Marwood spotted the enemy, he was angry and finally there was something he could control a fight. "Leave it to me!" The prince cried out drawing his lance, rushing towards the swordsman. Marwood was well trained with the weapon, it was a well-maintained lance reserved only for the royals of Renais. "Out of my, your not stopping the Prince of Renais!" He wore a bashful smirk as Fiona broke into a gallop and he leveled the tip of the weapon at the soldier's chest. They needed orders, no point in wildly charging into a fight. "Reina! Once we're done get behind me and Isolde. Isolde, don't fly too far ahead and stick close to Reina and me. We've got surprise and a healer to keep us together." He added, no point in being careless.
They would need to balance speed with defense and make sure they didn't end up in more trouble than they could dig themselves out of, facing too many enemies at once was a good way to be brought down. He was no tactical genius... But he'd led a small squad before and he knew how to conduct an escort mission. They were here to protect Reina, like or not they wouldn't let her be up front in a melee especially when they could be walking into a trap.
Marwood stood beside his horse, he'd had a few hours rest since arriving mostly seeing to his horse, riding all the way from Serafew had been rough on Fiona. Evading patrols and losing the few aerial attackers he'd faced had been even more so, he'd arrived expecting to help the defenders or try to contact others for aid. He wished he had the riders with him, he wished he could get a message to his brother... He hated to run away from a battle, especially one where he could be of use... He might have been able to bargain marriage to Sion's daughter for at least talking this out, granted he'd rather throw himself off the pegasus roosts of Frelia's castle but... The needs of the people came first, his mother had managed to instill that much in him.
As Reina bid her father farewell Marwood could only watch, he wished he could say something to reassure her... Of course, he didn't know what to say Marwood barely knew his father before he'd died, he never really knew the bond a father could share with someone. Of course, Marwood looked up to the king, Melinda and Leoma gave him something to aspire to be within his own kingdom, a great general just like them, but Rioga had shown him the kind of warrior and leader he wanted to be one who put the people and being good above all else. He took Fiona's reigns stepping forward slightly placing a hand on Reina's shoulder as he looked up at Rioga, pausing a moment to look at Reina before bowing to him, a symbol of loyalty. "I'll defend Reina and the stone with my life sir, Grado's always been good to Renais I'll honor your wish... Just make sure next time we can have a duel eh? I've heard you the only one who could ever match my father in a sparring session when this is over I hope to prove I've become as good as him." Marwood nodded before rising, looking at Fiona a moment.
"Ah don't give me that look girl, we can do this... They are our friends, besides I'll get you an apple when this is done." He smiled stepping to pat Fiona's side, catch the stone Aldo tossed he held it a moment. "Dastards..." The prince mumbled he was never really the royal etiquette sort, he was only here because he'd been avoiding his mother and talks of wedding him to some princess. Now it seemed he'd be heading back to Renais with one in tow... Of course, they could consider Frelia but Renais's border was closer it would be safer to pass through it rather than make for the border with Frelia. He fell into the line with the others, catching the coin pouch as he turned to leave Marwood climbed up on to Fiona clicking his tongue rapidly four times the horse set off at walking pace without Marwood touching the reigns. He placed the coin pouch under his breastplate. Taking up the rear guard as they made the escape Marwood tried to think of what to say to lighten Reina's mood, he didn't know her very well but he was her friend, he knew how he'd feel if he lost his brother or mother so thought on that for inspiration on what to say to try and let her know he'd support her.
Background: The youngest child of Ginnava, Marwood was her bundle of joy and baby of the family. She actually took the time to teach him to ride herself. As such he desires to make her proud yet at the same time with age came distance and difference. While his mother relies on codes and formal declarations Marwood is normally on his horse with a squad of knights by the time she starts issuing orders. This has caused much division between mother and son, with Marwood often leading knights into battle against horrors without having approval from his mother.
