[center][i]A collab between Cyclone, Isotope, and Sigma[/i]
[h3]The Grand Commonwealth of Moravia[/h3]
Twelve Days ago...
January 25, 1940,
[/center]

The howl of the wild wind, din of cogs and machinery, and steady chugging of the airship's engine all came together as one melodic cacophony for Imperator Geddon's ears. The dwarf stood atop the deck of a spacious, commercial-class luxury airship. Airships in general had not taken off in the Commonwealth near so much as they had in other countries, maybe because of the excellent railroad system or the fact that the nation had no true overseas holdings. In any case, gnomish airships certainly existed, but they were not a common sight and almost exclusively manufactured for the military.

Still, on a whim Geddon had managed to pull the necessary strings to get this new toy of his. It was of foreign making, one of Avalia's more expensive and better built airships. Naturally procuring such a thing was complicated due to the poor trade relations between Avalia and Moravia, but with enough money and a few contacts anything was possible. His people had contacted some elven lord and acquired this second-hand airship from him, if the dwarf recalled correctly. It had cost a pretty penny, but then again, what good was money if it couldn't buy nice things?

Still taking in the novelty of his new private flying machine, he strolled onto the top deck with a pair of binoculars to enjoy the views below. Heading from the coastal regions of Moravia further inland towards Capua, they were soaring over verdant green hills, mighty rivers with their sapphire waters shimmering in the afternoon sun, and even the occasional ruins of a castle or ancient town.

[img]http://img08.deviantart.net/18de/i/2012/308/0/4/steampunk_dwarf_color_by_hrvojesilic-d5jzzn6.jpg[/img]

After some time, he heard the sound of a gnome's light but fleet footsteps against the deck. He didn't turn, thinking it just another one of the crewmen, but then he heard the all-too familiar voice of Mechgineer-General Whitefuse, as well as the usual griping that accompanied the gnome's presence.

"I have to wonder how it is that the Avalians manage to make their coffee in the mornings! One must be amazed at how their airships can even lift off the ground! This floating hunk of metal looks more hazardous and poorly built every time I blink, Imperator! I took the liberty of inspecting the engine room, and the gyro technology is outdated, the boilers have an issue with..."

Geddon sighed as he suffered through the gnome's ranting, knowing better than to interrupt him lest he start an argument that would keep that insufferable voice going on for another hour. The gnome was important enough to the Moravian Air Force and weapons research programs to warrant some respect, hence why Geddon hadn't snapped his neck by now, but that didn't mean that Geddon liked him.

Only a few more hours before they would land on the airstrip on the outskirts of Capua, Geddon thought to himself as he suddenly wanted nothing more than for this journey to be over. It was amazing how quickly the talk of gnomish engineer could turn a relaxing trip into torture.

[center]~==--==--==~[/center]

After the harrowing flight it was with a sigh of relief that Aron Meste found his way down the stairs that led from the plane and onto the solid and static land of the tarmac.  As he took a moment to breath he reflected that for most flying was an inspiring and often eye opening experience, a sentiment that at least in part he agreed with.  Yes flying certainly [i]inspired[/i] terror, though he imagined his eyes were clamped shut for the majority of his voyage.

He occasionally wondered if Admiral Spren sent him on these trips as some sort of cruel and unusual practical joke, given only the high admiral truly knew how much Aron despised aircraft.  As an admiral himself he was aware of the military benefit and was well antiquated with the integration of aerial forces into the fleet, but that didn't make the damned metal deathtraps any less unnatural nor did it change the fact their movements constantly threatened the integrity of his stomach.

With a hushed curse towards Spren and his sick jokes Aron straightened out his uniform and loosening his grip set the cap in his hand back onto his head.  He had been told there would be a wait but from the looks of it the Imperator's curious airship was already nearing its mooring tower and Aron had to admit he was morbidly curious about the things, in part due to his suspicion they were a great deal less stressful than their winged brethren.  Looking back to the tarmac he realized that the ambassadors antique car was already waiting for him.

