NationStates Jolt Archive

Stilll the assembly of the heads of the nation was a disaster. After the ShadowPrince, the leader of the nation, exposed his plans of approving a Decree of Human Banning in the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia, many of the House leaders entered in Byzantine discussions about the matter without reaching an understanding.

The chamber looked more like a street market, the dignataries arguing, yelling, even insulting to each other. Just two figures were speechless, one just staring at the other. In one side the ShadowPrince, clad in his ceremonial armor, his elbows resting in the throne's armpieces, his hands covering his mouth, his nose resting on his knuckles, just watching as his own nobles failed to approve or dissaprove the decree.

In front of him, sitted in her own throne, was the Imperial Chancellor, Princess Aliria D'Hyru, also the leader of the D'Hyru House and the heir to the Everqueen. She was staring at the eyes of the man in front of her, at the man who was raised with her, at the man that she almost considered her brother. But today, he wasn't her brother anymore, he was just another tyrant trying to force her country to adopt a position not worthy of the Aelosian elves. Just as Ma'El did some time ago, she thought, as she slowly rose from the seat, her face reddened with anger and impotence.

"The House D'Hyru retires from this meeting", announced the herald, as the Princess left the chamber, quickly followed by the rest of the D'Hyru magistrates.

"The House Paelisi retires from this meeting", announced little after another herald, a blonde, beautiful Duchess leaving shortly after the Princess. "The House of Daeros withdraws from this gathering too", announced another one, and the dignataries of the House of the Minstrels quickly left the hall.

As the Princess left the Chamber, she called one of her attendants. "I need to send a message to Lady Sirithil, as quick as possible. Tell her that I need her help, and that we're in troubles right now. I think that she, and only she, can convince Kithail of his mistake. I want you to send messages to the EOTED, to Theallas and to the Farseers. I will need all the wisdom I could muster".

At the same time, inside the chamber, one of the pages behind the Prince leaned behind the throne, whispering in Kithail's ear "I'm sorry, Sire, but the Tor Yvressian sent the High Farseer here, and he will arrive soon. He wants to talk with you about the decree".

"I will call this off for today, anyway we're not going to achieve nothing. Send a message to the Farseer's ship, I will welcome him as an honored guest", said the Prince, standing and leaving the Chamber.

"The ShadowPrince and the House of Hyral leaves this meeting", announced the last herald, to an already silent hall...

((This is mostly for Tor Yvresse, Menelmacar, EOTED and Thelas, but if anyone wants to join, just explain a very, very good reason. Of course most of the human nations are going to be ignored, but any country that has showed friendship to Aelosia before can influence in the decision. As a matter of fact, the decree will or will not approved depending on the actions of those involved in this RP)).

((This is mostly for Tor Yvresse, Menelmacar, EOTED and Thelas, but if anyone wants to join, just explain a very, very good reason. Of course most of the human nations are going to be ignored, but any country that has showed friendship to Aelosia before can influence in the decision. As a matter of fact, the decree will or will not approved depending on the actions of those involved in this RP)).

OOC: *cough* if you're dealing with a human issue, like the deportation of a mass amount of them, saying "most human nations will be ignored" is akin to a Human nation doing the exact same thing and saying "Yeah, gonna ignore cannon all the elvish nations for the purposes of this thread."

OOC: The Canadian-German has a point there.

I've often wondered why it seems impossible for humans and elves to live in peace. Take Grigala for exapmle. It's roughly 60% Human, 35% Elvish, and 5% other. All species have the same rights in this nation. Why can't they everywhere else?

((This is mostly for Tor Yvresse, Menelmacar, EOTED and Thelas, but if anyone wants to join, just explain a very, very good reason. Of course most of the human nations are going to be ignored, but any country that has showed friendship to Aelosia before can influence in the decision. As a matter of fact, the decree will or will not approved depending on the actions of those involved in this RP)).

OOC: *cough* if you're dealing with a human issue, like the deportation of a mass amount of them, saying "most human nations will be ignored" is akin to a Human nation doing the exact same thing and saying "Yeah, gonna ignore cannon all the elvish nations for the purposes of this thread."

I think he means in the context of the thread. it's a meeting of elvish powers, so, quite obviously, no humans would be present, and thus no humans would report to other humans what is going on

so I don't THINK it's a "you puny humans can't do anything to stop me *thumbs nose*" sort of thing, as much as it is a "you don't know what's happening yet, foolish mortals" kind of thing...

but I could be entirely wrong...

OOC: Sadly, the elf-human thing is remarkably similar to the rampant racism and bigotry of the real world.

There may be massive bigotry in the world between the two races, but for those who are acceptant of all peoples, be they human, elven, foxperson or catperson, life is good. We are glad to say that we have achieved this.

Can't we all just get along?

Pop
Human 49%
Elven 41%
Foxperson 4%
Catperson 3%
Other 3%

the Traisan POP is 99% Elven Hybreds, 1% other (human and Kiealsen)

There may be massive bigotry in the world between the two races, but for those who are acceptant of all peoples, be they human, elven, foxperson or catperson, life is good. We are glad to say that we have achieved this.

Can't we all just get along?

Hear, Hear!

There may be massive bigotry in the world between the two races, but for those who are acceptant of all peoples, be they human, elven, foxperson or catperson, life is good. We are glad to say that we have achieved this.

Can't we all just get along?

Hear, Hear!

OOC: lol, but then what fun would be had? :P

#Tag.

Tag, you're it.

*tagged*

*General Tagge*

Tagish thingy inserted here for taggish purposes.

<tag so I can find this thing for marking on the PNSP>

IC: Several hours after a letter was delivered to General Theallas, the Acharn left Thelas orbit.

Almost two hours after the Acharn left, it arrived at the Aelosian Craft World.

"This is Admiral Nessa Singollo to Aelosian docking command, request permission to dock, we have several dignitaries aboard our ship, we are with out escort and have docking arms ready. Acharn Out!"

The two-kilometer long battlewagon slowly moved alongside the massive craft-world.

OOC: Well, I’m here

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg

Honoured House leaders attending the assembly of the heads of the nation of the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia,

I know that the proceedings and structure of your esteemed and most honoured assembly are as alien and incomprehensible to us as the proceedings of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator must be to you, but nevertheless, whatever impaired understanding we have of the proceedings of your assembly, we do know that the assembly is considering issuing a decree to ban humans from the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia.

Although the Chancellor, Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, supports the separation of our two peoples, an election is imminent, and the opposition, lead by His Imperial Highness the Prince Basil, does not share the Chancellor's views on human-elven relations. In the event that the opposition comes to power after these elections, His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus himself has demanded that the Imperial Government monitor this situation closely, so that the future foreign policy of the Imperial Government, composed by either party, is not adversely affected by the indifference of the current Imperial Government.

To this end, His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty offers to send Sir Michael Phocas, Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, as his personal ambassador to the elven people, to observe the assembly's proceedings. Of course, His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty wouldn't wish his ambassador to be an intolerable intrusion, and would only send Sir Michael Phocas, whom I believe to be already acquainted with the esteemed Aelosian chancellor, Her Imperial Highness the Princess Aliria D'Hyru, with the consent of your esteemed assembly.

Sir Jacques Antoniou
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Imperial Government of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

First, an OOC remark:

With the last OOC statement, I tried to emphasize the fact that in the decision, if you're a country like Canada-Germany, that hasn't any previous relationship with the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia, the Aelosian authorities are going to ignore you and your opinions. However, if you're a country like the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, that has been involved in many affairs with Aelosian citizens before, maybe you could bring some weight to the decision (by the way, Pantocratoria, if you're going to join this, you should know that your country has a decisive role in this discussion, as one of the human countries that the Aelosian goverment is in disposition to listen). The ignore was going to be done IC, not OOC. C&G, now you understand?, or do you need that I draw you some nice pictures with a blackboard and a chalk?.


IC:

In the dock area

"Acharn, you may proceed to dock in the Area 7 of the Asuryan dock area", answered the flight controller "Are you here with a particular purpose?, you should know that the Craftworld is now under martial law".


A message was sent to the Pantocratorian Authorities:

"I'm very grateful that you're goverment is concerned about this issue. I'm one of the steadfast defenders of the abolition of that heinous decree, and I will love to have Sir Michael Phocas at my side. He could help me to prove that humans can be honored and delicate persons. I will be delighted with his presence here, and I will treat him like my honored guest".

Imperial Chancellor Aliria D'Hyru.

The landing was smooth as Telgorthrind disembarked the mission considered so Urgent he had not arranged his usual arrival, no Swooping hawks flew in the airs above his craft. Perhaps in a way this would carry it's own message he thought, a usual honour with held. He strode forwards to meet with those that came to do him honour and simply looked at them, 'I have come to see the Shadowprince, this is not a formal visit, nor one of joy. Take me to him, then make arrangments I wish to speak to your council of Nobles.'

he had yet to decide his course fully, but, he had a few ideas, a few basic arguments he would present, beside him he carried his Runes. He would not allow the Aeolsians to become a weakness for the Kin. He would do what ever needed to be done, mayhaps more than any other would be willing, for he was prepared to do Anything

First, an OOC remark:

With the last OOC statement, I tried to emphasize the fact that in the decision, if you're a country like Canada-Germany, that hasn't any previous relationship with the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia, the Aelosian authorities are going to ignore you and your opinions. However, if you're a country like the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, that has been involved in many affairs with Aelosian citizens before, maybe you could bring some weight to the decision (by the way, Pantocratoria, if you're going to join this, you should know that your country has a decisive role in this discussion, as one of the human countries that the Aelosian goverment is in disposition to listen). The ignore was going to be done IC, not OOC. C&G, now you understand?, or do you need that I draw you some nice pictures with a blackboard and a chalk?.

OOC: Whoa, pull back your claws buddy, no need to get snippy.

Fifty thousand kilometres out from the Aelosian Craftworld (towards the Galactic north-north-west, specifically), an extremely intense EM field bursts into existance. It extends several thousand kilometres in every direction, fluxing wildly for an instant-

And then the IDSS Glorious Heritage burst into existance, having Transitioned (in actual fact, the ship has had to make no less than twelve Transitions) in from not-too-far outside of the Earth-Luna system.

A small port opens on the bow of the one-point-two kilometre long Retribution class DSA (Deep Standoff Assault) battleship; she fires off a small object, and begins decellerating. The object hurtles away, quickly passing the Craftworld thanks to the relativistic velocity gained from the Glorious Heritage. - In point of fact, the object is a 'sheathed' MISAT - contained in a tough scan-resistant shell, the MISAT is designed to be fired off at great velocity, only to slow and come to a relative stop at some pre-designated position - and then shed its sheathe, exposing its sensitive scanning equipment.

At any rate, the Glorious Heritage - transmitting CENNA FoF acknowledgement codes - sweeps in ever-smaller orbits around the Craftworld with quite exceptional grace for a ship its size; it is, obviously, decellerating from its initial entry velocity of 12PSL.

It does not attempt any other communication - yet.

[OOC: I'll post again once things move on a little, to simulate time passing for the decelleration run.

Ohhh, and a little note here: EOTED's population stats are as follows; Human - <93%; Quendi (Elves, generally Noldor, few Sindar) - >3%; Nenyan - >3%. That translates to about sixty million Elves, sixty million Nenyans, and one-point-eight-two billion Humans.]

Sir Michael Phocas rubbed his knees as the Peacock Airlines 747 touched down in Aelosia. His old joints got sore and stiff when he didn't move them around enough. As he stood to disembark the plane, he stopped to look out the window at the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia. He smiles softly as he remembers his previous encounters with Princess Aliria. A flight attendant provides him with his only luggage - a walking cane, and a briefcase with a few changes of clothes in it. He already carried a diplomatic pouch. Slowly, the old man of Pantocratorian diplomacy disembarked the huge airliner, stepping onto Aelosian soil for the first time.

Behind him, the stairs are removed and the aircraft's doors are closed by the same flight attendant who handed him his luggage.

"Elf lover..." she says in quiet disgust as she pulls the door closed.

The massive warship pulled alongside the Craft World, several minutes later, a small shuttle left the docking bays on the Acharn. The small shuttle, escorted by two fighters, landed in one of the world ships’ docking bays, three elves disembarked, on was General Theallas himself, the other two were Morchant Tirith, in the usual black full-body armor, they were no different that any other two members of the elite Shadow Guard section of the Thelas Armed Forces, well, except for their unit insignias. All in Sindarin was written, “First Army, Unit A, Squad One”, the most elite of the Morchant Tirith units.

Theallas looked around for any sort of an escort.

Several dignataries were awaiting at the dock. Two Warlocks, dressed in garbed robes, with the blazon of the Phaelos House was awaiting the Farseer. "Greetings, wise one. We were waiting for you, as is the ShadowPrince. We could give you a courtier's welcome, but we assumed that you're not here for idle chats or nonsenses. Nevertheless, you will be treated as a guest of the highest honor. Please follow us, we will escort you into the Throne room".

In the airport, two lackeys picked up Sir Michael Phoca's luggage, looking displeased and putting their gloves on before touching the bags. "This way Sire, the Imperial Chancellor gave us orders to escort you to her own personal chambers. She will call you from there". A delicate maiden was waiting for him as he took the navy vessel to the palace. "Oh, Sir Michael Phocas, my name is Cyanna Paelisi, I will make you company. I'm pleased to meet you, Princess Aliria has talked so much about you!", she said, bowing in front of the knight.

Three guards, dressed in the uniform of the Aelosian Navy greeted Theallas in the dock. "Greetings, General. The ShadowPrince is waiting for you in the Throne room. I'm sorry, but your escort must wait for you here. Noone except the most important guests can enter the Chamber. Please follow us".

(I think the EOTED should send a delegate, he could have a lot of influence in the dicision).

Several dignataries were awaiting at the dock. Two Warlocks, dressed in garbed robes, with the blazon of the Phaelos House was awaiting the Farseer. "Greetings, wise one. We were waiting for you, as is the ShadowPrince. We could give you a courtier's welcome, but we assumed that you're not here for idle chats or nonsenses. Nevertheless, you will be treated as a guest of the highest honor. Please follow us, we will escort you into the Throne room".

In the airport, two lackeys picked up Sir Michael Phoca's luggage, looking displeased and putting their gloves on before touching the bags. "This way Sire, the Imperial Chancellor gave us orders to escort you to her own personal chambers. She will call you from there". A delicate maiden was waiting for him as he took the navy vessel to the palace. "Oh, Sir Michael Phocas, my name is Cyanna Paelisi, I will make you company. I'm pleased to meet you, Princess Aliria has talked so much about you!", she said, bowing in front of the knight.

Three guards, dressed in the uniform of the Aelosian Navy greeted Theallas in the dock. "Greetings, General. The ShadowPrince is waiting for you in the Throne room. I'm sorry, but your escort must wait for you here. Noone except the most important guests can enter the Chamber. Please follow us".

(I think the EOTED should send a delegate, he could have a lot of influence in the dicision).

OOC: Whoa, pull back your claws buddy, no need to get snippy.

OOC: I'm not a buddy... :P

Theallas nodded to the two guards, and followed the soldiers.

Theallas nodded to the two guards, and followed the soldiers.

"Madamoiselle, it is a pleasure to meet you." says Phocas as he kisses Cyanna's hand. "And may I add, that you speak French without the slightest accent. I'm so glad to be able to come to Aelosia to see Her Highness again."

Phocas looks around and gestures to the floor with his cane.

"This is quite a vessel..." he observes.

bump for Aelosia

Nodding to the Warlocks he smiled, it was not exactly a comforting smile containing very little warmth, but nor was it threatening. 'Excellent I would want to be alone with the Prince, for what I have to say is for his ears only. Is that permissable?'

Nodding to the Warlocks he smiled, it was not exactly a comforting smile containing very little warmth, but nor was it threatening. 'Excellent I would want to be alone with the Prince, for what I have to say is for his ears only. Is that permissable?'

"He's alone, with the exception of the Imperial Chancellor. However it's her prerrogative to be present on any royal issue. There's will be no guards, no escorts, noone else except for the three of you", said the Warlock, guiding the Farseer through the maze of hallways of the palace of Neo Menegroth.

"Sire, you will have to wait a little, the ShadowPrince needs to meet the Farseer from Tor Yvresse first. He specifically demanded for a reunion with the ShadowPrince alone", said one of the soldiers to Theallas. "I used to admire you, you're one of the latest heroes of elvenkind".

"Well, it is a vessel designed for space travel, I know you could find this unusual, but I assure you, there's no danger in this travel. And about my french, well, I worked in the Pantocratorian Embassy some time ago, that's helped me to erase my elvish accent, please take a seat, using our technology we will be in Aelosia in just a few hours", said Cyanna to Sir Phocas, visibly flattered by the man's behaviour.

Theallas looked at the soldier for a second, as if trying to figure out the meaning of the statement, "Me a hero? Never thought of it that way," Theallas paused for a second, "Funny, Being a hero to some and a villian to others. The people back at the GDODAD think me a traitor. What use is it being a hero if one of your most trusted officers betrays you?" The last part after the pause Theallas spoke as if speakng to himself, his mind finally came back to the matter at hand, "Sorry, my mind is prone to wander some times, now, where was I? Right, Kithail..."

You moron Kithail, can't you see it right now? These actions will only fane the flames. As Theallas thinks his hand reflexivly curls and un-curls aroud the hilt of his sword. Of all the times Kithail, why now, the world is in a recession, human and elven relations are strained, ande every day holds the promise of a very red dawn. Why now?

