Several dignitaries were invited to Attolia to discuss a certain matter. There was chaos and strife throughout the continent, but a few leaders had proven to be upholders of peace. Emperor Lothair II hoped to bring these leaders together to ensure peace within the continent. Among the first dignitaries to arrive was Her Imperial Majesty Alina Romanovna of the Empire of Rubrus. Lothair II welcomed her with open arms and gave a small, respectful bow to the lady as she entered the palace halls. "It is a pleasure to have your presence here, Empress. I must congratulate you on your wedding, and I must beg your forgiveness for not being able to attend. As you know... things have not been stable in the continent as of late. Regardless, I wish to present to you, my belated gift." With that, Lothair presented the Empress with a fine scroll, covered in velvet to protect the precious contents of the document. "Let us have peace!" Lothair yelled loudly for all in the hall to hear. There was a loud cheer from the attending nobles, administrators and diplomats. Lothair turned to the herald and nodded for him to begin his speech. The Herald cleared his throat and unraveled a scroll that he held. "On this glorious day, the Empire of Attolia and the Empire of Rubrus have signed the Treaty of Attolia. His Holiness, the Father of the Papacy in the Holy Territories, has also received a copy of the treaty and is expected to sign and join the treaty at a future date once the Crusade is concluded. The contents of the treaty are as follows: [i]'In response to the chaos and death spawned by recent times, we have come together on this day to join together in alliance to bring peace and prosperity to the continent and the peoples of Europe. The signing parties agree to the following terms of this treaty and subsequent formation of the Continental Alliance: All parties will come to the aid of any member of the Continental Alliance in the event of aggression conducted against any member or it’s overseas’ interests. In pursuit of this clause, all parties will also agree to yearly joint military exercises to maintain the readiness of our armies and navies. This requirement may be suspended in the event of emergency. All parties will form a common market to encourage and facilitate trade and economic efficiency among member nations. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_market for those not sure what that means) Any nation may request to join the Treaty of Attolia, but on the condition that all current members must agree for the nation to join. All amendments must also be unanimously agreed upon by current members.'[/i] Long live the the Continental Alliance and to our new allies and dearest friends!" With that the Continental Alliance was born between the Empire of Attolia and the Empire of Rubrus with the Holy Territories soon following suit in this grand military and economic alliance. --- While most administrators and diplomats were busy in Attolia, a boat set sail that day for the coasts of the newly founded Caliphate. The diplomat had simple orders. He was to establish initial and friendly relations with the new government and to investigate the current situation of Viponists and non-natives in the region to ensure their safety. After all, the guerilla war that was waged was... vicious and many civilians were targeted in the religious uprising. This would also hopefully provide a foundation for future Attolian interests in the region. Finally, on the other side of the world, the Empire of Attolia instituted something they would never consider doing in Europe. As a show of sovereignty over the region, a new tariff and tax was introduced for all foreign ships and merchants passing through the Strait of Caledonia. The Strait was the busiest strait in the world with most of the Western and Eastern trade passing through the region. Thus, with the Attolian fleet now based nearby at Fort Tian, the Empire of Attolia would begin to exert their control over the waters of this crucial region.