18th of Gornow, 6E219
Ivory Palace, Caer Endaris, Royal Rejionowa
0830
The room Alnura and the other delegates entered was a large circular room. In the center was a massive round table. Like spokes of a wheel, glowing strips of light extended out from a center point to the edges of the table at the points wherever there was a chair. Alnura's curiosity over the light was quickly answered. One of the men seated at the table, a blond haired bear of a man with cropped hair and striking turquoise eyes nods to High King Endarius Teledor as he lays a stack of documents on the strip of light. Suddenly the documents shoot off down the band of light to the center of the table and then change direction and shoot down the band of light to Endarius, who picks them up and nods gratefully for the documents. Alnura nods in understanding. She hears a few other delegates make soft hums or gasps at the sight. Endarius looks up from the documents and nods towards the delegates.
"Ah, greetings! The aides will show you to your seats. You'll also find each of your seats has a cup of chilled water for your enjoyment. The aides will refill it as needed." Endarius greets them and informs them as a number of aides come out and begin directing everyone to their seats so each delegation had their own section at the table. Alnura noticed there were already a number of people here. Representing Endaria was no less than twenty people. Seated to Endarius' right was his wife, Arianna and to his left, the two other high kings, Formeri and Valgus as well as a silver haired, middle aged man, followed by ten men of various ages and radically different choices in apparel. To the Arianna's right were four high back chairs with iconography on the back of the chairs, over the heads of their occupants.
It ends up taking a few minutes for everyone to get seated. One of the first ones seated, Alnura drinks from her cup while she lays out her notes for herself and Etu and Adaru to look over and discuss as needed. The water was ice cold. But there was no ice.
"Huh… enchanted cups. They really like integrating magic into a lot of things here…" Alnura remarks quietly to herself as she organizes her papers.
Her focus is broken by the sound of doors closing. She looks up and sees that the double doors she came through have closed, as have the double doors directly on the opposite side that the Endarian representatives likely entered through. As soon as the doors close, Endarius clears his throat.
"Alright, meeting is officially in session. Do the scribes have everything they need?" Endarius inquires, looking over to the edge of the room where various writers are seated at desks. They look up and give thumbs up or nods. Endarius nods and turns his attention to the round table.
"Well, to everyone, I hope you have been enjoying your stay in Endaria and everything has been appropriately hospitable. If not, I do sincerely apologize." Endarius says, bowing his head politely. It was odd to see, Alnura thought. Despite being the leader of the country, Endarius did not behave like a king. As her guide had explained early on during her stay here, apparently their high kings were elected from the common population and were regarded only as first among equals. The perspective seemed to translate beyond just their high kings though, as Prince Anduin had received the same treatment as all the other Alliance delegates, despite his elevated status.
"As everyone is familiar with, the objective here is to try and reach some form of official agreement with the Alliance. It is our hope that the tours and experiences you all had yesterday give you a better idea of what our capabilities are and therefore, what your own expectations and objectives in a deal are to be." Valgus speaks up, declaring the purpose of the meeting. Alnura looks to the side to see the scribes writing away furiously. She looks at the human delegation as the lead delegate, Stefan Golding, of the Alliance stands up to speak.
"Thank you for having us, High Kings of Endaria. Our time here has been quite enlightening and it is decidedly-" Stefan is cut off as one of the documents one of the night elf delegates set down shoots off down the bar of light, ultimately arriving in front of one of the dwarves. Everyone is silent, staring at the document and the involved parties.
"Sorry… sorry." The night elf speaks quietly, meekly, blushing with embarrassment. "Any chance I could get that back? Please?" He asks, smiling as if wincing. A number of Endarians laugh at the sight.
"Just look at and nod at the person you want to send a document to and set it on the light beam to send it on its way." Formeri directs as he covers his mouth to hide his smile. The dwarf who had received the documents does as directed and soon the document is returned to the now embarrassed night elf. There's a brief pause before Stefan clears his throat.
