Torod see sees the rider and is not amused. "And we have another one."
"Asta, maybe we should actually finish what we're doing here before starting on a new project." He calls. "After all, we don't know how our new neighbors will react to this interruption."
Pathfinder business? If that is true, She is probably not after me after all. But better be wary. Marten watches Seraph with interest and caution from the shadows.
"I agree. It looks like Seraph here is not an imminent danger and we should finish the negotiations with Kobolds. We can discuss any aliance with the girl on our way from here." Marten whispers, so the newcomer cannot overhear.
Seraph tsks as one of her Teachers old lesson came to mind, manners, professional, no fun. She spun the blade around and sheathed it, seeing as there appeared to be no real threat at present. She looked to Asta then as spoke in a more professional and legalistic manner. "Apologies for my poor manners, also my meeting you all here was mere coincidence l assure you. I will wait over by Julias until you have concluded your negotiation." at the mention of his name the horse looks over and nods with a short whinny before returning to eating the sparse grass next to the sign he was tied to.
"No, indeed not," Asta says. "Join us. I want these negotiations to be as inclusive as possible -- both ways. You must be known to our new allies, and our new allies must be known to you. You are correct, Torod; it is time to continue our negotiations with the Sootscale clan."
The young Witch precedes the rest of the group back into the Kobolds' midst and greets them with a smile -- that does not show any teeth.
"Now," she says, "let us negotiate! But please, do tell us what was going on with that idol and Tartuk."
Seraph clearly surprised by this turn of events follows quietly, fighting back the the urge to smile again as she tries to maintain a more professional manner.
"Why are you at war in the first place?" Asta asks.
Elaina looks puzzled as she leans over to Torod and whispers.
Seraph was surprised with how much Kobolds resembled talking iguana's, reminding her of her Teacher's pet somewhat except much more pleasing. As Chief Sootscale talked she couldn't help but try and figure out exactly what all trinkets he wore in his little miniature headpiece. Much easier to look at then a goblin... Or, gods forfend, an ogre.
Elaina looks puzzled as she leans over to Torod and whispers.
** spoiler omitted **
He whispers back.
Elaina's puzzled expression goes blank.
And to think, I was ashamed of working with bandits that were at least somewhat honest. I'll have to talk to Asta later.
Asta leans over to whisper brifly to Elania and Torod: "I cut a deal with one Mite to give him his freedom for the idol, not the whole tribe! Don't exaggerate."
The Witch then reads some of the journal's highlights for the Chieftain.
"This war may have been Tartuk's fault from start to finish," she says. "Was there war before he came? I am not opposed to dealing decisively with the Mites, mind you. They can no more be allowed to keep raiding nilly-willy than that bastard Staglord."
"I'm sure the mites saw it that way too." He says with as little sarcasm as he can manage. "But that still leaves you with the dilemma of the kobolds want you to help kill the mites, even the one you swore to spare."
"So we find out what they're fighting over and see if a diplomatic solution is at all feasible," Asta whispers. "If it is not... we go from there. Besides, I only negotiated with two Mites, and the deal was to pay them for services rendered; the ring, the idol. They got money, free healing for that centipede and freedom."
"Uh, don't you think we should stop whispering among ourselves and continue with the negotiations? I think we are looking a little suspicious right now."
As much as Elaina wants to wring out everything going on from Asta, she doesn't feel that when trying to get a treaty agreed upon is the best time to do so.
Torod waves his hand as if to give his permission.
From where I stand it looks like no ongoing agreement is made with the mites, whatever they are, so we are free to do whatever we need. But it is just mine opinion. Elaina is right, let us get the negotiation going.
"I should be delighted to do so," Asta says. "It will help if you tell us what it is you war over. Is there land in dispute? Resources?"
Even while she speaks, Asta has taken out a scroll and is ferociously writing down the concept of a treaty...
Seraph watches her eyes narrowing for the briefest moment as she tried to understand everything going on around her.
”And have the mites been attacking your territory, your food sources?” Asta asks.
”Ah – and perhaps you would all like to have a look at this.”
The young Ulfen woman finishes writing and unrolls the scroll on a flat piece of rock for all to read it. Her handwriting, while slightly angular due to her having learned to read and write from runes, is neat, crisp and clearly legible.
”Does anyone want to add anything?” Asta asks, sweetly.
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Treaty Proposal
We, the Undersigned, agree to the following:
On Territory:
#1 – That the Sootscale Tribe be recognized as a Sovereign Nation under the Law.
#2 – That the aforementioned Sootscale Nation’s territory (defined as the Sootscale Mine, with the attending access to river, berry bushes and radish patch) be recognized as the Sootscale Nation’s sovereign territory under the Law, and shall be inviolate unto the Stolen Lands Group (and any later signatories of this treaty).
