NationStates Jolt Archive

Ostia is Rl Italy with it's borders reaching into Rl France. The Nation of Ostia resembles Acient Rome to the fullest, it's style,culture, traditions and military. After years attempting to extend it's borders the Empire decided it was spreading it's supply lines to far where they could not always be protected. A Gaulic General by the name of Cedric the warrior,a bastard of an Ostian General repelled various attempts to extend the Ostian borders into France.

When 3 Legions dissappeared to the untamed wilderness the Emperor had enough and declared no Legions were to move past the borders that were fortifyed with solid stone fortress's. Cedric attempted many attacks to cross into Ostia but was stopped by Xavier The 1st's powerful armys turned veteran from the many battles they were involved in. These years of war turned many Ostians into dangerous crafty Generals and commanders.

When Xavier The 1st passed away his son took his place as Emperor of all Ostia. Xavier The 2nd marched 6Legions and met Cedrics ferice army where they were defeated and pushed out of sight..The Tribe warriors numbers were depleated so much in that battle it would be a long time before they ever resurfaced. It is known that very few men escaped Xaviers pursuit, after the battle was over Ostian Cavelry under the command of a young Ceniturion (Maximus Arulious) chased them down killing everyone they encountered.

The threat in the west was crushed. Ostia spent all the time after that beefing up it's military so that it would never come close to falling into Enemy hands destroying there whole way of life. Ostia is known for its trade and well disiplined armed forces who will fight to the last man for their country.

Emperor Xavier declared Ostia was going to war. No specific nations were known to the people but Ostias streets were filled with soldiers every day. A draft had been put forward to any young men currently un-employed who wished to do their Emperor a favor in return for living in the great Empire.

Emperor Xavier is young aswell as a good leader although he can be corrupt in ways that could possibly benifit himself. The presentation of Ostia means the most to him..pride..

OOC:Feel free to come to Ostia and trade...diplomatic discussions..or just stop in... :-)

taggity tag. You sly dog, getting with Tadjik:p ;)
Diplomatic fluffles:fluffle:
Though, after the Aust war is over, one way or another, I don't think our interests collide, so....(some things need a TG not forum post. You've got mail...)

OOC: Thank you, i am trying to expand my Empire and reach a position of high power will all my allies i am trying to reach out to. I have read the telegram and i beleive we could possibly have similar intrests when it comes to that situation..asuming Aust goes according to plan.

Emperor Xavier the 2nd takes his place on the platform in front of thousands of Ostian citizens,

"People of Ostia!! lend me your ears for i have news of our future that will be made possible by our powerful military that is being created...

He paused....

"For years we faught the Gauls fericely under my father! We faught our hardest and manged to keep good morale the entire time! even when they reached our borders we had little fear! The people of mighty Ostia steped foward and decided they would not be destroyed by uncivilized peoples! our duty is to conquer and civilize other peoples of the world! By acheiving this goal we benifit everyone..but most of all ourselves!

Pause...

"Men of Ostia..pick up arms and stand with us! your loyal defenders that give our great nation a name all over the world! come! onwards to victory we go!!

Thoussands of Ostian citizens cheered for their Emperor, rose pedals were flying everywhere hands waving as far as the eye could see..looked like an ocean...

A diplomat who goes by the name Nimdilzar has been given a map of the middle East by some trader who is presumebly reliable. He will be on his way to Ostia soon, probably by boat through the red sea, over land and if he finds another boat, over the mediterranean to your homeland.
It would normally take a while but I dont not think anyone is going to object if I speed up his journey.

OOC:That would be great, i don't think it would matter much if you sped up the process a bit.

Emperor Xavier had just come from a meeting with the senete. He lay on his bed looking up at the ceiling quietly thinking. The meeting was arranged by him and was to tell Senete his decision to lead some armys to the eastern borders of Ostia with no real objective. Things were starting to heat up all over the world was the latest news of the merchants.

The Senete was confused by this decision but could not stop him from making his mind up. Xavier would lead 40,000 troops to the borders shadow'd by 2,000 more legionaires. Pretorian guard regiments were moving aswell to serve and protect their Emperor, Praetorians numbered to roughly 880..there they would just sit and wait to see what came their way.

"Land Ho"

Nimdilzar was abruptly awoken, he jumped out his bed and put on his clothes as fast as he could, calling his guards to him.
"What was that? did we reach land?"

"Yes mylord, the captain believes we have reached the land called Ostia, he said we will be saling to the nearest port where we can make first contact with these people."

"Good, very good! Now bring me to the main deck, I want to see this land"


OOC: dunno where your land starts exactly, so you could tell the diplomat where it is in your reply.

OOC:My land is all of Italy and part of france...you could be comming up on the bottom part of Italy, there will be a large city called Romulus..it's a major Import/Export port in Ostia.

Padova dockyards..
One of the most busyist ports in Ostia for ship traffic from all over the world, not to mention the overwhelming military presence. behind the city on a very large hill sat a fortress where Ostian officers could watch the ships comming in and leaving the port. An unknown vessel was seen sailing in,

"Report to Bruno, tell him to send some Praetorians down to the east jettys..unknown ship incomming.."

The legionaire saluted and went to carry out his orders. A group of 12 Ostian cavelry rode down the dirt road from the fortress towards the market central. The soldiers reached the docks and carefully made their way on horseback down the jett to await the ships docking.

"There is our welcoming comittee" One of the guards said when the ship docked.

"Good, they can help us in our mission" Nimdilzar replied while he thanked the captain for a safe voyage and left the ship. The company went up to meet the soldiers.

"Goodmorning gentlemen, I am Lord Nimdilzar of the Tadjik Empire"

The leading soldier did not understand what the man had said, another soldier volenteered his knowlage of the Tadjik language,

"Sir they are speaking Tadjik, he is lord Nimdilzar..he repersents the Empire"

The soldier translated into Latin, the officer asked hi what he needed,

"My commander greets you aswell, he asked if there is any importance to your visit?"

Nimdilzar was a bit surprised, surely a man introducing such as himself who spoke for an empire far away would have a good reason to make such a long trip.
"Any importance to our visit? Why offcourse, I come as emissary of the Emperor or Tadjikistan, we are here for official talks between our empires. Can we meet with your highest dignitaries?"

The Cavelry officer was suprized when the translator told him the man was somthing like a Noble, he then replyed..he completed his sentance with a slight bow..

"The Emperor is 26 miles north of here encamped with his army..civil defence, also there is the queen of Ostia..the young lady Sephrah in the Emperors palace.."

They awaited the mans reply,

"Then if he is so close, would it be possible to meet with the Emperor?" Nimdilzar replied, making a slight bow himself, as a sign of respect towards the Ostians.

The officer nodded when the soldier translated to him,

"My commander says you may go to the inn and a room will be prepared for you, a dispatch rider will be sent to the Emperor and inform him of your presence"

The officer said somthing else,the soldier translated..

"The Emperor is comming to this city tomorrow to make an appearance..im sure he will parlay with you then..please..we will lead you to the inn"

"Very good, atleast that will allow us to recover from our long journey here and prepare to meet the man. Please lead us there."
Two servants, hired along the road carried the Lords baggage on a horse and together with the Guards and Nimdilzar himself they followed the cavalrymen to the inn."


OOC: more tomorrow

The troops lead the visitors to the inn and the officer went inside. Minutes later he returned signaling them towards the door,

"He says everything is ready for you.."

Emperor Xavier would visit Romulus tomorrow. He was passing through every down going around Ostia securing the borders.

Lord Nimdilzar got up early so he could get ready and learn a bit about this nation first. After his breakfast he talked to some Ostians he saw in the neighbourhood, Nimdilzar spoke some latin and tried to learn as much of the language as he could.
He returned to his chamber where he awaited the arrival of the Ostian Emperor, he did not know the man and felt it important to think about what he was going to say.

Emperor Xaviers coloum rode into town, people on the sides of the road greeted their emperor. It was not a strange thing for the Emperor to leave his palace in Ostia, he was always giving speaches or simply riding through his lands inspecting things..he said it was always good for an Emperor to KNOW his people.

The horses stopped at the Inn where the Emperor went to the top floor in his private room. The 2 companys of Praetorian guard surrounded the hotel just for sercurity. Once the Emperor was settled he called for his aide,

"Send me the diplomat?"

The aid replyed,

"Yes your greatness..."

The Emperors aid went to get Lord Nimdilzar quickly...

Xavier sat in a fine furnished room done in red and gold colours of the Empire.

Nimdilzar found it most interesting that the Emperor would travel around and take a room here, his own Emperor did things quite differently, but it was interesting and amusing to see that an emperor would spend alot of time to go out and make a tour through the country.

Lord Nimdilzar was guided to the Emperors room, finely decorated to suit the wishes of the Ostian emperor, I reminded him of the Emperors citadel, where such riches and decorations were plentiful.

With a slight bow he stepped up closer to the Emperor as he greeted him
"Good morning, I am Lord Nimdilzar, emissary of Emperor Nimruzirim of the Tadjik Empire, seeking relations between with those who are likeminded."

OOC:It is not his own personal room, it is the highest quality room in the inn for anyone who rents it.

Xavier stood up to greet the man who called himself Nimdilzar,

"Ahh welcome..right to the point!, you are a man who knows all there is to know of your trade"

Xavier signaled to the 2 Praetorians in front of him to depart to the sides.

Bump

"Indeed, while I have travelled so far, I would like to use every minute of my time here to discuss the possible cooperation ebtween our empires, I am certain a man as Intelligent as you are, would agree."

"Especially in the area of military and trade, there is much we could gain from that cooperation, why waste time that could otherwise be spent on making money and improving our military might?"

Xavier smiled and gestured his 2 servants to bring wine,

"I like your additude towards things Lord Nimdilzar, at the present time that is what my Empire is interested in, we have somthing in common..."

The Emperor offered him a seat as he sat down as well,

"No need to act lower than myself while out of the palace, i am also a soldier..but please let us discuss this more..what are your ideas for development?"

"We could exchange technology and idea's, tactics to improve our armed forces. The Tadjik regulars are among the best in their region and have conquered lands that were deemed impassable by many others."
"The Emperor has allowed me to share our knowledge of gunpowder and cannons, enabling you to produce your own. Not only that, we will also provide instructors to teach you how to use them efficiently."
Sadly enough our empires lie so far from each other that real military cooperation is impossible, besides joint actions against a common enemy from different areas, the Middle east comes to mind."

"The Tadjik Empire is also rich in resources such as iron, but also sulfur, needed to give impure gunpowder a decent combustion. The Ostian Empire will undoubtely have its own technologies and resources to share with us?"

Xavier listened closley,

"Gun powder you say?..cannons..?" Xavier thought quietly and a evil grin crossed his face,

"Ostia has lots to offer, we have control of the nile as it stands now giving us access to the lower parts of the world..we have not attempted to colonize it yet but it is occupyed..we have connections from Kurisubo and Frozopia to the East...therefore opening many trade oppertunitys..."

Xavier waited for a reply....

Nimdilzar snapped his fingers and one of the servants who had come with him gave him a scroll with a drawing, which Nimdilzar opened and showed to the Emperor.
"This is a cannon, an interesting device that can fire a stone or in some cases an iron ball over a certain distance, much depends on the quality of the materials and the size of the propellant and projectile."
"We are currently working on newer projectiles that will allow us to use the weapon in different situations, we mainly use it for sieges nowadays."

"If the Emperors agrees, I will see that we have one went here secretly, through the Nile area, which seems perfect as a trade route. Not to far from the coasts, out of reach of pirates."

Xavier looked at the drawing closley,

"I could replace these with catapults and bastillias....what are your feelings of Oda to the east? how are your relations with the nation?"

Xavier was interested in this conversation...

"There is little contact between us and the Hanese,"
"...some of our noblemen see them more as a threat than allies, especially since their invasion of the Indian continent. I cannot say much about the situation, one of our generals has made contact with them, all we can do is wait and see what comes of it."

Xavier nodded,

"I have never met anyone from the Han Empire in my life...therefore i must inquire to what goes on in their empire to any one i meet..just to know.."

Xavier continued...

"If they are seen as hostilles to your nation..does that mean you would ever fight them?..."

"The Hanese have been hostile to us when our governors in the Southern provinces wanted to start a campaign in the direction of Delhi, but priority was at that time given to other area's and nothing came of the threat."
"Whether we should fight them will depend mostly on them, if they seek to go to war with us, we will defend us. But much depends of the situation..."
"It is something I cannot predict, I do not know what the Emperor and his advisors would do in case of hostilities, we will have to wait until it happens."

Xavier smiled,

"Ahh i see, i am interested in co-operation with your nation...in the times that lie ahead alliances will be very important, take my word for it Nimdilzar..everything we do now will reflect on us in the future.."

Xavier thought hard for a moment, the invasion would be launched soon sturring up a hornets nest. It was an Emperors duty to prepare his nation for such a conflict by making allies and establishing new trade routes that may assist them in the future.

"Then I propose that we put this agreement on paper, so that it becomes official. Within weeks, the first merchants will find their way straight to your empire and hopefully your traders will do the same"
"The first cannon and instructor will also be delivered to you as soon as we can, then the real military cooperation can start by sending military experts to eachother and sharing maps and information."

Xavier grinned and sipped some of his wine,

"Yes! i will personally make an appearance in the capital and tell of our alliance, as you know we are on the brink of war...these...cannons would prove useful..."

Xavier lifted his ringed hand and his aid came over,

"prepare to draft up an agreement..."

Nimdilzars servant brought his master a cup of wine while he watched as the agreement was written down.
"I have heard news of ostian forces moving south, of to fight a war. I have even seen some of them on my way here. Where exactly are they going and why? Surely their must be a good reason to send troops so far."

Xavier's aid re-appeared ready to write,

"I declare as Emperor of Ostia, we will honor our agreements made as they are yet to be determained"

He paused*

"I will ensure that some of our tactics and weponry is avalible to you in return for these first favors you offer.."

Xavier sat back in his chair and decided to disclose some information,

"Yes, thousands of troops move south with plans of expansion...also the Empire and it's allies are on the verge of war...my legions cannot leave where they are stationed without ships to take them...we have drafted up a project but it's taking too long.."

Lord Nimdilzar thought about what Emperor Xavier said and came up with his own idea
"The Ostian empire has no ships in this region? Then if you provide crews, we could send some galleys for you to hire at a reasonable price. We have many in different forms and sizes, we dont use them ourselves anyways."

A grin crossed Xaviers face,

"Wonderful! i personally thank you for this help you will provide the emipre, i suggest we get underweigh as soon as possible..Ostia has not declared war on Aust publicly but the nation knows we could enter a war in the following days.."

Xavier paused,

"I will hire your ships...i have crew and soldiers to man them, the project is comming along so i have heard but not quickly enough, with your support my legions lead by General Agrippa will arrive quicker..when Aust is occupyed i will share with you what spoils we take..."

For Nimdilzar the offer was a win-win situation, both empires could profit from it.
"I am glad to hear that you accept our offer, it is another proof that we want good relations with your empire, I will send one of my servants home to make the arrangements right away. All Ostia has to do is wait a little while and the ships will come, the sailors that bring them will go home over land."
"And when your troops return, our crews will come back to pick them up again."

"I except some losses as these ships are used in battle, but I am sure we will get something in return. It doesnt even have to be a ship."

Xavier nodded,

"You will gain alot in the long run, with the alliance we have put togeather..my other allies will reconize you as a friend..Aust will be destroyed with it's allies...if my legions arrive from egypt in Aust we will have the victory..."

The Emperor smiled,

"The whole world will be run by the alliance.."

Nimdilzar responded,
"but it has to be conquered first"

without wanting to sound rude he quickly added,
"Though I am sure Ostia and its allies can do it"

"If possible, could Ostia provide us with maps of all the regions and lands it knows? Which nations do you have contact with and which ones are reliable?"

Far Western Ostia, Ostian-Rodenkan Border

Vicount Erik Ostmann sat on his horse, watching the thin trickles of smoke that rose from the Ostian village below. Of course, no official state of war existed between the two countries. In fact, there was very little contact as of yet, surprisingly. But still, a man had to feed hsi family and keep his men-at-arms happy. He looked over the small party that accompanied him. 20 mounted men-at-arms and knights, 30 crossbowmen, and a further 20 men-at-arms afoot. Among the mounted men was his own son, Erstek Ostmann, soon to be Ser Erstek Ostmann if all went as planned.

