Neighborly Aid

[DrMedic]

Her Imperial Majesty, Imperatrix Marina
Lady of Tempests, Seeker of Truth

To Her Majesty, Queen Akel II
Noble of Pactstei, Monarch of the Elenria under TAKPOE administration

Your Majesty,

    Some time ago my husband, Imperator Laurence, managed to secure approval from Kumosenkan to provide a relief effort for you and your people. Unfortunately we were faced with a number of hurdles in our attempts to organize this mammoth effort, but the final pieces have begun to fall into place. Still, we know exceptionally little of Elenria and its people, save that you require aid. As such, I feel it would be prudent for the two of us to meet face to face, that we may discuss further action as Eleria attempts to render aid in your hour of need. Times have been exceptionally difficult for Elenria, and it would not be right of us to sit idly by while the innocent starve. The mother would hold us in contempt, I have no doubt of that.

Through squall and swell,
Imperatrix Marina, Lady of Tempests, Seeker of Truth

[StaolDerg]

Throne of the Elenria Under TAKPOE
Queen Akel II
1946


To: Her Imperial Majesty, Imperatrix Marina, Lady of Tempests, Seeker of Truth

---

Your Imperial Majesty, 

    Eleria's willingness to assist the Elenria in its time of need is incredibly appreciated. I would be happy to meet you in Aundui Bay, whether you come by air or sea. We can discuss the details of the Elerian mission in Elenria upon your arrival and reception. Once again, I would like to extend my thanks for your nation's offer, and if there is anything that you need that could be arranged for your comfort, please let me or my staff know so that we may see it provided at the best of our ability.

Glory to the Empress,
Queen Akel II, Noble of Pactstei, Monarch of the Elenria under TAKPOE administration

[DrMedic]

Her Imperial Majesty, Imperatrix Marina
Lady of Tempests, Seeker of Truth

To Her Majesty, Queen Akel II
Noble of Pactstei, Monarch of the Elenria under TAKPOE administration

Your Majesty,

    Provided there is somewhere I can find a cup of tea, I assure you I will be most comfortable. I intend to arrive in one week's time once I receive confirmation from the post of this letter's receipt. In addition, I will organize a small task force to accompany me on my voyage, in the tune of three destroyers, three light cruisers, two heavy cruisers, and my flagship aircraft carrier. On each vessel, we will bring plenty of food as an initial shipment, and I will ensure a full compliment of medical staff to treat any ill or injured you may have. In addition to the Elerian Naval Ensign, we will fly a white flag with guns raised to prevent any confusion regarding our purpose. 


Through squall and swell,
Imperatrix Marina, Lady of Tempests, Seeker of Truth

---

Her message took its time to arrive, and once she had verification of its receipt, she began putting her words to action. The Imperatrix had been far from idle during her time waiting for confirmation. Rather, she organized as much as she could during the brief interim, quietly gathering men and supplies for the journey and mustering the support of the navy's Medical, Medical Service, Nurse, and Supply Corps. She expected a great deal of resistance to the prospect of helping a foreign power, but was pleasantly surprised to hear of her fellow servicemen's willingness to lend aid, even if some murmurings were spreading through the ranks. Many felt it was a fool's errand to help, that it would serve only to weaken Eleria and make her appear soft. Others agreed with Marina, that it was their duty as warriors to help those in need, even if they were not of Elerian descent. Regardless, with the majority support of the admiralty, she was able to confidently press on with the operation.

The day had finally come for Marina's journey to Elenria. It had been far too long since she'd been able to get out to sea, even longer still since she'd been able to visit another country without being at war. To say she was eager was an understatement. The Imperatrix's excitement was palpable by all those who surrounded her, something unfamiliar to their crew, as they were far too accustomed to her barking orders back and forth. This time around though, she was much less snappy. It was difficult for her to be stern while being so eager to help. Early that morning, Special Task Force 13 departed port in Iomairt, sailing eastward towards Aundui Bay offshore. They made sure to stay far enough from shore to help maintain a sense of calm within the neighbor-state, the last thing the Imperatrix wanted was for the first formal contact between the Imperial Elerian Navy and Elenria's public to cause any fear. In just under a week's time, their destination came into sight. Once they were within five miles of port, the order was given for all ships to fire a salute to sea and for all crew to man the rails of each vessel. As the special task force entered the bay, the Imperial Elerian Navy Band began to play various marches, until they were close enough to the port to be readily heard by those ashore. Now that they were within range, they began to play "Twenty Millennia of Solace" until received at a mooring as a display of comradery.

