Kerg, Kergen
"Oh, it's not every day that I can take a break from my duties to entertain foreign diplomats, how unusual" the Chief said. "But I am sure you're tired of waiting, I'll write you up a note of passage that can get you in with the Conclave. Though I'm afraid even I can't do anything regarding your weapons if you try taking them in as well. And... I apologize for asking this, but do you happen to have any proof you are who you say you are?"edited 8th Feb '13 6:49:02 PM by nman
Kerg, Kergan
"I wear the robes of the Címén and these soldiers are dressed in the finest armour you will find north of Toryr's own gates," Medharuc said, "We are clearly in the graces of the High King and men of import. If there is still still doubt, I have a paper signed by the High King himself in Fayn letters. As to arms; The people of Igarbre having murdered a man while under the flag of truce during a parley and, to our knowledge, there was no dispute amongst you for this. This is the reason we come to speak to you today and so you will understand my hesistance to abandon whatever security my guards may offer me."
edited 7th Feb '13 11:05:53 PM by Fauxlosophe
Kerg, Kergen
"That's a bit out of my control, but I believe you," the chief said, writing up a note and sending the men on their way.When Medharuc and his men reached the building that housed the Conclave, one of the guards outside called the head guard out, who checked the paper. After looking it over for a moment, he said, "Welcome to Kerg, sir Medharuc," using the note to pronounce the name. "However," looking the men up and down, he continued, "I am very sorry, edged or metal weapons of any sort are not allowed within the walls of the Conclave. You will need to surrender your weapons to us. If you are afraid of being unarmed, worry not, we have many clubs and staffs which we can provide you and your men with."
Ordo Xenos Inquisitor
Shenlin, Meiya
Horatelemos watched as Faiyinr retreated out into the city, and turned his head back to the form of Tsridai, who looked sullen as though he was in mourning of a future yet to pass. He felt bad for encouraging him back in the palace to pursue his love, instead of bringing him happiness he had only brought turmoil.Faiynir's words sounded almost like a threat - "over the ruins of its walls" she had said to her son. Horatelemos didn't think that she could seriously raise the Chilai to war, but what did he know? He had little experience in political matters.
He had done his duty to Faiynir, and now he could leave this wretched city for good. He was about to make for his room to collect the meagre belongings he had left there, but stopped himself, taking another glance at Tsridai - Horatelemos had led him into this course of action, and sworn his service to him - surely he owed it to the man to help him out?
Cursing himself inwardly for his rashness at the palace, he crossed the gap from the travellers to the Chilai, it felt a world away in the quiet inn. Horatelemos placed his hand on the man's shoulder, supporting him should he spontaneously collapse.
"What can I do for you?"
Mecras, Outer Council Chambers
Yarikon had ridden hard from Dussarit following his confrontation with the chieftain there. His resolve that what he was doing was right and just had only strengthened in the days he had spent alone on the path back to the League. The Ietsahru needed to be accountable for their crimes, and Yarikon would be the judge in their trial.
Upon reaching the Mecran gate he had been halted by the guards, who granted him entry after he displayed his writ of office to them.
"Duumvirate?" one had questioned him while inspecting the papers. "From Idiron I presume? - be careful, friend, many have begun to question your kind's sanity."
Yarikon had said nothing to the man, though he could have reprimanded him due to his rank if he wished.
Upon reaching the council chambers, he had been rebuffed politely by the Warden when he asked to address the council. Apparently they had been in isolated discussion for the past week, and they were working on an important decision. The Duumvir from the Warden's words knew that this would be his call for aid, and privately he wondered why it was taking so long.
Mecras, Grand Council Chambers
Torcecles was weary now, for the initial deadline for the vote had long passed. The council had sat in session for three days and had rarely been interrupted by anything.
The councillors had voted on the intended day of course, but it had ended up with eleven both for and against the action to support Captain Yarikon. A draw was usually unthinkable for the council, given most that most states never split their votes - but the state of Reskaalon had, leading to the current deadlock.
What had followed were days of heated debate and counter debate in their midst. Rules dictated that a re-vote would be held until a conclusive result cropped up, but Torcecles felt as though that would be a long time yet.
edited 9th Feb '13 1:05:51 AM by ScottM96
"Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything."
「MENACING」
Shenlin, Meiya
Igama had followed Tsridai to the inn again, though he kept an even greater distance than the others, making sure to blend into the crowd as he watched. No sense in being able to be identified later if everything went bad.
As the woman stormed out, he felt unexpectedly cheerful. So he had another woman back home! How incredibly typical. If I stay with, I'm going to die, but if I leave, everything might end... Unwantedly. He still hadn't warmed to the idea of sabatoging a whole country's efforts at peace, mostly because he didn't think it was his duty - He was a merchant! He sold things. And sometimes people. He certainly didn't cause wars, or break up marriages. Well, not usually. Once, maybe. But he hadn't meant to.
Two options, then, he thought. I can keep with Tsridai and try to end this unification, or I could accompany the woman and get paid. After all, the marriage isn't going to work anyways. Then he thought some more. But wait. If he does marry her, then his arranged one might go to war anyways. Possibly? He racked his memory to what the precedents for this kind of thing might be, but couldn't call any to mind. Marriages of love were for the peasants in the Clans, not their leaders. Perhaps some found love, but most just found practicality.
Sennal-Tal, Zewan-Tal
Hanesra frowned, suspicious. Were we followed? Impossible, we couldn't have been...
Nevertheless he followed, partly because he knew there was no turning back now. As they passed through the town, he paid careful attention to it - Its people, its architecture, and most of all its food supply. Compared to the north, this is a fertile land. He waved away a merchant offering him some odd meat, not fully trusting this place yet.
