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Post by talis on Apr 16, 2015 15:58:10 GMT
"You are hasty, like many a young orc." Rugmar pointed out, although without malice. It was very often that an Elder had to calm and restrain younger orcs from acting before all was ready. It was in fact one of the traditional roles of an Elder. "There are still a couple points that remain to be established."
"The quarries at Itzair are still contested. The Firetooth too have projects that will need the supplies of granite there. I would suggest building a village there with independent administration, perhaps under a small, independent House or administered by the Vaekirate. Soldiers from either Clan would be forbidden from entering, and the stone from the quarries would be split between us.
"I am still hesitant to punish Tavian for his actions. He acted hastily and without consideration of the consequences, but he was technically within the scope of his orders." Tavian was also proud, and unlikely to make an apology. "Perhaps if Tavian were to join the Vaekirate or the new order, he could receive a post befitting his status." In other words, an exile through appointment.
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Post by frostwander on Apr 16, 2015 16:53:14 GMT
Lukene lowered her extended arm to her side, then crossed both in front of her chest, taking a step back. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Clearly, the elder was not yet done. She was beginning to think that the Firetooth claims were less concerned with the mountains in general, and more with the resources of stone specifically.
"As I mentioned, Elder Rugmar, if the Firetooth are unwilling to admit the wrong of General Tavian's sneak attack, it will be very difficult to convince the Wolfwyrd of your good intentions. If such an undeclared ambush is 'within the scope or his orders' between nations that claim friendship, and attacking settlers in the night is considered honorable combat, then my people will never trust yours, and any peace will be unlikely. On this point, we cannot back down if there is to be any passing of the current enmity."
"On the subject of Itziar, I do not feel that our people should be expected to live in such closeness to each other as to share a town. Perhaps in the future, but now my people are angry, and yours too eager to fight. It would be inviting trouble, dozens of small incidents even under fair governance.
"However, I well understand the necessity of stone for both our clans, and propose a compromise. Allow Itziar to be a Wolfwyrd settlement as it was begun, and the Wolfwyrd will deliver to the Firetooth the first year's worth of production after the Vaekirate's construction is completed, at no charge or exchange."
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Post by talis on Apr 17, 2015 1:16:03 GMT
It was very, very tempting to get baited in arguing with her again. Elder Ukhmar had been adamant against a war, and with the Vaekirate's obvious wish to prevent such a circumstance the others had reluctantly agreed. But as he listened to her reply he let himself sway vaguely towards Elder Torik's argument. Perhaps a good war was necessary to make the Firetooth's neighbors respect their borders. It was an entertaining thought, at least.
"Tavian will be sent to the Vaekirate. They may decide on whether to punish him and how, since that is your request. I have faith in their decision." He glanced at the Dwarven Tovenaar. He knew the Vaekirate would consider Firetooth wishes when considering the case, given how devout the Firetooth were.
"As for Itzair, your proposal is hardly a compromise. You ask us to capitulate yet more of our claims to the mountains than you have already received, and then suggest to pay us with the very stone claimed. I would propose that we ourselves settle Itzair, along with developing a watermill in Thundercrown. The added cutting power from the mill would near double the output of Itzair's quarries. We would of course promise, before Vaekirate mediation, to deliver half of all stone produced in the lifetime of the Quarries to the Wolfwyrd Clan. Both clans would get adequate production, the Wolfwyrd would be able receive the benefit of the quarries without paying a golden jien, and would be free to move their attention elsewhere.
"If this is not adequate I must restate my request that a neutral authority control a demilitarized settlement."
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Post by frostwander on Apr 17, 2015 2:31:43 GMT
Lukene met Rugmar's eyes, a long level look as she considered his words. "Very well. The Firetooth continue on the construction begun at Itziar to complete the quarry on the land there, maintaining and managing the settlement. The Wolfwyrd will visit, as guests, once per season to receive the stone the you offer. With a regular route established, our people may find future opportunity to trade other goods along it as well.
"We are grateful for your concession to delegate the matter of General Tavian to the Vaekirate. As you have recognized the importance of this matter to my people, we will also work to understand the importance of the mountains and custom of the Firetooth to them." She nodded once.
"And as stated before, the villages of Pelara, Lukesern, and your own recent settlement in the region shall each remain undisturbed as they are. The Wolfwyrd will refrain from further exploration or settling in the Urag Mountains, save by invitation. Agreed?"
Once again, Lukene extended her right arm toward the elder, tilting her head slightly to one side to wait for his acknowledgement.
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Post by talis on Apr 17, 2015 3:04:26 GMT
Rugmar considered slowly, allowing himself to review the terms before he rose and accepted her hand with a curt, firm grip. "Very well. On behalf of the Elder Council of the Firetooth Clan and in the witness of the Tovenaar I accept these terms."
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Post by zurajai on Apr 17, 2015 4:59:59 GMT
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" chanted Rashid with clear joy showing on his stout, bearded face, "I am glad that such a deal could be brokered! Peace between those under Aed brings a smile to his face, after all! If there is nothing else than I would see us return to our respective camps. His Grace, Chief Priest Staas, will be most eager to hear of these most excellent tidings."
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Post by frostwander on Apr 17, 2015 5:42:29 GMT
"Yes, and thank you for your mediation, and your guidance, Master Rashid. As soon as you have drawn up the terms and we have both signed, I will return to Erlantz with a copy to share the good news. My people will be glad to have avoided further conflict with our neighbors." Lukene bowed to the dwarf, and after the signing, made a quick departure with her company. Though Edrigu gro Bernat scowled heavily, it was obvious the general mood among the guards was much improved than upon their arrival.
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