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Post by Kira on Jul 26, 2022 22:50:09 GMT -5
It would be a warm early summer's day as the elder sealed the letter, setting it down in his outgoing before rising from his seat to move towards the window. The curtains had been opened to let the sun shine in, the view of the city below leading out to the ship filled port, sailing off into the horizon. Nils cusped his chin in thought as he considered the request he had. Few Mil'Nor left Touli after the Journey, and to do so was to either ask for a death at sea, or a return home to a people who eyed you with distrust. Usually, it was the youth who made such a journey, spurred on by the lure of adventure and the freedom that came with being able bodied and full of vigor.
The elders eyes kept on that horizon, a thought beginning to form despite the protests he knew he would hear at it.
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Post by Sophie on Aug 4, 2022 16:26:07 GMT -5
High Clan Chief Nils Tolvaj of the Mil'Nor Joined Clans,
A diplomat from your lands would be more than welcome in Kumosenkan. It is of our belief that both of our nations could greatly benefit should we engage in offers of trade. We have many advanced materials and technologies that we could be convinced to share in exchange for the right offers. Please send your diplomats as soon as you are able, we are happy to provide accommodations for them to facilitate easier relations.
Miharu Sugii, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Post by Kira on Aug 4, 2022 20:37:32 GMT -5
Nils looked over the reply as he held the letter, lowering it as he looked across the table at the others gathered. He had hoped to keep these dealings private before bringing them before the Clans, but both Meiyo's and Gruvar's Chief's had found out about the letter. Seated on opposite sides of the meeting table, both Chief's were busy giving each other looks of annoyance at the other's presence.
It'd take the lone aide clearing her throat to grab the two Mil'Noran's attention, their looks of rage clearing as they regarded their leader.
"So enlighten me about what you plan to do about this 'incident', Tolvaj." Chief Talamore said, his façade of etiquette removed behind the heavy closed doors of the meeting room.
"You continue to say you are working for the good of our people, and yet you look for every opportunity to sell us out to the 'Ganglak'."
Talamore was about to continue his rant when the Chief of Gruvar burst out laughing at the man's words.
"Sell us out? Have you been drinking already, Meiyo? My blood brother would hardly do such a thing to our people. Despite your words I know that you know this too…besides, there are other Kuva in the snow we should be worried about"
Chief Dravos's gaze turned from Talamore to the aide standing besides Nils, their eyes locking as they shared a look of displeasure with each other. Nils took this moment to speak, eyeing both Chief's before he spoke.
"I did not have a letter sent out so I could hear you two repeat the ways we've done things since we came here. You both shame the Allfather by calling yourselves Mil'Nor while you sit here bickering like hatchlings. We can no longer defend that which we have worked so hard to build alone, so we must choose our friends carefully going forward. We seek the support of these 'Ganglak' because they are the best choice for us despite how they may look, Meiyo"
His tone was harsh for once, his elderly exhaustion pushed away from the annoyance of dealing with these two in the same room. Nils turned to Kathrine, gesturing for her to speak as he lain back in his chair.
"Clan Chief Meiyo and Clan Chief Gruvar. Tolvaj has decreed that the Clans are to work as one in all things since the last Age of Darkness. To show all of our commitments to this decree, The Ruby Crown is to be made ready for travel across the great sea, with accommodations made for a diplomat and their entourage. Each clan is to supply a gift to be given in good faith, to help ensure negotiations end favorably."
If either man had an issue with the request, neither chose to speak on it, both refusing to look in the woman's direction as she continued.
"Furthermore, Chief Tolvaj will be leaving to observe the construction of the rail line we agreed upon with the UKUG. He will be indisposed during this time…Chief Gruvar is to lead during his absence"
This would catch the notice of both Clan Heads, Meiyo in particular as the man's eyes seemed to nearly pop out of their sockets at the news
"You mean to tell me you're leaving things in the care of this runt?!? I had my first child be the time he came of age, by the Allfather! You cannot disgra-"
"ENOUGH!"
If before he had seemed annoyed at Meiyo, Nils was now clearly angered by the other's outburst.
