Open Chronicles Rules of the Game

[Elise Virak]

Yrai - The Savannah

Elise sat in a ostentatiously large carriage slowly winding down one of the only roads leading to the Plains City of Yrai.

Opposite her sat another of her fellow dignitaries, and there were several more carriages in the small convoy along with a dozen Dreadlords and over three hundred Anirian Guardsmen. A small army surrounded them, and Elise couldn't help but feel a slight bit of amusement.

The precaution was warranted of course. Inside of this convoy were some of the most powerful people in all of Vel Anir, heads and heirs to Houses that many people would have liked to see dead. Yet that very fact was why they were going in the first place. After the Capitulation of Coraliv and the recapture of Vel Senn, the Ruling Alliance of Houses had decreed that the next step would be one of Diplomacy instead of war.

Yrai was one of the few large cities in the Aberressai Savannah. A massive thing built into natural limestone cliffs, nearly as expansive as Vel Anir and a center for trade out here in the middle of nowhere.

Vel Anir wanted it within it's sphere of influence, and this time instead of sending an army, they were sending dignitaries.

For House Virak this prospect was utterly ridiculous of course. Why hold peacetalks with savages when one could just conquer them? Her father's words had been harsh, and that was why he had chosen not to attend this trip. The old man would never see past the end of a spear, and that was why Elise was here.

If the patriarch of House Virak did not want to secure a piece of Yrai, then Elise would.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

Trade, money, and diplomacy. If House Urahil had a motto that would perhaps be it. Bradford sat in his own ornate carriage, his feet on the seat opposite his and his head servant beside him. The man came everywhere with Bradford, quite literally owing his life to his employer. Of course that was a story for another day.

Bradford sighed, the ledger on his lap becoming increasingly uncomfortable as he used a pencil to tally up some expenses. The end of the day final figures was something he always did himself, he knew from personal experience that trusting someone else with the entirety of your finances was not a good decision. He'd used that against some of his less useful clients in the past. He resumed his tallying, mouthing some numbers as he wrote. He quite frankly hated travelling, though it was a needed thing in events like this. Acting as both the Treasurer of the Realm and as the head of House Urahil, Bradford was coming into this newly conquered realm with a significant chunk of responsibility. If the Kingdom or King was to formally buy anything, it was Bradford who would buy it. Of course when House Urahil shopped in the name of the King, it was really just shopping in its own name.

He leaned and looked out the window, nodding to himself and leaning back to his seat. They were nearing the city, and he was going to secure himself a piece of it.

 

[Colette]

Security detail for the nobility of Vel Anir. Days ago the blonde haired girl would’ve never dreamed she’d be breathing the same air as the noble families. Now she was charged with protecting them from savages. It was the most exciting thing she’d been allowed to do since joining the Anirian Guard.

The nobility were practically celebrities for the middle class neighborhood Colette was raised in.

Apparently, there was an actual city in the wilds of the Savannah. Her commanding officer informed the squadron that the city was called Yrai and that due to it being built into the cliffs themselves they’d need archers to pay close attention. Elevated terrain like this meant that an assassination attempt was likely to be ranged and from above.

Colette’s little group consisted of herself and three crossbowmen. They walked at a brisk pace so that they maintained an adequate lead in front of the carriage behind them. Essentially they were a buffer, expendable commoners to buy time for the carriage to reverse and retreat if needed.

“Don’t make good military sense if you ask me,” one of the grunts said.

”Hm?” was Colette’s only reply.

“You got, how many cavalry and foot soldiers? But they gonna let three of us with crossbows and a rookie with a short bow lead this noble’s carriage? Don’t make no kind of good sense,” his voice was nervous with anticipation.

”What are cavalry and foot soldiers going to do if someone starts throwing rocks or firing arrows from the cliff side?” she quipped back in annoyance.

 

[Elise Virak]

The city of Yrai drew closer and closer to the point that Elise could actually see it from the window of her carriage.

It was a marvelous thing, something that even she could admit. Carved from the limestone and set into the cliffside, Yrai seemed to be a city made to stand against oncoming armies. There were no walls, but anyone seeking to conquer the place would have to climb dozens of narrow steps and winding corridors carved through rock.

A fact that the Anirians were about to experience.

Before two small cliffside gates stood a delegation of men and women flanked by soldiers. They waited patiently, Elise disembarking from her carriage at the same time as some of the others.

She peered around for a few moments, then motioned to one of the soldiers that had been guiding her carriage. "You."

Her finger pointed to Colette. The girls' face as innocent as a field mouse, a nice contrast for her own.

