|
|
Post by galekxy on Aug 3, 2019 19:33:00 GMT -6
D R A K O N
❅Serora | Warder❅ Drakon breathed a sigh of relief once he heard the pirates would be able to find any goods they might need. At the same time, he had to not think about how some of these materials might be acquired. He knew they might not always use the most... suitable methods, but that wasn't up to him. His Sultan wanted to work with them as allies, and they would just have to turn a blind eye now. "I'm glad to hear that our needs will be met."
The pegasus was interested in what Zhen had to say. The unicorn spoke of values, and he wondered if pirates could really value the same things. And when he mentioned possible military support, well, Drakon didn't really like that. What could they possibly offer military support for? He dearly hoped the Rogues weren't planning anything against Talori. And here they were, discussing with the Flight when Serora had just held some captive. This would not look good to their allies across the sea, but they didn't have much of a choice when a blockade stopped their supplies from coming in. As well, the people of Sedo had just gone through a war. Drakon didn't want to participate in another fight for a long time. "And what is it that you would want in exchange for these services you're offering? You say you want to obtain and provide goods as well," his gaze cut to Zhen, "but then you mentioned the possibility of military support. You must understand we just came out of combat. Our people would not be so quick to leap to their weapons so soon once again. I don't mean to be rash in saying that, but it is the truth." Drakon's eye's narrowed imperceptibly at Zhen, not appreciating the way that had been silently thrown into his words. "At this time, we don't wish to be involved in further conflict." The warder felt confident that he could speak for all when saying this, and that it wasn't overstepping any boundaries towards his Sultan.
|
|
|
|
Post by notfromthisgalaxy on Aug 3, 2019 19:58:51 GMT -6
Hecate Port Commander | Vagabond
"Bitter are the wars between brothers."
A small flicker of a gaze, her attention landing on Hurricane. He had chosen to give up his name? She found that to be respectable--very respectable, indeed.
She listens intently to the rogues, a small swivel of an ear indicating her attention. Perhaps she might have worried things differently, but she supposed the rouges, well, had that certain roguish charm about them that was easy enough to buy in to.
Her attention momentarily breaks to face Zhen. Sneaky little fellow, wasn't he?
Gaze shifting once again, a quite adjustment of wings, Hecate finds herself looking at the Pegasus with golden wings. A soft hum, she nods along with his words. It was a respectable request, she supposed. But how long could someone go without conflict? She wasn't hundred percent sure.
She knew the Flight was more than capable enough to defend themselves. They've done it before. But how long would they last against another with the current size they were at? Aodh or the Forged could perhaps squish them easily enough if things were to turn that way. Sedo had barely lasted against them, or at least that was what she understood about the whole situation.
Perhaps together they could fair a whole lot better than they could alone.
"I understand--and I'm sure my companions do as well--that your people have just finished with combat--it's a terrible thing to suffer from, really" She speaks, not daring to yet break eye contact with the group of desert dwellers before her. "We wish for military support, as everyone should. But also know we give the same to you if needed. Battle is always an ever present thing, no matter how peaceful you want to be.
You can't escape it--no matter how much you might wish for it. Even if you do not want to go into battle--or war--anytime soon, it would be beneficial to have someone in your corner."
Craning her neck a little, she shifts so she's standing a little straighter. "Think about life a few years from now. I know you are not ready to jump up to arms again--at least not yet--but what happens when it is needed again? And if it does--" she opts to leave out the fact that she is more than sure battle might raise it's ugly head one day--against who, she isn't certain "--as Hurricane said, we have the ability to aid--to provide healing."
Deciding that has been enough from her for now, she nods her head, a signal she is done for now.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Aug 3, 2019 22:28:14 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
Jibriel had heard of the wide range the Rogues could reach, what with their fleets of ships and more… Independent nature. His understanding had always been that the crews, numerous and different from one another, had their own friends and enemies, allowing them to sail all seas. Perhaps now that would change, now that they had been brought under a single banner, but of course there was strength in connections, new and old.
And the connections they boasted now were impressive. Serora had long trader with Umare Breim, but Jibriel had no hoof on the pulse of that relationship. Onea was a distant land, something he hoped to rectify, and Aodh…
Well, they all had plenty of opinions about Aodh, did they not?
