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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 20, 2015 17:38:45 GMT
To Bronsyn a thousand men out in the Waistlands seemed like a large force, but then the Rangers were use to working in small units, where a hundred or even fifty men was considered a substantial group when venturing through the wilds. A thousand men and all their horses would be very difficult to sustain and keep fed in the wilderness and the ranger frowned slightly, though he decided against speaking his thoughts at the moment. All he said was, "Increased numbers doesn't always mean increased awareness of danger."
"If your mission is to find and convince the tribes to join the Empire, you might also consider inviting some representatives of the Wolfwyrd Clan to accompany us. Seeing as they themselves have recently made such a choice and that they come from a verity of the existing tribes, their insight will be useful to you, not to mention their understanding of the geography, the patterns of movements among the other clans and the native languages."
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Post by ravigen on Mar 20, 2015 17:51:56 GMT
Naozumi smiled and nodded, "Yes, that is an excellent idea, I will seek out the Wolfwyrd clan and ask for their aid in this matter, it is a long shot to work but I will at least try."
The ranger was proving to be a clever man, he would be most helpful for the venture and Naozumi silently thanked Azlyn for suggesting him, Naozumi did not know but would be pleased to discover later that a diplomat from the Wolfwyrd was already in Kegosu awaiting him. |
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Post by ravigen on Apr 15, 2015 4:46:38 GMT
In the early spring, Ikegami Naozumi rode to Dovwyyn accompanied by his royal guard and a small wagon, once in Dovwyyn he gave orders to the captain of his guard to arrange rooms with the inn for the men and proceeded to Christello Manor to speak with Chello and Azlyn
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Post by missmilkmaid on Apr 17, 2015 17:48:35 GMT
Though it was still early in the spring, along the southern coast of Elon it was already in evidence. Some of the orchards around Dovwynn were budding, fresh spring green grasses blanketed the hills and the first wild flowers were blooming. The sweet smells of rain, mountain laurels and the ocean spray filled the air and birds were actively flying about building nests and singing their mating songs. In the city their were still some banners and decorations left from the recant New Years Festival. Children in the streets recognized the Ikegami banners and eager crowds began to form. Many people smiled and waved, even calling out happy greetings. The Ikegami were well remembered from the Tournament. Several of the royal family had entered the contests and were remembered for their unique samurai style and Sayoko had explored Dovwynn with Bron and her kindness and generosity was not forgotten by the local people.
Word had reached Christallo Manner before Naozumi reached the top of the hill and the gates were open Azlyn and Chello waiting to greet him. Chello bowed her head and Azlyn spoke up boisterously, "Daimyo Naozumi, welcome to Elon!" he gave a gave a sweeping bow, which was gallant, if a little deeper than was probably appropriate between two monarchs, but the King of Elon was known more for his sincerity than for his adherence to proper etiquette and propriety. He was dressed in the colorful stile of the Elonese culture the blue and green fabrics were sown together in patters reminiscing of the ocean surfs.
Naozumi was offered a room in the manor and invited to join the King and queen for an afternoon lunch. It was not the season for fruits, but there were nuts, fresh fish, bread baked that morning and a lavender tea. The Elonese style of tea was very different from most of the Ikegami brews. It had more of a fruity sweeter taste and even in the cooler seasons of the year it had more of a summer tang the whole nation in fact seemed like it belonged in soft summer days, from the easy smile of the young king to the too-sweet flavor of their tea.
"My wife told me that you have been making plans to expand commerce across the north," Azlyn said, once they had settled down around the table, "Is this the purpose of your visit?"
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Post by ravigen on Apr 17, 2015 18:07:52 GMT
Naozumi nodded, making sure to thank Azlyn for the gracious hospitality of his people, the food was indeed delicious if a bit different from usual Ikegami foods but that was hardly an issue, Naozumi enjoyed experiencing new things and Azlyn's joy as a bit infectious, still he reached into his kimono for the paper he'd brought with him, folded neatly and still sealed he set it before King Azlyn.
"Yes, it is a worthwhile goal in my mind, one that could expand the economic prosperity of the entire North as well. Recently I have been aiming to begin trade with the Jotun Clans but lacking ships and access to the sea it is impossible."
He took a sip of the sweet tea, enjoying the taste for a moment before continuing.
"That is part of the reason I have come here today, to request permission to build a trade port in Dovwyyn, I would of course pay for the entire endeavor so as not to put undue strain on you and your people." |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Apr 17, 2015 18:42:05 GMT
Azlyn opened the document and looked at it long enough to read the first few lines and seem respectfully interested, before passing it to Chello. She'd been overseeing trade with the Ikegaming and administrating the commercial and economic endevors of the kingdoms ever since she arrived and Azlyn hardly understood half of all she did in that regard. But he'd learned to trust her in these matters so many numbers and reading of accounts gave him a headache.
He nodded, Chello has mentioned the possibility of such an arrangement, she'd even tried to set up a round like this with Hessniya on their way up the Ryn River to the Firetooth Clan. "We will building a port ourselves and establishing a new rout with the Jotun." Azlyn said, "Shouldn't be too much harder to build another right beside it." He smiled, "I guess even all the gold in the mountains can't buy a piece of the ocean."
Chello was reading over the paper. The offer was simple enough. The Ikegami would pay for all expenses and upkeep and they would simply allow Nazumi's merchants the space and diplomatic respect and authority to operate here in Dovwynn. "As long as the Ikegami are willing to follow all the local laws while in the city and respect the authority of my husband the King here in Elon, I expect this will be mutually beneficial for all involved," she said.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 17, 2015 18:49:46 GMT
Naozumi nodded, easy enough rules to follow and he already respected Azlyn as a ruler.