As he made his way to the car one of the back doors opened and the portly ambassador beckoned him in with one hand, the other no doubt on a sandwich.  Once Aron was in the seat he pulled the side door in and nodded to the ambassador as the car started moving, “My thanks for coming Hese, I hear you're quite the busy man these days.”

Finishing whatever he had been eating with a lick of his fingers Hese chuckled, “You know I'd come at the drop of a hat if it was for you Aron, you are my brother after all.  Speaking of, how is mother these days?  Has the move improved her condition?”

“Somewhat,” Aron spoke discouragingly, “I fear that while the cough lessens the damage is done.  Moving her back to the old estate in the country was the right move, but we may have been too late.  I am loathe to admit it, but so long as she remains weak I cannot see her lasting another year.  Not that she despairs of course, but even I can see she hides the truth behind her smiles.”

With a downcast look Hese sighed, “We always knew that may have been the case Aron, though I wish you'd come with better news so we could speak to the Imperator with some peace of mind.”

With a look out the window Hese continued, “We shall speak more of this later, but for the moment personal affairs may wait.  We're at the checkpoint, from here on the soldiers will escort us to the meeting hall.  I'd make a note to inform them of your sword.”

Aron nodded and putting on an impassive look opened the car window for the approaching soldier and greeted their escorts.  The hotel  and the meeting was a short drive away, and there was much to be done when they arrived.

[center]~==--==--==~[/center]

The rather extended trip from Izuno to the Capital City of Moravia was both relaxing and exhausting for Ishida Hoshi, Admiral of the Fifth Fleet, suffering from what one might say...an "environmental" jet lag. After all, it isn't often a Zensensashi to leave the comforts of the cold weather, much to the shock for a none-zensen to hear no doubt. It is not uncommon for his people to venture as far as he has, their close relationship with the Moravian Commonwealth a testament of their willingness and openness.

But that doesn't he can be fond of the rather drastic change of temperature, however, the beautiful and serene landscape that was Capua was just about worth the trip and and tolerated the weather for now, this meeting was after all vastly more important then his comfort.

Ishida's plane had just arrived and slowly made it's descent onto the landing strip, slowing down to a complete stop as he finally reached his destination. Before the Admiral could even take one step, a small cadre of eight Ashigaru warriors marched down the stairs, their unit splitting in two lines as they awaited for the Admiral's arrival. Shortly after they departed the plane, a convoy of Moravian designed automobiles quickly approached the plane, two military jeeps and in between them was a black car carrying the Iunzo Flags on the front. The convoy came to a stop, the Izunese Ambassador to Moravia, a well-dressed human emerged from the side door of the center vehicle, walking towards the plane. 

Before long, Ishida stepped out of the plane and was met with the furious glare of the sun, the heat becoming worse then it was in the plane. He shielded his eyes from the sun's glare, and stepped cautiously down the stairs, passing by his guards as they stood in attention and was met by the well-dressed man. "Admiral Hoshi!" he exclaimed, raising his arms in excitement right after a respectful bow. "Welcome to Capua! It's a honor to be in the presence of a distinguished man such as yourself!"

Ishida bowed back to the Ambassador. "The honor is mine, Ambassador Tash." He replied. 

"Thank very much, I do what I can!" he replied happily. "I do however apologize to rush the pleasantries, sir, but we must be on our way, the Imperator is waiting."

Ishida nodded to Tash. "Yes, of course, lead the way." Before the two leave, the admiral looks back to his guards, pointing to one pair of humans. "You two shall accompany us." he pauses, looking to the others. "The rest of you are to await my return in the Embassy."

"Yessir!" They all replied in unison, the two guards leaving with the Izunese Delegates, while the rest were climbing onto the escort jeeps as they made their return to the city. The Ambassador's car speeding towards the Airport. For the short while they were in the vehicle, the Admiral took in the sight, looking to the distant landscape. "Beautiful isn't it?" The Ambassador asked. "Truly a site to behold compared to back home....no offense of course, I do miss it quite dearly."

