Elon/Hessnya

A ship bore the Lord Primer of Wyvern's Landing along the stony southern coast, past olive and orange orchards and the fine ports and castle of Karmozijn Kerk then further up into a bay of white cliffs and bright waves. Dovwynn was a small port, an unimpressive town compared to Karmozijn Kerk, but there was a since of it belonging here. It was old, saturated in history and the battle between nature and civilization had gone back and forth so many times, both sides seemed to have given up and merged. Vines grew up old stone pillars and crumbling walls. Moss grew on wharfs. Many buildings were made of rough cut logs, which looked like they were still part tree and ferns and pepper bushes grew wild along the old cobbled roads.

The ship docked in Donahue district and a runner was sent ahead to the manner house with King Casomir's introduction letter. Meanwhile the ship captain agreed to escort the Primer through the town himself. He was a jovial man, clearly unaccustomed or ignorant of finer manners, but genuinely firendly. He spoke freely to the Primer, walking beside him as if they were longtime friends, pointing out the mundane sights of the town, like he was giving a grand tour.


"They're building a whole new port cross town by the river," he explained, "Should take some of the pressure off a here, but I dare say the Queen has all sorts o plans in that head o her's. That's Miryn Dale's house there. His daughter lives up at the manner as nurse to the princess. And that there is the Tree of Oleo!"

They'd come to the center of town, where an open square hosted and old well and what looked like and even older olive tree. It had a thick gnarly trunk and a wide canopy heavy with leaves and white flowers. "It's the tree on our emblem, you know, and was planted over the grave of a great martyr of the church," the captain explained. He kissed his hand and then pressed it to the trunk of the tree. "For good luck," he said and then led the way on up the hill to the district of Percepolis, where Christallo Manner looked over the town and the bay.


Queen Chello was waiting in the courtyard and greeted the Primer graciously, extending her hand for him to kiss. "On behalf of my husband the king, welcome, Lord Primer," she said, "Regrettably, King Azlyn is not available to meet you this mourning, but he may join us later this evening. Won't you please come in?"

A guard held the doors open and servants helped to bring in what supplies the Primer had brought with him.

"Accommodations have been made ready for you. Please take your time refreshing yourself after your journey. We may attend to our business affairs in the Long Hall after lunch."

The Queen was tall for a woman, but too thin for her height and with few curves to speak of. Everything about her was long, long back, long arms, long fingers and a long nose. She was very pale, so pale she might have been just recovered from a sickness. Dressed in a sky blue gown, the color brought out her eyes, but was simple with none of the fancy adornments favored by other nobles. Her blond hair was wrapped in a bun and a diamond pin held it there, matching two small diamond earrings.     

   

Volkyn and those with him were all provided with rooms in which to bathe and rest after the voyage, as well as a simple, but pleasant lunch of ham and eggs, with a side of hot buttered rolls and fresh cut sweet green grapes. Christallo Manner had very little luxury about it, but was tidy and homy. Fresh spring air, scented by lavender blew in the open shutters and the architecture and furnishings were rustic in style, containing a lot of high beamed ceilings, and roughly carved and polished wood. Some halls had walls with the heads of great buck deer, or tusked boars mounted on them, but for the most part decoration was sparse.

After Volkyn and his people had had time to refresh and eat, Chello sent word that she would meet the him in the long hall for their diplomatic discussions. The long hall was like the rest of the Manor, but with fewer windows and a large chandelier of polished deer antlers provided most of the light. A few dogs were asleep in the corner, and at a long heavy oaken table sat Queen Chello and a half dozen of Elon's experienced advisors. King Azlyn was still no where to be seen, but the queen and her people stood as Volkyn and his party entered.

"I hope you found your rooms acceptable, Lord Primer," Chello said, "Won't you please be seated? This is Jordan Delaney," she introduced the man to her right, "Sir Christian and his bother Aryn," she motioned to the two men closest on her left, "Captain Rider and his first mate, Sir Rickryn and finally Lady Adella Casper, my royal secretary." Adella was the only other woman in Chello's party and had a stack of paper and pen an ink at her right elbow. Each of the Elonease officials gave polite nods, as they were introduced. None of them had on armor and like the queen their dress was fairly simple compared to noble standards.

