Khani Emirate - Grand Survaek Empire

The steady swish of oar and water beat rhythmically as Karim Ibn Rasul watched Foedinei approach from the prow of his great Quadrireme. It had been many years since a noble of Khani had set foot on these land. Many traders had visited, for sure, but when last a lord of the Khani had come, they had been barbarians and raiders in round-hulled ships, seeking loot to sustain them on their voyage, or a new home to conquer.

How appropriate then, that his people should return to this place not as homeless wanderers, but as emissaries of a great civilization. Now his people had a home, and their hollow ships had been replaced with a great fleet of many-oared vessels. The Khadaam Amir, servants of the lord, now wore shining armor of iron scales instead of dirty leather robes. Yes, Karim decided, there was something appropriately poetic about the situation. Perhaps he would compose a verse about it when he completed his mission.

"Sayid, we will be within Foedinei within the hour."

Karim tore his eyes from the salty water and silhouetted stones to the sweaty warrior before him. "Fly high the flag of Ikhan, we must carry ourselves with all the trappings of state. I will not have our hosts see our approach as anything more than show."

With the flurry of activity around the upcoming royal wedding, Karim Ibn Rasul's quadrireme was far from the only vessel seeking to land at the Reed River delta, though it was clearly the largest. Though the entire Khaitis family was busy either on the battlefield or in preparation for the wedding, pains were made to tear Grand Vizier Jiien Haerk-Khaitis from his routine of half-work, half-procrastination in order to receive the Khani delegate.

Karim and his entourage were directed to Foedinei's Royal Palace, a work in progress still more scaffolding than stone. There were completions enough, however, to dazzle the Khani with the extensive tapestries detailing the Khaitis clan history along the hallway to the Throne Room, a black marble cylinder and dome lined on the inside with intricate, weaving patterns of gold that sparkled against their dark backdrop as sun streamed through windows set in the dome above. The chamber was mostly empty for the time being, save for a tall, white marble throne in the center, and a collection of temporary couches and tables of wood. A few seats were occupied by scribes, but all others were empty: Jiien, his attendants, and the Khaitis knights who guarded him were all standing to greet the newcomers.

"Welcome," the Grand Vizier offered with a wide smile characteristic of his ever-relaxed demeanor. "I am Jiien Haerk-Khaitis, Grand Vizier of Survaek." His brown beard, in the Khaitis style of fully covering the face without drooping from it, was uneven from the modicum of neglect with which Haerk-Khaitis seemed to approach everything. The same was true for the slight tilt of his headdress and tall hat of gold-embroidered maroon, and the slightly mismatched colors of his many layers of robes. Yet, the Grand Vizier was royalty nonetheless, and his opulent vestments were worthy of his rank.

"You do us honor by rowing so far to reach the Grand Empire. What tidings do you bring from distant Emirate? And, need you any accommodations? Food, drink, a place to recline?"

"Our humble thanks for your generosity, sadiq, but I would not impose on your hospitality." Karim bowed expansively, granting the vizier a cherubic grin. His robes hid his slight form beneath a loose layer of fine silk and cotton. The scripts of poets embroidered the edge of his clothes, ensuring that he would never be without inspiration.

"We have brought more than enough to purchase suitable accommodations. It would be remiss of us to demand more of you during such a stressful time." The grin broadened into a cruelly jolly smile. "And what a happy day it will be for your princess! I must attend, of course, it would not do for the Khani to not congratulate such a noble couple. My good cousin is very jealous." But just as swiftly as Karim had put on his convivial and brotherly demeanor he shed it, visibly calming his composure as he smoothed his smile and restrained his wandering hands, which moments ago had seemed about to embrace the vizier. "But alas, it is not merely pleasure which brings me here today. My people seek peace and prosperity, so I am here to put aside the old wounds between our peoples and propose a more civilized relationship between us."

Jiien Haerk-Khaitis shot Karim a concerned look as he seemed to move to embrace the Grand Vizier, but maintained his relaxed posture. As the Khani's expression settled, so did Jiien's.

"You are welcome to attend," he assured perfunctorily. "It would be our honor. And as for your cousin, it is probably best for old Biedou's health and peace of mind that his family stay clear of his beloved grandfather's enemies. Though, this would be a non-issue for...other branches of the Khaitis family." The hint was less than subtle, but just a hint nonetheless. As Raegar's mouthpiece, it was the Grand Vizier's duty to ensure that all channels of political gain remained open, but not pressed.

"Now, to your proposal. It has long been the Survaekom's own intention to do away with the bad blood between our peoples and start anew, but more pressing issues and the lack of a suitable navy after...complications in the annexation of Greater Byrnia have kept him from himself setting out to the Emirate. It is good fortune and an honor that you have arrived to mend relations where we have lacked the ability.

"What have you in mind? Opening the Grand Empire and the Emirate to trade with one another would certainly be of mutual interest. In these dangerous times, it may also be prudent to come to certain defensive understandings. Joining one with a robust continental army and one with a fearsome navy make two twice as safe."

Karim smiled wryly. Rjjin's naval prowess had indeed been a complication for Survaek. He declined from commenting on that point though, he was here to smooth over relations with Survaek, not bring up old wounds. The Khani's alliance with Rjjin, and their funding and naval assistance during the late war, was one such wound. But what happened to Rjjin was also exactly what the Khani would like to avoid.

"Truly you must be a reader of minds." Karim flattered, more out of habit than any attempt to butter up the vizier. Few men disliked sweet words. Perhaps such language might also distract the vizier from his more militant proposals. "Your people are always welcome in our cities, we would be honored if such favor were mutual. It would be a prosperous relationship, one which would yield much gold for both of us. Surely your king has no dislike for gold?" He asked in mock-concern, "Wealth and power would go well beside the opulence you display."

Jiien noticed that the Khani had ignored his military proposal. To the Grand Vizier, this was all the better: Less to negotiate over, speedier talks, and more time to his work...or his rest.

"Consider the mutual favor done," Haerk-Khaitis assured Karim, motioning to a nearby scribe to draft the trade agreement in discussion. "Survaek's only request is that in hard times as those we face, we can rely on friends with expertise in the way of oar and sail to keep safe the routes that link us."

"Of course, wealth flows two ways after all. When it comes to trade, your loss is our loss." Karim smiled broadly, flourishing as he bowed again. It was all too easy in some respects. When it came to certain kinds of negotiations the Grand Vizier would be useful in the future. He would have to remember that. "Do you require that this agreement be written, or will our honored words be enough?"

Jiien sighed. If only Raegar would be satisfied with "words of honor" alone. But, the Survaekom had always insisted on written treaties, on clay tablets no less, that could be referred to if ever there were disagreement in the future.

"My scribe has already begun drafting the document," the Grand Vizier replied, motioning again to the temporary tables. "He has a swift and precise hand, and should be finished within the next few minutes." As he waited upon the scribe, Haerk-Khaitis remained silent, his expression beginning to show faint signs of disinterest. He finally pressed the Royal Seal into the clay with an almost insulting lack of conviction before the table was carried to the Khani.