Imperial Trip to Daggerfall (Aurelius Members Only)

[Velucana]

*Emperor Lucian Flavonus of the Empire of Cyrodiil has decided to pay his old friend, King James of Daggerfall, a visit. Now that he has consolidated his power back in Cyrodiil and is for the most part largely unopposed, Lucian is free to pursue other important and personal matters. Emperor Lucian's flagship and escort fleet is sighted off the coast, headed for Daggerfall's port. The warm breeze of the Iliac bay pushes the sails of the mighty fleet closer to the docks. Lucian stands at the front of the ship looking at the city growing bigger and bigger with each passing moment. The city of a large part of his childhood, brings back many memories of a simpler time when he was younger. Lucian's wife comes up from behind and places her arms around him, catching him by surprise. The breeze makes her long blond hair and silky dress flutter seamlessly with it.*

"Finally, we can get off this dreadful boat and on to some nice solid land. Maybe even a nice cozy bed for a few hours." she says with a seductively soft Nordic accent and smirk before burring her face into his back.

"Isn't she beautiful, Theadora? She brings back so many childhood memories from when I was studying at court here. Daggerfall is like a second home to me. The beauty of High Rock is simply memorizing. From the people to the land, it is all so breathtaking."

"The city looks beautiful, even from here, my love. I can not wait to explore what the city has to offer. I hear that the fashion of the Breton nobles and even the common folk is exquisite."

"Wait until you get the famous Daggerfall welcome. The people of the kingdom know how to greet someone, that is for sure. Plus when they see the Jewel of the Empire who knows what will happen."

"You are too sweet, but did we have to bring your sister with us? She dislikes me for no reason and I can always sense some form of animosity when I am around her."

"She dislikes you because she thinks you are lesser for being a Nord and of no high noble status. She is just jealous that you are now an Empress and she is not even married at age 30. Plus, I think she envies your Nordic build" Lucian says in a sly tone and a smile before giving her a kiss. "I have a plan for her anyway."

*Lucian's flagship enters the dockyard only to hear the thunderous cheers and praise from Daggerfall's inhabitants. His personal guards exit the ship first in a well executed and precise manner, showing off the great organization and skill of the proud Imperial legion. He looks up to see the King and his guard waiting to greet him. Lucian mounts up on his white horse with his wife next to him, followed by Lucian's sister who is right behind them. His guards form in a five rank wide column formation behind them.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*King James smiles as his long time friend gets off his ship, the people cheering in the back round grows louder they see the rest of the royal family mounts horses. To eager to meet his friend James rides down the dock on his silk black horse stoping only a few feet away and jumps off his horse.*

"Lucian Flavonus or would you prefer *James bows and says in honored tone* Emperor Lucian Flavonus."

[Velucana]

*Lucian dismounts and begins to laugh aloud*

"How about 'my friend', you sarcastic bastard." he says with open arms to embrace James. "I would like you to meet my wife, Theadora. I have told her a lot about you."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard all sorts of crazy stories of the two of you in your youth." Theadora says with a smile.

*Lucian looks behind his wife and motions his hand.*

"This is my sister, Septima."

"Pleased to meet you, my lord."

[The Land of Matrix]

*James bows and takes both of their hands*

"I am honored to meet both the wife and sister of the man who brought me great happiness during childhood, Now should we go to the palace I have a nice feast set up."

[Velucana]

"Has the city changed much since my my departure all those years ago? I looks just as lively as I last remember it."

*Lucian looks out at the docks and the people who are all cheering him and his entourage. He smiles and waves as the crowd roar out in cheers and thunderous applause. He looks over at his wife who is in awe at it all. She smiles and blushes at the attention being given to her.*

"I told you about the famous Daggerfall welcome, my love." Lucian says with satisfaction "James, shall we head to the palace? We have had quite a journey and could use some quality comfort."

[The Land of Matrix]

"Of course, follow me."

