The embassy of Amun Rah is a large building, with a broad base running up to a much smaller top. The building has been created of sandstone, and numerous intricate designs have been carved into these stones. Atop the large gate, which depicts many golden serpentine figures, one solid gold ankh rests, a proud symbol of the inhabitants of this location. Two guards, oddly underdressed for this climate, stand watch outside the gate, each of them with a tanned skin and bald head. Somehow, their armours seem gold.
Rosalie arrived wearing a businesslike amber coloured silk dress, with a shawl over her shoulders against the early morningtide air. Of course her usual escort, including the extra body guard that Smattagio had assigned her, were in attendance. With a smile the Ambassador of the Mouth waited for entry and the greeting by the Amun Rah staff. She was here for a nice breakfast with Isis and she expected it to be nothing short of spectacular. The woman always loved to put on a show from as much as she had seen so far.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
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Protection Madam Ambassador was assigned was hardly necessary, especially within the Amunic Embassy walls, a pair of muscular Immortals flanking the entrance. They did not bar their way, recognizing the esteemed visitor and holding the doors open for her. Each of the men was dressed in a short and light skirt, a pair of belts crossed over their chests, an odd looking blade in their hands, held in a silent salute. As they entered inside, the guards closed the door, leaving them in a pleasantly warmed up chamber, a black skinned man bowing deep and disappearing through a curtain that served as a door in this exotic building. Several flickers later a familiar figure of Grand Vizier Nu’Phuat appeared, the thin man clapping twice and bringing half a dozen servants into the chambers from various curtain draped doorways. “Welcome to our desert haven. Please follow me, Madam Ambassador. Servants will see to your men’s needs.†The Condotierre looked a bit uncomfortable, glancing towards the scantily clad servants and their ward, all of them quite young and obviously chosen for their classical beauty. Men wore only short skirts much like the soldiers outside did, lacking their weapons and leather belts, while the two girls wore short dresses that reached halfway down their thighs, the backs open and cut low, all the way to the small of their backs. Giorgio glanced towards Rosalie once, before bowing deeply and murmuring. “If Madam Ambassador permits, I will take care of a few errands while she is busy. I’ll be back in fifteen burns and wait for you outside.â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Of course showing up with the Condotierre wasn't because she didn't trust Amun Rah security. It was show. It was protocol. It was everything that Rosalie liked to exhume about the power the Mouth. "Si, Giorgio," she murmured her permission for her bodyguard to depart after the initial impression had been set.
Rosalie tried not to look to much at the scandalous forms of dress, or lack there of of both the girls and the menfolk, her head regally high and not once giving her men a glance for fear she might blush. Obviously sensuality played a large role in Amun Rah, or perhaps it was the heat. "Ah, Ambassador Nu'Path, " Rosalie smiled warmly as the sjeikh arrived, giving the rest of the men leave to follow the servants, hoping they would know how to behave, or at least not wag their tongues if they took advantage of such hospitality "Of course." She followed her host.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
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Her guards were taken through the door opposite the one through which Nu'Phuat led Rosalie, the thin man leading the esteemed guest through a curtained passage and then through a wider door into a sandy garden. The chamber they found themselves in was perhaps twenty or thirty paces across with a high domed ceiling made out of some crystalline matter that allowed the sunlight to pass in, while still keeping its full glare at bay. Middle of the garden contained a small oasis, or rather a patch of grass some forty feet across, tall palm trees reaching up and producing a pleasant shade. There was a small pond, stretching in one corner of the grassy patch, fed with fresh water from a small stream that flowed from a nearby wall. Ambassador left his silken slipper at the entrance and stepped upon the warm sand barefoot, moving towards a number of low flat slabs of stone sitting in the heaviest shade. Upon one such slab sat the beautiful Voice of Rafao.
Isis was known for her causal manner and lack of restraint when it came to her choice in clothing, but this morning she looked almost modest. Wearing a short dress, similar to those the servant girls wore, she sat with legs folded to the side, resting lightly upon one hand. The dress looked like it had been made out of silk, the thin fabric preserving her modesty to an extent. Light as it was, the dress clung to her curves snugly, showing the full beauty of her body without truly showing her skin. The dress was sleeveless and with a wide round cut around her neck, which did not plunge low enough to reveal anything the fabric itself showed. Each of her ankles was adorned with a filigreed golden ankles, a golden snake curled around her left forearm.
