Soaring over a seemingly endless stretch of green, with the marshy delta of Gol'riasc fading into the distance, came a jet-black hawk with strangely glowing green eyes. Unnaturally large for a bird of it's type, it cast a wide swathe of a shadow on the trees below, and although it's eye movements were difficult to see due to the strange green glow, it scanned the world beneath in short, rapid movements, drinking in details it could only dream of when in its Elven form. Lenwƫ had been in flight since midday, with Ninian Folte, the lone descendent of the line of Hawk-men as his partner in flight. Ninian had taken to her favoured form of a golden eagle, which trumped Lenwƫ's speed easily, and she'd careened off to the side some time ago, not to be seen since.
Of course, it was no cause for concern. Ninian
did tend to show off a bit in her silent manner. But Lenwƫ knew she was nearby, being linked in his way to the minds of the Inner Circle's members, although he could discern no exact location for her.
Playing games? He projected the thought towards her consciousness, but was only met with a mischevious mental giggle, and then suddenly he heard the whooshing of air around wings folded for a dive. Lenwƫ tucked himself into a sideways roll, saving himself from Ninian's teasing talons.
Lenwƫ regained a horizontal position and beat his wings twice to regain the few feet he'd dropped in the maneuver, then cocked his head towards Ninian, the golden eagle appearing to glide lazily, although they were moving at breakneck speeds over the trees.
You remembered the move I showed you! She sent the words to him through their telepathic bond, and expressed a sense of pride that she had taught the Avatar of the Hunt how to fly adequately.
He didn't acknowledge her, so as not to feed her flame of self-gratification, but instead beat his wing at her playfully, disturbing the air currents around her wing nearest him. Gracefully, she spun away and regained her trajectory, a little further away from Lenwƫ this time. It was all in fun, the flight had been long and boring for the both of them, but as the Avatar Lenwƫ felt that playing games with his fellow Circle members when on a diplomatic mission was unbecoming. Seriously, he spoke to her again,
We grow near, compose yourself. He hadn't ever spent any significant amount of time in the USN, and then had only passed through, avoiding towns and cities, but he knew they were a more civilized culture than was his own. It wasn't uncommon for foreign people to view the Artabri as little more than barbaric, uncultured folk akin to the Frost-born, and that was not an image that he wanted to reinforce by acting foolish in the sight of Shadonian nobility. While in the Commonwealth, freedom of behaviour was expected and natural, but he assumed that acting in such ways while in the Southern lands of the USN would be viewed as disrespectful.
Ninian took no further scolding, and slowed herself so that she fell slightly behind her Avatar, then maintained an even distance. The trees below had thinned out, and Lenwƫ knew that they were now crossing or already across the border between Arro'ell and the USN.
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Located outside the castle gates were two guards. Both had been informed of the expected visitors and are keeping their eyes on the skies above them. Not really that prepared for what they are expected.
Ever since the main clan meeting, things have begun to calm down. Post celebration cleanups had finished, the clan leaders had left to tend to their own people, of course with a few new actions to attend to. Like the child labour in the Metle clan. The second trimonarch, Dae Rostovii, had left Shadopolis to return to his sector, The Rostovii Clan. Leaving the other two trimonarchs to attend a meeting with their elven visitor. Weilacca and Patraeko. Of course, this is mostly used as a way to teach the youngest trimonarch the works of the trimonarchy and being a clan leader. However, it's not like he'll learn much. Patraeko already had his experience from since his father had been executed.
With the time given to the trimonarchy, some preparations had taken place. This includes the quick learning of some simple elven sentences and words. Along with the recruitment of a translator who had grown fluent in the elven language. Of course, this translator would be able to translate Shadonian words over to the visitors, if they need the translation of course. All what's left now is to wait...
After having passed over a variety of landscapes, finally the two airborne Hunters were gliding swiftly over a plains region, a mountain range now visible to the South. Growing close enough for his hawk-eyes to pick it out, Lenwƫ saw the lone mountain that served as the heart of the USN's massive capital, Shadopolis. Although he could have simply soared over the walls, possibly at the risk of being shot down, the great black hawk with vibrantly glowing green eyes instead slowed his speed and fell into a gentle dive.
