Ashtoken at this point. Then his observant eyes caught sight of her expensive yexaras that hung one on each of her shapely feminine hips, they held the sigil of the fifth tribe on the decorative pommel, and suddenly it all clicked, “Henzil Deprash is your father,” Jopol blurted, happy with his deduction.

The woman, Yia Deprash, in turn gave him the typical blink and nod, to which Jopol shook his soaked ashen head, as the caravan finally began to rumble through the gates.

 A dash of lightning flashed as the caravan came to a stop, the fuwma hissed at the wet intrusion as well as the sudden blasts of light. Jopol could see a distant Gori approaching from the grey mist that was forming, but before he distinguished the tall stone man and his mighty spear, he received the sudden urge to look up, and so his silver eyes shot skyward, twitching his eyelids at the showering rains endless assault.

The rain had begun some half a candlemark ago, and already it was starting to pour. Taking in her immediate surroundings, Valera Paragon, Lady of Greyhall and first Mistress of the Maiden Blades; was soon to spot a most interesting sight. Her current vantage point, several hundred feet in the air, allowed her to easily spot the slow moving procession of a body of men. Currently too high up to recognize the heraldry of their banners, she was able to see they rode not on horses. The awkward jerk of their legs and long reptilian like tails made that evident to her, even if she lacked the eyesight of her wing companion- a Nomadii named Kayein. Predictably a sharp whistle brought her attention to that very same women, and she had signalled to reveal she too had spotted it.

Valera signalled to her squad, a group of five other dire hawk riders of the Maidenblades, before leading them into a sharp climb before wheeling back around. In her mind, the current conditions could hardly worse for flying, though Goldeagle hardly seemed bothered by the beating rain and the odd bang of thunder. Still, while her companions would normally be silhouetted against the skies, the lack of sun and the presence of the storm would have in fact made it a simple matter to strike down in a sudden surprise attack on the caravan. Of course, she had no reason to do so, and in fact- as she began to decline to the parties far left, she recognized their sigil. A banner holding six copper stars around a red sun on a grayish silver background that could only be…

She tugged sharply on Goldeagles reins, causing him to snap his head back slightly and give a shrill 'chwirk'. Heads snapped up at that great bellow, surprise written on their faces- at least Valera guessed, still a bow shot away from the caravan. Herself and her fellow riders pulled up short as they glided the last several hundred feet. Too land softly just thirty feet to the left and ahead of the head of the escort. Valera heard a sharp curse several feet behind her. Apparently Lorica, Skybolt as the rest called her, had landed her mount rather unceremoniously in a large puddle of water. She walked Goldeagle forward, a hand raised in a sign of peace, she brought her dire hawk to a stop still some distance away however, not liking the way he was eyeing those lizards these men rode.

“Valera Paragon, Captain of the Lyonhall Garrsion, Lady of Greyhall and first Mistress of the Maiden Blades,” She had already begun to remove her open faced helm (only a mad man or women would ride a dire hawk with a but a visor to peek through), and freed her long raven black hair, letting it fall nearly to her shoulder, “I recognize your sigil, but not your face, would you be Firstsword Gori Lamillur of House Ashtoken?”

Jopol pointed a confused finger at himself, speechless as the raptor riding woman spoke to him, “No,” he finally stuttered. The reply to his weak answer was a quick bold one and came from several yards behind the mighty hawk.

“I am The Voice Of Ashtoken, Firstsword Gori Lamillur,” A strong booming accent sounded, all too familiar to Jopol now, as the tall man paced casually in the rain to the clutter of fuwma and hawk, his ever present ancient spear tight in his hand and Lam’Token on his belt. The First Star wore not his ceremonial desert robes however, but dawned thick sandy fuwma scales, that wrapped around him protectively as if the blessed desert had weaved the strong armor herself for the protection of her children.
 

Valera smiled and gave a nod. “Of course, I did think him a bit young.”

