Suddenly, the conversations and activities of the people in the hall are interrupted by the banging open of the front door of the re-purposed temple. In strides Elrint Jobe, a tall, powerfully-built man. He is dressed in formal attire - a simple white tunic and dark pants - and a long navy blue cloak flows out behind the man. He has matching dark-blue eyes, a hard-set face and short brown hair. His tanned skin is weathered and rough.
He strides up to the table, snapping orders to servants, who have exploded into a frenzy of preparation. This being done, he turns to face the group which has gathered. His voice is deep, firm, and articulate. "A thousand apologies for my tardiness. I see that there is a representative here from everyone I requested to attend. I will be brief, as the delegation from Nethysia will be here soon." Jobe clears his throat and steps a bit closer to the group. "Here's the deal: The Nethysians are in their own political mess right now. At least 7 different countries have sprung up since the death of the Imperial family. The Aerili druids attacked and stole a section of land from their Empire as well, which hasn't been reclaimed. What I want to make clear is: The Nethysians need us as much as we need them. What I will be proposing today is a military alliance between our two nations, not simply a request for official recognition." Jobe is clearly animated, even sweating a little. "The reason why I asked all of you to come is to give the Nethysians a view of our wide variety of populace. We are not the Khallans. That is what I wish to make clear, and that is why you are here. The delegation will be here in 5 minutes, so does anyone have any questions?"
Eftil glances at Evengi.
"So that's why he asked us to be here. He just wanted some Nethysians here to make him look good!" Arry whispers to his sister.
We are Khallans, by blood, if not by honor. Evengi thinks with fury.
He sips at his wine to hide the look on his face, giving himeslf a moment to calm his mind and compose his visage.
"Sir! I ah, is there anything specifically that you need us to say or do? I have dealt with important clients, but never with foreign dignitaries.", Evengi asks, sounding obsequious even to himself.
Jobe nods to Evengi. "Good question. No, I don't expect any particular behavior from you, except that you be polite to the delegates. After all, the reason I brought you here was to show our diversity, not to clap your mouths in iron, as it were."
"So that's why he asked us to be here. He just wanted some Nethysians here to make him look good!" Arry whispers to his sister.
"As long as they don't expect us to act as translators," she whispered back.
Xavian motions with his cup at the table. "A fine table and excellent wine. That is a worthy payment for a night of mingling with Nethysian diplomats. You even invited entertainment. The oddly dressed fellow with the horns is quite the performer. I thought him a street urchin, but he does have a talent for entertainment that should prove useful at this affair. I will certainly do my part to make Corail seem a worthy ally. Thank you for the invitation Elrint."
"As long as they don't expect us to act as translators," she whispered back.
"You like being the center of attention though. Wasn't that why you wore your performing outfit?"
"Well, that and it's much better for running away in...but if I had to translate I don't think I could resist the urge to garble things on purpose just to be funny."
"That might not be a good idea, Lysi, but it would be funny."
Milena glides then to the table and gets a drink of water. She raises the glass and looks as though she's inspecting the waters: "I don't mind the summon, Jobe, but I can't figure why our cultural diversity matters for some military alliance..."
"The point I am trying to make, Sister, is that we are not the Khallans. WE value diversity and change, unlike our breathern from the homeland. We need the Nethysians to understand that, first and foremost. Unless they can turst that we won't fall back into the tyranny of Razgriz, an alliance would be impossible." Jobe nodded, almost as if he himself was confirming what he said. He glanced back towards the table with an appraising eye, before returning to the grou[/"Anyone else? There's not much time left, though it looks like the servants have finished the preperations."
Vandrake says aloud, a bit as if he is talking to himself, but also so others will hear, "Elrint is correct. Razgriz's sycophants built a hierarchy based on nationality and religion rather than merit. You could be the lowliest Razgriz worshipping Khallan peasant and still have more standing than the most accomplished Nethysian mage or Xoltian warrior. Unless of course you served another greater member of the Church of Razgriz. Such was the way of the Khallan Empire. Razgriz is misguided. And so are those that worship him. There are better ways to build a society."
Rodrik stays silent. He is capable of speaking Nethysian, having learned it from a group of mercenaries during the crusade, but is hardly comfortable around high-stakes negotiations. He finishes his cheese and water before handing the glass off to a servant. He does a final check of his attire before moving to a position behind Jobe's shoulder.
Pravus applauds, and laughs as he looks at Vandrake.
