Tikal / Kaizen

[killer spork]

One had to understand ones enemies in order to fight them. What motivated them? What drove them? If that could be discovered, then it could be used to your advantage. Mazadachi for his part, had not been satisfied with his negotiations with Michoacan. The Sotekan Empire had raised the birdfolk from mere hatchlings hiding in the treetops to be one of the premier warrior peoples of Allis. Their reward? Betrayal in the new world that Citalmlin had created for his Children...Yet Mazadachi was determined not to return empty handed to Ajaw Uaxmal. He had heard rumors of other birdfolk. Were they related to Michoacan? He could not say... had Forgehall sent emissaries to these people? Again, he could not say.... but perhaps they could believe that the Lizardfolk had no designs on their sovereignty or mountain ranges? It would have to remain to be seen but for now it would pay to see whom exactly was near Tikal and at the very least develop a dialogue.

[dragonlord7012]

The hunting party looked down as they glided on the ocean spawned high-winds that skidded up the mountaintop.

After a brief conversation, they began to glide down to attempt to speak with the strange creature that walked towards their southern city.

"Greetings Friend" attempts their leader.

"What business do you have in the mountains of the Kaizen?" he ask neutrally; taking in its appearance.

[killer spork]

Ah, so it appeared that the rumors were true. There were other birdfolk here, but would they be friend, foe, or something in between? The lizard raised a scaled hand, his bodyguards remaining at a respectful distance but close enough to intervene should the situation require.

'' Hail. I am Mazadachi, ambassador of Tikal. I seek an audience with your King or representatives that may speak on his behalf to speak on matters of establishing trade and relations. ''

[dragonlord7012]

The three looked between each other, before the apparent leader steped forward.

"I am Haneul of the Kaizen, it is an honor to meet your Abassador Mazadachi" he says, performing a respectful bow at the waist, a closed talon held withing the palm of the other.

"We can direct you to our nearby city, or if you'd prefer, I will escort you there directly."

[killer spork]

'' I am pleased to meet you. '' Mazadachi said with a bow, before extending one scaly hand in the direction of the city. '' Please accompany us. '' Who knew if the other bird folk were this friendly? The lizardman wasn't exactly keen to be sacrificed to some strange god. '' Your people seem to be flourishing in these parts. '' The lizardman remarked, taking in the sights and surroundings.

[dragonlord7012]

Haneul brought them in to the capital, guiding them along a narrow mountain path. Late in the evening they arrived, the feeling of celebration permiated the city.

However before any in the party could query, a small group of guards came forth, looking somewhat sullen.

The lead guard spoke with Haneul, his face turned into a frown. He turned to the diplomatic party.

"We where informed of your coming by our god Kifu, our king will see you within the hour."

And with that they where escorted to the barracks. A table had been placed in the unused training yard.

As strange as it seemed, half the guard seemed offer only a pleasant, if curious regard, The other half seemed unhappy, and would more often than not avert their eyes if caught looking.

[killer spork]

They were informed? Already Mazadachi felt uneasy, his tail thrashing as confused thoughts roamed through his mind. What exactly had been transpired here? Every nation that Mazadachi had visited, he had been thwarted by the cursed Goblins. Was he simply encountering more of the same?

'' I see. '' Mazadachi said evenly, taking his seat. His bodyguards picking up on his uneasiness as they stared at the exits with paranoid gazes. Now what would this King have to say? When the Avian did arrive, Mazadachi offered a bow.

'' Your Grace. I am pleased that you could meet with me, it is an honor. I bring greetings from Tikal and Ajaw Uaxmal. ''

[dragonlord7012]

Xai attempted to hide an unhappy expression behind a mask of schooled features as he entered the room.

He wasn't doing a very good job, he recived his position for his empathy, not his subterfuge. If the Lizardfolk had any experience with reading Avian features, they would probably see through him.

He gave a formal bow, "I greet you to our city on behalf of the Kaizen" He said in a neutral, and highly polite voice.

He sat as the silence drew before letting out a sigh.

"I'm afraid what may of been an ocassion for celebration and learning has been tarnished. We had originally planned on opening our doors to all walks of life. Some of those doors where closed recently."

Seeing the lizardfolk grow in tension, he had no choice but to press on.

"As we fled the old world, one of our own was kidnapped and was given child by a being of power. The being in question left both her and the child for death in crumbling ruins of what remained. Our god interveened."

"He went to the nearest being he could find that possessed the ability to heal, The ones who call themselves The 'Saints' of Forgehall"

He could feel the hatred from the lizards at the name. but he pressed on.

"Lord Kifu asked of them to heal a mother so that such a child would not grow up without knowing her love. They demanded an additional boon. That we not for relations with Citamlin  or those who follow Citamlin ."

The lizardmen where angry now. He couldn't even blame them.

"I cannot offer you trade, nor invite you to stay for a prolonged time in our city. In the interest of common courtesy i offer you bunks within our barracks, and enough supplies to see you home. If we find any of your people within our lands they will be asked to leave and escorted to the nearest end of our border. I can only hope you will extend the same courtesy."

"We cannot befriend you, however has been brought to my attention that an exchange of gifts is a common occurrence between factions. I offer you this." He pulls out a scroll. "Here is a written account of what happened between Kifu and Forgehall, written by my own hand."

"The second gift i offer you is that of knowledge."

"We are a close people. We value our friendships and our family far more than many, and we forge a great many bonds over our lives. The loss of even one reaches out to many. We do not bargain with the lives of our people." he says meaningfully.

It was all he had to give, but he gave it.

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