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Post by Everest Ellesmere on Aug 10, 2024 1:05:19 GMT
[For Ezra Byrd ] Princess Everest stood at the edge of the dense Central Forest, the towering trees casting long shadows in the fading light of dusk. Her protection detail, a group of loyal guards clad in the kingdom’s royal blue and silver, lingered behind her, their faces etched with concern. She turned to face them, her expression calm but resolute. “This is where I must go alone,” She said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Priestess Ezra requested our meeting be private, and I intend to honor her wishes.”One of the guards, a seasoned captain with graying hair, stepped forward. “Your Highness, are you certain? This forest can be treacherous, and without our protection—” Everest raised a hand, silencing him gently but firmly. “I appreciate your concern, Captain, but this is something I must do on my own. The gods will guide my steps, and I have no doubt that Ezra will honor the agreement.”The captain hesitated, then bowed his head. “As you wish, Your Highness. We will wait here until you return.” Everest nodded, her gaze softening. “Thank-you. I shall return before dusk.”With that, she turned and stepped into the forest, the sound of her boots crunching softly against the fallen leaves. As the trees closed in around her, she felt the familiar thrill of independence—of being free from the watchful eyes that followed her every move in the palace. The path ahead was dark and uncertain, but Everest’s resolve was unwavering. She walked deeper into the woods, the air growing cooler as she neared the heart of the forest where the cabin awaited. The meeting would be pivotal, she knew. Whatever the Priestess had to say, it could change the course of the kingdom’s future—and Everest’s own destiny. For now, though, she was simply a traveler, a Princess venturing alone into the unknown, trusting in the gods and her own instincts to guide her.
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Post by Ezra Byrd on Aug 10, 2024 21:43:11 GMT
Like Everest, she hadn't traveled all the way by herself. Her Ears and Eyes had accompanied her, but she had dismissed them where the forest started. They had obeyed without any objections, knowing that the Priestess knew best, and would wait for her return there. If she didn't return, they knew to bring word back to Krolis about it, so everyone would hear about the assassination of the Priestess. Ezra didn't thing it would come to that, though.
She wore a long coat with a big hood, made of dark fabric. Her pale skin seemed ever more pale because of it. Her dark eyes darker than usual. She arrived at the cabin before Everest did, and sat down at the table. It had seen better times. The cabin was used by people who, for whatever reason, stayed at Central Forest for a while. Not a lot of people did, though. And if they did, the chances were that they were from Krolis, on their way to the cave by taking the bridge near Newbridge instead of the raft, or swimming.
Ezra didn't have to wait long. She could hear footsteps approaching, and waited in silence for them to stop near the door.
When Everest walked through the door, she would rise and dip her head. "Lady Ellesmere", she said. They didn't use titles in Krolis, but she knew they did in Newbridge. "It's good to see you."
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Post by Everest Ellesmere on Aug 12, 2024 8:25:48 GMT
Everest approached the cabin, her footsteps muffled by the thick forest floor. The darkening woods seemed to close in around her, but the path was clear, guided by her growing anticipation. As she reached the cabin and pushed open the door, she was greeted by the sight of Priestess Ezra, already seated at the weathered table.
The Priestess rose gracefully and offered a respectful dip of her head. Her greeting was polite, while a touch informal for what Everest was accustomed to. But she would digress, it wasn’t imperative that she be addressed so formally at this meeting.
Everest stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She glanced around the modest interior, noting its utilitarian but inviting nature. Her eyes returned to Ezra, and she offered a polite, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Priestess Ezra. I hope the journey was not too arduous for you."
She approached the table and took a seat across from Ezra, carefully removing her hood to reveal her fair complexion and determined face. “I trust our meeting here will allow for a frank and open discussion.”
Everest’s gaze met Ezra’s, her green eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and resolve.
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Post by Ezra Byrd on Aug 19, 2024 20:10:59 GMT
Krolis didn't recognise the authority of the monarchy in Newbridge, so a nod was already a big gesture for the priestess. Other, previous, priest(esse)s probably wouldn't even have agreed to a meeting in the first place, but Ezra was different. She was curious to hear what the princess wanted to talk about, and to see how it could benefit Krolis. That was all she cared about, after all.
