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Post by frostwander on Jan 4, 2015 7:04:54 GMT
A single horse rider approaches a border outpost on the western edge of the Ikegami territory, south of the great forest. It is an orc, green skin faded and weathered by long exposure to the sun. He wears simple sand-colored clothes wrapped around his hunched form, a vivid yellow scarf the only splash of color in the bland outfit. His head is shaved bald except for a long scalp-lock of graying hair, and his eyes are blue and bright. He holds a lance upright in the stirrup on his mount’s left side, and from its tip hangs a banner woven of sky blue cloth, a wolf’s head centered in dark gray.
The orc keeps his pace slow and non-threatening as he rides to within earshot, and then speaks formally, his voice projecting clearly. “Greetings to the Ikegami from the Wolfwyrd Clan, and our chieftess Lukene gra Otsana. I have come to represent her as an ambassador, to establish relations between our nations.
“I humbly request safe passage and escort to your capital so I may seek audience with your ruler.”
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Post by ravigen on Jan 5, 2015 1:06:09 GMT
The response from the outpost was immediate, being on guard due to the war with the wastelander orcs the traveler was met with some suspicion as he approached before his identity could be verified. Once he was proven to be who he said, an escort of three Samurai mounted on horseback with bow and katana alike was provided to lead the orc to Kegosu safely.
Their arrival in the city was met with little fanfare with so many soldiers marching off to war. Still the orc was escorted to the palace where he was met by the youngest daughter of Naozumi, Ikegami Himawari. The elf bowed formally in greeting, dressed in a blue kimono she offered the ambassador a smile.
"Greetings Ambassador of the Wolfwyrd, my father and siblings are not here as they have marched off to war, I have been left to act as regent while they are gone. What brings you to our humble capital?" |
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Post by frostwander on Jan 8, 2015 20:52:29 GMT
The orc placed one arm across his waist and returned the bow. "My name is Apal gro Danel, Lady Ikegami. I have come on behalf of the Wolfwyrd to discuss matters of our new Clan near the wastes, and how we and the Ikegami Clan may find common ground.
"It is our hope that we may enjoy peace between us, a possible alliance of interests and trade. We are not of the Wasteland tribes, and do not wish to share in their aggressions against the Empire and your own people."
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Post by ravigen on Jan 9, 2015 4:35:12 GMT
Himawari smiled pleasantly, peaceful intentions were always welcome in Kegosu and more trade partners would bring in gold and immersion into the rest of the North.
"The Ikegami are always open to trade and alliances with the other powers of the North, with the Wastelanders at the gates though there is little time to devote to it sadly but we are not adverse to negotiation." |
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Post by frostwander on Jan 14, 2015 22:02:56 GMT
Apal gro Danel nodded. "Of course I understand that there are pressing concerns that preclude long-term negotiations at the moment. The Wastelanders at the gate, however, are an important example of why our Clan's outreach at this time is so critical. First and foremost, we wish to distance ourselves from those barbaric orcs - hence, we are sending emissaries such as myself to our neighbors to communicate that.
"Additionally, as a token of our respect I bear a gift for your family." The orc carefully unfolded a cloth from a package he had taken from his saddlebags, to present a painted wooden box. Lifting the lid, he displayed a finely crafted tea set of white clay, a rich brown color glazed into the outside. "I hope you will find it acceptable."
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Post by ravigen on Jan 14, 2015 22:26:31 GMT
Himawari smiled and took the carved box, looking the tea set over carefully, tea ceremonies were a favorite past time of hers and this set was finely crafted she could tell already.
"Your gift is gracious Honorable representative of the Wolfwyrd and does your people credit." With a gesture a servant stepped into the room as she leaned down to whisper to the man, he nodded and bowed, leaving the room and returning in a few minutes with a ceramic jar and two small cups.
Himawari placed the jar down and poured a liquid into the two cups, handing one to Apal gro Danel.
"This sake is the finest of our people and used to celebrate victory in battle, or good negotiations. Please drink and we will seal this offer of friendship between our two clans." she raised her cup and drank. |
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Post by frostwander on Jan 20, 2015 20:56:52 GMT
The orc similarly raised the cup that was handed to him and drank, smiling as he set it down empty. "I look forward to more discussion of our friendship, especially if this is how you treat negotiations. Once the immediate conflict of the wastelands is resolved, perhaps we can speak more easily of trade and lighter matters.
"In the meantime, is there a place I could stay in your city, so that I can be available when such an opportunity arises?"
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Post by ravigen on Jan 20, 2015 21:44:34 GMT
Himawari smiled and gestured to one of the aides who stood waiting against the wall silently.
"A room has been prepared for you here in the palace should you desire it, you are our honored guest. And I believe my father would be eager to speak of such matters when the conflict is resolved." |
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Post by ravigen on Mar 20, 2015 22:46:21 GMT
In the weeks after the battle for Thundercrown, Ikegami Naozumi returned to Kegosu to discover that a representative of the Wolfwyrd had come to Kegosu to speak with him while he had been away, the thought was pleasing, here he had already been planning to seek them out for his venture and they had come on their own to speak with him while he had been gone.