[StaolDerg]

The salute was replied by the thunder of the old signal cannons at the naval stations of the coast and Kumosenkan warships patrolling the harbor who sent their own deafening greetings across the waves, their personnel allowing the convoy through, already notified of the Elerian arrival.

Local fishermen who were the first civilians to see the vessels steam into the bay had a different reaction- a few immediately fled, the memory of the Kumo arrival still too immediately recent to their long minds, but others, those who had read the week's paper before leaving to go for their week-long fishing trips, waited in curiosity and a couple even slowly trailed behind the convoy at a healthy distance with apprehension. The cautious attitude quickly melted away to delight as the notes of their national anthem drifted over the breeze, some standing up and waving at the sailors.

A couple of TAKPOE patrol boats shooed them away as the convoy steamed towards the docks, with the patrol boats bringing them to a vacated section of the docks to be moored, teams of dock workers standing by to receive them. It wasn't difficult to see the Kumo presence- numerous Kumosenkan warships were moored at other stations nearby, and dozens of soldiers, Kumosenkan and Territorial alike, stood at the docks to receive the Imperatrix alongside the Queen.

Palki herself stood at the front of the precession, flanked by soldiers while curious onlookers watched from above the docks atop the brick-built ridges of the port. It was quite clear to her, at least, that the port had been taken care of by the Kumo since attention had returned to Touli- the rifles carried by her soldiers were of the new stocks produced by the local armories, and all of their equipment was new and well-polished for the occasion.

The Queen would walk towards those disembarking to greet Marina, bowing to the Imperatrix in respectful greeting. "Welcome to Elenria, Your Imperial Majesty. I trust your trip was spent safe and well?"

[DrMedic]

Once the ship was moored, a large gangplank was extended to shore as the Imperatrix's honor guard began to descend in pairs, their synchronized footsteps sending a rhythmic clack through the air as they each lined up on either side of the walkway. In unison, they turned to face their foreign counterpart, uniforms all immaculate with not a single spot of unpolished, glimmering metal upon them. With her guard now ashore, Marina followed alone down the gangway, the only sound coming from her earned medals jingling on her chest and her holstered pistol shifting on her side.

Marina stood straight as she stepped ashore. As she was in uniform, the Imperatrix did not return the bow, rather, she drew her saber and held the flat of it to her face before returning it to its sheath.  "Well met, Your Majesty. Our journey went about well as I imagine it could have, thanks to the splendid weather we've been seeing as of late. Thank you for providing us the opportunity to pay a visit on such short notice, I understand how difficult it must've been to organize everything with such little time. We've plenty of food and supplies with us, and I've brought the best medical staff I could possibly muster with me. Have things been well here in Elenria? It seems as though we haven't heard anything of you all since the last civil war... well, up until recently anyways."

[StaolDerg]

Palki noted the medals upon the Imperatrix's chest, a distant thought stirring of what could've been. She recalled the Elerian civil wars, and how they had gone from throwing off the bridle of Eonian servitude to throw off that of their first monarch. Tumultuous was certainly a good word to describe what must've been their situation, and frankly she was impressed how well the nation had stood back onto their feet. Her own jade medallion wasn't even an award- it was simply a symbol of her status of Queen. For a moment she thought about how underprepared she was as a ruler, how her mother had been dressed in a full suit of ceremonial armor crafted from centuries of experience, and yet, here she was, in simple dress, a Queen. She could only hope to one day reach the levels of her international peers, and perhaps she could start by learning something from Marina?

"We have been quite well since Kumosenkan graced us with a visit of Her Imperial Majesty herself and an international board with offers of industrial assistance," Palki replied with small smile that managed to force upon her face. "And the horizon seems to brighten much more with hope yet. But to the contrary- I have you, the Imperator, and all of Eleria to thank for organizing this effort to assist Elenria. But I shan't hold you at the docks- would you care to walk or ride to the Aumors Citiadel, where we can discuss further? It's only a block away, but I have prepared a motorcade if you wish to ease your legs after your journey."