The mountain was even more impressive up close, a towering fortress of carved stone and wood. He leaned back, staring up at it, but quickly composed himself when he noticed his whole party was doing the same. "We are not so easily awed," he hissed to one of the soldiers, who jumped in surprise and looked down.
"Welcome to Sennal-Tal!"
Hanesra barely spared the guard a second glance, but nodded politely. An upstart people, it seems. No hesitation to speak to their betters.
Wunizma Lands, Saremitas
She nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good. Now, you should probably be off before the southerner wakes up - Hopefully there won't have to be another wolf attack." She chuckled.
Shenlin, Meiya
Tsridai jolted a little from the arm but soon regained his composure.
"You have done well," He said, "Everyone of you have performed your duty to the spirit and the letter to all parties invovled. If you believe you have time before you go to Chilai, you might come by the palace once more and Kolei, once her mind is at ease, will see fit to reward you with some token of our appreciation and you may yet do me a small favour then."
He sighed, "For now what you have seen is nothing more than a family matter and little more can be said of it than what you are aware of."
Kerg, Kergen
Medharuc nodded hesistantly, himself unarmed, watched as the soldiers unsheathed their swords before surrendering them, one at a time. It was an odd gesture, in truth not a common or practiced one but seemed to come naturally from distrust. In the place of Swords, they took staffs, and some asked for clubs as well.
They quarrelled for a couple moments in Fayn;
"In tel thé télúr bhe ne fémoc, cún ghar ré cór ínila."
"Ich ít, nel rí ba címén del bhóghána?"
"In té lú ínilén cu bhécí, té dénil erel cór ló. An lé bhoc ít cu ónel ba rí ba ínila."
Medharuc turned to the quarreling soldiers, "Tel thé cún cór ré. Tel dhot me ra féna cu íc."
Medharuc looked back toward the guard, "You will understand then, if two of my companions keep guard over the blades outside?"
Wunizma lands
"Yes, but my lord is impatient. The Tribes gather to him quickly with jealous eyes and he must turn somewhere. When the moon is full and in the center of the sky, shall you be able to meet the one who he sends here? It shall not be a messenger boy again but a higher advisor, or perhaps he himself. One who might do more than set a date."
He was preparing to go, but the promise of a distant meeting would be less than he had set out to get and so he await ehre a sngle brief anwser to confirm or deny the matter.
edited 9th Feb '13 10:32:01 PM by Fauxlosophe
The Sword of the Morning
Toryr Senate, Toryr
The priest-Senator Tytum Arlias brushed his hand over his bald head, spattering the marble with droplets of sweat as he left behind the hot summer sun and entered the cool air of the senate chambers. He nodded to the sentinels who stood guard before the massive bronze doors as they pulled them open for him.
The young Cyric was rather surprised to see he was not the first to arrive: Senator Daelyn was already seated in the third row of the amphitheater-like chamber, clearly lost in private deliberations for the upcoming session.
Tytum strode up the steps, his robes swishing along the marble as he approached his fellow Senator. Tytum greatly respected the elder Senator and his opinion, even though they came from opposite ends of the Republic. Tytum hailed from the Isles to the south, while Daelyn came from the northern lands of the Gladyr.
"Hail, Senator Daelyn." He bowed slightly, taking a seat alongside the elder Senator. "Selug's light be upon you. I take it you have heard the tidings from the Eralih? It seems that war is coming to Dussarit once more."
Tytum knew of the Senator's views on the matter, having heard him speak before, but he didn't know what Daelyn's response would be to this news.
Shenlin, Meiya
Daelia and Artum were seated at a small table on the opposite side of the inn. Daelia held a clay cup of Neipao, which she sipped while throwing dirty glances at Artum. Artum was mindlessly tending to a small transaction ledger.
Daelia leveled another glare across the table at him, and Artum sighed, closing the ledger with a thump.
" Yl, yl, syainyr. " He said in rapid Toryl, raising his hands in a conciliatory manner. " Ai nyk tenyr dyyt praisyn bys, lys a Neipao. " He steeped his hands and gave a pleading smile. " Jys un glyr. Un. Pyraaaaaaaaaai? " He dragged the last syllable out and gave a pouting expression.
Daelia's face was like stone. She gave him a piercing look, took a long, slow swig of her Neipao, and looked at him again.
" Nyk."
Artum threw up his hands and went back to his ledger.
edited 16th Feb '13 11:17:21 PM by rabbitRider
Your legacy shall drift away, blown into eternity, like the sands of the desert.
Shenlin, Meiya
Jesa had to honest with himself. He really had hoped for a better ending to that mother and child conversation. Perhaps it was over optimistic, but back home the announcement of a marriage was always met with cheer and celebration regardless of whose it was. The creation of a new family was the greatest joy in a person's life. While Jesa knew others did not share that admittedly rustic and forest-grown view, he had hoped very much that the warmness of the heart would overcome the threat of violence and bring about harmony.
Admittedly, there was some selfishness in that thought. How many could say they helped bring two people together? Surely his story would be told alongside that of the exploits of Five of Derek-Troy and the romantic adventure of the Gentle Chief and the Lost Princess?
Or rather, his story would have been told. A failure was not worth a song. So much for getting himself a footnote in history.
Horatelemos' question and Tsridai's open response to all of those present brought him out of his gloomy thoughts. What he said fitted nicely with Jesa's plans and he felt a little better as a result.
"It is my intention to head west." Jesa said to the Chilai man. "I swore to the dynast that I would see to your safety, Lord Tsridai. So once we have returned you to the palace in one piece I intend to follow your mother to Chilai." He thought over his words for a few moments, then added, "I am truly sorry your meeting did not go as hoped. This might not be worth much but I for one support your decision and hope for the best for both your new family and your old. If your mother has a change of heart on the way, I will return to inform you of her blessing."
