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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 23, 2014 3:53:50 GMT
"I'm sure my wife wouldn't want to miss it," Azlyn said obligingly, "And I will certainly come. Speaking of Chello, I should introduce you as soon as we finish lunch."
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Post by talis on Mar 17, 2015 21:29:07 GMT
Elder Rugmar was the obvious choice for delivering bad news to a neighbor. He had the sharp head and bullish personality that was either admired or loathed, depending on whether it was directed at you or not. He and his entourage had come to talk trade with the king of Elon at the behest of the Council.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 17, 2015 21:53:08 GMT
Azlyn's camp was on the southern outskirts of Thundercorwn and relatively small. Most of the knights seemed to be packing up or repairing their gear, getting ready to move out once the word was given. Except for the banner out front, the king's tent seemed to differ little from the rest of the knights in his honor guard and clearly wasn't even close to being large enough to receive a full entourage.
Azlyn himself hadn't been there, as he'd been out riding around the camps and meeting with some other army leaders. He rode up only a few moment's after Rugmar's arrival, however, having received word from a squire that the Orc's were heading toward his tent. He seemed surprised and a little hurried, as he galloped up and hastily dismounted, his hair windblown and his clothes slightly mud splattered from a day riding about.
"My Lord Elder," he greeted, "I wasn't expecting a visit, though of course it's an honor to receive you," He ran a hand his hair and glanced back at his tent, which showed the hurried buessel of a couple of servants trying to tidy a mess as quickly as possible. "Would you care to take a walk about the camp with me? I'm eager to hear whatever you have to say, but must admit I have no love for the stuffiness of tents."
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Post by talis on Mar 17, 2015 22:30:16 GMT
"If you are comfortable discussing matters of Clan and Country in such a setting." Rugmar conceded, giving Azlyn the opportunity to consider whether he wanted potential negotiations to take place in public. He showed no consternation about Azlyn's appearance - not a week ago they had been at war, and etiquette could not always be expected in such times. Besides, the Firetooth respected strength and decisiveness as much as appearance.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 17, 2015 22:46:08 GMT
"If what you wish to speak of is of a sensitive nature, then let us ride to the edge of the camps and talk while traversing the nearby hills. I find it easer to concentrate and speak honestly when I am not surrounded by walls and the dressing of courtly counsel and by the tone of your voice, you seem to have something important on your mind."
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 1:40:59 GMT
Rugmar agreed, and the two leaders departed camp, leaving behind even the Elder's guards.
"The Elder Council has heard complaints from travelers through Elon." He explained when they had walked some ways from the camp. "They say that you have built a bridge over the river and are taxing pilgrims traveling to or from Karmozijn Kerk. As devout Aedekom we cannot allow such a situation to continue and so we must request that you cease taxing pilgrims passing through your lands.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 3:55:17 GMT
Azlyn looked at Rugmar with surprise. He hadn't expected this to be the topic of Rugmar's visit. "I have heard no such complains from travelers through Elon, or from the Church itself" he said "And we press no tax upon the Aedakom missionaries or officials, nor upon any pilgrims crossing from Dovwynn to Karmozijn Kerk. Besides that, the toll is used to help maintain holy sites in Elon, the roads and safe passage through the whole country and especially for those who use the river road toward your own lands."
Placing his hands behind his back in a casual manner, Azlyn looked at Rugmar trying to judge if the toll was the real reason for his visit or just a means of starting a more serious conversation on some other matter. "I don't know much about it myself, but apparently tolls on roads and bridges are quite common place in the Surveak Empire, especially along frontier kingdoms and pilgrim routs where safe roads and protection for travelers is of upmost important. Elon uses the income from the bridge to maintain the outposts which watch the River Road and we intend to make improvements. Another outpost is under construction and soon we will be upgrading the existing watch stations. Seeing as you have recently completed your cathedral, the security of that road is all the more a priority even with the Waistlanders beaten back." He gave the elder a smile. Far as he could see their nations were working in accordance, helping to support the expansion of their common faith and providing for the pilgrims each in their own way.
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 4:08:59 GMT
Rugmar scowled at Azlyn's words. Quite apart from the issue at hand it was distressing news to hear that Elon had constructed another outpost and was, for all intents and purposes, treating the river road as their own personal territory. He wondered if Azlyn was a fool blabbering his snake of a wife's plans, or whether he was more cunning than he looked.
