Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 9, 2017 16:48:17 GMT
Saul Zankin continued his journey through Ikegami lands swiftly after the Daimyo permitted him to continue through her lands. The leader of his entourage, Jannis Erkan, assured him that at their speed they would reach the Vinayan border in no more than a week. Excited at the prospect of entering into and negotiating with the only remaining Esharan power beside the Union, Saul pushed his retinue to travel even more swiftly, and they were soon at the border. Tired though they were, Saul's clear excitement and happiness at reaching the border filled them all with a zealous ecstasy. It was good to know that they were not alone in the world, that Eshar-Qiqarius would never abandon his faithful children to the ravages of foreign ways. Saul admitted, however, that the Ikegami clan had not as...bad as he would have thought. He certainly did not get the same vibes there as he had on the rare occasions he interacted with those from the Fraudulent Entity. It was probably because they did not truly follow the ways of the Southerners, he thought to himself, but had incorporated it into their own, pre-existing religion and ways. And so in many ways, the Ikegami had maintained the integrity of all that made them the Ikegami even as they took from the Southerners what was worth taking. They displayed what was in every way an Esharan spirit. Or perhaps he was justifying the unjustifiable. He would have to think on the matter more.
For now however, he put the thoughts aside and focused on his coming duties. They had sent one of their riders ahead with a message of their imminent arrival and so expected to be met at the border and escorted to the Vinayan capital.
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Post by Alex on Jun 13, 2017 3:03:05 GMT
A free hand straying to the knot of the cravat around his throat, Alano watched the Holy Union's procession approach as light winds pulled at the ruddy brown coattails of his double-breasted coat. His gaze momentarily turning towards the blackened carriage which rested nearby besides the cobble road, it's frame inlaid with an elaborate pattern cast in bronze metals, the great carriage was pulled by four mighty steeds which now sat grazing lazily under the watchful oversight of the black-clad coach-driver. Whilst nearby sauntered a number of dragoons clad in their navy blue uniforms and silver helms, their sabers and muskets resting by their sides as the Vinayan party awaited the delegation of the Holy Union at the border.
"Dearest friends of the North! We welcome you!" The Vinayan called as the delegation neared, himself taking steps to approach the leader of the riders. "My name is Alano of House Cianci, Representative of the Serene League of Vinaya and the Council, and it would be my pleasure to welcome you to our humble nation." Alano spoke with a bow. "If would join me for the rest of the journey in the carriage my lord?" Alaon ventured with a gesture of his hand towards the waiting carriage. Which after greetings and formality had been exchanged, and should the Union delegate be willing, would take them to capital. The entourage of-course being allowed to follow with the escort.
Opening the side door to the carriage, Alano allowed Saul Zankin to step into the spacious carriage first before following him in and taking a cushioned seat opposite the man. "A formal requisite as I'm sure you know, but might I inquire for a simple explanation of your purpose here my lord? So that I might make a report to the Council." The Vinayan asked as the carriage began it's trundling journey towards Vinayapolis.
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jun 21, 2017 17:54:13 GMT
Saul smiled at Alano and obliged him with a swift response. 'Of course, Sir. I am here on the command of His Sacred Majesty the Recimir Aulus the Chosen-of-Eshar. It is His Sacred Majesty's desire to establish and re-establish strong and friendly relations with all of the Holy Union's neighbours, and it is His Sacred Majesty's even greater desire to reaffirm the ties of brotherhood and friendship between all nations adhering to the Esharan faith. To trade with one another, to cooperate for the progression of our respective peoples and their wellbeing, and to ever protect the territorial integrity of the other. His Sacred Majesty is also extremely interested in the establishment of a formal joint scholarly initiative for the cross-fertilisation of knowledge and ideas between our two nations. That would elevate us and endear us to our blessed and beloved Gods.'
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Post by Alex on Jul 2, 2017 16:43:10 GMT
Alano returned the smile as he listened, the carriage tumbling along on it's journey towards the Serene capital. Through open windows inset within the carriages frame on either-side - their red cloth curtains now tied to the sides allowing sight of that which lay beyond - gave way to views of the sprawling River Hills and the odd fort nestled amongst them before traversing into the flat grasslands of Vinizia as the carriage drew closer towards Vinayapolis.
"The people of Vinaya, as staunch brothers of the Esharan faith would delight at such a reunion of kindred spirits I am sure." The Vinayan spoke as the Serene League's capital, sitting atop it's commanding position along the coast and cliffs spilled into view. "I have the authority and the proper rites as a representative of the Council and League to authorize the charting of an official trade route between our nations. By sea or by land, may trade goods once more flow between our esteemed states."
