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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 15, 2014 10:05:47 GMT
With black and silver banners flapping in the brisk winter winds, a merchant from the kingdom Elon throws anchor at the port in Volthiem. The captain goes about the usual business of a merchant, but a letter is delivered up to Estval Manor. It bares a seal with the emblem of a tree upon it and the motto “Ago per virtus. Intereo per veneratio.” It is from the Kingdom of Elon, a land of little renown in recant times, but noble history.
Breaking the seal, the parchment reveals this message:
To Jarl Tholarg , in the year 817 of the prophet, with full regards and all courtly grace from the Lady Queen Chello Christallo on behalf f her noble husband King Azlyn of Elon,
Greetings and Aed’s blessing upon you and all your people. May God’s face shine upon you and your lands, amen.
Noble Jarl, I write to you on the King’s behalf in the interest of both Elon and the Jotun Clans. Times are changing and with the times the kingdoms also. To move into the future with all prosperity, it is the hope of my lord the King of Elon to enter into discussion with you regarding trade and the exchange of valuable resources. If such a prospect interests you in the slightest, return word to Elon and we shall happily meet with you, or one of your representatives, at your own convenience.
Most sincere regards and all due respect,
Queen Chello Christallo of Elon.
The handwriting is neat and elegant, the signature even more so. The messenger stands by.
“Shall I tell the captain to stand by for a return message, Sir?” he asks. He’s a short man, even by human standards, and in the city of giants he seemed a mere midget. However, his bulging brown eyes are intent and eager and he doesn’t seem the least bit by the large buildings and people around him.
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 20, 2014 0:26:18 GMT
The messanger was bid to stay and a return letter was sent back shortly after the arrival of the Jarl's brother. This letter was sealed as well, with green wax embossed with a longship.
To Queen Chello Christallo of Elon
I am in fact interested in the prospect of trade with your kingdom. At this time however wish to inform you of a different intention. This autumn my brother Thane Gudrick shall be leading an expeditionary force into the wastes. I send this letter so your border wardens will not be surprised by the sight of armed Jotun sailing up river and to limit any misunderstandings. If you would allow the expedition to resupply at your city before they continue north up river I would be grateful.
My best wishes and great respect,
Jarl Tholarg Wolfkin
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 20, 2014 1:58:00 GMT
Queen Chello read the letter and considered. She knew enough history of the North to know that the Jotun had been among the most feared and dreaded enemies of those living along the coasts. Their raids and the bloodshed, slaughter and mourning left in the wake of the Jotun was infamous. Many of the Elonease would never be able to see the Jotun as anything but nightmarish enemies, despite that fact that it was all history now. This was a new time and a new age. The Jotun Clans had submitted to the Empire and the Vaekirate, along with the rest of the North. They had to respect the other vassals, or face the crushing heel of the Empire.
Having been born a foreigner to the North, Chello was more than willing to leave the past in the past and had even managed to convince the King and many of the advisors and merchant captains of the same. She would never had send her first letter, if this had not been the case. However, doing trade with giants on a distant shore was one thing, this might be another. The people would find it harder to leave history in the past when they saw the dreaded Jotun war ships sail up their river. This would be a strain and a test of the people's faith in the Empire's power, as well as a test of the people's faith in her as a ruler and protector.
It troubled her to think how the people may react, but there really didn't seem to be anything to do about it. The Jotun were in their right to cross Elon in answer to the Empire's decrees against the Wasteland Orcs. They didn't need Elon's permission. The fact the fact they were sending word ahead like this showed their respect and regard, which was already more than might have been hoped for.
It would be best, she decided for her to welcome and receive the giants as warmly as possible, publicize their coming, as well as their intent to fight back the Wasteland orcs. Let the people see this as proof that through the Empire's power, old enemies had become strong allies, helping to protect Elon from an outside threat. It was true that not everyone would see it that way, but hopefully she would connivence the majority and use this as a way to steer Elon out of the past an into a new and brighter future.
