EMPIRE! A Clash of Magma and Ice!

[WaylanderX]

This is a Private thread, meant only for Empire players who have been invited to join.

Invited players:

WaylanderX
BladeofObliviom
SamBurke
ReggieJam

And if they want to come and join (per invite of BladeofObliviom if he feels like it):

DarkDM

[WaylanderX]

It had been ages since Wayve visited Guilder. He still trusted the dandy merchants, but their contact with the frozen demons and slavers of the east worried him. No, no demons and slavers. For this to work out he needed to keep an open mind and hear their excuses and reasonings, even if they were faulty at best. The Huroshan Emperor was clad in his regular plate armor, axe on his back, but also wore a traditional Kasumori cloak to hide his appearence. A must when travelling alone.

Wayve Earthguard came to Guilder alone, per Mantid, for he would not allow to show any weakness to the Glazfelli, lest they would pounce upon that weakness and freeze his soul, as Ridovo tried to corrupt that very soul before them.

He coughted, covering his mouth with a cotton handkerchief, making his way alone through the halls to the hall where he was supposed to meet with his Glazfel counterpart. A woman who called herself King of all things.

Silently, he entered the hall and sat down near the window, waiting patiently for the Glazfel and Guilderene officials, still huddled in his warm cloak. The room was cold, only ashes remaining in the fireplace. Wayve hoped this was not a glimpse of what was to come.

[Reggiejam]

Valineth arrived in Guilder without great fanfare and without her daughters, though Kyria had asked intently nearly to the point of insistence to accompany the Queen but Valineth had refused, shoving a greater distance between the mother and daughter though Valineth hoped what might be accomplished at this meeting might preclude any further alienation within her family.

Wayve had grown distant, obsessive over Ridovo and wracked with some strange disease that he had kept secret from Valineth. She had learned about it only through her son's letters paired with gossip and rumors and piecing together clues herself. Kyria spent months in Yorukuni and had begun to organize a military force that Valineth found uncomfortably large under her banner as High Prince of Sanctuary which had in turn prompted the Fire Singers to organize their own forces, purportedly in service to the Princess and the Queen but maintaining an unnerving distance from the rest of the Freehold's armies. Loris had been spending months away at Tar, visiting the Sacred Grove there, and returning to preach to her region spanning congregations between bouts of intense prayer and fasting. Rove was a good son, sending his mother letters monthly and acting as her primary source of news regarding Wayve, but his obligations as Huroshan heir kept him to the lands of Kasumor and out of The Heartwaste or Tekorva where the Queen spent the majority of her time.

It seemed all the members of Valineth's closest family had begun to fall apart in their own ways and the threat of war on their doorstep was poised to topple the delicate balance that was still being maintained.

She entered the room to find Wayve already arrived, she looked at him a moment in appraising silence. It had been three months since they'd last set physical eyes on one another such were the demands of their positions and he looked like a different man. His eyes were sunken and dark as if he hadn't slept in days yet filled with a fiery, angry passion. She noted the blackened handkerchief though he tried to hide it and she realized she must have been staring. Though he was staring back. And no wonder, she knew she looked different, time and the pressures of Queenship had begun to ravage her faster in these last few years than it ever had in her youth. She was still objectively a beauty but there was a coldness, a frailness about her that she'd never had before.

She took a seat quietly.

"It is good to see you Wayve."

[SamBurke]

Florin City is a blur of international activity in preparation for the meeting: ships docking, cargoes shipped, men and women and creatures and boxes flying every which way. Every now and again, a glimpse of some strange movement, a puff of steam rises from one of the back streets.

The city of wonders, however, will have to wait on this business visit: the dignitaries are escorted through the city to a separate island in the middle of the fjords. The guide explains, saying "This is one of the first "Neutral Zones" in the world... Great Doge Tumberink, may his funds never cease to make good investments, decided that learning could not belong to a government, and so gave the Institute that bears his name an increase portion of his funds to allow it to purchase land, and build this island. No nation gives it money nor has a right to its learning! So where better to host an international piece accord than on a place that no nation owns?"

The Institute itself has grown greatly from the old, squat bunker appearance of its first days, and now boasts tall towers for Astronomy, as well as large hangars and construction bays for the greatly expanded engineering lines. Despite this, there are plentiful grand conference rooms, one of which has been set aside for the site of the accord. All four attending groups have adjacent rooms for discussion, and food is heaped in every open space, in accordance with the Guilderene sailor philosophy, "Business is for a Reason: Food."

Vizini and Buttercup stand by the doors, ready to greet Valineth and Wayve as they enter, taking the time to inquire about family and the like. It pays to pay researchers, after all.

[BladeofObliviom]

The Florin Isles were not truly part of Guilder despite being just off the coast, she knew, but she also knew that it was only in name. After all, even if it were technically independent, most of the people living there were Guilderene, Guilderene architecture dominated the skylines, and Guilderene plutocracy was the name of the game in the markets nonetheless. Still, even as Glazfell's King strode through the halls to approach the meeting place, she allowed herself a small smile. The Emperor of Hurosha might have refused to meet in Shezhan, but Ghalle knew that she was no less surrounded by allies here than she would have been there. Moreso, even; there was no doubt that the Guilderenes could be swayed by money, but the Tieflin have been known to hold grudges across generations and might actually have something to gain from a betrayal.

Plus, unlike the natives of Shezhan, the Guilderenes weren't exactly known for their subtlety.

Ghalle had considered inviting the Teotlkan Nezetkhamun along just to see how the Huroshans would react to seeing a full-sized Dragon bearing down upon them, but had ultimately decided to come without any backup aside from the technically neutral Vizini and Buttercup. After all, it was her declaration alone that had started this diplomatic scuffle, and the Huroshan Emperor was the one that had requested an audience with her. And by golly was he about to get one.

Moments after the King dismissed her royal guard and made sure that nobody was looking, she pulled out a handmirror to ensure that every single snow-white hair was in place; she was not normally so vain, but every aspect of her appearance was calculated to make an impression. Though she wore only jewelry and a few ornamented plates of silver and steel above her breast, the rest of her body was carefully covered by wintry blue silken mantle (weighted so that motion and wind would not easily knock it aside) worn over a fine white kirtle embroidered with golden thread. Finally, to round out the appearance, she wore an expensive pair of Lacertal leather boots and violet-dyed silk gloves.

She silently nodded at Vizini and Buttercup as she passed by, knowing that it would compromise their supposed neutrality on this matter were they to lend support to either side. She had more important things on her mind than engaging in small talk with Pro Tempore Doges regardless. She pushed through both doors as she entered, though not forcefully enough to slam them open, feeling the cool air wash past her. As only a half-Frosten she didn't have quite the same affinity for the cold as her father did, but she was still a native of Glazfell and a chilly room in Guilder was nothing to her.

