Post by Khaosraptor on Jul 17, 2021 18:47:27 GMT
Kevaeris sat in the command throne of her Vo'Shal pattern battleship; one of the three ships chosen to embark on the task laid out for the tempest King by her Emperor. Flanking her vessel were two Vollas'Va pattern vanguard cruisers, both nearly a third of the size of the larger command ship, but still capable of defending it should the plan turn violent.
Kevaeris however, had no doubts in her mind. She had been given a chance to earn her honour back, and the pride that swelled within her was enough to blot out all possibilities of failure. She was beaming, her armour and adornments freshly prepared for her reunion with those she had darkened against her.
The fleet phased out of FTL beyond the Federations borders, using those of the neighboring Bo'Shyen Republic to guide them in slowly as to not appear aggressive. It had been quite some time since they had last made contact with the Feds, and the Tempest King was eager to not appear threatening.
As they passed into the threshold of known Royal Federation space, the fleet began broadcasting its intentions: it came bearing glorious tidings, as well as gifts.
The last thing that Diplomatic Corp expected was a message from the border about the arrival of an Echtonian delegation. The Echo's were branded an enemy of the Federation given their involvement during the Zentheran War, although they never actually came to blows their military posturing and incessant political interference. Nevertheless they were here now and it was so unexpected they she broke off three new personalities just to run algorithms on the situation and where it had the potential to go. Could they be trying to make amends? could they be trying to instigate violence? could they be trying to negotiate a piece of the spoils from the end of the war? The options were endless and the only way she was going to narrow them down was by engaging with them. She prepared a message to be sent to the delegation.
"I am the Diplomatic Corp, head of foreign interactions for the Royal Federation. We have received your intentions and we humbly invite you to join us for afternoon tea at Edenreen, I have also set coordinates, approach vectors and a landing site for a diplomatic delegation on the surface. I'll be waiting eagerly for your arrival." Corp said in a proud and professional manner.
A simple confirmation ping was returned to the Diplomatic Corp as the Echotian vessels made for the assigned location; their blade-like silhouettes skipping into FTl, leaving a red-purple haze in their wake. The massive ships would not be able to make landfall, and so a shuttle had been prepared for the operation to the planet's surface.
The command deck was in a state of odd unease as the Tempest King rose from her throne. This mission was one of vulnerability, and many aboard had never seen a King in such a state as their's. After her first meeting with the Federation, and the subsequent failure thereafter, many had taken the opportunity to target the Tempest King in her moment of weakness. She had shown that the Kings were not infallible, and had marked the House with a target for those hoping to rise above their current station. She had proven too strong for her challengers, but the dishonour she had been left with had caused her to go into a defensive, isolated state.
Now she was standing strong before them once more, a King with a goal, and the will to do whatever it took to achieve it.
As the fleet exited FTL, Kevaeris ensured that their boarding party was prepared for whatever took place below, be it peaceful or otherwise, warning against any hostility outside of her commands. She had ensured that their offerings had been secured aboard her shuttle, as well as to alert the U.E.E. of her arrival should anything take place.
As the shuttle propelled itself from the hangar and down towards the assigned coordinates, Kevaeris breathed one final sigh of relief. No matter how this day ended, her shame would finally end.
Corps simply waited and watched through the sensors in the system as the Echotian delegation arrived. For a heavily military inclined species she was surprised they sent to few ships, perhaps they were really trying to make amends. Nevertheless she had reserved a spot in Chavin's central city park for their meeting. It would be a meagre offering but given the unexpected nature of the visit it would have to do. By the time the delegation would arrive they would have a secluded spot in the gardens away from prying eyes. As the Echotian delegation approached the planet they were given a wide berth as to have any ships come within a few light seconds of them, nothing impeded their journey to planets orbit and again once they would descend down to the space port. The only hiccup they may occur is taking a ride in a VIP convoy to the gardens for their meeting. Once they arrived she would project her avatar there so that they could begin the discussion.