She sat again when Everest did too. "With all due respect, I think we Krolans are more used to travel than the people of Newbridge", she said, offering a half smile. "So my travel was quite alright. I hope yours was too, of course." Krolans, specifically Utarrians, were used to traveling to the Cave. They had traveled under all kinds of circumstances. The forest was no challenge to Ezra.
"I have no intention of being close-minded or hostile towards whatever you wish to say, your Highness", Ezra said. Addressing the woman with such a title tasted foul on her tongue, but she wished to respect her and not challenge her by using her first name. "I was rather surprised to receive your letter, though. Newbridge and Krolis don't exactly see eye to eye."
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Post by Everest Ellesmere on Aug 20, 2024 8:46:56 GMT
Everest studied Ezra carefully, appreciating the subtle nuances in the Priestess’s words and expressions. It was clear that the deference given by the Krolan was as much as could be expected, and perhaps more than any other Priest(ess) might have offered. That alone made this meeting significant.
She paused, letting Ezra’s words settle in the space between them. The tension in the air was palpable, but Everest was not one to shy away from difficult conversations. She leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady on Ezra. “My apologies; I meant no disrespect… my journey was manageable, and I am glad to hear yours was alright. It is not often that I venture into such uncertain territory, but I felt this meeting was necessary.”
She acknowledged Ezra’s words with a small, understanding nod. “Indeed, our two lands have seldom found common ground,” Everest began, her tone measured and deliberate. “Yet it is precisely because of that divide that I reached out to you. I believe we have more to gain from understanding one another than from allowing old grievances to continue festering.”
Everest allowed a faint smile to touch her lips, softening her expression. “You are right, Priestess—Newbridge and Krolis have their differences. But I have come here today not as a monarch, but as a woman who believes there is potential for something greater between us. I’m not here to impose, but rather to propose an opportunity for cooperation, one that I hope could be mutually beneficial.”
Her voice grew more earnest as she continued. “There is much we could achieve together, if we choose to look beyond the titles and the histories that separate us. I am not asking you to change your beliefs or allegiances, but merely to consider how we might work towards a future where both our peoples thrive.”
Everest leaned back slightly, her gaze still locked with Ezra’s. “I know it is not a simple task, and I would not insult you by pretending otherwise. But I believe in the strength and wisdom of the people of Krolis, just as I believe in the resilience of Newbridge. Perhaps, in this small cabin, we can begin to forge a path that leads to something better for us all.”
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Post by Ezra Byrd on Aug 30, 2024 15:24:53 GMT
"Don't worry, your Highness. I wasn't offended, nor did I mean to offend you." They didn't linger on the subject for long, because they moved on to discuss their territories.
It was funny to hear that Everest referred to Krolis as its own land, because Ezra was more than aware that Newbridge didn't accept Krolis as an individual territory.
"Cooperation sounds interesting, lady Ellesmere, but I do wonder what that looks like to you", she said. "The people who left Krolis to found Newbridge turned their back on the secrets of the Cave. Krolis is... How do I say this... Suspicious, of the people of Newbridge. When Utarr decides to punish Newbridge, we don't want to be punished alongside the non believers."
It was just a part of the concerns, but it was the first thing that popped into Ezra's mind.
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Post by Everest Ellesmere on Aug 30, 2024 20:40:03 GMT
Everest remained composed, though Ezra’s words revealed a deeper complexity than she had anticipated. Krolis’s connection to Utarr and the Cave was not something easily set aside, and she knew that navigating this conversation would require more than diplomacy—it would require understanding.
“I appreciate your candor, Priestess Ezra,” Everest began, her tone thoughtful. “I realize now that my initial approach may have lacked the depth of understanding your people deserve. Krolis’s bond to the Cave and its secrets is not something I would ever dismiss. And I understand why, given the history, you would be wary of Newbridge.”
She paused, letting the weight of that acknowledgment settle between them before continuing. “When I speak of cooperation, I am not asking Krolis to align itself fully with Newbridge’s ways or beliefs. I recognize that your faith in Utarr is central to who you are as a people. What I am proposing is something that respects those boundaries—an agreement that safeguards both our territories without forcing Krolis into a position of vulnerability.” Everest was very aware of how her father and especially her uncle didn’t acknowledge Krolis as its own land, but Everest wanted things to be different. She didn’t want to be constantly in fear of an uprising from the people who truly could be their nearest allies. She had no great desire to conquer or claim any cities or lands either. She simply wanted to dissolve the animosity between their two peoples.
