Preparation for negotiation

The building of a nation was a monumental task with more steps to it than one could ever imagine, and plenty of them were never taught or spoken, just something that was to be discovered along the path. With Lalagard growing and establishing itself in the north of the plains Ani had to consider the impact she was having on those outside of her reach, those she either couldn't afford to fight or couldn't afford to push her reach out to at the moment. In these considerations, there was one question that always rose to the front of her mind, the nation at the other end of the plains in the south, Meridia.

The nation was ruled by another King Candidate, one who had two djinns infact, something that didn't go unappreciated by her after her own experiences with dungeons and getting her own. As Ani's land grew and made those steps toward being recognized as a sovereign state she knew that it would be important to establish a relationship with them before their borders ended at one another's in their ambition.

It was for all these reasons that she found herself in the situation that she was in now, after sending a messenger to Meridia she had received one back accepting her offer. A delegation led by Princess, and King Candidate Menat. She understood why the Empress herself couldn't attend, but she also felt slight unease knowing that this nation had so much power at its hand that they could still send someone with a djinn to her lands while protecting their own. It was a fact that had left an impression upon her as she continued to build preconceived notions in her head, waiting to see how this meeting would go.

"I hope this goes alright." The Blind Havi spoke to herself as she heard footsteps coming from behind her, a servant of hers handing her a letter in coded braille letting her know that the delegation had arrived. "Mm good, once they're settled bring them here so we can start with a banquet."

As her butler left Ani leaned back in her chair at the head of a large table, the Havi of Lalagard had figured that the best way to welcome weary travelers and get on their good side was with endless drink and food to soothe their body and soul. Everything you did mattered in these situations, remembering how her father would often have a gift brought, or be ready should they visit anyone or have anyone come to their home. It was a thought of amicable trust that could be established that had stuck in her head even if she didn't always realize it. For now, she would wait though, for the delegation and their heralds to come to the banquet hall so she could finally see and judge whom she was supposed to be meeting.

Menat’s leg just would not stop shaking as the wheels of her carriage continued to roll on along the rough, hoof-worn caravan path she traveled. She was always like this when she had to go off and do her “royal duties” as the eldest Princess of Meridia and her mother’s go-to ambassador. Right now she wasn’t as worried considering she was safely hidden in the confines of the enclosed carriage, and the fact that she had both her retainers Akane and Gozen were there with her as well, so she didn’t have to make sure to pull her favored hooded robes tight to hide her appearance. But she was dreading when they arrived and she had to exit their transportation and expose herself to an entirely new kingdom with absolutely zero idea of how its people would react to her plant-based body. Once more she found herself pining for how she was back in the time when she had visited Kina. Back when she was still your average Fanalis girl their to bridge her own people with those of the people of Kina.

Akane lay on the floor curled around her ankles and sleeping soundly. The sight of the large fox caused Menat further sadness as she couldn’t help recalling how she had cost Akane her human form the day they both took up that Magi’s offer of his enchanted fruits. Of the three of them only Gozen remained the way she had appeared back when Menat had met her, and paid her off, in Kina. Menat knew that Gozen’s trusted companion Yang was keeping pace with their carriage from high above, the impressive falcon freer than any of them could hope to be.

But this whole thing was more than just a simple trip with her two most trusted companions (and Yang). A new kingdom had set its foundations in the northern reaches of the plains and it seemed they wanted to make nice with Meridia before their domain could reach the Meridian borders. Thus Menat and her retainers had been sent off to this new nation known as “Lalagard” in order to foster some kind of diplomatic peace with their ruler. Menat herself hadn’t been told anything of what to be expecting from this new nation or its ruler and as such was clearly going in blind. But, ever believing there to be the best in others, she held out in her beliefs that they, at the very least, wouldn’t attempt to assassinate her then and their upon entry to their nation.

In a way she was rather looking forward to the meeting and a chance to attempt to make friends with yet another individual. If there was one thing the young girl wanted more than to once again be viewed as a normal Fanalis like her mother it was just to find others that would be more than willing to take her on as their friend.

Menat’s time to mull over her current situation was brought to an abrupt end as the carriage came to a halt, shaking Akane away and causing Gozen to rise to a sitting position across from her princess. In a hurried motion the Meridian Princess pulled the hood of her robes up over the auburn leaves and vines that had replaced her hair and once more hid her face behind the deep shadows produced by her garment.

Gozen was the first to exit the carriage with Yang diving down and coming to a rest on the Fanalis woman’s shoulder without any signs of error or pain for either of them. Akane was next to follow, the large white furred fox practically pouncing out before taking a regal stance as she looked around as if checking that everything were clear and safe for Menat. Their Princess exited last, making sure all of her items were on her person and nothing had been left behind.

It was clear that Lalagard’s ruler had been expecting her as Menat and her retainers were met by a pair of guards. An escort was provided as the guards guided Menat, Gozen and Akane to the palace’s banquet hall and the spread of food and drink that appeared before them as the doors opened.

Akane Shinjo:

Hangyaku Gozen:

Jahanvi's Legacy:

Great Temptor's Robe:

Fenrir's Claw:

The Mother Thorn:

Ipos:

Shard of Solomon: