Stormhold, Black Marsh
20th of Midyear, 4E 205
Stalks-The-Stars
Having left the private meeting with the Cat-folk, the glass armoured Argonian goes to meet the final representatives of the free races of Tamriel. The Orcs arrive next, followed by the Bretons and so on. Each is met with a kind greeting and is directed to castle Moonhall, where the meeting will take place. All the while, Stalks-The-Stars thought upon the meeting with the stranger from Eleswyr…How curious she was.
The next day, on the 21st, the Altmer arrive, bearing gifts and finery that left the Argonian smiling. To think the Altmer were so keen to make this work was…encouraging. “You are welcome here, King of the Altmer. Our hopes are for a profitable agreement indeed.
Castle Moonhall, Stormhold, Black Marsh
22nd of Midyear, 4E 205
Rules-With-Claw and the Various representatives of Tamriel
The grand hall of Castle Moonhall lent more to its Imperial roots than its Argonian heritage, not that it was without the Lizardfolk’s influence. Large statues of various Argonian heroes were erected in the hall’s indented outer ring: The Nirn-chosen, who led the Argonians into Oblivion at the end of the Third age; the First shadowscale from the first age. a featureless woman who reportedly heard the whispers of Sithis himself; Archmagus Tee-zeem, who was one of the first magical beings to walk Apocrypha and return. All held plagues of their deeds and all seemed to gaze at the large round table in the centre of the room: a stone slab with comfortable seats set aside for each representative and a bench behind that could hold 5 guards. In the centre of the stone slab, a small pool of water was fed water from a fountain in the head of a dragon, only to be drained away by stone snakes.
At the head of the table sat the imposing figure of Rules-With-Claw. He was taller than most men, even when sat, with a crown of teeth sat upon his head that once belonged to the King of Black Marsh. His scales were a kaleidoscope of bright colours: greens and reds and blues, glistening like gemstones. Even amongst the races that doubted the Argonian’s right to freedom, he painted a regal picture, a lord amongst lizards, if you will. He was adorned in heavy ebony armour, with a long cloak hanging off of the shoulders that draped down behind him. This was the being that had gathered from all corners of Tamriel the leaders of nations. This was a creature that demanded at least some respect, be it from former conquerors, former slavers or former crusaders.
“Greetings, representatives of each race; It is a pleasure to host you all in what is an unprecedented event among my people. We are not known to be social creatures: we Argonians. My predecessors clung to the shadows of anonymity as a cloak: they feared the light outside of the Black Marsh. I fear no such light, I embrace it.” He rose from his seat, the long cloak rising to tower seven feet tall on the shoulders of a goliath amongst the Argonians. In his hand, he held a goblet of wine, and in front of each representative: several bottles of premium alcohol were stored in bottle: Cyrodilic Brandy, Black-Briar mead, even bottles of rarer wines still. Each uncorked and ready to be poured.
“I would like to lead this summit with a toast. From I, Rules-With-Claw, to you, the representatives of Tamriel, a toast to the success of this summit: May our words today guide the actions of tomorrow.”
Chief Yagurz raised his glass, silently observing the gathered representatives from all across Tamriel and, in all honesty, how the lot of them seemed to be the most outlandish assortment of individuals...He tried to pay little mind to it, but it was one of the more difficult things to accept. Tamriel was a cosmopolitan place, vastly different from the relative cultural and racial homogeneity of Orsinium. Before kicking back a swig from his bottle of Cyrodilic Brandy, Yagurz nodded slightly at Rules-With-Claw’s words. That would be the only alcohol Yagurz would make an effort to ingest. Tonight was a night of business for him, not pleasure.
Balgruuf entered the room, two advisors in attendance while wearing fine clothes and a silver shortsword on his waist. He sat in the room, viewing the bottles of wine and mead. He grabbed for himself and for his advisors three bottles of black-briar mead. For the toast however, he poured himself a glass of Surilie Brother Wine Vintage 399, into a rather medium sized glass, he awaited what Rules-With-Claw’s had to say..
The High King of the Dominion sat with the Lord Commander of the Eight on his left, and the High Justicar of the Thalmor on his right. He was truly impressed by both the size and vibrant colors of this King of the Marsh, and thought he looked a Royal type. At the mention of this toast, he would drink the the Black-briar Mead, and found it unrefined and harsh to his sensitive summer senses. Moving onto the Cyrodilic brandy was better, though he missed the summer wines of his homeland. He would listen intently to this Rules-With-Claws as he continued on.
Niklaus gave a generous smile at the toast, more caring that it was alcohol and therefore a distraction from this tour of a place he never wanted to go, than any sentimental value the gesture held. Brother Montyard, with the help of Everard and Mathieu, had bribed Niklaus’s assistant-advisor to take a walk while the Summit was held in Moonhall. The assistant-advisor had a forgettable enough face and with Montyard’s malleable visage the two could pass as twins as far as Niklaus was concerned. Montyard lifted his glass to his lips but did not drink, for it dulled the senses and made men slow.
Ildoryn raised his glass along with the other representatives inside the room. He was impressed at the audience the Argonians managed to invite, the mere presence of them made him rethink of what the Argonians are truly capable of. He takes a healthy swig from the glass, not minding the taste that the alcohol had. He always favored liquors made from Akavir and Morrowind, but in times like these, any show of distaste would compromise his position. Ildoryn turned his attention back to Rules-With-Claw, eager to hear what the Argonian has to say next.
