|
|
Post by zurajai on Jan 9, 2015 6:34:42 GMT
A single vessel finally came to rest in the calm natural harbor just south of the Wolfwyrd capital, disgorging a full host of robed and armored individuals baring the banners of the Vaekirate. After a proper camp was erected a small party of those crimson-clad soldiery began escorting a full caravan of carts northwards towards Erlantz. It took not but a day to arrive in Erlantz from the camp, a southern human Priest in simple red robes stepping forth to address the orcish guards.
"Good sons and daughters of Aed, I am Zwerkir Gerolf, come from Karmozijn Kerk to have words with her Majesty, Lukene gra Otsana
. Do you grant this humble servant of Aed and the Vaekir entry?"
|
|
|
|
Post by frostwander on Jan 9, 2015 23:43:33 GMT
The guards bowed to the priest, gesturing their respect for the Aedak. The elder of the two, a woman with dark blue eyes and hair dyed to match, took a single step forward to respond. “The servants of Aed and the Vaekir are welcomed here. Please, follow me.”
The orc waved to the watchpost, and another stepped to take her place at the entrance while she led the priest and his caravan into the city. Troops drilled in a dusty area near the main path, and laborers worked amongst new construction and development. The entire populace was busily working at their respective purposes, and many nearby paused to watch as the group walked toward the longhouse in the city’s center.
“A runner reached us yesterday with word of your approach. We have set aside an area between the manor and the Snow District where your company may set their tents and rest. We have tents to spare, if you have not brought your own, and can have a yurt erected for yourself in short order.” She waved to the nearby construction. “As you can see, most of us still live in tents and mobile dwellings while we work to build more permanent housing.
“Our chieftess, Lukene gra Otsana, is not present in Erlantz at the moment. She is currently with a scouting party ensuring that our southern border is secure and seeking resources, but should return within a week. But our Matriarch would be glad to receive you in the meantime.”
After showing the caravan to the cleared space near the manor, the guard led the priest not to the longhall itself, but to large fur-covered yurt set beside it. The two armored bodyguards stepped wordlessly aside to allow entry, and she held the tent-flap open for the priest to enter behind her. “Matriarch, I present Zwerkir Gerolf, of the Vaekir.
“This is our Matriarch, Otsana gra Ortzi.” The guard went to kneel beside the low fur bed near the middle of the tent, indicating to the priest a chair that had been set for him facing it. Reclining on her left side in the bed was an orc perhaps in her forties. Otsana wore a simple cloth robe lined with dark grey furs, and her ebony colored hair was braided neatly. One tusk was broken shorter than the other, and weathered skin and scarred hands evidenced her past as a warrior.
Otsana nodded her head respectfully to the priest, her position not lending itself to a bow, and she spoke quietly. “We were preparing an emissary to travel to the Vaekirate soon ourselves, but I count it well that you came to us. I am glad to be able to meet with you myself. Welcome to Erlantz, Zwerkir Gerolf.”
|
|
|
|
Post by zurajai on Jan 10, 2015 11:06:31 GMT
The Zwerkir smiled thankfully as bows were offered respectfully, returning the gesture in kind as the Vaekirate party was welcomed inside the city. As the group was hustled through the expanse of temporary housing the Zwerkir's grin only grew in stature, seeing great potential and knowing that through fulfilling his purpose in this journey he would be doing a great deal of kindness to the orcs of the Wolfwyrd. Upon being led into the yurt of the Matriarch Gerolf bid his company to hold back, remaining with the carts as he entered with a bow: though having known many Firetooth orcs Gerolf knew little of Wolfwyrd customs and had no intention of insulting this 'Matriarch'.
"Matriarch Otsana gra Ortzi, your welcome his most generous and hospitable. I come bearing tidings from His Holiness, the Vaekir, and his humble servant Chief Priest Staas. Your people's devout nature and desire to leave the false gods of the wastelands orcs behind to enter Aed's loving embrace has not gone without notice, for very few peoples of the North share such true conviction. As such, Chief Priest Staas has seen fit that the Vaekirate should give aid to those newest children of Aed in the form of monetary support. Along my journey I have brought five carts from Karmozijn Kerk baring ten thousand jien. Along with this comes the offer to construct a Temple in your fine city, free of charge.
In addition, Chief Priest Staas offers, if you would be so pleased, to have a Kerk constructed within your lands to provide you and your peoples religious guidance as well as the protection such a stronghold of the faith can offer. The construction of such a Kerk would simply require any quarried stone that you might provide until the completion of the compound. This, of course, is absolutely optional. What say you, good Matriarch, do such offers please you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by frostwander on Jan 14, 2015 20:27:08 GMT
Otsana listened, lying still as the Vaekirate representative spoke, though her fingers played restlessly with the furs of the bed. She smiled when he spoke of her people's devotion, inclining her head a little in acknowledgement of the compliment. It was clear she was keenly interested in the priest's words as he outlined the church's offer.
"I am very pleased to hear your words, Zwerkir. I had not thought to hope word of our people had reached His Holiness so quickly, much less that he would be so generous to a people so young to the faith. Your aid is most welcome.
