Spoiler: Himeyama; post I • show [center]
To the Arda Tuluvan Empire, Regarding Reconciling Differences, a more Prosperous Future and Harmony on Mundus[/center]
To Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Emperor
For far too long have the Syndicated Confederacy of Himeyama and the Arda Tuluvan Empire found themselves at opposite ends, both at the literal opposite sides of Mundus and figuratively with vastly differing beliefs. This has created a distrust between our two peoples at many levels, one that the Himeyan government wishes to remedy for the sake of future prosperity.
Therefore, we wish to conduct a diplomatic visit to your great nation so we can ease this pointless tension and create lasting harmony. I will personally attend the meeting between our peoples, along with our chosen delegates, The Righteous Chair of Justice Shiina Musashi and The Virtuous Chair of Foreign Affairs Arashi Yao.
We eagerly await Her Majesty's response.
Signed,
Shiina Musashi
Premier Executive Administrator of Himeyama
Spoiler: Arda Tuluva; post II • show [quote=Official Communique from the Arda Tuluvan Imperial Government to the Himeyaman Confederal Government][center]
[/center]
Unto the Most Honorable Shiina Musashi, Premier Executive Administrator of the Syndicated Confederacy of Himeyama; greetings and salutations,
For far too long have our two societies stood at opposite sides of the spectrum, isolated from one another allowing a gap to grow between our nations in suspicion and mistrust. It is long past time we put that to rest so that harmony and tranquility can thrive in its stead.
The Syndicated Confederacy of Himeyama and the Arda Tuluvan Empire each stand at a precipice: we can build a bridge between us, a nexus to link our two civilizations together. Or allow the agents of chaos to turn us asunder.
The Great Tercenë is ever desirous to maintain continual stability and prosperity on Mundus. With this grand aspiration does Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Empress, the Daughter of Heaven; cordially extends an invitation unto the Honorable Shiina Musashi and unto the Premier's chosen delegates for an official state visit to the Great Arda Tuluvan Empire.
May peace and friendship grow between us eternal. Honor and glory.
Sincerely,
Cormarë Vercatauronámë
First Minister of Arda Tuluva
Grand Chancellor of the Grand Secretariat[/quote]
Each day at eight o'clock the leading members of government would assemble before the
Phoenix Throne in the
Hall of Central Harmony for the Morning Assembly at the
Arcalcassë Palace. The ministers of government knelt in two groups of three columns with eighteen rows, separated by an ornate mosaic in the middle of the Hall. Behind the ministers (arranged by precedence and influence) were the various Court dignitaries, astrologers, attendants, and various other Courtiers (who were arranged by seniority).
Officials would stand and bow before leaving their designated spot to walk around the silver columns and before the Empress upon her dais preform a full kowtow as protocol demanded, they would remain kneeling to present memorials and referenda to the Empress – might she life forever. The Daughter of Heaven would issued the proper Memorial or Decree and Imperial Consent would then be appropriated.
Among many things this Morning Assembly saw the issuance of Imperial Consent to the Consul to use his best judgement - as representative and voice of the Throne - when dealing with the Himeyamans. He was given full power and authority to enact any treaty or agreement in the Autárimë Empress' holy name - might she live forever.
After the assembly
Presidium members made their way from the Arcalcassë towards the Eönwë Airfield, a private airport used exclusively for governmental purposes, to meet with the Himeyaman delegation.
It was a beautiful afternoon when the Himeyaman Executive aircraft landed at the Eönwë. A red carpet inlaid with subtle designs and outlined in intricate golden patterns led the way from the base of the stairs leading from the airplane to the entourage of black vehicles, sky-lanterns floated majestically along the way, fastened to the ground with golden rope.
The
Consular Guard and legionaries of the
Imperial Vermilion Army's Honor Guard snapped to attention as the Premier Executive Administrator descended from the stairs; flower petals in the colors of the Himeyaman flag - red and white – fell gracefully in abundanc6e from the lanterns in the calm, cool morning air. The Consul, along with the leading members of the Arda Tuluvan Imperial Government, bowed low in the Arda Tuluvan fashion; hands before them left fist in the right palm. The many other lower ranking officials and servants bowed lower at the waist.
“
Atta eleni sílar lúmenna omentielvo, Ayanëa Musashi." (Two stars shine at the hour of our meeting, Honorable Musashi) Consul Inglor Anordrail said in the traditional greeting. Standing upright he continued, opening his arms in a friendly gesture. “It was with great esteem that we welcome the Honorable Premier to Arda Tuluva. On behalf of Her Most Sublime and August Majesty we wish Himeyama honor and glory.” He, and the others, bowed again in respect.
Spoiler: Himeyama; post III • show The flight from Himeyama on Northern Ardia down to Arda Tuluva on Albion was indeed a lengthy one. Long enough that the Himeyan delegates had just woken up from a night's sleep by the time they had reached Arda Tuluva.
They spent the morning going over what they wanted to talk about with the Tuluvans, during which Premier Musashi gave constant reminders to Shiina to behave herself, the last thing they wanted was for someone to accidentally disrespect a member of the Tuluvan court, or worse yet, the Empress herself if she was personally meeting with them. After all, as different as the Himeyans and Tuluvans were, it's only possible to make a good first impression once.
Two ornate boxes sat on the table in the cabin, the small one contained a bottle of Sumiyashizare Momozake XO, the finest single beverage to ever come out of Himeyama. The large one contained a gift for the Empress herself: a pair of ornamental Haganeken decorated with gold plating as well as a prototype luminescent fiber that is powered simply by moving.
Handcrafted goods like that rarely ever came out of the big cities like Myodai or Shidarekawa, so it had to be commissioned by a small workshop in Ishinaru Bay. While the difference in quality between a machine-made and handcrafted product was negligible in Himeyama, there was no reason to try and cut corners when it comes to gifts.
