Asselia/Ontare

[Ravigen]

A single rider plodded slowly along a small, natural made path, the territory he'd entered was foreign to him and he only had rumor and a tenuous grip on orienteering and map reading to lead him. Still he seemed to be making some sort of progress so that was good enough for him, he urged his horse onwards on his journey towards a lonely mountain standing in the distance.

His name was Ser Malorin Lant, a young knight of Asselia with little to his name but the title of knighthood usually reserved for nobility, Malorin had like few others ascended to the ranks through merit and skill at arms and by being of above average intelligence which was more than he could say for his compatriots at times.

Her Majesty, the Empress, had sent him off to seek out the rumored humans living in the mountains to the west, a new world meant new possibilities and the forging of friendships for the safety of Asselia and the world.

[Paxar]

The paladin rode on at an easy pace. He paid little attention to his course, trusting his horse to find the path. Instead, he took in the sights of his new realm. He had only just left Haven a short while ago. So, it came as quite a surprise when he finally noticed another mounted figure riding toward him. None of his scouts should be coming this way, he knew, but didn't expect to find others so soon.

Paxar sat up straighter in his saddle, making sure he was presentable, and raised a hand in welcome as he approached the strange rider. "Greetings!"

[Ravigen]

Malorin grinned broadly at the figure riding slowly towards him, what luck to encounter someone so quickly! Truly the fates smiled upon him today. Of course he didn't know if the rider was human, the distance was too great to note the facial features but he was hopeful.

"Greetings traveler! My name is Ser Malorin Lant, a loyal knight in service of Her Majesty, the Empress Artas Orleans of Asselia. I have been sent to find the humans rumored to live in the area, tell me have I succeeded?"

[Paxar]

Paxar was pleased to receive a formal greeting. These were a people who valued order, a commonality that was vital for beginning negotiations. "Well met Ser Lant!" He called out in response, their horses now bringing them near enough that he could recognize the rider as an elf.

"I am Sir Paxar Oathsworn, Chief Paladin of The Lady's Guard and general of the army of Ontaré. You have indeed succeeded, and I commend your scouts for their keen eyes. I hope this visit is a friendly one."

[Ravigen]

Success at last! The rangers were correct in their assertion that the humans lived in this area, Sache, would be pleased to hear that her men had proven themselves again. Now it was fair time to negotiate.

"I have every intention of this to be a friendly visit, well met Sir Paxar, my liege wishes to seek out new friends in this dangerous world we live in for the safety of both our peoples."

[Paxar]

The paladin nodded and smiled. "Then we are of one mind my friend. Our city is not far from here. I invite you to be my guest so that we may discuss how we may best aid one another. I am sure King Enann would be delighted to meet you." He says, turning his horse back the way he had come, and allowing his new ally to ride alongside him.

[Ravigen]

Ser Malorin nodded and gently prodded his horse forward to match pace with Paxar, this was going better than he could have expected, the Empress would be pleased.

"I will accept your offer gladly good sir, I am eager to see this fine city of yours, it sounds like a truly wonderful place."

[Paxar]

Paxar smirked and stated, "Well, I won't lie to you. It was indeed wonderful before the Sundering. We are in the process of rebuilding much of our kingdom, but I am happy to report that many lives were saved." They topped a hill, and the city of Haven came into view surrounded by small villages and high wooden walls.

"Our Lady was gracious enough to provide us with a location rich in iron and gems. We have only just begun to mine the area properly."

[Ravigen]

Malorin frowned at the mention of the Sundering, it was still a sore memory, they remembered all to well who had caused it and why.

"Indeed, the Sundering caused much strife to everyone, the damn lizards knew what would happen and they did it anyways. It is only thanks to the grace of Ilalu that my people escaped. There is much former glory to rebuild for everyone involved."

The city looked nice enough and the palisade was a good touch for defense and Malorin knew that Artas was only waiting for stone to restore Arsun's defenses.

[Paxar]

They rode to the gates of the city. Paxar called out to the guards, and they seemed surprised to see him returning so soon and with an elf besides. "We would be glad to aid your people in your rebuilding. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable ally after all." He gestures to the wall. "This is only temporary. Our scouts are searching for suitable stone to build a more suitable defense."

[Ravigen]

"Your aid is most appreciated though it is friendly relations we seek most of all now, there are too many dangers out there in the world for isolation."