OOC: In Tolkien mithos, a red dawn means that blood was spilled during the knight, a minor point in the books, a major one in the movies

The door of the Royal Chamber opened, and a single figure entered. A beautiful young elven maiden entered, dressed in a celestial blue dress, the only thing flaw in her appearance was her proesthetic hand, made of cold steel, the cybernetic mechanism opened. "Leave us alone, noone will nter this place, with the exception of the Farseer, tell him that we're waiting for him", as she spoke, the guards left silently, closing the doors as they exited.

She walked over the red carpet covering the floor, towards the throne where the ShadowPrince was sitted, holding an exquisite chalice in his hand. His eyes were sunken, as a person who haven't rest in days. His usually regal and beautiful armor and cloak were now dirty and unkempt, as was his blonde hair, now falling over his face in disorder.

The woman stepped forward, several steps away from the Prince, the huge hall only iluminated by the chandeliers around the throne. "Drinking eh?. You hadn't drinked in decades. You're realizing the weight of your mistake", she said, her gaze fized in the chalice in his hand.

"Have you come here to mock me?, I have enough problems already", said the elven Prince, his voice a tone of mixed anger and sadness.

"I'm not here to mock you, I'm here to help you, to offer you advise, as always. You're the only family I have Kithail, and you have proved to be a good friend in the past. Rescind that decree now, there's no way the Noble's Gathering could approve that insanity", said the woman in a very soft, low voice.

"Several Houses are supporting me on this, almost as many as are supporting you. You turned the Gathering against me, you were the one who stopped them from approving it!", Kithail almost yelled, his fist clenched as he spoke.

"The same Houses that supported Ma'El, the Phaelos nobles, the Drow Houses. Those are your allies now?, you have fallen deeper that I thought. What would be the next step, joining the Dominion?. Why you hate humans so much?", the tone of Aliria hardened, her eyes showing another attitude.

"The age of humans have passed, they're not the fair race they were in the ancient history. And they don't have love for elves anymore. Aliria, it was a human who killed my father!", screamed the ruler, his eyes red with anger at the painful memories.

"And it was a human the one that made me lose my arm. But that's not enough reason, and the more selfish motive that I've ever seen. You can't judge an entire race by the actions of a few members. Besies, your actions are bringing the destruction of our nation. After all the effort I have made to unite the noble's Houses, you came and divided them again. And all our allies are leaving us, seeing you as a tyrant". The woman didn't moved or changed her attitude.

"If I can't convince you of the foolishness of your actions, maybe the Farseer can. He's waiting on the other side of this door. I thought you were a good man, Kithail, and a fair ruler. You have betrayed my trust in you. I considered you my friend, my brother, and you failed me". She just approached the throne, standing behind the huge seat.

"And hide that chalice and composed yourself, Are you going to greet our guests in that shape?. You look like the Shadowbeggar, not the ShadowPrince", said the woman, staring at the Prince with the look of an older sister.

Theallas stood waited outside the room, as the Eldar entered, Theallas stepped into an unpoppulated part of them room, slowly drawing his sword.

He started off in a slow reutine, moving faster and faster untill he reached his fastest speed, finishing with a powerfull downstrike, halting inches above the floot. The sound of the air rushing into the vacuum formed by the speeding strike of the blade was audible.

Theallas stood, slowly sheathing the sword, inspecting for cracks of nicks as he did so.

<This was a massivly complex bump>

Finally, the EOTED warship Glorious Heritage comes to a relative full-stop, and informs the Craftworld that a dropship will be en route to the docking facilities shortly.

And with the absolute efficiency that the IDF is known for, the dropship clears the Glorious Heritage cargo bay almost the same instant the transmission cuts.

Gliding inwards towards the Craftworld docking facilities, the teardrop-shaped (and very tiny - it couldn't fit more than three people) dropship opens communications.

"This is Ambassador Nejure, representing the Empire of the Eternal Dawn, and requesting permission to dock. Please advise on preferred docking procedures and preferred docking space. This message will repeat until a response is read; we will hold position at 5 klicks until permission to dock is recieved. - This is Ambassador Nejure, representing-"

"Proceed to the launch bay 32, dock 6, please. We will arrange a welcome for the ambassador. Please use the recommended route, many of the Craftworld's areas are under turmoil", said a voice from the other side of the communicator. "Launch bay 32, dock 6, total clearance granted".

tag#

"Marvellous invention, the spaceship, eh?" says Phocas in wonder. "I'd never have dreamt that Pantocratoria would ever have such a device, and yet not so long ago the government funded the acquisition of some exploratory vessels."

"How did that saying go? To reach into the heavens and touch the face of God?" Phocas contemplates as he stares out the window. "I suppose this is all everyday stuff for you, madamoiselle?"

"If you don't mind terribly, perhaps you could teach me a little about the nature of this assembly? I'm afraid I know so little about Aelosian politics, and I'd hate to inconvenience or embarrass anybody by speaking or acting improperly." asks Phocas in earnest.

"We don't invented these spaceships, we copy the technology from the Tor Yvresse Eldar. And well, this is not the everyday stuff, usually we don't leave mother country for long, and space travelling is usually rare even for us", Cyanna said, looking through her own window. "Maybe if the Pantocratorian goverment had been more open to us we could have shared the secrets of space travelling with you. Perhaps in the future we could share other secrets and miracles".

"And about the meeting, well, we're basically a feudal monarchy, in several aspects similar to Pantocratoria, in others very different. I'll brief you about the current political situation. Aelosia is mostly ruled by the most important families, that have attained the status of Great Noble Houses. Those families, or Houses, are mostly the descendants of the founder families that escaped to the stars after the end of the third age and built the Craftworld, the artificial moon in the space", she paused for a minute, taking breath.

"The Great Noble Houses elect one of the families as the Imperial House, title that it's usually eternal until deposed, removed by accident or by lack of a direct heir. The first family that was elected as the Imperial House was the Phaelos family, the family of Eldar that teached us all about the stellar technology and built out new home. They ruled for thousands of years, until recently the Prince Ma'El, the last heir to the imperial throne, was deposed under charges of treachery and crimes against elvenkind by a gathering of the noble houses and a coup by several military commanders. Those facts caused our Civil War, and we fought kin against kin in a short but bloody war until the loyalist forces, the supporters of the Phaelos House, surrendered, thanks to the support that Lady Sirithil, the Star of the Menelmacari, gave to the rebel forces, leaving the goverment in the hands of a provisional assembly".

"Dux Admiral Kithail Hyral was appointed as the Lord Protector of the Realm until a new Imperial House was elected. After a few months, a new heir was elected, I think you were invited to his coronation. Prince Fhiann Alberthil of the Alberthil House, fianceé of the Imperial Chancellor, our mutual friend the Princess Aliria. Unfortunately, after a few weeks, Prince Ma'El, now called the Archtraitor, return to out nation trying to recover his lost crown. He killed the newly elected Emperor with his own hands and started a Coup that sunk the nation into anarchy and turmoil again", Cyanna turned her face, as in deep shame and grief.

"The riots were suffocated by the return of the Lord Protector, who was fighting a war far away of our homeland, in the Resi Corporation territories. He was appointed as the Supreme Ruler of Aelosia, but without the title of Emperor. Now Kithail Hyral, former Lord Protector of the Realm, is the current ShadowPrince, a title not used in centuries. The ShadowPrince is an aspirant to be Emperor, but still in a temporary state, until he proves that he's worthy of the position".

"By far, I suppose you're accustomed to deal with Princes, Counts, Barons, Duchessess and the like. In that aspect we're very similar to our human counterparts. The main problem is that the ShadowPrince is the most awesome military commander that Aelosia has seen in ages, but his political skills are far from excellent, he's smart and intelligent, but too stubborn and close-minded. That's why usually the Imperial Chancellor, Princess Aliria, handles most of the political affairs. One could say she's the real ruler after all. But in the current issue, the Decree of Human Banning, the ShadowPrince is not opened to the suggestions and advises of the Princess, so again anarchy and turmoil have taken the country, and the two rulers are facing each other in the noble's Gathering, trying to win more influence than the other. The House of Hyral and its supporters is trying to approve the decree, and the D'Hyru Houses with its allies is trying to oppose it".

"But don't worry, you will fare well, the Princess will support in you. She said that you were an outstanding politician and a skilled diplomat. As a matter of fact, you bring hope to the Princess's party, me included. We hope that you can convince the rest of the nobles that the humans are a good race and that they don't deserve to be banned from our Empire", Cyanna said, smiling at the human ambassador.

A dim haze surrounds the dropship as it exerts a small amount of thrust in the required direction; the Glorious Heritage ASI is, in fact, piloting the craft - what point is there in an organic pilot on such an unimportant thing as a mere transport 'dropship', anyway?

Besides: it is far too difficult for any organic to pilot this particular style of dropship. The ASI on board the Glorious Heritage executes millions of calculations per second - just to keep the damned thing moving in the right direction.

If - and it's a big if - the Aelosian's have devices capable of detecting a gravitic drive, they might note the very, very primitive nature of the gravitic system employed on the dropship. And primitive is exactly the right word; the field fluctuates quite rapidly, causing handling of the dropship to appear slightly clumsy. It's not a dignified entrance, but the dropship eventually settles into position in launch bay 32, dock 6.

Nobody makes any effort to leave; instead, the three occupants remove their clothes and enter the tiny UV room - no need to bring any additional microbes aboard, of course, and they are well aware of the fragility of closed ecological systems.

After a while, Ambassador Nejure communicates the readiness of those on board to depart - and, presumably met by Aelosian's, all three do indeed depart.

Perhaps the problems begin here; perhaps not. But either way: it rapidly becomes clear that the three occupants are one Nenyan...

...and two Humans. All three wear the regalia of top Ambassadors of EOTED - that is, bright bronze flowing tunic with a light blue sash running from left shoulder to right hip. All three wear US wands at the hip left, and the new microwave-blasters at the right.

#Tag for thought#

WN

The two Thelasian soldiers, still wearing their combat armor, and standing solid as rocks, with about the same talkative ability, turned and looked at the ship, all allong they had been talking by closed com frequency,

"What the hell? Humans? Are they nuts? The ShadowPrince will have a fit."
"You're not kidding, I wonder what those idiots at EOTED are thinking."
"Nothing as usual."
"Good point, good point."

In the sixth dock of the 32th launch bay of the Aelosian Craftworld, several figures quickly run to firm a line alongside the EOTED transport. The slim silouettes of the Striking Scorpions Corps Guard, their armor green, with the blazon of the Paelisi House in their chest, raised their energy swords above their heads at the exit of the dropship, forming a hallway of bright blades. Three courtiers, a man and two maidens, all of them blonde elves with a regal look and dressed in blue garments decorated wih jewelry.

"Greetings, EOTED delegates, we're courtiers from House Paelisi. We were expecting you, please follow us, we will get you a fine place to rest before the Noble's Assembly starts again. It's an honor to have you in our nation, I hope that you could help us to avoid the approval of that heinous decree", said the man, in a soft Nenyan with a strong Sindarin accent.

Double post. What's happening in the forums?...

OOC: I have no clue, my post earlier double posted, and there are quadrouple posts in the Thread area

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2217456#2217456)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid87/pda22c0ab2140ceb42cbbf0f2271afd5b/fa9f249c.jpg

"That's very kind of you, madamoiselle, very kind." says Phocas, happily.

"Yes, I have had the pleasure to meet Her Highness the Chancellor on several occassions while I was still Foreign Minister. I was present at Prince Fhiann Alberthil's coronation, or at least, I attended, but before long, the new government took power, and I was recalled. I hadn't any idea of the awful tragedy which followed my return to Pantocratoria. What a terrible thing to happen..." Phocas trails off.

He leans forward on his cane, taking in the view of the stars, before turning once more to Cyanna, with a grandfatherly smile.

"The very fact that there is even debate about expelling humans from Aelosia, or elves from Pantocratoria, makes me more and more certain that it can never be acceptable to force such an exodus." says Phocas. "The fact that there is debate indicates that this is a political issue. One day the government supports integration. The wind changes, and the next day the government supports separation. One day popular opinion is behind one, the next day the other. But expelling humans from Aelosia, or elves from Pantocratoria, would mean that when popular opinion changes sides, the government's ability to act on that opinion would be gone."

"You're right, that kind of decision doesn't have a way back. You cannot expel a race from a country and years later just say that it was a wrong decision and that now they can come back. I know the ShadowPrince, he's not a bad man. But he's too stubborn and proud, and after fighting several wars against human oppressors of elvenkind he's trying to judge all humans with the same scale. He saw elven concentration camps in Cyberutopia, how the elves were massacred in Pyrtania, and the abuses on Esamopia, the slavery of elves in Belem. He has his reasons, but he should know that you can't put all the humans in the same balance. I learned that in Pantocratoria. I started to hate your race as a whole after what happened with Bastianel, I hope you heard about the case, but I knew some people that made me change my opinion", said Cyanna, smiling at Sir Phocas and taking his hand softly.

Sir Michael smiles back by reflex as Cyanna takes his hand. But he tries to look more serious as he starts to speak.

"The Duras case, yes?" Phocas says, bringing it to mind. "Hmmm... only what I've read in the papers I'm afraid. It saddens me that a species could be judged by a single event. But I'm glad that you changed my mind. You'd be a case in point then, madamoiselle... if you had the power to do it, you might have expelled humans from Aelosia in the aftermath of whatever it was which inspired those feelings in you in the first place, and then you wouldn't have had the opportunity to change your mind, or even if you had, it would be too late."

Phocas looks over to a couch.

"I think I shall give my old legs a rest, madamoiselle." Sir Michael says as he smiles. "However, I was raised to never sit while a lady stands..."

"Oh, please. I'm so sorry. I was going rude. Where's my courtesy?. I didn't offered you a seat!. And you answered me in a such educated way!. You're all that Princess Aliria told me. Please sit down", said Cyanna, extending her hand to the couch.

"And it is our honour," Ambassador Nejure begins, in crisp, clear, and non-accented Sindarin-

"-to be allowed," continues one of the Human Ambassadors, who eyes the energy-swords with mild wariness-

"-to visit this," continues the third-

"-marvellous construction in which you live," completes Ambassador Nejure.

"The circumstances," concludes the first Human to speak, "are, unfortunately, less than pleasing."

All three bow.

"I am Ambassador Nejure, 2nd Ambassador of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn, and my esteemed colleagues are Ambassador Ulritti Menjda, Fifth Ambassador, and Ambassador Endji Rihad, Seventh Ambassador, respectively." Each bow their heads in turn.

All is said in Sindarin; all three speak quickly.

Ambassador Nejure motions with a hand to signal the readiness of all three to follow, and, once their greeter begins to move off, they do indeed follow. All three walk in a line - none follow the others. Symbolism, of course; the Empire obviously wishes to make it clear that the Nenyan Ambassador Nejure - although of greater rank - is not dominant over the two Humans.

As the group begins to walk, Nejure says softly, "My apologies for the carrying of arms; they are, of course, largely ceremonial - and the blasters do not carry charges. They are unusable, and purely for show." He bobs his head slightly. "They are meant to be symbolic of our love for the blade; we felt, though, that each of us carrying a sword may be seen as somewhat..."

He pauses, searching for the correct word. "...inflammatory."

"Glad to meet you, I'm Baron Norvelis of Paelisi. And about the weapons, don't worry, it's not inflammatory, not for us. The Aelosians fully understand that carrying a blade is a symbol of status. Most of our nobles carry their weapons because they usually family heritages and motives of pride amongst us. We will inform to the guard that you're armed, that's the only requisite. Even the ShadowPrince has no problem to meet armed men.", says the man of the group, making a delicate bow in the elven fashion, the women just smiling at the EOTED delegates.

"I suppose you're offended by the decree that the goverment is trying to approve. To be sincere, we too. Our House, being in charge of the Foreign Affairs of our empire, has contacted more with humans than most of the nobles, and knows that despise the numerous evil men that roam the outside world, no race as a whole can be blamed for the actions of a few. That's why we sent a message to you. The ShadowPrince still respects and admires your nation, and your opinion about this could help to change his mind", continued one of the women. "Oh, and sorry about my lack of courtesy, I'm Countess Xanaphia of Paelisi".

As Cyanna sits, Sir Michael smiles appreciatively and sits as well.

"So, with whom will I be meeting when our journey through space comes to its end?" asks Sir Michael. "I imagine Princess Aliria is rather busy..."

"Countess, Baron," Ambassador Nejure acknowledges politely, and then motions slightly to Ambassador Ulritti, indicating that they should speak on this.

"We," begins Ambassador Ulritti, in a quiet, soft voice, with a faintly warbling Sindarin accent, "once had a great problem in integrating the very different cultures that compose the Empire today. - Of course, our predecessors did not deal with the problem all too effficiently, but today..."

He spreads his hands symbolically, indicating the unity of the three Ambassadors. Or tries to.

"...today, we each stand together. Equal. Nenyans, Elves, Humans. Humans are by far the more prevalent - Nenyans and Elves breed more slowly, of course - but all share in the responsibility of governing the Empire. Unifying such different cultures was not easy, and so we sympathize with your plight most strongly. - Perhaps our experience in dealing with such matters will be of help to you; we certainly hope so, and are only too pleased to offer aid to our Aelosian friends in any way we can."

All three EOTED Ambassadors nod at this, emphasizing the point. Nejure adds, "You might note there are three of us, but none of us are Quendi, and that there are two Humans but only one Nenyan - myself. The number three is very important to us, firstly, which is why that number was chosen. None of us are Quendi for an important reason, we feel: I am Nenyan. Nenyankind, in a way, offers a bridge in culture between Humanity and the Quendi; if an Elf had been with us, it would have not offered such an equal view of our culture. And so - two Humans, one Nenyan. This reflects the numerical dominance of Humanity in the Empire, of course." Nejure smiles faintly.

bump for Tor-Yvresse

another bump because Tor is online, and I don;t want this R to die right now...

