|
|
Post by ravigen on Jan 20, 2015 19:23:14 GMT
Upon leaving Karmozijn Kerk, Naozumi made his way to New Byrnis to meet with the Vizier before returning to Kegosu to prepare for the war. He had sent a letter ahead of him requesting such an audience with the esteemed Vizier. His purpose for the visit was political in nature but given the times and the Ikegami's desire to break out of their isolation, the visit would hopefully be fruitful.
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Mar 4, 2015 17:41:52 GMT
Ikegami Naozumi would not get his audience that day...or that month...or even that year. Every letter and every envoy was met with a reply that the Vizier was "indisposed." There was no further clarification given, and it was beginning to appear that Ishui Seldu was slighting the daimyo.
But then, finally, as war raged in the West, a missive arrived before the Ikegami Court.
Greetings and blessings in the name of Aed,
Ishui Seldu, Vizier of the North, servant of his Majesty Emperor Vokoryn II Khaitis, sends his regards to the honorable Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi. He sends his sincerest apologies as well, cognizant of the undue delay he has burdened you with. He requests that you travel to New Byrnis with all haste, that business may be concluded in a timely manner.
By the hand of a scribe and servant of the Grand Empire,
Ishui Yaolu
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Mar 12, 2015 20:40:15 GMT
Post the battle at Thundercrown, Naozumi rode quickly to New Byrnis, leaving command of the army to his brother Masateru. He presented his credentials to the guards of the gate and proceeded to the palace with all haste to meet with the Vizier at his convenience.
He would be happy to bring news of the Allied victory at Thundercrown. |
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Mar 14, 2015 3:28:16 GMT
The Ikegami diamyo was led to the palace and welcomed in with the usual formalities his status afforded. But, instead of being guided into the Grand Chamber, the palace servants directed the elf to the apartments. There, inside a well-adorned but somber-looking room, lay Vizier Ishui Seldu looking out of place in bed with his full regalia. His back was propped half-upright against a pillow, and he looked to his guest with glassy eyes.
"Greetings," he managed in a voice that sounded like pure rasp. "What news -" the Vizier's words erupted into a cacophony of violent coughing and hacking. It went on for a long moment, until he finally cleared his throat and retried. "What news have you from the front, honorable daimyo?"
The attendants and guards surrounding Ishui Seldu kept flat expressions, but the strain in their faces betrayed a deep distress. It did not take great insight to see why: Seldu's body was shaking and sweating, his breath was short, and skin was turning from dark brown to something lighter and sicklier. The Vizier of the North appeared beyond recovery from whatever ailment cursed him. It was a wonder he still had his wits about him.
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Mar 14, 2015 3:37:40 GMT
Naozumi stepped forward solemnly keeping a smiling face for the Vizier, it would not due for such an honorable man to feel like he was pitied though Naozumi did mourn for his ailment, he bowed formally before the Vizier as he approached, keeping a respectful and safe distance.
"Your Excellency, the battle for Thundercrown is won and won well, the Wastelander host has been shattered, their war leaders slain and the North is safe once again. I come now to deliver these tidings to you and a request. Your excellency as you are well aware my people and I have been seeking an end to our isolationism, to this effect we have devoted ourselves body and mind to furthering relations with the Empire. If it pleases you, I would like to continue these relations in two ways."
"The first is a formal request to construct an Embassy in Kegosu, with recommendation to promote Secretary Haerk to the position of councilor as he has spent some time with our people and is familiar with our culture and ways. The second is a bit more personal, as you are surely aware I have three children, my eldest and heir has her own plans and I respect them, my two youngest children, Yukimura and Himawari are unwed, and I came to you with the hopes of further tying the Ikegami to the Empire, are there any elven peoples of note in the South? Warriors of strong pride and discipline that would be willing?" |
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Mar 16, 2015 17:26:53 GMT
The Vizier of the North managed a weak but earnest smile. "Joyous tidings...on all counts. By Aed's blessing the West is saved, and so we can prepare for happy ceremonies of marriage and family alliances. And your request for an Embassy I readily accept, along with Secretary Haerk's promotion. He is a man of good reputation."
Seldu paused for a moment, coughing to clear his throat. The man's smile, a brief respite from the onset of death, left him. "Sadly, I do not know of any elven families in the Southern Grand Empire. But there are other fae people, the Sylphs of Feymoure. Could you accept such a match?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Mar 16, 2015 18:11:14 GMT
Naozumi considered the question, Sylphs were close blood relatives to elven kin and there would be some discontent among the Samurai nobility but not a lot and it would be easily manageable if the Feymoure proved themselves strong, disciplined warriors.
"I would like to meet with them first if possible but I am willing to consider it. I can write a letter to the head of the family if that would please you, Your Excellency?" |
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Mar 17, 2015 2:50:57 GMT
"Better for you to just meet in person," the Vizier replied curtly. The honest truth was that he didn't actually have a particular family in mind...Sylphs in the Grand Empire's de jure Southern territory were few and far between, and those of noble lineage even fewer. The vast majority of Feymoure lived in Vaekirate holdings. "I will get to you with a date." He would need to ask his counterpart, the Chief Priest, for a favor...if he lived long enough to do it.
"So, is there anything else to address?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Mar 17, 2015 3:04:34 GMT
Naozumi shook his head, he had addressed everything he'd come to discuss and he did not wish to impose on the Vizier any longer than necessary.
"No, you have helped a great deal Your Excellency, I thank you and wish you a speedy recovery." he bowed formally. |
|
