The Assembly

As empty as Ildesias had promised, the man led the guests and any other ministers (who were, by default, honourable members of the assembly due to their positions) into the assembly chamber with an order for the guards to shut the doors behind them. With the letter still in his hand, he made his way around the ring-shaped table and took a seat on the largest chair at the far end.

"Sit where you will."

Grand General Sinn would find himself taking a seat across from Wolfgang, taking the left side of Zaltos. He would sit and stare at Zaltos, barely grasping the fact that he wasn't a myth. He could feel his power, it's heat burning into his soul. It amazed him that he could be so interested in this man as if he was a god. He waited for him to speak, wanting to hear what he had to say, hoping it was interesting.

Tyrus sat to the left of Ildesias at the table and looked around at everyone present. He pulls his chair in and places his hands in front of himself, clasped together. "Well, shall we begin?"

Tyrus listened carefully and once adressed he thought for a moment before speaking his mind, "Well, at this early point in our city's development we are taking in many people to help us build the nation, they should feel welcome but also secure. I personally don't like the idea of a wall; as that would act as a sort of boundary, which could keep us from expanding outward."

"I agree that we should have presence in this fortification being built near us. We are of course very grateful for the aid we've been receiving from The Phoenix State."

"I agree with you, Ildesias. This is the Free City, of course, and walls put a bind of the word Free. I would suggest placing outpost towers that could alert the Fort and Citadel if something is coming, by fire or horn. This citadel is well constructed and it would be hard to break.

As for the fort, I see no reason why the Free City couldn't hold a high command position. The Phoenix State will supply one commanding officer and the Free City will supply one. If you will deem that plateau as the 'Phoenix Plateau', and the fort known as Kiraxo Torsol Union Fort of the Free Plains, I could easily agree to surrender it for your use, but there will be equal interest from both lands. In remembrance of what happened on that plateau.

For better interest of both ruling bodies, the soldiers of this fort will wear a different uniform from both sides. This would prevent both side from ever getting power hungry over it. I believe over time that this unified fort, if we can accept terms, will be a good thing due to it's position. From the fort on the Plateau, all outpost towers could be seen if a fire was lit or heard if a horn was blown.

If I can remember right, there was travelers speaking of a poisonous desert on your northern borders. I presume that since Sinn came from this direction, The Phoenix State is north of here. As two side by side nations, we need to have joint military practices. If possible, if I am the true say so for The Phoenix State, our military forces need to be on the same page.

Myself, a follower of Amun Ra, bringer of life and light, father of the Phoenix, seek life and peace for the world. Who has the right to restrict a people and their dream? Through cooperation, we can have lands that many travel to, seeking to embrace their given freedoms from birth.

So can we agree to outpost towers and a separate union of warriors for the fort, giving both sides equal interest in the fort? It leaves your lands open, but well protected, while cutting the cost down dramatically." Zaltos spoke across the table.

He would have loved for the city to allow walls, but this wasn't his land. There's only so much that can be done here without restricting the people, and Zaltos knew this. Hopefully though, they could get some type of agreement made.

He'd then turn to the people from the Land Tiller Expanse, "I am starving! It looks so good.," before looking to the rest, "Just because this is serious doesn't mean we can't relax a little. A fully belly and clear mind make for good decisions."

"Thank you.", he spoke to the ones bringing him food, finally having something in his belly.

Jani decided to chime in. "Do you guys need help with construction? Some of our people are powerful mages, and our tribe is heavily based in agriculture, so we can provide plenty of food." Hanso also chimed in. "Plus if you need protection, we can lend you some of our warriors-"

"Eh..." A'Shen interrupted. "I think they got that part covered. From what we gathered their population is much larger than us, about 700,000 right? The Land-Tiller Tribe is composed of many clans, but in total we're only about 30,000. Manpower is not what we have to offer. But Yani's right. Food is definitely something we can offer."

Yumi spoke for the first time. "Then maybe we should sign a non-aggression pact at this very meeting. Our official mission is to make an alliance with the Free City. I'm pretty sure allies don't attack each other." She added glibly. She took Andraste's concerns quite seriously. She was surprised there was still some doubt over whether or not the Phoenix State could be trusted, as their intel suggested the two powers had already formed an alliance. "I for one would at the very least like to secure a non-aggression pact with the Free City before we leave."

A'Shen, being the other calculating one, was also surprised by Andraste's words. "Wait a second. Forgive me for asking, but our tribe has been somewhat isolated and to us, 700,000 seems like a rather sizable number. By our calculations that makes your potential fighting force between 70,000-140,000. If you're concerned about the Phoenix State being a threat, then I have to ask... just how large is the Phoenix State's population? I understand if you don't wanna give us an exact number for security reasons, but a rough estimate would be appreciated."

"Andraste, your concerns have been noted," Ildesias spoke to her, with a somewhat stern look as though she threatened the negotiations. Still, as with all advice, he took it on board to process in his own way.

