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Post by PaganStars on Aug 10, 2017 11:01:11 GMT -6
Pagan
Listening to the various words being passed around, Pagan was intrigued by the words of the sage of the numbers they would be able to bring in to help, his ears perking up. His stomach twisted unpleasantly before he looked to Adonis, not as content to agree with their sultan. To Pagan, everything that Hawkeye and the sage that stood by his side said sounded like political bullshit; dancing around subjects that would be key, sentences that gave the promise of information but only if you stick your hoof out first, honestly things that Pagan himself heard from the old generation of Breim. Only this time the fate of his home rested on these words and not whether Pagan would be
allowed to borrow some old tomes or not.
As Nicodemus voiced his own opinion, Pagan cleared his thoughts and swivelled his head to glance at both Yeshua and then mullah, pursing his lips and nodding at the stallion's words. "I am inclined to agree with Nicodemus; you say you can offer thirty thousand soldiers but still require our aid to take back your own home? If your foe is small in number as you've said, then with those own numbers on your side it would seem an easy feat to run these cultists, terrorists, whatever they are, back to the hills and reclaim your home."
Pagan frowned deeply and looked to his brother Yeshua "In my opinion, there are simply too many variables to consider this a strong alliance, too many unknowns that will not be answered until after everything is said and done. Too many red flags" he finished, nodding at Nicodemus to remind them of what he had said.
Post 4 | Word count 284
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 11, 2017 19:30:33 GMT -6
Hawkeye The age of man is over
A darkness comes at dawn
These lessons that we've learned here
Have only just begun
"...And if they need our help so badly in their own country, what's to make us believe they have anything to give us? Can we really afford to march any Serorans into the unknown on the promise of some stranger? Because, Emperor, you are a stranger." The rather strange mule spoke finally, his words sharper than a knife as he stared down the emperor.
Hawke's eyes narrowed as he prepared to respond, only to be interrupted once again by the flashy pegasus.
"I am inclined to agree with Nicodemus; you say you can offer thirty thousand soldiers but still require our aid to take back your own home? If your foe is small in number as you've said, then with those own numbers on your side it would seem an easy feat to run these cultists, terrorists, whatever they are, back to the hills and reclaim your home.
In my opinion, there are simply too many variables to consider this a strong alliance, too many unknowns that will not be answered until after everything is said and done. Too many red flags"
Hawke's eyes narrowed as he turned to face the pair of rather outspoken Serorans. He was done allowing them to treat him and his herd as if they were on trial when both herds were in need of help. This conversation had only gone to prove that Serorans were all accusatory, prideful creatures, just like the goddess who had founded their herd so many years ago. "Yes. We are strangers to you, but you are also strangers to us. And last I checked, I didn't see anyone else lining up to offer you aid against the Aodhians." He snapped, taking a moment after to pause briefly and rein in his rising anger.
If you don't want to assist us, fine. We aren't here to force you to do anything. As I said, I have no problem seeking aid elsewhere if I have to. You are the most convenient allies for us at this time, but certainly not our last resort. I don't have time for these childish games though, and I certainly don't have time to waste on those who would insult and disrespect me. Agree to this alliance, and you have my word we will aid you. I will even leave my family with you until you are satisfied that we will keep our word if that is what it will takes, but I will not offer aid to an enemy of Aquore." He stomped his forehoof down as he finished his statement, ears flicking backwards as he glared at the two. He had been nothing but respectful to these Serorans, and they had the audacity to treat him like some sort of criminal. It was outrageous.
By now, the Emperor was about ready to start looking elsewhere for the aid he required. The rogues and their contacts could possibly be enough, if they hadn't been corrupted by the Flight yet.... Though they would take quite a bit of convincing and be harder to work with. Sirith was a possibility, albeit a long shot, but it could be worth a try. Even Eithne wasn't entirely off the table yet. Though Hawke loathed the idea of seeking their aid, especially with how much their relations had deteriorated in recent time... But at this point he would almost gladly take up arms against these Serorans in exchange for the assistance of the Aodhians, even if it was Lilith herself leading them.
Continuing to mull over his options, Hawke turned his gaze to the Sultan once more. What happened next would decide the fate of many, his own people included, though he knew none would suffer as much as the Serorans should they refuse.
