Oberons Veil
Radiant Bard
Aurelion, Capital City of the Guild Lands
"We need to an envoy north, we must treat with Redania, and then onto Vaar. We have long neglected them and it i-" the Councillor Teris was cut off by her counterpart Councillor Raiden. "What we need is to worry about the war at hand. We have two Legions at Fortress Dour with another two taking up their positions. Our peacetime concerns can't be bothering this council at this time!" He bellowed from where he sat in the chamber. The large stone table that was circular allowing each of the Councillors an equal view of one another, had various papers strewn about it, some were diplomatic reports while others were military or trade. The few Councillors who had gathered were in various states of frustration and anger. Some were inconvenienced by the war, others wished it to continue to limit Thalon's trade lanes to the east. Overall the mood was tense and was not getting any better any time soon.
With a great sigh, and a bang of his gavel Designate Laurentius stood, "Colleagues, we are going to handle these diplomatic matters now. The Assembly has passed a resolution asking for us to approve sending an envoy of high standing to Redania to discuss trade relations among other more important matters. That same envoy will then continue west to the Kingdom of Vaar and possibly north to the Clans of Yorgrim if they would accept said envoy." He said his voice heavy with the wear and tear of the day to day bickering of the council. The past few days had been getting increasingly tense and he wondered how such a young woman like the High Councillor handled this all with a smile on her lips.
"Agreed" Councillor Teris said, nodding to Designate Laurentius, though before she could say anything else, the door burst open. A page boy ran in clearly out of breath and handed a sealed letter to Laurentius. The Council became silent as he read through the letter, each member wondering what it could possibly be about. The war? Trade issues? Another nation declaring their support? Perhaps the Imperium joining? Councillor Teris paled as she thought about what would happen if the Imperium did indeed join the war. It would be difficult to say the least. While Orveis and the Guild Lands could sustain their current war effort without much economic decline, a nation such as the Imperium would break that status quo and bring the war into a much wider view. The entirety of the Sea of Gales, and the Sea of Viris to the north would war zones. Trade lanes would be disrupted and nations on the sub-continent to the far north and south would be drawn in. It would no longer be an isolated trade war, but instead a war of ideology and conquest. Winner takes all situation.
"The High Chancellor has entered the city, and has sent this poor lad ahead to tell us of Orveis' official commitment." Murmurs echoed the chamber as the Councillors had a mix of jubilation and slight hesitation wondering what would actually come of this. "Also she will not remain in the city as she has heard rumors of Imperial involvement in the war so she will be heading north to the Imperium itse-" before Laurentius could finish he was cut off by one of the other Councillors.
The man was large, portly but also clearly fit enough to exist in this city. His beard was red though speckled with grey every now and then. His eyes were willful and yet he seemed somewhat like a person who preferred to go unnoticed. "Designate, the High Councillor must remember that she has a duty to this nation first and foremost." He said chiding the imaginary image of the High Councillor throwing a couple glances towards her chair.
"Councillor Xenus, she has also sent this letter containing that she is resigning her position as High Chancellor. She will remain on the Council due to her former position as Councillor of the Guild of Judgement, so we here must elect a new High Chancellor." Laurentius said to bewilderment by those Councillor's in attendance. Whispers fluttered throughout the room, as if it was some version of an ordered chaos. Truly with the High Chancellor stepping down it would mean that the entire council should be there, but that wasn't possible it would be months before they were all assembled again. In the meantime their deputies would be in attendance but the Codex state that deputies could not vote, simply listen so that mean three of the fifteen would not be voting. That also mean that the other two would not be eligible to stand as High Chancellor in the election. Though no one really stood a chance assuming that Designate Laurentius ran. "We will convene until this time tomorrow at which point we will take a vote on who is to succeed High Chancellor Ducainne to that post." Laurentius said banging his gavel and watching as they others filed out. "Gods guide us," He said in a hushed tone.
The Docks of the Aurelion
Seraphine stood watching the horizon and sighed. The day had been long and the reports from the front while favorable still told of the war, and though one would not know such a war existed in the capital. Life here was unchanged and the shipments to and from the east had resumed so it was even more normal than that of late. This was a trade war, and while Thalon and Auridon were strong, they were little in the ways of prepared for the war they had been given. It would be over by harvest time in a few months, and hopefully it would be behind everyone with as little bloodshed as possible. "Your Grace?" his voice was soft though it did indeed speak volumes. Lazily turning her head Seraphine saw Darion, the Marquis whom she was betrothed.