Aside from that, he is good friends with both generals, he often finds himself in their company or training with them. While many of his men pass around rumors he is to be engaged to one the generals there is little no proof of that claims. As a prince, he received a formal education with lessons in history, strategy, and etiquette. He threw away etiquette preferring to spend many a night out defending villages or celebrating victories with his knights. He even formed a special group of cavaliers that ride with him to villages and towns under assault, thus with almost all his training being done on horseback his skills off it is lowered.
Currently, Marwood most trusted knights are Hodge, Ismay, and Mylle. Each of them is a cavalier from the standing army of Renais and all of them make up the Renais riders. These four often leave the moment word of trouble sounds moving between towns, attacking bandits, monsters, and horrors. They have saved hundreds of lives alone, yet while hailed as hero's it troubles his mother that his free-form fighting is not proper of a prince. He has a history of being rather bold and challenging letting nothing stand between him and his moral compass, politics be damned.
This has caused quite a lot of trouble when he chased a band of bandits into Jehanna where he killed them. Upon his return, the generals and his mother both gave him an earful which he quickly ignored, thought the punishments did last for months. Undeterred Marwood freely admits he would do it again in an instant, he cares not for the borders only saving lives which Jehanna eventually let slide understanding he believed he was doing the right thing.
Recently Ginnava, has announced that she plans to marry off the younger prince and is currently eyeing Jehanna's princess as the best candidate due to the politic and military benefits of the relationship. Marwood meanwhile has been as far from the castle as possible, and away from the Jehanna border. He is not happy about an arranged marriage with a princess, he would prefer a natural romance. His mother meanwhile has been dispatching riders to drag him back if needed. Marwood needed to be tamed and Ginnava thought a wife would be perfect for the job.
However, with the recent threat to Grado, he abandoned Renais to go and help the kingdom. Renais and Grado were historically close and he feels he must do as his great ancestor would have done and journey to help the Emperor who he admires as a good leader and warrior. He hopes to help drive back the attacks and force Renais into action and perhaps Frelia as well.
Plot-Susceptive: Yes
Equipment and Items: Reginleif, Steel Sword
Personality: Brash, Marwood is nothing if not bold in his ability to face danger or trouble with a smile on his face and honesty in his heart, he is a caring and kind young man who refuses to let politics get in the way of caring about people. To Marwood politics and the chain of command as things that slow down helping people, thus to the frustration of his teachers and his family Marwood continues to ignore anything but what he believes is morally right. While many outside the castle think much of the younger kind-hearted prince others feel he is too rebellious and daft to ever be allowed near the throne.
Ability Assessment: Marwood strength and skill are his best qualities, his speed and defense are good as well though not as great primary attributes. This is due to Marwood focusing on fast devastating blows to bring down a target depending on his armor and his mount in combat. Marwoods luck and stamina are average or just below with his magical resistance being well below the norm as he rarely ever encountered an enemy mage. The rest of his skills had some development throughout his training but a lack of magical counter training his given him a glaring and little-known weakness.
Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: An avid singer and storyteller Marwood spent his younger days sneaking out and telling singing and telling stories at the local tavern. He has secretly wanted to be a bard but royal duties prevent that and he also wishes to marry someone he loves rather than an arranged marriage like his mother has in mind, possibly to secure a new ally. He is a sucker for a good romance book, though he doesn't like people to know. He gets very nervous around women and has never been good at flirting at all. Marwood also has an aversion to a certain Princess of Jehanna, in fact when anyone brings up an arranged marriage between him and a princess or noble Marwood can usually be found trying to slip towards the door to make a hasty retreat.
R-button Summarization: The prince of Renais with a good heart and a rebellious streak, cares deeply for others.