"You will stay with me until the Princess meets you. She thinks that you will be one of the keys in her cause, and asked me to treat you as a guest of honor. No matter what, she will meet with you, you're one of her main concerns", said Cyanna to Sir Phocas, smiling "Can I offer you something to drink or eat?".

In the dock, the Paelisi courtier smiled. "That's why we sent a message to your govermnet. We hope that your presence and your words can convince those who don't believe any more in the human race. Our goverment is almost the expression of Byzantine Politics, as any feudal goverment is, the Great Houses trying to achieve more power and win the favor of the absolute ruler, in this case the ShadowPrince".

"Byzantine politics eh?" Sir Michael says. "Can't say I'm unfamiliar with the sort. Well, I'm glad I shall spend the time waiting in such good company then, my dear. I think I shall take you up on your offer of something to eat or drink... what is there?"

"Elven wine, peacock, Simbelrë fish, exotic fruits, lembas and ambrose, I hope you like it", said Cyanna smiling to Sir Michael. "We have two hours before we arrive to the orbit of the Craftworld".

The Paelisi Courtiers escorted the EOTED ambassadors to a transportation station. "As the teletransporters are now disabled due to the martial law, we will travel to the goverment Palace in hyperboric train, I hope you like the trip", said one of the women, showing the door of the wagon of a beautifully crafted train.

The pair of Warlocks took the Farseer to the huge portal of the throne room. "In the other side of this door is the throne room of Neo Menegroth, the ShadowPrince and the Imperial Chancellor are waiting for you. We will leave you now, you're the only person who can cross the gates", said one of them, before leaving quietly the Farseer alone. The door opened without making a sound, the Wraithbone moving silently to show the huge architecture of the room.

Triple Post

Triple post

I apologise OOCly for the delay, I was debating OOCly what position to take exactly. In the end I will likely toe the party line to an extent.)
IC

Alone with the two, Telgorthrind smiled slightly before speaking. He did not bow, and this fact was evident in his posture. 'ShadowPrince, Chancellor, I speak to you today of necisity, your recent decleration is a threat to our people, to our Kin. To your nation, and to you both directly. You know of my abilities in the field of devination, in reading the future, and I have forseen a dark future ahead of you should you follow this path.'

As he spoke the runes he carried with him floated into the air, one coming to rest in Telgorthrind's hand, the shape upon the Rune was old, as old as the Eldar had existed this shape had been with them.

'This is the Rune of our people, it's is our common fate I speak of you today.' as he spoke he released the Rune and it joined the others, only to be replaced with another.
'This is the Rune of your nation, it repersents your people, your nation.' Again he released it, and the Rune joined the others.

'Other Runes repersent the Mon-Keigh, their pitiful and barbaric peoples, yes, it is true, we have every right to hate them, their very existence is a blot upon this Universe, yet examine the runes, see how many are made of that shape of the Mon-Keigh, see how many their are. They are a force of unparrelled numbers and savage hate. Unleashed upon our Kin and they would be unstopable, a Horde that would extinquish us.' As he spoke the Runes shifted and the numbers of the Mon-keigh overwhelmed the Runes of the eldar, of the Elves and slowly the Runes fell onto the floor, dead, to eventually shatter, destroyed.

'You see the might of the Mon-Keigh, no future I have probed show us able to withstand the combined Hordes of the Mon-keigh, we will hurt them before our light fades, but we would fall. You understand this, now understand this... Your actions hurt us, because through your actions others see hypocrisy they see us demand equal rights and yet deny them to others. That leads to those Mon-Keigh who where not committed in the issue to join with those that hate us, a small simple push is all their Childlike, simple minds need.'

More runes rose as he spoke, to replace the ones destroyed in the previous reading, this time the Rune that was Aelosia had a darker feel to it, as it took up the appearance of it's new road of the decleration against Humanity, and Mon-keigh runes split into groupings, Each grouping repersented a position, those in the middle, and those for and against the Elves, slowly the runes of the Mon-Keigh shifted, towards those that hated, at first from the neutral, but soon those allied joined those that where neutral until their where no allies, and few neutral. and the same scene from before was repeated. The eldar Runes fell dead and where destroyed.

'Do you understand what you do here? YOU will bring about the start of the end, YOU will shatter our image, the others will not allow this to occur, and we will not intervene. I share your disgust for these Animals, these Creatures are beneath our contempt, in a perfect universe we would exterminate every last one of these vile creatures. This is not a perfect universe, we must humour them, work beside them for the protection of our peoples, for when they allie with us, they join our fight, they become our tools.'

Only now did Telgorthrind bow as his Runes returned into the container that carried them, and he smiled as he rose. 'Of course when they fight besides us, and join our fight, they die for us, in our peoples place, and so we are all bettered.'

OOC: wow Tor, that was a triple post to be seen.

"Lovely, just lovely." says Sir Michael as he sits down to eat. "Is the peacock for my benefit only, or is it a normal part of a typical Aelosian menu? Pardon me, where are my manners, will you be joining me for luncheon, madamoiselle?"

OOC: Very, very good post, Tor Yvresse, I'm flattered.

IC:

The ShadowPrince just watched as the runes of the Farseer floated through the air, amazed of the power of the wise and elder eldar. "Wise words you have spoken, and I see more clear now", said the warrior, staring at the mask of Telgonthrind, "To ban the humans is unite them against us, and divide elvenkind in groups when we must be united against the Mon-Keighs".

The Chancellor smiled, sending a psychic message to the Farseer's mind, Thank you, Farseer, thank you for showing him the truth, and thank you for sharing your vision with us. I have no words for what you have done today. I hope that now he will listen, and change his decision.

Suddenly Kithail spoke again "but I haven't taken a decision yet, I need to hear more about it. I think the elven haters have done enough to convince of banning his kin, but I still need to hear what the humans that not hate us have to say about this matter. Of course what you have said to me will have an enormous weight when I reach the point of the last choice. Please stay a little longer, and enjoy our hospitality meanwhile I take my decision".

"Please follow me, High Farseer Telgonthrind, now I will show you the beauty of the tunnels of Neo-Menegroth, and hope that you like what we have done in this Craftworld to resemble our ancient kingdom of Doriath", said the Imperial Chancellor, stepping forward the Farseer and taking his hand.

"Call Theallas now, I will spoke to him before the EOTED ambassadors reach the palace", said the ShadowPrince to the Princess as she exited the hall.

Once the gates of the throne room close behind them the Princess spoke again to Telgonthrind "Not even your words convinced him. I'm so worried about this matter, if that decree passes, it will mean the end of us, and all elvenkind will be in danger. But maybe there's still hope, I noticed that your opinion matters a lot to him, and that now he's pounding if he made a mistake", she said, covering her face with her hands.

Outside the throne room, a guard dressed with the colors of the House Hyral approached Theallas. "Sire, the ShadowPrince is waiting for you, and your presence is required in the Throne room. Looks weird to me, but the ShadowPrince requested that you bring your sword with you", he said as he took a deep bow in front of the Thelas General.

In the transport Cyanna laughed at Sir Phocas comment, her laugh innocent and clean as the water of a virgin river "Peacock is usually prepared to honored guests, but yes, the nobles usually eat it and we consider its meat a delicacy. And of course I will join you, I will not lose the opportunity to eat peacock", she said smiling.

Sir Michael smiles as Cyanna joins him.

"I wasn't aware that anybody outside of Pantocratoria considered peacocks a delicacy." Sir Michael says. "I must confess in my ignorance to have never knowingly tried Simbelrë fish or lembas... but it looks splendid."

Sir Michael chews and swallows a piece of peacock meat before speaking again.

"Marvellous. Very well prepared indeed." Sir Michael says appreciatively. He samples the elven wine. "Mmmmm... that is going to take a little getting used to. It isn't at all unpleasant though."

He sips at the wine again, nodding slowly as he gets used to the different taste of elven wine.

"I remember the first time I ate at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, the wine there... after I was knighted in 1969, I had the privilege of sitting at the table of the Emperor Isaac V. The wine was a red, almost a Burgundy flavour, with a dash of honey and spices mixed in." Sir Michael recalls. "And there were... most extraordinary... tiny flakes of gold mixed in with the spices. I'd imagine the whole thing together was mildly toxic... still... I'd never drunk gold before... or since..."

"It strikes me, when I recall something which happened in 1969, that's such a long time ago for me.... but your people, well, not necessarily you personally, I would never dare guess a lady's age, but elves in general, must look back on a matter of thirty four years like it was nothing. Like last week." Sir Michael marvels. "I could never imagine what that would be like..."

Theallas stood and walked into the room, placing his thumb under the guard of his blade. His eyes were a bluish color, what was unusual about them was the fact that there were no pupils or irises, just solid blue, usually they were blank, showing no emotion, but now they showed a tinge of pity deep inside them.

“Shadow Prince Kithail Hyral, I come here as both an ally in battle who has fought along side you, and also as a friend, who might know more about you than you know about yourself. I do not come here as an adversary, although I must stress that if you take the path that you now are on, you will lead us to the point of war.

I urge you deeply, to not follow the path that the humans, who you detest, have chosen. It is horrible and dishonorable that one of the Firstborn should follow the same path that those who are the allies of the fallen Valar¸ Melkor, have chosen.

By taking this path, you are undoing all that myself, yourself, Lady Feanor, the Council of Farseers, and Princess Aliria have fought for. You have been playing right into the hands of Melkor, prompting future allies to turn away from us, making the arguments of the Elf-Haters even more powerful.

I again urge you to repeal this decree and stop the downfall of the elven race, before it begins."

So, Theallas. Do you think that the humans deserve our apprecciation too?", said Kithail, a little tone of mockery and sarcasm in his voice.

"And I suppose that you know a lot about the Dark Lord's work, after being his servant and slave for many years in the deep pits of Angband", said the ShadowPrince, his gaze fixed in Theallas. "Oh, I said slave, maybe I should have used the word friend. Friend, as you claim to be of myself", the tone of ironic disdain of the ShadowPrince rose as he stood from his throne.

"I also suppose that you came here to convince me to forgive the humans, as your master forgave you in Angband. I can understand the Farseer's reasons, even the Lady Sirithil's arguing, but I don't know why you would want to defend humankind. You want to manipulate me as your Dark Lord ordered you to do. But that's not the worst part. You also want to marry Aliria and annex this country to Thelas, your own, little Dominion. You want to marry the Princess, and then depose me. I already know that. Now, What do you have to say in your defense?".

So, Theallas. Do you think that the humans deserve our apprecciation too?", said Kithail, a little tone of mockery and sarcasm in his voice.

"And I suppose that you know a lot about the Dark Lord's work, after being his servant and slave for many years in the deep pits of Angband", said the ShadowPrince, his gaze fixed in Theallas. "Oh, I said slave, maybe I should have used the word friend. Friend, as you claim to be of myself", the tone of ironic disdain of the ShadowPrince rose as he stood from his throne.

"I also suppose that you came here to convince me to forgive the humans, as your master forgave you in Angband. I can understand the Farseer's reasons, even the Lady Sirithil's arguing, but I don't know why you would want to defend humankind. You want to manipulate me as your Dark Lord ordered you to do. But that's not the worst part. You also want to marry Aliria and annex this country to Thelas, your own, little Dominion. You want to marry the Princess, and then depose me. I already know that. Now, What do you have to say in your defense?".

As Kithail finished, Theallas’ eyes no longer seemed to just glow, they seemed to flame with with a cold fire,

“Kithail, you say that a was a ‘friend’ of Morgoth, I can never tell you how untrue that is.” Theallas no longer showed any pity in his eyes for Kithail, now they only showed pure anger, “I want you to imagine something Prince,” he says the words ‘Prince’ with a tone of disgust, “imagine that you served Lady Sirithil for hundreds of years, your heart as cold as space, then some one comes, who you love more than anything else you know. She is an assassin like you are. Then in a mission in Angband, you are captured, and she is killed, you are imprisoned to know torments beyond just the physical. Oh yes Kithail, not just physical and psychological, but magical, imagine, having amounts of magic flowing through your body, magic that not only surpasses the amounts that your body can safely handle, but magic, that is in its’ basic form, opposed to your very body.”

Theallas stepped forward, “You seem to think that because I was captured by Morgoth that I am his servant. Kithail, we have fought before, can you not remember what you felt when we fought. I hope to Eru that by my ‘master’ you meant Lady Sirithil, because she of all the people in the world has perfect right not to forgive me, yet she has forgiven me, beyond what I could imagine. I fought her in Diablo NL, she felt my soul, yet when I tried to kill myself, she healed me.”

Theallas took another step forward, “You think, that I want to marry Aliria because of power? You would really think that, have we not signed a pact, promising to defend our two nations? Kithail, your heart has become even colder than my own, no, it has become hotter than the flames of Mount Doom, you cannot tell who is friend and who is foe, look at yourself, what are you doing now?”

Theallas took one more step forward, “My own little Dominion? You relate me to the GDODAD? I must admit, it was, pleasurable to be in their company, the members of the Dominion were not half as evil as you now show to be. Misguided that they were, but now, you, validate all that had been told to them by the servants of Morgoth. That elves only wished for the enslavement of all humans.”

“I will tell you something Kithail, I saw futures, many possible futures, one where the Dominion ruled all, and one where elves had enslaved all life. In both of them, you were as evil as Sauron, in one, you lived in a prison in the Orion Sector, in another, you were sadistic, delighting in the death and torture of humans.”

"And you came out of Angband wielding a weapon made by the enemy, and killed thousand of people. And even so, you are telling me that I'm deluded?. You say I'm a tyrant, But isn't your people ruled with an iron fist by you and Netari?. Haven't you invaded and disposed of the native population of the territory that you and your mercenaries reclaimed as yours without no right?. I have heard the history of the foundation of Thelas, and it's worst than the spanish conquest of America", Kithail was breathing heavily, raising his voice to echo in all the inmense hall.

"You say that you serve Lady Sirithil. You say that she forgave you. Aliria told me a completely different story. That she captured you and ut you in the dungeon where you belong, but you escaped with the help of Saruman the White, the Maia who sold his soul to Sauron, lieutenant of Morgoth!", the last word almost shouted from his throat.

"In this universe your only friends can be those who were raised with you, the rest are just foes, the humans the worst of the lot. I have met vampires with better way of life than most humans. We should had erased them from the face of the universe before they polluted the stars. If my future is to be a tyrant, then so be it, but I'm not a traitor and a wormtongue like you, Theallas, you're a betrayer of your own kin", the last insult was more spitted than spoken, the ShadowPrince slowly walking to the place where Theallas stand.

Part of Theallas’ mind screamed for him to draw his blade and kill Kithail, but part of him reminded himself that Kithail was a brother to Aliria, and to harm Kithail, would be to harm Aliria, “Yes, I admit that I came out of Angband and killed thousands, to be honest, I was insane. The only life I knew was killing, death, destruction, darkness. My stay in Angband put me over the edge, but did you hear about how I was changed? I was in a lab, some where in the land that now belongs to Miss Ravellyn Shentavo, I had sensed a powerful magical field, and went to investigate, in truth, I went to go kill the owner of that field. The powerful magic was caused by a Seraphim, a version of a Maia. It took seven days for me to find her, and when I did on the seventh day, she had gained full power, when she destroyed the lab, a threw my sword in front of me as a defensive action. I absorbed part of the blast. That magic, put me back, at least partially, into sanity.”

Theallas now stood still as he spoke, “The story about Saruman is told with great misunderstanding ShadowPrince. Yes, she did throw me in the Omega facility, awaiting my trial, but she did not kill me, something more than I had hoped for. When I contacted Saruman, I took a massive gamble, I pretended to betray Sirithil, for my freedom. In reality when Saruman tried to free me, I attempted to arrest him, unfortunately, he got away before the Moranhossen showed up.

‘In this universe your only friends can be those who were raised with you, the rest are just foes’ Is that what you think ShadowPrince, that you can have no allies in this world? That all are traitors? That even Lady Feanor is a traitor?”

Kithail walked slowly to Theallas, his fists clenched. "I dreamed once of being a paladin of elvenkind, to defend my race from the depredations of humans. I waged war against all who attacked and harmed elves, I sent my men to die for a useless crusade. Do you know how many Aelosian soldiers died in the Pyrtania incident?, Do you know how many of our children didn't return from the invasion of Elf-Haters?. No you don't. Thousands of my men died from the treachery of men, and it was my responsability for sent them to a war that they couldn't win", said Kithail, his voice sounding different than when he met Theallas in Cyberutopia, more like the hissing of a snake. His eyes were different now, like empty pools of mindless sensations.

"Now, all elves are traitors, even you, even me. Because we are consorting with humans, our natural enemy, our own predator. Even Lady Sirithil has commited the same mistake, having human friends, helping them to achieve the power that they will use in the future to smash us. I say we smash them well before they raise against us!".

Theallas returned the attack of Kithail with a hard look in his eye, “You say that you sent you men on a fruitless war, does the fact that you saved thousands of elves mean anything to you? The fact that you saved hundreds upon thousands in Cyberutopia means nothing to you? What has happened to you, Kithail? What has caused you to forsake all that you wished? Does Aliria, you own adopted sister, not wish for the reconciliation of the races? Will you take her dream and make something of it, or will you create strife and hatred like the servants of Morgoth?”

Theallas tried to sense the magic of Kithail, who did it really belong to?

OOC: Is there any one else in the room?

OOC: Yes, you could sense another presence, a being even more powerful than Kithail. It's strange that the Farseer didn't noted that. (He didn't asked)

IC:

"Aliria is plotting to depose me!, she's no longer the friend that grew with me. And I could bet that you put those ideas inside he mind!. You have sold yourself to the worthless humans!", said Kithail raising his voice again. As he spoke, a grey shadow appeared from behind the throne, near the spot where Aliria was standing during the visit of the Farseer.

Another voice spoke, this time a calmed and cold voice, like the voice of a ghost "Don't waste your time, Theallas. The Prince now has better counselors than you and that stupid Noldorin woman. Did you thought that you could marry her and be crowned Phoenix King?, please, to rule Aelosia you need more than a fancy Angband sword".

Kithail just smiled, taking off his cloak and showing the hidden sword beneath it. "Now leave, Theallas, leave us alone".

After the short underground train trip to the center of the palace, and a short walk to the gates of Thingol...

Outside the Throne room, the Paelisi magistrates were tring to diminish the echo of the words of the ShadowPrince inside. "...worthless humans", and "...smash them before they smash us", so the EOTED magistrates couldn't hear them. Finally the man spoke to ambassador Nejure "I don't think that the Prince could be ready to meet with you today. He's very tired and...", he paused, knowing that the humans and the Nenyan in front of him weren't stupids. After a short breath, he continued "I don't know what's happening, he's changed, he's not the same proud but wise ruler of the past. It's like his emotions were now out of control".

Walking to the D'Hyru Holdings...

Aliria approached Telgonthrind, with a face full of concern. "I don't know what's happening. It looks like he is possesed by an ancient daemon of hate and intolerance. He never liked the humans, but he was never a racist, but now...it's like he was somebody else, transfixed by anger and hatred...", she said, her voice trembling of emotion.

Theallas looked at the shadow, his mind finally piecing together what he saw, damn it, if I know anything about soul swords, this could be difficult, time to see who this really is.

“Who are you? I know what you are, and I have an idea of why. But who are you?” Theallas’ voice showed a quiet amusement now, no longer the heated anger of earlier, “Damn you” Theallas smiled, “Quite a nice idea, gaining control of Aelosia just by influencing Kithail, and turning him into a puppet. Tell me, what spell did you use?”

Theallas turned around and took several step, then wheeling around on his heel he faced the two figures, “Now the question is, who do I fight here? Do I fight Kithail, the puppet, to get to you” he gestured to the shadow, “Or do I just go directly to the puppet master.”

Theallas puzzled this out loud, inside though, he was figuring out a way off attack if it came to that. A plan formed, or at least part of a plan, in his mind, that will do nicely

Theallas looked at the shadow, his mind finally piecing together what he saw, damn it, if I know anything about soul swords, this could be difficult, time to see who this really is.

“Who are you? I know what you are, and I have an idea of why. But who are you?” Theallas’ voice showed a quiet amusement now, no longer the heated anger of earlier, “Damn you” Theallas smiled, “Quite a nice idea, gaining control of Aelosia just by influencing Kithail, and turning him into a puppet. Tell me, what spell did you use?”

Theallas turned around and took several step, then wheeling around on his heel he faced the two figures, “Now the question is, who do I fight here? Do I fight Kithail, the puppet, to get to you” he gestured to the shadow, “Or do I just go directly to the puppet master.”

Theallas puzzled this out loud, inside though, he was figuring out a way off attack if it came to that. A plan formed, or at least part of a plan, in his mind, that will do nicely

Theallas looked at the shadow, his mind finally piecing together what he saw, damn it, if I know anything about soul swords, this could be difficult, time to see who this really is.

“Who are you? I know what you are, and I have an idea of why. But who are you?” Theallas’ voice showed a quiet amusement now, no longer the heated anger of earlier, “Damn you” Theallas smiled, “Quite a nice idea, gaining control of Aelosia just by influencing Kithail, and turning him into a puppet. Tell me, what spell did you use?”

Theallas turned around and took several step, then wheeling around on his heel he faced the two figures, “Now the question is, who do I fight here? Do I fight Kithail, the puppet, to get to you” he gestured to the shadow, “Or do I just go directly to the puppet master.”

Theallas puzzled this out loud, inside though, he was figuring out a way off attack if it came to that. A plan formed, or at least part of a plan, in his mind, that will do nicely

"I'm sorry to say this, little brat, but you don't have the minimal idea of what I am, why I am doing this, how I am controlling this stupid and who I am. And I want to keep that information for myself and myself only", answered the voice. "And please, don't come near me. I came prepared for this. Do you remember Aliria's new cybernetic arm?, I implanted a nasty chemical bomb inside it connected to my heart, so if I die, the bomb explodes, sending your beloved Princess, the Farseer and a lot of other people to oblivion. So, have fun fighting my lovely puppet, I'm sure you can have a lot of fun together. Now I will escape to make sure that someone kill those bastards of the EOTED and appears like my dear Kithail here prepared everything that way. Then those humans will declare war against this stupid goverment and I could...but I have talked too much, sorry. I hope to never see you again, Theallas. I wish you bad luck", After that the figure walked into a hidden panel in a wall and dissappeared through a hidden passage.

"Who are you talking to?. I demand your attention Theallas!, I'm talking to you and maybe this words is the last ones you're going to hear", suddenly shouted the ShadowPrince again. "Prepare yourself to die, dirty traitor, I should have killed you in Thelas when I had the chance", Kithail wheeled around, covering the hidden panel with his silouette.

Diplomatic Message
Priority: Urgent
From the Republic of Esamopia, Diplomatic Corps,

Dear Sir (OOC: we know not the proper way to address an elven official, so please consider "sir" to be a proper greeting, if possible.)

Although we believe that this message maybe futile, that it would be a miracle if it was even read in the presence of your majesty much less considered by "mere humans," please hear us out.

The Imperial Soverign has, for a long time now (OOC: about a whole RL week,) disavowed the policy of extremism against elves and has apologized to the entire elvish community, both in Esamopia and outside of it, for making deplorable and unfair laws.

While we understand that our decree was not the sole factor upon which you have based your decision, please be mindful that the decree was rescinded, the elves imprisoned have been released, and all other outstanding issues with the elvish community, at least within Esamopia, has been fulfilled to their satisfaction.

We urge you to reconsider the path you have chosen and hope that we meet each other in battle another day!

Sincerely,
The Esamopian High Council

Signatures:

The Imperial Soverign
The Vice-Imperial Soverign
All members of the Senior Diplomatic Corps.

In the office of messages:

"Dude, this is going to be a bomb, the elfhaters didn't approved the decree, and they even apologized to the elven community", said one of the deputy officer, whistling as he read the Esamopian letter. "I will send it to the Princess Aliria, I know she will gave it the proper use. With this, there's no way the Noble's Gathering could approve that stupid decree of the ShadowPrince". He quickly put the document in a sending holomachine and send the message to the D'Hyru Palace.

OOC: Can you let me know when Sir Michael and Cyanna arrive on the Craftworld? :)

...
In the dock, the Paelisi courtier smiled. "That's why we sent a message to your govermnet. We hope that your presence and your words can convince those who don't believe any more in the human race. Our goverment is almost the expression of Byzantine Politics, as any feudal goverment is, the Great Houses trying to achieve more power and win the favor of the absolute ruler, in this case the ShadowPrince".

[OOC: Sorry for slowness. I'm not read-up-to-date yet; dyou want me to continue from where we were, or move onto some future point, in line with the rest of the activities in this thread?]

*not so subtle bump*

Finally the vessel lands on one of the Craftworld's launch bay. "Please follow me", Cyanna said to Sir Phocas as the platform of the transport is leveled down.

As they exited the vessel, a crowd was waiting for them, but the presence of an anti riot unit around the ship was a signal that they weren't there to cheer them.

When Cyanna and Sir Phocas exit the transport, the people start to yell insults at them, and one of them throws a rotten vegetable to Cyanna, missing her by little. The police reacts quickly, pushing the crowd away. In front of the crowd, a young elven lad, dressed in a black suit and with dark sunglasses stared at Cyanna, his face easily recognized as Bastianel Dephil, former Prince of the Dephil house. He just smiled and start to yell too, raising his fist into the air. "We don't want humans, they're inferior beings". "Take them to where they belong in Arda with Melkor". "Let's kill them as they kill our kin in the outside world", the crowd was roaring like a enraged beast, still contained by the police.

"We should go, I have a splendid room waiting for you in the best hotel of this city", Cyanna just said, a look of deep dissapointment and grief in her face.

After the short underground train trip to the center of the palace, and a short walk to the gates of Thingol...

Outside the Throne room, the Paelisi magistrates were tring to diminish the echo of the words of the ShadowPrince inside. "...worthless humans", and "...smash them before they smash us", so the EOTED magistrates couldn't hear them. Finally the man spoke to ambassador Nejure "I don't think that the Prince could be ready to meet with you today. He's very tired and...", he paused, knowing that the humans and the Nenyan in front of him weren't stupids. After a short breath, he continued "I don't know what's happening, he's changed, he's not the same proud but wise ruler of the past. It's like his emotions were now out of control".

There's your briefing, EOTED.

"Yes, of course my dear, just wait a moment, if you please." says Sir Michael. He pushes the rotten vegetable along on the ground a bit with his walking stick as he walks towards Bastianel Dephil, being held back by the riot police. The old man speaks loudly and firmly over the shoulders of the officers - used to speaking in roudy parliaments, it will take more than a mob to drown out Sir Michael Phocas!

"Sir, if I am not very much mistaken, you are the son of Count Kyrosal, a Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator, and a consumate example of a chivalrous gentleman." says Sir Michael. He indicates to the rotten vegetable with his cane, and continues speaking with some venom. "To throw that, sir, at a young lady, was neither the chivalrous nor the gentlemanly thing to do. And sir, I cannot imagine that your father, whereever he may be, would disagree with me. You shame his memory sir, and yourself."

Sir Michael wipes the remains of a rotten vegetable which just struck him off the shoulder of his blazer, before turning back towards Cyanna, his expression once again softening.

"The best hotel in town, eh? You are simply too kind, madamoiselle, too kind. Please, do lead the way." Sir Michael says to her.

General Theallas started to walk away from Kithail, towards the door, “This is a waste of my time, Kithail you are a fool. To believe that you of all people would do something as thick skulled as this, is really not at all surprising.” Theallas continued to walk, his sword scabbard clicking against one of his boots as he did so, “As I said, this is a complete waste of time, but…” As Theallas said this, he swung around, drawing his sword in a flash, “I cannot let you live, for the sake of elven kind.” As Theallas says this, under his breath he mutters, “Aliria, forgive me for this.”

Knowing that the floor of the room is mettle, Theallas uses a variation on a Do Ryu Sen, using magic to send a shockwave along the ground, throwing up small particles of super-charged magic. As the shock-wave shot across the floor, Theallas launched another variation, a Kuzu Ryu Sen attack. If Kithail was concentrating on the Kuzu Ryu Sen he would have noticed that instead of one blade hitting nine times at incredible speeds, the attack was composed of nine blades, each looking like a real sword, each able to do the damage of a real sword, the rest were just physical summonings of magic.

Kithail just jumped away from Theallas, landing next to the throne, his eyes ablaze with anger inside his eyes, dodging the strokes from the katana. "You're the fool now, Theallas. Are you going to attack the owner of this House?. Are you going to fight against me in my own throne room?. And even if you kill me, Do you think that all the army contained inside this Craftworld is going to let you live after you killed their Prince?. You will fight against all of us then. Now my suspicions proved to be true. You came here to kill me and take over this country. Guards!", he shouted, pushing a button in the armpit of the throne.

The gates opened and ten honor guards entered the room, their lightsabers drawn as they saw Theallas attacking the Prince. "Apprehend this traitor, he tried to kill me", said Kithail, a grin of satisfaction in his face.

The guards slowly walked to Theallas, their Captain saying "Please, drop your weapons and come with us".

____________________________________________________________


Bastianel looked to Sir Phocas with his face red, countering the old man determination with the passion of his youth. "You, filthy human, don't have the right to talk about my father. You humans killed him with your lies and unworthy plots. You deserve to be killed, and that woman have sold our race, favoring you, the lesser beings. She's a traitor to all of us".

"Please, Sir Michael, it's not worthy to argue here, just follow me", said Cyanna, taking the hand of the Pantocratorian noble, staring at Bastianel with a mixed look of sadness and anger.

#tag#

Theallas sighed, “Soldier, I don’t want to hurt you, though, if you don’t back off, then I will be forced to harm you. I do not want to kill the ShadowPrince, why would I? If I wanted to rule Aelosia, I sure as hell would not have tried to kill Kithail now. Think about it, the ShadowPrince has been acting strange, I felt a presence in the room, a shadowed figure, who has left through that panel” Theallas pointed to the panel behind Kithail, “Let the two of us duel, let us duel” Theallas turned to Kithail, “ShadowPrince, if you have any honor left, except my challenge. I challenge you to a duel, no other participants, no help to either of us. If I defeat you, you will rescind the edict, and listen to what I say. If you win, I will accept what ever you decide.” Theallas sheathed his sword, the act making a piercing noise, sharp, and loud, loud enough to make an elf flinch.

Theallas watched Kithail, again trying to gauge how Kithail would react. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the soldiers, he especial tried to read their magic emanations, even non-mages gave off magic when they were exited or were about to attack.

The soldiers were scared, scared of facing Theallas, scared of the ShadowPrince. They're divided between their duty to protect the ShadowPrince and the doubt of if Theallas is speaking the truth...

"Please, we don't want to use our weapons. Surrender and you will be treated with kindness", said the Captain of the guard as another squad of soldiers enter the room, this time aiming at Theallas with their fusion rifles.

"You're trapped. Each minute more soldiers will arrive to this place. However, if is a duel what you want, so be it. I accept your conditions, but my condition is that the duel will be to death. It will be a pleasure to send you to the Halls of Mandos by my own hand. Kiss yourself good bye, Theallas", said Kithail, drawing his sword.

"See how the once proud now pelt innocent women with rotten vegetables on the street as a ragged protestor." says Sir Michael to Cyanna as he follows her. "How superior and self-righteous that young gentleman must feel... let us concern ourselves about him no longer then. Please, do lead on."

Theallas walked to the other side of the room, in front of the door, and dropped into a familiar Battoujutsu stance. If Kithail was watching very closely he would have been able to see two small hand holds in Theallas’ cloak, each made of steel, though they were quickly covered by his cloak. “That is the difference between us, you are a drawn blade, never knowing when to put away your attack. I fight as a sheathed blade, I have support, you have none.” Theallas poised his hand above his sword, “My father once told me, that the style of a person reflects the spirit of the wielder. That reflects in you, your attacks are one use, Gatotsu is good, but it is one use, it is inflexible. You can only attack with it, this is like your soul, always fighting, always attacking in a blind rage of fury. This is why you will lose” Everything at this point was a gamble, Kithail wasn’t thinking too straight now, if he could lure Kithail into attacking first, he could win.

Nejure does not look all that amused; the two Humans, however, do. They try to hide it, of course, out of politeness... but there it is, nontheless. Their presence, they're aware, would hardly be benificiary at this moment in time. They take a symbolic step back.

Nejure, however, frowns. "Are you saying that we have travelled all this distance for nothing? - No, do not answer that. Inform your Prince that I am not particuarly thrilled at being kept waiting. Further inform him that the Empire of the Eternal Dawn is quite possibly the only barrier between him and extreme danger. And inform him that this 'barrier' will not stay willing for very much longer if there is no sign of effort on his part. If he dislikes my words, so be it. But the Empire has put itself out on a limb on this matter. You are no doubt well aware that there are some inside CENNA who would rather simply rid themselves of the Aelosian problem and allow whatever action to be taken by outsiders as they see fit. We do not. We wish this resolved peacefully, and quickly. The longer it takes, the less willing our Government will be to continue on the path we have chosen."

Nejure takes a deep breath. "So inform your Prince that a Nenyan bids him change his mind, with all due respect and honour to one of his rank. I am not Human, and I am not an Elf. And if he is in some degree of emotional turmoil..."

The Nenyan lowers his voice. "We Nenyans are empaths; perhaps you knew this, perhaps you did not. But I may be able to aid your Prince. I know not for certain, but there is a chance. I am not a Healer; but I have some rudimentary training in that area. I once did wish to be a Healer - but I felt that healing the ills of the greater picture would serve my people all the better. Tell him my words, or have them passed on; and do not think to lie when you bring his response, for I will know."

Despite the overall harsh tone of his words, Nejure has somehow maintained a soft, almost cooing, calm tone of voice; his eyes carry a saddened glint, yet hope is not diminished. He is quietly confident - and those present may feel a gentle but insistent push of the empathic variety at the borders of their minds. It isn't telling them to do anything; it is merely adding weight to his words that stated that he is empathic.

The two Thelasian guards in the docking bay paused for a moment, and the ran, and ran like hell, they started to find their way towards the reception room, finally, the two guards got to the reception room, the first one, obviously the one in command,, looked at Ambassador Nejure, “Sir, I am Captain Alatariel, we are soldiers First Army, Unit One, First Squad, special guards to General Theallas. We don’t know what is going on here, Sir, but we are as interested in calming this situation as you are.”

"I will not use my standard technique today, Theallas, you just don't deserve it. You will lose, just for one reason. When you came here and attacked me, when you threatened me over the limit, you put me in the position of a caged animal. If I lose, my reputation will be destroyed and my own men will lose the respect they have me. I have no option but to defeat you, Theallas. No another exit, you shouldn't put me in that position, because I will fight with all my strength and pride. If you win, it's just over to me, so prepare to receive the punishment of Aranrúth, the sword of Thingol, the sister blade of Mormegil, the Glaurung's slayer", said Kithail, just standing in front of Theallas, his blade leveled down, without giving him any degree of protection.


