UMBRA ALICAJUS IMPERII (Epic Nation Roleplay Experience) IC

[AmongHeroes]

The Citadel of the Capital City of Rowardar

King Matus watched from his richly appointed throne as the Thyconian emissary was escorted into the Great Hall. The king sat erect, making certain that he kept an expression of calm control upon his face; he wanted to show no sign of weakness in front of the rarely seen islander. For this occasion King Matus had chosen to wear his most formal robes of state, all heavy and richly constructed garments with yards of hand stitched embroidery. Around his shoulders he again wore the Alpine Bear fur cape, and upon his waist he wore his battle sword, its well-worn and battered state clashing starkly with the crisp grandeur of the rest of his attire. All of the six council members were present within the Great Hall as well, seated in their official chairs on either side of the raised throne dais, and all were projecting similar airs of righteous composure. The king did notice however that High General Talige had not removed his hand from the pommel of his own battle sword since the foreigner had been escorted within the Great Hall, and the king whispered a silent prayer to Ermaidh that the young warrior would be still throughout the audience.

The Thyconian stopped at a respectable distance from the throne dais under the watchful eye of the King’s Guard. The emissary did not hesitate, bowing deeply he said, “Your Highness, I’ve come with an offer from King Uindar. He seeks an alliance with the United Clans of Atrusyr.”

King Matus waited a moment, allowing the emissary to remain in his prostrate position. As he did, the king wondered for perhaps the thousandth time why the Thyconians had chosen to seek his audience with such urgency. He had been mulling over the reasoning for the last several days since the news of the emissary’s visit had been given to him, and the ache in his bones had increased every day since. King Matus genuinely hoped that the two were not connected.

Finally he stood, his flowing formal robes and fur cape draping over him elegantly, “Rise Son of Thycona, you are a guest within this hall. I presume you are the Chief Negotiator Alo?”

The emissary answered affirmatively and respectfully.

“Very well then, I am King Matus of Clan Hourd, son of Epitus, and once General of the III Corp. I will begin by saying Chief Negotiator that your visit comes as quite a surprise to The Clans. It has been some time since a Thyconian king has called upon the Crown of Atrusyr. Let us have the reasoning for your King’s proposal.”

---

Just North of the Walls of the Capital City of Beltanhjold

General Altus sat astride his warhorse Dehanur, and found himself marveling at the site of the Tuah’thane capital. Being a son of the north, wood was a prized material used only for the most necessary of applications, but the apparent artistry and abundance in which the material was used here set his curious mind afire. The palisade walls of Beltanhjold were in themselves marvelous examples of lumber engineering, rising dauntingly before the approaching delegation of Atru, and Altus made a mental note to try and formally seek a tour of the city and its foreign grandeur. Riding beside him, Altus could tell that Lieutenant Brord was experiencing the same feeling of awe.

“Quite the wood pile isn’t it my friend?” said Altus, forcefully smacking Brord in the arm.

The cavalry lieutenant grunted at the blow, and smiled at his commander through his thick beard, “Aye it is General. The engineers in Rowardar would have feinting spells if they had access to but a fourth of this amount of timber.”

Altus nodded in agreement, “Ah but you must remember that it’s hard to build a proper sword out of a stick, and armor a soldier with tree bark.”

“Indeed. I find that keeping an edge upon such weapons is quite a chore.” Brord said, chuckling heartily before the pair lapsed again into silence.

Adorned in his most formal armor and regalia, Altus couldn’t help but think how out of place he and his men must look in their current surroundings. The entirety of the one hundred Clan heavy cavalry was adorned in the same fashion as their general, and to a man they were all sweating profusely in the bright mid-day sun. Even discounting the heavy armor, the Atru themselves seemed particularly out of place with their thick braided beards, fair skin, and bright eyes. The voyage from the north had been a long one, taking over three weeks of urgent riding to reach the edges of Beltanhjold. Despite all of this, Altus was proud of the resilience of his men, as all had remained diligent and positive throughout their trek. It was now as the end of the journey loomed closer with every hoof fall that Altus could feel the flutter of anticipation within his stomach. The king had sent him instead of one of the numerous Clan bureaucrats that generally handled such matters. Such a far removed action meant that this trade agreement was an important one, and though Altus was ever confident in his abilities, the majority of foreign relations that he had been trained for involved the use of a sword, and not a tongue.

