"Therein lies the problem, Renoan. This war of yours is moving rapidly towards Lunarian Imperial lands. I have nearly half a million Earthkin living under my protection in those lands. I need to know if those people are in danger." Silver rose into the air until he was slightly above Kona. "Make no mistake, Renoan. I will not tolerate threats to my Empire."
(^2000 posts. Congratz) Lucius watched as Silver rose into the air to intimidate Kona and himself. While Kona did not know exactly how much of a threat a Lunar Pegasi are, Lucius understood completely. They were similar to his kind in some ways, both of them having to undertake military from their leaders downwards to defend themselves. They both had, in comparison to other races, extremely low numbers. However, both were known for being extremely difficult to kill. In terms of a single physical fight, a Lunar Pegasi and a Ryborian would be evenly matched due to their super-human abilities. A quiet sense of pride displayed in a smile was on his face as it then focused on the matter at hand. ------------------ "Jiargo has been my adviser since the founding of Ardelan several thousand years ago. He's the best there is..." Venquis studied Velvet while she was introducing himself. He then leaned toward from his throne. "Now. Jiargo told me that you wish to found a merchant's company, we can arrange that. What exactly did you have in mind?"
The Sun Civilization was prospering. Trade was well, and without the worry of expansion the military forces were either assisting the Lunar Pegasi or working alongside the ordinary civilians. Valacian was guided to an inventor. "Sir." The inventor bowed. "Stand citizen, it is my honor to be here, not yours. Please, show me what you have discovered." The inventor smiled and pulled out a small cloth covered thing. He pulled the cloth off, showing a small woven base holding a stone circle filled with coal gained through trade. The square was attached to the cloth by strings. "Now watch. I believe I have found a way to imitate our friends most unique attribute... Flight!" With that he hit stones over the coal until a spark lit them. He then lifted the cloth over the simple device and it lifted off the ground. Granted it was unsteady and lasted very little time, but sure enough it left the ground. "Sir Issak, you will go down in our history as a great man." (Issak, like Issac Newton. Also, meh... steampunk whoopsie?)
2 months ago: A small party of merchants, diplomats and soldiers were sent off with 4 months worth of food. It was a big deal in Heavillia as many citizens watched and cheered as they set off to find new civilizations. They set off and sailed southward. Following the coast of the large continent. Now: Arleton was enjoying her time at the local baths. Though everyone was naked, she didn't mind as it was just a way of life for everyone. She got out the heated pool and headed off. Entering another room to try out this new deep tissue massage thing.
(Dreamer, don't you think it's a bit early for that?) - - Auto Merge - - Kona raised an eyebrow at Silver, "I already said, Reno has no quarrel with úts kind unless út attack us. However, expand south of mountains inbetween us and út, then quarrel will be had."
"Your terms are... acceptable. As long as your war does not spill over into my lands, I will not interfere." Silver turned his attention to Lucius. His curiousity had gotten the better of him. "You are not like the others. I sense magic within you. Magic that I have encountered before. I must ask... have you ever encountered a race know as the Ryborians?"
Velvet stopped to act shyly, raising her head and looking straight in the emperor's eyes. ''I have a plan to rule over this land, and i'm looking for a good partnership with you. The merchant company's goal is simple; we'll be the only company to trade everything out of every ''country'', and i plan to buy every ressources. We'd have establishments in every place possible and put pressure to everypony by simply being the only traders, and assuring the security of the merchadise's transport. Theses establishments would also be counters where we'd exchange currencies, as well as banks for the locals. And I would always travel between every villages of every country to take orders, and to make sure that everything's okay with every rulers. If you were the first one to join my plan, i'd make you the ruler of the whole island; My goal is to befriend everypony here, but... You and i would be the only ones to get profit from this. We'd split the money 50/50.'' She cleared her throat. ''As of dealing with the other nations, i've got my ways to fool 'em all, ways i won't be using to you since you've been such a good listener, and haven't tried to emprison us. Heck, i'd say you're the first monkey to even take me seriously.'' Looking over her shoulder at the represntative, she smiled. ''And that gentlecolt here would follow my course everywhere, for you to be sure i ain't fooling you. The other zebras, especially my Witch Silence, would stay here and open up that first ''establishment'' and start a the bank right away. That could highly help your kingdom's economy, as well as ours.'' She re-made eye-contact with the emperor. ''What do you think, ready to trust us pirates, or do you want to miss the chance and be at our mercy in the next years to come?''
After a while of sailing. They found their first port of call that wasnt part of the alliance. From the port itself it seemed quite cultured. They sailed into it noticing another ship with what looked to be black and white horses. They then also noticed bipedal people that seemed to be the main settlers of this place. They sailed into it finding an empty space.
Lucius looked at Silver, raising his eye. "Yes, we are the Ryborians. However, i do not know if you have encountered us before. Are you saying that there are other Ryborians?" ---------------------------------------------------------- Venquis smiled at the thought once Velvet explained her proposal. "That sounds great. Trade is always welcome here, even recommended. You just happen to find yourself in the richest technological, industrial and profitable area of all the Renoan empire. Surely that if you were to attack us, you would simply be purged. But nonetheless, i have placed my faith in you." The Eriborian said as he threw keys in-front of Velvet. "They open up a building that you shall start your business. It's been a pleasure."
