[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1105986186507452477/1106787223002681364/Yvain.png[/img][/center]
[center][h2][color=00e600]At the crack of dawn[/color][/h2][/center]
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[hider=A trusted friend]Two figures hunted for sport within the forest close to the estate. [color=00e600]“Olivier, could you please reconsider your answer.”[/color] Yvain bowed his head down towards someone who would be considered his lesser. [color=00e600]“Your skill would be a great asset to the order I am creating.”[/color] The older man laughed, his hounds patiently sided by his legs.  [color=A3876A]“Nonsense, I am barely to not fit to be one of the young lord’s knights. I am but a lowly artisan.”[/color] Olivier pointed at his nearly grayed hair with a smile.  [color=A3876A]“I’m not the young bear I used to be, son. My hair’s a great sign of that. I have fought my fights.”[/color] 

[color=00e600]“But that does not diminish your usefulness in the slightest. You’re the one that taught me much, yet I believe you have still more wisdom to convey to me and the order as a whole.”[/color] One of the hounds walked from the beast master’s side to circle around the young noble playfully.  [color=A3876A]“That one is still young, let her get her energy out.”[/color] The man made sure the other hounds did not leave his side. 

Olivier did not know how to answer Yvain’s plea.  [color=A3876A]“You are truly a spitting image of your father, your siblings do not have the same radiance.”[/color] Yvain looked rather unamused by the older man’s comments. [color=00e600]“Spitting image? I am better than that old fool.”[/color]  [color=A3876A]“Of course, of course. But your father said the same thing about his father.”[/color] Yvain sighed. He knew he could never win this little discussion. [color=00e600]“Then let me prove it to you.”[/color] Olivier raised his eyebrow.  [color=A3876A]“And how would you prove it?”[/color] The young noble smirked. [color=00e600]“Join my order, help me like you helped father and I will prove to you that I am truly better than him. Who would be a better judge of that than someone who has been by his side for decades?”[/color] Olivier smiled contently, Yvain’s answer satisfactory.  [color=A3876A]“Alright boy, just do not expect too much of these old bones.”[/color][/hider]



A week has passed and his recruitment went mostly according to his plans. He managed to get his two mentors Olivier and Nicolas to join his cause as well as Nicolas’s other student Yvette. [color=00e600][i]She is certainly up my alley. Alas, she is from common birth and her capacity is pitiful[/i][/color] The other woman of the group was somewhat treated with the same attitude. [color=00e600][i]She might prove useful as a future mistress, an unofficial branch with her… talents could be quite advantageous.[/i][/color] And finally the final member of his personal recruitment that accepted his call. Bastien Moreau, a dark skinned man who made quite a name for himself as a proficient mercenary in southern Perrence and even in parts of Enth.

The people assembled to answer his call yet most were of the merchant class and other riffraff… There were some nobles, however they could barely be seen as them.  They were not the people he had hoped for… though he should have kept his expectations lower. If they can fight, they will be useful. If he could turn these undesirables into a trained force, then the crown needed to acknowledge his drive. 

[color=D3BA34]"Attention!”[/color] the dark skinned man spoke out to gather the recruits’ collective focus.  [color=D3BA34]“You are in the presence of the grand master.”[/color] Yvain took the stage to address the people who have arrived here. [color=00e600]“My countrymen! I am truly delighted to see so many of you have answered my call.”[/color] The Berbignon stood straight, a warm smile on his face. [color=00e600]“Within this order there shall be no class divide, for we are all Perrench.”[/color] He opened his arms to further address the crowd. [color=00e600]“Our order might not be the most grand as of now, but it shall soon eclipse any other!”[/color] He pointed at everyone in the crowd. [color=00e600]“You, you, you and you shall be the most renowned knights in the land!” He paused. "My knights!"[/color]