"No, you are correct." The Admiral replied. "One can tire of the dreary winters, this is something of a pleasant change, excluding the weather that is."

A pause fell into the car as they approached close to their destination, the Admiral thinking about the Meeting ahead and it's results, the weapons to come forth from this meeting could turn the tide of the war against the False Empire, all it'll take is time, and patience.

[center]~==--==--==~[/center]

"They should be arriving any minute now, Imperator," an attendant informed Geddon, the dwarf having arrived to the conference site early as befitted the host.

The dwarf stood to his feet and walked over to the great glass pane that was both a window and half of the wall. Gazing outwards, he could see the cars outside. The distinct, antique car of the familiar Verenden ambassador was pulling in, as well as another unassuming vehicle of Moravian build. That one would be the Izunese admiral Ishida, the dwarf reasoned.

While the other two nations' delegates found their way into the lobby and were escorted to the meeting room in the upper reaches of a skyscraper, the entire hotel building having been rented out for the purposes of this meeting, Geddon and the several other Moravians present began to talk amongst themselves. A few cigars were lit, much to the distaste of Mechgineer-General Whitefuse. The gnome professed indignity at having to tolerate the tobacco's smell, and so the other begrudgingly put out the cigars. It would not do well to rile up the gnome during the talks.

Otherwise present amongst the Moravian representatives were several major officers of all branches of the armed forces and a few important figures in the intelligence agencies. In other rooms of the hotel waited more than a dozen different engineers and scientists, all ready to present various schematics and technical plans when summoned. Overall, the Moravian attendees were both far more numerous and diverse in appearance than those of Izuno and Verendes; there were a dozen individuals present, with gnome, dwarf, Morav, and even one Machakan represented amongst the mix.

It would be a long day, but hopefully a productive one. That hope would be enough to see Geddon through this. A security guard entered the room and announced that the delegates would enter imminently, and so all the Moravians stood to their feet and prepared to greet their guests. Geddon shot a look towards Whitefuse, the glare in his eye saying all. The gnome could not be allowed to commit some sort of diplomatic faux pas.

[center]~==--==--==~[/center]

Ishida and the rest of the Izunese Delegates, the Ambassador, and a small entourage of Izunese scientists, engineers and military officers, all of whom had arrived beforehand to later meet up with the Admiral, along with bringing their own set of schematics and plans as arranged. The Delegates soon scattering as they said their hellos and took their seats on the Izunese portion of the conference table, all the while the Admiral and Ambassador approached Imperator Geddon, Ishida moving forward of tash and extending his hand towards the dwarf. "A good afternoon to you Imperator." Ishida said, with a light grin. "My thanks in taking the time in arranging this conference, I pray that fortune and the gods smile upon us in this meeting's aftermath." 

Geddon moved to meet the admiral and take his hand with his signature uncomfortably tight grip. His dress and wording may have been formal, yet for all the warmth outside the Imperator's demeanor was icy. "My salutations," the dwarf answered. Though Ishida might not have even noticed, the air amongst the Moravian delegates grew tense the moment that the Izunese man made mention to 'gods'. They did, after all, only believe in one true god. Geddon however retained a cool demeanor; he was not an overly religious or prickly person like some of the others, and what did these people expect an Izunese man to say?

Geddon took a moment to introduce each of the Moravians present, one by one. There was Mechgineer-General Whitefuse, the tiny gnome not even four feet tall but his research and inventions in the fields of aviation and armored vehicles made him famous throughout the world. There was a man introduced as Director Warren, one of the masterminds behind the Commonwealth's intelligence agency. The biggest surprise would come in form of the youngest attendee; a seemingly ordinary fifteen year old that was casually introduced as Anton Thaurrisan, the Caesar's son and most likely successor for rule over Moravia. It would seem that the boy had grand ambitions just like his father.