"Indeed, well said sir. On this issue alone we seem to be united! Jobe, who do you believe we each represent? I just want to make clear our duty to this grand alliance! Ha! Normally, I would not be game to such a gathering, but I'll do anything to rub sand into the Khallan Empire's eyes once more!"
Jobe nods in agreement as Vandrake speaks, and then again as Pravus chimes in. "Well said indeed." Jobe says soberly before continuing, his tone all business. "The children here are refugees from Nethys, you - Pravus - and Evengi here repesent the trade in the city. Rodrik here is an excellent farmer and fought to claim this very land. The Sister there," Jobe motions to Milena, "refused to renounce her religion even in the face of the Inquisitors. She shows we value religious diversity, and strength of will. Mr. Apaltic there used to a mercenary. So you see.." Jobe is cut short by a servant rushing to him and whispering in his ear. "Well, that looks to be about all the time we have to discuss the matter. The delegation is moments away, and I must greet them." Jobe takes a moment to ensure his hair is set the right way and that his clothes are smoothed and unruffled.
Jobe is there at the doors of the temple when they are opened, and in come a group of finely dressed folk, 9 in total. At the head of the delegation is a dark-skinned woman - who must barely be in her 20s - flanked by 4 men on her right and 4 women on her left. Jobe bows formally to the group and leads them to the table. He has the servants seat them so that they are the toward the inside of the temple, all 9 fit lengthwise. He motions for the group to join him on the opposite side, and he takes the center seat, across from the delegation's head, and introduces everyone as they come to the table.
Vandrake greets the Nethysians in the appropriate manner for their culture and in their own tongue with no Khallan accent having been taught in the finest schools of the Khallan Empire.
Vandrake helps Sister Milena into her seat in a gentlemanly fashion if she does not object. He will do so for Lysi as well if no one does the same for her and she is not quicker into her seat. He then takes his seat in a graceful manner. He says in Nethysian,
Rodrik performs a Nethysian salute as the delegation enters before following Jobe to the table. He takes a seat to Jobe's right, assuming it is not already taken. As the delegation takes their seats, Rodrik attempts to gauge their feelings. He then waits calmly for them to make the first move.
Arawn bows nervously and takes a seat away from the delegates, glad Vandrake could be the translator if needed.
"Looks like you might no be able to mess up the conversation, Sis." He whispers to Lysi.
Lysi looked a bit taken aback when Vandrake helped her with her seat. she wasn't quite sure what to make of this. Some strange custom of polite society? After all, he helped the older woman too so it couldn't be because he thought she was too little to manage her own chair. Strange.
"It's probably better that way," she whispered back to Arry. "Mr. Jobe's been nice. I'd hate to mess up his meeting. Much better to just enjoy the food and let the adults worry about the boring bits."
"I wish he had told us about the delegates though. I'm gonna be nervous one of 'em is going to recognize us all through the meeting" He whispers. "Maybe we can figure out what's going on at least."
"Oh, come on, it's not like that many people know about us...and I bet our folks aren't even looking for us. It's not like they like us or anything."
"Mr. Apaltic there used to a mercenary..."
"I still am a mercenary. Just unemployed."
"It isn't as if you cannot find work, its that you cannot find work that suits you. Which is why I can consider you a friend. Come on, let us sit down before all the chairs are filled."
Lysi looked a bit taken aback when Vandrake helped her with her seat. she wasn't quite sure what to make of this. Some strange custom of polite society? After all, he helped the older woman too so it couldn't be because he thought she was too little to manage her own chair. Strange.
"Even little ladies should be treated with respect", Vandrake smiles at Lysi as he seats her.
Eftil follows Evengi's lead and takes a seat.
Evengi sat calmly at the table, leaning back and slightly relaxing. Nobody was jumping up on the table and denouncing him, and there was certainly no way a Nethysian would know him. The event was looking more and more enjoyable. He smiled and sipped his wine and watching the delegation approach.
Interesting that the leader is so young.
Once everyone is seated - the delegation is seated with the four females flanking the leader to her left and the four males on the right - Jobe begins the formal introductions as servants scurry about taking drink orders and other requests. The introductions are as follows :
1st Man - Ambassador Gaius Aquus
1st Woman - Ambassador Dulcina Catanus
2nd Man - Manius Annaeus, Undersecretary of Defence
2rd Woman - Caedicia Euphemia, Cardinal in the Church of Nethys
3rd Man - Postumius Rufinus, Attatche to Ambassador Gaius Aquus
Advisor to the Secretary of External Affairs
3th Woman - Lucretia Fadilla, Attatche to Ambassador Gaius Aquus
4th Man - Decimus Pollio, Advisor to the Secretary of External Affairs
4th Woman - Rutilia Fundania, Vice-President of the New Nethysia University
Jobe then goes on to introduce his side of the table, pausing to allow each of the members of the table to introduce themselves.
