FSTGOD3 Preliminary Diplomacy Thread

[LadyTevar]

Abhainglas, Æthelmearc

Duke Ynvgar MacErne settled in front of a large cabocon-cut crystal set into the wall of his study. Composing his thougths, calming his heart, he then opened his mind to the crystal and spoke to it. "My queen, please hear me."

A slight moment later, the crystal shone, and the image of Queen Gliadrachan NicErne shimmered on the surface. "Speak, my Duke McErne." No lines touched her face, no gray her hair, although she stood and fought alongside her father (the Duke's great grandsire) against the might of the Ilthids.

"A ship from the Koronian Empire has come, bearing Envoys," the Duke replied. "I have given them lodging for the moment, pending your orders, my Queen."

The queen's emerald eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "Unusual. One would have expected a horde of priests intent on conversions to their faith." She speared her grand-nephew with a sharp look. "You will act as my agent in this. Treat them as honoured guests. See what they have come for, but promise nothing as yet. Keep me informed nightly."

The Duke bowed his head. "And if they wish trade, my Queen? Will you open the borders?"

"Perhaps."

[Charon]

"The Morsum has always been self sustained. We mine ore from the mountains; collect furs from the great beasts that roam our lands, even ivory; cure whale and fish-leather for it's utility, as such there is a surplus of whale and fish oil--we have little use for it; the lands in our south are heavily forested, though we harvest timber, there is little use for it here in Morkan lands, trading vessels aside." Helalsius considers a moment. "I suppose you would say that we have a surplus of unfinished goods, Outsider. I know little of your nation, or your people's needs."

The bear seems as though she will pause again, but speaks abruptly, "I am curious, could grains, or other foodstuff be traded? Is there a means of exchanging such a thing with your nation?"

The Leroani stood silent for a few moments as he considered that the Morsum had. "At the moment, we are not producing enough grain to be exported, a few years ago a great disaster befell our farms that we are still recovering from. But soon we should be producing enough to export on a relatively large scale."

Tobias thought for a few more moments, "My nation has some need for furs, and perhaps the ivory as well. Though I would need to discuss the matter with my lord."

[Charon]

"Very well," said Minuial. "I will take you to the Queen's Palace at once, and arrange rooms for you to stay."

She then turned to Glawaranu, and added, "Send our fastest messengers to the Queen, and to the other leaders as well. They may still be on the road to their cities, however."

"At once, m'lady," the guard captain bowed. He proceeded off toward the barracks stationed alongside Faer Elloth's thick yet picturesque stone walls.

Looking back at the Koronans, Minuial said, "If you would please follow me?"

The beautiful elf turned around, accompanied by the two elven warriors Glawaranu had summoned, who flanked her ceremonially. She then proceeded onward to a golden-white spire in the distance, towering sharply above every other structure in Faer Elloth; the Queen's Palace.

The delegates nodded slowly and followed after the Elven woman. Their Leroani escort followed after them with the same care-free espression on his face, occasionally looking around and examining the area in a lax interest. Then his gaze fell on the ceremonial guards and a small smile escaped his lips for a few moments before he went back to his gazing at everything.

The delegates did not say any words between each other as they followed, there was no real need as all already knew what was to be said here.

[Ra]

OOC: I'm trying to fit in some of Tev's own interpretations of my gray elves in this post, but if there are any problems, let me know.

========
Queen Thiniell already knew the Koronan diplomats were coming before Glawaranu's messenger had ever shown up. In fact, she had sent the messenger on another mission; to her collegues in the human cities. She'd been watching them from her chamber overlooking the city from far above, and with a simple looking glass noted their expressions, their snide and arrogant glances which indicated they were nothing but trouble.

As two ceremonial guards opened the giant doors to her chamber, the general shape of which resembled a sea shell, the elven Sorceress-turned-Queen looked on emotionlessly. While her beloved daughter beamed a smile, it was something she did not return, though in her defense Thiniell did not give any sign of malice, either.

Thiniell was no stranger to betrayal, and in fact she might could be considered a bit on the paranoid side, even for a gray elf. The "exiles" had been originally led by a member of the high elven court, Aranrisul Starsinger. They had begun as a political movement, nothing more. Aranrisul saw openness and friendship with the other races - humans in particular - as being for the better of human and elves alike. He sought to aid them, and in time have elf and human stand as equals. In time, hybrids; half-elves, were born. It was a controvertial movement amongst the neutral elves, and as a consequence met much resistance from the high elven court, most especially from the Queen, Gliadrachan.