Getting out pen and paper she penned a letter to be delivered to the Jarl's brother, as soon as his ships neared Elonease waters.
To Thane Gudrick, bother to Jarl Tholarg Wolfkin of the Jotun,
From Queen Chello on behalf of her husband King Azlyn Christallo of Elon,
Greetings and welcome.
Your brother, the Jarl has sent word ahead of your coming and your intentions to lead a force into the waists against our common enemy the orcish tribes mustering therein. On behalf of all Elon, I wish you the greatest success in your venture and pray that Aed will protect you and give you the strength to crush our enemies and the enemies of the Empire.
You will be most welcomed in Dovwynn city and we invite you to not only resupply at our harbor, but to please join Elon in a festival on your behalf, so that we may send you forward on your mission with all the blessings and good wishes of our people.
With all respect,
Queen Chello Christallo of Elon
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 25, 2014 9:10:02 GMT
Fall had just begun when the Jotun Fleet glided into port. Thane Gudrik Standing on the prow of his longship, behind him followed some 25 warships each packed with warriors for the expedition. Gudrick knew what this trip meant for his brother. If their people could show that they did more for the north than raid it's shores it would be easier to conduct trade. So in anticipation to the fact that he would most likely be meeting Elon's royalty this day he'd taken extra effort to groom himself. A course of action that had broken three whale bone combs in the attempts at unsnarling his hair and beard. He still wore his armor freashly cleaned and the steel breastplate polished and his chainmail had been scoured to remove any rust. While it might be considered rude to wear full armor so openly Gudrik was so used to going about armored that it was like a second skin.
As his ship came to the docks he leapt from his ship onto the landing, ignoring the weight of his steel. There were starteled cries from the longshoremen as the impact reverberated down the dock. In a captain's voice of command he gave his greating. "I am Thane Gudrik, brother of the Jarl and leader of this Expidition. Please inform the Queen of my arrival."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 25, 2014 18:32:34 GMT
Chello had gone spent a good amount of effort and silver, to publicize the Thane’s coming and put it in the best light possible. Bards and mistrals had been going about inns and taverns for weeks, telling as many of the positive giant stories and sings as were known and making up a few new ones as well. Seeds had been planted for rumors about how Gudrik was going to call upon practically supernatural powers and use them to scoop up the dreaded Waisteland orcs by the hundreds and smash them in his mighty hands like so many grapes.
As a result of all this, the harbor was packed with people from all across Elon, who’d come to witness the giant’s arrival and join in the festivities the queen had planned. Colorful banners were strung along the harbor,decorating the trees and eves of buildings and leading up the roads toward the center of town.
Gudrik found himself facing a district full of eager and anxious faces and it was lucky he had taken time to polish his armor and comb his beard, because they were a scrutinizing and impressible crowd. Children sat atop their parents shoulders with wide eyes, song and ballad writers were making hasty notes or sketches, trying to memorize every detail, wemon were holding kerchiefs and flowers to wave as the giants passed by. The majority of the crowd cheered then the giant jumped ashore, other’s gasped, others muttered things like “I thought he’d be taller,” and “You think he eats raw flesh like them old stories say?” A few of the ballad writers tried to shout questions and one of them pushed forward, only to get socked in the face by one of the marines Chello had sent to keep order.
There to greet the Thane was Admiral Guard, a tall, lean middle-aged man with black eyes and a balding head. “Welcome ashore, Thane, and welcome to Elon,” he said, giving Gudrik a slight bow of greeting. He was flanked by his best navy captain and by Captain Rider, head of the merchants’ guild. All three men were dressed in finer clothes than was usual for Elonese style and there were looks of excitement and expectation in their faces. The propaganda hadn’t just affected the peasants.
“Queen Chello awaits you under the Great Tree of Oleo where a feast has been prepared to welcome you and your company. As you can see your arrival has been much anticipated.”