The young warrior looked to his travelling companions, "Do you all intend to head out west as well? It would be nice to make strangers into companions and have these companion along for the journey."
Sennal-Tal, Outside the Palace
By now it was late. Stars dotted the sky and the moon hung high in the east, illuminating the blue-black sky with it's milky white light. Torches light up the city, turning the mountain into a warm orange with flickering shadows dancing about as the urban night came to life with dancing and drinking, games and gambling, eating and laughing. A large fire pit was centered on each level but the first and last, the citizenry gathered around them as the focal point for their relaxing after the day's work.
Captain Takana was not among those in the merrymaking. While the other soldiers were more relaxed, smiling and talking among themselves, the leader of the Uvo Tal detachment kept his sour expression fixed on his face. Takana had stuck with Hanesra even up to the palace. The interpreter explained that he was to be Hanesra's honor guard while on official diplomatic business within the city.
Word of their arrival had already reached the palace. As the group passed the gate the Raezanzu, with a dozen lesser officials and attendants, almost immediately emerged from the royal home with a big smile and arms open wide in welcome. The man was clothed in fine weaving, with elaborate patterns and symbols different from the more angular styles the Saremetisians had seen on their way here covering his front and going down the long and wide sleeves.
"My friends from the north!" he said through a translator, "Welcome to Sennal-Tal!"
Sennal-Tal, Inside the Palace
Inside what Shathath had been told was her room, Suzu was continuing her so far half hour long lecture on what to do at the banquet.
"Your presence will be announced as soon as you enter the reception chamber." She was saying while making some final adjustments to the sleeves of Shathath's light blue upper garment. "Everyone will be looking at you as you come in. Just make a quick bow in acknowledgement and continue moving on. Don't look for the king, he won't be there until later. Look for the raezansa, the Palace Minister's second in command, he one of the men with you earlier, and he'll be your guide for the night."
Suzu paused while she frown at the left over of the sash tied around the abdomen that held the Shathath's red dress close to her body. She looked uncertain as to whether to leave it where in hung, to the side and under Shathath's left arm, or to fit it into the rest of the sash so that only the lower half of the band could be seen from under the upper garment. She eventually settled on leaving it where it was.
Shenlin, Meiya
"It would be interesting to travel south," Donil said, "And an offer of hospitality was extended there."
"Unless..." Coním looked expectantly towards Tsridai.
Tsridai smiled reluctantly, "If you were to ask the favour of Kolei, to stay as guests for a little and observe the court she might consider it, but to extend all the favours of the castle so quickly would be a rather steep price."
"I would be willing to earn my keep as a poet," Coním replied, "Or else live as a servant."
"Perhaps," Tsridai said more solemnly as he realized the seriousness of the question, "But it would be no proper way to treat a guest."
"Better than to turn them away at the door," Coním smiled and spoke with his full rhetorical force, "There may be some happy balance between the two."
"I would still prefer to follow south," Donil said before chiding him in their native tongue, "En té cún cór ít. Bél bér me re cóbh ébéci bél ít."
Senate, Toryl.
Daelyn looked over with a polite nod. The priest-cyric was young but had already risen to have great political sway. Perhaps it was because he so actively sought advice of his elders and spoke so cleverly. Daelyn himself would admit to some of Tytum's Charisma as he would normally dislike such upstarts but instead found the young man bearable, even pleasant at times.
"Hail Arlias," Daelyn nodded, "May Selug guide you and Pyris keep you."
"This war is a cursed matter, Pyris curses the undertaking as I fear we have grown large and complacent. The Eralih are little more than Ysaroo with gold; they can smell a fattened cow from distance. They now look at us with hungry eyes, Noble Priest."
"A full war in the far off sands of Dussarit would see our many other foes turn with hungry eyes towards us. Other senators in my lands would protest at loosing their protection to such distant lands and with good reason. We would then have much greater losses."
"To surrender would be little better, likely far worse. What we ought to offer is a token fight and then offer a partition between North and South. It is largely the North rising in rebellion and they have little to offer us. Their fortresses there have held in the past against Eralih but should they fall now? It will be a small loss compared to the rich ports on the coast where our real trade lies. If we do well in our initial defence, we may even push for a more favourable partition than is historical."
"Eralih will the be caught; they likely wish for access through the river and may demand some guarentee of it in the peace talks but they have no claim of it and their efforts here show that they do not wish to be seen as illegitimate aggressors. If they continue south however? The Ports maybe better supplied and manned. They will have a bloody battle if they wish to dethrone us there."
Sennal-Tal, Inside the Palace
"I will," Shathath said as she tried to remain as still as a doll for these adjustments as they were fussed over, moving only when she thought it was needed, "Thank you again. I believe I should recognize him by his dress. Is there anything further? "
edited 14th Feb '13 11:17:43 PM by Fauxlosophe
Ordo Xenos Inquisitor
Shenlin, Meiya
Horatelemos averted his gaze from the quarelling Fayn, for he had no understanding of their tongue and if they were to part ways that was none of his business. Instead he turned to Jesa - the Zetali he had first talked to in the bar the previous night.
"I would like very much to leave this place, I yearn for a change of scenery, and Chilai would do nicely." For now - he added in his head.
The So'raan turned back to Tsridai, "Of course, I will fulfill my due to you Lo'rok, and take you back to the palace."
"Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything."