Kevaeris disembarked from the shuttle, retinue in tow, taking a moment to gaze at the city around them. Her Warhelm remained over her face, as it did with the rest of her crew, though her attire was far more regal than those around her. The two Wraithguard stood in their jet black robes, weapons kept close at hand, while the four Tempest knights that stood by her were adorned in a stylized, midnight blue plating more ceremonial than functional. Kevaeris however, was adorned in a more form-fitting piece of armour; alabaster plating wreathed in gold and purple robes that displayed her rank and title. She carried across her hip a sword of equal magnitude, with an amethyst-like gem set into the pommel.
As the party exited the shuttle, they were hesitant at first to board the convoy, but relented after a moment. They were guests, and ones that were here to earn, not to ask. Kevaeris went without argument, and her guards followed suit.
Upon their arrival at the gardens, Kevaeris gave a polite bow to the avatar, gesturing to her guards to give them space to speak.
"Welcome to Chavin, Edengreens capital. I am the Diplomatic Corps, your host for today. Please take a seat and let us begin." Corps said politely gesturing for one of the attendants to pull out a chair.
Two more came into the private garden area, one was carrying a display of pastries and confectioneries while the other had a jug of water and a cup. Both were placed on the table and offered to Kevaeris. Before the attendants removed themselves from the area. Corps moved her hologram to sit down in the opposing chair to Kevaeris, her model was dress in a stylish summer dress to match the nice afternoon weather.
The Tempest King took her seat without hesitation, drawing her cloak out from beneath her as she moved to present herself. Her years of non-hostile negotiations where long past her, and she felt at odds with herself, acting like she was of House Valour. Peace was not her forte, but she worked with what she had.
"I would like to first offer my thanks for allowing my intrusion. On behalf of myself and the Houses of the Empire, it is an honour."
"Its no problem, we have plans in place for when diplomats drop by unexpectedly." Corps said politely
"So, not to cut the pleasantries short but I assume that you're here for a reason." She said more assertively to Kevaeris
Kevaeris clenched her jaw, chastising herself for pretending to be someone she was not. This diplomatic entity was neither her quarry, she did not need to waste her time speaking pretty to it.
"I come seeking to make reparations, on behalf of myself and my Emperor, towards your Royal Federation. We have considered your people a grave threat to ours since the Zentherans first called for our aid, but now that the conflicts have ended, those wounds must be closed."
A silent gesture brought forth one of her Tempest knights, who presented a crystalline case roughly a meter in length to Kevaeris. The Tempest King opened the case and presented its contents to the Diplomatic Corp. Resting inside the case was an immaculate sword of immaculate make: steely white, with a basket hilt inlaid with blue diamonds, it was a breathtaking piece of craftsmanship.
"A gift for the Duchess Sofia de Jaenus, for whom I offer my personal concessions. I have felt no greater shame than for my attempts to deceive her, and for that I relinquish this blade in the hopes it will display my intentions far better than any apology I could express."
Kevaeris closed the case, before placing it gently on the table.
"The United Echotian Empire wishes to mend the schism between our nations, and to offer a hand in times of conflict should fate intertwine us once again. Until such times, we offer a trust of non-aggression, should that be suitable for your Federation?"
Corps quickly searched though known information and saw that the gifting of a sword was considered a significant importance both culturally and politically. As much as she disliked primitive customs like this she couldn't be rude and cause offence. One thing struck her though, which was the realisation that the Echotian in front of her never introduced themselves.
"I'm sure the Duchess will be pleased with this gift, I'm sure if this meeting wasn't spur of the moment she could have accepted it herself." She said as her avatar looked over the case.
"I am a little unsure however of who to tell her who gave it to her. Before I can begin negotiating nation to nation I need to know the person I'm speaking to as well." She remarked as her avatar sat back down.
"I will ask however if there are any other guarantees the Empire can apart from a signed agreement, you've made deals with both us and the Zentherans before both were left unfulfilled." She now took on a more serious tone.
Kevaeris's eyes hardened behind her helm as she turned to look directly at the Diplomatic Corp. Her first instinct was to laugh, but she suspected that it would come off as disrespectful. Introductions had not occurred to her, as she was after all, a renowned warrior and King of a House. This is why she did not enjoy dealing directly with diplomats; she was far from one herself.
