The Dragons Horseman

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

To: The Dragon-Emperor of Lijiang.

Over 1000 years ago our ancestors negotiated an arrangement to prevent them going to war. With a few exceptions over that time the arrangement has held peace between our nations. Even during your nations period of mourning we abided by our ancestorial pledges. There was a time when the Khan of Jargalant and the Dragon-Emperor would meet at Naran Sebusitai Fort every two years. Since both of us have gained our crowns this has not happened and I believe that now is the time to both travel to the fort that was built to symbolically mark the agreement. We both must respect and honour the past and I can think of no better way to do that than reviving this important tradition.

With Respect

Khan Mönkhsaikhan II

[Lijiang]

There had once been a tradition of the Khan and the Dragon-Emperor, or at least their representative meeting up at the Narun Sebusitai Fort every two years. For close to a century now the meeting had not featured both nations leaders. That though hadn't halted the other tradition. The fort was one building but the road between the Eastern and Western gatehouses marked the border of the two nations and while both maintained a symbolic garrison of around fifty troops they never crossed the road. Most days there would be a symbolic flag raising ceremony and at night a flag lowering and while during these ceremonies the soldiers largely ignored each other salutes were exchanged if both factions happened to reach the point where the flagpoles fluttered side by side. The fort had several other purposes and now Dragon-Emperor Tielin found himself agreeing with Khan Mönkhsaikhan. Tielin had brought with him his son Prince Chun and his youngest wife Azure Dragon Queen Dandan. The trip to the Fort had been rather relaxing, first a cruise down the river known by Lijigians as the "Dragon Spine" and then a scenic mountain train ride until they reached the plateau where the fort was located. It seemed Tielin had arrived first and to show he was in attendance the Lijiang soldiers hoisted the royal standard on a flag pole next to their national flag and then carried out a large red wooden chair that was placed on their side of the road that split the fort. Legend said previously the first to arrive would sit meditating on the chair until their counterpart arrived and their meeting could begin but that was one tradition Tielin had little wish to revive and so while his troops kept an eagle eye peeled on the Jargalant countryside for the signs of the Khan approaching Tielin spent his time drinking tea with his officers.

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

While the Dragon-Emperor may have been satisfied making his way the the Narun Sebusitai fort and keeping a relatively low profile the Khan was not going to do things by half. The village of Dzürh sat around 20km away from the fort and after a journey by car there the Khan changed into traditional robes and accompanied by his entourage of red armoured ceremonial soldiers, his two wives and his two youngest sons, mounted his horse and in the early morning sunshine rode the remaining distance to the fort with several of his soldiers drumming an accompaniment. As they reached their nations entrance to the fort his soldiers there opened the gate and formed a guard of honour as he entered. Seeing the Dragon-Emperors banner already flying he turned in his saddle to 19 year old Prince Tsagaan-arslan and issued a series of commands. The boy elegantly and effortlessly slid out of the saddle of his grey steed and reached into the saddle bag removing a piece of carefully folded cloth. He made his way over to the flagpole accompanied by two men from the forts guard and their in traditional leather armour he fixed and then raised his fathers own banner to the same height as the Dragon Emperor. He then returned to his horse and took it by the reigns and made his way to the road that marked the divide between the two nations. He then removed his helmet, handed it to a soldier who had followed him and then loudly spoke. "Your Imperial Majesty, Dragon-Emperor of the Majestic Empire of Lijiang, friend of the Khanate I wish to present to you the stallion, Batbayar, his name means "Strong joy" and we wish him to stand as a symbol of our desire to maintain the bonds between our nations that have brought peace for so long." He bowed deeply and held the reigns forward towards the Dragon-Emperor hoping the horse he had ridden and cared for the past three years was a fitting gift for the Dragon-Emperor. The Khan sat atop his horse still but had moved close behind his son pleased with the way he had conducted himself. Prince Khicheengüi watched on from his position holding the ceremonial guards banner which flapped in the wind.