"Come with me." She told the Guardswoman with a smile, motioning for the hard faced Dreadlord that attended her to stay back as she approached the delegation of Yrai Nobles.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

Bradford exited his carriage, handing off his ledger to his servant who tucked it in a satchel, trailing behind his Lord. The Treasurer of the Realm walked towards Elise, smiling. "My, my, this city is quite wonderful. " He mumbled to her as he approached the delegates, purposely matching his stride to Elise's so he could stay right beside her. It was to show the delegates he was not her subordinate, nor was he her better. It sent a subtle message that they'd be dealing with a two beasts. The snake and the tigress.

He spoke first to the delegates, a pleasant smile on his face. "Hello friends! How are you all? I trust you are well. A wonderfully city you have here." He needed to be overly polite, which was an obvious diplomatic farce, but showed a true desire to diplomatically court them. He gestured at Elise. "This is Lady Elise Virak, of House Virak, representing her father's interests here." Make Elise seem like nothing but a brat given power. Check. He gestured at himself "And I am Bradford Urahil, head of House Urahil and Treasurer of the Realm. I am here on behalf of the King of Vel Anir." Make himself seem like the true representative of Vel Anir and the more powerful of the duo. Check.

He flashed a toothy grin. "I hope we may come to a peaceful settlement here,we have no desire to war with you."

 

[Notarius]

From a rocky landing just beneath the crest of the cliff Sun King Sauriv watched. A month ago Sauriv had stood in the exact same place. Each day he'd watch the sky and take note of the birds. He observed how they flew. He listened to their songs. He took note of which birds were present.. There were signs in everything.

News rides on southern winds. Insects with sharp pincers. A foolish choice will end an age of abundance.

The king's scouts had returned two days ago with news of foreigners crossing the Sea of Grass. There were many spears and wagons, they reported. His warriors offered to lead ambushes from the tall-grass. They would coat their arrowheads and spears in datura, a poisonous weed native to the savannah. They pledged to expel these strangers in his name. They pledged their lives. But unlike other times, the Sun King would not permit. This was not received well within his hall, and a few members even questioned his judgement- however, the king remained firm in his decision.

It wasn't long before the specks on the horizon amassed on the fringe of Yrai. News rides on southern winds. Banners of various colors that were tied to their spears whipped in the wind. Insects with sharp pincers. Their carriages and armor gleamed in the high sun. A foolish choice will end an age of abundance.

Otho, Sauriv's youngest son, awaited the newcomers with several dignitaries and a handful of warriors. The dignitaries wore earthy-colored vestments that matched the landscape surrounding Yrai. Otho was dressed in similar attire but also wore a circlet of bronze to signify a man of his rank.

Sauriv watched Otho and his dignitaries as they escorted their guests up to the landing. As the emissaries became more than mere specks he turned and entered the doors of his high hall. His mind began to work. Their skin was fairer compared to the dark-copper complexion of his people. They dressed in fine fabrics while his people preferred modest tones... And they came with an army.

Earlier that morning two dozen cattle were herded to the sacred tableland above Yrai. The king hoped this sacrifice would appease the spirits, protect his city, and grant him a clear mind. Today he would need it.

 

[Colette]

A full stop was being ordered as the procession came nearer to the cliffs of Yrai. Just ahead Colette could see the gates of the city and a delegation of bronze-toned individuals. She assumed they were the “nobility” of Yrai but the Anirian Guard wore finer garments than these wild folk.

Her mission briefing had been clear, eyes open and head clear. Thus she tried to ignore the strange clothes they fashioned themselves in. Instead, she scanned the various steppes of limestone and shale in an attempt to stay one step ahead of any would be assassins. Colette was so engrossed in her diligence that the guardswoman barely heard the sound of a carriage door veering open behind her.

A feminine voice stated a firm and simple word. ‘You.’ The nudging of one of the other archers and the pointed finger of Elise Virak herself alerted Colette that she was being addressed. Directly. Surely there wasn’t anything she’d done wrong as of yet. Her doe eyes stared back at Elise as if to question, ‘me? You’re sure?’

Upon receiving her order to accompany the heiress of Virak the timid soldier confirmed with a simple, ”yes ma’am,” before stepping in tow. The guard of Vel Anir was well disciplined. They would not hesitate to carry out an order from a commanding officer and it was made clear that, for this assignment, the nobles of House Virak were her commanders.

Colette walked beside Elise at first, keeping the same pace as the noble. Then she let herself drift a half-step back before realizing she’d need to stay close in case the defender needed to protect the lady. She quickened her pace again, still unsure if she was meant to escort the good woman of Virak or merely lurk in her shadow.

It was awkward, she knew it, but the decorum for the nobility wasn’t really covered in basic.

The pair was intercepted by another Anirian noble before the various dignitaries, their bodyguards, and the rookie guardian who didn’t even know how to hold a sword six months prior approached the entourage of foreigners. She listened to the gentleman as he mentioned that the noblewoman she was meant to protect was here merely to beckon for her father before he shared honeyed words of his own.

