Diplomacy

With the comforting knowledge that your oath-brother hasn't told anyone about seeing a nude Alexia in your arms, you decide to have Galeon let the various envoys visit you one group at a time in your tent. You even take the time to change into your best robes, a gift from Polhermes a little over a year ago that you decided to keep for occasions such as these. The bright vermillion fabric is embroidered with enough gold to remind your visitors of the wealth and power of Kalion, Instead of wearing the uncomfortable crown you have it set on its stand within arms reach and your swords hang casually from the heavy mahogany seat that acts as your traveling throne; the effect (you hope) is one of a warrior king not at all worried about his personal safety.

Alexia takes her customary place off to the side of the tent within hearing distance but far enough away that she is often overlooked, and nods at you that all is in order. You decide to deal with the Athenians first. As Galeon leaves to summon the emissaries, Alexia fills you in on what she knows.

"Bruce, Lords Etinamin and Trimoso are members of the Regent's High Council, both have webs of connections throughout every aspect of the city's dealings. Lord Darius is the oldest son of a minor merchant family. His father acquired a large amount of wealth about twenty years ago, since then he has used it to marry his son, Darius, into one of the noble houses. It is not a union that would be favored by Aphrodite, my informants agree that the young Lord Darius is known for his cruelty to his bride." She shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of apology. "I don't know anything about the last envoy other than his name or who the young women are. I can tell you that Lord Micras is not one of the city's elite, although his family name has been associated with Athenapolis since its founding. Before you have any further chance to question your spymaster, the tent flap opens.

"Your Majesty, the Lords Etinamin, Darius, Trimoso and Micras of Athenapolis." Galeon announces just as Alexia finishes whispering what she knows.

"Welcome to my temporary home, My Lords." You greet the assembly with a smile, noting as you do that the clothing worn by the grey-haired ambassadors is easily as luxurious as your robes. The silks worn by the two young women are hardly the fashion of free noblewomen from the city. Even though the robes reach to their ankles, instead of concealing their figures, the silks cling to the teen's slender bodies in an almost indecent fashion. Likewise the veils that should modestly shield the young lady's pretty faces are so sheer that they may as well not even be there. In spite of yourself, you have trouble taking your eyes off the two petite brunettes, the pair are about Alexia's age, with flawless sun-kissed skin that colors as they notice your interest and dark brown curls that are pinned back with simple hairpins. Their eyes fall nervously to the carpet and you can see the tension in their shoulders - they're scared - you realize, and you suddenly realize why these beautiful young women are here, and why they are dressed the way they are.

Turning your attention back to the gentlemen you note silently that Lord Darius has not missed your assessment of the two beautiful teens; he has a cocky, self-pleased grin on his face that you would dislike even without Alexia's background information. You hide your contempt for the man with his oiled hair and polished fingernails as you offer the group wine. Although Lord Darius is only half the age of the other men, he seems to be in charge of this envoy. The man speaks for the others rejecting your attempt at hospitality with a dismissive lift of his nose.

"No thank you, King Kalion." He stiffens when his gaze lands on the amulet presented to you by your mother, and the rest of his presentation lacks the easy grace of the introduction. "We have no wish to impose upon your limited resources, or time. The High Council however did want to recognize your timely arrival and the efforts you have made to bring reason and civility into this unjust war." You wonder if these emissaries really do believe that the war is unjust, or even if they think you are there to help them. If Lord Darius notices your skepticism he ignores it and plunges ahead.

"Normally, under these circumstances, we would be presenting you with highly skilled ****-girls as a token of our gratitude -" he lifts his hand to stop you before you can tell him what you think of that idea, "I know, you have strong views on this matter, so instead of slaves to serve a king I am here to present Lord Micras' lovely twin daughters to act as cultural ambassadors for our fair city." The pair step forward and, in what could only be well practiced choreography, the young women shyly unhook their veils simultaneously so you can see their pretty faces. In those sheer robes and with their faces uncovered, these two maidens could easily be mistaken for slaves; in fact, the thick silver necklaces that encircle the girls' throats are reminiscent of **** collars and you now realize that the bronze bracelets glimmering on their slender wrists, while elegantly crafted, are much like the crude shackles worn by captives.

The color of the sister's eyes matches the green of their father's although they look away as Darius continues his well-rehearsed remarks. "Although of noble birth, your Majesty, these lovely and modest young ladies are eager to serve you in any fashion you desire and are eager to share what they know of our fine city and culture." The way the man's tongue licks his thin lips reminds you of a lizard, and you have no doubt about how he thinks you'll have these trembling sisters serving you. "It is our hope that you'll find pleasure in this small token of good faith and possible alliance in the future."

You rise abruptly from your seat and stride towards the small group of Athenian lords, the dark-haired Darius steps back awkwardly to rejoin the other three elders, again apparently distracted by the amulet. Of the three others, only Lord Micras does not seem alarmed by your sudden approach, instead he seems to be trying to reassure his daughters who are on the brink of tears.

"As you said, Lord Darius, Kalion will never have slaves either in our borders or where our control lies." You see the irritation on Darius' pale face, but it returns to that smug grin as you continue. "However, if it pleases Lord Micras and his daughters, I will gladly take these girls into my personal court, that they might be spared the horrors of this siege and also perhaps learn a little of our ways as they educate me about your city." The green eyes of the father meet yours with an undisguised sadness and you do your best to reassure him. "It is best for these charming ladies to be out of harm's way. I'll protect them from those who would do evil, and if the Gods favor us and we both still live after this unfortunate war, I will see your family reunited. Perhaps even in Kalion where we can talk business over some good wine."

"Thank you." Lord Micras seems almost confused by your politeness, and then with a quick glance at the others continues hurriedly. "Please watch over my daughters - they are dear to me, in spite of what you must think. I know you're a kind King and a good man." Perhaps sensing the displeasure of the other men, Micras bows and his tone becomes less personal. "I would be pleased to talk or have wine with you after this mess is over."

"Sara, Mara listen to his Majesty, do as he commands." Micras calls over his shoulder as he is all but dragged out of the tent by Darius and the others. "Every thing will be fine, I love you two and we will see each other again!"