[Lijiang]

They may share a border and a history as long as the Dragon-Spine River but there was a marked difference between the two rulers. Here was Tielin dressed for a business meeting and the Khan looked like he was about to lead a horde across the 13th Century. It probably shouldn't have surprised the Dragon-Emperor that the man had embraced the history of the day based on the contents of his letter, Tielin meanwhile had all but forgotten this tradition. He was unsure about the horse, while he could ride he was by no means a natural in the saddle but he carefully took the reigns knowing that the people of Jargalant had a kind of connection to horses. "Thank you Prince Tsagaan-arslan" he said as he patted the horse and then with one of his own guards holding the reigns tight and help from another rather awkwardly climbed into the saddle. He was surprised that Batbayar seemed to stand as still as if made of stone despite the new rider and their obvious unease compared to their previous rider. As he gripped tightly to the saddle's pommel he called for one of his own guards to come forward, "I had not planned to give this to you from horseback but I hope you will accept this." The guardsman bowed deeply as on the flats of his hands he rested a dagger made from jade. "We have one for you, naturally your father, and each of your brothers. For your sisters we have brought a gift of a set of jade hair pins. We hope they serve as a symbol of the respect we have for your family, and your nation." The soldier handed two swords over to the Prince before allowing the various formalities of such a situation to be played out. Now calling out loudly to the Khan the Dragon-Emperor spoke loudly. "Khan Mönkhsaikhan I hope during our stay here we can see the fort as our shared home and you are free to come and go in our half as you wish. It is my hope you and your retinue will join us for lunch." He slid from the horse gave it another good pat thanking it for not throwing him off and walked directly to the line hoping the Khan would meet him there and accept his invitation.

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

To the Khan a man who wasn't comfortable in the saddle couldn't be comfortable on a throne. As the words his father had told him when he had fallen off an unbroken stallion one day and claimed he was never riding again ran through his mind he turned to Prince Khicheengüi holding the Royal Guards banner firm and shot him a smile that indicated he found the situation funny. The world though was changing and the Khan maybe was stuck in the past but the world would be a nicer place if people remembered some of their morals from times before the internet. He was though pleased that the Dragon-Emperor seemed to like the horse even if he seemed well out of practice on its back. As Prince Tsagaan-arslan handed over the jade dagger that had been given as a gift the Khan drew its blade and examined it. The blade was pretty and clearly a mark of a skilled craftsman. He was also impressed that the Dragon-Emperor had sent gifts for all his children and as he sheathed the blade he found a way to attach it to his belt before nodding a thank you to Tielin. As his counterpart made his way to the centre line and yelled across the Khan slid down from the saddle and handed his ornate helmet to his now horseless soon. The King then stood with his arms out in the shape of a cross and two guardsman appeared and removed the leather armour chest plate that he'd been wearing and then the bracers. The Khan handed the men his sword belt and now wearing a dark purple tunic and leather riding trousers strode over towards Tielin. He held out his arms to offer an embrace as monarch to monarch. "I would be delighted to join you, once my sons have ensured our horses are cared for they will join us with my two Khatuns. First though I'd like to meet your family. I hear we are expecting a wedding sometime soon?" 

[Lijiang]

The embrace was another rather unexpected thing but Tielin didn't mind this it was a good way to show that the two nations shared a closeness. As they seperated the Dragon-Emperor motioned for his family to come over. "First may I introduce the Dragon-Empress, my dear wife Jing, we've been married 24 years this year." Tielin said proudly.

"And it still feels like yesterday" Jing embraced the Khan warmly. "We are delighted to have you join us for dinner." She said proudly as she escorted the Khan over to where some of the families servants were hastily setting up a series of tables. "Here is our eldest son Prince Chun, its his wedding that is upcoming, it should have been in April however the Dragon-Priestess determined that the omens were not suitable and so we are currently awaiting her say so and when that comes we are hopeful that there will be a significant attendance from your own family, we believe its important that our two families as well as our nations become friends." The Dragon-Empress showed the Khan to a chair and began to move behind her family, "This is Princess Wenjun, she has just entered the final year of her studies at the National Academy. The young girl dressed in a traditional white chenyi dress. She turned slightly blush at the mention of her name and bowed respectfully. "Here we have our youngest son, Prince Daoming. He has a year left in his Junior School before we hope that he will enter the Shūyuàn educational system." The 9 year old Prince stood respectfully and copied the bows of his sister.

