Ambassador Optim and the 150 Sapphire Dragoons (HC) saw the huge Sessauan city of Saint Mille as they exited one of the many small woods that they had already passed. In front of them sprawled a city that could take up the space of a a few warrens. While Dwarves built their cities into the mountain climbing it's walls or into the deep bellies of huge rock these surface dwellers took up unimmaginable amounts of space on the surface.
The old ambassador requested, "I'd like for us to make camp here. The majority of your men, Lieutenant Graybeard, would have to remain here. I'll prefer to be accompanied by only a small force of 25 men led by Corporal Rednose."
Contary to his name Graybeard was in fact a young dwarf whom only recently attained his rank of Lieutenant, "Although I don't like it I'll reluctently agree. A large force might scare them into assualting us, which would be the opposite of your objective Ambassador Optim." Graybeard then ordered, "Dismount and set up camp. Corporal Rednose to the front with your element please."
Corporal Rednose and his command made their way to the front. After being given their assignment the Dwaves left with Ambassador Optim heading towards the city. They'd approach on horse but when they were within 200 yards they'd dismount as well. A dismounted Sapphire Dragoon was less of a threat then a mounted one and Optim wish this initial meeting to be a pleasent one. With him he kept The Tales of Victor and Magma nearby. A gift from the Republic to these unknown people as a peace offering.
Foreigners were quickly becoming a commodity in Mille Sessau. The Ambassador was greeted by patrolling Sessauan Men-at-Arms (Spearmen) and the Ambassador and his 25 bodyguards were escorted into Saint-Mille and into a huge, embellished manor where Count Juva of Saint-Mille greeted them. They were allowed to keep their weapons as well. Young and charismatic, Juva barely had enough hair on his chin to warrant a goatee, let alone an entire city.
" Welcome, stoutfolk! We have heard of your kind! I am Count Juva of the Fiefdom of Saint-Mille under the Glorious Empire of Mille Sessau! I welcome you! What is it that brings you this far south? "
Count Juva's manor was a magnificent home for humans. Dwarves clan homes tended to resemble the manor but individual family dwellings weren't nearly as large or eye catching. Most of the guards remained outside preferring to attend to their steeds who were showing signs of fatigue and weakness. The large beasts were accustomed to the mountains and not suited for these conditions in Mille Sessau. Only Corporal Rednose accompanied Ambassador Optim into the manor, if they'd wanted them dead they'd have done it outside the city instead of inviting them in. After standing at attention and saluting the Count in dwarven fashion* when introduced the Corporal occupied his mind with how weird the human in front of him was.
"Welcome, stoutfolk! We have heard of your kind! I am Count Juva of the Fiefdom of Saint-Mille under the Glorious Empire of Mille Sessau! I welcome you! What is it that brings you this far south?" The count introduced himself rather enthusiastically and Ambassador Optim didn't fail to notice that they were dealing with a youth and not an older man. The Count Juva wasn't even old enough have a beard yet he was in charge of a city. Humans were weird giving such a task to someone so young.
"You've heard of us, well that's good to hear I'm sure it will help smooth things out for us. Did our kinsmen inform you? I'm Ambassador Optim of the Republic of Ever-Winter and this is Corporal Rednose. Thank you on behalf of the Republic for welcoming us into this elegant city." Optim paid a compliment to the young Count
Smiling he answered Juva's question, "We came seeking trade partners. When I left the Republic to travel south all we had was marble to offer. Although not much in the way of variety, I can promise you'll not find better stone from anyone else except from our Kinsmen. Dwarves were born to mine after all. Here's a list of resources, any of them we'd take in return for stone though I believe we're only willing to trade the Stone Moderately." Optim handed the piece of paper over to the Count. The list didn't include war related resources besides the wood but more or less commodities and luxury goods for the Republic.
*Dwarven Salute - Stand at attention, right first pounds the dwarves chest over his heart then returns to attention. Dwarven salute is completed and they return to their relaxed position with civilians or non-Republic Military.
" Fortunately, Lord Optim, the Empire does have some of the greatest furs in the land, and stone is sorely lacking in the Empire. But better yet, come, come! "
Count Juva, two Sessauan knights, along with Ambassador Optim and Corporal Redbeard were hailed to a carriage, and from Saint-Mille would head eastward to the capital of Jaudeaux. The capital was sprawling, and covered in nothing but flaky, white snow. Count Juva and his knights wore heavy fur coats, and complimentary fur coats were offered to Ambassador Optim and his cohort.
They arrived at the huge, though shabby marketplace that made up Jaudeaux's central square, and beyond that lay the manors and palaces of the greater nobility. Past that further was the Royal Palace. The carriage stopped just short of it and the group would head inside to meet the Empress of Mille Sessau.
She was quaint, quiet and appealing to the eye, though by Elven standards she would've been nothing but a mere human woman. She nodded faintly at the arrival of the new guests and gave a near whispered " Bonjour .. "
Count Juva explained before the Dwarves could inquire. " The Empress, " he whispered as the three stood before her, " does not speak Common, but rather Old Millean, the language of our forebearers. She is the physical representative of Van Sessau, our savior and deity. " When the Empress' gaze finally turned back to the huge majestic window, Count Juva turned to them.