"It is difficult to explain, Ryborian. I come from a universe very different from this one." Silver sighed, realizing that he probably sounded crazy. "The Ryborians that I know were an equine race. They were widely respected among my kind for their magical ability." He shook his head, certain that the Ryborian didn't believe him, and turned to Holly. "I wonder what Venquis would say about this? Humanoid Ryborians... how very odd."
"It appears that your universe has Ryborians similar to you, while we remain as a humanoid race very simular to the Renoans besides me. It seems that our leader just happens to be named Venquis as well. There could be a possibility that both are linked, possibly the same beings living inside a different universe. This is quite odd indeed." Lucius responed. "If what you say is true, then everything about your Ryborians and our Ryborians possibly have the exact same culture, religion and so forth. I'm not a scientist, but i can see a pattern. We're very interested to understand." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neromia had just sent it's latest shipment across the gulf to Renoan City, along with a blacksmith famed in Ardelan for his metalwork. He had forged his very best 'prototype' armors for display for the Renoan's and weaponry. Along on the ship were Devena workers, who embraced and loved the thought of being apart of something heigher than themselves so much, they even considered themselves to be Renoan. The Devena's loved building and helping their masters without hesitation, but also relished the idea of war. Shiploads of them were sent across the gulf to construct, live, create and thrive in Renoan City. However, they could also destroy their enemies.
After docking the group of merchants/diplomats/soldiers stepped off the ship and began browsing the city. They certainly got a few looks from the locals too. As they were walking they spotted another black and white horse like pony that was talking to what looked like a quite important local. They then began walking up towards them.
Velvet blinked at Venquis. She thought it would've took a few hours, perhaps more, of nogiactions and that she'd only get the right to come and trade in the city. That offer was her business's biggest kick she'd ever have. ''''I thank thee sir, for thou have made the best decision'', i couldn't be happier to hear those words. I'll be worth of your confiance, you can be sure. Now, I'll be going. My sneses tell me that another pony race might be somewhere north on this island, would you know of them?'' She recalled her memories of the Lunar Guards, faking beeing ''seeing'' things, so that she'd impress him with ''fake'' gypsy powers.
"I am curious about the possibility of link between the Ryborian races, as well. However, I regret to say that I must take my leave. Inform your Eriborian that I will paying a visit to Ardelan quite soon." Silver picked up Holly and took off. As he flew away, he overheard several Renoans refer to him as a "Demon Horse." He couldn't help but grin at the nickname.
The group approached the person velvet was talking to and introduced themselves in a civilized kind manner. "Si'a Calleo, my name is Saaer head diplomat of this expedition to discover new civilizations in the hope of trade and alliance. Who do I have the honour of speaking to."
Velvet looked at Saaer, and cracked her neck. ''My name is Velvet Haze, Windlady of the Blue Pearl, and Head of the Blue Guitar, the upcoming merchant company and post office in this realm.'' She cleared her throat, her voice loosing some of it's sweetness. ''Now that the presenation's done, what about we skip the formalities; you seem like one to know your thing. You said you were trying to discover new places and new people, huh? What about we unite under the same flag and become the biggest merchant company around?'' ---Meanwhile--- The zebras at the camp decided to send the witch, as properly instructed, to the city their leader went; Hopefully the phase one will soon finish. Jekyl and Hyde, the two head-warriors, decided to re-join their leader to assure her protection, even if not instructed to.
"Well, perhaps not a complete unity between us but we could lend you a few ships plus set up a trading post in our capitals docks. Anyway knowing some of these lot I know a few who would prefer a life on sea." He clicks his fingers before a map was given to him. "This is a map of our known world. The area with the yellow is our nation. We would also like to give you the gift of Aeroix. A magical essence that exists in every Devi and Paragoni. Drink it and the magic shall be within you. Only problem is it will be weak as we are far from the source of origin."
Velvet looked at all of theses gifts, a small tear rolling down on her cheek. ''I gladly accept all of theses gifts, Sir. You really are a gentlecolt! Especially the map; I feared i would've to trace one!'' She took the objects and neatly placed them in her black leather saddlebag. ''As for the ships, More of the zebras from my homeland may arrive soon, as well as more marchandise. I couldn't accept any more of them, it's too generous and sweet from you! Would you like to travel to my campment with me, to get a look of the things i sell? I'd take a few members of my crew and settle a little something in your country then! And, pardon my lack of royal greeting, i've just realized your importance here!'', she finished with a small bow. ---Meanwhile--- Jekyl and Hyde have left with the witch, going to the town Velvet is in. (I should keep a map near now that i gained an access to it! Thanks, Robin!)
Upon returning to Lunaria City, Silver and Holly were greeted by a grim looking group of miners. One look at their faces told him that he wasn't going to like what they had to say. "Sir, we've found something big."
"I shall gladly accept. I have already seen your ship as we have docked next to it." The group then split up with half heading up to meet the head honcho.