Letting the doors fall closed behind her, Ghalle's arms retreated under her mantle to fold behind her back before she lifted her head up high to speak in her most imperious tone:

"Greetings to you, Emperor Earthguard, and to you as well, Queen Varinel."

The greeting was all that was necessary, really. The Emperor was the one who had requested the audience, and the onus was on him to broach the topic.

[WaylanderX]

Valineth arrived in Guilder without great fanfare and without her daughters, though Kyria had asked intently nearly to the point of insistence to accompany the Queen but Valineth had refused, shoving a greater distance between the mother and daughter though Valineth hoped what might be accomplished at this meeting might preclude any further alienation within her family.

Wayve had grown distant, obsessive over Ridovo and wracked with some strange disease that he had kept secret from Valineth. She had learned about it only through gossip and rumors and piecing together clues herself. Kyria spent months in Yorukuni and had begun to organize a military force that Valineth found uncomfortably large under her banner as High Prince of Sanctuary which had in turn prompted the Fire Singers to organize their own forces, purportedly in service to the Princess and the Queen but maintaining an unnerving distance from the rest of the Freehold's armies. Loris had been spending months away at Tar, visiting the Sacred Grove there, and returning to preach to her region spanning congregations between bouts of intense prayer and fasting. Rove was as ever distant from his mother, preferring the land of Kasumor to The Heartwaste or Tekorva where the Queen spent the majority of her time.

It seemed all the members of Valineth's closest family had begun to fall apart in their own ways and the threat of war on their doorstep was poised to topple the delicate balance that was still being maintained.

She entered the room to find Wayve already arrived, she looked at him a moment in appraising silence. It had been three months since they'd last set physical eyes on one another such were the demands of their positions and he looked like a different man. His eyes were sunken and dark as if he hadn't slept in days yet filled with a fiery, angry passion. She noted the blackened handkerchief though he tried to hide it and she realized she must have been staring. Though he was staring back. And no wonder, she knew she looked different, time and the pressures of Queenship had begun to ravage her faster in these last few years than it ever had in her youth. She was still objectively a beauty but there was a coldness, a frailness about her that she'd never had before.

She took a seat quietly.

"It is good to see you Wayve."

Sitting in the room, Wayve found his thoughts wandering to his wife and children, the thoughts spiraling down towards regret and anger.

When Valineth entered the room, he saw what the pressure of Queenhood had done to her in recent years, recent months even. At the sight of his own wife, something clicked, snapped together inside his head, pushing away the pain of the corruption that spread inside him.

Wayve's face cleared up, relief, joy and sadness all battling for dominance upon his face, momentarely clearing the fury in his eyes. At that moment, he looked like the Emperor he used to be. Without saying a word, he stood up, walked to her and embraced her, despite Vizini and Buttercup standing near.

"Valineth! I am... I am so glad you could make it. Despite your troubles, despite the pressures, you came. Words aren't enough to express my feelings, my love. Just... Thank you."

He let go, the fire in his eyes returning, but with another light in there aswell, something akin to hope.

I am not alone in this. Wayve thought. I was a fool not to go to my own family for help. Maybe, just maybe, I can set this right in the nick of time. Even if my Prowess fails me, I must try.

He coughed embarrassedly, a small smile lingering on his face.

"I'm sorry my love, I let myself go. *ahem* It's more then good to see you aswell. Are you ready for the negotiations? It has been a while since we last teamed up. I'm looking forward to it."

Spoiler: OOC for Reggie only

Show

Valineth knows some of the details of Wayve's condition through Rove, who has been sending letters to her on a monthly basis (he is still Valineth's son, after all). The cause is unknown, but the coughing has been going on for about a year before this event. The cause is unknown, with even the Academy of Culture and Prowess unable to find a cure or antidote. But yeah, IC, no way Rove wouldn't stay in touch.

Florin City is a blur of international activity in preparation for the meeting: ships docking, cargoes shipped, men and women and creatures and boxes flying every which way. Every now and again, a glimpse of some strange movement, a puff of steam rises from one of the back streets.

The city of wonders, however, will have to wait on this business visit: the dignitaries are escorted through the city to a separate island in the middle of the fjords. The guide explains, saying "This is one of the first "Neutral Zones" in the world... Great Doge Tumberink, may his funds never cease to make good investments, decided that learning could not belong to a government, and so gave the Institute that bears his name an increase portion of his funds to allow it to purchase land, and build this island. No nation gives it money nor has a right to its learning! So where better to host an international piece accord than on a place that no nation owns?"

The Institute itself has grown greatly from the old, squat bunker appearance of its first days, and now boasts tall towers for Astronomy, as well as large hangars and construction bays for the greatly expanded engineering lines. Despite this, there are plentiful grand conference rooms, one of which has been set aside for the site of the accord. All four attending groups have adjacent rooms for discussion, and food is heaped in every open space, in accordance with the Guilderene sailor philosophy, "Business is for a Reason: Food."

Vizini and Buttercup stand by the doors, ready to greet Valineth and Wayve as they enter, taking the time to inquire about family and the like. It pays to pay researchers, after all.

"May Prowess guide you, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup. I thank you for your willingness to host our negotiations. Rove is in good health, indeed. A little bit of a schemer, I guess it runs in the family, hehe.
Valineth? To my knowledge, she is in good health. Quite fond of asking questions aren't we? Hhmm? My daughters? Heh, who knows what they are up to? Quite the independant girls they are indeed.

But enough of my family, how are things running on your side? There were rumours about quite some troubles regarding Inigo I believe?"

The Florin Isles were not truly part of Guilder despite being just off the coast, she knew, but she also knew that it was only in name. After all, even if it were technically independent, most of the people living there were Guilderene, Guilderene architecture dominated the skylines, and Guilderene plutocracy was the name of the game in the markets nonetheless. Still, even as Glazfell's King strode through the halls to approach the meeting place, she allowed herself a small smile. The Emperor of Hurosha might have refused to meet in Shezhan, but Ghalle knew that she was no less surrounded by allies here than she would have been there. Moreso, even; there was no doubt that the Guilderenes could be swayed by money, but the Tieflin have been known to hold grudges across generations and might actually have something to gain from a betrayal.

Plus, unlike the natives of Shezhan, the Guilderenes weren't exactly known for their subtlety.

Ghalle had considered inviting the Teotlkan Nezetkhamun along just to see how the Huroshans would react to seeing a full-sized Dragon bearing down upon them, but had ultimately decided to come without any backup aside from the technically neutral Vizini and Buttercup. After all, it was her declaration alone that had started this diplomatic scuffle, and the Huroshan Emperor was the one that had requested an audience with her. And by golly was he about to get one.

Moments after the King dismissed her royal guard and made sure that nobody was looking, she pulled out a handmirror to ensure that every single snow-white hair was in place; she was not normally so vain, but every aspect of her appearance was calculated to make an impression. Though she wore only jewelry and a few ornamented plates of silver and steel above her breast, the rest of her body was carefully covered by wintry blue silken mantle (weighted so that motion and wind would not easily knock it aside) worn over a fine white kirtle embroidered with golden thread. Finally, to round out the appearance, she wore an expensive pair of Lacertal leather boots and violet-dyed silk gloves.

