Roleplay > Vignettes

The Castle On The Hill

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Beatrice:
Location: Pyrena Castle, Chambers of the Empress
Time: 12:45 AST

"I want to be left alone," Event said as the Imeprial Aid attempted to do their job. "I know you're not to blame, but" she paused, "leave me, please, the fuck alone. You want me to speak publicly? Fine," she finally agreed, "give me that bottle of mead over there," she continued.

After her remarks her aides were stunned, "What, even drunk I'm not going to lie. Emerson is awesome, like, who wouldn't be attracted to him? Fucking Joshua, always leaving me with the children for his adventures and not even telling me he's going off? Fuck him, and fuck you if you think I'm a whore; hell, Emerson's already been there for more of their lives the Joshua."

"And if I get blowback for this," she paused, "then good. I'm ready to take on the whole fucking world. I could use a target for my anger. Just clear it by Emerson first," she paused with a chuckle, "I don't want to make his job harder after all."

Beatrice:
Location: Imperial High Command, Strategic Posture Session
Time: 11:43 AST

"As I learned from Joshua many often overlook the submersible fleet," Evanthe explained to Rowe. "Seaforth commanded immense power, and it wasn't what was seen but that which was unseen which gifted the Kingdom with perhaps its greatest asset: a tactical and strategic capital fleet, as he explained it to me. Whereas Beatrice relied upon overt displays of power we must recognize that such displays are detrimental and serve little purpose in the modern era. This is why the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy should adapt, learning from a playbook I know well, to protect her interests in current times."

"To accomplish this," she continued, directing Rowe's attention to the screen before them both, "we'll place a greater emphasis upon our power beneath the waves. This enables the IRN to continue operations in areas which would otherwise be hostile and dangerous, such as the Karifan Ocean; platforms such as Zircon don't work so well when their adversary is underwater, while enabling more continuous global coverage without inflaming situations or drawing undue attention to Rokkenjiman intentions. Are you with me?" Evanthe asked, with Rowe simply nodding in reply.

"This will see the IRN organize its submersible fleet into a series of pods, with the Millennials operating on a lone-wolf principle. The Millennials will continue to maintain our continuous deterrence, with areas of deployment in the Kyne, the Krimeon, the Alucard, the Great Northern Sea, and the Sea of Antalin. These missions will be continuous, with rotations taking place on a regular schedule. This leaves current operating policy largely unchanged regarding the continuous deterrence."

"Pods thus form the attack force of the submersible fleet, taking a nod from Seaforth's 'Wolf Packs'. This will see, in most cases, three Rorqual Class submarines and two Serranidaes, once numbers on the Serranidae Class have increased. In the interim we'll see such Pods employed when the situation demands it, such as situations which would require operations closer to shore. Thus, in the interim, most Pods will be comprised of three to five Rorquals. These shall be deployed globally as necessary, providing Mundas-Wide coverage which better enhances the defensive position of Rokkenjima while swiftly increasing our capacity for first-strike operations where they should be required."

"Surface operations shall thus change to support a submersible-oriented doctrine: carriers will be deployed only when Rokkenjima cannot operate from friendly or allied airfields, or in situations which demand Rokkenjiman airpower quickly in a theater which we may not have access to other options for air power. We will emphasize our most nimble and powerful surface vessels, coordinating their operations with the Pods in scenarios where greater firepower is demanded. I think we can both agree that those who speak often and loudly to every little bump in the international arena quickly find their voice diminished, as Beatrice unfortunately learned the hard way. A Seaforthian approach to the application of naval might supplements our diplomacy-first foreign agenda, while honing the strengths of the modern Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy in a manner she wouldn't have considered."

"Your time in Seaforth remains most noticeable, yet that isn't a bad thing mind you," Rowe replied with a chuckle. "Of course Admiral McKenna is a name known throughout the IRN, having worked with the Seaforthians we've been aware of their orientation. Your cousin preferred heavy armour and big guns: dramatic, yes, noticeable, also yes, but an obsolete approach on the whole. We'll set forth the requirements to see the Posture Review is put into actual effect, and I'm sure it's a policy which will be openly welcomed throughout the broader Command. Should we perhaps consider 'pods' in which we welcome Tytorian elements?" Rowe proposed.

"It's an option I'll present to Madam Thatcher the next time we speak. For now, lay the groundwork and have schedules, maintenance and resupply rotations, and the logistics prepared as we implement these strategies."