“While any nation would rather have an ally, there is value in neutrality”, Jibriel said to Zhen’s words: “To me, the promise that you will not attack us is enough. That if a conflict between your trade partners comes, you shall remain out of it.”
“And these are, indeed, lofty values. We, too, believe in them”, Jibriel went on: “But Drakon is right. We have just come out of a war. We have heavy losses – in people and in material goods – still to mend. You speak only of your great friends all across the seas, but you ask for military. You understand how this must sound.”
Jibriel looked at the party without judgement. He had a good guess as to what they were up to, what they wanted to achieve. They had sealed the Talori in, after all, a weakening blow. A blow before going for the throat, perhaps?
“Medicines and help in wartime are of course appreciated, but I am done forcing my people to fight wars they do not want”, Jibriel stated, stern and unshakeable. His people, his soul. Things would be different now.
“But I could allow you to set up an outpost here in Cajon. If someone wishes to join your cause, Seroran or Vagabond, I would not hold it against them. We are a free people, after all”, he said, before clarifying: “Provided you obey our laws and respect the citizens while you are here, of course. As friends do.”
Word count: 368
Post #5
|
|
|
|
Post by Rhaenera on Aug 6, 2019 20:44:15 GMT -6
 Isleen;Serora Windracer
One day you'll leave this world behind, So live a life you will remember.The promise of precious resources was more than a reason to accept the alliance. Even if they had the option to turn away, Serora was desperate for the materials to rebuild and feed their people.
But that was exactly it. No matter what came of these discussions, the Rouges had forced their hooves. If they refused, they had no resources to retaliate when their ships continued to turn them away. If they accepted, their brittle alliance with the Talori severed.
Isleen forced herself not to fidget, placidly scanning the party. The visitors hadn't done anything on their sands to warrant skeptics, but she couldn't shake how calculated their words felt. Each question and counter made her anxious, the soft-spoken promises that felt like they were crawling under her skin.
And now they talked about Aid through Military Serora didn't have to give.
Perhaps it was because she was new to this, but Isleen failed to understand how dividing what little military they had left would make it any easier for the allies to protect them. How it would ensure neutrality should Aodh march on Serora again.
It was a relief when Drakon and their Sultan openly agreed with her inner thoughts. That she may not be the only one that felt there was more than what met the eye.
"Forgive me.." She voiced almost troubled, looking to The Flight that accompanied the Rouges. "But it is no secret the Talori and the Flight are in opposition. For quite a long time at that."
She paused, weighing what she would say next. Her mouth felt dry and the shade felt hot on her back. "You are aware we stood with them, against those Transgressions?"
The Flight had murdered several of the Talori and Seroran forces, sank a blade into their Emporers heart, Serora had seen it all and yet still welcomed the captured into their sands to begin anew, saving them from death at sea. And then they escaped.
"You must understand how this will look to the Talori. They don't know our intention, nor Yours."She said pointedly, but not accusatory. The loss of an already unreliable alliance in replacement for this wasn't the problem. They'd sent their own people to Talori to ensure the Talori kept their side of the Treaty. If they were the ones to double-cross would it be their people next thrown into the sea. "They could consider this an act of Hostility."
WC: 328 | Post #4 |
|
|
|
Post by Moose-On-Ice on Aug 7, 2019 22:09:53 GMT -6
// Z H E N \\
"Chaos is more freedom; in fact, total freedom."
Ah. Perhaps that had been a bit much... Yes, he was aware. He had no intentions of asking them to fight the war for them. Listening to each in turn, Zhen took a small breath. Hecate had good points...
The Sultan's reply was... Disappointing was the best way he could describe it, but it was something. Not quite close friends, but allies regardless. It would need to suffice, and hopefully it was enough for the Rogues and Flight to gain supplies and bodies... There was something else he could bring up... "Perhaps, as a token of goodwill, you would be interested in exchanging ambassadors? Or at the very least, taking one of each our own, as an ambassador to your herd?" He gestured to the Flight and Rogues respectively.
He paused, "A trading outpost, where willing equines could join a captain's crew or travel to meet with the flight if they so wish is an excellent idea, it was one of the things on our minds. Perhaps that could be where our potential ambassadors could be stationed." He dipped his head in respect. It was something. Not the best, but it was something. Ears twitching, his cool gaze turned to the windracer, narrowing ever so slightly as she continued speaking. Hm. He'd heard rumors through his informants, and the Flight likely knew more than the Rogues.
