King and his Castles (Assignment/Bailey)

[Blake Oleander]

Blake stood over the rocky outcroppings of the area that used to be Bailey's home.  A breeze blowing past as they looked on at the construction of the castle being constructed along the mouth of the village.  A fortification from the only way into this already well defendable territory.  This would only make it more secure.  Since becoming King his duties had increased even more, or at least it felt like it. 

[Bailey Oleander]

"It doesn't feel real," Bailey mused softly, looking over the fortifications that were being built. Structure and defense, hiding some of the tech from sight that she knew was there. It was strange to even have more food here, now. Resources enough for them to live, not just survive and expect to die of an accident, sickness or starvation, whichever happened first.

[Blake Oleander]

"Why not?"

[Bailey Oleander]

Because we were dying out less than six months ago." Bailey shook her head with a soft chuckle. "Now there's defenses are being built. There's food, life, hope. It's good to see it again."

[Blake Oleander]

"There is always hope."

He'd say simply before starting to walk forward toward the castle.

"Let's see what it's like inside."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Of course." She nodded with a light smile. If hope had been snuffed out completely, it would have been desperaton alone that sent her to Cabal. But there was purpose now, and something that came with resilience.

She would follow after Blake, looking over things as they went.

[Blake Oleander]

The castle was still very much under construction, but not so much that they couldn't examine the work. The exterior walls were already constructed along with watchtowers, the primary fortifications being the first thing constructed. Workers moved along hauling wood and stone as foundations of some of the interior buildings were underway. The steps leading to the top of the battlements were still under construction as well, but they did have ladders in place to get up to the top.

"After you." He'd motion for Bailey to climb up first so they could take in the view.

[Bailey Oleander]

She took in everything she could as they went, noting the texture of stone not yet worn smooth by wind or time. The towers loomed overhead, casting shadows alongside the peaks of the mountains as they blended together. She nodded at some of the workers, raising a hand at one or two who were returning for more materials. People she had seen and known all her life. They may not be warriors, but her people didn't really shy away from hard work.

She brushed her hand against his as she stepped towards teh ladder, giving him a smile as she did so.

"You'll love the view." She had seen it from rooftops and high up. It wasn't green livery like the forest of 63 and 64, but it had its own beauty, and one she still loved, herself.

Bailey climbs that ladder!

[Blake Oleander]

"I'm sure."

He'd say climbing up after her. And she would be right, the view would be stunning. Giving them full visibility not just of the pass leading up to this area, but of the valley down below. They'd be able to see an army coming before they could get up the narrow pass. And that, in turn, would give them time to mount their defenses. Turning this area into an even stronger chokepoint.

"Do you know what I see?" He'd ask.

[Bailey Oleander]

She looked out and saw the same world she'd known for over twenty years, the defenses they had used to keep themselves apart and carving out an existence in when other, stronger territories came to try and take over. Now, they had actual defenses to add to what nature and their technology provided.

She wondered what kind of advancements they would be coming up with to further fortify the castle against those who would come. Or what those coming on more peaceable terms might see.

She shook her head at his question, looking up at Blake as they stood overlooking the mountain pass.

"What do you see?"

[Blake Oleander]

"A choke point."

He'd point to the pass.

"The only viable staging area for a standing army." He'd point down below.

"Insurance for our security and safety."

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey nodded, looking out over the pass as Blake spoke. She could see the tactics he spoke of, her mind making hte same conclusions rather than shying away from them.

"It makes sense. They don't have another way in with the terrain." She looked out over the mountain pass. "There used to be a couple of caves we'd set traps or have ambushes in, when we had more people." Now they could all safely stay behind the walls and use the new castle to their advantage. She coulnd't hide the relief it gave her.

[Blake Oleander]

"They would have to use Qi abilities to set up another area of attack. Not impossible, but problematic for them. The knowledge your people have of the caves, however, is also an advantage should the worst happen."

No defense was perfect, but this was looking positive.

[Bailey Oleander]

"Mhmm." Anything that altered this place would likely cause a qi scar that would cause anyone who came through as much damage as the world around them, or trouble at the least. And if it failed...the caves may not have lead to water, but they were familiar and still being explored. There was no telling what else they might find, or defend with.

"That's been the plan, though I'm not sure if they've moved anything since exploring the caves more." She shifted her weight as she felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

"I'm sure we could develop some tech to add to the natural defense, as well."

[Blake Oleander]

He nodded.

"Agreed."