Find The Halflings

[Mirtok 2853]

*A ship sails up close to the shores near the halfling settlement. Large black crosses ripple on the sails and men can be heard shouting from the vessel. The ship comes to a stop and men unload into dinghies and travel to shore. The first amongst them is Mirtok, adorned in his winged helm and followed by his many Sariant brothers and sisters. After the force lands on shore, Mirtok marches them to the center of the village and shouts loudly to the halflings present . . .

In the name of Godfrey of the House Horen,

the first of his name, Lord of the Human kingdoms and protector of the Realm;

I Mirtok of the Teutonic Order,

Duke of Hanseti and Warden of the south,

Offer you an ultimatum!

Submit to under the rule of Oren, name Godfrey your king and join the mighty human race as we are uplifted from our poor squaller and into the throne of the world! I give thee the option of a peaceful absorption, one free of blood shed and violence. I urge thee to heed my words and join us. Though do know that upon your denial of such terms, we will return with hostile intent. We will march upon your lands and take you by force. I would prefer you all to choose the path of least resistance, I ask you to come under Oren. Join us and prosper, defy us and die.

*upon finishing his speech, Mirtok then orders half his force to return to the boat with him and the other to remain posted in The Vale. As he is rowed back to the ship he shouts back . . .

I will await your response on the deck of my ship, you have two Elven days to deliver your decision for my army will arrive in seven.

[Guest Jhonen]

*The halfling approaches a presents himself to the warmonger*

I be Graeme o' tha Parker family. One o' tha three Elders 'ere in tha Vale. Ah will meet with tha others an' we will 'ave our reply ta ye demands. I ask while ye 'ere ye not cause no trouble 'till ye 'ear tha reply.

*walks away still slightly in disbelief of the situation*

[Mirtok 2853]

*After the halfling returns to shore Mirtok orders his men to at ease. The troops aboard strip off their armor, stow their weapons below deck and then proceed to engage in a variety of games. With the men thusly occupied Mirtok returns to his quarters and continues his research.

[TheNinox 59]

*Stands in town with the rest of the peaceful halflings of the vale.*

"Whats the meanin' o' this? We ain't done no harm to noone. Why is some bloody army demanding death on us? What be the terms of surrendering our homes and families? How could they think us a threat? Who pissed off this king!?"

*It would seem the peace of the vale is in jeapordy*

[Auvreaeath 263]

*Looking at the men in disgust from near Graeme he sighs,

"I bet these fools don't even know who the hell Godfrey is.."

*He begins marching off towards Arethor in order to find the king himself.

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok stands on the edge of his ship looking towards shore. He spots a small dinghy returning to the vessel. The men depart from their single maritime capsule and then quickly stand at attention when they approach Mirtok. Sariant Firali then begins to speak . . .

Sir, it appears the halflings are quite confused as to the terms of the demands. They fear for their homes and question why we have come. If you would sir, I suggest you return to shore and explain such so that their final decision will not point towards a violent conclusion.

*Mirtok nods at the soldier and then departs in the dinghy. Upon landing at shore he once again marches a few of his men to the center of the village and begins to speak loudly to all those whom are present . . .

Listen here halflings! Our appearance is not a matter of provocation nor a result of your actions. I only ask you to come under the name of Oren. Such decision will not result in your removal from your homes nor the death of those you love. Join under Oren and experience greatness or be branded a target for your denial. My terms are clear, it is on you all to prevent bloodshed.

*Having finished he returns to his ship.

[Guest Jhonen]

Aye we know exactly what ye be wantin' bu' maybe fer ye big folk it is easy ta give up yer freedom an' independence bu' fer us it be difficult. We still be discussin' wha' ta do an' 'till our answer be given we ask ye stay out o' our town. Ye already comin' ta claim our lands we don' need ye harrassin' us while we be talkin'.

[Guest Jhonen]

I ask ye now, what be ye terms? Ye not yet made 'em clear.

[Mirtok 2853]

*replies . . .

Come under Oren, call Godfrey your king and submit to the laws of the Empire; Doing so will allow you to keep your homes, lands, and daily lives. However, failure to accept will result in the complete destruction of The Vale and the loss of lives for all those whom continue to defy The Empire. I do not wish for bloodshed, but if I must I shall.

[Strawberry114 43]

Lyra listens silently to their conversation, and speaks to herself

Tha's terrible, them runnin' inta here, claimin' they own te place.. This's why y'all hate 'em humans, causin' trouble in te outside. Didn't t'ey ever been taught te respect ot'ers? 'Course not, they're humans, t'ey all know nothin'.. Nothing helpful, that is. Goin' around, claimin' everythin' fer themselves.

Well, seems they are, 'nd they mean it. Threatenin' poor halflin's te give up everythin', 'nd bow te their damn king, bet 'e's such a terrible.. human. Te allow such a thin'. And Ah dun't wanta have any human as my king, never te go t'at low. 'nyways, Ah ain't spendin' another moment 'ere, I'm leavin'.

[Mirtok 2853]

*shouts to the group . . .

Your lives will feel no real change! We offer protection and representation for your kind. Do not squander this offer for it will spell the end of The Vale. Tis' really nothing to worry about, I assure and on my word, that the halflings will experience the same lives they have been living since we sailed to Asulon. However, if ever in the future you come under threat by a force that may wish to feast upon your little ones or burn your villages, then we shall be here and will fight off the invaders. We do not claim your land as our own! We ask you to join the Empire!

[Strawberry114 43]

Lyra rolls her eyes as she begins to walk away

I ain't belongin' te any human anythin', I'm leavin'. Y'all can live yer lives without me.

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok lands back onshore from resting on his ship. He marches to towards a group of the halflings and begins to talk . . .

I have receive a direct order and list of terms from King Godfrey himself I hope it helps ease your troubled minds and settles this conflict.

*He then takes out the scroll with the broke royal seal at the top and begins to read aloud for all those around him . . .

The Emperor will issue a charter granting you your own autonomous province that is the Vale. And from that you shall govern and rule yourself Independltly with your own laws and costumes under the name of the Empire, as it was before in the times of old Oren, the halfings will not be subjected to conscription nor commanded to raise levies in times of war. The elders of the halfings must elect from amoung themselves an elder that will represent The Vale in the matters of the Empire.

*Mirtok then allows the scroll to roll closed and he stands idly by for their response.

[Guest Jhonen]

*A cloaked halfling yells from the crowd*

An' what o' taxes!

*more halflings begin to cheer, demanding answers*

An' what o' laws? We don' want yer kinds laws 'ere we be fine with our own!

*the halflings begin to jeer at the Hanseti men demanding answers*

[Mirtok 2853]

*Sensing the rising trouble that the little one is ensighting, Mirtok orders the entire force that was stationed in The Vale to the forefront beside him. He then shouts to the crowd of little people . . .

Emperor Godfrey guarantees you all self government, an autonomous province that would be exempt from the normal laws and taxes that the rest of the empire would experience. Only in times of dire need, that would in turn effect The Vale whether or not you were under the empire, would any form of tribute or tax be requested from The Vale. However, in such a time, The Vale would be the last province to feel the draws of an event of that size as the Empire contains enough lands to sustain itself. I am simply here to make The Vale the same color as The Holy Oren Empire on our maps and to reunite our cousin peoples under the same protective banner!

*He then orders his men to stand at the ready if the Halflings respond with hostility.