The men were armed and armored according to their station. Those on horseback carried fine swords, and wore plate, or chain mixed with plate. They were rich enough to pay for it. Those on foot were armored not quite as well, wearing a motely collection of chanmail and studded leather. They carried axes or maces, along with wooden shields. The crossbowmen wore simple padded tunics, and carried the heavy but powerful and accurate crossbow.

Erik looked over his men one last time, then tugged his visor down, drawing his sword, and tightening the grip on his shield, which was painted with his family crest, a black axe on white field. "Make it quick, kill anyone who resists, take anything of value and burn the rest. We have to make up the difference for the poor crop the damned peasents had this year. Gott mit Uns." The invocation was murmured by the rest of the party, asking that God be with them in their venture. Then they began moving forward, horses walking as the footmen spread out in front, jogging. Soon, there would be money enough for the king's tax collectors.

In the Ostian village of Leown people went about their daily buisness when an armed coloum approached over the border, a woman yelled out,

"Soldiers! soldiers!"

The whole village started running for their homes. Ostian army officer Quintis Bracus bellowed out an order to the 22 troops he had in town,

"Defencive formation! keep it tight!"

The soldiers scurried into formation locking their sheilds, Bracus signaled to one of his assisting officers,

"Get out of here now..send word to Xavier our borders are being disturbed.."

The soldier took off full speed through the other side of town and out into the rich green Ostian contryside.

The Ostian soldiers awaited the invaders next move...,

Quintus knew what was going on, these raiders did not cross the Ostian border under orders..they were on their own mission..one Quintus would stop if possible.

_________________________

Xavier nodded and replyed,

"Yes i can provide maps of the surrounding nations, most reliable are Kurisubo and Frozopia...my most true allies that have come foward so far..i wish to say the same about you in the near future?"

Erik smiled grimly. So this was going to be a bit of a challange after all. Not much, though The defenders were hopelessly outnumbered. He waved his horsemen in, and closed formation, coming armored knee to armored knee as they began to canter towards the enemy infantry. Like all Rodenkan nobles, he carried an inate disdain for those who fought on foot. And thes peasents would die in the dirt, like all who opposed real cavalry.

The crossbowmen spread out, firign a volley of lethal bolts at the Ostian soldiers, while the men-at-arms on foot jogged behind the horses, ready to finsih off anyone who survived the initial charge.

As the distance closed, the horsemen accelrated to a trot, waiting until they were nearly on top of the enemy to break out into the gallop that would bring them crashing home into the enemy's ranks.

The Ostian soldiers moved quickly into formation creating a square defended on all sides, the outer ranks knelt down raising their sheilds and spears. The enemy cavelry came crashing into their lines,

"Hold it! hold it!" ordered Quintis

The Ostian soldiers stabbed at the advancing cavelry that had charged into their lines. When the horses got close all men in the front rank were to raise their sheilds and spears at the last second causing the cavelry to crash into the line and get crushed on their charge.

The enemy numbers were too much for this small group of infantrymen, the line could break at any time.


The dispatch rider was going at full speed towards Verone which was a 10 mile ride. Verone was a jewel to the Ostian Empire, one of the finest citys in the world. The dispatch rider rode there because that is where Xavier's legions were stationed while he was in diplomatic sessions.Knowing the outcome of the raid would probably be in the favor of the enemy he urged the horse on.

The line of horsemen thundered down onto the Ostian soldiers, smashing into the upraised shields and spears. lances cracked against the sields and swords swung down. A horse screamed in pain as a spear drove into it's belly, another stumbled over an upraised shield and fell into the enemy, hooves flailing. Erik cursed, swinging his sword at one of the stubborn defenders, yelling in his badly accented Ostian (OOC;do you guys speak latin or what?) "Yield! YIELD AND YOU WILL LIVE!"

Men swung swords and the large warhorses kicked and bit at the enemy as they had been trained. Behind them, the motley collection of infantry broke around the melee, coming at the ostians from the flanks, axes, maces and swords raised. Most of the crossbowmen had begun the labourious process of reloading, though five or six had drawn short swords and daggers, and begun kicking in the doors of houses, hauling the inhabitants out into the street.

Quintis watched civilians being hauled out into the streets, he heard in latin some one yell 'yeild!'

"Cease fighting!, cease fighting! they are attacking civilians!"

The Ostian soldiers held their ground for the time being given the circumstances. When the order to stop the fighting was issued the Ostian troops took up a defencive stance and the enemy ceased aswell. Quintis looked at his ranks, 3 Ostian legionaires were killed another 4 wounded,

"Why do you cross into the Emperor's land! this is a hostile act!" yelled Quintis

The other Ostian soldiers glared at their attackers, some even urging them on,

"Quit it! NOW!" Quintis bellowed when he noticed...

##----------

The dispatch rider arrived in Verone and dismouted out of breath, he fell on the ground and was assisted by other Ostian soldiers,

"Leown! i..s...is under attack!"

The legionaires scrambled to their horses and one rode over to Hq. Minutes later 20 Praetorian guard followed by 40 Equites galloped out of town followed by a cloud of dust. An officer emerged from the Hq and went over to the dispatch rider who was drinking water getting ready for the ride back to Leown,

"How many of them were there?" he asked

The rider replyed,

"I don't know sir..i rode hard to get here so...quick" he said in between drinking.."

The officer jogged over to Hq and hopped on his horse, the dispatch rider switched horses and took off after him.

Erik pulled his men back, watching the enemy. He had lost four horses, two men killed and another wounded. Damn. 10 of the footmen and begun rounding up the villagers, and the crossbowmen who had reloaded now covered the Ostian soldiers.

Erik looked over the men who was apparently in command of the peasent rabble. He nodded, raising hsi visor. "I am am Viscount Erik Ostmann. We have crossed your borders to relieve these peasents of money they do not deserve..." He sneered down at the man. Any man who fought on foot could not be worth much. He turned suddenly as there was a woman's scream from one of the houses. He nodded at two men-at-arms, who quickly stormed in, and exited shortly after, dragging one of the crossbowmen, the third man helping a scared looking girl, perhaps 15, her dress torn and a bruise beginning to form on her cheek

Erik cursed, and made a motion. The man was dragged forward. "I said no rape, you iunsolent peasent!" He punctuated his words with a vicious kick from his armored foot, sneding the man reeling with a bleeding nose. "Give him to the Ostians to deal with!" The man was relieved of his valubles and weapons, and tossed towards the knot of soldiers. Erik examined the man's purse, and then tossed it to the girl, along with a gold coin from his own. He bowed slightly in the saddle to Quintis. "My apologies. My men had strict orders to leave the populace alone and to take only valubles."

The villagers are hereded towards the Ostians, while the soldiers beginning taking anything of value from the houses that's not nailed down.

Quintis nodded and replyed,

"Take what you will, i do not feel like getting killed for this poor excuse of a villiage..i must inform you though, a dispatch rider left when you first came into veiw...he will return with many troops"

When the soldier who was raping the girl was tossed over to the Ostian troops Quintis stepped foward with his sword sheathed,

"In Ostia rape is punishible by death.."

He quickly drew his dagger and buried it in the mans stomach, blood started oozing from his mouth as he dropped to his knees...

"Thank you sir! you are a very honorable man..our nation has never had any diplomatic relations before...what a perfect chance.."

The Ostian soldiers still held their ranks, Quintis stepped back into the middle. The soldiers watched the counts soldiers loot the villiage with out any sign of agression, the soldiers did it themselves some times when their own crops were not bringing in enough money.

A diplomat from the capital city of Almohed was sent by His Majesty to the Empire of Ostia via the port city of Tel Amar. The ship set off today, and would take three days to reach Ostia proper. The diplomat was sent on a carrack, accompanied by 200 guards to ensure his safety.

____________________
Apollo:Capital Of Ostia

The senete of Ostia sat around in the city hall at the center of the massive city discussing plans of home land defence. The East was heating up and would ignite any day now, in the west armys moved forward to claim territory.

Senator Bracus stood up and spoke in front of the other men,

"With the Emperor's absence we must make the decisions, there is 2 armys advancing into northern Gaul..if we must expand we must do it now! Cedric the warrior has not emerged for years now...maybe he was killed when his army was crushed on the Rhine.."

Senator Cladius rose from his seat,

"I agree with Bracus, what ever we take now will be claimed as Ostian Territory...our borders are being fortifyed with walls and fortresses all around the country"

The other senators spoke amongst each other, then a break was called while the decision was made. A short time later all the Senators returned and took their seats,

"The decision has been made..." Cladius announced

The room went quiet,

"The Holy Empire Of Ostia will re-inforce it's northern borders with the following four legions...the 12th, the 14th, the 20th and the 3rd"

Mumbling was heard through out the room,

"Silence please ..." Bracus shouted

Cladius continued,

"Those legions will advance into Gaul and meet the borders that will be established by forgin armys..therefore..there will be a new province added to Ostia!"

Erik gave a slight bow. "Honor is everything to a Rodenkan, sir. Perhaps were we to meet in more pleasent circumstances, we could be friends. As it is, we must remain at arm's length."

A few minutes later, when he had gathered enough to make the tax, he assemebled his remaining men, nodded once more to Quintis, and the his men turned about and began moving back to the west, burdened now with their plunder.

A small group of black ships finally made their approach, having come from the Holy Empire to explore these lands along the Medittarean for their God King Galf. Aboard the small group of ships were over three hundred men and women, along with a group of three diplomats. As they approached the Ostian Coast they eventually raised the silhouette of their house, a black winged silhouette holding a spear.

"I think thats a good spot!" One of the men shouted in his native Antanjylese, though many aboard the ship also spoke Latin, as he pointed an arm at a small town.

A black armored man rose from the lower deck and stared out at the small establishment, a scowl on his face as he brushed back his unkempt black hair, "Hmm... Alright! Head to that Port! We'll get our bearings in whatever country this is before continuing our journey! We'll resupply as well! Keep your wits about you!"

Quintis watched the group ride away then gave the order to his men to fan out once again,

"Break formation!" he yelled and the men relaxed

He knelt down looking at one of the horsemen killed, they were very well armed, he could understand how that cavelry charge could have taken out his whole patrol if it wasn't for his quick tactical movment.

A short time later the reinforcements arrived to be shocked,

"Did they retreat Quintis!"

Quintis grinned,

"Of course not! i let them have what they wanted and they went home!"

Some of the horsemen grinned and chuckled at the responce,

"Marcellus...i think it is almost time the Emperor sends a diplomat across the border...we can't have that happening..."

Quintis said to the Praetorian Captian....

##----------
Port of Helena:

The ships were seen incomming from a stone out post on a cliff over looking the Medittarean,

"Agricola! incomming ships....ride to the fort inform them"

The fortress was 1/4 of a mile away, the dispatch rider left immeaditly. A small group of Ostian legionaires marched down into the village and took up position on the jettys.

OC: Oh damn...I should've said something about that >_o They probably would have stripped the bodies and aken them back with them for burial. The horses bodies would be left though.

OOC:o damn..your right...

As the ships finished pulling into Helena, a large group of crewmen and a slightly smaller group of black armored soldiers appeared in front of the ships as one in particular stood out and smashed a small bottle full of red liquid upon the ground. He then spoke over to his crew, reminding them that their duty was more important than enjoying themselves with some foreign harlots.

"Remember... We are the eyes of Galf." The man said with a smile as he walked into the town, taking the lead as the large group followed closely behind him on a direct path with the legionaires.

The legionaires halted and a man in a white toga with red trim stepped foward,

"I am govenor Lucius of Helena, welcome stangers what nation do you hail?"

There were four legionaires behind him and two Praetorians standing at his sides,

"Welcome to the holy empire of ostia"

Civilans stood around watching the strangers move through the town, the streets were filled with merchants shops and people going about their daily buisness selling and buying things in the market place. The beautiful women of ostia waved and smiled at the new commers in the street.

"Ah..." The dark haired man said with a smile as he looked at the soldiers behind him, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He hadn't heard much of Ostia, though he did hear some rumors from slaves, "We hail from the Northern Holy Lands of Antanjyl. We are, how would you say, a cartography fleet?"

The man was roughly six feet tall, tall for the time period, and his black hair was left long and uncut, though his face had been shaven before he left. At his side was a large sword, and the men behind him, all in dark armor, were likewise armed, though a few in the back were holding bows. They were more or less unsure of the safety of this town.

"Forgive my manners... I am Exploratory Commander Zekiel Farloda." He said quietly with a bow, maintaining eye contact with Lucius, "We are not here to cause trouble, and will pay for anything we require for our journey. Perhaps while we're here our group of diplomats can speak with whoever is in charge? Saradin?"

"Yes Commander?" A voice murmured from the back of the row of soldiers as a younger looking man stepped through the group to the forefront, obviously of norse upbringing by his appearance, "Do you require anything?"

"Not yet... Though we might as well put some use to you."


The officers from the fleet more or less paid no heed to the civilians and women, going straight towards the merchants to aquire some decent food and whatever alchoholic beverage this town could offer. Months of sailing through ice clogged seas had done that to them. However, they still knew that fraternising with foreigners would only get them in trouble with the Commander.

"Haha, even though I've only been off the ship for a few minutes I can already tell this place is nothing like The Holy Empire. Have you noticed the women?" One of the soldiers said with a sheepish grin as he looked over at his comrade, a fellow black armored soldier as they passed a few particularly attractive looking women, "Do you think they're-"

"Probably not. At least not from what I've heard about Ostia." The other soldier said with a sigh, "Pity. Though its not as if we could do anything, at least not with the officers around. C'mon, lets get a drink."

The few women who had come aboard likewise stuck with the soldiers, wearing large baggy black robes, hoping to conceal their gender from the commoners. They more or less didn't want to cause too much of a stir, as women aboard a ship was extremely uncommon.

The small section of the priesthood, in their identical black robes were exempt from the officer's laws, and responded the civilians in kind, with numerous waves as they marched down the street. They were far more personable than the soldiers due to the laxness the Rashidi held over them when away from the homeland. Though most of them stuck around to chat in Latin, hopefully finding more out about this area, the rest went with the massive drove of soldiers and crew members to find some food and boose.

The Ostian merchants tryed to attract the visitors towards their set ups in the streets by lifting their goods up at eye levels. The merchant shops were made up of jewelery,fine silks,spices,furs,wine and food of all kinds. Salves were also being sold off to gladiator masters for the up comming competition in the colosseam to celebrate the mission to Aust.

Lucius smiled,

"Your men are welcome to shore leave, your diplomats may be taken to fortress Pompey where they will meet with a senator/military officer"

Lucius gestured around to the shops,

"We have many goods, feel free to shop around"

The Almodite ships had arrived across the sea to the Empire of Ostia. Flying the flag of His Majesty, the ambassador hoped to find a place to dock, knowing that the men manning the docks would realize the importance of a foreign government's ship in harbor.

The soldiers and others more or less purchased whatever they could afford, wine and foodstuffs, and smaller amounts of spices. The officers, once they had finished with their own feasting and drunken revelry went over and purchased a trace amounts of jewelery and furs. Once they mapped out the Meditarranean Sea they would more than likely attempt to sell them for a profit back home.

"Yes of course." Commander Farloda said with a smile as he pushed the younger Diplomat forward, "Of course he will need an escort to Fortress Pompey..."

Two men stepped forward, tall and intimidating, their armor concealing every part of their body despite the rather humid climate. Born in Antanjyl, they were not used to this type of weather, but would not voice their concern, especially with their stern Commander present. After all, they were both ordained Holy Knights, the pinnacle of any Antanjylian.

"Excellent... Now while he is at Fortress Pompey, which I am sure will not take too long... We will try not to cause much trouble for your port. I have a disciplined crew, and should any of my men behave in an unruly way I will chastise them personally."

The merchants were making alot of cash from these visitors. The officers purchased the most expencive items overall. Lucius smiled and replyed to the forginer,

"Wonderful, i trust you shall behave yourselves while in a friendly port..do not be alarmed when mouted troops arrive...just a recon patrol for the fort"

Lucius lead the diplomats towards the stable where they were given horses. The party galloped towards fortress pompey, on the way a patrol of 20 equities rode by towards the town.

##---------
Costal city of Padova Ostia: 3 miles from the capital

The docks of Padova were covered with supplys and soldiers all loading ships bound for the south. The entire harbour was scattered with ships from many nations, sentrys in a observation tower spotted an incomming vessel,

"Inform the harbour master we have an incomming diplomatic vessel, signal them to a special dock..arrange a welcome party"

The second guard started climbing down from the tower. The Ostian day was a cloudless blue sky with a bright warm sun shinning down on the land and sea, a cool breeze guided ships in and out of the harbour.