The young man was handsome to say the least, since they had left Orveis he had happily removed his mask choosing to show himself rather than to hide behind a piece of cloth and metal like so many other Orveisians. His hair was a light blonde, which was well kept and gave the appearance of being soft, which it certainly lived up too. His eyes were a bright blue that seemed to resemble a sapphire in the sunlight. Overall his features were soft, slightly feminine and while he was nearly a head taller than Seraphine he seemed to be more of an actor or bard type than that of Orveisiain nobility. Though as Seraphine was quick to learn his appearance allowed him to hide his intelligence which was quick and shrewd. He had an opinion on most anything but was smart enough to only offer them when the time was proper, life at the Imperial court had taught him that. "Yes?" She responded turning her eyes back away from Darion and to an inn not too far from the docks. A tree was clearly supporting a section of it and it was cleverly named "Inn the Tree"
"Our ship is here," He said with a smile. It had been the first thing they talked about. His preference in the bedchamber. Seraphine had smiled at him and told him she had been informed some time prior by Emilie and it mattered not so long as he could provide an heir for the two of them. For that she had also said that she would help him maintain discretion and to make sure he appeared at least outwardly as a faithful husband and a common man. She knew this meant they would really only ever be good friends and not husband and wife, though she really was more married to her work at the Guild of Judgement and the Guild Lands than to the idea of a husband.
"Thank you Darion." She said standing a kissing him on the cheek which caused him to flush red. He was still sensitive to being seen in such a situation in public. He was young after all. They boarded their ship and by sunset were beginning their journey towards the Kingdom of Redania to handle some important matters of state. They would be the only stop on the way to the Imperium and likely one of the ones on the way to Vaar and Yorgrim and quite possibly on the way back to the Guild Lands as well. Their ship the Caelion's Breath was a magnificent three sail four deck vessel that held canons on three of her decks, each numbering ten on a deck to a side, making the ship a formidable sixty eight canons at it held four in the front and four in the rear as well. The Caelion's Breath was a Trident Warship and would be accompanied on its journey by three smaller vessels each with two masts and nearly twenty canons apiece. Security was necessary due to the pirates in the south and north not to include not knowing if the Imperium was to become hostile while they were at sea. Better safe than sorry.
Fortress Dour
"Abbadon!" Legate de'Voir said with a broad smile on his lips and his arms up as though he was seeing his sister for the first time in ages. "It has been much too long!" He said before crossing the very small distance between them and lifting her up in his arms embracing her as he had always done since they were children. The pair shared a good laugh before he set her back down and looked around seeing some looks of confusion and amazement on the faces of their men. "Siblings," He said with a cheeky grin motioning to the pair. Just looking at them you couldn't tell they were siblings one bit. He was tall, muscular and handsome, she was athletically thin, had red hair and not black, blue eyes instead of his brown and her features were much softer than his.
"Titus," She said with her voice even but clearly commanding her brother. The situation was not nearly as desperate as it had been a week earlier. The siege had been broken when Titus de'Voir's soldiers had surprised the Thalonians coming from behind, which caused the defenders of Fortress Dour to sally forth and slam into the front lines causing mass panic in the Thalonian lines while the canons rained hell from the safety of the walls. The enemy had been routed with minimal casualties on the Third and Fourth Legion' side. "We should go into my quarters we need to discuss what is going on." He nodded in agreement and motioned for her to lead the way. The wound up in what used to be a Lord's study which had a balcony that could overlook most of the Fortress and the lands to the north.
"We have been ordered by the Council to withdrawal south," He said handing his sister the order he had been given via page. He grimaced as his sister crumpled the orders clearly upset at them. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know you lost so many, let us not lose more here we need to regroup with reinforcements to bring your Legion back to full strength then we can get revenge on those Thalonians together." He said smiling at his sister. She nodded before turning to look at a map.
"We need at least a weak to clear out and march south. That's a week the enemy has to bring another army south and siege this fortress holding both our legions here." She said wondering if the Thalonians would seriously take that gamble. The both nodded to one another and went about telling their subordinates the orders and making the necessary preparations for their retreat to Understone, one of the three citadels guarding the north of the Guild Lands. Layers of walls, farms within those walls, fresh water supplies, canons and trebuchets to defend the walls, among several thousand permanent guardsmen. The Citadels were the best defenses in the north of the Guild Lands. If they were to fall the war would effectively be over, but due to the Tythian Mountains that ran from west to east connecting at each of the Citadels there were nearly no other routes south without taking one or more of the Citadels.