But Aranrisul was not alone in his fondness for the "mortal kin", as the humans were called. Soon he gained support of high-ranking members of the elven court, including the Arch-Sorceress of Sky - none other than the Lady Thiniell Moonwing. Suggestions amongst the elven society that the two were lovers was incorrect, but they were close associates in that they believed in a common cause. Aranrisul saw great innovative and intellectual potential for the humans, while Thiniell saw their magic potential.

But for their difference of opinion, Aranrisul's supporters were cursed by Queen Gliadrachan, making their hair black as night, rather than the fair shades of blonde and red most of their people had posessed; a measure to make them easy to spot. The dissidents were then ordered into exile, and began to be systematically slaughtered before they were even given a chance to gather their belongings and flee. Aranrisul had been a charismatic and popular man amongst the court, and had many supporters in the common folk. As a result, the killings were a massacre never seen before in elven history. That elves would kill other elves was considered unthinkable. But the idea that they would be slaughtered so openly still tore a deep hole in Thiniell's heart.

In their terror and sorrow, the exiles fled on ships to the south. Aranrisul gathered the survivors upon the shores that Faer Elloth now sat upon, and proclaimed that they would call themselves mith'edhel, the gray elves, for the shining gray seas they had so loved saved them, and would protect them once again. But the woe was much for Aranrisul, and he became a reclusive wreck of an elf, standing alone on balconies and refusing anyone's company or comforting hand. He saw himself as the singular bearer of guilt for the slaughter that had occured, and in time, it consumed him. Aranrisul was no longer with the gray elves he had saved, for he anguished so much that his broken body died, and Ing had carried his spirit on to Alfheim. As the second-eldest of the elven nobles in Faer Elloth, Thiniell Moonwing was coronated Queen.

Betrayal was no new thing for Thiniell, a woman so beautiful yet so burdened. As she stood, the elf seemed to be bearing much upon her body, yet all held was a magical staff. Betrayal had cost her much. It had cost her friends, it had cost her happiness and family. It had even cost Thiniell her own husband.

Betrayal was the reason the message Thiniell had dispatched read only one thing: "INVASION IMMINENT"

"My mother, my Queen," greeted Minuial, "I present you embassies of the Koronan-"

"Why have you come?" Thiniell said in a neutral, polite tone. She would not wait long for an answer.

[Charon]

Yorathan Alliance

The Leroani had been left behind the doors to the queen's quarters staying with the guards. The man began striking up a conversation as best he could, but for the most part the guards remained solumn and answered only the most basic of questions with a yes or a no.

"So, you been here long?"

"Yes."

"How long?"

"...."

"Hello?"

"...."

The Leroani shrugged and leaned against a pillar facing the door. He let out a slow sigh and began chewing on his piece of straw again.

"Nice hat."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The delegates stood infront of the queen and bowed even as she asked her question.

"We come here to discuss trade, among other things. There is more to your council is there not? Should we wait for their representatives before we continue?"

[LadyTevar]

Abhainglas, Æthelmearc

The following morn, after the envoys from the Koronian Empire had broken their fast, they were given a grand escort following twisting pathways and stairs that climbed up the side of the cliffs to the keep that watched over the narrowing of the Western Gulf and protected the kingdom by sea.

As they entered the imposing structure, so obviously martial on the outside, with a large gateway well-built for defense, the entry hall was surprisingly small, overlooked by balconies ... as if it was meant as a chokepoint for invaders.

Yet once beyond that, the Nithgaard taste in finely carved furniture and delicate tapestries and painting became apparent. The room they were lead to overlooked the sea, and all within leant itself to the illusion of standing on an open portico to view the sea below.

Here their host awaited them. His hair was autumn red, pulled back from his face and bound by a bejeweled clasp. His eyes were the bright emerald that was the hallmark of all Erne descendants, his face ageless, his body fighting trim. He could be 25.. he could be 250... it was unknowable. But his umber-shaded clothing was finely woven linen and cut not only to present him well but also for freedom of movement should he need it.

"In the name of Gliadrachan NicErne, Silvan Queen of Æthelmearc, I bid you greetings, men of Koron. I am the Duke Abhainglas, Yngvar McErne ... be welcome to my home."

