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Post by ravigen on Jul 5, 2017 17:33:44 GMT
Ikegami Tadakatsu led his party of twenty southwards to the coast. It had been quite some time since the Ikegami had journeyed this far southwards, not since the disastrous battle where Ikegami Naozumi had been slain by Aeron's bodyguards. Sayoko had not returned often out of grief for her fallen father. But now, things were changing, trade was needed once more and Vinaya was a perfect trading partner.
So Tadakatsu had set off to represent the Ikegami on behalf of his cousin. He had set off to Vinayopolis to approach the new government there.
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Post by Alex on Jul 18, 2017 20:27:48 GMT
The Ikegami host was met at the border by border guards manning blockhouses, after a short and formal exchange the party was allowed to pass freely though the lands of the Serene League with a small escort on their path towards the capital. Their journey would take them through the River Hills, lands no stranger to the footfalls of the Ikegami as decades prior Ikegami, New Byrnian and Elonese forces had gathered here to wrest control of the province from the various Aedak warlords whom had called it home. Following the Fifty Years War the land of rivers and hills had been annexed by Vinaya in a move which had tensed relations which been successfully smoothed over the years since.
After some time upon the cobble and stone highways which spread across the land like a spiders web, Vinayapolis fell into view and it would be upon the cities' approach that the Ikegami host would be halted by a party of representatives from the League.
"Honourable friends of the Ikegami." A young man spoke with a bow, sunlight playing across his embellished dress reminiscent of the uniform of an hussar, the half cape bore over his left shoulder catching the light breeze as he rose. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, you might call me Franco de Calzo, representative of the Serene League and her peoples." He spoke with a flourish. "May I ask honoured friends, for your name and your business here in Vinaya?"
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Post by ravigen on Jul 19, 2017 3:02:09 GMT
Ikegami Tadakatsu bowed respectfully before the representative before retrieving a parchment from his vest. The parchment was sealed in wax with the official seal of the Ikegami clan. Tadakatsu presented Franco with the parchment.
"My aunt, Ikegami Sayoko, Daimyo of the Ikegami wishes to reestablish peaceful relations with Vinaya and open trade with the Serene League."
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Post by Alex on Aug 19, 2017 1:51:28 GMT
"Ah, a most noble goal and one we of Vinaya can sympathize with," Franco spoke as his gloved hand clasped the offered parchment. "I will see that the matter of open trade with the Ikegami clan is brought before the Council at it's next meeting." He finished as he tucked the parchment within a pocket of his coat.
"If that all is my honourable friend, I have been asked to extend an invitation from His Serenity personally for a meeting, if you would accept?"
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Post by ravigen on Aug 19, 2017 2:03:00 GMT
"I would be honored to accept His Serenity's offer." Tadakatsu bowed respectfully to Franco as was custom.
"Sayoko-sama has always respected and valued friendly relationships with Vinaya."
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Post by Alex on Sept 5, 2017 19:28:45 GMT
"Most excellent. Frederick here will see to it that your entourage is accommodated for during your stay in our humble city." Franco spoke with a gesture to a nearby aide who offered a solemn nod in return. "Now, follow me please." The Vinayan spoke as he brushed aside his half cloak and turned about, leading the Ikegami into the city proper.
Franco led Tadakatsu and those of his personal retinue along paved streets lined by buildings and structures broken up by the odd open square for public gatherings until finally the great military docklands of Vinaya stood before them. Ringed by thick stout walls and guarded by timely patrols of Vinayan infantrymen, this was the home of the Vinayan Armada and it was here that the Serene Doge had determined to meet the Ikegami diplomat.
They found the Serene Doge within the walled compound overlooking the sleeping giants of the Vinayan Armada from the balcony of a nearby marine barracks. Great ships-of-the-line resting easily at anchor with the waves lapping lazily against their hulls, Vinayan power had always stemmed for the seas and here it was made manifest in the form of these 4 great vessels built solely to wage war. Any man might assemble an army of young boys and men with weapons thrust into their hands and call it great, Vinaya knew that true greatness however lay in her Armada, in her shipbuilders and sailors who had learned well their craft.
Franco led Tadakatsu to the Doge and the balcony he resided on, nearby sat a small table bearing a pitcher of wine and two empty glasses, untouched as Franco with a subtle cough approached with the Ikegami diplomat beside him.
"My Doge, Tadakatsu of the Ikegami Clans." Franco announced as he drew Tadkatsu's letter from his pocket and offered it to Sigismund who had turned at their approach.
"Thank you Franco." Sigismund spoke with a smile, taking the offered letter before watching the younger Vinayan depart, leaving the Serene Doge and diplomat to talk in privacy. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tadakatsu. I've heard of many of the happenings in the north of our fair continent, of war and of a recent Almuric-Ikegami venture, the Auric Bank. Might I inquire into them for the Ikegami perspective?"
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Post by ravigen on Sept 8, 2017 22:31:50 GMT
Tadakatsu bowed to the Serene Doge and took the offered seat. He considered the Doge's question carefully before replying. He was a warrior above all else, and frankly did not have his aunt's enthusiasm for the bank. But, he had dutifully educated himself on all matters relating to it.
"The Sacrye pose a danger on the Ikegami's border, their sacrificial practices preclude peaceful relations and Sayoko-sama wishes to see them weakened to prevent them from posing a threat to the rest of the North. Aiding the Firetooth in recovering their lost lands is simply an excuse to get involved, no more no less." To be honest they didn't need an excuse, but it helped to have a reason beyond simple aggression.
"In relation to the Auric Bank, both Naryur Kharok and Sayoko-sama wish to see a shift in the North, from looking to the South for prosperity and coin and create a true northern bank, a northern currency. Truly the North ought to define its own economic practices and not simply follow the trend of the South. It is the hope that with the Bank, Northern nations can more easily, and more fairly finance economic developments in their nations without tying themselves to the Southern bankers and minters.
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Post by Alex on Sept 28, 2017 20:24:55 GMT
The Doge was silent as he listened to the Ikegami diplomat, standing by the balustrade with hands clutching the oak handrail, he looked out over the docklands as he considered Tadakatsu's words. "I see. Thank you for entertaining my questions and sating my curiosity." He spoke, turning to regard the diplomat as he broke the wax Ikegami seal from the parchment he had been given and unfurled it, scanning it's contents quickly. "Now. Unless you have anything to ask of me my friend. Franco will see to it that you are accommodated for during your time here, you may stay in our city for as long as you wish."
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