10-23-2021, 04:08 PM
(Joint post with Shuell)
Calhualyana waited calmly in her office for her first appointment of the day. She believed in starting the day off on a strong note. The Empress was hoping that this appointment would do exactly that.
Her trade deal with Shuell had been one good accomplishment. But with Xiomera now facing an organized alliance against it in the form of the Caxcanan Union, the Empress knew she needed to form more ties, if only to reassure her people.
The door to her office opened, and her Attendant stood next to it, in formal mode. “His Excellency Tariq Abn-Dawid Sayed, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Iskiram,” she announced, gesturing the ambassador inside.
The ambassador, a lanky man with a prominent Adam's apple, stepped into the office. He was dressed in an outfit typical of an Iskirami aristocrat - which is to say that it straddled the line between opulent and tacky on the best of days. Despite his rather ostentatious appearance, however, Ambassador Sayed had a well-deserved reputation for being a shrewd diplomat.
He politely bowed to the Empress, taking care to ensure his form was perfect. Sayed represented not just the Sultanate but his house, and intended on shining a positive light on both.
"The Lord-Regent sends his regards, Empress Calhualyana. I was informed you had something to discuss with us?"
”Indeed,” the Empress replied. “Please have a seat,” she gestured to a chair in front of her desk. After offering the ambassador refreshments and engaging in the requisite polite conversation, she got to the point. “As you know, Xiomera and Iskiram have enjoyed a very beneficial relationship since during the war, and after I became Empress as well. Iskiram was very helpful with my ascension, in fact. I feel that our two nations have common cause in this chaotic world, and that we would both benefit from a closer relationship.”
The ambassador nodded in agreement. "Despite some differences, Iskirami have a favorable view of Xiomera - in no small thanks to your rule, of course. We were very pleased when you took power, and even more so when a favorable peace agreement was reached." Sayed cleared his throat apologetically. "While not the ideal outcome, there are far worse options." Quickly changing topics to avoid lingering on the somewhat sore subject, the man continued.
"The Sultanate is a very old, regal state. We have had a storied history, and we are proud of it." His expression sours. "Despite this, however, we lack allies on the international stage - during our war with Serriel, we realized that much. While our stalwart defense allowed us to win that war, in a future conflict we may not be so fortunate."
”That would definitely be unfortunate,” Calhualyana replied. She frowned slightly at the mention of Serriel - that state was providing the family of Xochiuhue a sanctuary, a point that irritated her. “We believe we can help Iskiram a great deal with our technology. Brave soldiers deserve the best equipment, after all.”
Sayed clasped his hands. “Few in the world would be inclined to disagree, your majesty. While we have naturally attempted to modernize on our own, the assistance of Xiomera in this pursuit will be greatly appreciated. Is there anything that the Sultanate can provide in return? Our lands have much to offer you, I am certain.”
”We would be interested in any natural resources, such as oil, petroleum products, and raw minerals that you may have to supply for our industries. In turn, we would be happy to work together with you on joint research and development projects, as well as providing you access to Xiomeran defense and economic technology and products at greatly reduced rates. We would also be pleased to offer Iskiram any sort of trade goods or merchandise your people may desire, or which your markets may need, at greatly reduced rates also. Would a fifty-percent discount on Xiomeran trade and intellectual products be an acceptable offer?”
Sayed grinned, nodding. "Your terms are too generous, Empress - you are a true friend to Iskiram. Our country is rich in both gold and oil, which we would be happy to provide to you. Should you agree to have closer ties with the Sultanate, there is much more we could do. Would I be incorrect in saying that both of our countries desire strong allies? The Sultanate cannot have foreign invaders on our soil once more."
”Nor can Xiomera, especially after the outrages perpetrated against us during our civil war,” Calhualyana replied. “Xiomera does indeed desire strong allies. And since we’ve worked well together in the past and share similar values, it would be a natural fit for us to have a more formal alliance.”
"That is excellent to hear, your majesty. Although the Decimation had dealt a great blow to us, rest assured that our country is still a strong one, and one willing to protect its allies. All that remains for me to do is have your proposal officially put into motion."
The ambassador extended his hand to the Empress - a gesture that would have been somewhat above his station, but sincere nonetheless. "To glories both past and new."
Calhualyana took the offered hand, shaking it and giving the ambassador a warm smile. “Indeed, and to a glorious future position for both the Empire and the Sultanate. I will instruct my staff and our relevant officials to contact their colleagues on your end to work out the final details.”
Sayed nodded in response. "It has been a pleasure, your majesty. You will receive the Lord-Regent's reply in swift time. Until then, I bid you farewell." With that, he exited the room. Once Sayed had left, Calhualyana smiled with satisfaction. Xiomera was entering a difficult period, between her upcoming marriage and then probable pregnancy, and the clear formation of alliances against the Empire. The more ties that Xiomera could form with other nations, the better - especially when those ties provided resources for the Xiomeran industrial machine.
