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Post by ravigen on Nov 28, 2014 21:06:06 GMT
Bron considered for a moment. In Elon it wasn't unheard of for women to become melee fighters, especially on the frontier, but it was still unusual and, when it happened, it was out of necessity not sport. However, Sayoko was clearly not like the Elonese women. She was as tall as their tallest men and as an elf doubtlessly had many more years of experience. He found himself growing all the more curious about Sayoko and elven culture in general. "I hope we do," he said, "I mean - It would be an honor to meet you again in the sport of combat. I know very little about the ways of the Ikegami and will admit to being curious. If you would like, I could get us some food and wine and you could tell me more about your country and people over a meal." On the frontier, sharing a meal with someone was a general means of getting to known them and exchange a sign of trust and friendship. Violence was fairly common and there were plenty of dangerous bandits and desperate fugitives fleeing the law of the Empire or one of the vassal kingdoms, by escaping to the edge of civilization. However, it was an unspoken rule that once you have shared a meal with someone, you were bound by honor to respect their lives and property and even help protect them from their enemies, at least while you were is the same camp. Of course this was typically meals of beans and black bread, shared over a camp fire, not roast geese over a fancy feast.
Sayoko nodded, she'd eaten and drank little so far during this feast, more occupied with her family and scoping out other competitors, it would be good to eat a little something and she supposed it would be good to get a chance to learn about another culture in exchange for information about hers. And discussing such things over food and drink would be an acceptable course of action.
"That will work fine, if you tell me about Elon in return." she gestured for him to lead the way, this being his country, he would be more familiar with it.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 21:23:38 GMT
"I'll be happy to tell you whatever I can, of Elon. I know some pretty good stories, but half of them take place in the Waistlands to the northwest, rather than Elon proper."
There was a main table in the longhall, but several smaller round tables had been set out in the open courtyard outside, where there was enough space for all the guests and the atmosphere could be more casual for the sake of mingling and conversation. People could sit wherever they liked and servants were bringing out food and wine on request, waiting on tables individually.
Bron found a small empty table on the edge of the courtyard, near the low wall separating the yard from the cliffs and with a great view of the bay. Remebering what he'd seen other noblemen do, he pulled a chair out for Sayoko, allowing her to be seated first. It was getting close to sunset and the light was shining off the wave in deep purples and indigos. Hesitantly Bron requested wine and two plates of honeyed bore, along with fresh oranges and hot rosemary bread. Bron still wasn't used to giving orders to servants, but the boy who was taking the orders gave him a cheerful smile, said, "Don't worry about a thing Sir," and brought the food out promptly. He also brought out some candles, where were now being passed out to all the tables outside.
"So what is your country like?" Bron asked, as he skillfully lit the candle with his flint box, "I know your Clan lives in the the mountains far to the northeast, but little else."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 28, 2014 21:37:59 GMT
"I'll be happy to tell you whatever I can, of Elon. I know some pretty good stories, but half of them take place in the Waistlands to the northwest, rather than Elon proper." There was a main table in the longhall, but several smaller round tables had been set out in the open courtyard outside, where there was enough space for all the guests and the atmosphere could be more casual for the sake of mingling and conversation. People could sit wherever they liked and servants were bringing out food and wine on request, waiting on tables individually. Bron found a small empty table on the edge of the courtyard, near the low wall separating the yard from the cliffs and with a great view of the bay. Remebering what he'd seen other noblemen do, he pulled a chair out for Sayoko, allowing her to be seated first. It was getting close to sunset and the light was shining off the wave in deep purples and indigos. Hesitantly Bron requested wine and two plates of honeyed bore, along with fresh oranges and hot rosemary bread. Bron still wasn't used to giving orders to servants, but the boy who was taking the orders gave him a cheerful smile, said, "Don't worry about a thing Sir," and brought the food out promptly. He also brought out some candles, where were now being passed out to all the tables outside. "So what is your country like?" Bron asked, as he skillfully lit the candle with his flint box, "I know your Clan lives in the the mountains far to the northeast, but little else."