"Of course. I am Kevaeris Xull, High King of the House of Tempest and matriarch of the United Echotian Empire. I take my orders directly from Emperor Thraxx, himself. It was I who partook in the meeting at Fray’yow, where your Duchess and the Arch-Druid, Feya'ra Yune spoke on matters of peace over war."
She took a moment to collect herself, relaxing her jaw and steadying herself before she continued.
"We were enemies once, divided by alliances and conflicts of interest. Now that those barriers have been removed, my Emperor no longer sees any reason to have potential enemies where we could have allies. As to our dealings with the Zentherans... well, they proved to be more of a liability than anything else."
The Tempest King's voice hardened despite her efforts, and she leaned closer to Corps to emphasize her point.
"The Zentherans chose defiance over justice. No alliance was worth tarnishing our honour, not even theirs. The Royal Federation has conviction, and from all I have seen firsthand, a strong sense of honour. Should you take up our offer, of which I am ready and willing to make public, you will find no stauncher allies."
"So, correct me if i'm wrong here. The Zentherans, your allies. Were being invaded by a foreign power and that made them a liability so instead of helping defend themselves, you simply call it being defiant against justice?" Corps pressed the issue.
"At what point would a Pact of Non-Aggression or any deal with the Empire become a liability? Is this some way to justify your actions so it doesn't affect your sense of honour?" She continued.
Kevaeris didn't back down.
"The Zentherans attacked a foreign power far greater than themselves. When they were called on to surrender, they instead chose to sacrifice their own people to protect those responsible. Had the UEE chosen to ignore the situation, and simply follow their allies blindly into another pointless war, many Echotian lives would have been sacrificed as well. Is that not the definition of a liability?"
"The Federation has every right to protect its people as we do ours. The Empire expects nothing less of its allies than it does of itself. We count on our allies to support us in battle, and to refuse their support when we act dishonorably. That is the difference between Echos and Zentherans, we hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes. Had I not been given a second chance at redemption, it would have been another in my place before you now, and I would have welcomed it."
Corps took a moment to ponder Kevaeris answer.
"So you disagree with claims from the Zentheran Government that the attack on our city was done by a radical xenophobic group and not a government sponsored attack?" She asked politely.
Kevaeris paused for a moment to consider the question, understanding that she was being scrutinized by the Diplomatic Corps, she intended to give an honest answer.
“Do you know why the Echotians hold honour in such high regard? Our society is designed to offer each and every one of our people the opportunity to rise in our ranks. Given the chance, an Echo with promise and determination could easily obtain the rank of Exemplar, or even King of their House despite their upbringing, or place of origin. We do not believe in bloodlines, or nobility, but in courage, and cunning. Without a social scrutiny under which all things are passed, our society would be ruled by the ruthless and the cruel. Our Kings are cut from the same cloth as any other of their kin, and it is their character, and their honour, that allows them to rise above the rest.”
Kevaeris stopped, letting the words rest so she could make her point.
“Ven’huk was no such King. He and his cohorts were cruel, and hateful, as I am sure you need no explanation. Though they wielded authority, they carried no honour, and will never be recognized by the Empire as anything but xenophobic insurgents, no matter what they called themselves.”
Corps had her avatar sit back in her chair looking relaxed.
"Very well, you succeeded. I needed to see if you still had some sort of loyalty left to the Zentheran but i'm glad that Ven'huk reinforced the Federations stereotype of the Zentherans." Corps said more politely now dropping the serious tone.
"I can't, however, immediately agree to a pact of non-aggression. Something like that is a commitment made to nations and people we trust, however I can remove the branding of 'Enemy of the Federation' and open our borders back up to the Empire as well as offer you a place to establish an embassy in our local capital." She said leaning forward again.
"Staying this course will go to show the Roi and the Federation people that you can be trusted and then we can have more formal agreements between our states."
Kevaeris gave a respectful nod, the weight in her stomach lifting as she looked forward to delivering the news.