Her clear light grey eyes stared searchingly at him for a moment, as if taking his measure. Rain ran down her steel pauldrons, her armor itself was the uniform Tilrin style plated mail, with its elongated curves, flutings and ridges which strengthened the armour, providing natural deflection from arrows and weapon strikes; perhaps redundant given Valera spent most of her patrols from the skies. One might see, despite all the grime of hard travel upon her, that she was quite beautiful, yet in a dissolute short of way. She wore no cloak, and save for the leathers and padding under her armor, had no protection from the elements. Yet she seemed unperturbed by this fact.

Helm under her left arm, the other still on the reins she continued. “Well then, we have much to discuss, and the weather seems intent on making that difficult out here. My companions and I have just returned from a patrol along the southern reaches north of Balrion River, allow us to escort you and your caravan the rest of the way to the Citadel proper,”

	“Of course,” Agreed Gori Lamillur with a polite nod of respect, as he studied the hawks and their riders alike, “I was about to suggest getting the fuwma out of the rain, and us in better quarters for a tribunal.”

The First Stars eyes quickly glanced at Yia, recognizing her face instantly, giving her but a simple raise of the brow and twitch of the nose. The young girl hopped off the tall wagon, her knees buckled as she nearly slid on the muddy ground. She walked over to Gori, Jopol quick at her heels as a true fuwma driver took control of the foremost wagon.

“You two should come along,” Gori requested, both feeling it was more than a suggestion, due to his naturally authoritative tone. 

 Valera gave a curt nod, before re-donning her helm again and signalling for her band to rise skyward once more. She pulled on Goldeagles reins and he walked back with slow strides two steps, once he had enough room he gave a another great shrill cry- causing a few fuwma to snap up their heads at the sound- before he beat his mighty wings and slowly ascended. Soon the procession was on the move once more, overshadowed now by the six dire hawk riders above. 

 The caravan entered through the first gate, and begun moving through check point after check point. The sky riders themselves soon vanished in a north easterly section of the Citadel, presumably to specially made and quartered off stations for their mounts. 

It would be almost a full turn of the glass before Valera had finished seeing to Goldeagle, making sure a fresh horse carcases had been brought to him and that his groomers paid special mind to his usual foul temperament during a storm. Odd how when grounded and under a roof he found lightening followed by thunder to be unsettling. Still tracking mud with each step, a few lingering drops of water falling from her form, Valera made her way to the main war chamber. The rooms official name was 'Chamber of Campaigns,' and was a room Valera knew all too well, despite the Greater Realm as a whole never having fought a true great war. Reaching the door, she stopped a moment, wiped dry her hands, then took hold of the iron loop beneath the latch as she pulled the portal open. 

 A heavy lanolin smell was the first thing to strike her, as it often did, and then the light, sharp and bright from the east-facing wall where a spell lite brazer burned- spell lite she knew due to the complete lack of smoke it produced. The air was cool but rapidly swarming as the brazier had begun to give off much needed heat. The sight of breakfast leavings off to the side on another table reminded her she had not yet had anything it eat. The center room was dominated by a massive table, one especially designed with the an extremely detailed map of Elyden. Gori was already within, peering across the map before him.

 She stepped in, the door closing behind her, she snapped her feet together and bowed a salute. “First Sword Gori Lamillur,” she said crisply. “Valera Paragon reporting, I see you found the main chamber without much trouble.” 

Gori kept his finger tracing various passageways and routes as the sharp salute was made. He looked up at her announcement however, and straightened himself out uniformly and gave the salute a warm welcoming bow of his own head,

	“A pleasure to finally meet you Valera Paragon,” Gori Lamillur said in his stoic fashion, his eyes covertly studying her once again before snapping into politics and offering a seat with a formal gesture, himself preparing to take one as he shifted his spear into the crease of his arm.

	The two sat down rather close as to observe the map if necessary,
“I am wondering, Valera, what you know of the current conflicts of the greater realm?” Gori asked in a swooping eastern accent, his pale eyes digging in with the inquiry.

Valera sat back in her seat, taking a much needed and long awaited breather. She screwed up her face slightly at Gori's question. “Mostly of recent events: The second intrusion of assassins, resulting in the death of one servant. The Summit and the appointments that followed. Not much else then that- I've been keeping busy with my duties here, along with leading hunts along the eastern borders. More and more Gothica seem to be coming down from the mountains of late than normal...worse still we have been hearing less and less from House Jaegar of late. All we know from rumours is that they have been fighting off a few incursions of their own.” 