Everest’s gaze softened, her expression sincere. “The suspicion between our lands is real, and it stems from wounds that time alone hasn’t healed. But perhaps the solution isn’t to wait for Utarr’s judgment to divide us further. What if there were ways we could shield Krolis from the consequences of Newbridge’s decisions, while still allowing both our peoples to thrive? What if, by working together, we could protect what matters most to us?”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering just a fraction. “I don’t presume to know what cooperation looks like to you, Priestess, and I won’t pretend to have all the answers. But I believe there is strength in finding a middle ground. Krolis doesn’t need to be punished for Newbridge’s choices, and Newbridge can learn from the wisdom of Krolis. I am here to find that path.”
Everest let the silence stretch for a moment before adding, “If we stand beside one another, rather than as adversaries, we could ensure that both our people are safeguarded... All I ask is that you consider the possibility.”
She offered a faint, earnest smile. “I’m not asking for an alliance in haste. Just a conversation about what’s possible for us both.”
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Post by Ezra Byrd on Sept 6, 2024 11:13:23 GMT
Ezra was pleasantly surprised by Everest. She was definitely much different than previous rulers, who despised Krolis. It made her willing to listen and consider the woman's proposal.
After she was finished speaking, Ezra thought for a moment before replying. "So, what you're saying sounds like you're proposing a truce between our cities, for a lack of a better word. Luckily we have never really fought each other. I'd like to keep it that way, with or without an agreement today." She played with a strand of her hair and thought again. "In theory, there is nothing that stands between us and a peaceful understanding. If that's what you want, it is certainly something I can offer you."
She let go of her hair and placed her hands on her lap. "But because we're cautious and wary, I would like to know what the future looks like to you. I can't see our people mingle, or found a new city in the middle of our cities. A joined military might also be tricky, but trade and and peaceful attitude towards one another sounds interesting", Ezra said with a slight smile. She quickly became serious again, though. "Are you looking for recognition of the Crown as well? My people... They listen to me. The Crown hasn't ruled them for many generations."
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Post by Everest Ellesmere on Sept 7, 2024 3:24:02 GMT
Everest smiled faintly at Ezra’s thoughtful reply, relieved that the Priestess was at least open to dialogue. Her gaze softened as she considered the questions, choosing her next words with care.
“You’re right to ask, and I’m glad you have,” Everest began, her tone calm and measured. “My uncle—the King’s advisor—would certainly argue that I push for Krolis to recognize the Crown’s authority. In his mind, unity under the monarchy strengthens the realm, and he sees Krolis’s independence as a challenge to that.”
She paused, her lips pressing together for a moment before continuing. “But I don’t share that belief. In fact, I think forcing Krolis to acknowledge the Crown would be not only unnecessary but detrimental. Your people have thrived as their own sovereign entity, and I respect that. Krolis’s strength lies in its autonomy, in its connection to the Cave and its faith in Utarr. To force you under the Crown would erode what makes Krolis unique.”
Everest leaned forward slightly, her expression earnest. “I don’t want to break what has already been built. Instead, I see a future where Krolis is recognized as its own kingdom, with its own identity, its own rules. A peaceful coexistence between us doesn’t mean one side has to dominate the other. It means we respect the differences that make us stronger together.”
She glanced briefly out the window, the dense forest beyond a reminder of the distance between their lands. “A joint military might indeed be tricky, and I’m not here to push for anything that would cause distrust. Trade, knowledge, and peaceful relations—that’s where I believe our cooperation can thrive. We don’t need to be one kingdom to support each other, and I wouldn’t ask that of you. Krolis deserves to remain its own sovereign land, without the pressure of the Crown bearing down on it.”
Her dark eyes returned to Ezra’s, a glimmer of determination in her gaze. “My vision of the future is one where Newbridge and Krolis stand side by side, respecting each other’s sovereignty, but united in purpose when it comes to the protection and prosperity of our people. We don’t need to build a new city or merge our armies to achieve that. We simply need to understand and respect the value we each bring to the table.”
Everest offered a small, sincere smile. “I hope that answers your question. I have no desire to try and rule over Krolis—only to see it flourish in peace, as an equal neighbor.”
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