Voivode Court of Moldavia-Wallachia

[N Katsyev]

Castle Iasi, Moldavia​

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As Gilles was outside swinging his weapon as he hadn't done before, Ostrov was inside swinging this graceful young lady as he had not done before. Every spin, move and step seemed to come off perfectly tonight. Ostrov could not help but be entranced by this young beauty whose hair and skirts fluttered and flew so perfectly with her movements. Her dark eyes would shine in the light of the room as her body moved the inner length of his arm toward his body. Only to be spun back out again when his other hand took hers.

Ostrov was not sure if he looked upon this wonderful young lady as a companion or daughter. He only knew that he was charmed by her. He knew that he loved to see her move, the pretty smile, and he loved the feeling he got from being around her.

Behind Antoeneta's pretty smile were thoughts equally as complex. The dance was predominant, but rationality was awake in both their minds somewhere. The end of a series of movements would only bring a new thought, a new realization, then sometimes it only brought a new smile. This outsider was much older than her she realized, however he had a very dignified if not careworn face. Yet he was obvoiusly noble, and that same careworn face was so gentle, the eyes not betraying anything more than a comforting softness. She could only imagine how this man must have been still in the prime of youth as she was. Even now he moved so well, his smile betrayed such kindness, he must have been a great noble's son. Possible suitor to any... what happened she wondered... Was it just age showing on his face or something else?

*******​

Many hours later, the dances had stopped. Two people walked in the shadows of a cool misty Romanian night almost gone. They walked in the pastures outside the castle. The dew soaked grass meeting their bare feet as they ascended a small hill. They walked mostly in silence, neither wishing to possibly interrupt such a perfect moment. Their bodies both tired they sat down on the small hill, looking out to the east. Finally Ostrov spoke to her, "When I go home... someday, I would like to take you with me. I wish to show you Ostrov, Pskov... the lakes." Ostrov chuckled, "Everything."

Ostrov lay down in the grass, propping himself up on his arm. The young Antoaneta lay down before him, leaning her back up against his chest and sighed looking to the horizon, "I would love to go with you. It sounds a wonderful place and you have told me so little about it already... Maybe in the autumn, soon I leave back to my estates, there is much that needs tending to..."

Ostrov leaning forward slightly, feeling her hair against his cheek, and replied, "I can wait."

Antoaneta Valaescu gave a slight laugh, "I didn't think you had much of a choice. Of course in the meantime, just to make sure you can wait, maybe you can come visit me at my home in the summer?"

Ostrov smelled her hair and looked to the ever brightening horizon himself, "It would be my pleasure, Doamna Valaescu."

Antoaneta's hand found his and she squeezed it, a smile on her face, she rested her head on her upper arm and sighed, "Again Prince Ostrov, I didn't think you had much of a choice..."

As the sun slowly broke its first rays over the horizon the pair were already asleep. The destiny of another two had slowly begun to form. However neither had a clear image of what that destiny was anymore, or in what way they shared it...

 

[von Streusser]

The soldiers laughed and patted Gilles on the back. "Good Sir Cavaler, sheath your blade...methinks you've had a bit too much to drink tonight, and we wouldn't want to see you hurt on your first day in Moldavia."

A second soldier chimed in. "Tomorrow we shall train, and we shall all learn. Tonight, Domn, I think you should rest..."

---------

It was early morning and Stefan had been up for hours. His walks in the misty forests were growing dull without his sister there, and so he looked for some new way to entertain himself. "Ilias!" he yelled as he banged on his brother's door.

A groggy Ilias pulled the door open a few moments later, still rubbing sleep out of his eyes. "Oh, what is it Stefan?" Stefan's only response was to issue a resounding slap across the side of Ilias' stunned face.

"Fight me." Stefan pulled back the dark cloak he wore, revealing his armor and saber belt. "On the battlements. Ten minutes." With that, and nothing further by way of explanation, Stefan turned and strode down the hallway. He paused and looked back. Ilias' door was closed. "He will be there..." muttered Stefan to himself as he ran up the steps to the battlements of the castle, two at a time.