A hand tapped against the armrest of her chair. “I suspect you may very well know more then I Firstsword, it has been a month since I have stepped foot in Skyhaven.” 
 
	Gori digested her words quickly, “I have sent a request for the presence of Lord Jaegar, I myself have heard snips of those rumors, and would prefer them beaten back as soon as possible,” The man paused, his stone set face finding spots on the map.

“However,” Gori continued, “We will get back to that topic but first; There is also unrest in the southern and western Isles, consequently reducing our navy, and putting the continent at risk of invasion due to silly selfish ambitions.”

	The man's gaze connected with Valera’s, “I have taken many scenarios into thought, spent nights and days concocting strategies, and various solutions to problems present, and future. Many things have been brought to my attention in many ways, and what I do know is: our navy is useless.” 

	Gori tapped his spear heavily on the floor, causing Jopol to open the door slowly and peak in, “ready for me?” He asked in a light sighing tone and was met with a simple nod.

	As the sailor casually strolled in, taking in the sights of the grand room, Gori continued.
“I thought to myself, we must be ready for anything on, and off shores, our standing army is powerful and formidable, yes, but our navy suffers, especially with the lack of cooperation with House Karacid, and Conrad. Luckily, I had requested Jopol to help solve such issues. Jopol Shempul is a merchant manager of Tempur, a born and raised sailer and man of the ocean, skilled enough to rise the ranks quickly, and now provides us with even more resourcefulness.”

Gori rubbed his bald chin, “We must prepare to be outnumbered on the waves, therefore we must have better tactics, and better equipment to work with, Jopol if you would.”

The young sailor took a folded piece of paper from his soaked pocket and flattened it against the map, rubbing it viciously to keep it unfolded. On the worn damp paper revealed a design, a new ship, one of which Gori had mentioned to Jopol, was [i]very much an odeshian idea[/i] and that Jopol’s journeys and dealings with other cultures clearly paid off.

“you see,” Jopol began sucking up any sense of nervousness and hiding it behind his dashing silver eyes, as the other two stared at him intently, “ I was shipping some wine one day, when a wave knocked an entire rack of barrels into the ocean, some cracked and broke in the storm while others didn't, keeping the rack afloat. So I thought why don’t we do this with our hulls? Why a single layer when there can be two, with hexagon compartments in between to catch water instead of weighing the entire ship down? One compartment may fill up, but the rest of the ship would be just fine!”

The sailor looked happily over his work, awaiting the two to speak. 

Valera rubbed her chin in thought. “I admit to having little experience in naval warfare or sea travel in general. But you have reason to believe we might be attacked from overseas? The last Black Armada was nearly two cycles ago, surely they can't be planning another invasion so soon?” The very idea was unsettling, but there was a measure relief in knowing that newly appointed to the position he may be, Gori was already immersing himself into the task. “And this ship design... it might prove promising if it will be as effective as you say, how long would it take to build at least a small fleet of ships of such a design?” 

The mediocrity of the Royal Navy had been an issue she had raised before, even her cousin Carixus had voiced concerns on the state of the navy- or lack thereof. 

Gori almost smiled at the question, such tactics being one of his favorite discussions, “I myself wondered, but then it struck me obvious. One merchant ship is usually the same size as another which sells the same product, one of less product is a slightly smaller ship. It is quick and easy to tear a ship apart, and all we need is enough wood for the second hull and the compartments, which can easily be taken from either ship and added to its brethren, and why stop there, “Gori persisted.

“I fear threats from not only the far east, but possibly island houses who seem to send off a rebellious nature, as troubling rumors have acquainted themselves to my ear. In turn I have acquainted myself with their styles of warfare, and have come up with a conclusion should the need arise to face our own at sea. If we cover the decks to deflect the arrows of enemy gallys, it provides enough cover for retaliation, as well as a new weapon to be feared on the waves.”

The First Star paused and looked at Jopol who had started to lean in close as if the booming voice of Gori was a soft whisper, Jopol smiled warmly, “Excuse me,” he requested as he sat back.