S’arah sat in a corner with two of her militiamen. As an observer, she had no official part in this meeting. But as a mercenary, the tigress would gladly enjoy any fine liquor presented to her. While the doubt of poisoning was always there, S’arah decided that it would be below the Argonian lord to resort to such dirty tricks. Therefore, the most dangerous risk would be a drunken hangover, something the tigress was experienced in dealing with. Grabbing a cup full of some kind of Tamrielic alcohol, S’arah gobbled down it down, savouring the strange taste of this “Black-Briar Mead”.
Rules-With-Claws remained standing, as he began to speak. “As the one who has called this summit, I think it only fair I lead the conversation initially. No longer does Argonia wish to walk alone amongst the political landscape of Tamriel. We know of the upheaval caused by racial wars, and we know the pain of being hated for your race. For ages, my people were made to hide in the swamps: by the Akavari, by the empire of Tiber Septim and later by slavers who would take everything from us.” He pauses to take a sip from the cup, enjoying the taste of the beverage, and giving himself a moment to think on the next words. “If we were to cling to old hatreds, the Dunmer would not be at this table, nor would the Imperials. Instead, the Argonians wish to rise above. What we seek is naught to do with the past, but the future.”
He clears his throat and speaks in a guttural, unintelligible tongue, the Argonian language of Jel. A guard exited the room, and then re-entered with a sealed chest, placing it by the lord of the Argonians. He made a show of pulling a key from his neck, unlocking the case and grabbing three bundles, covered in cloth. He placed them on the table and looked over the gathered group.
“We seek alliances. We seek trade. We seek political equality and we seek military security. The landscape of Tamriel is full of wars, and we know that to trade with one is to abandon another. That is why I have called this summit. I would have the people of Tamriel make a case for the allegiance of Black Marsh, and the goods we trade.”
He pulled off the first bundle of cloth, revealing a goblet full of gemstones and pearls. Each was flawless and would be the envy of capital shops the land over. “My people offer three main exports in trade. Rich gems and pearls are our current greatest export. Gems that make fine things, and gems that make magical things: this is the first gift we offer.”
Next, he reached for the second bundle of cloth, pulling it loose to reveal a plate of fruit and other grown things. “This is the second thing my people offer. We are a bountiful land for growing, but we are also a land robbed of infrastructure. Every attempt to trade our excess of perishable goods has met with failure and we would like an ally who can cooperate in the construction of a new port city. One that would form a hub of trade between us, and would enable the trade of such great quantities of food, that neither people should go hungry again.”
The last bundle was the smallest yet. It had the shape of nothing natural, and yet it seemed likely the most important. He was careful in the removal of the last cloth, revealing a total of ten vials of liquid, so small in quantity that it was almost missed.”The last thing we offer, is the most important. Never before have the Black Marshes offered to trade this: The sap of Nirn trees. So powerful is the magicka in this sap, that it would be unkind to describe it with words.”
He clicked his fingers, calling forth the Archmagus Maraan’a, the Magus nodded at the lord of the Argonians, before launching a small stream of flame outside an open window. It was a simple enough spell, which most any novice could cast. Taking one of the ten vials, Rules-With-Claws uncorked the vial and threw it into the small gout. A sudden explosion of power filled the room as the fire launched forward, more than five times the intensity of before. “To our new allies, we would offer small quantities of this sap exclusively to do with as they wish. At a later time today, each of you may make use of the sample provided, or take it away with you. The sample is far too small for any meaningful exploration of its qualities.”
Maraan’a cut the spell and bowed to Rules-With-Claws. He stared over the table, having firmly played his hand: Food, riches, an unknown but unbelievable magical component, as well as the promise of Soldiers and Assassins. Now it would be for the rest of the summit to impress him. “Any thoughts, representatives?” He looked at each race’s representative: man, mer and beast alike. Wondering who would break the silence, who would be the first to test the waters?
Though Yagurz was interested in talking, in bargaining and political meandering, he could not feasibly see how Orsinium would be able to aid Rules-With-Claws in his endeavours. Orsinium could greatly benefit from the assassins of Black Marsh as well as the food that they could obtain through a deal with the Argonians...yet, the question remained: What could the Orcs offer in return? Yagurz grumbled as he sat there, staring at the plate of food from Black Marsh, not to mention the plate of gems...there was once a time that the Orcs sought to prove their wealth, or so it was rumoured. These days, it was all about proving the political and cultural resilience of the Orcs within the greater setting of Tamriel, given their past with the Redguards and Bretons.
It took a moment for Yagurz to break the silence, but he eventually worked up the nerve to speak up in front of some members of the highest echelons of Tamriellic society, “I have a proposition.” Yagurz was blunt, this much was certain, in fact he epitomized the idea of Orcish bluntness in matters that required finesse and tact, “The Orcs of Orsinium know little of seacraft, or magic...however, we are skilled warriors and smiths. War, and the tools to make it are at great disposal to my people. We propose a trade: Orcish weapons in exchange for food, as well as military assistance in the event of an attack upon the lands of Argonia.” Yagurz would, of course, have to present these ideas to the Council of Orsinium and to Burkash, however, it was no secret that the amount of food necessary to feed Orsinium would only grow...Yagurz sat anxiously awaiting the counter-offers of the other representatives as well as Rules-With-Claws’ response.