The column was now within a half a mile from the gates of Beltanhjold, and Altus signaled for a stop. Brord turned in the saddle, facing the majority of the cavalrymen, and whistled loudly. Almost instantly the sounds of hammering hoof beats could be heard from down the line, and soon an Atru on a stout gray horse was skidding to a stop beside the two officers.

“Yes My General?”

“Send up a call for our arrival,” said Brord to the cavalryman.

With a nod the man brought up a horn trumpet, adorned richly with enameled gold. Taking in a deep breath, the man brought his lips to the trumpet and bellowed out a long and resounding blast. The echoes of the horn could be heard for several moments reverberating through the dense forests that flanked the main road.

Altus made certain that the standard bearers were holding the mark of the United Clans high before drawing in a deep breath of his own.

“Now we wait.”

---

Summary

-King Matus greeted the Chief Negotiator and asked why the Thyconians were interested in making an alliance with the Clans.

-General Altus and his delegation reached the Tuah'thane capital of Beltanhjold. Upon their arrival outside the city Altus had a signaler blow a horn to announce the arrival of the delegation.

[Rtron]

Citadel Of Capital City Rowardar

The five Kitaz watched the King's Guard just as closely as the watched them. One of them, most likely the commander of their little squad, was staring down (literally he's a full 2 heads taller than Talige) at young man whom had not taken his hand off of his sword the entire time they had entered,the Kitaz's eyes (the only thing visible from their Blood-red veils and hoods and robes) were dead and emotionless, unnervingly so, and all of them, except for the one staring down at the young man whom had his hands ready to pull out the staff on his back, had their hands at their sides, but ready to draw their weapons and leap into action if necessary. Great and Holy God Of War Kiro please keep battle from happening in this chamber, the life of a nation depends on it. Alo prayed silently. When asked for reasons as to why now they go to an alliance Alo hesitated not sure how much he should reveal. Then he gave an almost imperceptible shrug. The king did give me leave to offer whatever I deem necessary to secure this alliance, and I suspect that if I want this alliance to be strong honesty most come first and foremost. "The High Priest of Thycona received a vision from the gods, several days ago, speaking of a coming war. King Uindar wanted the Kingdom Of Thycona to be as prepared as it can be and thus sent me here for three reasons. The Unified Clans of Atrusyr are known for their high value of loyalty, so the King is relatively assured there will be no chances of treachery. The Clans also do better in the cold than the Kingdom of Thycona forces do, which would allow, in case of armed conflict, for the Clans to support the Kingdom in an invasion of retaliation from an attack from a nation set in the cold, and vice versa. The Clans have Calvary the Thycona does not. While we have made up for that by having a strong and numerous navy, it does not change the fact that Calvary wise, the kingdom of Thycona is lacking and even though most of our infantry is about shoulder heighth of a horse, it does not help. Alo considered adding the benefits of an alliance but decided against it. He would wait and see for the reaction.

Capital of Thycona, Wyldereve

King Uindar called in both of his Children to the Throne room. When they arrived he wasted no time getting down the reason as to why he called them. "The Dawi are still alive and have come to us with two emissaries on giant metal ships." This news was greeted with a little bit of surprise given the fact that there has been little to no contact with them for the past century. "Are you sure father?" The Prince and Princess asked in unison, some times they were mistaken for fraternal twins despite the fact that the Prince was older by 3 years because of the fact they know each other so well. "Yes I'm sure unless my navy has gone insane." The King replied handing over the messenger bird letter. Reading it the children looked at each other. "So why have we been called?" Prince Olinor asked. "Because I want you to play the spoiled brats who want to look at the shiny new ships and figure out how their technology works, ask for demonstrations, and look into things called, repeating bolt throwers. They had, a century ago according to records, smaller versions of it in the crossbow. I want you two to figure out how to recreate it from the bolt throwers." The children bowed "Yes Father." They said again in unison.