There was another female figure at the end of the table who Tielin now stood behind a rather elegant looking young woman with her dark hair slicked back and a dark black dress. "This is Lady Bao Yijun, Royal Concubine" Tielin added. The young girl stood and bowed much deeper and lower than the others had. The Dragon-Emperor sat down next to her allowing the Khan and his family to have the other side of the table. A wide variety of dishes were being placed out and Shaoxing wine was poured into several cups. To mark the occasion even young Daoming was permitted to take a small cup.

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

Mönkhsaikhan accepted Jing's embrace happily, while the people of Lijiang and Jargalant may share some distant DNA it was a case that the Jargalantan's seemed more open and less formal than their ethnic cousins. "And I wish you both many more years ahead" he commented on the Dragon-Empresses comments about the length of their marriage. As the Dragon-Empress went around the table the Khan said hello to each of those introduced in turn. "Prince Chun we will of course be delighted to attend your upcoming wedding regardless of when it takes place. I hope that once your nuptiuals are completed you would consider spending a honeymoon of sorts in Jargalant as our guests." As Princess Wenjun was introduced he paused for a moment or two. "Princess its wonderful to meet you." then onto Daoming, the young Prince. "I hope young man that you too will come and visit us." It was strange to Mönkhsaikhan that a Concubine would be here but that was were the two nations may have differed, while the Dragon-Emperor fathered children with those of less noble blood the people of Jargalant did not concern themselves too much beyond the Khan's senior wife about the social standing of others. While introductions had been made his own family had arrived.

"Tsagaan-arslan you know but this is my boy Khicheengüi and my youngest son Saruulbuyan, he is 17." the two boys both still had one parts of their ceremonial armour and each placed a hand over their heart and sat. "Next we have my senior wife Ankhtsetseg and our daughter Princess Azjargal." The group took seats and the Khan took a sip of the wine, "I like it" he said keenly holding his glass up towards a server to indicate he would like some more. He shot Khicheengüi a glance as the Prince was already loading a plate beyond polite heights. The boy must have a tapeworm, he ate like the world was running out of food yet never put on weight. "I'm apologising if this is rude but while we have family here I wish to speak a little of family business. We will have much to discuss Dragon-Emperor to Khan later. Our nations should be the closest of friends but your nations mourning has put us back several generations but I think we have a speedy fix. Next summer Saruulbuyan here will be expected to marry, pretty Wenjun there is reaching an age you will be searching for a suitable husband. I think a Prince of Jargalant would be a very good match. I also hope you do not take offence to this but Azjargal should have married a while back but wished to attend University. If Prince Chun here has yet to marry his bride I would propse Azjargal marries him, I would have no worries if once Azjargal and Chun married he also marry his current betrothed, your religion though will have customs much different to ours and if I have offended you then please accept my apology." He finished and noted that both Azjargal and Saruulbuyan, who were well aware of their fathers plan, had shown little reaction. The Khan took another sup of his wine, picked up some strips of meat and waited the Dragon-Emperors response.

[Lijiang]

Tielin had arrived at the fort with a few plans of his own regarding how the two nations could renew their friendship and traditions that had gone along with it. He had not expected the idea of marriage however to be brought up and it was clear that neither Wenjun nor Chun had expected to be dragged into it. While such conversations would have been commonplace in the past it was not a cultural tradition the Dragon-Emperor had ever considered his children being part of, casually arranging marriages. He took a deep breath. On the one hand the proposals had some merit. It would tie the two nations together strongly and the fact that none of the families heirs were involved meant there was no chance of either royal family taking control of the other nation. It was though a question that placed the Dragon-Emperor in a difficult position. He took another deep breath. "You're going to have to forgive our families reaction" he said spotting the wide eyes of Wenjun in particular. The 16 year old knew her father was likely to be investigating avenues for marriage but to hear herself discussed so openly in front of her own eyes was something she wasn't ready for. "Now if I may begin by saying I'm honoured you consider our family to be suitable partners to your own and in the past I know such arrangements would be common but there are now a few matters that might muddy what would previously have been a simple decision." He looked first at Chun who it seemed was less concerned than Wenjun. He was three years older and had spent several months experiencing life across Mundus and had learned how the diplomatic and political world was shaped. "First the matter of a marriage between Azjargal and Chun in the manner you requested is off the table. You see I have already promised Chun to Jincheng and if I then go back on that promise people will look at me like I'm a man who can not and does not keep his word." He paused and examined Azjargal to see if his response had upset her. "Now if you were happy to wait for the marriage of Chun and Jincheng and then Azjargal would be willing to be a second wife then could agree to that." Chun seemed satisfied with that proposal knowing his father had indicated that it was almost a duty to have many wives and thought it couldn't hurt to start his "collection" early on.

