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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 3:09:27 GMT
The Elders looked to one another, sipping their drinks and considering Lord Carvin's offer. Surprisingly, it was not Chief Garlog who replied but Elder Ukhmar.
"King Aeron and the Commonwealth have been good friends to the Firetooth. The Elder Council has agreed that the Commonwealth has proven trustworthy enough to share the secrets of powder-making and gunsmithing. If your king will agree to swear on the Ragnaram before witnesses never to bear these arms against the Firetooth he may have them."
"However, we have our own interests as well. No doubt you have heard about the alarming heresies practiced in Elon - taxing pilgrims traveling to the Holy Capital, harboring witches and passing off laymen as trained priests. The Council would like your assurance that the Commonwealth and its Chief Priest understand the gravity of these heresies and will support action to counteract them."
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 18, 2015 4:05:20 GMT
Lord Carvin eyed the group of elders suspicously. He douted the matter was as simple as the Elonese authorities taxing helpless 'pilgrims' making their way downriver or committing alleged heresies. Like all issues, it was over coin. Yet for the sake of his masters ambitions, the Minister was willing to entertain the notion and make a stand...for the sake of securing the King's gunpowder supply.
'' I can assure the Elders of the Firetooth Clan that these weapons would only be used to defend the bonds of our friendship. As King Aeron has demonstrated countless times, whether it is defending the Firetooth in battle, or providing the coin to build the forges that produce Firetooth cannons he values these bonds above all others. '' He judged his audience carefully, his face devoid of emotion before he said the words the Elders craved to hear.
'' King Aeron will support his Firetooth brethren in their opposition to Elonese taxes on pilgrims. The King and our Chief Priest will demand an investigation into any heritecal activites if the matter cannot be resolved...diplomatically.. '' An '' investigation '' it was a polite word for witch hunt, but if the King could have his gunpowder, who cared if a few humans had to be burned like kindling to support Firetooth claims?
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Post by talis on Mar 18, 2015 4:48:51 GMT
"Then it is agreed." Garlog hammered the table and called for a cask of their sweetest mead. Mugs full, he lifted his own with a vicious grin. "To King Aeron, and our friendship."
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Post by talis on Mar 27, 2015 1:34:11 GMT
It was Elder Ukhmar's turn to make the long, although relatively safe, trip from Thundercrown to Morgraig. Now that the war was over expansion was tantamount to the clan's prosperity. There were too many neighbors looking to expand - too many unsecured resources and territory. They needed the resources to build villages and take advantage of the supplies they had found. The commonwealth was the obvious answer. They were cordial partners who had large forests and supplies available for trade.
Ukhmar made good time and stayed at a fine inn while messengers begged an appointment with the king's representative.
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 27, 2015 2:52:34 GMT
By now, word had reached the capital of Jotun raids in the South. The city resembled Thundercrown during its siege. Soldiers were everywhere, all eyes on the horizon, towards the river. The court itself seemed empty. King Aeron was nowhere to be found and many of the nobles, fearing the raiders, had retreated to their countryside estates. Not Lord Carvin. The Lord of the King's Privy Council was the picture of calm as he received Elder Ukhmar. '' Welcome to Morgraig. '' Carvin said, spreading his arms wide in welcome. No doubt the Eldar would've heard the rumors by now on at the inn.
'' It is always good to see a fellow friend and ally during these troubled times. What may I do for you Eldar? '' Carvin said, relaxing back within his padded seat as Ukhmar was ushered into a small chamber. Although it wasn't as grand as the King's throne, it was on a raised dais and allowed the Chancellor to look down on those whom came for an audience.
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Post by talis on Mar 27, 2015 3:06:37 GMT
"I thank you for the welcome, and for finding time to meet with me in the wake of such inauspicious news." Ukhmar bowed easily to the chancellor. He had no guards with him, no need for a large diplomatic entourage on such a visit.
"My Clan is expanding rapidly. We wish to construct new towns and villages to support Thundercrown's growing infrastructure. Especially in the mountains - we have discovered abundant stores of iron and valuable quarry-stone. We wish to negotiate for a supply of solid timber to construct towns and exploit the area."
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 27, 2015 3:16:54 GMT
'' Such resources could be provided. '' Though at what cost? The Chancellor drummed his fingertips on his knee. '' What does the Clan propose as payment for such a large sum of lumber? '' The Minister said, leaning forward to gauge Ukhmar.