As the plane touched the runway, Asuka looked back at Shiina. "Remember, be polite, answer questions and try to remember the Tuluvans are unlike most people we've met. We are Himeyama, let's make this worth everybody's while." With those words, Asuka brushed off her white velvet suit one final time before opening the door.
She tried to stifle her immediate reaction walking down the steps onto the runway, but she still couldn't help but smile, the red and white flower petals were especially appreciated. Really, the idea that someone would go out of their way this much to greet them excited Asuka greatly. Now with Musashi and Yao at her sides in front of the Tuluvans. "You honor us with this opportunity to meet, Honorable Consul." she smiled, prompting the three Himeyans to bow in unison. "We come bearing gifts as a token of our respect. It is our hope that these gifts see themselves to Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Empress in time." she said as she took the smaller box from Yao, revealing the exquisite porcelain bottle to Consul Inglor Anordrail. "Only the finest of Himeyan goods for our Tuluvan friends to enjoy."
The Premier was so proud of herself for being able to pronounce Autárimë without stuttering.
The Consul bowed politely again when presented with the gifts from the Himeyaman delegation. It was well known among Arda Tuluva's ruling elite that Lord Anordradil was a connoisseur of fine spirits and he was delighted by the gift, thought it hardly showed, Arda Tuluvans of the higher castes rarely - if ever - displayed emotions as it was thought that they must at all times remain composed, in command of their emotions. The Consul signaled to the attendants who bowed low to the Himeyamans before taking the gifts away.
"We thank you kindly for these gifts, Honorable Premier." He bowed again, "The Honor Guard awaits your review, Honorable Premier." He gestured as the two leaders walked past the Honor Guard in review. Before being escorted to a line of black limousines that would take them all into the city proper.
“This waypath is called the Promenade of Great Unity, Executive Administrator. It is a central road that connects the Arcalcassë Palace Complex, which lies west of the capital and is the seat of Imperial power, to the Artaquë at the heart of Imladris. The Promenade is exclusively used for official state functions." Proconsul of State, Eruvaryar Mehtarecárinë, began to explain. The road seemed to be one beautiful and continuous mosaic; it had taken ten years and a thousand artisans to complete. The maintenance was excruciating and expensive, but art and beauty must be showcased. It was lined with colorful trees and marble statues depicting heroes of legends and famous Arda Tuluvans throughout history.
"We are headed towards the Valdacassë Palace just inside Imladris, which was the main residence of the Vildimë sovereigns during the previous dynasty. Honorable Premier and your delegation may take accommodations at the Palace of Celestial Serenity, to relax and refresh; the staff and steward will be at your command. On the morrow, we shall convene within the Hall of Earthly Order at the Artaquë to begin official dialogue between Arda Tuluva and Himeyama. You must understand, Honorable Premeir, that it is most inauspicious to discuss official negotiations and treaties upon the first day of introductions. This is not done in Arda Tuluva."
The convoy finally reached the Valdacassë Palace’s main entrance: the Gate of Divine Might, where the two Arda Tuluvan leaders bade farewell to the Himeyans and wished them well until their meeting tomorrow morning.
Shiina Musashi was greeted by a host of servants and was ushered in and shown to her rooms by the Steward, a woman who called herself Aira Elenarindarë. The palace was much as Shiina expected it to be, considering the beauty and skill of the road it paled in comparison to the
Valdacassë. Clearly, the emperors of old spared no expense on its design, craftsmanship, and beauty. It was truly a marvel. One that Arda Tuluvans truly appreciate, as all cultural heritage sites are maintained and looked after, never to fall to ruin or disrepair.
That evening the Valdacassë Palace entertained the Himeyans in the grandiose style of Arda Tuluva. A feast was prepared for them with traditional Arda Tuluvan foods, music, and entertainment.
The following morning, at ten, the Himeyans were escorted to the governmental megaplex known as the
Artaquë. Unlike the palaces of the Arcalcassë or the Valdacassë, the Artaquë was designed to awe in a more intimidating stately fashion than a celestial one. Whereas the other palaces were lively, full of color. The Artaquë was strung with hues of gold and black, of silver and white. It was clear that statues of judgment and mediation lined these halls.
The Premier and other Himeyans eventually arrived at the
Hall of Earthly Order where the Consul and the Presidium awaited. They all stood facing the door and bowed low at the waist.
“Honor and glory.” They said in unison.
The Consul gestured to the seat directly across from him at the end of the grey and black marble table designed with silver and white accents. After the Himeyan leader took her seat did the Consul follow suite. The rest of the members of the Arda Tuluvan Presidium first bowed to Shiina Musashi then to the Consul before they too took their seats.
Servants brought a small glass with rice wine in it to each member at the table. Standing the Consul lifted his glass, "To a fruitful meeting."
"May it yield plentiful." The other members of the presidium said in toast.
Next stood Eruvaryar Mehtarecárinë, he bowed to the Consul and then to the Himeyan Premier, "The Noble Shiina Musashi, Premier Executive Administrator of the Syndicated Confederacy of Himeyama, honors Arda Tuluva with her presence. To show interest and sincerity in opening dialogue between the Syndicated Confederacy and the Empire does not go unnoticed by Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Empress."
"Might she live forever." All of the Arda Tuluvans said, eerily in unison.
"It is the hope of the Daughter of Heaven, and therefore; by extension, the Presidium that governs the Empire in Her Holy Name, that an agreement of Non-Aggression, Trade, and Harmony may be forged between our two great nations. For far too long have we remained at a distance and in the decades that proceeded us only silence grew between our two esteemed nations. It is long due that we till the field and weed the garden to allow peace and tranquility to grow where once only mistrust and discord laid."