	“I have ordered pitch and sand,” Gori continued, his almost glowing eyes focused back on Valera as they peered from his chiseled stone visage, “When an enemy climbs your walls, you pour hot pitch on them, when the enemy tries to flank the desert army, you put them in a sandstorm, likewise when enemy archers on a galley aim their arrows at us, we burn their feet with unquenchable oils, and blind them with infallible sand, when the time comes for this, we shall bring the very desert to the ocean.” 

	The Lord Marshal sat back in his seat, both his hands folded on his spear, and a look as if buzzing thoughts spoke to him conjured up an appearance on his face, “this is my solution for the navy, currently,” He concluded in a gentler voice.

“I have always been of a mind the Greater Realm has suffered the island nations current rule, given their tendency for Independence and rebellion. That is a threat that has been brewing for too long.” She said nodding. “What you suggest however Firstsword sounds quiet...adventurous, to say the least. I can't imagine any of our enemies expecting it, or having an answer for it. But many ships and navies employ windsingers, such individuals could turn that very sand back against us, if not at least nullify its advantage all together.” 

Jopol interjected, “then we shall answer with the Magi!”

Gori Lamillur shot Jopol a glance, one of either agreement or disappointment, it was hard for Jopol to tell. The seasoned soldier tightened his grip on the spear and became entranced in thought, “possibly,” He finally said, “One would be wise to think on such a tactic before considering it all well and done right off, to be aware of certain unseeable rebuttals, when you have time,” Gori continued his proverb, “it is best to use it so you know what to do when you don’t.”

“One of many tactics,” The Voice said collectively, “Perhaps the answer to your question of windsingers is to send more boiling oil over, or catapult stones, maybe to hook their boat and set it on fire, perhaps even ballista.”

“ Yet another tactic is quick sleek ships armed with a prongs much like a Trireme, with a line of them, covered and hooded to protect them from falling arrows, and swiftly propelled by two sets of under deck rows, one could puncture the enemy hull, allowing marines to take the ship,” Gori paused again, "There are many solutions to the problem, I guess my theory would be. They can be combined, mixed, and matched, and all work in their own scenarios, it is finding the appropriate time to use each that decides the effectiveness. I am inclined to believe that a tiny row boat could take down the largest galleon, given the proper scenario and strategy.”

“Valera,” Gori began, his deep voice switching to curiosity, would you say it is time to get our army prepared for the worst? I myself wish to access what we have to work with.”

“Well I suppose it will be left to the High Admiral to decide.” She folded her fingers together as the topic. “I think it is past time we began reorganizing the Royal Army. Currently the army stands roughly 22,000 strong, with auxiliary forces available from the other High Houses which could see that number double or in the best circumstances tripled. The core of the army itself, stationed here in Aglil comprises of 7,500 spearmen, 3,500 swordsmen, 3,500 crossbowmen, 3,000 skirmishers, 2,000 of which are mounted, and roughly 4,500 men-at-arms and knights. However, we seem to have a significant lack of heavy Calvary, not a problem if we see any action in the north-west, but may pose an issue later. Of course, we also have fifty three skysentinel's to call upon.” 

Gori nodded slowly, “yes, a reorganization would be in order, I plan on bringing Shi’iti into the army to help spark new military ideas and integrations, such would only benefit the military. Perhaps, if things worsen, we should pull auxiliary forces for formal training. I suspect famous Agile armor is being used, but how is the quality of the weapons?” The stone like man tapped Lam’Token, it’s steel blade had visible dark lines flowing alongside the blade, signifying its density yet flexible nature of the carbon tubing created in the delicate smithing process. 

“That could be beneficial, many still speak highly of Shi’iti martial practices. As for weapons, tilrinmessers are used primarily by foot companies, with mounted lancers servicing longswords. They've served well enough, but I suspect you would have to speak with Tilrin blacksmiths of the Citadel to get a more in-depth analysis. I've heard few complaints myself.” Valera absentmindedly rested a hand on the hilt of her sword, still sheathed in the scabbard. 

