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Post by aspenivan on Dec 24, 2014 23:33:37 GMT
Vizier Ishui Seldu walked through the Palace Gardens, passing through orange groves in bloom and elaborately patterned bushes until he found the person he was looking for, a tired but regal-looking sylph with clipped wings.
"Noble Cadoc," he announced as his gaze found the sylph's. "I have business to discuss with you, about your son and his kingdom. Would you join me in the small council chamber that we may speak in private?" Seldu knew the sylph hardly had a choice. Not because the Vizier would force him, but because Cadoc was painfully short on things to do with his time. The palace was a wonderful place to live, but could quickly grow boring for someone who didn't have the right to leave.
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 25, 2014 0:09:55 GMT
Cadoc snapped the book he had been reading shut, briefly sending up a puff of dust. In his gilded cage, the days were filled with excessively polite servants, reclining the day away in his padded chair in the gardens, and generally twiddling his thumbs. The former King had been kept well fed and had all he could ever desire.. His gaze trailed skyward...everything except his freedom of course. The Sylph gave a grunt, old bones popping as he followed the Vizier towards the chamber while leaning heavily on a cane of knobby oakwood. He was more than aware that this wasn't a social visit. Cadoc wasn't an idiot, he was a realist. Some might call him a collaborator, but what Cadoc realized was that the Empire could not be fought. It's ships, it's manpower, it's money were like the ocean. Relentless and unrelenting, one might build a dam to keep the water at bay but it was the water that would always win in the end. One had to treat with the monster and Cadoc had always been known to cut a deal. '' Vizier, how may I assist you? '' Cadoc inquired with a raised brow and waited for the eventual question over his son.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 25, 2014 0:28:18 GMT
Ishui Seldu had never been so foolish as to think Cadoc actually liked him or the Empire he represented, but the Vizier appreciated a good schemer when he saw one. And Cadoc, perhaps more than anyone else he had met in the North, was exactly that. As long as he could count on the ex-king to understand and respect were they stood in relation to one another, Seldu was inclined to keep him around for a good conversation or -in this case- good counsel.
"Good Cadoc, I can't help but feel discomfort at how the whole Beg Guhrim affair turned out. Apart from it being a total mess, I seem to have lost the goodwill of your son without ever meeting him, except through the insults he instructed Lord Carawyn to deliver. Doesn't he know there would be no Commonwealth for him to rule were it not for the mutually beneficial relationship you and I built? And what in Aed's name is he doing trying to curry favor with Priest Staas? I quite like the holy man myself, but extra attention from the Vaekirate on a halfway-heathen nation hardly seems like a recipe for success. Where I can let a minor heresy or two stay for the greater good, I doubt my priestly counterpart will.
"So what I need to know from you is: What game is Aeron playing at? And how would you recommend that I play my cards in this game for us to arrive at an...agreeable point?"
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 25, 2014 0:59:33 GMT
Cadoc was known to be a man of few words and he chose them carefully here. '' 'Insults' as you call them were mere bluster from a newly crowned King to appease a domestic audience Majesty. '' Cadoc murmered attempting to excuse away his son's diplomatic blunders. '' My son is merely attempting to ensure that the Commonwealth is protected both internally and externally from its foreign competitors. This new nation that was created is young, fragile, and at risk of being toppled by outside forces. State sanctioned raids by the Jotun, in which thousands have been killed will rattle any young man's confidence, especially due to our storied history with the Jotun. '' The Vizier had to know of the decades long war against the giants that Cadoc himself had particapated in. Of course, King Cadoc could not judge the Vizier for these atrocities that had been committed under his watch after all...was he not imprisoned for life for the very same crimes? '' To the West, the Ikagami have shown themselves to be opportunists whom will eagerly gobble up any land that is in chaos. Now there are Imperial troops in Hessya and talks of building bases in the Jotun held isles. For a young King, it's all very.... alarming. What Aeron will need is assurances that no one particular vassal will be favored if old tensions flared and blood is spilt. The Empire can do all it can to contain them but the region is a powderkeg. '' Cadoc said with a shrug.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 25, 2014 5:19:32 GMT
The Vizier allowed a silence to settle over the chamber as he considered Cadoc's commentary.
"The Ikegami may be opportunists," he conceded, "but they did go through the proper channels of Imperial Law to confirm a right to conquest. And Ikegami Naozumi has shown himself nothing less than a paragon of honor and propriety. He does not seem the type to simply invade the uncontested titles and claims of a fellow vassal-lord. The most a war would amount to is to contest Sefti-Cerdigonian possessions in former Beg Guhrim, which at worst would hardly be a dent in the vast holdings of the Commonwealth. Not to mention King Aeron made quite the impression of not only opportunism, but brashness in his failed attempt to overstep my authority with Vaekirate and Juturnan assistance. Had I not sent the Surv-Akur North, it would have been an embarrassment to the Crown unlike any I have seen?!"
