The Warrior's Expedition

[Nico 121]

Nicolas Silverblade yawns. In one hand lies a million mina note, scrawled out hastily by an agitated and awed monk. The other toys with a silverblade cutlass, a sterling example of human craftsmanship. Forged with haste and impatience, its blade lacked the quality and vigor of a dwarven blade, and a saddening lack of showmanship and engravings one may witness when dealing with an elven smith. But it had its human ingenuity, a passion that made him quite comfortable what others had deemed a pittable arm. As he lifted himself from a leather chair suited with the hide of a beaten sow, an old useless thing that he had quite the disdain for, he stumbles to his table. Maps, notes, letters are scrambled upon its glossy finish and Nicolas fumbles through the clutter, stopping on eyeing and old cartographers work on Asulon.

Sweat tumbled down his brow as he emitted a low growl, an island beyond the Emerald Peninsula circled and adorned with a red ink to mark its significance. He had been too late for his little conquest, a splendid little acquisition voided by elven tomfoolery. But, he was given a chance, and a chance he took to present himself to the Elven Council. This land would be deemed his, his own toyings scrambling in his mind, a little land away from Oren for colonizations, a private experiment. The island’s decay had befuddled him, surprised that the elves would leave such natural beauty to rot. With letters aside the map addressing Nicholas to come vitalize the island with the touch and wealth of the Silverblade estates, Nicolas had figured time to set on his expedition. The letters had been drafted, and by the stroke of dusk, fifteen men of arms awaited outside the estate, awaiting Nicolas exit.

The men’s eyes, wavering from fatigue, had turned to alertness as Nicolas made his way to the outskirts of his manor. His bannerman had taken to a plethora of Silverblade steeds, all of his men aside from Oren’s scarcely peasant-armed men. His soldiers were of his personal elite, groomed through wealth and experience to be loyal guards on such affairs. As Nico stepped inside the solitary carriage, he found himself aside two of his compatriots on his conquest, a sprightly Uthor Silverblade and a wizened James Hightower, accompanied by a lady friend. She kept mum as the men took to the carriage seat, engaging in simple conversation which delved into the very facets of their conquest. But Nicolas had made an interesting proposition, one which had taken James by surprise.

“The Orcs? Of such madness, you speak? Why would we offer such collaborations with those desert mongrels?” an inquiring James had barked out, confused.

“Calm yourself, Hightower, do not fuss in front of your fair maiden. This man of the Rex is a good man, I have fought at arms with him at my side. Alone we cannot govern an entire island without lending ourselves to Oren. Who knows what tribals or poisons lay in those tropics of ArmaLuna, and with the Rex’s men we may find ourselves at a better peace.”

James grumbled in his seat. He was not the one to be annexing such lands, and while his significance as a land-owner granted him presence in their voyage to the Elven Council, he had no right to fuss and he had understood that. As the carriage made way to Arethor, a whole procession of bannermen had made its way through the busy market streets, landing themselves in the murky ports of the city.

As the men boarded Syrio’s Beard, it was instructed to the ships captain to make way to Strigzgoi. The captain was baffled to such a request, but given a map and a compass, made haste to the War Uzg. They boarded furtively upon the docks of an establishing naval base, but quickly, a lone elf garbed in a peculiar orcish wear had apprehended them, signalling a whole Orcish warband of a dozen menacing Uruks.

“Wub buiznezz latz hab, oomiez? Diz base nub dune yet, ef latz wub tu klomp den we am here” barked out the elf, agitated and weary from his work.

Nicolas made his way off the boat with his men, approaching the elf. “Bring the Rex to me, and make it known that his ally Nico Silverblade has made way to share words with him.”

The elf cackled loudly, before leaning forward, headbutting Nicolas square in the forehead. The man winced as the warband seized Uthor, James, and Nicolas. As the bannerman drew pikes, axes and swords, Nicolas quickly barked “This is their tradition, do not fret my men, we will not be harmed.”

The party was dropped at the dunes in the Rex’s court, where the Rex groggily awoke from his den, slumping himself on the throne. Nicolas scratched his head as he looked up to the Rex, quickly addressing him

“His Rexcellency, it seems we’ve been taken to you! How do you fare on such a star-bright evening?”

The Rex, annoyed at Nicolas’ cheeriness at such an ungodly hour, grunts.

“And good to you, my fair weathered friend. I have come to make correspondence of the lands of ArmaLuna? You have heard of such place, yes?”