Kerg, Kergen
In the main chamber of the Conclave, there were four wide counters, each with four chairs behind them, arranged in a stair-step pattern, opposite of the entrance which Medharuc and his men would enter through. Above the four counters stood a fifth, this one with only a single seat.Several guards armed with staffs and clubs stood around the room, with a few in front separating the members of the Conclave from a series of benches for visitors. At the moment, only one man was seated up above, sitting in the lowest row of seats.
"Welcome to the Conclave of Kergen, what brings you gentlemen here?" he said when they entered.
Shenlin, Meiya
"Yes, I do intend to head west," Zedeeru lied. He would head any direction if someone would let him go along. "There is strength in numbers." Zed nodded after the others spoke. "Now, please escuse me, friends, Great One," he said, looking at the others, then Tsridai, and then heading to the window, where he began to retch.edited 16th Feb '13 9:09:00 AM by nman
Shenlin, Meiya
"He Loidi sao saseidi!" A man shouted from the ground, "Kuzhedi ui Kei wa za Haiyenzeido me wei. Yau wa sudo me onu?"*
"If it suits you," Tsridai gave an awkward smile, "but it is a long walk and I know the way well. You may find your time best spent preparing for your journey, but Kolei can be a scary woman."
Tsridai laughed.
"I should know. So I would understand if you wanted to come along. As you prefer. I think it would be best for me to go now though."
Kerg, Kergen
Medharuc was careful here. He was prone to speaking theatrically and shifting the advantage with rhetoric but these people were simpler; complicated words and games would be lost on them. All the more reason another should have been sent. It was his own misfortune that he had learnt the language from sailors and slaves and so made himself a candidate.
"There was a dispute between a Fayn Chief and town who refer to your conclave," Medharuc said, "And during the Parley, the Chief was cut down. You understand the weight of the crime, do you not? My lord has sent me in fear that you do not. I come now guarded for fear that this might happen twice. Should there be no punishment on Igarbre or condemnation, then no diplomacy between our peoples may be possible. We shall not host men who would murder us as guests, after all."
He looked over the room,
"The North gathers hungering for vengance but war may be avoided should Igarbre surrender to the terms they feigned agreement to. Should Kergen as a whole fall to Igarbre for defence, then we shall be called to follow. By honour and right, we will be compelled to and both our people shall suffer."
At last he reached his conclusion, "Thus, you must either see Igarbre banished or punished, as the death of a King demands délóchír but war brings with it ruin."
Northlands
Ui-Xhamilainn surveyed the ruins below. His foes were opportunists, in the past, allies of the Kerghen, but it was fleeting. Their tribes were never settled enough to accept the quiet lives of Kergen however and had isolated themselves after having raided Tal and Eastern Kergs, thus they found no quarter as his armies came upon them.
Now, they scattered. Their enemies would flock to them now. Both small tribes and sometimes Tal, who would sometimes come to escape the harsh lands that remained to them to join the tribes.
The smoke now, marked the final stitch in their tapestry. A full half of the whole North stood with him, perhaps more. United and no longer scattered, they turned an envious eye south. The question was whether they ought to seek war with the Saremitas or the Kergen.
United now, he would weigh his options, looking for weakness, sending envoys and readying himself to strike.
The North would be forgotten no longer.
Shenlin, Meiya
Jesa shook his head as Zeedaru let out the contents of his stomach.
"Very well then, my lord." He looked about and saw that most of his new companion were in agreement about the need to travel west. "Let us escort you back to her majesty," And collect what was promised. "And we will be separating to prepare for our trek to Chilai."
If nothing else, he could learn about the western ways of fighting from Horatelemos. Jesa could not pinpoint it, but he felt there was more to the Huon man besides what he already did not want to talk about. A man shouted from outside at Zeedaru and the Zetali man sighed.
"I think we just wore out our welcome in this place anyway."
edited 20th Feb '13 9:48:20 PM by Parable
Shenlin,Meiya.
"A diff'rent story, t'were it in here but I dinnae concern masel' wi' the Meiyans," The Barkeep said, "But he looks ta be bad shape fer this early." Original Terms and Meiya for comparison
"I'll take to packing then," Donil said as he began putting away the pieces of the board, "Faiyinr did not seem inclined to wait, so I would recommend the rest of you be ready before walking the distance back to the palace."
"Tel gar di ba cona me re?" Coním said without awaiting a response, heading out the door, "Bér cór re!"
Tsridai followed after him reluctantly.
edited 23rd Feb '13 11:09:48 PM by Fauxlosophe
「MENACING」
Wunizma Lands
The old woman nodded, solemnly. "I shall. Go with my people's blessing, youth."
Sennal-Tal, outside the palace
Hanesra dismounted upon nearing the palace, unstrapping his weapons and leaving them with one of his men. He bowed, his left arm at his side while his right fist pressed against his heart. "And greetings to you, our southern brothers. It has been a long journey, but worth it to make it here. Your city is a place of marvels." He privately did some cultural posturing that ultimately meant nothing, but the city had impressed him; If only aesthetics meant anything, this city would be untakeable. "We bring gifts to you and your people, and hopes to speak for a greater brotherhood. The gifts wait with the rest of my party a good distance from the mountain, and the hopes lie within our breasts." It was a poetic bit of speech that he really, really hoped translated well into Zewani.
Shenlin, Meiya
"I will journey west as well," Igama said, though a bit quietly. The sun would not see him abandon this journey so soon, though it was beginning to make him feel like a man who had stepped into a snowbank expecting an inch and getting a cliff. "After all, you still need to travel." And I need to get out of here. "Though I advise patience. Rushing into this would be a fool's action, as rushing into any journey would be."
At the shout from outside, he bristled, but calmed himself, chuckling dryly.. "Wasting food and alcohol? For shame."