Ninian followed suit, requiring no guidance on how she ought to behave now that they were so near. Although Lenwƫ did not betray his thoughts to his companion, he was baffled at the sheer scope of the widespread city. Already the sounds of mass civilization buffeted his keen ears, he was sure Ninian would be experiencing the same feeling of being overwhelmed as he was now. Population centers on the scale of Shadopolis were unheard of in the Commonwealth, and while Lenwƫ had travelled and seen cities in his hundred and forty years, it had been quite some time since he had exposed himself to civilization outside of his forested homeland.
Two guards were in sight outside of the main gates of the castle, whom he suspected were there to meet and escort them to the First Trimonarch, Weilacca. Now only a few yards off of the ground, possibly moving a little too quickly for the comfort of the two guards, Lenwƫ allowed the shift back into his Elven form to begin. His wide nine foot wingspan shrunk and shed jet-black feathers, revealing his almost deathly grey skin tone. His talons receded into him as the bones gained density and length, changing into bare feet at the end of ankles that snapped into place. The rest of his feathers shed from his torso, and his beak crumpled down and back into his face, soft flesh moving to take its place and forming into lips. A dark grey, almost black cloak materialized as if from smoke and fell down over his otherwise nude body, his only article of clothing.
Ninian's transformation was similar, although she was more clothed than her Avatar. Tan leathers that had seen many a hunt and a dusty brown cloak covered her heavily tattooed body, and her dark brown hair flailed wildly for a moment as she fell all the way to the ground and the gusts of her now vanished wings receded. Lenwƫ stepped forward slowly, and greeted them in the common language, "I am Lenwƫ, Avatar of Adharc'aon, come from the Artabraic Commonwealth on a mission of diplomacy and trade talks. I do believe your master is expecting me?" He spoke as he did purely as a formality, he was sure they knew he was coming and had been waiting specifically for their arrival.
Even as the guards made reply, Lenwƫ had begun regrowing the signature bark-armor that he covered his feet, legs, and hands with. It was a rather slow process, but small shoots like roots were already stretching down his legs and working to cover his otherwise bare feet. While he was covered by the cloak he donned, his feet were slightly visible, especially when he moved or a breeze displaced the frayed bottom of his garment. Green and brown tendrils slowly were stretching down from his forearm as well, but he did not allow it to form armor proper, as that might be taken as an afront. This was only a diplomatic visit, afterall, and if he looked too on guard the Trimonarchs may interpret it in the wrong way.
The two guards simply aimlessly stood around, sighing with boredom. However, the sight of the two giant creatures took the two by surprise, one fell over at the shock before quickly grabbing his musket as general protocol. Once the two creatures shifted in their shape, the two quickly lowered their guns and held them in place to rest against their shoulder. Quickly making worried faces, hoping that the two visitors did not notice the hostile actions.
Once the two visitors had arrived, one spoke in the common language, a language made for the whole of Pandeum to speak. Although, the superiority complex of the Shadonian race left them to leave the common language as a secondary, less important language to learn. And so, they stood there confused, only recognizing a few words. They just had to do what they were ordered afterall, not talk.
"This way, visitors." The taller, more toned guard replied in the Shadonian language (Heard as "Taeesae wackooay seesaeetaockras"). The armored guard left his musket to rest against the walls of the castle gates. Guns were prohibited inside the castle.
With that, the guard left the other to stay at the gate. While leading the two visitors into the massive castle-mountain. Apon entry, the great architecture of the Vladaminsky clan could be seen. With great details placed all over the walls, pillars, stairs, throne, floor, etc... After a good while of walking up massive stairs, the three had finally reached a large wooden door. The conference room. "Emperor Weilacca and Lord Payemyndii are in here" the guard spoke. Stepping to the side to allow the two to enter the room.
