Elon/New Byrnis

Chello smiled. She'd almost forgotten the exuberant manners and loud tones of the horselords. There had been many times in her childhood when her father had met with various chiefs or clansmen. True be told they'd frightened her more often than not, though her sister had loved listening to there rough voices and exciting stories. She did not remember the specific meeting Olog was referring to, but she remembered sitting on the edge of conversations having to do with the Kazen people and Chief Misher Garuy. She wasn't frightened of the horselords now, in fact it was strangely heartwarming. There were aspects, which the southern clans and the Elonese held in common. Since moving north those aspects had become important anchors without Chello ever realizing it and now she was strangely overjoyed at the sight of the wild raucous tribesmen, which made her think of home and also of her husband and the ridiculous exuberance in Elon.

Spreading her arms to the side in a slightly more subdued reflection of his greeting, she spoke in a tone that was genuinely pleased, almost laughing, though it hadn't been her intent. Olog's manner was rather contagious, not unlike Azlyn back in Dovwynn. "It is a pleasure indeed to meet you, High Chief," she said, "And to have this opportunity to stand as old countrymen on bright new shores here on the far side of the world. May I introduces Lord Alan Sarvo, cousin and trusted advisor to King Azlyn who regrettably was unable to make this meeting. And this is Evo Darnell, my secretary a a trusted advisor as well."

Alan was rather surprised by Horsemen. The southern chief and his people were not how he'd expected. What with the furs, large build, and causal demeanor the southerners seemed to have more in common with him, Azlyn or possibly some of the half crazy Elonese frontiersmen, than the Surveakom officials, or even Queen Chello. Alan gave a gallant bow as he was introduced.

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance," he said.

Evo simply bowed and stayed slightly behind Lord Sarvo and the Queen. His place was simply to observe and record, but he found the Horselords rather more sitaistful than he'd hoped. THe plan to bring in immigrants from Surveak had seemed like an excellent plan to increase culture and civilization in the north, but these people seemed more wild and uncouth than half the natives of Elon.

"Yes," Chello said, taking a seat, "My husband and I would like to be sure that you and your people truly wish to make this endeavor. Moving so many people across the world is no easy task, and leaving the country of your ancestors and the lands of your history can be heart-wrenching. We do not want to pressure of force anyone from the tribe to make this decision, if it is not what they truly desire for themselves and their children."

"Also, I must speak with you about the circumstances under which your will be starting your new lives here in the north and explain some of the cultural differences between Elon and home. As I'm sure you understand, Elon is a vassal nation and your people will be subject to the rule of King Azlyn as well as the Empire and Veakirate. Elon has a friendly and open minded culture, but at the same time the culture is very important to the people. It would be wise for the Kazan people, or at the very least the least the leaders, to try to learn Elonese and become familiar with the customs and holidays of the nation. Hospitality and community are important here, so it may be more difficult for the tribe to maintain isolation here than it is on the steps of the Southern Tribes. Finally, I must warn you that the north is currently at war with the orc tribes of the Waistlands in the west and the lands your people will be moving onto boarder these Wastelands, so there is a degree of risk at this time. I assure you that Elon is taking every measure to defend against the tribes and put an end to this threat. This is, in fact, why Azlyn could not make it to this meeting today. However, it is my duty to tell you that your people will be entering the country at a time of war and there is the threat of attack upon the lands you will be given."

"I did not mean to say you and your people will be moved onto the Waistlands, High Chief. If that's what it sounded like, then there was indeed a misunderstanding. I said the lands you would be settling on boarders the northern waists, but they are nonetheless imperially recognized and protected Elonese lands. Evo get out the map," She turned to her secretary and Evo obligingly handed Chello a tall scroll, which she unrolled on the table. "As you can see," she said, showing them a map of Elon, "Most of our inhabitants live in coastal villages in the south, save for Bartia a hunting village in the north east here and Dorn, a wood cutting village here in the northwest. As you can see most of Elon's northern and even central territories are only sparsely populated, with no major towns or villages. This was where we intend to invite the Kazan to stay. Eventually, yes, we would hope that you and your people would help Elon expand our territory into the north western wilds, but at the moment we intend for all the Kazan to settle within the recognized lands of Elon. The king and I are worried, however, that if the orcs attack they may come down through the northwest and make there way toward Dovwynn through the territories your people would settle into. But as you can see Dovwynn is in the southeast corner of the country, at the mouth of the river, there are few places in our country that is not between Dovwynn and the northern waists. It is the regrettable truth of war that threat will always loom, even when we put all our resources and efforts forward in efforts to defend the security of our borders."