"I have no doubt that it will be no trouble for my people to follow your laws. On another note, I recently received the reports from my surveyors and over this season and the last we have made some astounding discoveries."
He paused, and was honest enough to admit he wished to build up the excitement. the amazing resources of his homeland were awe inspiring to him and he was sure Chello and Azlyn would appreciate the find, especially since it would benefit them greatly.
"I have found two different sources of saltpeter, my son is making a similar announcement to the Jotun, how would the Elonese feel about having a steady source of gunpowder?" |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Apr 17, 2015 19:17:03 GMT
Azlyn blinked and then smiled.
Chello, but looked a little more wary. She knew Naozumi was far more crafty than he let on and though she doubted he meant them any ill, she knew there was more than just generosity and neighborly grace behind his offer. The announcement of the Veakirate concerning the contract of the north was spreading like wildfire and the tensions between the nations was sure to grow in response. Cerdigon and the Ikegami had already been on the brink of war. While Elon and the Ikegami were trading allies, there was no military contract between them. Nonetheless, she suspected that if Naozumi was going to give them more weapons, it would probably come with the expectation that Elon would use such weapons, if necessary, in alliance with the Ikegami. Chello didn't want Elon to get dragged into the political turmoil between the two most powerful nations in the north, she suspected it would only bring bloodshed, economic strain and enmity in the long run.
"We would much appreciate it," Azlyn said, "We have been using the gunpowder your people have already provided to sustain the beginning of our naval forces, but have hope of expanding our navy father."
Chello flicked here eyes to Azlyn. She loved him, but he was like a big dumb puppy when it came to diplomacy, happy, trusting, too eager to make friends and blind to many of the long term implications. She said nothing however. It was true enough that their naval forces and indeed most of their military were weak due to a national lack of resources. They would need to grow stronger and to do so would mean reliance on trade and their neighbors. It was a delicate situation of Elon and she didn't want to grow too depend upon a single ally.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 17, 2015 20:19:55 GMT
Naozumi smiled, nodding to Chello as he did, the woman undoubtedly believed he was about to ask for some sort of military alliance now or in the future and she would be only partly correct. Naozumi did hope at least a little bit for help should a war spark between his people and the Commonwealth but he had the Jotun for much of that, in truth much of his worry was about Elon defending themselves, giving them access to muskets as well as a navy would make their defense much easier.
"Indeed, your navy would be much more formidable with more access to gunpowder and I have not the iron to fund the troops for it. I realize that it is mostly useless to me. In any event it will be some time before I have the necessary food and wood to build the mine."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Apr 25, 2015 21:25:50 GMT
"Elon can probably assist you with wood and food," Azlyn replied easily, "We've recently been improving our lumber industry and we've always been blessed by rich farmlands."
Chello glanced at her husband, wishing he weren't so eager to offer up kingdom resources, but saying nothing about it. "I sure something can be worked out," she said, "And of course the Elonese navy would be grateful for any assistance the Ikegami can provide in procuring gunpowder."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Apr 30, 2015 20:34:49 GMT
The letter was from King Azlyn to Naozumi and read in a more casual tone than the usual letters sent out by Elon, which, regardless of who's seal was on them, were probably all written by Queen Chello, the better educated of the Elonese monarchs.
To Daimyo Ikegamo Naozumi, from King Azlyn Christallo.
Lord Alistair has recently informed me of his intentions to wed your daughter, Sayoko. Though this is and unconventional match, it is clear to me that the man truly loves Sayoko and means her all his best intentions and care. He also told me that this engagement is not meant to reflect upon an alliance between our nations, but a simple and pure love between two individuals. After some reflection, I have approved of this and send you my sincerest recommendation of Bronsyn Alistair's honor, loyalty, courage and competence in his recognized duty. If such a match is truely what your daughter desires and you can find it in your heart to honer the love between them, I would humbly request that you consider giving them your approval and blessing.
While I approve of this marriage and pray it will be carried out with fitting swiftness and grace, I have need of Bronsyn's services in regards to the Veakirate's stated mission to the Waistlands, which I'm sure you have heard of. It seems the church shares the concerns you brought to my attention last year at the army camps of Thundercrown and wishes to carry peace, faith and diplomacy to the orcish tribes. It is my hope that you, or some representatives of your kingdom will join Elon, the Wolfwyrd, the Firetooth and the church in this quest. It seems a shame to me to separate Bronsyn and Sayoko, so perhaps your daughter would be interested in representing your nation in this noble endeavor.
Regardless of your decisions, I humbly wish you, your family and your nation continued peace and prosperity and blessing from Aed our creator and protector.
Sincerely, King Azlyn Christallo.
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Post by ravigen on May 1, 2015 3:32:58 GMT
A letter was soon returned to Azlyn in the script of the common languages recognized by most of the North, it's tone was cordial, friendly with just a hint of amusement.
To King Azlyn Christello from Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi.
My friend, and I do hope that it is acceptable to refer to you as such, I have already discussed the matter with my daughter and I believe that if this Lord Alistair is truly the man she has chosen to wed and if your judge of his character is as good as you say then I will consent to the union, it is rare indeed for such an uncommon union but that just makes it all the more exciting does it not? I am interested to see where this goes if a bit concerned for my daughter, but I will trust her judgment until otherwise faulted.
As to your proposition, I think it agreeable that Sayoko go to the Council, the Ikegami have little knowledge of theological matters but it is true that good soldiers will be needed to protect the emissaries and I am as hopeful as you that these negotiations are successful.
She will arrive at the council at Thundercrown shortly I assure you.
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