"Well, I can agree to the proposal of a joint-force to man the fort in equal terms of control. However, I cannot formally accept it without the approval of the assembly. Tomorrow, I will take this offer to them in this very chamber and then the people of this city will decide for themselves whether they will agree. In addition, I will send soldiers out to construct watchtowers and outposts around the border of the plains; which lies fully within my powers and does not require approval."

"In fact, I would like to revisit what our friend from The Land-Tiller's Expanse suggested. A formal ceasefire agreement and possibly more would be quite a good thing. It would put civilians at ease and state the city's formal stance, as well as directing the behaviour of members of the assembly through suggestion. In fact, if we were to introduce a ceasefire arrangement to the assembly for them to vote on, then follow it with the joint-force fortification article once they accept, there's a higher chance they will be prepared to co-operate fully."

He looked around, trying to gauge how the guests were reacting to his statement. Not long after, he addressed General Sinn, explaining, "I understand your desire to donate in order to aid us, but really it is unnecessary. On one hand, becoming economically dependant on another nation is inadvisable in the long-term, while the assembly itself may begin to lean towards Andraste's viewpoint should they believe you are attempting to 'buy' us."

"And... Yes, the contents of the letter. I must say, Grand General, that while I trust the instinct of your people that there is such a threat out there, I find myself wondering if you perhaps overestimate the urgency of the situation. We will make preparations to fortify these lands as a matter of security and to avoid possibly underestimating a future enemy, but as of now, I believe we are not on the brink of war with another. In fact, I must say that I do not quite fully understand the nature of this threat."

(Sorry, really long post coming. xD)

Hanso folded his arms and looked somewhat grim. "Hmm, seems like you have everything under control. Here I was hoping we really had something to offer, besides our friendship-"

Yumi spoke up. "Well, in the interest of friendship and forming bonds, I think... if it's alright with my fellow ambassadors, I'd like to share some of our tribe's history, and hopefully by doing so we can demonstrate we have something to offer." A'Shen and Jani nodded. Hanso looked back and smiled.

"You see, our numbers actually used to be significantly larger. I'd say we used to number around 100,000." She glared at General Sinn briefly with indignation. "However, our population dropped significantly as a result of what we refer to as the Necromancy Wars. These wars were started in part because of a caste system that our tribe had foolishly allowed itself to establish, one based on the supremacy of those of us gifted in magic.

"You see, our people are mostly farmers. We live off the land and we've learned how to use the land as efficiently as possible. Through a combination of magic and intense study of biology and our surrounding ecosystems, our people are able to generate an enormous amount of food while causing minimum ecological damage. Through these methods we began to develop an overpopulation problem. Over 100,000 people in a relatively small space."

She looked around to ensure she had everyone's attention.

"The Necromancy Wars began when a group of renegade mages decided to... solve... the problem by enslaving and kidnapping people they viewed as beneath them, thus starting a sort of civil war. Many people left the tribe to parts unknown, and many more were killed, before finally a group of champions of our tribe rose up to restore balance and eliminate the threat.

"As a result, there was a major reformation in our people's views. We became more understanding of each other as human beings and we did our best to establish a harmonious society between our clans. We also performed a great deal of research in non-magical farming methods which helped maintain the balance of power among those with and without magic. There are still many mages who specialize in agriculture, but also many more who now specialize in other arts, such as combat.

"So, if we agree to become allies, we would be happy to share some of our agricultural methods as well as our knowledge of offensive magic, in the interest of benefiting both the Phoenix State and the Free City."

A'Shen interrupted. "Do you mind if I add something?" After receiving the go-ahead from Yumi, he turned towards Zaltos and Ildesias. "Our proposition would also help address a flaw which you might not have noticed in your current plan. You see, increasing your skills in magic and agriculture would help expand the economies of both parties and allow your people to trade more actively, because, and I say this with the utmost respect, your current plan is unsustainable. Eventually the forests will run out and the fortifications will be built, walls or no walls. After that there may not be as much incentive for your people to work together, and that is when the temptation for the Phoenix State to start taxing and establish a military presence in the Free City will begin."

He turned towards Zaltos. "I'm not suggesting that's what the Phoenix State desires, but surely there will be people in your government who will feel that the Free City 'owes' them. However, if both of you grow alongside each other and get used to trading with each other as equals, I believe that outcome is much less likely. We may be able to help with that."

Jani decided to add one more thing. "I'm sorry, I'm not as articulate as my friends back there. But I wanna say something too. I think... it's important for you guys to not just exchange economically, but culturally as well. In our tribe, members of different clans will go to each other to learn different... disciplines and form bonds. I think... both of you have a lot of people. 1.7 million and 700,000. Zaltos, the Free City is probably the single largest, um... entity, you've ever had to deal with. Don't you think there's a great deal you guys can learn from each other? Why not send each other's citizens, go to each other's schools, attend each other's festivals and holidays, really get to know each other's cultures?"

Finally, Hanso spoke. "Heh, I'm afraid I'm the least... ARTICULATE, of all, but I get the gist of what she's saying. You two shouldn't become just allies. You should become true friends. Party together, fight together, INTERMARRY!" He looked at Andraste and winked. Jani smiled and slapped him on the shoulder. "Don't be rude. But yah, that's basically what I'm saying."