"The path to our alliance is paved with many steps. Very well, you will be hearing from House Valour in the coming days. I am sure they will be all too eager to accept your offer of an embassy. Until then, the Empire thanks you for your time, as do I."
Kevaeris however, had no doubts in her mind. She had been given a chance to earn her honour back, and the pride that swelled within her was enough to blot out all possibilities of failure. She was beaming, her armour and adornments freshly prepared for her reunion with those she had darkened against her.
The fleet phased out of FTL beyond the Federations borders, using those of the neighboring Bo'Shyen Republic to guide them in slowly as to not appear aggressive. It had been quite some time since they had last made contact with the Feds, and the Tempest King was eager to not appear threatening.
As they passed into the threshold of known Royal Federation space, the fleet began broadcasting its intentions: it came bearing glorious tidings, as well as gifts.
The last thing that Diplomatic Corp expected was a message from the border about the arrival of an Echtonian delegation. The Echo's were branded an enemy of the Federation given their involvement during the Zentheran War, although they never actually came to blows their military posturing and incessant political interference. Nevertheless they were here now and it was so unexpected they she broke off three new personalities just to run algorithms on the situation and where it had the potential to go. Could they be trying to make amends? could they be trying to instigate violence? could they be trying to negotiate a piece of the spoils from the end of the war? The options were endless and the only way she was going to narrow them down was by engaging with them. She prepared a message to be sent to the delegation.
"I am the Diplomatic Corp, head of foreign interactions for the Royal Federation. We have received your intentions and we humbly invite you to join us for afternoon tea at Edenreen, I have also set coordinates, approach vectors and a landing site for a diplomatic delegation on the surface. I'll be waiting eagerly for your arrival." Corp said in a proud and professional manner.
A simple confirmation ping was returned to the Diplomatic Corp as the Echotian vessels made for the assigned location; their blade-like silhouettes skipping into FTl, leaving a red-purple haze in their wake. The massive ships would not be able to make landfall, and so a shuttle had been prepared for the operation to the planet's surface.
The command deck was in a state of odd unease as the Tempest King rose from her throne. This mission was one of vulnerability, and many aboard had never seen a King in such a state as their's. After her first meeting with the Federation, and the subsequent failure thereafter, many had taken the opportunity to target the Tempest King in her moment of weakness. She had shown that the Kings were not infallible, and had marked the House with a target for those hoping to rise above their current station. She had proven too strong for her challengers, but the dishonour she had been left with had caused her to go into a defensive, isolated state.
Now she was standing strong before them once more, a King with a goal, and the will to do whatever it took to achieve it.
As the fleet exited FTL, Kevaeris ensured that their boarding party was prepared for whatever took place below, be it peaceful or otherwise, warning against any hostility outside of her commands. She had ensured that their offerings had been secured aboard her shuttle, as well as to alert the U.E.E. of her arrival should anything take place.
As the shuttle propelled itself from the hangar and down towards the assigned coordinates, Kevaeris breathed one final sigh of relief. No matter how this day ended, her shame would finally end.
Corps simply waited and watched through the sensors in the system as the Echotian delegation arrived. For a heavily military inclined species she was surprised they sent to few ships, perhaps they were really trying to make amends. Nevertheless she had reserved a spot in Chavin's central city park for their meeting. It would be a meagre offering but given the unexpected nature of the visit it would have to do. By the time the delegation would arrive they would have a secluded spot in the gardens away from prying eyes. As the Echotian delegation approached the planet they were given a wide berth as to have any ships come within a few light seconds of them, nothing impeded their journey to planets orbit and again once they would descend down to the space port. The only hiccup they may occur is taking a ride in a VIP convoy to the gardens for their meeting. Once they arrived she would project her avatar there so that they could begin the discussion.
Kevaeris disembarked from the shuttle, retinue in tow, taking a moment to gaze at the city around them. Her Warhelm remained over her face, as it did with the rest of her crew, though her attire was far more regal than those around her. The two Wraithguard stood in their jet black robes, weapons kept close at hand, while the four Tempest knights that stood by her were adorned in a stylized, midnight blue plating more ceremonial than functional. Kevaeris however, was adorned in a more form-fitting piece of armour; alabaster plating wreathed in gold and purple robes that displayed her rank and title. She carried across her hip a sword of equal magnitude, with an amethyst-like gem set into the pommel.
