1066- A Different World IC

[The Danish Confederacy]

"Did the servants surprise you?" Kenneth asked John

[The Peoples East Africa]

''Only a small bit. We don't have this many back in Normandy,'' John responded.
''Though I'm sure some people deserve to be waited on,'' he said as he shot a smile at Ishbel.
''Did you say we were having a feast?'' he asked Kenneth.

[The Danish Confederacy]

''Only a small bit. We don't have this many back in Normandy,'' John responded.
''Though I'm sure some people deserve to be waited on,'' he said as he shot a smile at Ishbel.
''Did you say we were having a feast?'' he asked Kenneth.

"Yes I did, John. Yes I did." Said Kenneth

[The Peoples East Africa]

''That's brilliant,'' said John. ''I love feasts. We had one recently celebrating Thor Day. It lasted for many hours and we devoured at least three whole pigs.''


Back at Normandy, a letter had arrived from the Slavs. It was Ivan the Second, ruler of the Slavic Empire. They were asking for relations inside the Norman royalty. Richard thought about it before he grabbed his quill, ink and paper, and set to work on yet another letter.

To Ivan the Second,Great king of the glorious Slavic Empire
I think joint relations between our two great people would be an opportunity that we can't afford to lose. In these times of trouble, there is no such thing as too many allies. I have two sons of 8 and 12, and two daughters of 8 and 10. I hope bonds that can't be broken are forged between us.
Your Faithfully,
King Richard of Normandy

He rolled the letter up, stamped it with his personal seal, and gave it to a servant who bring it to the stables, where it would start heading for Kiev.

[The Danish Confederacy]

''That's brilliant,'' said John. ''I love feasts. We had one recently celebrating Thor Day. It lasted for many hours and we devoured at least three whole pigs.''


Back at Normandy, a letter had arrived from the Slavs. It was Ivan the Second, ruler of the Slavic Empire. They were asking for relations inside the Norman royalty. Richard thought about it before he grabbed his quill, ink and paper, and set to work on yet another letter.

To Ivan the Second,Great king of the glorious Slavic Empire
I think joint relations between our two great people would be an opportunity that we can't afford to lose. In these times of trouble, there is no such thing as too many allies. I have two sons of 8 and 12, and two daughters of 8 and 10. I hope bonds that can't be broken are forged between us.
Your Faithfully,
King Richard of Normandy

He rolled the letter up, stamped it with his personal seal, and gave it to a servant who bring it to the stables, where it would start heading for Kiev.

"If you think three whole pigs is a lot, then you will be marveled by the feast we have!" Kenneth chuckled. " We also had a feast recently that celebrated Odin Day"

[The Peoples East Africa]

John laughed at Kenneth's remark.
''I'm getting hungry already. We Normans celebrate Odin Day during the New Year Festival. It's when we thank him for bringing us safely through the previous year.''

[The Danish Confederacy]

John laughed at Kenneth's remark.
''I'm getting hungry already. We Normans celebrate Odin Day during the New Year Festival. It's when we thank him for bringing us safely through the previous year.''

"Thats when we celebrate Thor day!" Kenneth chuckled

[The Peoples East Africa]

John laughed at the coincidence.
''That sure is something strange. You don't happen to celebrate Loki Day on the 31st of October do you?''

[The Danish Confederacy]

John laughed at the coincidence.
''That sure is something strange. You don't happen to celebrate Loki Day on the 31st of October do you?''

"We do, in fact." Kenneth marveled

[The Peoples East Africa]

John opened his eyes wide.
''That is very spooky. You don't celebrate... Actually, I better not see how strange this gets. On to the feast!''

[The Danish Confederacy]

There was at least 2 whole cows and 4 whole pigs laid upon the feast table. There was a wide selection of vegetables and fruit.

[The Peoples East Africa]

John's mouth started to water at the sight of the feast table.
''You weren't joking when you said it was a feast. This is enough to feed a small army.''
He glanced over all the food. The fruit and vegetables were a mix of common things, such as apples, and exotic foods that look like they came from the moon. The pink plump pigs clearly led a fat and happy life. And the cows... well they were cows. Simple and delicious.