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 26, 2014 0:37:29 GMT
"Then once the rest of my party comes ashore we will go to meet her grace.." After his ship the Galiot that General Pjjokhat and the scribe Aegir was closing with the dock. "The Vizier has seen fit to send officials from the empire to accompany the expedition. I think it would be best if they were to come with us." After the thane's personal huscarls and the imperial retinues had disembarked he produced a letter." I you you be so kind to send a fast skiff up river with this to the Firetooth. I plan to call on them next an d it would be in poor taste to suprise them." His Grin was friendly but his words were clipped and a little strained. Gudrik could not help but feel like a curiosity being displayed for the gawking crowd at a carnival.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 26, 2014 1:36:00 GMT
"A boat shall be sent north at once," Captain Rider said and sent someone to ready one of the swifter river boats.
"The Vizier's officials and any or all of your company are welcomed to join the feast," Admiral Guard explained, "The queen has made preparations to host several hundred this evening, setting up tents and tables in the town square, rather than the cramped confines of the Manner longhouse. If you wish, I shall order my marines to guard your ships, while your expedition enjoys the festivities."
"Also," broke in Captain Rider, "I shall be willing to speak with you supplies manager about resupplying your ships with whatever provisions you may require."
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 26, 2014 1:46:16 GMT
"I appreciate that, but my expedition is four thousand Jotun strong. So I have ordered my ships to dock in shifts to keep from overwhelming your hospitality. Though I will have my quartermaster speak to you once a more apropriate time. But for now lead on, it's poor manners to keep a lady waiting, much less a queen." With that The the Imperial and Jotun Retinues formed up and prepared to be escorted into the queen's presence.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 26, 2014 2:33:22 GMT
Thane Gudrik was lead along the roads to the town square. Spectators stood along way and looked out the windows of buildings, but all made way before the giant and his retinue.
Queen Chello greeted them at the center of town. The Tree of Oleo was hung with lanterns and meat was cooking at several bond fires. Tents and tables were organized about and a harvest theme made up the decor. Brightly painted pumpkins and gourds were set about, hay bales had been used as partitions and mum flowers and Elonese autumn lilies set in vases on the tables.
Chello was warring a deep green velvet dress, with burnt orange and red trim. There was a slight roundness to her belly, made all the more evident because her naturally wan and skinny form. Her hair was pinned up, revealing a long elegant neck and a neckless in the fashion of the southern tribes of Surveak, a keepsake she's brought with her from her home land. She was standing up on a temporary dias that had been build to overlook the square.
"You majesty," said the Admiral, "May I introduce to you Thane Gunrik Wolfkin, brother to the mighty Jarl Tholarg Wolfkin of the Jotun."
"You are most welcome, Thane," Chello said with a smile, "On behalf of the King my husband and all Elon, I wish Aeds blessing upon you and your endeavor."
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 26, 2014 2:59:16 GMT
"My thanks my lady, I am at your service. I thank you for the hospitality shown to us by yourself and the people of Elon." He turned slightly to the Admiral and spoke softly. "I wish to inform you that Wolfkin is a surname gifted to my brother, I do not share it. More accurately he would be called the Wolfkin. But you can understand how names get shortened for expediency." He chose to diplomatically ignore the mispronouncing of his own name.
turning once more to the Queen he gestured to the humans that had taken up position on eather side of him. "May i introduce General Stae Pjjokhat and Aegir Tabaris, Imperial scribe. These two fine gentlemen were sent to join my expedition by the Vizier." Gudrik wanted to see what type of men traveled with him and by putting them center stage he might get the chance to see how quick on their feet they were.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 26, 2014 3:25:11 GMT
Admiral Guard turned a little red with embarrassment. Of course he'd have to mess things up probably and insult a giant and a great noble. All this fanfare and introductions were relatively uncommon in Elon and Guard like everyone else was nervous about the whole ordeal. "My apologies, Thane," he muttered.