She silently nodded at Vizini and Buttercup as she passed by, knowing that it would compromise their supposed neutrality on this matter were they to lend support to either side. She had more important things on her mind than engaging in small talk with Pro Tempore Doges regardless. She pushed through both doors as she entered, though not forcefully enough to slam them open, feeling the cool air wash past her. As only a half-Frosten she didn't have quite the same affinity for the cold as her father did, but she was still a native of Glazfell and a chilly room in Guilder was nothing to her.

Letting the doors fall closed behind her, Ghalle's arms retreated under her mantle to fold behind her back before she lifted her head up high to speak in her most imperious tone:

"Greetings to you, Emperor Earthguard, and to you as well, Queen Varinel."

The greeting was all that was necessary, really. The Emperor was the one who had requested the audience, and the onus was on him to broach the topic.

Not to be outdone, Wayve stood up when the King entered, glancing at Valineth when he did so. Rising up to his full lenght, he pulled back his cloak and unfolded his wings, revealing his iconic Phoenix Star breastplate. His shintouite axe glowed a warm, soft red. At that point, the adrenaline rushed through his veins, leaving him oblivous to the cold. If she wanted an impressive display, she could get one.

Doubtlessly, she thought herself surrounded by allies here, which was true. To an extent. Old connections still held strong in quite some parts of Guilder, plus Wayve made sure that he had some allies at hand, due to the Guilderene's passion for trade and silver. The "King"-Queen would find that she would have less allies then she would expect.

"Greetings, King Ghalle. Thank you for answering my call for negotiations. For that alone, you have my thanks. Please, have a seat. My Queen Valineth, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup, I would ask you to join aswell, if you would please."

After everyone was seated, he continued:

"I would again express my thanks to all of you for joining me here on this day. As you are all aware, the situation between the Hurosha Empire and the Glazfelli Hegemony is getting worse by the day. And I will say this, some of the decisions of both sides of this conflict were not the right course of action. It would not be Prowess to deny ones own mistakes. However, I believe that the vast majority of the problems lie within miscommunications and misunderstandings that can partially be corrected and explained here. King Ghalle, if you would, could you explain, in detail, the reasons why the Glazfelli Hegemony chose to embargo the Hurosha Empire? It is time we get to the botom of this and find a solution to this predicament."

[Reggiejam]

Sitting in the room, Wayve found his thoughts wandering to his wife and children, the thoughts spiraling down towards regret and anger.

When Valineth entered the room, he saw what the pressure of Queenhood had done to her in recent years, recent months even. At the sight of his own wife, something clicked, snapped together inside his head, pushing away the pain of the corruption that spread inside him.

Wayve's face cleared up, relief, joy and sadness all battling for dominance upon his face, momentarely clearing the fury in his eyes. At that moment, he looked like the Emperor he used to be. Without saying a word, he stood up, walked to her and embraced her, despite Vizini and Buttercup standing near.

"Valineth! I am... I am so glad you could make it. Despite your troubles, despite the pressures, you came. Words aren't enough to express my feelings, my love. Just... Thank you."

He let go, the fire in his eyes returning, but with another light in there aswell, something akin to hope.

I am not alone in this. Wayve thought. I was a fool not to go to my own family for help. Maybe, just maybe, I can set this right in the nick of time. Even if my Prowess fails me, I must try.

He coughed embarrassedly, a small smile lingering on his face.

"I'm sorry my love, I let myself go. *ahem* It's more then good to see you aswell. Are you ready for the negotiations? It has been a while since we last teamed up. I'm looking forward to it."

Spoiler: OOC for Reggie only

Show

Valineth knows some of the details of Wayve's condition through Rove, who has been sending letters to her on a monthly basis (he is still Valineth's son, after all). The cause is unknown, but the coughing has been going on for about a year before this event. The cause is unknown, with even the Academy of Culture and Prowess unable to find a cure or antidote. But yeah, IC, no way Rove wouldn't stay in touch.

Valineth let herself melt into Wayve's arms, the memories of fonder earlier years coupled with the familiar scent and embrace of her husband at once comfortingly familiar and foreign through time apart. But the moment of tenderness was rippled by another feeling, concern and hurt over her husband's condition, now seen and felt fully by the Queen. If she had known he was in such a shape... She didn't know how to feel or what to say and when Wayve pulled back from the embrace she could only manage a weak smile filled to the brim with mixed emotion and a nod of affirmation at her husband's words as she moved to take her seat.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Alright, gotcha. I didn't know how Rove would be, I'll edit to reflect.

"I would again express my thanks to all of you for joining me here on this day. As you are all aware, the situation between the Hurosha Empire and the Glazfelli Hegemony is getting worse by the day. And I will say this, some of the decisions of both sides of this conflict were not the right course of action. It would not be Prowess to deny ones own mistakes. However, I believe that the vast majority of the problems lie within miscommunications and misunderstandings that can partially be corrected and explained here. King Ghalle, if you would, could you explain, in detail, the reasons why the Glazfelli Hegemony chose to embargo the Hurosha Empire? It is time we get to the botom of this and find a solution to this predicament."

The Queen sat silently, still fearful that her emotions would get the best of her if she spoke now, deciding instead to wait on the Glazfell King's response though she imagined she understood the issues quite well, it was good to open with a clear dialogue regarding what was laid out on the table.

[BladeofObliviom]

Spoiler

Show

Sitting in the room, Wayve found his thoughts wandering to his wife and children, the thoughts spiraling down towards regret and anger.

When Valineth entered the room, he saw what the pressure of Queenhood had done to her in recent years, recent months even. At the sight of his own wife, something clicked, snapped together inside his head, pushing away the pain of the corruption that spread inside him.

Wayve's face cleared up, relief, joy and sadness all battling for dominance upon his face, momentarely clearing the fury in his eyes. At that moment, he looked like the Emperor he used to be. Without saying a word, he stood up, walked to her and embraced her, despite Vizini and Buttercup standing near.

"Valineth! I am... I am so glad you could make it. Despite your troubles, despite the pressures, you came. Words aren't enough to express my feelings, my love. Just... Thank you."

He let go, the fire in his eyes returning, but with another light in there aswell, something akin to hope.

I am not alone in this. Wayve thought. I was a fool not to go to my own family for help. Maybe, just maybe, I can set this right in the nick of time. Even if my Prowess fails me, I must try.

He coughed embarrassedly, a small smile lingering on his face.

"I'm sorry my love, I let myself go. *ahem* It's more then good to see you aswell. Are you ready for the negotiations? It has been a while since we last teamed up. I'm looking forward to it."

