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Post by ravigen on Sept 26, 2014 4:01:12 GMT
Ambassador Jorin stepped off the boat and stared ahead at the Giant capital, his trip across the ocean had been relatively uneventful even if he was sure the Jotun had noticed his approach. He stared around to the rest of his party, all looking rather nervous, with good reason. This was risky but they were in a desperate situation.
With a sigh, he set off for the city, time to get this over with. |
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Post by Vaklu on Sept 26, 2014 5:11:35 GMT
A group of Jotun guardsmen met the elves at the docks their weapons slung over their shoulders. They gave the party a look of bored indifference. Around them their was a great hustle and bustle as ships were being loaded with supplies and men. Their captain stepped forward to speak.
"What brings you to our city my friends?" The captain had an easy smile but the tone was a strained joviality "It's rare to see your people on our islands."
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Post by ravigen on Sept 26, 2014 5:15:34 GMT
Jorin took note of their indifferent tone, he had expected it to be truthful but it still made him want to sigh and leave, but his job was paramount and he'd see it through to the end. To that end he stood firmly before the giants, schooling his features to hide any hint of weariness or annoyance.
"Indeed we have had other concerns, but that is what we have come to discuss today, my Queen has a hopefully profitable proposition for your leaders and I would be grateful if they would agree to hear them out." |
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Post by Vaklu on Sept 26, 2014 5:31:09 GMT
"Alright, I'll send a runner to the Jarl. He'll decide." He picked one of the younger guards and sent him off. An hour later he returned and a short conversation later ended with the group of guards leading the diplomatic party to the Jarl's hall.
It was a massive meadhall of old timber and stone. Great benches and trestle tables were on either side of the long fire pit that dominated the center of the room. On a raised dais sat Jarl Tholarg, his massive warhammer leaning against his throne. He was looking over maps with his brother when they entered. As they approached the maps were rolled up and handed to a servant and all attention was focused on the elves. The Jarl tilted his head as they came forward squinting at them as if scrutinizing every aspect of them.
"I am told," His voice was thunder and his words deliberate. "That you bring an offer to me from your queen. I will hear it." He made a motion with his hand to indicate that it was now the ambassador's turn.
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Post by ravigen on Sept 26, 2014 5:40:54 GMT
Jorin nodded and stepped forward to bow before the Jarl, he wasn't sure what their custom was but he felt like it would help and it was a habit at this point anyways, he stood firm, not wanting to show how much he was affected by being here.
"You have probably heard of the growing conflict with Cerdigon, at this point I wonder who hasn't, but my Queen seeks allies in the conflict and she is willing to pay what she can to secure them. And while our gold stocks are quite low at this point we have something that would greatly help the Clans."
He pulled out a document and set it on the table for the Jarl to see.
"My Queen is prepared to offer you two tons of good lumber for your ship production alongside whatever loot you wish from Cerdigon. And if you want she is also willing to find and provide more wood for you which can be negotiated in the future."
He paused to catch his breath.
"Beyond that, keeping Sefti independent of Cerdigon denies them access to our nation's wood resources and the additional income of numerous villages, to that end it also keeps them from building a navy to oppose you. While our people may have clashed in the past, my Queen would rather work with you than be controlled by Cerdigon."
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Post by Vaklu on Sept 26, 2014 12:58:49 GMT
"Lumber. You expect us to send our warriors to fight for lumber." It wasn't the Jarl who answered but Thane Gudrik. He was glaring at the diplomatic party. "We have plans to make brother, send them off."
Tholarg smirked at his brother's outburst. "While my brother lacks tact he does drive to the heart of the matter. I have heard other things about this conflict of yours. How a great number of orcs have come camping in your lands, the kind from the west that wield muskets. Are they being paid with lumber as well? I think not, I think they'll be getting heavy coin for their work. What's more is we have our own plans for our warriors and ships." He cracked his neck loudly and continued. "They will be departing soon I think and until they are well away I'm afraid I will need to insist you stay as my guests."
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Post by ravigen on Sept 26, 2014 13:34:05 GMT
Jorin shrugged, having expected this.
"Gold would have been offered as well, the lumber was just something we thought you might find useful but by all means do what you will Jarl." And he got to stay in giant country, glorious. |
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Post by Vaklu on Sept 26, 2014 13:55:55 GMT
"Worry not, we are not sailing for your home. But the fewer who know that we are sailing, the better." He smiled at the ambassador warmly. "Do you know what the best part of Imperial rule is my friend? All the lovely maps they insist on having made. Let's you know just where everyone is, and what they have."
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