Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 3, 2017 5:17:13 GMT
Though the Holy Union had for long sought to establish relations with its potentially friendly southern neighbour, the Ikegami's internal situation had often meant that the Recimir's delegates returned unsuccessful and crestfallen. The year 940 YP, however, brought good news to the court of Recimir Aulus: the Ikegami clan appeared to be completely recovered from its woes, and potentially amenable to finally establishing diplomatic relations. Gathering his trusted advisors, Haldwin the Sage and the famed former-Recimir Hairuwulf Theudis, he set about selecting his most intelligent and well-spoken officials. As delegate to the Ikegami clan, Saldon Furosa was chosen. An old and respected Grey Elf, he was a veteran of many wars and had proven himself a capable diplomat on the occasions one was called for. Carrying with him the dignity and elegance natural to all Grey Elves, it was hoped that his traits would ensure he impressed - or, at the very least, did not insult - the Ikegami.
With the mighty mountains standing firmly between the Holy Union and the Almur making passage to that nation nigh impossible, a second delegate was sent alongside Saldon Furosa. Advised by his dwarven councillors that dwarves dwelled beyond the mountain in Almur territories, and that the giants held those of noble blood in high esteem, a descendant of the old dwarf king Rassen was chosen, Horkin Rassen (for they had taken on the name of their illustrious forefather's name for their household, distinguishing themselves as noblest of the dwarves). Hurkin Rassen, like most dwarves, was hard-headed and stubborn. And like all dwarves also, he was thrift and had an eye for money - and perhaps he was masterful at this even by dwarven standards. He had proven his logistical capabilities on many occasions, and had proven a vital source of funds and resources when the Recimis ran short during one campaign or another. Aulus had no doubt that he would impress the giants and secure their good will. Hurkin would accompany Saldon and request permission from the Daimyo to continue through Ikegami lands towards Almur.
On Haldwin's request, a third delegate was sent - this one intended for Vinaya. As the only Esharan Pagan nation beside the Holy Union, the Sage considered re-establishing relations with the Republic of utmost importance. And so a human delegate was chosen, Saul Zankin, who would also beg permission from the daimyo of the Ikegami clan to continue towards Vinaya. They marched out of Árheimar, the largest of the Holy Union's three capitals, with an escort of sixty riders from the famed 1st Royal Union Demi-Lancers Regiment - twenty for each delegate. They continued along the main road towards Datnee before breaking off and taking a minor road towards the border with the Ikegami, wherefrom - after permission from the Ikegami border guard - they would head on towards Kegosu.
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Post by ravigen on Jun 4, 2017 0:27:16 GMT
Haldwin and his party were met on the road by numerous border patrols, mounted samurai armed and tasked to protect the lands of the Ikegami. The Union had long been, if not a steadfast ally, a friendly power. There had been no reason for quarrel for with the Union before and they expected there to be no reason now.
Haldwin and his party were met with an escort fifty miles from to Kegosu, a royal honor guard from the Daimyo herself, one hundred mounted Samurai in full armor. The Daimyo had been made aware of their presence and had sent out her representatives to meet them. The ride to the city was a short affair, with many an elf stopping to watch the procession go by. The city itself was bustling when they arrived, the market was in full swing as people went about their business.
Troubadours and kabuki actors darted through the streets, playing flutes and pipes and performing magic tricks to entertain for coin. The palace itself was even busier, servants going about their business, samurai men and women training in the yard. In the distance soft, elegant singing in the Ikegami tongue could be heard. Their horses were taken care off and they and their attendants given a chance to rest and refresh themselves before meeting with the Daimyo.
As they entered the throne room, Ikegami Sayoko stood to greet them. She wore the formal blue and white cloak worn by the Ikegami Daimyo, a sword at her belt. She smiled and bowed in the customary greeting of the Ikegami.
"Welcome, representatives of the Union. What brings you to Kegosu on this day?"