Next Tielin turned his attention to Wenjun who nervously glanced at Saruulbuyan she had a look on her face of confusion and apprehension. "As for Wenjun she has a year of school to complete before I would consider marriage to anyone. I therefore have a counter proposal. I would like for Saruulbuyan to come and spend a few months living in the Golden Enclave, allow the two to get to know each other and more importantly allow our Dragon-Priestess a chance to assess the omens connecting the pair. If the Prince and Wenjun feel marriage is acceptable and the Dragon-Priestess approves we could hold the marriage here at this point next year."

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

The initial plan of the Khan had not gone the way he had hoped. By now he was hoping to be toasting two engagements with the knowledge that the future Dragon-Empress would be from Jargalant. There was however hope as the Dragon-Emperor hadn't said "no" to any of them he had just put obsticles in place and they could be navigated. "I understand the importance of you keeping your word but what exactly did you promise? That Chun would marry Jincheng? If that is the case you can keep your word. We marry the Prince to my daughter, we could even do that before we leave here. Then upon your return to Lijiang he marries Jincheng. I do however think it important that Azjargal is his first wife, after all she is a Princess while Jincheng is merely a the daughter of a Lord. You'll be keeping your promise and gaining a Princess as a daughter." He tried his best to convince the Dragon-Emperor.

"Now as for Saruulbuyan I have no issue with him coming and spending time in Lijiang, I'll even gladly let you put him to work, maybe you can attach him to some military unit, or do you need someone to train your horses. He needs something to keep him busy while he is there. I don't want him sitting around enjoying being lazy. The problem I also have is that I have plenty of nobles back in Jargalant who are offering their daughters. He could be courting them and getting to know them. So my compromise is that if he fails to marry Wenjun it becomes your duty to find him a high ranking bride from Lijiang or once he finds a woman to marry you will pay the bride price demanded? I believe that would off set the risk we would be taking. Personally I do not see a reason either of these marriages should not proceed. Wenjun will not find a better husband than a Prince."

[Lijiang]

Tielin felt like this marriage idea was something that the Khan was desperate to conclude and however much the Dragon-Emperor may like to ensure the future good relations between the nations there was no way he could fully accept. "What I promised Jincheng's father is that one day her daughter will be Dragon-Empress, that requires that she be Chun's first wife." He paused for a moment or two, "However I do see a potential way forward. We can have Chun and Azjargal marry but on the understanding that she will not become the Dragon-Empress" he lowered his volume slightly. "I also have the problem that while I have been Dragon-Emperor these last few years I'm still aware that many of my people fear that the outside world may swallow us up, we've worked with a good number of foreign nations and its always, at least for now worked well, however the idea of one day having a foreign born Dragon-Empress is I believe a step too far for the time being. I'm afraid in terms of the marriage between Chun and Azjargal that is the best that I can do."

Tielin now turned to the matter of Saruulbuyan and Wenjun. "I have no doubt that your son would be a good husband to my daughter but beyond political marriages I want my children to be happy, and no disrespect to my girl but her marriage will mean very little in the scheme of Lijiang politics therefore I don't want to sacrifice happiness for politics. Now I will offer prayers to the Two that she and Saruulbuyan find a connection that love can spring from but should that not happen then I would not force her into the marriage. Should it not happen I have no doubt the many High Lords in Lijiang would be only too eager to find a daughter willing to marry the son of the Khan and as for a bride price I am confident that we could manage to do that. So where does this leave us?" He asked hopefully.

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

It would seem like they would be going in circles for some time and the Khan still would not get the result that he wanted. Tielin was stubborn but it did at least seem that he was a man who would stand by his word. In some ways that was a good thing to have learned during their conversation, especially when it came to the bride price. "In terms of my son Saruulbuyan and Wenjun we have an agreement. In the new year he'll come to the Golden Enclave and you can make arrangements for him to experience life there and spend time getting to know your daughter. Then of course we can explore where this decision takes us."