Another grunt, this one of acknowledgement.

“Well, we have fought alongside another, and the Silverblades wish to annex this land. It has remained stagnant without life, and the assistance of the War Uzg would be good. We need your men to survey the land and insure that our elite guard is not hurt. Unfortunately we lack the manpower to stabilize such a territory, but we have the governance and sovereignty to establish the War Uzg in turning ArmaLuna to a joint-colony governed by the Rex and I.”

The Rex smiles. He has spent much time fighting against the dwarves, especially when he was younger, with Nicolas, and is pleased that Nicolas had skipped the formalities. He had made a few correspondences over such a deal, but had no formal intent to go through with it. He toyed the idea of the naval acquisition, another island along with Va’Kharjyra to plop under the War Uzg’s domain.

“Latz wub me to kome wid latz to blah wid dem elvez about diz...? Ef it am juzt det, den det am a simple requezt, especially fer latz loyalty to me againzt dah gazatz, Nicolas. Give me ash night, agh we guw.”

As the Rex turns to return to his quarters, he snaps his fingers to two Orcs, Zogtar’lur and Grogmar’Gorkil who were awoken to help guard the Rex as he spoke with Nicolas. The Orcs nod, before turning to the slave quarters, bringing almost two dozen slaves to the expedition. As the Rex rests in his den, the members of the expedition make merry in the taverns and dunes of the Orcish lands. When dawn strikes, the Rex signals the slaves back to their quarters, and he joins the expedietion, along with a select few members of the Krughai to act in his guard.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The expedition sails to Malinor, docking near its port. As a whole horde of near fifty individuals, ranging from wily brutes of the Orcs to the posh upper-crust of Oren marches through Normandor, the elves panic, suspecting some form of attack. Sounding their alarm, sentinels and vanguards pour in near the gates, armed to the teeth, ready to fire. Nicolas raises his hand in the air, indicating a sort of peace, before making it known it is an act of diplomacy. The elves drop their weapons, flabbergasted why diplomacy would require a near-army of men. They give the news to the Elven Council members, regarding it is probably for the discussion of ArmaLuna.

As the Rex, Nicolas, Uthor, and James make their way to the Elven Council, Nicolas begins the proceedings with a simple

“We have to come speak of our desire to acquire ArmaLuna. The lands lay barren under your rule and my allies cry to me to come and annex it, bring life to a forgotten land.”

[Braxis 813]

*Uthor stands in his Families Armor and the Family Greatsword on his back. He grunts as he moves around in his armor not wishing to wear it that day since he must twenty four seven due to his duties. He Blinks blankly at the Near fight his and His Brothers men have cause as Nicolas, James, and the Rex who he does not know why he accompanied them. He looks to the Bannerman he commands for his Brother and motions for them to stay outside for the geared ones. While the rest and most of the group walked into Normandor with no arms or armor and the rest head towards the ship, A select few follow the four as guards He smiles as some take thier armor off and go to spread trade or head to the ships to rest.He holds a scroll in hand with a plan and a suggestion if the meeting takes a turn for the worst. He nods to the Rex as they Enter the City Giving him a Greetings of "Old Friend" Then continues to accompany his Cousin James and his Brother Nico.

[Cracker 4570]

The Rex grumbles, sitting in an uncomfortably small chair in the Elven Council-room. He eyes the elves, letting them speak first before priming himself to an argument.

[Aerinyes 402]

The expedition sails to Malinor, docking near its port. As a whole horde of near fifty individuals, ranging from wily brutes of the Orcs to the posh upper-crust of Oren marches through Normandor, the elves panic, suspecting some form of attack. Sounding their alarm, sentinels and vanguards pour in near the gates, armed to the teeth, ready to fire. Nicolas raises his hand in the air, indicating a sort of peace, before making it known it is an act of diplomacy. The elves drop their weapons, flabbergasted why diplomacy would require a near-army of men. They give the news to the Elven Council members, regarding it is probably for the discussion of ArmaLuna.

As the Rex, Nicolas, Uthor, and James make their way to the Elven Council, Nicolas begins the proceedings with a simple

“We have to come speak of our desire to acquire ArmaLuna. The lands lay barren under your rule and my allies cry to me to come and annex it, bring life to a forgotten land.”

The High Princess sits upon her slightly elevated seat at the head of the table within the Council Halls. She looks annoyed at the presence of individuals present as well as the ones that accompanied them.

"Gentlemen. I want to make one thing clear before we make any sort of discussion."