RECAP

Chief Negotiator Alo lists the reasons why the Thyconians are seeking an alliance now, and the commander of the Kitaz stares down (literally) the High General.

King Uindar plans to create Dawi technology through his children, whom are geniuses.

[TheEdwardian]

Kingdom of Oryen
________

Arethayr





King Aemond sat in his throne , with his daughter Amber by his left and his wife on his right. The day had been rather tedious as of yet , albeit the day had quickly changed from being tedious to intriguing , to say the least.
The old iron doors to the Throne Room opened slowly , making a large creek as they did so whilst two guardsmen marched in , guarding a savage whom had requested an audience with the King. Aemond raised his eyebrow , clearly shocked that a barbarian had even been allowed entry into the Throne Room in the first place , he then averted his gaze toward the odd , yet finely crafted chest being dragged alongside him by one of the guardsmen. Aemond stood almost instantly , addressing the stranger
' Who is this , and why has what appears to be a Barbarian been allowed entry into the Throne Room ? '
The Guard gulped , preparing to reply.
' He has a gift for the princess , your majesty. This Chest has been crafted for her. '
Princess Amber beamed , heading towards the chest almost instantly whilst smiling greatly. She knelt down beside it , feeling the beautiful chest with her hands and placing her cheek upon it before turning to the kind-looking man stood inbetween the guards. She bowed her head and gave him a warm smile before thanking him and turning to her father , almost nervous of what he would say.
Aemond simply looked at the old man with his inquisitive eyes and sharp features looking him directly , a neither grateful nor disrespectful look upon his face. A look of neutrality rested upon him.
' Then I thank you for the gift. If that is all , then you may leave. '
Aemond said the last words with venom , clearly trying to spend as little time as possible with the stranger yet also trying not to upset his daughter too greatly. The man turned to leave and just when he did , another guardsman ran in whilst clearly tired.
' Y..Your Majesty ! Unkown Ships have been spotted of the coast of Arethayr , they're believed to be heading for the docks and they certainly aren't trading ships , Your Majesty ! '
Aemond fell back into his throne , letting out a sigh before furrowing his brow.
' Then send out a vessel to meet them and bring them into the Docks. Have guardsmen stationed at the docks and ready to recieve them.. Send my son to the docks also. '
With that , Aemond gave a flick of his wrist signalling for them to leave. The Old Man accompanied by the guardsmen began to make their way to the exit , the other guardsman however took a step forward holding out a letter.
' It is from the Empire of Septimius , My Liege. '
Aemond smiled , reaching forward and taking the letter firmly he began to read it's contents.
' Hold that Order soldier. Tell my Son to come to the Throne Room and have the Servants gather the items necessary for a trip. After that I want you to speak with Grand Marshal Edwin , he is usually located at the barracks and have him prepare say.. 300 Guardsmen for the visit also. After you have done that , inform the Admiral of the Ships if he doesnt already know. I'm sure he is more than capable of dealing with the situation.Now make haste ! '
The Guardsman bowed humbly before trudging off quickly to complete the tasks given to him. Aemond stood abruptly and headed to his quarters in order to prepare himself for the journey , leaving the Queen and Princess Amber alone yet again.