[Charon]

Æthelmearc

Ingal and the other delegates bowed low before their host. Ingal stepped forward. "We bid thee greeting as well Yngvar McErne. I am Ingal Jaham, and these are my compatriots." The dark skinned woman waved a hand behind her, indicating the small troupe of diplomats behind her. "We are honored that you welcome us here."

[LadyTevar]

Æthelmearc

Ingal and the other delegates bowed low before their host. Ingal stepped forward. "We bid thee greeting as well Yngvar McErne. I am Ingal Jaham, and these are my compatriots." The dark skinned woman waved a hand behind her, indicating the small troupe of diplomats behind her. "We are honored that you welcome us here."

For the moment, Yngvar let the insult of not addressing him as Duke pass. "Please, be seated... I know you have just broken fast, but after the climb I am sure you are parched." A motion of his hand, and a woman of the Nith stepped forward with a tray that held cups. "I do not know what you would call the fruits the juice is made from. We call them Pahpaw."

The juice is pulpy, sweet and tart at the same time.

[Thirdfain]

To the south, sister Katalin of the Holy Paladins would be sent with a party of escorts to gather information on the High Korlec. As well as to entertain the possibilities of diplomatic relations.

Sister Katalin of the Holy Paladins entered the city of Szuros with her train of soldiers. Szuros, along the northern coast of the Sweetwater Sea, was quit near the border of the kingdom of St. Stefen- it was through that small metropolis that what little commerce existed between the nations was carried out. Her guides, two breathing-castes in the livery of the Hercega of Szuros, were respectful and quiet. The rest of the town, however, was not- the region of the city just inside the main gate was the Low City, noisy and filled with the unpleasant organic stench and the roaring bustle which filled every human city on the continent. Washerwomen poured waste out onto the streets, groups of guards marched, and merchants hawked their wares. Many figures, however, moved with the stiff gait of the animated class, mouths sewn shut, eyes staring dumbly as they went about their tasks. The occaisional embalmed moved through the crowd, their paths cleared instantly and respectfully by the breathing-folk and animated.

The cobbled avenue turned to fine brick as the Stefenite envoys entered the High City. The manses of the embalmed were brick in this provincial city, with only the occaisional series of marble pillars of blackstone facade. In the distance, smoke rose laizily from the animation-factory. The bustle of the sprawling Low City disappeared, replaced with the lyrical hum of cantors and the constant scent of incense. The few living who moved in this part of the city were silent, heads bowed, waiting on powdered and resplendent embalmed wealthy.

At the very apex of the hill on which Szuros was built was the State Seat, the administrative building through which the will of the Sublime State was known throughout the surrounding hercagal domains. The tall banner of Korlech flew from the impressive structure.

In the square before the Seat, a gibbet lay, fresh "fruit" gracing it's bows- criminals, who would soon be cut down and taken to the factories for animation.

On the broad porch of the Seat, an open-air meal had been prepared. Attended by a dozen animated servants, an exquisite deadlady reclined in a couch. She rose with fluid motions, extending a white and powdered hand.

"Welcome, envoys from out honored neighbor. I am deadlady Banovic. What may the Sublime State do for the pleasure of St. Stephen?"

[Charon]

For the moment, Yngvar let the insult of not addressing him as Duke pass. "Please, be seated... I know you have just broken fast, but after the climb I am sure you are parched." A motion of his hand, and a woman of the Nith stepped forward with a tray that held cups. "I do not know what you would call the fruits the juice is made from. We call them Pahpaw."

The juice is pulpy, sweet and tart at the same time.

Ingal and the other diplomats smiled as they sat, taking up the cups and drinking the juice slowly. The Leroani guard did not partake however, simply standing watch and examining the room.

When they had finished, the Kainan placed the cups down and sighed satisfiedly. "Thank you kindly, Duke, for the drink." Ingal straigntened out her robe with her hand and continued. "We do not mean to rush you, but we are here on a diplomatic mission, and were wondering when we could begin."

[LadyTevar]

Ingal and the other diplomats smiled as they sat, taking up the cups and drinking the juice slowly. The Leroani guard did not partake however, simply standing watch and examining the room.

When they had finished, the Kainan placed the cups down and sighed satisfiedly. "Thank you kindly, Duke, for the drink." Ingal straigntened out her robe with her hand and continued. "We do not mean to rush you, but we are here on a diplomatic mission, and were wondering when we could begin."

