The Melting Snows [Vapor|Closed]

[Itailian Maifias]

Palace of Kirn, Valhedge
January 3rd, 1899

The day was a particulary normal Averian winter day, the night before another two feet of snow having fallen and the workers had taken another four hours to clear the streets and roads in Valhedge of it. The city itself stood in stark contrast to the heavy snow that surrounded her walls; the city's nearly blue walls rising high out of the snow with their grey colored battlements protecting the guards that patrolled it. They also outlined the four districts of the city of two million people, houses to the north and south of the city, the western party was the industrial side, given away by the tell tale sign of the large smoke stacks that the steam and air-sickening smoke came out of. The railroad that connected to the city also came through into here, the large red roofed station house always teeming with life. In the center of it all was a massive keep and castle complex. it's ivory white walls standing in stark contrast to the rest of the city that surrounded it. In the center of it was the Palace of Kirn, the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Averi and it was here that all the interesting events today would occur.

Eldred entered the Grand Hall doors, the white tunics and tabards of the Royal Guard highlighed the sides of the doors as Eldred passed by them. He himself was not garbed anything fancy, the simple green tunic and brown pants with leather boots due to the snowfall outside. As he headed through the narrow corridors, he only thought about how today's meeting might go. It was the first convening of the Lord's of State under their new King, His Majesty King Aethelred III, a young man of only seventeen years who was crowned last month after the passing of his father, King Raeys. This new King, he was different. Firstly, he had dismissed several of his father's close advisers and instated newer, younger ones, and he had open dislike towards certain members of the Lord's, which Eldredh could care less about. Each Lord played a game to get more power, more land for the fief, or some other personal reason, but Eldredh refused to subscribe to it, he was Lord over the fief of Boreas, the northern most fief in the whole Kingdom, indeed he had a very hard time getting here due to the passes being blocked with ice and rails covered in snow. Within a few minutes, he had arrived at a set of door great doors that had the insignia of the King on them, and they were opened as soon as he stood in front of them, revealing the Chamber of Committee, a grand hall dominated by a large round table in the center of it in which every Lord of State could fit at. Eldredh himself would be seated to the right of the King, as he was his father's chief adviser and now his. He took his seat amongst his peers and idly stared at the wall, awaiting for His Majesty to arrive. Within a few minutes, a young man, about six foot six and nearly two hundred pounds, wearing a green doublet and the finest black pants and boots and a simple golden circlet. The Council hushed and was quieted as the man approached his throne at the table, scribes hastily putting reports in front of it on the table. He sat down and briefly flipped through the reports " Rail frezzures at Greenbridge, pass leading to Bushwyn completely blocked, food shortages at Wyvernmill and bandit incursion in Ostholt."

He sighed and then shot a glum look at the lords " Anything that I don't know, isn't fucking run of the mill to report?"

Eldredh let out a slight whisper, reminding the King to watch his language, which he shrugged off. A elderly Lord in the back, Lord Wallis, spoke up. " Sir, I get the feeling there is something that you want to put before us rather then the other way around."

Aethledred nodded and then spoke " For the past three hundred and seventy two years, Averi has been in complete isolation. No official trading with any other nation, no contact, no support. It worked at first, but now the recent winters are proving us wrong. Food shortages are becoming more and more abundant and we are lacking in proper soldiers to defend our cities and settlements. Our Air Fleet flounders in glory, and yet has never been actually used and simply colors the skies. Our Army is a collection of farmers who can barely wield a sword let alone a rifle and I can not simply deploy the Royal Guard to take care of every bandit camp and hole in the Kingdom. It's time we got friends, it's time we ended this isolation. My advisors have counselled with me, and I intend on hosting a summit in three weeks time, and the leaders of Inoroth, Fangalia and Vitzenberg are invited. "

He then turned to his left, where his Commander of the Army sat. " General Ikilsakrân, see to it that we have our finest regiments ready for that period. Also, let Sky Admiral Nûlusâi know to have his flagship here for that time as well."

There was a clearing of the throat, loud and ripping of attention, and Aethledred turned his attention to an middle aged man, bald entirely and garbed in black as well. He was Lord Devon, Lord of Springoch, the most prosperous fief in the Kingdom and as such had quite a considerable amount of power. To top it off, he was the rudest Lord of them all " Forgive me your Majesty, but why are we trusting these foreigners which such a delicate affair? Surely a Saxon and not an Adunai.."

