On commerce and faith (Fantasy RP, attention Songri).

[The Romulan Republic]

(OOC: this is an IC thread for negotiations between me and Songri as part of a fantasy RP. If you wish to join this RP, please read the OOC thread:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23269 )

Earl Lendor and his wife Serena were sitting in their private chambers when a flash of light from outside illuminated the room. Serena rose and glanced out the window, then called out frantically for the Earl to look. When he did, he saw a magnificent beam of unnatural light illuminating the heart of the city, and out of it was stepping, though it was difficult to be sure at this distance, the figure of a person. The immediate panic at the thought that this was an attack disappeared when he saw no sign of violence, and as he hastened down the stairs and toward the entrance to the castle, he thought he could make a guess as to the source of the light beam. He was just crossing the great hall when, to his considerable surprise, he saw the tall, graceful figure of El’raien striding towards him.

“Master El’raien… I must confess myself somewhat surprised by this unexpected visit.”

El’raien smiled.

“My visions told me my presence here today might be of value.”

“You forsaw the light beam? Is it indeed a delegation from the Empire of Light?”

El’raien shrugged slightly.

“I saw no more than what I just revealed.”

They exited the castle then, climbing down the long stairs towards the streets of the town of Dalta below, a pair of guards following close behind. They strode through the streets, past confused and curious crowds, until they stood in the centre of the town. A crowd had gathered ‘round the beam, obviously nervous, and were being kept back by over a dozen guards and a couple Order members. Lendor stepped forward, and gave a respectful bow.

“You are a representative from the Empire of Light, I presume? I apologise for not preparing a more fitting welcome, but I must confess, your visit is somewhat unexpected. I am Earl Lendor of Lacara, and the elf who stands behind me is El’raien-seldara, founder of the Order of the Green Tree. Welcome to Dalta, capital of Lacara.”

[Songri]

Matriarch Ladonya closed her eyes as she let the Goddess carry her along her way. When sound returned, Ladonya opened her eyes. Looking around to get her bearings it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the scene. Traveling via a Light Bridge was disorientating at the best of times, at least Saikora and Tamaran were powerful enough to prevent ripples in the path.

“You are representatives from the Empire of Light, I presume? I apologise for not preparing a more fitting welcome, but I must confess, your visit is somewhat unexpected. I am Earl Lendor of Lacara, and the elf who stands behind me is El’raien-seldara, founder of the Order of the Green Tree. Welcome to Dalta, capital of Lacara.”

Ladonya looked at the one who spoke and offered a bow. "I am Matriarch Ladonya, but please call me Ladonya. You are correct in presuming my origin as the Empire of Light, and no doubt you know why I am here. Would it be acceptable to you if we could go somewhere in private to discuss our business? I would like to get that over with as quickly as possible as I cannot wait to get a chance to explore this city. I am sure that our discussions will not take too long." Despite her words Ladonya could easily guess that the discussions could take days, maybe even weeks. She would have to find a proper location, which could take days of riding around the city trying to find a spot with the most sunlight, agree on the construction materials, which could again take days of dealing to convince him to supply the gold and other rare stones neccesary as well as the labour to build it, and finally on what laws applied where. The Empire wanted its own laws to apply inside the Temple, in fact even in the Empire the laws inside a Temple of the Goddess were far stricter than those outside. Finally she would have to agree on staffing numbers, just how many people could she have with her and if any Zealots would be required to protect the Temple. But she said it anyway, in her dreams the land had been growing darker and darker, and the people here lived next to such darkness. Any hope of peace, any sign of friendliness and unity would do nothing but good.

[The Romulan Republic]

Lendor bowed and said:

"It is my honor and my pleasure to meet you, Ladonya." El'raien bowed and said:

"It is likewise my honor and pleasure, Ladonya." Lendor then beckoned her toward the castle.