Post #: 6
Word Count: 618
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Post by Dry-oasis on Aug 11, 2017 20:26:58 GMT -6
Osprey
Glares were barely held back from the Sultan as Nicodemus and Pagan spat out disrespectful comments and assumptions at the Emperor. He thought Yeshua's statement was bad enough and then these two opened their mouths... though he did have to agree with them deep down in his heart. The last deal he made with another herd was painful, though he knew it would be from the beginning and he tried to remain hopeful for this one, they desperately needed help.
But while normally, Osprey would encourage this sort of disagreement and discussion, this particular situation was not the right place nor time. His golden gaze fell upon Nico, his tone soft but serious, "Nicodemus, I think we've heard enough. Please escort yourself out." Those golden eyes then looked back towards the others, "Please think deeply before you speak. As the Emperor mentioned, we both need one another's help, and without the aid of another herd I fear we will not win the war. This family will be slain and the ones who aren't will be sent into slavery and likely tortured. I would like to see us have a fighting chance at this, because as it currently stands, we do not. We are one small herd against two larger ones. Plus it is the Sky Mother's way, work together to benefit the well being of the herd. In this case it also means our new friend, Emperor Hawkeye and his family." The pegasus held the eyes of his entourage for brief moments, his face tense but his heart desperately pleading. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2017 23:51:49 GMT -6
nicodemus lmao talk shit get hit The rush (and, maybe, panic?) of speaking his mind in this company had Nicodemus feeling heat from his scalp to the soles of his hooves. He tried not to flinch when Hawkeye looked his way, his one-eyed stare challenging. Nico didn't feel any satisfaction, seeing the Emperor struggle to stay composed, just a knot in his stomach. What was eating the Emperor? Offense at being disrespected? Fear of being discovered? Nico didn't fear the former, and suspected the latter. Even so, he offered no further statements when Hawkeye addressed him. Nicodemus was sure he'd made his point.
Hawkeye's words had practically sucked the air out of the room. When Osprey rustled and took a quiet breath to speak, Nico's gaze dropped instinctively. He couldn't bear to look at Adonis or Cardinal in the aftermath of his stand, but he regretted nothing. When Osprey dismissed him, he glanced at Nafisa one last time before turning his gaze to the door. His voice was level with his parting words: "We got in this mess by compromising. I'd be wary of repeating that."
He checked the chest strap of his saddlebags with a tug of his teke. Finding them secure, he turned away from the table with no further demonstration. It was unlike him not to give some respectful parting words, even from a contentious meeting, but he didn't trust his voice not to break. Biting his lip, his eye burning, Nico stepped back into the gusty sunlight.
He made it a half mile down the road before he started yelling.
word count: 259 called it fsjkdhfks |
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Post by Elphora on Aug 12, 2017 0:55:28 GMT -6
Cardinal it will try to change; it will clamor for clarity word count: 501 | reference | post 3 - hi nico bye nico
Osprey had always welcomed honest words in his council in the past; When the Serorans spoke, it was with the conviction of their very hearts, musing at a puzzle too large for one individual to work out alone. The very nature of their diplomacy meant that they followed the Sultan because they chose to - He had not been born into his role through bloodright, as the Talorian Emperor may have been. Unfortunately cultural standards differed wildly between these two people, something Cardinal became increasingly and alarmingly aware of as the negotiations continued. The sand folk who had been gathered began speaking their mind all at the once, a cacophony of concerns, mild accusations and reticent calculations. To the onlooking unicorn, it was as though two wounded parties were sniffing at one another, trying desperately to determine which had the greater and more grievous weakness - Which needed the other more. Nico's speech was undoubtedly the last straw in this standoff, for all at once the Emperor seemed truly affronted and the circling of words halted. Cardinal stared at the little mule with round red eyes. He did not know how it was he felt; Disappointed perhaps in knowing that the Mullah had overstepped himself? No - inspired! For who better than Nicodemus to truly speak his mind without fear or shame, when the Councillor had held his own tongue in favor of both. It was invigorating, in a way, even as guided by Osprey's instruction the mule escorted himself from the chamber. Plucking up his inner Nico, Cardinal took a deep breath. "Pride will not win our war," He said in a carefully mild tone, nodding respectfully to Sultan and Emperor both, "But perhaps honesty will aid us. It is not an honorable nature to fear the unknown - Though the Talorian royals were unknown to us once, they are no longer true strangers. The Emperor's children play with our own children by the banks of the Niurros River. They came to us as refugees seeking haven, and we come to them now as a people on the brink of war, seeking aid in a battle for which we are woefully outnumbered."It was an uncomfortable fact, but true regardless. Ignoring the situation would not magically resolve it, he knew. "We have made ill bedfellows in the past, and feel the losses of that endeavor keenly; This makes us less open, more likely to look for shadows in the light. But necessity, survival, must come first. We cannot serve our morals and do what is righteous if Sedo is overthrown, if our kingdom ceases to be, and our families fall to Aodhian rule."There was suspicion in his heart, as with many of the other Serorans, but beyond all Cardinal felt strongly that he would do anything for the people of Sedo, even if it meant taking a risk on unfamiliar allies. The unicorn exhaled deeply. "I will abide by the choice of the Sultan. May Alya and Cascade inspire us to act wisely." |
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Post by Kytte on Aug 12, 2017 17:54:10 GMT -6
For a time the negotiations seemed to be going well, with the Talorians only mildly annoyed. But as the conversations progressed it seemed more and more of her council mates were distrustful of the Hippocampus, and deep down they rightly should be. But now was not the time for blinkering their eyes with distrust – now it was time to see the bigger picture.