[Russian people of america]

Ivan got the letter, it came from Normandy, so the Normans had answered him, good, he was unsure. Taking the paper he opened it gently. Sadly the page had become ripped and smudged it travel, but what could he expect, it had gone a far distance to reach him here in the Capitol. He read what he could pleased with the response. He could ask for the marriage of Anya and a boy, which would be better. However, he was unsure about the English, if they survived it would be a good time to arrange the marriage of anya to their prince. No, he had a better idea, his son Alexei would betroth the 10 year old Norman princess. He wrote the message quickly, having other matters to attend to.

I have read and thought over your message, after careful consideration I have decided to ask that my fourteen year old son Alexei be betrothed with your ten year old daughter, preferably sometime soon. He is young, but I assure you he is a strong, capable boy. He is second in line for the throne after my death. Please think my offer over carefully before deciding

Kirchev arrived not much later in the Norse lands, it had been a hard journey, but hopefully an alliance could be struck up with the Vikings. He requested an audience with the new king.

[Wildelyn]

The Letter from Normandy

In the King's Chamber a messenger came in holding a letter that was sent from Normandy, he bowed before Electeus the Second and handed him the letter as he sat down on his chair in his chamber and read it, he slowly put the letter aside on his desk and begin writing

To King Richard of Normandy
I have received your letter King Richard and so i hope you will receive mine, I am but a young king in reign, filled with the upcoming challenges of politics, economics and war, i would gladly take upon relationship with the Normans whom share the blood of our ancestors, You have mentioned you have many sons and daughters and i have none, I will adhere to request the hand of your first in line daughter and if not her, the second in hand daughter so we may fully sign the agreement by marriage and so our kingdoms may be united.

May you be deemed blessed by the gods,
Eiríkr Electeus the Second, King of Wildelyn.

after writing the letter he requested his diplomat to arrive and take the message to King Richard, in the mean time he wrote another letter; this time to Rome.

To the Roman Republic
I will be able to attend a meeting once the Roman Republic is sure to promise to not attempt to latinaize any Germanic tribes whom you refer to as "Hill or Barbaric people" in its holding for they are the brothers of the Franks and of the Kingdom of Wildelyn, after this promise is met with accordingly i will resume to come onto Rome for a meeting in front of the Senate.

May you be deemed blessed by the gods,
Eiríkr Electeus the Second, King of Wildelyn.

[Dain II Ironfoot]

Qarṭāj

Chapter One: The Rise of Qarṭāj

City of Qarṭāj, Qarṭāj
"We would be honored" Muhammad answered as he followed the African prince to the encampment. Upon arrival he ate and drank, it where truely great meals that where served by these people, and after a while Muhammad turned to the prince, "How would you like to ride an elephant?" he asked curiously.

Normandy
"Thank you" Ajia said as she looked at the learder of Normandy. She then turned around to leave just to turn once more towards the man, "Could i hire your servant for my trip to the other Nordic lands? I will make sure he and you are compensated generously for it" she told.
Without a translator things where though, and this man would be very helpfull along the way.

[Sanabel]

Chapter Two: Militarization

Encampment:
The Prince looks up inquisitively. "In my land, we never ride the beasts. They are a crop. But, i would would enjoy the opportunity to ride one. May I?"

[Zoblus]

The Faqīh
Al-Gaza Docks, Tangier

Looking upon the ships stationed in the docks, General Fareed Zahra was pleased to note that soon the last ship would be completed, and that the navy would be ready. He had moved all of the ships to Tangier ahead of schedule and was astonished to see the beauty of the city. Having grown up in a nomadic tribe in the deserts, he had no idea how beautiful a city by the sea would look. And now that he had seen it, he never wanted to leave.

As he walked back to headquarters, a messenger approached him, bearing a letter with a royal seal. He wasn't expecting the emir to write back to him so quickly after the last letter and the fleet still wasn't complete. He started to panic, thinking that he would have to go in with less troops than was needed and that he would be killed, since they lacked a sufficient number of troops.

"Sir, a letter from Faqīh(scholar) Ibn Nasr," said the courier as he handed Zahra the letter. He was relieved, the order for an advance still had not arrived, he hoped, giving him time. Still, he was curious why Ibn Nasr wrote to him and why his letter had a royal seal on it. Sure, he had been Emir of Granada, but he wasn't anymore. He opened the letter and began to read its contents.