Sennal-Tal, Shathath
Before she knew it, Shathath, accompanied by her two attendants, would find herself last in a thin line of people awaiting entry into the royal reception chamber. Men and woman clothed in colorful and expensive garments waited behind one another, chatting with their immediate neighbors, laughing and gossiping. The words “Saremitas” and “Northmen” popped up in the conversations frequently, and Shathath could probably by now figure out that the banquet’s guests of honor had arrived at the palace.
More people lined up behind her, a few of them giving the Viha woman interested glances. A few seemed openly hostile, judging by the symbols on their attire these were mostly men and woman from the eastern provinces bordering Viha territory. Others however, seemed merely curious at the foreigner in the midst. Nearby a few young men were utterly failing in their attempts to subtly appraise her, constantly sneaking furtive glances at the young emissary and whispering comments to each other.
“Presenting Lord Vibian Yeservica Elwa, Meric of Elwa, and his wife, the Lady Boton Milosennal Elwa!”
Up ahead, the nobleman and his wife who had just had their names announced went from the front of the line, passed the guards keeping watch over the entrance, and strolled into the chamber. From this side of the wall, Shathath could probably hear laughter and music. The banquet had already started despite the absence of either the king or the Saremitasians. Suzu had told Shathath that both were expected to be fashionably late as per tradition.
Meanwhile, the line continued moving forward. Shathath was moved along with the flow of people, soon finding herself near the front, while the line behind her had grown exponentially. Suzu had brought her early, it would seem. Now standing just before the entrance, Shathath could see into the reception chamber.
It was by far the biggest room in the palace, dwarfing even the central hall she had passed though earlier. Tapestries decorated the walls with tightly woven patterns portraying images from Zewan-Tal history. Ringing the room were tables low to the ground, with mats to sit on. Food in abundance rested on the tables Parts of the mountain had been left behind and carved around to function as support beams. These had been carved into to display totems of bears, wolves, deer, bobcats, falcons, trout and other beast. Torches line the walls with glass encasing from Meiya reflecting and enhancing their light. On the east wing of the room, giant openings let in the moonlight on the balcony from which one could see the rest of the lower levels of the city. Two raised areas, on directly ahead and the other in the west wing stood out from the rest of the chamber.
Suzu was talking rapidly in Zewani to the official granting entrance to the chamber. Shathath’s name came up a few times before the official nodded and marked something down on the paper in front of him.
“This is where you and I part ways for now, my lady.” Suzu said quietly to Shathath. “The raezansa is already in there.” She pointed towards a gangly looking man with red beads, Shathath might recognize him as having escorted her around earlier, and who had a friendly looking woman beside him dressed in a yellow dress similar to Shathath’s. The servant woman then left, her Uvo Tal guard going with her, leaving Shathath to walk to the chamber entrance alone.
“Presenting Lady Shathath of the Laozoijith tribe, emissary of the Viha!”
Sennal-Tal, Hansera
"Your generosity leaves us humbled," the Raezanzu said in return with a professional smile on his face. "And your desire for continued brotherhood are reciprocated by the king, I can assure you."
The horses of Hansera's party were led away as the representatives of Zewan-Tal and Saremitas made small talk. The Raezanzu assured him they would be properly taken care of in the palace stables. The usual line of innocent questions were spoken as the Saremitasians were led into the palace. How was the journey? Which clan did they hail from? When had they left? What was the weather like? How was the family back home? The Zetali official touched on nothing of importance. It was clear this first meeting was to be strictly non-political.
"You arrived just in time too. The king has declared a banquet in your honor which is to begin soon. If you would like to freshen up, we have hot baths ready for your pleasure."
Some time later, Hansera and his assistants were in the same position Shathath had been about half an hour before. Except where the Viha woman had waited in line for entry, Hansera was led directly to the entrance by the Minister of the Court. Those still waiting to be admitted looked on first with jealousy, then with curiosity as the foreign guests of honor were led past them. No doubt the Saremitasians stood out among their shorter, darker, and more lightly dressed cousins. The Raezanzu spoke to the official at the entrance, who promptly waved for the guards to allow them in.
"Presenting O-kelinra Hansera of the Deakin Clan, Ambassador of the Saremitas Confederacy!"
Inn, Shenlin
Donil turned to Igama, "If you wish to remain and pack you will make good company. I believe we have much to discuss."
Palace, Shenlin
It was another hour's walk back to the Palace, a rather uneventful one, though the streets once more bustled. The second time, having already walked there and back the hill on which the castle was built felt steeper.
"Am I not returned safely to you?" Tsridai smiled, "The travellers shall have a small boon, I expect."
Kolei nodded and took a bag from her belt, "This should be sufficent for a week's supplies if you eat well or a Month, if you would sooner live as travellers rather than Nobles. This seems more than a fair price for a day's labour and, if I might ask it now, silence on the matters you have heard."
Sennal Tal
Shathath bowed at her introduction, "It is a pleasure to be accepted in these great halls. I pray the food we share be a symbol of the prosperity our peoples shall share in the times to come."
Senate Chamber, Toryl
"I am in agreement with Senator Daelyn." came the voice of another man just entering the chamber. Flowing white robes breezed behind him as the second member of the triumvirate made his entrance.
Senator Gaerum Dysesis walked alone towards the two men as the great doors were shut behind him. In deference to seniority he gave a polite bow to Daelyn before turning to Arlias and repeating the motion.
"Forgive me, where are my manners? Hail, my brothers. May Selug's light be upon you both."
Straightening up, Dysesis continued from where he had left off. "Let not our empire get ahead of itself and become unwieldy as a result. The power of the republic is no different then other nations in that the farther the extremities are from the head and each other, the more diffused that power is. Reaching out across the desert to hold on to unprofitable lands, while certainly soothing one's pride, will not produce pounds of gold. With those in the north uniting against us, wiping ourselves clean of this Dussarit and Eralih business as soon as possible would be the wisest course."