With the meager formalities quickly finished and the introductions done, the Moravians moved to their area of the room. A massive table dominated the room, with the back end having Moravia's iconic banner of the lion placed behind it. The other two nations were each given their own side, represented by their own colors. The fourth side of the square table had clerks already furiously at work recording what was said, as well as servers and pitchers of some drink. In what would doubtless be to the disappointment of the other nations further along the talks, the drinks were not alcoholic.

[center]~==--==--==~[/center]

After arriving at the hotel Aron had spent some time in talks with those present of the many Verenden officers and engineers that had been stationed in Moravia, unfortunately at the cost of his small party being the last to march through the conference rooms doors.  In most cases he reasoned a price could not be put on punctuality, but today Aron was willing to make the sacrifice.  After all only so much could be ascertained from reports and given the momentus nature of the meeting ahead only a fool would walk in without knowing all their cards.

It was with those cards in mind that he put on a smile and greeted Geddon with an outstretched hand much as Ishida had done earlier, “Imperator, excellent having the chance to meet you after hearing so much from my men.”

With a look around and an interested glance towards the Caesar's son Aron continued, “It seems we're all gathered then, shall we begin?”

The light banter that had taken place during the prolonged wait subsided, and the Moravians once again were at their feet to greet the foreigners and introduce themselves. Geddon similarly took Aron's hand with a firm grip, albeit this time consciously. He was not pleased that the Verendens had thought themselves so important as to make the others wait on them, though he attempted to stifle these thoughts from creeping into his expression or tone. He was a calm and rational enough mind when it came to negotiations; else Thaurissan might have sent some pompous fool of a magistrate to lead these negotiations and talks. Still, his words might have betrayed him.

"Indeed, we must begin. Time is ever so precious..." the Imperator answered. With a gesture towards the empty seats reserved for the Verendens, he continued, "Please."

Once all were seated, he began, "Esteemed friends, I would bid you all a warm welcome to Capua. The Commonwealth is grateful for your attendance and a wonderful opportunity for a great many mutually beneficial things to come out of these talks. First on our agenda  would be plain and open talk about relations. As you know," the dwarf said, briefly glancing between the two sides of the table, "both the Kingdom of Verendes and the Shogunate of Izuno share an ally in the Commonwealth."

A small smile crept onto Geddon's normally implaccable face. In his business-like manner, he continued, "The next step, then, is of course to establish relations directly between Verendes and Izuno. Doing so can only solidify our mutual power, and forming such a bloc would be a fitting means of keeping the Kataylan and Avalian threats in check. In the face of those issues as well as a growing need for industrialization to expand and maintain our global influence, it is only logical that we begin to trade resources and technologies on a scale greater than ever before.

So, our first proposal: the two of you will agree here to establish embassies with one another, or at least petition your governments to do so if you do not act with that authority. The Commonwealth has already declared its friendship towards Verendes to the public and recognized the Shogunate's sovereignty and claims over Fuso. To cement a base of good relations, as much would be required between the two of your nations as well."

Hushed whispers dominated the Verenden side for a time before Hese finally perked up and silenced them with a wave.  With a nod from Aron he started, "I must find myself in agreement with many of your points Imperator, as you say the next logical step is undoubtedly formal relations between my nation and the Shogunate.  Indeed, Verendes recognizes both the utility and strategic benefit that you speak of in a closer relationship between our three nations, and necessity of recognizing Izuno's sovereignty.  So to that end the establishment of sanctioned embassies and recognition of Izuno as a nation state is certainly something that can be done, and something I have been granted the authority to agree to for the duration of these proceedings.”

