Tensions were high when the Azera dispatched their diplomatic delegation to the Irodein Empire every man and woman in the team knew just how important this was. The Irodein Empire could be the difference between life and death and whilst this talk was but a humble beginning, a bad start could mean a worse end. The delegation was made of several important people, the two most important were Lady Visar and Field Marshal Malor. Lady Visar was the top diplomat of the Azera and the head of the foreign office. Field Marshal Malor was the head of the army and the second in command of the whole of the armed forces, second only to Lord Marshal Derius. Unfortunately both the First Lord and the Lord Marshal were unavoidably detained in the capitol, overseeing military preparations and the general affairs of the state. If a crisis occurred, both of those men needed to be at the centre of the communications network. They could not come on the trip.
The group was being flown in a specially modified air landing drop plane, a nose and tail gun had been added to protect the diplomats from assault and an extended range gas supply had been fitted. But inside the main cabin there was more space, with reclining chairs and a table. She wasn’t built to drop soldiers, she was built to transport diplomats in a manner that was appropriate to the international scene. Once out of Azera air space the pilots were especially cautious, ever alert to potential threats and particularly an angry dragon. Indeed, in order to avoid an incident the aircraft made a slight detour around Stellata airspace, rather than risk flying through it.
Eventually the group would reach Irodon, and after landing they would disembark. Once the steps had lowered as if by themselves the first person to step out would be Lady Visar. She was remarkable amongst the Azera for her powder white skin. It gave her an odd, ethereal presence as well as a certain exotic appeal, at least in the minds of the Azera. Fair skins were rare amongst their people and there were few fairer than her. Usually she wore elegant gowns and dresses, simple yet striking. Today however, she wore something a little different in tone. She wore a well cut, well-made but unassuming black, double breasted trouser suit with a slight grey pinstripe. Her silvery hair was tied behind her in a loose pony tail and she gave of the image of a no nonsense business woman. She stepped off the aircraft first because she was the most senior person here, in the absence of the First Lord she was the voice of the Great Spirit of the Azera. Everyone else here, even the military, was here to advise and serve her.
Still, the role of Field Marshal Malor should not be under estimated. He was sent largely because the Irodein Empire was so militaristic, he was to be the face of Azera militarism and hopefully establish some form of common understanding on that basis. He had flint grey skin and short cut black hair underneath his officers cap. He wore the black parade uniform of the army, with badges of rank on his collar and shoulders. He was surprisingly unadorned, there was no golden brocade, no brightly coloured sash. The Azera army had always been understated, they let the man do the talking, not the uniform. But the medal ribbons on his left breast hinted at a man who was experienced, courageous and skilled. Such an impression would not be inaccurate. The Azera had not fought a major war in some time but they kept themselves sharp and secretly relished in the rare opportunities to deal with meddlesome neighbouring city states, though diplomacy meant they did not annex these regions. Malor had a sterling reputation amongst the Azera and he had the honour of being the first General ever to command an Assault Army. He had been forced to relinquish that position when being made head of the whole army, but he had generated a cult standing whilst in that roll. Partly because of how good at it he had been but also because the Azera internal PR machine had made a big deal of it. The Assault Army marked a revolution in military thinking, or so the Azera thought, and they were proud of it.
The other lesser dignitaries filled out of the transport and once they were all assembled, with the air crew still inside the aircraft, Lady Visar stepped forward to greet the lead Sanfure representative and introduced herself with both easy grace and confidence. What is more, she spoke seemingly perfect Valeric and even had a noble and upper class accent.
“Greetings. I am Lady Visar the General Ambassador and the voice of the Great Spirit of the Azera and all her people. I extend to you the warm greeting of the entire nation. May I introduce Field Marshal Malor, hero of the people and head of the army. Perhaps you have heard of his exploits.”
Recognising his own name, even in a language he did not understand, the Field Marshal clicked his heels and bowed slightly in deference and respect. Lady Visar however, continued speaking.
“As I am sure you are aware we are here to discuss the state of affairs between our two nations and the growing tensions on the east coast with the Theological Empire of Stellata.”