Outside the Gates...


The Paelisi courtier looked at Nejure with a face full of grief, yet a proud stance was in his body. "You shouldn't talked me like that. That's not my fault, I'm on your side here. And I'm aware of our actual position in CENNA, and that we are hanging on a rope right now, but that thanks to your help we still have hope. For that I will be in doubt with the EOTED forever, but...", said the courtier, in a soft voice.

Suddenly he was interrumpted when the voice of the ShadowPrince called the guards. The huge gates opened and the honor guard entered the room, weapons drawn.

The courtier didn't looked surprised, he just nodded at Nejure. "Now you can talk to the ShadowPrince, if Theallas don't kill him first, of course. If you can do something to heal him, our gratitude will be yours for all eternity", he said, showing the way inside the throne room with his hand.

"So, when do you suppose Her Highness the Princess Aliria will be able to meet with me, madamoiselle?" enquires Sir Michael as he follows Cyanna.

The woman walked to a grav vehicle parked nearby, a huge form with the shape of a limosine without wheels, protected by a pair of elven guards, who opened the doors of the vehicle to Cyanna and Sir Phocas.

She entered the vehicle, sitting down and extending her hand to Sir Phocas so he could sit at her side. Her phone rang, Cyanna just talking a few words in ancient elvish before hanging. "Right now, she's expecting you at the gates of the palace. Looks like something important happened. She needs to talk with you". She opened a comlink and spoke to the pilot of the vehicle. "To the gates of the palace. Use the higher orbit, you have the permission from the Chancellor".

Sir Michael sits down next to Cyanna, his walking stick between his knees.

"Something important, eh?" Sir Michael asks. "Did Her Highness say what it was?"

"She said a riot", said Cyanna, worried. "And something about the General Theallas, the Prince, and a duel. I hope it's not what I'm thinking is".

"Our people is divided now, two factions, as the Pantocratorian a while ago. Two parties. One is the party of the Princess, the tolerant party, who wants to mediate between the human nations and us. The other is the vengeful party, who wants to exact revenge on the human race for what they have do to elves in the past. My House is with the party of the Princess, that's why I'm with you right now", she said.

Nejure raises his eyebrows slightly. "My good fellow... I was not giving my words to you. They were words to be passed on."

Nejure shrugs, and, without turning to face the Thelassian or even casting a glance his way, he notes quietly, "If you are interested in calming the situation, Thelassian, you will remain here. Do not enter. If you do, you will only inflame... whatever is going on." He addresses the Paelisi courtier again; "From your words, friend, I presume that Theallas the Hotheaded has challenged the ShadowPrince to a duel. It's amazing how often that seems to happen... if you will lead me inside, I shall try to calm things. May my Human colleagues join me?"

"Yes, Sire, they can join you. In any case, just follow me. I will take you inside, I just hope it's not too late, if that duel takes place, all hope is almost lost. If the ShadowPrince is killed, we will have a revolt. And if Theallas is killed, we will face war", said the courtier nodding.

"I should tell you that Theallas also has an affair with Princess D'Hyru, although the relationship is nothing serious yet, and is not accepted by the Prince and by the nobles", he continued, entering the throne room.

"She said a riot", said Cyanna, worried. "And something about the General Theallas, the Prince, and a duel. I hope it's not what I'm thinking is".

"Our people is divided now, two factions, as the Pantocratorian a while ago. Two parties. One is the party of the Princess, the tolerant party, who wants to mediate between the human nations and us. The other is the vengeful party, who wants to exact revenge on the human race for what they have do to elves in the past. My House is with the party of the Princess, that's why I'm with you right now", she said.

"That is alarming. Let us get there immediately!" says Sir Michael.

"I will not use my standard technique today, Theallas, you just don't deserve it. You will lose, just for one reason. When you came here and attacked me, when you threatened me over the limit, you put me in the position of a caged animal. If I lose, my reputation will be destroyed and my own men will lose the respect they have me. I have no option but to defeat you, Theallas. No another exit, you shouldn't put me in that position, because I will fight with all my strength and pride. If you win, it's just over to me, so prepare to receive the punishment of Aranrúth, the sword of Thingol, the sister blade of Mormegil, the Glaurung's slayer", said Kithail, just standing in front of Theallas, his blade leveled down, without giving him any degree of protection.

Theallas relaxed slightly, standing up, hands tucked under his cloak, “Kithail, to be damned honest, I don’t care if you are Feanor himself. What you are doing is dead wrong, and will lead to the death of us all, let me tell you, our duel now is not between our countries, this does not involve Thelas or Aelosia, when this duel is over, I have no doubt that one of us will be dead.” After Theallas finished, he shifted his cloak slightly, “Kithail, you see, I invented all of the techniques that my assassins use, and today you will only see one of them.”

Theallas, pulled out this two handles, attached to them each was a fifteen foot long blade, incredibly thin. Each blade was thin enough to act like a whip, giving the user complete control over its’ actions. (OOC: Aelosia, remember Chou the Sword Hunter from the Shishio Story Arc) Theallas smiled as the two whip-blades came out of the sheathes in Theallas’ cloak. Whipping the two handles, Theallas sent each of the whip blades flying out to the left and to the right, then, the arced back in, heading for Kithail.

"All right Sir Phocas, however, I should ask you to wear this cloak so people can't see your human features. And to call a special bodyguard for you. Your security is my responsability, and if we're going to head towards a riot full of human haters, I don't want you involved", said Cyanna, giving the order to the driver to go faster.

In the throne room...

Kithail just glanced at Theallas blades with a smile in his lips "I already told you. Who do you think you are to challenge the Lord of this House?". He slashed with his sword at one of the whipswords, parrying the first stroke, then grabbing the other blade with his armoured hand, crushing the blade and reducing it to bits under the Golvarn fist of his gauntlet.

"Nice toy, not good enough, I suppose", said the ShadowPrince, dropping the ruined whipsword to the ground. He was looking taller now, and a clear, faint blue aura was around him, giving him the aspect of an ancient and legendary warrior. "I'm the grandson of Elrohir nos Elrond, the founder of the House of Hyral. In my veins runs the blood of Thingol the First King of the Sindar, of Ëarendil the Blessed, and of Elwing the White Maiden. I'm Lord of this room, this palace, this city and this country. Who gave you the right to think that you could defeated me in the Hall of my ancestors?. Here I have more strength, will and determination than in any other place in the universe, this is the base of my inner and outer power. When we had that duel in Thelas, it was a draw after all. Now this is my battleground, and I have the advantage. Last chance, Theallas, leave this place now, or I will kill you and throw your body to my dogs. You're nothing but a traitor, and a mercenary. Being near Aliria was motive enough to slay you, but now you're adding foolishness to your treachery". The sword Aránruth started to glow, the elven runes inscripted on the black blade glowing with a golden light.

The guards of the Prince just stood around them, their weapons ready but respecting the decision of their Lord of dueling alone, More soldiers entered the room, forming a circle around the two swordsmen. The Paelisi courtier quickly opened his way to the spot where the duel was taking place, bringing the EOTED magistrates with him. "There's the Prince, but he's kind of busy right now", he said, pointing at Kithail.

Doble posteo.

Nejure simply nods, accepting the information and following. He motions to the two other Ambassador's with him...

...and all three walk into the throne room.

Nejure's amber eyes catch on Theallas immediately; he ignores the Prince - or seems to.

"Theallas!"

It is barked. Definitely not polite.

"I suggest that you act your age, Elf," Nejure continues, his blazing eyes catching on Theallas, "or is your age merely a numerical figure without meaning? Do you not know better? Does the word Kinslaying mean nothing to you?"

A glance at the two Human 'Ambassadors' would reveal that both of them have a blaster in one hand, and a US wand in the other. Whether they are who they said they are is definitely not certain; they hold the weapons with a definite air of experience...

...and neither looks the slightest bit intimidated by the fact that they are standing in the presence of two Elven warriors hell bent on cutting each other to ribbons.

No doubt the possibility arises in the minds of the courtier that perhaps - just perhaps - those microwave-blasters are every bit as deadly as they look... despite the assurances of Nejure.

[OOC: They /are/ Ambassadors, but both served in the old Commonwealth of Ma-tek military. They weren't special forces, or anything like that. And those blasters are useless - they don't have chargepacks. The US wands are quite usable, though they are mk2s, not mk3s - which means they only have non-lethal settings.]

um......really late tag

*ducks out as rotten foods fly at my head*

The Honor Guard, Striking Scorpions Aspect Warriors, readied their mandiblasters, their helmets resembling the head of a huge arachnid, aiming at the EOTED "ambassadors". But their captain held a hand in front of them, preventing them to fire, the men of the guard closed the artificial jaws of their helms, waiting for orders.

The Courtier opened his eyes wide, looking at Nejure "bu..bu...but your Excellency, in the name of Eru, What are you doing?".

The Prince turned around, to see the humans aiming their weapons at Theallas. As they weren't aimed at him, he relaxed, lowering his blade. "Now what's this?, Why you came inside this room, using weapons inside the sanctum of the Sindarin race?". His face showed his surprise, yet a bit of anger prevailed in his pupils. "If you want something with Theallas, don't worry, you will have a lot of time after I finish with him", he said, staring at the newcomers.

Another person entered the room, also followed with guards and a comitive. The Princess Aliria D'Hyru looked at the two dueling men, and the EOTED Ambassadors holding their weapons, aiming at Theallas. Everybody in the room became silent, as her imposing and regal figure walked inside. She turned to Theallas first, her face reddened with indignation. "I thought you were more smart. I thought you could have helped me to calm down Kithail, but you just arouse his rage even more. Thank you for your help, Theallas, I won't forget what you have done. You came here, you didn't came to meet me first, you ignored my warnings, and came to play your little swordplays. You acted like a kid, like a spoiled kid", she said in a bitter tone, her eyes ablaze with her inner fire.

"And you", she turned to Kithail, "should stop this madness now. If you want to fight against the enemies of elvenkind, then travel to Angband and duel with Melkor as Fingolfin my forefather did, and let me rule this country with some political sense. You angered our allies and created a division between our people that will take decades, maybe centuries to heal". Her words were harsh and sharp, her usual merry behavior transformed into the attitude of a cold, politic ruler.

"And please, my honored guests", she turned to Nejure now, her features again the soft, smiling face of the Everqueen. "There's no need to wield weapons in this room. The only way they are going to keep fighting is over my dead corpse, and none of them has the guts to even raise a hand against me", she said, now her voice calmed down, standing between Kithail and Theallas.

Theallas just nodded, in his mind he was kicking himself, damn, damn, damn, Theallas next time remember what Netari told you, 'some times swords are not the best way' Ah hell. Theallas slowly sheathed his katana that was about to be drawn. He looked at Kithail, the message in his eyes was evident, boy were we morons. The two of us should be taking lessons from Aliria. Theallas nodded again and took at step back, waving his hand at the two shattered hilts of the whip-blades, both diappeared. In an under tone, low enough so that only the ambassador could hear him, he adressed Nejure, "I care not what you think ambassador, long ago my cognomen became Theallas Noss Dangir. Nothing I can do will wash me of that. (OOC: If Nejure knows any Sindarin that means Kin Slayer, Theallas earned that tittle as an assassin)"

Theallas looked back up at Kithail, "You know ShadowPrince, we both should stop listening to advisors, especialy ones that hide in shadows." Theallas was thinking hard about his own strifes, Netari, may you burn in Angband, death would be too sweet. You tell me that I may snap Kithail out of his maddness, when you of all people know best what NOT to do. I am going to have a long talk with you, as soon as I get back, which will be as soon as I can get Aliria to speak to me...

Kithail just sheathed his blade again, sitting in his throne with a face full of guilt, shame and a tired look in his eyes. "As always you're right, Aliria, but I didn't start this little duel thing, ask your pretty boyfriend, he came here and threatened me, wielding a weapon in the throne room. About the Decree, is not my decision now, its approval is in the hands of the Noble's Gathering. I will withdraw my approval if you want to. I'll leave that decision to you, Aliria, anyway you're the Imperial Chancellor".

"I'll look to that", answered the woman, "then I'll go to Lavenrunz in a deserved vacation. Regarding you, Theallas, my anger won't let me think for a while. Let me rest and I will decide if you and me will keep together", she aid, her eyes resembling blocks of ice.

Kithail just sheathed his blade again, sitting in his throne with a face full of guilt, shame and a tired look in his eyes. "As always you're right, Aliria, but I didn't start this little duel thing, ask your pretty boyfriend, he came here and threatened me, wielding a weapon in the throne room. About the Decree, is not my decision now, its approval is in the hands of the Noble's Gathering. I will withdraw my approval if you want to. I'll leave that decision to you, Aliria, anyway you're the Imperial Chancellor".

"I'll look to that", answered the woman, "then I'll go to Lavenrunz in a deserved vacation. Regarding you, Theallas, my anger won't let me think for a while. Let me rest and I will decide if you and me will keep together", she aid, her eyes resembling blocks of ice.

Sir Michael takes the cloak but dismissively puts it aside.

"Madamoiselle, I appreciate your concern, but I would be a coward if I hid my humanity, given the circumstances. Pretending to be an elf to avoid the anger of a human hating mob seems counterintuitive to my assignment as an ambassador of goodwill to the elven people." says Sir Michael.

He looks at Cyanna, pondering something for a few moments.

"But... I wouldn't want to put you or anybody else in danger for being seen with a human, either." he says. "I suppose the mob's hatred wouldn't be limited to me alone, based on the display at the spaceport...."

Sir Michael holds the cloak in his hands, rubbing it between his thumbs and forefingers as he softly snorts in frustration.

The car stopped just in front of the palace, the driver quickly opening Cyanna's and Lord Phocas doors. "If that cloak hurt your honor please don't put that on. And about me and the other elves around, don't worry. It's well known to everybody that I'm a defender of humans, if you put that cloak on, their opinion about me won't change. I even was in an T.V. show last night stating that", she got out the car and said to Sir Phocas, "this way, we need to reach the throne room as soon as we can".

Sir Michael smiles, and casts away the cloak. He follows Cyanna as quickly as he can manage, even managing without his walking stick for a while in his rush, following her through the crowds to their final destination.

Kithail just sheathed his blade again, sitting in his throne with a face full of guilt, shame and a tired look in his eyes. "As always you're right, Aliria, but I didn't start this little duel thing, ask your pretty boyfriend, he came here and threatened me, wielding a weapon in the throne room. About the Decree, is not my decision now, its approval is in the hands of the Noble's Gathering. I will withdraw my approval if you want to. I'll leave that decision to you, Aliria, anyway you're the Imperial Chancellor".

"I'll look to that", answered the woman, "then I'll go to Lavenrunz in a deserved vacation. Regarding you, Theallas, my anger won't let me think for a while. Let me rest and I will decide if you and me will keep together", she aid, her eyes resembling blocks of ice.

Theallas shot a glare at Kithail. "Kithail, next time, remember when you ask some one to bring their blade, then insult them to the point of calling them a servant of Morgoth. Saying that they were merly trying to seduce their beloved so that they could take over a nation." Theallas' tone had lost the edge of anger that it had before, now, the voice was again cold, "What do you think would have happened." Theallas let out a deep breath, "As for my part, I acted like a," Theallas pauses, trying to think of the right words, "like a, well as you said, a spoiled child."

Theallas looked at his sword for a moment, still thinking.

"I asked you to bring your sword to see if you were brave enough to enter the Hall of the Sindar with your Angband's toy in your hands, insulting our ancestors. And you did, proving me that you're still under the influence of Morgoth, as maybe I am too. This without no doubt was caused by Morgoth's lies. You acted like his puppet, as maybe I did too. And is not true you want to marry Aliria?, And you want me to believe that you don't know our customs?. That the husband of the heir to the Everqueen becomes the Phoenix King and the Emperor of Aelosia?. I'm sorry but you're not worthy the title, and my people don't want to be ruled by you. Remeber that Aliria is not my beloved. I see her like a sister, as she sees me like her brother. That's why we care about each other. Go now, Theallas, and think about what happened, and hope that Aliria in her naivete could forgive you, because I never will", said Kithail, a grin of dissapointing in his face.

"Sir Michael Phocas!, you can run as fast as you can dance, as I remember. I'm wondering if that walking stick of yours is just something to deceive the young maidens to not jump into your arms to dance!", said a beautiful, warm female voice behind the Pantocratorian noble. As he turned, he saw the figure of the Aelosian Princess smiling at him "Long time no see, my friend. You haven't change since the time we meet in Thelas", she said, closing her eyes and letting her clear laugh run like the water of a creek.

"Your Highness," says Sir Michael between breaths, with a familiar smile. "While it warms my heart to hear such a compliment, I've no doubt that it applies to one of us far more accurately that it does the other. Still, you're quite right in that my walking stick does tend to dissuade young maidens from leaping into my arms. I've noted a rapid decrease in the number of young maidens hurling themselves at me since I started using the thing."

He grins, and then catches his breath for a moment.

"And truly, you haven't changed, your face is as vibrant, as noble and as youthful as it 'twas when we were both in Thelas." says Sir Michael as he takes in Aliria's form. He takes Princess Aliria's hand and kisses it. "Your Highness, I have the pleasure to be His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty's representative to the Noble's Gathering, and to you, Your Highness, in this matter. Here is my letter of recommendation from Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, the Chancellor of Pantocratoria... for the time being."

He hands the letter to Aliria as protocol demands, but can't resist the suggestion that Irene may not be Pantocratoria's Chancellor for much longer.

"I am so happy to see Your Highness looking so well despite these circumstances." says Sir Michael indicating to the crowd outside. "Please tell me, is there anything I can do? Madamoiselle Paelisi indicated that there might be."