Inside the room sat two men, Weilacca Vladaminsky and Patraeko Payemyndii. With Montayzuomah casually floating crosslegged beside Weilacca. The two were sitting at the two corners of the triangle shaped table, in front of their respective symbols. Two seats were place at the edge opposite Weilacca for the visitors to sit at. The last corner was left empty, with a small plate placed on the chair saying "Busy." in Shadonian.
"Ah!" Weilacca called out, as he stood from his chair, raising his arms in a sort of peaceful/welcoming way. He thought for a little before coming up with an elven word "Welcome". It was the only elven word he could remember, it's a good thing he taught himself the common language. "You guys speak the common language right?"
Lenwƫ tried to hide the surprise he felt at the informality of the Shadonian Emperor, but a momentary lapse of his demeanor betrayed his emotions for no more than a second. Ninian suppressed a chuckle, and then tried to casually examine the Deity in the room. Unfortunately, her expertise at acting casual in social situations was extraordinarily low, so she was more staring at Montayzuomah than politely glancing. Lenwƫ delivered a quick mental jab to her, not conveying any words but it was good enough for her to get the message. She averted her gaze and scanned the room, quickly taking in the features of the two Trimonarchs present.
Lenwƫ had felt similar surprise at the presence of the God of Suffering quite simply and casually hovering next to where Weilacca had been sitting, but he had more control over himself than the young hawk-girl that had accompanied him. Lenwƫ smiled politely at the greeting of the Emperor and the single Elven word he had used.
"Of course, the common tongue is the one normally used in the Commonwealth as my people do not solely share one lineage." This would help to explain why the Avatar of the Hunt was an Elf, while Ninian was a pale human sharing features in common with many of the Frost-born much further to the North. "Unfortunately, my knowledge of your language is restricted to a bare minimum. I have only ever passed through your United Nations en route to the Black Forest."
"I see," Weilacca replied, "My people simply stick to our own language. We believe that the Shadonian tongue should be used worldwide. Although, that's only our beliefs." He sat back down, gesturing to the others to take a seat. "You don't need to worry at lacking our language, we can still use the common tongue." He smiled a metallic smile as his teeth caught the light and reflected it as bright rays, this inhuman trait is what mainly distinguished the shadonian race from humans. That and the deep red eyes in which most shadonians hold.
"Anyway, we need to introduce ourselves!" Weilacca smiled again,
"I'm Weilacca Vladaminsky, Emperor of the United Shadonian Nations."
Patraeko finally spoke a few blunt words, "Patraeko Payemyndii, King of the Payemyndii Clan". Most people would not believe Patraeko's words due to his young age, but the truth was made obvious since he was sitting at the triangle table of the trimonarchy conference room.
As the talk continued, Montayzuomah simply floated there, quiet, as he watched the meeting take place. He spent his time quickly analysing the two visitors, ready to give some extra information to Weilacca should he miss something at the end of the meeting.
Lenwƫ had heard tell of the strange differences of the Shadonian people from Hunters who had managed to get close enough to see the details of their deep red eyes and unnaturally shiny teeth, but this was the first time he had really seen up close for himself. Since Lenwƫ's glowing green eyes lacked any iris or pupils he could let his gaze drift where he pleased without others knowing for certain whether it was them he was looking at or not.
Ninian did not share in Lenwƫ's strange eye coloration, and so it was painfully obvious that she was blatantly staring at Weilacca's metallic smile. Lenwƫ threw another mental jab her way, simultaneously continuing with pleasantries with his hosts, "It is an honor to meet you both. In our flight I was baffled at the sheer size of your country, you must have half the total population of the Commonwealth in this city alone." Moving behind the seat designated by the Emperor, and beckoning for Ninian to follow suit, he introduced them before sitting down.
"I am Lenwƫ, Avatar of the Hunt, and my companion here is Ninian Folte, member of my countries governing body."