Level Up Quotes
0-1 Points: "Melinda and Leoma would laugh if they saw this." 0-1 Points: "This isn't really very princely is it?" 2-3 Points: "I must do better for Renais!" 2-3 Points: "Oh and after all that work? 4-5 Points: "My brother isn't the only one to take after father." 4-5 Points: "Ha, that'll show Rylan won't it Fiona?" 6+ Points: "Alright Fiona, I've earned an ale and you've earned a apple." 6+ Points: "I almost feel like singing! I won't of course... Bad time for it..." Capped Stats: "How am I supposed to match Rylan now?!" Capped Stats: "But I can't stop now! I don't wanna stop being a knight of Renais! Changed Class: "A knight of Renais is always ready to learn." Changed Class: Rafaela might not recognize me in this...
Critical Hit Quotes
"May the Gods have mercy on you, I won't!" "You are in my way, that's a bad place to be friend." "I'll drink to you and your fallen comrades." "I do not hate you. I simply must kill you." "Somebody has to win and guess what? It's me." "I just stab people, what happens next is between them and the gods."
Background: The youngest child of Ginnava, Marwood was her bundle of joy and baby of the family. She actually took the time to teach him to ride herself. As such he desires to make her proud yet at the same time with age came distance and difference. While his mother relies on codes and formal declarations Marwood is normally on his horse with a squad of knights by the time she starts issuing orders. This has caused much division between mother and son, with Marwood often leading knights into battle against horrors without having approval from his mother.
Aside from that, he is good friends with both generals, he often finds himself in their company or training with them. While many of his men pass around rumors he is to be engaged to one the generals there is little no proof of that claims. As a prince, he received a formal education with lessons in history, strategy, and etiquette. He threw away etiquette preferring to spend many a night out defending villages or celebrating victories with his knights. He even formed a special group of cavaliers that ride with him to villages and towns under assault, thus with almost all his training being done on horseback his skills off it is lowered.
Currently, Marwood most trusted knights are Hodge, Ismay, and Mylle. Each of them is a cavalier from the standing army of Renais and all of them make up the Renais riders. These four often leave the moment word of trouble sounds moving between towns, attacking bandits, monsters, and horrors. They have saved hundreds of lives alone, yet while hailed as hero's it troubles his mother that his free-form fighting is not proper of a prince. He has a history of being rather bold and challenging letting nothing stand between him and his moral compass, politics be damned.
This has caused quite a lot of trouble when he chased a band of bandits into Jehanna where he killed them. Upon his return, the generals and his mother both gave him an earful which he quickly ignored, thought the punishments did last for months. Undeterred Marwood freely admits he would do it again in an instant, he cares not for the borders only saving lives which Jehanna eventually let slide understanding he believed he was doing the right thing.
Recently Ginnava, has announced that she plans to marry off the younger prince and is currently eyeing Jehanna's princess as the best candidate due to the politic and military benefits of the relationship. Marwood meanwhile has been as far from the castle as possible, and away from the Jehanna border. He is not happy about an arranged marriage with a princess, he would prefer a natural romance. His mother meanwhile has been dispatching riders to drag him back if needed. Marwood needed to be tamed and Ginnava thought a wife would be perfect for the job.
However, with the recent threat to Grado, he abandoned Renais to go and help the kingdom. Renais and Grado were historically close and he feels he must do as his great ancestor would have done and journey to help the Emperor who he admires as a good leader and warrior. He hopes to help drive back the attacks and force Renais into action and perhaps Frelia as well.
Plot-Susceptive: Yes
Equipment and Items: Reginleif, Steel Sword
Personality: Brash, Marwood is nothing if not bold in his ability to face danger or trouble with a smile on his face and honesty in his heart, he is a caring and kind young man who refuses to let politics get in the way of caring about people. To Marwood politics and the chain of command as thigns that slow down helping people, thus to the frustration of his teachers and his family Marwood continues to ignore anything but what he believes is morally right. While many outside the castle think much of the younger kind-hearted prince others feel he is too rebelious and daft to ever be allowed near the throne.
Ability Assessment: Marwood strength and skill are his best qualities, his speed and defense are good as well though not as great primary attributes. This is due to Marwood focusing on fast devastating blows to bring down a target depending on his armor and his mount in combat. Marwoods luck and stamina are average or just below with his magically resistance being well below the norm as he rarely ever encountered an enemy mage. The rest of his skills had some development through out his training but a lack of magical counter training his given him a glaring and little known weakness.
Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: An avid singer and storyteller Marwood spent his younger days sneaking out and telling singing and telling stories at the local tavern. He has secretly wanted to be a bard but royal duties prevent that and he also wishes to marry someone he loves rather than an arranged marriage like his mother has in mind, possibly to secure a new ally. He is a sucker for a good romance book, though he doesn't like people to know. He gets very nervous around women and has never been good at flirting at all. Marwood also has an aversion to a certain Princess of Jehanna, in fact when anyone brings up an arranged marriage between him and a princess or noble Marwood can usually be found trying to slip towards the door to make a hasty retreat.
R-button Summarization: The prince of Renais with a good heart and a rebellious streak, cares deeply for others.
Ariin was quite happy as people streamed into the party a few of Paladin's mechanics popped in snagging a cupcake or pizza waving at Ariin as they departed. The young man mostly remained off to the side greeting guests and shaking hands as needed, wanting to make everyone feel welcome... Well except for one, he glared at Irina as she entered. He disliked her beating him... But her treatment of Siggy and Iota that was inexcusable people like her were just as bad as the Cruxi.
Paladin was on a monitor, just behind where Zim and Katya had begun to talk the AI decided to let them know it was listening creating a waving emoji before it began to listen in. Hearing Zim fumbled through trying to flirt... Or was a confession? Oh! Paladin could help with that, better to let Katya know Zim and Ariin liked her, it was only fair both boys got a chance with the girl they had feelings for. Paladin figured it would be helpful.
So quickly Paladin brought up little images of Ariin and Zim, chibi versions as Ariin called them. Then put either side of a Chibi Katya hearts floating between both boys as they offered her gifts. It flashed brightly to get the two's attention as Paladin eagerly showed them image, Paladin was helping!
Taking a breath Ariin stepped back from the door to get himself a slice of pizza as he looked around the room enjoying seeing all his squadmates new and old around the room. He started to walk towards Zim and Katya, then started to back away blushing deciding not to get any closer as Paladin showed the screen with little animated version of them. He wanted to turn invisible Paladin was not leaving his head ever again if this is what the little AI would get up to.
The music changed as Irina and Ana ended their dance, then all eyes turned when Irina yelled at Ana and the girl began to have tears well up. Ariin stepped stepped towards Irina. "Leave. Now. before I do something to further ruin this evening... You inhuman trash." He whisper spoke, Ariin got very quiet his hand twitched the urge to throw a punch at Irina but he wouldn't do that. "The Cruxi are better than you." He added turning away from Irina, taking a couple breath.
Ariin looked diffrent... He was furious all could see it as he clenched his fists at his side, Ariin was usually talking or doing something but now his eyes rested on the floor as he stared at it. He was very much contemplating a fight but his respect for the others kept him in line, he remembered how avoided violence around his siblings when he could. How didn't want them to view him as someone hurting bullies he wanted them to rise above... Ariin wasn't above though, he was pefectly okay with causing pain to make his point known to teach those who hurt his friends a lesson.
Ariin took a breath then walked over pouring himself a drink of the soda and knocked it back, before going over to see Katya and Zim, his embrassment gone... He wanted to be near people who he knew who he could trust, people who could keep him from breaking Irina's stupid face in. He didn't care that Paladin had just shown them his feelings, he needed the people he cared about close.
Paladin had frozen the display when the AI watched the evil woman berate the girl... Paladin's friend. The AI decided it was time to do something, Pally had wanted to wait until later but transfering the AI into a small drone body near engineering. It was an early prototype for Katya's drones, six legged with a smaller rounded body and a monitor on it's back could be used to check it's energy and of course Paladin could use it to communicate. The drone had two small eyes and Pally could make small chirping noises and whistle as if it was an old sci-fi movie robot speaking in binary.