“I will do an in depth inspection personally as well as speak to the men and women of the army, and as soon as possible” Gori stared in thought, “Soon this army will be well oiled and ready to defend on the case of any intrusions.”

Yia slowly creaked the heavy door open, her head poking in “um, First Star, there is a Queen Elle here to see you.”

	Jopol’s posture suddenly straightened itself out as he took a more noble appearance, his ears in disbelief and his eyes wide like a doe’s at the name as Gori began an acknowledging nod. 

	“Sure, let her in, and why don’t you join us, Yia,” Gori waved at the countless chairs, clearly the meeting was to end here, and another to begin. Such was politics, as Gori Lamillur had learned.

The Queen quickly entered, "Why must I relinquish rights to trade with the Conrads?" Elle yelled allowed getting straight to the point, she was not in her formal Royal clothing and instead wore a short black battle skirt, her crossbow lay by her right side as the curved sword on her left almost touched the floor. "Surely you do not understand what this would do to Odesh, our main export is tools and weaponry, and without House Conrad's metals we can not continue this Economic stability."

Gori raised a brow at the sudden attack, as Jopol nearly fell out of his chair, his arms barely catching the chairs sides. The Voice kept his calm composure and replied with the usual boom, "I understand your plight, and I have given thought to them."

His scale covered hand motioned at the seats once more, one in which the silent Yia had already taken, "As you are well aware, Ashtoken and Whiteshorn have been long term business associates for quite a while, in fact we have Shipping Manager Jopol Shempul here now," Gori motioned towards the wide eyed man, "He is well in charge of Odeshian shipments, and any lack in resources can be compensated through our own old trade routes." 

Elle looked to Jopol, she didn't react to seeing him. "I believe I have heard of his name." She said not giving away a hint that she knew him. "Should I talk to him on the matter of addressing how Odesh will receive its metals?" She asked Gori, glancing over to Jopol once again. 

Gori nodded, his gaze unwavering, "he has the ability to write up all the formal paperwork to be looked over by the council, but there should be no reason we wouldn't help out a long standing friend, and such a bill of trade should pass immediately."

The First Star tapped Lam'Token, "I'm sure you will find Ashishian steel reliable and to your taste. Although I do offer any tests you might want to use to quench any doubt if such a need ever arrives."

“I will check over the batch personally” Elle said, looking to the floor. “I fear that this could have been solved sooner, and saved me a trip, if you had thought about Odeshian needs before you sent out the demands to cease trades.” Elle retorted with a frown. “But I see you would rather come to my lands and demand I surrender my trade and even to go so far as surrender my extended family, without even a meeting so that the houses could at least be told in person the severity of House Conrad’s crimes towards the crown.” 

"You have my apologies, but I must say; The arrest pales in comparison to what crimes lay hidden among the Islanders, and it was not my decision alone. I wouldn't bring harm to my countries friends, neither let trespassers against them sip in delicacies of victory over their unknowing maimed bodies. I will bring light to what questions the decree brings, but I also I must find the light in the questions brought to me by others. There is a lot going on Queen Elle, and I apologize for what part I play, and any discomforts you may feel from such actions, but I will see to it personally that they are all compensated, and all Houses suspected of crimes receive just and fair trials, and all Houses affected receive fair solutions."

Gori ended his calm speech with a blink, his spear idly leaning against him. A single clink sounded as the spear butt tapped the ground, and The First Stars powerful hand gripped the artifact to steady it. 

"What of my fathers assassins?" Elle asked doubtfully "Any news on who did it, or who hired them? I presume the Black Scorpions are the prime suspects? I would hope that this was priority number one, not rounding up Conrad's "Elle placed a hand on the hilt of her sword, sweat dripped from her forehead to the floor. The journey had been long and uncaring and it showed on the womans face. 

Jopol sucked back condolences and instinct to comfort the woman, whom he "had never seen before".

Gori sat through the question like the stone he was made out of, unlike Yia who looked full of worry. 

"It is top priority, and the only concern of the Seeker, right next to the crown. As I have mentioned, I will not let trespassers laugh and smile in cheated victory," Gori reiterated the last sentence, a sense of care could have been taken from his usual stoic voice as he spoke with the Queen who was but a baby when Lord Flint opened relations with Hevi Deprash.