#2.1 – That, in accordance with the Law, the Sootscale Nation has the right to demand toll from any who wishes to cross the borders of its sovereign territory, as well as the right to defend its borders against unlawful invasion.
#3 – That, at such a date when the Stolen Lands Group has established a territory, this shall likewise be sovereign under the Law, and inviolate unto the Sootscale Nation (and any additional signatories of this treaty).
#3.1 – That, in accordance with the Law, the Stolen Lands Group has the right to demand toll from any who wishes to cross the borders of its sovereign territory, as well as the right to defend its borders against unlawful invasion.
#4 – That any future signatories of this Treaty shall be recognized as Sovereign Nations and receive the right to demand toll and defend the sovereign borders of their territory, which shall be defined upon the time of their signing the Treaty.
#5 – That, if necessary, all signatories of this Treaty may call upon any of the other signatories to assist them in the case that their sovereign borders are violated or under threat from any party, signatory or otherwise.
On Trade:
#1 – That we, the Undersigned (being the Sootscale Nation and the group currently known as the Stolen Lands Group) are engaged in exclusive trade, at price rates to be agreed upon at a later date.
#1.1 – With the Sootscale Nation providing silver.
#1.2 – With the Stolen Lands Group providing access to various trade goods from foreign quarters.
#2 – That this trade-relationship be wholly exclusive, allowing no other parties to be included, unless one or both parties formally dissolves it.
#2.1 – Should any party offer various trade goods to the Sootscale Nation at preferable rates, the Sootscale Nation shall offer the right of first refusal to the Stolen Lands Group.
#2.2 – Should any party offer silver to the Stolen Lands Group at preferable rates, the Stolen Lands Group shall offer the right of first refusal to the Sootscale Nation.
Deliberation:
#1 - That all signatories of this Treaty shall be united in a Treaty Council, which will meet at least once a Year to discuss any matters pertaining to all parties united in this Treaty.
#1.1 – That every signatory may call for a meeting of the Treaty Council, should they feel that a matter has arisen which demands the attention of the full Council of signatories.
#2 – That all signatories of this Treaty shall appoint at least one individual with the rank of Councillor, with the rank, authority, intellect and wisdom to properly represent their Nation in Treaty Council, who shall be assigned to attend Treaty Council on the appointed date.
#3 – That each Nation be given full review of Treaty Council decisions, allowing each signatory’s government to ratify or protest its Ambassadors’ decisions.
#3.1 – That any decision made by an Ambassador which the Ambassador’s government objects to, be formally protested by the government in question before the Treaty Council before the passage of thirty days and nights after the making of said decision.
#4 – That all Ambassadors be given the right of safe and unmolested travel through the sovereign lands of all the signatories of this Treaty.
#4.1 – That all Ambassadors be excluded from toll in the execution of their passage to and from Treaty Council.
#4.2 – That any and all Staff attached to the Ambassador not be exempted from toll.
#5 – That Treaty Council be held in a location to be agreed upon at a later date, allowing for later decision to set up a rotating schedule.
Amendment:
That this Treaty may be amended at a later date, provided majority agreement is reached among the signatories.
Seraph gave the document a glance and could hardly avoid her eyebrows rising in surprise at the well thought out document Asta had created. She could give the devils in hell a run for their money with documentation like this. She returns to her previous position and shakes her head. "No Ma'am." She was very impressed.
Equally impressed, Elaina shakes her head.
"I can't find any fault. I just hope everyone's up to it."
Torod takes some time to read the treaty. "I do find fault in that we don't actually have the authority to make this treaty. We don't control the Stolen Lands. Apart from that, though, it does look good." Before Asta can respond he continues, "If you insist on going ahead with this, my only suggestion is that you might as well already claim ownership of the land. Call it the Duchy of Asteria or whatever with you as its leader, Duchess Asta I or something. Then, rather than trade, offer them protection for their silver. We lose nothing, they gain all this that you offer them anyway. You can even make him the High Chief with a seat at your advisory council. There would be other benefits for us too."
Elaina starts to relax and enjoy herself when she notices the kobolds seem to be happy to have them. She makes a point to try some of the dishes that didn't look familiar.
Asta smiles subtly when she hears the Chieftain's words, and nods silently.
Seraph much prefered these Kobolds to Goblins they were varied in color and far nicer to look at. She couldn't help but note the various colors with interest and when they started setting up the table she unbelted her sword and stabbed it point first into the earth a few paces away from the table. She followed this by hanging her bow and quiver on it as a sign of good faith and trust. Besides it would be poor manners for her to carry the monstrous blade on her back during a peaceful event such as this.