[DrMedic]

"Whilst I am most grateful for the offer, I have spent the past couple days inside a warship. Whilst I'm plenty used to being aboard such a vessel, that doesn't mean I don't relish the opportunity to spend outside. That is, of course, provided you're comfortable with a brief walk." The Imperatrix replied with a gentle smile and a bow of the head. Still, something about this foreigner seemed... off. She couldn't quite place it, but something was nagging at the back of her mind that there was plenty more to unpack here than met the eye. A plethora of different thoughts raced through her mind as she glanced about at her surroundings, trying to discern any possible threat amidst the hustle and bustle of the harbor, but she found none. Everything seemed in place, yet something was still amiss. Unwilling to disturb the peace during what was already a quite stressful time for everyone, Marina opted to stay her tongue.

"Please, pardon me a moment," she said before turning to face her own men, barking out a short series of orders in Tìreil. "First Guards Division, First and Second Squads, you have your orders! It's time to make an impression! Alasdair, MacLellan, Campbell, get your men on the move, let's get those supplies ashore quickly! Stinson, you and the rest of medical do what you do best. Oh, and a note to all our leaders, anyone steps out of line and I want to hear about it the second I return. Be swift, be professional, let's show them some Elerian efficiency! Move!" Once she was done speaking, a great 'Hooyah!' resounded from the ship as the staff followed her orders, many descending into the ship to help unload supplies. Marina turned to face the Queen once more, giving a light nod, "I'll follow your lead."

[StaolDerg]

Dock workers and multiple officers with the logistics corps insignia emblazoned stepped forwards to help unload the ships and manage their cargo, with the puff of a nearby barge's engine waiting to bring much of the supplies up the canal to the train depot. 

Palki nodded at the Elerian's answer and turned towards the flight of stairs that led to the streets above. "By all means, Imperatrix. I'm very happy to make way on foot- been a while, myself." The soldiers parted aside in a smooth, coordinated movement as she led Marina up to the streets of Aundui Bay. The streets above were bustling with citizens, but a good number glanced at the Queen walking with Marina down the road, their views made temporary by the military police patrolling the roads along the path to the Citadel, some of them with frowns, some with curious stares.

"Please excuse them," Palki explained, motioning towards some of the bystanders being ushered along. "Most of our people have scarcely seen Eleria except from ancient records, save those who traveled there before Eonia. Many are curious to see outsiders that aren't Kumo or the other Touli Development Board nationals."

As they walked, the details of the ancient port were visible- many of the customs buildings were built from rich white stone brick, with dates of establishment carved into their doors- some displayed as recent as 1879 and 1921, but a few others, their walls carved with ancient murals of the port, had exorbitantly older engravings- 1721, 1644, one even with 1584 PI. Those were nothing compared to the towering temple-like structure just down the road, though- no doubt the Citadel where they were to confer. It rose above the rest of the port upon a rise of bricks and stone, every inch of its walls and columns decorated with minute details of everything from the city as it was centuries past to depictions of its people going about their lives so long ago.

It was essentially a monument to the past, ancient as the port itself. The weathered stone and brick that made up the building were attended to a small number of artisans, who were either sharpening the images depicted or carving new pieces- the spindly figures of the Kumo were briefly visible as they made their way up towards the building.

[DrMedic]

"Curiosity doesn't concern me, I understand how it is to host a stranger. Besides, I think the last time I caught any of those kinds of glances was when I pulled the Imperator out of the ocean back in the war and didn't shoot him on the spot," a gentle smile crept across her face as she gave a barely noticeable nod, "those were the good days. Part of me wishes I could go back, but the I think the only way I'll ever be able to relive the past is through historical study. There's one thing I believe Elenria will always have over us, a rich history. Fifteen-forty-eight? Eleria hadn't even been settled by Eonia at that point. I think the oldest still standing building on the island is probably the palace, but even that pales in comparison. Eleria as an independent state didn't even exist until what, sixteen years ago? I was still scrubbing floors back then, only other part of the world I knew about was Eonia, little bits and pieces from my childhood memory before we were exiled. All in all, for what little history we have, I think it's pretty alright. If nothing else, it's interesting." Marina said with a shrug and a half-grin.

She glanced over to the carvings that were being etched into the walls of the great citadel, taking in the splendor of it all. She raised an eyebrow once she saw the content of the more recent years though, how little of the grand relief contained the Kumo. Her curiosity thoroughly piqued, she couldn't help but ask, "so, judging by the carving, the spider-people are a more... recent addition?"