She looks to the four men seated within the Council Hall, nodding once to Uthor and James having been already acquainted with them.

"If the intent is to coerce or intimidate the Princedom with this literal army at you back, you have failed in doing such. The Holy Princedom of Malinor and her allies cannot be cowed in such a manner. And furthermore I will remind you that our peaceful nature and kindness, if mistook for weakness will be a grave mistake."

Sythra interlaces her fingers together and places her hands on the table before her and speaks again.

"Now then, with that out of the way, it is a pleasure to see you all here. Two of you I recognize, and two of you I am not acquainted with yet, though I am sure we will remedy that shortly."

She pauses for a brief moment before speaking again.

"You mention that ArmaLuna has remained barren under our rule, yet I can see that you are not privy to the truth surrounding the statement. ArmaLuna was a dying city, it was under the request of their remaining leadership that Malinor annex it. With the signatures of our High Council, we did so under the provision of restoring their college and keeping their culture whole. This was done a little over an elven week ago.

My princes have taken measures to start on such restoration when your ships were spotted in the eastern seas. Because we did not know the nature of the purpose of their ships we turned our focus to the defense of ArmaLuna, another provision we agreed upon their annexation into the Holy Princedom.

Now with that said, I believe our goals are similar. To see ArmaLuna flourish. I have been a Princess of Malinor for nearly seven decades. Almost two human lifetimes. I have served as High Princess and a leader of my people for nearly two decades. I believe I am the most qualified to handle the situation. As you can see Normandor has thrived to the point of surpassing its infrastructure.

It is my intent to bring this prosperity to ArmaLuna and share the wealth and security that Malinor has to offer."

The High Princess sits up a little straighter and gives a firm look to everyone present.

"You have also mentioned that it is the wish of your allies that you annex ArmaLuna. And I am going to assume that they are present here now to discuss such in a diplomatic manner, rather then a forceful one.

It is my responsibility to inform you all that our allies have made a request as well. To not allow an Orenian foothold in ArmaLuna.

Over the last several decades, the Holy Oren Empire has expanded its borders. This has always been a concern of our neighbors here on the Emerald Peninsula. But I have always maintained the stance that we should not interfere so long as it remains on the mainland continent. Until these few weeks, this has been true.

Now it is a concern of mine that Oren wishes to have a presence on the Eastern Seas. And more importantly it is a concern of our allies and neighbors. Now with that said, it would be rather rude of me to say you simply cannot have ArmaLuna. But at the same time, I cannot rightfully concede such a territory without gaining something in return. In addition, our allies need certain assurances.

I would request that they also be present for these talks before continuing. We have a grand opportunity here gentlemen, I suggest that we do not waste it."

Sythra takes a quill in hand and begins preparing letters to be sent while listening to the responses.

[Cracker 4570]

Rex Gorgul eyes widen at Sythra's outburst. Expecting a total cakewalk, Gorgul is surprised. The forces alone have provided enough intimidation to scare most smaller settlements into submission and pathetic self-wallowing, but the elven High Princess had remain firm and strong in the sight of potential danger.

He remembered Sythra from almost two decades ago, when he was but a youth dragged along to a diplomatic meeting, to speak common and mediate between the prior Rex Gromgok'Gorkil and Sythra's discussion over the potential assault on Haelunor. Gorgul was always curious of why Gromgok had offered a mating to Syrtha, a fragile little dark elf, but now he had some understanding. What she lacked in strength made up in speech.

Finding a somewhat comfortable position in a chair designed for a petite elven frame, Gorgul pipes up in a lucid common. Common for the purpose of not only mutual understanding, but also out of respect that he is in another's court, one who is worthy of -some- respect, although not as much as one may like.

"I am here, I am Rex Gorgul'Gorkil. I am with Nicolas in talk of annexation. This island would not be governed by Oren, but by joint rule of Silverblade and War Uzg."

Gorgul says his words slowly, tantalizing and insuring his pronunciation is correct. He keeps his statements short and blunt.

"I am to aid Nicolas in his vision. This vision is to have ArmaLuna further developed, and its people ruled under us so they may benefit from our systems. This is no Orenian..."

Gorgul thinks to himself, quietly pondering why it is known as a "foothold"

"-foothold. It will be a land designated for culture and prosperity. You talk of defense, but I have not seen a strong navy. This is why I am summoned, my men are strong, they can handle tropics of ArmaLuna, they have cannon and boat. I am here to insure defense and political stability."

