[b][center]Holy Palace of the Gu'Shedal, Capital District, Manram[/center][/b] "So, the stories are true. Marmon must be poor if its King wears a crown of bronze," came a voice from behind Jim. It was Alurar, who had noticed the man while he was mingled and had heard his claim to be King of Marmon. And since Marmon was Hanartha's southern neighbour, he figured it only proper to introduce himself. "Prince Alurar of the royal House Byakha, nephew of Grand Prince Napizzi Alar," he said straight-faced, extending his hand out to the so-called King. --- "So you know Marmon's King?" Asurar said to William, having been at eating at the table, and had noticed the two exchanging looks and had seen William's thumbs-up to the 'King'. At present Asurar was as busy stuffing his face full of food as William was, though he at least swallowed the food before it managed to puff out his cheeks. After all, he was a Prince and it was hardly appropriate to eat like a starving peasant. "He seems like an interesting person," Asurar continued, then realized he hadn't introduced himself, "Oh, I'm Prince Asurar of Hanartha." ------ [b][center]Oth, Hanartha[/b][/center] "How is this even possible? Marmon is a weak nation ruled by a weak King!" Napizzi Alar said angrily. Hanartha's Grand Prince was currently pacing back and forth in the quarters that Govern Xisuki had set aside for him in his palace. While not as lavish as his personal rooms in Ulzscath it was still opulent and ornate, much like the rest of the Governor's palace. Xisuki was appointed governor of Hanartha's entire Western coastline, so almost all of the trade from the West went through his cities, and Xisuki had a taste of the extravagant. "They may be weak, but the free villages they seem to desire to subjugate are small and divided. Easy prey for even a weak predator," Xisuki said, his massive form reclining in one of the room's chairs. The Governor was, to put it simply, a fat man; his body spilled out over the seat of his chair and his bodily jiggled with every step he took. When he bothered to actually walk and not be carried around in a litter, that is. He was currently dressed in the finest fabrics he could afford and bedecked with jewels and precious metals. It was rather unnecessary really, since Xisuki and Napizzi were currently alone and having a private conversation. "That is true. But one has to wonder how long it is before they grow too bold," Napizzi said. "So you fear they will attack us?" Xisuki asked. Napizzi gave a questioning look at his friend, "You do not?" "Of course I do, I was simply seeing if you shared the sentiment," Xisuki replied with a shrug that made his entire body shake, "After all, bandits from Marmon already try and raid the towns of the Finger. If Marmon grows too bold, they may see the Finger as, at the very least, a tempting target." "And I would make them pay with their blood if they try and take it from us," Napizzi replied, his voice hard and full of cold anger, "And then, when I smash their weak armies I would march on their capital, and burn it to the ground and smash their weakling King's castle to the ground." "Just like your ancestor did once he defeated the other Princes and became ruler of a united Hanartha?" Xisuki said, referencing the first Grand Prince's complete destruction of his rivals' capitals. "Yes, except I have no desire to rule that cesspit of a Kingdom," Napizzi said, "I would simply make them pay for trying to being the hanarth under their yoke." "True, but you are getting awfully worked up over this," Xisuki said, "We are only talking hypotheticals here. Marmon may just decide to leave us alone; they may be wise." "They may also be foolhardy, as many Kings drunk on the power of petty victories have been before," Napizzi replied. "So what do you plan to do about it?" "Well the letter I received said that the Warden of the East was already drawing more men South into the Finger and along the new border. Which is exactly as I would have had him do," Napizzi said, finally ceasing to pace and sitting down on his bed, "But he had his own opinions to share about what further to do." "You speak of the proposed alliance with Manas," Xisuki said, "It sounds like a wonderful idea to me. After all, we may both fall under Marmon's eye for conquest." Napizzi nodded his head, "Well we seem to be in agreement here. You do not mind if I use some of your men to deliver the message, do you?" Xisuki simply waved his hand, "Of course not. And even if I did you are still my Grand Prince and I would do as you ask." Napizzi nodded his head, "Good. Now it is getting late; I'll send the message in the morning." Xisuki nodded his head before standing up from his chair, thought it was with some difficulty, "Of course, I shall see you in the morning. I look forward to seeing you at the festivities." "As do I, it is a welcome diversion from ruling the realm," Napizzi said, "And all this talk of war is depressing, certainly not what should be consuming our thoughts; we're here to celebrate your sister's daughters." "And I give only the best for my family and my friends," Xisuki said, a hint of pride in his voice as he said so. "You always had, for as long as I've known you," Napizzi said with a soft chuckle, then he sighed, "Good night, Xisuki." "Good night, my friend." --- In the morning, a group of men were dispatched from Oth to travel South into Manas. Though they were disappointed at missing the festivities, as Governor Xisuki had held a city-wise celebration, they knew their duties and their current mission was on the orders of not the Governor, but the Grand Prince themselves. They were to travel to the Suthron Kingdom of Manas and deliver a message. And not just any message, but one offering an alliance between the two nations in the face of possible Marmon aggression. And the Grand Prince was certain that Manas would see reason and accept the offer. But first, the group of ten armed and armoured men had to ride South and reach Manas.