" Enough of this petty racial nonsense! I send them because they are the brightest commanders we have and I will not pander to you and the middle Lords racial supremacy nonsense. Now begone, I have invitations to send. Scribe, send out those letters!"

Code: Select all

 
To: Queen Autumn of Fangalia
From: King Aetheldred III of Averi

Your Majesty,

We after generations of isolation are looking to come out and establish new found relationships and bonds with the powers of the world. As such, I invite you to a diplomatic summit at my Palace of Kirn in the city of Valhedge, three weeks from the date on this letter. I look forward to your arrival

Signed,
King Aetheldred III


Code: Select all

 
To: Kaiser of Vitzenberg
From: King Aetheldred III of Averi

Your Majesty,

We after generations of isolation are looking to come out and establish new found relationships and bonds with the powers of the world. As such, I invite you to a diplomatic summit at my Palace of Kirn in the city of Valhedge, three weeks from the date on this letter. I look forward to your arrival

Signed,
King Aetheldred III


Code: Select all

 
To: King of Inoroth
From: King Aetheldred III of Averi

Your Majesty,

We after generations of isolation are looking to come out and establish new found relationships and bonds with the powers of the world. As such, I invite you to a diplomatic summit at my Palace of Kirn in the city of Valhedge, three weeks from the date on this letter. I look forward to your arrival

Signed,
King Aetheldred III


[Inoroth]

Royal Palace Complex B
Roth, Inoroth
January 5th,1899

To: King of Inoroth
From: King Aetheldred III of Averi

Your Majesty,

We after generations of isolation are looking to come out and establish new found relationships and bonds with the powers of the world. As such, I invite you to a diplomatic summit at my Palace of Kirn in the city of Valhedge, three weeks from the date on this letter. I look forward to your arrival

Signed,
King Aetheldred III

The letter lay there, opened and wrinkled, as the King began.

"It has been too long since our Eastern neighbor knew us. I am going there myself to reintroduce Inorothian Society to the people of Averi. After that, they will buy our inventions and purchase our foods and we will bring them back into the modern world as a powerful ally. Any thoughts or objections?"

There were none, so the King took pen and paper and wrote:

To: King Aetheldred III
From: King Vinchero of Inoroth

Good King,

It gladdens my heart to hear that you have again joined the workings of the wide world. Things have gotten on in your absence here, but it always seemed as if there were an artificial hole to the East, where things were falsely stopped. Now at last we can accelerate these happenings as they should have been going all along. I write to tell you that I personally intend to bring my regards to your meeting, along with anything else you might require - just ask! We will once again forge an allying friendship as in the days of old, and then, who can stop us?

Peace and Strength to you,

King VInchero, Ruler of all Inoroth

[Vitzenburg]

To: Kaiserness of Vitzenberg
From: King Aetheldred III of Averi

Your Majesty,

We after generations of isolation are looking to come out and establish new found relationships and bonds with the powers of the world. As such, I invite you to a diplomatic summit at my Palace of Kirn in the city of Valhedge, three weeks from the date on this letter. I look forward to your arrival

Signed,
King Aetheldred III

To: King Aetheldred III of Averi
From: Kaiserness Morgen I of the kingdom of Vitzenburg

Great King, I find it most heartening to hear that you wish to invite us in a diplomatic summit. I will most definitely be in attendance as you can never have a shortage of friends in these troubling times. I do hope the fruition of a friendship between our nations quickly follows your recent isolation.

Sincerely,
Kaiserness Morgen I of Vitzenburg

[Inoroth]

10 km from Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:07 pm

"King, these roads, they are still paved with the stones the Rothian Empire laid a thousand years ag- umph!"

The

hit a rather nasty bump.

"Yes Giuseppe, and I fear that they have not been maintained for sin-Oh-ce."

Another bump.

"Driver, do be careful! You are bearing the King of Inoroth to a vital Diplomatic Conference, not hauling sacks of flour to market!"

"Quite sorry, but it can't be helped sir! It gets better up ahead I'm sure."

"See that it does, or his highness might have something to say."

In a half an hour, they would be at the gates of the palace.