Sir Michael gestures to Cyanna, with an appreciative smile.

"She has been a most kind and courteous escort." he adds.

[OOC: Ignore my previous posts. I can't take part in this thread, as you all move forwards far too quickly, without pause; my characters would either have to 'catch up' or act as if they did nothing at all for long periods of time. Forget they were ever there, therefore. Have fun.]

OOC: Oh, Ma-Tek, please, I would like you to keep on this thread. I can slow it a bit if you want to...

IC:

"I was expecting that. She was trained in human customs, and has a PhD in Foreign interracial affairs, although her former boyfriend is becoming a pain in the...neck", said the Princess pointing a Cyanna, who just bows and lower her head.

"And don't worry about the maidens, you almost have a fan club here, thanks to my help of course", she said chuckling. "But now to the serious business. I need you to talk in the Noble's Gathering, and be the advocate of the humans of Aelosia. About that letter from that hideous woman, you can keep it, I trust in the word of a Pantocratorian Knight, not in papers. Your role is this could be very important, as you can see, our own people and nobles are divided in this affair. Half of them support the Banning Decree, and half of them rejects it", she said with a different face, the face of a skilled and worried politician, her joy and merry behavior dissapeared.

OOC: Oh, Ma-Tek, please, I would like you to keep on this thread. I can slow it a bit if you want to...

IC:

"I was expecting that. She was trained in human customs, and has a PhD in Foreign interracial affairs, although her former boyfriend is becoming a pain in the...neck", said the Princess pointing a Cyanna, who just bows and lower her head.

"And don't worry about the maidens, you almost have a fan club here, thanks to my help of course", she said chuckling. "But now to the serious business. I need you to talk in the Noble's Gathering, and be the advocate of the humans of Aelosia. About that letter from that hideous woman, you can keep it, I trust in the word of a Pantocratorian Knight, not in papers. Your role is this could be very important, as you can see, our own people and nobles are divided in this affair. Half of them support the Banning Decree, and half of them rejects it", she said with a different face, the face of a skilled and worried politician, her joy and merry behavior dissapeared.

The Honor Guard, Striking Scorpions Aspect Warriors, readied their mandiblasters, their helmets resembling the head of a huge arachnid, aiming at the EOTED "ambassadors". But their captain held a hand in front of them, preventing them to fire, the men of the guard closed the artificial jaws of their helms, waiting for orders.

The Courtier opened his eyes wide, looking at Nejure "bu..bu...but your Excellency, in the name of Eru, What are you doing?".

The Prince turned around, to see the humans aiming their weapons at Theallas. As they weren't aimed at him, he relaxed, lowering his blade. "Now what's this?, Why you came inside this room, using weapons inside the sanctum of the Sindarin race?". His face showed his surprise, yet a bit of anger prevailed in his pupils. "If you want something with Theallas, don't worry, you will have a lot of time after I finish with him", he said, staring at the newcomers.

Another person entered the room, also followed with guards and a comitive. The Princess Aliria D'Hyru looked at the two dueling men, and the EOTED Ambassadors holding their weapons, aiming at Theallas. Everybody in the room became silent, as her imposing and regal figure walked inside. She turned to Theallas first, her face reddened with indignation. "I thought you were more smart. I thought you could have helped me to calm down Kithail, but you just arouse his rage even more. Thank you for your help, Theallas, I won't forget what you have done. You came here, you didn't came to meet me first, you ignored my warnings, and came to play your little swordplays. You acted like a kid, like a spoiled kid", she said in a bitter tone, her eyes ablaze with her inner fire.

"And you", she turned to Kithail, "should stop this madness now. If you want to fight against the enemies of elvenkind, then travel to Angband and duel with Melkor as Fingolfin my forefather did, and let me rule this country with some political sense. You angered our allies and created a division between our people that will take decades, maybe centuries to heal". Her words were harsh and sharp, her usual merry behavior transformed into the attitude of a cold, politic ruler.

"And please, my honored guests", she turned to Nejure now, her features again the soft, smiling face of the Everqueen. "There's no need to wield weapons in this room. The only way they are going to keep fighting is over my dead corpse, and none of them has the guts to even raise a hand against me", she said, now her voice calmed down, standing between Kithail and Theallas.

The Ambassadors lower their weapons, replacing them in their holsters with rapid efficiency.

Nejure, for his part, merely smiles slightly, turning to the Princess and bowing a deeply honoured bow; his fingers, wriggling slightly in the traditional Nenyan manner, scrape the ground - indeed, the very motion is a display of flexibility and fitness. Not just anyone could bow that low. Straightening up again, but inclining his head to the Second Degree of Respect - head angled ever so slightly downwards, eyes averted - he speaks softly. "Honoured Highness, we crave forgiveness for the method of our entry; yet a sharp shock often serves to bring one to their senses. As the cold water upon the face of the unconscious, our weapons were meant to return wits to Theallas."

"Our apologies," intone the two Humans - with slight pause, and in perfect synch. This is most likely achieved by some form of keying inside Nejure's words - or the two merely paused some prescribed length of time before speaking. It isn't important, however, and the moment passes.

[OOC: This was a catch-up post. I'm not entirely how to proceed from here, as things have moved on a little from my last post.]

The Princess nodded to the EOTED magistrates, bowing with respect too, then turning again to Kithail. "You see?, and you said that the humans weren't well mannered", she said, a bit of sarcasm in her voice.

"Well, maybe I regret many of my last words. And maybe I'm interested in having a little talk with the EOTED envoys. Please leave alone with them. All of you", he said, pointing at the guards, at Theallas, and at the courtiers.

The crowd quickly followed the orders, leaving the hall empty except for the foreigners and the ShadowPrince. "Then tell me, What brings you here?", he said in a calmed voice, sitting in his throne again.

Nejure smiles faintly; his speech is soft and lilting, rapid and spoken in the High Tongue, Quenya.

"Highness," he begins, "it is pleasure mine, here to be. Were it not for circumstances that bring us here, I would be greatly more pleased, however. I am hopeful, yet, that mine return to the Empire shall be under more joyous circumstance than my arrival here, in this splendid Craftworld that Aelosian hands have clearly so lovingly crafted.

"I am Ambassador Nejure, Second Ambassador of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn. This is," he motions first to one Ambassador, then the other, "Ambassador Ulritti Menjda, Fifth Ambassador of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn, and Ambassador Endji Rihad, Seventh Ambassador of the Empire of the Eternal Dawn. I, myself, as thou canst no doubt discern from mine eyes, am a Nenya. They are Human - as thou canst no doubt discern from the lack of Quendi ears or Nenyan eyes. Perhaps it would be better if I speak for now, but I desire to inform thou that we, together, stand before thineself as equals. They are no less than I; I am no more than they.

"Highness, with all due personal respect, the Empire wishes to indicate our... displeasure... at the recent decree banning Humans from Aelosia. We are greatly disturbed. Pray tell, Highness, if it is thine desire, whyfore hath this action has been taken? What crime committed hath the Humans of Aelosia against thyself or thine kin?"

[OOC: I am not translating all that to Quenya. Well. Not unless you ask me to. But... please don't. It'd take forever... ;)]

"I suppose so", said the Prince, staring at Nejure's eyes. "They can speak too, I'm not a racist monster as you think", he continued, pointing at the two humans.

"It's not what they have done, it's about how they are, and how we are too. I don't hate them, and want them inside a labor camp. I just think that our races can't live together. Everytime a human and an elf cross paths, a tragedy occurs. That's why I don't want them inside my Craftworld. I don't want to banish them from the universe. They can do whatever they want to do, but just away from our homes. All I want is the happiness for our peoples, and I think we can be happy only if we're separated", he said slowly, with sadness in his voice, as he was resigned to say those words even if he didn't totally agree with them.

OOC: Arrrrgh I have been so damned negligent of late!

IC:

"I swear to Your Highness, I shall do my uttermost. It pains me to think of what the Noble's Gathering voting in favour of this decree would mean. Please, Your Highness, show me that way, and I will speak there." says Sir Michael.

"Then follow me, Sir Phocas, they're already gathered as we speak. You're going to be my last hope, because although I've already deal with the ShadowPrince, several nobles are tough nuts to crack, as humans say", said the Princess, giving her arm to Sir Phocas, walking with a quick pace to the Hall of the Sindar.

"Then follow me, Sir Phocas, they're already gathered as we speak. You're going to be my last hope, because although I've already deal with the ShadowPrince, several nobles are tough nuts to crack, as humans say", said the Princess, giving her arm to Sir Phocas, walking with a quick pace to the Hall of the Sindar.

"I suppose so", said the Prince, staring at Nejure's eyes. "They can speak too, I'm not a racist monster as you think", he continued, pointing at the two humans.

"It's not what they have done, it's about how they are, and how we are too. I don't hate them, and want them inside a labor camp. I just think that our races can't live together. Everytime a human and an elf cross paths, a tragedy occurs. That's why I don't want them inside my Craftworld. I don't want to banish them from the universe. They can do whatever they want to do, but just away from our homes. All I want is the happiness for our peoples, and I think we can be happy only if we're separated", he said slowly, with sadness in his voice, as he was resigned to say those words even if he didn't totally agree with them.

"Perhaps that is as it appears," Nejure says slowly, "and yet in the Empire, Humans, Nenyans, and Elves live together in harmony. Surely it is not unique to the Empire; it is merely a case of..."

He pauses to find the right words.

"Time and effort," Ambassador Ulritti Menjda says softly. "The Empire is forged on the bones - literally - of two millenia of war. I am quite certain that war is not necessary to create harmony, but conflict is often the path to peace. Armed conflict is not, of course. But there are other forms of conflict. Conversational discourse, negotiation - these are all forms of conflict."

"Yes," agrees Nejure, nodding slowly. "Perhaps discussion is key. And - forgive myself if I am overstepping mine bounds, Highness - and perhaps it would be wise to ask the Humans what they wish. Simply banishing them without consultation could be taken to be..."

"...unfair and the opposite of just," Endji Rihad completes quietly.

The manner in which the three augment each other could easily be considered disturbing...

"I already see that my solution is harsh and...unpleasant, maybe. But I can't think on another way out. I suppose we could let the human in Aelosian territory to stay, but forbid further inmigration. I'll set a limit of human population in Aelosia, to avoid unpleasant incidents. We already have five thousands humans living in the Craftworld, and of course they want to stay here, to keep their homes and their jobs. But everytime we interact with each other, we hurt each other. Maybe we should create a zone so the humans could live with us, but not amongst us.", said the Prince, deeply staring at the two humans.

"Segregation would lead only to further difficulties, Majesty. Yet you display your wise leadership by making an effort to resolve the situation; perhaps cultural exchanges with the Empire, and closer relations, would lead to greater integration for Aelosia. We, after all, have succesfully integrated not two but three seperate cultures into one almost-seamless whole," Endji Rihad states quietly.

The other Human, Ambassador Menjda, frowns slightly. "That is not to say that the integration was not a long, difficult path, Majesty. But those things that are most difficult are most worth doing, I hear say. Yet what brings people together more than sport, and celebration? Perhaps organised sporting occasions and celebrations will bring greater understanding between all; when people dance, it is said, they expose the soul. And if all can see that their soul and the soul of the 'other' are not truly too different to promote peace and harmony, then surely closeness alone can follow."

"Verily, verily," Nejure agrees softly, "yet not all ills can be healed overnight. Majesty, it is paramount to concentrate on the good. By exposing old wounds such as those exposed by segregation or ejection of the Humans, only deeper wounds are formed. It would be well to concentrate on the ways in which Humans and Elves already co-operate; in the workplace, for example. It may seem as if it were propaganda, but to display the closeness that is possible between Elf and Man is no doubt key to improving the relationship between each and the other.

"Why, if your people could see this very moment, wherein a Nenyan of the EOTED Imperial Family, a Man of the EOTED Nobility, a Man of the EOTED Citizenry, and your Esteemed and Respected Majesty were conversing as if equal..."

Nejure lets his voice trail away, in an effort to emphasize the point.

"Surely," Menjda adds with a trace of urgency, "this alone is but a great symbol of unity. Not only are we divided by species and culture all - I, of House Menjda, and my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Rihad of the House Rihad and Ambassador Nejure of the Imperial Household of ux-Rihad respectively - but we are divided by standing in our respective societies. Ambassador Nejure, of the Imperial Family of the Empire; Ambassador Rihad, of the Nobility; myself, a member of the common Citizenry. Why, we four could not be more different to each other - yet we converse with equality and warmth. Is not this a glorious portent of things to come, Majesty?"

Accompanied by Princess Aliria, Sir Michael enters the Hall of the Sindar, as he starts writing a speech in his head.

"Surely," Menjda adds with a trace of urgency, "this alone is but a great symbol of unity. Not only are we divided by species and culture all - I, of House Menjda, and my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Rihad of the House Rihad and Ambassador Nejure of the Imperial Household of ux-Rihad respectively - but we are divided by standing in our respective societies. Ambassador Nejure, of the Imperial Family of the Empire; Ambassador Rihad, of the Nobility; myself, a member of the common Citizenry. Why, we four could not be more different to each other - yet we converse with equality and warmth. Is not this a glorious portent of things to come, Majesty?"

"Maybe, but I should remember you that I'm just a provisional ruler of this country. The title of ShadowPrince means a military leader who takes over the nation as a Regent meanwhile an Emperor and a Everqueen are appointed. I shouldn't say this to you but, my goverment is fragile, and many factions oppose my rule. Little time ago we suffered two coups, and I suspect that a third is being planned as we spoke. The Noldorin influence that Princess Aliria and me support in this country is resented by several of the most powerful Noble Houses, and if I try to introduce human influence, someone will try to send me to the Halls of Mandos the next day. Aelosian politics are....Byzantine, intrincated and complex. We have racial problems of our own too. You may think that all of us are elves, but we are divided by different racial groups. The Sindarin, the largest ethnical group of the population, hates the Drow, distrust the Noldorin and suspects of the Eldar. The Drow are always conspiring to achieve power, and the Noldorin wants to introduce their customs and way of thinking. They resent each other, and all of them are elves", the Prince spoke slowly in a low tone as he was telling a secret.

"The internal situation is always fragile, and we are usually at the breaking point of a Civil War, usually avoided by the nice and calm voices of our courtiers, who are the most important peacekeepers of the country. Imagine a boiling pot, almost spilling its content in the floor, and someone trying to put gunpowder inside it. The Aelosian people is an explosive mixture indeed, even without introducing humans into the equation. However, don't misunderstand me, I'll give my best shot to find a solution, even as I'm just a stubborn soldier and not a skilled politician. You and me will transmit a National Message, together", he said smiling at the EOTED magistrates as he approached them and extended his hand.

Accompanied by Princess Aliria, Sir Michael enters the Hall of the Sindar, as he starts writing a speech in his head.

The huge doors of the Hall of Thingol open, the Princess Aliria showing Sir Michael the way inside.

The auditorium was full of Honor Guards, armed to the teeth, dressed with the different uniforms of the Noble Houses. In the center of the room the Imperial throne was standing, empty. Around it, were the ten seats of the Great Houses, all occupied except one.

The first seat was occupied by an elf covered by a hooded black cloak, only his delicate and pale hands were the only parts of his body exposed. Over his throne, the magical shining elven runes reading "Great House of Phaelos. The House of the Hidden Power".

The second seat was occupied by a blonde male elf, tall and with a regal look, his silvery mithril armor gleaming in the dark room. In the top of the throne the runes reading "Great Imperial House of Hyral. The House of the Gleaming Sword".

The third seat was occupied by a man clad in golden full armor, with a sword lying in the floor in front of him. His black hair contrasted with his deep, wise blue eyes. The runes above his head reading "Great House of D'nan. The House of the Brave Warriors".

The Fourth seat was occupied by a dark looking elf woman, her complexion grey and her hair silver. She looked older than the rest of the nobles and was dressed in a grey outfit, looking like a stain of mist compared with her bright neighbours. The runes in her throne reading "Great House of Eöl. The House of the Dark Elves".

The fifth seat was occupied by an elven blonde woman, maybe even more beautiful than Aliria, although in her eyes the bright intelligence and wise experience of the mature elves could be read. She was holding a delicate fan in her hand, the runes above the throne reading "Great House of Paelisi. The House of the Courtiers"

The sixth seat was occupied by an thin elf with glasses, dressed in a conservative manner, with what looks like a executive suit, or at least the elven version of it. The runes reading "Great House of Lórindel, The House of the Skilled Merchants".

The seventh seat was occupied by a maiden with a notebook and a pen in her hand, occupied in writing. She was slender and beautiful, but her dress was simple and not far from normal. The runes above her head reading "Great House of Cuthálion, The House of the Powerful Minds".

The eight seat was occupied by the bulkiest elf that Sir Phocas could ever seen, clad in a black armor and with a serene looking. The runes above his head reading "Great House of Mablung, The House of the Steadfast Defenders".

The ninth seat was occupied by a cute very young elven maiden dressed with a colorful dress, of the colors of the rainbow. She was holding a fiddle in her hand, and was the only one smiling at Sir Michael. The runes above her head reading "Great House of Daeron, The House of the Wandering Minstrels".

The last one was empty. The runes above the seat reading "The Great House of D'Hyru, The House of the Everlasting Beauty".

In the middle of the circle a beautifully decorated chair was waiting for Sir Phocas, with magical runes around it pointing his name. The Princess pointed at the chair, then left him and take a seat in the throne of the D'Hyru House, not before whispering at Sir Michael's ears, "I'll leave you for now, but don't worry, I'll be always with you at all times, just answer their questions as you want. I'm putting my trust in you".

