|
|
Post by talis on Jul 6, 2017 21:44:43 GMT
Uygoth sighed as the Commonwealth border came into view. Backtracking through Ikegami territory to reach the border had been a long and arduous trip. But Aeron was a stubborn bastard, and if he thought the Firetooth were getting chummy with his newest arch-rival any changes of compensation would evaporate. Personally, Uygoth doubted the Elders would ever extract their money from the stubborn grip of the half-sylph emperor, but they were just as stubborn as he was when it came to money. For all the Firetooth and Commonwealth's shared goals and interests, they would still squabble like in-laws over money.
And shared interests they had. The Firetooth and Commonwealth were the continent's two staunchest orthodox powers, both interested in spreading the faith and curtailing threats to their power. Being on opposite sides of the continent, they had a long history of supporting each other's ambitions. That alliance had only turned into a rift when the Commonwealth had, in Firetooth opinion, become too zealous about killing or conquering heathens, and had put Firetooth interests at risk in their pursuit of a big, climactic war that the Clan stood little to gain from. Aeron had seen their reaction as a betrayal. Whether that rift could be patched, and to what extent, was the question Uygoth now faced.
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Jul 6, 2017 22:31:55 GMT
‘’ A Fyre – Tooth eh? ‘’ The customs official said, staring at the Orc and his guards through a dust stained monocle. His thick heavy accent from the North of Powys would no doubt draw attention if his garish outfit bright outfit did not. No doubt he thought his red sash and waxed moustache was fashionable but in the capital he was about a year out of date. ‘’ Haven’t seen many of yer folk since the War.. ‘’ He said with a long winding pause. Half a dozen bored Imperial soldiers warily eyed the diplomat from the safety of the border post. A heavy rain had begun to fall drenching the Orc’s in the downpour. The inspector made no move to invite the Orc or his compatriots beneath the safety of the roof.
‘’ I suppose I will have to send wor--- ‘’
‘’ That will not be necessary inspector. ‘’ A new arrival announced, evidently one of the border guards was in the employ of Aeron’s intelligence service and had slipped out a message when he had seen the Orc’s approaching. ‘’ Captain Alwyn of His Majesties Imperial Courier Service. I will convey you to the capital. ‘’ The Sylph said, doffing his hat.
‘’ I have brought fresh horses. ‘’
And half a squadron of dragoons it seemed as an escort.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The capital of Morgraig was a rare sight in all of the North. It had a multitude of architectural influences. In the early years of King Aeron’s reign, he had imported Firetooth engineers and artisans to help build the seat of his new Empire. While the Orc’s may have gone, their influence remained on the city, with many buildings dotting the skyline seemingly more at home in Thundercrown.
The Emperor kept the party waiting…and waiting. Three days passed until at last the Emperor of Eshara, King of the Fae, King of Sefti, Cerdigon, & Nevara deigned to grant Uygoth his audience. But it was hardly going to be a conventional one. The Firetooth would soon recognize the familiar boom of gunfire. The stench of gunpowder was overwhelming and so was the sound of exploding pottery.
The apparent accuracy of the shots brought a chorus of applause from the assembled nobles.
‘’ Prince Ciaran! Amazing! ‘’ A young maid swooned attempting to take the arm of Aeron’s youngest great grandson. It wasn’t just the Emperor’s great grandson that was in attendance but several members of the Royal Family. His son’s Prince Cadoc and granddaughter Princess Ares were in attendance, as well as a smattering of nobles who all had the hard bearing of their forebear.
Emperor Aeron had not just been active in expanding his empire but his line as well.
Prince Ciaran, son of Rhodri Sefti, and third in line to the throne of the Sefti – Esharan Empire was clearly the subject of Aeron’s gaze and it held disapproval for the way the boy basked in the attention.
‘’ Councilor Uygoth and his attendant! ‘’ The Seneschal announced, smashing the butt of his staff into the fine brickwork as he lead the Firetooth emissary into the gardens where the impromptu shooting gallery arranged. The attention of the crowd shifted to the Orc in their midst.
‘’ Councilor. You are welcome to my court. ‘’ The words however held not a hint of hospitality. He lifted one bronze prosthetic hand, gears churning as he beckoned the Firetooth to stand before him.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Jul 12, 2017 23:30:29 GMT
So it was to be that kind of reception, Uygoth thought to himself. No official greeting or great show of decorum. Aeron had had plenty of warning that the party was coming after they reached the border, no doubt he had planning this little event ahead of time just to heckle Uygoth and his crew. Well, Aeron was not the only one versed in politics. If he wanted to make such passive-aggressive swipes he would find Uygoth up to the challenge.
