Ontaré/Kaizen

Marai Ileal, The Lady's Voice, looked back over her shoulder once more. She knew she could no longer see the walls of Haven past the trees and hills behind her. She used to love traveling, which was how she came to be in this position as envoy to neighboring kingdoms. This new world scared her though. These were not her woods, not her hills. She didn't feel nearly as confident as she had when negotiating treaties and ensuring peace in her home. Still, it was The Lady's decree that they establish allies in this realm.

She rode toward the mountains, where the scouts had spotted the odd birdmen. She hoped they were friendly. She wasn't the worst with a sword, but it was not her forte. The hills rose up at her sides, boxing her into a large valley. She was vulnerable here, and she knew it, but maybe that would show her new neighbors some trust.

Master Jin worked his wings from the top of his warhawk.

Missnamed for their species, the creature looked like a hybrid of various large birds that didn't set quite right, somehow looking both ugly and majestic. Strong, they did well for heavy lifting in short spurts, but they couldn't maintain overly long flights under burden, thus allowing him the illusion of flight once more, at least for a short while.

latched down to saddle, he let the beast's eyes guide his path, along with the small retinue of "babysitters" as he made his way to the Kingdom in the North.

"Sir," one of his guards said. "Someone is approaching from the north, through the mountain pass. They appear to be human."

He took a moment to think, "I somehow doubt a lone scout would venture into a valley of the winged so blatantly that we would notice them, we havn't exactly been subtle in out approach. Let us go down and see whats on their mind. "

His aid interrupted, "But what about our mission?"

"We are going to speak with the humans from the north. There is a human from the north," he gestured " lets go speak with them."

With a combination of nudges and squaks, his mount glided down, follwing his entorage.

"Greetings to you!" he began cheearfully. "What brings you to these parts?"

Marai raised a gloved hand in salute. Her other hand held to the reigns as her mount became somewhat spooked by the sudden appearance of these large birds.

She was relieved that the first words spoken between them were kind. At least if things were to go south, they wouldn't be going quickly.

"Well met friends!" She called out, noting that she was outnumbered. "I am Marai Ileal, representative of Lady Iusta and the Kingdom of Ontaré. I have been sent to negotiate peaceful relations between our peoples." Well, there it is. It's in their court now.

Master Jin blinks. Then again.

Before letting out a laugh.

"It would seem you have beaten us to the draw. Our flock was en-route to attempt and speak with your own people when we saw your approach," he explains.

In a much more formal tone he continues, "We would be honored to speak with you, of peace." he says, making a gesture of holding one taloned hand balled up within the other, and inclining his upper body, looking well practiced and natural, even from his awkward position on the large bird.

"I suppose the only question is where you wish to have our talks? We could make camp if you wish, the weather promises to be pleasant enough for it. We are also close enough that it would not be unreasonable for us to return with you in escort, You may consider yourself invited as my personal guest if you so wish, " He pauses a moment, " I will say that of those who visit who have not spent a great deal of time among the high-peaks often find themselves in some discomfort within our cities proper, as the air greatly thins towards the top of the mountains." Master Jin inquires.

Marai shared the man's laugh. Either he was sincere, or this is a ruse to cover their intentions. Either way, they wouldn't risk exposing them so soon. She was safe for now at least.

She returned his bow, placing a fist to her chest, a bit more rigid in her constricting armor. "I would be delighted to be a guest in your home. It wouldn't be the first time I was out of my element." She stated cordially. It would be rude not to accept the invitation, and this would allow the diplomat a chance to learn of their culture which will be invaluable at peace talks. "I'm afraid I did not catch your name Sir..."

The old monk pondered the question for the briefest of moments,

"Jin Zhi is my full name, with Jin being the direct adressment. You could also replace the familial with twenty-four others, and not be incorrect. Master Jin would be my title for those who consider themselves my student, or those who are addressing in acknowledgement of my duties. 'Apologies Master Jin', seems to be a popular greeting amongst some as well." he says with good humor, as a few of his escort seem to be slightly embarrassed.

"I hope that answers your question, however i might advise that before we continue too much longer, it may be wise to move our conversation to a more suitable location" he comments wryly, waving his hand at the mountain pass.

"Master Jin then." Marai says, prompting her horse into a trot. "You may simply call me Marai." She follows the old bird back toward their home, hoping all her missions will go this smoothly.

They made good time despite the frequent stops.

Master Jin took a delight in speaking of the inconsequential things that made up day to day life between the two, both the similarities and the differences.

