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Post by talis on Nov 21, 2014 6:04:29 GMT
Havelock's next destination was the Ikegami Clan, by way of the dwarven mountains. Despite being elves, he found the Ikegami to be one of the strangest peoples he'd ever visited. He knew where he stood with the Sylph and the Firetooth (on the ground and wherever useful, respectively), but despite being of his race the Ikegami were almost inscrutable. He would have to be careful bargaining with them.
He arrived at their great castle late in the evening, alone except for his bodyguard; most of the other merchants only went as far as the Sylph capital. "Mangir Havelock, representing Chief Garlog of the Firetooth Clan." He introduced himself to the guards.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 21, 2014 6:17:23 GMT
The guards at the gate gave Mangir a curious look, the two on the ground shouted something to their comrades in the gatehouse in a foreign tongue before slowly walking forwards to greet Mangir personally, their lamellar armor clinking with each step as they stopped a few meters from Mangir himself.
Then one of them stepped forward, removing her helmet and resting it against her side, giving him a quick once-over, black hair tied into a neat bun, steely green eyes watching every movement before she nodded slowly,
"Welcome to Shimaga-jo Mangir Havelock, representatives of the Firetooth are always welcome in Ikegami lands, I am Fukuhara Okimi, Gate commander of the manor, please you and your party should step inside"
She took a step back and gestured to the now open gates |
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Post by talis on Nov 21, 2014 7:01:17 GMT
Havelock bowed and followed the giant inside, rather perplexed by their odd pronunciation of Survaekom. Still, they understood what he had to say. Hopefully they'd be more pliable than King Aeron's man had been.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 21, 2014 7:24:09 GMT
Okimi led Mangir and his bodyguard through the gates and into the manor courtyard itself, even this late at night the yard was occupied by numerous samurai or samurai in training, stern men and women training with bow, spear, and katana, the sound of wood and steel clanging against each other could be heard throughout the courtyard as she led them into the manor itself, opening the sliding door and leading them in.
Down a long hallway and through another sliding door, Okimi entered a small, sparsely decorated room, it was Spartan in its asthetic, a table with two mats to sit on, a few small paintings on the wall and a rack of katana in the far corner.
Ikegami Naozumi sat cross-legged on one of the mats, looking up at Okimi and Mangir as they entered, giving them a polite nod and gesturing for Mangir to take a seat on the mat across from him, the Daimyo of the Ikegami gestured to Okimi who bowed and walked over to the table, picking up a small ceramic jug and quickly pouring hot sake into two saucers, one for Naozumi and one for Mangir, she then took up a respectful position behind Naozumi.
"Come, sit and have a drink and you can tell me what brings a representative of the Firetooth to my humble home."
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Post by talis on Nov 23, 2014 3:18:26 GMT
Mangir bowed stiffly and then sat in the same manner as Naozumi, albeit somewhat uncomfortably. The tradition was strange, but he had traveled enough that he was comfortable with even the most foreign of customs. He placed a sealed letter on the table, marked with Clan Firetooth's signet.
"Greetings, Daimyo Naozumi. I have been delegated by the Firetooth Clan to purchase Stone for the construction of a cathedral in the north. Your stone is of great quality and would make a beautiful cathedral."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 23, 2014 3:25:48 GMT
Naozumi nodded and took a slow sip from the saucer of sake, taking the letter and opening it with a small knife from Okimi, he read the letter for a moment then nodded to himself before setting it down and turning to regard Mangir.
"The Ikegami are loyal vassals of the Empire and the Vaekirate, we will charge nothing for this endeavor, building a Cathedral is a grand and holy task and to charge you gold for this would be dishonorable." |
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Post by talis on Nov 23, 2014 3:32:43 GMT
Mangir couldn't help a grin spreading across his face. This was an excellent deal and more than he'd hoped for. Ikegami stone would work excellently for the cathedral, and without spending gold his employers would have more to devote to the festival and construction of the cathedral.
"Your generosity is most worthy, Daimyo." He replied, bowing forward. "I will be sure to tell the Elders and Chief Priest Staas of your piety and generosity. The cathedral itself will be a testament to your faith.
"The Firetooth will also be hosting a great festival on the Winter Solstice of next year to celebrate the construction and undergo the consecration ceremony, which Chief Priest Staas has graciously decided to attend. I extend to you a formal invitation to attend with any part you see fit as guests of honor."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 23, 2014 3:42:08 GMT
Naozumi gave a small smile and respectful bow, nodding to Okimi who went off to make preparations and raised his saucer to Mangir.
"To good negotiations then, I will have Okimi send word to get the stone to you as soon as possible and to have rooms prepared for you and your bodyguard. Enjoy the hospitality of my home."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 20, 2014 0:55:46 GMT
In the late fall Ikegami Sayoko made her way to the lands of the Firetooth, riding with a small entourage of Onna Bushi guards, her destination was the Firetooth capital to speak with their Chief or someone of similar authority who could negotiate with her on behalf of her father and the Ikegami as a whole.
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Post by talis on Dec 21, 2014 4:11:18 GMT
Sayoko was allowed to attend court at the Great Hall and listen as the Elders heard entreaties and complaints. Chief Garlog was not there, but Elder Ukhmar and the others of the Elder Council were presiding instead. Sayoko may have noticed the Sylph envoy who spoke with the elders earlier.
Finally, it was her turn. Elder Ukhmar called her forward. "Ikegami Sayoko, of the Ikegami Clan. What brings you to our hall today?"
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Post by ravigen on Dec 21, 2014 4:25:15 GMT
Sayoko bowed before the elders respectful of their position, she paid little heed to the Sylph ambassador, he was not why she was here. The looming threat of the wasteland invasion had been a serious concern to her and her father, to the point that they had prepared to make an offer to the Firetooth for aid against the threat.
"Elder, thank you for hearing my request. With the wasteland orcs gathering and the threat of an invasion rising, my father has begun to train and marshal more Samurai for the defense, he knows your lands are in the gravest danger against this threat and comes with an offer."
She paused.
"By the end of the season we will have 5,000 trained Samurai ready for battle, with your permission we would extend an offer to send them west to aid in defending the border until such a time that the invasion begins and my father calls up his levies." |
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Post by talis on Dec 21, 2014 5:55:17 GMT
"Of Course." Elder Rugmar smiled, answering the request for the others. "You're Samurai are always welcome to join us for the Winter Solstice Festival." This was perhaps the most expedient way to grant permission - the Firetooth were not eager to see other peoples occupying their land, but the extra security was welcome... at least for a few seasons.
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Post by ravigen on Dec 21, 2014 23:43:22 GMT
Sayoko bowed her head in thanks, that had been a relatively simple negotiation and she was glad for it, and that she hadn't needed to argue her case too much.
"Thank you honorable elders of the Firetooth, I promise we will do our best not to intrude upon or hamper your people during our time here." |
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