Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-5543592-20140906173711/@comment-12599067-20140913224202

Makoru was currently watching over the grounds of Lake Rumare from atop the White-Gold Tower, clad in the same bloodred cloak and ebony armor he had worn during the Battle of Lake Rumare. He certainly looked as if he were expecting an all-out war, both from the armor he wore and the grim look on his face. His sword was nowhere to be found, however, so perhaps the Emperor held some hope of avoiding conflict.

"I thought I might find you up here," noted the voice from behind him.

Makoru gave no response but looked back as Claudius stepped up the stairs, outfitted in robes of high-quality silverweave and ironthread died a deep crimson and gold. A staff made of ash wood with an orb of polished gold sitting at the head was in his hands, proving that Mak was not alone in thinking that the battle might end badly.

"Are you okay, Mak? You look more troubled than usual," Claudius pointed out, frowning.

"Is it truly that obvious?" Mak asked as the High General strode over to join him. "I'd like to think that Isabelle has taught me something of hiding emotion."

"Frankly, I can read your face like a book," answered the Imperial. "I know the reappearance of the Thalmor must be quite stressful, but I do believe we will be able to defeat them if they attack the City."

"It is not that alone, Claudius."

"What is it, then?"

"The Knights, Claudius. I do not enjoy summoning them. Disrupting their normal lives by sending them to what very well could be their deaths... it doesn't sit well with me."

"They would not answer if they were not willing to help, Mak."

"That doesn't mean I like sending them to fight out battles, Claudius. Already one of them is both ill and injured, and another is grievously wounded. I can only imagine how Ser Emrey must feel," Makoru said sadly. "I wish I could help, somehow."

"You are helping by staying safe and making sure that the Empire doesn't dissolve into squabbling children," Claudius reminded him, placing a reassuring hand on the Emperor's shoulder.

If only that were enough, Makoru thought to himself as he wordlessly turned his attention turned back to the lake and the foes that sat just past it's shore, concerned for his family's sake and the sake of the Empire, but especially for the sake of the Knights fighting to protect it.