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 4, 2017 5:34:30 GMT
((OOC note: Haldwin isn't with the party, apologies if I made that unclear. The party is composed of: Saldon Furosa to Ikegami; Horkin Rassen to Almur via Ikegami; Saul Zankin to Vinaya via Ikegami. The rest is simply a body of guards, 20 for each of these three.))
Saldon allowed himself to visibly admire the beauty of the throne room as the three delegates entered, and once he stood before the Daimyo he bowed deeply in the official manner reserved for the Recimir and those heads of state whom the Union had extreme respect for. He and the other two delegates remained in their respectful position until the Daimyo spoke, thus permitting them to rise. Saldon, being the official delegate to the Ikegami, was the one invested with the power to respond on behalf of the Union. Though old even by elven standards, his hair remained jet black and his white skin smooth and free of wrinkles. His eyes mirrored his hair and he was dressed in the official black frock coat and golden epaulettes of a distinguished Union official. It was buttoned up to the collar, where a black leather neck stock was wrapped around his throat. He wore full-length black trousers with a single golden streak down the outside of each leg, which were tucked into black boots reaching just beneath the knee. His frock coat had one thick golden stripe at each sleeve's end and four thinner ones above, representing his senior military rank. Various medals hung on the right side of his chest, and ribbons on the left. From the right shoulder hung a golden aiguillette, and around his waist was a light blue sash.
'Your Esteemed Majesty, I come - first and foremost - extending friendship and goodwill from His Sacred Majesty Recimir Aulus and the Union Council. The Union has for many years been most desirous of establishing amicable relations and an official trading partnership with Your Esteemed Majesty and the Ikegami clan. After all, we elves of the Union consider the Ikegami distant relatives and it would be most heartening to have that reaffirmed through an official treaty of trade and friendship. As an expression of our goodwill, we have brought for you a humble gift - a statue of the great elven hero and martyr, Your Esteemed Majesty's ancestor: Daimyo Nobufuda Ikegami.' Even as he spoke, the great statue - carved by some of the most skilled elves and dwarves in the Union - was brought in from outside the throne room. It depicted Daimyo Nobufuda in full battle regalia, sword raised to the heavens in one hand and the other outstretched and ready. His untiring resistance against the Southern invaders meant he was a figure much respected by the Grey Elves of Aushvenkin even in his own times, and his legend had only grown over time. To the Union he was not simply an elven hero, but a true Northern patriot who fought to preserve their customs and ways. 'It is but a humble gift to honour a great man and a great nation, and it is His Sacred Majesty's greatest hope that you will accept it and find it pleasing.'
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Post by ravigen on Jun 5, 2017 16:36:57 GMT
Sayoko regarded the statue appreciatively, it was remarkably well crafted and by the tone of the whispered words of her attendants and guards they too found it appropriate. She had never met her great-grandfather. Nobufuda had led the Ikegami in peace for over a century before the Southern Invasion and throughout it all he had been on the frontline of the defense alongside his children. He had committed seppuku out of shame at the final defeat of the Ikegami by the Empire. Her grandfather Shikio, a jovial man, had become sick early into his reign, a festering wound that had left him dead before his time. Her father had ascended to the throne shortly after.
There had been few Ikegami then, but now? Now there were many more, and hopefully there would be even more to come in the future.
"Your gift is thoughtful and appreciated. My compliment to the artisans who created it. As for trade and friendship, I am more than willing to reaffirm our friendship and trade with the Union. We had no reason to quarrel with you in the past and I see no reason to quarrel with you now."
As she said this servants entered the room bearing trays with tea and sake for those who preferred it.
"With that done, does the Union have any other proposals for me to consider?"
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 6, 2017 17:33:35 GMT
'Yes, Your Esteemed Majesty, there is one thing. These my two companions,' and here Saldon gestured to the other two delegates standing to either side of him, 'are headed to Almuria and Vinaya respectively. We beg your permission to allow them safe passage along with their escorts to these nations. His Sacred Majesty is very interested in the free movement of Union citizens through the territories of the Ikegami clan. If Your Esteemed Majesty will grant us this, we will be more than willing to respond in kind and give the Ikegami clan free movement into and through Union territories. This will greatly aid land trade routes between the Union and Your Esteemed Majesty's neighbours, and will help in the movement of ideas and technological innovations across our respective nations. It will only strengthen our nations and strengthen our budding friendship.'
