Akkut,
Akktur Akkut, an ancient city of grand monuments, built on an island which rises up from the mighty Aliziri River, the ancient most part of the city saw waterfalls flowing out from beneath it and mighty torrents of water breaking and swirling around it. The great limestone and alabaster gave the entirety of Old Akkut a beautiful, shimmering white glow as the sun was beginning to set just over the Aliziri, breaking with it the warm blanket of nightfall, tucking in the archaic kingdom. Running alongside the Aliziri, Bringer of Life, was a mighty city reaching up towards the cloudless sky, shimmering though not with sunlight off anciently placed stones, but with glass and lights. Akkut had a dualistic nature, entirely ancient and entirely modern all at once, in ancient times the River had provided fertile farmland worthy of crops and promising large returns, and today the River acted as the largest power source in the city, and both the old and new were washed clean of sin or grime by its purifying waters.
Though even as the light faded further and further from the world of the living and the waking, there were still some so committed to duty that they refused to retire until the last piece of work was done. Such was the character of the Ahaleea, President of the Tribal Consultative Assembly, Her Excellency Araveem Naveel. Naveel understood well her role, having had over nine years to adjust to it, she was a slave afforded many luxuries. A slave to the People of the Akkuti, she spent long hours working to advance her peoples’ interests both domestically and abroad, often waiting until the early hours of the morning to finally give way to slumber. A slave to the S’hafedaat, or Empress, she was always at her Mistress’s beckoning, knowing that she needed the woman’s approval if she was to carry out any significant policy. After all, she was not President of Akktur- rather, she was merely the President of the Consultative Assembly, which enjoyed only the powers granted to it from the Throne of the Sun, Moon, and River. It was only by immense grace or immense kindness that the S’hafedaat agreed to permit the Assembly to govern the internal affairs of the nation largely without interference, and often she consented to foreign policy with only minor or occasional alterations.
Due in part to the S’hafedaat’s amiable nature and in part to the Ahaleea’s emphasis on duty, the Ahaleea found herself in the private outdoor chambers of the S’hafedaat at this late hour. The outdoor chambers were decorated with potted plants both large and small, and several pools and tubs, most of which were heated to preserve the warmth on chilly nights when the wind came from the water. As always, there was the quiet roar of the Aliziri in the distance, always reminding all Akktur of their ancient history and encouraging them not to turn their back to the Old Gods who commanded its waters. Standing as vigilant as vultures were no fewer than a half dozen young warrior men, each displaying proudly the colors of their Tribe and Clan, and among them twice as many beautiful young women dressed wholly in white to attend their Mistress the S’hafedaat. It seemed that the Ahaleea had stumbled across the Sovereign of All while the latter was enjoying a bath, her splendid violet eyes examined her underling, her sun kissed tanned body was hidden beneath the warm white of ass’s milk which had been scented to act as a seemingly natural perfume. Despite knowing the Ahaleea quite personally, being both coworkers and family, the S’hafedaat did not separate from tradition and greeted her in ancient custom.
“Who is so bold to approach the S’hafedaat; Descended of the Gods, Ruler of the Rivers, Mistress of the Winds, Sovereign of the Sands, and Lady Superior to All the Earth?” Her voice was soft but strong as she spoke in the rolling and melodic language of her native Akkuti Tribe, her eyes examining the woman before her with a serene glance. “Speak my child, and tell me your name.”
“It is I,” the Ahaleea responded, gliding gently to a knee and bowing low her head, “Araveen Naveel, descendant of the gods, blood of the S’hafedaats, sister of the Akkuti, and Ahaleea of the Tribal Consultative Assembly, come before you to ask for guidance on the world of the mortals and barbarians.” Her response was equally measured, and equally ancient, the Akkuti were nothing if not a people who valued their tradition, truly a feature common amongst all Akkturites, regardless of Tribal affiliation. The S’hafedaat stood, the milk of her bath gliding off her as her servants came quickly to wrap around her a fine linen robe.
“Speak freely cousin,” the S’hafedaat responded, considering her high status, Nirari was very young, not yet having known her twenty-first year- though apparently plenty old enough to plot against both parent and sibling to assure her position. Her sunbathed skin was naturally tan but nearly as dark as the Southern Tribes, and her iris was the mystical violet that was shared by all the Royal family (though it had become infinitely entwined with the S’hafedaats it was originally simply a means of confirming the linage, as it was a trait so recessive that only those of pure blood could possess it).