As the pair approached, she lifted her eyes from a cat in her lap, stroking the sleepy animal's back and scratching behind its ears with care. Gently she pushed the almost completely black feline out of her lap, its four white feet landing upon the grass deftly and moving away with a soft meow. A sheet was spread across the grass before her, several covered trays resting upon it. "Welcome, Madam Ambassador. You do us great honor by your visit. Would you like something to drink. A glass of cold desert wine? Some Amunic beer? Or a glass of cool water or milk as it the custom of half-giant tribes of the Great Desert?"
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
"Good tide, most refered Voice of Rafao," the Ambassador greeted with a little incline of her head, but no bow or curtsy, as if to emphasize she was equal to the woman, or nearly so. Rosalie never forgot her status, as Ambassador and in this case even more importantly Imperial Councillor for Aveas.
Rosalie blessed Audrey in her head for what must be at least a thousand times previous that she had seen fit to give the Ambassador a set of dresses that no longer necessitated the complicated wooden contraptions that had burdened her before, instead creating an enormous set of fluffy petticoats that did much the same to the grand dresses she was used to wearing. It made her a trifle savage in the way that no longer her hips were emphasized in favour of a princess line, but then technically, by virtue of her marriage she actually was an Imperial citizen, while remaining a merchant princess, so it was oddly fitting. Right now, it allowed Rosalie to gently set herself down on one of the comfortable slabs of stone. Her corset was still marginally uncomfortable, but she ignored how it bit into her flesh in favour of giving Isis a small smile. Despite Rosalie's enlightened garb, it was still a world of difference with what the Voice of Rafao dared to wear, shockingly bare, yet the woman appeared very comfortable with her open sensuality.
"I shall try the desert wine. It sounds very enticing," Rosalie admitted "Does your country export it? I must say I haven't had the pleasure before." Wouldn't it be perfect if she found yet another thing to drown out the dominance of Kislovani wines with? There was true interest in her amber eyes. "I have brought a cask of Cliff White from Roque d'Ancourt in my carriage for your sampling. My men will no doubt bring it to your cellar momentarily, when your servant girls let them go." Her throaty voice sounded amused, because she had no doubt what her men and those servant girls were up to. The wonderful fact of Mouthie propriety was that it didn't matter as long as she could pretend not to know. Quit a difference to the open sensuality of Amun Rah it seemed.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
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With a mere flick of her eyes, Isis summoned a servant dressed in little more than a short skirt, the man's muscled and well sculpted skin well oiled, muscles rippling under it as he bent down and drew a clay urn from the small stream and poured poured them both a glass of chilled wine. Nu'Phuat still stood, withdrawn and a bit to the side, his lips curled into a polite smile, hands clasped before him. Soon, a soft, cool breeze brushed across Rosalie's skin, a servant behind her waving a large fan, the temperature in the chamber a bit too high for the amount of clothes she wore. Isis herself waved off a servant who sought to cool her with a similar fan, taking a sip of the wine and holding it upon her tongue for a flicker before swallowing.
"We do not produce enough wine for exports, and I do not think we ever shall. It has a religious significance and is used by priests as part of important ceremonies. Apart from them only Rafao, his family and his guests are allowed to sample it." The wine itself was much sweeter than any other Rosalie might have tried, and had a thick, almost oily quality to it. How strong it was compared to ordinary wine was hard to guess, as its sweetness hid the alcoholic taste completely. "I thank you for your gift and I am certain we could offer you an amphora of our own wine in return. But, that can wait until after the breakfast." She did smile at Ambassador's laugh, quirking a well sculpted brow and smiling innocently at the mention of her girls and the implication they were doing anything to keep Condotierre occupied.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
"This is truly delicious" Rosalie complimented Isis, regretting that this would not be available for sale. I wonder if any of it ever gets smuggled out. It would fetch a pretty price. "Yes, of course, I can understand why you would keep this for special occasions. I am honoured you would share this with me." The drink of Rafao's. Exotic. Regal. It would would fetch a pretty price.
"Breakfast, yes. Such a splendid idea of Ambassador Nu'Phuat. I am glad we have the opportunity to speak before the Imperial Council meeting. In our last cooperation, which had such momentous results for both our countries. We combined our forces to much success in creating this new structure that has been so advantageous for many, a positive force. I hope we shall have opportunity to do business again," Rosalie flattered, "Our relationship with your isle is valued."
She took a sip of the sweet wine again "How is the new Caesar holding up? I noticed he threw himself into his ceremonial duties with enthusiasm."