Double Überpost.... :(

Sir Michael bows deeply to each seat, before sitting down himself, his walking cane between his legs with both hands still on it. He was suddenly aware that he had no idea of the appropriate form of address, and winced ever so slightly.

"Your Highness, my lords and ladies," he ventures in his courteous but strong voice. "Please pardon me any breaches of etiquette which, through a combination of ignorance and old-age, I may commit. I have already presented my diplomatic papers to Her Highness the Princess Aliria. It is my honour and privilege to be His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty's representative to this assembly of the most great and noble houses of Aelosia."

Sir Michael sits, awaiting any reply from the stern and serene looking elves.

"Surely," Menjda adds with a trace of urgency, "this alone is but a great symbol of unity. Not only are we divided by species and culture all - I, of House Menjda, and my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Rihad of the House Rihad and Ambassador Nejure of the Imperial Household of ux-Rihad respectively - but we are divided by standing in our respective societies. Ambassador Nejure, of the Imperial Family of the Empire; Ambassador Rihad, of the Nobility; myself, a member of the common Citizenry. Why, we four could not be more different to each other - yet we converse with equality and warmth. Is not this a glorious portent of things to come, Majesty?"

"Maybe, but I should remember you that I'm just a provisional ruler of this country. The title of ShadowPrince means a military leader who takes over the nation as a Regent meanwhile an Emperor and a Everqueen are appointed. I shouldn't say this to you but, my goverment is fragile, and many factions oppose my rule. Little time ago we suffered two coups, and I suspect that a third is being planned as we spoke. The Noldorin influence that Princess Aliria and me support in this country is resented by several of the most powerful Noble Houses, and if I try to introduce human influence, someone will try to send me to the Halls of Mandos the next day. Aelosian politics are....Byzantine, intrincated and complex. We have racial problems of our own too. You may think that all of us are elves, but we are divided by different racial groups. The Sindarin, the largest ethnical group of the population, hates the Drow, distrust the Noldorin and suspects of the Eldar. The Drow are always conspiring to achieve power, and the Noldorin wants to introduce their customs and way of thinking. They resent each other, and all of them are elves", the Prince spoke slowly in a low tone as he was telling a secret.

"The internal situation is always fragile, and we are usually at the breaking point of a Civil War, usually avoided by the nice and calm voices of our courtiers, who are the most important peacekeepers of the country. Imagine a boiling pot, almost spilling its content in the floor, and someone trying to put gunpowder inside it. The Aelosian people is an explosive mixture indeed, even without introducing humans into the equation. However, don't misunderstand me, I'll give my best shot to find a solution, even as I'm just a stubborn soldier and not a skilled politician. You and me will transmit a National Message, together", he said smiling at the EOTED magistrates as he approached them and extended his hand.

"A bold idea, Majesty. Yet - know this: the Empire will support the Aelosian People. It is not our policy to support regimes or governments, or even single leaders; for they can be fickle, and are subject to rapid change. Yet what benefits the Aelosian People is the continuation of the current status quo - yet in different form and structure. It is indeed a difficult situation for us, and I, and I alone, have been given the final decision on our policy on this matter. - Yet I must warn you: there are whispers amongst the leaders on the international stage - and they are whispers of discontent with regards Aelosia and its current situation."

Nejure takes a deep breath, amber eyes flashing as his boldness increases. "I warn you, Majesty, as a friend: if Aelosia cannot pull together as one, it may find itself upon the edge of a knife. The Empire will back Aelosia, through thick and thin, but our support is finite. Our word does not carry the gravity that it once did. - This is why it is imperative that a solution is found: a solution equitable to all."

Menjda makes the most odd sound: it's halfway between a squeak and a cry of what might be delight and what might well be terror; it's very difficult to tell.

It draws a strange look from the other two EOTED Ambassador's...

[OOC: And... cue Aelosian ShadowPrince! :wink:

Apologies for my delay: I've had computer trouble. I return now, however. Yay!]

"Old-aged...this human said old-aged", whispered the Duchess of the Eöl House, her dark features formed a grin full of despise. Before she could continue a serene and direct stare from the Hyral noble made her remain silent.

"Your flaws are not consequence from your age, but from your blood", said a voice coming from beneath the hood of the Phaelos noble. "We know you, you're a human from Pantocratoria, from those iconoclasts of the New Constantinople. I've heard of you, I've heard how you have entangled the Princess in the subtle strands of your spiderweb".

"The human noble is being respectful and well mannered, Duke, we should treat him in the same way", interrumpted the Duchess of the Paelisi House, the mature elven woman nodding and smiling to Sir Michael with sympathy.

"That's true, let him speak. It's an honor and a privilege to speak to you too, Master Phocas. I've heard of you too, of how you opposed the elven haters of your country. I have to admit that I thought of you as a gleaming knight out of a fairy tale", spoke the Mistress of the Daeros House, accompanying her words with a delicate sound from an harp.

"I suppose you came here to convince us that we shouldn't approve the Human Banning Decree. Then convince us. We will be as objetive as we can be", said the Cúthalion Maiden without raising her face from her notebook, writing another line with her pen as Sir Phocas spoke.

"I expect you to be honest, and to be direct. I don't like little idle chats" said the big noble of the Mablung house, stirring in his throne as if something was making him uncomfortable.

"Elves are banned in Pantocratoria as far as I know, some of them are even mistreated. I expect you to tell me why we shouldn't do the same thing to the humans in Aelosia", the voice of the D'nan noble echoed through the Hall, his stare directed at the eyes of Sir Michael.

"Although elven products were being sold in Pantocratoria, elven imports decreased when your goverment raised the taxes on elven products. I need an explanation about that", asked the Duke Lórindel fixing his glasses.

"Sir Michael Phocas doesn't have all the answers you're looking for. And he's a friend to the elves, I put my word on that. He's the attorney of the human race here and must be treated as such", said Princess Aliria, her eyes fixed in the cloak of the Phaelos noble, her voice sounding full of authority.

"I trust in your criteria, Heir of the Everqueen. But your friend still need to convince us, and how is he going to do that?", finally spoke the Hyral noble, clearly the leader of the assembly, looking at the Princess.

The voices were all interrumpting each other as the phrases were pronounced with concert, but Sir Phocas could hear everything that they say without effort. The sensation could be described as...unnerving.

The ShadowPrince looks at the human ambassador with a strange look, then turned to Nejure.

"You don't seem to understand. Do you know what will happen if I fall?. The tolerant party will be erased, the former tyrant, Ma'El, may Eru curse his name forever, will return and all of this Craftworld will be the playground of a madman. Do you know why me, the former Emperor, may he rest in peace, and Princess D'Hyru conspired to depose him?. He was building concentration camps for Humans and Noldorin alike. He treated the humans as slaves and cattle. I don't need your support, neither I expect help from nobody out of the country. I've survived a Civil War and two coups, and I will survive a third one if it's necessary", his voice hardened, as if his trust to the EOTED ambassadors was quickly withdrawing.

"Do whatever you want, if this situation keeps going, the next time you come to this throne room you won't find me on it, but an dead elf walking, as I stir my chains in a damp dungeon. And Aelosia will stand at the side of Raem as the right hand of Morgoth in Arda, because you haven't realize that I'm at your side here. In this country, something rotten crawls beneath the surface, and I am the one who keeps it under control. International leaders, you say. I say International leaders are not capable of handling this situation, and that's why I'm closing the borders of this country. And elven rulers are not fickle, try to say that to Lady Sirithil. About the Decree, now it's in the hands of the Noble's Gathering and whoever the human advocate is. I have spoken", he crossed his arm over his chest, his eyes windows of icy glass.

The ShadowPrince looks at the human ambassador with a strange look, then turned to Nejure.

"You don't seem to understand. Do you know what will happen if I fall?. The tolerant party will be erased, the former tyrant, Ma'El, may Eru curse his name forever, will return and all of this Craftworld will be the playground of a madman. Do you know why me, the former Emperor, may he rest in peace, and Princess D'Hyru conspired to depose him?. He was building concentration camps for Humans and Noldorin alike. He treated the humans as slaves and cattle. I don't need your support, neither I expect help from nobody out of the country. I've survived a Civil War and two coups, and I will survive a third one if it's necessary", his voice hardened, as if his trust to the EOTED ambassadors was quickly withdrawing.

"Do whatever you want, if this situation keeps going, the next time you come to this throne room you won't find me on it, but an dead elf walking, as I stir my chains in a damp dungeon. And Aelosia will stand at the side of Raem as the right hand of Morgoth in Arda, because you haven't realize that I'm at your side here. In this country, something rotten crawls beneath the surface, and I am the one who keeps it under control. International leaders, you say. I say International leaders are not capable of handling this situation, and that's why I'm closing the borders of this country. And elven rulers are not fickle, try to say that to Lady Sirithil. About the Decree, now it's in the hands of the Noble's Gathering and whoever the human advocate is. I have spoken", he crossed his arm over his chest, his eyes windows of icy glass.

"Majesty," Nejure says softly, smoothly, "I am not challenging your authority. I am not stating that the Empire will stand idly by whilst Aelosia falls apart. I am both warning you of potential dangers, and at the same time being wholly honest. The Empire, as I have said, does not back Governments. We protect People. If it is in the best interest of the People of Aelosia that you remain in power, Majesty - as I do sincerely believe - then the Empire will work with you as best it can to ensure that that will remain so."

A smile small finds its way to his lips. "You will forgive me, Majesty, if I note that Elvish leaders are as fickle as any. Menelmacar recently blocked trade with the Empire and dissolved our alliance; in truth, we still are not quite sure why. That, in our opinion, is fickle. - However, I will not say that you are wrong in that instance, Majesty. Nobody is wrong; it is all perception. And I percieve that Aelosia is safer, wiser, and greater under your guiding hand, Majesty." As the Nenyan speaks, his mind - instinctively exploring the surface emotions of those in the room around him - reaches out, openly displaying the truth and honesty of his words with a wave of pure emotion that can only be defined as truth. It is not entirely intentional, not wholly intended to occur; and it is only a fleeting moment, passed almost before it begins. But if the ShadowPrince is sensitive to such things, he will be left with a desire to - rightly so, in this case, as Nejure is trustworthy - trust this Nenyan, to believe his words.

Softly, still, and well aware of the damage that the previous honesty had caused, Nejure adds without pause, "Majesty, I do believe that my colleague has thought of something important." He shoots a faintly irritated look at the Ambassador responsible for the strange noise.

"A thousand apologies if my noise startled you, Majesty," Menjda begins carefully, "but something in the words of my colleague sparked an idea in mine mind. I am not entirely certain it would be wise to air the idea at this time, however... but if your Majesty wishes it, I will speak my mind."

Nejure smiles ever so slightly at the phrasing, but the smile is brief.

The ShadowPrince felt the aura of confidance around Nejure, and he was sure that the Nenjan was being as honest as he could be, then he spoke again to the human ambassador "I wasn't upset by your noise, just curious. Then let's hear what you want to say. I'm open to possible solutions".

"Old-aged...this human said old-aged", whispered the Duchess of the Eöl House, her dark features formed a grin full of despise. Before she could continue a serene and direct stare from the Hyral noble made her remain silent.

"Your flaws are not consequence from your age, but from your blood", said a voice coming from beneath the hood of the Phaelos noble. "We know you, you're a human from Pantocratoria, from those iconoclasts of the New Constantinople. I've heard of you, I've heard how you have entangled the Princess in the subtle strands of your spiderweb".

"The human noble is being respectful and well mannered, Duke, we should treat him in the same way", interrumpted the Duchess of the Paelisi House, the mature elven woman nodding and smiling to Sir Michael with sympathy.

"That's true, let him speak. It's an honor and a privilege to speak to you too, Master Phocas. I've heard of you too, of how you opposed the elven haters of your country. I have to admit that I thought of you as a gleaming knight out of a fairy tale", spoke the Mistress of the Daeros House, accompanying her words with a delicate sound from an harp.

"I suppose you came here to convince us that we shouldn't approve the Human Banning Decree. Then convince us. We will be as objetive as we can be", said the Cúthalion Maiden without raising her face from her notebook, writing another line with her pen as Sir Phocas spoke.

"I expect you to be honest, and to be direct. I don't like little idle chats" said the big noble of the Mablung house, stirring in his throne as if something was making him uncomfortable.

"Elves are banned in Pantocratoria as far as I know, some of them are even mistreated. I expect you to tell me why we shouldn't do the same thing to the humans in Aelosia", the voice of the D'nan noble echoed through the Hall, his stare directed at the eyes of Sir Michael.

"Although elven products were being sold in Pantocratoria, elven imports decreased when your goverment raised the taxes on elven products. I need an explanation about that", asked the Duke Lórindel fixing his glasses.

"Sir Michael Phocas doesn't have all the answers you're looking for. And he's a friend to the elves, I put my word on that. He's the attorney of the human race here and must be treated as such", said Princess Aliria, her eyes fixed in the cloak of the Phaelos noble, her voice sounding full of authority.

"I trust in your criteria, Heir of the Everqueen. But your friend still need to convince us, and how is he going to do that?", finally spoke the Hyral noble, clearly the leader of the assembly, looking at the Princess.

The voices were all interrumpting each other as the phrases were pronounced with concert, but Sir Phocas could hear everything that they say without effort. The sensation could be described as...unnerving.

Taken aback, Sir Michael takes a short moment to compose himself.

"I shall endeavour to respond, but I beg you remember that there is only one of me, and a good deal more of you." Sir Michael says in as disarming a voice he can manage. Not noticing any change in the expressions of the elven nobles, he decides to just get on with it.

"First, I should like to say in my defence, Your Grace," Sir Michael says, addressing himself to the hooded Duke of Phaelos. "That I am not an iconoclast, although I'm sure that if one went far enough up my family tree, say a bit more than one thousand years or so, one would find a good deal many iconoclasts. I'm also no spider, sir, and I have neither the resources nor the ability to ensnare so intelligent and wise a woman as the Princess in any sort of web or scheme. In fact, if anything, it is Her Highness who has enchanted me!"

"I apologise, Mistress," says Sir Michael in a lighter tone to the Mistress of House Daeros. "for disappointing you. Unfortunately, I am a politician, a retired one at that, and not a knight in shining armour. Alas."

Sir Michael grows more serious.

"In any case, before I speak against the Decree of Human Banning being considered by this esteemed gathering, I feel I must respond to the questions and challenges about the behaviour of my own nation." he says in a concilatory tone. "Elves aren't exactly banned in Pantocratoria, but it is true that the present Imperial Government, of which I am not a part, has enacted certain laws which it claims to protect Pantocratoria's cultural identity. It is not my place as representative of His Imperial Majesty's Goverment to question or judge this legislation. It must be said that it is extremely difficult for any non-Catholic, human or otherwise, to immigrate to the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria. If say, a non-Catholic elf were to apply for citizenship in Pantocratoria, it would be very unlikely that he or she would be successful. However, a Moslem human would likely find the same difficulty. And if either was successful in their application for citizenship, they certainly couldn't vote - the Catholic Church is the electoral authority of the Empire, and a non-Catholic wouldn't belong to a Catholic parish, and therefore wouldn't be able to vote for his or her local representative. So as regards the extension of citizenship to elves, I ask you, my lords and ladies, to consider that these difficulties are not restricted to elves, but to certain humans as well."

Sir Michael pauses for a moment, trying to remember the other concerns.

"As for elven imports..." Sir Michael ventures. "The Ministry of Cultural Development is responsible for the protection of Pantocratoria's cultural identity, and laws passed by the present Imperial Government allow the Ministry of Cultural Development to ban the import of certain products which it deems to be... culturally undesirable. Once again, it is not my place to judge the merits of this legislation. I would point out however that an election is being held the Sunday after the wedding of Princess Anna and Prince Joseph of Excalbia, and that conceivably, it could bring with it a new government with a new set of laws. In any case, there is certainly nothing irreversible in the Imperial Government's policy. I believe that is a key point to emphasise here."

"There is nothing which says at the next session of the Imperial Parliament, the Ministry of Cultural Development's powers to restrict certain imports won't be removed, and the flow of elven products into Pantocratoria resume." Sir Michael says very firmly. "However, if this esteemed council should pass the Decree of Human Banning, the potential damage that decree could cause would be irreversible. If you expel all humans from Aelosia, and then at the next meeting of this council, you change your minds, you will not be able to simply recall that exiled community. They will be gone forever."

The Princess raised her hand and began to speak "I know our customs must be strange and unnerving to you, but in the Aelosian Noble's Gathering, if one of us spoke, all the nobles present must speak too". She smiled at Sir Michael as to trying to inspire self confidence in him.

"What about Kyrosal Dephil?, as far as he know he adopted your religion, changing the worship of the Valar for the worship of your human god, but anyway your goverment framed him in the assassination of a Cardinal of your country", said the Hyral noble with a soft voice. "He was my friend you know?, and a noble and good gentleman".

"I have strong suspicions that right now an Aelosian citizen is held against her will in a Pantocratorian jail, although I'm not sure of that, maybe she has been murdered by your goverment. She's missing anyway", said the D'nan noble, crossing his arms over his chest.

The Phaelos noble spoke. "As far as I know the current Pantocratorian goverment was elected. I suppose that's evidence that the humans of Pantocratoria don't like us, because they elected a racist goverment. Maybe we should return to our old racist views too". His voice was cold and emotionless, more like a machine than a living being.

"Aelosian humans. They're just five thousands in a population of millions of souls, I don't think our economy or our social policies will be affected", said the Lörindel noble, rubbing his chin as pounding about the consequences.

"But that also will destroy our image to the international community, and we should maintain a face of a fair and justice loving country" said the Cúthalion maiden, raising her stare again from her notebook.