You note that, despite her seat near the end of the table, Rutilia Fundania speaks with clear authority to the woman sitting next to her, and seems to radiate a force of personality.
The Cardinal, Caedicia, keeps glacing your way with an approving eye.
Vandrake politely acknowledges the Cardinal.
When his turn permits, Vandrake folds his well-manicured, large hands in front of him, "My name is Vandrake Tyrantrex. I hold no political office in Lord's Landing or Corail. I am merely a free citizen and a clergyman. I am the first worshipper of a new religion called The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy. I was deemed a heretic in the Church of Razgriz for my beliefs. I was imprisoned and tortured by the Church for nearly a decade. I was not killed because I was considered too valuable by the church. It was not until Lord's Landing was taken by the rebels of Corail that I was freed. The environment of religious and moral freedom afforded to me in Corail is unprecedented in the Khallan Empire. I am now free to give to others the lessons of The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy, so that the free citizens of Corail may decide for themselves their moral and spiritual path. I do believe that the Nethysians would find us a worthy ally by which we may both maintain our autonomy from the tyrannical Church of Razgriz. I am honored to be chosen to represent Free Corail."
Heh. They were all opressed one way or another I bet. Funny that Jobe basically stacked the deck with a pack of victims. "oh woe is me..." well except for Eftil and myself...
Evengi stands to address the dignitaries.
"Evengi Kooper your honors. It is a great pleasure to meet such august personages, such as yourself. I can say with great honesty that the guilds of Lord's Landing are always in favor of, ah, having favorable ties with our neighbors, especially if that favor warns off, ah, rapacious powers such as the Khallans, allowing for our nations to grow in peace and prosperity. If you are, ah, interested in finding some momento of Corail before you, ah, depart on your return trip, than I would like to suggest visiting Boward's Imports. Thank you."
Evengi sits down.
Rodrik stands up straight, gives a curt nod, and speaks.
"I am Rodrik von Nassau. I came over from Khal 33 years ago with the original crusade. I attained the rank of Captain in a decade and a half of service to the Khallan army." He looks as though he's about to elaborate before changing his mind, "I have since seen the error of my ways. I have been loosely associated with the Coraillan military recently. I have plenty of experience in Khallan tactics and strategy. I hope our two nations can work together... I have seen the effectiveness of Nethysian magic firsthand."
Lysi was deliberately vague in her responses to questions about how she and Arry arrived in Corail.
"Oh, you know, the usual way. We traveled with a caravan for most of the way, of course. Because it's dangerous traveling in the wilds alone, although we did have to go that way for some of the time cause the caravan was going in a different direction and all. But you see a lot of interesting things in the wild if you're not traveling with a caravan. We saw a bear once and it was really big, but it's pretty lucky for us that it didn't see us, don't you think cause I don't think we would have much liked being bear food, although I'm sure we would have thought of something to keep that from happening, cause well, we would have had to, cause nobody wants to be eaten by a bear. That's just common sense....what were we talking about?" She smiled sweetly.
"I told it wasn't going to attack us." Arry tells his sister. "It already had something eat. I think it was a fox, but they're pretty fast. Maybe the bear snuck up on is all quiet like while it was sleeping?"
With the introductions done, Jobe looks at the delegation and breaks into a smile: "Well, let us discuss our official business later. I think it's time we supped." Tesla stands gracefully in response, her voice is clear and crisp, "Indeed, it would be an insult to the kitchens to let the food grow cold. I think a toast is in order first. To Corail!" The delegation echos the toast, and then Jobe also raises his glass, "To Netyhsia, and Empress Fenitia!"
And so the dinner began, small conversations broke out all across the table. Jobe and Tesla seemed to be exclusively talking with one another, mostly about the state of affairs in Nethys. The Gand had backed the bastard Prince, much to Nethysia's dismay.
The Nethysians almost all worship Nethys, the god of magic. Nethys is, ostensibly, a divine kingdom much like the Khallan Empire except that Nethys himself is more focused on the pursuit of knowledge and the study of magic rather than on forcing his worship and law on others. The Cardinal is clearly from the Church of Nethys, a respected organization, though second to the University and the Council of Mages.