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Isis' eyes went to Nu'Phuat as Rosalie mentioned that the breakfast was his idea, beautiful Voice of Rafao smiling as the Vizier lowered his eyes in respect. "I am very lucky to have Grand Vizier as my advisor. He is well versed in politics and has been an invaluable source of information in the past, and I do not doubt he shall be of at least equal value in the future." Through all the praise Nu'Phuat said not a word, though Isis was only speaking the truth. Without his advice she would have ruined everything by now, and even with his advice, she was not as successful as he might have been. Had she not been so beautiful she would have been more trouble than worth.
Servants glided to uncover the food, filling the air around them with scent of freshly prepared food. A female slave cut into the steaming loaf of bread with a curved knife, the crust crunching under the pressure of the blade, cracking and revealing a dark soft interior, pieces of grain used to make it mixed with the dough. Another plate had olives upon it, the stones having been removed and replaced by ground peppers in some and cheese in others. Apart from some cold beef, there was a tray upon which lay an mouse like animal, though it was too large to be either a mouse or a rat, and far too plump to be a rodent. It had the distinctive rodent like snout, but lacked their long bare tail and bore no fur even though its skin had not been removed. Completing the dishes were some raw lotus plants and a bowl of cucumber slices season with marjoram and garlic, immersed in thick milky white liquid that tasted somewhat like cheese, but much more refreshing.
"I am glad to hear your city values the relationship with my homeland. And I think we shall have other chances to prove how well we work together. The Vizier told me you already discussed the problems in Trothgard." She arched her brow as if in question, though he voice did not have such inflection. "I think our new Caesar has had a period of relative peace until now. It is perhaps suitable that the first difficult decisions come right after he was crowned. He was permitted a period of calm to get accustomed, and a day or two to truly appreciate the fact his position was made official, and now he has to show if he truly deserves it." She paused and glanced quickly at Nu'Phuat, before adding with a smile. "To show if our faith in him has been founded."
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
The olives were a balm to tired eyes, being a staple fare in the Mouth, but the Mouse like creature filled Rosalie with trepidation. However, nothing of that showed on her face. She knew etiquette and one of the fundamental rules was that one did not insult the host. "How interesting she smiled, sampling a piece of flesh without even wincing, even though her insides heaved. "Isn't that lotus," Rose pointed out "I recognize because of the symmetrical holes in cuttings of the root. Most artful. My compliments."
Rosalie pondered Isis words "So, now that his honeymoon is over, what do you think the major challenges to his rule will be? There are new seats to assign to the council, what with the deaths that have been rumoured in the city, as well as the Trothgard issue. I think most councillors are used to the Caesar having no voice at all, but they will be mistaken." She smiled briefly, to show she was on top of things. Of course there was Aveas. Not much of the news had spread yet, but she had to wonder how it was received. It too would no doubt be discussed at the council. " So many shifts of power. Tell me, Voice of Rafao.. how may the Mouth help you?"
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
The mouse like creature had a full taste, the meat all but melting on Rosalie's tongue, the only drawback to it being its greasy, heavy texture that turned made it an acquired taste. "I am not particularly fond of lotus. It is somewhat bland for my taste, though I find it refreshing as a side dish. It goes well with hedgehog, don't you think?" The Voice of Rafao pointed at the mouse-like creature and took another moutfull with her fingers, as it seemed that eating with ones fingers was the etiquette in Amun Rah. A soft white cloth was provided by a waiting slave for each lady, and Isis used it to wipe her fingers in between bites, sampling different dishes in a random fashion.
"The greatest challenge to His Majesty's rule will come from within the Empire. From those who hold the seats in the Council and that includes us." The divine Voice of Rafao chuckled musically before continuing. "He needs us, Madam Ambassador and that gives us leverage. And the more votes in the Council a person holds the more leverage he or she has. So the greatest challenge will be Duke Erwin." The question left Isis pondering her options and needs, and as Rosalie's sharp eye would notice, it made the Grand Vizier tense and almost move forward, though he stayed silent where he stood. "Perhaps an alliance to counter the Duke's voting block would be in our mutual interest?"
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Hedgehog? Rosalie wanted to choke at the thought, but in truth the taste was not so bad. Bravely she continued, uttering politely as she nipped at some lotus "It is lovely. I don't think I've ever been served hedgehog." Well, I say!
Carefully she considered Isis offer. Now she had not intention of always voting with the Voice of Rafao. That would simply mean giving her vote to the stronger of the two of them, which still was Isis. She was not planning on being that insignificant. However, it was true that Erwin was her greatest competitor, as well as a potential alley. As long as Rose could remember the Imperial Trade Guild had been one of the fiercest competitors of the Mouth's trading families. You are not so pleased Nu 'Phat. I wonder why that is.