Cheif Sootscale proclamation was a welcomed one as well, especially as it helped to curb Seraph's darker tendencies. She shook off the thoughts that formed in her mind, refocusing on the attractive creatures that caught her eye...
Before sitting down and enjoying the festivities she turns to Asta. "When you have a moment we will need to decide on terms of my contract." She shrugs her shoulders at any questionable looks she receives and elaborates as bet she can. Although visibly hesitant. "I work unofficially for the Pathfinders but I never officially joined this Recovery of the Stolen Lands you lot are on either. However, a contract between us will benefit both of us. Trust me."
"Certainly," Asta murmurs, still with that subtle little smile on her lips.
Seraph smiles as well, her eyes shining as she says. "I merely ask for fair treatment and equality as deserved among your group. As the newest member I understand you expect no less than for me to follow our goals and the terms of the primary mission as best I can with deviation only as you specify. If you find what I say to be fair then let us shake on it and be on with the festivities." She holds out her shield hand, as a sign of her open and honest words. Her tail betrayed her anticipation as it hung oddly still behind her, not moving or twitching like it had been as she watched the Kobolds scoot about. Her attention was focused solely on Asta.
It's apparent from her eagerness to commit that she is possibly leaving something out...
Asta continues to smile, but crosses her arms. "Hmm-hmm?" she hums. "Before we shake any hands and make agreements, how about you tell me everything you have on your mind, my new friend? Not that the terms you suggest are at all unfavourable..."
Seraph smile remains as does her hand, although she speaks much more quietly her attention still focused on the leader of this band of adventurers.
"The strength I have comes with a price, I do not create covenants lightly. Especially because if I fail to uphold my end I alone face the consequences. However, so long as I fulfill my duties to you as promised then I will be left unmolested and gain strength when aiding what was agreed upon. Trust me when I say it is solely in your favor."
Asta frowns, considers... and shakes her head.
"This being the case, we will not formulate a formal contract. Act in good faith with us, and I shall endeavour to act in good faith with you. If that is acceptable, then we're good."
Seraph withdraws her hand, somewhat defeated but understanding. She nods in agreement to Asta's words, this arrangement would do for now. "Understood. I hope you will change your mind but this will be fine. I will bother you no further during the festivities. Now... Lets see what other colors they have~" She turns her head to look back to the Kobolds, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Hold up," Asta says, holding out her own right hand. "To acting in good faith towards one another," she says, "and getting along. We may sign a treaty between the two of us in the future, once we know one another better - and when it is no longer solely in my favour for us to do so. I dislike entering contracts on such an unfair basis."
Seraph's smile fades some as she listens to Asta's words. "It will always be in your favor. That is the downfall of my being..." She motions to her mixture of masculine and feminine features. "... As I was made to understand my curse, I benefit in some ways, but no one has ever agreed before."
"Let us stand on good faith for now," Asta says, "and discuss this matter more when we have returned to the trading post. There, we will have a long, long talk and make a contract that we can both live with. Sound good?"
The extended hand remains in place, steady as a rock.
Seraph looks at Asta's hand, the first time she has appeared unsure since she arrived. After a long moment she shakes Asta's hand and can't help but appear somewhat surprised. Just like they said, it must be an agreement for a cause... "Agreed. I look forward to our travels together." Her smile returned when she released ASta's hand; she was looking forward to the adventures to come.
Perception
Torod points out how the kobold council consists of one of each color of kobold. "When we do have control over this area, we can have a dragon council too."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Perhaps," Asta says, shrugging. "If it becomes useful. Interesting to note that the Sootscale Tribe is composed of so many different types of Kobold."
Asta nods to the Sootscale Chieftain. "Your people are varied and interesting to behold," she says.
I also just noticed you missed blue kobolds. Are there any blue ones? And wasn't the fake kobold shaman purple?
"Fascinating!" Asta says, smiling kindly at Mikmek. "Your tribe is fine and strong, to represent so many of the chromatic strains. It is good to be allied with you."
"Tartuk was... twisted in mind and body both," Asta says, shaking her head sadly. "He has destroyed Kobold tribes before yours, by leading them into senseless conflicts. It was all caused by an abject self-loathing and a rather miserable accident of rebirth. If I read the journal correctly, the current war with the Mites is entirely his fault. I hope there will be a way to resolve it without further bloodshed on either side -- but I am committed to helping to resolve it however we must."
The young Witch shakes her head. "Please, good Mikmek, tell me more about yourself. What is your position in the Tribe -- or should I say, the Sootscale Nation?"