As Aeric walked beside Lshrkr as they made their way through the city, he noticed that quite a few people eyed Lshrkr. He assumed they were of yet unfamiliar with her race, which made sense. From what he had gathered the Hivians, as the other races had come to calling them, had made contact with the rest of the world a mere year ago. This far west had been undiscovered till then, it was mere good fortune that Ursmir and his group had been the one to make contact after he founded the city. As a man used to other races he had asked the Hivians if they would be interested in cordial relations with his city, the Hivians seeing no reason not to had accepted. The result was Lshrkr, the only Hivian in the city and thus the only Hivian people saw in the entire civilized world.
He blinked when Lshrkr poked him. “You seemed, lost in your thoughts, as they call it.”
Aeric shook his head, “Was just realizing how unique you were, the only one of your kind in settled lands.”
Lshrkr smiled, “Perhaps the only one in these settled lands. The world is far larger than most know. Few even know there is more than this continent, sea trade is rare. It is far too difficult to travel, my own people have an intense dislike for water of a depth beyond what we can comfortably stand in.”
Aeric nodded, “Makes sense, you don’t look very buoyant.”
Lshrkr nodded, “That is indeed so.”
Aeric cocked his head, “So which embassies will we be visiting?”
Lshrkr folded her arms as she tilted her head slightly in thought, “First it would be best for us to meet the Diplomat of Ursolf, the city itself. He is an Avian called Krakha, he is the one I interact most with. Afterwards we can meet with the Ambassadors of Harlan, The Collection of Unified States and the acadamy.”
Aeric made a noise of assent, “So the only people actually in the embassies are the ambassadors of neigbouring countries?”
“For the most part. There are some connections to the guilds that can be made from the Embassy. The adventurer’s guild, Merchants, Innkeepers even the Red Guild.”
Aeric frowned, “The Red Guild sounds ominous.”
Lshrkr nodded, “They are mostly Assasins or mercanaries willing to kill people for money. They do have rules however. One of the big ones is no killing anyone under the age of twelve.”
Aeric shook his head, “Assassins with a conscience and publicly available. That’s really weird.”
Lshrkr tilted her head and looked over to stare at him, “I think they mostly put that rule there in self interest. Very few people view the murder of children as acceptable. It has heavier social repurcussions than killing a full grown man. There are few jobs where it would make sense to kill a child. The Red Guild is no fan of collateral damage, they prefer their jobs clean. To minimize blowback, or so I was told.”
Aeric shook his head in slight disbelieve, “Well I’ll just do my best to stay out of their way, it’s not like I’m likely to get into contact with the Red Guild.”
Lshrkr tilted her head and looked over at him, “I believe you have just caused what people call a jinx. Which I understand is something to be worried about.”
Aeric grinned, “A jinx is mostly superstition but something that happens often enough that people believe it might be caused by a higher power.”
Lshrkr nodded, “I am aware, also we are here. These are the Embassy buildings.”
Aeric looked up at the stately building. It was rather large, as expected from a goverment building and built with a mixture of what he would call ancient greek and victorian architecture. A lot of pillars to hold up the roof but the carvings and statues that reminded him more of medieval castles. Once they entered through the arch that served as the buildings entrance they could see various doors interspread throughout the building, each door had a flag carved above it. The one they headed to first was familiar, a darkblue flag with a silver/white bear’s head carved on it. Lshrkr knocked twice then took a step back. From inside they heard a remarkably deep and rich voice asking them to enter.
The door opened and Aeric did a quick inspection of the inside. Around him were shelves with books, a Map took up the entire left wall, an extremely detailed and well made one obviously commisioned from a master cartographer if the tingling of his Artistic Impressions was anything to go by, at the end of the room with a couple of comfortable arm-chairs was a large dark wooden desk, behind which sat what could not be anything other than a crow. The crow had midnight black plumage, his eyes were a beady black offset only by his beak which was an aged yellow. He was wearing stately dress robes of a darker violet accentuated with streaks of blue. Colder colours showcased the seriousness of the man himself and his chosen profession.