*James and his company make their way to the palace on the main road to get most out of the city, the people cheered and the street was lined all the way to the palace by guards in chain mail armor draped with red cloth with the symbol of Daggerfall a fierce dragon head black .*

:The people truly seem to love your very unsightly face Lucian."

[Velucana]

“Haha, your just jealous that even your own people love me more than you” Lucian says with a chuckle as he nudges James’s shouldler “And is my face really that bad?” Lucian asks with a smirk

*The parade snakes and weaves it’s way through the city, passing by all the people cheering in the street, from their homes, and from their shops. They pass by many beautiful sites such as statues of past kings and heroes, beautiful gardens with many flowers and well trimmed bushes, fountains spouting and pouring water from them. Many of the houses have a dark stone base that turns into white nogging with timber beams showing as the rooves come to steep points. Though, as they get closer to the Kings Palace, the buildings get bigger and grander with more stone and expensive building materials.*

“King James” Theadora says as they ride through the streets “This city is absolutely beautiful, more so than I could have imagined it.”

[The Land of Matrix]

"Isn't she"

*James say's while staring forward, taking in all the beauty of the city is ancestors have died for in order to maintain*

It took awhile to get this city to be what it is but with this being one of the most trade accessible places in all of Tamriel and the taxes the are so willing to pay we have more than enough to keep it as stunning at it is now, and staying out of wars helps by not putting any stress on the people."

[Velucana]

*Soon the party reaches Daggerfall’s palace, Daggerfall Castle. It is a massive and beautiful work of stone and wood with two tall towers on the left and right and some smaller ones around them. The palace fortress is nestled up on a small hillside overlooking the city below with a grand view of the surrounding countryside and the sea.*

“Ah, my home far from home.” Lucian laughs upon seeing the palace. “Nothing has changed, but yet everything has. In a good way of course.”

*Theadora and Septima look around at the palace and then the magnificent view*

“Such a shame we do not have a view like this from the White-Gold Palace.“ Septima scoffs rather snobbishly at Lucian.

“If it weren’t for me, dear sister, you would not be living there at all. Count your blessings.” Lucian replies, trying to hide his current disdain for his sister’s remark

[The Land of Matrix]

James and party ride up to the front gate of the massive palace and dismounts their horses, The front walkway of the palace is made of smooth cobblestone and on each side of them are the royal Daggerfall guard wearing silver armor with green drapes and the Daggerfall emblem and behind them are green shrubs squaring off both sides of the courtyard and in the middle red roses planted just right to make the Daggerfall symbol of a dragon.

"I do have to say every time I walk up to this palace i always get the same sense of wonder and i can't help but love it, now if you all want to sight see a bit I have to see to the grand feast I'm sure Lucian would mind to show you lovely ladies around."

[Velucana]

“Of course, take your time, James, but we are a bit tired after our long voyage here. Goddess Kynareth was not too kind to us on the way here I am afraid. The Abecean sea was rather rough.”

*Lucian takes in a deep breath of the air and let’s out a sigh. He looks around at the view and smiles*

”It has been far too long, far too long”

[The Land of Matrix]

*James walks through the halls of the palace until he reaches his war room.*

"I want to everything about this invading fleet to the trade islands now."

*Two generals look at James before laying out a few parchments, one of the generals starts to speak.*

"They state that an invasion force of 10,000 men attacked the lower trade islands in the Abecean sea, the kingdom of Sentinel is the one leading the attack my liege the scout ships you sent out confirmed that."

Sentinel,! Daggerfall never had any problems in the past with them. *James stares at the battle map of the sea*"I want to send out a diplomat to the enemy fleet and just as a precaution raise the biggest fleet we can."

