NationStates Jolt Archive

Deep under Terra’s lonely oceans
Present day

“KDF Plutonium reports all green across the board. Weather is good and no aberrations reported in zone Alpha. Recommend proceed as planned” – a human voice crackled in the depth, in the Dutch tongue.

“KDF Samarium confirms these readings” a female voice answered clearly. “Captain Steenwijk recommends we proceed as well.

Slowly the pair of Elementen-class submarines (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Elementen-class_submarine) crept around the unexplored waters of Ymenant. Like a pack of tigers hunting prey they had been silently stalking the shallow waters around the distant island Kingdom since its discovery about three months ago. From their hidden positions the Knootians had been observing, probing, studying, and analysing the strangely savage land as a team of biologists might study an undisturbed natural habitat.

They had learned much of Ymenant, though even the name of the land still eluded them. A primitive culture, about as ethnically and racially mixed as Knootoss despite its isolation, a medieval level of technology, and some strange aberrations that seemed to alter forces flowing in and around the land.

Now however the time for watching had ceased. Not because the scientists and military analysts knew everything they wanted to know, but on account of pressure from the highest circles in Knootcap. The mission should now begin to yield rewards, it was felt, especially before anyone else would make a similar discovery. First contact might just be the critical moment, and the idea that anyone else would spoil this... this Knootian opportunity was enough take action.

Three black, strangely shaped choppers set out from their launching platforms under the sunny afternoon sky, ploughing low through the thin skies towards the centre of Zone Alpha, the suspected centre of government of a feudal hierarchy. The royal castle was established in the middle of wide, lush gardens, and it seemed rather welcoming despite the cold grey stone it was made of. Fiery banners floated in the wind on the highest tower, and cascaded down to frame the main door.

Wind swept down onto the ground as the choppers landed, blowing away any onlookers to a respectable distance.

Silence.

Doors hissed to open...

"Zone Alpha" - Center of Ymenant, Royal Castle

In the town closest to the castle, the citizens panicked for the most part, surprised by the sudden apparition of the choppers, slicing through the air to descend on them like a group of hungry ravens. Each one trying to reach their houses before they could eventually get attacked, fearful, then, springing out, devoured by curiosity as the machines finally landed.

As this happenned, royal guards in arms: sharp spears and mighty swords and scepters, popped out of nowhere, no, everywhere in the garden, to surround the newcomers, the sharp of the blades pointing in the direction of the steel birds, as they waited, alert, silent, for whoever, or whatever would come out of them.

It was rather obvious that the Kingdom was unsuspecting of the knootians observations through the three previous months, however, some keepers and fishermen had reported eerie things happenning on the coast, and to the marine fauna. But who would have expected "birds" to fly out of the sea ?

The first thing coming out of the choppers was soldiers, as many as reasonably could be squeezed into them. They were well-armoured and heavily armed, helmets obscuring faces, appearing more like riot police in green than like regular Knootian infantry.

Without a spoken word, the men formed a defensive half-circle around the entrance of one of the choppers; the middle one. Weapons were still held low, so as not to post too much of a threat to the natives. A slight clicking sound seemed to confirm to those inside that the situation was under control.

Three men emerged from the door, appearing rather different from the soldiers. Two were simply dressed in business suits, stout (one might say corpulent) but on the whole amicable men-with-suitcases, that glanced around rather warily at the weapons pointed at them. The third however appeared more distant from the other two, still human it seemed, but standing at an unnaturally tall 2.1 metres and wearing clothes tailored to suit the local fancies of a noble. Well... at least the Knootian interpretation of such, which had a tacky medieval faire sense about it, but still rather elegant with pastel colours and silken cords to keep the thing together.

This third man gazed around rather calmly at the scene, almost as if it was something he was witnessing from afar. He then broke into a soft smile, making a calming gesture with his hands. Hopefully for the natives to lower their weapons.

"There is no reason to be afraid" he spoke gently. "We mean you no harm. Rather the reverse."

The answer to the flow of soldiers coming out of the choppers, was the Ymenant royal guards taking a few wary steps backward, while raising their blades up more fiercely, confused glances shared between some. The mages meanwhile, moved to form a line behind armed factions, observing the newcomers closely for any signs of a threat, so that they could retaliate, or protect the troops.

The tension could be felt in the air, only seeming to dissipate, slightly as the third Knootian emissary, walked out of the middle machine, into the security circle, surprising the guards by his garb, and maneers. (and his height)

Such entrance however, was paired with the opening of the castle's doors, and the arrival of an armored knight, escorting an equally elegant man, standing at a poised 1m80, and wearing a richly embroidered suit (http://www.freewebs.com/miyuki_asato/alichino-clr.jpg), in royal purple, and sky blue shades. Something not to go unnoticed for sure, even from afar.

