RP:A Trade Deal is Struck

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Castle Venturil

Here stands the magnificent castle of Venturil, glimmering stone rising to the very heavens themselves. Royal guards go about their duties in an efficient display of hard-training paying off. The castle itself is surrounded by a curtain wall of white stone and studded with towers that fly the banner of Venturil, with its rampant, crowned bear. Within the wall is a large courtyard, paved with stone to form a level surface for the soldiers that drill daily. Wide, white stairs lead up to the main keep. Servants and hired hands go about their industrious business, smiling easily to one another in the seemingly relaxed atmosphere of the area. Despite this, the proximity and number of armed and armored men speaks volumes about the true nature of this community. Smaller sets of steps lead into other, smaller sections of the castle; armories, barracks, and one reinforced door can only lead to dungeons.



Eboric stands in the courtyard, inspecting a regiment of warriors. The king is armed and armored, as he always is, with a golden circlet on his head to denote his rank.


Javier enters the courtyard of Castle Venturil, his stallion trotting forth at a slow and steady pace. The larketian is still somewhat recovering from his clash with the illusionist Tyler just a few days prior, but is healing fast enough. Once again he is donned in custom made mithril platemail, adorned with the lion insignia upon the chestpiece and pauldrons. Within a few moments the man brings Lamrei to a stop, and dismounts, tying the warhorse up to a nearby post before he awaits to be seen by a local guard or otherwise local.


Javier is, of course, challenged at the gate to the castle, as he had been at the main city gate beforehand. His name is on the list, however, of outsiders granted audience with the king, and so when he is permitted into the courtyard, a guard hurries to Eboric, explaining the situation. Speaking a short command to the troops he had been inspecting, the werebear turns to regard the knight, giving him the signal to approach.


Javier has been in the presence of worthy King and Queens only a few times prior. Many rule, or claim to rule, many areas about this land, but few truly have the knight's respect. The warlord, now king, is one of them. A fellow warrior, this alone makes the knight favor his rise to power. Martial prowess being far more prefered than magical means. And so, the man knows the political dance. He awaits the call to approach, and when he does, the knight ensures a more than favorable distance of about twelve feet is left, before he offers a humble bow, as he says. " Greetings, noble King Eboric, I am Javier Santiago, Knight of Larket." He maintains that bow, and awaits to be addressed further by the king.


Eboric watches the man approach, his assessing gaze almost predatory. "Rise," he says dismissively. "I had begun to think that Larket would never send an emissary to me. It has been many months since I took the throne. Tell me, does Kelovath yet watch an oathbreaker's brats?"


Javier is unable to hide the scowl that forms upon his lips at the mention of Kelovath. The paladin's absence has been, detrimental to Larket as of late, seeing as there is no real leadership at the moment. The knight rises, when told, to his full height, and replies to the King. " I know not of the paladin's actions, nor care. He has been absent, but it is good to know his actions may cause strife upon a possible ally, given that is why I am here, King Eboric." The man now stands with his arms behind his back, due to his military training, its engraved within him in the presenced of higher ranking officials and royalty. " But Larket has been dealing with its own inner turmoil, but I have been working as hard as I can to fix those problems, given the known absence of Queen Jacklin." The knight takes a moment, before saying. " But, I am in a position to offer aid, and resources, as an olive branch, in you and your kingdom's time of need, as a sign of good faith. Though, as you have read, such aid comes with stipulations, expecially due to recent activity right outside your own gates, War-King."


Eboric seems to dismiss the matter of Kelovath quite quickly; "I got his measure when I demanded the release of the children, and he caved swiftly into giving me one of them. I care little for the others." At Javier's last words, he raises an eyebrow. "Oh yes? I am generally quite aware of what goes on within sight of my gates. Tell me what occured."


Javier said to Eboric, "Just a few night ago, a bard was attacked upon the route leading from the northern garrison, just past venturil and towards Chartsend. This bard is known to me, and she stumbled into the tavern, severely wounded. I...investigated the matter, that night, and found the raiders had attacked a small family leaving venturil. I was... not fast enough to save them. But my blade was more than fast enough to cut each and every one of them down. But it is a troubling matter I am looking into, due to one fact. The raiders leader had a symbol upon him. A symbol connected to crimes against larket, as well as cenril.


Eboric's face is impassive as he listens to the story. "My rule over that land is disputed, yet, but as the only true power in this part of the world, I suppose it is my duty to patrol even borderlands. I could wish that you had left one or two alive...I have men who are very good at finding answers. All the same, you did well in taking vengeance. I will dispatch troops to the area for patrolling, and any other miscreants will be flushed out and executed."


Javier said to Eboric, "For their crimes, I could not spare their lives. They killed a father, and used the child to make the mother...*he pauses, almost unable to say the rest, before he says with a tight jaw* They murdered the child anyway, just to break her spirit. This group, is growing. Its made attacks, subtle and without warning, in many places. So its reach is far. So, I am reaching out, to potential allies, to both raise awareness of a potential threat, as well as try to secure my own kingdom by gaining political allies, given our own situation.


Eboric, at Javier's pause, gives the man a scathing look. "Men die. Children die. Women die as well, but they are often used before that. Such is the way of this world, and has been since time began. You would do well to get used to it." Despite his words, the king looks thoughtful, and he says, "I will look further into this group of yours. If any are found in the West, they will be expelled. As for alliance, such a thing is a result of trust and time. For now, I will open trade lines with Larket, and I will accept the offer you gave in your letter."


Javier said to Eboric, "I kow well of battle, King Eboric. But it does not ever lessen the blow of a child being slain with such reckless abandon. But, I also see the wisdom of seperating oneself from the equation. I can arrange a caravan of workers, masons, blacksmiths and various other tradesmen to be here within four days. As well as another caravan of raw materials, lumber, ores, to be brought in five. I ask only that once we reach the northern garrison, you'd provide an armed escort the rest of the way. Regular shipments of resources can be sent for two months, every week on the firth day, for free, before we can negotiate a price or some other means of trade. As well, I reccomend military training excersises between our Knights and Rangers, and your men, that could strengthen both our kingdoms with experience. And as well, we can provide your outposts, and stables here, with some of the finest horses in the land. Are these terms, agreeable?"


Eboric nods his head at once. "I will accept these terms. May this be the beginning of a prosperous friendship between our cities."


Javier said to Eboric, "Indeed, King Eboric."


Eboric gives the knight a nod, indicating that the audience is at an end. "Farewell for now, Santiago."


Javier offers another bow, and takes his leave.