A mighty and tall Valgardian ship came forth from the deep seas of the Atlantic, with their high masts and great white cotton sails reaching up far into the sky. As the ship approached a great horn was sounded that marked them requesting entrance into the harbor. When they came within five hundred feet of the entrance of the port all the three ships stopped.

Ostian legionaires in the observation tower before entrance to the harbour raised the banner which ment entry was granted, it was a green flag with the emperors crest on it. The port was Padova, one of the main import/export citys in all of Ostia, the emperor would be returning to Apollo soon(The captial of Ostia).

The obervation tower guard yelled down to another posted to the foward position,

"Inform the garrison, we have more diplomatic visitors! send a welcoming party...."

The soldier rushed off down the stairs ino the outpost....

Seeing the green flag raise the group of Valgardin ships sailed into the harbor where they were able to moor their ships, but they did not land them on the decks due to them fearing that the docks may not be deep enough water for their ships. When they stopped from one of the ships came a small rowboat carrying ten guards and a diplomat of imperial blood.

As they approached the dock one of the guards tied the boar down to one of the wooden posts on the dock. After the boat was tied to the docks good the group climbed onto the dock. Then the group of blonde grey or blue eyed, and each well over six feet tall. As the progressed down the docks they stopped to wait for the some one to greet them.

Two Ostian mounted officers came foward,

"Welcome to Ostia, which nation do you hail and how may we be of service"

The second one added,

"It's always interesting to meet people from forgin nations"

The diplomat stepped forward and said in Latin,” We hail from the northern empire of Valgard. Our reason for coming is so that I may discuss matters of affairs greater then you or I.”

The officers looked at eachother then back to the diplomat,

"Then it is of the most importance you speak with the senete?"

One of the officers dismounted realizing the matter was of great importance, he signaled for the diplomat to get on his horse,

"My commrade here will take you to the capital of Apollo, you have landed in Padova"

He waited for the man to get on the horse....

The Valgardin bowed in thanks to the office and said in Latin,” May I bring two of my own guards for my own purposes and defense. I am willing to pay very well for horses for them. If there is a stable in this ciy?”

After saying this he quickly climbed unto the horse, but he had to tuck his legs up before doing so.

The Ostian officer rushed down the street on foot, if the matter was as important as it was made out to be, it was top priority to get this man his guards horses.

The Ostian returned with 2 chesnut coloured horses,

"Here, be sure to inform the senete of our quick actions? my name is Marius Scorpio"

The other officer signaled for the men to follow him....

The tow guards mounted the horse and the Valgardian then responded,” I am Fstemai of the House of the Lord Iceland. I thank you for service and help. As well I have a gift to for you.”

He took out a small silk cloth and tossed it towards Marius that was a large emerald that had been crafted in Valgard.

The rest of the guards departed from the place following the other officer.

Marius looked at the stone and quickly stuffed it into a leather bag under his arm,

"Thank you friend"

The Other officer took the guards to a high end inn on the ocean,

"You may simply enter to rent rooms, ask for the VIP suites..."

The Officer signaled them through the door with a gesture....

The three Valgardains dismounted their horses and then began to walk into the inn. Before he entered the inn he took out a large gold coin. As well he had one of his guards bring the horses to a nearby stable.

As diplomat entered the inn he went to the front desk and asked,” Two V.I.P suites please?”

The inn keeper gave them the best rooms in the hotel reserved for VIP guests. Marius lead the diplomat to fortress pompey which was Ostia's largest garrison for it's massive legions, the fortress stood high above ground level, towers and ramparts patroled by sentrys and archers. As they passed through the gates hundreds of soldiers were lined up in perfect formations practicing advances as a group.

Marius smiled,

"These are mine....veterans of Gaul...S.P.Q.R..."

The Valgardian replied unimpressed," My own legion was nearly utterly destroyed during the invasion of England and Wales. During our invasion we were always on the front line and we suffered a majority of the casualties of the invasion of England."

Marius grinned,

"Sounds like our nations would get along togeather in a cilivized manor"

General Marius commanded 30,000 legionaires for Xavier. General Marius was only 24 years old and commanded 3 of his own legions bought and paid for out of his fathers pockets.

Marius said,

"All along i was the a general and i didn't know if you were hostile and were looking for an Ostian commander to kill..i decided not to panic and sat still"

The Valgardian responded," We Valgardians are extremly long lived, proud, and civilized people. Though are laws are quite harsh we believe in order and preserving the peace. As well we do not mindlessly kill people who have done no harm to us."

Marius nodded,

"I see where you are comming from,Ostia is very proud..it sits on top of the world, feared by our enemys in the east and known for trade and friendship."

Marius commented but he still wanted to know what was going on,

"why do you come to Ostia in such a hurry my friend?"

The Valgardian looked up and then said," I am in a great haste due to my orders from my emperor. I bear a treasure that is more vauable then a whole town. What I am carrying also bears me great spiritual pride due to its sacredness to my people."

Marius's face turned to a dead serious look..

"ahh i see then..news from your emperor? you shall meet with the senete..."

((Sorry, I had the flu))

"It will be no problem. Though I advise them not to go too close to our ships. We're a bit protective of them. We thank you for your hospitality." The Commander said with a smile as he turned, "This is truly a wonderful place."


The Diplomat was relatively quiet as he waited for the diplomatic journey, pulling out a small series of scrolls written in his native Antanjylian. Though he was young, he was more knowledged than most men twice his age, and was an expert of numerous languages. From Antanjylian to English to Latin or even German...

"This Fortress Pompey is important to your people?" The young man asked quietly as he continued to read the scroll, "When I was but a boy, I always loved to learn new things and wished to see the entire world... In a way I was saddened by the fact that it was so very large. I became what I am today to see and experience as much as possible... Even above my gods and my people, I do my service for such a selfish reason."

The young man looked up from the scroll, a small frown on his face, "I would like to know what you, an outsider not of Antanjyl, sees in this line of thinking? Should I continue going as far as possible and learning what I wish, or should I settle down and work more closely with the Emperor's more important neighbors?... Ah well, in any case it looks as if we're about to reach your fortress."

Lucius listened closey to the man, taking in what he was saying he responded,

"Thank you for the compliments about our homeland"

He continued...

"The fortress Pompey is important to our people, it's very hold and has never been breached..the world is large and wonderful but would take a life time to explore it's distant lands...i hear there are countrys beyond the Atlantic..i will go some day.."

"My opinion is..go asmany places as you can..you only get one chance"

Marius smiled and looked ahead at the fortress,the massive walls blocked the sun light beaming down.

Reallydrunk']Marius's face turned to a dead serious look..

"ahh i see then..news from your emperor? you shall meet with the senete..."The Valgardian replied," Good, I wish to know who holds the real power the emperor of your Senate? As well shall I even meet your emperor?"

Marius replyed,

"The Emperor will be going to the capital to meet with the senete, he must return totqake care of some buisness"

Marius continued...

"You will meet with the senete first, the emperor will request a meeting with you when he is aware of your presence in Ostia"

The Valgardian responded,” That is good. Your Senate, though elected, will bear enough similarity to the assembly of that of my people’s colonies so I proably will be able to handle myself well enough.

As for your emperor I will stay in your capital until I have gotten word to weather or not he will meet with me.”

Marius nodded,

"You are welcome in our capital and will be treated as our own high class are,if not better..Ostia welcomes diplomats with open arms"

The capital of Apollo would take an hour to reach at a steady pace. Marius looked at the man and spoke again,

"The Emperor will be aware of your visit, he is making an appearance around the empire to boost the peoples hope, soon we will be at war"

The Valgardian answered,” In my homeland foreigner how enter Valgard without consent of the Assembly of Lords or that of the emperor forfeit their lives.

Yet due to the rather remote and sealed off location of the capital few people ever even survive the journey there unless they follow the great road of Valgard.

Is tyour emperor currently on his way to the city of Apollo?”

Marius responded,

"I am not sure at this present time, whehn he arrives in Apollo there will be a very large parade all the way to the city hall, it will be quite the display..i am glad you will be here to see it"

Marius thought for a second,

"What are your lands like..are they anything like Ostia..is it dangerous? bandits...rebels and such?"

OOC: this is my last post for afew hours...must sleep lol, i'll catch up tomorrow

The Valgardian answered," Well, the frontiers in the western continent are pretty dangerous for nearly everyone who goes out far from the forts, but generally Valgard maintains a strong grip on its entire people. Also the government makes sure everyone has enough food to prevent them from getting hungry so the lower classes are quite content and since the taxes we are levied mostly on the middle and upper classes they are not always in debt, unlike in many counties. As for the slaves, most of them live a life style similar to that of their home country and we do not break up families. As well we have laws that protect slaves, which are not captured in war, from being abused badly and from being killed for no good reason. So overall my people's lands are quite safe and orderly."

"Hmm..." The man said quietly as he waited for them to arrive at the massive Fortress, "Its quiet impressive though. The Western Continent I mean, we hold portions of it under Antanjyl's control, and are currently working on expanding. Though as of yet we have little information on the Southern fringes of that landmass..."

He asked,

"The expansion....is there word on how far it will go?, after you reach your goal will you continue?"

The massive doors started to open slowly, they rode through the large steel gate that was opened. Inside the fort was packed with soldiers going about their daily buisness, even inside the fortress there were fortifications all around the main headquarters building which stood with a strong look, imperial flag of the emperor fluttered in the wind.

"The Emperor has informed us that there is indeed much wealth on the other side of the Western Continent. So far word has informed us that the people there are primitives, so of course I suspect we will continue to expand untill we reach as far as we can fortify. Then we shall simply wait, but our main goal will be to take those lands for ourselves. It is our divine right as the Emperor's children."

Lucius listened then he replyed,

"And what of the nations along your way...will you befriend them or try and destroy them?"

He looked at the man watching his facial expressions when they discussed the matter,

"Ostia is a noble civilized nation who wishes to advance it's self through diplomatic relations with surrounding nations...i think the future could hold great things for the west...right now the east is hot with action, if it would be possible to maintain peace in the west we would be on top of the trade world.."

*Pause*

"The empire has sent fourth armys to tame gaul, reports will start comming soon of their progress...i suspect they shall do well.."

___________________________________________
Padova city Ostia, 3 miles from the capital of Apollo:

Emperor Xavier rode towards the fortress Pompeyy followed by his praetorian guards full speed leaving a large cloud of dust. The capital came into veiw, the people cheered as their emperor rode through the streets followed by his soldiers sounding like thunder on the cobble stone road.

The fortress came into veiw after awhile and the group slowed it's pace approaching the gates, they opened when they seen the emperors banner bearers and standards come into veiw...they slowly cantered through the gate to see a diplomat and his guards.

Xavier raised his hand and nodded once to the men then continued to his headquarters.

The Valgardian diplomat responded,” This is quite an impressive structure and is it also vast. Yet in my people’s empire people kneel and lower their heads when they are in the presence of the emperor. Only the high Valgardian nobles and the Imperial Household guard do not have to this in the presence of the emperor, but they still have to lower their heads before him though.”

The young diplomat quickly broke into a bow upon noticing that the man was important, presumably the Emperor or some General. Looking at the soldiers, he tried to take a guess at what they had come back from, noting as many wounds or any signs of blood on them. Unfortunately, it was difficult from his bowing posisition.

"I take it that is someone extremely important? Is it the Emperor?"

OOC:I forgot to mention the men bow to the emperor, although the rules are slightly different in a military installation.


Lucius wisped,

"Yes that is Emperor Xavier...he returns from making an appearance around the empire to strenthen the peoples morale"


Marius replyed quietly to the Valgardian diplomat,

"You just had to wait for it...everyone trys to do it at the same time, the ostians are about timing and how well somthing looks when it is done"

Marius lowered his head when the emperor passed, Xavier was very well dressed in fine armor and on his red silk cape was the imperial crest in gold trim.

<tag>

"Ah... Well I should probably make this meeting quick then, as your Emperor probably needs the senate to himself." The young diplomat said with a stretch, "I wouldn't want the commander to leave me behind."

When Xavier entered the headquarters Lucius looked at the diplomat,

"Yes i will take you to the senator Brutus, he has the power to discuss what happens in the empire..right this way"

Lucius lead the man towards a hut beside the headquarters where a man in a white toga with purple trim sat behind a table with a pen and ink,

"Senator Brutus! i announce a diplomat hailing Antanjyl wishes to meet with you sir!"

Lucius saluted and awaited Brutus's reaction, the senator sat there quietly then he replyed,

"Send him in..i will see him now, and was that Xavier?"

Lucius nodded then gestured through the door to the diplomat,

Senator Brutus stood up and greeted the man,

"Welcome to ostia, all is well? you have been treated with respect and fairness?"

Lucius nodded once and left the room to wait outside. The emperors praetorian guard dismouted and proceeded to water their horses and settle down on the ground in the shade after their journey in the blazing hot sun.

"Yes, it went very well. Ostia is in fact a very beautiful place." The man said quietly as he walked forward and bowed, "I am... Ambassador Saradin of Antanjyl. We came across this nation and I have come further inland to act in Antanjyl's favor politic-wise."

Brutus smiled,

"Good, good! some wine?"

The senator poured the man some wine and sat back in his chair,

"Ahh so what brings you to ostia, what manner of buisness would you like to discuss?"

Lord Nimdilzor and his aides arrived at Fortress pompey, some time after their first meeting with the Ostian Emperor Nimdilzar wanted to continue the diplomatic relations.

He rode up to the guards and introduced himself. After checking on Nimdilzars identity they opened the gate for him.

The guards let Nimdilzar through the gates and directed him to where he could water his horse and get somthing to eat at the mess hall. Emperor Xavier received word that the gaulic warrior cedric was defeated when a dispatch rider came in early that morning.

Xavier strolled to the window high in the command building in fortress pompeyy,

"Is that Nimdilzar of Tadjikistan down there?" the emperor asked

The praetorian captian in the room went over to the window and looked down,

"I beleive so your highness"

Xavier nodded slowly and replyed,

"Ok, i will see him..we must continue our discussions..last time i had to cut the meeting short because i was needed elsewhere..send him up after he settles in quintus"

The praetorian saluted, grabbed his helmet off a table and went to carry out his dutys. When he arrived in the courtyard he approached the diplomat,

"Emperor Xavier wishes to see you once you have settled in, the matter is important but can wait till you have prepared yourself sir"

"If it is important, then we should not waste any more time. My servants will take care of the horses and my luggage"

Lord Nimdilzar gave his aides their instructions and ordered his two guards to follow him.
"Please, lead us to your Emperor."

The praetorian lead Lord Nimdilzar to the door of the emperor's quarters where he turned to him and said,

"Your guards must leave their weapons with these sentrys or wait just outside this door...it is not a trust issue...it's called being careful"

Quintis awaited a reply, the 2 praetorians standing in on both sides of the emperors door remained straight faced and still...

Without hesitation, without thinking about the question or discussing it with his men Nimdilzar responded
"A weapon is a symbol of manhood in our society, the guards will stay here."
"Therefore, I cannot leave my own sword behind, it is a matter of honour and tradition. But you have my word as a nobleman that it will not be drawn."

Quintis nodded and the Praetorians shifted their spears back towards themselves leaving the door for entry,

"Yes i understand please proceed..."

He watched Nimdilzar go through the door into the emperor's chambers. Night had fallen and the moon light up the sky brightly,

"Ahhh! Nimdilzar! how are you my friend?"

Xavier stood up and appraoched the diplomat with a smile,

_________________________________________
Outside Of Apollo Approaching Fortress Pompeyy:

General Fabius watched the large shape of fortress pompeyy come into veiw from the road leading to it. The fortress was light up with many candles and torches and the shapes of soldiers filed along the ramparts. High up on the walls an officer yelled down to another in the courtyard,

"Incomming soldiers!!"

A legionaire beside him said,

"Sir, they are returning from gaul! thats Fabius's banner!"

The officer yelled into the courtyard,

"GENERAL INCOMMING!"

"Goodevening Emperor" Nimdilzar said as he bowed his head

"It is good to meet you again, there are still many things to be discussed and said"

Reallydrunk']Brutus smiled,

"Good, good! some wine?"

The senator poured the man some wine and sat back in his chair,

"Ahh so what brings you to ostia, what manner of buisness would you like to discuss?"