The old crow stood up and bowed, “Aaah madam Lshrkr. A pleasure as always to see you in my little corner of the Embassy. I assume the young man standing beside you is the one you told me about. The one I heard Aliami had taken in, the worldwalker?”
The crow’s voice was as if someone had taken what they considered to be a butler’s voice and tone, then dipped it in honey and then left it to be raised by mountains. It was deep, rich, with a commanding yet subtly polite tone to it. Aeric even registered a slight high british accent, the crow had the most pleasant voice to ever grace his ears.
Then the words he had spoken registered and Aeric blinked and looked over at Lshrkr, “I thought the worldwalker thing was a secret?”
Lshrkr nodded, but Karkha merely chuckled gesturing for them to take a seat in the armchairs while he sat back down behind his desk. “It is, my dear boy. No need to worry, but both Ursmir as well as some of the inner circle has been made aware of your existence by Lady Aliami, we have been tasked with looking out for you and your interest. We are rather invested in having you grow and stay with our young, yet promising city.”
Aeric scratched his head, “When I think about it, it makes sense for Aliami to let people know. I guess that’s also the reason I’ve been followed for the past week?”
The crow smiled, his beak opening slightly, “You’ve been followed since the day of your arrival in fact. Miss Arnette simply deemed it polite to make you at least somewhat aware.”
Aeric grinned, “Well that was nice of her, I’ve had the impression that it would be a bit of a taboo for me to go say hi and give them a sandwich or something. But if you could pass along a message that I appreciate them watching out for me that would be great.”
The crow nodded, “Consider it done.”
Aeric scratched the back of his neck, “So as I hear it you are the chief of diplomacy for the city and thus reside in the Embassy, where you are easy to find and approach when necessary I was wondering though what the actual goals of the city and it’s leadership are.”
The crow leaned forward and placed his elbows on his desk and stapled his taloned fingers and leaned his beak on them. He smiled softly and regarded Aeric for a moment, “A well reasoned question. The goals of the city and leadership are relatively simple. We wish to remain autonomous, retain the access to the resources within our little strip of land. Freedom to grow and the assimilation of as many races as we can manage. A place for adventurers who want to venture into the wild and the craftsmen who want to hone their craft,the merchants who want to relieve the adventures of their newly won riches and the craftsman of their best products.”
The crow spread his hands wide, then put them on the table and leaned back into his chair, “We want to grow into the best city we can manage, we want to avoid war, have steady trade with our neighbouring countries. All of which have been reasonably polite and agreeable with our fair city. Which is a large part of the reason why we choose this area to settle as the closest countries are ones more interested in stabilizing their foundation then they are in conquering new lands.”
Aeric nodded, “As I have been given to understand the continent we live on is rather massive, am I right to assume that this means that conquest for resources are not as common as they would have been if everything had been settled.”
The crow hummed, a deep sound that filled the room, “Not necesarrily, there are countries surrounded by other countries without a frontier to explore or settle, if they wish to expand or garner more resources than one of their possible actions would be war. Countries that are surrounded like that rarely take aggressive action as it only gives their neighbours cause to be aggressive in turn.”
Aeric tapped the desk, “There should be atleast a number of countries that have more agressive tendencies? Are there any countries with which I should avoid contact if at all possible?”
The crow nodded and his brows furrowed, “There are a number of… less than pleasant countries out there. The Tortan Confederation, which are renowned for their slaves and how much people are allowed to do to them. They have no laws in place for the preservation of their slaves or a way for the slaves to earn their freedom back. The chains are hereditary and the amount of slaves per citizen of their country is disproportionate.”
Aeric sighed and folded his arms, “There’s always that one empire that thinks slavery is a good idea.”
The diplomat raised an eyebrow, “You are familiar with their like?”