"While your concerns are noted, and valid," He started, "the Mainland is quite biased towards us, considering us to be nothing more than mangy street dogs they have collared and can use to their own gain, and the Flight to be monsters on wings. Both are incorrect. They would consider anything we do of our own will to be an act of hostility, especially now, when we only want freedom to be our own people." He simply replied. "For the time being, we only want supplies for our people, and loose friendships. For the Flight, for the Rogues, and to gain these supplies and allies through trading and speaking with your people. What we do with these supplies is a matter for the future, and will not involve you."
Again he paused, looking back to the Sultan. "And it is a matter that we will not personally involve you in, as you asked." This was a part that he had to hold back a sneer about. Yes, they had come from a war, but they'd been suffering injustices, and Talori couldn't do anything to help them facing Aodh, based on the rumors and word of mouth he'd heard about the wars. The rogues could. The flight could. They were the ones passing up an opportunity.
But supplies, an outpost, their first major foothold as an independent nation... It would have to do. Perhaps sooner or later they could speak again, and after perhaps, if some misfortune was to befall Serora, and they needed aid that the Talorians could not offer due to a lack of supplies and such... It was merely a thought for now, a thought for the future.
~ ~ ~
Word Count: 506 | Post 4
|
|
|
|
Post by Prismaticlysm on Aug 8, 2019 10:34:34 GMT -6
Hurricane | Flight Striker  The golden pegasus spoke truths Hurricane understood. Truths that Hecate understood as well. He looked to the Port Commander, his eyes watching her gently as she spoke. He didn’t particularly like war himself, but at the same time, he relished in the pain that he himself inflicted upon the Talori for the crimes they had committed. An eye for an eye, yet he knew that others wouldn’t agree to that notion, especially to the peaceful Serorans. They had been bullied enough by the Aodhians, and he hoped that Hecate’s words were more soothing to the group. He knew he would be first in line to battle against the Aodhians and the Talori if it came down to it. He would easily stand by Serora’s side. If the time came. When the time came. He nodded in time with Hecate’s to show that he definitely agree with what she had stated.
He listened to Jibriel speak and, to his satisfaction, he suggested an outpost to recruit. It was a start, and in Hurricane’s opinion, it was a damn good one. He would rather follow the rules and get potential help against the Talori than have no option to do so at all, behind the Serorans backs. That wouldn’t really do considering the circumstances, but he knew they would if the option wasn’t offered. But alas it was. It was a hoof in the door. A door to total victory.
Isleen was sharp and knowledgeable, he appreciated it. He knew that the fact of his people, what they had done in retaliation, wouldn’t skid by in this conversation, though he wished it had.
There was plenty he could say, wanted to say even. To drill into their heads what he had seen when he was just eighteen years old. The very reasons why he was considered a terrorist and why he didn’t and wouldn’t disagree with the allegations against him and his people. But he knew that it wouldn’t probably help them feel any better about going back against the Talori. He knew Serora was present, they had seen things, maybe some of them would even recognize him as being one of the perpetrators to some of those horrors.
He decides not to speak. It would only solidify their worries about the animosity between Talori and Flight, and he would not be the one to make those matters, those fears, worse.
His eyes turn to the dark unicorn, Zhen. His suggestion made Hurricanes heart start to cartwheel. Was he honestly suggesting they switch then and now? Hecate had to go back to her duties, which would leave him. He was fine with all these negotiation type deals, but he would be lying if he didn’t feel insecure that faces might recognize him, clean or covered in the blood of his enemies. He said nothing, hoping that his worries were unfounded.
But the conversation switched back to the outpost, and Hurricane allowed himself to relax for a moment. Zhen was a natural-born leader, and he appreciated the unicorn stepping up to take the lead. He wasn’t wrong. Wanting to be free was never wrong, the Serorans surely understood that want after everything they had gone through with the slave-happy Aodhians.