[Fanaglia]

The letter was brief, but its intrigue was great. Queen Autumn sat in her study, eying the archaic-looking script on the leaf before her. The enigmatic Kingdom of Averi oft held the fascination of Fanaglian schoolchildren, Autumn herself included -- little was known about the strange kingdom, out of which hardly any information had disseminated in nearly a millenium. No one went in. Hardly anyone ever came out. It was said to be a strange land, somehow managing to have changed little since the Dark Ages. Any gaps in the knowledge of the nation (and they were many) were filled in by the imaginations of children and storytellers across Amplector. And now, here, was a brief invitation that seemed to have come from the fifteenth century. How exciting! And the possibility of friendship (or exploitation) danced in her mind, as well.

Royaume de Fanaglia
Kingdom of Fanaglia
Communiqué Officiel Diplomatique
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

---

5 January, 1899
To His Majesty, King Aetheldred III of Averi
From Her Majesty Autumn, By the Grace of God, Queen of Fanaglia

Noble King, I would be delighted to attend your summit and welcome your kingdom back to the international theater. One can certainly never have too many friends and, I think, you shall find a friendship with Fanaglia a rewarding one. I shall be arriving by air on the date set forth aboard the mighty airship, the HMY Rosalind, with my trusted captain, Peter Gonzalo, and my agricultural adviser, Miss Lucy Alans. I look forward to meeting you in person.

May the wind be always at your back,

Autumn, By the Grace of God, Queen of Fanaglia

[Itailian Maifias]

Palace of Kirn, Valhedge
January 23rd, 1899

" Aetheldred, they'll be here soon."

The boy king had been impatiently pacing before his throne for the past half hour, while Eldred had been subjected to being force to watch him and now, was annoyed. He understood that the man was only seventeen winters old, but it was high time to start acting like a ruler and not a child. Aetheldred as usual, grunted upon hearing Eldred's request and took a seat in the throne, adjusting his jacket to look proper. Within a few moments, the Royal Guards opened the Chamber doors, revealing General Ikilsakrân who was accompanied by two soldiers dressed in the standard issue uniform of the Averian army, the red and yellow uniform reflecting the colors of the Averian flag approach the throne, all three of them kneeling for a moment until Aetheldred told them to stand. The General spoke first, the soldiers drifting their eyes away from the King " Sire, the 3rd Regiment of Arboreal, from Lord Eldred's own demense, has been selected for this demonstration. Of course, I also had the Commander of the Royal Guard assemble his men in formation at the front of the assembly outside of the Palace. Nûlusâi also reports the the Magnificent is ready for shock and awe. The Royal Guard is escorting the Inoroth vehicle to the palace now."

A leap and smile of delight arose on the King's face " Excellent news, inform the Guard to send the delegates to here. "

[Inoroth]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:41 pm

The automobile pulled up to the gates, where there waited several Averian Royal Guards.

"Not bad, not bad at all" thought the King as the driver applied the brake Their uniforms are a tad too colorful for my tastes, but they do make a bold statement, and I'm sure that's what they're for I suppose, to make a statement of grandure, pomp, and opulence."

As said guards approached the car, the driver opened the King's door, and out he stepped, regal in his bearing as he did. The truck pulled up beside them, loaded with half a dozen or so Inorothian Royal Guards, Vinchero's personal protection force. They eyed the Averians with a sort of cool, calculated stare that screamed "Well then, what's up with you?", though it was less of a menacing threat or hostile gesture then it was a mere assertion that they were not going to be pushed around by anyone. After all, the Averian's isolation might have lessened the impression Inoroth had once left on their kingdom, and much care and planning had gone into how they were to reestablish it.

So, while the Purple-clad Royal Guards played with the stick, Inoroths king offered a carrot. After all, Inoroth had also been a close friend to Averi... a sort of big brother who slapped you when you were acting up but also shared his last chocolate bar.

"It is wonderful to be here at last, the journey was a rather long one... At long last, this beautiful country is open to us again. Now gentlemen, if you would be so kind as to escort us to your king?

[Itailian Maifias]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:41 pm

The Royal Guards simply stared down the Inorothian protection detail and when addressed by the Inorotian King, simply nodded and then began walking forward past the rows of Averian soldiers, keeping in mind not to speak to the delegation or do much of anything except take the delegates to the Council Chamber. They would walk by dozens of rows of soldiers, each of them snapping to attention as they passed by. Overheard, the courtyard which typically would have the winter sun casting it's feeble rays on the men had it's glory blocked out by the shadow cast off by the hull of the AAS Magnificent that dominated the courtyard.

