Empires of Ashes

"You can't just walk into the royal palace"

"And there I was assuming you'd arranged a meeting while we were en route. Your forethought is disappointing."

"And who says I haven't done?"

"Then now what?"

*As if on cue the guards part, gesturing for the pair to enter*

"Well, that was a pointless delay." *follows*

*Her bodyguards are blocked as she enters*

they place their hands on their weapons as she turns
"What's the meaning of this?"

"Standard procedure. You are the one who had an audience with the King. Not them"

"They are charged with protecting my life. How are they supposed to do that from out here?"

"Killing a guest is considered unethical. Especially is said guest is an ambassador of her people"

"...hm. Very well. Besides, if I need them I doubt your guards can stop them. Lead the way."

"Wishful thinking. Anyway, your audience awaits"

she gives him a bit of a grin before heading on in

*After a little walk she enters a large highly ornate throne room, with presumably the King standing infront of his throne*

*semi jokingly* "Good morrow fine sir!"

"Good afternoon, Princess."

"Might I ask your name, your highness I presume?"

"Rhodri, King Rhodri of Cymrai And you?"

"Princess Apolonia, Lord high admiral of the wislani navy and daughter of king Sobieski."

"A pleasure, and a position not too different from my eldest."

"An interesting coincidence. Anyway, I bring a message from my father. You may have heard of him, he personally killed the shogun and shattered the voldamian army a few days ago."

"Yes, I've heard"

Apolonia: I'll be blunt. My father has decreed that your nation is mostly exempt from the crimes that plague your neighbors. So he offers the chance for a sort of...alliance. If you allow us to land troops in your lands, and do not fight us, we will not decimate you like we will the others.

Namiko meanwhile wakes up in her tent. they're in a cymrai camp en route to meeting with her brother.

"What are these crimes?"

--

*Mordred is reading next to her*

"The death of entire nations, and the unjust destruction of entire cultures. Justice has been a long time coming on this one."

Namiko: *groans* Morning

"Cymria was formed through multiple tribes and cultures uniting behind a common goal"

"And this is relevant to what I just said how?"

"Death of entire nations, destruction of culture. We have done neither. So ee are innocent of the crimes committed"

"I know. That's why you're the only nation getting an offer of non conflict"

"Right. Unfortunately my son is married to the sole Voldamian princess"

"And you would stake the fate of your nation and people on that? their lives, their homes?"

"I don't know the customs of your homeland, but to break an alliance bound by blood is the greatest of dishonours. Through these alliances, this island has seen the first true peace in millenia. So my answer is yes, I will stake everything on this alliance. If it leads to war then so be it. We will not kneel, we will not stand aside as you sweep over Voldamia. When next you return, you will find an impenetrable fortress. And you will break upon its walls like all nations do."

she just smiles and calmly approaches him. she offers her hand to him.

*he takes it, his grip firm as he shakes it*

*shakes*
"Your commitment is admirable. Congratulations your grace. We're at war."

"Not until your father knows, you will be escorted safely back to your fleet. Until then I guarantee that my men shall not harm you. I trust that you will respect this by refraining from hostilities until both sides are safely together. And by that I mean don't massacre my men the moment you're safely aboard your vessel"

"of course. Violence outside of battle is wasteful and unnecessary."

"Smart woman. It is unfortunate that I am bound by an alliance. You'd get along well with my eldest"

she grins
"I'm sure we'll meet at sea."

"I'm you both will. Safe travels to you"

"Farewell, your grace."

*He nods and she is escorted out*

*before she goes* "By the way, what's your son's name?"

"Mordred."

"Mordred...I'll look out for him"

"I'm sure you will"

she gives him a slight smile as she leaves

*He raises an eyebrow*

*she hath gone*

*She is escorted back to the dock*