When Zhen had done speaking, he spoke himself in the softest voice he could manage with his innate gruffness, “We will never force you or your people to do anything they are not willing to do themselves. It would be entirely up to them, as you suggested with the outpost. Your land and people, your rules and laws. And we will follow them.” He dipped his head respectfully. He would respect that request. Those who had joined the Flight did so because they wanted to, and he was sure the same could be said about the Rogues.
634 WordsPost #5 |
|
|
|
Post by galekxy on Aug 8, 2019 15:57:28 GMT -6
D R A K O N
❅Serora | Warder❅ He wasn't too sure if he liked these Rogue and Flight members. He knew he had to act as if he did, but their talk about war was not his cup of tea. If they must participate in more battle in three years, then he would think of that then. But for now, the pegasus was content to live without the fear of combat.
Jibriel and Isleen both agreed with his words. He continued to be glad they stood on a united front. Of course they had tried to come prepared, but there were only so many possibilities of what offers might arise that they had thought of. Jibriel then offered for them to set up a base of operations in Sedo. That made Drakon slightly uncomfortable. He worried for their people who might join this cause out of good faith, and then have their lives taken. It was of course one's own choice, but Drakon hoped that others might be more skeptical now.
This conversation seemed to be moving in the right direction, at least. Isleen had good words as well, and he appreciated her insight. She was bringing up a lot of good questions and concerns.
But it was Zhen's words that made his heart seem to skip a beat. Ambassadors? The thought immediately came to his mind of him doing more for his herd. Going to the Flight and being a benefit. But no- he couldn't think like that. He shook out his head, but the looked to Jibriel anyways, a question in his eyes.
Drakon did not reply to Zhen's and Hurricane's words other than a nod of acknowledgement, finding their suggestions and thoughts to be well enough right now. He still waited on Jibriel.
|
|
|
|
Post by leaftail on Aug 10, 2019 12:50:33 GMT -6
Miles | Pirate
As the conversation continued, Miles noticed Samael was letting Zhen take the lead with the talks. He figured his captain was sitting back and waiting to see what the unicorn and the Flight members would bring to the table followed by the Seroran’s own demands. So far, everyone seemed to want the same things and the talks were going easier than expected. Probably as easy when the Flight first approached the rogues those months ago. The sand horses wanted supplies, the rogues could supply that for them. The rogues and Flight wanted an ally against the mainland, the Serorans were...wary. They didn’t want to get dragged into another war, especially one that was once aligned to them. It was understandable. The Sultan put an offer on the table for an outpost to be created, which was a good sign. The only rule was to obey the laws and respect the citizens that called the desert land home, easy enough as long as they didn’t start any confrontations. His gaze moved to Isleen as she brought up a past incident. As predicted, Zhen came in to do damage control. It seemed it was something the unicorn was an expert at. Miles continued to keep quiet and listen as Zhen first suggested the trade of ambassadors between them. His mind stopped focusing on the conversation as he started to think what that could mean for the rogues. Collateral damage in case things went sour was the first thing that came to mind. But...there was promise in leaving someone here. They could stay and learn of potential income opportunities. Who knew what treasures the Serorans had to offer the other herds? He would wait until after the conversation ended to bring it up to his captain. He didn’t want his intention to come across as negative to the talks and ruin this for Samael and the others.
Post: 4 | Word Count: 316 |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Aug 11, 2019 5:40:13 GMT -6
JIBRIEL
”The Talori are not here, Isleen, nor will they be while the blockade stands”, he said, his voice unreadable: “And we do need the trade. As far as I see, our options are to trade with our new friends here or go to war with them – or be without trade from Aquore altogether. If the Talori do come, we will trade with them as well, as we have agreed. Both of us have filled our ends of the bargain.”
It was not the most fortuitus situation. They could not trade with their allies in Talori, not without trying to forcibly break through the blockade, which would mean war with the Flight and the Rogues.
There was also the matter of their treaty with Aodh. He did not wish to voice it, as it would lose them any advantage in the discussion, but if the suspicions of Isleen regarding friendship between Rogues and Aodh being inevitable to be revitalized were true, well…
He remembered well the terms of the treaty. And they could not join a war against Aodh.
“An exchange of ambassadors is of interest to us, yes. One each from your factions, and one Peacemaker from Sedo to come live with you”, Jibriel smiled now, looking more open and relaxed. Such had always been the way between nations, and having an exchange of ambassadors was always a sign of potential for true trust and peace.