Spoiler: OOC for Reggie only

Show

Valineth knows some of the details of Wayve's condition through Rove, who has been sending letters to her on a monthly basis (he is still Valineth's son, after all). The cause is unknown, but the coughing has been going on for about a year before this event. The cause is unknown, with even the Academy of Culture and Prowess unable to find a cure or antidote. But yeah, IC, no way Rove wouldn't stay in touch.

"May Prowess guide you, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup. I thank you for your willingness to host our negotiations. Rove is in good health, indeed. A little bit of a schemer, I guess it runs in the family, hehe.
Valineth? To my knowledge, she is in good health. Quite fond of asking questions aren't we? Hhmm? My daughters? Heh, who knows what they are up to? Quite the independant girls they are indeed.

But enough of my family, how are things running on your side? There were rumours about quite some troubles regarding Inigo I believe?"



Not to be outdone, Wayve stood up when the King entered, glancing at Valineth when he did so. Rising up to his full lenght, he pulled back his cloak and unfolded his wings, revealing his iconic Phoenix Star breastplate. His shintouite axe glowed a warm, soft red. At that point, the adrenaline rushed through his veins, leaving him oblivous to the cold. If she wanted an impressive display, she could get one.

Doubtlessly, she thought herself surrounded by allies here, which was true. To an extent. Old connections still held strong in quite some parts of Guilder, plus Wayve made sure that he had some allies at hand, due to the Guilderene's passion for trade and silver. The "King"-Queen would find that she would have less allies then she would expect.

"Greetings, King Ghalle. Thank you for answering my call for negotiations. For that alone, you have my thanks. Please, have a seat. My Queen Valineth, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup, I would ask you to join aswell, if you would please."

After everyone was seated, he continued:

"I would again express my thanks to all of you for joining me here on this day. As you are all aware, the situation between the Hurosha Empire and the Glazfelli Hegemony is getting worse by the day. And I will say this, some of the decisions of both sides of this conflict were not the right course of action. It would not be Prowess to deny ones own mistakes. However, I believe that the vast majority of the problems lie within miscommunications and misunderstandings that can partially be corrected and explained here. King Ghalle, if you would, could you explain, in detail, the reasons why the Glazfelli Hegemony chose to embargo the Hurosha Empire? It is time we get to the botom of this and find a solution to this predicament."

Valineth let herself melt into Wayve's arms, the memories of fonder earlier years coupled with the familiar scent and embrace of her husband at once comfortingly familiar and foreign through time apart. But the moment of tenderness was rippled by another feeling, concern and hurt over her husband's condition, now seen and felt fully by the Queen. If she had known he was in such a shape... She didn't know how to feel or what to say and when Wayve pulled back from the embrace she could only manage a weak smile filled to the brim with mixed emotion and a nod of affirmation at her husband's words as she moved to take her seat.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Alright, gotcha. I didn't know how Rove would be, I'll edit to reflect.

The Queen sat silently, still fearful that her emotions would get the best of her if she spoke now, deciding instead to wait on the Glazfell King's response though she imagined she understood the issues quite well, it was good to open with a clear dialogue regarding what was laid out on the table.

Ghalle resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Wayve made sure to open his wings, trying to look as big as he could. Shrugging it off, though, she quietly sat down with everyone else, opting to retrieve herself a cup of Guilderene Black Tea to help calm her nerves. Still, she frowned deeply as the Emperor immediately demanded she explain herself. The King of Glazfell made eye contact, and spoke.

"I do believe that I sent you an enumerated list, Emperor of Hurosha, along with a herald to read it to you. I think my reasons for the Embargo have already been made perfectly clear, and there's no need to waste time repeating them now. Frankly I'm a bit shocked that you're the one to demand I repeat myself, given that you supposedly replied vocally without my presence and refused to show me the simple courtesy of a written reply."

She was tempted to add "Such obvious hypocrisy is unbecoming of a diplomat", but decided not to. Instead, she stops for a moment, taking a sip of tea to cover the pause without breaking her stare.

"If there is something specific that you cannot understand, however, I would be happy to enlighten you with the details."

[SamBurke]

[QUOTE=WaylanderX;18295316]
"May Prowess guide you, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup. I thank you for your willingness to host our negotiations. Rove is in good health, indeed. A little bit of a schemer, I guess it runs in the family, hehe.
Valineth? To my knowledge, she is in good health. Quite fond of asking questions aren't we? Hhmm? My daughters? Heh, who knows what they are up to? Quite the independant girls they are indeed.

But enough of my family, how are things running on your side? There were rumours about quite some troubles regarding Inigo I believe?"

Vizini seems quite at home with the small talk, clearly enjoying the brief interlude before more fierce verbal sparring. "Scheming runs in most ruling families I've found, for good or for ill. In fact, most of the exceptions are the nations which mingle not with the world... Though I would prefer the independent sort. Do you ever long to be like your daughters, running off away from duty? I do, I know. But yet, I am not and have not... for I cannot. I'm here to keep balance on dear Buttercup here." Yet, he makes no mention of Inigo... unusual.

Nevertheless, there is concern on his face as Vizini sits down, and Buttercup's whispers go unadressed.

"I do believe that I sent you an enumerated list, Emperor of Hurosha, along with a herald to read it to you. I think my reasons for the Embargo have already been made perfectly clear, and there's no need to waste time repeating them now. Frankly I'm a bit shocked that you're the one to demand I repeat myself, given that you supposedly replied vocally without my presence and refused to show me the simple courtesy of a written reply."

She was tempted to add "Such obvious hypocrisy is unbecoming of a diplomat", but decided not to. Instead, she stops for a moment, taking a sip of tea to cover the pause without breaking her stare.

"If there is something specific that you cannot understand, however, I would be happy to enlighten you with the details."

"Not to be the unelightened one in the room, but Guilder has not heard the details of the embargo, and I suspect that Valineth as well may wish to be reminded of the details. Perhaps you could present some of the copies for us to read as we continue?" She smiles demurely, and Vizini chimes in.

"I find that the more is certain, the more we can see in front of us and read the precise words of, the more clarity we have."

[SamBurke]

Spoiler: A challenger appears!

Show

[QUOTE=SamBurke;18298604]

"May Prowess guide you, Lord Vizini, Lord Buttercup. I thank you for your willingness to host our negotiations. Rove is in good health, indeed. A little bit of a schemer, I guess it runs in the family, hehe.
Valineth? To my knowledge, she is in good health. Quite fond of asking questions aren't we? Hhmm? My daughters? Heh, who knows what they are up to? Quite the independant girls they are indeed.

But enough of my family, how are things running on your side? There were rumours about quite some troubles regarding Inigo I believe?"

Vizini seems quite at home with the small talk, clearly enjoying the brief interlude before more fierce verbal sparring. "Scheming runs in most ruling families I've found, for good or for ill. In fact, most of the exceptions are the nations which mingle not with the world... Though I would prefer the independent sort. Do you ever long to be like your daughters, running off away from duty? I do, I know. But yet, I am not and have not... for I cannot. I'm here to keep balance on dear Buttercup here." Yet, he makes no mention of Inigo... unusual.