Palace, Shenlin
Jesa had not grown up in the mountains but he was raised in the valleys. The return trip to the palace did not feel as tiring to him as it might have to some of the others. It actually reminded him a bit of home actually, back when he used to go up into the forest to hunt deer.
Jesa bowed respectfully before taking the bag of wealth the travelling companions had earned. It was heavier then he expected, or the dynast was stronger then she looked, and he had to stiffen his grip to keep the pouch from falling out of his hand. Inwardly he was practically dancing, he had never had this much money in his life! Of course, he had to remind himself, it was not all his. Jesa turned back to his companions, a grin he couldn't help on his face.
"My friends, a gift for our efforts!" Jesa said, proudly showing them the contents of the bag.
A few moments later he turned back around to face Kolei. "Rest assured, your excellency, from me nothing but silence will be passed on to others regarding this matter."
How truthful the dynast thought the Zetali warrior would probably depend on how well she knew his people. After all, Zetali were well known for their love of telling stories, and gossip made the best stories. But Uvo Tal like Jesa were supposed to be trained to know when to keep their mouths shut. Their cold silence was something their countrymen considered uncanny about the warriors.
"I thank you for your generosity," Jesa said to the dynast before turning to look at Tsridai, "And again hope for the best in your endeavors."
「MENACING」
Sennal-Tal
Hansera nodded and smiled at the Raezanzu's response, but was beginning to feel a tickling doubt. Continued. He casually answered the man's questions - The journey had been long, but they had fortunately been unmolested by bandits or raiders, they hailed from the clan Deakin...
"A banquet in our honor... I am impressed," he said, pleased. "You must have quick couriers to have gotten the news back soon enough."
When the time came for the feast itself, he stepped into the throne room in his grandest clothing - A thick blue robe with a white sash around the waist, a triangular loka around his shoulders. The robe was embroidered in gold and silver, elaborate patterns of stars and moons along the sides. Winding around the front and back, though, was a silver dragon, serpentine and covered in spines and horns. Both beautiful and dangerous. His soldiers flanked him in polished ceremonial armor, seemingly unarmed; Hanesra knew each had a long knife hidden somewhere on their person, just in case.
"Presenting O-kelinra Hansera of the Deakin Clan, Ambassador of the Saremitas Confederacy!"
At the announcement, everything suddenly clicked. Oh. His soldiers looked at each other in confusion, some beginning to look offended.
The ambassador began to laugh, low in his throat. So that's what's happened here. He turned to look at the Raezanzu, smiling thinly. "Let's be going, then."
Shenlin, Meiya
Igama stopped, looking at Donil with suspicion, but nodded. "Very well. Lead the way."
Throne Room, Shenlin, Meiya
"You have our gratitude," Tsridai replied, "May fortune follow where you lead."
Coním bowed, "Thank you for receiving us."
He turned to the others, "Shall we go?"
Unnamed Inn, Shenlin, Meiya
"Gyryr toryl? No, it doesn't matter too much," Donil shook his head as he approached the steps, "Did you see how the dynast smiled at the directness of the Cheragan? I believe my friend has lept head first into a game of politics which he does not understand. I will be glad once we leave this place. Sooner rather than later, for there is little good in this."
"I take this as sense," Donil said, as he reached his room, "I speak to you because you were the only other one not to leap to their cause at mention of love. Tales of old romance seem to seep deeper into the heads of the Easterners, though my companion is little better. What are your thoughts?"
Senate, Tor, Toryr
"Yes," Daelyn nodded, "The question then comes whether we wish to invovle ourselves in the matter at all, we might gain some tokens of friendship offering to the new King but in my opinion, it would have us look too inconstant. I believe some support is due but only weapons enough that the So'raan and Galyl cities who look to us will see we will offer what is due. A token will go a long way."
"Some Kerg tribe and Fayn king are in conflict now and the rest may follow," He said, "But I would say we may tell the free Galyl magistrates that they may do as they wish if they do not turn to us afterwards. Though they might expect their new lands to be free of tax."
"I believe our influence is best focused on defence and perhaps winning, if not the Huon alliance, then Aailos and Paraamano. We may also hold Soerityr without too much trouble should the Eralih pretender be too ambitious for his own good and look to us."
Southern Eramos mountains
The sound of wooden flute and marching drum echoed through the once solitary dry mountains of the south.
"Dahgimih, Ehtussgrit! Duhkha tamihm tahtsah! Ahbimih ikhuluh tuss dahgt, Dahgimih dahtsah! *" Came a shout, echoing between the mountains.
"Khinukhahimih Tahmih tahdussahln ilahg! Mimikhit, tsahta rahg! *" Came the anwser.
The groups came forward, armed with serrated Eralih blades sheathed in Eralih shields, with bow or sling over shoulder and the chorus came out in unison to the music as the workers set already to making camp.
- Dahgimih, Ehtussgrit, tsahta ussg eh ilahg.*
- Ghalugimih bahra taduss matsahg.*
- Ahgilitsu tsahta balussg, dgusahg,*
- Ghalugimih tahluhr matsahg.*.
It was not long before they camp was assembled, looking over the escarpment, the old river in view.
It was in the shade of this that the Prince-Pretenders sat together under the banner of the White Vulture over Reeds and Lotus.
Sahri looked nervously over the table of Princes, 14 in total, though only three had sway enough to be considered real candidates, who had gathered to claim the title. A face of unity was made for the sake of their cause, but in truth, each silently hoped the others would meet their death against the southern armies.