“I do not have any at the ready, as you probably understand, but happily the sea journey between our homes is not the longest. Once your representatives are ready, they shall join me in Osulas with ambassadors of other nations”, he said calmly, and then regarded the Rogues and Flight again. They were different from any other nation or force he had ever dealt with. Rougher, somehow. There was a wildness in them that brought back memories.
“If it is as we suspect, and you plan to go after Talori again, I do have one demand, in the name of friendship”, Jibriel said evenly: “Our remaining people in Talori are not to be intentionally harmed. This includes Faris, the spouse of the Empress. He is one of us.”
In hindsight, he questioned the wisdom of having made such a marriage deal. What had it really provided either of the nations in the end? Talori and Serora had a good alliance, but Talori had made many enemies, and Serora had already come to their military aid once – the deal being that for this, they would receive aid of their own. Nothing further had been discussed between them, not beyond trade.
“Unless my friends here disagree, these are our terms: Ambassadors, trade and safety for our citizens in Aquore, to the extent where it is realistic for you to provide. In return, we offer trade, an outpost, ambassadors of our own. Our relationship is that of friendly neutrality – we exchange no vows of exclusivity or promises of warriors”, Jibriel said, outlining the earlier discussions, and looking from Drakon to Isleen for final disagreements.
As far as he was concerned, this was as good as it would get. They would get what they needed, and they wouldn’t have to tie themselves to another war, nor betray Talori, should they come through the blockade.
And if the chips fell on the side of these new factions, they would still have friends in Aquore.
Word count: 565
Post #6
|
|
|
|
Post by Prismaticlysm on Aug 13, 2019 10:42:59 GMT -6
The gold-winged pegasus, Drakon, hadn't said anything after Zhen and Hurricane himself had spoken, but the stallion didn't pay it much mind since at the very least he had nodded his head in acknowledgement. Perhaps he was considering what they were saying. That was the purpose of the meeting, after all, and one did not have to speak all the time unless they had something else they wished to add.
The other pirates had ended up staying silent as well, which was probably a good thing because likely the most important member of the Seroran's was speaking next.
Small ears flicked as Jibriel spoke to Isleen, assuaging her fears in a way that Hurricane couldn't quite put his hoof on. It was true to say, but he couldn't read if Jibriel had any hidden motives within his speech. The second part made Hurricane slightly uneasy. Truth be told, he had no intention of warring with the sand horses. As far as he knew, they didn't even deserve the war they had endured from Aodh. But either way, even if it was a empty threat, it worked in their favor, and it ensured the Talori would starve eventually, even if they somehow got through to trade with the Seroran’s themselves. He would much rather stand on Serora’s side against the Talori if it came down to it.
But then he relaxed again. His main worry, the trading of ambassadors, would not be held today. That was a huge relief. He signed up with the Flight to suppress the Talori physically and with extreme force, not verbally.
Hurricane raised his head when he heard the request of Jibriel in regards to the Serorans residing in the Talori herd. He considered looking to Hecate to see what she would say about that, but he already found words spilling from his tongue.
“As a Striker of the Flight, I can assure you that we will not put your citizens in harm's way if we can help it.” He had no quarrel with Faris, though he doubted the stallions intelligence for even being associated with the Empress. “Especially Faris. I will tell them myself.” He kept his voice even. “We have no quarrel with you and your people and I, frankly, would like to keep it that way.” Once again, the small stallion dipped his head in respect to the Seroran’s standing before him.
He hoped he said the right thing, it was rushing from his mouth quicker than he realized. But it was still a genuine reply. Even if he was blood crazy in the heat of the moment, he would hate to injure or kill innocent Seroran’s, so he would have to be careful.
Wordcount: 451 /// Post #6
|
|
|
|
Post by GingerBlues on Aug 14, 2019 12:10:35 GMT -6
Samael
Rogue Alliance l Captain
"Any damn fool can navigate the world sober.
It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk."