Their surroundings turned from the greenery of the countryside to the brick, stone and smoke of urban life as the carriage trundled into the capital with both the Vinayan and Union escorts following diligently behind. Promptly the carriage would be drawn to a halt as the entourage found themselves before the Magistrate's Palace. The beating heart of the Serene League wherein decisions which would echo across the nation-state were made, all within the grand stone construct of a Palace built by southerners. Ironically standing as once the monument of their occupation, it had since become the home of the government of those who had overthrown them.
"My lord." Alano spoke as he stepped first from the carriage, offering his hand to aid the Union delegate down out of a measure of politeness rather than any lack of ability on his counter's part. "I will bring these matters before the Council. With your leave, my friend, you might join members of the Council and the Serene Doge himself for dinner shortly or if you'd prefer, you might join his Serenity on the morrow where has a morning of falconry planned. There are lodgings prepared should you prefer a time of refreshment and rest after your long journey here."
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Jul 4, 2017 16:09:54 GMT
Saul considered the propositions of Alano most seriously. The Recimir had commanded him carry out his duties in Vinaya with all due speed, and to then continue south across the sea to the land of the Southerners. There, all knew, had the Southerners taken Old Eshara's books and heritage. There it was to be found once again. 'Sir, with all due respect, and if it would not be too brave or rude of me, I would be honoured - after perhaps ten minutes to compose myself - to join His Serenity the Doge and their Excellency's of the Council forthwith. I do not wish to overburden the Serene Republic with my visit or take up more of His Serenity's time than absolutely necessary.' With Alano's permission, Saul was then quickly led to the chambers prepared for him where he washed and changed into more fitting clothing. And he was then ready to meet the Doge.
Once done, he emerged from his chambers and nodded to Alano to lead the way.
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Post by Alex on Jul 17, 2017 9:04:42 GMT
"Ready? Excellent." Alano had spoken with a smile as Saul emerged from his chambers. From there the Vinayan led the Union delegate from his lodgings at the embassy block away from the Magistrate's Palace, and into the noble's quarter of the city where they now walked amidst the vast estates of Vinaya's great merchant houses.
"His Serenity and members of the Council are currently dining at the Lombardo estate. I have taken the liberty to inform them of your arrival and intentions, they are expecting you." Alano explained as he led Saul along immaculate streets and past the various compounds and estates of Vinaya's nobility. It was said that true Vinayan politics were played out here in the shade of such estates and backroom parlors, in an ever-expanding game of twisting machinations and diplomacy as merchant houses jockeyed for wealth and power.
"The dinner's host is General Alberto Aldo de Lombardo, a field commander of some repute and Commander of the Lucentian Freekorps." Alano explained as they arrived at their destination. The Lombardo estate was a splendid household-estate ringed by a finely-sculpted wall of clay and ceramic at the cities' heart. The pair were allowed entrance and Alano directed Saul towards the household itself and into a comfortable parlour within. Here a number of well-dressed individuals stood or sat conversing over a large dining table bedecked with starter appetizers of light cheeses, meats and various fruits. A light cloud of smoke hung in the air as a number of those present enjoyed smoking pipes of tobacco.
"That is the Serene Doge." Aldo spoke quietly to Saul as he motioned to the man sat at the head of the dining table, seemingly deep in conversation with those around him. "The man to his right is General Alberto de Lombardo."
Unhidden to Saul's sight was another separate group of gentlemen whom sat congregated around cushioned seats at the opposite length of the room, deep within their own conversation unprivy to those at the table.
"Ah, Saul I presume?" Spoke the man seated at the head of the table who rose as he spoke. "Welcome. I am Sigismund de Vidal, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Please, join us." The Serene Doge spoke with a motion of his hand to the free seat on his left in open invitation. "Alano has told us of your intentions. If you would however, we would hear what you would ask of the Serene League for ourselves."
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Aug 9, 2017 19:05:59 GMT
As the Serene Doge stood and greeted Saul, the young man bowed respectfully in the way of all Esharan officials. He held his respectful position until the Serene Doge invited him to sit to his left, and he quickly seated himself there, nodding respectfully to the others seated around the Doge.
'Your Serenity, I have been sent by His Sacred Majesty the Recimir to discuss, among other things, the potential for the exchange of scholars between our nations. Our mutual Esharan faith calls to the proliferation of knowledge, and the various educational institutions of Eshara long for the wisdom and knowledge of their counterparts in the Serene Republic. It would be His Sacred Majesty's greatest honour to usher in a programme mutual exchange of scholars so as to help spread the discoveries and theories in all areas of knowledge through both our respective nations.
