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Post by cerdigon on Jun 22, 2017 21:43:04 GMT
Mog Bhenholm, if there was ever a foreign city that held a place in the annals of Seftian history, it would be the capital of Almur. Rhodri's grandfather had stormed these walls over a century ago when the city had been held under the Dwarven warlord Ashies during the First Battle of Mog Bhenholm. It had become a scene immortalized in Seftian epics, poems, and paintings. Ten thousand Sylph's storming down from the sky onto the ramparts like the wrath of Aed himself. Some claimed it was the griverous wounds that Aeron suffered during the battle here that would lead the enlightened monarch, a young Prince determined to end the racial strife between Elf and Sylph, down a much darker and violent path.
The collapse of the Sultanate and invasion of the Almur had not only opened up the border for trade but the free flow of ideas. Vaekirate priests from the Commonwealth at the invitation of Yurok we're some of the first to cross and instruct the Giants on the southern religion. More than a century later, the seed that had been planted had born fruit, though the Almur did not cling to Orthodox doctrine. Prince Rhodri would be the third generation of Seftian royalty to set foot within the city after his father Prince Rhys and as the grandson of King Francisco Rodrigo, the Berrandan King whom had a famed relationship with the Almur, he pondered what kind of reception he would receive.
The Almur and the Commonwealth had fougth a short, sharp, and bloody conflict at the end of the Great Northern War. Yet the last three decades had borne nothing but peace, the collapse of the Gurdish tribes and Thrum meant that both powers shared the mutual goal of stabilizing the Northern frontier. The question remained whether or not the two shared mutual aims now. A messenger had been sent ahead of the Prince's delegation, requesting an audience with the Kezur.
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Post by zurajai on Jun 22, 2017 22:46:45 GMT
Unsurprisingly for such a well known neighboring power, the waystations of the Kingdoms were well versed in proper protocol and the path for the Prince was found open and welcoming. Royal Kenyszerit, the Almuric equivalent to dragoons in armament and function, were found waiting for Rhodri with Royal Seal in hand. The cast-bronze passport was Rhodri's to keep, an official and permanent pass allowing free travel through tollroads and the immediate opening of doors and paths much sought after by hungry merchants eager to reach the capital with their bountiful wares. The Imperial Prince was rushed at a steady pace to the capital alongside a small honor-guard of Kenyszerit and Gurhimic functionaries until his arrival in the sprawling metropolis of Mog Bhelnom.
Much removed from the frescos and tapestries depicting Aeron's flight, Mog Bhelnom had seemingly been vomited forth upon a canvas of beige hills and golden grasses to spread across the painting of its surroundings and consume all beneath its growing vastness. The city, something akin to the southern realms and bigger in overall size to any city in the North, had grown under the efficient gaze of the Naryur and his budding parliamentary bureaucracy. For such a guest rooms were prepared within the old Sultanate Palace, sharing quarters with the Councillors and other foreign dignitaries. But, as with all newly arrived foreigners of importance, Rhodri was brought directly to the Great Hall of the Naryur.
"Presenting His Majesty, Imperial Prince Rhodri of the Holy Esharan Empire," hollered the Herald, a stout dwarf in richly embroidered Gurhimic robes.
Down the hall, between the long-tables, multiple hearths, and seating areas for visiting nobility and representatives to enjoy the hospitality of the Almuric realm, sat the Naryur and Sultan of the United Kingdoms. Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres, monarch of all Almuria and Beg Gurhim, sat calmly with the reforged granite crown sitting just above his horned brow.
"Prince Rhodri, as I live and breathe, you are the ideal image of your people," spoke Kharok, leaning forward while simultaneously motioning for the half-sylph to cross the hall to him, "Your Grandfather was a true friend to my father, blessed is he in the eyes of Aed, and I'm sure he smiles from Aed's paradise at this meeting; long has it been since your blood has blessed these halls and it is made greater for it by your presence. Tell me, Princeling, what brings you to my people's realm."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 23, 2017 13:05:22 GMT
Mog Bhenholn was a microcosm of the Northern continent, first ravaged and nearly destroyed by war during the rebellion, then re-conquered and reforged into something that was far greater then before. It was perhaps the biggest city that Rhodri had ever seen, dwarfing Morgraig in both size and scale. Under Almur direction and Dwarven ingenuity, the architecture was 'unique' to say the least, and the Prince found himself staring despite his many years of life. The smooth progression of the party was welcome, leaving a long trail of angry looking merchants as the Prince's party swept through the gates, ushered by their honor guard.