Malorina offered a friendly wave to the guards as they passed, it was only good courtesy after all. He wanted to see this King for himself.

[Paxar]

Paxar expressed his agreement as they made their way toward the modest keep in the center of the city. Pages arrived to stable their horses with Paxar's assurance that they will be safe and well cared-for.

"My liege is just through here." He stated, guiding Ser Malorin down a short hallway to a set of plain double-doors flanked by guards. They gave the elf curious looks, but at Paxar's bidding opened the doors to the throne room. The room was little more than an office with a great wooden desk in front of a moderately sized throne. Two simpler chairs sat on the opposite side of the desk, and a shrine with a bust of a woman hung above and behind the throne.

King Enann glanced up from his papers as the doors opened. "Back so soo..." He began upon seeing Paxar enter, but his words were cut short by the sudden appearance of the elf.

"Your majesty, may I present Ser Malorin Lant of Asselia." Paxar stated, giving a low bow.

[Ravigen]

Malorin bowed deeply before the man, the very image of propriety in his armor. The King was not quite as he expected, granted he had never actually seen a male ruler before so that was a pretty vague image, but he would show him the respect deserved of someone in his position.


"Your Majesty, it is an honor to be before you now, I come as an ambassador of my liege Empress Artas Orlean of Asselia in hopes of negotiating peaceful relations."

[Paxar]

King Enann stood and approached the two from around the desk. His garb was simple but elegant, wearing a simple band of gold around his head for a crown.

"You are most welcome here Ser Malorin. I am Enann Kath, Priest-King of Ontaré, and The Lady's Chosen. Please, sit and we may discuss our new alliance." He gestures to one of the chairs in front of the desk, and takes his seat once more. "We don't stand on much formality here I'm afraid, too much to do."

[Ravigen]

Malorin grinned and took a seat, this was a nice change of pace from the formality of Asselia, Enann was a reasonable sounding man and he had a feeling this meeting would go well.

"Many thanks your majesty, my liege wishes to make peace with her neighbors in this dangerous world, Asselia has enough enemies already we need no more."

They also needed trade but that was another concern.

[Paxar]

"This is indeed good news. We have been seeking the same recently." The king fixes Malorin with a serious gaze. "I am concerned about the enemies you mentioned. My people can ill afford to get caught up in an ongoing conflict."

Enann had always been cautious, especially when dealing with people he knew nothing about.

[Ravigen]

Malorin shook his head slowly. "There is no need to worry Your Majesty, these enemies are Asselia's problems and we would not wish to drag your people into our conflict, simply to assure you that we do not wish conflict with your people."

[Paxar]

Enann nodded and rang a bell kept on his desk nearby. An aide appeared shortly carrying a quill and stack of parchment. "I can promise peaceful relations between our kingdoms." The aide began busily writing as the king spoke.

"We will not make any aggressive action without provocation, and promise to resolve any disagreements between our peoples through diplomatic means. Any aggressive action towards Ontaré will be met in kind, etc. etc." The king waved his hand toward his aide as he finished dictating. "I will provide you with this offer to take back to your Empress. Is there anything more you would like to add at this time?"

[Ravigen]

Malorin bowed, that had gone better, and faster, than he could have anticipated or hoped for and in such favorable conditions too.

"In addition if you wish, we would seek trade with Ontare to expand the economies and markets of both of our peoples."

[Paxar]

The king nodded. "Of course. I hope this agreement will be the start of a long-lasting alliance between our peoples." He took the parchment from his aide as he finished writing, looked it over, and rolled it tightly. He sealed it with a bit of wax and pressed his seal to make it official. "I would one day like to meet your Empress personally. Please send her my most sincere apologies that I cannot do so at this time. Though, I'm sure she is just as busy as I am at the moment."

[Ravigen]

Malorin bowed once again, the meeting had been a success, his first assignment! The Empress would be pleased and so was he, he was more than eager to prove that he could be the Knight they expected him to be.

"I am confident the Empress would not object to a meeting in person when there is not so much work to be done."

[Paxar]

The king stood, handing Malorin the missive. "You are free to stay in Haven for as long as you like. Sir Oathsworn will escort you to our visitors quarters." He nodded to Paxar who gave a small salute.

[Sponsored content]