The Sands of Septimius
_____________________



The heat was intense. Hotter than anything Aemond had previously experienced in his lifetime. He turned his head to look back at the long line of roughly 300 Men with his son at his side. They had been riding for several days with no contact to the Capital City or any of Oryen for that matter. The Soldiers wore simple robes , deeming armour to be to heavy and lumbering in the vast desert that they had to face together. Aemond was partly amazed none of his men had died traversing the dunes , it seemed Edwin had chosen strong men.
The King rode along on his horse with his usual sharp features and inquisitive face , studying the strange lands surrounding him. He admired the people here greatly for building a civilization in a seemingly in-hospitable enviroment. The rarity of water was something the men were not used to and they were beginning to run low. The same could be said for food. With little to no visible wildlife to hunt , the food supplies were also dwindling. The time in which to reach the City was running out. The sands seemed to go on forever with the lack of life making the sands eerily quiet.
The Army trudged on for several more hours and slowly yet steadily , signs of civilization began to increase. Various stalls could be seen along with sparsely populated towns dotted around the area. What appeared to be complete roads also gradually appeared as the Army neared the Capital of Septimius. Aemond let out a sigh of relief , knowing the Capital could not be far. His whole body ached from the riding and his joints became stiff from the lack of movement. The sooner he could get to the Capital the better.
The Sea of Soldiers kept marching for the rest of the day as the last of their supplies were used up. The men faced one final push across the now moderately populated sands before their arrival and Aemond was confident they would reach the Capital by nightfall. The Moon rose and the Sun fled as a beam in the darkness came into view , the salvation was in reach. The Capital of Septimius.

A Plot Stirs
___________



Seneschal Robyrt stood up abruptly from his chair in the Tavern , studying his new fellow accomplices. There was High Chancellor Bryaen , whom had a long hatred of the Godwin Heritage and fancied them gone. Bryaen was a veteran politican and it was Bryaen's duty to convince all the Lords and Ladies within the East of Oryen to join the rebellion as soon as Aemond is killed. Then there was High Sheriff Fraeser whom was in it purely for the promise of the posistion of Seneschal , something Robyrt never intended to grant him when he sat upon the throne , albeit that is something Fraeser could not discover for his support was of vital importance. Fraeser was an extreamly wealthy man whom could easily pay for any extra mercenaries and of course, the assassin. Finally, there was the Archbishop whom would use the excuse of God in order to gain further support against Prince Jon when King Aemond is assassinated.
' So it is agreed then. King Aemond will breathe his last during his speech to the City from the Palace balcony infront of all. The assassin will almost certainly be killed , but I have just the right person in mind. And worry not , I'll be sure to take Princess Amber on.. A little trip shall we say just after Aemonds death. Besides , I think we'd all deserve a little treat after such hard work put into this scheme. '
The Politicians agreed amongst each other and smirked as they thought of the glory awaiting them. A whole Kingdom to themselves along with all the benefits that come with it. Opulence , Prestige and glory were all theirs for the taking. And now , thanks to the work of Seneschal Robyrt their dream was within reach and soon... King Aemond would breathe his last breath , upon the balcony of the Palace.

Recap ;

• King Aemond along with Prince Jon and 300 Guardsmen have arrived at the Capital of Septimius and are currently just outside the gates.
• An escort vessel is currently leading the unkown ships into the Docks.
• Princess Amber recieved the chest made for her by the Kingdom of Beltana and was far more greatful than her father.
• The Politicians of Oryen have finished their plots to end the reign of House Godwin

[Zhaliora]

On an Dawi ship near the Empire's border
Captain! The lookouts voice could be heard from the top of the mast. The empire is gathering massive amounts of troops in the harbour and they are bringing out their siege engines. I don’t think they know that we are friendly.
What are you waiting for you fool!? Raise the white flag of parley, now!” The captain screamed up at the lookout. He then turned to the rest of the crew. ”Slack all sails and lower the anchors. All men leave your siege weapons; show them that we are not aggressive. Hurry up you sodding slackers, before you bring down doom upon us all. Signal our sister ship to do the same, lest they perish.”
”AYE, CAPTAIN!” could be heard throughout the entire ship as the orders were passed on and the ships came to an eventual halt.
”What now, captain?” the first mate asked. ”Now we wait, either for our doom, or for them to send out an envoy to greet us” the captain responded.

