[center][h1]The Saa’kaleed Abiat[/h1]
[h3]Somewhere en-route to Arkronia[/h3]
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[color=007236]"A Sickness that spreads far and wide through their whole people? Such a pestilence must be terrible indeed."[/color] The Rea-Abi mused, flicking his forked tongue over his bottom lip. [color=007236]"Solutions will be found, or at least we have to assume so, Kasim. The Arkronians may be dying now but they are anything if resourcefulness and given the deception surrounding the end of the last war for independence I am loathe to trust that they are so terribly afflicted as the Yuravian's suggest. What exactly did they say of their agent?"[/color] Kasim briefly recounted the exact wording of the translator. - A man I with so great of honor I may hold even his most ridiculous of tales to truth. - Such praise was rarely entirely the truth but spoke of how much credit the Yuravians put in the report. At least, that is what Kasim reported back. [color=007236]"Perhaps we shall see some of these villages as we pass through Arkronia, it would be good to allay the anxiety of being deceived by one side or the other."[/color] It was astoundingly irritating for Kasim to listen to these musings again, Aram Sallah had made no mention of the other matters that the Yuravian envoy spoke and appeared to not even consider the matter as he chatted on and on about the truth behind rumour of the plague. Travellers were less common in the Abiat and such mutterings had been heard but with far less detail and conviction as the horse people spoke now, this was to Kasim confirmation and the addition of an incredibly important new matter.

[color=007236]"And a sickness that only affects the Arkronians themselves, with no seeming effect on any other race? Deeply suspicious, though to turn back now would guarantee our deaths either way. It seems we are to be the test subjects for that hypothesis, my child."[/color] The Rea-Abi laughed and reached to squeeze the shoulder of Kasim as they rode next to each other, their Basa lizards playfully slicking their tongues out at one another and trying to strike flies from the air in front of them.

[color=00a651]"Perhaps we should respond to the other matters they raised, Rea-Abi. It would be good to have at least one other power present who we can rely upon to support our moves."[/color] This only brought another laugh from Aram Salah.

[color=007236]"Moves? My boy, you have been raised on too many stories of dark dealings and coups in palace corridors. We will not be permanent fixtures in Arkronia, and despite the discussions we are having now it is not in any way an official diplomatic assembly. It serves us in no way to play our hand and reveal any colours we might have when we are nominally only there to recognise a formality."[/color] When Kasim hissed the Rea-Abi shook his head. [color=007236]"You think me naive, Kasim? I can see it clearly enough. You will need to get better at hiding your emotions or I will send you home again. I do not believe that overtures will be made and plotting will occur, but how much do you think will actually happen? Any sign of a sizeable retinue coming with the other signatories will be held somewhere along the border and it takes weeks to communicate home. We are drawing lines and going to understand the lay of the land, not ready for battle. Call it reconnaissance."[/color] Kasim bowed his head before responding.

[color=39b54a]"Very well, then what is it you would like to carry to their emissaries? That we have no opinion?"[/color]

[color=007236]"Do not assume, Kasim! Nothing of the sort. Thank them for sharing the stories they have heard, they are deeply concerning but hopefully the reality is not as dire as it is made to seem. Their concerns over the influence of House Rhaskozikan are obviously understandable, and we share them deeply, this is no time for radical men to start dictating the world. Make sure they understand the Abiat will support no people who seek to exterminate another, this Empire rests and many shoulders and none are any less deserving of life. Regarding the crown, they speak of dangerous matters. The Abiat is loyal to the crown it swore fealty to, whoever might now wear it. We fully intend to honour that agreement and enjoy a peaceful coronation, though we would be honoured if before the day of the ceremony we might host a dinner for their delegates? It has been many years since so many have come together and I would like to remember our ancestors together in veneration of our shared history."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"You make us sound like whipped curs sitting politely for our master, Rea-Abi, I cannot say this is what I expected."[/color] Before Kasim could move away he added. [color=39b54a]""If we truly came to do nothing, then why am I here?"[/color]

[color=007236]"Because if you were to use your brain you would understand why we are all here, boy. Do not think I am not too old to beat you in front of strangers and family alike."[/color] A fire had ignited in the eyes of the older lizard, and Kasim gave a gulp before bowing his head in apology.

[color=39b54a]I am sorry, Rea-Abi. I- I still do not like this situation at all. Haka Marea."[/color] Then Kasim shifted forwards again to rejoin the trail of Yuravians and pass along the message, exactly as it had been dictated. The longer he thought the clearer he thought he understood the message. This was an embassy not meant to declare war, forge a new rebellion, or overthrow a crown. This was taking stock, making 'friends', and reassuring everyone else the Leed was not about to flare up again. It was as much for everyone else there as for the crown they were meant to meet. He thought, at least. The Rea-Abi had not confided in him and the best he could do was guess.
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[@Yam I Am]