The King, for it was him, stood still on the stairs of his domain's entrance, smiling at his knight, who did the same, before embracing the scenery under his eyes, as quietly as the other man did moments ago. Then, he took a deep breath, speaking in a benevolent, soft, yet clear tone, having caught the other's words.

"Do as he said, and lower your weapons my braves...They are our guests."

At this order, every sword, every scepter, and every spear was obediently pulled back, and pointed downwards, in a perfect unity.

((bump))

OOC: Bump? Eh. Oh-kay then. Is this open? Is Ymenant a new player, as he(?) seems to be, or a puppet of someone else?

I wouldn't want to come in uninvited. After all, the first post is about how the Knooties got there first...

((This is, for now, a closed RP. I bumped the thread for the player because there seems to be a problem. She says she posted to it but I can't see the post. Oddness. :/))

(I posted and i can see the post now, why won't it show for you !? *sobs !*)

(And yes, this is closed RP, and I am a new player ^^)

((I see it now and will reply ASAP. End of OOC :) ))

The pig-snouted Knootian soldiers lowered their weapons as well. Even in their "at ease" stance they would appear quite un-human however, part due to their heavy armour.

The two human Knootian representatives seemed quite happy to stay within their safely secured zone amidst the soldiers, stretching a little and glancing about, seemingly happy to breathe some fresh air again after a rather uncomfortable passage.

The tallest figure, meanwhile, broke free from the group of soldiers to slowly approach the King of Ymenant. He, too, appeared quite in-human albeit in a different way; tall and just-too-perfectly proportioned, with a broad jawline, shimmering grey hair and intense eyes to match. All in all, he appeared quite androgynous, however. He appeared almost feminine, slender as he was, and a Knootian would immediately have pegged him as either a cross-breed, a product of the Babies-2-Go Clinic, or both. Such embryo selection wasn't really genetic engineering in the technical sense. It was more like being able to have a dozen abortions per month until you get the foetus you desire. Although it was rare in Knootoss, the first such specimens were beginning to had - by now- reached early maturity.

"Hail. I wish to you good tidings for your glorious Kingdom" the young diplomat offered in perfectly flowing Common. "We hail from a land both far and powerful, and come to offer our friendship."

The royal guards watched carefully as the Knootian soldiers lowered their weapons too, feeling quite relieved, though they wouldn't move from their defensive positions, as long as the others stoodtight infront of them, keeping ready to answer any unexpected attack, were things to change once more. The mages in the background however, seemed far more relaxed already, and observed the stout businessmen curiously.

When the emissary left the circle, to close the distance between him and the King, he would find a rather young man, more or less his age, lean, with features perhaps more delicate than his own, framed by soft chesnut hair, falling in long silken tresses, to reach down to his hips, and concealed near the end, by a thin silver thread. His skin was a rather pale, yet healthy shade of pink, eyes, a vibrant amethyst, impacted of few azure shards. His gaze, deep and apparently serene. The human's expression however, albeit very gentle, reflected the strenght acquired through years of reign, and something else, something a little stern, that could not be defined further from outside, as if poorly hidden. His suit was all in subtle materials. A cape of light and shimmering fabric in azure and white hues, alike a summer sky, clasped over a high-necked jacket with flowing sleeves, bordered of golden fioritures. The pants, tight, end tucked into knee-high black leather boots.

The King observed the diplomat while he spoke, violet eyes detailling him quietly, before he gave a gracious bow of his head when the male was finished, smiling, as he replied, in a voice as equally soft.

"Then, you are most welcome in Ymenant, Sire. This glorious kingdom, is under my reign, my name is Miyuki, and I thank you for your wishes..."

"May I enquire the name, of the land that you came to represent, and your own?"

Upon hearing the spoken words, the silver-haired Knootian immediately offered a deeper bow, to recognise his conversation partners Royal status.

"Forgive me, I come to represent a nation known in the wider world as the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss. My own name, your Royal Highness, is Floris Ancalímon, and I will be your humble servant if you will but receive us as guests.."

Miyuki aknowledged the bow with another respectuous nod, smile widening slightly while he let Floris answer.

The knight at his side, seemed to listen intensely to the Diplomat too, watching him sharply, though, his hazel gaze was not devoid of kidness or warmth. He just seemed more defensive than his King. The human stood tall, in a shiny (even perhaps over polished) mithril armor, unruly reddish-brown strands tumbling over his shoulderpads, his facial traits, rather strong compared to both of his current companions, whom looked delicate, yet still most pleasant, his expression, one of a man who understood and knew alot, a scholar, more than a man of arms.

Said knight however, did not disturb the conversation at any moment, his gaze simply moving from the main emissary, to his cohort of soldiers and businessmen at the mention of them being possibly housed.