It would also, though Saldon would not know, prove a rathe short, safe and easy route for future Ikegami-Almurian expeditions to the Far North from the two landlocked countries, and perhaps inadvertently open up Vinayan goods to the Ikegami should the Union successfully negotiate a Union-Vinaya land trade route through the clan's territories.
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Post by ravigen on Jun 7, 2017 16:19:05 GMT
"Agreed, your people will be allowed to travel through Ikegami lands, so long as they follow Ikegami law while within our borders. I shall likewise instruct my own to do the same with the Union. However, this agreement will only apply to your traders and other travelers. Armies traveling through Ikegami lands will require further negotiations."
The lands of the Ikegami had avoided much of the conflict that had raged across the rest of the continent, their fields mostly untouched and no villages ravaged. Her father had protected the people well and Sayoko intended to keep the trend going.
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 8, 2017 17:48:29 GMT
Saldon bowed deeply, grateful to the Daimyo for her generous acceptance. 'Thank you, Your Esteemed Majesty. We pray that peace and prosperity and the fruits of enlightenment will grow in your land and ours for one thousand years to come. It is a mark of divine blessing upon us all that the power of the Word wields such strength and weight, and a mark also of Your Esteemed Majesty's elevation and the elevation of the Ikegami clan. We are most pleased to have such a sincere friend and neighbour in the Ikegami clan. Know that the Union shall hold strongly and faithfully to all we have spoken here, and we trust completely and have no doubt that the Ikegami clan will do likewise.'
With that, the delegates bowed once again. 'Unless Your Esteemed Majesty wishes to discuss another matter, we beg Your Esteemed Majesty's permission to take leave and not take up any more of your precious time.'
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Post by ravigen on Jun 8, 2017 23:14:15 GMT
"There is nothing else I think needs to be discussed at this time. You are more than welcome to stay in my court as long as you need to rest. I will see that you have fresh horses and supplies for your continued journeys." Sayoko stood and with a gesture the court was dismissed for the day. Attendants and courtiers filed out while a pair of attendants led the Union delegates to rooms with which to refresh themselves for the rest of their journey.
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 9, 2017 8:13:36 GMT
While Horkin and Saul continued their journeys Saldon remained in the Daimyo's court and enjoyed the hospitality of the Ikegami clan. He took the opportunity to visit some ancient religious sites and pay his respects, and eventually sent a request to visit those of the Ikegami clan who yet followed the Souzen faith, for he was most curious to learn more about it. As he waited, news reached him that delegates from the Fraudulent Entity were on their way. Concerned about this development, particularly given a letter that had reached him regarding the recent meeting of Lord Theudis with one of their delegates, he sat down and wrote a small note to the Daimyo, bringing to her notice the attempted trickery of the Empire and their clear attempts to create a crisis which would force the Union into a defensive war. He repeated that the Union would ever be forthwith and true with the Ikegami, and would respect the Ikegami's free and independent choices, but that it would greatly sadden the Union should the Ikegami seek friendly relations with the Empire given its proven track record of treachery, expansionism, and dishonesty.
Once it was written, he handed it to an aide who had been assigned to him and respectfully requested the letter be handed to Her Esteemed Majesty as soon as possible.
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Aug 16, 2017 22:21:34 GMT
'Excellency, news has arrived from our agent in the court of Her Esteemed Majesty the Daimyo Sayoko of the Ikegami clan.' Saldon looked up from his cluttered desk. He had been tasked, ever since his return from the Ikegami court, with expanding Tarsusin's defences. His Sacred Majesty saw an invasion from the south-east as a very real threat and wanted to ensure that Tarsusin became a bedrock against any potential Sefti attack. The recent instability and secessions in the former Berrandan Empire may mean that this threat was no longer immediate. It could, however, mean that it was nearly upon them. To attempt and predict what a sly fox like Aeron Sefti would do was not something Saldon would even consider doing - he would simply prepare Tarsusin as best as he could given the time he had and, all thing considered, it would fare far better today than it could have otherwise. Turning his attention from the plans, he looked at the messenger and gestured for the letter. Breaking the red seal, he scanned the letter. A grim expression slowly grew on his face.