 

[von Streusser]

In the fields and forests down below, a thick mist still hung, obscuring the ground and those that crept along it. High on the parapets of the Castle Iasi however, a chill wind blew. Stefan Litovoi stood motionless at the top of his fortress, the wind seizing his black cloak and whipping it to his left side. Drawing his saber, he placed the point in the stones between his feet and leaned on the hilt slightly. Rubbing his fingers along the pommel of his weapon inside his leather gloves, he looked straight forward, towards the Eastern face of the Castle and the door that Ilias would certainly take to reach the top.

It was 13 minutes later when Ilias arrived at the battlements. Coming out of the stairwell at a dead run, he stopped immediately when he saw his brother. This time it was Ilias' face that took after Stefan's, wearing a hard and serious look. Their armor, their weapons, and they themselves once more looked identical, with the exception of Ilias' billowing red cloak, now blowing with the sharp wind as well. Ilias took a few cautious steps forward, waiting to see what Stefan did. He did nothing. Ilias slowly drew his saber, all the while watching his expressionless brother. For a long moment there was no sound but the wind tearing at their garments.

Ilias jumped first, running the ten feet or so towards his brother, and struck. The blow was aimed high for the shoulder, and Stefan anticipated it perfectly, drawing his left shoulder back behind him and arcing his whole back to the opposite side. Ilias turned to deliver a stroke across Stefan's chest, but met his brother's saber brought up to parry the blow. Stefan suddenly went on the offensive, carving big steel arcs in X patterns in the air in front of him as Ilias retreated before the force of the blows.

Ilias panicked as he felt his back foot hit the battlement wall...he had run out of space. Stefan grinned as he went for a brutal stroke to the face. Responding quickly, Ilias jumped backwards and up onto the wall of the parapet, with nothing but a few inches between him and a fatal fall. His brother's sword struck stone, spraying sparks. Stefan attacked again, this time going for the legs, and Ilias jumped up over the blow and Stefan in one motion, landing and rolling behind his brother's back. Stefan whirled as Ilias picked himself up and grinned.

Stefan roared with fury and charged again, this time going for a strike at Ilias' neck. Ilias bent backwards at the waist, dodging the blow, then countered with a stroke of his own, up and to the side, knocking Stefan's sword out of the way. Stefan spun with the force of the blow, extending his sword arm as he finished the complete revolution, forcing Ilias to duck and strike for the legs. Stefan leapt backward out of the way of the blow, but lost his balance for a moment. Ilias saw an opportunity and charged, swinging as he went, Stefan stumbling backwards and parrying strikes furiously. Suddenly it was he who found himself back to the parapet wall, and so up he went. Ilias followed.

Both brothers looked down to their sides momentarily. It was a long drop to the rocks below. Ilias looked just a little longer however, and Stefan lunged. Parrying the stroke, Ilias stepped backward and delivered one of his own. The clash of saber on saber rang through the courtyards and across the roof of the Krak as Stefan continued to back Ilias up. Rapidly running out of room to maneuver, Ilias looked for an opening. Stefan brought in a hard stroke from his side...the side over the edge of the wall. Leaping back onto the roof of the castle, Ilias turned just as Stefan jumped to follow, sword over his head to deliver a downward swing. The black sea of Stefan's cloak trailed behind him as he lunged, gold chain glistening in the early morning sun.

Ilias side-stepped however, and Stefan landed off-balance. With smooth confidence, Ilias slammed the pommel of his weapon down firmly at the base of Stefan's neck, sending him sprawling. When Stefan rolled over, his weapon was gone, and Ilias' saber was at his neck.

"Mind telling me what this is all about?" asked Ilias.

"Just needed a little exercise..." rasped Stefan. Ilias sheathed his blade.

"Hopefully some day I'll understand you brother."

 

[AugCaesar]

Embarrassed, Gilles sheated his sword and returned the soldiers pat on the back with a firm half hug. He was still quite drunk and decided to talk with the men for a bit before finally taking his leave, leaving them laughing uproariously at his odd comments. He himself was giggling as he stumbled back through a door and into the castle. There was no sound to be heard but Gilles was becoming quite hungry and decide to search for some food. Eventually he made it back to the hall where they had had dinner and found it empty. He peered about for a bit then made his way towards what he assumed was a door to the kitchen. Inside he found the room illuminated by many candles as a woman stood over a large basin scrubbing some plates. She turned, startled her hand clenching at her heart before she realized it was only Gilles.