On an Dawi ship near the Lusuga border
“Captain, pirate like ships have been spotted again, they have been following us for some time now the lookout reported. What flag are they sailing under?” the captain asked. ”It’s orange and the symbol looks like a primitive sun symbol. More ships spotted captain, and they are sailing closer and closer” the lookouts panicked voice reported. ”Take no hostile action unless fired upon, if my guess is correct, they are from the Tribes. Let them approach and initiate contact.

Once contact was established, the Dawi ships were lead into a harbour.
”The security looks tight, and it looks like they have prepared a welcoming party for us” the captain said to his first mate. ”All right proud warriors of the Dawi people, let’s do this according to the book. MARCH OUT!”
The Dawi warriors started to disembark with the engineers and envoys at the front, followed by the Hammerers and Ironbreakers and behind them, the warriors and quarrellers. They marched of the ships in perfect lines and in perfect synchronisation. Their armoured feet sounding like drums on the ground, drums which sounded two beats, one for each foot, and all in perfect harmony. None had their weapons drawn, but regimental banners soared and drums kept the pace for the soldiers. The Dawi soldiers halted and became dead quiet when the envoy gave the order, no one moved; they stood still like rocks in the wind.

The Dawi envoy bowed to whom he suspected was the leader of the welcoming party. Hail emissary of the Unified Tribes of Togani. I am Hathgar, envoy of the Dawi people and I am here representing my kin as we seek an audience with the leader of your great nation. I am horribly sorry if you are the leader of the Tribes. We have not had much contact with the mainland for nearly a hundred years and thus are not currently aware of whom your leader is” the envoy said and raised his head again.
”We are here seeking trade or perhaps an alliance with the people of the Tribes. We have brought with us gifts for trade or bartering. If our offer sounds good, please let us discuss the details more thoroughly, I have been given full authority to act for our people in this matter by the High King Thorgrim, leader of the Dawi people.”
After the troops had disembarked, the captains signalled to each other; ”Keep any, unwanted visitors away from the ships. I don’t know about you, but I don’t trust these folks, they are not Dawi, loyalty and honour might not be unquestionable amongst them.”

On an Dawi ship near the Thycona border
The Dawi disembarked the ships in the “common” fashion and greeted the welcoming party “Dawi style”.
”They only sent fifty warriors and no additional harbour security. Do they think that we are no more worth, or no need for more?” the envoy Throm asked himself. ”I’ll be sure to add this into the book of grudges, they pay us less respect then they should be doing. I’d better tell the captains to keep a good watch on the ships and make sure that no one gets on board, no matter whom it might be. I do not trust these folks, nor do they pay the proper respect that should be given.”
”Excuse me gentlemen, but I have to speak to our captains before we set of towards the throne room, I’ll be back soon.” Throm said and went to have a little chat with the Dawi captains.
”Sorry gentlemen, that was very rude of me and I hope that it does not hamper our talks” Throm said when he returned to the welcoming party. ”I am eager to meet your King, I also hope that the talks shall be fruitful and that trade and peace might prosper in mutual benefit to us both.”


On an Dawi ship near the Oryen border
”Ship sighted! A ship is coming out to meet us, captain!”
”Good. Slack the sails and lower the anchors, make us dead in the water and wait for it to arrive at us. All men leave your weapons, and hoist the white flag of parley.”
When the ship came close enough for conversations, the captains spoke to each other.
”Hail fellow captain from the Kingdom of Oryen. We represent the Dawi people sent here to act as envoys in our kin’s name. We wish to be granted access to your port so that we may dock and so that the talks may begin.”
The captain on the Oryen ship thought for a moment before saying: ”Your request has been accepted and we are to escort you into the docks. Follow me and don’t make any moves that could be considered hostile or you shall be fired upon.”
Once in the docks, the Oryen captain sent a letter to the king about why the Dawi were here. They came as envoys seeking trade or a possible alliance between great people. He also mentioned that the Dawi soldiers stayed on the ships unless their request was accepted, ready to leave the port if the king demanded it. And, he also mentioned that the Dawi were two thousand strong on their ships, and that their ships were full of weapons and let the king know that if hostilities broke out, they would need more men.