Ninian gave a short, sloppy curtsy, to the best of her ability, "Honored." She replied shortly with her face down-turned, then took her seat next to Lenwƫ. Speaking in the manners of civilized folk had always been bizarre to Lenwƫ, even with practice, and small talk came to him with great difficulty. He could only imagine at how much more difficult such things were for Ninian.
"As you are aware, I had requested this meet in order to solidify trading agreements between our nations. Our harvest was plentiful this year, and tradesmen in the Commonwealth are anxious to see Shadonian ships make port in Cathair-sa-Chuan. In addition, the recent warning," he glanced up at Montayzuomah, then back to the two trimonarchs, "has given me cause to seek out additional military alliances. The dryads between our nations only ever promise neutrality, and whatever this coming threat is, we need a Southern ally we can rely on."
Weilacca looked confused at the two's strange actions, but stuck to ignore the human's stares towards himself. It's probably the first time to see a Shadonian, or maybe first time meeting and emperor. Oh well. As a reply to Lenwƫ's compliment, Weilacca spoke out; "I thank you. It took a lot of resources, lives and effort to finally unite this country. Plus, the city of Shadopolis is one of the oldest, constantly growing cities in the history of the USN." He smiled again, happy to show some praise towards his dictator-esque actions.
Listening some more to the reasons to the meeting, Weilacca opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Patraeko. "I see a land trade more efficient and short rather than sea. Of course there are some goods which we produce in bulk and require ships to carry their weight, but most goods are light enough to carry over land." He spoke as if he was bored, his words implying that it was a simple, common thing for people to know. Or maybe he was insulting them, it was unsure from the Payemyndii's accent. "We are aware of this warning through the idiot god's words. Your confirmation has made it clear that he wasn't lying-" Montayzuomah flinched a little and gave off a large sigh at Patraeko's words, "-A military alliance would be best for both of us. Especially with some actions occuring within our own country along with some hostile actions from neighboring ones. I'm pretty sure you can rely on our large, technologically advanced forces and great strategic prowess. And Weilacca has been going on about how great you people are, so we hope we can trust you."
With that, Patraeko looked away and slouched back into his chair, hanging his arm over the backrest and staring out the window, into the crowded streets of the city. Weilacca simply stared at Patraeko in surprise, it wasn't usual for a young leader like him to suddenly show such great words in such a brief fashion. He then quickly looked towards the two visitors, hoping that Patraeko's words/accent haven't caused any offense. Montayzuomah simply sat there, floating and giggling.
"They aren't what I expected." came Ninian's projected thought into Lenwƫ's mind. She could have been reading his own unspoken words. He wasn't sure whether he was being insulted by the young Payemyndii noble or if it was just how these people commonly spoke. Chances were that Patraeko was trying to goad him into taking offence, as a means of weighing Lenwƫ's character. But he was determined to make these talks work out in the favor of the Artabraic people, if it meant taking insults even, he wouldn't act out against it.
He had expected Montayzuomah, for a split second, to strike down his young mortal lord. These Shadonians seemed full of surprises though. But then he felt a sense of relief, hearing that even the arrogant Lord Payemyndii saw merit in forming a military alliance.
"I am pleased that we see a military alliance as mutually beneficial, but I have reservations in regards to a land-based trade route." He shifted in his seat and leaned forward a bit, careful to maintain a composed demeanor and not to cause insult to the Payemyndii, "There are no safe, monitored, or regularly patrolled roads from here to the Commonwealth. Such a route would take merchants and goods along the borders of the Outlands and the Drow Dominion." The Outlands was full of brigands and cutthroats, such was common knowledge, and the Drow typically took unkindly to trespassers. He wasn't sure whether he should tell Patraeko and Weilacca about the increase in activity of the insect denizens of the Dominion near the borders. It was possible they already knew anyway.
"While I am a leader of my people, the Artabri do not function like yours. They are free to make their own decisions, that is the foundation of our ideology. I could not force them to establish outposts outside of Artabraic borders in order to safeguard this trading road." He let his words weigh on the room, expressing no further argument for the moment, waiting for a counter from either of the nobles across the triangular table.