Nevertheless, there is concern on his face as Vizini sits down, and Buttercup's whispers go unadressed.


"Not to be the unelightened one in the room, but Guilder has not heard the details of the embargo, and I suspect that Valineth as well may wish to be reminded of the details. Perhaps you could present some of the copies for us to read as we continue?" She smiles demurely, and Vizini chimes in.

"I find that the more is certain, the more we can see in front of us and read the precise words of, the more clarity we have."

Into the room walks Inigo, fuming mad and carrying a pile of scrolls under each arm. "Are you two FOOLS?? Or just practicing your acting skills?" He drops the heap of paper on the table, and starts throwing scrolls at the two Co-Doges. "It isn't! Hard! To Find! The Information! Everyone in this room has known and can know exactly what it says... Here. I'll give everyone their own copy, in case they want to take notes... excepting the Lady, because she seems to know what's going on..." Inigo bows to Ghalle, and proceeds to pass around a copy of the Denunciation to the others present.

Emperor Wayve Earthguard of the Hurosha Empire,

We of Glazfell are shocked and appalled by the recent actions of the Hurosha Empire.

First was the unprovoked invasion of Pryonia, a historical ally of Hurosha then betrayed. When the invasion was repulsed, Pryonian independence was ended peacefully via the partitioning of Pryonia. The House of Cardion was stripped of all its lands, and those lands split between the Houses of Divinorum and Varinel, by the order of Emperor Wayve Earthguard. The Free State of Pryonia ceased to exist, betrayed by its supposed Huroshan allies.

Second was the partitioning of the Kingdom of the Burning Mountains, another historical ally of the Huroshan Empire. When the House of Gunung swore loyalty to Hurosha and agreed to become its vassal, Emperor Wayve Earthguard stripped all lands save the far western region of Intepeuh from the House of Gunung, granting the fief of their namesake to himself and granting the remainder to the House of Divinorum.

Third was the final betrayal of the House of Gunung. When Intepeuh was occupied by Ashenian banners, the Hurosha Empire stripped the former regions of the Kingdom of the Burning Mountains of their military levies and posted them inside the Huroshan Heartland, where they could do nothing to fight the Ashenians. Emperor Wayve Earthguard chose to turn a blind eye to the plight of the House of Gunung, left with only a single fief and no army. With the Ashenian conquest of Intepeuh, the once-great House of Gunung was left landless and powerless thanks to the actions of the Hurosha Empire, and the Kingdom of the Burning Mountains ceased to exist.

Pryonia was a friend to Hurosha. They fought together during the Great Tellurian War and were formal allies as part of the Grand Coalition until Hurosha's invasion. The Kingdom of the Burning Mountains did the same, and the House of Gunung trusted Emperor Wayve enough to swear undying loyalty to the Hurosha Empire. Pryonia's Friendship and Gunung's Loyalty were both rewarded with total ruin. If this is how Hurosha deigns to treat its partners and allies, the Glazfelli Hegemony wishes to be neither a partner or an ally to the Hurosha Empire.

Speaking on behalf of the Glazfelli Hegemony, this is a Notice of Embargo. Glazfell and all vassals thereof are hereby forbidden from further trade with the Hurosha Empire and its vassals. All ongoing trade is to be cancelled immediately and indefinitely, with exception of the Hold of Faedas: Due to the Heartwaste's current reliance on Frosskovi Wood and the terms of the Pax Varinel promising an ongoing supply of True Ice for Bloodfire research, the subjects of the Throne of Thorns will be spared the effects of this decree.

Additionally, let it be known that all fellow Lords and Ladies with respect for the Houses of Cardion and Gunung and disdain for Hurosha's betrayal of its own allies are welcome to join with Glazfell in this embargo, should they wish to grant their fellow noble houses the honor they deserve, in their own Kingdoms and all others.

Regards,

~ Ghalle Daan, Lord of the Glazfell

Spoiler: OOC Note:

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Inigo's opinions are his, and his alone. Feel free to get annoyed at him though! In his old age, he's gotten even more angry than his youth... if that's possible.

[WaylanderX]

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Ghalle resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Wayve made sure to open his wings, trying to look as big as he could. Shrugging it off, though, she quietly sat down with everyone else, opting to retrieve herself a cup of Guilderene Black Tea to help calm her nerves. Still, she frowned deeply as the Emperor immediately demanded she explain herself. The King of Glazfell made eye contact, and spoke.

"I do believe that I sent you an enumerated list, Emperor of Hurosha, along with a herald to read it to you. I think my reasons for the Embargo have already been made perfectly clear, and there's no need to waste time repeating them now. Frankly I'm a bit shocked that you're the one to demand I repeat myself, given that you supposedly replied vocally without my presence and refused to show me the simple courtesy of a written reply."

She was tempted to add "Such obvious hypocrisy is unbecoming of a diplomat", but decided not to. Instead, she stops for a moment, taking a sip of tea to cover the pause without breaking her stare.

"If there is something specific that you cannot understand, however, I would be happy to enlighten you with the details."

Internally, Wayve sighed. This "King" must be more dense then he thought.

"I'm not demanding it to repeat it to me, I am asking you to repeat it to our hosts and Lady Valineth, so they may be completely informed aswell. It would be....rude to continue without everyone knowing the facts. Almost as rude as denouncing somebody's rule in front of an audience without even bothering to check the fac......."

*Interrupt!*

Into the room walks Inigo, fuming mad and carrying a pile of scrolls under each arm. "Are you two FOOLS?? Or just practicing your acting skills?" He drops the heap of paper on the table, and starts throwing scrolls at the two Co-Doges. "It isn't! Hard! To Find! The Information! Everyone in this room has known and can know exactly what it says... Here. I'll give everyone their own copy, in case they want to take notes... excepting the Lady, because she seems to know what's going on..." Inigo bows to Ghalle, and proceeds to pass around a copy of the Denunciation to the others present.

Spoiler: OOC Note:

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Inigo's opinions are his, and his alone. Feel free to get annoyed at him though! In his old age, he's gotten even more angry than his youth... if that's possible.

Wayve raised his brow at Inigo's facade, passing a copy over to Valineth. He himself knew the letter by heart, so he did not take one for himself.

"Ah, I see that the matter of not everybody sharing the same information has been solved. Excellent. That indeed removes the need for any verbal explanation."

Wayve summoned the most pleasant smile he could in these circumstances (which is just a small smile).

"And I think you misinterpreted my question, King Ghalle. My question aimed at what you aimed to achieve issuing this decree. About the decree itself, what done is done, accusations have been thrown between both parties.

The question now is, is it possible to reconcile our two nations? As such I ask you, Lady Ghalle. Are you prepared to make peace with the Hurosha Empire should a solution present itself?"