"The human is speaking the truth. I like him, maybe many of his peers hate us, but he's on our side. He's a tolerant", said the Bulky Mablung noble, smiling and nodding at Sir Phocas.

"And he said that soon an election will overthrow the elven hater goverment. I think that they still have hope of changing their ways, we should follow their example", said the Paelisi noble, adopting a regal pose.

"The Dephil affair is so sad. I still remember that son of the Kyrosal's sibling. I'm wondering why our peoples must hate each other", said the Daeros minstrel looking at the roof of the hall, trying to hold a tear.

"I'm sure they killed his father, and destroyed his life and reputation. It's not strange that he hates these humans so much", said the Eöl woman, clearly upset.

"Thankyou for clarifying that point, Your Highness," Sir Michael first says to the Princess. "I think I should best reply to the general concerns just raised first before dealing with specifics."

"You say that the human community here in Aelosia is just five thousand people, and ask what impact that will have on your economy or social policy." says Sir Michael, indicating to the representative of House Lörindel. "Likely, very little. But determining the impact on an economy or on social policy doesn't determine whether the action this council is about to take is right or wrong. Is it right to expel five thousand people from their homes? Is it acceptable because there are only five thousand of them? If so, at what point does it become wrong? Fifty thousand? Five hundred thousand? Five million? Not to mention the fact that if you enact this decree, you'll never be able to get those five thousand back. That community will be gone, erased, destroyed with an act of government. And as her ladyship of Cúthalion pointed out, the destruction of that community will have repercussions beyond the impact on the Aelosian.... economy, my lord. Not only will Aelosia's international reputation be irreparably damaged, but it will have destroyed an entire community, and that, I submit, is wrong, be that community five thousand or five million strong."

Sir Michael pauses to let his words sink in for a moment, before resuming.

"To deal with specifics about the Imperial Government of Pantocratoria. To say it was elected is not entirely accurate. The previous Imperial Government was elected with a total majority, taking every seat." Sir Michael explains, not voicing his doubts about the validity of that election result. "That government lost power through an internal party room split, which resulted in the newly formed Pantocratoria First Party taking office. The first election which the present Imperial Government will face will occur this Sunday, Pantocratorian time. I may have unwittingly led this council to believe that it is likely that the Imperial Government will lose that election. If I have done that, I apologise, for it would not be appropriate for me to say which party I think will or should win. I was merely saying that it is conceivable that the present Imperial Government will lose the election, and that the policies which your lords and ladyships have found objectionable may well be overturned by a new Imperial Government."

Sir Michael was skating on thin ice. He had been Foreign Minister under the United Christian Front government of Prince Basil which had lost power to Princess Irene's Pantocratoria First Party. Although he had since retired from politics, he has a clear political bias, but in his role as ambassador he must speak as the representative of the present Imperial Government, regardless of his own opinions.

"Count Kyrosal Dephil was Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator, knighted by the hand of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus himself. He was the first elf to be admitted into that order. Admittance into the Knightly Order of the Pantocrator is one of the highest honours the Emperor can bestow upon anybody." says Sir Michael. "It should be clear from this alone that Pantocratoria had the highest regard for Count Kyrosal. Now, I am not intimately acquainted with the Cardinal Duras investigation, but as I understand it, Count Kyrosal's son Bastianel was the chief suspect in the early part of that investigation, not Count Kyrosal. Count Kyrosal has never been named as a suspect in any document I have seen, nor do I believe he ever will be. Once again I must point out, I have no knowledge of the substance or direction of that investigation other than from official releases by the Ministry of Public Safety, so I may be incorrect when I say that he was never a suspect. But as a brother Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator, the circumstances of unfortunate death of Count Kyrosal caused me personally a great deal of distress, and those are sentiments I believe to be shared by the Emperor himself."

"As for your lordship's concerns," says Sir Michael, addressing himself to the D'nan noble. "Once again, I have no information about that investigation other than that which has been publicly made available. I am sure anybody in custody is there for good reason. Pantocratorian law forbids any suspect being held in custody unless charges are pending, and forbids any witness being held in custody unless a court order has been obtained compelling their testimony. And I assure your lordship that nobody is executed in Pantocratoria without all due process of law. Nevertheless, I would suggest that any concerns your lordship may have be raised by the Aelosian embassy in New Rome with the appropriate authorities."

"It occurs to me that this gathering is not only calling Pantocratoria into account for the failings of humanity, but also calling humanity into account for the failings of Pantocratoria. If you have specific concerns about the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, I beg your lords and ladyships to separate those from consideration of the Decree of Human Banning. All of humanity should not have to pay for the perceived crimes of my country." says Sir Michael. "And if you believe that Pantocratoria's failings are symptomatic of the human race, then ask yourselves, will the world regard Aelosia's failings as symptomatic of the entire elven race? Will elves everywhere be the victim of the anger which would arise from this esteemed council issuing the Decree of Human Banning?"

"We're using your country as an example, as a...test subject, although the expression could be not fully understood. We could have pick Iesus Christi, Steel Butterfly or Automagfreek as an example, and the Decree would already being approved. The Princess wasn't joking when she said that you're the advocate of the human race here", said the Cüthalion Mistress, now her attention caught by Sir Michael's words.

"And that means that the human race will be judge by your deeds and the deeds of Pantocratoria and its goverment. We can't judge all humankin as a whole, we're not that proud", said the Hyral noble, nodding to the Cúthalion woman.

"Of course you can deny that responsability...if you think that you aren't capable of defending your own race based in the deeds of your own people", said the Phaelos noble, his words charged with a subtle venom.

"We choose your country because it looked neutral, not a country allied to the elves, neither an elven hater one. As the Cúthalion Duchess said, we're trying to be as objetive as we can", followed the voice of the Lörindel noble.

"All humans judge us as a whole. They say elves, when everybody knows that we are divided and are as diversed as humans. Why we shouldn't treat your race in the same way?", the Eöl woman's face was reddened, as if she was trying to control an unspoken rage.

"Our opinions about the humans will be based on your statements in front of this gathering. We don't care if the humans judge all elves by our criteria, because they already does. All the enemies of the Menelmacari are our enemies too. Didn't your former chancellor judged the elves based on that damned Iesus Christi movie based on Lady Sirithil?", the D'nan noble was serene, although he spoke harsh words. He was testing Sir Phocas attitudes with no doubt.

"I don't see the point in making enemies of the humans, I think that Melkor and his allies are enemies enough for us to battle. I don't agree with this Decree", the Daeros minstrel's voice was sad, as she was expecting a bad outcome of the current situation.

"I feel sorry for those humans, and their families, but the ShadowPrince said that they will be payed by their services with generosity and kindness, and that he would sent them to a friendly country who could accept them. Of course the problem of the mixed blood will stand too. Are they elves or humans?, How are they going to be treated by the Decree?", said the Mablung noble, his face darkened as if he was talking about a well hidden secret.

"They're humans!, not elves, and that issue will be treated separated and in secrecy. I don't want to hear that topic named in this gathering anymore", the Eöl woman almost jumped from her seat, pointing a finger at the Mablung noble with disdain.

"I think otherwise, we must talk about the mixed bloods right here and right now. Are we going to expel the half elven people too?, even knowing that the Sindarin human unions are common in this country?. And you need to respect the order of the assembly or just leave the hall, Baroness Eöl", the Princess D'Hyru face hardened, imposing certain kind of authority with her voice.

The ShadowPrince felt the aura of confidance around Nejure, and he was sure that the Nenjan was being as honest as he could be, then he spoke again to the human ambassador "I wasn't upset by your noise, just curious. Then let's hear what you want to say. I'm open to possible solutions".

Ambassador Menjda nods slowly, and speaks just as slowly - relatively speaking, anyway. "In the Empire, much of what little prejudice that was remaining between the three primary cultures is being eroded by Citizens House. Citizens House gives the average citizen more say in the running of their own country; in the Empire, every Citizen is expected to carry out three to five years of what we call 'political service'. By 'lottery', a proportion of those who are carrying out their service are selected to Citizens House. Some are also selected to Imperial House. Citizens House oversees the decisions of the legislative branch - that is, they make sure that new legislation is in keeping with the pre-existing system of law that we have in the Empire. Because all species are involved, everyone is, to a certain extent, forced to overcome prejudice. After all, when people find themselves arguing the same argument as those whom they had previously opposed, it aids the healing process, no?"

"But that would destroy the feudal system. There's no way the noble Houses could accept that. It would be the beginning of another civil war", said the Prince, visibly worried by the consequences of such acts. "The nobles would think that I'm trying to start a coup against them, and they hold a lot of power in this country, as a matter of fact, they hold all the power, I'm the Prince just because I'm the most powerful noble".

"No one man can defend the actions of an entire race on his own," says Sir Michael to the noble of Hyral. "Just as this gathering is not so proud as to judge humankind as a whole, I am not so proud as to claim the title of its defender. If anything, I see myself as your defender in this debate. I do not wish to see this esteemed council to debase itself by making the wrong decision in regards to this decree."

"The fact is that for every Iesus Christi there are a hundred human governments which have no grievances whatsoever with elves." says Sir Michael. "But if I am to limit myself to a discussion of the Imperial Government of Pantocratoria, as a neutral party... a middle ground between those governments you've described as elf haters and as elf lovers, then I shall do so."

"To address your lordship's remarks," says Sir Michael, addressing himself to the noble of D'nan. "It is true that our present chancellor, Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, made the Iesus Christi film The Eternal Elf compulsory viewing for all Pantocratorian children while she was still the Minister for Cultural Development in the previous Imperial Government, led by His Imperial Highness the Prince Basil. However it is also true that when she became chancellor, she rescinded that order at the same time as she ordered the release of Bastianel Dephil when it was found that he could not of committed the crime for which he was being held. This reversal serves to illustrate that a government can... come to its senses, so to speak, and try to repair the damage that the legislation of petty discrimination does to relations between elves and humans."

"I wonder if your ladyship is aware," continues Sir Michael, addressing himself to the Eöl woman, "That if you do judge humans as a whole simply because they do the same to elves, then you are lowering yourself to the level of those humans who do, through ignorance, judge elves as a whole by the actions of elven individuals? If you issue the Decree of Human Banning, that is exactly what you would be doing! You would be lowering yourselves to the level of the governments of Iesus Christi, or Steel Butterfly, or Automagfreek."

"Once you've lowered yourself to that level, then like Iesus Christi, this great nation will become an international parriah!" argues Sir Michael. "I thoroughly believe from what little contact I've been privileged enough to have with the Aelosian people that they're better than that! And, your ladyship, you are better than that. Issuing the Decree of Human Banning would irreparably damage this nation's reputation. It is the last step, from which a government can never return."

"The Imperial Government of Pantocratoria has learned from some of its mistakes. We've got many more mistakes to correct, but at least all of them are correctable. But if the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria ever took that last step which this gathering is contemplating, it could never return from it. I beg you, my lords and ladies, not to take that last step. Do not lower yourselves to the level of those who have incensed you to this position!" pleads Sir Michael. "Rather, rise above it, and together with reasonable nations of all races, elven or human, work to overcome the obstacles governments blinded by ignorance and hatred have erected."

"Wise words the human have spoken. We cannot turn ourselves into a nation of tyrants", said the Hyral noble, nodding in approval to Sir Michael.

"But still the affair of the elven rights in Pantocratoria is doubtly cleared", said the Phaelos noble clenching a pale fist, as he noted that Sir Michael's words make effect upon several nobles.

"We couldn't fight against those who attack the elves if we're just reflections of their hatred. In that the Pantocratorian has a strong point", the D'nan noble adopted an expression of doubt, as if his mind was working hard to made a decision.

"Ma'El would never approved these man's words, he was a stronger Prince. Allowing humans to speak like that of the Aelosian in this hall?", said the Eöl woman, with no doubt lacking better arguments to argue.

"That's why we deposed your Prince, and forbidden his name in this country is. I suggest you, not to name him again. He was a tyrant, and a terrorist" said the Paelisi Duchess, clearly upset by the Eöl House statement.

"But anyway, the human is right. How can we oppose those who make acts similar to our own?", said the Mablung noble, shaking his huge head.

"Although our differences can separate us in social and political matters, the commerce would be deeply diminished by that action. The loss of reputation would affect our economy, even making us fall into a depression", said the Lörindel noble, visibly worried.

"If this knight can speak like that, there are more valuable humans out there. Maybe we must rethink our actions", the Cúthalion maiden smiled just for a moment, then resumed her writing on her notebook.

"That was beautiful, an Ode of the elven pride and the human hatred must be written to show our differences", was all that the Daeros mintrel said, washing away a single tear off her cheek.

"The advocate has spoken...It's time to vote. Those who oppose this Decree, issued by the ShadowPrince, raise your hands", said the Princess, raising from her throne.

The D'nan, Hyral, Mablung, Cúthalion, Lórindel, Daeros and Paelisi Nobles raised their hands in the air, voting in the classical elven custom.

"With my vote too, I suppose this Decree is rescinded by the Noble's Gathering. Eight votes to two, as I suppose Phaelos and Eöl Houses support the approval of the Decree. I'll communicate our decision to the ShadowPrince", said the Princess, smiling warmly at Sir Michael.

"But that would destroy the feudal system. There's no way the noble Houses could accept that. It would be the beginning of another civil war", said the Prince, visibly worried by the consequences of such acts. "The nobles would think that I'm trying to start a coup against them, and they hold a lot of power in this country, as a matter of fact, they hold all the power, I'm the Prince just because I'm the most powerful noble".

"Not at all," Nejure states warmly, "for in the Empire, we still have a Nobility. Indeed, we have four classes; Citizenry, Nobility, High Nobility, and the Imperial Family. Each serves to balance the rest; the High Nobility make executive decisions along with the Imperial Family, through the Executice Council; the Nobility make decisions through Imperial House - all whom are elected or selected to Imperial House become Nobility - and the Citizenry helps to elect the Nobility, and are selected to the Nobility themselves. It is all a matter of balance, Majesty. If all feel that they have power, then all in turn feel powerful. And to be powerful - or so it is percieved - is to be free. I do not believe my colleague is suggesting such a drastic shift; I believe," and he looks to Menjda for confirmation, which he recieves by way of a nod, "that he is merely suggesting a potential direction that could help heal rifts."

"I don't think you understand the situation, ambassador. Radical political changes in Aelosia always have led to violence, riots and revolutions. Melkor is launching himself against us, and I expect that you in all people understand what that means, and you're suggesting me to give power to the populace?. Aelosia has been a feudal empire, is a feudal empire, and it will be a feudal empire forever. Never someone has complained about our system before, not the nobility, not the people, because the system is based in the concept of Service. The service that the people give to the nobles is working for them, and the noble protects and choose in the name of their people. The Noble's Houses are the most respected institution of the Empire, and holds all the power. If I give power to the people, I will restrain the power of the nobles", said the ShadowPrince, shaking his head slowly.

"Some of the heads of the Houses were the most importants nobles of the kingdom of Doriath, and their authority is absolute, and unchallenged, by no means I can restrain their power".

Sir Michael looks a little vindicated, and bows respectfully to the noble gathering.

"This assembly has demonstrated the wisdom and sound judgment for which it is held in such high regard." he says. "I thank each of you for allowing me the opportunity to address this council."

"I don't think you understand the situation, ambassador. Radical political changes in Aelosia always have led to violence, riots and revolutions. Melkor is launching himself against us, and I expect that you in all people understand what that means, and you're suggesting me to give power to the populace?. Aelosia has been a feudal empire, is a feudal empire, and it will be a feudal empire forever. Never someone has complained about our system before, not the nobility, not the people, because the system is based in the concept of Service. The service that the people give to the nobles is working for them, and the noble protects and choose in the name of their people. The Noble's Houses are the most respected institution of the Empire, and holds all the power. If I give power to the people, I will restrain the power of the nobles", said the ShadowPrince, shaking his head slowly.

"Some of the heads of the Houses were the most importants nobles of the kingdom of Doriath, and their authority is absolute, and unchallenged, by no means I can restrain their power".

Nejure smiles faintly. "Majesty, I do not suggest that you take power from the Houses. Why, there is no need! It is the illusion of power that I speak of, not power itself. There are many ways to structure a feudal system, Majesty; some are better at giving the People the illusion of power than others - but in truth, all systems are feudal, and all systems merely give the illusion of power to the masses. The Master-Slave system gives the illusion of power to both Master and Slave, for example, but neither truly has power without the other; and every system is so. It is how the illusion is constructed that is important, not who truly has the power. - Besides, there is no need to actually change things quickly. Progress can be slow, and people still satisfied. - As for Morgoth..."

Nejure appears to consider something for a moment. "Majesty, the 1 Stellar Squadron is within Hopping distance of the Aelosian Craftworld, and one of our warships is, as you know, sitting not fifteen thousand kilometres away. At the slightest sign of trouble, Aelosia will have our aid. Morgoth need bring no fear to Aelosia; none but you and I and the IDF High Command now know the position of the 1 Stellar Squadron. If Morgoth attacks, his forces will perish. You have my word."

"I don't think we could defeat Morgoth, there's no way to stand before his power and survive. We will manage this problem in the classical elven way. We'll hide, we'll deceive. I learned that lesson from Nargonthrond and from Gondolin. Thanks for your help, but it will be useless to defy the power of the Dark Lord. And about the political change...Well, that depends if the Noble's Gathering approves the proposal. I can pass the idea to them", the Prince smiled, remembering the times when the things were decided by one man, with the tip of a sword, and not by plots and schemes of the politicians...

[OOC: GRRRR! I posted a response here, but the forum ate it. I'll post it again shortly.]