Again... so rushed, so rude. Yngvar's lip twitched slightly as he started to realise why his aunt wished nothing to do with these humans. "If you insist... Please, be seated, and we will begin."

The chairs brought out for the humans were expertly carved with vines and leaves, the padded cloth seats the flower in the center of the fanciful plant. Ynvgar also sat, his back to the impressive view of the sea beyond the large window. "You have come a long way... I had thought to allow you to rest longer. Yet, if you insist, let us discuss your mission."

[Ra]

"We come here to discuss trade, among other things. There is more to your council is there not? Should we wait for their representatives before we continue?"

"Indeed, the kings of Brynmor and Adalstein, together with myself, rule this Alliance," said Thiniell, offering a smile. "Messengers were dispached to them shortly before you arrived, and should reach them quickly, but even under the most ideal circumstances it will be two days before you can meet with them. I apologize for the inconvenience this causes, and if you wish, I shall do my best to represent this entire Alliance in their stead."

Thiniell then stepped forward and set down her staff, realizing her wariness was making her far too rude. She mentally kicked herself for that, but she wouldn't second-guess herself for it. As was normal gray elven custom toward strangers, Thiniell took the lead diplomat's hand, and held it in both of hers, looking him in the eye. The queen then said, "Proper introductions have not been made. I am Queen Thiniell, of the gray elven house of Moonwing, and monarch of Faer Elloth. My daughter, Minuial, you have already met."

Thiniell then stepped back to a respectful distance, and continued, "If you wish to begin negotiations, again I will do my best to act on behalf of all Yoratha. If you had visited Brynmor or Adalstein, their lords would also do the same until their collegues arrived." Turning to Minuial, she said, "Daughter, would you summon the Arbiter of Trade?"

"Of course," came Minuial's answer.

Moments later, Minuial returned with a tall and handsome man, who had brown hair. From the hair on his chin (elven men being devoid of facial hair entirely), and the slight points on his otherwise rounded ears, it was obvious the man was a half-elf. Gilarnad unlike the pureblooded elves was not immortal, but he was already well over a century old, and had yet to show any signs of aging.

"Greetings, embassies," said Gilarnad. He bowed his head in respect, and continued, "I am Gilarnad Gwalchmai, Faer Elloth Arbiter of Trade."

[Charon]

Again... so rushed, so rude. Yngvar's lip twitched slightly as he started to realise why his aunt wished nothing to do with these humans. "If you insist... Please, be seated, and we will begin."

The chairs brought out for the humans were expertly carved with vines and leaves, the padded cloth seats the flower in the center of the fanciful plant. Ynvgar also sat, his back to the impressive view of the sea beyond the large window. "You have come a long way... I had thought to allow you to rest longer. Yet, if you insist, let us discuss your mission."

Ingal smiled briefly. "Yes, well we are fully rested and our nation is eager to hear of news from your great nation." Ingal's hand played with the delicate trim of the chair.

"We have come to discuss openning a greater amount of trade between our people, great Duke."

[LadyTevar]

Ingal smiled briefly. "Yes, well we are fully rested and our nation is eager to hear of news from your great nation." Ingal's hand played with the delicate trim of the chair.

"We have come to discuss openning a greater amount of trade between our people, great Duke."

Yngvar nodded once, neutrally. "Please.. continue."

[Charon]

Thiniell then stepped forward and set down her staff, realizing her wariness was making her far too rude. She mentally kicked herself for that, but she wouldn't second-guess herself for it. As was normal gray elven custom toward strangers, Thiniell took the lead diplomat's hand, and held it in both of hers, looking him in the eye. The queen then said, "Proper introductions have not been made. I am Queen Thiniell, of the gray elven house of Moonwing, and monarch of Faer Elloth. My daughter, Minuial, you have already met."

"I am Liam Talbot. Diplomat of the Koronan Empire." The diplomat then proceeded to introduce the others, who all bowed in turn.

"Greetings, embassies," said Gilarnad. He bowed his head in respect, and continued, "I am Gilarnad Gwalchmai, Faer Elloth Arbiter of Trade."

The diplomats bowed to Gilarnad. "Greetings. We shall begin than? As you are able to speak for the others of the alliance?" Liam took a seat as the others did.

[frigidmagi]

To the west, a hussar general by the name of Dobó would be sent to offer the Taurian their greetings.

Young Neltian they called him. It was a source of minor annoyence to him, as he no longer counted himself young. He was heir to Etheling Neltian, which is why they called him young Neltian instead of just Neltian.