Sakurai, Capital of the Zhou Empire
The ride through the city had been interesting. Vivien du'Meer, Councillor for the Guild of Circles had asked to stop several times getting out to purchase some spices and tea, to visit a shrine and talk to the shrine keeper about its history and significance. The people were warm and welcoming, none were openly hostile and for Vivien that was nice, though expected. Hospitality in the Zhou Empire was always relayed to the west by their merchants who graced the streets of the Guild Lands. Once they got underway again and finally arrived at the palace, Vivien exited carriage accompanied by her own personal guard, a woman who towered nearly seven feet tall and wore armor that was well decorated but effective. A large sword hung at her hilt and a shield on her back. They both eyed the large group of representatives that had assembled on a small platform where at the center it was clear was the Emperor of the Zhou.
"I am Xi Zhihuan Hideaki Zhou II. This is my sister Cao Umeki Tame Zhou, and my head of the Government, Chang Gao Yi." As he gestures to each, they would courtesy and bow respectively. "I hope your journey was well miss, what is your reason for this sudden visit?" Vivien du'Meer was no stranger to being around Imperials. She smiled and bowed respectfully and as she did so all her guards offered a salute as well.
"Pleasure your most imperial magnificence," She said smiling and offering yet another bow. "I am Vivien du"Meer, Councillor of the Guild of Circles, Member of the Order of the Silver Rose, and Representative to the East." Vivien said keeping her smile. "Your city and country are beautiful, more so than the merchants had let on. The journey was smooth but I do unfortunately have ill news." She said clearly denoting that it was information that shouldn't be said in such a place. "Perhaps we should retire to somewhere more private?" She questioned with a smile making sure to leave leniency in case the Emperor had plans for them.
Senate Chambers, Imperia, the New Imperium
The Senate chamber was in complete chaos. They had just taken a vote on intervening in the Thalon-Guild Lands war and much to the pleasure of the Imperator they had agreed to remain out of the war. It was a very close vote and one that almost had gone the other way, if it had been a few days prior it would have but fortunately the Councillor Sephorus from the Guild Lands had arrived and offered to treat with the Imperistarium to avoid them entering into the war. A deal had been struck and would be paid in blood and land. When the war ended assuming that the Guild Lands emerged victorious the peace would ensure that Auridon would be fractured with the northern half which would retain the name due to the capital's location would become a vassal of the Imperium. The southern section would be given independence. In addition to this, the Guild Lands would for two years offer a heavily discounted price of Eastern goods to the Imperium to make up for their losses due to Thalon's likely restriction.
The gavel struck the marble and after a few strikes the chamber quieted. The entire Senate was in attendance, all six hundred and seventy three and the seven dais members. "The decision has been made and we will stick by it," Marcus said standing. Though several voices were raised, "Traitor!" and another said "Tyrant!" and while most of the Senators present knew their place and knew that the Senate handled the day to day affairs at the pleasure of the Imperator some like those that spoke out would need to be taught a less. They would be handled later. "We are adjourned." Marcus added making sure to stay until all those present had filed out.
Montrequienne, Kingdom of Redania
The ship that held the Prince Atlas of the Imperium flew the colors of the Imperium as it entered the port of the capital of Redania. Prince Atlas was wearing a fine set of robes with an intricate tunic and leggings. His hair was styled so the sides were shaved but the top was longer. His eyes watched his men as they came to a stop at the dock and prepared to disembark the ship. He had nearly a dozen Imperial Guardsmen, with him each in their finely decorated uniforms and carrying their swords with pistols at their hilt.
"My Prince we have arrived and are ready to make our way into the city proper." The voice was his father's adviser Letis. He was to watch Prince Atlas during this visit though he would be dismissed if the Prince so wished it. He looked at Letis and offered a nod not too inclined to speak to the man he knew was spying on him and acting like his jailer.
"We should head to the castle to meet with the Supreme Chancellor and whoever else, matters are urgent and time is not with us." He said signalling to his guardsmen and they fell in around Atlas as they disembarked the ship and proceeded throughout the city. They came to a market and they lingered for a time while the Prince ate some food from a stall and held some idle chatter with some of the local merchants. He enjoyed to actually be away from Imperia and the rest of the Imperial Court as he was not held to the same untouchable standard, he was actually able to mingle with people even though they knew who he was. Eventually they made their way to the Castle where they greeted their hosts and prepared for the meetings ahead.