Soon the capital city came into sight, A crown of caves, spires, and buildings that where carved out, nestled around the very top of the mountain.

For the sharp eyed,a multitude of pinpricks flew about the, growing sparser the higher up.

"Welcome to Shogi" he pauses dramatically.

He had not always been blind, and knew it was an impressive sight,

It would be even more so once they had built their monuments for meditation.

"It is beautiful." Marai stated truthfully. "Our own Haven does not compare, at least not yet." She said, thinking back on its former glory.

She continued to follow her escort, learning as much as she could about their people and emphasizing her desire for peaceful trade and mutual protection. She made it a point to use words like neighbor, family, and community as often as was reasonable to appeal to their nature.

Master Jin found himself taking a great liking to the human, she seemed to of grasped his people well, and seemed earnest in her seeking peace.

A vision of steel, stone, and metal flashed through his mind, (Life/Admin), he felt the gift given to them but quickly pushed it aside to contemplate later.

They made their way into a clan house, who he had sent word to, ahead of time.

A unoccupied room whose last resident had left to live with her mates clan, had been cleaned and refurbished with all the ferver two dozen Kaizen in a rush to welcome a guest could muster.

Their isolation had left them without any real experience diplomatically, so they simply fell back onto tradition. They would welcome Marai as a Daughter of the clan so long as she stayed here.

While Jin wasn't certain how such a gesture would translate, at least his heart was in the right place.

He begged her leave before going to inform Xai of their new visitor, while letting her know that the Emperor would come visit in a day or so once he managed to free up some time.

She was free to travel in the interim, however she should likely invite someone with her should she choose to do so, as they have never built their cities with walking in mind. (And truthfully the paths disappear all together mid way into the city.)

Marai expressed her gratitude to Master Jin for the accommodations. She was truly honored by their acceptance. She found it fortunate that she had to ask for assistance in exploring their home. It gave her an excuse to get to know more of the citizens on a personal level. She wanted to endear herself to the people as much as possible, as was her usual method of diplomacy.

When she wasn't mingling, she was in her room praying or practicing basic sword drills. The wait did not bother her. She was well known for her patience, and knew that rushing these things often ended badly.

Three days from his conversation, Emperor Xai managed to finally clear up time to go speak with the human envoy in person.

From what he'd heard their guest had acquainted themselves well with his own people, a promising sign that they could get along easily.

Flying down to the clan house, he found himself seated at the low dinner table, and sent for drinks to be serve, as well as a requested their guest presence.

Marai was grateful when she heard she was finally being summoned to meet with the emperor. Not that she found her stay unpleasant, but she was sure her king may have been growing impatient.

She made herself presentable, but neglected her formal armor at this time. It didn't seem right in the midst of someone's home. Upon entering the dining room, she gave the emperor a low bow. "Your grace. I am Marai Ileal, The Lady's Voice of Ontaré." She stated simply, and waited to be invited to sit.

It took a moment for Emperor Xai to realize she was waiting for a signal on his part for her to join him.

He gestured towards the other end of the table.

"Please sit down, and make yourself comfortable."

Once she was seated he took the initiative.

"I apologize it took so long, I had hoped to come sooner, but my duties have kept me from being able to leave until now."

He explained.

"Please, you have came a long way, I would hear what you have to say." he beckoned amiably.

Marai took her seat and smiled. "No need to apologize your grace." She began.

"I greatly enjoyed the time spent among your families. You truly have a wonderful home." It was a diplomatic opening, but not insincere.

"King Enann Kath of Ontaré wished me to extend his formal greeting, and speak on his behalf for peaceful relations between our kingdoms."

Xin nodds, He was glad their guest hadn't been offended.

"I am happy to hear such tidings. Rest assured, they are returned n earnest." he said, leaving the conversation open as he was not being entirely sure what 'King Enann Kath' sought in them enough to send their envoy.

"Our kingdom is still rebuilding after the Sundering." Marai felt she should get straight to the point. "We have been looking for trade partners and allies in case this new world is as dangerous as the last. Our Lady was gracious to offer us a land rich in iron that we would gladly trade."

Lord Xai nods.
The human had made a tremendous impression on him thus far.
She strove to understand and relate, and did not indulge in double speak.

"We would be honored to trade with such as people as yourselves.

It is interesting to know you've been blessed with iron, should you find yourself in an abundance, we would be wiling to trade for it. But such things could wait for another time.

Xai pauses before continuing.

"If i may be so bold, I had sent a second envoy to investigate rumors of a peoples to our Northeast. We offered peace, trade, as well as mutual defense."