[SamBurke]

Buttercup motions violently to Inigo. "Sit down! Now!" She attempts to "whisper."

Inigo grins, and shakes his head, leaning up against one of the tables in the inner ring like an obstinate toddler, much to the Co-Doge's chagrin. "Please continue, Dear Wayve."

[Reggiejam]

"My Emperor, good King, I think perhaps we are already starting out on troubled ground," Valineth said, mustering long dormant lessons learned from the signing of the Pax Varinel those many years ago, "The issue is clear, the King of Glazfell finds the division of lands by the Hurosha Empire among its sworn vassals and reallocation of administration from their historic ruling houses to those with ties already to the Huroshan Empire to be a clear disregard for the rights and powers of royalty. Hurosha maintains that these Houses retain royal power within their historic administrative regions, as exemplified by the arrival of representatives from House Aitah and Cardion at the Games when many proclamations were made."

"Of course, knowing that doesn't change what has happened or what is happening now and is almost certainly not the exclusive reason behind the amplified tensions between Hurosha and the Glazfell. My liege and husband would seek peace with you King Ghalle, though pressures from the madman Ridovo and straightening out the entangling web of royals that has fallen into Hurosha's lap has consumed much of his time and his patience grows short for it. Perhaps not a reasonable excuse, but the reasoning nonetheless. The question I believe my husband intends isn't 'are you prepared to make peace' for which sovereign should not desire peace, but rather, 'how might Hurosha help bring peace about with the Glazfell'?"

[BladeofObliviom]

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Internally, Wayve sighed. This "King" must be more dense then he thought.

"I'm not demanding it to repeat it to me, I am asking you to repeat it to our hosts and Lady Valineth, so they may be completely informed aswell. It would be....rude to continue without everyone knowing the facts. Almost as rude as denouncing somebody's rule in front of an audience without even bothering to check the fac......."

*Interrupt!*

Wayve raised his brow at Inigo's facade, passing a copy over to Valineth. He himself knew the letter by heart, so he did not take one for himself.

"Ah, I see that the matter of not everybody sharing the same information has been solved. Excellent. That indeed removes the need for any verbal explanation."

Wayve summoned the most pleasant smile he could in these circumstances (which is just a small smile).

"And I think you misinterpreted my question, King Ghalle. My question aimed at what you aimed to achieve issuing this decree. About the decree itself, what done is done, accusations have been thrown between both parties.

The question now is, is it possible to reconcile our two nations? As such I ask you, Lady Ghalle. Are you prepared to make peace with the Hurosha Empire should a solution present itself?"

"My Emperor, good King, I think perhaps we are already starting out on troubled ground," Valineth said, mustering long dormant lessons learned from the signing of the Pax Varinel those many years ago, "The issue is clear, the King of Glazfell finds the division of lands by the Hurosha Empire among its sworn vassals and reallocation of administration from their historic ruling houses to those with ties already to the Huroshan Empire to be a clear disregard for the rights and powers of royalty. Hurosha maintains that these Houses retain royal power within their historic administrative regions, as exemplified by the arrival of representatives from House Aitah and Cardion at the Games when many proclamations were made."

"Of course, knowing that doesn't change what has happened or what is happening now and is almost certainly not the exclusive reason behind the amplified tensions between Hurosha and the Glazfell. My liege and husband would seek peace with you King Ghalle, though pressures from the madman Ridovo and straightening out the entangling web of royals that has fallen into Hurosha's lap has consumed much of his time and his patience grows short for it. Perhaps not a reasonable excuse, but the reasoning nonetheless. The question I believe my husband intends isn't 'are you prepared to make peace' for which sovereign should not desire peace, but rather, 'how might Hurosha help bring peace about with the Glazfell'?"

Ghalle very nearly made a smart comment at Buttercup's expense just before Inigo burst in and made it for her! After that, she simply watched the events before her unfold with bemusement, drinking more tea to cover her smile. While that same smile was quickly replaced by a raised eyebrow of incredulous annoyance at Wayve's vaguely accusatory tone, she steadily lowered it as Valineth intervened.

"Thank you for clarifying, Queen Varinel. In light of your clarification, I'll try to get directly to the point rather than dwelling overmuch on your husband's seeming inability to resist drowning his words in meaningless insults."

A sip to cover the pause, before addressing the whole group, rather than just Valineth.

"The simple fact of the matter is that, when I first heard what minor snippets of Emperor Wayve's reply actually reached my ears and I learned that he had requested an audience with me, I believed that we would have a simple conversation and talk the whole issue out. After all, he had gone to the effort of getting the heirs of Cardion and Gunung to insist that their powers were not seriously infringed upon. Of course, forbidding Gunung's army from defending Intepeuh still looked rather suspicious, but perhaps there really was a misunderstanding, I thought. The purpose of the embargo was a protest against percieved actions, and I am not infallible. If there were really a mistake, I do not think I would be so thoroughly unreasonable as to needlessly continue hostile economic sanctions or even go to war over my pride alone."

Allowing for a short pause to unfold so that her words can sink in, Ghalle very suddenly whipped her gaze straight toward Wayve.

"But then I heard about what happened to Rengal Cardion for his, erm, 'unProwessful words', I believe you said? Chastisement I could understand, yes, but reduction to the status of a common butler?"

Chuckling, she addressed the group again.

"Yes, that's right. After he claimed that I was wrong and he did respect the rights of the Nobility and protected their status despite everything I said, Emperor Wayve nearly immediately decided to strip one of those same nobles of their position and put them into common servitude because he didn't like something that they said!"

Her tone shifted into something vaguely angry near the end, though she managed to stop short of actually yelling. Still seething just a little bit, Ghalle sits back and takes another sip to calm down.

"I don't know what kind of peace-loving Emperor walks into a supposedly friendly conference wearing Plate Armor and a Battleaxe and takes every possible opportunity to insult the person sitting on the other side of the table, but I am not impressed by his actions. In fact, I'm beginning to wonder if this whole audience is a sham and he's trying to convince me to declare war because he is too much of a coward to do so himself.

If you've an explanation for all this, Emperor, I'm waiting to hear it. But from where I sit, you look like the biggest hypocrite I've ever met."

[WaylanderX]

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Ghalle very nearly made a smart comment at Buttercup's expense just before Inigo burst in and made it for her! After that, she simply watched the events before her unfold with bemusement, drinking more tea to cover her smile. While that same smile was quickly replaced by a raised eyebrow of incredulous annoyance at Wayve's vaguely accusatory tone, she steadily lowered it as Valineth intervened.

"Thank you for clarifying, Queen Varinel. In light of your clarification, I'll try to get directly to the point rather than dwelling overmuch on your husband's seeming inability to resist drowning his words in meaningless insults."

A sip to cover the pause, before addressing the whole group, rather than just Valineth.