Rhodri found it fitting that this would be the place he visited last before heading South to his cousin's court in Berranda. He found it ironic, one grandfather had come to Mog Bhenholm to conquer it, and the other had sought to seek a strong alliance with the cities new inhabitants. A friendship that had flourished until the rising tide of ambition and chaos had brought Berranda and the Gospodors to war.
'' Your Majesty. '' Rhodri said, his voice rich and deep as he bowed. The Prince ironically looked every inch the Berrandan, his hair black as coal except for streaks of grey that had now begun to infiltrate. The Prince had clearly taken after the looks of his mother, Princess Sophia. Only his curved ears and those deep blue eyes betrayed his Seftian heritage. '' I have come today to restore the ancestral ties between your family and mine... and I hope while I am here to tour a city that has had so much impact on both of my grandfathers lives. His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aeron, is seeking to bury the old wounds of the past. He knows the Gospodors are no true enemy of the Fae folk, it was only time and circumstance that brought us to war before. '' And a very ambitious Berrandan commander that had made the foolish mistake of violating Gospodor sovereignty. '' First, I would like to restore the old trade road linking Morgraig and Mog Bhenholm. It has been too long since our merchants have had access to one another's markets. Secondly, my grandfather would seek to know your mind towards the so called Holy Union of Haiho-Ausvinthus. No doubt you have heard their saber rattling rhetoric by way of your connections."
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Post by zurajai on Jun 25, 2017 5:26:04 GMT
Kharok leaned back into the cold embrace of his throne as Rhodri spoke of ancestral ties and of an interest days long past. Kharok had been young then, a mere princeling of an Almur yet unlearned of the world. Those had been important times in his young life, where his northern upbringing clashed with southern education. An age of fire indeed, he considered, as his mind returned to the smoke and steel of those wars that stained those days. The Almuric Lord sat still as his raven black hair framing his well shaven visage.
"The merchants will sing their praises when the road between Morgraig and Mog Bhelnom are open once more, excised of fools haunting them with long dead deeds. On the northernmost of southern lords, however, I have much to consider. Share with me your musings so I might know the thoughts of my father's ken."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 25, 2017 19:08:19 GMT
'' To be blunt Great Kezur? '' Rhodri said with a pause, choosing his words carefully. '' They openly call for the downfall of the legacy of both of my grandfathers and claim that the religion of the South has made us its slaves. At best, they are sorely misguided, at worst, I feel this dangerous and blasphemous rhetoric is a portent of more dangerous things to come. '' The Prince murmered, trying to gauge the Giant infront of him.
'' They call themselves 'true' northerners, but the Realm of Sefti and the Almuric peoples have existed long before Haiho or Ausvinthus were in their infancy as states. They claim to be the true successor of Eshara and to come in peace but they come with a sword, waiting to strike at the first sign of weakness or opportunity. I fear my grandfathers age may embolden them and if that time comes... I would ask for the neutrality of the Almur in the name of our ancestral friendship and hope as Crown Prince when I do succeed my grandfather that I can always count on that friendship. ''
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Post by zurajai on Jun 27, 2017 21:45:56 GMT
"This I cannot promise," responded Kharok with a clear and decisive tone, "For I had made such a statement during the last war and it was actions of others that forced me to break it. I shall make no such oath. However, I shall say this to you as grandson of my father's brother; unless my people are threatened as they were before the United Kingdoms will not go to war. But, I must insist on saying, that many here in Mog Bhelnom and the United Kingdoms would be greatly distraught at the prospect of such a war on our border; I request that you temper your Grandfather's passions and do your best to rein in the threat of war."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 27, 2017 21:58:05 GMT
'' My Grandfather is tired of war and his passions have mellowed with age. He would rather spend his days chasing my son through the palace halls then lead a new march North. We merely want to defend what we have already claimed and cemented as part of Our legacy. '' That was partly a lie, Aeron was as old and crafty as ever. If he saw an opportunity to end the upstart 'holy union', he would no doubt take it as it was a threat that would only grow stronger with time. '' I will trust then that you will never see Sefti Eshara as your enemy and that we may forever bury the bloody sword that has marred our past. May I ask to sup with Your Majesty and your kin before I return home?''