Beatrice:
Location: Imperial High Command
Time: 9:47 AST


IRN Tiger as seen on the display.
"Joining vessels deployed by the Imperial Rokkenjiman Kyne Fleet to the Northeast is Tiger," Grand Marshal Rowe explained to Empress Evanthe. "With a compliment of 1,687 Marines it will play a central role should the decision be made to deploy boots on the ground. We've also Pod 7 in the region and, as I understand, Pod 9 has been redirected to provide additional submersed capabilities should the situation demand it. On the surface we've Josiah Rhodes and Kitsune, in addition to their escorts and cruisers. As the situation develops I will certainly provide further updates to Chrysanthemum Throne."

Evanthe nodded, "I leave these matters in your hands. Should the CSTO approve an intervention I will see that any Tytorian-led effort has our full and unconditional support."

Beatrice:
Location: Seaforth Castle, Eventide
Time: 4:47 AST


Evanthe and Joshua, some time ago.
It was the sort of day no one wished to end, the sun shining so brightly as to almost transform the sand itself into a sight unable to be looked upon. Newly married and feeling as though her whole life was visible before her Evanthe took a moment to look out to the sea, "I imagine us out there, fifty years from now!" "Fifty years, damn woman, I'm not going to be out on a boat in my 70s tugging on a pullcoard because the engine puttered out not even half a kilometer into the Illumic, I'm more likely to be grilling and enjoying my well-earned retirement." Evanthe chuckled, "How'd you know I was envisioning that tiny little boat when I mentioned nothing of it? Or are you just that good?" she asked as she leaned closer into him. "I can't give away all of my secrets, not so soon anyway. I've got the rest of my life with you, so I'll need something on my side for when you're cursing my name for...."

The alarm sang out its cries on the night stand beside her, 6:47 AM, the scent of eggs, bacon, sausage and a breakfast fit to serve a Royal Court wafted to her bedroom. As usual Joshua had woken up long before her, she had taken to sleeping in following the end of her service in the Royal Navy. After dressing herself and heading down to the kitchen she smiled as the master of the kitchen continued his work. "Good morning," she said as she ruffled Josiah's hair as she walked past him. "Ah, there she is, about time too," Joshua would quip, "any later and all this work would have been for nothing. I know Rokkenjiman breakfasts are different but if you're not getting things fresh off the pan," he continued, sliding the finishing addition of sausage onto her plate, "you're just doing it wrong, my dear." She could only nuzzle his nose and offer a brief kiss before chuckling. "Sir yes sir, by the way, love you too."

Joshua smiled as he carried his own plate and that of his son to the table, "It's a rather big day, and I'm sure you'll be happy to see your cousin when she arrives. I must admit I've missed her, and to imagine there was a point in time our national past time was sending garbage barges to visit her shores." "Please," Evanthe replied after swallowing a bite of bacon and egg, "you don't realize the paperwork that affair imposed on me. Can we not reminisce on it at the breakfast table?" "You have to give the old man credit," he said in reference to his father, "he knew how to do things in a way no other leader could. Anyway, I'm due to renew the lease for QAMB later today and afterwards thought we could all grab some drinks, look back on the crazy road that brought us here, and...."

"Renew...but King Andrew oversaw the closing of QAMB years ago now, and why would you be the one signing? And why am I here....I admit this morning I woke up as if in a fog, but I have the strongest inclination that Beatrice is no longer Empress, either. It could be a dream, but I distinctly remember you and I on the beach, talking of our future, and awaking from that dream, which would just be silly so...." Joshua set his fork down, wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked to Josiah. "Harper's waiting for you outside, it's a beautiful day and I know I promised you some play time so go ahead, get an early start." Josiah jumped from the table with joy and nearly tripped as he ran toward the door to the castle's yard, "Damn," he finally said as Josiah was out of earshot.

"I was hoping it would take you longer to notice," he continued, "but being my wife, there's few things that would get past you. It was just, do you know how long it's been since I've had a normal day with my family? Gods how I've missed you, how I've wanted to sit here with you and Josiah, the life we had before us. Forgive me for taking advantage but yes," he said with a sullen look away, "this day is not real. It's the closest I've felt to anything real in years but..." "You don't have to make your case to me," Eva said as she gently pushed on Joshua's cheek so he was looking into her tear-filled eyes, "...I've missed you more than you can ever know so, even if it's not real...." she grew quiet as she pulled him in for a kiss which would leave each of the six kisses ranked previously amongst the most passionate to most certain shame.

"How...." Evanthe would muster the voice to speak, "I called in a favour with Jekar, he pulled a few strings, guess the Rhodes name carries weight even in the afterlife. That or David has been praying for me," Joshua chuckled. "It was too good to be true," Evanthe sulked, "but this moment is real enough for me and I care not how it came to be. Though if I am dreaming that means I have to, yet again, wake up to a world without you, and I don't know if I can do that again. I've missed you, dreamed of when we'd be together again so many nights, and now that you're here I don't want this to end."