"Their are private rooms where we can discuss the matter of your temple in greater security and comfort. Please, follow me." The Earl turned and lead the way back to the castle, and a small audience chamber off the main hall. Their they were joined by the Earl's wife. Once they were inside, and a servant had been sent to bring food and drinks, the door was barred and the leaders could begin their discussion in privacy. Four trusted guards remained outside, ensuring they would not be interrupted.

"So," Lendor began, "if you will forgive me for getting straight to business, it is the wish of the Empire to construct a Temple of the Goddess in the land of Lacara, and you wish us to provide materials for its construction in exchange for certain trade goods. That much has already been established, and agreed upon. Indeed, the presence and friendship of the Empire of Light is most welcome here.

However, their are a number of practical matters that must be resolved. First, the legal jurisdiction of the Temple. I presume that you will wish it to be under Church Law, not the laws of Lacara? That is theoretically acceptable, however it must be made clear that the Church will exert no legal authority outside the temple walls, save at the permission of myself and the local councils. Lacara is a land of many faiths, and we give no preference to any.

Secondly, we must discuss the numbers and types of people who will dwell in this temple, and what sort of security you would wish to be provided. Do you expect Lacara to provide a guard for the temple, or do you intend to garrison it purely with Imperial forces?

Finally, we will also have to discuss the exact location of the temple. Oh, and of course the exact quantities of materials to be traded."

[Songri]

Ladonya smiled at the Earl as he listed the issues that needed to be addressed. "No apology is needed for choosing to go straight to business Lendor. I did ask that of you earlier. Since you raised the issues that we must address in an order I will reply to them in a similar fashion.

To the first, On the Temple grounds the law of the Goddess of Light prevails. You have no authority unless informed otherwise by someone with the authority you are granted. However the reverse is also true, outside the temple grounds we have no authority whatsoever unless granted it by the appropriate individuals and are required to follow, and are held accountable to, your laws. I should mention that this is the only clause that I cannot negotiate around. You either accept it as it is or the deal is off.

Second, I request a staff of 1 additional priestess, as well as 4 initiates who have yet to become fully fledged priestess' of the Goddess to come from the Empire of Light. I do request that ten zealots be allowed as guards and escorts, but am happy to concede their prescence if you can provide a guarentee of our protection against any threat, with likewise being attached to the temple, and that any guards you assign to us understand fully the laws of the Temple and follow them at all times while working, even when off the Temple grounds.

And finally we come to the issue that cannot be resolved in this room. To determine location, and quantities of building materials required, I will have to see various possible locations around the city. Any location must allow us to see the sun at Sunrise, Noon and Sunset. Have I missed anything?" She looked at the other occupents of the room and smiled once again. "Independent of business, while I am here I would like to offer my services as a healer to any who need it, regardless of what sort of injury or disease they suffer. Is their any such place that would make my assistance easier to distribute, or should I simply wander the city and try and find them that way?"

[The Romulan Republic]

Ladonya smiled at the Earl as he listed the issues that needed to be addressed. "No apology is needed for choosing to go straight to business Lendor. I did ask that of you earlier. Since you raised the issues that we must address in an order I will reply to them in a similar fashion.

To the first, On the Temple grounds the law of the Goddess of Light prevails. You have no authority unless informed otherwise by someone with the authority you are granted. However the reverse is also true, outside the temple grounds we have no authority whatsoever unless granted it by the appropriate individuals and are required to follow, and are held accountable to, your laws. I should mention that this is the only clause that I cannot negotiate around. You either accept it as it is or the deal is off.

Second, I request a staff of 1 additional priestess, as well as 4 initiates who have yet to become fully fledged priestess' of the Goddess to come from the Empire of Light. I do request that ten zealots be allowed as guards and escorts, but am happy to concede their prescence if you can provide a guarentee of our protection against any threat, with likewise being attached to the temple, and that any guards you assign to us understand fully the laws of the Temple and follow them at all times while working, even when off the Temple grounds.