"You are all forgiven. My castle is yours, for as long as you and your men wish to stay, Sire Ancalímon of Knootoss. It goes without saying you will all be treated with the respect due to your ranks, and I shall hope you will find Ymenant pleasant."

The King tilted his head up to look at his knight briefly after speaking those words, before adding.

"Sire Rafael, will show them their quarters right now if you want, I believe they have been made quite tired with the stress of the journey."

Floris Ancalímon offered Miyuki a slight smile with yet another nod, before turning around to offer a measured thumbs up to the soldiers and diplomats behind. The group muttered some muted words through their communications system but otherwise appeared ready to follow the knight inside.

"I'm sure they would be delighted. Thank you, Your Royal Highness" Floris spoke gratefully, turning back to his host. "If at any point it would please your Highness, I would ask to enjoy an audience with you. I believe there is much my nation can offer to your... Ymenant."

Almost casually, he straightened his back to gaze for a moment at the young King.

"No need for thanks Sire Ancalimon, it is natural."

Was Miyuki's reply to the diplomat's thankful words, after he watched the near silent exchange between him and the rest of his men, smile never seeming to fade completely from his features. His stance was reassured though, at the mention of an audience, and he returned Floris' gaze pleasedly, nodding once more.

"Of course we need to talk about it..."

The King stood thoughtfully for a moment, the knight taking it as his cue to depart, motionning for the soldiers to follow him into the castle, before the exotic young man finally enquired, hesitatingly...

"If you are not too tired yourself, would you like to have your first audience now?"

Floris nodded his head gratefully, silver hairs falling forward, before he rose again with confidence, moving a hand quickly to put the strands back in place.

"I would be much honoured thereby" he said, simply, following the King wherever he might lead, making sure to remain one pace behind him.

The doors of the seemingly abandoned black helicopters, meanwhile, made a hissing sound as they closed themselves. They stood there ominously, still for the most part, although some parts did appear to move by themselves - as if scanning their surroundings.

Miyuki mirrored the motion again after hearing the Diplomat's reply, and graciously made his way down the large grey stairs, and closer to the man.

The King only stopped briefly, inches away from one of the tall halfbreed's sides, to offer him a peaceful smile, speaking quietly, then passed him by, allowing him to follow.

"Then, please, come enjoy some fresh air in the Gardens with me."

-

As both men sank deeper in the greenery of the Royal Gardens, the trees around them seemed to slowly grow taller, and older, perfectly shaped bushes, forming the paths of a labyrinth, replaced by some, wilder ones, most of them, bearing fruits. Infact, the scenery was becoming most fresh and "romantic" if one was to describe it, a small clearing at it's heart, with rays of sun filtering through leaves and branches, and two wooden benches, apparently cared for daily, and covered in thick, comfortable cushions.

((IRC so far.))

Floris gazed around slowly as the pair proceeded through the palace gardens, quietly seeming to admire its serene beauty. When they found themselves at one of the cushioned benches, it seemed natural to sit down.

"Your people have shaped this to be a beautiful garden" he commented softly, dipping his head in appreciation once more.

Miyuki looked over his shoulder once through the long walk, smiling kindly at the diplomat, as he noticed his admiring gaze, and letting him settle down silently, moving to the opposite bench elegantly, so that he could sit facing the other. He also seemed rather obviously more at ease in that setting.

"Thank you, Floris. The elves have been of great help to this, they know how to care for the wild better than any of us could....I am glad you appreciate it. But please, go on, I believe there are things you wanted to discuss aside from such beauty."

"Well... to tell you the truth, there exists little diplomatic protocol amongst my own people about how to make contact with an entirely new people, isolated from the world. My nation is used to deal with all nations and races, reaching out far beyond the borders of our own Republic. My... mission... is simply to pass on a message of friendship and try to establish good relations. Most of all, though, I hope to see that Your Highness is comfortable with the opportunities that will grow from these contacts."

The King leant forward just that small bit, as Floris began to speak, listening attentively to each word spoken, while gazing up into the halfbreed's silver eyes serenely. Finally, a nod was given in understanding, and he took in a deep breath as the explanation ended, to reply, the tone of his voice, more solemn, yet never quite getting rid of that characteristic gentleness.

"My people is by nature both welcoming and wary, they value their peace and freedom dearly, and it is partially why we are so Isolated. However, we are not clueless about the happenings of the "outside" world, as many, within our houses, arrived from foreign lands themselves...Your mission is noble however, and it is my pleasure than to be able conversing with you in such friendly terms. Of course, I am open to opportunities and to an exchange between our two "nations".

The King then added, after a small pause, his tone, more relaxed once more "Please, while we are in private, just call me Miyuki, you will do me a grand favour"

"Thank you, Miyuki" Floris replied, the hint of a pleased little grin creeping into the back a mellow smile. "I do not know what it is you know of the ... 'outside world', but I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have."