[center][h1]The Saa’kaleed Abiat[/h1]
[h3]The audience chamber of the Rea-Abi, one hour after sunrise…[/h3]
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[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/8254/8620189163_bd425d9693_b.jpg[/img][/center]
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[color=39b54a]”...that they are granted the honour of being invited to the inauguration ceremony of crown prince Rakon-Da.” [/color] A titter of hissing laughter erupted from the circle of lizardfolk sitting atop the great plush cushions and stools of the private audience chamber. Only the Rea-Abi sat atop a chair - a plush stool of lacquered wood inlaid with gems and gold leaf - and only he refrained from revealing his thoughts as he absorbed the rest of the letter in serene silence. [color=39b54a]”Yours sincerely, Drokon-Al, Steward of Arkron.”[/color] The orator finished, lowering the letter and darting his eyes between the other council members present. [color=39b54a]”The king is dead, long live the king. Perhaps our new overlord will not be quite so unbearable in his demands of us.”[/color] A further chorus, this time of ardent support from a number of the Sa’kaleed who clearly shared this sentiment. [color=39b54a]”And, perhaps, we might finally broach the subject of how exactly we might extricate ourselves from the bonds of this incessant web.”[/color] Further support was voiced, louder this time, though opposition finally found its expression.

[color=c4df9b]”And perhaps whilst we are at it we might also ask the Arkronian advice on how best to counter their forces and if they would be so kind as to give us their navy. Please, Kasim Mul’rahh, allow wiser and more venerable minds to advise the Rea-Abi whilst you and your cohorts return your attentions to more immediate matters. This is no time for childish suggestions.”[/color] The put down, worded calmly drew guffaws of anger and muttered insults from the younger advisor. Before long heated debate became an argument, the room fell into a shouting contest, and all the while, sitting stoically on his stool, the Rea-Abi watched and considered. [color=39b54a]”You speak of wisdom, Faisal Hassan, but I would wager your experience has not grown since the last rebellion.”[/color] Kasim said, voice dripping in menace.

[color=c4df9b]”At least I have a war to remember, do not think yourself so big now I could not beat you.”[/color] The threat was given coldly, and the shouting intensified. Suddenly there was a loud tapping sound as the Rea-Abi landed the butt of a staff onto the stone floor and everyone turned to see what he had to say.

[color=007236]”Brothers argue; old and young, quick and slow, wise and foolish, you debate like hounds in the desert over the last scraps of meat. There can be response without peace, peace amongst you and peace with what I must say.”[/color] The others, bowing their heads, muttered the single veneration together. Haka Marea. Peace to the Father. With order restored, the Rea-Abi continued. [color=007236]”There is no question of acquiescing to the will of this dictat. We will send an embassy and they will arrive in the fullest intention of renewing our vows to the Arkronian crown. To do otherwise would be death for our people and punishment by the cowards across the continent who no longer value their freedom.”[/color] The younger Sa’kaleed who had voiced opposition to this position earlier raised his eyes as if to counter this response, but thought better and bowed his head again. [color=007236]”I will lead the embassy personally, anything less would be considered an affront. And it would be good to speak with those who still hold true to the bonds of blood that bound us all those summers ago.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]”Then I wish to accompany you!”[/color] The youth blurted out, rising to his haunches and looking up. 

[color=007236]”As you shall, Kasim, for you should see what shores outside of the Leed really look like. Perhaps you might learn some patience.”[/color] The younger courtier sat down again, rebuffed yet honoured in a single stroke. [color=007236]”Meanwhile the Vizier will be seeing if he still has the spine you claim he has lost.”[/color] A ripple of lighthearted laughter. [color=007236]”The time has come, once again, to send our demands to the Aegire that they relinquish their claims to the island of Ikesh. I imagine, as usual, this will result in the same drawn out talks. But, if we fail to raise the issue once again we will be implying that our own demands no longer matter. A thankless task, Faisal, but one I am certain you will manage effectively.”[/color] The coy knowing smile on the Rea-Abi’s lips told the elder lizardman to expect the most boorish of assignments.

[color=c4df9b]”I serve at your pleasure, Aram Sallah, Rea Abi. May we find success in this venture where others before have failed.”[/color]

[color=007236]”You fail to mention the number of years you and I have spent working on this exact issue together, it does not befit a good Abi to ignore his own failings. I simply wish to see if any advantage may be eked out of our timing. In any case, I shall have an exact list of those joining me drawn up by midday, and we will be leaving as soon as the proper preparations can be made. I believe a route north would serve us best, Kasim, I have an important assignment for you prior to our main departure.”[/color] And so it was, that same evening, that Kasim Mul’rahh - Makr’a’aar to the Rea-Abi - left along the main highway in an attempt to head north and then follow the main roads towards the Yuravian Confederacy. A missive in his possession for the Gardinâ and hope that he could reach a representative before their embassy left. Far more lethargically, intended to arrive after the main procession from the Aegire Oligarchy had departed, a formal attache requested to bring to the attention of the remaining authorities a timely request. A number of days later a much larger procession emerged from the capital, making a swift and relatively underwhelming march north and towards the grand highways that would lead to the capital of the continent. The Basa, long having lived exclusively to the desert climate of the Leed would ride once again.  Not for battle, but for veneration. A corps of advisors followed the Rea-Abi as he led the way, accompanied by a family of his closest guardians. 
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[hider=A Missive for the Gardinâ]
Greetings and glad tidings,
It has come to the attention of the Rea-Abi that there is to be a gathering of all the nations at Akron in the coming days to pay homage to the new king. Abiding by this ruling the Abiat will be dispatching its own representatives to honour the event. It has been suggested perhaps the parties of the Abiat and the Yuravian Confederacy might share the journey by travelling overland together. It has been many years since our two nations shared such close relations as our histories suggest and, in times like this, it would be good to foster those bonds of friendship once more.
Haka Marea, the Rea-Abi Aram Sallah II.[/hider]

[hider=A Diplomatic Correspondence for the Aegire]
Greetings,
As we turn over a new leaf in the bosom of the Arkronian people it has once again come to the attention of the Rea-Abi that the matter of the landmass between our two nations is still yet to be defined. The island, Ikesh in our tongue, is part of the traditional patrimony of the Saa’kaleed, promised to us countless summers ago in exchange for our support during trying times. The fact this matter still divides our people today is unworthy of these enlightened times. It is why I have been granted clearance to discuss these matters independently to find a swift resolution to our differences.
Haka Marea, High Vizier Faisal Hassan[/hider]
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[@Yam I Am]
[@trinais]