'Does His Sacred Majesty know?' The messenger boy nodded.
'He has made available to Your Excellency copies of the various communication between the Holy Union and both the Sacrye and the Firetooth. He bids Your Excellency travel personally to the court of Her Esteemed Majesty and make her aware of their content. His Sacred Majesty is certain that, on seeing the peaceful overtures of the Sacrye and the reluctance of the Firetooth to resolve their conflict peacefully, Her Esteemed Majesty will reconsider this hasty declaration of war.' Saldon looked at the messenger suspiciously.
'Do you have this in writing?' The messenger looked at Saldon for a few moments before shaking his head. 'Then all you say is suspect.'
'But the letter from the Ike-'
'Merely a letter from my agent there. Signed and sealed, true enough, but nothing from His Sacred Majesty.' The messenger was quiet for a few moments before reaching into his pocket and revealing a medium-sized stone. It was bright blue - lapis lapuzli - and very carefully carved. The Sacred Seal of House Eshar was clear in gold upon it. Saldon looked with some shock at the messenger, straightening up somewhat.
'S-Sir, I apologise for my-'
'Not at all, you were taking the precautions of any able servant of the nation. See to it that His Sacred Majesty's will is done.' And Saldon nodded before handing back the man's Insignia of Secret Service. It was awarded to those who had direct access to His Sacred Majesty and carried out certain secret biddings of which none else were aware. When a member of His Sacred Majesty's Secret Service commanded something, it was done without question no matter who you were. It was said that the Insignias had some kind of goblin magic cast on them ensuring that, should the carrier ever happen to die, the Insignia mysteriously disappeared. The 'messenger' turned away and left Saldon to prepare for his journey to the Ikegami court.
*** The Esharan agent in Kegosu welcomed Saldon as the old elf walked into the accomodations that had been made available on a more or less permanent basis for him.
'Your Excellency, I have made Her Esteemed Majesty aware that you are coming. She should send for you at any moment.'
'Have you made her aware that it is a matter of extreme urgency and importance?' Saldon asked.
'I did, Excellency.'
'Good.' He placed a small plain box on the one desk in the room and asked for some privacy as he cleaned himself and changed. The agent bowed respectfully and left Saldon.
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Post by ravigen on Aug 16, 2017 22:45:19 GMT
Saldon's was indeed called into the throne room within the hour. The court was busier today, less crowded than usual and a number of men and women could be seen going in and out on official business. Preparations were clearly underway and Sayoko herself sat upon the throne but stood when Saldon entered.
"Greetings, envoy of the Union, what great errand brings you to my court?"
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Aug 16, 2017 23:50:30 GMT
Saldon bowed respectfully before the Daimyo and proceeded to answer, holding out the little plain box.
'Your Esteemed Majesty, news of the Ikegami declaration of war has reached His Sacred Majesty's court and has been received with some shock. His Sacred Majesty notes that Your Esteemed Majesty's entrance into this war is in mutual partnership with the Firetooth. His Sacred Majesty wished to bring to Your Esteemed Majesty's notice that the Holy Union has for a considerable time now been attempting to mediate a peaceful resolution to the hostilities that exist between the Sacrye and Firetooth. I have, in this box, a record of all the communications between His Sacred Majesty and the monarchs of both nations.' Here he paused and allowed the box to be taken from him and delivered to the Daimyo.