A room was prepared in the palace, hot sake and freshly cooked meats with rice and other vegetables prepared for a meal as Apal Gro Danal was informed that the Daimyo had arrived and was prepared to speak with him. |
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Post by frostwander on Mar 29, 2015 6:35:40 GMT
In the time he had stayed at the palace in Kegosu, the orc had been a friendly and well-mannered guest. Apal had participated in local custom whenever permitted, and was quite eager to learn about the formalities (and informalities) of the Ikegami people. He had been quite appreciative of the comfortable room he'd been granted, apparently far more luxurious amenities than those to which he was used.
He'd made only a few small requests, for a larger cage for the kestrel he had brought with him (a small falcon-like bird, it's light-brown feathers speckled with grey), and occasionally for small amounts of unworked clay and access to a kiln. He had set up a small, portable potter's wheel in one corner of his room, and created a number of decorative jars and jugs with which to decorate his living space.
Upon receiving the message that the Daimyo (he'd learned that this word meant 'lord') would speak with him, Apal made himself presentable in his sand colored clothes and yellow scarf. He had acquired a pair of colorful kimonos in his time here, and found them quite comfortable, but for this meeting he would garb himself as from his own nation. He also took the letter of introduction written to the Ikegami by his own monarch, and accompanied the servant who would show him to the meeting.
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Post by ravigen on Mar 29, 2015 13:53:33 GMT
The servants led Apal to the meeting room and opened the sliding door, stepping inside to announce Danal's presence. Naozumi stood to greet the orc, dressed in a formal blue kimono for the occasion. He bowed politely in greeting to the orc, happy to finally meet the representative of the Wolfwyrd.
"Greetings Ambassador Apal, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard much about the Wolfwyrd and am eager to hear more."
He gestured to the tatami mat across the table from him in a clear invitation to sit, there was food and drink aplenty for their discussion.
"Please sit and we will discuss what has brought you so far to our lands." |
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Post by frostwander on Mar 30, 2015 17:41:21 GMT
Apal took in the appearance of the room, and it's lord, as he was shown through the sliding door. The orc returned Nauzumi's polite bow in his own manner, one arm across his waist as he bent, smiling. He lowered himself to the indicated mat in a comfortable cross-legged position, and met Naozumi's gaze.
"It is a pleasure for me, as well, Daimyo Ikegami. Your family's hospitality here has been exquisite."
As they ate, the ambassador explained about the Wolfwyrd's founding and separation from the Wasteland tribes, and of their current position as a fledgling nation, amicably answering any questions about their culture. "We are still in the process of settling and securing resources to build a lasting society upon the foundations we've established. Our monarch, Lukene gra Otsana, has sent similar emissaries to our other neighbors as well. We wish to have peace and strong friendships.
"Additionally, we are currently seeking out what trade may mutually benefit our nation and our friends, so everyone's needs can be provided for. We wish to contribute as much in return as we ask."
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Post by ravigen on Mar 30, 2015 18:20:01 GMT
Naozumi listened attentively to the orc's story, happy to learn of the neighbor to the north, their status as a fledgling wastelander clan turned vassal was intriguing and inspiring and Naozumi did his best to respond in kind, answering questions about the Ikegami, their people and their values of loyalty, honor, and duty. All in all Naozumi thought the talk was going well.
"Trade is a worthy goal and we will need to construct a new trading post for it but I will gladly have the post constructed for the purposes of trade, though the costs for getting this venture off the ground will need some manner of cooperation between our nations, in good faith the Ikegami will take on the bulk of the costs for setting it up."
Ikegami offers trade with the Wolfywrd, offering to pay 7 out of the 10 gold required to start trade if the Wolfwyrd pay the remaining 3. |
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Post by frostwander on Mar 31, 2015 6:07:33 GMT
Apal gro Danel smiles, his eyes slightly widened. "Your offer is, as your hospitality, most gracious. We have already made arrangements in preparation for trade with future allies, and would be glad to accept the honor of the Ikegami's friendship and trade. And perhaps once regular exchanges of goods and craft from our people are established, we may be able to exchange other resources should the need arise.
"With your permission, once we have finished our meal I would send word of our arrangement back to Erlantz on the wing, so they can prepare a caravan to readiness. I'm certain my chieftess will be most pleased to share this venture with your people, just as we share in values."
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Post by ravigen on Mar 31, 2015 17:44:57 GMT
Naozumi raised his cup in response and took a sip, filling a new cup he set it before Apal.
"Then it is agreed, feel free to enjoy the hospitality of my home before returning to your Chieftess, specifically I would suggest relaxing in the hot spring before you return it is good to relax and prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
"Now is there any other business you would have with me?" |
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