Mmm...both are superb swordsmen, of course. And they complement each other well; Lord Borus is quick to act, and Lord Percival has a keen eye. I would say Lord Borus favours a more aggressive style than Lord Percival, who I believe to have superior technique. And as commanders, I cannot find fault in either, as both are battle-tested and enjoy a good reputation with the men.
They may not possess Lord Leo's raw power, Lord Salome's superb tactical skill, or Lord Roland's hunter's skill, but at the same time they also lack the particular deficiencies such specialization brings. I would have to say I value both as comrades, and I would gladly have either of them at my side. Though as Captain, I find it best when they work together, as working in tandem as their strengths cover their individual flaws, in both temperament and martial ability.
[That's basically what you were looking for, right Nash?]
[ He nods along. A thoroughly responsible answer, emphasis on the thorough. Well, he tried. ]
Well, if I'm getting such good intelligence today, I may as well ask how long you expect the peace in the Grasslands to last. Your council still believes its interests lie with Harmonia, even if you are the Flame Champion.
Which is why I intend to ensure the knights, or a representative chosen by me, will have a full seat on the council, with a greater degree of autonomy and a say in military matters. I believe that should be relatively easy to do, given the swell of public approval for me in Zexen thanks in no small part to the reputation the Council was so quick to cultivate for me. As much as I've always despised it, this will be a good way to put it to use.
Beyond that, I have good personal relations with the chieftains of the Karaya, Alma Kinan, and Chisha Clans, and at the very least the respect of the Lizard and Duck clans, which will help keep the peace running smoothly, as well as the battle-bonds our respective forces shared fighting together in the Fire Bringer. So...yes, I daresay I'm feeling rather optimistic for once about our chances. That's not a feeling I had about the previous armistice, but with luck and work on both sides, I believe we can make something of this.
[Lord Salome also has some...ideas on how to further curb the Council's power and ensure they stay out of Harmonia's pocket, but she's not going to share those.]
[ Chris's answer relies a lot on the things she's done and the relationships she's forged. Strong when a leader is there to hold it all together, weak when the leader falls. But maybe Chris will be in Zexen forever. ]
Peace doesn't need to last an age to be worth something. [ He shakes his head. ] But I don't need to tell you that. Any soldier already knows.
You didn't say anything about Harmonia, I noticed. Should I be hurt?
[Sadly, Chris is already resigned to the idea of having to leave Zexen behind one day. Duty is one thing, but she can't bear the thought of having to witness her friends grow old without her. And with Harmonia sniffing about, it'll be safest all around if one day she just...disappears, though not without some contingencies if need be. She doesn't like thinking that far ahead too much right now, however.]
Quite right. Still, we have a chance to build something more permanent than we had before. It would be folly to waste that chance.
Not at all. It's not Harmonia I'm currently worried about. I'd much rather focus on the issues coming from within Zexen than without at the moment, and the Council is the top of that list.
Hey, I wouldn't want to think about Harmonian politics either. [ His mouth twists into a grimace. That is something he says with all of his honesty. ] But sometimes it's harder to see the things you're closest to.
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They may not possess Lord Leo's raw power, Lord Salome's superb tactical skill, or Lord Roland's hunter's skill, but at the same time they also lack the particular deficiencies such specialization brings. I would have to say I value both as comrades, and I would gladly have either of them at my side. Though as Captain, I find it best when they work together, as working in tandem as their strengths cover their individual flaws, in both temperament and martial ability.
[That's basically what you were looking for, right Nash?]
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Well, if I'm getting such good intelligence today, I may as well ask how long you expect the peace in the Grasslands to last. Your council still believes its interests lie with Harmonia, even if you are the Flame Champion.
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Beyond that, I have good personal relations with the chieftains of the Karaya, Alma Kinan, and Chisha Clans, and at the very least the respect of the Lizard and Duck clans, which will help keep the peace running smoothly, as well as the battle-bonds our respective forces shared fighting together in the Fire Bringer. So...yes, I daresay I'm feeling rather optimistic for once about our chances. That's not a feeling I had about the previous armistice, but with luck and work on both sides, I believe we can make something of this.
[Lord Salome also has some...ideas on how to further curb the Council's power and ensure they stay out of Harmonia's pocket, but she's not going to share those.]
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Peace doesn't need to last an age to be worth something. [ He shakes his head. ] But I don't need to tell you that. Any soldier already knows.
You didn't say anything about Harmonia, I noticed. Should I be hurt?
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Quite right. Still, we have a chance to build something more permanent than we had before. It would be folly to waste that chance.
Not at all. It's not Harmonia I'm currently worried about. I'd much rather focus on the issues coming from within Zexen than without at the moment, and the Council is the top of that list.
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