'As will become clear from these communications, the mediation has to date produced some very promising results. The Sacrye have conceded to all the requests made by the Firetooth as a display of their sincere intention for peace. All orc prisoners were released by the Sacrye and have been hosted in Árheimar for quite some time. As you will see from the letters, our last communication to the Firetooth has yet to receive a response. A peaceful resolution is at hand - it simply requires Firetooth participation.' Saldon paused for a few moments before continuing, 'it, therefore, comes as a very great shock that the Firetooth should be declaring war after such promising efforts. Our shock is quantified by Your Esteemed Majesty's decision to join the Firetooth in this war of aggression. His Sacred Majesty is certain that Your Esteemed Majesty was not aware of these mediation efforts - else the Ikegami would never have deigned to attack the Sacrye. We beg that Your Esteemed Majesty rescind this declaration of war and instead join the Holy Union in supporting a mediated peace between the Firetooth and the Sacrye.
'Ther is no need for bloodshed - and bloodshed, either way, will not bring about any lasting peace. This route will only reap misery for all involved. Families will lose sons and fathers, daughters and mothers, wives husbands and husbands wives. The innocent will suffer whether Your Esteemed Majesty wishes for it or not. Another path lies before us - one of peace, one of dialogue, one that will bring all nations involved closer together. We trust completely in Your Esteemed Majesty's wisdom and in the ultimately peaceful ways of the Ikegami, and we have no doubt that Your Esteemed Majesty will find herself inclined towards only what is best.' And with that, Saldon bowed respectfully once more and remained like that until the Daimyo spoke or bid him rise.
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Post by ravigen on Aug 17, 2017 4:10:19 GMT
Sayoko accepted the box and began reading the missives carefully, frowning over each one as she did. Finally she sighed and placed the box down beside the throne, looking at Saldon for a long moment.
"I appreciate the desire for peace, but this is something I have given considerable thought. If even half of what I have heard of the Sacrye is true then they are a potential threat to my own people. They turned on Baemir from what we have heard and consumed the state. How can I trust anything they say with certainty? How do I know that their proclamations of peace are not a cover so that they may stab me in the back when it suits them? Unlike the Firetooth and the other orcish clans I do not have a natural border to protect my lands, no rivers or mountain ranges. If they choose to raid my lands then I have no means to stop them. I am responsible for the lives of my people and should they turn on me, will it comfort the dead that I tried to be peaceable? ." She sighed and without a word, a servant came in with a tray, two cups and a pot on the tray.
The servant set it down before Sayoko and poured the tea into both cups. Sayoko took one and sipped from it slowly as the servant brought the other cup to Saldon.
"I know the Firetooth however, they are proficient traders, sticklers for pride and heritage, and a tremendous force when riled. What they are not, is murderers and savages. If they say the Sacrye are a threat, combined with what I have heard myself, I am inclined to believe them." She took another sip of tea and looked at Saldon carefully.
"The Firetooth want their ancestral lands back, and I do not hold that against them, I have already given my word and will not be branded as weak for turning back so easily.. Faced with overwhelming force the Sacrye are much more likely to return Orcish lands without a fight so peace may still be served in this manner."
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Aug 17, 2017 8:56:36 GMT
Saldon took the cup of tea gratefully and, looking at the Daimyo, took an unhesitating slow sip. Had it been unfamiliar to him, he might have gagged, but he had had ample opportunity to grow used to it on his last extended visit. He did not deny that he had been, and was still, utterly impressed and somewhat smitten by the Ikegami culture and ways. If the gods willed he live longer yet, and if the Recimir should ever see it fit to release him from his duties for a while, then he had no doubt about where he would most like to spend his free time. Who knew, maybe - if he tried and was given permission - he could attempt to become a samurai. He was old, it was true, but what was age before the stubborn will that the spirit of the flower of youth remain? Once the Daimyo had spoken, Saldon considered her words carefully.