Embryss nodded as Osprey and Hawkeye spoke further, but the pleasantries were quickly cut when her herdmates Pagan and Nicodemus aired their discomforts. She knew that in some respect they were right, but now was not the time. “War-Forged and Aodh are coming and I for one do not want to Perish this day, not do I want my herd or family to die as well. Let us put our differences aside for the sake of the bigger picture.” She turned her gaze to Hawkeye and Rycaron and parted a smile “And that means those we harbour in our borders as well.”
She took a deep breath, were she a better Ambassador to War Forged this threat may never have happened. Today however, Alya had given her a chance. She nodded as Cardinal spoke and she was inclined to agree. Once the councillor had ceased speaking she dipped her head.
“I too agree with the Sultan on this matter.” She looked to the others and then her gaze shifted back to Hawke “May Cascade and Alya bless us this day, may their storm fill our hearts and make us steadfast for this war.” Embryss paused. “Osprey, Hawkeye, should this be a successful alliance, I have much I can tell you of the War-Forged threat, their weapons and tactics.”
E M B R Y S S Ambassador to War-Forged | Reference | WC 267 Post #3 |
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Post by silkeye on Aug 14, 2017 16:10:37 GMT -6
Nafisa curled her ears backwards when her companion Nico shot her a glance before he was excused, the only thing following his fading footsteps was a faint heat in her face and a sudden jolt in her heartbeat. Everyone had spoke their mind, all agreeing to this alliance but she questioned it. She felt a weakness in her rib cage and looked at Cardinal, his words reassured her that perhaps this alliance was all that could save their people from losing everything and perhaps, despite her distrust, this was the best option. Except that feeling was fleeting, she could not shake the feeling that this alliance would only end in tragedy. In an act uncharacteristic of herself, perhaps inspired by Nicodemus, she raised her head and looked at her Sultan "I do not mean to disrespect you my Sultan, but I cannot stand here and lie and say this Alliance will end with peace. Emperor, I hope the best for you and your people but I will not be an active participant in a truce that I do not believe in" she bowed her head and avoided any eye contact with the others, mostly due to the accumulating tears building in her eyes. The mullah backed out of the circle, speaking once more before she departed "I will pray for the well-being of both of our herds." Shortly after she trotted out of the room her legs shaking as she went searching for Nicodemus.
Post: 2
WC: 244
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Post by GingerBlues on Aug 15, 2017 20:50:54 GMT -6
Hawkeye The age of man is over
A darkness comes at dawn
These lessons that we've learned here
Have only just begun
Hawkeye nodded slightly, acknowledging the Sultan as he asked the outspoken mule to leave. At least some of these Serorans had a bit of sense… Listening intently as the pegasus continued, he found himself respecting the stallion a bit more. The emperor understood the hesitancy the Serorans had at trusting a stranger, as he was having issues with it himself... Even so, he knew he was asking them to risk less than they were asking of him, and there were those in the room who still looked at him like a criminal.
As Osprey finished speaking, more Serorans chimed in with opinions of their own. Some mirrored the Sultan’s, while others displayed more hesitancy at the situation, though they were still willing to comply… at least most of them were. A small mare from the other side of the room piped up for the first time, her voice shaky but undaunted.