"Right… as I was saying. It is decidedly in the Alliance's interest to establish some sort of arrangement with the Empire of Endaria if at all possible. As plenipotentiary representative of the Alliance, I, Stefan Golding of Stormwind, will take responsibility as official signatory to any deal we reach today. Having met with the head delegate from each of the Alliance's respective races earlier this morning, I have been able to get an idea of what we hope to gain here." Stefan speaks. He looks around, then sits down.
A black haired man of the Endarian group stands up. Unlike the others to the left of Endarius, his chair resembles the chairs to Arianna's right, high backed with iconography. The icon on the chair is purple, red and blue and depicts a robed woman wielding a scale and a torch. He is the last one to Endarius' left. He wears a white military uniform, with a cape that is white, with blue lining. Two swords sit on his left hip. One is adorned in soft designs of red and gold. The other is black and violet. His gray eyes scan the delegates.
"I am Markosoran Layamalore, Lord of the Commonwealth of Markesia. I've discussed with the other commonwealth leaders here and we are all in agreement that the ten of us are all interested in a possibility of separate deals as well." Markosoran states, gesturing to the 9 men to his right. He then sits down. Next to stand up is the silver haired man.
"Henry Ashcroft, head of the Ashcroft family and owner of the Ashcroft Trading Company and Ashcroft Corporation. We are here with the possibility of a private agreement." He states before sitting down. As soon as he sits down, the man directly to Arianna's right stands up. He wears clothes more akin to what a Night Elf might wear, various furs and leathers. His black hair is long and his eyes are a violent gold that almost seems to glow. He has a groomed beard that lends even more to his almost wild appearance. His chair depicts the icon of a blazing orange dragon.
"I am Second Seat Valfried Lockehart, patriarch of the Lockehart warrior clan and Supreme Master Ley-Weaver. As First Seat Lord Markosoran and Master Henry have no doubt already made clear, I too am happy to make an agreement separate from anything Endaria reaches." The man speaks. His voice carries a raw power. Alnura watches him, feeling almost intimidated. He seemed more like a barely contained violent act of nature than a person. A man to his right, the second to last, stands up as he sits down. It was the blond man who had transferred the document to Endarius. His chair depicted a green lion. Standing up, he looked even more massive. He was likely only slightly shorter than a night elf.
"Field Marshal Gerhard Schuller. Fourth Seat. Patriarch of the Schuller Warrior Clan. My clan is a major player in troop training and arms production. We would be happy to come to a deal with the Alliance." The man speaks directly and crisply, every bit a military man. He sits down. He glances to his right at the last man, raising an eye. A young man who looks barely an adult, if that. He had no shirt and seemed to be partially zoning out. He had black hair in a ponytail and green eyes. He was picking at his teeth, exposing that he had wicked incisors, more like what one might find on a Night Elf. He notices Gerhard's look and cocks his head as if to ask what's wrong. Gerhard shakes his head and sighs. Above the man was depicted a red wolf. Alnura wondered what an out of place young man like him was doing here. He certainly didn't belong, and seems she had a number of people who agreed, as a number of other Alliance delegates were also stealing glances at the man.
"Curnan, please sit up. Just because you're the Eighth Seat representing the Fifth Seat as their son, doesn't mean you can't act with a bit more decorum. It reflects poorly on the Wolf." Endarius speaks up, looking at the man. He sits up properly and stops picking his teeth. He grunts and nods.
"Sorry, Endarius." The man apologizes casually as he focuses his attention on the meeting. Stefan stands up once more.
"Presently, as you know, the Alliance is presently embroiled in a war with the Scourge in Northrend. We are also enemies of the Horde, albeit we are currently in a cooperative ceasefire to deal with the Scourge." Stefan explains. "The war has been taxing on the population, as maintaining an overseas expedition is expensive, especially against an enemy that is able to so easily renew its ranks. Furthermore, we lost many of our best men, including the warhero Bolvar Fordragon, in a betrayal at the Wrathgate. Therefore, while a full alliance would be desirable, our primary goal is a trade deal that could hopefully alleviate some of the strain the Northrend campaign places on the Alliance." Stefan continues. Alnura finds herself nodding in agreement, concurring with a number of other delegates. The Endarians talk among themselves a bit. Finally, Endarius stands up to speak.