"We would appreciate any alliance or trade agreements you are willing to offer. This is a mission of exploration and conquest. We have quite a massive market in slaves, and can offer much in the way of slaves and Iron." Saradin said quietly before reaching for the cup and drinking some of it.

"Ah... We may be rather distant, but we have much to offer eachother. We would likewise accept maps of your travels, and will likewise give you many maps of the Western Continent." He smiled a bit as he bowed his head, staring at the glass as he took another drink, "This is quite good... In any case how does the agreement sound to you?"

Brutus smiled and replyed to the diplomat,

"It's a done deal...Ostia shall assist you in your expansion, think of us as an allie friend.."


Fabius cantered through the gates of the mighty fortress,

"I have had news the emperor is here Praetorian...?"

The guard at the bottom of the Hq doors shook as the general questioned him because he seemed a little on edge, or at least tired,

"It is true my lord, what is the outcome of gaul??" Asked the praetorian

Fabius pointed to Sulla who held the chain of cedric,

"This is their leader!!" Fabius shouted making a scene, soldiers started cheering...

OOC: Sorry, for the long wait for my response I have been busy.

The Valgardian at last said,” My people posses great ships that have sailed beyond the western continent and as well have traversed an even greater ocean beyond the Atlantic. To where we have encountered the eastern nation of China and a number of other nations. As well my nation also has access to a rare precious metal we call platinum and we to have ways to get any precious stone you can name we can get in very numerous numbers.”

"We hope that our alliance with your brave people will be as fruitful as our alliance with the Great Empire of the Valgadians. I bid you a fond farewell, and within time promise you that a messenger will soon arrive to exchange our collective maps. Our... Trade has given us insight into the Western World, and we are sure your nation has just as much information..."

The young man finished the wine as he stood up and bowed, a pleased smile on his face as he eventually turned and left the room. The ship would be leaving soon, and he would need to be on it.

Brutus listened carefully and responded,

"Your friendship will be treasued Saradin, the east is going to explode any day now..ostia must prepare for dark days ahead..lots of spoils and slaves will be returned here in the west..as a friend you will have acesss to these things"

Brutus stood up and lead the diplomat to the door where he exited...

_________________________
Responce to The Scandinvans:

OOC:Sorry for the time between my posts, i was away for work.

"These great ships you speak of, they intrest me very much..and the great atlantic is quite the acomplishment"

He paused...

"These stones and platinum...do you have samples with you?..this i must see.."

_______________________________
Responce to Tajik:

Emperor Xavier smiled,

"Yes my friend, good to see you again..the excitment outside is quite interesting...Cedric defeated!"

Bump

A call to the west for a joint leaders convention has been sent out too all nations Ostia has been involved with in diplomatic discussion, it is very important this call is responded to. Emperor Xavier is expecting a responce at his fortress Pompeyy, there he will wait.

OOC: Does this involve me?

OOC:Yes it does if you would like to have a diplomat sit in..it's regarding a VERY important matter...

A trading venture had lately been set up to explore the Western Seas.

In its travels, it had already made a minor profit, and established contacts in all manner of places. However, as the Incognitian Western Company's first venture reached it's North-Western most point, rumour came to them that Ostia, their ally to that direction, was not all that far away.

As they came into Ostian-influenced lands, all the talk was of a great congress of leaders being called. Knowing that there was no time to send word home; and as holders of a Royal monopoly and distinguished men of the nation, it was decided they should attend this congress to represent Incognitia. Five great ships sailed direct for Ostia.
_____________________
"Land ahoy!" The lookout had spotted Ostia, on a fine clear day.
<Let that bode for our relations> thought Earl Normanton. He was the leader of the expedition, and painfully aware that despite their alliance they had not yet made direct contact with Ostia.

The port city of Bellomo was another one of the hot spots for trading in Ostia, it wasn't as large as Padova but was used alot by merchants from around the world. The fortress of Xavier named after his greatness, the emperor was high up over looking the sea on which the new ships came into sight,

"Incomming vessels...have them come in to the east side, the west is filled with naval vessels and supply ships..."

A legionaire saluted the harbor master and went to the signals platform where different flags were shown to direct the ships who would intercept the vessels on where they would dock. The signals operator waved a green flag signaling their permission to enter then a flag with a large gold W was waved back and fourth.

The interceptor "Julius" cut through the water towards the ships, the flag had been confirmed to be a Terror Incognitia banner and was cleared for entry in the harbour. The interceptors captian signaled with hand motions for the ships to follow their lead....

The day was a fine example of Ostian weather, the sun was high in the sky and a cool breeze swept over the water..the rolling green hills spread out over the land and the city large and powerful loomed in the distance...

Normanton was impressed. While he knew the men of Ostia were no barbarians, the slick efficiency with which the port authorities handled their arrival was impressive, and rivalled what he would have expected at home.

The weather was fine, the setting beatiful. They would follow instructions from the local authorities until they docked (OOC: That way we can skip to actually having landed).

OOC:Alright good, thank you for the compliments

When the ship was docked legionaires stood on both sides of the jetty at attention. An officer strolled down the middle of the ranks and all the soldiers slammed the bottom of their spears down at the same time making a loud crash noise, the officer stopped at the gang plank that was being placed on the ship,

"Hail Terror Incognitia!" The officer shouted upon seeing the officers and crew on board

The legionaires raised their spears and slammed them down once again, it was a Ostian military salute with weapon...

By this time the men on deck were ready; though they were not soldiers, they could make an impression.

The ship's quasi-marines, dressed in a uniform, presented their halberds. They had been practicing since they knew they were coming here, and were pretty good by now.

Normanton then strode down the gangplank, followed by a half-dozen men with halberds shouldered.
"All hail Ostia. I am Earl Normanton, empowered to speak for our nation, here because we hear there is to be a congress of nations. Whom do I have the honour of addressing?"

OOC: If his speech is a bit stilted, put it down to Incognitian trade Latin not having had much contact with the real deal for...some time.

OOC:ahh i like your entry

The Officer straightened up and replyed,

"I am Centurion Cladius, i am port official of Bellomo Ostia, Welcome friends and allies"

He paused,

"Your men are free to roam our city and get some shore leave, your diplomats and nobles are to come to the fortress Pompeyy..guards are exceptable and horses will be provided as asked by the emperor himself"

Cladius awaited a reply, and took a breath...

Reallydrunk']Responce to The Scandinvans:

OOC:Sorry for the time between my posts, i was away for work.

"These great ships you speak of, they intrest me very much..and the great atlantic is quite the acomplishment"

He paused...

"These stones and platinum...do you have samples with you?..this i must see.."OOC: It is alright, I know how work and/or school can be all to well.

IC: The Valgardian diplomat replied,” Yes, our ships have voyaged, yet we cannot give any other nation save Antanjyl our great ships because our shipyards are to overstretched as it is buildings ships for our own internal affairs.

As for our precious stones and platinum I currently have a crown of platinum inlaid with many precious stones. I will let you see it if you wish.”

Pulling out from inside a pocket he pulled out a box of mahogany and then he opened it. Inside was a circlet of the purest platinum and all around the outside were white diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

His jaw dropped,

"This is...wonderful...i couldn't imagine seeing somthing like that.."

He studyed it carefully and was about to continue when a knock at the door was heard, it was opened and a legionaire stepped in,

"Emperor's made a call to all diplomats in the west..it's here at Pompeyy..sorry sir"

The door was closed and the senator spoke,

"We must respond..."

Closing the circlet's box Valgardian responded,” Alright, then I have everything I need on my person. So when you will I will follow your lead to the emperor.”

The Senator stood up and opened the door for the diplomat, they went out into the courtyard where Cedric was chained to a post in the middle of the courtyard brused and beaten his wounds were open and bleeding,

"That was the barbarian king..he is finished now.."

The emperors Hq loomed over the other buildings scattered around the fort, two praetorians stood at the entrance then parted their spears when the two past. The Senator lead him to a room,

"This will be your room untill other dignitaires arrive in ostia, officers of yours will be brought here aswell"

The Valgardian diplomat tried not to think of what had just happened. Then he said,” I shall await here then and as well I have things to discuss with my officers.”

Saying this he took a seat and began to read a small hand sized book that he had brought with him from Valgard.

Responce to Tajik:

Emperor Xavier smiled,

"Yes my friend, good to see you again..the excitment outside is quite interesting...Cedric defeated!"

"This is certainly good news, but it seems unimportant with current developments in the Far East where, as I remember, some of your troops have been sent to."

"Much has changed since our last meeting near the coast, things that do not directly involve our nation ... but I know my Emperor will take his precautions."

Emperor Xavier responded,

"Uhh, yes...the war in the east should have already begun, Ostia is at war...there will be a joint conferance soon regarding what will happen in the west? where do we go from here?"

Xavier questioned the diplomat,

"What can we do? africa is loaded with diamonds,gems,ivory,gold and many other items that await our taking.."

"Very well Centurion. In that case our vessels will remain here. Our men will trade whilst they are here, that being our primary mission. Myself and a few others, with an escort of a few men, will be ready to depart in a few minutes.
_____A few minutes later:
The party had gathered. Having passed down warnings in the strongest possible terms about proper behaviour while guests of their allies, the men were allowed ashore. Meanwhile all those with significant authority at home, or military and diplomatic expertise, had been gathered, along with an escort of 20 of the Marines; a party of nearly 30 in all. They had what baggage they would need.
"Centurion, we can leave whenever you wish."

Port Of Bellomo:

Cladius signaled to another officer standing at the end of the jetty and that officer strolled off. Cladius lead the diplomat down the line of his soldiers out on the road where the city was very busy indeed,

"He will return with horses soon" Cladius smiled...

The officer returned with ten others followed by a cloud of dust, the horses were of a fine breed and their fur shimmered,

"If you will join us sir.." Cladius said passing the reins to the diplomat...

"Of course. We shall follw until we have reached our destination."

(OOC: As in a chance to skip straight there, unless you particularly want to show me something along the way.)

OOC:We can skip right there...

Cladius lead them through the town and they took the main road to Apollo the capital of ostia. The journey took 10 hours on the road with no stops and finally they had come into veiw of the fortress,

"There, on that hill at the back of that open feild" Cladius pointed..

The sun was setting over the horizon, the sky turning a bright orange....

Reallydrunk']Emperor Xavier responded,

"Uhh, yes...the war in the east should have already begun, Ostia is at war...there will be a joint conferance soon regarding what will happen in the west? where do we go from here?"

Xavier questioned the diplomat,

"What can we do? africa is loaded with diamonds,gems,ivory,gold and many other items that await our taking.."

"So Ostia plans to invade Africa and start campaign throughout that continent?"

Nimdilzar asked, visibly worrying about foreign ambitions, especially regarding the middle East.

OOC: Do you see the city before reaching the fort from this direction?

IC: "That is our destination? Wonderful, Centurion. I had not expected to reach it so swiftly."

OOC:Yes the city stretches out on lower ground from this pointy of veiw. We are on a hill that rises above the city, the outer limits are in a valley.

Cladius responded to the diplomat,

"Yes, it is not a very far journey from where you came in..we have been riding most of the day, it seemed to rather drag on..but that is only because i am from ostia, im sure you have seen many sights that interest you?"

He paused...

A long coloum of ostian legionaires marched down the road, the sound of their footsteps made a cadance as they got closer. There was roughly 400 of them going in the direction of Apollo, An officer on a white horse followed by other officers rode beside them at a slow pace,

Cladius said to the diplomat,

"That is general fabius..the one with the white and red feathers comming from his helmet!..he crushed the last strong point in the barbarian empire, he has returned with their leader.."

The general glanced over and nodded his head to the diplomat and Cladius straitened up in his saddle holding his reigns in his left hand he brought his right to his heart....

Emperor Xavier's personal flag fluttered above the rest on the fortress. The walls were high and patrolled by sentrys, the towers were garrisoned aswell by scots looking out over the open feild...

"The barbarians had an empire? We were under the impression they were but scattered tribes. That makes their defeat all the more a triumph.

Is this your empire's largest city? It seems as large as Nescia, from what I can see."

Cladius corrected himself,

"I chose the wrong words, empire was not the correct word i intended to use to describe them"

He paused,

"You were correct when you said tribes, i used empire thinking of this one you see before you..and yes Apollo is the largest city in all ostia..beautiful isn't it?"

The marching soldiers footsteps could still be heard going down the road towards the city, to the center of the many buildings stretched out was the coloseaum standing tall,

"That is a very important building, it's theater..." Said Cladius...

"That is, let me see, an extraordinarily large theatre. How can those at the back hear the actors' words?"
(OOC: I know what kind of theatre you mean, but they don't.)
"And yes, though I should like to know it better, while other business is pressing upon us I shall stick with calling Apollo beautiful."

Cladius grinned,

"..the coloseaum is used for gladiator battles where men and women who are slaves fight for their lives against other warriors or animals from all over the world"

He paused,

"Acts usually end with with lots of death..blood and gore...but the way the coloseaum was constructed allows voices to carry right up to the top...significant isn't it?"

Cladius nodded looking out over the city,

"It is beautiful from here but ostia is full of men who wish to increase their personal greatness..greedy, deceitful people reside there..what im trying to get at is the Senete..aha"

"Ah. Saves the price of a rope, I suppose.
I presume this is a general opinion of your Senate; or are you a lone voice?"

Cladius replyed,

"Yes aha, the people love it and it makes the emperor popular when he throws big events...one will be happening soon, Cedric the barbarian king will face some pretty rough gladiators soon..."

He continued,

"I am not the only one who sees how things are..it is just somthing we have grown used to, it has always been that way.."

Fortress Pompeyy was lighting up as the sun set. It was now a large dark shape quickly gaining details as they got closer, the road was long and needed repairing soon from all the use it was getting lately due to all the troop movements.

The group finally arrived and entered through the large doors into the courtyard,

"We have arrived finally...wait here..i will find some one who can assist us.."

Cladius rode toawrds the command Hq. The walls were high and the ramparts patrolled by sentrys, towers rose above looking out over the valley...to the center of the courtyard sat Cedric still chained to the pole.

They hid it well, but the Incognitians were disgusted. The thought of combat as popular entertainment....then again, who were they to judge? Criminals were executed anyway, in every land - what was to stop them giving people some enjoyment before they passed?

They marvelled at Fort Pompey, carefully avoiding looking at the hunched figure in the courtyard.

The man looked towards them and didn't seem to be interested in anything else that was going on. A large soldier strolled up to him and booted him in the face with his foot,

"What are you lookin' at!? swine...." The soldier strolled back over to his post by the stables

Minutes later Cladius returned with another ostian officer,

"Ok, you and your staff will have rooms in the command building on the second floor...the emperor will see you in the morning, you are free to leave the fort but watch the road we came on..bandits and such...the gate guards will know who you are"

He pointed at the hunched over figure attached to the pole,

"He is very dangerous...do not go near him..please for your own safty..other than that..feel free to roam the fort"

"Thank you, I think we will retire to our quarters to await the morning. We have much to discuss between ourselves."

Night fell shortly after and the stars scattered the sky. Cedric sat with his back to the pole beaten and brused, he had open wounds and was very dirty.

He looked up to the moon, a cloud slowly rolled in front of it..footsteps were heard approaching which made him look the other way to see the guard standing afew feet away,

"Really somthin' isn't it...barbarian king you are nothing now.."

Cedric spoke back to him in latin,

"These chains cannot stop my example i faught for.."

The guard replyed,

"What being a rebel?"

"No...men should be free..."

The guard moved in to hit Cedric as he did earlier and his foot was kicked out from under him and he slipped on the mud created on the ground, the soldier hit the ground with a thud and went to yell out but got Cedrics combined fists in the face dropping him.

Quickly Cedric looked around searching the guard for the keys which he had on a large ring around his wrist, Cedric slipped out of the chains and dashed for the stable no one had noticed his escape yet. Inside the stable a Ostian soldier and a stable boy sat and Cedric jumped through the air and tackled the soldier to the floor throwing the chain around his neck choaking him out.

The stable boy sat there not saying a word as Cedric pointed the soldiers sword at him. The barbarian king dressed quickly in the garments he could remove off the soldier and went for a horse,

"I will not harm you boy, i am not as cruel as your likes.."

The boy stood there terrifyed as Cedric mounted the horse, he gave him a nod then slowly cantered through the stable doors towards the gate where he was stopped by a sentry,

"Your the rider going to Apollo..ok.." the guard started to say when some one shouted,

"The barbarian's gone!!"