And finally we come to the issue that cannot be resolved in this room. To determine location, and quantities of building materials required, I will have to see various possible locations around the city. Any location must allow us to see the sun at Sunrise, Noon and Sunset. Have I missed anything?" She looked at the other occupents of the room and smiled once again. "Independent of business, while I am here I would like to offer my services as a healer to any who need it, regardless of what sort of injury or disease they suffer. Is their any such place that would make my assistance easier to distribute, or should I simply wander the city and try and find them that way?"

The Earl thought over what had been said, then nodded to himself.

"As far as temple laws are concerned, your customs are your own, and we will treat the temple as Imperial soil. However, your people will retain no legal authority off of temple grounds, and will be accountable to the laws of Lacara should they step beyond the temple.

I cannot ask my own guards to follow the laws of the temple in the course of their duties while off the temple grounds, and that might result in unforseeable conflicts of interest. Accordingly, while this city will always be garrisoned by my forces and secured against attack, if you wish a guard specifically for the temple itself, it would be best if you brought your own contingent of troops from Imperial territory. The only stipulations I attach in such a case are that the troops have no authority outside the temple, that they follow our laws outside the temple, and that the arrival of additional troops beyond your ten zelots require my express, written permission.

As for the location, that may prove difficult. Their is little open space within the city walls. It would be simple enough to construct the temple some way outside the walls, but as for seeing the Sun... Lacara is a mountainous land, as I'm sure you have observed, so the Sun rises later and falls sooner than it does in many other lands. That I cannot change." He smiled. "All the mages in Lacara and the Order cannot level a mountain."

[Songri]

"So we are in agreement on the first, on the Temple our laws apply and you have authority only if we grant it, outside it your laws apply and we have authority only if you grant it.

As for the second I only wished such promises being made by your guards if the Zealots were refused and we would be forced to rely purly on your own guards. If the Zealots are present I have no issue with your guards serving their own laws. I fully agree that any soldiers beyond ten zealots must be cleared by you, and assume that by not mentioning the other staff I stated that they are also accepted.

Finally I would prefer a site in the city itself, rather than outside it on a mountain. Even if we recieve less of the suns grace, what point is their in building a temple if people do not pass near it?"

Ladonya was pleased at how quickly they were progressing. It seemed the only time consuming issue would be the location. Well unless resources suddenly became scarce and hard to get. Than again, if they did not get a proper location how would the Light of the Goddess be spread? The location was a vital element, the other issues earlier were simple tradition and laws. Location would be the key to this either being a very successful temple to one that would be later abandoned.

[The Romulan Republic]

"It should be possible to build your temple on the edge of the city, by the road that runs from here to the other major settlements of Lacara. Their is little room within the walls, but out their you would still be passed by nearly every traveler entering Dalta." He paused as their was a knocking on the door; a servant coming to bring food.

"Let me make you a proposal: we will eat now, and afterward we will ride out along the road and survey possible sites for your temple."

[Songri]

Ladonya smiled at the Earl's suggestion. "That sounds like an excelent plan. I am quite interested in just how different your food will be to that served in the Empire." Back in the Empire most things were served with spices, so much so that it was almost considered taboo to have a meal without some spice. But such spices would be rare here, if they had even heard of them, due to the climate differences. Ladonya was keenly interested in just how they compensated for the lack of what she considered a core flavour.

[The Romulan Republic]

Food in Lacara was mostly fairly simple, and the people favored strong, bold flavors over the more delicate or refined, though some more elaborate and subtly flavored dishes were available for the Earl and other noble figures. The food the servants brought consisted of a loaf of bread and butter, a bowl of fruit, a plate of meat pies, and a baked fish with a sweet glaze, probably made from honey. The Earl's storehouses provided two bottles of wine-one strong, dark, and rich; the other light and pale-in contrast to the ale that the common people ususally drank.

When the meal was finished, the Earl said:

"if you are willing, I can summon some of my guards now, and we can ride outside the city to survey possible sites for the temple. I have one in mind myself-a small hill perhaps two miles beyond the walls, overlooking a stream. It is well-lit, and not far from the road. Also, if security is any concern, I might add that it would be easily defensible. I do not mean to suggest that armed maurauders are a common presence around Dalta, but we live on the edges of the vampires' lands.