Sayoko sat down with a polite smile and nod, sitting in the chair was a bit awkward as she was more used to the mats and low tables back home but she hid her discomfort with practiced ease and relaxed, taking a slow sip of the wine, regarding the man in front of her.
"Yes, the mountains and the river lands to the south of them, we do much of our farming there. I suppose the most notable thing about us is that we're very martial." Which was a bit of an understatement but she felt it important to say, she looked at the food and felt her stomach rumble from the delicious smell, taking a few bites of the boar before continuing.
"For the Ikegami combat is in our blood, every member of the nobility is required to learn how to fight with katana, bow and spear. Unless sickness or crippling injury prevent it, we also are required to spend ten years military service though many of us choose to stay after our time is up." She'd spent her ten year limit already but her duties as heir had required she cease afterwards. It was a pity, she'd liked serving in the military, she would have liked to stay if she could have but her duty to her people was paramount.
She looked at him more closely, he didn't look like what she expected of a southern noble, though that wasn't particularly a bad thing.
"I understand it is different here in the South?"
---
Naozumi had politely excused himself from his conversation and strode purposefully towards Queen Chello, hanging back a respectful distance and awaited an opportunity to speak, this tournament was proving to be an excellent excuse to meet with foreign dignitaries and he wasn't going to lose the chance.
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Post by aspenivan on Nov 28, 2014 22:03:36 GMT
The Hessnyans, due to their proximity to Elon, had been some of the first to arrive. Though after they setup their camp close to the tournament grounds, the more prominent of their number sat a humbling distance from the front and center of the hall. Alphred sat beside his cousin, who looked significantly less tired than the King despite the orange finery and dynastic colours that they wore with the precision of several servants. "Alphred, you're slouching" Alphred heard his cousin tell him, immediately straightening his back as if he had just been woken up. The normally gregarious Casomir the second had been rather quiet during most of the feasting, they had sat through the King of Elon's speech and applauded when the rest applauded and toasted when the rest toasted. Alphred had seen Casomir talk with lowly retainers and even servants but no one of major influence or social rank. Now though Alphred could feel his stomach was in knots with nervousness on the joust. It could be dangerous in the traditional sense, but Alphred was more concerned about accidentally killing a king or an heir or a beloved knight. The newly knighted Hessnyan was worried about the ramifications of what could go wrong, like he usually did. Grand Vizier Ishui Seldu had been content to leave the Northerners to their mingling while he quietly enjoyed his food and the wonderful view of the bay. But when he finally spotted King Casomir through the throngs of dinner guests, the old high bureaucrat couldn't help himself. With almost eery silence for such a prestigious (and tall) figure, Ishui Seldu left his seat and strode up to the King and his companion. "King Casomir the Second of the Hessnyans!" He regarded the monarch with a friendly smile and compassionate eyes, reserved for those whose wisdom and good reason he found worthy of respect. "It is a pleasure to see you." He bowed, parting his clasped hands and bringing them to his sides to signal amicality in the gesture (rather than mere politesse). |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 22:13:57 GMT
Bron swallowed a mouthful of food before replying, "Yes, quite different. Except for the royal guards and the town watch, Elon doesn't have a standing military. Every father, common or noble is expected to teach his sons to fight with the weapons of their house and be ready to answer if the king ever calls upon them to fight. Many of the noble families take this duty very serious and train religiously, passing down weapons, or peculiar arts of combat from father to son with great honor and tradition." Bron was smirking slightly, though he didn't mean t show it. He had always found the pomp and tradition of the eastern elite a little ridiculous.
A sword was a sword no matter how old it was and practicing in the comfort of your families training yard didn't really prepared the rich kids for what it was actually like fighting hordes of orcs, or scouting through the wilds as you hunted a dangerous pack of wolves or a desperate criminal. Besides even if the nobles learned to be the best swordsman in the kingdom, more often than not their "honor" got in the way of them gaining the truly important edges in a fight. They throught like noble warriors, when they needed to think life crafty hunters. Knowing how to use your head, how to manipulate your targets, how to use the environment to your advantage, when to confront an enemy or when you needed to stay hidden and ambush them was the real key to surviving, at least in Bron's experience.