Colette decided she didn’t much care for the treasurer of the realm, as he called himself, while she moved nearer to Lady Virak.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise's features never changed as the Lord of Urahil introduced her, mainly because it was exactly what she had wanted.

To be underestimated was often one of the great gifts in life. It offered an opportunity that most of lofty status would never be able to understand. Elise knew it only because of her siblings, and the place that they had put her into the family.

She had never been meant as the Heir, not with two older brothers.

Yet here she was.

In the eyes of these strangers she was no a simple girl trying her best to do good for her father. An understudy of the true representative from Vel Anir that had an innocent Guardsmen Girl as her own tag along.

Just as she'd intended. As the dignitaries of Yrai escorted them up towards the landing of the High Hall Elise leaned in towards the Guardswoman. "Stay close."

The doors of the High Hall opened, and King Suariv was met with the emissaries of Vel Anir.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

Bradford followed up the steps, his own servant and a few of his guards following. As they walked, Bradford tried to decide what the lack of an answer from the dignitaries meant, although it certainly was a slight wildcard he did not expect. He could work with it though. No problem.

As they reached the King, he bowed slightly to the man, his waist barely even bent a quarter of the way down. "Your Majesty, King Suariv, an honour to finally be acquainted with you. I am Bradford Urahil, head of House Urahil and Treasurer of the Realm." He gestures at Elise. "And this is Lady Elise, heiress to House Virak." He turns back to the King. "We are here to come to a conclusive solution to our rising tension. War is not something we desire with your wonderful city."

He chuckles and smiles widely again. Really laying it on thick. "Now, perhaps we may begin? I am sure you're as eager as we are to discuss things."

 

[Notarius]

The Yrai'i were highly skilled in the art of stonework and carving. Like a majority of buildings in Yrai, the High Hall was carved into the face of the limestone cliff. The hall was without corners; its walls were smooth and rounded and formed a sphere. At its crown was a large opening that allowed the sun to bask the hall with warm light. Alcoves had been carved into the walls. In each one, a different statue. The remains of thick candles caked their bases while fresh ones glimmered in the low light. About forty feet from the hall's double doors was a throne, and seated upon it was Sun King Sauriv.

Sauriv watched the emissaries closely as they entered his hall. He was tall, dark, and sinewy with a flat nose. He wore a tunic that matched the style of his dignitaries along with a mantle of polished bronze. Upon his head was a crown of feathers that shimmered as brightly as any gem. In his right hand, the king held a staff of cedarwood. The staff was carved to resemble two intertwining parts that met at the top. Set into the tip of the staff was a large cabochon of polished amber.

Sauriv leaned forward as the blonde man spoke and nodded along in silence. Once the man was done Sauriv spoke, "We will certainly discuss. But it is only customary that guests of my hall have at least a bite of bread and a swallow of wine in the spirit of good faith." He tapped the butt of his staff two times. Servents emerged from some of the other shadowy alcoves with clay pitchers of spiced honey wine and baskets of warm flatbread. The servants worked quickly to set the long table that extended from the king's dais as not to waste a moment of either parties' time, and then departed. Once the bread was broken the king's ears were open.

 

[Colette]

When the noblewoman from Virak leaned in to whisper an order Colette merely moved nearer. Giving a slight nod to translate that she understood the command she whimpered back with a modest, ”yes ma’am.”

Reality was beginning to manifest for the young soldier. The next several hours would be filled with ‘important’ discussions amongst ‘intelligent’ individuals. If she were lucky she’d get to stay silent for hours whilst her so-called betters discussed trade, cultural allowances, and whatever else emissaries talked about during these sorts of meetings.

If she were unlucky, these savages would try to harm the noble woman of House Virak and it was likely that Colette would die in her attempt at defending the noble lady.

Why on Arethil did she have to be chosen?

As they entered the high hall of King Sauriv he issued a simple proclamation. His guests would be required to munch on bread and sip upon wine. Colette allowed the ever elegant Elise Virak to take her seat as the diligent guardswoman stood beside her.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise sat herself down at the table without a word.

The thought of eating this savages food utterly repulsed her, but like a diligent ambassador Elise did exactly what was asked of her. With dainty fingers she ripped off a small piece of the bread, tearing it and placing it on her tongue.

She did the same with the wine, taking only a small sip before she turned towards the King and offered a smile. "Delightful."

There was a pause, then she added.

"If possible, please ensure our escorts are offered refreshments as well." She glanced briefly at Colette. "I would be happy to pay the cost, of course."

Elise inclined her chin in a deferential nod.