The Dawi army in the Kingdom of Beltana
”Keep tight ranks men; let the sound of our boots be heard throughout the lands so that they know of our coming. And don’t you dare drop that white flag, if you do, I’ll cut off your beard and use that as a flag. Play the drums louder, let the earth shake, let them know that the Dawi are here!


Karak Eight Peaks
”Honoured Kings, Queens, and venerable elders, I Thorgrim, High Karak King of the Dawi people, hereby declare this meeting of kings, queens and elders open, please, be seated. Bring forth the errands that you have, in the normal order, from the oldest Karak to the youngest.”

”Honoured High King,” the Karak King of Karak Hirn started ”I wish to report that Josef Bugman has found and eliminated a pirate hideout, but he also lost one ranger in the battle.
”How did he loose the ranger, and how many were the enemies?”
”The ranger was lost storming the hideout; he got cut off and surrounded by ten pirates. The ranger killed all the pirates but he succumbed to his wounds and died shortly after the battle.”
”Honour that ranger as he should be honoured and pay my respects to his family, let them know that he died as a Dawi should.”
”I shall send the message right away. I also has another matter to discuss, if you would allow me High King” Thorgrim gave the man permission to speak.

”Thank you, High King. This is about the engineers that we sent to help the southern tribes. They all report positively on their progress in fortifying the coastal cities. They have found the raw material needed and has started drawing plans for how to defend the cities. However, they fear that the lowland stone might be weaker than our stone. As such, it might not hold up to our standards, but it should do for the tall people.”

”Does anyone else has any errand of importance at this time, speak now.” Thorgrim asked the rest of the assembled. ”Then I declare this meeting of Karak Kings, Queens and venerable elders over” he said when no one spoke.


Recap

• Envoys have met with delegates from the Tribes, Thycona and Oryen.
• The Dawi ships outside of the empire have anchored in the waters, waiting for the empire to respond.
• A Dawi army is marching across the Kingdom of Betlana with peaceful purposes trying to get into contact with the leaders of the country.
• Bugman lost a ranger in his attack against a pirate hideout, the ranger is being replaced.
• Engineers sent to help the southern tribes are in the planning phase of the defences of their harbour cities.

[GrimProphet]

Beltanhjold Gates, The Yeldenwood.

The Queen and her council had known of the clansmen impending arrival for hours. Days, really. Eagle eyes had watched them from the moment they crossed the border to the north, but ettiquette demanded certain protocol, so it was that Milea Ironheart stood waiting with a detatchment of her Lodges warriors behind the wall of the great gates to Beltanhjold, fidgeting in her armour. Tualane had spoken to her of this in private, that the way she never stood still gave off the impression that she was moments away from punching someone at any moment.

A few terse words from her younger sister that she in fact generally was moments away from hitting someone had dissuaded the queen from pushing the subject, though she had given her young sister one of her most disappointed frowns, a deadly weapon in itself.

The Great gates were swung open by the team of Hounds who manned them, fourteen men with barrel chests and arms as thick as lesser mens thighs all grunting in unison to open gates that were seldom closed. Etiquette again was the force that demanded they be shut to meet visitors to the Hold, that they might stand as a warning of the resolve of the Tuah'thane. Foolishness, really. If harm had been the purpose divined about these men they would have been dead not an hour past the border and buried in unmarked graves in the wood.

Politics, sometimes, it occured to Milea, was the providence of fools.

The mighty gates swung full open finally, and Milea and her warriors tromped forward, her hand up to forstall any more damned foolishness, that they might save their efforts for her sisters.

"In, then, Clansmen. You're here to see the queen so lets not stand about all day throwing sugary words at each other and get moving."