Pallydrone then scanned along the cameras, finding Ana crying the little drone set off heading for Ana eventually crawling up her arm and flashing a happy face at her then a tiny chibi version of Paladin letting her know who was in the little drone that was hugged to her arm. Giving her a friend to talk to as the drone gave a low sad whistle to try and comfort each other.
Ariin stared meanwhile at the screen which now just read 'BRB' slightly concerned he might have just let a combat AI into the base's wireless system. He hoped Paladin wasn't planning anything stupid then again... He had more pressing concerns as he remember what Katya and Zim might now know.
Ariin finally relaxed, slipping away from the other he went down to engineering bay Paladin wanted to research something and Ariin wanted the voice in his had trying to remove the moral grey area of grand theft food gone. Once he'd allowed Paladin to migrate out of his head at least for a little while, he headed for the kitchen quietly. The veteran thief entered the kitchen finding it abandoned he set to work, in a few moments undoing the locks and putting on an apron before he washed up. Ariin worked with the speed and efficiency only known to those who had to cook several different meals for children who were picky eaters. The young man began first on a large multilayer cake and then on batches of cupcakes mixing up icing first before snapping his fingers thinking back to the few parties he'd seen on Mars he burst back in the luxury ration supplies.
Starting on pizza Ariin stopped only a moment to put on headphones and turn a song, cleaning his hands once more the young man thought back to the few honest days work he'd done in his life. Mostly busing dishes, waiting tables, or in the weeks before his arrest cooking at local diners, Mars boasting a large garrison meant plenty of soldiers ate out. Soon Ariin sat down the finished pizza dough as he ducked back across his footsteps perfectly moving to the beat as the slim young man spun across the room. He took out the cake and began to ice it, carefully, taking time to write Paladin's name on it. As he then did the cupcakes doing each with little versions of Paladin in various poses.
Meanwhile back at the ranch engineering lab...
Paladin had been doing research, also compiling music for the party but mostly research. Paladin had become curious about the idea of family, Ariin had such a strong sense of it yet from what the werk understood family was closer than Ariin was to the pilots in the squadron. Ariin viewed them as such yet seemed to try and keep them at arm's length, the pilot seemed to fear others getting attached to him but did not fear himself being attached to others. A curious case peaked the learning computers interest, of course viewing Ariin's memories Paladin saw Ariin's childhood and the years the young man spent raising his siblings on Mars. Paladin needed more data, yet something... More Paladin did not like the idea of remaining inside Ariin's mind. Paladin wanted first-hand knowledge of family... The Werk also wanted Ariin to have someone to be with him even if the others would exit the military one day, Ariin could not and Paladin then resolved to find a way to be there for the person who had come to consider family. It was the least the werk could do for Ariin, to give him company.
Ariin finished preparing the pizza's deciding to leave them uncooked in the large fridge for the moment and set the cakes and cupcakes aside, hiding them from the cooks. The young pilot cleaned up quickly took his headphones off waiting until the camera's rotated and dashed out of the kitchen. He headed down to engineering retrieving Paladin with a simple upload. "Hey, buddy... Almost missed your back talk, grab all the music we need? Great, transfer it up to my laptop... Oh, shut up... I knew the eye had wifi." He grumbled as he left engineering to return to the room to rest.
Changing out of his clothing into just his underclothes he yawned and collapsed on the bed. "Hey, bud... Thanks, for always getting my back I promise we are gonna have fun tomorrow." He rolled onto his side looking into the mirror as he saw Paladin flash a thumbs up in return. "Anyway, I better sleep gotta finish cooking after the mess empties tomorrow." He grumbled before his good eye shut and he passed out upon the bed.
PALLY AND ARIIN'S ANNIVERSARY!!!