"If that is all you have to say on the matter, then you may leave, Meiyo. By the Allfather I do not have the time to listen to your whining. Gruvar, unless there is something to add, you may go as well."
Having been silenced by his elder, Meiyo gave a curt nod, a fiery glare still burning in his eyes as the man stood up from the table and made his way out of the room. Gruvar would start to follow suit, a frown dressing his face as he looked to Nils and spoke
"This is not a good idea, blood brother. You know that we cannot trust the Ganglak when it comes down to it"
"I am aware, Gruvar. Regardless, do what you can to keep Meiyo in check. I do not want to come back to my home in flames, after all.
The youngest of the three Chief's nodded, resuming on his way out before leaving the two of Tolvaj alone again.
"I told you that this wasn't a good idea. The Clans will always try to outdo one another when given the chance" said Kathrine, the girl relaxing her body as she let out a sigh.
"Yes you did, and per usual I handed it in my own way, woman. I trust you've handled all the little things you were complaining about before this?" Nils glanced over at the girl, who had taken Meiyo's seat now that he had left.
"Just about, 'your majesty', but I still say you should stay here while I handle things abroad." A hint of worry denoted the aide's tone as she continued.
"I've already sent the reply out, and given the timing you should be on your way as well."
"True enough, my dear. I just hope they will be able to hold things together while I'm gone." The elder rose, a cough taking hold for a few moments before he'd recover. They'd both make their way out of the meeting room, heading to see to the work that still needed to be done.
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Post by Sophie on Aug 5, 2022 17:25:30 GMT -5
High Chief Nils Tolvaj of Clan Tolvaj, Of the Mil'Nor Joined Clans,
The Kumo people anticipate your arrival with bated breath. A suite has been booked in the Odayakana hotel under your name for Astillia twentieth through the twenty-fifth. A meeting room in the primary Capitol building has been booked for the twenty-second. Should these dates work for you, there is no need for confirmation; simply arrive at Fuyonouso dock seventeen, mooring seven hundred eighty-three, on the twentieth. I will be there to greet you and guide you to your hotel.
Miharu Sugii, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Astillia 20th, 1931
The newly promoted Miharu Sugii stood waiting on dock seventeen in Fuyonouso. She had been standing near perfectly still for the past two hours. Her assistant, Yukiko Murai, ambled up behind her with two glass bottles in hand. "Anxious, Miharu?"
Sugii turned around to her assistant, holding one of the bottles out to her. "Thanks, Yukiko." As she began unwrapping the plastic topper, she tapped her pedipalps on the floor. "It's hard not to be. A month ago, I was just a clerk under Yamanaka-kama. Now I'm the head of foreign relations for an entire country?" She took the plastic topper and shoved it up against the marble that kept the soda fresh. With a loud pop, the marble fell inwards, and the soda fizzed as the carbonation was freed. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."
"You'll be fine, Miharu," Murai assured. "You have a master's degree in foreign relations, and you worked under the Minister of Foriegn Affairs for almost fifteen years." She opened up her own soda and took a sip. "Besides, they're a Touli state. As long as you don't accidentally declare war on them, you'll do just fine."
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Post by Kira on Aug 5, 2022 20:12:26 GMT -5
On the horizon, the pair would be able to see the approach of the Mil'Noran vessel. The flag of the nation was clearly shown flying from the top mast, with the primary sail on each of the three masts carrying the individual insignia of each Clan.
As the vessel docked and the gangplank was dropped, four richly dressed soldiers disembarked to stand guard on either side of the gang plank. Their attire was richly decorated, with a mix of gold and silver flourish mixed in the design, a rather large ruby sitting as a centerpiece on the sternum of each guard.
Three more Mil'Nor would soon follow. The first was a Mil'Nor woman, lavishly dressed in her attire. Her gaze seemed to be considering her surroundings as she took in the port, a slight smile showing as she made note of the two Kumo.
Following behind her were two Mil'Nor males. The first was dressed rather plainly, carrying a small wooden chest in hand. The old man likely a personal servant of some kind. Behind him, busy writing a flurry of notes was a spectacle wearing Mil'Nor, his gaze seeming to mimic the woman's but rather in unbridled curiosity.
Of the three, the woman would be the first to approach the two, a slight bow given before she'd speak.