"It is an honor to attend." He replied to Aeron, stepping forward and bowing formally to the king. If he felt slighted by the circumstances it did not show, Uygoth was happy to play the friendly courtier for now. "The Elders send you their regards and well wishes, along with a token of our esteem." He nodded to a couple of guards, who stepped forward and presented a small chest. Inside was a book made of fine parchment, bound in supple leather and vaguely scented. It bore on its cover the crest of Sefti-Eshara inlaid with gold and silver ink. This was a book of geneology: the entire history of the Seftian line and Aeron's lineage. The information was not remarkable - much of it was copied or collected from Aeron's own archives and books of lineage. No, what was impressive was the artistry of the book itself, which was finely illuminated on every page with images and portraits, making it as much a work of art as a record.
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Jul 13, 2017 21:42:51 GMT
Captain Tedwyr stepped forward to take the gift, the scarred Sylph Captain giving the diplomat an appraising glance before taking two steps back and passing the tome to the Emperor. '' Remarkable workmanship... to be expected from the Firetooth. '' The Emperor said, he lapsed into a long silence as he began pawing through each page with curiosity.
'' It has been some time since their were Firetooth artisans within Seftian markets. '' Aeron said not looking up. '' I take it your presence here is a sign that the Elders have decided to be constructive and move forward? '' No, of course not. Like a fencer waiting to parry, Aeron awaited Uygoth's counteroffer. No doubt he would seek recompense for perceived Commonwealth debts. Debts that the Emperor was not inclined to pay in light of old wounds that were still raw.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Jul 13, 2017 22:34:10 GMT
"We have never had ill will toward Sefti-Eshara." Uygoth replied, feigning ignorance of Aeron's accusations. The Firetooth were not willing to back down on their demands, and Uygoth saw no benefit in calling Aeron out on his own recalcitrance and stubbornness. If he wanted to succeed here he needed to move deftly, finding what common ground he could with Aeron before making demands. Despite their quarrel Uygoth knew there were things that Aeron wanted from the Firetooth, just as the Elders wanted things from him.
"It has been too long, as well, since merchants from the Commonwealth visited Thundercrown. Why should either of us forego the wealth and prosperity that trade brings?"
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Jul 13, 2017 22:50:29 GMT
'' The Firetooth and I have long had a complicated relationship. It was about a century ago.. when your predecessor Ukhmar came before me. My fathers army had just defeated the Seftian army before them decisively and we had captured hundreds of Firetooth mercenaries that had fought for my mother. '' Aeron said, his face turning into a grin. '' In return for releasing those soldiers, I gained a strong ally, an ally that I helped against the Wasteland Horde and an ally that rescued me when I was under siege in Morgraig by the Ikegami. '' Aeron said choosing his words carefully. He did not mention the Firetooth abandoning the Holy League during the Great Northern War for it would rob his words of their point. '' I am for the return of mutual prosperity but I would hope we would discover our strong bonds. I will sign a Trade Agreement with no pre conditions as a sign of good faith. The Firetooth and the Esharan Empire share too many interests to remain at arms length. ''
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Jul 18, 2017 21:25:51 GMT
"Indeed. There are many benefits to our cooperation." Uygoth, too, carefully coughed his words. "We both, for example, have heathens to our north who endanger our realms. I understand that you have refused to discuss Eshara's debts with the Elders, but it is my hope that we can settle our accounts, so that we can both focus on more pertinent issues."
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Jul 18, 2017 21:38:39 GMT
'' I have paid the original debts. What the Elders and I fight over now is interest, interest that spiked past agreed upon levels during the end of the war. '' At which point the Commonwealth was facing invasion by an Ikegami - Gospodor Horde that had pushed Aeron's army back to the gates of Cambria. The Commonwealth was at further risk and thus rose the interest rates. Or so said the Eldars. '' I would not submit to predatory lending then, just as I won't now. I have spent money and blood defending Firetooth interests for a century. '' He said, picking up Jodsar's bow in one bronze hand. He had slain the infamous Orc at the Siege of Thundercrown in personal combat. A cynical mind might think Aeron had brought it as a prop to this meeting to drive home his point.