"Domn, what brings you here at this hour?" Gilles smiled at her and sat down at the table, finally beginning to shake off his stupor a bit.

"I thought I would have a bit of that lamb if there is any remaining." She busied herself gathering some food and then put the plate down before Gilles who dug in wholeheartedly. As he ate she spoke of her duties at the castle and gossipped of goings on, rumours from abroad, and what ever else came to her mind. Gilles was happy to eat and enjoy the easy conversation. Eventually somewhere into his third plate the hours had caught up to him and began to nod off. Taking his leave of the servant he found his way back to his suite and collapsed on his bed.

He awoke sometime the next morning and found himself tucked in under the sheets naked. He was uncertain how he arrived there but presumed he had done it in his sleep as he was prone to do. He shrugged off the splitting pain that drove through his skull and quickly dressed in the full armor and regalia that the Voivodes had provided for him. It was a bit large on him but he would definitely fill it out once he returned to his normal weight, which if last night was indicative he would be at shortly. Gilles nodded as he looked at himself in the mirror and threw his belt around his waist, blousing out the uniform of Moldavia over his chest. So arrayed and with his swords at his side he set out into the castles courtyard where he heard what sounded like fighting above him. He turned up just in time to see a figure that looked a bit like Ilias leaping forward off of the parapets the clash of steel accompanying him.

"What the hell?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Spring Morning on a Hill, Moldavia​

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​

Ostrov awoke at a gentle nudging. However it was not the gentle nudging of the lady who slumbered beside him in the warming Moldavian morning sun, it was a sheep. In fact, as Ostrov slowly gained consciousness and looked around... many sheep. Ostrov slowly started to get up, his movements rousing the young lady next to him. As he stood up, he realized it was not just many sheep... it was at least a hundred or two sheep. Some bloody Moldavian spring festival or somethin he thought it must be with the number of shephards running about, trying to keep track of whose herd was whose...

Antoaneta Valaescu slowly roused next to him, feeling his movements. However she was not nearly as shocked as he was. She slowly staggered to her feet, her body still in slumber and punishing her for what little sleep she did get. Ostrov turned to her with a quizical smile. Antoaneta placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned on him while she picked some grass that had gotten stuck between her toes, she said in a low, awakening voice, "They're just sheep Ivan. Its spring, they are to be sheared."

Ostrov nodded and put his hand over hers, for the double purpose of simply touching her again and the more outward purpose of helping her keep her balance, "Ah... of course, naturally." He looked to her with a smile.

The two then began walking back toward the castle that was high above them in the not too far distance. Ostrov staying a step behind, picking random bits of grass out of Antoaneta's hair. "You are leaving today?"

The young woman nodded, "Sadly, yes."

Ivan nodded and took her hand in his as they approached the castle, "You know... In Russia we have a saying... "

Antoaneta turned to him with an expectant smirk of a smile, "Yes Domn Ostrov? What would that be?"

Ostrov squeezed her hand lightly, "Without partings, there would be no meetings."

Antoaneta smiled and made a slight hmm sound. They walked the rest of the distance in silence. Both trying to figure out what exactly their position was, both in this world and with each other. Were they to be friends or lovers... something different? Did they even want that?

Upon arrival it was obvious Antoaneta's small group of servants and attendants were all quite ready to leave already, and had only been awaiting her return from whatever destination. What they weren't expecting to see was their lady and an odd older man. Both wet from the morning dew, both obviously having spent some time laying in the grass... However it was not their place to question. Ostrov helped Antoaneta up into her carriage, holding onto her hand for a moment longer. She smiled at him, "Well my dear Ostrov, without this parting, then there would be no meeting later this summer now would there?" She winked at him.

Ostrov smiled and pressed her hand to his lips one more time, "It seems not. I will be most happy to recieve word from you when you get home. Do write imminently."