"We have spoken with the Chief Priest about the issue." Rugmar steered the topic back in the necessary direction. "and there is no mistake. We have had a great many complaints of pilgrims traveling down the river from Thundercrown, often by boat, and being forced to pay tolls in order to continue. We would simply like to urge you to remember that all pilgrims are entitled to travel without disruption."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 4:32:51 GMT
"I don't think a silver or two in travel costs count as much of a disruption," Azlyn said, cocking his head slightly, "Long journeys come with expenses. However, I will take your words under careful advisement, Elder Rugmar. When I return to Elon, I will see if such complaints have been lodged and will speak with the Chief Priest myself in regards to morality of the matter. I doubt all taxes upon travelers with any religious affiliation could be completely dropped, but I'm certain they could at least be lowered, if it is indeed causing grievance. The Great Bridge was build in order to enable pilgrims and promote the Aedakom community, not disrupt it."
The Elonese king seemed truly sincerer in his manner and remained warm despite the Elder's scowl, taking Rugmar's words in the humber and thoughtful manner of a friend receiving critiques from some one they trusted and who's opinion he valued highly. However as polite as his next words were, they intoned that the matter was his own business and problem and something he could and would handle without further intervention. "Thank you for bring it to my attention. I sure everything will be sorted out now that the war with the Wiastlanders is nearly over."
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 4:43:43 GMT
"It is not your place to add burdens onto the shoulders of the faithful." Rugmar pointed out. "Drop the tolls. If you need monetary assistance we will take over the maintenance and garrison of the river forts. Elon already has a sketchy reputation among the faithful; it would be unfortunate if something so simple were to became such a scandal that it would require interference. I trust that it will be handled wholly and swiftly."
"As for the river road, I am glad to hear that you're so eager to protect our shared interests. I would appreciate it if you would coordinate any further developments with Chief Garlog before pushing ahead on your own. Allies must share information, after all."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 5:07:08 GMT
Azlyn lifted an eyebrow at the gruff tone and stopped to look at the elder more closely. "I told you I would look into the matter and determine the best course to take," he said, "My word is my honor, but the best course for me and the rest of the Elonese court to determine with the advisement and council of the Church and the Empire. As for Elon's standing with the faithful of the church, there's nothing sketchy about it. We have been faithful for centuries, long before the Empire marched upon the northern shores. There are holy martyrs among my ancestors and Elon is home to various holy sights and buildings."
"As much as I appreciate your concern and that of your peers, it is not the Firetooth's council's right to determine what is or isn't a burden upon strangers traveling through lands that are not their own. As to the River Road, those territories are not apart of your lands and the developments I spoke of are focused on the southern end of the road, along the Elonese border. If Chief Garlog and the Firetooth are interested in coordinating protections along the road I am willing to meet with him or any other member of the Firetooth Clan, but it would be as equals and allies with a common respect and a common goal."
He frowned, looking more troubled than angry. "Were you sent here to give me orders and threats, Rugmar? After all that Elon and the Firetooth have been through together and the common faith and goals our nations share, I did not expect this kind of address."
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 5:28:45 GMT
"Protecting the faithful is every Aedekom's duty, no matter what the distances. The Emperor sent his armies north to spread the word of Aed to the heathens; the Vaekir declared Holy War on the dwarves to defend the faithful. Obviously we should aspire to such a standard."
"Of course it is your right to determine what actions you will take in your own lands." Rugmar conceded, no less sternly. "A wise ruler will consider the words and desires of his neighbors as well as himself. I have spoken our complaints to you; whether you heed them or not is your decision, as will the consequences of your choice."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 5:40:43 GMT
"As I said," Azlyn repeated, "I will take your concerns under consideration and look into the matter. I feel just as strongly as you do that it is our duty to protect the faithful of the church. However, in this case, a small bridge toll in order to support safe roads, holy sights and highway improvements may be the the most efficient way to look after the pilgrims on our roads. I will discuss it with my advisors at home and the church representatives."
"Was this all the Elder Council wished to discuss with me or was there anything else?"
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 5:43:31 GMT
"That is all." Rugmar answered. "You have heard our concerns."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 5:52:47 GMT
"Thank you," Azlyn said, "If business is concluded then, would you mind joining me for dinner, Lord Elder? I feel this meeting has been rather stern and, after achieving a great victory together, I would prefer for us not to part with bitter thoughts and uneasy feelings. Let us put complaints and concerns of state aside and enjoy a good meal, good drinks and a little music together as allies and victors over a common foe."
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