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Post by cerdigon on Jun 3, 2017 22:52:23 GMT
There would be no roar of clarions to announce his arrival. There would be no columns of gleaming lancers of prancing hoof. Instead the emissary of the Holy Empire of Eshara slipped into Atitath on a tired old nag, a common sight on these plains, a fine layer of dust covering them both.
A saber hung limply from a leather scabbard, two carefully concealed pistols lurking in those saddle bags. However, these were hardly adequate means of protection. Instead, Captain Andras was relying not on his sword but his skill with language, his politeness, and a letter of safe passage from Emperor Aeron Sefti.
Andras was not a simple messenger of the Emperor, he was a political officer, a member of the Order of Jolinar the Martyr. A knighthood of warriors sworn to defend the Emperor. In the last century however, they had traded in their warhorses to become the King's eyes and ears in the North.
Emperor Aeron had long since had an interest with the Western Giants. The destruction of Baemir and systemic slaughtering of the Iron Skull had set off alarm bells in Morgraig. Yet the Giants had always been a potentially distant threat, now with relations with the Firetooth at an ebb, the pragmatic Sylph King thought to offer an olive branch.
But first, the Emperor had wanted intelligence, which is where a young ambitious officer like Andras had come in. He had sought to see if the rumors of Sacryan savagery were true or if the population had bent the knee in subservience after the occupation. The envoy had followed the old trade routes West until he had arrived in the Sacryan capital.
Thanks to a range of contacts through the Empire's trade network, the Sacryan King had already been sent a message pertaining to his arrival. So there Andras sat in an ugly little inn with far too many mice then he would've liked but at least made up for it by a buxom human serving wench.
It was here Andras would remain until word reached him if his request for a quiet audience without fanfare would be granted.
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Post by Boop_Im_A_Dragon on Jun 4, 2017 1:55:10 GMT
The request for audience would not wait long for the delegate, as soon two guards clad in standard Sacrye uniform, a light blue uniform which utilized various colors of white designs and patterns, eventually entered the bar and approached the rather small delegate. "Greetings from the Emperor, we are here to escort you the palace immediately for word with Aonag personally." After a long walk through the city streets and little trouble from the population, the Emperor greeted the delegate within his palace clad in a outfit laced with gold and tied together in a overdone, lavish design.
"Greetings I am Emperor Aonag "Hand of Gatyx", It is kind of your king to send warning ahead of time of this delegation." He pauses for a second, before beginning to take a seat on a throne. "Though, I do find it strange that your king takes sudden interest in my people." He then points to a couple of servants who begin to bring in drinks, "What is it that brings you here?"
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 4, 2017 18:24:39 GMT
Andras grappled with the chalice that the servants placed in his hands, it was meant for a much bigger set of hands then he possessed. With a pleasant smile, he steadied his grip and drank deeply of the wine before handing it back to the servant.
" I thank you for the hospitality, Your Grace. " A light cough to clear his throat and compose his words. " The Emperor realizes that the North is a changing place. We cannot be governed by old prejudices as the Vaekir says and in that spirit we wish to establish relations. More importantly, the Emperor wishes to ensure that others....wouldn't seek to influence you into hostile actions against us. The so called Union of Haiho has called my Emperor's claim to the legacy of Eshar into question. Some even go so far as to say conflict is inevitable. To those that would resist the Imperialist advances of the Union, they would find a friend in Emperor Aeron. "
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Post by Boop_Im_A_Dragon on Jun 6, 2017 22:54:40 GMT
"Ah the Union, a rather strange and intriguing people, gifting me with a mighty statue of Qiqarius himself." The Emperor solemnly mentioned. "Imperialist seems a rather extreme accusation though in comparison to other neighbors, the Orcish filth to the south, but I understand your worries." He then began to take another sip of his drink. "Another nation claims your rightful heritage? I feel the same towards the firetooth in the south, denying us both our rightful land and glory." He shouted, before taking a pause. "Excuse me, what is it that your people propose to my empire."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 7, 2017 16:05:04 GMT
'' Your Grace, as we are both speaking plainly, I shall do the same. The Empire has always regarded the South as belonging to the Orc's. It will not support any attack on a member of the Orthodox Faith and I would advise against any efforts to do so. United, the Orc confederacy can put a vast number of men and material into the field that you cannot hope to match. Nor could Emperor Aeron or the Vaekirate turn a blind eye to a brother member of the Faith assailed by a pagan nation.'' Each word was phrased so that Imperial support on the Firetooth question couldn't be misconstrued.
'' Now, I see that the diplomats have come with statues of their God and no doubt honeyed words. What have they offered? An alliance? '' Andras said with a raised eyebrow. '' Trade? Both? '' It was a guess, he had no idea to the purview of their discussions but he wasn't an imbecile. The Union was attempting to shore up its western flank before it looked south for the inevitable showdown with the Seftian Crown.
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Post by Boop_Im_A_Dragon on Jun 8, 2017 20:54:50 GMT
Emperor Aonag remained quiet for sometime after hearing the honest words from the delegate that stood before him. Tension filling the air ever so slightly. Until eventually the Emperor let out a hardy laugh. "Ah yes, I sometimes forget that your people hold religion above all else, bowing before your priests as if they where the Emperor rather than the man who sits on the throne. A strange concept indeed." Aonag taunted. "Either way I think you misunderstand our intentions with the Orcs. My goal is not to see them conquered, but to see their very way of life destroyed. They deserve much worse than simple annexation, to kind of a fate. What is left after the fires settle is beyond my notice or care, so long as the firetooth are erased from the wastes."
"In regards to the Union, what they offered is of no concern. Your emperor need only know that we are not allied, nor do I plan to fight against you in a petty war over a title." He then began to continue to take another sip. "So, has your emperor sent you up here to exchange simple words or does he have an offer to make to my people?"
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 8, 2017 23:11:15 GMT
'' I came to discover your intentions, Majesty. You've made that clear. '' Andras had sat in stunned silence while Aonag had contiued his tirade, at times fearing that his ire towards the Firetooth would spill towards him. He took one last sip of his wine before rising with a bow. '' I will plead with you again, forgo your grudge with the Firetooth. If you seek territory, then I would cast my eyes east. For in the southlands, only lies ruin. '' He didn't elaborate that the Empire would come to the Orc's defense but while the two sides had their differences, Aeron would never abandon an Orthodox state to be slaughtered by pagans.
'' I thank you for your hospitality and bid you good tidings. '' He said, bowing as he turned to leave and report his fruitless mission to his master.
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