Rules-With-Claw nodded at the offer, glad to see the silence was broken. “Trade is welcome between Orsinium and Argonia. Once the logistics can be figured out, we would trade ore for food and gems: resource for resource between two people who have suffered at the hands of other, cruller races.”
Skyrim was recovering from a civil war , but also knew that now without support from the empire, it needed ally’s… strong ones. The orcs of Orsinium were first on his mind , like minded warriors who shared the same values has the average nord. But he also knew that they had an agenda that couldn’t be trusted nor loyal to Skyrim. He looked to Black Marsh, and to Morrowind , but also Hammerfell. “ The Nords of Skyrim have a request , we would like to begin trade relations and open borders with the great nations of Black Marsh , Morrowind and Hammerfall”. But also purpose a military alliance. The Nords of Skyrim with train these nations in advanced warfare and tactics , in exchange we shall ask one thing of each nation. These discussions can be done behind closed doors, but it’s a start”. “Also if the Orcs of Orsinium would like to trade and have a military agreement with us.. it’ll be another talking point..” Balgruff said hesitantly , knowing that this may be a bad move, but the Orcs have some of the best smiths in all of Nirn.
“With all due respect, Balgruff of the Nords, we would not accept training in warfare from your people. We do not fight like nords because we are not nords: trying to be would insult both races, I think. The Argonians will continue to fight like Argonians, although the offer is appreciated…” Rules-With-Claws clears his throat, sipping some more liquor so as to hide the slightly embarrassed smirk. “Trade, however, is something we are deeply interested in. Your steel and Dwemer metals are of the finest quality, I am assured.”
Aelid was shocked at the potency of the compound, and he couldn't help but look to his Lord Protector excitedly at the reaction of it. The young Altmer at first, felt he should be above such mere things as competing for the favor of a lizard. A sentiment he knew that Aldra would share. Yet if he did not compete for this Royal Lizards affection, perhaps his homeland would burn and sink once more into the sea, a fate he would avoid at all costs. The High King would clear his throat, before speaking;
"This sap is most impressive; as are the gems and rubies you would trade. Surely economic growth shall come to he who would bind themselves to you, as I would, King of the Marsh. Our ships ma travel fairly long distances, and if we build a harbour in Black Marsh to rest in, our ships could reach..." The King stopped, turning to the Justicar expectantly, and she did not disappoint.
“Not King of the Marsh, Lord of the Marsh. It is a small point, but one that I feel important enough to stress. Please, King Altmer, Continue.”
"Our ships could already reach High Rock, Hammerfell, Cyrodiil, Valenwood, Elsweyr and here. If we built this port and we're allowed access to it, we could reach Morrowind without problem, even Vvardenfell would be simple enough. Perhaps as far as Skyrim, if the Eight will it." The Thalmor spoke both loyally and with a cold edge, pointing out the heresy present in the room. Yet Aelid would shoot daggers at her with his eyes, and turn back to the representatives.
"My ships would be at your economic service, Rules-With-Claws, as well as the boons of the Dominion. For all those who would accept my offer, I would form a Trader's Union here and now, and all who would sign up shall have Aldmeri ships in their ports, bringing wealth and exotic goods from every region in the Union. The more who join, the more everyone prospers.
Further Our Arcane Society is one of the most astute institutions of arcane research in the world. I don't think it unreasonable to propose my ships for your gems and sap, King of the Marsh. In turn our glass and elven armor's are some of the most finely crafted in all of Tamriel. Our silks radiate with beauty, and our poets and art are beyond divine. It IS a shame that we are one of the last few bastions of high culture in Nirn." Aelid smiled and sighed, leaning back in his chair. He thought he did well enough, and Dobin gave him an approving smirk.
“ Trading with the Thalmor?!” exclaimed Balgruuf, seeming to look at Aelid. “ You brought Tamriel into a conflict , tore apart families and lives and now you open your arms to trade?”
“I don’t know about the other nations, but Skyrim has no time to be trading with the Thalmor after the events of the Great War.”
Aelid stared blankly at the Nord; almost as if unbelieving. “The Great War was thirty years ago, you old oxen. Besides, I believe High King of Skyrim Jartod has committed all the same sins, and he is your active King, where the crimes you speak are committed by my Father, not I. Tell me, how honorable is Jartod to fight with Ulfric to repel the Empire, and then slaughter him for the Throne? As we all know he did.” Aelid began steaming slightly, and tried to remain calm. He would take no abuse from this brute.
“Jartod never slayed Ulfric first of all, it was a mere rumour, nothing more.” stated Balgruuf, defending Jartod. “Never the less, if you elves believe that you can repent after the sins done in Skyrim and have something to value for Skyrim and her people, then say it right now!”
Aelid would. “I have no quarrel with you, Nord. My ships would land in your docks only with the Jarl’s permission, and only bringing gold and goods. If you are too blind to see I wish to bring food and clothes to your docks then that is your loss, not mine.” Aelid shrugged nonchalantly. It wasn’t the Nords he had travelled all this way for.
Yagurz could really only sit and watch as the King of Alinor and the Skyrim representative proceeded to rip into one another. It seemed like the two of them had a...conflict greater than that of the Orcs and the Bretons, which seemed impossible to Yagurz. As a matter of fact, it seemed absurd to Yagurz. The Bretons had burned the Orcish homelands to the ground, not once but three separate times. What did the Nords have to complain about? Talos Worship? Yagurz almost wanted to snort in bemusement at the quips of Aelid’s entourage. Yagurz slammed his weighty hand on the table with a loud thud, looking to the two of them, “Cease this! Both of you! This is meant to be a peaceful negotiation of terms, not a damned pissing contest. To answer your question, Nord, Orsinium shall not offer military assistance to Skyrim. However, if you wish to speak with me about a possible trade agreement between our two nations, by all means, consult me later and we can discuss the possibility of an envoy being sent to Orsinium to draft an agreement.”