Cedric kicked the soldier in the face and hopped off the horse to be met by another with a spear, he countered his attack and delivered one of his own stabbing the soldier under his left arm. Cedric ran into one of the towers and quickly climed the ladder upwards, the whole fort was awakened by the noise..people shouted and cursed,

"Prisoner has escaped! protect the emperor!!"

Cedric had no intention of going for Xavier, he just wanted to escape. When he reached the top of the ladder in the tower another guard waited for him but missed with his blow and Cedric pushed him off the rampart to where he slammed into the ground.

Soldiers filled the courtyard and archers fired their arrows at the escaping enemy who managed to dodge their sharp points. He reached the second tower to be met by 2 Praetorians who had sword and sheilds,

"Out of the way Praetorian!" he yelled meeting swords with one of them...

He attacked and the Praetorian countered barely missing his arm with a swing, Cedric deflected another attept stabbing the Praetorian through his chest. The other one moved in letting out a warcry he swung his sword many times to which Cedric stopped all then delivered his own combinations resulting in the slicing of the Praetorians stomach.

Cedric ran along the ramparts arrows just missing his dark siluette then it dissappeared once he dashed into another tower.......

The archers waited for him to come out on the other end to meet his fate but he didn't go through.

Cladius rushed along the wall towards the tower comming from the opposite side Cedric came from, Cladius dissappeared through the doorway to the tower where he came back out,

"He's gone! into thin air he vanished!"

Emperor Xavier stood on his balcony staring at the tower,

"I WANT PATROLS SENT OUT AROUND THE ENTIRE FORTRESS! BLOCK ALL MAIN ROADS TO TOWN! GOD DAMN NEW RECRUITS AHHH!"

He yelled out into the courtyard....it echoed...


Meanwhile Cedric ran for his life towards the city, he had slipped down the ladder on the next floor in the tower then hopped out of the window in the trench below..during the confusion he slipped off into the night. The thunder of horse hooves were heard in the distance, he looked back at the fort looming in the distance then continued his run.....

Cedric ran for a long time till he reached the city un detected. He slipped over a low part on the walls and creeped through the alley ways quietly, he waited for some soldiers to march by then strolled out on the road walking normal his sandles slapped on the stones.

Cedric still wore the uniform he stole from the legionaire in the stables but the town wasn't on alert yet. As he continued his stroll towards the ocean alot of horses were heard comming from the other direction behind him, he ducked behind a house and watched a long coloum of Praetorians ride by full speed.

The barbarian king was managing to avoid the Ostians very well. He made his way to the beaches where he took a path leading into the cliffs high above the water. When he finally reached the top there was an old temple from an emperor long before his time, he walked over and sat on the crumbeling stairs where he removed the helmet dropping it to the ground, he looked out over the sea..to one side the lights of Apollo shone brightly..to the other side the cliffs of the coast loomed out with the waves crashing against them far below.

Cedric stood up and made his way to a pillar that had fallen over, leaning on it he scanned the ground for his pursuer's. He seen horses rushing out of the fortress towards the town, lots of them with torches. The entire nation would be searching for him..a fugitive.....

ooc: just so i can keep track, and because i forget if i did this already, Tag. you're it.

OOC: Interesting

IC: The Incognitians heard a lot of shouting and commotion in the night, but didn't know what it was about. They waited to be informed in the morning; there was little they could do to help with any problem.

Morning came and still Cedric was at large. There was a total of 1,500 legionaires and cavelry in the search for him, every close by town,forest,village was searched but turned up nothing.

Emperor Xavier was outraged by the escape from Pompey, he stood in his quarters screaming at his officers,

"If you can't keep people in! how would you go about keeping the enemy out!!"

He threw his wine cup across the room at one of the praetorian guard who ducked at the last second but had the cups contents go all over him,

"Your greatness..he moved like a lion..with great stealth and streneth..."

Xavier cursed once again,

"If we do not find him today i want him declared dead..we cannot have this reflecting upon us in any way...get another slave from the arena and let him loose..one of the ones who looks similar to Cedric, have him killed in public....trampeled by cavelry.."

The officers saluted their emperor,

"Yes your greatness," they replyed

Xavier spoke once again,

"Send me the diplomat from Terror....we must meet.."

The officers left the room in a hurry, Xavier was raging mad.


##--

Cedric awoke to the sunlight streaming through a small hole in the deserted temple wall. He crawled out of the little hole onto the green grass, the smell of the ocean surrounded him..never again would he be a captive of ostia. He was in a crouched position hiding behind the pillar watching the valley aswell as the city of Apollo very busy below....one question was in the back of his mind,

"Where will i go, i have no homeland?"

He turned around again and sat down on the grass with his back to the stone where he closed his eyes.

They had been summoned. The commotion was still a mystery to them; however when a man tells you the Emperor wishes to see you, you don't mess about.
They entered, bowed to the Emperor, and since he would obviously know who they were, waited to be addressed.

Emperor Xavier stood on his balcony doorway with the sunlight pouring into the room, he looked very tired and stressed out...

"Thank you..thank you.."

He motined with his hand for the diplomats to come in closer..

"Welome to Ostia, i would expect you have been treated well during your stay with us?"

Two praetorians who were also in the room headed for the door, it was strange as the emperor wore his armor aswell as his sword was on his waist.

The door closed behind the guards, the emperor and the diplomats stood in the room alone....

"We have been treated very well. Everything from our welcome to the harbour onwards has been all we could have asked for.
We came here because we heard there was to be a conference of nations here, and we thought our nation should be represented; also we had not yet made direct contact with you, other than your soldiers in Aust."

Xavier came closer and replyed,

"Yes, my soldiers in Aust..i would expect they have entered battle by now, one of my finest officers commands them and will be joined by another soon"

He paused,

"Yes, i have called a conferance regarding the west and future preperations that will take place..Ostia's shipping is being terrorized by pirates from from the south, we will be forced to act on this soon..."

He let his words sink in and walked around to a table filling a golden cup with wine,

"Help yourself? I have reinforced egypt with some legions from Padova... on sicily i have sent my General Fabius who defeated the barbarians in gaul who will command my operations to the south, i was wondering if you nation shared any similar interests to mine?"

He sipped from the cup but still had his eyes trained on the diplomats.....

"First there is the obvious one, the invasion of Aust; we need spend little time on that, however, as we are already fully co-operating.
Then, there is the issue of the Han. They are huge. They are aggressive. I think we should all be aware of how we would deal with the Han were they to attack one of our allies.
Thirdly, we had not heard of these pirates; however we are hoping to trade regularly throughout this area, especially with your empire, and so any pirates will earn our enmity, no matter who their backers.
Finally, I think my nation shares an interest in trade with yours. We have much to offer each other in that regard; especially our ships, you might find useful."

Xavier was suprized how well the diplomat set up his presentation,

"Ahh very good! we shall discuss all those matters immeaditly in the order you have said them"

"Aust..it is a combined effort and will result in victory over time given the capible commanders it has and the troops experiance level, the are some of the best commanders my ears have ever heard tell of..and i run an empire.."

He continued...

"The Han on the other hand are dangerous...a real threat to the east but nothing that can't be controlled if it must be, Frozopia lies in the north..they are reliable allies and will stop at nothing to get word out if things happen to get out of hand, at which time we would have to plan out a stratagy to regain control.."


"Pirates are somthing that can go away faster than they surface.."

"And when it comes to trade!"

Xavier smiled for the first time sence the men entered the room,

"Trading is a very important factor that i personally wish to conduct with your nation..."

"We find with pirates that the source need only be stemmed, and then the problem goes away. If it is a stronghold, it must be taken. If it is a nation, that nation must be humbled.
As for trade, in the military side of things we have ships and gunpowder that have certainly interested your generals in Aust, while we are also the trading centre for the West Pacific, with goods from all the nations of that region."

Xavier picked up the wine and poured it into some cups setting it in front of the diplomats,

"What would you require in return for these items you mention..."

He was very interested in this conversation, talk about ships and gunpowder excited him,

"My generals know what it is ostia needs, they will be given what they require to complete their dutys assigned.."

Taking the wine and finding it excellent, as you would expect from an Emperor's drink, the diplomat (OOC: cant be bothered checking his name) replied
"Well, obviously we only offer our technology to our allies; but we would most likely sell you ships and cannon at a fair price, no strings attached. We may have other such things that would interest you; that will come out as we get to know you better.
The knowledge to make your own such things; that might require a trade of like for like; but I am sure an empire as great as yours will have knowledge to exchange, and it would take time to build up such expertise to build ocean-going ships with decks of guns. To start with, you would want to buy ours in any case."

Xavier was in an all out better mood almost forgetting the problems he faced,

"Sounds wonderful my friend, and over time you are right..we will have many things to share with you in return for this oppertunity you have put foward"

He started to name off some things that would be useful in the future,

"We have knowlage of seige, starving whole citys into submission under a barrage..we will put cannons into circulation for this when we receive them...how to develop conquered territorys, field tactics that are well planned and are carried out with the outmost order and disipline...how to construct very well fortifyed strong points..the list goes on my friend.."

He paused..

"Our friendship shall progress very well i imagine...what price ranges do you have in mind?"

"Our nation has many shared interests with yours, and I do not know of anywhere that our interests are in conflict. We shall help one another grow great. Well, to be totally accurate" and here he had a grin on his face "greater."

A large grin spread across the face of Xavier when he heard the word, 'Greater', many thoughts went through his head at this time,

"Yes...greater!" He said quietly but loud enough for the diplomat to hear

The emperor then said,

"I like your thinking...if possible i would prefer your dutys brought you back to Ostia often, perhalps repersent your great nation personally..."

Cedric left the cliff by night and crept into the capital of Apollo where he managed to steal laundry hanging outside into which he changed. He walked down the street, this was not his first visit to Apollo, he often visited when the ostians were pushed out of Gaul the first time.

From visiting Ostia he managed to learn the language and alot about the culture, his appearance also fit one of an ostian. Cedric was not sure what he would do but in the long run he hoped to gain revenge on his father, Regulus.

After going around the town gathering supplys that were just lying around he retreated back into the cliffs to his abandoned temple where he sat with a single candle burning beside his head.


The ostians released a prisoner from the coloseaum into the valley near the fortress pompey. A cavelry unit was dispatched from the fort a short time later and thundered down the main road towards town where the man was walking, he glanced over his shoulder and seen the horses rushing for him and he started to run.

He ran fast and hard trying to escape the charging soldiers, they closed the gap quickly and rode right over him mangeling his corpse on the road where it lay bruised and bloody,

"I want his body placed nailed to a steak and placed on the road for the crows to pick at his limps.."

The commander ordered his men pointing up the road further towards the fortress. A short time later a large wooden pole was brought foward which the mans body was nailed to then raised up on the side of the road with the following text on a plaque,

"Cedric the barbarian king" the rest followed "Killed for treason against the empire of Ostia"

The cavelry soldiers stood around looking up at the corpse dripping blood on the road,

"That's it...we return to the fort"


The next morning Cedric woke up and started planning on how he would cause havoc within the empire. He ventured into the worst part of town, it was a rough place for a lone man not involed with any bandit groups but he did not fear any man.

He was introduced to a man known as Barka, an ex pirate who terriozed ostian shipping untill they cracked down on his stong hold forcing him into hiding,

"I have come to offer my services to you great Barka" he said

The bandit king looked him over and replyed,

"You have balls comming here alone, no men in ostia besides the emperors soldiers enter my part of town...what talents do you have that may be useful to my operation?"

Cedric grinned,

"I am very skilled in the ways of combat, capible of fighting with speed and accuracy.."

Barka smiled then in a single movement drew his dagger and went for Cedrics neck but before it reached him the Gaulic warrior grabbed his wrist forcing it downward with great strenth,

"Ahahaha, i think we will work well togeather.." Barka chuckled...

Cedric nodded and remained quiet.

Barka had given Cedric eight men and one woman to command, they were tasked with ambushing ostian units in the country side, Cedric and his men rode towards the small town of Lativus where it was rumored the praetorian guard were transfering some of the emperors treasurey to Bellomo in the south.

The bandits hid in a crop field waiting for the soldiers to come down the road and across a small wooden bridge. After a short wait the emperors flag was seen comming over the hill, the coloum's numbers ranged between 10-12 soldiers on horseback pulling a wooden wagon behind them.

"We will have the element of suprize, when i give the loose command i expect all except one man to hit the ground with an arrow in his chest"

The others nodded, Nara the young women spoke,

"they will all fall.."

Cedric knew it was impossible for 10 people to kill 12 if only 10 arrows were shot from a close range,

"Ok, lets see this" he said sarcasticly...

"Everyone pick a target and say which one.."


After the group picked their targets the praetorians got closer and closer till their facial features could be identifyed,

"ready.....annnd...LOOSE!"

The 10 arrows flew through the air striking their targets in different spots in their enemys bodys, 3 fell right out of their saddles and the praetorian commander yelled out,

"Ambush!"

Nara stepped out of the trees and a praetorian spotted her, he charged swinging his sword around above his head and quickly she drew a throwing knife and let it go....

He crashed to the ground with the knife sticking out of his throat...

More arrows were let loose shortly after the first volley, some praetorians crashed to the ground while others still caught in their saddles were taken by their horses in a spooked run in different directions.

The fight was over very quickly and only one praetorian managed to survive and he gimped away but the bandit group quickly closed in on him and he was stabbed multiple times all over his body.

Cedric congradulated the others on their first victory and they strolled over to the wagon and lifted off a large grey sheet, under it was 6 boxes..a dark skinned bandit who was obviously from africa at some point said to cedric,

"Do the honors?"

Cedric climbled up on the wagon and opened one of the boxes to reveal a pile of coins stacked to the very top,

"not a bad days pay! AHAHAHAAA!" he yelled..

The others crowded around the cart sticking their hands in the coins watching them drop through their fingers....

The group loaded up the cart and fled to Cedrics temple in the cliffs above Apollo, the praetorians were left for the vultures.

Bumpin' this to the front page... :)

"I see no reason why not; my nation will need a regular representative in this country, and the logical choice would be someone who has already visited, after all."

Xavier grinned and replyed,

"Good then i shall send my personal reccomendation with you when you return"

A pound at the door interupted their conversation,

"One moment..i will send them away at once.."

Xavier stormed over to the door and jerked it open about to yell at who ever was behind it but a cavelry officer stood behind it and wispered somthing which made Xaviers facial expression very grave...

He closed the door slowly and made his way back across the room,

"It seems bandits grow braver and braver each day...my roads are no longer safe from their kind.."

He looked at the man's puzzled reaction,

"Bandits struck a coloum with some of my tax money....they killed my soldiers and robbed me..ME!" he shouted...

When the officer came to the door Xavier had given him strict orders on to which him and his men were to act. The emperor knew of the bandit kings set up in the south end of his city, the officer who informed him of the robberey was tasked with getting a unit togeather to teach the beggers a lesson.

Twelve praetorian prefectus were killed, blood would be repayed in more blood..it was time for Xavier to strike fear into the people once again. In the courtyard of fortress pompey the sky was getting dark, cavelry soldiers mounted on their horses and some took up torches. Out of the Praetorian stables came mounted soldiers carrying thin spears with deadly points rising up in the air.

The courtyard was filling with mounted troops who awaited the doors to open. They would ride into the south end and terrorize the poor of the area and work their way to Barka's hide out killing him and all his followers, everyone who was assosiated with him was to be killed.

The officers took off through the gates followed by their troops close behind, the Praetorians moved to the front of the coloum to take revenge for their dead. In total there was around 300 men bound for the south end, their horses hooves thundered down the road....rain drops started to fall from above..

"That is most grave sire. If you wish to deal with this personally, I believe I had raised all that I needed to with you; obviously I will remain until the congress. If I thought that there was any way in which we could assist, I would offer."

Xavier looked at the diplomat with a tired expression,

"They must be taught never to act against me, this will be a night to remember in ostia for all of time..."

He paused...

"There is nothing you can do regarding this situation, you have my many thanks for remaining here...you are free to leave the fort aswell and visit Apollo.."

The emperor walked over to his balcony and watched the soldiers rush towards the city,

"They will learn..."


Cedric and his bandits watched the mass of cavelry ride towards the city and Nara panic'd,

"They are going to kill everyone! i have to stop them!"

Cedric grabbed on to her when she ran for a horse,

"No! they will kill you too...if we go back we will all die!!"