"I certainly think that as long as our interests run parallel we'd do well to consult each other and coordinate our efforts. Why would we give all advantage to the Duke? Perhaps the answer is also in gathering more votes. Now what chances would we have to ensure no new persons are appointed to the council and instead the votes are absorbed by existing councillors.. of our liking."
Last edited by Rosalie Marcada on Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
After his little lapse, Grand Vizier’s face was an unreadable mask, the tall and slim man keeping quiet and silently observing the conversation, reaching up to stroke his beard every once in a while. Isis did all the talking, though she took her time, sampling the light dishes slowly, in between sips of desert wine. She hid a smile behind her glass as Rosalie agreed to help her break Erwin’s stranglehold of the Council, especially now that Silk was dead. “I am sure we shall find plenty of opportunities to help each other, and perhaps we could make these breakfast meetings before Council sessions a regular occurrence? They are such a wonderful chance for us to discuss the coming agenda and perhaps find which voting outcome would satisfy us both, or at least one, with the other sacrificing a bit in hopes of receiving similar assistance in the future?†While Isis was hardly diplomat, Nu’Phuat had to admit she surprised even him this time, a barely noticeable curl to his lips turning his polite smile into something bordering on proud.
Isis was forced to turn to her advisor over the other puzzle Rosalie placed before her, though she did not ask for his help in the end, deciding to answer herself. “There is precious little we can do about certain seats, but those that are held by nominated officials are likely to be Erwin’s goal. We will face our first challenge today as the Duke, or his representative will try to do everything in his power to get the seats for either himself, or someone whom he controls. Caesar does have the right to nominate a person to the Council first and only if his nominee is not elected can others suggest as well. I doubt the Duke will crush His Majesty’s ego so soon, though he might insist on certain seats in exchange for supporting Caesar’s candidates.â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
"That sounds like a most excellent idea," Rosalie agreed upon Isis suggestion of regular breakfast meetings. In fact Rose hoped to make in roads to other councillors as well and have similar meetings with them. It was all about networking after all.
Carefully sipping of her drink Rosalie listened to Isis' explanation of Imperial politics "It seems likely they will lead him by the nose, trying to make it seem he has all the advantage and then subtly influencing him. They are used to a puppet, so I think they will hope to find a puppet in this new Caesar as well." Whether he was or not depended on how crafty he was. Do they know he walks in dreams? "What are they distracting him with? I heard Anochrim was interested mainly in the military, and men but that is just a very wicked rumour."
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
"Then it is settled. As long as we meet in a private spot. I do not think we need to worry about being overheard, as that will make the breakfast more tense." Isis hated the worry and tension, knowing how bad it was for ones complexion and how easily wrinkles formed upon a girl's face. Shuddering inwardly, she turned to the other, more important topic of their conversation in an effort to turn her mind from wrinkles and old age. "Oh, but it is not just a rumor. The previous Caesar did enjoy company of men more than that of women, though not exclusively so." Nu'Phuat wished he were not there, the divine Voice of Rafao obviously in a chatting mood and saying far too much for her own good and yet he could do nothing. "Were I to chance a guess I think Caesar would be most easily swayed by two things. Power and women. Did you see what happened at the Coronation? I hear from reliable sources all three women ended in His Majesty's chambers."
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
"Is that so," Rose laughed over her delicious wine "Well, I must say it doesn't surprise me much. He seems like a man that thinks all women should fall to his feet. There is a possibility for control there that I do not doubt you have seen. Men often forget they are led by women if stimulated in .. ah.. just the right way."
That in fact was how the Mouth was run, most of the time. Rosalie held not doubt that it was the women of the Mouth that held the true power. Nothing happened without their consent though it was unfortunate they were not interested in politics much. Such power they could become if it was so.
"I did see all three women, though his choice surprised me" Rosalie mused "Tell me is it true that the Caesar is destined to have 7 wives? I agree it is a nice symbolic number but why stop at 7? You could have him so occupied in women's squabbles that he'd never turn an eye to politics again." Rosalie giggled softly, the mental picture amusing her.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Rosalie had no idea how many ways of controlling men through both submission and dominance Isis knew, the beautiful Amunic demi-goddess using her body and charms to accumulate ever more power to her greedy hands. "I have not paid enough attention to His Majesty's personality to know the correct answer to that, though I suspect you may be right, Madam Ambassador. I always find it amusing how much power a woman can have by acting most submissive. Men are so easy to manipulate at times." She caught a glance from Nu'Phuat and smiled at the other lady without blinking, stopping there.