"Understandable. A trade deal is certainly within the realm of possibility and something Endaria is more than capable of entering into. Ourselves are most interested in gnomish and dwarven craftsmanship and engineering. Therefore, I first submit this proposal to the other high kings for approval." Endarius says, handing some documents to the high kings to his left. They look at it and nod. Both give their approval. Endarius then puts the document on the light band and it shoots to the center of the table, where suddenly it is projected and magnified so everyone can see the proposal.
"As the document mentions, Endaria is willing to provide food aid, medical aid, and ground equipment to the Alliance, in return for the right to advertise and recruit Gnomish and Dwarven engineers and smiths. We as a nation are willing to provide in the realm of 1000 tons of food, 200 tons of medical aid, 120,000 arrows, 8000 bows, 6000 swords, 10000 spears, and 500 infantry kits per month for the duration of the Northrend campaign, at which point, the deal will be open for a renewed contracting or renegotiation." Endarius describes what is written on the paper. Alnura gasps. How much of a stockpile did Endaria have? Did they not have many wars and did they not scrap inventory? Wouldn't that disarm them? Stefan stands up after discussing with the other humans.
"That is a rather generous offer, High King Endarius. In regards to your desire to hire dwarves and gnomes. We don't want to compromise our industrial complex. Would a limit to how many people you can hire per year be acceptable?" He asks. The gnomes and dwarves nod in agreement.
"I'm certain that can be negotiated." Endarius replies, waving his hand dismissively.
"Very good." Stefan nods and sits down. He discusses things among his members. He sends some documents over to the gnomes and dwarves while the Endarians talk among themselves. Alnura looks at Etu and Adaru.
"So, what is our angle here? Think we can gain anything out of this?" She asks Adaru. He strokes his tendrils, thinking.
"Probably, but I'm not sure yet. Right now, military affairs are being discussed. Our needs are less martial. We need supplies to help us settle into our new land. I'll broach the topic later, when it's more pertinent." Adaru responds after a moment. Alnura nods. Understandable. It wasn't long ago since they landed on Azeroth. Even now, their people need places to live, infrastructure to support their needs. With the campaigns against Kael'Thas and Illidan as well as the Lich King, the Alliance had been to busy to provide all the essential support. She couldn't criticize the Alliance of course. It was a state of near perpetual war. But if Endaria could fill in the weak spots and blind spots of the Alliance, then the Draenei would benefit. She looks up as she sees documents from the dwarves and gnomes travel over to the humans. Stefan looks over the documents and nods. He stands up. The Endarians look at him.
"How would a max of 350 employees per year, with the option of another 300 contract workers be?" Stefan asks. The Endarians think and talk among themselves. Finally, Endarius stands up.
"The terms are agreeable. Issue one is hereby considered closed." Endarius replies. He sits back down, as does Stefan. Formeri stands up next.
"Proceeding to issue two, the Northrend Campaign itself. After much deliberation, we have agreed to provide limited military intervention in support of the Alliance, if the terms are agreeable." Formeri says, reading from a paper. Alnura looks at Etu.
"I wasn't expecting this. Pretty willing to enter a conflict for such fresh relations, don't you think?" She comments. Etu nods.
"Yes, but it's also an opportunity for a display of force. They can show their value as an ally as well as their danger as an enemy." Etu replies, not taking his eyes off the Endarians. Formeri takes a seat and Stefan stands up.
"We are honored to hear that, but we would like if you could elaborate? To what extent are you willing to provide aid?" Stefan asks. Endarius speaks with Formeri. After a moment, Formeri stands up once again.
"We will dispatch E Group, also known as the Elysian Order, as well as Dragon Squadron. Along with all necessary essential support units and equipment. We'll place the Elysian Order under Eighth Seat, Curnan, son of the Wolf, the Hound." Formeri answers Stefan's question. Curnan jumps in surprise, having started to doze off. He looks at Formeri, blinking with bewilderment. Then he smiles.
"Shit, you'd give me something to do?" Curnan speaks up, but Endarius gestures for him to be quiet. Before Formeri can continue however, Markosoran, who had been speaking with the man next to him, a middle aged man in a black and blue robe, with black hair in a top knot, stands up. The man next to him stands up as well.