She started to wimper and struggle, eventully she gave up sitting on the ground..the others stood there and watched the troops dissapear into the mass of buildings.

The horses thundered down the streets towards the slums, people ran from them screaming in terror. Bandit's appeared in doorways and on roofs throwing weapons or shooting arrows because they knew all too well what was happening to them. Yells of agony and pain echoed through the night air aswell as steel clashing, the bandits faught as well as they could against the soldiers who out classed them in combat capibilities.

Barka stood in his window at the end of an ally way wating for the emperors soldiers to get him, Beside him stood his wife and child,

"Get out of here...they will kill us all, GO!" he yelled..

He kissed his wife,pinched his little girls cheek and they ran out through the back. Barka took two curved swords off the wall and stood by the stairs leading into the room, soldiers were heard yelling outside then footsteps charging up the stairs where the bandit king swung his sword taking the head right off a praetorian..it fell back down the stairs and the body slumped to the floor.

The house of Barka the bandit king was being rushed from the ally way, bandits all through the slums put up the best fight they could or ran away into the night. By this time there were two dead praetorians and one dead legionaire laying in Barka's room, outside torches flew through the air,

"Burn it down!" yelled a praetorian officer..

The house started filling up with smoke and Barka ran down the stairs tripping over the bodys, he came out the front door swinging where he met swords with two soldiers countering their attacks, he managed to slice ones arm open then the other delivered a low stab wound to Barka's middle...the bandit king dropped to his knees blood squirting from his stomach he dropped to his face...

In ostia that night 120 people never seen the morning, Barka was placed on a stake afew meters up from the one Cedric was believed to be on..beside them 20 bandit's stretched out up the road. The ostian's never recorded their losses but didn't go anywhere near the 120 people that died.

They had been running hard. Though the initial fear had soon subsided, an urgency to pass on the news had kept them pushing onwards with all possible speed.
Now, however, with the journey almost over, they began to calm, and prepare themselves to pass the message on. After all, they could see the port up ahead; it was a matter of minutes now, and then events would begin to swing into motion, grinding like millwheels - slow, but exceedingly fine - to the destruction of these pirates.

At the port city of Leown sicily General Fabius watched the terror vessel come closer and closer,

"It looks like it's in distress, she comes in pretty quick..."

The officers crowded around watching the ship continue to speed through the water. On the other side of the island the ostians landed 2,000 troops to join the other 25,000 who trained on the small island.

"We have company!"
"Very well Number One. If they show no hostile intent, bring us alongside. I will be in my cabin preparing to explain the situation."
The ship slowed, and came towards a clear mooring space. She came smoothly alongside.
By that time the Captain was ready. He returned to the deck, and went to the side, ready to meet the highest ranking officer he could find and explain the situation.

General Fabius was curious and rode his horse down to the docking area followed by a long coloum of mounted soldiers. He stopped at the jettys and dismounted, he walked slowly to the end of the warf followed by some of his officers. Sulla spoke to him,

"We shall see what is going on here soon..."

Captain Barnes could tell that these were ranking officers; he couldn't be sure, but he had a gut feeling the very man he needed to talk to was in this group.
"Sirs, I am Captain Barnes of the ship Kop. We were to the south of here, on the coast of Africa, in company with two other vessels of the India Trading Company, when we found a city. Our lead ship, the Reuter, went to investigate; and was unprovokedly attacked and destroyed by the city's defenders.
We fled north, to bring word to our Ostian allies; the third vessel, the Free Bird, went to our own country."
Somehow he managed to keep the tremor out of his voice, as he told the tale of his comrades' murder; but it doubtless showed in his face.

General Fabius was shocked,

"An ostian vessel was also sent fourth to craen punica with a diplomat on board, i would imagine they took action upon seeing your vessel get attacked?"

The other officers chattered behind him, a rider took off towards the fort to alert them of the hostillities shown off the coast of africa.

Sulla spoke aswell,

"We have been waiting for a reason to crush them, they are a menace to our shipping lanes as it is anyways...the emperor will not let this go un punished"

"We thought we saw an Ostian galley; however we stopped some distance short of the city, out of (as it turned out) fully justified caution; so we are not sure.
What we do know is that Incognitia, as soon as word gets home, will be in a state of war with these murdering pirates, and any information about them and assistance your Empire can give will be most appreciated.
We had never been there before; we didn't even know the city's name. And they burned the Reuter."

General Fabius looked at Sulla,

"I want the island on standby, every avalible legionaire..praetorian to be at arms and ready! that is Captian Artimus out there..he will be in trouble if i know him..he reacted to the terror vessel being attacked"

Sulla saluted and rushed off,

"If you are in a war my friends, my assistance shall be given without further adue...my full support as an ostian general will be given"

He continued,

"Your sailors lives were taken before it was their time, they will be avenged...hundreds..thousands will suffer for the mistake made by that poor excuse of an empire to the south..we will crush them like ants"

Fabius punched his fist onto his left open hand and his eyes were cold...

Fortress Pompey:

Emperor Xavier stormed onto his bacony followed by two praetorians, outside the gates to the fortress was a very large angry mob demanding the emperor come out of the fortress,

"There must be 400 or so your greatness..."

Xavier scanned the crowd and he thought of a plan,

"We can send soldiers out there to chase them away.."

Xavier shook his head slowly then raised his pointer finger,

"No more bloodshed..they want the man responcible for ordering the massacre, they shall get him.."

One of the praetorians spoke up,

"You cannot go out there...they will kill you.."

Xavier smiled and replyed to the man,

"I am not responcible...they want the man responcible.."

The praetorian nodded,

"I will give them Senator Bracus...that useless windbag, it will save us a rebelion..we do not need that on our plates.."

The praetorian knew the emperor did not like Senator Bracus at all, Bracus spoke his mind and would not follow easy what other men decided..always had an argurement and now the emperor had an excuse to be rid of him,

"Arrest Bracus and give him to the mob, he is responcible for that order..he acted without my final ok...but quintus..kill him before he gets to talk"

The praetorian put his helmet on and saluted, he then went for the door followed by the other.

______________________

Cedric and his small band continued to raid small coloums of ostian troops stealing the goods they protected. The group was now responcible for the deaths of 22 praetorians and 23 legionaires, they had aquired lots of goods along the way such as fine cloths, money, jewels, weapons and food. The group had been forced to lie low for awhile due to all the troops headed to the coast either for training or postings.

"General, I could not have asked for a better answer.

We believe there are some of our people in your nation; perhaps in the capital. We intend to go there to inform them directly of what has happened. We can leave a party here to liaise with you if that would help."

Fabius nodded,

"Yes party accepted, you have a diplomat at the fortress pompey..you will find him there, i seen him on the road when i was on my way to this posting"

The general was very upset on account of the news, news was on it's way to the mainland and soon the fleet would arrive.

The captain turned and had a brief discussion with his officers. One soon left, and a few minutes later returned, with a small group of sailors at his back, each carrying a small bag of their kit. The officer also had some charts with him.

"This is my first officer, Lieutenant Jones; he used to hold a commission in the Navy, and is the best I have to offer.
I thank you for your swift and honourable response; we are for Pompey."

The party descended to the dock, the ship then departed, before they lost the tide.

Fabius saluted the men,

"It is the least i can do at this time"

Once the party had left General Fabius took Lt Jones to their command headquarters at their fortress. Once inside the entered a large room on the fourth floor where a long wide table was in the middle of the room,

"There, those are maps of the shipping lanes used by vessels in the sea you came on..other landmarks are on there as well...Craen Punica..it's a fortress to the south, a real strong hold..we are not certian of it's streneth but it is quite old"

General Fabius moved around the table picking up a long metal pointer sliding it down the map into africa,

"They have just entered into a state of war with ostia aswell as your nation, there is a massed troop build up in the city of Padova therefore there will be quick responce to our call for reinforcements..this island has become a front and will be defended as one.."

He paused allowing a breather,

"We should expect our 25,000 to be reinforced by...about 9,000..plus we have 2,000 veteran operational soldiers based here on the island that are able to ship out at any time.."

"O and just to add, Spizania is a a crumbeling power, they are nowhere near their past streneth that we have all heard tales of sence boy hood...but we cannot underestimate their abilitys as soldiers....any questions?"

The ostian officers stood around the room listening to the general give Lt jones a breifing on their new enemy.

"Just two for now general. What other territories do they hold? And have you ever encountered their navy?"

General Fabius nodded,

"We had a ship bound for Spizania under the command of Captian Artimus, he would have been near your sunk ship if he was on time..therefore we fear he engauged the enemy on your behalf"

The general continued,

"As for the area controlled by them it starts on the other side of the sea and stretches far into africa, off on to madagasgar and beyond...we are not sure.."

"If he was, then I appreciate his courage, but I fear he will never return to Ostia.

We shall have to discover what territories they control; we have trade in and near those areas that will have to be protected or diverted; and there may be opportunities for easy conquests in those regions."

Sulla left the island of Sicily and went to the mainland to visit the capital, a meeting with the emperor and the senete was urgent.

He arrived near Apollo two days later, he did not tell anyone of the news to save panic and fear of an invasion . Sulla and his escorts traveled through a path through the woods headed for the capital city where they would meet goverment officials, the emperor was very busy these days.

"Captian, ahead..that bridge seems to be burned..over that creek.."

The officer riding beside the generals second in command sat up in his saddle peering down the path straining his eyes,

"It still smokes slightly...i will send some men ahead.."

The captian signals another officer to move forward followed by 10 supporters. The horses thundered up the path and stopped at the bridge,

"Some one has purposely burnt this bridge down!...very recent!" He yelled..

Sulla picked up his pace a little bit and then arrows came shooting out of the trees at the men by the bridge,

"AMBUSH!!" they yelled dropping from their saddles..

Sulla sped up signaling a charge to his units, they moved foward full speed in the suspected direction of their attackers.

Cedric seen an ostian officer leading troops up a path and when they reached the bridge his bandits had burt down to stall a wagon carrying tax money to Apollo, instead it turned out to be an entire escort for an important officer,

"They outnumber us very bad! run!! they will follow!!"

Cedric and his 4 bandits hopped on horses and took off into the woods chased by the coloum who was gaining speed, the other 4 were absent

"Cut to the left! follow through with our escape plan!"

Sulla and his cavelry gained on the retreating bandits very quickly,

"Attacked the wrong coloum you beggars!" yelled Sulla..


Cedric lead his retreating bandits through a small creek and into an open field headed for another cluster of trees, close behind the emperors soldiers pursued,

"When we reach that cluster of trees break off to the left and right sides!"

Cedric ordered his people, the cavelry was almost in striking distance and cedrics bandits split around the trees, the cavelry continued to go foward through the trees that Cedric himself galloped. In the middle was a medium sized boulder that Cedric went around on the right side, the cavelry galloped right for the center and the front horses crashed through the ground and the beasts cryed out in pain..afew more horses collided into their fallen commrades.

The other four of Cedrics bandits fired their bow and arrows at other incomming soldiers who crashed to the ground. Sulla's horse collided into another and he flew from the saddle rolling on the ground he winced in pain, he heard his men meeting swords with the enemy while other cavelry men went after the archers who were causing more trouble than they were worth.

Sulla got to his feet gripping his gladius to see Cedric and a woman on a horse fighting with his escort, he took a defencive position as a bandit came running at him, he blocked the attack 4 or 5 times then stabbed through his leather armor. Cedric and the woman were fighting very well holding off cavelry soldiers attacking them. The woman rode a short distance from the attacking ostian's and pulled 4 throwing knives out throwing them each at an enemy wounding or killing him. Sulla realized these 8 people were slaughtering them, he got on an abandoned horse and charged at one of the archers with great speed and other remaining cavelry soldiers joined, Sulla quickly rode by and sliced across his enemys chest.

The bandits were on the run once again this time towards a large marsh, Nara, Cedric and one bandit named moe quickly raced to loose their persuers that would chase them to the end of the earth if they had to. Sulla held in his right hand the standard of the unit on a spear, the banner fluttered in the wind as he threw it at the man bandit who was a little behind.

He screamed out in pain and while falling off his horse into the water, the woman turned slightly and let another throwing knife go, the soldier beside Sulla stiffened up and crashed into the water, they had just came out of the marsh and through some trees when Cedric and the woman ran right off the edge of a cliff towards the water below it came up on Sulla so fast he fell off his horse on purpose and the poor beast went off with the others.

The generals aid hit the ground hard and rolled acouple times,

"Cerious!...my arm is broken, i am sure of it!..they fell to their death!"

An officer hopped out of his saddle and knelt down beside Sulla,

"Yes, we lost 9 out of 20..another 4 wounded scattered about"

Sulla sat up painfully and winced,

"Ahh..we must get word to pompey..."

The remaining cavelry soldiers made the short journey towards fortress pompey, the wounded acompanying them.

General Fabius nodded,

"Agreed, Sulla will return with soldiers.."

Sulla and the remaining escorts cantered towards the fort, on the roadside the crows pecked at the bodys limbs,

"What has happenend here?" said one of the officers to Sulla who stared

The site did not discust the soldiers because they were used to decaying bodys being scattered about, but this was not a sight for the public. Sulla would return to fortress pompey and tell of how Cedric the barbarian met his maker.

________________

Cedric crawled out of the water in pain, his whole body was tired from trying to stay afloat. Nara was laying on the shore afew meters down from him but she did not move,

"Nara! Nara..." he yelled..

Cedric managed to survive the fall because his horse hit the water first making a large splash for him to land in. He managed to limp over to the beautiful woman laying in the sun unconsious,

"Nara...wake up.." he repeated...

The girl choaked spitting water out of her mouth, Cedric smiled moving the hair out of her face,

"Welcome back..."

The Valgardian diplomat tried not to think of what had just happened. Then he said,” I shall await here then and as well I have things to discuss with my officers.”

Saying this he took a seat and began to read a small hand sized book that he had brought with him from Valgard.OOC: No offense, have you ever responded to this response.

OOC: Sorry i must have missed it due to all the things going on right now, i will respond in afew minutes....no offence taken by the way, once again i apoligize.

## Responce to The Scandinvans**

OOC:Lets just say they had to await a meeting with the emperor because of the amount of things going on in the country these days? cool?

A knock was heard at the diplomats door, outside stood the praetorian captian Quintus awaiting a reply.....

______________________________

Cedric and Nara sat under a willow tree near the shore line in the grass, the sun was setting over the ocean turining the sky pink and orange,

"I will go to Aust...i have some buisness there that i must attend to immeaditly..i have been putting it off for a long time now"

Nara looked at him and said quietly,

"It was rumored that you are the son of an Ostian general...is that true?"

Cedric looked at her suprized,

"You hear the nightmares some times at night...yes it is true, the general Regulus killed my mother years ago when i was only a boy..i took a dagger and sliced him right down his eye..i missed.."

She placed her hand on his,

"Aust...Regulus has an army there, you will never get to him Cedric...when you do his guards will kill you!"

He smiled gripping her hand,

"So be it...i will get to that cruel bastard and send him right to hades..."

OOC: Ostia, its alright we all get caught in rps sometimes and forget to do something in turn.

The Valgardian diplomat arose with his two guards and he ordered his guards to follow him with him. Then he opened the door and looked at the Praetorian captain and awaited him to say something.

He slightly bowed his head saying,

"The Emperor shall see you now...his personal apoligys for the wait, alot of matters have arose in Ostia which required his attention"

The Praetorian back away from the door making an opening for the diplomat and his escorts to pass....

OOC: Agreed, but we shall continue....

The Valgardian bows his head in thanks to the Praetorian and then follows him as the captain escorts him through the building that would eventually lead him to the emperor. Right, behind the diplomat are his two bodyguards who have their hands on the hilt of their swords, ready to draw them at any time if they are threatened or attacked.

OOC: Alright, then let us continue.

The group passed through a large open archway bridge leading towards the emperors room. In the courtyard there was a group of Ostian cavelry exausted aswell as wounded, there was an officer of high rank sitting on the ground with a busted arm.

As the group proceeded they climbed some stairs to the top of the stone fortress where large wooden doors were closed with two black armored praetorians standing on both sides with their spears crossed, they quickly uncrossed them for Quintus and straitened up,

"Right through there sir, you may take a single guard through those doors and he may remain armed"

Quintus awaited the mans reply...


__________________________

In the courtyard Sulla and the others dismounted panting, the wounded were assisted,

"What happened out there?" asked a sentry..