As the delegation made it's way through the Palace, the Guards thought of how the delegates might notice a shift in temperature, owed to the numerous vents located throughout the entire Palace the kept the entire building heated by releasing bursts of steam. The building wasn't kept too hot, but just warm enough to seem to be a massive relief to the harsh Averian climate in the winter and early months of the year.

Within a few moments, they had reached the Council Chamber doors and the Guards stopped, opened the doors by themselves and gestured for the delegation to enter, while insisting the Inorothian guards leave their weapons behind. As soon as the King entered the Chamber, Aetheldred attached his eyes to him like a hook on a fish. He made a slight bow of the head " King Vinchero, a honor for you to join us. " He gestured to his left " This is my closest adviser, Lord Eldred, Lord of Boreas and a very wise man. Please, come take a seat, drink some hot mead, warm your bones before we get into the heavy stuff."

[Inoroth]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:41 pm

Vinchero observed the Averian Royal Guard's responses with approval, noting that bit about their culture in his mind:

Good to know, nothing's changed; they're still not they type to back down, but they keep a level head - not rushing in to meet a challenge unless they must... we shall have to use the carrot more than the stick if we are to gain anything from their re-entry to international society... not that I suspected otherwise. It is good that my Guards have brought "The Gift" for King Aetheldred III - I do hope he likes it.

"The Gift" was currently borne by two especially muscular Inorothian Guards; a large package wrapped in brightly decorate paper, paper bearing the flag of Inoroth on the Left and that of Averi on the Right.

To show the friendship our nations shall again have for one another - That's why I had both flags used. I wonder if he will notice that we offered the Averian one the position of honor on the Right? Well, even if he doesn't I'm sure his advisors will... he's still young, no doubt still enamored with visions of grandure... So I shall try and make him see that Inoroth is the grandest I suppose, whilst still convincing the Advisors that we are also the safest bet for international power... the later of which shan't be too hard, I think, but the former might be problematic if Fanaglia's ambassadors arrive.

As they walked, row after row of soldiers clacked heels in respectful attention. Vinchero returned each squad's salute, no doubt leaving the impression on many that he was 'the monarch who cared about people', for that was what Vinchero did best - care for the people. They continued on until at one point Vinchero found himself staring upwards at a massive Airship, unlike any he had ever seen.

Well, the Kingdom of Averi has certainly done well in the fields of engineering, despite their isolation... that is obviously not an imported ship, for it bears nearly not even a passing resemblance to the aesthetics of any I've seen. Bravo, bravo. And what's this? Steam heating? I am impressed, for it must have cost a fortune to remodel the palace for that... why, I've practically all the comforts of home right here!

When they arrived at the throne room, Vinchero's Guards were asked to leave their weapons behind. Before things got ugly, Vinchero intervened:

"Guards, you will stay here and ensure this doorway is secured - Except the gift bearers, you will follow me in unarmed."

They were not carrying their rifles, so it was simple matter to remove their dual revolvers and swords, which were given to the Averian Guards. The King smiled at the Averians before entering, and his Guards simply stood stock still, taking their orders as best they could.

As soon as Vinchero crossed the threshold, his gift-breaing guards in tow, he could tell he was the first to arrive: all activity in the room ceased and the Averian King's eyes immediately set upon him, seeming almost to pierce through him. Unperturbed, Vinchero continued at a slow, respectful, yet purposed pace towards the young King. Once clse enough, he awaited the greeting of his host. He had barely stopped when the excited King began speaking:

" King Vinchero, a honor for you to join us. " He gestured to his left " This is my closest adviser, Lord Eldred, Lord of Boreas and a very wise man. Please, come take a seat, drink some hot mead, warm your bones before we get into the heavy stuff."

He bowed... that's a good sign, he's not viewing us as a threat to his power but as the diplomats of good faith we are.

Vinchero bowed at the end of the speech, and then responded:

"King Aetheldred, I am most honored to finally make you acquaintance, as I am yours, Lord Eldred of Boreas. As I am sure you are already aware, I am King Victor Emanuel Vinchero of Inoroth. It was a pleasant surprise to have been informed of your nation's decision to leave isolation, one that filled me with great gladness at the prospect of returning our relations to their former glory. But, you ask we eat first, and eat i shall, for we Italians know the importance of food, no? We can appreciate it better than most others. With your permission, I sit."