The procession halted at door to the palace, the delegates shifted somewhat uneasily with the presence of a Princess from Ryzhai. They had not been told that she would be attending this conference and for that some suspected that the King had known she was coming and simply not told them, others wondered if she had indeed arrived without an invitation simply because the Dowager Empress wished to have an ear to the ground. Regardless as the palace doors opened the delegates made way for the Princess in her dress, and her guards who were in close order behind her, carrying their rectangular shields in one hand and their large spears in the other. The city guard and palace guard had eyed them suspiciously but none had dared to stop them as of yet.
Once the doors opened and revealed the table in the center Princess Tai smiled as she crossed the distance her guards not moving from their place at the door. The other delegates followed suit and as they approached the halted as she did at the chair opposite the King. "I am Princess Tai of Clan Uragiri of the Celestial Empire of Ryzhai, eldest daughter of the Dowager Empress Midori, and sister to the Emperor. I am here to represent the interests of the Orchid Throne." She said before curtsying respectfully to the King and taking her seat.
She listened with interest as the others introduced themselves and took their seats as well. The two other Princes took their seats to her left and right respectfully as the others filled out the table. All ears were on the King and all were interested as to the intents of one another.
Ryzhai - Kithara Border
Two armies stood a short distance from one another. Each numbering roughly one hundred thousand men. The burned ruins of a small Ryzhaian village was between the two forces staring at them both as reminders of what what happening and why they were there. The tension was palpable as the sun rose on the eastern horizon, shining the soft morning light on the flags that fluttered in both armies. The general of the Ryzhaian army signaled to the Kitharan general he would meet him in the village where they would discuss terms or if there would be battle on this fine and crisp spring morning.
The two in similar armor sat at a small table that had been erected and they looked at one another, trying to determine if this was worth their time or not. The Ryzhaian general, bowed respectfully to his Kitharan counterpart before speaking. "I am general Tadeki Hanato," he said sitting. "And I am general Yamato Gintori of Kithara." The proceedings took three hours and the two men bowed to one another before returning to their respective armies. Though they had grown to be some semblance of friends in the time they spent together it had done little in the way of averting the battle. Their rulers had ordered them to meet one another here and to begin the war in earnest rather than just have border clashes for the next decade. So it was determined. The armies fought, and they killed another for nine and a half hours, Ryzhai had lost the battle but the Kitharan general had refused to cut down the retreating army instead letting them retreat and lick their wounds to fight another day. Still by the end nearly half of Ryzhai's and a quarter of Kithara's armies were laying dead on the field of battle, food for the carrion birds.
War against the People's Republic
The nations that bordered the People's Republic were supporting the rebels in Anteris when the illegitimate government became vassals of the People's Republic and the subsequent invasion of 96,000 men into Anteris meant that the Republic had only 4,000 men to defend their entire border. Those nations seized on this and launched five invasion pincers that met with little resistance except for city and town guards. These invasion routes met with varying success. Those in the south linked up and sieged a number of walled cities leaving sizable garrisons behind before disbanding the pincer and doubling back to further garrison the occupied cities. Those that had been nearest to Anteris used their numerical superiority to cut off the supply lines inside the Republic. Those in the north only advanced a little ways into the nation and occupied a handful of towns and only a few ports. Most of these nations knew that they would need to withdrawal after peace was signed but it had done its damage. The people of the Republic were in an uproar at their government. They openly protested the war, gathered to talk about how much they believed the government had neglected them. Time would only tell what the lasting damage would be.
---Side Notes---
@Nateorious -- Prince Atlas has arrived.
@NorbertM -- Those nations you have requested will reply in the affirmative as will the rebels in Anteris. Their gratitude is immense, use it wisely.
@Ahzek Ahriman -- Councillor du'Meer is now waiting for you to lead on.
@Legulus -- They have all arrived and entered the main hall where they are at the table with you.
@Reddrection -- I don't believe you needed anything from me on this post.
@Evanw1256 -- I don't believe you needed anything from me on this post.
@Demonsoul -- I don't know if your cultists were supposed to arrive in the Guild Lands yet or not. Please be more clear about if someone has or has not arrived somewhere.
@general ostruppen -- Your citizens are in an uproar over the neglect that your government has shown.
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