Hese paused for a moment and drummed his pudgy fingers on the table, “However, it must be noted that your Commonwealth has been at greater liberty to support the claims of Izuno.  While I have the authority to recognize the sovereign nature of Izuno here, what I lack is the power to legitimize the Izunoese claim over Fuso in the eyes of my government.  As a matter directly concerning the national security of our northern colonies it is something that that must be brought before the parliament.  That said, I do see the potential for value in such a recognition by my government and will ensure the issue is considered.”

The Moravian side of the table was quiet while the others whispered to themselves. When the Verendens offered an answer, Geddon nodded and then glanced towards the Izunese to gauge their reaction and see how they would respond to the proposal.

"We see plenty of benefits in cementing relations with Verendes via Embassies." Ambassador Tash replied, met by approving nods by the Admiral and other members of the Izunese delegation. "After all, an Ally of Moraiva is an Ally of Izuno." Tash paused a moment as he cleared his throat. "As for our claim to the Fuso Isles..such an issue can be discussed much later in the future. It pains my heart knowing Verendes' stance on the issue will put her colonial citizens at much risk." He paused once more. "And as such, it is not a priority at the moment, best left for when we all of course are in a much more....advantageous position."

"Taking the stance publicly could indeed pose problems, and prompt our rivals to seek closer relations themselves. There is merit in coming to agreement now, but not acting or speaking upon it for some time. Which brings me to my next proposal..."

On cue as if rehearsed, an attendee of one of the Moravian admirals called in several engineers and naval scientists, each of them carrying portfolios filled with maps, schematics, and detailed plans. "I am not so naive as to think that the world is unaware of our shipyards and supposedly secret naval projects, or the Commonwealth's ambition to create a fleet that could make its influence over the seas as thorough as its power over the land. However, you might not have known the full extent of those projects."

Several of them began to go through brief presentations and showings of prototypes for potential aircraft carriers, dreadnoughts, and even amphibious assault ships. Signature dwarven, gnomish, and more familiar human technologies were merged in those schematics to create some sort of bastard product that was near impossible to discern, being nothing like what already existed. Still, it was all impressive, even if the feasibility of some parts was questionable. Beyond that, in a display of trust one of the admirals outright showed maps of the Moravian naval facilities and read a few recent reports on various projects, to demonstrate the progress that was already underway.

The Military portion of the Izunese delegation, Ishida being no exception, were quite impressed by the designs presented to them by the Moravians, the formerly landlocked nation now pursuing a rather ambitious project for their new navy. However, the Moravians wouldn't be the only ones of course to dabble in experimental designs. For a good number of years, the Izunese had worked behind the scenes for a new weapon that may tip the balance in the war against the False Empire of Fuso. Despite the generous aid by the Ceresian Empire in supplying ships, the Shogunate has had great difficulty in breaking through the Fusan Defensive lines, going deeper into their Empire, and were eventually beaten back.

This new weapon may perhaps finally be the answer for the True Inheritors of the Empire. Wielding over the power of the Gods themselves, lightning. To make this weapon a reality, better equipped shipyards and superior materials are necessary. 

Soon the Izunese followed suit in presenting their own future plans for the military. Their own engineers and scientists pulling out portfolios for various weapons and even blueprints for what appears to be a bulky war machine of humanoid shape. However, Ishida and the rest of the delegation had a focus for one particular blueprint, Spherical objects which were titled "Storm Caller". The Admiral then stood up to bring it to the attention of all. "For years, our Government has worked tirelessly in the creation of these weapons which we have identified as "Storm Caller", a device of great power that generates and focus' the fury of the gods themselves in a focused beam of light." He paused, scanning his surroundings of all the eyes laid upon him. 

"We have yet to aquire a working prototype unfortunately...and for this conference, If our allies are willing, the Storm Caller Project would be based in Moravia. With your industry and materials, we may yet reach our goal in producing this weapon and with it, vessels and war machines capable of wielding it."