To: General Zahra
From: Faqīh Ibn Nasr
"General Zahra, I've written to you to inform that I will be arriving with the soldiers you will need for your invasion. There are 40,000 coming to Tangier, and maybe more, especially if I pass through the villages. So please, if you must, acquire more ships, for I believe that by the time I arrive, there will be 50,000. I am also to accompany you in the invasion when the order is given.

"I didn't expect this to happen. 50,000? I'd need to gather 500 boats! Nevertheless, I must do it. Damn that ibn Nasr, now I'll have to protect him when we go out to conquer. Boy, send word to docks that we now need 500 vessels, and tell them to hurry!" As he said these words, he turned once more to the luscious blue waters of the city, thinking about what the future will soon bring to them.

The Plot
Somewhere in the Atlas Mountains

"The soldiers are leaving, heading north towards the coast," said a ragged looking man in his 30's while watching the army under Ibn Nasr move. He was a member of a Shia revolutionary group which was plotting to overthrow Emir Saleh and install their leader, Hassan al-Houthi, as Imam of the Almoravid Empire. Hassan al-Houthi, a Shia imam, believed that the ruling dynasty was unfit to rule over the populace and that Emir Saleh was going to ruin the empire. "There is about 50,000 men and they are being led by Faqīh. What do you suggest we do?"

"Let them pass," said Mahmoud Massoud, another rebel sitting near the first man. "We can't take 50,000 by ourselves, there's only 30 men here." He now watched as the column of soldiers marched through the desert, with shields at their sides and weapons sheathed.

"We can't ruin Al-Houthi's chances of being Imam of Morocco by attacking. Anyways, you must have heard of his plan?"

"What plan?" Asked the man, now extremely curious about the doings of the Imam.

"You know how he is a member of the nobility? Well, he's going to ask the Emir and his family to dinner, and when they're all there, he'll have them killed. That way he can assert his position as ruler. We need to get back now, the sun is getting to hot to be outside. Come on!" When he finished muttering these words, they all slipped back in their tents to escape the heat.

[World Anarchic Union]

ROMAN REPUBLIC
Malta
The riders were seen approaching and the Romans prepared for an attack, while a force of 20 men, holding a Roman banner approached the foreigners. Their flag was a flag of Qartāz, a kingdom in Africa. General Julius II spoke first:
"What does the kingdom of Qartāz desire in an island so close to Rome? Is it war and conquest by blood for control over the Mediterranean, for this island holds few trade capabilities. Or is it simply an act of war against the Roman Republic? I have been sent here with a sustainable force to make this island a part of the Republic in the name of democracy, Augustus Markos Antonios III and Rome. I would desire to leave this island without waging an unnecessary war with your civilized kingdom " Julius said, hoping to be able to solve this without war.

Rome
Augustus Markos Antonios III had not yet been informed of the situation in Malta, believing it to be remote and with no interest. He had to write multiple letters for multiple recipients. After long hours of looking over the letters, finding mistakes that could result in dangerous situations, he finally finished and looked them over for a final time.

To:Imperial Ethiopia
From:Augustus Markos Antonios III, Protector of Rome
The Republic of Rome is a republic believing in the Roman Pantheon however Zeus has many names, Zeus not necessarily being the main. So we are not limiting ourselves to the god being called a single name. Rome has great respect for the Abrahamic religion and has implemented some of its practices. We hope to reach a diplomatic success for our interests are common.
Sincerely,
Augustus Markos Antonios III

To:Eirikr Electeus the Second, King of Widelyn
From:Augustus Markos Antonios III, Protector of Rome
Rome awaits your presence and I should have made myself clear that when I mentioned "barbarians" I meant the some tribes in Scandinavia, who in the past have raided Roman villages, not Germanic tribes nor organized Scandinavian kingdoms.
Sincerely,
Augustus Markos Antonios III

To:King of Scotland
From:Augustus Markos Antonios III, Protector of Rome
Glorious King of Scotland, Rome requests for an alliance between our nations. We believe that alliances are vital in the modern world and that common things are not hard to find among the Scottish and Roman populace. Common enemies are also prevalent. I, hereby, invite you to Rome for a meeting.
Sincerely,
Augustus Markos Antonios III