Balgruuf seemed to shake his head has he looked to the paper in front of him, he opened up the Black-Briar Mead bottle and nodded to Yagurz. “ I shall speak with our High King, then we’ll come to an agreement.” said Balgruuf “I would also like to talk with Black Marsh, Hammerfell, and Morrowind about a trade and/ora military agreement.” stated Balgruuf. “One last thing, for the High Elves. We may honor your request, but we speak more about that later.“ said Balgruuf, leaning back into his chair
Aelid smiled charmingly and nodded appreciatively. “The honor is mine, Nord.”
“Well said, Yagurz of the orcs. I find your honesty and curt-ness more and more to my liking. The Argonians would welcome a trade agreement, and a military pact would be…possible.”
“The representative of King Ferrand Bellemont of Daggerfall and High-Rock-At-Large would wish to enter into a trade union with the Altmer. Our two cultures have much to trade with each other and relations could prove to benefit my King and his peers greatly.” Niklaus spoke up, dabbing a handkerchief to his lips after taking a light sip of the wine provided. In turn, Montyard feigned drinking once more before Niklaus spoke again, this time to the Orcs, “Furthermore, old hatreds and stale grudges will not keep High Rock from opening relations with Orsinium. Our wars were fought by Kings who no longer are with us, and neither should their grudges be. What say you?”
Before he made himself seem indifferent to the Argonian offers made, Niklaus reminded himself of whose hall they drank in. Clearing his throat, he continued, “If it so pleases Black Marsh and Alinor, High Rock would be willing to help in any way they can in building a new port city for foreign products to come and go from these very shores. High Rock wishes to openly extend as well a hand of negotiation with the Monarchs and Representatives of any country in this room.”
Balgruuf viewed Niklaus, has a paper slid near him. He had a sip of the Mead before talking. “ High Rock, our neighbours… is trade with Skyrim something of value for you Bretons, or? “ asked Balgruuf. “ Skyrim offers you Steel Armour, Mages Robes , and refined ores in exchange for mages to be a part of the army and help the college of Winterhold , money and various of other items, that shall be confirmed later” stated Balgruuf. “ On top of that , if High Rock does desire, a possible Military alliance with Skyrim” asked Balgruuf, having another sip of the mead.
“My Nordic friend,” Niklaus grinned politely, “King Frithjolf of Jehanna, whom I may not represent but will refer you to, would love to draft any agreement between his Kingdom and yours. As far as trade from Daggerfall and any Kingdom in High Rock? Of course! Though, military aid may not be needed.”
“ Not Direct Military aid, no no, but in an event of a conflict.. “ Balgruuf said, tapping the quill on the paper
“Another point to take up with King Frithjolf and perhaps Grand Duke Beralt of Northpoint. I assure you, Prince Narcisse of Camlorn would greatly appreciate having military ties to Skyrim. Your warriors are legendary.”
Aelid smiled proudly at the words of the Noble from High Rock, and turned to the Thalmor Justicar, who also was smiling at their success. It appeared her fears for their obliteration were slowly fading, and this pleased the young High Elf. Aelid turned to address the Breton, and spoke with a most appeasing and polite tone that only a full blooded Altmer would ever truly master.
“The Altmer would be honored by this arrangement, and would send ships immediately to begin trade routes. If it would please your King, I would send a Thalmor Representative to the Court of your King, for economic and trade purposes only. I assure you.” The grin Aelid gave was one of obvious deceit.
Not a stranger to grins like that, Brother Montyard shifted in his seat and a small increment of a grin crossed his lips. Altmer. Montyard never trusted them after what had happened in Cyrodiil. Even so, he did not voice any opinion, only let Niklaus sow discord that would only make it harder for Everard, “We would accept this Representative.” Niklaus smiled. Unbeknownst to Montyard, Niklause knew of the dangers, and no better spymaster than those of Ferrand could protect his realm and greater High Rock from threats. Everard shifted all the same, not liking the implications and eyeing the Tigress up and down with hungry eyes from behind his visor. Never had a Khajiit before.
“ Very well , High King Jartod and General Olaf will be in touch “ said Balgruuf . He wrote on the paper in a fine cursive writing, telling what High Rock stated to him.
Yagurz inspected the emissary from High Rock. He was highly distrustful of him...as a matter of a fact, he truly didn’t trust anyone at this table. Most of these races had, at some point, viewed the Orcs as less-than-human or less-than-mer, such as the case may be...but the Bretons were directing an offer to him? He was more than a tad bit intrigued. The Orcs and Bretons had traditionally warred over lands claimed by the both of them. He gulped and looked to Niklaus, more than a bit disturbed by this idea, “Although I represent Burkash, I am going to speak to you in an...unofficial capacity. As much as I am tempted by the thought of allying with you, that is my own personal sentiment. Old wounds still fester amongst my people, much to my chagrin. Though your kings may be gone, they sentimentality of hatred amongst my own people still remains. I can promise you nothing, however, what I can say is this: I will speak with Burkash, and see what can be done. I cannot promise anything further than that.” Yagurz was being sincere in those moments.