*The two generals salute and James walks out of the room shutting the door behind him.*

[Velucana]

*Lucian and his entourage finally get settled in to their rooms. They are exquisitly designed and laid out with beautifully carved wooden furniture, large beds with silk blankets covering them, fine drapes and curtains for the windows, and grand pictures and portraits on the walls. Emperor Lucian’s room overlooks the gardens in the back of the palace. The bushes, trees, and other flora are well kept, making the vibrant colors pop out even more to the eyes. The Bretons are known for their lavish sense of beauty and extravagance with their palaces and even castles. One would think that High Rock and the Breton kingdoms would be rather peaceful, but any traveler who is up to snuff on regional politics would know the dark side to High Rock.*

“Isn’t it wonderful, Lucian? This place is absolutely perfect. It is like a wonderland here. Everything radiates beauty and art.” Theadora says with wonder

“Don’t be fooled by the beauty of it all. The Bretons are just as ruthless politically just like the rest of Tamriel, if not worse at times.” replies Lucian with a hint of cynicism

“Why is that?”

“The Bretons are brilliant people and are great diplomats with silver tongues. They will say or promise one thing to your face, only to do the opposite when your back is turned. High Rock is known for its constant struggling between neighboring kingdoms.”

“So just like home?” Theadora says with a laugh and smile

“Just like home.” Lucian chuckles in response

*After a few moments Lucian and Theadora make their way down to the gardens with some members of their entourage. They pass by many fountains and statues of previous kings of Daggerfall and soak up the scenery.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*James is standing in the Dinning room as plates and plates of excellent food ranging from different meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.*

"Well this all looks nice, and the way the room is decorated is just superb." *James walks toward the door*"Now to see tot he guests."

[Velucana]

“Look at all the flowers, such a lovely garden.” Theadora says, looking at each individual one she sees

“Very beautiful indeed, but what is taking king James so long? We have been waiting for hours now and he seemed like he was in a hurry to deal with something.” Lucian replies

“Well, he did say he was going to oversee the preparations for the feast.”

“A servant’s job? I think not. I have known James long enough to know if something is wrong. I would not be surprised if another king was causing him trouble politically.”

[The Land of Matrix]

*James walks out to the garden and looks around for Lucian until he finally spots him and Theadora looking around at the garden.*

" I thought I would find you two here, doing a little sight seeing are we. *James bends down and smells a rose* i tend to this part of the garden personally, i always find that gardening to be very relaxing, now if you both had your fill of this magnificent place the feast is ready.

[Velucana]

“Do you remember when we would spy on the ladies in the gardens when we were younger, James? I remember we would always fight over lady Sybilla of Evermore after trying to outdo each other’s gifts to her.” Lucian says with a reminiscent laugh

“Who is she?” Theadora asks with a brow raised

[The Land of Matrix]

*James laughs*

"Ah yes the brenton and elf girl, she was the most beautiful young lady I ever laid my eye on but sadly she died of a terrible sickness."

*James looks up at the sky, the clouds move across slowly changing shapes in a peaceful way then turning misshapen and grotseque ."

" I actually met a more stunning maiden, Princess Neesha of Sentinel, I only meet her a few times and during our meetings things got intimate but her and I both believe that our relationship could go further I even promised myself to her but King Fahara'jad found out about it and now he is leading an invasion force of 10,000 men to my lower trade islands, I don't want to go to war and have her father die but I can not let him take everything from me *James covers his eyes as small strand of tears fall down is cheek* I don't know what to do, please Lucian help me resolve this in a peaceful way."

[Velucana]

*Lucian is shocked at the sight of James starting to cry. Lucian, being a hard and methodical person, feels half tempted to slap James like he would if it were anyone else, but a knows that may not be the best approach. Within a second he responds to his friend.*

“I do not know how or if I can even help you, my friend. Have you tried to send diplomats to negotiate with King Fahara'jad? I am sure he would be willing to negotiate terms if offered.” Lucian says

[The Land of Matrix]

*James looks away wipes his eyes and starts to think.*

"If I can get this fool to lend my two armies it would be more then enough to put my plan in to motion."

*James turn around and looks at Lucian with a happy expression on his face.*

"I'm terribly sorry to do this in front of you, you see this matter has been keeping me up days on end so I guess my emotions got the best of me, now why don't we go to the dinning hall the feast should be ready."