References l Playlist l Moodboard
Sam listened intently as the flight, Zhen, and the Serorans discussed back and forth about terms of alliances and the like. His silence wasn't due to any kind of disinterest on his part, on the contrary, the captain was incredibly invested in what was happening here. He just didn't feel as if he had anything important to add at the moment. His crew and trade were about all that mattered to him and he couldn't care less about the various wars happening around him. The conversation seemed to be coming to a natural end, and Sam flicked his ears towards the Sultan as the massive equine spoke once more, outlining his demands and agreements for an alliance. An ambassador exchange, trade, a sense of neutrality, and the promise that the Empress's husband and other Serorans would remain unharmed. Easy enough. "Neutrality is something I can certainly get behind. I've never been one for war myself. I just go where the money is." Samael replied honestly. "And trade is a service my crew and I will happily engage in. Your terms seem agreeable enough to me..." He trailed off, turning his attention to his crewmates. "Though if any of you have any objections, speak now." He added with a firm nod of encouragement. The last thing he needed was dissenting opinions among a crew that was afraid to say as much before they got too far involved. Not that Sam thought there would be any objections, but giving his crew a chance to voice their opinions openly and freely was important to the captain.
Word Count: 263
Post # 5
|
|
savorda
Dwarf Star
avatar by posy-punch
Posts: 61
|
Post by savorda on Aug 15, 2019 2:57:56 GMT -6
| J A I N A N O T Y E T C O R P S E S S T I L L , W E R O T |
Jaina is only ever overly confident and pompous or quiet and hesitant. There is no in between. Much to her dismay, an unsurprising lack of sleep and complete incompetence in negotiations left Jaina all but silent. She’s always been terrible with her words. Even as a kid creating all sorts of chaos on the Isles, she always dragged whatever poor soul agreed to play with her that day around on all of her shenanigans, never ever explaining them beforehand. And the one time se did try to explain her plan, the poor kid misunderstood her and ended up losing an ear. He never did talk to her again after that… Jaina did her best to cover her laugh with a cough. Maybe not the best time to wander off.
They were talking about ambassadors now. The thought of living in this pile of dirt left a bad taste in her mouth. She only ever felt comfortable out on the open water, always on the move, always running… She could see her own relief mirrored in Hurricane when it was clarified the ambassadors would be chosen and sent over later. It seemed ridiculous, but she couldn’t stop the thought from crossing her mind.
While Jaina knew damn well she wasn’t paying attention for a good portion of the dealings, she couldn’t help but feel like the Serorans agreeing to neutrality felt odd. Perhaps it was her rather confrontational personality that put her off their decision. It’d have to do for now. What choice did any of them have, really?
Jaina straightened up when she heard Samael speak again. "Though if any of you have any objections, speak now." Jaina thought of the kid with the missing ear all of those years ago. No, she had nothing to say.
297 words | post 2 |
|
|
|
Post by Rhaenera on Aug 17, 2019 20:53:29 GMT -6
Isleen;Serora Windracer
One day you'll leave this world behind, So live a life you will remember. Isleen wasn't sure how she felt about this alliance and the people behind it. Not that these two factions had shown any reason to be untrustworthy. They agreed and reassured their every concerned, but so did the Talori; that experience was where most of her concerns sprouted.
Regardless, it still came back to how desperate they really were for supplies from Aquore should they be from Talori or new-found friends. She didn't want a little uncertanity to be the reason their herd went without. At the least, these horses seemed a lot more willing to help in negotiations than the Talori did, far less dismissive and seeking their own gain. And As Jiberal had clarified, declining this proposal was promising deprivation all together, anyway.
As their Sultan reassured her concerns about the Talori, Isleen set her attention the next. Ambassadors. A Peacemaker to Travel with their new allies, it was what she'd spent her entire life training for— dreaming of. She knew she couldn't volunteer now, but she would when the time called for it. Hope everything she had learned and done would be enough.
Their Sultan requesting the safety of their people was enough to settle her concerns. It put what they'd all been suspecting since the arrival out in the open and while they couldn't really do anything if their people would happen to be Harmed, it made any future attacks a little more aware. She knew their people were an honorable one, and they'd protect the Talorians in an attack, but they had done with they could.
With her mind eased she Nodded to the final terms of this negotiation, a friendly smile on her lips. She had no objections, things were hopefully going to look up for them.
WC: 292 | Post #5 |
|
|
|
Post by ThatDenver on Aug 18, 2019 1:44:24 GMT -6
|
|