Aeric nodded, “Slavery was a thing on my world as well, for about a hundred years of our darker past maybe. It didn’t last and personally I believe it is building the foundation of your country on sand. It’s unsteady and there are so many things that can go wrong. In a world where classes and levels are a thing? What’s to stop a stubborn slave from getting a class that nullifies his chains, that he can spread to others? When the slaves outnumber the amount of non-slaves? That’s just asking for your country to collapse, in my opinion atleast.”
The crow smirked, “I am of a similar opinion myself. We are not anywhere near the Tortan’s by design. We have been hearing rumors that a revolt has been started in Tortan lands, to be fair there are always rumors of the like from the Confederation. Some other countries of note, but that are not necessarily bad, just different.”
The crow tapped his fingers on the desk as he tilted his head in thought for a brief moment. “The Necroarchy of Tutahmen, which despite being largely undead are known as one of the friendliest kingdoms. They make it a point to treat others well, some say their Shaif does it just to defy expectations. Shaif Tutanumim the Fourth has been the leader of his country for as long as anyone but the immortals can remember. At least six thousand years by what I have been able to gather from the history books. Which means with that long of a time at peace, there have been solid connections made between Tutahmen and it’s neighbours. They are an interesting place to visit and I do believe we have a handfull of the undead in our city”
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Aeric blinked, “That’s an impressive amount of years, that’s also a very long time for a single kingdom to last, At least it would have been back home. But we didn’t really have people with a lifespan longer than a single century.”
The crow blinked, “That is a tragedy for you and yours to live lives so brief.”
Aeric shrugged, “We didn’t know anything else, didn’t feel all that short to us. It was what was normal.”
The crow nodded in acceptance before he continued, “The elven Island of Green, is most likely the oldest known kingdom, one that has been around and mentioned in every history book in the world. They are neutral and only involve themselves in matters when they believe the natural order is under threat.”
Aeric smirked and looked over at Lshrkr, “That sounds exactly like the fictions we have back home, usually they’re also isolationist.”
Lshrkr tilted her head, “I do not believe the elves are isolationist, they do not allow just anyone to enter their lands however. I have been told they have a magic spell of sorts that screens visitors.”
The rich voice of the diplomat augmented Lshrkr’s words, “It is true that the Greaty Glyph that verifies any guest to the Island of Green is one of the most advanced magics in the world to date. It has been well known to never fail, and to always be able to figure out which of the visitors arrived with ill intent.”
Aeric blinked, “That sounds extremely usefull, I’m guessing with their agelessness they have a lot of really skilled craftsman. Probably some much desired exports that make their country prosperous.”
The crow smiled and nodded, “Indeed, there is much demand for the products but very little actually leaves the Isle. They generally tend to be the kind of things for which great auctions are held.”
Aeric grinned, “I’m planning to reach the level were there will be auctions about who gets to be my next customer.”
The crow chuckled, a deep sound that filled the room. “With the speed you have been growing, I have little doubt that such an event will be nearer in our future than we expect.”
Aeric smiled, “It would be kind of nice to reach that kind of renown.”
Lshrkr tapped his shoulder, “I would like to thank you for your time Krakha, but we still have several visits to make. I did want you to be the first to meet our new worldwalker.” She turned to Aeric, “Make no such mention in our next visits however.”
Aeric shrugged, “Wasn’t planning on telling anyone anything they didn’t already know.”
Lshrkr smiled and bowed slightly to the crow, a gesture that Aeric emulated while he smiled at the crow, “And thanks for the history and geography lesson, always good to know the area where you live and the political climate.”
The crow smiled, “I have no doubt you will learn more from my neighbours, things that will be more immediately usefull to you. If you ever have need of some political or diplomatic advice, feel free to drop by. I’ll also be sure to visit you at the store soon. I’ve heard you have quite the nack for custom-made tailoring.”
Aeric grinned, “And so the reputation builds!”
The crow smiled as he waved a last time as the pair left the building. Aeric turned to Lshrkr, “Nice guy, he seems like one of those people that would be polite regardless of what was happening.”