While he carefully considered what the Izunese said, he left those with more technological knowledge to examine their schematics thoroughly. About every minute Whitefuse had been bursting at the seams looking like he wanted to say (or rather, criticize or complain about) something, but each time a glare silenced him. Geddon eyed the Verendens, gauging their reactions throughout. He had not yet mentioned their secret involvement to the Izunese, and he was cautious to not do so in a way that would breach their trust, but at the same time the Izunese would have to become aware of the existing deal at some point. How could they be invited to join a partnership that they didn't even know to exist?

Aron caught the Imperators gaze and nodded, it had been clear the Moravians intended to bring Izuno into the partnership since the moment the conference was proposed, and it was not a notion the Verenden navy was adverse to.  The additional technical expertise of another seafaring nation was valuable, doubly so if the weapon the Ishida spoke of was what Aron imagined it was behind the religious rhetoric.

Running his thumb along the rim of his glass Aron eyed the Izunese delegation and spoke up himself, “A very interesting proposal indeed Admiral Ishida.  Though before we progress further I do believe it necessary to disclose the nature of my nations current partnership with Moravia.  You see for all their ambition and strength, or perhaps because of it, our common allies came to an unfortunate conclusion when they first set their sights on the open waves: they lacked the experience and technical ability necessary to seriously contest them.”

With a soft smile Aron continued, “Of course you would never imagine that was the case from the plans that have been presented to us, and I humbly suggest that the tireless efforts of my countrymen are responsible for that.  From the moment that first problematic reality became clear to our Commonwealth allies my nation offered its aid, and for several years now we have sought to ensure that Moravia, and indeed now this burgeoning alliance, make their debut under the shadow of none.”


After the presentations continued for some time, Geddon finally spoke again, "Indeed. Drawing schematics alone yields nothing; it is only with Verenden expertise that we have been able to refine our models and accelerate the development of new and working shipbuilding techniques. But equally, you will know from the maps and statistics that we have shown that we have been able to pour endless resources and manpower into these projects, working on a scale that even the most industrialized of other nations would be hard pressed to compete with.

So yes," Geddon continued, glancing towards some of the naval engineers and admirals on the Moravian panel, many of whom were still somewhat engrossed in the pictures and schematics of the Storm Caller Project. He looked towards the Izunese delegates and  addressed them, "we would be glad to assist you in this Storm Caller Project. But I would take this one step further, with an even greater proposal: Izuno should join with our Joint Naval-Development Project, as a full-fledged partner and supporter. Let us be frank with one another, Ishida; Fuso and the Kataylans both have a great technological advantage over you, and if you wish to defend your shores you will need to close this gap. This partnership is the best means of doing just that; by joining together the most skilled hands and most brilliant minds of our three nations, we will be able to modernize and expand our naval forces rapidly."

Ishida nodded to Geddon in agreement. "You aren't wrong, Imperator. For generations our conflict has waged, and we unfortunately haven't much progress in the matter. Our enemy, the False Emperor's bloodline has had the technological advantage over us. And despite our best of efforts...we fail to gain a foothold...."  He paused as he took a deep breath. "And as such, I, and no doubt even the True Emperor and all of the Shogunate will be most honored to join your Pact, together we can...no we [i]will[/i] accomplish many great things!"

A smile suddenly erupted across Geddon's normally immutable face. "Indeed, much progress will come out of this partnership to our mutual benefit. It is likewise an honor to accept you into this pact." Servants came carrying drinks of tea, water, various juices, and now even some alcohol (albeit weak). Geddon accepted a glass of something and raised it, saying, "To a lasting and profitable agreement!" Already clerks were writing down the details of this agreement into a treatise for the delegates to later sign, but in the meantime, there were other topics to venture into.

Now turning towards the Verendens, Geddon went on, "But beyond mere cooperation  with trade of raw technology, it is also prudent to share knowledge in a  more general form. Specifically, you will know that the Moravian people  have never been known as seafarers. We lack a maritime culture, and  that carries the problem of us lacking any skilled marines, admirals,  navigators, captains...Ships will do us no good without skilled sailors.  For these reasons, we find it necessary to ask that the Kingdom of  Verendes open her naval academies to Moravians in greater volumes that  ever before. We recognize that trying to train an entire navy is a  daunting task; and so in exchange for your aid in that matter, we would  be willing to return the favor in kind, should you have a proposal."