"In the west along the frontier its a little different. There aren't many nobles out there and men teach their sons and often as not their daughters as well, to fight in order to survive rather than to preserve some honorable tradition."
---
Queen Chello noticed the Elven lord standing by. Smiling back to Cathasach she said, "I wish you every blessing in the tournament Sir and I'm sure Eloise will pray and cheer for you in every event, but would you mind pardoning me for the time being?"
Giving the Sylph a final curtsy, she turned to approach Naozumi, "Daimyo Ikegami," she greeted, giving another graceful curtsy, "I am so glad you and your family have come. All Elon has heard of your success in Beg Guhrim and I have long hoped to have the honor of meeting you."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 28, 2014 22:30:45 GMT
Sayoko nodded with his explanation, it was a reasonable enough methodology, the Ikegami believed honor was important but in battle it was you and your enemy, you didn't desecrate the body of a fallen enemy or harm noncombatants but in battle you fought and you killed the enemy, whatever it took, there was no disgrace in using whatever you had on hand to win a fight.
"Agreed, there is a time and place for honorable distinction and comportment but it is not on the battlefield, we do what we must to survive and defeat our foes, you say you spent time on the frontier, doing what exactly?"
She took a few more bites of boar and a sip of wine, taking the time to listen closely, eager enough to hear more about the world beyond Ikegami borders.
--
Queen Chello noticed the Elven lord standing by. Smiling back to Cathasach she said, "I wish you every blessing in the tournament Sir and I'm sure Eloise will pray and cheer for you in every event, but would you mind pardoning me for the time being?"
Giving the Sylph a final curtsy, she turned to approach Naozumi, "Daimyo Ikegami," she greeted, giving another graceful curtsy, "I am so glad you and your family have come. All Elon has heard of your success in Beg Guhrim and I have long hoped to have the honor of meeting you."
Naozumi smiled and bowed formally for the Queen, regarding her cordially, "Queen Chello, a pleasure to meet you, my compliments on a wonderful feast and an even more amazing home."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 22:54:54 GMT
I'm what they call a ranger, in the west." Bron explained, feeling more at ease now, his Elonese accent was slipping through a bit more, but it was still easy to understand him, since he wasn't the sort of man to speak quickly.
"I help protect the borders from attacks by raiding orcs, and lead expeditions into the wilderness in order to hunt down fugitives, or just to hunt normal wild animals with food gets scare in the villages. I've also done some negotiations and trading with the tribes out there, translating for and guiding the expeditions. A ranger basically lives on the move, going back and forth between civilization and the wild frontier. Its a difficult life, but there's an good deal of freedom in it, since you must be capable of surviving with almost complete independence for many seasons as a time. Elon, the Empire and the rest of the kingdoms of the world could disappear tomorrow and the frontier rangers would hardly notice the difference."
---
Naozumi smiled and bowed formally for the Queen, regarding her cordially, "Queen Chello, a pleasure to meet you, my compliments on a wonderful feast and an even more amazing home."
"You are most kind," Chello said, "If it pleases you, we could talk a walk around the mannor as we speak. It is turning into a lovely evening."
She began to walk at a slow pace, leaving room for the Elf to walk beside her. "I know the distance between our kingdoms is great, but, nonetheless, I feel it would do our nations good, to establish fair relations."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 28, 2014 23:11:34 GMT
That sounded like an honorable occupation, one of dutiful protection of the people, she'd led parties against fugitives in her own lands but those times were generally when a Samurai or other skilled warrior turned bandit as they were generally too dangerous for normal soldiers to bring in. She took another sip of wine and set the glass down, turning to look out over the landscape, admiring the view, outside Kegosu there were not many like it back home.
"So are rangers the name of western nobility then?" she asked, noting that he'd introduced himself as a noble earlier.
--
"You are most kind," Chello said, "If it pleases you, we could talk a walk around the mannor as we speak. It is turning into a lovely evening."