Lshrkr nodded, “He is one of the most even-tempered and well-spoken beings I have ever met. I have even heard there was once a contest to try and provoke an angry response from Krakha.”
Aeric waited, but the silence continued, he looked over at Lshrkr and raised an eyebrow. “Well you can’t just leave me hanging with a statement like that! What happened?”
She tilted her head, “They failed.”
Aeric stared at her for a moment and then groaned, “You’re a pretty awfull storyteller Lshrkr.”
A statement to which she merely nodded, “Story telling is not common in my culture, we have no experience in it and most find it… Inefficient.”
Aeric shook his head, “Most art is, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.”
Lshrkr nodded again, “So I am coming to learn, which is why I sought out work in a well known fashionable place. I tried painting first, it was odd. My precise renditions were less well recieved then less accurate drawings.”
Aeric shrugged, “People often said back home that art was all about the emotions it evokes. Not about the depiction itself, there were art pieces back home that were popular when it was for instance a simple white stroke of paint on a black canvas. For some of the people who saw it, it sparked hope. A feeling of the last light surrounded by dark, refusing to give in. Those people would pay a lot of money for something that others would look at and see only a single stroke. How is that art, they would say.”
Lshrkr tilted her head, “So art would be something that evokes emotion, it may not necessarily be something reliant on skill.”
Aeric smiled at her, “Yup! A child’s drawing of her father. Who is always busy with work but always finds and hour of time in the day to spend with her, to play with her a game of knight and the princess. A simple drawing that for others would just be a child’s scribbles. To the father? That could be a masterpiece, something that he cherishes for his entire life. Would it still be considered art by the majority? Probably not, but art is subjective. Therefore hard to pinpoint, because the opinions of people vary as much as there are stars in the sky.”
Lshrkr was silent as she pondered his words, they headed over to the next door. Above it was painted a flag. A shield with a circle that looked slightly blotted, it reminded him of an eclipse. He looked over at Lshrkr who seemed to still be lost in thought, he waited patiently while she sorted through her own opinion on the subject.
Perhaps five minutes passed before she nodded to herself and tilted her head and looked at him. “Your words have sparked a need for introspection. I thank you for sharing your wisdom with my kind.” The words had a slightly ceremonial feel to them, so he gave her a small bow.
“Whether it is personal wisdom or something passed on from one to the other I couldn’t tell you. It’s my view on the subject, but that doesn’t make it the right one. Personally I do not think there is a right answer.”
She nodded, “Not all questions have answers, that is something that I must meditate about when I have the chance.”
Aeric blinked, “You meditate?”
She turned her head and did her odd head tilt, “Xii has taught me the value of centering ones emotions and thoughts.”
Aeric smiled, “That woman is forever full of surprises, Shall we enter though?”
Lshrkr nodded, “Agreed”
They opened the heavy wooden door and walked through, the office while somewhat similar in decoration to the old crow’s was missing the large map covered wall. In its place were various well done paintings depicting various battles. Slightly behind the man on a stand was some elaboratly crafted full plate armour, upon closer inspection he could see some slight scars that indicated the armour had indeed been used for it’s intended purpose and was thus not purely ceremonial.
Behind the desk sat a man with golden-blond hair, braided at the sides and came together at a central braid that fell down between his shoulder blades. The rest of his hair fell around his shoulders in loose curls. His face was aristocratic, his nose sharp and thin. High cheekbones and a square but not too square jawline, the man looked exactly like what Aeric would expect a handsome prince to look like in a movie.
Aeric couldn’t resist the urge, “You wouldn’t happen to be a prince would you?”
The man laughed, showing of neat rows of white teeth. “I am indeed not, merely of a minor nobility. You’d be surprised how often I get asked that question however.”
Aeric smiled at the man, “You do look exactly like one would expect from the heroic princely knight who rode in on a white horse to save the damsel in distress.”
The man stood up and walked over to Aeric. He stuck his hand out and smiled, “Well I do in fact have a white horse so if there is some fantasy you would like to play out I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
Aeric shook the man’s hand and grinned, “As much as being a damsel in distress sounds oddly fun, I don’t believe I could quite pull of a princess dress.”