“Holy Cousin,” the Ahaleea said before approaching with a number of files, “the President of Alexiandra has taken it upon himself to ‘correct their failing socialist system,’ in the only way he seems to see, by declaring himself the High King of the former Republic.” The S’hafedaat, humored, gave a smile, revealing her white teeth before sighing. “Naturally, many have come forth to proclaim his bravery from the mountaintops for having the courage to fight against socialism, whilst others cry treason and tyranny. Naturally, we have thus far stayed away from the conflict, but the situation seems to be escalating rapidly to unfavorable levels.” The S’hafedaat gave a small yawn before smiling again.
“Sometimes I think our Dominion the only nation left on earth uneager to water the fruits of the field with the blood of the youth,” the S’hafedaat responded quietly, “the servants will leave us,” she announced and at once the soldiers and ladies departed for indoors, leaving the two to speak privately. “I swear to the River, my ancestor and myself, that all men would be styled prince if they held the quill, still, and indeed once they have a crown upon their brow they would proclaim themselves god. No matter, is this High King a monarch or a madman?”
“One can never be so certain with men my Sacred Cousin, though we should make effort to discover his disposition before extending total recognition. If he is reasonable, then perhaps there are trade opportunities and if not, then we have no obligation to endure his shenanigans,” the Ahaleea responded plainly, as a general rule the Dominion rarely imposed itself on the matters of others (expecting the same courtesy in return), always sought out potentially profitable relations, and most always avoid harmful and explosive relations. In this way the Dominion had prospered without having to rely on elementary violence too oft. “With your permission, I would pen him a letter, explaining our position and making a list of requests, I imagine his response to these requests will inform us plenty of his demeanor and grant us the knowledge necessary to make a more full decision.”
“Do as you wish my Cousin,” the S’hafedaat responded pleasantly, preparing to retire for the evening, “only wait until the morrow to send it, that we risk not being disturbed by a response during our slumbers. Besides, let us be in no way hurried for the sake of this supposed King. Goodnight my Cousin,” she said before departing to take refuge indoors.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL WINTER OF THE ARMED REPUBLIC OFALEXIANDRA
From the
AHALEEA ARAVEEM NAVEEL OF THE DOMINION OF AKKTUR
Mr. President,
I speak with the voice granted me by the S’hafedaat of the Akkuti People, Empress of the Dominion. The Government of Her Majesty is prepared to recognize the de facto authority of your person, however, we currently have reservations as to the recognition of your de jure authority given your recent proclamation. To be entirely frank with you good Sir, Her Majesty’s government cares little if you are styled President or High King, nor if your nation should be classified socialist or monarchist. We are above such petty differences.
However, we are concerned with the nature of your new regime. We hold this to be self-evident that one regime cannot seize power whilst another remains, and to our knowledge the Senate of Alexiandra has not yet passed approval or disapproval upon your newly claimed authorities. We would appreciate immensely if you would summon the Senate and establish, formerly, your new reign as monarch. This would demonstrate, to some extent, the legitimacy of you reign and the popularity of your proclamation. If we may be so bold, President, as to quote your own state department, “democracy is not some fleeting concept that can simply be banished at a moment's notice - it is an everlasting ideal,” we trust you have not purged from your heart this belief, and we would therefore appreciate it if you would be so kind as to outline the rights and liberties you intend to grand your subjects should the Senate demonstrate their confidence in you as High King.
Her Majesty’s Government is confident that you understand our alarm, rarely is a dramatic shift in government a harbinger of good things to come- and regardless of your intentions, it seems this case is no different if only because your declaration has seemingly brought your people to the brink of yet another declaration, the latter being one of war. War is never an appeasing possibility, Mr. President, and we are sure that you understand this as well as the S’hafedaat. We do not demand you take any of the actions outlined above, but taking such action would demonstrate to the world your sovereignty (and sanity), and would indicate to us that the new principality is one worth doing business with.
Penned With Approval From,
Ahaleea Araveen Naveel