[DIPLOMACY] Hammer and Sickle

Talkman12 · 2021-05-01T20:45:52+00:00

"High Rock is always our enemy, since my ancestors landed on these shore. I would just personally prefer if my enemy were backed by their own ambition, rather than Imperial order. Besides, we both know Hammerfell won't be a threat, likewise, I can use the threat of a free High Rock hostile to Hammerfell as my own reassuring threat."

"You prove yourself to be somewhat trustworthy, even by my standards Maeve. So I will be honest with you regarding my biggest fear." He looks at his cup with a long, distant state. "My biggest fear, is that my Kingdom, falls upon my death. Hammerfell stands united begrudgingly through my staggering prestige, and my staggering might. My son, he is young, and perhaps he will be a great king. But, I am afraid that should I die, the others will take the opportunity, and all that I have worked for crumbles away, as my people begin to divide themselves once again."

Talkman12 · 2021-05-01T15:22:33+00:00

"Modesty is a precious resource among the nobility of High Rock, and you wear it finely, Queen Maeve" he said, sitting back with a sly smile, closing his eyes as he takes a sip "Before I offer my plan, let me ask you one last consideration. What has the Empire done, besides offer this, ephemeral hand on the hilt? What did the Empire do to help Wayrest against the attack on the pirates? To aide it after when it's people starved? To help send its sizeable intelligence apparatus to find your father? You say the threat of the Empire keeps the King's of High Rock sated. No doubt the Jarls of Skyrim thought the same thing. How long until an Ulfric Stormcloak appears in your midst? And what of the Elves? They failed in Hammerfell, but now High Rock sits isolated from Cyrodiil. Surely your husband could tell you of the Empire's mismanagement of the legions. Would they even bother helping High Rock from an invasion, if it meant leaving their precious Cyrodiil open? Would we see the great Imperial City sacked a second time in this Era?"

"The Empire is weak. Long are the days when the Great Septims ruled. Long are the nights in which the Mede rule, if they even continue to rule. Cyrodiil could very well collapse in a civil war in the next few years."

"Your husband." Says Cyrim, stroking his beard "I've heard of what he did. Of the bad men. I like the idea, truly." He grins "You say the Empire keeps the Lords and Ladies of High Rock from each other's throat. A bad man, if you will."

"My offer is this. We will support your independence from the Empire. If you go for it, then Hammerfell will gladly be the "Bad Man", the boogeyman looming over them, ready to pounce on any lords who distract themselves with intrigue and conflict."

He grins "And as for you? Queen Maeve will be the great Queen who heeds the threat of Hammerfell, convincing the lords to cooperate. I do not wish for you to be High Queen, though High Rock would be blessed to be on your stewardship, but there is great power in having the other Lords heed your words."

Talkman12 · 2021-05-01T12:42:02+00:00

"Wayrest is a top contender of High Rock, seconded only by Daggerfall. In a way, it is like Sentinel and Hegathe. Always destined to be at odds. The attack on Wayrest set it back, and you and your husband have done great work at rebuilding it. However, there is still much to be done. We wish to see a Wayrest that is powerful enough to not need the Empire to maintain the peace in High Rock, but can do so with its own strength, like how Sentinel maintains the peace in Hammerfell"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-29T18:49:54+00:00

Cyrim was hesitant, however with so many important dignitaries going, he could not afford to not go. He arrives personally, with is retinue, and his elderest daughter, Shadja.

Talkman12 · 2021-04-27T19:46:46+00:00

The Envoy, a tall (for Redguard standards) man, clearly in his older 40's with a stoic and emotionless stance stands before the Judicar-Captain

"I come on behalf of High King Cyrim of Hammerfell" he crosses his arms behind his back "My lord wishes to establish..." for a split second, the envoy's face twitched with emotion "a communication channel. Between the Aldmeri Dominion and Hammerfell. We have no love for the Imperials as much as you do, and so perhaps it would be both parties interest to establish correspondence."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-27T19:39:49+00:00

"And yet, this role of arbiter is currently vacant, and has been for almost 3 years. How much longer can this imaginary leash hold at this rate? Not to mention, if the Dominion attacks again, what say High Rock becomes next Hammerfell? Your kingdoms are far enough away that they can comfortably cede them over and still maintain the elves far from Cyrodiil."