She began to walk at a slow pace, leaving room for the Elf to walk beside her. "I know the distance between our kingdoms is great, but, nonetheless, I feel it would do our nations good, to establish fair relations."
Naozumi nodded and followed the Queen, making an effort not to outpace her as they walked, taking the time to observe the landscape with a nod and a small smile.
"Indeed Your Majesty, the Ikegami have been looking to expand relations with other kingdoms for some time now, trade partners, allies, among other things."
As they walked he spotted his daughter chatting an Elonese man and chuckled as they passed, not wishing to disturb, it was good that she was making friends. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 28, 2014 23:32:56 GMT
"Oh," Bron said, he hadn't expected her to make that assumption. Most Elonese nobles looked down on rangers as being barely civilized and only a small handful of nobles ever took up the profession themselves. Most of the western rangers were men like he was, or had been that is. Tough individuals from various backgrounds, who'd abandoned home, struck out into the wilderness and actually survived the first few seasons.
"No, as I said, there aren't many nobles in the west. Most of the Elonese aristocracy live here in Dovwynn on along the rich coast line, in towns like Avyon," Bron explained, "As for myself, I wasn't born a noble," he flushed, feeling slightly ashamed of his own low birth, and hoping she wouldn't think he'd been leading her on or lying, "Queen Chello gave me lands and a title only recently."
---
"Elon is certainly open to entertaining new trade alliances," Chello said, "Its been one of my primary goals since I became queen to expand Elon's commerce and build up relations with other kingdoms in the North."
The queen also noticed Bronsyn and Sayoko and was mildly surprised. She'd advised the ranger to try to make friends and connections, but hadn't expected him to reach out to the heir of the Ikegami Clan. It was a bit bolder than she was comfortable with, but as inexperienced as the man was with high society, she also knew Bron to be a sensible fellow. Hopefully, he wouldn't cause an international incident or other trouble, by stepping beyond the bounds of his proper place.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 29, 2014 0:55:42 GMT
Sayoko couldn't help but chuckle at the face he made as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder for a brief moment.
"Then you earned those lands valorously, it is something commendable, be proud of your accomplishments." She leaned back and took another sip of wine, enjoying the taste and glancing briefly out to the landscape.
---
"Agreed, we have a customs house for overland trade that is currently unused though we hope to be trading with Hessnya in the near future, I am sure there would be no objection to trading with Elon."
The view really was spectacular and Naozumi couldn't help but admire the landscape.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 29, 2014 5:35:18 GMT
Bron found himself smiling. Sayoko's encouragement meant more to him than he could express and there was a warmth growing inside him, like embers of an evening campfire, some warm and bright, but gentle in a chilly wild county. The sunset was in full glory now, painting the clouds rosy pick, amber gold and dark indigo purple. With the light reflecting in her shining black hair Ikegami Sayoko looked truly beautiful to Bronsyn, her exotic almond eyes and pointed ears mysterious and elegant.
He reminded himself not to stair and silently drank his own wine, also looking out over the bay. "Sayoko," he said after a moment, "I don't know if you have this custom in your country, but in Elon competitors in tournaments will ware a token of favor from a lady, and if he is fortunate enough to win, he passes the honor of his victory on to her. It's a another rather silly tradition of noble families, but if you would like to have a little extra odds at bringing home the honor of a tournament victory, I would be proud to carry your favor. I mean... not that I doubt your own capabilities. Honestly, I suspect you have better odds at winning than I do."
---
"At the moment, I'm afraid Elon doesn't have an overland trading house, since most of our commerce is by sea," Chello said, pausing slightly as they took in the view of the sunset. By this time they had walked around to the south side of the manner, away from most of the other guests and the view here was especially good. Unobstructed by the town it looked down the coat, showing the open tournament fields, and the orchards, as well as the shining waves crashing on the coast.