“This humble ambassador appreciates the fact that we share the same sentiments towards peace between our two kinds. Any step towards ensured peace is a stride in eradicating old blood between our two peoples.” Niklaus nodded.
The old Orc reciprocated Niklaus’ nod, looking around the table. He was wary of them, but he decided to open up his table, “If any other representatives of the provinces wish to present their offers, do it now. I promise nothing but a chance for some degree of contact with Orsinium.”
Aelid would speak, never willing to give up a chance to further strengthen his trade and position. Turning to the Orc that the Breton was speaking to, he looked him up and down. “You're as big as a Nord, friend. More importantly than that, though, you have the blood of Mer in you, which is all I would care for. If the Bretons would allow it, I would have trade with you through High Rock. The same ports that bring Breton goods will bring Orcish ones as well. Furthermore, I’m sure you may have noticed I am not near as hulking a figure as you. The Altmer are more lithe and graceful, but I’m afraid the horrors of war demand large frenzied beasts of mer. I would offer you Altmer Battle-Mages in return for Orcish Berserkers: A military trade of sorts.”
After seeing the majority of the representatives speak their minds, Ildoryn felt that it was time for him to speak about Morrowind's opinion on the matters at hand. "Our past would dictate me to decline the Argonians offer, even if it would profit both our province. But under the leadership of Oravos the Nerevarine, we have grown past the hatred, and are looking forward to a future of peace with your people. If it’s trading the people of Argonia wants, then our borders would gladly open for them." says Ildoryn before raising a glass to Rules-With-Claws.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, hearing that the Dunmer thought they had the right to be offended by past events. It was not their people who were raped of culture and stripped of freedom for nearly two eras. “If you are truly sincere in your efforts to heal the past wounds, then this summit has been a success indeed. The Argonians would be willing to trade through proxy with the Dark Elves.”
"As for the offer of Skyrim, we would gladly trade and form a military alliance with your people. Your kin didn't hesitate to help Morrowind in our time of need, and we honor that act. Your people have our support; you need only to ask of it." Ildoryn knew he wasn't in the position to proclaim such a thing, but it was already a matter that Oravos would have dealt with sooner or later, it was just a matter of time.
"For the others that have attended this meeting, Morrowind would like to extend the opportunities waiting to be exploited on our land." With a snap of his hand, the guard beside Ildoryn lifted a small case, opened it, and passed it around to the representative by the table. "Our land is known to have been plagued by the dangers of the Red Mountain in the past, but with recent events the dangers have been lifted, and our industry further moved into mining the riches of the volcano. Please, take one as a gift from Morrowind." Inside the cases were heavily detailed Ebony rings, complemented by an Amber crystal in the middle. Upon further examination, one can sense no trace of enchantments from it.
"You'll find metals old and new offered in Morrowind, Guar hides stronger than any known leather, and weapons crafted with techniques brought from Akavir. All of these we offer for those who are willing to accept Dunmer goods to their province." says Ildoryn before seating again, wondering if any of the representatives would react.
Balgruuf examined the ring, looking it in all angles. He handed it to one of his advisors. “ Consider the Military agreement settled, Jartod would love to hear this” said Balgruuf, smiling. “ As for the Orcs and the Bretons , it seems pretty delicate matter in my opinion, I recommend you maybe hold a smaller meeting between your two nations alone? “ purposed Balgruuf. “ Lastly, the High Elf Representative, the Thalmor Embassy in Solitude remains empty, if we want to heal old wounds, I recommend you fill it, however you’ll only have half of the space, the other half is for the Dunmer,
Yagurz could hardly contain his surprise, the Altmer? Offering him Battlemages?! He was more than a tad bit pleased. The Empire had almost given his people a land to call home, but the Dominion? They were giving him something that no other individual could give his people. They were giving them a greater degree of power. Yagurz looked to Aelid, “We must speak more upon this in private. Though, as Burkash’s representative, I accept your offer readily. Despite disagreements in the past, we cannot pass up such an offer.” Yagurz knew he was playing a dangerous game letting in the Altmer. However, he understood that the degree of risk was far outweighed by the potential gains that Orsinium could get through utilizing a Dominion Battlemage Group.
As Balgruuf spoke of the High Elf offer, Aelid was pleased at first to hear that they would be allowed at least a minor presence in Skyrim. Yet Balgruuf continued.
“However you’ll only have half of the space, the other half is-” The High Justicar interjected haughtily.
“We will NOT share our Embassy with Non-Mer!”
“-for the Dunmer.”
If it was possible, color flushed the cheeks of Aldra and they wer even more a golden hue than before. she nodded embarrassed and Aelid cleared his throat, asking for forgiveness of his entourage.
“Very well, I am sure the Thalmor would be honored to share the Embassy with our relatives, the Dunmer.” Aelid then turned to the Orc, and eyed him suspiciously. The orc seemed very excited to get Altmer Battle-Mages, as he should. They were the best at what they did in all of Nirn, at least in Aelid’s eyes. He knew that the Altmer couldn’t afford to lose many Battle-Mages if not buying something worthy. The High King of the Dominion decided to press his luck.
“My only fear is that these Orcish Berserkers won’t live up to the expectations of my Battle-Mages. You knew they have a average kill rate of twelve soldiers before they are slain? If you would put my silly inhibitions to rest, perhaps you would prove the ferocity of your Orcs to me in some kind of test of skill, before the trade in troops?”