[Velucana]

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, my lord. I am a tad bit hungry after such a long trip and getting settled into our quarters. The palace gardens are simply divine, King James.” Theadora says in response.

“Well said, my love.” Lucian says with a smile “Now, let us go and have this feast. We shall discuss your situation in detail after the meal then.” Lucian pauses and calls for his aide “Falco, call for my sister. Tell her that dinner has been prepared and to be ready in a few minutes.”

*After some time has passed, everyone is seated and present at a long wooden table expertly carved and depicting dragons, gardens, and flowers. The table has exotic meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and drinks from all across Tamriel. Being a major trading kingdom, and the city located along the ocean where trade flourishes, this is not to be unexpected.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*Sitting at the head of the table is James who is sipping on some very fine red wine looks up at Lucian.*

"You know when I got the letter that you and your family were visiting I almost broke the kingdom coffers trying to prepare the fast and the festivities."

*James takes another sip.*

"this takes me back having you at the table again, say how is the Empire of Cyrodiil doing,I heard that the reach was given to you by a deceased slave king."

[Velucana]

“That is too kind of you James. This is just as I remember it as a kid”

*Lucian takes a sip of wine before taking a bit of some boar meat.*

“The Empire is stable for now, but there is some unrest with the nobility in the Imperial City. Some of them see me as a welcomed hero of Cyrodiil, the others see me as a pretender to the throne of the empire. Both will agree that I am better than a Reachmen emperor, however.” Lucian says as he takes another sip of his wine as he formulates his thoughts and next response. “As for the Reach, it is more trouble than it is worth. It was given to the Empire only through word, making it hard to assert a claim on it. If only the damn fool could have stayed alive long enough to write it in a will haha.” Lucian let’s out a chuckle “My governor of the region, Aquinto, has had to pull out of the Reach and back into Falkreath due to infighting among the Nordic army and not being able to win a decisive enough victory against the Reachmen. A general of our former Nordic allies has taken a large part of the allied army and siezed control of the city Markarth shortly after King Matrix’s death. He sees the Cyrodilic Empire as foreigners that should not rule over ‘his people’. The ones who stayed to help as auxiliaries have started feuding and at times refuse to help each other in battle, causing Aquinto to either lose or fall short of a a decisive victory.”

[The Land of Matrix]

*James finishes off his wine before pouring more.*

"well that situation sounds horrible, seems like the reach king didn't have anything under control but a few armies and one general. Now how is the King of Skyrim doing I heard that the fool King of Northpoint went over to promise his daughter to him."

*James slams his fist down on the table and starts to laugh.*

"I mean why would anyone want to be related to the king of barbarians, He could have married her over to a faction like the House of Dreth and still be respected in Highrock."

*James lets out a few more long laughs before calming down and staring at his drink.*

"If that fool left Northpoint maybe I can persuade Wayrest to go to war and take a real plot of land instead of that little island and fort they call a Kingdom."

[Velucana]

*Lucian ponders how to respond to the comment about his newly aquired ally. He agrees with a small portion of what is said, but not entirely.*

“True, most nords are barbaric in nature, with the exception of my beautiful wife of course, but I must say this.” Lucian takes a pause “King Ragvir Iron-Helm is very different than most of the other kings of Skyrim. Indeed he is rugged and still very much a true Nord of the old way it seems, but he has a way with how he runs his kingdom and conducts politics. He is bringing in a new age to Eastmarch.”

*Lucian ponders how to respond to the second part to the statement as he pours more wine and takes a sip*

“I know only what my ambassador, Varro, writes to me about with the going ons of the court in Windhelm. All I know from what he has informed me about is that the ‘King’ of Northpoint barely holds his throne with a paper thin claim. He suspects that the king is marrying his daughter, the ‘princess’, off to Ragvir to help solidify his claim with a powerful ally.”

*Lucian takes another sip of his wine, letting out a satisfying sigh*

“You seem to have a disposition for Northpoint. May I inquire as to why you may have it?”