"He was looking for easy targets yesterday, and rightly so. Soon he will be surrounded by a scheming throng of wives." She chuckled and held her cup to be refilled, a pair of slaves standing close by ready to jump at the slightest sign the pair needed anything. "By the Imperial law the Caesar is entitled to have seven wives. One for each isle of the Empire, though they need not come from every island. There is a catch however. Only his first wife is dubbed Caesarii and only she has any real power. The rest are just concubines that have power only through His Majesty. In ancient times being a Caesarri was a dangerous thing. Injuries, accidents and even deaths were quite common."
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
"Ancient times?" Rosalie queried with a quirk of her eyebrow "Is not the position of Caesar a recent addition with Anochrim the first to hold, the first among equal of the Inner Circle? Ah, but perhaps you speak of the King Charlesmagne. I think I read about his polygamy somewhere."
"So, it would seem that finding the Caesarii will be the real gambit. Either she's from the most powerful faction or she's a nobody that consequently, nobody fears," Rosalie ventured a guess "Just as with the Caesar, really."
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
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“Yes, according to legends Charlesmagne had seven sons, and if some of the stories are to be believed, they came from different races.†Here Isis threw her head back and laughed, her pearly laughter ringing against the walls. “I do not think our new Caesar has such broad tastes, though I would love to see the look on his face when a half-giantess comes forth as a candidate for his wife. Oh, I simply mush speak to Sheikh Hassan and see if he can find a suitable candidate.†Her brows furrowed for a flicker, the beautiful Amunic princess turning a moment to late to see the frown that passed over Nu’Phuat’s face. “Do make a note of it, Vizier. I shall send a letter to Sheikh later today.â€
Nu’Phuat found himself nervous, wishing he could partake in the conversation and steer it away from dangerous waters, but unable to do so without angering the beautiful Voice of Rafao. Onward she went, revealing far too much in an effort to prove she was more than a pretty face and gorgeous body, and probably doing the very opposite. “He would be stupid if he took a nobody as his first wife. He has plenty of room for pleasure with his other wives. The first should be his path to true power, and link to one of the Council factions.â€
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Rose chuckled at the thought of Andolin having a Giantess to wife, quipping "It has charm. Perhaps too a pixie, just for contrast." Arrogantly she thought that the only fitting candidates would be humans. Anything else was just disgusting really, inferior beings. She was careful not to let her racism surface though, in polite society.
"Perhaps you are right," Rosalie smiled as if she valued Isis words, while privately she thought that the Caesar might prefer his wife not to be more powerful than he was. Instead she thought he might chose ladies that would remain beholden to him. Weren't all powerful men secretly scared to be outshone?
The breakfast continued in this vine, the women sharing their observations. Rosalie was very pleased with herself.
OOC: shall we wrap this up?
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
Isis laughter heartily when a pixie was suggested, then stopped suddenly, as if pondering something, her fingertip tapping against a full, luscious lower lip. “How would……†Nu’Phuat gasped audibly then, though there was little danger as Isis caught it too and did not question out loud the possible ways for a pixie and Andolin to procreate, though it was likely she may have found a way. The conversation dwindled from there, turning to less political subjects, much more befitting the dessert and drinks they shared as the breakfast wound to an end. Throughout it all Nu’Phuat remained silent, as did the muscled and bronzed Immortals, with only the divine Voice of Rafao speaking.
The diplomacy is the art of saying "Good dog", while you are searching for a big rock.
Rosalie grinned at Isis, her thoughts going a similar way. The rest of the conversation was on more innocent subjects. When she was ready to leave Rosalie did so with pretended warmth, as diplomats tend to do.
Yes, she had a measure of Isis now and the lady had revealed as much with what she had said as what she hadn't said. Nu'Phuat was the real power behind the throne, at least here in the Citadel. Isis though would likely pretend to be independent by once in a while acting against his advice. Quite a handful the lady was.
It would be interesting to balance an agreement with Amun Rah to confer, with her other contacts, such as any arrangements with Dort. Aveas for now depended in part on their goodwill, but she also needed to be at least partially independent of Erwin.
Leaving, the Ambassador felt content.
[size=84][color=darkred]This character has resigned and is now a NPC.[/color]
Avatar by Liz Green[/size]
[size=84][i]"She told me I had too much to dream last night..."[/i] - [i]Apprentice of the Universe[/i], Pure Reason Revolution
Avatar by [url=http://pixieface.deviantart.com]Liz Green[/url][/size]