"I would offer the last to your people as well. Should someone show up at your doors unprovoked, we would come to your aid, just as we would have you come to ours. We wish to avoid conflict if at all possible, but we would aid in the defense of our allies if we can."

Marai nodded. "That is a most generous offer, and we will gladly agree to it." She hadn't wanted to be too forward about military action with these gentle people. So, she was grateful that the emperor had mentioned it first.

"Ontaré has no current enemies, and we have a strict policy against aggressive action without provocation. For us, though, defense of our people or our friends is always a reason to go to arms."

[Unless Paxar wishes otherwise, Details are worked out, Negotiatiosn for materials can happen later, she is escorted to the edge of the kingdom and wished a safe journey]

Kyung-Sun , priest and diplomat walked into the human capitol as he took in the sights around him. There where a few Kaizen traders about, over the last few seasons the relationship with the humans had proven to be most profitable. Both in spirit, and for each others coffers.

The kaizen had found the Humans to be a highly honorable race for the most part. A trait many Kaizen respected greatly.

Walking up to the official in charge of such things he handed over his missive from the desk of Lord Xai himself.

A request for an audience .

Kyung-Sun was escorted directly to the throne room. Enann had been expecting an official visit from the birdfolk for some time, and did not want to keep their envoy waiting. The room was simple for a throne room. The bust of a beautiful female human sat above and behind the throne on which King Enann sat, shuffling papers about the large desk in front of him. He stood as Kyung-Sun was announced.

"Come in my friend." The young king gestured for him to take a seat at the desk. "It is a pleasure to finally meet an emissary of the esteemed Lord Xai."

Kyung-Sun bowed in respect.

"The honor is mine King Enann," He said, choosing to use the title his host used instead of his own peoples terms of respect.

"Lord Xai has expressed a wish to visit in person one day, but at the moment he has not been able to leave his office, but in his stead he has sent myself."

"My visit isn't of anything particularly dire that I am aware of, but I'd hope that we might speak of our people, and perhaps share any insights to be had." He said.

Learning was his first goal as both a priest, and a Kaizen. As to experience and not learn wisdom is to suffer. To refuse the wisdom of others, to double the perils one may endure.

Enann nodded. "These are busy times indeed. Please, let him know that he will always be welcome in my walls."

He signaled to an aide in the corner who stepped out and returned shortly after with a bottle and two goblets. "Would you care for some refreshment?" The aide pours a glass for Enann, and waits for Kyung-Sun's response.

"Your people have shown themselves to be friends of Ontaré, and the Ontarans delight at the sight of your caravans."

"And the sight of your warriors eases the hearts of our people who travel here. As they carry with their banner the promise of safety."

Kyung-Sun says enthusiastically, however his temper saddens a bit.

"Actually I've a bit of news related to that."

"We've seen, and met in passing, the people of Mahogony within your very cities trade hubs. But it is my great regret to tell you that unlike our meeting with you, where two diplomats met while in passing, our first encounter with them was them overrunning our lands."

Kyung-Sun was embarrassed to admit it. His people had long been passive, and even with them moving as fast as they could, it still appeared to be too slow for the world around them.

"Not long after our peoples met we sent out an expedition which unburied a mass of gemstones, which your smiths may look forward too seeing soon I may add." He commented, before continuing.

"Having finished our trade markets with those who we could speak with, and without the ability to expand any further in such a manner, we followed up on that initial survey. However not a week past when our settlers arrive, a swarm of Merfolk swelled out of the river to the North, and soon started tearing up the land."

"To our shock they where unearthing a great stone giant, just as the Golem defenders our god Kifu sent to us when we asked for defenders for us and our allies."

"We are at a loss in this. It is true they have found it, but they found it upon our lands. If you found us tearing up the hills to claim the richest we might find, right out from under one of your own settlements I could imagine you would be annoyed with us to say the least."

"Our diplomats have been sent already to, meet them with what is to be our first meeting. We already plan on making an offer to them as a finders fee, and we will offer means to purchase it from us should they wish."

"I suppose I bring this up because it involves you at least indirectly. We already have a defensive pact between us, and just as we would send our brother and sisters to your side should you find yourself assaulted without provocation, we would send the Golem as well, at least should we manage to return its functionality." he added, unsure if Kifu's blessing would work on such a creation.

"Although there are a few other more pleasant subjects i would speak with you of, and learn from your wisdom. You have at least met these people, and have had much more exposure than we have. What do you think is the most just course of action?" Kyung-Sun finished. He'd said his peace

Now it was up to the humans.