"However, we would be willing to build one, if we could count on setting up regular trade with the Ikegami once it was finished." She turned to look at him slightly, "Is it true that you have managed to acquire saltpeter? My husband heard some rumors about it from the Firetooth Orcs."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 29, 2014 5:54:29 GMT
Sayoko sipped her wine, giving him a thoughtful look, he seemed capable enough if slightly unsure of himself in a way that could be considered humble by some, the Ikegami had no such tradition, there were no fair ladies of Ikegami nobility, even her younger sister Himawari was deadly in a fight when she needed to be but it was a custom of the country she was in and she saw no reason not to partake. Plus she could admit he was an amusing fellow. She considered what she could use for such a token and after a moment pulled a small dagger from her belt, sheathe and all. It's look was rather ordinary, no decorations or jewels but one could easily tell that it was of fine craftsmanship.
"This dagger is perhaps the only thing I have worthy of a 'token' of my favor, take it and perform well, in exchange perhaps you would do me the honor of allowing me such a token?" she chuckled softly at the thought, rather happy to put her own spin on the idea.
--
Naozumi nodded, staring over the fields toward the coast, idly contemplating, the tournament and everything that had been happening lately. The saltpeter was a fortuitous acquisition, one that benefitted his people greatly if only they could truly exploit it.
"Indeed, though Kegosu is crowded already, building the mill to process it will take more labor and gold than it would otherwise."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 29, 2014 6:52:53 GMT
Bron took the dagger and examined it curiously. It wasn't exactly the typical token of favor, but he liked it this way better. Sayoko was certainly no typical noble lady and a dagger suited her better than a handkerchief or scarf.
He chuckled when she asked him for a token in return. It was strange but he too enjoyed the twist on the silly elitist tradition. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a woven chain of horsehair, with a grizzly bear claw hanging as a pendant on the end. He'd killed the bear when he was 15. He'd been spending the winter with a Waistland orc, who'd been lost his tribe and had fancied himself a prophet of one of the wild orc gods. The orc had made the claw into a lucky charm and he'd kept it with him ever since.
"I would be honored to give you this, a token of my favor Lady Sayoko, Samurai of the Ikegami," he said in a soft mockery of the the traditional words fair ladies gave their knights, "May it give you courage and honor on the field and may Aed gazed fondly upon you and all you do." He realized as he said the words, that he was only half kidding around. He really did hope Sayoko did well and that she would think of him while she participated in the events.
Placing the bear claw charm in her hand, he ginned up at her. "This way we both have double the chance of winning and if we do end up facing each other, I promise to defeat you fairly but surely in your good and honorable name."
---
"I can imagine," Chello said, "Dovwynn has also been growing faster than the immediate farms can keep up with. This is most certainly a time of growth, expansion and discovery all across the north. I wish you good fortune with your endeavors. The strength of good friends is also strength unto one's self and I sense that a time will come when allies will need each other and whatever strength they may have."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 29, 2014 7:09:40 GMT
Sayoko took the charm, turning it around in her hand for a moment before slipping the pendant around her neck, feeling the weight on her neck for a moment before smiling and nodding, she raised her half empty cup of wine in a toast and nodded to Bron.
"Well then Sir Bronsyn of Dorn I promise that if we do end up facing each other I will do the same, we will both promise to give it our best, no less will do." She smiled and took a sip of her wine, a pleasant feeling beginning to rise in her and when she chuckled it was with genuine warmth and amusement.
--
"My thanks Your Majesty and I would wish the same to you as well, I would not be adverse to future cooperation between Elon and the Ikegami even if it is only cooperation and friendship between our two people." Naozumi said cordially.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 29, 2014 7:25:25 GMT
He lifted his goblet, "A toast then, my Lady, to the coming events and our mutual promises to defeat one another soundly in each other's names."
Bron was quite enjoying this feast now and was happy to spend the rest of the evening exchanging stories with Sayoko about their counties and past experiences.
---
"Elon may be willing to send gold to Kegosu, to help you with your mill and other building projects," Chello said, "In exchange, perhaps you could send us a small portion of the gunpowder so that we can begin improving our ships. In this manner both our nations will be stronger, as will our common cooperation and friendship."
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