Ishui Seldu realized his tone of voice was beginning to harden with anger, so he stopped to take a deep breath and clear his mind. "Well, what's done is done. What I need now is a way to smoothen things over. Reopen channels of cooperation. What is your recommendation?"
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 25, 2014 18:45:38 GMT
Cadoc made a 'tsk' sound with his tongue, tapping his fingers on his knee to an invisible drumbeat. '' The King has not received his official Imperial Coronation, no my son has not made a visit here at all. Summon him under the auspices of recognizing his new political union with the Navaren's. A good will gesture so to speak. From there, I'm sure a more private backchannel meeting could be arranged to discuss grievances. Find him a Survaekom wife to settle him down and bind him to the crown. '' Cadoc said with a snort. '' He would no doubt have a heart attack but it would do him some good. '' The 'boy King' was on a dangerous path and needed a leash to yank him back into the Imperial Fold. '' Once he's here, I'm sure you two can reach an understanding. If the Orc's breakthrough the Wasteland's then we are all at risk. ''
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 26, 2014 17:46:09 GMT
For the first time in the conversation, the Vizier smiled. Now they were getting somewhere.
"An excellent idea, noble Cadoc. A coronation ceremony, even at its worst, cannot but signal goodwill. The only issue would be finding a Survaekom woman of noble birth willing to marry a Northerner..." Ishui Seldu glanced out the window, to the West, before looking back to Cadoc with a wry twist of his eyebrows.
"Then again, the stratagem seems to have worked well in the case of House Christallo in Elon. Now that I think of it, there are a few old Feymoure families that moved out of the mountains and made their homes in the Empire proper. No doubt one of them would be eager to redeem their prestige with a royal marriage. Not to mention the linguistic differences won't be too great a problem; they left the Fey Realm only a century before you did, and I'm sure their native dialect can't be too far removed from your own. But how to ensure that Aeron himself will accept? Would he respond to your paternal authority? Or will I have to convince him?"
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 26, 2014 18:22:28 GMT
'' For all the protests that my son has mounted against my imprisonment, he does not want me to return. Half the country would want my head on a spike and the other would treat me as a hero. If the boy will not listen well... I am feeling sickly. A release on compassionate grounds for an old man could always be arranged. '' Cadoc said with a cool smile. '' He won't have a choice and he won't want trouble not with this Wastelander business afoot, Ikagami to the West and Jotun on the Northern border. It's enough in the way of headaches for a young King. '' While Cadoc had accepted that his own life may be over, he wasn''t about to let his legacy be tarnished by his foolish progeny.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 31, 2014 4:01:09 GMT
Vizier Ishui Seldu's expression grew perplexed, one eye widening while another narrowed. "Release on compassionate grounds for an old man? Good and noble Cadoc, you've hardly been here two years. And there are many who are already dissatisfied with your current condition - the minimum punishment I could deal out without provoking a riot and a slew of unsavory petitions sent directly to the Emperor via courier. As much as the situation at hand with the Commonwealth bothers me, I can't imagine the scale of fragmentation your freedom would inflict on Seft-Cerdigonian politics. And just after your son made his one major accomplishment: bringing stability to the region, albeit a fragile one.
"What I have in mind is a little more subtle. After the coronation ceremony, but while proceedings are still public, I can mention how eager a certain former Cerdigonian King is to see his son. I believe that he will take the hint rather than embarrass his own court - mostly former loyalists of your own. Once we have him in a private meeting, it will be up to you to issue your warnings while I play the amicable patron, offering channels of cooperation and sharing marriage proposals from willing Survaekom-Feymoure houses. Or do you have a better idea?" The question was earnest: The Vizier was clever enough to take Cadoc's advice seriously on this matter.
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Post by cerdigon on Jan 4, 2015 18:10:28 GMT
'' Almost three. '' Cadoc corrected the Vizier before one gaze longingly stared out the window. Of course, Cadoc had started the countdown to his captivity from the moment he had been summoned to the trial since the beginning of the war. '' I agree with this plan. Of course, in order for my son to go along with this marriage I imagine he'll want to see some sort of material benefit from the arrangement. But that'll be a conversation for another time, with my son present. '' The old King murmered, a wry smile sliding over his face. '' Issue the summons then and let father and son be reunited. ''
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 4, 2015 22:05:31 GMT
Relieved, the Vizier offered a wry smile to match the Cerdigonian's own. "Indeed. For the good of your bloodline." Ishui Seldu would make sure to send the missive today, deciding it was best if the young king arrived before he could do any unforeseen damage.
_____
The coronation ceremony was an appropriately grand one; the Vizier had even hung great stylized banners of Sefti, Cerdigonian, and Navaren coats of arms around the reception hall for everyone to behold. The entire Ishui family was present for the proceedings, and though they did not bow before King Aeron upon his coronation (he was not their liege, after all), they offered him a respectful nod that not every Northern monarch could claim to have received.