[color=C3E0C6]“And what do we get out of it besides some cash?”[/color] A rather unsatisfied noble yelled out for his attention. [color=C3E0C6]“I could join any other order and get more worth out of it.”[/color] Yvain frowned. [color=00e600]“What I offer  is worth more than just gold. I offer true strength.”[/color] The noble moved forward towards the younger noble. [color=C3E0C6]“And how is a [i]child[/i] going to offer us strength? I am already strong as is.”[/color] Yvain waved his hand dismissively. [color=00e600]“It would be wise not to address your superior as a child. My age is not a reflective sign of my competency, because if we use that..”[/color] A grin appeared on the boy’s face. [color=00e600]“That would only put you in a worse light.”[/color]

The older noble began to draw aggressively. [color=C3E0C6]“How dare you?! I am a count, you fool! I could rival a marquis with my influence.”[/color] The crowd moved away from the man as Bastien aimed his rifle towards the man. Yvain put his hand on the rifle and moved it down. [color=00e600]“Thank you, friend. However this is something I shall deal with personally.”[/color] The boy clapped as he got down from his platform to be on equal ground. [color=00e600]“Bravo, bravo, that is quite some capacity you have.”[/color] The older man smirked. [color=C3E0C6]“What’s with the sudden compliment? Are you mocking me?”[/color] The man’s anger was almost enough to pop a vein. Yvain’s expression was one of pure dissatisfaction. [color=00e600]“No, that was a genuine compliment. It is indeed quite some power for a lesser, weaker noble than myself.”[/color]

The man cast an arcane lance and sent the beam straight towards the boy’s chest. Yvain drew away the potency of the attack and it dissipated near his chest. [color=00e600]“Was that enough of your little tangent?”[/color] He sighed, still quite unamused with how highly this nobody regarded himself. [color=00e600]“This is your last chance to accept my blessing or you will face my wrath.”[/color] The man’s anger however was not sated. He lunged at the boy, fist making contact with Yvain’s frame staggering him back. A furious pyre burned in the boy’s eyes after taking the hit. [color=00e600]“You think you’re one of the strong! Let me prove you wrong!”[/color]

The man could feel pressure build onto his entire body, it was dragging him down to the ground. He tried to resist the immense force yet was no match for it. The older noble screamed out as his body hit began to be pushed into itself, arms pulled against his back, legs pushed against his stomach with increasing force. The bending of his body led to bones breaking and screams of agony coming from the man. 

 [color=A3876A]“Enough!”[/color] A man with two hounds by his side yelled out and as soon as his voice was heard Yvain stopped. [color=00e600]“Olivier, I was just showing this man some discipline.”[/color] Olivier shook his head.  [color=A3876A]“That is not discipline, son. That is just being cruel.”[/color] He waved towards Nicolas and Bastien.  [color=A3876A]“Could you please make sure this man is seen out and will gets offered some care?”[/color] The two men nodded and dragged the mangled, yet alive body out of the room. 

The hound barked before Olivier signed them for silence.  [color=A3876A]“My fellow Perrench. I would like to apologize for the spectacle from both sides.”[/color] His face was trying to form a warm smile through his rough appearance.  [color=A3876A]“But this boy is correct. We offer you strength, a way to climb the class ladder and all will be taken into our care and receive the blessings of being in the inner circle of a high noble.”[/color] He lowered his head.  [color=A3876A]“I will not force this upon anyone but some of the blessings do extend to your families.”[/color] After the senior diplomat ended his speech some did leave, fearful of the Grand master’s fury yet there were also those who wished for strength and became members. Forty Three new members were gained and prepared themselves to become knights. 

[hr] 

Yvain sighed as he sat down in his chair. [color=00e600]“I’m glad we managed to get new recruits.”[/color] Olivier smacked the young noble on the back of the head.  [color=A3876A]“You prideful fool!”[/color] Yvain wished to retaliate but he could not against the man he respected so much. [color=00e600]“He was the one who instigated it. I would have looked weak if I didn’t.”[/color] His voice was weaker than usual. The senior’s face was one of disappointment.  [color=A3876A]“Then you openly request a duel! His pride would not allow him to deny it.”[/color] Yvain leaned back. [color=00e600]“It happened already, did it not? I’ll take this with me in the future.”[/color] He waved his hand dismissively. [color=00e600]”I’ll gift the man’s family some gold and then he’ll shut up.”[/color]