The inside of Beltanhjold was an impressive metropolis by the standards most attributed to the Tuah'thane, craftsmen worked their trades in fine workshops set up amidst the sprawling lanes of finely built homes. Their was a simplicity laced through the very fabric of their being here that spoke to a people as much a part of the land as nature itself. Woe had befallen any who mistook that simplicity of nature for stupidity of barbarism though several times throughout history and still Beltanhjold stood, defiant.

Milea led her detatchment and the clansmen down the central lane, the widest open corridor between the gates and the entrance to The Hold, usually used to accomodate trade shipment, there was no parade nor fanfare to greet the warriors of the Clans, but that did not mean that their Northern cousins were not welcome guests. Of all their neighbours, the Clans to the North had always been those to whom the Tuah'thane had been most friendly, seeing a part of themselves mirrored in the souls of the northeners.

Up the steps of The Hold she led them, already thinking of how she might tweak the nose of the Arch-Druid when next she saw him, just to help remind him who her sisters favorite really was.

+++

The Throne Room of King Aemond, Oryen.

In the Throne room of the Oryen King, Bornhin stepped towards the princess, wholly unperterbed by the sudden tension in the kings guard stationed throughout the room and held out his hand to help the young princess from where she knelt by her gift.

"My young lady." He said, smiling warmly. Though he had never married, nor had children, Bornhin was often called 'Grandfather' by those close to him, for obvious reasons. "Highness." He inclined his head to her Queen Mother.

"My Lady Queen Tualane, when she heard that the Princess was to be of an age to marry soon, felt that every young lady should have a fine chest in which to hold her dowry, and so asked me to craft the humble offering you see here and bring it south to present to the young Princess in person, along with my Queens most sincere well wishes"

He moved to stand with the Wolves who had travelled south with him, hands held contently before him with fingers intertwined. He had been sent south to deliver this gift, and so had done so. He was aware that the court of Oryen was a place of subtle meanings and careful maneuverings, but the Tuah'thane had no wish to manipulate or curry favor, and so Bornhin simply stood, waiting to be dismissed as was polite.

If the Oryens wanted to speak, then they would speak, and Queen Tualane knew well enough to not bother trying to force the issue.

+++

The Throne Room, The Hold.

The spacious hall that held the great carved throne of Beltana was a surprising hub of activity. Maids and servants bustled about, attending to their duties as the last of the chairs was placed around a great U shaped table set before the throne. Upon the table was sat the most recent copy of the trade agreement with the Clans.

No northern noble had visited The Hold for close to ten years and Tualane was curious to know what changes might be seen in their arrangements.

There was no anouncement preceeding the tall, heavy double doors to the hall swinging open to admit a delegation of bearded warrirors with Milea at the fore, all of whom were forced to halt their step as a single maid stepped across their path, carrying a vase to be repaired while a little girl toddled along behind clutching at her mothers skirt.

Korvin stood to Queen Tualanes right, arms crossed over his broad chest and his face set in its typical mask of stoic indifference.

The Queen stood and smiled warmly, waving an arm to indicate the table and seats laid out for them.

"My fondest greetings, my cousins from the North. Come, sit at my table and let us discuss the ways in which our two people might benefit each other this day."

Though the Clansmen may be more used to a male ruler, the icy clarity and focus shining in the bright blue eyes of the Tuah'thane queen promised a hard negotiation for every step forward they desired.

RECAP:
-Negotiations begin with the Northern Clans
-Bornhin makes efforts to appeal to the Female royals of the Godwin family following their Kings departure.

[Skull]

Clamrock Harbor

Komang Pryat strode with an airy confidence that seemed out-of-place amongst the confused faces that littered the harbor docks. Workers halted their laboring to survey the approaching ships. Civilians gathered in droves, expressing deep concern as mothers clutched their children and men gripped the pommels of their weapons.