Chello took her hands off the map and allowed it to roll back up on its own, as she looked at Olog. "The King and I completely understand, if the Kazan do not feel ready to immigrate now, given that these are relatively dangerous times. If you wish to wait another year until this threat is dealt with, so be it. Our offer will remain, at least for another year or two and it may be the best option for everyone. If you do come, however, It will not be possible for your people to all move into Dovwynn and shelter under our castle walls, even if your me do join the armies. There simply isn't room or resources in the city. You will have to settle in the lands I have pointed out on the map. Dovwynn City is already over crowded and it would create disturbances, shortages and unrest for so many strangers to come in all at once to a city, which can barely support those living there already. This is why I wished to have this meeting, High Chief. I want you and your people to understand the situation in Elon at the moment."   

"Elon isn't quite like the Empire," Chello explained, "The kings of Elon have always lived close to the people and without significant amounts of splendor or fortification in their personal homes. They have lived and died along side the people of their city for ages now. Christallo Manor is hardly a castle and has little in the way of walls at the moment. It sits right beside the city and thrives off the same resources, roads and accommodations as the people of Dovwynn. If the Kazan were to settle under our castle walls, I'm afraid you will simply be camping by a rather typical rail fence on the outer roads, fields and orchards of Percepolis District in Dovwynn."

Chello steepled her hands, frowning slightly in thought, as she tried to find the best option. "It may be possible for your people to set up camp around one to the rural villages, Bartia or Dorn perhaps. I'm afraid that the governors of the towns are just as lacking in castle walls as King Azlyn and myself, but there are some measures of fortification and rather than feel overcrowded the villagers may be grateful for the extra numbers in uncertain times." Chello thought a moment and then unrolled the map again. "Also, we have recently constructed some fortified outposts near the Ryn River. The troops there are mounted, armed with muskets and probably can offer the best protection outside of the actual army. However, as you might expect we built these out posts in the places we expect to encounter trouble. The long and short of it, High Chief, is that our nation is at war and we can't offer you any more protection than what we give the rest of our villages and settlements."

Chello smiled softly. "High Chief, the honor of the Kazan is well known and respected by any who have lived in the Southern Tribes. As for your intentions, the risk and effort of moving thousands of men and horses half way across the world by sea speaks loudly enough. I think a witnessed pelage of loyalty made here before the Imperial Vizeir and Guild Master Sujjid and another later on to King Azlyn before the people of Elon will suffice."

Alan Sarvo spoke up then. "It was brought to King Azlyn's attention that your people are struggling and may need some support to prepare for passage north. Is this true?"

Alan nodded and waved a hand. "There is no need to explain yourself, High Chief. Generosity between a king and his subjects, or prospective subjects as the case may be, especially when there is a true need is simply hospitality and a king's responsibility. King Azlyn wished for me to extend a gift of both food and gold on his behalf."

Chello listened with interest. She'd known Azlyn intended to do this, but hadn't been sure if Alan intended to uphold the King's wishes. The young lord had been very quite on the journey to New Byrnis and had avoided all her questions on the diplomatic matter. Apparently, despite his bitterness toward Azlyn, Alan intended to represent the King's wishes faithfully.

"We don't have an over excess of food, thanks to the war, but King Azlyn can send you one ton of grain (1 food slot) and 4000 jiin to buy more."

Chello cleared her throat slightly, but decided not to speak. Alan was indeed representing Azlyn faithfully, a little too faithfully for her tastes. Elonese generosity could be rather irksome at times like these. It was more money than she would have considered sending, but she decided to let it stand. She'd have to juggle the accounts a little, but it could be managed.

"Very well," Chello said, "Unless Guild Master Sujjid has anything else to say or add." She glanced across the table to Adjuran then back to Olog, "Evo has all the official paper work drawn up and King Azlyn has given me the authority to sign on Elon's behalf in this matter. I know the King will want to have a ceremonial acknowledgment of the vows once more of the Kazan have arrived, but that will be fore the sake of the people."

Taking a deep breath, Chello smoothed her dress. "I look forward to our future, High Chief. May Aed shine his face on both our peoples and may the wind and sun carry his blessing unto us."