Olivier sighed and sat down next to him.  [color=A3876A]“Then what do we do now, grand master?”[/color] Yvain thought to himself. [color=00e600]“Perhaps we should extend our scopes.”[/color] He stood up to grab a map. Olivier looked rather confused.  [color=A3876A]“In what way?”[/color] Yvain smirked and pointed towards the Sevaran lands. [color=00e600]“If we could find some potent people with perhaps the famous fireblood. It could truly strengthen our numbers in the long run.”[/color] He pointed to it once more. [color=00e600]“Or the devourers.”[/color] His smirk only grew before pointing towards the savage lands. [color=00e600]“What if we manage to integrate some of the infamous mooncasters? They would be a situational force but their strength is nothing to scoff at.”[/color] Olivier laughed. [color=A3876A]“You truly want us to have a target on our head?”[/color] Yvain shook his head. [color=00e600]“No, I want us to become Perrence’s greatest asset.”[/color] 

Yvain's eyes burned with ambition as he envisioned his future exploits. Olivier, though concerned, couldn't help but admire the young noble's determination. [color=A3876A]"Your vision is grand, son... Just don't overdo it" Olivier warned. "We will be treading dangerous waters, dealing with the political ramifications that comes not just from within Perrence but outside as well."[/color] Yvain nodded, his expression serious though a glint of excitement escaped. [color=00e600]"I am aware of that, Olivier. But if we are to truly make a mark, a mark so big that children shall sing of our exploits hundreds of years later."[/color]

Olivier sighed, acknowledging he could not lower the boy's grand vision. [color=A3876A]"Very well, but we must proceed with caution. We cannot afford to make enemies as we stand right now. Diplomacy and tact will be as crucial as strength and power."[/color] Yvain nodded in agreement. [color=00e600]"I understand, Olivier. We'll approach this with care."[/color] He grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill. dipped the point in ink and began to write. [color=00e600]"First, we have to placate the king to make sure he won't fear a potential move on him. Second, if we can help sway Revidia's lesser aligned allies like the Rettanese. The Torragonese would be an obvious choice yet the task of calming tensions between them and the Virangish would be quite the task. If these goals succeed, getting my hands on Mooncasters and the such would not be the hardest move."[/color] 

He looked towards her old mentor with a questioning look. [color=00e600]"What do we do about Enth? They seem to look favorably at the Revidians but if they could be swayed to help us instead or remain neutral would lead to less overexertion of the Perrench Armee."[/color] Olivier laughed about the lofty goals. [color=A3876A]"[b]First[/b], get the king to agree on these. You don't want yourself to undermine him, now would you?"[/color] The boy sighed. [color=00e600]"I don't want to do that, but we are just letting Revidia look stronger on the world stage while we could squash them like a bug if it wasn't for that troublesome alliance."[/color] Frustration build up in his tone. [color=00e600]"Perhaps we could bolster a revolt within Segona, that could cripple them."[/color] Yvain tried to think of ways to undermine the Revidian snake. [color=A3876A]"And what of the Crissians? Would they not do the same with them if we helped Segona?"[/color] Olivier asked. [color=A3876A]"A revolt from them could make the coming war an even bigger hassle."[/color] Yvain scratched his head whilst deep in thought. [color=00e600]"I don't understand why they won't just give them more freedom at the cost of aligning with us. Make them want to be in the Sovereign pact instead of pushing down our heel into them. It would cost us a lot less headaches."[/color] 