That long spiel done, Geddon relaxed back into his seat a bit more and waited for an answer.

Arons toothless smile transitioned into a grin as he heard the Imperators proposal, though it may have upset the Moravians some, his brief discussion before the conference had certainly yielded fruit.  He'd been lucky enough to learn the Imperator was likely to request an increase in the number of Moravian trainees, and as a result Aron had been able to rush a call to the high admiral, one that had allowed him authority to suggest an idea of his own.  His hand ceased the robotic tracing of his cups rim as he spoke, “Its certainly a prudent idea Imperator, but that said while our current academies have been able to take trainees at the previously agreed rate many more could result in overcrowding and an increase in unfortunate clashes of culture we have seen on occasion.  So it is with this in mind I do have a proposal for you, Imperator.”

Aron revealed a small contract he'd had hastily drafted and still grinning handed it to the Moravian side of the table, “With your consent we would like to establish a vast new joint academy not only fit for the immense number of recruits your navy is sure to see over the next few years, but one staffed with our finest officers.  I have a location on the Verenden coast in mind, and if you agree we could break ground within the week and have the first facilities operable in a months time.  Even more, a month after that with your aid in construction I imagine we could be finished the main base and prepared for further expansion.”

Taking a sip of his drink Aron finished, “So Imperator, what say you?”

The Moravians whispered to themselves for a short time about this. Doubtless the Verendens wanted to only segregate the nationalities of their cadets, so as to prevent their own people from being a minority in their schools. It wasn't ideal, but it was an understandable position; what made the deal acceptable was the promise to have actual naval officers as staff. That would ensure that the Moravian cadets were given a training on par with what they were currently receiving, so it was an acceptable state of affairs.

The Imperator at last gave his answer. "A robust plan. I'll sign an executive order to have the Commonwealth handle its share of the costs and lend its aid in construction." The contract was passed down the length of the moravian table, each man glancing over it before passing it on, until it reached Geddon. The dwarf quickly read through it before scrawling his signature. An attendant stamped the Moravian seal onto the paper to make the thing officially approved, and that was all that there was to ratifying it on the Moravian side; perhaps this glimpse of autocracy would seem strange to the Verendens with their own parliament being so much weaker than the Moravian magistrate.

"This will be welcome news for many of our young minds. One sits right before you," Geddon said, looking towards the quiet Anton Thaurissan with the smallest hint of warmth on his stony face. "Master Anton has expressed interest in receiving a military education just as his father once had." Anton gave a small smile and was met with approving nods from the Moravian delegates. The attention unnerved him slightly, but he didn't flinch from it, and the conversation soon moved on while he was forgotten once more. Silently, the boy listened.

For the next few hours the meeting progressed much as before, proposals were made by all sides, agreements were reached on all manner of technologies, and trade deals were cemented. As all the assembled began to tire it became clear the conference was nearing a point of some importance as discussion among the Moravian delegation reached a high point before the gnome burst out, "I'm hungry!" Without warning, half the delegation erupted into laughter, especially after the gnome pulled out a dried orange from the lunchbox that had supposedly been his suitcase full of important schematics and papers. He looked up, seemingly confused at what the tumult was about. After swallowing a piece of orange, his tiny hands reached back into the lunchbox and found a fried mango.

With a chuckle at the sudden break in the tense atmosphere of anticipation Aron opined, "Perhaps we should recess for today, I must say my stomach is feeling rather empty as well.  We can finish our discussion another day."

As it was whatever the Moravians may have meant to say Aron was somewhat relieved he needn't fret over its implications today.  There had been enough discussed for him to worry over, and there was much more yet to be done.