To:Ivan the Second, Emperor of the Great Slavik Empire
From:Augustus Markos Antonios III, Protector of Rome
Glorious Emperor Ivan the Second, I believe our two nations can strive for a common goal we share and an alliance is never a bad thing. Rome is willing to seal such an alliance, which is going to be beneficial to both nations with whatever your Empire desires for our nations have many things in common.
Sincerely,
Augustus Markos Antonios III

The messengers carrying these letters bolted out of Rome, upon horses to travel across the known world. Augustus had been thinking of what each nation could desire, with marriage being likely, and he had decided that should it seal a potential beneficial alliance, he would marry a daughter of a king or emperor.

[Serbatijan Empire]

Soon War

Balkia has stabilised in millitary and has not been left up as rest of Europe was upgrading their armies. Balkia as well grew in population as some German tribes, Austrians and Normans immigrated into Balkia and as well as some Slavs. Still theres a suspisious acts that Balkia will soon go to war with Rome if Romans inside Balkia keep up with the crimes that they are commiting.

Balkia as well sents letters to her neighbour Slavic Empire

To Ivan, great ruler of Slavic Empire

Hello leader of glorious nation. I am asking for an alliance between Balkia and Slavic Empire. We share so much togheter and espessialy culture and language so i think an alliance would make sense.

From Grand Despot of Balkia
Vladimir Andjelovic.

[Cymrea]

The Great Hall
Birka, Svitjod

"Welcome, you must be sent by King Canute III. I welcome you to my halls" said the young King Erik with a welcoming smile.

Magnus nodded deeply, both in acknowledgement of the king's words and to pay him honour. The Skandians had left their swords and shields outside the Great hall as a sign of respect.

"The king is kind and generous. We give our thanks. From King Canute III of Skandia, I bear tidings of renewed friendship with Svitjod. Since ending our raids against one another, our kingdoms have prospered and these pacts are remade with each new king. With the death of Brosa and the crowning of Erik, it is the wish of Skandia's king to send word to Svitjod: keep the peace between us."

[The Peoples East Africa]

Richard thought about what Ajia said, and nodded.
''Whatever compensation you have, it can wait for your return. Go now, and meet with the other Nordic people. I warn you however, they are a barbaric people.''
Richard then ordered their ships to be fully restocked, as a show of good friendship. He then sent word to the Sons of the Sword, that there would be a large reward for pillaging Roman lands.


Later in the day, on the coast of Normandy, Richard was looking over his fleet of 300 ships which would carry his 30,000 men to the shores of England soon. His squire came running to his side with a few letters. The first was from the King of the Slavs. He smiled at the news.
''This should forge a great alliance between us.''

He ordered a quill and paper to make a reply.
To Ivan the Second, Great king of the glorious Slavic Empire
I am overjoyed that you have accepted this offer. If you can confirm that your son is available for marriage, then I will send my daughter, Matilda, to Kiev as soon as possible.
Yours Faithfully,
King Richard of Normandy

He then read the second letter, from the Wildelyn's. This one was less pleasing than the previous.
''My 8 year old daughter to marry a man of his age? That's a very unsettling thought. Perhaps my brother will spare one of his daughters for the glory of Normandy.''
He told the squire to make his way to the land of the Wildelyn's.
''Ask their king if he'll accept marriage with my niece. That will still tie our kingdoms together.''


On the north coast of Brittany, the Sons of the Sword were preparing to set out. They had 700 men loading into ships. With them was enough food and water to last many weeks at sea. And most of all, many weapons, such as arrows and swords. They set out during the last light of the day, and were making their way to the Northern coast of Iberia.

[Sanabel]

Chapter Two: Militarization

Adwa:
The sprinter runs into the Emperor's court, bearing a Roman letter. Quickly, the man's servant reads the letter before him. The Romans are not Abrahamic. They have shown none of this, with their oppression over time of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Yaweh would not like him to entire combat with these people. Not only were they disbelievers, but they oppressed the kin of the Amharic Jews. He begins dictating a return letter.