And that's what he did, leaving his gift-guards to stand until noticed...

After all, the king would grow curious about it soon enough, I'll wager!

[Itailian Maifias]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:41 pm

" Of course you have my permission, go enjoy yourself on some of our foods that were carefully selected from what we've known about Inorothian cusine."

As Aetheldred began making his way off of the throne and towards the table the King was seating at, he noticed the two men just akwardly standing there. He was going to ask what they were doing, but caught himself when he noticed the large box they were carrying. It was simple, bore two flags, Averi on the right and Inoroth on the left. " So he put Averi in the honor position? Hmm, interesting" Aetheldred muttered to himself. He walked over very casually to the King, his index finger pointing at the box " Your Majesty, I must admit I'm curious, what is with that ornate box of yours?"

[Vitzenburg]

Train Station
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
1:02 pm

The Vitzburgian train pulled into the station, steam flushing out of it's pistons as it braked. Workmen from the train immediately began unloading the Kaiserness' automobile from a freight car as the Kaiserness Morgen I herself exited her private car, flanked by her guards. The Kaiserness waited patiently as her automobile was assembled and checked. When the men had finished, she thanked each personally before she entered the car, her guards following her in. Her driver entered last, unfolding the map they were given to the Palace of Kirn. It was a few minutes before they started on their way down the streets.

"Mr. Haskil, please be hasty, I do not want to be the last one arriving." remarked the Kaiserness at her driver's lack of haste.

"Yes my Kaiserness, it simply took me a few seconds to find north..." replied the driver and with that they were quickly on their way.

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
1:48 pm

The automobile pulled up to the gates, waiting to be allowed through.

[Inoroth]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:42 pm

" Of course you have my permission, go enjoy yourself on some of our foods that were carefully selected from what we've known about Inorothian cusine."

As Vinchero sat, he noted the selection of Inorothian delicacies with approval. Stretched out across a green and gold silk tablecloth was an array of pastries worthy of any bakeshop in Roth: Bocconotto, Cannoli, Pizzelle, Tiramisu, Bombolone, Biscotti, Crostata, Pignolo, and other delectables. Additionally, several fine reds and whites, as well as spumante imported from Roth... and one or two produced domestically.

Glaringly omitted were the many forms of gelato, but the reason was, no doubt, that these would have melted had they been placed out at the same time as the others; after all, there was no "set time" of arrival for the Diplomats.

King Aetheldred made as if to come down and join him, but his eyes caught the somewhat awkwardly forgotten guards... and, more importantly, the ornately decorated package they bore.

So, he's noticed it at last... well, best to get the gift presented before the others arrive - it'll leave 'em guessing, and I do love a good tease.

Sure enough, Averi's King asked the inevitable question:

" Your Majesty, I must admit I'm curious, what is with that ornate box of yours?"

"Oh, that? Well, as you are no doubt familiar, it is extremely impolite for one to visit another's abode without bringing something to represent one's gratefulness... so, may I present you with a token of my appreciation for your hospitality."

Vinchero nodded, and the guards came towards Averi's king. They knelt before his throne, placed the box before him, and walked backwards.

Inside the box lay two items; one old, and one new. For the old, he had carefully chosen the famed blade Gurthwine, one of the most treasured of all swords to the king's of Averi, before it came into Inoroth's possession.

It had been the sword of the last Aduanic king, whose line was ended by invasions from Promethian tribes and a strange tribe known as "Saxons". The invaders, as they civilized, kept the sword, passing it on from generation to generation.

However, in the year 1307, King Yrre III of Averi foolishly chose to support a band of brigands in a desperate attempt to gain some much coveted Inorothian lands from Lord Beltamento. Historians in Roth and elsewhere have determined that his motivations were most probably influenced by the fact that the Kingdom had just lost "The Lowlands" to Promethian raids. The Lowlands are a strip of coastline that had enriched Averi's coffers immensely, and their loss was a tragic blow to the Kingdom's power.

But regardless of the reasons, the results were terrible; the attack was a disaster... all seven hundred Averian men involved in the attack were killed, including king Yrre III, slain in personal combat with Lord Beltamento's own son, Guridono the Fierce. As trophy, young Guridono acquired Gurthwine, and the sword was lost to Averi for centuries.