Ah, how quick the Firetooth were to embrace the 'heathen' label. They seemed only too eager to trade with most of them, except the ones that wanted the extinction of their race. '' I trust the intelligence reports I have sent have been received in Thundercrown? Emperor Aonag's position has not softened towards your people.'' Or his eagerness to slaughter innocent Aedek. Something that had caused Aeron to cut off further negotiations.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Aug 20, 2017 15:57:26 GMT
Forced to depart with all haste to confront the Union's treacherous actions, Uygoth would not have time to speak longer with Aeron. However, before he left he delivered a letter straight from the hands of High Chief Artog Aedsword.
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Aug 27, 2017 13:36:01 GMT
To High Chief Artog Aedsword of Orcland, Chief of the Firetooth
Skirmishes with the Union have already been reported on the border. I fully expect a declaration of war to follow my grandsons invasion of the South to end the rebellion of the Lucentan and Berrandan lords. My sources report a large Union army continues to remain pinned on the border, either waiting for me to attack or to respond once the crisis in the West has been resolved. The outcome in the West is sure to have ramifications in the East. For as long as this war goes on, know that you have the support of the Seftians behind you.
May Aed Guide You,
Aeron Sefti
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Nov 17, 2017 19:18:33 GMT
Geroth Whitebone took two deep breathes. His first major assignment as a diplomat: the Commonwealth. This was an unusually high posting, a great opportunity for his career if it went well. He was surprised he had been chosen for the job; perhaps someone in his rather modest family had a favor owed he didn't know about. Or perhaps High Chief Artog's new flurry of diplomatic activity had left his staff short-handed. Either way, here he was, with a grand opportunity.
Putting aside thoughts of the future, he nodded to his honor guard and approached the palace, handing his letter of introduction to the valet.
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Nov 17, 2017 19:29:20 GMT
“ Enter. “
Two Imperial Lifeguards swing the doors to the Audience Hall open where King Rhodri Aeron Sefti awaited to receive him. The Hall lacked the many courtiers and flunkies that we’re to be expected, instead, only two advisors were at the King’s right and left, the First Minister and the Ministet of War.
Evidently, the King had some expectations for what the Firetooth ambassador would ask.
“ Welcome to Morgraig ambassador. What urgent business brings you to the Commonwealth? “ Though Rhodri could guess exactly what.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Nov 19, 2017 19:07:06 GMT
Geroth bowed low to the King, as was his due. Ever since the war, the Firetooth had dropped any pretense of hesitating to endorse the Commonwealth's claims to the Empire of Eshara. It strengthened a potential ally and de-legitimized an enemy. "Thank you, your highness. I believe you already have some idea of the subject upon which I wish to speak. Sacrye is but a shadow of its former self, little more than a client state under the threatening power of the 'Holy Union.' Despite our squabbles in the past, Orcland and the Commonwealth have a long history of cooperation. I believe it is in both our interests to see these pagans weakened."
|
|
|
|
Post by cerdigon on Nov 20, 2017 13:47:41 GMT
'' You reap what you sow. '' Rhodri remarked to the Orc.
'' It was one of the first lessons of instruction I received my grandmother and one I have tried to take to heart. The Jotun ignored my grandfathers cries for aid when we were assailed on all fronts, the Jotun ignored ancient honored history as our allies to chase gold. They only responded when the Crown offered thousands of gold pieces for swords. The Jotun have become a mercenary nation. It is not something that I recall of the Jarls of Old when I read the histories and its activities against the civilian population of the Union has been less than...acceptable.. '' The King said, a frown creasing his visage.
'' Nevertheless, I have no desire to see the Union expand its territory at the Commonwealth's expense. Control of the Velnir River would be a monumental disaster. A blood debt is owed to Aulus. He attempted to hold my nation at the point of a sword when she was at her weakest, killed thousands of my countryman, and has planted sedition in the hearts of the people of Dunmore. I have been speaking with my advisors in anticipation of your arrival. I cannot declare war as it stands -- it is not a politically possible at the moment. Not when the Commonwealth has just emerged from a civil war. ''
'' What I can and will do in the same spirit as Aulus is protect the civilian population of Torben in the name of Aed and the Vaekirate. I will dispatch an army to defend the province, allowing the Jotun to free up its reserves and deploy them accordingly into Conna. I will issue a proclamation that Torben is under the Commonwealth's protection and any attempt to enter it by foreign forces will be met with force. If the Jotun are defeated in Conna, they will have a safe place to rest, recuperate, and plot their counterattack. '' Naturally, such a buildup would have to be financed by the Commonwealth and Firetooth.
More importantly, it allowed the Commonwealth to lick its wounds while striking a blow at a hated rival.
'' Does the Honorable representative of the Firetooth find this acceptable? ''
|
|