Of course, if you prefer a site closer to the city, their are other possible locations that might suit your needs."

[Songri]

As Ladonya ate she hid her opinion of the food. With the sole exception of a baked fish covered in some kind of sweet substance everything tasted very bland and plain. Despite this she complimented the chef, and let on no sign of her dislike, although she did make a not to ensure that the boats coming here brought a supply of spices and herbs for cooking. As for the drink Ladonya had a glass of the light wine, and she sipped it slightly the entire meal to be polite to her hosts.

When the meal was done and the Earl suggested they go riding to see some potential sites she nodded in agreement to the ride, but was less enthusiastic about the proposed location. "Can we work our way out from those sites closest to the city? I can hardly imagine the curious will travel two miles just to see if a new temple interests them."

[The Romulan Republic]

The Earl nodded respectfully.

"As you wish." He lead the way out of the room and down a hall towards the Stables, as several guards escorted their leader and his guests.

The castle was composed mainly of a rectangular stone tower, five stories high, built on a high rocky crag overlooking Dalta. At one point however, near the back of the fortress where the mountains began to rise sharply into the sky, the cliffs gave way to a gentler slope, where one could approach the walls on foot without climbing the long stair to the front door. Here a fortified gate opened into a small courtyard, and beyond it the Royal stables, built into the side of the main keep. El'raien walked beside the Earl and his guest, speaking to Ladonya as they made their way towards the stables.

"It is most interesting to meet a representative of the Goddess of Light. A High Elf lives a long life, and meets many people, but I never tire of learning more of the world, and your people's beliefs have always fascinated me. When your temple is completed, I will wish to visit it, and learn more about your faith."

At length they reached the stables, where the Earl kept his own horses as well as those of his messengers, guards, and any guests. The Earl's own favorite steed was a tall grey stallion named Thunder. The Earl's wife, who had chosen to accompany the party, mounted her own light brown horse. Their guards followed suit. El'raien had ridden to Dalta on a Silvery-grey horse he had named Winter. Lendor, about to mount his horse, turned to Ladonya and asked:

"Tell me, do you like to ride much?"

[Songri]

At El'raien's question Ladonya turned to him and smiled. "There is no need to wait for the temple to be built to learn, please feel free to ask me any question you wish about the Goddess."

As they had walked into the stables Ladonya considered the horses inside. They were all good horses, but she got the feeling that they were not a match for the horses from the Empire that she was used to. As the others all mounted horses she refused the one that was offered her and instead had a quick walk around the stable to see all of the horses available. Picking the one she thought was the best she led her out talking to her gently as the two walked to the rest of the party.

While her chosen horse did not have a saddle she waved away the stable hand that moved to place one. Instead she simply pulled herself up onto her bare back and when the Ear; said "Tell me, do you like to ride much?" She looked at him and smiled. "If you can find a single child older than 8 that does not ride much than I would be very surprised. The terrain in the Empire is far more suited to horses than it seems to be around here, and horses are common enough that nearly every family has at least one. Lead the way. I am anxious to see what possible sites you can offer."

[The Romulan Republic]

The group rode down from the castle and through the streets of Dalta, until they passed through the main gate in the outer wall. They made their way out along the road, which was mostly empty save for one or two travelers and a few locals going between the houses and fields outside the walls. As they road, the Earl pointed out possible sites for the new temple. The first site was a level, open space only a few hundred meters outside the walls, just off the main road near a small cluster of farm houses.

"The difficulty is finding a site that would not require us to tear down existing houses or farms in order to build the temple. In some lands this would not be a concern, but the Earl in Lacara is answerable to some extent to the Councils, who can override a decree if it meets sufficient opposition.