Several years later, the Beltamento Family fell on hard times, and to pay their debts and taxes to the crown, they offered up Gurthwine. It had been stored ever since somewhere in the Royal Treasury, though the Kingdom of Averi had made several offers to buy it back at exorbitant price, and rumor had it they had also sent agents to steal it back; though the claim has never been verified by Inoroth and has been vehemently denied by Averi.

So there Gurthwine sat, kept oiled and prepared for battle or duty, but never used... until today. Today, Vinchero returned the Averian Civil Sword home again, as token of friendship and good-will. Vinchero also had tastefully included a portrait he had personally commissioned, entitled "King Yrre III The Wise", in case the sword was not recognized on it's own merits.

The other item in the package had been harder to pick out, for even in isolation Averi had managed to maintain a high level of industrialization and invention... still, they didn't have everything, and Vinchero had at last found the perfect little invention that had not only created a public sensation a few years ago in Inoroth, but also promised to radically change warfare forever: radio-controlled boats!

Royal inventor Giuseppe himself had demonstrated the concept, and had built a working model that wowed the public and military brass alike. Vinchero had commissioned him to build a working "Battleship" for the Averians, complete with smokestacks, guns, and even a small Averian Flag flying aloft. It was comparable to any "ship in a bottle", but it was actually controllable via a tele-radio device that had been included in the package.

No doubt, King Aetheldred would be puzzled at first, but by the end, Vinchero hoped to have him as excited with the little beauty as he had been.

[Fanaglia]

A snowy farmer's field
Near Valhedge, Averi
23 January, 1899
11:24 Local Time

The Rosalind rocked gently as her mooring lines were lowered to the field below. Queen Autumn was unsure of Averi's aeronautical capabilities and of whether there would be a proper place to moor her ship, given the absence of any specifics in reply to her RSVP -- they were flying blind and they were forced to adapt.

She watched from the window as Captain Gonzalo's men fast-roped downand began securing the lines to trees, fence-posts, and to stakes they drove into the ground, pulling the ship gently down; extra care needed to be taken because Gonzalo felt uneasy valving gas to drop in altitude without any sort of assurance that they could obtain more hydrogen as easily as at home. Finally, the ship was secured in the field and the three Evans Model B motorcars were released from the cargo hold that usually held the Grand Staircase. In the absence of the latter, a mountaineer's ladder was raised up to the starboard doorway like a gangplank; Autumn, Gonzalo, and Miss Alans managed to descend the ladder with a grace that few could manage in the same situation.

Once on solid ground, she turned her attention to the farmer couple who had come out to see what the fuss was about. "Apologies, good people, for any inconvenience; we've only just arrived. Please accept this as a gesture of our gratitude for the use of your land," she motioned towards the silken purse in Gonzalo's hand, which was bulging with what she knew to be filled with a very handsome sum of gold, the most universal currency she could think of. "We shall only be a few days, or perhaps a week at most. I hope this is enough." She smiled. The gold in the purse, she knew, was worth easily more than their entire farmhouse.

[Itailian Maifias]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:45 pm


Aetheldred was slightly puzzled, and amused, when the two servants knelt and let the box down on the floor before walking away. He gave a glance at Vinchero and then knelt himself to undo the clasps on the ornate box, opening it to reveal two contents. When the box was opened, Aetheldred was stunned speechless at the sight of the item on the left, the infamous Gurthwine, the most prized Crown Jewel in the Kingdom and one that had been in Inorthian possesion for the past four hundred years, a huge slight on the prestige of the Royal Family and Aetheldred was shocked to see the sword that was told in legends simply returned to him like this, with no less then a portrait with a slightly sardonic title of the very man who lost it.

Aetheldred waved a hand and two servants approached him. He handed one the portrait and mumbled some instructions while he took the sword, it's sheath and belt well maintained and wrapped it around his waist, uncustomed to it's heavy weight over the steel shortsword that usually adorned his hip. He then looked back at Vinchero and sat down on his left " Your Majest, I can not express how grateful that I, or my family, is at the return of this very precious item that we hold near and dear to our hearts. The whole Kingdom thanks you for this magnificant gesture."