His Sacred Majesty also, fully aware of the very lonely situation in which adherents to the old Esharan faith find themselves, wishes to establish between our nations a firm military alliance built on the principles of brotherhood and mutual protection of the integrity of the rightful lands and peoples of the other. Surrounded as we are of adherents to different faiths who have in the past proven to have a rather hostile disposition to our own, it is important that we are able to protect one another against all who would see harm done to our religion, lands, and peoples. His Sacred Majesty professes the greatest love for all the peoples of this continent, but particularly so for his brothers of the faith, and he sees it his foremost duty and obligation to extend a hand of friendship and mutual protection to the Serene Republic - for to him, our paths are inevitably entwined by the very fact of our shared histories and religions.' And with all that said, Saul bowed deeply once more and waited on the Serene Doge's response.
There was, of course, the matter of the recent crisis that had erupted in the Seftian-Berrandan Commonwealth. Saul had received some communications from the Recimir regarding the matter, but he did not deem it wise to bring this up so soon. Perhaps the Serene Doge would mention it and so Saul would be able to gain a better understanding of his stance towards it before putting deeming to put forth Eshara's stance.
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Post by Alex on Aug 22, 2017 4:14:49 GMT
"I see." Sigismund spoke softly, his fingers drumming lightly against the stout table. "It has always been a core tenant of the Esharan faith to seek enlightenment wherever it may be found, to seek knowledge and understanding, these are our ways and we shall not be found wanting now." The Serene Doge spoke as aides began setting an empty glass and plate before Saul, leaving it to the diplomat to pick and choose what he desired from the pitchers and feast laid out before him. "I can see only mutual benefit for our nations and our people by accepting this programme of exchange. I believe much might be learned from the north as I hope, might much be learned from our southern ways." He concluded to the vocal approval of those seated around them.
"Here, here." Called the General as he slammed his empty cup down.
"An alliance, now that is a much more delicate matter." Broached the Serene Doge. "Brotherhood, the protection of those of our faith wherever they might be, such a cause calls deeply to me and I feel my predecessor, the first Serene Doge. Well, he would have agreed and for that we almost lost everything in those early days of our nation's history... I pledged I would put the people of this Serene Republic before all else, and for that to be so I must be cautious. A defensive alliance, a pact that we might come to one another's aid when one's sovereignty and integrity is threatened, this I can agree to with an open heart. Anymore, during this time of war I fear would be unwise. It is my hope that you understand."
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Aug 22, 2017 22:29:04 GMT
Saul respectfully filled his plate with food and cup with water as the Serene Doge spoke. It was considered rude in Eshara to refuse a host's hospitality, and Saul certainly did not wish to come across as rude.
'Your Serenity shows caution and wisdom in proposing a defensive alliance rather than a full one. Perhaps the Holy Union was too eager, but I agree that a defensive alliance would be more than suitable for the mutual protection of our realms. Perhaps in due time, as the relationship between our realms is cemented, a complete alliance will become more viable.
The men of learning in Eshara will be pleased beyond measure at Your Serenity's agreement to the programme - I will write immediately back home to let them know of this auspicious news.' He took a sip from his cup and cleared his throat. 'There is the matter of...the Berrandan Succession Crisis. His Sacred Majesty has made clear his sympathies for the nations seeking freedom from the Sefti. May I be so bold as to inquire as to the Serene League's leanings in this matter - if it has any, of course.'
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Post by Alex on Sept 28, 2017 19:07:36 GMT
"Ah yes, the Succession Crisis." Sigismund spoke as he softly set his own empty glass down. "The Commonwealth is the culmination of the worst excesses of the Aedak faith, they will never be free of the blood of innocents they have spilled in the name of ignorance... Any man who wishes to cast off their shackles from that decadent regime has our sympathies." He spoke, pausing for a second as if in contemplation. "The moment however offers opportunity does it not? Your Aulus has seen as much, Union armies march across the Commonwealth's northern border as we speak yes? A bold move for one now embroiled in wars in both the east and west, tell us truly, how does the Union fare in all this?"
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Sept 28, 2017 20:30:54 GMT
'The sons of Eshara are many and willing - love for our greater Ergorian homeland moves their hearts, and the passion to see it unchained and rid of all ills. The Gods have been kind to us during what has nearly been a year of warfare - the letters I receive speak of our people's fortitude and endurance. But I am the last to hide that Eshara does suffer - I am certain that the cowardly Jotun strike into our heartlands has reached Vinayan ears. It was unexpected from those we had only ever been peaceful towards, and though victory was ours on the field, they escaped with the spoils. These direct assaults into our territories aside, war strains the economy of even the greatest nation. Nevertheless, the majority of our expenses are not going towards this war but towards relieving the suffering of the people during this period - particular those of New Crimsamara.
While some may say that Eshara only sees opportunities in these conflicts, that it is somehow seeking to further its interests, nothing could be further from the truth. These interventions by His Sacred Majesty are, first and foremost, based on principle. They have brought us nothing but suffering to date - but to have principles one must be prepared to suffer greatly and lose much.'
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