"I offer greetings and good tidings to you both. Would either of you happen to be Miharu Sugii?"
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Post by Sophie on Aug 6, 2022 0:03:00 GMT -5
The salutation confused the women for a moment; Sugii even looked over the edge of the pier. "I am Miharu Sugii. The diplomat assigned to your nation. The tides have been good and normal lately, thank you." Miharu bowed a few degrees forward. Her finely crafted kimono clung to her chest. "I assume you are Nils Tolvaj?" She asked, not even remotely certain.
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Post by Kira on Aug 8, 2022 18:14:51 GMT -5
"Ah, No. I am Kathrine Tolvaj, I believe it was stated in our last letter that I had been assigned to speak on behalf of the High Chief. I'm afraid in his advanced age, travel such as this would not be in the best interest for his health. That said, I have been granted the right to speak for our people. I hope our talks will see the rise of New Light, once everything is said and done."
Kath motioned to the guards, the four assuming formation on either side of the trio of Mil'Nor. Despite the clear difference in size between them, the guards seemed unwavering in their stance in the presences of the Kumo. The bookish one was hiding behind the elder, of who seemed to be idly observing the two Kumo.
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Post by Sophie on Aug 10, 2022 18:07:04 GMT -5
"I apologize, Tolvaj-kas." Sugii bowed her head solemnly, "I pray that the living stars will see your high chief to wellness." Her eyes drifted towards the woman's guards, and she raised an eyebrow. "I am afraid that your guards will have to stay here. It is illegal to carry such firearms freely in Kumosenkan. I personally swear on my honor that you will be kept safe here and have nothing to fear. If it makes you feel better, I am able to assign a twenty-four-hour guard from the police."
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Post by Kira on Aug 10, 2022 19:00:05 GMT -5
The diplomat raised an eyebrow in return as the other spoke of her guards. She'd seem to consider it for but a moment before gesturing towards them. The four gave a single stomp of their boots before returning onto the ship in formation.
"If you believe them unnecessary, I shall take your word for it. The aid of your police shall not be needed either. Truth be told, their accompiament is nothing more then relic of the old ways we are working reform. If there is nothing else, I am ready to proceed as you wish."
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Post by Sophie on Aug 20, 2022 16:55:07 GMT -5
"Thank you." Sugii seemed genuinely thankful that the situation was dissolved so simply. "I have a car waiting for us to take you to the Capitol where we can have a meeting. Please, follow me." She swung herself around and led the entourage to the cars.
The cars were much too large for anyone but Kumo, even with human-sized chairs installed, and there were no accommodations made for their tails. Thankfully the drive to the Capitol was short. Once there, they were quickly escorted up to a private meeting room where they could talk freely.
"On behalf of the Empress, I welcome you to Kumosenkan. It is an honor to have you here and for you to have reached out to us. To welcome you, I would like to offer you this gift." She took a small box wrapped in paper from her assistant and pushed it across the table to the diplomats. "It is a bottle of sake, one of the finest we have to offer."
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Post by Kira on Aug 20, 2022 17:19:16 GMT -5
The three had found the trip to the capital an experience to be sure. Mil'Nor had nothing to compare such experience too beyond the average carriage ride, and the level of comfort experienced both by the trio and seen as they drove through the city was not lost on any of them.
Once arrived at the capital and brought to the meeting room, Kathrine would graciously accept the wine bottle, the woman taking bottle and giving it a considered look over.
"I'm sure the High Chief will appreciate your gift, and as a return in kind, I offer you this."
The woman gestured with her hand, the elder of the three moving forth to deposit the box he held onto the table. His hands moved with the care of physician as he opened it, a statue revealed to be held within. It depicted what could only be a Mil'Nor in meditation, the gold manipulated in such detail that folds of the cloak the man wore could be seen along with minute facial details of an incredible quality. Seated above the Mil'Nor's eyes sat a beautifully cut ruby, the four side of it angled in a mirror fashion with a flat side facing forwards. The man presented the statue to Kathrine, who in turn would present it to the Minister.