He looked at the parchment with a frown. [color=00e600]"These are quite a couple things we need to deal with and not make Rouis angry.."[/color] Olivier nodded with a smirk plastered on his face. [color=A3876A]"The wonderful world of diplomacy, son."[/color] The young noble could rip out his perfect blonde hair but he calmed himself. [color=00e600]"That is why you are my greatest asset, old friend."[/color] Yvain looked at the map and pointed at Warlisz and their neighbours. [color=00e600]"I think we should make sure our neighbours won't help the Revidians if a war comes, for that could destroy our lands."[/color] He once again leaned into his chair. [color=00e600]"I think that is that for our current plans in these turbulent times, no?"[/color] Oliver grabbed the parchment from the table and inspected it. [color=A3876A]"I believe so."[/color] He clapped his hands. [color=00e600]"Good, then we must come to the table with our neighbors."[/color] He paused, letting out a chuckle. [color=00e600]"With the king's consent, of course."[/color]

Olivier nodded in agreement, his demeanor grew more serious as he considered the complex diplomatic web. [color=A3876A]"Indeed, son. The king's consent is important. We must approach him with a well-crafted plan and sound reasoning to gain his support."[/color] Olivier continued, [color=A3876A]"We should also consider the existing alliances and rivalries in the region. If they see a mutual benefit in aligning with us, it could sway their allegiance."[/color] Yvain nodded, his expression grew determined. [color=00e600]"True, we should be prepared to offer incentives to our potential allies, whether it's trade agreements, military support, or just political aid. We must show them that aligning with us is in their best interests."[/color]

Olivier tapped his chin in thought. [color=A3876A]"And don't forget the power of diplomacy within the court as well. Winning the favor of other high nobles can be just as important. They can help sway the king and political decisions in our favor."[/color] Yvain sighed at the thought of engaging in that pit of vipers.. [color=00e600]"I hate to admit that you're right... but you are. We should identify potential allies and assess their current stances and interests."[/color]

[color=A3876A]"And let's not forget the power of information. Knowing our enemies' plans can be a significant advantage."[/color] Yvain nodded in agreement. [color=00e600]"You're right, Olivier. Information is power. This is why I've ordered Élisée to build up a network of informants to keep us informed. Did you think I wouldn't have my own network already in the works? You hurt me, Olivier."[/color] The older man looked at his old student with pride. [color=A3876A]"My apologies, sometimes I forget you aren't that stupid child that I had to teach basic diplomacy to anymore."[/color]

Yvain leaned over the table. [color=00e600]"We need to bolster our internal structure as well,"[/color] he said, gesturing towards the emblem of the order. [color=00e600]"Training programs, resources, and proper mentorship will be crucial. Our knights should be paragons of power and honor."[/color] Olivier nodded in agreement. [color=A3876A]"We must instill in them the values of chivalry, loyalty, and discipline. They should be the embodiment of the collective Perrench soul and their ideals."[/color] The boy nodded back. [color=00e600]"Bastien and Nicolas have a different expertise but I am sure that they will train the most valiant warriors for our cause. If Yvette is up for the task might give her own group of recruits but that will be something I should discuss with Nicolas first."[/color] He looked his mentor straight into his eyes. [color=00e600]"Speaking for being up for the task, I would like to ask you to train some of them in the ways of handling beasts."[/color] Olivier hesitated. [color=A3876A]"Would it not be a shame to waste the recruits' time with an old man's tricks?"[/color] Yvain pointed his finger to Olivier's face. [color=00e600]"No, It [b]would[/b] be a shame if your skills die with you."[/color]

The conversation shifted to the economic aspect. [color=00e600]"Our order must be financially stable,"[/color] Yvain said firmly. [color=00e600]"Everything that does not go to the order should be invested in trade, infrastructure, artisanship and agriculture for prosperous Berbignon lands will strengthen our position and earn the goodwill of the people."[/color] Yvain continued. [color=00e600]"We can lure in skilled craftsmen, merchants, and scholars. Our lands should be a hub of knowledge and innovation. By spreading this knowledge, we not only strengthen our lands but also create a prosperous future for our children to inherit."[/color]

As they finally concluded their meeting, Yvain looked at Olivier. [color=00e600]"We have our work cut out for us, my friend,"[/color] he said. [color=00e600]"But I believe in our vision. Together, we will leave a legacy that will be looked favorably upon for centuries."[/color]