"I'm honoured you are giving me this oppurtunity" Saruulbuyan said as he stood. "Princess Wenjun I promise that I will arrive in the new year with every intention of showing you that I would make an excellent husband. Should I bring any particular gift as a new years present for what I hope will be my future wife?" He asked before taking a seat again. The discreet pat on the arm from his father telling him he'd done his bit right.

The Khan continued, "I am saddened that Chun and Azjargal will not be married, I know my daughter was committed to the marriage but will now have to learn to accept it. I will of course find her a suitable husband without any issue but having our two lands connected at the highest level would have been a strong message to send Mundus about the bonds between our lands." He leaned back with his glass of wine and turned to his daughter. "When we return home you shall have your pick of the horse-lords." He said even though it was clear Azjargal had taken the rejection a little more personally than he had hoped. "Things happen for a reason and we must respect the Dragon-Emperors steadfast commitment to his word." He proceeded to turn to small talk with the Dragon-Emperor and his family and as things became more relaxed sent Saruulbuyan to sit next to Wenjun.

"So Princess when I come to the Golden Enclave what should I expect. I understand you'll be finishing school but is that within the Enclave or somewhere else? Would I be allowed to see it?" Saruulbuyan was keen to show interest in the girl and begin seeting the foundations his father had urged him to build.

[Lijiang]

Tielin was pleased that marriage talk seemed to have died down, at least for the time being.

Wenjun blushed as Saruulbuyan spoke to her. She had not been prepared for the meeting to go this way. "It would be an honour to receive any gift" she said looking at her mother for approval and avoiding the Prince's gaze. "It would be nice to perhaps have some attire from your lands." She added worried if leaving things to vague that it may be an insult. "Is there anything I could arrange for your visit?" He seemed to consider the question for a while before asking to see her school. "I know we can arrange that wih my school-mistresses permission. We learn about other nations and for my friends to have a chance to question someone on their homeland would be a good experience for them perhaps."

Tielin did his best not to react negatively to the Khan's comments to his daughter. Once the families seemed to get to know each other a little better Tielin motioned for the Khan to follow him as he oved away from the family. "Perhaps while our families handle the more softer side of diplomacy we should begin talking some of the more official matters between us. Its been over a century since we, our nations, did this and we've a lot of catching up to do. First I want to make sure the talks we just had have left no hard feelings. I will do whatever I can to ensure we can put that behind us and I'll be praying Wenjun and Saruulbuyan hit it off. He seems a good young man." He took a opened the door to one of the accomodation blocks that had been put aside for his family and the two men settled in the lounge. "We should, I think talk about our economic ties in terms of infastructure. We have formed a very useful water network from our southern provinces to the Krimeon and with the addition of rail and road I think we could build a network that would allow someone to cross from the very south to the north of Ardia without leaving our lands. It could be a rather useful project between us and of course if we are making the journey physically simple we could do so economically too. What are your thoughts."

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

Saruulbuyan thought for a while on the Princesses request. "Our summers are exceptionally warm and beautiful, our winters are in my mind just as stunning but the weather chills you to the bone, perhaps a nice winter dress would be fitting if I come in the new year. I suppose though the Enclave is nice and warm year round? As for speaking to your friends I'd be delighted. It would be my hope that if they are your friends then one day they will be mine so I'd be more than happy to do what you asked. What do you like in school? I was never much of a student much to my fathers disappointment, I think though the fact I can ride well means he doesn't find me too bad of a son." He hoped the small grin showed the Princess he was joking a little about his father. He knew the Khan loved all his children deeply and while he may see them as political chess pieces he also intended for them to be happy.