Antoaneta smiled more fully, "Ivan, I didn't think I had much of a choice..." As she said these words the coachman gave a command in harsh peasant Romanian and the carriage began to roll away. Ostrov let go her hand as they began to move and he clasped both hands behind him, smiling. He stood there in an odd mixture of both joy and sadness as he watched the young lady Valaescu dissapear down the road...

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Giancarlo Djordic steps froward to speak to the Voivodes

• "Dear friends of La Serennisima, I have come to speak to you about your rescue from your current trade woes. As you have seen Venezia has completely destroyed the Genovese. The only thing left of their navy is the few board planks floating in the water. As for their armies they are now a mere blood stain on the ground of Crete. So it seems that they will be completely unable to aid you in trade in the mouth of the Danube. I offer the ability to take their place in the agreement and continue to speak of the imrpovements that Venezia shall help you make to your nation. Your great people disserv more and hopefully the profits we bring from our friendship will be enough to bring this about. I would also like to remind you that any peace treaty the Genovese agree to will significatly limit their trade possibilities and this you can not have expected upon signing of the document. Since such terms have been breached and Genoa unable to abide by their part of the contract it stands to be voidable if you wish it to be. Venezia will gladly step in and take the steps needed to aid Moldavia and continue to secure trade in the mouth of the Danube.
  
  Secondly I would like to ask you for RoP for Venezia has learned of a group in Dobrudja that has been taking the liberty of stealing and pilliaging the local land in mob rule. Venezia would like to return to the province to restore peace and civility for the land is now plagued with theives and bandits. In addition to securing the safety of the populace the Muslims in the area, even though they are few have taken the liberty to start worshipping at will. This Venezia cannot allow and needs the ability to enter Dobrudja to take care of this business. We hope that you perfectly understand and are willing to supply us with such rights through your lands. This would be a very good token of good faith between our nations."
  
  Giancarlo then bows and waits

 

[N Katsyev]

Ostrov sat quietly in Castle Iasi, his belongings had all been gathered and he was simply awaiting summons from Antoaneta Valaescu's servants. The threat of war from the north seemed to have somewhat passed and he felt confident that this was the perfect time to visit his lady-friend at her estate. Since she had left that morning she had occupied much of his thoughts, guiltily maybe even more than the war at home.

They had exchanged a number of letters since them, always referring to each other personally but never projecting a complete affection either. Ivan didn't know exactly how he felt about this young lady, he just knew he enjoyed her company and words and was excited to be seeing her again. He hadn't yet been very much out into the Moldavian countryside and the upcoming trip was an exciting idea in itself. Today he was wearing simple summer travel clothes, a light shirt and rather tight fitting riding breeches. There was a knock on the door and the Prince opened it to find a youg man.

"The horses to bring you to the Lady Valaescu's estate are ready my lord." The young man said.

Ostrov smiled and patted the man on the shoulder, hoisting a sack with the belongings he was to bring onto his back, "Well enough, good man, let us be off." Ostrov shut the door behind him, and in good spirits he had not experienced since that first night and morning with Antoaneta set off for a short respite in the countryside...

 

[cccino]

A letter is sent via the Moldavian ambassador in Buda.

 

[N Katsyev]

Prince Ivan Ostrov returned from his trip to the country in early October. He looked more fit, healthy and most importantly, happy. Many times now he'd be wandering around the court, daydreaming of many late nights spent with Antoeneta talking of everything from Moldavia, to his son, their lives, and Russia. However his duties had forced him back, he could only stay away in that paradise for so long. It was odd, Iasi while facing nothing comapred to a Russian winter, felt so cold right now. Warm thoughts of the summer however kept him going when he needed them most...

 

[von Streusser]

Ilias smiled, as he was wont to do. He always seemed so damn happy.

"Domn Djordic, how good to see you. I presume you have heard we cancelled the Danube Agreement with the Genovese, following the conclusion of the war. It was a temporary agreement anyway, as I understand it. Now, perhaps Venice was thinking of something more permanent?

Domn Djordic, I am glad that Venice has been so open-minded all this time. A lesser man than your good Doge might have given up on us, but he did not. I am impressed and grateful.