'Your Esteemed Majesty, the concerns you voice have been voiced many times before the Recimir. The Sacrye leave behind them tales of brutality and horror which strike fear in the hearts of the very boldest, no doubt. But we must keep in mind that they come from the Far North of Ergoria, a land, if the tales are true, of truly horrific things. It only seems right that the Sacrye - who are, after all, giants like the Almur and Jotun - should develop certain equally horrific ways to match the environment they have heretofore found themselves in. It has now been many decades since the Sacrye last committed any of the horrors they are notorious for, and our scholars have documented a slow but growing change in their ways - the sacrifice of other peoples is now largely frowned upon by the ruling classes of the Sacrye, who look more favourably upon animal sacrifice. They have descended from the lands of horror in the Far North and are now adapting to the conditions here. Certainly, a sudden declaration of war would endanger this delicate process of change and potentially cause an extreme reversion to the most horrific of their ways. In an effort to prevent a potential Sacrye threat, Your Esteemed Majesty may well - through no fault on Your Esteemed Majesty's part or intention to do so - bring it about.
'His Sacred Majesty has made the Sacrye aware that, should they pursue wars of aggression against any, they would find the Holy Union resolutely opposing them in whatever way the gods make them capable, for we stand as strongly in defence of those whom the Sacrye would attack as we do when the Sacrye are themselves victims of attack. We are, in this regard, indiscriminate in our desire to prevent aggression or, where that is impossible, join the victim of aggression against the aggressor. Thus if Your Esteemed Majesty fears a Sacrye attack, know that if it does ever come the Holy Union will stand defiantly at Your Esteemed Majesty's side.
'His Sacred Majesty has no doubt about the integrity of the Firetooth and the Orcish tribes - even if their sudden and unexplained repudiation of the negotiations that were under way make their integrity somewhat suspect in our eyes. The Firetooth have for long harboured an enmity and hatred to the Sacrye, and we fear very much that this is now clouding their judgement or making them overly-hesitant to negotiate with their long-time rivals. This approach does not bode well. If the Firetooth refuse to talk today when the Sacrye are willing, the Sacrye may become unwilling tomorrow after the Firetooth's declaration of war mid-negotiations. It is certainly not honourable or right to make a foe believe you are negotiating to secure concessions, only to then declare war. Even if it is to secure what one believes to be their rightful lands, resorting to treachery is never the way. We fear that, perhaps without even realising, the Firetooth have acted in a way that is less than honourable and dragged Your Esteemed Majesty in. There is no dishonour in rescinding a declaration of war when one discovers that pursuing such war would in itself be dishonourable. I beseech Your Esteemed Majesty to give backing to the mediation His Sacred Majesty has expended so much time, effort, and resources into. Let the Firetooth and Sacrye meet at the negotiating table rather than the field of battle. Let them speak with one another. And should it all come to nothing, Ikegami and Firetooth honour will not be besmirched if they then declare war. Bringing the Firetooth and the Sacrye together to negotiate has no disadvantages, Your Esteemed Majesty, and serves to satisfy the demands of honour.' He paused an took a deep breath. Then he brought the cup of tea to his lips and drank slowly.
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Post by ravigen on Aug 19, 2017 1:50:56 GMT
Sayoko considered his words and sighed, she took another sip of her tea and paused for a long moment.
"The war will not end by me backing down, it will not cause the Firetooth to consider negotiations, nothing short of having their ancestral lands returned will do that. All that standing down will do is make me seem arbitrary to both my people and the other rulers in the North. That, I can not do, my word is my honor and I gave my word to the Firetooth."
She paused and turned her gaze to the throne room's window, outside the garden was in full bloom, cherry blossom trees swaying in the wind. In a few weeks they would begin to shed their leaves, creating a beautiful scene that her people enjoyed each year. Sayoko hated it, she loathed the thought of beauty in transience, she would much prefer the mountain itself. Conviction, conviction and immovability, that she liked.
Saldon could say there was no dishonor in cancelling her war declaration, and perhaps for the other nations he was right, but for the Ikegami, their word was their bond, if they could not take her seriously in war then how could they take her seriously in peace? No, for better or for worse, the Ikegami would stay their course.
"I will continue the war until the Firetooth or Sacrye surrender. If it would reassure the Recimir, then I would gladly consent to watchers from the Union coming with me to ensure the war is conducted honorably and that no prisoners or noncombatants are treated poorly." She drank the last of her tea and paused, looking at Saldon closely.
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