It was the main reason he was out here leading retainers in a partol of the Saint border. Young Neltian was rather found the Saints, they were better neighbors then the walking dead or the never to be cursed enough snakes. He sat back on his saddle and took a drink from his water skin. It was dry today.

"Young Neltian! Saint's on horseback come!" Called out one of his father's retainers, standing in his strippups and pointing with his spear. Neltian stood and looked, so it was.

"Come let us go met them." He said. The group, about 20 men on horseback all told, pounded towards the Saint's. They pulled up short to keep from being mistakened as an attack.

"Good day to you. I am Neltian, son of Etheling Neltian of the Taurian. Who are you and what is your business, of your courtsey please inform me. " He said.

[Rogue 9]

The mage rose on to his feet, and the illusory guard did the same.

"Well, you did summon me sire. I suspect you sent requests for envoys to several nations, I am just the first to show up. Or the only. However I am not without a specific agenda. I would like to discuss the possibility of opening up a trade route between our nations." He pulled a map out of his robes

"The roads are... patchy at best, but there are many nations and city states along a potential trade route here" he pointed to a potential path* which use existing road systems, and a path or two which those would logically take

"Both our nations would benefit from the increased trade, and if we can get our neighbors involved, it would cut the initial investment. Everyone wins. We both get access to unused markets. "

**Path to be determined by exent of existing road networks

The king frowned, brow furrowed in thought.

The robed man on the dais cut in. "Such a project would be a colossal undertaking, fraught with bandits, barbarians, and all kinds of wild beats, to say nothing of the necromancers of Nod'h. The distances are colossal; it could take years to see the benefits."

"Indeed this is true. But if, and only if, we can get the cooperation of other nations along the route, who have an existing road network, we could cut those costs, and the time required."

The amphibian retraced the route which ran from Hylidaeus through the lands of the horsemen to the south, across the wilderness (leaving out the Necromancers) and through the Tauran, then across the ocean

"If we have cooperation, All of our nations increase trade and the costs will be made up in taxes alone. Out here on this penninsula you are relatively isolated with only a few consistent trading partners, but by bridging the gaps in the roads we can connect the nations in the east, to the nations in the west. Bringing food, goods, and materials much more reliably than the equivalent ocean voyage. We are currently sending ambassadors to the other powers who would potentially be involved as we speak, or are preparing to send them, to discuss this very proposal"

King Artair leaned forward. "It is an interesting proposal, I must admit. Rynskald has been so good as to point out the difficulties," he said as he turned towards the knight standing behind him. "Now perhaps Uisdean could enlighten us as to the military obstacles."

The knight bowed slightly at the waist. "As you wish, Your Majesty. As you know, our military might is unparalleled by any of our immediate neighbors, but pacifying the entire route of a trade road of such scale would be extremely difficult at best. Between Noh'd, nomadic barbarians, and the usual assortment of orcs and goblins, it may well prove impossible to guard the whole of the road."

[Charon]

Later the next day the first group arrived at the shores of The Farnian Republic. Their two peoples had some contact in the past but the five Skarklagger were unsure anyone they met here would know of their lands. They skirted the shore until reaching the largest sea port on this side of the Republic's land where they landed and made their way to the nearest guard/official in sight, having dried their garments in the sun prior and walking fully upright (all seven feet) to better mimic the appearance of the landwalkers here. The four guards stayed their weapons and all tried to look important.

The Skarklaggers discovered that many of the homes they passed, even on this port city, were build of strong stone. The people seemed to move from one place to another quickly, not staying outside long, as though they were afraid of something. When the Skarklaggers found a group of guards and attempted to open a discussion with them they found themselves immediately at spearpoint as the Dragon Guard reacted quickly to the foreigners.

"Who are you and what are you doing here beast? Speak quickly before we skewer you. You trespass on the lands of the Farnian Republic and we do not take kindly to those who walk upon our lands uninvited."

[Charon]

Yngvar nodded once, neutrally. "Please.. continue."

Ingal smiled and nodded politely, "We have some of the finest cloth to be afforded, warm cotton, the greatest of wine in the East, varying spices, and delectable fish among our chief exports. What do the Nithgaard trade in?"

[Cynical Cat]

"They are coming," said Jennas.

"How can you tell?" asked Thorkel.

"I feel the breath of the forest," the ranger replied. Trees stired. A humming sound grew louder and louder. Hundreds of eagle sized hornets emerged from the trees.

