[IRP] And a Toast to Our Victors

[Swift_Assassin]

"And I don't expect the same thing. For you, those betrayals were a thing of the past. For me, it was Tuesday. Last Tuesday to be precise. In the minds of some, once a betrayer, always a betrayer. We have that in common. Our families are forever cursed for the sins we commit. My heirs will be better men than I for it, just as I'm sure those your generation are better than those of a century ago," He replied. He took his glass of wine from his White Knight and took another sip. Urai enjoyed how this conversation was playing out. He managed to get a reaction out of her, a test of loyalty. It passed...for now.

"That may also be true. Unfortunately, Etruria's tale of events won't differ much. You'll see my name on both sides, misleading Etruria to it's surrender," He replied, shrugging off that she addressed him improperly. So be it.

She introduced herself, with a curtsy, to which he bowed in reply. "Forgive my manners. You caught me unaware, Lady Cecily."

So, the lady wants to know what sort of alliance we can offer. For all it's past faults, Laus is one of the stronger marches in Lycia. This web I must weave must be an inticing one. He thought to himself as she went through several of the major marches in Lycia. He tried to think of a way to play her game.

"In Etruria, all roads led to Aquleia. Trade is something we command. We are home to the ruins of the old Church, which I personally razed to the ground after I received the king's declaration of surrender. Of course, we have both power, faith, and gold. We also have countless mages, many seized by my own men, waiting reeducation or death," He replied. "But that's not what your looking for. I'm mean, all I can offer...is a fresh point of view. Unless...you have your eye on something in particular?"

Hopefully this bites, Urai thought to himself. "Perhaps Lord Reynert relayed something back to you of interest. Forgive me, but perhaps it's just not coming to mind. The wine's dulled my thinking a bit. What would you...demand of this friendship?" he asked, with an emphasis on you.