Now then, onto this issue of a right of passage agreement. This is a thorny issue my friend, of this I am sure you are aware."

Ilias got out of his chair and walked over to the ambassador, placing an arm around him. "Walk with me a bit, if you will." Ilias led the ambassador to a far side of the court hall, talking as he did so.

"You ask me, in essence, to give your soldiers the right to move through my lands to kill Vlach people. I realize they are bandits, but how will your men know the bandits from the peasants? I am not maligning your men, far from it...but in the heat of combat, all things are possible.

However, repulsive as the idea may be to me, it is not an impossibility. But in return, Moldavia would like something from you. Specifically, a mutual defense agreement. We will give you the right to pass through our lands to reach Dobrudja and a monopoly on our olive oil and other olive products, and in return La Serenissima guarantees our independence...additionally, we both pledge to expend any and all necessary diplomatic, economic, or military effort to protect one another in case one of our realms is attacked.

Would such an agreement be acceptable, my friend?"

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Giancarlo Djordic walking with Ilias replys

• "My good friend yes you are right but the distinction between these evil men and the noble people of Dobrudja is simple. Those who attack Venezetian soldiers will be those who look to die. Our informants in the region tell us that they have taken hold of a stronghold and prepare their defenses for Venice.
  
  Clearly they have been preparing for a long time, and so we shall go there and see. Our armies have hightened moral from our victories from the Genovese so I hope taht the battle will be over soon. As for RoP I do not think it will be necessary any longer.
  
  No for more important issues, I think that Venezia will be most willing to replace the former Genovese agreement. Since the Genovese have kept their former files either hidden or have burned them I have not seen a copy of said document, so I ask you if you may show it to me. I shall look it over and see what improvements are needed. Does that sound like an appropriate path of action."
  
  Giancarlo then smiles

 

[von Streusser]

"Well then, if your men are to go into Dobrudja regardless, I am at least grateful for your Doge's discretion. We will be watching closely, my friend. Ah, here is a copy of the old Genoan agreement." Ilias hands over a scroll a page had just placed before him.

The Danube Agreement


Article I
- Moldavia and Genoa agrees that a trading agreement is in the interest of both states. Such an agreement will benefit both.

Article II
- Until Genova has been liberated and it is under genoese control the vast majority of the genoese trade from the east will pass through Moldavia. The Danube will be the primary method of transporting it into Central Europe.

Article III
- After Genova has been liberated, Genoa will still maintain a strong trading presence in Moldavia. When Genoa is at peace the details of this will be renegotiated, but the intention is that Genoa will build a trading house in Moldavia.

Article IV
- Genoese traders will be looked upon favourably by moldavian authorities as far as tolls and tariffs is concerned.

Article V
- Moldavia will provide Genoa grain and other agricultural products. Up to Moldavias capacity to produce such items, Moldavia will provide Genoa with supplies for its fleet. Moldavia will gain very favourable prices for these supplies.

"We would be interested in seeing a few additions to a similar such agreement with Venice, my friend Giancarlo. Specifically a mutual defense pact, and Venice receiving a monopoly on our olives and olive oil in return. Of course, any thoughts you may have on this matter are eagerly anticipated and welcome."

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Giancarlo Djordic walking with Ilias replys

• "As always you have been very helpful, however looking over this document it seems that it is too nation specific. I think that we may need to re-evaluate each nations needs before we can continue. Some kind of understanding and taxing of all goods that enter the mouth of the Danube may be a good idea. A certain percentage of the tax would go to each nation for our personal profit. Considering that we both own half of the mouth, Dobrudja on one side and Bujak on the other. In addition somekind of trade deal should be in negotiated. What are you needed imports and your exports. Venezia has a wealth of products that could be of use to your nation, and especially your people. Venezia would like to make an example out of Moldavia, to truly show that our resources help not just us, but our trade partners. I think Moldavia has the best opportunity of proving this point.
  