Calhualyana waited calmly in her office for her first appointment of the day. She believed in starting the day off on a strong note. The Empress was hoping that this appointment would do exactly that.
Her trade deal with Shuell had been one good accomplishment. But with Xiomera now facing an organized alliance against it in the form of the Caxcanan Union, the Empress knew she needed to form more ties, if only to reassure her people.
The door to her office opened, and her Attendant stood next to it, in formal mode. “His Excellency Tariq Abn-Dawid Sayed, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Iskiram,” she announced, gesturing the ambassador inside.
The ambassador, a lanky man with a prominent Adam's apple, stepped into the office. He was dressed in an outfit typical of an Iskirami aristocrat - which is to say that it straddled the line between opulent and tacky on the best of days. Despite his rather ostentatious appearance, however, Ambassador Sayed had a well-deserved reputation for being a shrewd diplomat.
He politely bowed to the Empress, taking care to ensure his form was perfect. Sayed represented not just the Sultanate but his house, and intended on shining a positive light on both.
"The Lord-Regent sends his regards, Empress Calhualyana. I was informed you had something to discuss with us?"
”Indeed,” the Empress replied. “Please have a seat,” she gestured to a chair in front of her desk. After offering the ambassador refreshments and engaging in the requisite polite conversation, she got to the point. “As you know, Xiomera and Iskiram have enjoyed a very beneficial relationship since during the war, and after I became Empress as well. Iskiram was very helpful with my ascension, in fact. I feel that our two nations have common cause in this chaotic world, and that we would both benefit from a closer relationship.”
The ambassador nodded in agreement. "Despite some differences, Iskirami have a favorable view of Xiomera - in no small thanks to your rule, of course. We were very pleased when you took power, and even more so when a favorable peace agreement was reached." Sayed cleared his throat apologetically. "While not the ideal outcome, there are far worse options." Quickly changing topics to avoid lingering on the somewhat sore subject, the man continued.
"The Sultanate is a very old, regal state. We have had a storied history, and we are proud of it." His expression sours. "Despite this, however, we lack allies on the international stage - during our war with Serriel, we realized that much. While our stalwart defense allowed us to win that war, in a future conflict we may not be so fortunate."
”That would definitely be unfortunate,” Calhualyana replied. She frowned slightly at the mention of Serriel - that state was providing the family of Xochiuhue a sanctuary, a point that irritated her. “We believe we can help Iskiram a great deal with our technology. Brave soldiers deserve the best equipment, after all.”
Sayed clasped his hands. “Few in the world would be inclined to disagree, your majesty. While we have naturally attempted to modernize on our own, the assistance of Xiomera in this pursuit will be greatly appreciated. Is there anything that the Sultanate can provide in return? Our lands have much to offer you, I am certain.”
”We would be interested in any natural resources, such as oil, petroleum products, and raw minerals that you may have to supply for our industries. In turn, we would be happy to work together with you on joint research and development projects, as well as providing you access to Xiomeran defense and economic technology and products at greatly reduced rates. We would also be pleased to offer Iskiram any sort of trade goods or merchandise your people may desire, or which your markets may need, at greatly reduced rates also. Would a fifty-percent discount on Xiomeran trade and intellectual products be an acceptable offer?”
Sayed grinned, nodding. "Your terms are too generous, Empress - you are a true friend to Iskiram. Our country is rich in both gold and oil, which we would be happy to provide to you. Should you agree to have closer ties with the Sultanate, there is much more we could do. Would I be incorrect in saying that both of our countries desire strong allies? The Sultanate cannot have foreign invaders on our soil once more."
”Nor can Xiomera, especially after the outrages perpetrated against us during our civil war,” Calhualyana replied. “Xiomera does indeed desire strong allies. And since we’ve worked well together in the past and share similar values, it would be a natural fit for us to have a more formal alliance.”
"That is excellent to hear, your majesty. Although the Decimation had dealt a great blow to us, rest assured that our country is still a strong one, and one willing to protect its allies. All that remains for me to do is have your proposal officially put into motion."
The ambassador extended his hand to the Empress - a gesture that would have been somewhat above his station, but sincere nonetheless. "To glories both past and new."
Calhualyana took the offered hand, shaking it and giving the ambassador a warm smile. “Indeed, and to a glorious future position for both the Empire and the Sultanate. I will instruct my staff and our relevant officials to contact their colleagues on your end to work out the final details.”
Sayed nodded in response. "It has been a pleasure, your majesty. You will receive the Lord-Regent's reply in swift time. Until then, I bid you farewell." With that, he exited the room. Once Sayed had left, Calhualyana smiled with satisfaction. Xiomera was entering a difficult period, between her upcoming marriage and then probable pregnancy, and the clear formation of alliances against the Empire. The more ties that Xiomera could form with other nations, the better - especially when those ties provided resources for the Xiomeran industrial machine.
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