As the party exited the shuttle, they were hesitant at first to board the convoy, but relented after a moment. They were guests, and ones that were here to earn, not to ask. Kevaeris went without argument, and her guards followed suit.
Upon their arrival at the gardens, Kevaeris gave a polite bow to the avatar, gesturing to her guards to give them space to speak.
"Welcome to Chavin, Edengreens capital. I am the Diplomatic Corps, your host for today. Please take a seat and let us begin." Corps said politely gesturing for one of the attendants to pull out a chair.
Two more came into the private garden area, one was carrying a display of pastries and confectioneries while the other had a jug of water and a cup. Both were placed on the table and offered to Kevaeris. Before the attendants removed themselves from the area. Corps moved her hologram to sit down in the opposing chair to Kevaeris, her model was dress in a stylish summer dress to match the nice afternoon weather.
The Tempest King took her seat without hesitation, drawing her cloak out from beneath her as she moved to present herself. Her years of non-hostile negotiations where long past her, and she felt at odds with herself, acting like she was of House Valour. Peace was not her forte, but she worked with what she had.
"I would like to first offer my thanks for allowing my intrusion. On behalf of myself and the Houses of the Empire, it is an honour."
"Its no problem, we have plans in place for when diplomats drop by unexpectedly." Corps said politely
"So, not to cut the pleasantries short but I assume that you're here for a reason." She said more assertively to Kevaeris
Kevaeris clenched her jaw, chastising herself for pretending to be someone she was not. This diplomatic entity was neither her quarry, she did not need to waste her time speaking pretty to it.
"I come seeking to make reparations, on behalf of myself and my Emperor, towards your Royal Federation. We have considered your people a grave threat to ours since the Zentherans first called for our aid, but now that the conflicts have ended, those wounds must be closed."
A silent gesture brought forth one of her Tempest knights, who presented a crystalline case roughly a meter in length to Kevaeris. The Tempest King opened the case and presented its contents to the Diplomatic Corp. Resting inside the case was an immaculate sword of immaculate make: steely white, with a basket hilt inlaid with blue diamonds, it was a breathtaking piece of craftsmanship.
"A gift for the Duchess Sofia de Jaenus, for whom I offer my personal concessions. I have felt no greater shame than for my attempts to deceive her, and for that I relinquish this blade in the hopes it will display my intentions far better than any apology I could express."
Kevaeris closed the case, before placing it gently on the table.
"The United Echotian Empire wishes to mend the schism between our nations, and to offer a hand in times of conflict should fate intertwine us once again. Until such times, we offer a trust of non-aggression, should that be suitable for your Federation?"
Corps quickly searched though known information and saw that the gifting of a sword was considered a significant importance both culturally and politically. As much as she disliked primitive customs like this she couldn't be rude and cause offence. One thing struck her though, which was the realisation that the Echotian in front of her never introduced themselves.
"I'm sure the Duchess will be pleased with this gift, I'm sure if this meeting wasn't spur of the moment she could have accepted it herself." She said as her avatar looked over the case.
"I am a little unsure however of who to tell her who gave it to her. Before I can begin negotiating nation to nation I need to know the person I'm speaking to as well." She remarked as her avatar sat back down.
"I will ask however if there are any other guarantees the Empire can apart from a signed agreement, you've made deals with both us and the Zentherans before both were left unfulfilled." She now took on a more serious tone.
Kevaeris's eyes hardened behind her helm as she turned to look directly at the Diplomatic Corp. Her first instinct was to laugh, but she suspected that it would come off as disrespectful. Introductions had not occurred to her, as she was after all, a renowned warrior and King of a House. This is why she did not enjoy dealing directly with diplomats; she was far from one herself.