"Now now," He waved his hands out with a gleaming, white-toothed smile. "Nothing to fret about. Go about your business." His wide-brimmed hat and emerald silk robe stuck out from the crowd of the more modestly dressed Gaijano, but they paid no attention to him. It was no secret that many found him to be peculiarly odd. Everything about Komang contrasted with that of a typical tribesman; From the lavish garments, to his pompous accent, which often came with a condescending tone, being treated as a foreigner among his own people was a common practice he learned to accept. Many were concerned that he would falsely represent Togani as their appointed ambassador, and that the other nations would perceive the Gaijano as a weak race. Komang invested little concern toward such criticisms. They knew little about the outside world and the intricacies involved in diplomacy and foreign policy. Such matters require a certain finesse; a trait that Komang is proud to admit that he masterfully possesses. In the end, what truly mattered to him was the belief that the royal family had the utmost confidence in his abilities, and they did, despite his eccentric behavior.

"You heard the Ambassador." A young, but commanding voice immediately hushed the crowd of on-lookers. "Go about your business." Prince Baijan's presence had parted the crowd as he stood fashioned with a feathery headdress as a platoon of infantrymen huddled behind him like chiseled boulders. Komang nodded approvingly at the aura of boldness the Prince possessed; No doubt attributed to his ceremonial initiation into manhood. Komang counted thirty, ink-muscled warriors guarding the Prince, all brandishing the standard long blade and axe. Their reptile-skulled helmets were painted in red, indicating their regiment: Kujani'ko'jano, The Blood Crocodiles. Komang knew them better as battle zealots, enforcers of the outer territories against bandits and thieves with a brutal heavy-handedness. The Ambassador hoped such violence would not be needed on this day. "Prince Baijan," Komang bowed. " I was sent word of your arrival. What an honored welcome our guests will receive this fine morning!"

The Prince walked over to Ambassador Komang, staring out at the foreign ships looming in the distance. A moment of silence felt eternal, and only when the Prince finally spoke did Komang raise his head. "Ready the pleasantries. We'll see to these wayfarers and their intentions."

----

The Dawi were welcomed with lively drums and spirited songs. Prince Baijan stood as proudly as ever with Komang at his side and the Blood Crocodiles behind him. The envoy known as Hathgar, introduced himself appropriately, stating the nature of their business. Though Prince Baijan was tutored in the common language of the mainland, Komang translated Hathgar's words in their native tongue. King Tortugai's son listened attentively until the Ambassador finished.

"Komingo'ta, piya migo?" The Prince asked.

Komang nodded. "Lachugu, mui kara pangi." His words made the gathered Gaijano, including the usually serious Blood Crocodiles, chuckle. The tension had finally eased. The Ambassador stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, travelers! You stand before the Prince of the United Clans of Togani. I am Ambassador Komang Pryat. Your offers are most gracious! The capital is but several miles inland. We will make necessary preparations for your transit. In the meantime, we must ask that you remain here and enjoy our hospitality. We hope that you enjoy your stay in our beautiful country!" Komang turned back to the crowd and cupped his hands to his mouth.

"Kikomo'pali Togani!" His words erupted a celebratory cheer from the Gaijano. Flower maidens appeared before the Dawi with wreaths and cups of water. The Prince walked forward, shook the hand of the envoy with a warm smile, then turned away. As he passed Komang, he patted his shoulder, then together with his Blood Crocodiles, exited from the scene. The Ambassador shuffled over to the envoy, snatching a cup from a flower maiden and drained its contents immediately before handing it back.

"You must be weary from travel, my friends. Come! We have prepared tables of fresh fruits and sweetened meats. They are a delicacy among our people." He lead the Dawi from the ports, to three long tables placed openly at the town center. Maidens rushed about, making final preparations to the roasted pig and racks of cow ribbed meats, sizzling with an array of seasoning and marinated juices. Komang sat at the end of the middle table, motioning Hathgar to sit across him. "Come, come! Let us feast as we exchange pleasantries. You must tell me all about your country!" Komang's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

---

• Ambassador Komang and Prince Baijan greet the Dawi.
• Komang, invited them all to have a big ass feast at the town center while preparations are made for their transit to the Capital.