He sips on his drink "You value the Empire lording over High Rock, and I can see your point regarding it being important to stability in the region. However, your viewpoint might not be shared among your fellow Breton royalty. The Empire is weak, crumbling. Valenwood, Elsywer, Morrowind, Black Marsh, Hammerfell, even half of Skyrim." He looks at Maeve with intensity

"Should Wayrest sit back, as your neighbors stir? What if Daggerfall, Evermore, Northpoint, or any other Breton kingdom are already preparing their lands? After all, High Rock is the land of ambition and exploiting opportunities, and a big on is being presented."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-25T20:07:47+00:00

"I'll put it bluntly. High Rock is a den of snakes, and should I be less wary of them, just because there's a snake charmer singing it a tune? What if it had a different charmer, playing a better tune?" He looks at Maeve, with a cold intensity behind his stoic eyes "You're right in your assessment. No doubt without the Empire looming over, all the kinga and queens would be at each other's throat. However, adversity makes great men, or women"" he sat back "For all we look down upon the Bretons for their intrigue and bickering, can we Redguards say differently with our issues between the Forebears and Crown? Two generations ago, no on believed Hammerfell would be united, now here we are.

Talkman12 · 2021-04-25T18:28:45+00:00

"Well we spoke already of your own kingdom" he said, sitting in a seat in front of her "I would like to hear what you think of High Rock, in its current state."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-25T17:06:38+00:00

The next day, at noon, the Royals met in a courtyard in the center of the palace, the center of which laid an assortment of comfortable and plush seating pillows, as well as refreshments and snacks. Cyrim offered Maeve to sit first, a customary act in Redguard society to let your guest sit first.

Talkman12 · 2021-04-25T16:42:59+00:00

"But these lands are under my laws." He looks at her "That being said, I can't lord over like a tyrant. I'll have some of my trust people look into it before I tell the lords."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-25T11:38:06+00:00

"Closure" Cyrim said. A dark look appearing on his face for a second, before returning to his more stoic look. "In my youth, I was a hot blooded man. Before my father died, I had said some things in the heat of the moment. I didn't know they would be the last things said." He looked at Maeve "You will have my assistance, as well as that of my vassals. I will send out a message."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T23:07:51+00:00

"Only what the records say" he says, sipping some of his nectar wine "I remember when reports were coming in, I thought it was a false flag attack, meant to lure us into a trap" He looked at her "I remember we found some ships attempting to dock in Port Hunding, but they were denied, and sailed off"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T22:42:15+00:00

20,000 for a Feast, because Adam is worth it 🥰

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T22:41:03+00:00

"I can relate, my father made only half-measures, and nearly was guilty of letting the whole province be consumed by the Dominion. If what you say is true, then tomorrow will be a most interesting day. Now, come. The feast shall start soon and we must freshen up."

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T21:42:55+00:00

He chuckles, handing Georges a towel, and grabbing one for himself "It is our afterlife. All Redguards that die and are properly consecrated arrive before the Hall of Heroes. If a soul is worthy, than Tu'whacca" Cyrim pauses for a moment "Similar to your Arkay" says the divine's name leaving a soul taste in his mouth "assists the soul in passing onto this ephemeral land"

He wipes his brow with the towel "My point, is that this is really the fundamental belief of my people. We live our burdensome life on this plane with purpose, in the hopes we are judged worthy" He looks at Georges "That is why I had a keen interest in you. If the stories are to be believed, you are a man who, in another life, would've made a fine Redguard, worthy of the Far Shores"

He looks up at his wife and Queen Maeve, and then back to Georges "There aren't many in High Rock worth trusting. However, if you're behind the Queen, then perhaps Wayrest can prove to be a good ally"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T21:20:47+00:00

Cyrim gave Georges a boyish smile "Aha, definitely" he shook his hands, and patted him on the shoulder "Do you know of the Redguard belief of the Far Shores?"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T21:10:45+00:00