Gorgul exhales softly, reclining a bit breaking his posture. Growling at the chair, he decides to simply stand. He holds himself from further speech, awaiting word from Nicolas or the other humans in regards to the future of ArmaLuna.

[Nico 121]

*Nicolas looks up at the council of Malinor while he allows his fellow alliances to speak their mind. After careful consideration, he sits proper in his chair, clearing his throat as he speaks his mind freely.*

"I have to say, I agree with my friend and comrade Gorgul. However you seem to make a mistake when you say that Oren will rule over armaluna, when really it is just the orcs and I. I have no military intentions if I rule the island, just to secure it of its precious glare."

Nicolas pauses for a second, looks over to James, Kyral, Gorgul, and Uthor.

"Now onto the words you've spoken, you say you hold a strong defense, but we both know that there is no better military force than the orcs and I. Along with friends such as James and Kyral we stand no fear of the ocean and its enemies. We stand the might to defend the island if any future problems come up. Malinor does not have enough defenses to protect and secure this island, deeming the elves unable to rule Armaluna."

*Nicolas begins to sit in his chair in a form of great confidence chuckling.*

"How can a nation such as yours rule an island that has citizens whom wish for me the rule. How can you control what the citizens what, you can not rule over people who don't wish for it. Let the last leader do what he wishes, but alas he is not suitable for the position and neither is Malinor."

[Braxis 813]

*Nods as His Brother and Gorgul Speak And awaits for them to Finish before he speaks himself*

"As I have told Princess Elene Several Times, This not be a Matter of Oren but Silverblades, We simply bought a few boats from them And our Wealth is stored in Oren, those are the only two ties We have with Oren on this matter."

*He Shrugs for a moment pondering then he speaks*

"There will be no "Foothold" or any Miltitary on Armaluna, mabye two or three guards that will be it IF there is any at all. And What be Brother speaks is true several citizens have requested the town be Under Silverblade Rule, The High Sentinel wishes for that and he is the leader of the Armualuna guards. And he holds a postion on the towns council and he has never heard of the place being annexed so who came to ye saying to do it, did not confront his people or even his council memembers on this matter. Our House and I am sure yer Nation are familier with Councils and how they work and if one is to go astray and do thier own thing it brings much choas foward."

*He stops and motions that he is done speaking to let the others speak thier concerns*

[Aerinyes 402]

Continuing to listen to the two men speak, the High Princess finishes her letters and hands them off to one of the Vanguard stationed within the Council Hall to be sent off. She then nods to the Rex.

"The Gorkil Clan has been a deciding factor in many of the Warnation's victories. They have been known to us to be honorable in their dealings. Your presence here, Gorgul, is one that is appreciated and respected."

Sythra turns back to Nicolas to address his argument.

"You say that it is not an Orenian matter, but yet are you not of their nobility? I would request that your Emperor speak to me on this matter. I am not suggesting that I do not trust your word. But there are certain courtesies granted by title and rank within your empire that are not afforded to you here. The presence of the Rex of course satisfies the position of the Warnation in these talks. As I have said, we have a great opportunity, and it goes beyond a single mere noble house.

As for our capabilities for defense. I believe with the help of our friends and neighbors, we can repel any threat that could arise from the mainland. There is no threats worth mentioning beyond the sea of the east.

Also I might add that the strength of the elves is not always apparent. As in Aegis, we hid our strength within the forests. In Asulon it is well hidden among the forests in the Emerald Peninsula and our naval power hidden within the vast oceans of the eastern sea.

And again I must restate that I personally have nearly seventy years as a leader of my people. I am more then qualified with the rule of a small island. But I suppose we must agree to disagree on that particular notion."

[Nico 121]

*Nicolas begins to chuckle softly then starts to laugh at the high princess with the offensive words. Nicolas nods a couple times while staring at the princess thinking carefully of his next words, deciding if it was worth coming to Malinor or not. He then looks back at the princess to give her his remark upon her words.*

"You never cease to disappoint high princess, I thought differently of the elves, but sadly you've shown otherwise. My emperor does not turn to listen to your words, he is far too busy to deal with your bidding. However, you have offended me and my house, you've spoken wrongly about myself. I may be a noble not that simply does not give you the ability to call me unimportant. The title and power you say that I've been granted is simply the respect of my allies and the strength of my men."