"I do not mean to disrespect you my Sultan, but I cannot stand here and lie and say this Alliance will end with peace. Emperor, I hope the best for you and your people but I will not be an active participant in a truce that I do not believe in. I will pray for the well-being of both of our herds."
Hawke snorted as he watched the mare trot out of the room, following after the mule. He was offering thousands to help aid these desert dwellers against a greater threat than they had ever faced, and this mare had the audacity to assume that he and his people would not keep their word if the Serorans followed through in aiding the Talori reclaim their homeland. He was only asking for a few hundred to a thousand, in return for over 30 times that. He offered supplies, weapons, armor, everything he had to offer, and this is how he was treated. The Emperor bit his tongue, waiting for the Sultan to respond, though the frustration in his eyes was unmistakable. If they couldn’t come to a peaceful agreement, the Serorans would be facing war from all fronts, of that much Hawkeye was certain.
Post #: 7
Word Count: 367
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Post by Dry-oasis on Aug 15, 2017 20:55:01 GMT -6
Osprey and Hawkeye Osprey’s ears twitched when the soft spoken Nafisa spoke, he was somewhat shocked to hear her decision was against the alliance but the Sultan calmly thanked her before she stepped out on her own volition. The Sultan’s eyes were somewhat despondent when he returned his gaze to the Emperor, “She’s young but means well..”. His spirits were slowly draining with each disagreement, he even began to feel the same at one point. But turning down this alliance was not a smart decision, even if they didn’t fully understand the reasoning for the terrorist attack on the Talori. Cardinal and Embryss’ agreement and supportive words reassured his decision in his moment of doubt.
“Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of this alliance.” the pegasus said with confidence as he stood straighter. Hawke turned to face Osprey once more as the stallion spoke. “Indeed.” The emperor replied, his jaw tight. “I am offering you over 30,00 troops, along with supplies from all over Aquore, and any aid and support we can provide, in exchange for about a thousand Serorans to help me retake my homeland. All the necessary information will be provided to you and any you deem need to know for the safety of those entering Aquore.” He paused. “I know our people have not always seen eye to eye, and there has been much animosity between our nations in the past, but maybe with this alliance, we can start to move forward together.” He inclined his head slightly in respect as he continued. “As I said before, if it is a matter of trust, I will willingly leave some of my family here, in your care, until such a time as you feel we have proven our word. But for what it’s worth, I am offering you and your people far more than what I am asking for.”Osprey’s ears perked forward and listened intently as Hawkeye doled out the offer. With a soft smile the Sultan replied, “I look forward to the relations between our nations becoming stronger with this alliance. Maybe we could learn to understand one another in a way that is also beneficial to both of our nation’s growth besides just helping out with troops.” He paused a moment to think, “I think leaving some of your family here is a fine idea, while I do not condone splitting families, they will be safe here with us.. and it might help to ease some of the more suspicious members? I am grateful that you come to us and offered assistance in a time of need.” Hawke nodded in solemn agreement as the Sultan spoke. “Then we agreed.” The Emperor said, his words sure and strong as he spoke. This was what he had been hoping for. “When it is a good time, My Sage and I will be available to discuss anything you and your people need to know before entering our country. For now, let us end this meeting and celebrate this friendship between our two nations.”Osprey dipped his head in agreement, his smile was stronger and his body relaxed as he turned toward the door. “I think a celebration is a fine idea! Shall we call upon our families for a meal and dance?”The hippocampus found his own demeanor relaxing as Osprey spoke, though his mind still raced with thoughts of what was to come. “Indeed. Here's to many years of friendship to come. Though I must warn you, I’m not much of a dancer.” Hawke said, the barest hint of a smile flickering across his lips as he turned to follow the Sultan out of the room. As the Emperor followed Osprey out, the pegasus gently placed his amputated wing on the orange stallion’s shoulder in a good and friendly gesture. “Yes I agree to that. But oh come now! I’m sure you’d do fine. The kids are great dancers, I’m sure they’d love to show and teach you some of their moves.” he said with a soft chuckle as they made their way through the muted rainbow colored streets of Osulas.
((OOC: Hawke inwardly cringing as Osprey drapes his wing over his shoulder )) |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2017 21:38:10 GMT -6
congratulations! Your plot is complete! Stay tuned for a wrap-up journal!
20 AP and 20 CS to all participants!
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