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Post by talis on Mar 27, 2015 3:24:57 GMT
"When I left our plan was to offer gold and the services of our artisans, which you seem so keen on acquiring." Ukhmar smiled an old Firetooth smile - one many of his kind gave before a great fight or glorious effort. "But given the current situation, perhaps you are more interested in the services of mercenaries? There are many eager young Firetooth who would jump at the chance to earn gold and glory fighting giants."
Yes, any Firetooth who brought down a giant would have a story to tell, and much honor earned. The fast that the giants had been allies only a season ago made relatively little difference; they fought for gold and honor, same as the Firetooth. There were no grudges to bear, nor any promises to keep.
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 27, 2015 3:50:58 GMT
'' I would be glad to call on the Firetooh when the time comes. '' The Chancellor said with a firm nod. '' For the moment, the Firetooth artisans that are here will stay on. In exchange, I will provide you with two tonnes of wood this season. I will dispatch a representative with the changing of the seasons to discuss the raising of Firetooth levees. '' He knew the idea might amuse King Aeron as he had fought against Firetooth mercenaries during the War of Unification. '' Would the Firetooth be agreeable to establishing permanet embassies within one anoters capitals? '' Carvin for one could not take anymore long traveling, it was causing his old bones to break.
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Post by talis on Mar 27, 2015 4:19:50 GMT
"It would be good, I suppose" Uthmar admitted, "to have a permanent longhouse in the city - a good hearth and strong mead would be welcome. No offense to your kinsmen, of course, but most of my kinsmen prefer ale and mead over a roaring fire to the fine wine and spirits your tavern keep. Send the lumber, and I will make sure a lot is ready for you in Thundercrown by the time it arrives."
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Post by talis on Mar 31, 2015 15:57:22 GMT
A herald from the newly-built Firetooth embassy arrived at the palace, relaying a message for the Lord Carvin or appropriate designate of King Aeron. The Firetooth wished to discuss the possibility of a mutual alliance. If the King's designate would meet with the appointed herald of the Elders at their convenience, negotiations could commence.
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 31, 2015 16:35:18 GMT
The King's continued absence meant that Lord Carvin continued to function as his voice, running the day to day government had long since fallen to him. The Orc representative wouldn't be shuttled to the throne room however but once again to a small chamber. A small army of petitioners waited outside the door, glaring guards pinning them in place with stares of steel. The Firetooth representative did not have to wait on line however (much to the protest of the petitioners), instead he was pushed towards the front. The door to the audience chamber slammed, cutting off the dozens of voices clamoring for an audience. Lord Carvin raised two tired eyes to greet the Orc's. '' Ah, another noble diplomat from the Firetooth. How may I assist you? ''
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Post by talis on Apr 8, 2015 5:06:39 GMT
Gormith Wargchaser bowed slightly, partially on autopilot. This was not his usual assignment - apparently the elders had been so impressed by his track record (The Juturnans made a statue of him! The Hessynians didn't immediately throw him out!) that they had given him an actual, vitally important job. If he pulled this off his grandfather was virtually guaranteed the next seat on the Council.
"Gormith of House Wargchaser." He introduced himself to the elven chamberlain. "I have been sent by the Elder Council and Chief Garlog to negotiate terms for a potential alliance between our lands. Given the current air of the north and our historical friendship, the Elders have decided that there is prudence in sealing our relationship with a formal oath."
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 8, 2015 18:08:40 GMT
It would seem that this '' alliance ''' had been a long time in coming. For years, King Aeron had supported the Firetooth with monies to build their forges and walls. Likewise, the Firetooth had provided the Commonwealth with much needed blackpowder supplies. Lord Carvin gave a firm nod, it seemed only natural that their interests would converge. '' My King would also be amendable to establishing such an alliance. '' It would prove to be an important counterweight to stopping the Jotun-Ikagami pact that encricled the Commonwealth's border. '' Do you have any special terms that you would put forth? ''
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Post by talis on Apr 11, 2015 17:01:08 GMT
"Of course." Gormith replied, humoring his little joke with a smile before moving on. "What we desire moves beyond a simple defensive alliance to defend one another in the event of invasion. A true alliance requires the sharing of interests and a willingness by both parties to advocate for the other. This is especially important within the empire - a bloc will have much greater influence over the election of the new Vizier and new imperial policies than either of our two nations alone."
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