Palace, Sennal, Zewan-Tal
Shathath sat in stunned silence at the laughter of the other emissary, looking as subtly as she could for some sign of awareness in the others.
edited 15th Mar '13 9:20:50 PM by Fauxlosophe
Kerg, Kergen
"Igarbre...", the man said. "I think I heard something about them taking care of barbarian raiders... Zekajd!" he called out to a man who had been sitting far off, taking notes. "Igarbre! Figure this out!"Immediately the man ran off. A few minutes later he came back with another man who walked up and sat next to the Conclavemember who was already there. Once he was seated, he spoke up, "So what's this about Igarbre?" he asked. "Have you come to give reparations for what your people have done to that Kerghan?"
Shenlin, Meiya
"I am be giving many gratitudes to you for receiving us as well," Zedeeru said, bowing like he had seen the other man do. It was so hard to remember the words of this language when his stomach was pounding the way it was. Yet he had never before eaten such amazing things before, and if given the opportunity again, he had no doubt he would stuff himself again.He got up from his bow, "I will go now with you, friends."
Kerg, Kergen
"The bonds of truce were broken," Medharuc replied looking at Zekajd, "The wars of petty kings and chiefs do not concern me but the laws of hospitality do. It was under this mans eyes, they say, the Northern King who they named Pélúdín was slain while visiting under promise of truce."
"You must understand the weight of this matter," Medharuc spoke looking over the council, "For what do I do now but put my life under a similar bond of trust, to your whole council. No king, trader or poet may dare venture from his own halls but for this now broken bond. I come with arms so that if these bonds be betrayed once more, I will not die Alkatzerii. Yet, I place myself wholly in our hands, without plea or defence but to your hospitality. The murder then that took place under flag of truce, was it then not also a grave violation, one which your people rightly call the ultimate sin? Murder against those who have placed their trust in your hands that they may not defend themselves? And in this spirit, it is fellow free men, no different from yourself and I, who seek the bonds of trust restored that plead that he be banished and reparations made against the weight of a king."
"If there is love of fellow man in you, stranger or kin," Medharuc as he turned upwards with his open hand following his head, "Then you will see that those responsible face Alkuen and the law of hospitality restored over the great northern bay."
edited 16th Mar '13 10:14:11 AM by Fauxlosophe
Kerg, Kergen
"Hospitality?" the Conclavemember said. "You seem to have a different understanding of that word than we do. When a barbarian raider attacks a Kerghan, what he will gain in return is not hospitality but justice. But you need not fear for your life, for your "bond of trust", if you are here to talk. If you are here to cause trouble and commit violence against our people, then you would have cause to fear, but until the day you decide to do so, you should be at ease."
Kerg, Kergen
"He proclaimed that under the torch, he would speak terms of surrender and would be welcomed under truce," Medharuc replied, "He left his ship with but a small guard under the promise of peace and hospitality as an ambassador who speaks terms of diplomacy. Let justice find its place upon the fields of battle under the judgement of the Moon's eye. Give no such pretense to this; this was not combat but murder of a man who touched upon the shore in trust."
"I speak of the future of our people," Medharuc continued, "No bond of word, gold or blood may exist between our peoples if we may be murdered under truce for ill words. Should a merchant speak of better trades with the Toryl, shall you leave him unarmed and bleeding in a pit? Should I tell you that I see no cause for the preservation of bonds, that the all North of the Gefin might make war and mischief without a word from our King, my purpose to you so served, shall my body find rest in this very room?"
edited 16th Mar '13 7:52:25 PM by Fauxlosophe
Shenlin, Meiya
"Personally," Tsridai said, smiling at the gesture, "The reason I come now rather with you is that I have been unfair to her here. There is much I need to anwser for and I have not the anwsers written for everything but to hide now behind envoys would be a disgrace."
"Let's head to the meeting place then," Coním said of the inn.
And so, the made their way there.
It was early yet, they had set out in the morning and the feast had only lasted perhaps a Shakue, give or take. Perhaps two, if one were to be generous.
Donil explained this as they were leaving but Tsridai insisted that they go now. His tone indicated a certain graveness and a desire for silence, though he did not say it outloud, it was clear that to speak of light matters now would be a grave offence.
With that, he lead the party towards the inn.
He signaled the others to remain in sight but not to speak a word.
It was mostly empty. Those who drank a great deal at this hour were already too drunk to pay much mind to other matters but most who stayed in the inn or frequented the restaurant were making up for time and money lost to the storm the day before. Afterall, these storms tended to come erratically and in groups; if today was clear after a storm, there was no promise tomorrow would not be worse than both.
Faiyinr sat there however, contemplatively. No drink before her but instead playing with the board which Coním had left the owner to keep watch over.
This much he was grateful for, there would be no need to relocate as the few who would hear them would hear them only if they were to shout.
"Mother," Tsridai said, his arms open.
"Tsridja," She smiled embracing him, "What mischief have you gotten up to in the capital? You put the fear of the heavens in your father and I. We feared you would join our fathers before we did."
"Worse yet perhaps," Tsridja replied pulling away from her,"I've gotten myself engaged."
"To a Meiyan?" She laughed a little with the smile of a mother looking at a child who greatly regreted of a small mistake, "You're a fool, little Tsridja. You have your engagement to Srojavar. If you must take this courtesian down, then let her be provided for with us and let youth take its course. Whatever nothings you've whispered will pass with time..."
"It is no courtesian," Tsridai insisted, backing away further and holding his left arm in his right,"...Nor will it pass with youth."
"So we all say in our youths, if it is the daughter of some protective magistrate, something may still be arranged," Faiyinr said now more cautious but still determined as she came closer to him.
