--Imperial Castle-- Emperor Varik arose from his chambers early riding out early was the best option but for now several letter needed the raven's wings. Keeping to an old tradition of mail instead of courier. So no detours would be made and its destination would be assured. First would be to the Czar Alik of Motova, he knew his father briefly for a time but never encouraged any further association for what ever reason of that time. A young monarch of a country much like his own, he felt like a hand should be extended to him. The burden of ruling at a young age proves taxing something he knew of all too well. Sealing the message before it was given to the flock master. [quote] Imperial Emperor Varik Borvan VI Czar Alik, this Varik Borvan VI it is a shame of your fathers passing I knew him in life though not as much as I'd like my sympathies for your grief. Soon if you have not already received a letter from the Stomians will be coming about Haloism and the summer festivals and I think it would deem it benefical we shared wine at the celebration. For after all we both live in the north and the north breeds hard men for it is a harsh living condition. I extended to you my hand in that you take it so I may lay my wisdom upon you in return for my condolences and absense of your fathers death. Gracious Sympathies Borvan Emperor Varik Borvan VI[/quote] The inevitable was going to come between Borvan and Stomian and if he could persuade the young ruler to lend his fleet in that time it would considerably aide his efforts. Though nothing was certain people of climate tend to stick to each other most of the time in hopes for a better opportunity. It wasn't the only message to be sent, next was to Andohar of Elkheim. It was past time his sons had spouses and Andohar had two daughter but one pried his eye open more than the other for his son Carvat, a bold and cunning young man needing a spouse of equal cunning to insure the empire would survive and that its legacy would live on. [quote] High Lord Andohar of Elkheim Emperor Varik Borvan VI I trust all is well in your section of the world and though this is sudden I think it would benefit the both of us. As you know my sons have no spouses and are in need of one. Carvat my heir is not only a bold, cunning and intelligent man but also very eligible and suave. I suggest that a meeting between my son and your daughter Pinkara. Perhaps of the Stomian festival as you've no doubt heard. From there you should venture north we can hunt and then see if the products of our seed are eligible for one another. Emperor Varik Borvan VI[/quote] Now that the days business was done and preparations were nearly complete to venture south to Stom he would prepare himself with a slight breakfast. Proteins for the most part the exception of one of last shipments of grain to come in came in the form of bread a delicacy almost. "Here" handing it to one of his protectors, his legion. The young man devoured it almost instantaneously and had bowed. Varik nodded, it was enlightening to see such enthusiastic youth besides those of his own loins. Finishing he returned outside and dawned a vest of chainmail overlapped with rugged leathers, trailing at his back was a cloak of bear fur seeing as a light snow was falling. Exhaling a breath before setting foot in the stirup and pulled himself atop his horse. Beside the retinue of 50 of his guards was a light clop, Mariet his daughter the only child with hair of the heavens (Bleach Blonde). She was born with luck have such locks of hair. Though her attire was far from lady like, heavy leathers with a wolf pelt cloak. Letting out a chuckle. "You do know that once we get closer you will have to wear the dress." He spoke riding out leading them out of the city. Smiling seeing her disgust since she was the tomboy and was known to best her brothers in the sword from time to time. "Once we get closer, practicaly in the palace you know." Mariet retorted quickly. "You think its safe for you to go anyways?" A bit perplexed on why her father would go considering the state of conditions between the two empires. "You know how I am and I do need to get out of the castle once and a while your aunt does try my patience sometimes. But if they do try something you know what to do. Also no god can help them if I do fall, your brother Carvat is as smart as they come you know that and Fredrick is a damnable mountain. I had to spend a weeks worth of taxes just for his armor alone. So don't worry." Leaving it at that enjoying the ride the light snows Fredrick he couldn't conceive how he was so tall and strong yet he didn't complain having two strong powers come from him. --Trading Hub Hokum-- The brothel was always busy and it was the perfect place to conduct business while Fredrick was conducting his own business with Marie up stairs it killed some time. Carvat waited with a a heft sack of blank gold coins at his side awaiting the arrival of his contact. It would be suicide to venture across the border in their territory and just for being who he is the inquisition would take him, here they had no power and the Judaci would make sure of that point. Fredrick finished first, usually he went threw all the wenches before coming out. Honestly Carvat didn't know whether to be amazed or disgusted by him sometimes yet he was his brother. The corner of his eyes caught his contact, imitating a bird whistle to signal his attention. Not only the contact but Fredrick who reeked of the opposite gender sat at the table. Looking at him, then his brother then back to him. "Fine season summer is isn't." He spoke "Yes, but I like winter is better." The shadowed man spoke, it was still him and not an impostor. Eyeing the room double and triple checking noticing only some of Judicator's Hoat Judaci in the room but other words it was clear. Tossing the sack on the table, couple of the blank coins fell out. People knew what happened but with Fredrick there no one glanced over to see. The man smiled greedily. "Just keep doing what you are doing. I want chaos." Carvat spoke quietly with dead stare eyes. "Of course, anything...." Leaving off taking the small fortune with him to conduct his own discreet business else where. "You think that the old man is really going to Stom?" Fredrick spoke out after loosing a large belch after dowing a large ale. "Of course he is. He wants to see if his presence can scare Emperor Sad III Doge Rudun into a comma or death. I swear if some that muscle went to your head, you'd be amazed at yourself." Agitated at the question his brother posed but after staring a while the duo started laughing.