Witches chanted and flung powders into the air. Hawk wasps fell to the earth where they struggled feebly before dying or turned upon one another in berserker rages.

"Lumen preserve us," whispered Thorkel.

"This is just the beginning. Look," Jennas pointed. Things were creeping out of the woods, things with a dozen legs and gleaming black carapaces the size of small dogs. The scrambled over the bodies of the dying hawk wasps.

"What could command them?" Thorkel asked.

"Dark fae," the ranger replied as he gripped a small bag of translucent fluids. Other witches, and most rangers were witches on of one kind or another, raised globes of their own. The spheres were raised and thrown as witches sang spells. The globes unearingly hit the front rank of the swarm spiders bursting in splashes of vibrant orange flames.

"Some are still coming," said Thorkel and indeed they were. Some were crawling over the burning bodies of their swarm mates, cooking as they advanced. Others skirted the fires.

"This is where it gets difficult," said Jennas.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulgrin Grimsson shaded his eyes with his hands. He had traded with the Saints for twenty years and it had made him rich. For the most part the horse lords were decent enough folk. Now he was returning to their lands not as a merchant but as Malevan's envoy to the Holy Kingdom of Saint Steven.

[The Silence and I]

The Skarklaggers discovered that many of the homes they passed, even on this port city, were build of strong stone. The people seemed to move from one place to another quickly, not staying outside long, as though they were afraid of something. When the Skarklaggers found a group of guards and attempted to open a discussion with them they found themselves immediately at spearpoint as the Dragon Guard reacted quickly to the foreigners.

"Who are you and what are you doing here beast? Speak quickly before we skewer you. You trespass on the lands of the Farnian Republic and we do not take kindly to those who walk upon our lands uninvited."

"Many apologies guardian of this land" said one of the Skarklagger quickly, gesturing rapidly to its four guards to raise their arms as it did the same. "I am Haerrhin, a Skarklagger from the far North. We are unaware of your customs and laws and mean no harm to you. Our nation desires contact with others, including trade. If we knew another way to arrive it would have been done."

[Charon]

The spearpoints of the strangely armored men did not waver an inch as the Skarklagger's spoke. It was about now however that they noticed that these men did not wear armor that was normal for the landwalkers they'd seen. This armor seemed far more solid, though covered in scales as though from some large and very thick-skinned fish.

A few more seconds passed and the spearpoints moved back a few precious inches.

"We shall take you to the jailer until such a time as we can determine the truth of your words. I am unaware of any such nation to the North that may have your... people. Move along."

And thus, the troupe of would-be diplomats were carted off at spearpoint by a group of Dragon Guard, to be held comfortably in the prison until such a time as someone who knew what was going on came forth.

[Lia]

"I will led you to a city, land where I show you. Fly straight, lest you frighten someone into doing foolishness." He said urging the hippogriff into the led and steering them towards the city of Defiant.

Mitaya's words came a pace after another stream of that cricket and birdsong speach of the strange, green creature that held her steady upon the great butterfly-like creature. "N'dhka speaks: Our gratitude is as the Sun's light; as curious as your beasts are to us, so unto your people must be our Sh'khen. Lead, oh..." A pause, as she caught herself about to literally translate flesh-beasts, "...Taurean, and we shall follow."

[Masterharper]

The Leroani stood silent for a few moments as he considered that the Morsum had. "At the moment, we are not producing enough grain to be exported, a few years ago a great disaster befell our farms that we are still recovering from. But soon we should be producing enough to export on a relatively large scale."

Tobias thought for a few more moments, "My nation has some need for furs, and perhaps the ivory as well. Though I would need to discuss the matter with my lord."

She waves a claw off toward the ship. "Do as you are required. But, before you go, I am curious. Is it your intention to stay long in the Morsum? Certainly there is much more work to be done in chartering a trade agreement." Helalsius seemed somewhat dismayed at the thought of paperwork, contracting, and treatying. "If so, we shall provide you with lodging, for the time being."

[Thirdfain]

Border of the Taurian Nation

A long caravan snaked across the border, Animated mules pulling carts full of precious goods for the pleasure of the Taurians. At the head marched a detachment of two hundred baroyal cavalry, light horse headed by a small group of Korlechi nobles, many in the garb of the Council on Barbarians. They were ambassadors, seeking palavar with the Taurian government.