"In support of the Endarian Expeditionary Force, the Markesian Navy stands ready to transport, supply, and support the Endarian Expeditionary Force to Northrend." Markosoran speaks up, pledging support.
"Sugari Boshi is willing to pledge its own navy as well as 500 Samurai and 3000 Ashigaru to the Northrend Campaign." The robed man states. He bows before seating himself. Markosoran sits down after him. Formeri nods.
"Very well. That is Endaria's pledge to the Alliance. In return, we ask for tax free trade with the Alliance for the duration of the Northrend Campaign." Formeri continues. Stefan nods. He stands up as Formeri sits down.
"This E Group… what is it?" Stefan asks curiously.
"The Elysian Order is a special forces unit of Endaria. 2,000 strong and divided into 10 companies. They are selected from the top 10% of soldiers in our military and go through training regimens devised by seats 1 through 5, our best combatants." Endarius answers.
"Please give us a moment to discuss." Stefan replies. He sits down and discusses with the other human delegates. He passes some papers over to the other racial delegates. Alnura looks at the paper passed to the Draenei. It's essentially just asking if they agree.
"I don't see an issue with it. But then again, we aren't a trade power. I could see the dwarves and humans being skeptical about not placing tariffs on Endarian goods." Adaru says. Alnura nods, as does Etu.
"Seems the dwarves are pretty skeptical." Etu says, nodding to the dwarf delegation, which is talking heatedly among themselves. Alnura and Adaru look at the dwarf delegation and nod.
"Well, they are a major economic power in the Alliance. They could get undercut by Endaria without tariffs. Depending on how things go, that would make working in Endaria more profitable." Adaru responds.
"Which would mean more people looking to be hired by Endaria…" Alnura speaks up, figuring out where Adaru was going.
"Exactly. No doubt the dwarves, gnomes, and humans have realized this. The night elves are still remaining reserved. Though they do have the lowest stakes in all of this." Adaru replies. As he speaks, something is sent to the humans from the dwarves. The humans look it over and nod. Stefan stands up.
"We can't offer free trade unfortunately. Not unless Endaria enters the Alliance formally. We are willing to promise discounted taxes in comparison to what other non-Alliance trade partners are taxed however." Stefan says with trepidation. The Endarians nod and talk further among themselves. The tension only seems to grow as they continue to talk more and more. Alnura finds herself holding her breath. Would the Endarians back out? Right as she starts to think the Endarians won't agree, the Endarius stands up.
"Your terms are agreeable." Endarius says. Alnura sighs. "I'll go on and broach the third issue. Endaria would like to open up an embassy in Stormwind, Ironforge, Darnassus, and the Exodar. In return, we will provide an Embassy for each of the races of the Alliance in Caer Endaris." He continues. Stefan nods and stands up.
"Those terms are certainly agreeable. It may take time to prepare some embassies, and send long term delegates over, but it should be of no issue to us." Stefan replies. He sits back down. Endarius nods and sits back down. Valgus stands up.
"This concludes the interests of the Endarian Empire. We now hand the discussion over to the Commonwealths." Valgus declares before sitting back down. Alnura looks at the Commonwealth members who are all looking the delegates over with different expressions. The first to stand up is a short, bearded man clad in furs and wool clothes and wearing a fur cap.
"I am Czar Dyolmir Kvoretz of the Golgograd Tsardom. I direct my interests to the gnomes and dwarves here. I rule over a small commonwealth in the Golgograd Mountain Range. We are willing to waive immigration fees for Dwarven and Gnomish immigrants and even provide a stipend to dwarven and gnomish families. In return, we are willing to provide for financial and material remittances of a value below 100% of the family net worth per year to be sent back untaxed." Kvoretz states. He watches the gnomes and dwarves quietly as they begin to discuss among themselves. Finally, a dwarf stands up.
"I'm Tonli Ironbraid. Leader of the Ironforge Delegation. I wish to clarify. You are willing to permit remittances of up to one hundred percent of a family's net worth to be sent back to Ironforge?" Tonli asks, a tone of disbelief in his voice as he asks. Kvoretz nods.