Tesla Magnus is the Empress' cousin, though is associated with the Imperial line only through marriage. That being said, she is said to have the favour of the Empress, and her presence here is a strong indication that Nethysia is taking the alliance very seriously.
Gaius Aquus was the Nethysian ambassador to Sehlash in the years before that country fell apart. Many in the Nethysian diplomatic service seem to think he's cursed, as disasters seem to follow him to whatever country he has been assigned.
The fact that Gand has back Thasia is quite a shock, considering the Gandians loathing of the old Imperial family. Up until recently, it had been suspected that Gand was secretly backing Heldenus, despite their claims to be neutral.
The table laughs at the twins' story. Clearly it was made up, but all in good fun. Manius continues in his inquisition, a light-hearted smile on his face. "Surely though," he begins between a mouthful of roast duck. "If you took a caravan from Nethys, you would have passed through the land of those savages. Lethond is not a nice place, and I'm sure they have much worse than bears there. I was there when the Xoltians allied with the Gand to attack the capitol. Their beasts are truly fearsome."
The man named Postumius leans in towards Rodrik, curiosity clear in his eyes. "You say you used to be a soldier of the Khallan military? Then, I assume, you fought mostly with the Xoltians during the crusade? They are a tough lot, no doubt. How did the Khallans deal with their creatures without Nethysian magic? I've heard tales of how their beasts are faster then a horse can can tear a man open with a sweep of their talons."
The Cardinal from the Church of Nethys regarded the pair with appraising eyes, not having touched her food, and only sipped at her wine. "I would certainly like to hear about this Flawless Diamond Hierarchy of yours, Mr. Tyrantrex. And you, Ms. Teg was it? You spoke of a Goddess and a monastery I believe? Whom do you serve, if I am not out of place to ask?"
Rutilia Fundania also seems to perk up at the conversation, paying close attention, and not hiding her interest.
The ambassador Gaius adresses Evengi directly, as he dips a piece of fine bread into a mixture of vinegar and olive oil. A Nethysian dish, clearly imported, as olives were rare in Corail. He speaks with a definite hauter, and his Khallan is heavily accented. "I had heard of the astounding prosperousness of the Coraillans in the wake of the rebellion, but now I have seen it for myself, firsthand. One wonders how such a recently established country could have such wonderous trade. I suppose it helps that the sea-lanes are open with the Aurelian navy distracted with their troubles at home." He pauses to bite a large chunk of bread and chew, allowing Evengi or Eftil to step in if they wish.
The edge of the table is a bit lonely, as there's only half as many people around you. The man sitting across from Pravus, Decimus, is keeping fairly quiet, but it's clear he also doesn't really want to be here.
Pravus looks at the man sitting across from him, who looks about as glum as he.
"Hey. How did they rope you into this? You look about as happy as a fish in mud to be here. If that's the truth, well bucko, me as well. I wish someone had mentioned it wouldn't be a formal event, I'd have been sure to dress down a bit. I mean, wow, I'm just wicked over dressed. I sure am glad I didn't wear my big poofy pink wig. I'd have shone up everybody here!"
And before he could stop himself, Pravus let out a HUGE belch. He covered his mouth in surprise and embarrassment.
The Cardinal from the Church of Nethys regarded the pair with appraising eyes, not having touched her food, and only sipped at her wine. "I would certainly like to hear about this Flawless Diamond Hierarchy of yours, Mr. Tyrantrex. And you, Ms. Teg was it? You spoke of a Goddess and a monastery I believe? Whom do you serve, if I am not out of place to ask?"
Rutilia Fundania also seems to perk up at the conversation, paying close attention, and not hiding her interest.
Vandrake begins, "The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy is first and foremost a means by which to govern whether it be your individual life or a city or a nation. Living beings by their nature begin life as imperfect beings requiring guidance, discipline, direction, and care. Much like an uncut diamond must be cut and polished before it becomes worthy of purchase and display. The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy is means to cut and polish, a way for a living being to become a flawless diamond."
His eyes glow with religious fervor, "This does not require that all diamonds be of equal value. That is the beauty of the philosophy. For all need not rise up to be an archmage or a high priest or great knight. Perhaps your life is spent being a perfect servant. The best of the queen's handmaidens. The most extraordinary of woodcarvers. The most detailed of scribes. The most wise of governors. The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy seeks to influence all members of society to seek the highest degree of competence. It rewards one's endeavors for doing so."