As Tielin spoke about the way the previous talks had just ended the Khan spoke frankly. "I can't help but say to you I think you've made a mistake. Your people want to cling to their traditions and this whole missed oppurtunity would never have happened hundreds of years ago. Then my ancestors deeply wanted to ensure our two nations were aligned making us a central Ardian powerhouse. You are a new dynasty and so the ties to the past between us cling on ever so delicately. A marriage would have cemented these ties. Away from your daughter I would urge you to do everything possible to ensure Wenjun and Saruulbuyan marry, I think its a match that would benefit your nation greatly." He had said what he had not been able to with others listening in. "Now of course what has happened between us is in the past and we must look forward yet with a need to form a tie between your dynasty and my nation." The Dragon-Emperor spoke of a transport network and economic friendship but for Mönkhsaikhan there was a more important thing first. "I will speak with you about your transport ideas but first I need to get in place something that will show the bond I have spoken of." He produced a copy of an ancient document. What was once written on a scroll was now on an A4 piece of paper "In the 9th Century the Dragon-Emperor helped my ancestor become the Khan, since then there has been an agreement between our lands that every year young men are sent to serve in your military at our expense. A small gesture that gave us people close to the Dragon-Emperor and ensured we held onto our honour. During the mourning period we placed those men under the command of the Dragon-Priestess. When one man leaves the unit due to old age a new man takes his place. That has not happened under your reign. It will however this year. What I want to happen is the following. First you will accept my 19 year old nephew, Tomorbaatar, as an officer in the unit, he has served in one of our Regional Patrol Units the past two years riding the steppes with men and is an excellent soldier. I want him to be permitted to learn and one day command the horseman who serve you. Second the new members will take their oath in your Palace to your family thus re-establishing the link between the dynasty and mine. Finally I wish them to ceremonially take turns guarding either your palace or the Golden Enclave, showing the world that you value, trust and respect my men and as an extension our nation. If such grounds of trust do not exist a railway is pointless."

[Lijiang]

Tielin had not expected to all but be chastised by Mönkhsaikhan. He was though aware that the discussions earlier in the day would have been seen as a failure for the Khan and so it was perhaps to be expected. "While I appreciate your advice I do not think you know as much on Lijiangs situation as I do. I though do no want us to get hung up on the proceedings of the last few hours. I want us to focus on the future and I see we are on the page totally when we talk of creating a central Adrian powerhouse. We dominate the region geographically speaking and I see no reason why that can't spread to other spheres. Now you can be certain I'll place no obstacle before your son and I'll be hoping the two of them hit it off. I think they're doing rather well so far. " Tielin looked over at the table where the rest of the family were sat. It seemed like Mönkhsaikhan was offering a kind of ultimatum but at least it was one that he could live with. "I'm very aware of the ancient agreement and the way men from your nation have upheld the arrangement, often in difficult circumstances. I'd be delighted to see Tomorbaatar join the unit and of course one day look forward to him commanding those men. I will place them as part of the forces that guard the Golden Enclave, this way when Saruulbuyan arrives he'll know people and as a result rather than having the men swear their oath in the Palace, where generally only our family reside I would like them to take it outside the gates of the Enclave. I think, if I explain the imagery of the situation, you'll agree that it is a great way of showing respect and trust to you." He paused a moment then outlined his idea. "The Golden Enclave is more like a town than a Palace, a very small town all be it. It is the property of the Empress and it is the place where my family live. I am therefore putting the safety of my family in the hands of men like Tomorbaatar. I believe there is no greater way of me showing repsect and trust for you and your people."

Back at the table Princess Wenjun was relaxing a little. "The Enclave is a home that I adore. Its not the most modern of places but its renevating fast, we've even got our own cinema now. By the time you arrive it'll likely be as modern as any city. Its a place where anyone can walk at night without worries and its always got some celebration happening. As for warmth though our winters can be very cold and we've had snow recently, but the homes are warm inside." She thought for a moment. "I enjoy dance and music at school....maybe you can teach me some from your lands?"

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

Saruulbuyan was beginning to like the sound of the Enclave. His homeland was still not that most modern and the royal family were committed to  their duties and so luxury living was not high on his list. Perhaps for a few months it would be interesting. "If I'm honest I've never seen a film in a cinema." The Prince laughed, "They're not that common in the Khanate, theatre and circus style shows are watched a lot more. Perhaps we can go watch one together. As for dance, well I'm not much of a dancer, men back home are expected to learn to ride a horse rather than how to dance. I suspect though I can bring a tutor with me who would be more than happy to teach you. Music I enjoy though, I play the Khuuchir....rather badly.....but I'd be happy to show you sometime."

"The idea of placing such trust in the men from Jaargalant that you would give them the duty of guarding your family home is perfect. I agree that the optics of that would send a very stong message of the unity between our nations. Thank you." He smiled, it seemed things were heading back on track. "Now we have a way of showing that strong unity how do we create this powerhouse?"

