Empires of Ashes

"I...well...."

Vulka: just drop em and get in.

she sighs and reluctantly starts removing armour

vulka: tries hard not to leer but cant help herself

she finishes removing it and starts removing her clothes, her back to vulka to try and keep everything hidden

Vulka: ya really should take more pride in yer assets hana

Hana: I've literally never 'stripped' except in private

Vulka: Well its just us so on a tecnicality its privet.

"I guess..." she finishes undressing

Vulka: (whistles)

*The next time Trajan notices the Prince, he hears him arguing with Brochael*

Hana:*insta-blush*

Trajan:....*sighs*

*Which seemingly devolves into a somewhat one sided duel with Brochael forcing Mordred onto the backfoot, the blades of their weapons impact with great speed causing chips to form in the blade itself. From simply watching it is obvious that Brochael is toying with the Prince, making him either dodge or block every blow before breaking the Prince's kite shield with a swing of his axe. Without a shield the Prince is forced to fight offensively, using whatever advantage he can find to its fullest which eventually pays off as the Prince forces Brochael back, atleast until the Prince leaves himself open for Broch to counter attack and force the Prince to yield. With the fight over Brochael smiles uttering something in Cymraic causing the Prince smile and sheath his weapon. Noticing Trajans presence Brochael leaves to give them some privacy*

Vulka: well ya getting in?

*ket is watching the fight, mumbling to himself* "twisting sands into... Previl's assault, was that twin Eagles? Hm, bad footwork, left foot needs to be more forward...."

Trajan:.....nephew?

Hana:....*gets in, still reluctant*

*out of breath*
"Uncle"

He approaches him
"That was...unexpected"

"Nothing...out of the....ordinary...I...assure you"
*A droplet of blood trackless down his face*

Trajan sighs and tears off some cloth from his clothing
"Here, bandage yourself"

"You don't need to tear your own clothing, I have bandages of my own."
*He slides his hand down the side of a metal plate and pulls out a wad of cloth*
"See"

He shrugs

"Impressive, footwork needs work though"

"My footwork has always been off, I rely way too much on my shield and my armour too"

"I'm hardly one to complain about relying on my shield and armour, *he chuckles* I mean, have you seen what immortals use?*

"What was that about?"

"Your shield is metal, mine is wooden. We got into an argument over combat ability. So we duelled as you both saw, I lost the fight meaning I look even weaker infront of my men"

Trajan: personal combat skill does not make a good leader. It makes a good fighter.

"You forget that Cymrai is a warrior culture, generals and commanders are chosen due to their skill at arms and experience. The only reason I'm leading now is because I'm a Prince. Brochael believes that I should prove myself before I can be trusted with the lives of men, it's why my father sent me. If I have combat experience the nobles of Cymria would look favourably upon me...atleast that's the theory. He also doesn't like that I'd prefer to finish off my designs rather than spar."

"Designs?"

"As Prince it is my duty to aid in the advancement of out military. I design weapons, armour and so on. For example my armour is of my own design. Steel plate covers from my ankle to my knee, which is then covered by a piece of steel over the joint, then I have steel plate again from my knee to my waist.
It's the same with my arms, right now I'm in the process of designing and forging some armour for my chest since I merely have leather and chainmail to protect my heart. I was thinking of maybe strapping a miniature shield over my heart to protect it whilst I design the actual armour itself"

"Sounds far more productive than simple sparring"

"Armour cannot protect you from everything, you still need to be able to defeat your enemies. He has got a point too"

Trajan: True, but if being a good fighter was all that us required, the clavae would be generals

"They'd probably do well in Cymrai if they were allowed to think for themselves"

"Wasnt my point. One mabs skill cannot bring victory....at least most of the time"

"I did say skill and experience, training doesn't constitute skill it's merely knowledge. An experienced soldier knows what to expect and generally what works, someone without that experience can't be trusted."

He nods

"I am an Admiral, not a general. My knowledge and tactics reflect that."

"I see... *chuckles* I wonder...."

"What?"

*looks at his own blade*
"Nothing"

"Riiiiight. I'll be off then"

"I wonder nephew. What would his men think if a hated Dracian defeated him in a sparring match?"

"They wouldn't like it, plus I doubt you'd win. No offence but he's not one to hold back if challenged, that and the siege will be commencing soon. Both armies will need their leaders in perfect condition and a sparring march will most certainly end with one of you incapacitated of at the very least bleeding quite profusely."

Trajan: very true *chuckles* But just ask Ket what happened with our little duel.

"Maybe I will, still there's no need to stir up bad blood between our soldiers."

"Fair point"

"Any orders before you start preparing for the siege?"

"Have you ever used a seige tower nephew?"

"I'm afraid not, can't be too hard. Simply push to the wall, climb up, push the ramp down, charge"