"That's right," Chello said, folding her thin hands before her, "I believe it would be for the interest of both countries and strengthen and enrich the southern coast as a whole. The relative peace and security the Empire brings to the seas, provides for safer routs and Elon and Hessyna would be remiss to not take advantage of them. It's been one of my primary goals as queen to expand Elonese commerce and we have recently built new trade ports."


"Beyond general business and commerce," said Captain Rider, speaking up, "It is the hope of the merchants and guildmasters that opening trade with Hessnya made allow for the exchange of vital resources, which would allow both kingdoms new economic opportunities. For example, here in Elon we have a thriving carpentry guild, but the building masters are sore put to find stone."



  

"It may be possible," Chello said, "But as you may have heard, many of our people have followed the Vaekirate to war against the dreaded warlords of Beg Gurihm. Much of our food and gold is being used to support this holy endeavor."

She pondered a moment, watching his face. He was clearly a skilled negotiator, but at the moment she wasn't sure what he was after. If not lumber, what did the Hessnyans hope to get? She would rather hear it from him than begin offering things in hopeful guesses.

"What is it that king is interested in, Lord Volkyn?" she inquired.

Chello found the turn of the conversation interesting and unexpected, but she was somewhat wary. She was well education and had studied history and diplomacy at great length in Arkhaer. She knew the risk of entering causally into an such alliance. Commercial trade was one thing, but to swear unto another king that his enemies would be yours and promise to back this up with the steal and blood of your warriors, was another thing completely. On one hand it could make two kingdoms stronger, but on the other it could bring you new enemies and draw you into a political corner. She was not familiar enough with Hessnyan history to know what enemies or grudges she may be buying for a few tons of builder's stone, by agreeing to this deal. 

Leaning on the table, she folded her long hands under her chin considering. "Without my lord husband here to consult, I'm not sure I'm in the position to accept this proposal," she said by way of delaying her choice, "And in any case such a pack would need some careful consideration. As vassals under the Empire, we are both sworn under the rule of Church and State and committing fealty to a third party, even in a mutually defensive pact as you suggest, could invite unforeseen difficulties to our future."


"For the time being, maybe we could consider the simple exchange of gold for stone? If you would like to determine a price, the merchants of Elon and Hessnya could take advantage of our negotiations on a season by season basis, as resources allow."


"As for the defensive pact, I think it may be best to consider such an alliance apart from commercial interchange. Stone, gold and commercial interests may ebb and flow with time and such alliances as you are proposing should be above such things and not beholden to them."   

Chello was surprised again. She hadn't expected such a generous offer. Four units of stone with no cost and no strings attached?

She wondered what exactly the Lord Premier was hoping to gain with this offer. Was Hessnya under threat of war, or planning something for which that would need allies and favores to called in? Maybe, but building good alliances was also important for Elon and accepting the generous offer wouldn't have any legally binding effects.

"Your offer is most generous and Elon will gladly accept. We can certainly entertain discussion on future business and possible alliances at a later meeting. In fact I will look forward to it. It is certainly wise for our coastal nations to stand firmly side by side."

At that moment there were some sounds in the courtyard outside and the voices of men greeting each other in boisterously. A minute later the hall doors opened and King Azlyn walked in.

Clearly the king had just arrived home from a long ride in the open country. His black hair was windblown and his cheeks rosy from the cool winds and salt air. He was dressed in riding leathers and a somewhat rumbled green tunic, but he stood an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, and was smiling brightly.

"We saw the ship in the harbor as we rode in," he said, "Hessnyan! My wife said she sent a letter. So glad you could come!" Striding in Azlyn offered Volken a hardy handshake.

Chello stood up a little embarrassed by her husband's abrupt interruption and casual appearance, but she was all grace as she introduced their guests. "My Lord Husband, this is Lord Premier Volkyn Strekiir, his scribe Tykard Namsteklar and Sir Hillurk Nekst. King Casomir II of Hessnya sent them to negotiation a trade alliance between his kingdom and Elon."

"Splendid," Azlyn said, "I hope you all had pleasant journey."