"Whereas the Church of Razgriz asked only allegiance to deity and nation, The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy asks the individual to create a better society through self-improvement. By encouraging such excellence, each member of the society shall trust that the other members are amongst the most competent and capable men and women of a chosen profession. No one shall have status that has not earned it. No longer will a Khallan receive favor over a Nethysian merely for being born Khallan. No longer will a noble's son be allowed to be a fool while a cook's son of high capacity need follow in his father's footsteps if his ability take him elsewhere. That is the way of The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy. This is the path to a flawless society"
"We were part of a caravan, so it's not like we had to deal with them alone, and my my sister and I can take care of ourselves anyway." Arry replies, slightly embarrassed by all the laughing. "I'm a spellcaster you know, and can bring fearsome creatures of my own to keep us safe!"
Evengi thinks furiously, Where is he going with this question? Is this a trap of some sort? He has no idea who I am nor should he care...
"Ambassador, I think that there are several factors at work that aided Corail. As you said, the sea-lanes are open. That is of huge benefit as it allows trade to take place, um, unhindered. Secondly, the merchant class was left largely untouched by the rebellion. As you saw when you arrived, Lord's Landing was barely harmed by the, um, recent unpleasantness, and therefore the vast majority of the wealth was still available and undamaged. Essentially, the removal of nobility forced the movement of trade away from the extreme luxury goods favored by some of the Khallan upper classes and to new markets, wherever they could be found." Evengi dips his bread in a manner similar to the Ambassador. "This is really good bread." The melange of flavors is unfamilar to Evengi and he isn't sure he really likes the taste.
"People have become enterprising and started taking risks where once they would have not."
He takes a sip of wine to cleanse his mouth.
"That is what my boss says anyways. I think that people are just happy to be free of the Khallan yolk and are enjoying the moment like grasshoppers. After watching Mr. Jobe a bit, I think that he is probably the ant of the parable."
The man named Postumius leans in towards Rodrik, curiosity clear in his eyes. "You say you used to be a soldier of the Khallan military? Then, I assume, you fought mostly with the Xoltians during the crusade? They are a tough lot, no doubt. How did the Khallans deal with their creatures without Nethysian magic? I've heard tales of how their beasts are faster then a horse can can tear a man open with a sweep of their talons."
Razgriz nods his agreement as Postumius speaks, stroking his moustache idly. "It was something of an uphill battle, but we weren't completely devoid of magic. I remember our battle-group had a band of mages we hired, the Crystal Swords I believe. Nethysian folk, their leader was named Sextilus or Sestivus... something like that..." He pauses and asks a passing servant for a glass of cognac, "Now, we didn't have a whole lot of magic, but compared to the Xoltians we were swimming in arcana... The Xoltians mostly only have their blood shamans, good at primal druidic stuff, but not the kind of magic that threatens formations." Rodrik becomes visibly more invested in the tale, leaning forward, a nostalgic gleam in his eye.
"I always say that if they had had a couple fireballs, the invasion would have ground to a halt. As it was, we adopted pike formations around mage groups. The Xoltians are brave and strong, but not even saurian cavalry can charge a pike block with mage support. The raptor riders are devastating against isolated soldiers and unprotected archers, and you're damn right they're fast, but they can't hold territory to save their lives."He accepts the cognac the servant hands him and immediately takes a sip, sinking into the flavour for a moment.
"It was a slow, but steady process. Half the populace cursed us as iconoclasts and heretics, the other half cheered as we freed them from their brutal rulers, at least until the inquisition decided to 'ensure the loyalty of the locals'. We lost a lot more men than we needed to. Half our casualties were outriders and scouts, each man only lasted a month or so at most, but the clergy was opposed to basing our intel on divination and HQ didn't want to walk into an ambush..." He shakes his head and takes another drink of cognac. He then seems struck by self-awareness.
"Sorry... forgive an old soldier his ramblings. I've been too uninformed on Nethysian events for my own comfort as of late. What's the situation?"
"All religions are philosophies and philosophies religions, my good sister,", says Vandrake.
"I would like to take a moment before the good sister's question is answered to illuminate the open-mindedness of The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy. The good sister has dedicated her life to Oranna. Even such fervent worship of another deity, another philosophy, is viewed with pleasure by worshippers of The Flawless Diamond Hierarchy. For even excellence as a worshipper and priest is a means of self-improvement. Now I await your answer as well, Cardinal."
Eftil shrinks in his chair. "Um. Yes, good bread."