He cleared his throat slightly, and then continued " Such a gift will be hard to repay, and we already have so many favors to ask of Inoroth. As you may have seen on your way in, despite our isolation we have maintained a decent knowledge in the aerospace industry. However, our industrial capacity and arms manufacturing are far behind others in Amplector, nay I've even heard rumors of large metal suits to the south, while all Averi can boast is dated rifles and cavalry. Inoroth, from what I hear, is renowned for it's advances in military applications and as such, my Council and I are curious if Inoroth would be willing to help Averi modernize?"

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
1:48 pm


As the Vitzenburg automobile rolled up to the Palace's front gates, members of the Royal Guard would have swung open the iron-wrought devices, allowing it to continue and witness the same military display that the Inorothian delegates had witnessed. A runner was also sent to the Palace informing the King of the second delegation's arrival.


A snowy farmer's field
Near Valhedge, Averi
23 January, 1899
11:24


The farmers, normally stunned by such a display, where slightly moved due to the fact of the fly-over conducted by Averi's own aerial fleet just last week, and as such were shocked to see a foreign delegation landing in their farm, but not entirely out of mind. The farmers gratefully took the money and assurred the delegates that they or anybody would not disturb the aerocraft for it's entire stay at the farm.

The husband also advised putting salt on the wheels of the automobiles, as the roads into Valhedge had been frozen solid for months. Not entirely problematic for the carts that were still used for travel in the Kingdom, but anyone using a faster automobile may experience loss of traction and consequently, crashes.

[Inoroth]

Palace of Kirn,
Valhedge, Averi
January 23rd, 1899
12:46 pm

Vinchero nodded encouragingly at when Aetheldred glanced over at him, he nodded approvingly as Aetheldred's eyes widened in surprise, and he nodded attentively as Aetheldred spoke. Rising from his seat, he addressed the king in the tone of an equal, not a superior.

"For the return of the sword of Gurthwine, I wish you to understand that from the bottom of my heart you are most welcome to her... for in my house what was she really but a prisoner, a symbol of the cold, cruel, forceful dominance of one country over another? Such a purpose was unfitting of such a noble blade, near as unfitting as the relationship itself between our noble nations. We were and are brothers, birthed from the same mother, the glorious Roth herself! We are kindred folk, and it is only right that our interactions reflect that.

Thus I return, with no clauses or conditions, the mighty Gurthwine - her restoration to your people meant to symbolize something new; a gesture of my intentions to move away from the dominating relationship of olden times to one that best serves us both... one of equality and unbounded friendship.

I seek to forge an alliance based upon mutual respect, upon trust, loyalty, honor, and dignity. For this, I ask only the same in return. And do not fear for your safety, for friends protect one another, guide one another, share with one another. You may rest assured that, should you accept our friendship, our word will bind us to your aid, just as yous will to us.

But all this I give you time to ponder, and ask that you not answer too hastily... many others have yet to arrive, and they will all, no doubt, have their own offers and requests I am sure... for now, might I ask where your nearest large pool of water might be? Yes, 'tis an odd request, but one with a purpose... you see, you have only one of the items in my box - the other must be placed in water if she is to "swim"... but I do not wish to spoil the surprise any more than that... but I tell you, her secret is still fascinating to me!"

[Fanaglia]

A snowy farmer's field
Near Valhedge, Averi
23 January, 1899
11:27 Local Time

The Fanaglian delegation graciously heeded the farmer's advice and set to work salting the wheels as soon as they had given the couple their payment. Within a few minutes, the small caravan was on its way, sure to carry a quantity of sand, should one of the vehicles find itself stuck.

The uneven roads were indeed treacherous in all the ice and snow and the salting of the wheels did little to aid in traction and was soon rubbed off, anyway. Autumn found herself wondering if it had even been worth the time or the effort as her driver fought with his numbed fingers to maintain control of the car. She shivered as she drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders and wished she had brought along a good, old-fashioned horse-drawn coach that would have provided more adequate protection from the cold, which was far worse than anything she ever experienced at home and more than she expected. Miss Alans reminded her, though, that this sort of arrival, while perhaps slightly less practical on this particular day, would be a flashier display of Fanaglian technological prowess -- important for a first impression with such a presumably backwards nation.

Once into the city, though, the roads were more manageable and the automobiles were able to navigate to the palace without too much fuss. It was about ten minutes to two when they finally pulled up at the palace's front gate and the delegation made a very convincing show of concealing their discomfort at the cold.