The dwarves were used to mountain cold and the carriage warded off most of the winters sharp bite. Politely declining the fur cloaks offered the Corporal Rednose joked, "They're far too large, be swallowed whole never to be seen again."
Riding through the city the Corporal marveled at the sheer size of the capitol city. Dwarven cities never sprawled such vast distances, they generally rose higher into the mountain's rock or lower, delving deeper into the rock. Passing the market place the two dwarves were curious. They'd seen market places before but these humans tended to have different wares the dwarves which is what captivated attention.
When they entered the area of the upper society of the city such as the lords and ladies homes large manors built of beautiful stone the two dwarves noticed that many of the buildings although large and well maintained were old. Apparently the Count spoke the truth that his Empire was sorely lacking adequate stone.
When they entered the Royal Palace and meet the Empress of Mille Sessau the Dwarves gave their customary salute. Although their surroundings were new and elegant their attention was on the attractive female. Her beauty reminded the dwarves of their own wives at home, and although she was human even they would have agreed she was pleasant on the eyes. The Ambassador was forced to end his memories of his wife as the Count explained whom the Empress was.
Apparently these humans believed in some gods. An interesting notion in the least, perhaps some dwarves in the republic would appreciate some debates to figure what this deity had to offer. As the Count Juva purposed his offer the Ambassador Optim readily agreed but wished to rectify an additional subject to the trade agreement.
"Count Juva, I find this offer suited for both the Republic as well as the Empire of Mille Sessau, but I must request an additional matter. You mentioned something of religion. We dwarves of Ever-Winter have a free belief of religion and should a suitable human or humans be found that would accept dwarven law regarding religion they would be most welcomed in our Republic. Perhaps it could further enhance our relations?"
-Dwarves find the Trade Agreement Suitable; Ambassador writes it down, the name of the agreement for the Dwarves: Winter Coats for Mountain Stone
-Invites a Human/Humans to the Republic of Ever-Winter as long as they agree to respect the laws of the Republic and be subjected to those laws during their time in the Republic.
" That would be most welcome! I believe a suitable arrangement would be to exchange our map information. In addition, we will give you the cartographical information of the Human kingdom to the west, the Merenaz Caliphate. They hail from the Great Desert and would almost assuredly like to meet you as well! "
The maps were brought forward, one that gave a detailed account of the Empire of Mille Sessau, and another was that of the Merenaz Caliphate. Of course, these maps would only be exchanged if the Republic would give up maps of it's own land.
" Now, we would gladly come to the Republic and spread the word of Mille Sessau! Summon a Priest, and send a rider to one of the Jaudeauxian fiefdoms! Hurry! "
Ambassador Optim and Corporal Redbeard would have to wait only a few hours. Priest Jonas Couroille and Baron Claurieu of the Barony of Claureiu arrived, although not together. Jonas Couroille was a timid looking fellow, somewhat hunched in robes of blue with golden tresses, he had a thick goatee and thin spectacles. Baron Claurieu was of similar stature, except he wore a heavy fur coat and chain mail underneath, the sheath of a broadsword stuck out from underneath the fur cloak.
Count Juva informed them that they would both go with the Dwarves to their mountain city, that Baron Claurieu would learn their customs and act as a representative of Mille Sessau, and that Priest Couroille would begin to teach the word of Van Sessau. Unless Ambassador Optim had further questions, they would depart back to Saint-Mille where they would meet up with the Dwarven guards and begin to head back north through the mountains.
"The desert you say? It is an odd place for your kinsmen to live." Optim stated then added, "It'd be my pleasure to meet these desert kinsmen of yours, these people of Merenaz Caliphate."
The maps brought forth that showed the Empire of Mille Sessau as well as the Merenaz Caliphate were excellent but Ambassador Optim sadly informed, "We'd gladly exchange such information though our own remain with our steeds back at Saint-Mille. If you have a map of the continent I'd gladly show you where the Republic lies until the documents can be retrieved."
Priest Jonas Couroille was the first of the two to arrive and talk with the dwarven ambassador. The human had a goatee, thin spectacles, and was wearing a robe of blue with golden tresses. The human was hunched over. During their talks the ambassador assured the priest that he'd be treated respectfully and there would of course be a grace period of a month or so for him to learn the customs and laws of the dwarves. During this time his transgressions, should any arise, would be forgiven unless they caused dwarves to lose their lives.
When Baron Claurieu of the Barony of Claureiu arrived he was assured the same promise. Before the man left though Rednose stated his intent to join him towards Saint-Mille so he can bring back the book called The Tales of Victor and Magma as well as the maps of the current borders of the Republic of Ever-Winter. The Corporal also informed the escorts to head back home with the Baron Claurieu of the Barony of Claureiu and the Priest Jonas Couroille. They deliver a letter to the Regent regarding the agreements that the Winter Coats for Mountain Stone trade.
-Maps of the Republic's current boundaries and The Tales of Victor and Magma are brought back by Corporal Rednose.
-Escorts leave with the Priest and Baron heading for the Republic with a letter informing the Regent the details of the current trade agreement.