This site here is close to the city walls and the road. However, their is little room for construction here, and the size of the temple would be considerably restricted, unless you were able to purchase additional land from those who already live their. The next closest site lies half a mile further up the road, but presents less difficulties as far as space is concerned. If we continue this way, we will see it soon enough. However, my advisors inform me that the ground is swampy and poor for any extensive construction, and would have to be strengthened in some manner if anything larger than a farm house were to be constructed their.

The third site is the one I suggested earlier to you."

[Songri]

Ladonya looked around at the proposed site. If necessary they could use it, it was along the road and fairly close to the city meaning that visitors and potential converts would be more likely to come. However the space would prove an issue. If they wanted more space they would have to deal with the locals, which would no doubt want gold in payment. At the thought of using such a holy metal for something so crass, so greedy Ladonya could not help but shudder. In the Empire gold was reserved for those who served the Goddess and it was the most sacred of metals. The very idea of using gold to pay for something caused bile to rise in Ladonya's throat before she regained control of her body and forced her mind back onto the matter at hand.

As she listened to his description of the second site she nodded. "Let us go see the second site and we shall see what the Goddess' prayers can do about this so called swamp."

[The Romulan Republic]

The next site lay half a mile further up the road as the Earl had said; a low-lying swamp between two hills bordered by a small wood on the far side. Their was little evidence of human activity here, for the land was poor for growing crops or grazing animals, and the ground too soft to build on. Had it been of any use it would have already been occupied, as likely as not, but perhaps the Empire of Light could make something of the useless spot. The Earl turned to Ladonya with a slightly apologetic look.

"As you see, the ground is poor, though their is certainly plenty of room. If this site is not suitable, however, their is the third of which I spoke."

[Songri]

Ladonya dismounted with a smile on her face and she walked to the edge of the proposed site. Dropping to her knees just on the edge of the swamp she began to pray.

For nearly a minute nothing happened except the words of her prayer, until suddenly a bright pillar of fire blazed down from the sky upon the swamp. As the heat wave forced the Earl and his entourage back Ladonya stood up, seemingly unaffected by the brilliant fire behind her. Turning around the fire died down, and suddenly what had been a swamp was dried and hardened. "This site will do fine. Now all we have to work out is the exact quantities being provided by us, and the building materials being provided by you, correct?"

[The Romulan Republic]

The Earl's eyes widened slightly as he saw what Ladonya had done. This was magic beyond what he had expected, and it made him feel slightly afraid. To so casually turn a swamp to dry land... if that power were ever turned against Lacara, they would have no more hope of victory than against the vampires. But the Empire of Light was a friend for now, and if it remained so, it would provide a garuntee of protection against any foe.

El'raien watched impassively. It was an impressive feat, one that would have been beyond his skill, though not that of those elves who had studied such things in the golden age of his people. El'raien was a soldier in training, and if he had learned much since then, architectural works were not his greatest skill.

Lendor rode forward again as Ladonya addressed him.

"Your powers are most impressive, and if this land will suit your purpose then it is your's to build your temple upon.

As for as building materials, we can provide some wood, and great quantities of metal and stone. If you will tell us what you require, I can better inform you of what payment we will expect in return."

[Songri]

"I am but a Matriarch, my powers over fire are not that impressive. If you truly want to see something impressive than ask a Templar. Stone is required for the main structure, and for ornamentation gold, or if that is unavailable in large enough quantities bronze. For exact amounts, I would have to adapt the basic plan and structure of a temple to fit the available land. At noon I will send an Eagle to the Cathedral and give them the land size available, so I will be able to give you an exact amount of material required one hour after noon. We will obviously also need craftsmen to construct the temple when we have reached an agreement. Is that acceptable?" Ladonya looked calmly into the Earl's eyes. However suddenly her entire body wavered and she dropped to one knee before catching herself. "Please forgive my weariness, a Matriarch is gifted by the goddess with power mainly focused along the path of aiding others, not direct intervention like I just did. Her eyes slide closed and she sways once more before he body slowly collapses from exhaustion.