“If I may add , Orcish Berserks tend to be good frontline troops, I’ve seen some in battle for myself “ the Young advisor beside Balgruuf said, before placing his head down in a few documents.
Yagurz eyed the lot of them. He was excited to have the opportunity to have Battle-Mages...however, he was less-than-excited about the possibilities of what havoc their guests could bring. The Thalmor had a...tendency to change things drastically. Yagurz nodded and seemed to concede a tad, “By all means, come to Orsinium, or send a representative. It would be a non-issue for them to be proven in battle.”
Aelid smiled and turned to his entourage, in a ‘I-told-you-so’ fashion, before turning back to the Orc. “Fantastic! I’ll send a Representative after the Summit, and after he sends a report detailing the ferocity of your Orcs, which I’m sure he will, I will then authorize the trade in soldiers. I think this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Orsinium, if I do say so myself.”
Yagurz nodded and practically shouted in excitement, “Fantastic! Come to me and work out the details after the summit has ended.” Yagurz then leaned over and covered his mouth. He was most certainly smiling. If the Altmer wanted to see ferocity, he and Burkash would give them it. These pompous bastards needed to be shown their place. They weren’t the only ones who could play the treachery game.
Ildoryn remained silent while listening to the Altmer and Orsimer converse. He was too occupied by emptying the cup he had, which he found to be somehow satisfying than what he was hearing. Attracting his gaze on the other side of the table was S'arah, the Ka Po Tun that infiltrated the summit. His experience in Akavir tells him something was off from the representative of the Khajiit, but he just can't put it into a concrete thought. Ildoryn just stood up and replied accordingly with what Balgruuf said, dismissing what he had thought about S'arah. "We are honored to share the embassy with our distant relatives; this act would effectively bring us closer with your people, and hopefully, with the Altmers as well."
“Sit, Dunmer . We must discuss the basic trade offerings, what does Morrowind have to offer Skyrim?” asked Balgruuf
“As we both know, the environment in Skyrim isn’t fit for most crops to grow on. Our lands south of Vvardenfell is known to produce Saltrice, Kwarma Eggs, Ashyam, and Wheat, all of which we are willing to offer to your people. Thats not all, Guars and Kagoutis are also bred in our southern plains, which I’m sure your people will find useful for leather, or as sturdy mounts. They’ve proved their resilience in traversing our cragged ashlands, so I’m sure they’ll do well in your region.” says Ildoryn in response. “If your people require raw materials, whether it be Iron, Silver, Gold, or Ebony, our people will provide them.”
“The Representative of Daggerfall and High-Rock-In-Union would like to offer trade in ebony (and now to think of what to give in return...)”
“The Argonian would trade ores of Iron, Gold and Ebony with Morrowind. Our precious gems and your precious ores would provide a generation of jewellers and blacksmiths with work on both sides of our borders.”
“Guars would be of use to us , about your ores however, our smelters in Markarth would greatly take your ore and turn it into bars, we could sell them to other nations and give you sixty percent of the profit, if that is fine with you?” purposed Balgruuf, taking another sip from the mead
“Morrowind accepts your offer. We’ll immediately inform the traders and mining companies of this agreement once the summit is over, to ensure no delays in our trade.” Ildoryn replies while emptying his cup again, this time without reservations.
“Once the first shipment of ore has arrived into Skyrim Borders, my men will take it, Guars on the other hand can wait until we have talked with our economic advisor in Skyrim, never the less.. Besides your sixty percent, are you interested in any ores?” asked Balgruuf
“If Skyrim can supply us with Dwemeric metal scraps of sorts, it would be very much appreciated, if not, Orichalcum would be an ore of interest to us.” Morrowind’s representative replies, inciting the attention of the representatives in the room about Morrowind’s interest with Dwemeric metal.
“Dwemer… we have a lot of it , mostly scraps that are unused , Orichalium we also have in Skyrim, but some of it I may ask our friend from Orsinium to lend to us, and for Skyrim to refine, we’ll sort out the details later.
Happy with the direction that conversations were being taken: the Argonian stood again, letting his stature say all that would be required. When words were quietened, he spoke again. “If I may be frank, the success of this summit is surprising me greatly. The Argonians would gladly trade with the Orcs, Bretons, Dunmer and Nords once the new port city is built. To the Altmer and the Bretons, we are currently inclined to agree to your offers of assistance with this endeavour.”
“And yet, there is still the word of the Redguard and the Imperials that is unheeded. Surely the Redguards are the only people with the sea craft to match the Bretons and the Altmer that is yet to speak. What say you on the matter? And to you, Imperials: will you say nothing as the Altmer and their Thalmor offer more promises than your kingdoms? Your people have fought a bloody war for nearly two hundred years, a war that you have been losing for nearly two-hundred years. Would your silence indicate a desire to end the suffering of two nations and beyond?”