Elle looked up, her warm eyes looking into the men in front of her. "Thank you... I should return to my kingdom now... I hope to speak with you soon Mr Shempul " She nodded towards Jopol then turned to leave. 

Gori bowed his head in respect, "Of course, and feel free to take as many nights as you wish here, though it may not be luxurious, take the best room you see."
	
	The Firstsword thought for a moment, “but of course we were just discussing some issues of the greater realm, as Queen of Odesh, it would be very much appreciated if you would wish to join us.”

"I guess I can spare some time to join in the conversation, of what are we discussing?" Elle asked, walking over and seating herself, attempting to adjust her sword so she could sit down comfortably. Failing, she unsheathed the blade and placed it on the table in front of her, The large curved Claymore covering 4 feet of the table.

“ Concerning military matters, as well as the uncomfortable rumors of an island rebellion,” Gori Lamillur noted with a blink, “Do you have anything to say on the matter?”

	Yia leaned onto the table, seemingly bored, her big eyes studying Elle as she waiting for a response, but her eyes kept finding their way back to the curved blade, causing Yia to rest her hand on her fathers yexara she kept on her left.

Elle layback in her chair, thankful to finally be sitting down. "I know that if left out of the loop they will make your jobs a lot harder, rumours run around you see, and the seedy underworld has a way of getting past things like embargos and sneaking people in and out of places, under the noses of the ones in charge." Elle glanced to Yia, who seemed to be more fixated with Elles blade than what she was saying. "I will raise security at my docks, but it seems Odeshian criminals can slip through the tiniest of cracks" Elle continued. 

	“As long as they can not fund a rebellion, also, with the appointment of a new High Admiral, things should hopefully see improvement. However I see your point, and would hope to work close with you, as your ports have heavy shipping schedules, and the eradication of criminal activity would benefit us both.”

	Yia spoke finally, her voice sounding tired, “you mentioned a new High Admiral?”
	Gori nodded at the bored Deprash, “Yes, the man I trust the most with the job currently would fall to this man,” He pointed a gloved finger towards Jopol who was taken aback, “Me?”

	“Of course, you know these waters better than any other in the east and are up to par with the west, followed by your cultural experiences and well thinking, I trust you can get the job done,” Gori folded his hands on his spear, “Of course first you must finish your shipment with Odesh, but after you are to be debriefed, and relocated to a major port where the majority of the navy would benefit the most from being docked at.”

	Jopol simply nodded, taking in the sudden promotion. He played with his topaz ring, thinking what this new title would bring, and what he would hope it doesn't bring.

"I do not want to judge your selection, but does this man know anything of Military tactics? Naval Tactics? Experienced military training?" Elle was sceptical at the sudden promotion. Looking to Jopol, she wouldn't want him to be killed in action. Possibly by her own hand.

	“I would suspect, a Shi’iti who has sailed the pirate infested eastern seas would know a thing or two,” Gori looked to Jopol to await his own analysis. The newly promoted admiral sat silent, his face looked lifeless and blank, and his silver eyes twitched back and forth as though they were reading invisible words. With a sudden shaking of the head, the man snapped back in, his voice noticeably low,

“As a Shi’iti I have no doubts,” The tone was almost sad, and clearly distressed. 

Elle thought about the words, Asktoken society was always so... weird to her. So militaristic in nature. "If this man is to defend my ports I wish for him to be trained with a crossbow, so if the need arises he can use the weapon effectively. I do not expect you to arm him with one but I would feel safer if I knew he would be able to shoulder one." Elle believed the crossbow to be one of Odesh's greatest inventions, a weapon that could defeat men with little effort or practice, but she also liked that the weapon could be trained with and used as a tool to take out long range individuals. Shooting key targets further than any other weapon.

Gori nodded, "Agreeable, he may leave with you whenever you choose to depart."

Elle nodded in thanks then looked to Jopol “I will put you in the hands of the the Odeshian Scouts… they will make sure you can shoot a flea off a dogs back” 

"Thank you Queen whiteshorn," Jopol said with his usual pleasant smile.