"I agree that a temple in Erlantz would be a blessing, giving the Wolfwyrd a place to pray beyond their own homes. It has been a topic we discussed among my daughter's advisors, though our immediate work has been taken more by the necessities of provision, shelter, and defense. We would be glad to have our craftsfolk work alongside your own in its construction.
The orc woman pursed her lips, thinking a moment before continuing, "In regards to the construction of a Kerk within our lands, our chieftess will need to make that decision, though I believe she will be in favor of the idea, as am I. We should also discuss it with the Minister of Finance. We do not have any active quarries at the moment, and only a small supply of stone to allocate for building presently. She would be glad to determine with you how much would be required in raising a Kerk, and whether we would need to seek more resources in that pursuit."
Otsana smiled warmly, "It will likely be a few days before my daughter's return, and we shall host a feast for you when she does in an official welcome. In the meantime, please accept our simple hospitality for yourself and your company. We are happy to have you here."
|
|
|
|
Post by zurajai on Jan 17, 2015 4:30:25 GMT
Zwerkir Gerolf nodded pleasantly in response to the orc woman's words, pleased to hear that she had taken to the gift with respect; in truth, he was worried such a gift would have been rebuked. The decision to allow the construction of the temple was all he needed to consider this venture an absolute success and the promise of a possible Kerk to be constructed bolstered his resolve ever further.
"Your hospitality is most welcome," he said, bowing low, "I shall have the rest of this party leave their camp at the river and travel here with the supplies brought with us to begin construction while we wait for your good daughter."
|
|
|
|
Post by frostwander on Mar 28, 2015 15:38:27 GMT
Bihotz gra Zeru, the matriarch's blue-haired bodyguard, walked through the Vaekirate camp near the Snow District of Erlantz to the residence that had been constructed for the Zwerkir's. She approached one of the Zwerkir's servants, and with a friendly smile and bow offered them a folded paper addressed to Zwerkir Gerolf.
The simple note reads:
"Zwerkir Gerolf,
We hope that you and your fellow servants of Aed will attend a feast this evening in welcoming home our Monarch, Lukene gra Otsana. She is eager to meet with you, and discuss plans for the raising of the Kerk that was offered. Preparations for the feast are already underway, and will be served in the main hall at sundown."
|
|
|
|
Post by zurajai on Apr 8, 2015 15:29:34 GMT
Zwerkir Gerolf arrived at the home of Lukene gra Otsana without any hesitation, joy filling his breast at the idea of continuing Aed's work here in the north. He had come to discover, over his time here, that the orcs were truly a marvelous people; certainly capable of barbarism but filled with such faith that it would dwarf the love for Aed many had in their hearts, even those from the south. He addressed the guards with a bow and a smile before offering words.
"My friends, I am Zwerkir Gerolf; come on the bidding of Her Highness Lukene gra Otsana of the Wolfwyrd. May I enter?"
|
|
|
|
Post by frostwander on Apr 9, 2015 17:35:57 GMT
"Enter, and be welcomed, zwerkir!" Boomed the guard at the door to the great hall of the manor, gesturing through it's wide entryway to the gathering already assembling within. A young serving boy bowed in respect to the priest as he entered, and led him across the hall to a place at the high table. Lukene gra Otsana stood as he approached to welcome him, smiling warmly and gesturing to the cushions to her right. Otsana gra Ortzi, the matriarch, had been moved into the great hall earlier, and reclined at her daughter's left side. Though unable to rise in greeting, she nodded to Gerolf and lifted a hand. A number of other elders sat around the table as well.
Lukene waited until the zwerkir was seated, then turned to the assembly. Her voice filled the hall as it would on a battlefield, with no sign of strain. "I, Lukene gra Otsana, and the Wolfwyrd people, welcome Zwerkir Gerolf, servant of the Aed, to our home!" The hall erupted in cheers and stomping feet.
|
|
|
|
Post by frostwander on Apr 17, 2015 17:29:10 GMT
As the feast began, Lukene spoke with Zwerkir Gerolf, speaking of what he had seen in the Wolfwyrd lands during his stay, and telling him more of her people. After several courses, ranging from hearty northern vegetables to roasted game, the chieftess turned the conversation to a topic that had been waiting for some time.
"I have been apprised of Chief Priest Staas' desire to see a Kerk raised in Wolfwyrd lands, and have discussed this in depth with my mother and my advisers. We feel our people could benefit greatly from this, and are most pleased by the generosity of his offer.
"You have certainly heard by now of the conflict at Itziar and its resolution. In this outcome, we will have a supply of stone incoming to augment our stocks, which we wish to begin construction with. As soon as time permits, meet with my architects to determine a building site, and we can set the foundations with the blessings of the Aed."
|
|
|
|
Post by zurajai on Apr 18, 2015 2:13:25 GMT
"This would be most acceptable," voiced Gerolf, a broad smile showing on his face, "I will send a missive to the Chief Priest immediately so that construction may commence as soon as possible!"
|
|