"I present to you a statue of Falgyr in meditation, crafted nearly two hundred years ago by Elder Craftsman Janur of Clan Meiyo. I hope it will be found a good home here within your own, Minister Sugii. Your Empress has shown us a great kindness in offering to listen to our words, and I do believe we will be able to prove our worth to you through our proceedings today."
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Post by Sophie on Aug 20, 2022 17:25:18 GMT -5
"Holy shit." Sugii blurted out, losing her composure at the sheer extravagance of the gift. She had heard from her now coworkers about what sort of gifts to expect, and this was much above and beyond. "I- I mean, thank you." She corrected herself. "I am floored by this very generous gift." She carefully took it into her hands and gawked at the craftsmanship.
"It is the Empress who is thankful, Tolvaj-kan. It is infrequent that those beyond our realm of influence reach out to Kumosenkan. We are excited to build a healthy working relationship with your joined clans. Please, tell us what we can offer you to aid in the solidification of our relationship."
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Post by Kira on Aug 20, 2022 17:36:39 GMT -5
"If I may be candid, Minister, we seek a long term relationship with Kumosenkan and your Empress. Our people live in ways that have not been seen within the Old World for centuries, and your might is far beyond anything we can muster. That much has been made apparent to us as we watch your wars take place on both land and sea. We would be willing to offer gold, silver and other resources for procurement of both materials and plans to bring our people in the light, as it were. Our ancestors may have fled to the New to build a home, but we require the aid of the Old to keep it our home. We would also like to inquire about a shipbuilding program aided by your engineers and designers. As you have seen, our vessels are woefully out of date, despite the pride of the crews that keep them."
"In short, we'd like to trade as much as you are willing to offer, and I hope this gift will show that we have much to offer in return."
The woman gave a warm smile as she waited for the other's response. The youngest of the three seemed to be scribbling rampantly in his notebook, a look of awe having dressed his face at the gift being shown before he had returned to his duties. As for the Elder, his gaze seemed to be considering the Kumo, with it moving to make note of how she handled the artifact.
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Post by Sophie on Aug 20, 2022 19:50:30 GMT -5
Sugii's shock only grew to the point where it was shown clearly on her face. Her legs chittered excitedly beneath her. She knew if she brought a strong trade treaty and maybe even a proto alliance to her superiors, she would finally feel like she deserved her position in the ministry. "I'm actually just a diplomat, the minister is my superior. I am happy to engage in trades such as that. Kumosenkan is always in need of more raw resources, gold and silver especially so. For a decent price, you could commission our shipwrights to design new warships for you. If need be, as a stopgap measure, we could sell you a handful of our hunter-killers that are slated for decommissioning. If you have any refined materials such as steel, or even more fun things like this beautiful statue, we could offer to move some development companies into Milnor. It took Kumosenkan several decades to pull ourselves through an industrial revolution. I imagine you could accomplish the same in a few years with our factories at your back."
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Post by Kira on Aug 20, 2022 20:21:36 GMT -5
"The Clans would be happy to provide Kumosenkan fair trade and priority deals when it comes to the majority of what we have to offer. We of course seek some level of choice for what we sell, and can offer benefits and special rights to your companies should they have interest in establishing operations within Mil'Nor. We'd like to hold the right to tax these companies as we would our own, however. Other concessions about mining and operation laws can be made on a per needed basis. As for your naval offer, I would like to offer you a counter to that. We offer the Kumosenkan full docking and R&R rights with the port agreed upon between our government and your own upon a later date. Kumo will be treated under the laws of your government during their stay within our lands, and should our people ever act in ill will towards the Kumo during their stay, the individuals charged will be given to the Kumo government for trial under their code of law."
The woman took a breath of air before she resumed.
"I'd also say that we could see about a joint Naval School being established, to both offer a cultural exchange between our people, as well as the chance of our people to better understand the ways of the sea that you bring us. Seats could be offered with tuition paid in full by the Mil'Nor government, with admission given to those approved by Kumosenkan. This will also allow better designs to be shared between Kumo and Mil'Nor engineers when designing such vessels for our use. We'd admittedly also take as much as we can justifiably afford from a mothball sale. We can go over terms later, but I believe that a joint naval cooperation between our two people will better protect us each from those who'd seek us harm."
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