[StaolDerg]

"I appreciate your compliment, Imperatrix," Palki smiled. "And yes, the Kumo only arrived here eighty years ago. The citadel has been here... I think for almost three millennia by one of the oldest inselni families? Granted, it started as a pile of bricks in the rough shape of a home, and the beginning of the relief you see was only carved a millennium ago, if memory serves. Kumosenkan's presence is very much a new addition, and will likely be added upon by centuries more to come of history, depending on the city's will to expand it. But it's only one relief out of countless- this citadel only records events of the port and the region. Perhaps another time, if you wish, I will show you the records of the Old Library in Pactstei, and the records of Eleria by our Wanderers, before the Eonians, and maybe accoutns from before then." The Inselni motioned towards the entrance of the Citadel as sentries pushed the great stone gates open, beckoning for Marina to follow.

"But I digress. Welcome to the Aumors Citadel, one of the residencies of the Elenria's leadership throughout these millennia. I think we'll find good privacy in my office- we're almost there."

The hall of the great bulding's interior were nothing short of lavish, with exotic semi-precious stones coloring the tiles and walls, and the ceilings painted with brilliant murals of days long gone- but perhaps most interesting were the blending of the ancient and modern as plain-carven columns of ancient marble were streaked with kerosene lamps and old murals of ancient battles with rigid formations of sword and spears done in pigments of aged ground powder stood in contrast with those of gunpowder and muskets, illustrated with oil paints that shone from the lights of the ceiling and columns. It was clear that everything had been painstakingly maintained to the best of the resident's abilities, but cracks in the paint shone through here and there despite walls of scaffolding showing the attempts to maintain the ancient building.

A grandiose portrait of the Kumo Empress hung above a great staircase that they would climb up to. Palki gave it a bow as she passed underneath, and Marina would notice others doing the same in varying degrees- some gave rigid bows that better resembled the movements of a wooden toy soldier than a person while others only pauses and gave deep nods at the painting on their way past. It was clear to all that they gave the portrait a very healthy level of respect- even if some weren't too happy with it.

Palki showed the Imperatrix into her office, a simple room that looked out into the port from great windows. A large desk sat at the center of the room, facing the door they entered from, with the TAKPOE seal emblazoned over a mantle that stood before the windows, overlapping the curtains behind it. Palki motioned towards the open chair before her desk, beckoning Marina to sit. "Please, have a seat. I apologize, but I wasn't sure what tea would like- therefore I asked my staff to bring some traditional tea made from our local herbs. If you'd like something else, please let me know."

[DrMedic]

"I'm not very picky. Provided the tea that's been prepared isn't boiled dirt, I imagine I won't find it difficult to enjoy. Can't be much worse than what's given out in the rations, after all." Marina replied, taking a seat in the offered chair. "Do you know how long it's been since I've been on this side of the desk?" She said with a chuckle.

[StaolDerg]

Palki grinned. "Please make yourself comfortable. Anything else you need, just tell." She reached for a kettle to the side of the desk, pouring them each a cup of tea the color of dark amber, smelling strongly of crushed ginseng. The Queen raised her cup, saying, "To your good health, Imperatrix," drinking.

[DrMedic]

Marina looked confused, out of place. She didn't understand exactly what she should do. After all, she wasn't here for herself, she was here to help keep Elenria from hunger. The gesture of a toast to her own health was most gracious, and of course she had no desire to be rude, but plenty of weeks at sea had taught her a great deal about keeping her mind focused on her mission. "To the peoples of Elenria, whose fortitude has seen them through for eons, and will surely preserve them for many more." She said, taking a drink before setting her cup down with a light chuckle. "You know, I really expected something more akin to black tea, but I couldn't have been more wrong. This is quite a curious beverage. If you don't mind, what is it, and how is it prepared?"

[StaolDerg]

Palki bowed her head at the Elerian's declaration, replying, "Your words humble me, Imperatrix. I apologize if I seem... a bit rigid. I don't believe I've ever met many outside of Elenria, save the Kumo and their allies in a brief visit. My experience is, to put it lightly, novice." 

She smiled at Marina's comments of the tea, taking a sip of her own. "It is made from a number of dried herbs, crushed and ground into a powder before being boiled in a kettle in a paper sleeve alongside diced ginseng roots. We call it Ilska, or Traveler's Sun- Wanderers prepared and drank it- and still do- on the road during their long journeys outside or within the Elenria when they meandered about the lands. There's different versions depending where you go, but for the most part they have similar effects."

[DrMedic]

Marina raised an eyebrow, "effects..?"