*Nicolas stops talking for a second to take a glance at Rex Gorgul.* "The great Rex Gorgul is my ally not yours, save your breath while your at it. You will not gain shite feeding him words of favor. He has sworn an alliance with house Silverblade, alas he takes actions along with my commands. House Silverblade is the strongest house in Oren along with the Orcish nation we stand stronger than any type of defenses you mention. If I were you, I'd choose your next couple words wisely, make sure you don't speak wrongly about me... princess."

[Arkelos 1027]

The Queen of Aeroch Nor and Solace, Kyral Hightower looks to Nico, sighing as she then looks to Sythra.

"High Princess, the elves have always sought to stop wars at all costs, especially when it came to their own land. We came here under terms of peace, to let you know that we would like to seek a diplomatic side to this war before we have to result in a violent course of action. I have always stayed a diplomatic person myself, most of my wars won from acts of diplomacy or acts of annexing.

I would think you, The High Princess would agree to these terms, something I think even the Silverblades, and the Warnation might even enjoy."

Kyral stands, hoping to get their attention as she takes out a map of ArmaLuna, unrolling it and presenting it to everyone

"The Island, the College Nation of ArmaLuna stands as a Island of the Bardic arts, this island also serves as a vacation spot and quite essentially, a final resting spot of many who are old and wish to live their days in quiet. We all want a slice of ArmaLuna, but for what cause? What are our motives? What exactly is luring us to this place in particular?

I believe we could all benefit from ArmaLuna, however. If the leader came to Malinor asking to be annexed, we should ask the High Princess to allow us to make Armaluna unaligned to any nation, but have it for us who wish to have it, so we may plan together something only the greatest of minds in Asulon can think of."

Kyral remains quiet, but then speaks suddenly

"I wish to use ArmaLuna for it's intended purpose, a place for all to live, but with more people, more... things to do, such as events and festivals, happening there. I want to see it become lively once more, if it be by me, Nicholas, The Warnation, or Malinor. All I want is a part of planning this, a part of preserving Armaluna. The Silverblades are hellbent on getting Armaluna, is there no way we could try to work something out that all sides are happy about?"

[Aerinyes 402]

The High Princess seems slightly annoyed by the threatening response. She shifts in her chair seemingly to get more comfortable, her hands resting on the armrest and not in front of her. Her stance is one of confidence.

"Let me ask this, was the purpose of your visit to speak of diplomacy, or were you seeking a reason to seek offense to somehow justify within your own realms convoluted form of laws, a military action against the island in question? And I find it quite odd that you speak for the Rex within his presence. I do believe that he can speak for the interests of his own people, as is proper. I believe he can decide who his own allies are.

Now, you will speak without these veiled threats if you wish for this discussions to continue. You and I both know that neither of wish wish for a hostile resolution. A hostile engagement on the island itself would destroy it, and due to that circumstance, we both stand to lose and gain nothing.

Finally, before any talks can continue there are others that must explain their claim to the situation at hand, and we mustn't keep them waiting."

[Braxis 813]

*Uthor Grunts as his Brothers and High Princess Exchange Insults, Hidden and Open threats and grunts to himself. His Soilders and others who are NEXT to him are able to hear faintly.*

"How bout ye two stop actin' like children with yer insults and threats, and act as diplomats?"

*He nods as Kyral speak a Scroll at his side with Terms if a Neutural verdict can be met*

[Aerinyes 402]

"I wish to use ArmaLuna for it's intended purpose, a place for all to live, but with more people, more... things to do, such as events and festivals, happening there. I want to see it become lively once more, if it be by me, Nicholas, The Warnation, or Malinor. All I want is a part of planning this, a part of preserving Armaluna. The Silverblades are hellbent on getting Armaluna, is there no way we could try to work something out that all sides are happy about?"

Sythra responds to the Queen, slightly surprised by her sudden entrance.

"Terms can be discussed as soon as the others arrive, and the threats of course, stop. Malinor has as you said, always been one to avoid war. However we simply do not hand over our holdings simply because a threat waves their sword at us. I believe I made that point very clear at the beginning of these proceedings."

She stands and steps over to the window overlooking the seas outside.

"For now, we wait."

[Nico 121]

*Nicolas looks briefly to Kyral then to the High Princess.* "Who are we waiting for exactly princess?"

[Aerinyes 402]

"Representatives from our neighbors. I was not speaking falsely when I said we had an opportunity here, friend. One I do not intend to waste. While we wait, I must consort with the rest of Malinor's High Council before I can continue. The process should not take terribly long. I shall return in time for the others."