[center][h2]The Holy Territories of Edoniras (The HTE)[/h2]

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It was a warm, yet breezy, day in the HTE. The windows to the Pope's office were thrown open and gently the curtains rustled to the blow of the wind. Despite the relative peace, the edge of the cool winter air was already creep in and the Pope was forced to wear a number of layers to remain comfortable. However, it was not his own temperature that lay on the mind of his Holiness. A letter, publicly read, had arrived from the Empire of Attolia begging for aid in a punitive expedition to the East. A land the HTE had long ignored, along with most colonial possessions. The request was proving somewhat puzzling to the Holiest man alive and he was left rapping his knuckles on the hard wood as he chewed on his bottom lip. Alongside the letter was numerous other reports attached, including estimations of cost and travel time. Furthermore, reports from agents in the Three Cities reported the establishment of new defences along every major road in the republic. This news was somewhat more warmly received; imagine the cost! The Pope was giddy at such a simple ploy causing so much expenditure.

On the other side of the desk the latest budget reports were in and they were, whilst slightly more positive than before, not the glowing amounts of income he wished to bring to the nation. But, the religious ceremony was mere days away and would bring with it countless throngs of the faithful from across Europe. The festivities would provide so much levity and joy as well as inject a frightfully large purse of foreign currency to the pockets of the Holy Territories commercially and in increased donations. The speechwriters had been pouring over his mass and finally, with his own discretion, they had produced something he would be proud to announce to the people. 

Lifting a quill and opening a pot of ink the Pope slowly dabbed in the dark liquid and preceded to produce a reply to Emperor Lothair II, taking the time to hand write the response, this being a private missive for the Emperor.

[quote=His Holiness, Pope Invictus XI]Your Highness, your devotion to the Father - our Lord - is admirable and, indeed, you have proven yourself to be a capable and devout ruler. I indeed cannot contain my joy at seeing you soon at the summit to be held. The matter of the poor faithful lost to the East is a tragedy, I will be lighting one hundred candles in the Serene Palace to honour their passing. In regards to support for your venture, I can assure you I will mobilise a flotilla to join your own punitive raid and God will go with you into the land of the heathens, bringing with it the fiery arm of smite down upon those who would dare do harm to the home of our shield. 

However, expenditure in the HTE is rising and travel across the world is an expensive diversion from current problems closer to our homes. If I can be assured a quantity of the spoils, to display proudly and use to fund such support then, with God as my witness, I can make total promise that the finest aid will be forthcoming swiftly.[/quote]