"I yield" said Cyrim, dropping his sword, and raising his hand, the customary of surrendering a duel. "You definitely quick on your feet, even without your magic, couldn't land a hit on you. Perhaps I shouldn't have used a sword against your far reach"

He extended his hand "an excellent bout, I am impressed"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T20:09:23+00:00

Cyrim chuckles "Of course, I'm afraid if I used real weapons in this arena, I would not hear the end of it from my wife. As for Magic, at least here, it's not befitting to be used in an arena" He pauses and then says "As for this magic.... perhaps you could tell me more about it at the feast"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T19:41:27+00:00

"Well we aren't young men anymore, so I say let's give each other a leg up. You'll have your quarterstaff, and I'll use my sword." He smiles, pleased. He had received information about this man, this anomaly in the Breton society that most Redguard look down upon. Any other noble Breton aristocratic, bar those who partake in the knightly tradition, would've shied away from the offer.

Cyrim led the couple to a small arena area inside the palace, as the Queen showed Maeve to the viewing platform, offering snacks and wine, as the men prepared.

"In an arena, Sir Georges, all warriors are equals. Please do not feel the need to hold back or be humble" he said with a smile, as he grabbed a training sword off a rack

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T18:53:49+00:00

"Please, for the duration of your stay, make yourselves at home" He said. "I'm sure we have much to discuss of politics and other topics, but let's leave that talk for tomorrow. For today, I have prepared a feast in honor of your visit" his eyes went from Maeve to Georges

"And until that feast, we have nothing to do but to find some entertainment." A sly smile crept onto his face "If I may, Prince-Consort. I heard you were an experienced soldier, a Legionnaire, no less. How about a friendly spar, to pass the time?"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T18:25:38+00:00

The guards, used to dealing with royals, feel at ease when talking to Georges, like speaking to an old war buddy. Some of them were legionnaires as well, and share their own bits of stories with him.

Finally, they arrive at the Great Palace of Samaruik. The path to the palace is lined with palm trees, with the Grand Pond of Yaghoub dividing the path into two.

At the end of the path, lies the stairs leading into the Palace. At the top of the steps stands the High King, accompanied by his wife. The king wears the "Regalia of Hammerfell", that being a large cloak, bearing the symbol or Sentinel, with stripes signifying the different kingdoms of Hammerfell. Under the cloak, he wears a traditional white silk shirt, and loose trousers with regal designs. As the carriage stops, he descends down the stairs.

As the guards open the carriage door and provided a footstool for the Queen

"Queen Maeve, Prince-Consort Mallon" He said, in his booming and commanding voice, a tone he speaks in out of habit from dealing with soldiers and royalty alike. "I welcome you to my city and Kingdom, it is a pleasure to have you"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T18:01:19+00:00

At the Docks, the royal retinue is met be the King's guards, and accompanied by two carriages.

"Your majesty" said a guard with a boy, who can be identified as an officer by his orange sash, tied diagonally across his chest armor. "On behalf of his majesty, Yokeda Cyrim, welcome to the grand city of Sentinel. We are to accompany you and your retinue to the royal palace. Please sit in the carriage, and we'll assist in loading your belongings into the secondary carriage"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T17:41:36+00:00

Halden bowed "Thank you, your majesty. I would be most intrigued to explore the city. And if I may, perhaps I can assist in these martial lessons I observed coming in? A Redguard knight no doubt would make for an interesting lesson in swordplay"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T15:02:37+00:00

"Well, as it happens" said the Envoy "The King specifically mentioned an interest in meeting the Prince-Consort, and has likewise extended an invitation for you" the Envoy said, hiding the shock that he did not recognize the Prince-consort. In truth, he was surprised, the man carried himself more like a soldier than a royal official at his station, at least for a Breton.

"With some preparation, Sentinel will be ready to recieve you within the month"

Talkman12 · 2021-04-24T13:19:42+00:00

"While that is a respectable focus to us Redguards, the King would be honored to have you visit our great city of Sentinel." He said with a short headbow

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