Sulla looked shocked that a man of such a low rank would adress him like that but decided to over look it given the situation,

"It was Cedric! i killed him! him and his bandits are all dead...also Ostia is at war with another nation..Sicily is a front, the south has attacked our allies and we are sure captian Artimus engauged them in a naval battle...this matter is very serious.."

He paused taking a drink of cold water,

"General Fabius requests the support of his remaining legions immeaditly..inform your commander, tell him i have given the order to move out"

The soldier rushed off towards HQ, moments later an officer appeared in the doorway then rushed outside to give his orders. Members of the 5th and 22nd legions who were based at pompey started to kit up given the sence of urgency.

The Valgardian then said in common Valgardian,” Truae mrera hriata yeteria eyuia.” (Stay here, and remain on the watch)

With those words one of the Vaglardians guards stepped back and then the Vaglardian diplomat signaled to the other to follow him and the one who lead them into the fortress.

Then the diplomat said,” I am willing to abide by this rule and I will only enter with one armed guard. As well, I will be respectful of your rational customs.”

OOC: By the way does your empire still have gladiatorial games because in my country fights to the deaths in an arena are very popular and a good way for leaders to discuss such things, in fact it is considered polite to do so.

OOC: Yes my nation has gladitorial games on a regular basis, there is a huge up comming event.

Quintus nodded and replyed,

"Very well, open the doors..."

The praetorian guards each took a side step and pushed on the doors opening them both, Quintus walked into the room followed by the two Valgardians close behind. Once inside the emperor of ostia stood on his balcony watching the legionaires prepare to move out, a messenger bowed and left the room.

The large doors shut behind him and Quintus lowered his head to the emperor,

"Your greatness...diplomats from Valgard have arrived"

Xavier turned around and signaled Quintus to rise his head,

"Very well captian"

He took afew steps foward addressing the visitors,

"Welcome to Ostia honorable Valgardians, i would expect you have been treated well by my fellow countrymen?"

Xavier wore his fine lower armor, the rest was on a rack in the corner of the room. On his left side was a gold handled gladius, on his right a jewel encrested gold handled dagger, the praetorian walked over to the left side and stood against the wall....

OOC: Would it be alright, if I my diplomat went to the event and brought some of his slave gladiators to fight in the arena as a gift to the people of great Ostia?

IC: The diplomat first removed his heavy purple cloak of cotton, then gave it to his, and that revealed his true uniform of office. His clothes were made of the finest silks and cottons that all hand been inlaid with precious jewels and silver in designs that were extremely vivid, nearly alive even, as well he wore a suit of very light plate silver armor that was just as strong as regular plate mail.

Then the diplomat responded,” Hail, Emperor of the great nation of Ostia and great leader to his people. I have indeed been treated well by all your countrymen and they have treated with kindness and respect worthy of your people. For this I thank you greatly.”

OOC: Caratia is surpisngly similar to Ostia, although Caratia is more Roman Republic and Ostia is more Imperial. No matter, I'm sure we could get along fine. :)

Xavier nodded and approached the diplomat,

"It is our pleasure to have you in our great nation, i thank you for comming to have an audiance with me"

He paused,

"I apoligize for the wait, i have been very busy with the current events which are taking place, my armies fight in Aust while others will head south to crush the formet empire that lies below us"

He admired the diplomats dress and his eyes scanned the fine clothes he wore, Xavier wore a purple toga with gold trim around the edges. He smiled and continued speaking,

"There is a huge event up comming at the coloseaum with i would be honored to attend with you, of course you will join me in my personal box?"

Before the diplomat could reply he said,

"I insist..my personal gladiatrix will be preforming there, simply the best and well known warriors in the nation..maybe even the world? They ride chariots of gold and are beautiful as the stars on a clear summer night"

The emperor was quite proud and wanted to stir interest, Xavier was interested in the nation of Valguard..it could prove to be a good relationship in the future.

OOC: Where is your nation located? maybe we could parlay?

The diplomat then said,” I will be more then honored to join you in watching the gladiatorial games with. I wish to know if my own slave fighters fought in the arena as it has been away since any of them fought in a real fight.

My slave fighters are of the highest quality and they all are trained to fight well and they come from Ireland, Normandy, the Low Counties, Scotland, England, Wales, and southern Denmark. As well they all are already armed prepared for battle and they could be at the Coliseum before the fights begin. Their numbers are about fifty and I am willing for them all to day in front of the crowd just to please the citizens of your lands.”

After saying this he awaited the emperor’s response, but not first admiring the much warmer weather that these lands had to offer when you could feel the air without having on a twenty pound cotton cloak.

OOC: My nation’s capital is in Scandinavia, but the empire has land in Brazil, all of England, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Normandy, Greenland, Denmark, all of eastern Atlantic Canada, and many smaller islands.

Xavier was pleased with the answear the diplomat gave him,

"Good! then it settled! we attend the events tomorrow afternoon my friend, i have loved the games sence boyhood and am very much abliged for your offer"

The emperor continued..

"Your slaves shall fight! these women i will put before them have been trained by ostia's finest charioteers..i find it rather exciting to put women against strong experianced warriors from many lands..they mostly come from africa and gaul"

The emperor was deep in conversation, he liked this diplomat,

"It will be a fine event indeed! the people of ostia will enjoy it very much so"

OOC: thats amasing, the emperor has GREAT interest in North America

The diplomat sent a message to the ship instructing the slave master to bring the slave fighters to the Coliseum and prepare for a battle the next day and as well ordered them to be rearmed with large rectangle shields, long spears, short swords, and heavy scale mail in order for them to be ready to fight the chariots tomorrow.

The diplomat, though much more serious than the emperor was fast becoming friends with the emperor, responded,” My slave fighters will surely fight their best and die like true men should on the battlefield. Do not worry they will surely put on a spectacle worthy of the great arena of your lands.”

OOC: Well, the Valgardians though a trading people protect their lands with great vigor, are willing to provide you help in transporting your people to the Americas.

OOC: wow....ostians in the americas....sounds like somthing we should plan in the near future. Xavier's gladiatrix's chariots are equiped with large jagged blades on their wheels, the driver and passenger are both equiped with whips, gold colored armor and chain mail, swords, spears..some also have bows.

Emperor Xavier was still young and easyily excited when he got on a topic but when it came down to serious matters he excelled at leading his people in what ever direction benifited them the most. Xavier nodded and replyed to the diplomat,

"Very good i would expect they will put on quite the show!"

OOC: My soldiers are well trained and armed with grey weapons and armor. As well they are experienced fighting archers and chariots.

IC: The diplomat noted his excitement as a sign that he was still not overcame by the feelings of running an empire and not knowing the horrors of fighting on the frontline. Then the diplomat said,” They shall, or they will face certain death in a way dishonorable to true warriors. As the slave fights of Valgard have been taught to fight to their death with honor and dignity.”

Emperor Xavier nodded and looked at the diplomat,

"Ostia is a very proud, dignifyed nation...and as far as i can see your nation is of that sort?"

The emperor had only ever faught in one battle and it was in gaul. His combat experiance was not as great as most of the other emperors of ostia. Xavier relyed of Quintus for his protection, the praetorian was a professional killer and was more loyal to the ruler than any other man aside from his men.

Emperor Xavier was highly educated and knew a fair bit on how to plan battles and manage troops in the field, but was not really qualifyed to lead them into the fight.

"It will be quite the show! a good day at the coloseaum can bring out the better in men these days"

The diplomat himself had served in campaigns and battles ranging from the Valgardian frontiers of the western continent to the lands along the Baltic Sea. As well, he had commanded armies in the name of the now dead emperor against a revolt in Scotland which ended with an eight of the population of Scotland being sold in slave markets across the empire. In fact, a number of his slave fighters he had brought with him had been warriors he had captured during that rebellion.

Then the diplomat said to the emperor,” The show shall truly be a true an event to behold. And the masses in the coliseum shall be entertained to a very high degree and their blood lust shall be satisfied.”

Xavier grinned,

"It shall truly be a great event, it will be one the veiwers will remeber over others they have seen before"

The emperor sipped more wine from his cup offering the diplomat another serving.

The Valgardiian diplomat replied,” Alright, then I have something that I was instructed to give a gift to you, from his own treasure trove.”

He took out a small mahogany box that was gilded with gold and precious stones. Then he opened the box with a key and inside the box was a platinum circlet, crown with a 300 karat blue diamond.

Then he said,” This is for you Emperor Xavier.”

OOC: Sorry, for the rather quick change in topic.

Emperor Xavier was amased at the wonderful piece, a look of excitement showed on his face lighting his eyes up,

"This is a gift intended for a great leader..king...emperor...i will do my very best to be worthy of this fine piece"

Xavier was left without words, this gift had truly honored him. In his mind he thought of what kind of gift he could give back in return for this item that was now his favorite personal item he owned. Somthing like this had never been seen before, it's design..the careful work and time put into it,

"I am grateful for this..truly is like nothing i have layed eyes on before.."

“The mines of Valgard are only able to produce about twenty pounds of platinum a year, due to the fact that we have had to dig many hundreds of feet below the surface in order to be able to reach the supplies of it that are scattered across the mines of the empire. As well, only half of that is put into making jewelry and the rest is put into the private treasuries of the emperor.

Those diamonds in the empire and actually, are even rarer due to them be a one ion a hundred find in the diamond mines of the empire. In fact, only a few hundreds diamonds of that size are found in the empire and only a few dozen of them are diamonds of that color and type.”

The diplomat was greatly honored by the way in which the emperor Xavier had taken to the diamond. So he placed the mahogany box in the emperor’s hand and said,” May this be a sign of the friendship between Valgard and Osita.”

Xavier wanted to give a gift to the diplomat to try and repay him for this one, then he got an idea. He set down his cup and said to the man,

"I have somthing in my personal possesion that i would like to give to give your nation in return"

Emperor Xavier continued,

"But such an item is not at this fortress, we must go to the palace where it awaits in my personal area"

He smiled...

The diplomat bowed in thanks and said,” Though, such a repayment is unnecessary, I will be more than thankful for whatever you give unto my emperor. As well, if you wish I will travel to the palace, and I am humbled by the offer to march in the presence of your lordship.”

Saying this he bowed again in reverence to Emperor Xavier.

Emperor Xavier grinned,

"Good then, it is no problem..im getting rather tired of this fortress, seeing the same thing everyday..a change of scenery is needed"

The Praetorian stepped foward,

"Yes your greatness.."

Xavier replyed,

"Inform the diplomat from Terror he may make his way to the palace in Apollo, he is also invited to the games.."

The emperor re addressed the diplomat,

"We will leave as soon as my horse is prepared"

The Praetorian captian left the room briefly then returned,

"Your greatness, the order has been put into effect..you will be needing your armor"

The emperor nodded heading over to the rack, Quintus followed him..

"I think you will enjoy the city my friend, lots of sights to see.."

The Praetorian helped the emperor put on his armor then picked up his helmet, it was gold with silver trim and a large red maine came out of the top,

"My guards will escort us, they are somthing else you may find impressive...The 'Pretoria Prefectus'..."

Outside in the courtyard the black armored praetorians prepared their horses, the emperors white arabian was brought out...

The Valgardian diplomat followed the emperor into the courtyard and there the diplomat’s other guard had meet him and he and another guard brought Valgardian white war horses that they had brought from aboard their ship. The diplomat pleased with this mounted his horse gilded saddle and grabbed the stirrup.

Then the diplomat said,” I look forward to seeing your city, as from what I have seen so far I have been quite pleased with your peoples work. Yet, I look more forward to seeing your palace as I believe it will be truly magnificent.”

When Emperor Xavier entered the courtyard an officer somewhere yelled,

"GROUP!"

Every soldier in the courtyard stood at attention, the emperor walked fowards ficking his red cape behind him. The praetorian guard waited for him to mount his horse then did the same,

"I hope you will enjoy your stay with us"

Quintus rode up beside the emperor and saluted,

"The men are prepared to move your greatness"

Xavier raised his hand in the air with a flick of his wrist,

"Foward!!"

Quintus yelled,

"FOWARD!!"

There were three coloums of pretorian guard, twenty in each that moved on the command following the emperor. The coloum slowly rode down the road leading to Apollo, the bandits that were placed along side the road were rotting,

"Those men were hostille to my goverment, attacked coloums with my tax money...justice was served without question in that matter..."

People traveling on the road parted for the party to pass lowering their heads to Xavier, he raised his hand and gave them a wave...

They entered the city after a short time, the streets were busy and filled with merchants and people going about their daily buisness,

"in ostia we conduct alot of trade, merchants come from all over selling thier goods in our streets..fine items from around the world..."

The Valgardian diplomat looked at the people who many of them appeared alien to him, due to him only being used to the milky white skin of people from northern Europe, or the skin of the peoples of the western continent, but these people who still were white, yet had a more tan appearance as where no Valgardian could tan. Despite many of them being alien to him he did not care as these people were civilized and had built a structured society.

Then the diplomat said,” My people have also trade across the world. As well, we have sailed through the west to the mysterious and have started trading by a very long overseas route. Though Valgard is not a city of trade, the city of Valdra is one of the greatest city’s of the world.”

After saying this one of the Valgardian guards brought him a letter that written in Valgardian runes that read that the Valgardian civil war had ended and that the Prince Harold had become emperor and as well he had began mustering an army for a war in the west. Pleased, with this a smile emerged on his face.

The coloum rode on through the city, they passed through the streets into a large square where on the other side a massive white palace stood. In front of the palace there were two large golden eagles with their wings spread,

"There, that is the senete..."

He pointed to another large white building to the left of the square,

"And...that is my palace, that is where i run my nation.."

The palace was surrounded by walls, they passed through the gates and entered a beautiful garden fresh and green with many ponds and trees. Along the pathway there were statues of previous emperors,

"Those men before me were great, i wish to make my mark on this earth as they did....this new found friendship can accomplish many good things...i asure you"

In front of the palace praetorians marched by, their commander giving a salute to the emperor.

The diplomat looked around at the alien types of plants, though the gardens of Valgard held many types of flora and trees, was not able to raise such plans due to the winds that sometimes entered the valley.

Then the diplomat,” I agree that we can enter into a prosperous and lasting long friendship between our two great empire. Yet, I must say that my journey to your nation was not only to form an alliance.

Another mission my emperor gave to me, was to seek out large supplies of marble and enter into a trade agreement marble for either gunpowder, muskets, gold, ships, copper, bronze and/or silver. Do you think we can enter into this arrangement to trade for marble?”

Xavier smiled looking at the diplomat,

"I will get you the amount you need for a low price, consider it a favor from a friend?"

The group dismounted and walked up the front stairs into the palace, floors and walls were done in white marble, large red banners hung from the walls trimmed in gold..large golden eagles guarded the hallways,

"I hope this is what you thought it would be like?"

They entered a circular room with balconys above it, the guard presence in the palace was great, groups of four or 5 praetorians would march by in the halls. Quintus, the emperor and the diplomats party entered the throne room,

"This is the heart of my empire gentleman..."

The diplomat looked around the throne and was quite impressed at its sheer grandeur and of the size of the construction. He never have been in a throne room of an emperor before was also honored by this.

As he looked around his guards remained still not even flitching if the sun was right in there eyes.

Then the diplomat replied,” This room is quite ornate and grand. So much so I have to say that I am truly impressed and honored being here.

As for the marble deal I thank you for agreeing to it and as soon as I get a message to Valgard a ship loaded with gold and silver shall come to trade for marble.”

Xavier was over joyed,

"Wonderful! we will pass through this room and on to my study where we will rest"

A servant came up to the emperor with a gold basin, he dipped his hands in the rose water and another servant dryed them. The group entered a hallway with red silk carpets and grey marble floors and walls, on both sides of the hallway stood large statues of generals with proud poses. The next part of the palace was a large open walled garden, at the end of the courtyard was another large building with two statues of golden lions out front.

"There, that is our destination"

Xavier lead the group through the doors and into a well furnished room,

"My father built this seperate building, he was a very wise man...took alot of time to study and learn of the world as i do"

The diplomat took a seat and dismissed his guards and ordered them to just stand outside the door leading into the study, but to allow everyone to move freely, yet keep an eye on them though.

As he took a seat he said to Emperor Xavier,” Your father must have been to be able to have such a number of books at his disposal, yet from what I know of your father’s reign there was also much growth under him as well.

Never mind that though I wonder have you invented a device that is of movable type?”