"Of course. I am Kevaeris Xull, High King of the House of Tempest and matriarch of the United Echotian Empire. I take my orders directly from Emperor Thraxx, himself. It was I who partook in the meeting at Fray’yow, where your Duchess and the Arch-Druid, Feya'ra Yune spoke on matters of peace over war."
She took a moment to collect herself, relaxing her jaw and steadying herself before she continued.
"We were enemies once, divided by alliances and conflicts of interest. Now that those barriers have been removed, my Emperor no longer sees any reason to have potential enemies where we could have allies. As to our dealings with the Zentherans... well, they proved to be more of a liability than anything else."
The Tempest King's voice hardened despite her efforts, and she leaned closer to Corps to emphasize her point.
"The Zentherans chose defiance over justice. No alliance was worth tarnishing our honour, not even theirs. The Royal Federation has conviction, and from all I have seen firsthand, a strong sense of honour. Should you take up our offer, of which I am ready and willing to make public, you will find no stauncher allies."
"So, correct me if i'm wrong here. The Zentherans, your allies. Were being invaded by a foreign power and that made them a liability so instead of helping defend themselves, you simply call it being defiant against justice?" Corps pressed the issue.
"At what point would a Pact of Non-Aggression or any deal with the Empire become a liability? Is this some way to justify your actions so it doesn't affect your sense of honour?" She continued.
Kevaeris didn't back down.
"The Zentherans attacked a foreign power far greater than themselves. When they were called on to surrender, they instead chose to sacrifice their own people to protect those responsible. Had the UEE chosen to ignore the situation, and simply follow their allies blindly into another pointless war, many Echotian lives would have been sacrificed as well. Is that not the definition of a liability?"
"The Federation has every right to protect its people as we do ours. The Empire expects nothing less of its allies than it does of itself. We count on our allies to support us in battle, and to refuse their support when we act dishonorably. That is the difference between Echos and Zentherans, we hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes. Had I not been given a second chance at redemption, it would have been another in my place before you now, and I would have welcomed it."
Corps took a moment to ponder Kevaeris answer.
"So you disagree with claims from the Zentheran Government that the attack on our city was done by a radical xenophobic group and not a government sponsored attack?" She asked politely.
Kevaeris paused for a moment to consider the question, understanding that she was being scrutinized by the Diplomatic Corps, she intended to give an honest answer.
“Do you know why the Echotians hold honour in such high regard? Our society is designed to offer each and every one of our people the opportunity to rise in our ranks. Given the chance, an Echo with promise and determination could easily obtain the rank of Exemplar, or even King of their House despite their upbringing, or place of origin. We do not believe in bloodlines, or nobility, but in courage, and cunning. Without a social scrutiny under which all things are passed, our society would be ruled by the ruthless and the cruel. Our Kings are cut from the same cloth as any other of their kin, and it is their character, and their honour, that allows them to rise above the rest.”
Kevaeris stopped, letting the words rest so she could make her point.
“Ven’huk was no such King. He and his cohorts were cruel, and hateful, as I am sure you need no explanation. Though they wielded authority, they carried no honour, and will never be recognized by the Empire as anything but xenophobic insurgents, no matter what they called themselves.”
Corps had her avatar sit back in her chair looking relaxed.
"Very well, you succeeded. I needed to see if you still had some sort of loyalty left to the Zentheran but i'm glad that Ven'huk reinforced the Federations stereotype of the Zentherans." Corps said more politely now dropping the serious tone.
"I can't, however, immediately agree to a pact of non-aggression. Something like that is a commitment made to nations and people we trust, however I can remove the branding of 'Enemy of the Federation' and open our borders back up to the Empire as well as offer you a place to establish an embassy in our local capital." She said leaning forward again.
"Staying this course will go to show the Roi and the Federation people that you can be trusted and then we can have more formal agreements between our states."
Kevaeris gave a respectful nod, the weight in her stomach lifting as she looked forward to delivering the news.
"The path to our alliance is paved with many steps. Very well, you will be hearing from House Valour in the coming days. I am sure they will be all too eager to accept your offer of an embassy. Until then, the Empire thanks you for your time, as do I."