The Councillor cleared his throat “In the past five years, the Aldmeri Dominion has gone from being the dominant force to being reduced to just Alinor, through a string of humiliating military defeats in Elsweyr and Valenwood. Apparently, the idea of Elven supremacy is not only more resilient despite their dominion taking less than five years to be stomped into the ground by the Empire and its allies, but garners respect among the rest of you, who seem willing to support such an ideal. Should I point out that for those two hundred years, we were protecting you all? Save the Dark Elves, all of you would have been down trodden under the Thalmor, and indeed some of you ended up seeing it first hand regardless of our best efforts. Bretons? Filfthy half breeds. Nords? Stupid iceheads worshipping false gods. Argonians? Lizards unworthy of becoming boots. Orcs? As low as the beast races. This is what the Aldmeri Dominion thinks of you, what they have proven to think of you. While good men of the Empire, and indeed some of your own people, die fighting in the legions for your own protection, you’re willing to fill the Thalmor’s purse with coin, that it might spend it on spilling the blood of us all, even their own. And what if they succeeded in truly casting down the Empire? If they ever become that power that they may sack the Imperial City again, that the people of the Empire are broken before their feet… then your nations will suffer. Your people will be enslaved, your lands flattened by the Dominon’s boot, your cities razed. Genocide, banning of your gods, enslavement… and yet you are willing to pay them. All of our ancestors must weep, if the dead weep.” The Councillor said, shaking his head “Do we wish to end this war? Certainly, we have come so very close. Before any of you jump into bed with the Thalmor, let me fill you all in for the uninformed. Their navy is in tatters, what vessels the Empire hasn’t taken from them the Redgaurds have sent to the depths. Their forces are in full retreat from mainland Tamriel, our prisons fill with the prisoners of this war. Valenwood has declared itself independent of them and in accordance with the wishes of Valenwood, an alliance of Legion and Bosmer have cast them out. You try to get trade with them, not realising they have no ships to send it to you with, no supply lines that won’t end up blocked by the upcoming invasion, since it appears they are too bitter to negotiate for any form of peace treaty. I suppose Orismer is going to receive the Battlemages by air?” The Councillor turned to the Orc, Yagurz “The truth is they want your warriors to die in their place, your berserkers to die fighting our legions, throwing their lives away because of a deal with a regime that will oppress your people the first chance they get. I beg of you, don’t allow them to throw the lives of your people away in their own place. They care nothing for your beliefs, your culture, your people, your honour. They would spit on it, if they weren’t desperate for your support. Know that they are desperate for your support, and they will whisper honeyed words in your ear. But the Orcs have long since seen through such veils. Let this not be the day the Orcs sight grows dim. Let it not be this or any day, that the Orcs will fall for the snake oil salesman that is the Aldmeri Dominion.” He turned his head to Balgruuf “And Jarl Balgruuf. You have a reputation that precedes you, the Emperor himself speaks highly of your many skills and traits. You do what is right for your people. Skyrim is a proud and strong province, and I am sure I speak for everyone in the Empire when I say the White-Gold concordat was a mistake and an insult to you, and that you were and are right to hate us for it. But do not forget who imposed this Concordat upon both of us. The Aldmeri Dominion, it is they who are pulling the puppet strings here, they realise they have lost the war against the Empire and so they have turned to trickery in the hopes of setting Skyrim and Cyrodiil on each other. I beg you look back on history, as we all have in the Elder Council. We know who it was who had stood by the Empire in its first days, where Tiber Septim himself hailed from… and we were ashamed of ourselves when we watched Mede sign the concordat, and let the Aldmeri piss on hundreds of years of Skyrim-Cyrodiil cooperation. Asking you back into our fold now it too far gone, you are a proud and independent people now and have proved everyone who thought Skyrim wouldn’t make it wrong. So remain proud and independent, don’t allow the Aldmeri Dominion, who are responsible for the Great War, indirectly the Civil War and most of the bad blood between us, to influence your people and turn them against themselves. If you will not help finally finish off this xenophobic Aldmeri Dominion, then that is fine but by the Nine, don’t allow them to prop themselves up on you and grind their boots a little further into us all. You have always done what is right for your people, don’t start risking their futures now” He turned his head to High Rocks representatives, but merely turned away again quickly. He knew the results of the Emperors summit, whatever the Bretons were gambling with, he knew that they were loyal to the Empire and would have their own reasons for this. He turned to the Argonians “There are other points I could make, but just from that you can see my case. I hate not Summerset Isle, I hate not the High Elves, as there are some in the Elder Council, I hate not the Mer, but I hate the Aldmeri Dominion. I hate the way it looks down on the other races of Tamriel. I hate the way it sizes us all up, and tricks us into fighting each other. But there is something I hate more than them. Most of all I hate how Tamriel is just willing to lie down and take it. Summerset isle could easily become a friend and ally of us all, we all accept and want that. What I’m sure none of us want is a Supremacist Ally with chronic backstabbing disorder. Thank you” The Councillor sat back down, shaking his head slowly.
“If I may interject, Representative of Imperials...” Rules-With-Claws was the first to break the tirade of the Empire’s man. He didn’t rise from his seat, far too calm for that. “You assume much of me. I have made deals today with the King of the Altmer, not his dominion. I have made offers on a table of peace, and do so in an attempt to advance the wellbeing of my people. All you have done is spread old hatred. Hatred that Black Marsh has nothing to do with.”
He rose from his seat, draining the last of the cup in one great sip as the long, regal cloak flowed behind him. “The Altmer spout supremacy, the Thalmor would have it force upon us, but it is your people, and the people of Morrowind who once had mine in shackles. It is under your empire that Slavery has been re-established by the Dunmer. Do not presume yourself so free of our suspicions. This is a place of peace, so make words of trade, not ones of slander.”