Emperor of Rome, While we appreciate you taking parts of our religion and incorporating it into your own, we will not create a military alliance. Your nation has opressed Jews since its beginnings, as well as our Christian and Muslim Brothers. We will continue trading with you, but will not fight alongside you in a faithful alliance in Africa or abroad unless you, Emperor of Rome, convert. May Yaweh bless you. -Emperor Bashulo of Aksum, Protector of All Ethiopias

Soon after he sends the letter, a caravan enters the city. It is part of the caravan that was sent to find new allies abroad. His son's servant Kirshu. The man comes before the Emperor and bows. Worried about his son, the Emperor commands the servant to speak. He listens intently as the man explains their journeys. Finally, he commands the servant to bring in the military advisors brought from Carthage.




Off the Coast of Normandy:
Isaak of Godam is sick of travelling. He's gone from his home in Eritrea all the way through the Red Sea, the Sinai, the Mediterranean, the Straits of Gibraltar, and now the North Sea. Soon the party bearing treasures of the Horn of Africa will land in Brittany. He sends ahead a small shore party to go to the King of this land and inform him of their imminent arrival.

[The Peoples East Africa]

A group of knights found the shore party of the Ethiopian party. They brought them before Richard the Great, who demanded they explain their purpose. After they explained, he said:
''You're from Ethiopia! My apologies for such a bad introduction, I had no idea you would be coming so soon.''

He immediately began giving out orders. The nearest inn to where they were going to land was ordered to prepare a feast. They could only scrape together some freshly caught fish and 3 goats. They had many animals available, but they were all forbidden to the Jewish people.
He brought one of his greatest blacksmiths, Henry Smith, to come with him and bring some of his finest work to show to the Ethiopians. He brought some expertly crafted bronze and iron weapons.
Richard hoped to trade some of these for the luxuries the travellers were bringing.

[Dain II Ironfoot]

Qarṭāj

Chapter One: The Rise of Qarṭāj

City of Qarṭāj, Qarṭāj
"Ofcourse" Muhammad said as he gestured to the exit of the encampent. He led the African prince to the elephant stables and had two elephants prepared for a mount. Muhammad then explained how to ride an elephant to the prince and how to see how the elephant would behave. Once the explenation was done it was time for the real deal. Muhammad tapped on the leg of the elephant so it lowered itself, he then climbed on it and tapped against the ear, making the elephant stand up. "Now its your turn" he said with a smile to the prince.

Normandy
"I thank you lord, may you have success in your conquest of the north." Ajia answered. Following their exit they paid a visit to these mercenaries. Upon arrival Ajia got all exited as the whole building was filled with the men of her dreams. It was like heaven on earth for her. She ended up hiring these men, some 700 of them to raid the Roman coasts. The remaining 300 where also hired but to accompany her to the other nordic lands and perhaps even further then that.
Two days later Ajia, her companions, the servant and the 300 Nords left the harbour, heading for the other Nordic lands to see if such success could be made over there aswell.

The Island
Captain Basir Farran looked up after the Roman stopped speaking, [i]"I am Captain Basir Farran, Commander of this army and representative of Qarṭāj. This land has been claimed by Abyaz Mannan, ruler of Qarṭāj. By Allah's will we will claim this Island or we will enjoy paradise forever. I suggest you retreat your forces, back to your own lands inmediatly, or face a red dawn tomorrow."[i]
Basir knew that this might end bad, but he was given orders to claim this Island and he would either claim it, or die trying. There was however no way in his mind he would give it away to some Romans who thought they could own the world.

[Sanabel]

Chapter Two: Militarization

Qarṭāj:
The Prince is hesitant, but he taps it on the leg. He smacks it hard, and the beast lest out a sound and stomps its leg. He backs away, but then tries again, this time more lightly. It bends down this time, and he hops on. He gently taps it near the ear and it stands up. He whispers in Amharic to the beast while stroking it near the ears. "Now what?" he says, laughing at the idea of himself sitting atop and elephant.




Brittany:
Isaak of Godam had been to the inn they were going to before. He recognized the roads. A business partner had met with him there when he was doing merchant work in Normandy. He looked forward to a hearty meal after the long voyage. It was a long walk from the small port where they disembarked with their treasures. It was good to ride his camel once more as opposed the wretched stateroom on the ship.