 

[Notarius]

King Sauriv nodded at the request and tapped his staff another time. The same servants returned with several additional baskets and refreshments for the emissaries' escorts. It was at this point when everyone had broken bread and had a drink that the King spoke up, "You have broken bread in my hall as guests, and therefore no ill will fall on you during your stay- otherwise, may the spirits crumble these very walls where I dwell." He preached the old rite and leaned forward. Sauriv's eyes were fixed intently on the woman in the fine silks, "I have been expecting you, Lady Elise. It is not usual that I let such a large host cross the Sea of Grass without trouble." He glanced at the well-armored woman closest to the Lady, "But I heard the spirits, and despite the disapproval of my warriors, I swore to them that I would give you my ear. So, what do you bring to the Yrai?"

 

[Bradford Urahil]

Bradford felt a little snubbed by the fact the King addressed Lady Elise personally, with no mention to himself, but that was no issue. He broke his bread and kept a neutral expression on his face, looking at Elise to see what she would say.

He sipped the wine as well, a hearty gulp but nothing too large. He certainly wanted a clear head for this. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table and folding his hands together. He hoped he'd be given an opportunity to speak once Lady Elise had said her piece.

 

[Colette]

Before serving in the Anirian Guard Colette had certainly been fascinated with the nobility of Vel Anir. She assumed they wore lavish outfits, which they did, and they had very sophisticated dinner parties. It all sounded so nice. But she had also believed they likely looked down upon her. Common folk. Those not of noble blood, even the ones in service to the guard. It didn't cause her any pain or heartache, that was just how the world worked. If she thought about it critically it made sense, the nobles certainly knew and understood things that she wasn't even aware of.

Yet here in this foreign land a noble lady from one of the most prestigious houses in all of Vel Anir was ensuring that she was being taken care of and fed. Who knew that such radiant kindness existed among the nobility.

When the servant came around with the nourishment Colette hesitantly took one of the smaller pieces of bread and took one or two nibbles. Wishing to try and mimic the fair lady from Virak. She took a heavier sip of the wine, but still only a sip, before placing it back on the serving tray. The wine tasted much better than the bread but both items paled in comparison to their Anirian counterparts.

"Thank you," she issued to the servers, Elise herself, and the King.

 

[Elise Virak]

Rather pleased that she had read the situation correctly, Elise only bobbed her head in thanks and waited for the King to finish his grandstanding.

She relished in the annoyance that she knew Urahil would be feeling, though didn't allow an ounce of that fact to show on her features. "Safety, prosperity, and growth."

The Baroness began.

"These are the troubling times your Majesty. The Empire in Amol-Kalit is an ever expanding threat. Trade routes from Oban and Elbion have thinned, and even Alliria begins to turn away." Trouble was beginning to brew the world over. "Vel Anir seeks only to spread it's prosperity."

Her head turned towards Bradford. "As I'm sure my Lord Urahil will gladly attest to."

 

[Notarius]

Sauvir was not easily tempted. These words sounded like empty promises. Carrots on the end of a long stick. His eyes slowly shifted to the one known as Lord Urahil.

The king inspected him carefully, "Tell me, Lord Urahil," Sauriv said the man's title with a hint of bitterness, "How can you promise to deliver on the things that the Lady speaks of?" The king gestured in a slow, sweeping, motion, "My people have thrived thanks to the spirits. We have been blessed with adequate trade, strong spears, and healthy children. Why should I trust strangers to have our best interests at heart?" Sauriv would lay back into his throne, "A serpent's scales are pleasing to the eyes, but to get too close would be foolish."

 

[Colette]

The guardswoman nodded her head as Elise spoke. Her words made sense, at least to her. She wasn't really certain of anything related to trade routes. And she'd never been to Oban, though their gryphons seemed amazing. She'd never set foot in Elbion either though the stories of wild mages running rampant at what they called a college frightened her and many other upstanding Anirians. Alliria was supposed to be a dump, so the stories said.

But here was the good lady of Vel Anir offering all of these honeyed words and an olive branch and the savages of the wild north were comparing her to a serpent and calling the noblewoman a stranger! Were all humans outside of Vel Anir so improper?

Though Colette remained silent her face likely showed her bewilderment at the words spoken by King Sauvir. She'd never heard someone, other than perhaps the grunts within the guard, speak so brutishly.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise smiled for a brief moment, though quietly cut in.

"Though I do not wish to speak for Lord Urahil, I must protest Your Majesty." Always she spoke carefully, always with the proper titles.

These savages were utterly disgusting and their appearance alone made her want to vomit, but showing that would have been foolish. Her father would have slaughtered the whole city, but that was not the way of things anymore.

"We are no Serpent." She said calmly. "We extend a hand, not to crush you, but to aid you."

Elise continued. "I will not insult you with pretending this does not benefit Vel Anir, but we are hardly the worst threat your great city is facing."

She of course spoke of the ever expanding Empire to the West.