[center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] [center][h1]<>[/h1][/center] [center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] The Emperor prepared for his travels, the color still a concern in his mind. However, that was still secondary to the duty of the Crown; trade relations with any nation was always good, though what Markus had heard of the Isang people’s addiction to some sort of opiate was kind of off putting. Still, it was culture and it was not as if the culture of the Emruenian people didn’t have any off peculiar aspects to it as well. “Mikkel, may I ask a favor of you?” Mikkel was in charge of hand-picking and briefing the men who would escort the Emperor. He turned to look at Markus as he inspected the Escort, the Emperor doing the same with his own Lion’s Corps. “What do you need?” Markus answered curtly, “I need you to wait for me to return before doing anything with the Ambassador.” Mikkel understood why Markus wanted him to wait. Immediately, he nodded in approval. “Men, remember: when you meet the Isang, greet them in the same fashion that we greet all of the people we meet, with respect and honor. Bind your weapons to your backs and bow your heads, show that you mean no harm.” There was a simultaneous reply. [b]“YES,SIR FIELDMARSHAL!”[/b] Mikkel was proud of his soldiers. He was proud of the Army, for the Army itself was disciplined and well mannered, and their discipline reflected in their actions even when they were out of uniform. He was quite impressed with what the Military had accomplished and he was glad he could contribute to this rich history. But before he could grin with elated spirit, Markus gestured for him to turn around, before enclosing him in a hug that could only have come from a brother. “I’ll be back, friend.” He spoke, warmth reflecting regally in his eyes. “As always and without a scratch, brother. The Empire needs both of us, especially in these strange times.” Mikkel replied softly, and with established confidence. Their embrace was brief and meaningful, and then the escort readied themselves for the journey; as per tradition, most of the journey would be made on foot, with the horses being there for the ride home or for hasty escape should there be any trouble. Markus waved goodbye to his friend and began his journey to the southern tip of the peninsula, keeping his mind occupied throughout the journey by pondering what had to be done about the colors. [center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] [center][h1]<>[/h1][/center] [center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] They made good, steady progress moving south, and stopped by the lake path. Gazing beyond, they saw the other side which had been overtaken by the Aureans. Markus clicked his tongue, visibly irked. He had once thought of moving south to take this area, but now the Aureans stood in his way; a pompous, ignorant, and arrogant people. He scoffed at the idea that they could take on the professional disciplined fighting force of Emruen and their battle-hardened commanders. They had a first rate navy to rival that of the professionalism of Emruen’s own, which was adorned with quality weapons and constructed with the best lumber. But at the moment, there was no reason to fall in conflict with them here down south even if tensions were high. Markus would return after his meeting and take the other half of the peninsula for Emruen. Even if the Aureans weren’t currently in hostile relations with Emruen, it still bothered the Emperor to be so close to them. He quickly ordered his men to pack up; he wanted to use the horses to ride away as soon as possible. An engagement against large superior numbers on inferior, exposed, open ground was not a good thing, and watching Mikkel and his battles against petty uprisings and Albians taught him that. He thought a little about the Colors at this point, only to find that it seemed petty to squabble over a little bit of land in these times of uncertainty. At night they took their rest, their camp being kept under the sharp watch by keen-eyed skirmishers, ready to rouse the Emperor to run if times called for it. [center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] [center][h1]<>[/h1][/center] [center]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] They left at the break of the first light of day, their efforts significantly fruitful. As they neared the camp at the southern-most tip of the peninsula, the Emperor and his guard signaled the Isang, and they came out to greet the Emperor. With utmost respect, he and his men performed a greeting that was only done to the people they deemed respectable and honorable enough to receive the greeting. The Emperor lowered himself to one knee, and his men bound their weapons behind their backs using their arms and bowed as a sign of peace, respect, and dignity. Emruen respected these traits, it was these traits that bound them as people. The Trader came out with his guard of warriors to greet the Emruenians. Upon reaching them, the Trader spoke, “The warriors will now issue the challenge. If you move, it is an act of war; if you do not, you come in true peace.” The Emperor did not even flinch, and his men remained with their backs arched respectfully to the ground as the Isang warriors performed the challenge, twirling their weapons between their fingers. The ground shook with their fierce shouts and gestures and the looks they wore on their faces were grim and intimidating, yet Markus and his men stayed still in respect. As the Challenge was coming to an end, one of the warriors came up to one of the guards and shouted war cries in front of him, but the guard with his steeled discipline did not even flinch. The warrior then came back and they all slowly stepped away, ending it with a few rhythmic beats that faded into the trees beyond. “Impressive, Emperor Markus. We have heard much of your people, please, come in.” Their unorthodox greetings left good impressions on both sides, as the Emruenians displayed their discipline, and the Isang their Culture. They walked through the Isang outpost, and there Markus saw how they lived. They first led him through the first section, which was occupied with houses, taverns, inns, and various shops in the market. The place seemed to emit a hundred different scents at the same time; hyacinth, lavender, spices and the smell of savory meat cooking, as well as a dozen more fragrant scents Markus could almost name but never quite did. People rushed past them as they made their way through the packed streets. Thankfully, second hand smoke of the Opiate did not lead to a high. After walking through the first layer, they were then brought through another gate that separated the second and first sections of the town. This section looked to be somewhat of a barracks section. It was full of grains and food stuffs; supplies that could last for months. After being brought through the second section, he was taken through to the treasury section. It was at this point that he realized he had not seen many women before they reached this particular section, and he found it quite strange as it was a week of celebration for the Isang. He considered asking about it, then thought better to ask after the negotiations had been done. The trader stopped as he gestured towards the door. Following closely behind him was his daughter, grey eyes calm and calculating. She was flanked by two guards as they entered the room after the trader, who motioned for Markus to come in. Markus found it difficult to mask his culture shock at how different everything was to Emruen. He stepped into the small room; upon doing so, he found himself in a cozy den, furnished with fine wooden seats and bureaus, heavily adorned with furs and silks. A table made of dark mahogany stood proudly in the middle of the room, with a large map laid out on it. Three of the Emperor's own walked in to accompany the Emperor, and everyone settled themselves into the ornate comfort of the room and began to deliberate on the topics that they planned to discuss in the first place.