Patraeko thought for a moment, before quickly whipping his head back to face the visitors. "Then we simply set up patrols, roads, escorts, those barbarians can't do shit to us."
Weilacca quickly tapped the table with the palm of his hand, "Patraeko, stop with this arrogance. A good leader should have an open mind and consider all problems and details." He then looked towards the visitors, "I'm sorry, Patraeko is new to the Trimonarchy."
"How much would it cost to start a campaign through the Outlands and Drow Dominion?" Patraeko asked Weilacca,
"Shut up. We aren't starting a war just for trade. You got to look at the big picture to excel in strategics. It will cost much more to start a war and is much cheaper to set up a trade route by sea. And so!"
Weilacca looked back at the visitors again, "I apologize for the inconvenience, a sea trade route would be best and we would be glad. Of course, we need to know what you have to offer and what you require from us. Along with that, we need to make some arrangements of exchanging garrisons. It would be much more safer and efficient to have each soldiers guarding each other's lands. It will give a mix of specialties along with improving inter-racial relationships."
"Hoo~" Montayzuomah finally begun to speak, "You're quick to give in to pathetic-" His words were quickly stopped with a small spark of electricity reaching out towards the god. Quickly causing him to drift backwards, out of range.
"Your opinion is invalid, idiot god. Go cause some disease or masturbate or whatever you do."
With a small grunt, Montayzuomah left the room by disappearing through a wall. Drifting off to meddle in whatever he thought would be fun.
Taking in stride the behavior of both the Payemyndii and the insult-cut-short of the now un-present Deity, Lenwƫ carried on as if neither thing had happened. "It is quite alright, we all have our beginnings." He gracefully lifted his hands as if wiping away Patraeko's outburst from memory. "Regardless of reasons, I do agree that war is the last thing needed in our lands at present. Whatever the danger on the horizon that has been foretold actually is, we should try and be prepared for it. War would be a distraction from this."
Finally sitting back and really relaxing for the first time since he arrived, Lenwƫ folded his hands in front of him on the table. While his manner appeared calm and relieved of worry, he was now brooding to himself while carrying on the conversation. "The Commonwealth has a variety of natural resources at our disposal; lumber, in abundance, crops of corn, wheat, and hops in plenty, among with several other choice harvests, but not in the same quantities." The interrupted comment of the God of Suffering troubled him, but he tried not to show any misgivings. "In addition, Artabraic Hunters never quit in their work, and we can provide all the animal products you could ask for. Leathers and furs for the coming winter would, naturally, be a prime example. Also, our mountain ranges and the cliff-sides of the DƩithamach Peninsula are rich in iron ores and precious metals."
He shrugged more to himself than anyone else, carrying on, "Given our proposed military alliance and exchange of military forces, I'm sure that my merchants could be persuaded to provide yours with favorable bargains and priority considerations. In exchange we would be interested in higher quality weapons, as well as siege weaponry, just to be prepared for anything. Also, most of our cities and settlements are of crudely built and wooden quality. If you have stone building tools, and possibly also masons willing to travel to the Commonwealth, we would be interested in such things."
"An exchange of garrisons would be beneficial, I am certain that I can gather a substantial number of Artabri toward this cause. Once they have been decided, I will send word to you, followed shortly by the Hunters themselves. Do you have a specific post already in mind, or an idea of what they will most typically be faced against? Depending on the environment and potential enemies, I could recommend Artabri with different specialties."
Weilacca smiled with the offers, "Lumber and crops are exactly what we need, along with leathers and furs as well." He commented, followed by Patraeko's words;
"My people excel in weapons production, we can easily supply you with the general Shadonian weaponry which include cannons, muskets, and close combat weaponry like swords and spears. We also build trebuchets, catapults, warships and have a small prototype of a new weapon in production."