"It is not the daughter of a magistrate," Tsridai replied steadfastly, holding where he stood
"Do you find yourself in love with a merchant's daughter?" Faiyinr replied with almost a smile as she now hovered over him.
"No..." Tsridai replied with a long pause, "with the Dynast herself."
There was a long pause. Faiyinr's face grew stiff and stern and she backed away, returning the distance between her in Tsridai. Tsridai looked forbiddingly back, incase any of the messangers were planning to speak, the face spoke universally to any traveller; this is family matters.
"Come," Faiyinr said sternly, "Forget this foolishness. If you are your father's son, then you will return to him. You know what this will cost us if you continue."
"I will not see you starve if I marry her," Tsridai said pleadingly, "Imagine the influence we would hold. There is a great deal to be said for the position."
"You would be nothing more than a woman's slave," Faiyinr said, "Her passions will move past you as stars shift in the sky and what shall remain for you then? We shall have lost our honour amongst the Chilai and amongst the Meiyans, we shall be but Chilai and guests of the Meiyans."
"There is more than that," Tsridai replied, "Our people would merge with the Meiyans. We would see them aided and our peoples would at last be merged legitimately rather than by arms."
"We would be disgraced, Srojavar would have her father after her and would plead her case to the other six," Faiyinr said, "Even without her, the marriage would be a cause of great nervousness amongst the generals who would seek a cause for war in it and curse the name of all who followed you."
"Mother," Tsridai said, "Srojavar has no love for me, nor I for her. We have barely spoken and what little we have said has been little more than politen-"
"She is a good Tsrilai woman, who would not take such an insult," Faiyinr said, "To be abandoned for a Miādjan*? If your father did such a thing to me, I would hunt him still to the end of the earth. Even if I were I married to married to a far worse man, I would still see myself weighted by stone and thrown to the Tsrilai before watching him run to a Miādjan."
"These are but brief concerns, when the sun sets on whatever conflict arises, history will remember us as the ones who ended an ancient enmity and united two peoples, saving ours from obsrucity."
"And cost us any kind word that might be spoken of us amongst these people you believe you are saving," Faiyinr said approaching for a final plea, "You have your reasons perhaps, but come with me to Lōalinr* and speak to your father and the others at lenght to make your case."
"If I return," Tsridai said with some thought, "...I shall be allowed return, shall I?"
"No," Faiyinr said with a similar pause, "You shall not sway your father and should you leave later, it will not be without duplicity."
"Then I must stay," Tsridai said, "Here both my love and duty lie."
"Your duty lies with your forebearers," Faiyinr said, "With us, in our homelands. You may be mistaken but age has only made my vision of this clearer. I shall hold by my mother and father before me and shall serve them before even my son. This is my decision just as you must still make yours. Much damage will be done by your remaining here but should you realize your mistake, return soon and your father and I shall heal what we may."
Tsridai paused. The back of his head alone visible to those who had stayed by the door, but those who could see him from the side would see a look of quiet and sad determination in his face.
She embraced him a last time and spoke her last words to him as almost a whisper though a sharp listener could make out it, "I leave then today. I shall return to dsa Djialinr* in one of three ways; with you by my side as I enter, over the ruins of its walls or as a prisonner."
Tsridai whispered a couple of words in response and she released him.
The two of them did their best to retain composure, Faiyinr headed towards the door, when she turned to the others, "You have done well to fulfill your promise as envoys and I owe you my gratitude even for these ill-tidings. My offer to follow our caravan to Lōalinr and have the gratitude of myself and my husband stand. I will send for your here at the arranged meeting time once you have your things in order."
With that she continued out into the street.
Tsridai stood quiet for a few more moments.
Toryr, Toryr.
Saerrul Daelyn looked over the empty consul seats. He had been elected amongst the other Cyrics along with two others to fill the role of the ruling Triumvate and lead the senate and in many ways the position troubled him. He spoke for those who knew the old glory of Toryl which now sat inactive. Their military, he felt had declined. In truth, upon reflection, it was less a decline in their military as it was that the other states near them had grown stronger and learnt much from them, while they had less to learn.
It was always simpler to learn from your betters than to invent.
The young Faen king spoke about peace between their people, but in his experience, that meant that the Toryl would be left to clean up the mess which their little petty kings and border brigands made without much complaint from the rest.
Faenyr were not a proper state like Toryr, just a collection of petty chiefs who would crown any fool stupid enough to take the position in order to convince Toryl that they were not a collection of barbarians waiting for their land to be taken as the Galyr were now or Kergyn appeared to expansionists. Even the Huon coalition seemed to hang together on a thread, a few honied words would divide them even further.
What troubled him however were the Eralih. Primative barbarians but they had a multitude under their would be emperor and now turned their greedy eyes to the Dussarit. Dussarit, of course, had little hope against the Eralih arms, training and auxiliaries and so many wished to see more Toryl soldiers squandered in the region to hold on to empty deserts filled with bandits in exchange for what little value is produced in perhaps the three cities along the southern coast worth saving...
He wasn't sure how he felt about it but he didn't like being the earliest. The others would arrive soon but he had hoped to find someone else who was similarly troubled waiting there when he arrived.
Sennal-Tal, Royal Palace
"I thank you," Shathath bowed with a smile which was sincere yet deliberated and measured, "But you have already done me a great service along with the Raezanzu and official who have given me this favour. If you are to do anything, thank them and the servants who have been so kind."
She paused,
"With the exception of that, I believe I have been well prepared. Though, I was told to defer to you for ettiquite and so I shall defer to you if you believe that anything might aid my cause or even allow me to present it more clearly, then I shall take your word to be as precious as gold."
edited 7th Feb '13 11:10:18 PM by Fauxlosophe