"The simple fact of the matter is that, when I first heard what minor snippets of Emperor Wayve's reply actually reached my ears and I learned that he had requested an audience with me, I believed that we would have a simple conversation and talk the whole issue out. After all, he had gone to the effort of getting the heirs of Cardion and Gunung to insist that their powers were not seriously infringed upon. Of course, forbidding Gunung's army from defending Intepeuh still looked rather suspicious, but perhaps there really was a misunderstanding, I thought. The purpose of the embargo was a protest against percieved actions, and I am not infallible. If there were really a mistake, I do not think I would be so thoroughly unreasonable as to needlessly continue hostile economic sanctions or even go to war over my pride alone."

Allowing for a short pause to unfold so that her words can sink in, Ghalle very suddenly whipped her gaze straight toward Wayve.

"But then I heard about what happened to Rengal Cardion for his, erm, 'unProwessful words', I believe you said? Chastisement I could understand, yes, but reduction to the status of a common butler?"

Chuckling, she addressed the group again.

"Yes, that's right. After he claimed that I was wrong and he did respect the rights of the Nobility and protected their status despite everything I said, Emperor Wayve nearly immediately decided to strip one of those same nobles of their position and put them into common servitude because he didn't like something that they said!"

Her tone shifted into something vaguely angry near the end, though she managed to stop short of actually yelling. Still seething just a little bit, Ghalle sits back and takes another sip to calm down.

"I don't know what kind of peace-loving Emperor walks into a supposedly friendly conference wearing Plate Armor and a Battleaxe and takes every possible opportunity to insult the person sitting on the other side of the table, but I am not impressed by his actions. In fact, I'm beginning to wonder if this whole audience is a sham and he's trying to convince me to declare war because he is too much of a coward to do so himself.

If you've an explanation for all this, Emperor, I'm waiting to hear it. But from where I sit, you look like the biggest hypocrite I've ever met."

If Ghalle would have thought that that tirade would provoke Wayve, she couldn't be more wrong.
Wayve sighed and stood up, perfectly calm, his eyes no longer home to the blazing inferno that was there a minute ago.

"And as such, an explanation you will have. No need to call me a hypocrite over that. It seems to me that you aswel take every opportunity to make me seem a fool. And perhaps I am. And perhaps I'm not. That is not for me to decide, but by those who my actions affect."

He folded his arms as he spoke, his voice steady, respectful and calm.

"The matter of Interpuh was one of preventing war. The Ashenians threatened to attack Hurosha en masse if they would not get their "earned prize". I advized the Kingdom of the Burning Mountains to enforce their polar regions instead, in case they were hungering for more "earned prizes". That is all there is too it. Interpuh did not have any Burning Mountain presence to speak off, only housing a small governing village. All 300 of its inhabitants were evacuated to Gunung before the Ashenians annexed the whole area."

"Next the matter of Lord Cardion. A buttler you said? I would beg you pardon. He was chastized for his words yes. But made a butler? That never happened. After the incident, I would be amazed if he still held a place of power in Pryonia, but I hold no direct sway there, so I cannot say. But let me assure you, King Ghalle. Never, and I mean never was a man made a servant against his will under my command for voicing his opinions. Although reckless behaviour like that is considered very dangerous, such sanctions would just not be appropriate for this particular situation. As far as I am aware, Lord Rengal Cardion still lives his life free of servitude, happily living with his wife and children in Pryonia's capital I believe. So I am sorry if you believed these rumours, because that is all they are."

"As for the last part of your narrative, I will ask you this: Why do you walk into this room dressed as you are? Probably because that is the thing you were taught to do. Your royal garb, part of your culture as it were, ain't it so? It is the same for me. Huroshan traditions and believes dictate I dress in my armor for these occasions, for this is my crown, my sign of office as it were. So please, I would kindly request you not to insult my people. It's in bad taste. As for the comment that this meeting is a sham...."

Wayve sighed as he sat back down again.

"If I would love war, I would have attacked the Ashenians a long time ago for what they did to Interpuh. However, I chose the safety of my people over my needs to go to war. The same holds true here. If I can resolve this peacefully, then great."

Wayve's eyes narrowed when he looked at Ghalle, and his axe started glowing with more intensity during these last words.

"But if I have to defend my kin, friends and allies, I will not hesitate. I might not have a love for needless killing, but I do take joy in cutting down those who aim their swords at my people with intent to kill."

As fast as the flash of anger appeared, it was gone. Wayve smiled at the Glazfell ruler.

"So, would that be enough of an explanation for you, King Ghalle? If so, I suggest we continue with our negotiations. And please, lets keep this....civil."

[Reggiejam]

Valineth rested her head in her hand as she leaned back listening to the Glazfelli King and her husband. As her husband finished speaking she closed her eyes and said a quick and silent prayer to Kina. For all his might and prowess in battle it afforded him little in the way of diplomatic delicacies. She may have loved her husband, enough to hold together a marriage frayed at all edges by a thousand pulling desires, but not so much that she didn't see his flaws.

She had talked to him, as gingerly as she was able, about the Huroshan insistence, near obsession, in carrying around weapons to every event and buckling armor to visit a friend. She understood the culture better than most but also understood that such wasn't taken as pride and good natured confidence by most but as the signs of a backwards and war-like society that valued the ability on the field over the ability to govern. Wayve's insistence on continuing it as a valued tradition was a stubborn point of pride that she at once both admired and lamented. It was also one of the few Kasumori styles Kyria had chosen to adopt, though relinquishing the armor for formal events, she more often than not carried her blade with her everywhere she went. An ironic twist to the daughter who so distanced herself from her father.

Valineth realized she was growing distracted again. It seemed to be happening more and more as she got older.

She touched her husband's arm, giving the Glazfell King and the Guilderene Doges a look that requested they politely turn their ears away and she leaned in to Wayve.

Spoiler: Waylander Only

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"Perhaps we can not threaten the Glazfell King any more dear," she whispered softly, "The King is a woman with a capable grasp of politics and the leader of a not insignificant nation. Perhaps humility would serve us better here than defiance."

[WaylanderX]

Valineth rested her head in her hand as she leaned back listening to the Glazfelli King and her husband. As her husband finished speaking she closed her eyes and said a quick and silent prayer to Kina. For all his might and prowess in battle it afforded him little in the way of diplomatic delicacies. She may have loved her husband, enough to hold together a marriage frayed at all edges by a thousand pulling desires, but not so much that she didn't see his flaws.

She had talked to him, as gingerly as she was able, about the Huroshan insistence, near obsession, in carrying around weapons to every event and buckling armor to visit a friend. She understood the culture better than most but also understood that such wasn't taken as pride and good natured confidence by most but as the signs of a backwards and war-like society that valued the ability on the field over the ability to govern. Wayve's insistence on continuing it as a valued tradition was a stubborn point of pride that she at once both admired and lamented. It was also one of the few Kasumori styles Kyria had chosen to adopt, though relinquishing the armor for formal events, she more often than not carried her blade with her everywhere she went. An ironic twist to the daughter who so distanced herself from her father.