  So some intermediate points could be
  
• Both nations shall tax all ships going through the mouth of the Danube at a rate of __%"
• Both nations shall split the profits in half
• Venezia shall sell its ____________ goods with Moldavia at a toll of __%.
• Venezia shall buy ___% of ___________ at __% toll
  
  We do have one problem which is that Venezia has some contracts with nations in central Europe to limit our tolls. It maybe advantagous if Moldavia was allowed to control more the tolling and taxing on the mouth and then provide a kickback to Venezia, we would surely compensate you under such an agreement.
  
  Giancarlo then waits

 

[von Streusser]

Ilias continued his conversation with Giancarlo. "Even there, my friend, we may run into trouble. The previous owners of Dobrudja, Gelre, made a similar proposal to us, and it was frowned on by the Danube Trade Syndicate, of which we are members. To enact a tax on all states using the mouth of the Danube would most certainly not meet their approval. In fact, we would probably lose commerce because of people taking their trade overland.

Perhaps the other segments of the treaty could work, though? And I must ask...are you avoiding my mention of a mutual defense pact because you do not wish to speak for your Doge on that topic?"

---------

"Good morning, Sir Gilles...nice to see you alive. After last night, I wasn't so sure you'd make it..." A blond man with a mop of shaggy hair was standing in the courtyard, eyes up to the parapets above him. In fact, it appeared he hadn't looked at Gilles the entire time, but was more just sensing his presence.

"It's great fun to watch, when they do this. Shame I can't be up on that roof with 'em though, that'd be a treat. Oh, sorry...I'm Mihai Ciodaruvitch Litovoi...cousin to the Voivodes." He extended a hand, yet kept watching the fight on the roof. "Come over here, you can see it easier." Mihai was a strong looking man, of medium proportions. He was also very Russian looking, fair skin and fair hair. He wore nice clothes, and a beautiful saber at his belt. A long cloak wrapped around him to protect him from the winter chill.

"Well, once this is finished up, we can start your training...I'm not a Cavaler Romanesc, before you ask...I'm a Lup Fantoma, a Shadow Wolf. Our forces are divided into three groups...the regular army, the Cavaler Romanesc, such as you...Knights of Romania, leaders of the army units, and the Lup Fantoma, such as me...the Voivodes' personal bodyguards and ah, special soldiers. Still, I can show you how to wield that saber as an effective weapon."

There was a loud clang as someone's saber went skidding across the roof. "Oooh, I wonder who won?!"

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles looked down for a second as the man addressed him, Gilles vaguely remembered seeing him last night.

"Well met sir," Gilles answered as they both kept their eyes on the clash above them. Doing so he clasped hands with the man and nodded affirmingly. On his urging Gilles moved a few paces back, and indeed he could see things better, though from down here it all seemed like a blur of yellow and silver. Regardless it was exciting watch and it seemed marvellous that the rulers of the land would engage in such martial shows on the parapets of the castle. Gilles listened as the man spoke, and when he identified himself as a cousin to the Voivodes Gilles looked at him briefly and smiled. Eventually he heard the final ring of steel and looked back at Mihai.

"Hmm...I'm sure we'll soon find out." Gilles fully faced the man and clasped his hand again, more properly. "Sorry for my curtness, it is an honor to meet you Sir Mihai, and I hope I can learn much from you, as I am sure I will." Gilles stepped back a pace and drew his sabre forth putting it up in a fighting position, "Now show me how to use this thing!"

 

[von Streusser]

Without turning to look, Mihai drew his saber and flicked the blade down near Gilles' hands. Catching the hilt of his pupil's weapon, he flung the Bretenard's blade across the courtyard.

"It was Ilias."

Mihai went over to Gilles' saber and picked it up, tossing it back across the courtyard so that the hilt landed in his outstretched hand. "You are a good swordsman, you don't grip your blade too tight. But keep in mind, if you're used to using a broadsword, the form is totally different. A rapier is for piercing, a heavy broadsword for hacking. The saber is for elegantly disemboweling your foe. As such, your combat stance will involve keeping the blade towards your foe, not the point. Bring your wrist around, like so...yes...

Now, when your foe is a sneaky bastard, like me, who goes for the disarm, from this position you need only bring your wrist around like so, and you will parry his stroke, knock his blade aside for a counter-strike, and look damn good in the process."