If Chello noticed the Admiral's embarrassment, she made no sign of it and curtsied gracefully, as the General and the Imperial scribe were introduced. "It is an honor to be your hostess gentlemen. Welcome to Elon."
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 26, 2014 20:05:19 GMT
The Surv-Akur General gave a short bow to the Queen, followed by a stoic nod. "Honored, milady." His heart and mind were already on the battlefield ahead; these formalities were an afterthought. His grey-blue eyes seemed to look past Chello rather than at her, and his scarred tan face was wrung tight in the cool sea breeze. His body longed for the heat of fire, powder-smoke, and fresh blood.
Scribe Tabaris, on the other hand, was here for the very purpose of formalities. He quickly stepped in to cover for his pricklier counterpart. "The General and I cannot thank you enough for your generous hospitality, your Highness," he announced with a deep, proper bow. "We are honored to be guests of the noble House Christallo." Aegir's skin was slightly darker than Stae's, but out of natural tone rather than sunlight, which the General had clearly felt more of in his lifetime. Like his skin, the Scribe's dark brown eyes were soft and practically unblemished.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 26, 2014 20:27:41 GMT
Chello smiled, receiving the compliment with a queenly nod. "Your words are very gracious."
She was glad the Surveakans were here. It reminded her of home and she found her self longing to drop the northern tongue she'd grown so accustomed to and fall back into her native Surveakan language. She hoped she'd have a chance to talk with Tabaris later and in a more casual manner during the feast. It would be good to speak with a man of manners and learning about home and forget the Northern Kingdoms for a little while.
"There are rooms prepared for you and you retinue at Christallo Manner, Thane Gudrik and tents and inns have made accommodations in the city for the men of your expedition. Dovwynn city is at your service, as am I. The feast shall begin the hour before sunset and the seat of honor will be awaiting you."
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Post by Vaklu on Oct 26, 2014 23:05:27 GMT
"I look forward to the festivities." Gudrik was glad to have such a civil reception. Though he'd given strict orders to his men to curtail their drinking. Jotun warriors tended to equate brawling and celebrating when drunk. He wanted no such incidents in a foreign kingdom. A brawl here might do more damage than simply a few broken bones. The bystanders here were far more fragile than those back home.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Oct 27, 2014 6:51:37 GMT
Accommodations at the manner were simple, but pleasant. Thankfully the Manner had been built the the souther coastal style, which included high ceilings and large doorways, intended to maximize the ventilation of the sea breezes in the hot summers. It made the manner more accommodating to the giants than many of the northern human castles.
In the town, any of the giants who came ashore were greeted well and given food and lodging at the inns and taverns. When those were full there were large tents and even a few of the private manners and homes were opened to provide the visitors with true southern hospitality and Elonese generosity. It was true that there were the occasional scowls or mutters, but those who disliked the giants seemed to be in the unpopular minority at the moment and no one dared to insult any of the Jotun out-loud in their presence.
On the other hand all Dovwynn seemed to be in open speculation and admiration. A few of the bolder children came up to ask awkward questions, like "Is it true the Jotun can crush boulders to dust with there bare hands? or "My Daddy said you were going to go into the wilds and kill the orcs. That you were going to bring back all their heads in black bags. It that true?" Taverns were crowded with curious Elonese and any Jotun willing to sit and tell a story or answer a few questions had no need to pay for any of his drinks.
By the time sunset was drawing near the town square was filling up and the meats had finishes roasting to perfection. Lights bobbed in the branches of the tree and in the trees lining the roads. Music was being played by an enthusiastic band of bards and minstrels and the smells of fresh baked pies, spiced rum and cider filled the air. Seats had been set for Gudrik, Pjjokhat, and Tabaris at the head table along side the Queen and she greeted them with a smile and a friendly curtsy as they came down to the square.
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