The man smiled and stepped just the slightest bit into his personal space, “Well that doesn’t mean we couldn’t make other arrangements.”
Aeric blinked and came upon a realization, “While I’m flattered by your interest, I’m afraid my attraction lies with the opposite persuasion.”
The man smiled and stepped back slightly but the friendly demeanor remained, “Ah! Alas, a true pity, but one that has happened to me before. This might have been one of the most gentle indication’s I’ve ever gotten of a man’s sexual interests.”
Aeric grinned, “I always had the personal believe that a man’s confidence in his own masculinity should never be damaged by well-meant attention and a compliment. It is flattering, no matter from whom the interest comes.”
The man sighed and shook his head, golden locks moving gently, “Alas, if but all people could believe as you do.”
Aeric smiled, “It would make the world a much friendlier place indeed!”
The man smiled before he motioned for the pair of them to have a seat, “While I am familiar with Lady Lshrkr you are a fresh face around the embassy. Allow me to introduce myself, I’m sir Fjar Mcsavanough. Official title of Viscount and appointed ambassador in Ursolf to save my father the embarresment of my chosen romantic partners even if I have such a keen talent for the way of the blade. Those are his exact words not mine.”
Fjar winked at Aeric who shook his head in amusement, “Well seeing as how open-minded this city is, you were probably only insulted for a little while before realising how nice it is here.”
Fjar chuckled, “That would be a rather accurate depiction of events. It felt like an exile from my homeland until I realised Ursolf was a rather great place to call home. It helps that I recieved a personal commendation for the connections I established here and that I once managed to requisition the aid of Lord Ursmir when there was a particularly nasty creature wrecking the countryside back home.”
Aeric smirked, “I doubt there are few things better to stick a disregarding parent’s nose in but the succes one has reached in imposed exile once they are out of the nest.”
Fjar grinned, “Once more an accurate depiction of events.”
Lshrkr tilted her head, “Why is the interaction between the two of you different than it would have been with me?”
Fjar blinked and looked over at Lskrkr before straightening his posture and his friendly demeanor become a tad more rigid. “I’m sure it is not of concern Lady Lshrkr.”
Aeric rolled his eyes, “Relax Fjar.” He looked over at Lshrkr, “He kind of forgot you’re here so he reverted to his more relaxed, less business like self. Also he’s been flirting with me, romantic but non-mating oriented attraction.”
Lshrkr nodded and settled back into her chair, “I see.”
Fjar blinked and stared at Aeric before flicking his eyes over at Lshrkr and then back, raising his eyebrow. “Hivian culture is different and what you see is what you get, they don’t really do the wearing polite masks thing. Honestly just being yourself around her will net you the best results and help her understand you and your culture. She uuuh, is also still confused about romance. Sex is purely for mating needs and something reserved for the queen so.” Aeric shrugged helplessly.
Fjar shook his head and smiled at Lshrkr, “My apologies Lady Lshrkr, it’s true that this is my more natural self. Although I must admit I am all but a proper representation of what my culture is like. My people are more stiff, honour is of vast importance and battle is the natural calling to alot of my people. Glory can only be won by skill of arms, so combat prowess is valued highly in my lands.”
She tilted her head, “So it would be of interest to send my combat form to your people for negotiations instead of this diplomat form?”
Fjar’s eyes widened and he swallowed, “Perhaps sending both would be in your interest, should an envoy to my lands ever be required.”
She bowed her head slightly, “I thank you for your advice and will heed it should the event of interest come to pass.”
Fjar shook his head, “Think nothing of it, fostering positive relations is my job after all.”
Aeric smiled at the pair and they continued with mostly small talk, the standard introductions and some history. Nothing too interesting, Harlan sounded like the standard monarchy back home, with a slight taste of samurai based honor mixed in. The said their goodbyes to Fjar and made their way to the next door.