[Lijiang]

Tielin thought about the question for a moment, he had several ideas and was unsure where to start. We have between us a vast amount of land yet our population is just over 170million people between us. We've excellent access to raw materials and in Lijaing we've created a superb transport network using our waterways. What I see is us creating a kind of combined policy in some regions of economic affairs. So for example we create a common policy regarding things such as agricultural standards and manufacturing rules. That way goods can seemlessly travel between our two nations and we can ensure a level playing field meaning tariffs and taxes would not be needed. Furthermore we could allow our nations to freely invest so long as taxes are paid at a local level. Thus allowing larger businesses from each of our nations to expand into a new market while we are capable of boosting our economies off their actions. By building a link between our transport systems we can then move goods across the whole continent North to South within our zones. I believe we can therefore make our economies stronger. What do you think?"

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

The Khan had wanted the two nations to become close but he had not expected the Dragon-Emperor to go as close as he was now proposing. "I think this could help us both. Our nation has very little fixed agriculture, you do. Our nation has a vast array of untapped natural minerals and you have the ability to get them out. We meanwhile have lots of untapped workforce that can be utilised. I think a closer amount of co-operation could be useful and working towards common standards will make that possible. I believe that in order to make this happen we must have a trade body, I suggest we each appoint an envoy with the ability to negotiate what standards we should have on different matters and then once they present a suggestion we each approve it in whatever manner we see fit." The Khan suggested.

[Lijiang]

Tielin listened to the Khan and rather liked the idea of getting access to a variety of raw materials because he had big ambitions of what he wanted to do in diversifying the Lijiang economy and while for the time being they had everything they needed you couldn't predict the future. If the Khanate had access to things Lijiang lacked the idea that they could access them so easily sounded nice. "A trade body?" Tielin mused, "I believe the old Cross Straits bodies had such a thing and they are now practically history, I think though that with just two of us involved it should be much more streamlined and much simpler. I think though we would need more than an envoy, I can't think of someone who would for example know about suitable standards for coal extraction while simultaneously knowing about the diary industry. I therefore suggest that we establish a joint office of experts located here. We can also then establish a staff here that will oversea the joining up of our transport systems. I also have a final suggestion that I would like to float. We've both got a shortage of modern arms manufacturers. In the more recent year or so we've spent time cultivating links to buy equipment from elsewhere. I'd like to follow what the S.U.N pact have done and set up a new government owned arms company we can then try and undertake the development of equipment on a modern scale with also the boost to our own economies. I propose that we each take 40% of the shares and that we utilise the remaining 20% to entice engineers and scientists to come and work for it from across Mundus thus ensuring we have some quality workers."

[Jargalant (FKA Eskdale)]

"I'm not overly familiar with the Cross Straits arrangements however the idea that you suggest is a good one and I like the concept of this symbolic fort becoming more than a venue for a once a year meeting between our nations, it will become a constant reminder that we are more than just geographic neighbours that share an interesting past. I therefore approve." Next as the issue turned to defence matters. The Khanate didn't have a great deal of heavy manufacturing and so relied quiet often on old Lijiangian or other nations equipment to beef up its defence. This was an opportunity to begin to change that. "I'm fully in favour of your idea for a business. I would though have two conditions, the first is that in terms of distributing the 20% you plan to offer around to entice workers I propose that we make it clear either of us may veto the inclusion of any company or individual for any reason. I also would insist that any patents acquired by the company would be usable for free by either nation but only once they have informed the other that they intend to. For example if we develop lets say a fighter and as a result we patent a new piece of equipment for the radar I would like to think we could fit them into our existing aircraft but would first have to inform you that we were to do so. However I would not want such a patent being given access to a foreign power unless we both agree. Is this agreeable?"

[Lijiang]

Tielin considered the suggestion for a moment or two and then smiled. "I think your idea is perfectly fine. Infact it makes perfect sense. We seem to have made great progress here. I for one am struggling to think of anything else on this occasion that we can discuss, we've lots to look forward to in the coming months and fingers crossed those will lay the foundation for further agreements. Now of course if there is anything else you'd like us to discuss I am, as always, all ears."