"As for your ores, I'm afraid that we aren't in need of these. Our own mines in the Metle and Skeel sectors have a great abundance in iron and copper ores." Weilacca added, "If you need masons and architects to assist in your buildings, we'd be happy to send some. Some of our trade ships can be loaded with eager workers seeking to immigrate into your lands. There, they can work and teach."
Patraeko finally commented on the garrison exchange, "Your garrisons would be thinly spread throughout the USN at first to show the integration of foreign military. We don't want any major threat or fear to reach the people so it's easier to slowly bring them in. After a good time of the garrison exchange programme, your garrisons would be gathered together for usual guard duty in some sectors, along with policing and training of rookies. Of course, we would contact you for permission on using your troops in war should one break out. We're happy to receive any specialty and also offer a range of specialties of our own guards. Wall marksmen, brutes, riders, line infantry, dragoons. The list goes on."
[center]Lenwƫ raised an eyebrow at Patraeko's mention of the prototype weapon, but held his silence on the matter, respecting that it was likely a guarded secret. If the time came, perhaps that information would find its' way to his Elven ears. "Your weapons would be gladly accepted. Cannons could be implemented to defend our city walls, as well as muskets. Unfortunately, your warships may be lost on us, as we have no conventional Navy." Lenwƫ considered Weilacca's words. It was unfortunate that the Shadonians would have no demand for their metal ores, but not too large an issue.
"Housing can be provided for immigration at short notice, our capital city is vast as well and capable of providing residence to large amounts of people. Your architects might be particularly interested in the Dwarven design of our capital. It is ancient, and some sections of it are in some state of disrepair, however we have been hesitant in tasking any workers to restore it for fear that they may cause more harm than good. Your workers would be well taken care of."
He replied now directly to Patraeko, "The workings of the exchange programme in the USN can be handled at the discretion of you Trimonarchs. A slow integration sounds practical, but I could immediately set to task several thousand Shadonian troops. Your garrisons would likely be placed on or near our border to the Dominion, and perhaps nearby our main population centers. My people tend to specialize in non-conventional warfare, with a heavy tendency for stealth and guerilla tactics, so your more standard soldiers would be a valuable asset to us if we ever had to hold the line against numerous forces. In addition, they would be perfect for policing and patrolling our border. In time, perhaps your officers could instruct the Artabri in conventional rank and file warfare, if my people see learning such tactics to be worthwhile."
"Not likely." Ninian sent her snide thought on the idea of standing in formation and taking barked orders to Lenwƫ, with a momentary cringing of her nose coming over her, as if something smelled foul. Lenwƫ quickly subdued her with a thought, then continued to address Weilacca, "If there is nothing further, perhaps we should finalize our agreements, and then I will set myself to task. Merchants and hunters will have to be informed of these good tidings, and the sooner I return to the Commonwealth, the sooner trade and military exchange can take place."
Patraeko hummed in agreement, liking the words being spoke toward him. "Line infantry and Dragoons would be best for policing and patrolling. Both of which also have a great defensive stance and training for if any war were to come by. As for having full control over your garrisons, we are very grateful and would try our best to train them in our ranks. We would get the garrisons to full work immediately, however, our people can be quite xenophobic. When your garrisons return to their homelands, they would/should be fully trained in discipline and formations." He explained.
"Well then!" Weilacca clapped his hands together to grab the attention of the room. "I believe this is it. I don't believe there are any other words to be said so we, can finalize our negotiations." He turned to the visitors, "Is there anything else worth mentioning?"
Lenwƫ pursed his lips and shook his head after a second of consideration. "I think not." Rising to his feet, and tucking the chair back in place, signaling for Ninian to follow suit. "I am pleased that we have been so easily able to negotiate on these issues, and I thank you, Emperor Vladaminsky and Lord Payemyndii, for the kind hospitality." Giving a gracious, swooping bow, and Ninian sloppily doing the same.
"Ah yes! Thanks for taking the time to come over here. Next time, all three of us will pay a visit to your Commonwealth." Weilacca replied, smiling another metallic smile as he saw the two visitors off. Returning to his work as they took to the skies once more.
RPG