"But it must," Joshua said as he stood and reached out for Evanthe's hand, which she readily offered. "Our boy needs you, you've got your work cut out for you in dealing with Asuna, and what's this I hear of you parking ships in the Kyne? I'd expect that of the Battleship Queen Beatrice but you, you should know better. Born an Anselmo with the tongue of a diplomat, Seaforthian by blood shed, come now Eva are you to tell me you learned nothing from me? I can see that you have with the development of your submersible fleet, but you're not letting them do their job. Bring those lads up top home, leave a Pod or two behind if you're that worried about the Iwi, and be a good neighbour yes? I'm gone a few years and you have to prove Anselmo blood flows through your veins by taking on the less desirable tendencies of Beatrice!"

"And there's that Seaforthian sensibility I've missed," she said with a stare, before chuckles gave way to full-on laughter. "You got me General, though you'll be happy to know Asuna is in Achkaerin to further her learning and experience, I think she's doing well though I wish you could have met her in this era, she's got a McKenna looking out for her..." "Gregory," Joshua would interject, "I know James has some regrets there, what, with not being there as often as he could be, seems Asuna is in good hands though. Back to the point though, bring them home and let your subs do the work they're designed to do. Also I do hope you'll be going to the Royal Highland Games, I obviously can't go but you and Josiah....you should be there. I know you're not a Celt by birth, but you shed blood on the Dancer, and I think being there with them could do you some good. And I know it will be fun for Josiah," Joshua said with a playful nudge.

"I'll consider it," Eva replied, "and I was thinking of attending the Games already, though I wish to do so attached to Somerset, not as a Rokkenjiman Empress." "Then do it," Joshua said, "wear your best tartan and go, tell them I sent you," he said with a playful wink, "You're a Rhodes, and while the stubbornness and questionable decisions at times confirms beyond a doubt that the same blood flows in your veins as those of Beatrice it's never too late to prove you are, indeed a Rhodes. Go, have fun on my behalf, commune with our people. Give Finely my regards."

"Would you object to Emerson accompanying me?" she asked playfully. "No," Joshua said immediately, "he's a good man, he obviously makes you happy and you're fond of him, he should go. But," Joshua let the moment ring out for as long as he could, "he could be the greatest man on Mundus and I'll still hate him, I have to hate him. I'm not going to like the guy who's banging my wife after all, so don't expect me to be singing his praises anytime soon. But if he makes you happy and you like him, I get it, I'm just sorry I can't be there with you every damn day, and I wish this one could have lasted longer."

Evanthe looked into Joshua's eyes before placing her head upon his chest bone, "It can last a bit longer, I don't want it to end either but hey, it's a Sunday morning," she continued, looking up to him with a smile. "I can't say what will happen when I awake, but for now, let's allow Harper to entertain Josiah while we go back upstairs. I promise I'll only use my lucid powers here to ensure that the rest of the day is ours to enjoy, fully, with each other," she continued as she pulled him behind her. "As if I could even protest," he smiled as he followed.
And then I awoke again.

Beatrice:
Location: Desk of Evanthe Rhodes, Pyrena Castle
Time: 1:14 AST

To this day I still write letters toy you and while you may never actually read them I can't help but to feel that, in some way, the information I'm putting to paper is being received by you. Our bond is one which transcends boundaries, whether they be distance, time, or life and death itself. The other day Emerson discovered my letters to you and at first suspected I was cheating given I never ascribed a name to my recipient, though no name was ever needed. He was understanding when I explained, he knows that my heart will always in part belong to you and he knows that it's not his place to challenge that; in fact I feel he respects you. He knows that though you may be gone the love we share can never die.

Joshua continues to amaze me, each day I see more of you in him and it makes my heart jump with joy to think that a part of you still lives, to share everything wonderful about you with the whole of Mundus one day. I know he misses you and he knows I am doing my best, and while he knows you are in fact his father and Emerson isn't, his way of respecting you both is so precious. "Dad lets you be with mom because you're good, but if he ever came back he knows you'd go away because he'd kick your butt and you both know it." Our boys growing up so well, he knows he's loved, and I know his future is bright.

What I don't tell Emerson is I wish you were here, he understands so much but I can't help but feel that if I told him that it might break him. We both know he's wonderful but there's always going to be part of my heart that belongs to you, and that part is large. I go on, living and making a life for our family, but there will always be a hole that only you can fill, and that's not to say that Emerson is inadequate: our love is something different, but my love for you can't die either. So I keep writing these letters, keeping you in the loop, so that when we meet in the next life we're on the same page. When that day comes, I do believe my heart will skip several beats.

With love, always and forever,

Evanthe

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