“I do not deny; there have been mistakes in our Empire. But I cannot simply brush off the threat of the Aldmeri Dominions hate. You mention slavery. Who has a richer history of Slavery than the Elves? Tiber Septim, was the one to instate that under a treaty with Morrowind, not any of our more recent Emperors. I understand your concern, and trust me we want nothing more than peace. Unfortunately, our peace has been rejected. It was an unfair peace, the Legate is not a man known for fairness, I shall concede that, but the subsequent calls to a table for a meeting between the two nations for a peace treaty that was fair and just, and not version two of the White Gold Concordat, has been completely ignored by the Elven Lord Regent. If you wish, it is he who has slandered us. In fact, he directly did so in his letter to the Legate. What I have done here is stated the risks and facts or recent history. We are all in danger if the Thalmor get their way and crush the wills of any of the so called ‘Lesser Races’, you can’t possibly think that they won’t try it if they are able to brush aside the legion and its supporters. That is why a proper peace treaty is in order, and not a simple argument.”
“Tiber Septim is often declared your greatest hero. My people were pushed into the darkest corners of the Black Marsh by his calls for an empire. Do not hide behind the past as an excuse, for the past is what you accuse the Altmer with.”
“The past is not what I am hiding behind but asserting. Look, if we are going to do it this way, not a single one of us in this room can be trusted and we all know that, we are here to make some kind of agreement, whatever it may be, or rather many kinds, and hope they are all honoured. Tiber Septim was a great man, but being ‘great’ doesn’t imply that one’s actions were good or right. Neither does his declaration as a Divine ever support that what he did was right. He ascended to a throne upon a river of blood and a pile of corpses, we all know that. But what he did was bring hundreds of years of peace. Whether that was a worthwhile trade-off is for us to decide individually, not to be used in order to devalue the facts of now. And now, the Thalmor is a threat because they won’t make peace, they instead want to crush us so they can get to everyone else. At the time being, the Redguards and Empire are too big a threat for them to attack you all, as we now sit on their borders. But if these two blockers were removed… the results could be a very different world, and for all the bad, an even worse one.”
“The only Septim worthy of speaking about in Black Marsh was named Martin. And the only High Elves I am dealing with is the Altmer king. If you do not wish to offer terms, then we shall move on to hear what the Redguards have to say.”
“By dealing with the High Elven King you are dealing directly with the Aldmeri Dominion, he rules it after all, no one can dispute that point, seeing a how he is the High Elven King. I will offer terms, once the Altmer show they are willing to accept calls for any form of peace, or whether if I offer terms I’m going to be blown off like the Legate. We can actually come to very reasonable terms… but I don’t think they are going to listen. As you say, we have been at war nearly 200 years, on and off. That is a long time for us all, even the High Elves have to say a 200 year long war is troublesome news. Tamriel is shattered, and I understand we are here to make agreements and end all our conflicts. I have terms for the High Elves, but I have to ask that their king will listen. If he is anything like the Regent he left in charge, then we might as well call this done now.”
“ENOUGH!” Rules-With-Claw slams the goblet in his hand against the stone table, watching the metal shatter under the blow. Trickles of blood drop onto the table as shards of metal cut flesh.”We shall all take a break. Then, we shall return to the matter at hand: Argonian matters, not the matters between the Empire and the Altmer, which have been raging for two-hundred years.”
“Your lands are directly affected by these matters, the outcome of this war will affect everyone in Tamriel, peace is a viable alternative but at the time we are yelling at each other across a table instead of working for it. The more I stand here shouting, the more I feel like the men fighting in the South, where we are reaching nothing and NEVER WILL.”
“The more you stand here shouting, the more you embarrass yourself and the empire.”
“I’m not here to save face, I’m here to end a 200 year old war, it seems we have the exact same agenda, peace on Tamriel, so why are we arguing?”
“Councillor, we shall stop now, before we embarrass either of our nations further. An hours reprieve will do us all good. I do not want this summit to devolve into slander.” The Argonian lord stands up, turning his back to the representatives. “We will meet here in an hour. Your time is your own.” With that, the Gigantic Argonian walks to the exit, flexing the bloody fingers of his right hand. The aches of the past burdened on him more than he admitted. Perhaps he was more prideful than he thought.
Balgruuf watched the banter, tapping his finger on the table. “ This is the same empire that is now complimenting me, that left Skyrim for dead?” asked Balgruuf. “ The Sons of Skyrim , died all because of your foolish, and your goal to save your own dynasty of emperors” began Balgruuf. “ Banning Talos hurt the Nords but assisting with Thalmor operations? No offense to our high elf “friend” but you let them march into the courts of Skyrim, into the guilds of Skyrim , into the society of Skyrim like they were some sort of king or queen!” exclaimed Balgruuf. “ We defeated the Elves when you left us for dead, what do you bring to the table now , Skyrim and other nations can defend themselves so what does the Imperial Banner mean today for Tamriel? “ asked Balgruuf, looking to the Imperial representative “ To win back the trust of the Nords you must have a good offer I presume , because the Nords agree that the Imperial's are a bunch of back stabbing menaces who just wanted to protect their own bloodlines!” exclaimed Balgruuf , getting angry as he took a hearty sip from the Mead.
Ildoryn was more than displeased with the Imperial's acts, he was disgusted. To resort to cheap acts like insults, the Empire's image just got a whole lot uglier in his eyes. "Before the Empire throws any insults to the people of Morrowind, I'd like to excuse myself back to my chambers." Ildoryn stands from his seat, making the guards beside him stand in attention. "I hope by the time this meeting reconvenes, the Empire would learn how leash their tongues." says Ildoryn while stressing on the last word before leaving the room.