As the clock for Martian time ticked over the message began to flash across Paladin's eye, it had been roughly ten hours since the pilot had fallen asleep. Deciding to wake him up, Paladin prodded Ariin's brain with impulses from his eye groaning Ariin awoke and stared into the mirror. "Thanks, Paladin. I know you hate the nickname." Ariin groaned and rose pulling on a shirt and jeans then his hoodie he went to set up. First getting Paladin synched into the recreational room with control over lights, music, and even a large monitor and a microphone for those who wished to speak with the werk at the party. Paladin also had pulled images from Ariin's brain and from records of their battles that were on file for viewing since the Lorenzo had been given project over the idea of mass producing Paladin.
Ariin began to cook pizza soon returned setting out food for all as Paladin let music echo through the room, the young man smiled proudly. "I'd say we did pretty well for having no budget." He spoke back turned to the door, invites had been sent out the day before to all squad members and associates, of course, he didn't know who all would show up but Paladin still he was happy they had plenty of pizza to go around in all different kinds and sweets too. In varieties, the cake, however, was red velvet Ariin's favorite. Let an emoji of fireworks exploding appear on the monitor to celebrate the success they had in creating a party, Paladin now just hoped many friends would come to celebrate the day they were partnered together.
Ariin had been busy since the team had been getting so many heavy hitters and the fact that he performed so poorly on the last mission he'd doubled his own training regime. Even working with Paladin to improve his personal combat skills, there was something to be said for having an electronic eye with military grade AI able to help run targeting software through it. Granted the task had to be completed by a human but it still helped him none the less learn to better control his own body in personal combat.
When he wasn't practicing his martial arts he and precision he was usually in a simulation, he'd been trying to come up with a method of deploying the heavy hitters with himself. He knew how effective his own weapon could be but he'd seen first hand what focused fire could do, but they needed to organize it. Paladin was biggest of the bunch and if there was going to be a backline operating fire support they would at least be organized around Paladin and it's protective ability.
With energy weapons becoming more common and the shield having been replaced, Ariin was going to check on the new system sent over with the parts to keep Paladin in repair from Mars. An energy shield generator, the Phalanx was a toy he'd never gotten to use before but with recent developments, he'd finally been approved to get it going. Of course, his real reason for working so hard was to distract himself... He wanted to go see Elora but... He didn't know if he could... Face that, he'd failed her. He had blamed only himself for her being taken, his own inability to do anything to protect her. If he had been a better pilot... If he had placed those shots better... He'd seen how they had locked her up, he'd read the reports of what it had been like getting her back.
He'd heard about the new pilots getting brought in, though he'd taken no time to meet them he was to busy. He wasn't going to fail in protecting his squad again, never. Had just pulled his casual clothes on over his plug suit as he stepped out into the hall from the simulation chamber heading for the hangar and another person smacked into him.
Groaning as he landed on his side he turned, Paladin focusing his electronic eye on to the girl before him. He'd never seen the brown haired girl before. "Ow, yeah... I'm Ariin Sorus, I pilot that big hunk of metal in the bay we call Paladin." He grumbled taking her hand and getting up, as he did Ana would see his eye flash with an exclamation point and then flash the words 'baka' on its screen. The eye then flashed a waving hand and a pixelated image of a large shield carrying werk, Paladin had been working on his introduction. Since Ariin had been avoiding human contact he wanted to make a good impression when he did get to see people.
He turned and stepped into the hangar, Paladin, the werk, sat kneeled the PBS being installed. "I was coming down to check out the installation of the new system. Paladin wanted to make sure he was still pretty after all the holes they put in him last time." The pilot spoke walking towards the massive kneeling protector. "And I wanted to make sure the system is working."
@Ariamis Here's what I've got for Paladin's new toy.
Secondary System: Phalanx Barrier System- The PBS is the first Martian made energy shield small enough to be placed in a Werks. This upgrade to Paladin's Legion shield allows him to generate an energy barrier over the sides, the top, and front of his shield. Helping to shield from flanking maneuvers and barrages from above. The Phalanx system also reinforces the already impressive power of the Legion shield making Paladin into a mobile fortress it was meant to be.
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