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles looked a little amazed as he watched his saber skit across the ground and he shook the pain out of his hand as Mihai walked over to retrieve it. As the blade landed in his hand he turned towards his teacher and questioned him,

"How do you know it was Ilias?"

He stood there regripping the sword and gaughing its weight and balance in his hand, he felt he could get used to the weapon, though it was definitely more accustomed to a more open battlefield, not the crowded pushing and hacking of wars at home.

"Thank you for your king words Mihai, I hope to be a good student for you." He repositioned the blade as Mihai instructed and nodded as the man looked on affirmingly. As he explained how to counter the disarm Gilles lunged forward attempting to disarm his teacher, as he did he for the faintest second detect the counter movement, and then saw the effects, his blade was pushed to the side, his body following it and he was wide open to an attack.

"Indeed, I see how it is done. It shall take some practice, but I feel I can do it. Ilias said though, that this is not your main weapon?"

 

[von Streusser]

"Well, that was Stefan leaping off the parapet there for a strike. If that strike had landed home, we would not have heard such momentum from the skittering saber. A single clatter from Ilias' fallen body would have sufficed. For a sword to skip across a roof like that...Stefan dropped it or was disarmed, and Ilias won. He usually does, anyway. Stefan is not so good with a sword as is his brother, though neither of them is a true warrior. Ah, don't mention I said that.

For real warriors among the children of Alexandru cel Bun, you must look at the three not present. Maia, Petru, and Bogdan. You have heard of Maia's exploits...Petru, he has reach and crushing strength. A giant among men. Bogdan though, Bogdan is often underestimated, to his foes' peril. He is, as far as I am concerned, the ideal Moldavian. The youngest of the brothers though, doesn't that just figure? He is nimble and fast, accurate with sword, spear, or bow...and he is a very very intelligent man. Cunning, even. He would make an excellent Voivode..."

As Gilles made a deft disarming attempt, Mihai was nearly caught off-guard, reacting just in time to show the move he had just taught. He burst out laughing. "An excellent student! Careful you don't kill your teacher on his first day!" With a broad grin, he said "You learn too quickly...excellent..."

Mihai's eyes twinkled a little bit as he answered Gilles' next question. "Well, your main weapon will be bow and spear...from horseback, my friend. Mine are smaller, but no less deadly. Regardless, the knights of Moldavia are mostly horse archers, but having a good lance to drive home is always important as well. We shall come to the bow later." he said, gesturing to a pair of bows and a target over to one side of the courtyard.

 

[AugCaesar]

Gilles listened intently to his teacher, still holding his sword, now tapping the broadside of the blade into his hand. As Mihai spoke first the name of Maia, Gilles face lit up visibly and he smiled as he spoke of Bogdan and Petru. His mind drifted back to the now seemingly ancient times with the three back in Brittany.

"Indeed, I know the three, and have seen them all in battle, none could wish for better warriors." He paused for a bit reflecting again on the past, a hint of pain could almost be seen in the man's face as he thought of some things. To those that had seen him back then, he would look now a man aged some years, not old at all, but more mature, more stern, and more dedicated than ever. He was persistent than, now it could be that none could stop him if he set himself on a goal. "Thank you for your compliments Mihai, I learn from a wonderful soldier." He glanced over at the bow and arrow, definitely not a weapon of the western noble, but he would have to overcome his predudices in favor of practicality.

"I must admit I am no master of the bow, but with lance I can put most on their back."

 

[von Streusser]

"Hmm, with a lance you can put most men on their back, eh? Well then, I'd say the two of you have something in common..." Mihai said with a chuckle, glancing over Gilles' shoulder almost indeterminably. "Though, with our lances we don't tend to worry where they land...unless we have to scrape them off the tip." he said with a wink.

Mihai sheathed his weapon. "Well, looks like training is over for today...I know it was a bit short, but I wasn't expecting this...well boy, aren't you going to turn around?"

Behind Gilles, in an archway connecting the courtyard to another part of the castle, stood an armored figure. In full Royal dress chain, a shining gold and black vision. But two things differentiated this knight from a typical Moldavian soldier...the long shining locks of black hair, and the distinctly feminine figure.

Maia.