Among the frigid cold of the North, the mountains are home to wild Wyverns and the fearsome military establishment that dared to tame them. Known to some as the darkened towers to the North, most governments know of it as Stanislav.
Militaristic, might makes right to those of this city. Perhaps that was the reason behind Stanislav's sudden invasion of Thalia, a smaller nation to the south. The empire's guise for entry was a simple dispute of bandits between the Stanislav-Thalia border... It would seem Thalia failed to realize Stanislav's avarice...
Thalia has fallen, and is currently under Stanislav rule. Tensions are high, this sudden transgression has lit up a spark of concern across Jedica. With the spilling of Thalian blood, full out war is on the horizon, and the countries are likely preparing for full collision. Among one of the many darkened towers that dot the snowy landscape of Stanislav enters just one player in this grand epic.
The main room within the tower proper provided little light, just flames dancing upon their wicks, causing shadows the shadows of the occupants to move rhythmically. A large oak table sat in the middle of the room, upon that table a map, it would seem battle strategy was currently in discussion, for this map was of Thalia. Sitting at the head was a older man, easily within his 50's, he was leaned back against the great chair he sat, an elbow resting on a decorative arm. Quietly a hand was lifted towards his chin, fingers idly rubbing against the scruff of his chin. Bondarev Voronin, a decorated military general, and head of the Northeastern chapter. This man has seen his fair share of bloodshed, evident by his honed in focused eyes. A nearby flame reflected off of them only adding to his frightening menace. Clearly, the cogs in his head were turning.
At the side of the table sat a younger man, features similar to the great general, his son, Vadik Voronin. A man of high prestige, he carried his father's name an respect as a Lieutenant, he helmed specifically the Voronoy Battalion.. Often considered some of Stanislav's more ruthless soldiers. It was quiet within the room, only the slight flicker of flames and the occasional throat clear drowning out the strained silence. Shifting up in his seat the son parted lips to speak.
Vadik: Father. If I may.. Currently Thalia is in shambles, should we not be focusing efforts on stabilization?
This was met with the general's gaze shifting toward Vadik, quietly he leered, the glare burning into his own son's soul... No words were spoken, a deafening uncomfortable still befalling the room. Vadik turned his gaze from his father as he shifted a bit in his seat.
"What I mean to say is.. If-"
Bondarev: I do not recall raising a gutless son.
Suddenly the general spoke, his eyes not leaving Vadik's form. Once more silence fell upon Vadik, shifting violet hues towards the map on the table.. He could feel his throat growing dry.
"..I just believe-"
Low sigh left Bondarev's lips as he moved to sit up slightly within his own chair.
"For the rest of this meeting you will be quiet unless asked a question. Understood?" Bondarev was a man who commanded respect, and his deep tone held no affection.. Not even for his own son. This man was business, only business. Vadik's eyes shifted to meet his father's before a reluctant nod was given. Again quiet, but it only lasted for but a moment until Bondarev reached out a gloved hand, his index finger tapped the map firmly.
"You know of this location, correct?"
Peering downward towards the map, Vadik gave a nod.
"Midori..." He uttered, voice sounding quite defeated.
"And your suggestion, if I am to understand correctly is to pull my men from the Midori border to aid in the stabilization of Thalia? When already more than half of Stanislav forces are focused to the south."
Shifting again in his seat,
"Father, rebellions are sure to arise, right now the people of Thalia need stabilization.." Lifting hands to better orchestrate his point.
"Surely if we could provide at least some happiness, some relief-" SLAM, down came the fist of the general, crushing one of the miniatures, it scattered into pieces across the table. Vadik's back quickly straightened, a shiver running down his spine.
"You're abhorrent fantasy would see to the weakening of the Eastern front... Which may lead to the enemy encroaching on the mountains of the East.. That empathy of your's rots the Voronin name. " Slowly the general moved to stand, he was by no means a giant, but the man's very aura made him appear giant. Though he stood just shy of 6 feet, his looming over Vadik made him look as if he was easily 7 feet tall. Those eyes burned into Vadik... Suddenly a knock, was heard at the door, but it did little to break the tension.
"Come in." The general ordered, and as he finished his sentence, in came a female soldier, near the door she stood at attention. Another waited outside the door.
Stanislav Soldier: General Voronin, urgent news of the Southern front.
"Speak." Though the general acknowledged the messenger, his eyes never left Vadik.
"Princess Reina of Thalia are not among those captured within the city." The soldier spoke, this prompted a shift of the general's gaze from his son towards her.. And behind her standing at the hallway he could see one of Vadik's own Voronoy Battalion. There was a pause as General Bondarev considered his options.. If the princess was still at large, that meant she could rally others and lead a potent rebellion on the Stanislav's forces within Thalia.. One must never take lightly the charisma of royalty. Standing up right, the general rested both of his hands on the oak table before him.
"You may leave." Bondarev spoke to the soldier, she offered a Stanislav before backing away into the hallway and turning to vanish from his sight. She passed the Voronoy soldier still standing at attention just outside the door.
"Dragua. Come in, close the door behind you." As he said this the General moved to sit down; and in came Dragua, steeled blues staring forward as he did as he was told. The door was shut behind him and the man stood at attention. Easing back into his seat the general brought his hand to rub at his bearded chin once more.
"The princess has managed to escape the invasion..." He muttered lowly to himself, eyes shifting to the side in thought. Loose ends needed to by tied up, especially one as important as this.
"Originally I had called you here Dragua, to strengthen the eastern border.. But it would seem more pressing matters have arisen."
Moving to stand Vadik spoke up,
"But father, one of the other chapter heads have likely sent forces to dispatch of the princess, utilizing Dragua on an errand like this would be a waste of resources... Would it not?"
Eyes turned toward Vadik.
"The other chapters have been known for slip ups in the past, though it'd seem my perfect record has been besmirched with you as a son." Those words struck Vadik hard, one could tell the young man wanted to speak in retort.. But when he tried to part his lips, no words would come out. The result was just the General's stern unwavering stare into his crumbing son's pools.
"Get out." Firm and to the point, the General had given his Lieutenant an order. Teeth clenched in anger as Vadik shot up from his seat. Violet eyes shifted to look towards Dragua before exiting the room in a huff. Bondarev's gaze landed on Dragua's frame.
"As you are sure by now, the eastern border can wait. You will be heading south to Thalia. The princess can not be permitted to live." Leaving the table the General made his way to another smaller one off to the side of the wall. Grasping a jar of wine he uncorked it.
"You will see to her death, and you will kill any who impede you." The crimson liquid was poured into a goblet, and the jar placed back on the table proper. Holding the goblet in his hand for a moment, he turned to look towards Dragua.
"Do not make me regret letting you live boy." Stepping up to the soldier he took a sip from the goblet, now he stood just a few feet away.
"Remember who granted you mercy, and never forget those who recoiled at the thought..." He brought a hand up to grasp the back of Dragua's head, not hard, but firmly.. Very much like a father to a son. Gloved fingers shifted through Dragua's dark brown tendrils, and with a firm pull, he brought Dragua closer slightly.
"You've your orders. See them done."
Dragua: Yes, General.