Valineth realized she was growing distracted again. It seemed to be happening more and more as she got older.

She touched her husband's arm, giving the Glazfell King and the Guilderene Doges a look that requested they politely turn their ears away and she leaned in to Wayve.

Spoiler: Waylander Only

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"Perhaps we can not threaten the Glazfell King any more dear," she whispered softly, "The King is a woman with a capable grasp of politics and the leader of a not insignificant nation. Perhaps humility would serve us better here than defiance."

Spoiler: Reggie Only

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Wayve nodded.

"Maybe you are correct dear, but she is threatening with war herself. I am not an expert on politics, that much is sure, but I tried to rebuke the threat as polite as possible without being totally meek. But if you saw I should be more humble, dear Valineth, I will. I trust you, so I will follow your lead."

"I just hope the Glazfel makes no outrageous demands because of the humility act though."

A glint went through his eyes.

"Humility huh. Let me be the first to comprimise. Even if it is against my traditions and values."

Before he did what he was planning though, he looked at Valineth.

"Although I might better ask for your opinion first. Would it be a good idea to lay off my armor and weapon? To show my goodwill?"

[Reggiejam]

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Wayve nodded.

"Maybe you are correct dear, but she is threatening with war herself. I am not an expert on politics, that much is sure, but I tried to rebuke the threat as polite as possible without being totally meek. But if you saw I should be more humble, dear Valineth, I will. I trust you, so I will follow your lead."

"I just hope the Glazfel makes no outrageous demands because of the humility act though."

A glint went through his eyes.

"Humility huh. Let me be the first to comprimise. Even if it is against my traditions and values."

Before he did what he was planning though, he looked at Valineth.

"Although I might better ask for your opinion first. Would it be a good idea to lay off my armor and weapon? To show my goodwill?"

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"At this point, such would only undermine your earlier statements. All I ask is you try and deflect the King's words with humility rather than clash with them directly. She is not a warrior who fights full frontal, deflection and deception and recognizing when they are being used will be key here my Emperor."

"The Emperor has addressed your complaints King Ghalle," Valineth said, returning the conversation to the whole of the room, "Might I inquire as to your thoughts regarding them?"

[BladeofObliviom]

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I've been waiting on Sam to post here for a while, but since it's been three days and things should probably be moving faster than this, I've decided to skip him for now. My apologies.

There is also a word in the Glazfelli language that might not be obvious from context down below; Wayve and possibly others here would likely know its meaning, given that it is defined in the Scrolls of Prowess.

"Yes, Queen Varinel, you might." deadpanned Ghalle as the floor is returned to her. "But before I continue, Doge Inigo, would you please send a servant to retrieve a copy of Hurosha's Empirial Decree of 391, regarding Keldagrim? It is not terribly urgent, but its contents will be enlightening, I think."

Coughing once and taking another long sip of tea, the King of Glazfell sat up and continued to speak.

"Now then, I must apologize for the Langendrall, Emperor Wayve. I had suspected that the instatement of Rengal Cardion as a butler in your service was likely more rumor than truth, but thought fit to include it regardless, as you surely wouldn't let it stand were it false. I must also apologize for any percieved slight against your culture as a whole, but I also would remind you that regardless of culture it is generally frowned upon to openly threaten a conversational partner with violence while proclaiming your peaceful intentions."

She also proceeds to pull open one side of her mantle, revealing an empty loop of leather at her hip.

"I would also point out that I have been courteous enough to leave behind my own traditional Mace and Armour in the interest of maintaining appropriate conduct. Make of that what you will."

The mantle drops, returning to its previous state. One might suggest that failing to bring a weapon to a meeting with an obviously hostile delegation might have been somewhat foolhardy, but Ghalle was confident that she could prevent open violence from breaking out. And even if she could not, then the Guilderenes would be more likely to attack an aggressor than her.

"As I was saying, I do apologize for repeating the tale of Lord Rengal Cardion being forced into service as a butler, even as a distraction from the meaningful allegations, but in truth that was merely insult added to injury. After all, Emperor Wayve, you did not deny and in fact all but confirmed that you did in fact strip Lord Rengal Cardion of his position and lands for merely embarrassing you. Now, you did claim that you merely chastised him in a manner that might cause him to mysteriously and conveniently lose all of his lands and status, but if there's any meaningful distinction beyond euphemism I am blissfully unaware.

As for your explanation of Intepeuh, I won't get into whether you really prevented a war by trading it or merely lost by default from failure to defend it, but one thing I do find utterly fascinating is that you're willing to - in the same breath, no less! - claim that you would not hesitate to go to war to defend your friends and allies, and also claim that you were right to not go to war to defend the Kingdom of the Burning Mountains - or the tiny fragment that was left of it after you redistributed their lands, at any rate - against open and undisguised Ashenian invasion.

So which is it, Emperor Wayve? Would you happily go to war to defend your loyal ally's lands, or would you happily sacrifice your loyal ally's lands to avoid a war?"

At this moment, Ghalle visibly and obviously glanced in Valineth's direction before returning her attention to Wayve.

"Or, perhaps, did you merely mean that you would go to war to defend your own lands, but sacrifice your supposed allies whenever you deem it convenient?"

Smiling, King Ghalle leaned back in her chair, awaiting a response.

[SamBurke]

Inigo nods to the nearest sage. "Find the Decree, and do it yesterday!" The man bows and scurries out of the room, returning a few minutes later with the first copy. "Hmph. This'll do."

He passes around a copy of the famous (or perhaps infamous?) 391 Empirial Decree, which read:

Decrees issued by Helga Grimhammer and Eleljak Jak-son, Ambassadors of Keldagrim:

1. Thy will not discriminate against one another, both Bucka and Dwarf will be treated as equals.
Thy who will discriminate against eachother will serve two year in the Keldagrim Guard, under the command of the opposite race: Dwarves who violate the law will be under a Bucka commander, Bucka who violate the law will be under Dwarven supervision.
Thy who violate this law for the second time will be sentenced to lifelong service to the family of the one who has been discriminated.


2. The Dead gate will be opened completely, allowing free travel between Zargrim and Keldagrim for all people.

3. All Bucka living in Keldagrim have the option to settle in Zargrim instead.

Inigo makes a giant, bold stroke of his pen, circling the words "serve" and "under" each time they appear. "See, I've got a problem here, because I had never seen this particular law before. I didn't realize that Hurosha does, in fact, allow enslavement based on opinions. Of course, you do have the Council of Havalader, but the fact that only 6 men can send another to slavery for the rest of their lives, well... that means you're treatin' your people worse than the slave-chattel of Tzalteclan. And that's saying something.

"I know you mean well with this, but it doesn't quite make sense."

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I've never read through all of Hurosha's fluff before... there's a lot of cool stuff in there.