Xavier was interested in what he ment by this,

"Umm, like what sort of device..."

Quintus waited outside with the Valguardian escorts and other Praetorian off to the side chatting about some comical topic. A woman dressed in a fine white garment strolled across the garden followed by two other women in purple dresses, her long black hair fluttered in the wind, her skin was was tonned and her eyes dark as coals.

Quintus lowered his head to her and the other Praetorians gave a salute straightening up. The young women entered the study approaching Xavier,

"Brother, i am sorry to interrupt..."

She looked at the diplomat,

"My apoligies sir.."

Turning back to Xavier she spoke,

"My husbands armys have arrived in Aust, by now they must be well into the conflict..."

Xavier replyed,

"Claudia..why do you deliver me this news..."

She smiled showing perfect white teeth,

"I thought i would see how you reacted.."

The emperor grinned,

"It is wonderful news to hear from you..."

Xavier introduced his sister to the diplomat,

"This is my beautiful sister Claudia, she is married to my general Regulus who commands our armys in Aust.."

The diplomat at first grinned and then said rather sternly,” Granting, my lady I am Lord Fstemai of the House of the Lords of Iceland. You remind me of my own wife who died during raid by the barbarians of southern descent. I later led an army of my own empire and completely exterminated the tiny kingdom that they ruled.

But, something more happy my own son has survived and in Valgardain reckoning he is about two years of age right now. As well, I have rebuilt my lands to their former glory and have been granted the king ship of Iceland under the crown of Valgard.

Yet, to answer you question Emperor Xavier my people are willing to offer you cannons and heavy muskets in turn. As well, we are willing to your people gifts of jewels forged by the hands of the great smiths of Valdra and Valgard.”

Xavier was impressed by the way the Valguardian introduced himself to his sister,

"Ahh wonderful Lord Fstemai, thank you for your compliments..."

She blushed slightly...

Xavier continued...

"There are small models i have seen in my readings, but nothing of scale.."

He paused...

"I am very much abliged that you offer such things, Ostia offers silks, spices, gold, silver, marble, wines, materials...maybe tactics..military formations..strict disipline on how to move a formed body of troops"

He let his words sink in then continued,

"These cannons and muskets i have heard so much about..from what i gather formed bodys of men could do some damage with these things...?"

The diplomat bowed to Lady Claudia and then said to Emperor Xavier,” My empire’s army has long held discipline in order to keep all the lands and slave we controlled firmly under our grip. As well we hold our lines and ranks in strict fashion and do not waver in the face of death itself. But, we of the north fight in a way alien to that of the southern lands and we more than willing to learn new tactics in order to increase our empire’s army discipline.

To answer you I have a number of rifles and cannons aboard my ship and if you want I will demonstrate them to you when you want, but I advise a open space as they are very dangerous to use.

As for trade materials my empire seeks silk, marbles, and wines the most due to their rarity of them in our lands and as well we do not have any direct access to these through our current trade routes.”

Claudia continued to smile, Xavier was over joyed by the diplomats responce to what he had said,

"Wonderful! We could set up the demonstration on the beaches near Bellomo, it is one of our main port citys..also one of the longest stretches of beach we have, an oppertunity to see the city? then we shall travel back here tomorrow to attend the games"

"I have not forgotten the gift i have promised to you for your emperor.."

Xavier stood up,

"I will return in a moment.."

He dissapeared down the main stretch of hall. Claudia spoke to the diplomat while her brother was gone for quite some time, they spoke of climate, customs and she commented on how horrible the war was and Xavier returned with a gold case,

"Ahh here..."

He opened the case to reveal a silk coushion, sitting on the coushin was a gold chain with a pendant..

"This item is very rare, it was presented to the very first emperor of Ostia's generals many years ago...i find the item you have given me is also of great importance, there is only known to be two more of these left...on the pendant you can see the emperor engraved in the gold..there in the center of the ruby..the gold circle.."

Claudia's jaw dropped when she seen the piece her brother had revealed, she had not even known such a thing existed but this was not the time for her to speak,

"This is a sign of friendship, bravery, loyalty...and respect for one another...do you accept my gift.."

He held it out....


OOC: The study is very well guarded and houses many secrets of the Ostian Empire deep below the earth.

The diplomat bowed deeply for a moment. Then he said,” Thank you, Emperor Xavier for such a great gift in value of both history and of importance of your people. As well, my emperor will truly be pleased with such a gift. And also, we return your friendship and loyalty between our two great peoples.”

Then he took the box and put inside a piece of white silk, rolled it up, and places it inside a velvet bag inside the pocket of his coat.

Then he said,” The gift I gift was the crown of the kings of the ancient north and then it passed into the hands of Valgard and there it has been for more than a thousand years, until I gave it to you here today. My emperor and many before wore that crown in the days of their manhood before they received the crown of Valgard. So now, may it become an heirloom for your people and as everlasting friendship between our peoples.”

OOC: In my own palaces there are many hidden treasure troves and libraries.

Xavier was honored by the wonderful gift and was interested in it's story,

"Then both our nations have been very priviliged to receive such gifts...may our friendship last untill our empires are dust over time.."

Emperor Xavier continued...

"You shall stay on the 3rd floor of the palace, your guards of course will keep their arms..the palace is heavily guarded due to all the conflicts that have surfaced in these last couple of months, it makes us all feel better about closing our eyes..."

Claudia did not like talk of the war for she feared for her husband. Regulus was much older than the emperors sister but was granted marriage to her as a favor, Xavier loved his sister but had to remain in the favor of his officers. After awhile they became fond of one another and their relationship bloomed into somthing far different than it had started off as.

She said her fairwells and left the study followed by her maids. Quintus entered through the doors,

"Your greatness, it is almost time for dinner..." The Praetorian bowed..

Xavier nodded replying...

"Thank you Quintus, we will be out in a moment..."

Xavier looked back to Lord Fstemai,

"Ahh, my most loyal...always at my side he is..commands my entire personal guard..we will attend dinner shortly, what is it you prefer?"

The diplomat thought for a minute and the replied to Xavier’s question and said,” I prefer a good glass of wine or mead, some beef, some fish, and a number of grapes as my main course,”

Thinking upon in the Valgardian Empire arranged marriages only occurred only in the noble families, but for the imperial family they could only marry pure Valgardian princes or princess.

Yet, he also himself had been married of too the daughter of the ruling king of Ireland, under the Valgardian kingdom. His marriage though had been a very happy one and had produced strong and healthy children. So in the end the marriage had been the best of any marriage that one could desire.

Upon hearing the diplomats requests for dinner Xavier nodded to Quintus who left the room followed by one of the Praetorians at the door. The emperor stood up and said quietly,

"And the food shall be tested in front of us, people have evil plots in mind these days..."

He awaited the reply of the diplomat..... **


____________________________________
The Palace, Great Room:

Officers,nobles and senators of Ostia gathered in a large room very well furnished to eat their food. Many things were brought foward and sat on tables that were arranged in a open square, the servants simply strolled inside the square to deliver the food. The diplomat from Valguard was served his requests, servants came to the side of the diplomat and the emperor watched them carefully try out what they were being served.

Once the food was tested everyone started to eat the fine feast, Xavier spoke to the diplomat,

"The sun sets and tomorrow we attend the games, i simply cannot wait...it will be a show never to forget!"

Others that were in an earshot of Xavier nodded speaking to eachother as they couldn't address the emperor publicly without going up the chain of command. The great doors opened revealing a shape comming out of the candle light hallway, the man was dressed in a shiney silver chestplate with designs all around the edges, his toga was red with gold trim and under his left arm a very fine helmet was tucked,

"Your greatness!, i General Germanicus address you...."

Xaviers facial expression turned serious and his eyes trained on the officer who had his head lowered,

"Continue general..." he said calmly

Xavier wispered to the diplomat,

"Interrupting my meal..this best be important...ha.."

Germanicus raised his head then replyed,

"Your greatness, word has arrived the noble allied nation of Frozopia will be assisting us in the south! rumor has it more nations will be involved in the future..."

Xavier grinned,

"Wonderful news Germanicus but was it worth interrupting my MEAL!...General?"

Germanicus saluted,

"Forgive me my emperor....i felt the news must be announced.."

Xavier continued....

"Yes General! it is great news but not during dinner.."

General Germanicus saluted once more then was dismissed by the flick of the emperors hand...

"Anyways...my lord..where was i?" he asked....

The diplomat looked around the great room and thought of the great feasts that he attended in the past in his homeland that celebrated religious holidays or a great victory.

Then the diplomat looked back at the emperor and responded to his question,” Emperor Xavier, I believe you where talking the games that will occur tomorrow.

As for they will be truly great and it will be a fight to remember for many years, but I my warriors are prepared to die and are sharpening their weapons as we speak.

Yet, I wish to know will it be a standard fight to the death, or will the battle be a recreation of a former battle from your past and what kind of armor shall my warriors be dressed in?”

Emperor Xavier responded to the question,

"Your warriors may wear armor of their choice, the event afterwards shall be a reeinactment of a previous battle..my gladiatrix will wear their own armor, significant to that of my soldiers.."

The diplomat signaled to one of his guards to bring the news to the to the slave warrior master. Then he said,” Alright, then that is good as my soldiers have already begun being equipped in our own armor."

Emperor Xavier may I also remark that this dining is also rather grand and ornate.”

Xavier was pleased by the comment made,

"Thank you friend, i figure if it is at our disposal..why not use it?"

He smiled continuing to eat. Once the feast had been taking place for awhile the room began to clear out,

"Friend, the night has fallen and it is best we gather out rest for the excitement that shall take place tomorrow in the colosseaum"

With those words Quintus stepped foward pulling out the emperors chair as he stood up, a servant prepared to assist the diplomat. Through the windows the night sky was bright with stars,

"You shall reside on the third floor, a section has been reserved for yourself along with the escorts you have brought fourth..."

The large oak doors opened revealing six pretorian guard in a formed body marching up the hallway, they came to a halt parting in three's to both sides of the hall....

Bump..

OOC: Sorry, about not posting yesterday.

IC: The diplomat responded i9n thanks,” I greatly thank for such a pleasing meal. It truly was one of the finest I have partaken of in for a great deal of time.

As well, I thank for granting me and my entourage such an area for us to reside in for the night.

Yet, I still look forward to most of all if the match tomorrow and of how grand it will be.”

He then told the guards, in Valgardian, to gather their things and also to prepare the lounging areas for the night. With that orders then the guards departed to gather their belongings.

Then the diplomat said to Emperor Xavier,” Good night, emperor I am tired from the feast and from my journey.”

OOC: Sorry, about not posting yesterday.

IC: The diplomat responded i9n thanks,” I greatly thank for such a pleasing meal. It truly was one of the finest I have partaken of in for a great deal of time.

As well, I thank for granting me and my entourage such an area for us to reside in for the night.

Yet, I still look forward to most of all if the match tomorrow and of how grand it will be.”

He then told the guards, in Valgardian, to gather their things and also to prepare the lounging areas for the night. With that orders then the guards departed to gather their belongings.

Then the diplomat said to Emperor Xavier,” Good night, emperor I am tired from the feast and from my journey.”


Emperor Xavier smiled as he stood up, the servant adjusted the chair so the Diplomat could stand aswell,

"Of course Lord Fstemai, may you sleep well and we all look foward to the match that will take place tomorrow..you shall travel with my coloum to the coloseaum"

Lord Fstemai bowed in thanks and then said in a grateful voice,” Thank you, again Emperor Xavier for everything that you have given to me so far and also for the great hospitality you have shown me, as well.”

After saying this he bowed again and his entourage left to go to their chambers for the night…

Lord Fstemai bowed in thanks and then said in a grateful voice,” Thank you, again Emperor Xavier for everything that you have given to me so far and also for the great hospitality you have shown me, as well.”

After saying this he bowed again and his entourage left to go to their chambers for the night…

After the feast and the diplomat had left, Emperor Xavier and his guards went to his floor so he could prepare for tomorrow, the event would be grand.

_________________________________________
The Next Day

The sun shone through the emperor's windows high in the palace, he opened his eyes and climbed out of bed, today was the day finally!. He dressed black toga with a purple robe that was trimmed in gold, servants placed all his gold rings and bracelets on, he washed then went to the door where on the other side Quintus waited,

"Good morning your greatness!" He bowed...

Xavier went out into the hallway,

"Ahh, isn't it Quintus!..where do we meet Lord Fstemai?"

The praetorian replyed,

"The stairs leading out the front your highness.."

Xavier strolled down the hallway followed by his bodyguard,

"Then what is the hold up, shall we proceed?"

At the end of the hallway Lord Fstemai and two of his guards awaited Emperor Xavier. As the emperor came closer Lord Fstemai took ten steps forward and then bowed as a greeting to the emperor. Then the Valgardain said,” Good morning, to you Emperor Xavier. How did your night fare? As well, when do we leave for the great games in your coliseum?”

At the end of the hallway Lord Fstemai and two of his guards awaited Emperor Xavier. As the emperor came closer Lord Fstemai took ten steps forward and then bowed as a greeting to the emperor. Then the Valgardain said,” Good morning, to you Emperor Xavier. How did your night fare? As well, when do we leave for the great games in your coliseum?”

The emperor gave him an approving nodd then proceeded to speak,

"Good morning Lord Fstemai!, i slept well and yourself?, We leave for the colloseaum immeaditly...our escort awaits us in the courtyard..."

Lord Fstemai responded in a rather please tone and then said,” I myself slept had a quite pleasant night, thank you Emperor Xavier.

As for going to the coliseum shall we got to the courtyard now and join the escort to go the games?”

Emperor Xavier smiled,

"Of course my friend, this way.."

The group passed through an open archway where the courtyard was visible, about one hundered Praetorians were formed up and all slammed their spears down on the ground to present arms when they seen their ruler. They continued down the stairs and to some stable boys who held horses reigns, a golden chariot lead by two fine white horses was at the bottom of the stairs,

"Lord Fstemai, you shall ride with me..Quintus follow"

The praetorian saluted and the charioteer let go of the reigns and stood aside,

"Your guards may ride with Quintus..."

The Valgardian diplomat bowed his head at the emperor for such an honor. Then he stepped onto the chariot and signaled to his guards to ride with Quintus. At his order the two guards went with Quintus at the order of their lord and mounted their mounts. Yet, despite this they would not leave the site of the lord at anything, save by his order. Then the Lord Fstemai said to Emperor Xavier,” I and my guards are ready to go leave at your command Emperor Xavier. Also, thank at such an honor as being able to ride in the chariot of the emperor of such a great and mighty nation.”

The Valgardian diplomat bowed his head at the emperor for such an honor. Then he stepped onto the chariot and signaled to his guards to ride with Quintus. At his order the two guards went with Quintus at the order of their lord and mounted their mounts. Yet, despite this they would not leave the site of the lord at anything, save by his order. Then the Lord Fstemai said to Emperor Xavier,” I and my guards are ready to go leave at your command Emperor Xavier. Also, thank at such an honor as being able to ride in the chariot of the emperor of such a great and mighty nation.”


Emperor Xavier gave him a smile,

"You honor me with your many compliments Lord Fstemai, the honor is mine friend"

Once Quintus and the Valgardian's were mounted Xavier signaled to the Praetorian commander it was time to leave, Quintus yelled at the top of his lungs,

"Regiment! MOVE OUT!"

The Emperor tightened his grip on the reigns and urged the horses foward, The coloum proceeded slowly through the gates of the palace and on towards the Colloseaum. Trumpets and drums sounded the comming of the emperor, once the chariot had left the gates a large force of Ostian Legionaires awaited them in the streets, the praetorian coloum passed by them after the chariot spreading to both sides of the road getting farther ahead.

The large coloum proceeded down the main street, people stood in their windows and on balconys cheering for their great ruler. An Ostian General by the name of Marius joined the procession, he had been waiting for the chariot to appraoch, he gave a salute to the emperor,

"This is my nation Noble Fstemai.."

Lord Fstemai began to wave to the jeering crowds as he passed, he even took out a bag full of small gold nuggets and began tossing it to different peoples in the crowd. Then he said to Xavier, while doing this,” Emperor Xavier, my friend your nation’s people suit your rule. As they are good, honest, and noble people that are loyal to your, due to what you are to them. Yet, as well your city is a grand and fabulous place even worthy to my emperor.

Your people shall today be rewarded by the quality of the games that shall be held toady at the coliseum and as by the friendship that shall soon grow between our two great peoples.”