"Now rise, Vassal-Lord of the Empire in the North," Ishui Seldu commanded according to the ceremonial rite. He had just placed a unique crown on the young elf-sylph's head: Three concentric rings, rising higher from edge to center: the outer two of gold and the innermost of silver. The old Byrnian had figured it was fitting for a lord of three kingdoms.
"Rule with honor. Judge with fairness. Defend with valor. So shall Aed find you worthy of the authority hereby invested in you by his Sword, his Majesty Emperor Vokoryn II Khaitis." Up until now, Seldu had maintained a solemn expression for the occasion, but now he allowed himself to smile. "This is when I would normally command you and your court to go forth, but I dare not on this occasion. For there is someone who would very much like to speak with you, noble King Aeron: Former King Cadoc requests your presence in his apartment that he may behold the face of his son on his coronation day."
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Post by cerdigon on Jan 5, 2015 2:47:45 GMT
The reunion between father and son was an awkward one to say the least. For the former because the last time he had seen his son he had been little more than a pale youth and now the '' boy king '' was severely injured. His face marred by scars and not only his arm but his wing missing, nothing it seemed could escape the surgeons knife. For the latter, his father had become an increasingly costly political liability. King Aeron Sefti had to keep his father at arms length and he realized now that this could be one of the last times that he would see him. He looked old, sick, and tired, but nonetheless well fed. Cadoc bowed before his son on one knee, acknowledging his position. '' Father, do not be foolish, rise. '' Aeron murmered, a flush coming to his cheeks as he helped the old man to his knees.
'' Come, sit... we have much to discuss. '' Cadoc said, those eyes sharp as a knife as he guided Aeron towards a table. He knew that the Imperial Coronation ahd been a bitter pill to swallow. His son had yet to accept his place in the Empire but he would for the sake of the Dynasty and the family lineiage. King Cadoc had not fought and killed to see his empire collapse within the span of a generation. No, the boy would settle down and accept his place in the world.
'' The Vizier and I have been discussing your marriage.. '' Cadoc began..
'' I did not think you were one to play matchmaker father. '' Aeron answered, there was anger on the edge of his tongue, that Cadoc would presume to negotiate on his behalf.
'' Tsk, tsk... an alliance with the Feymoure clan could offer many benefits...as I'm sure the Vizier could elaborate more on. '' King Aeron turned to regard the Vizier with a hard stare, though some of his bluster was lost as he lowered his gaze and settled on the Vizier's feet. The crown he had treasured for so long was held in his grip... three kingdoms for one boy king.. how many more jewels would be added to that crown? It was a question Cadoc wondered and one he hoped that wasn't answered by the destruction of his family name.
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 5, 2015 7:19:45 GMT
"Indeed," Vizier Ishui Seldu chimed in matter-of-factly, taking the cue from Cadoc. "A certain Noble House of great wealth and prestige, Clan Llewelyn, has taken an interest in bonding with its Northern kin. The young and remarkable Princess Kaelei Llewelyn has offered her hand in marriage to your most esteemed and noble self, good King Aeron. Should you accept, the whole clan is ready to move North to join you under the great banner of the Commonwealth, along with their wealth and subjects of course." Along with their strong loyalties to the Crown and partially Byrnianized customs as well, but Seldu preferred to keep that part implicit.
"Llewelyn is known best for its impressive trade fleet," the Vizier continued. He knew well that the Commonwealth was short on ships to patrol its coasts and could use for some extra income to match its rivals. Sure, the clan in question traded mostly in fish, but ships were ships and these sylphs had more of them than any others Ishui Seldu knew of.
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Post by cerdigon on Jan 6, 2015 23:17:04 GMT
Ships. It was the one carrot that might actually bring King Aeron to the table. The King possessed one of the largest land armies on the continent but the '' Black Fleet '' as it was called was hardly as fearsome as its namesake. It was a handful of ships and against the might of the Jotun marauders...if one listened closely they could hear the King grinding his teeth. Cadoc looked like the cat whom had swallowed the canary.
'' It's time, a legitimate heir to continue the line. Enough with these concubines. '' Cadoc said with a snort.
'' Think of your country, of the future, of all you've struggled to build. Do not let it go to waste. ''
Aeron spent time studying his boots but knew he was defeated.
'' I agree to the match. '' He said with a sigh.
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 8, 2015 3:56:04 GMT
Ishui Seldu was elated. Cadoc had sprung the trap, and together they had followed through perfectly. The rabbit was in the cage, nibbling on its carrot. A great day for the stability of the Imperial North.
"That is excellent news, noble King Aeron," Seldu replied to the young monarch with a hint of triumph. "I will inform House Llewellyn of your wise decision. A messenger will let you know the expected time of arrival of your betrothed and her family, once the voyage has been arranged for. Would you like to write or dictate any message of your own making, or will this suffice?"
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