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Post by cerdigon on Aug 20, 2017 5:42:32 GMT
To His Valiance, The Naryur, Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres,
I write to you calling on our old bonds of family and kinship between my grandfather and you. The Republic of New Byrnis acting with the Union of Haiho have conspired to divide the lands of the Empire between them under the 'pretext' of protecting the free peoples of the South. I would not dare ask that you stand against the seceding states of the South. I know that the Constitution of the United Kingdoms would prevent such an official stance from being taken. However, as a fellow brother of Aed, and a friend of Berranda, I will ask that you stand with us against the pagan threat of the North. The Union of Haiho seeks to use this opportunity of dissension as a pretext for an invasion. As a fellow brother in Aed, I will ask that you help us fight the pagans that would dare attack our vulnerable Northern frontier in our time of trouble.
With Deepest Respect,
Rhodri Aeron Sefti
Prince of Eshara
Warden of the South
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Post by cerdigon on Sept 1, 2017 1:35:16 GMT
To His Valiance, The Naryur, Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres,
Friend of my blood, the Empire finds itself besieged on all fronts. I ask not for your intervention but to honor traditions of old where young Almur men would take up the gun and sword for coin. The Emperor finds himself in need of men. With New Byrnis assaulting Leoten, the city must be relieved or at the very least the invaders must be bled white. You yourself once served under my grandfather during his war with the notorious brigand Cadfael Tanglemane. I would ask to give your men the opportunity once more, a volunteer corp, funded by Imperial monies and sworn to Imperial service for the duration of their contract to aid Leoten in its hour of need.
With Deepest Respect,
Prince Rhodri Aeron Sefti
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Post by zurajai on Sept 8, 2017 20:50:20 GMT
To His Majesty, Prince Rhodri Aeron Sefti,
My honored cousin-in-oath, I send this to you with displeasure in my heart. I have heard of the pains your people are suffering through and I feel for you. Though I cannot march an army to your aid I will see, in this coming season, what of my countrymen would be willing to march to their brothers in faith. If it were not for my oaths binding me, I myself would march before the Royal Hondvedseg to join you; alas, such a thing would require a vote by the Orzag and none such thing is to be forthcoming. If there is anything else I may assist with beyond troops, do not hesitate to ask; the United Kingdoms flourishes and has much to give to friends close at heart.
Ever your comrade,
Naryur Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 14, 2017 1:29:28 GMT
To His Valiance, The Naryur, Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres,
I write to you in hoping to secure the services of your advisors. I am embarking on a period of great reform within the Commonwealth to strengthen it internally. I sincerely hope that a Constitution that guarantees the rights of both rich and poor alike will heal the rift that the war has ripped open. With that in mind, I would like Your Grace to send your most able scholars to consult on this project of mine and would consider it a personal favor.
Secondly, I must express my reservations at reports of Almur mercenaries in the company of Vinayan invasion forces crossing the Ryn. I can only hope that these reports are inaccurate. The lands of the Aedek are under assault by militant pagans in our midst, the conquest of Elon by Vinaya is a threat to future stability, as is Esharan encroachments in the North against the Jotun. It is not something that the Commonwealth can sit by and idly watch happen. I hope you will join me in seeking a peaceful initiative to end these wars that have cost both pagan and Aedek so much loss and if the need arises, join me in defending our shared Faith and its peoples.
Your comrade in arms,
King Rhodri Aeron Sefti
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