"Yes. You see, were have an exceedingly low population but massive resource wealth thanks to our mines. For us, the value of dwarven and gnomish immigrants is their labor potential, not their tax yield." Kvoretz affirms. Tonli nods.
"Very well. We are willing to agree to such terms." Tonli replies, shaking his head. Alnura is rather surprised herself. That level of remittances could amount to an astronomical fortune for more well off families. The next to stand up is a man in a red coat. Little metal bars fitted diagonally across the chest run down the coat. He has a saber on his hip and his head is shaved bald except for a long strand of hair from the top of his head that runs down and is tucked behind his ear. A long mustache runs down his face.
"I am Hetman Kyrylo Timofeyevich of the Gdanzaw Hetmanate. I direct my interests to the Draenei of the Exodar. I have heard of your people's predicament. My Hetmanate would be happy to provide draft horses and lumber. In return, we ask that you take in Hetmanate students to learn healing arts. From our understanding, your people are quite talented in such skills." Timofeyevich says. Alnura looks at Etu and Adaru.
"That's a pretty generous deal, don't you think?" Alnura says quietly.
"Aye. It's not as big of a deal as others have made, but it will help us, and it shouldn't be unmanageable to add students to our ranks." Adaru agrees.
"I'm guessing the Hetmanate must be rich but undeveloped then, like Golgograd." Etu comments. Alnura nods.
"So we're in agreement then?" Adaru asks. Again, Alnura nods, as does Etu. Adaru stands up.
"Those terms are agreeable, Hetman." Adaru answers Timofeyevich. Timofeyevich nods and smiles. He sits down. Adaru sits down after him.
Alnura expects things to continue but no one else stands up. After a moment, Endarius speaks up.
"It would seem that for this meeting, there is nothing more to discuss. Unless I am wrong, let us proceed with signing documents." Endarius says. No one protests, so he passes a stack of papers over to the humans, who look it over and sign it, then pass it on to each of the other delegates, who all sign it. It finally arrives at the Draenei. Alnura looks at it and it is the official contract discussed. Adaru looks it over and signs it before passing it back over to Endarius. Endarius signs the paper. As he is doing so, Timofeyevich sends a stack of papers over. Alnura looks the papers over with Etu and Adaru. The Hetmanate was willing to seen 5000 tons of lumber over per year along with 1000 horses per year, in return for being able to send over 500 students per year for 10 years.
"Seems like a reasonable number to me." Alnura comments.
"Quite. At most, we would only have a couple thousand at any one time. So it wouldn't strain out supplies all that much." Etu replies. Adaru nods. He proceeds to sign the document and send it back to Timofeyevich. Around the table, the other delegates are signing documents and passing them around as well. Eventually, documents cease being passed around. Endarius looks around the table.
"Very well, it would seem there is nothing left to sign. I look forward to a healthy relationship between the Alliance and Endaria. The meeting is hereby concluded. Please make your way out the way you came in and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Endaria." Endarius speaks up. He stands up. "Forgive my urgency, but I must attend to my other duties." He adds and leaves. Gradually, other Endarians begin to trickle out.
"Well, that wrapped up quickly. I was expecting a lot more pomp and circumstance…" Etu remarks.
"Yeah… I almost feel like I got whiplash." Adaru chuckles.
"Hey, at least our legs aren't too stiff." Alnura comments. Adaru and Etu laugh. They both stand up. Alnura stands up after them.
"Well, I'm gonna head on off. My guide recommended me this restaurant by the harbor and I want to try it while I still have the chance." Etu says, starting to walk away.
"Have fun!" Alnura replies. Adaru just smiles and waves him off. He then looks back at Alnura.
"What about you? You got plans?" Adaru asks.
"Probably a nap. Then the gardens. I hear the Royal Gardens are a sight to see." Alnura responds, smiling.
"Sounds fun. Guess I'll just do paperwork then." Adaru pouts.
"That's why you're here." Alnura jokes and turns to leave. "Don't work too hard now!" She adds as she leaves the room. She had a feeling that today could be considered a success for the Alliance and her people.