Ethelbert's Arrival

[King Hengest II]

The Saxon emmisary:'Ethelbert' galloped wearily towards the Hunnic encampment, after his meeting with the Allemani representative.

The rain patted continuously as Ethelbert dismounted his horse, the mud squelched beneath his worn boots.

He awaited entrance into the council hut with the Hunnic chieftains.

[QaraGan]

(OOC: Just to tell you its no hut, they lived that way before Attila but while Attila was alive and after they started building stone buildings and cities much like Rome for Attila himself spent time living in Rome when the Huns and Western Rome were allies and he wished to build great cities like that in his own land for his people. That same wish was passed to his children and his children’s children. Though it does not have the full splendor of Rome these “Barbarians” as others would call them live in culture and in civilization compared to most. Budapest has large thick walls surrounding it, wide streets with vendors and many stone buildings, some still live is hut like houses outside the city but that’s rare now. The council halls are probably the second largest building in the city made of stone with coulombs etc. there is a description of the meeting room itself in ancientwar.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=hungary&action=display&thread=1126456924&page=1 , 4th post.)

Outside the city gates the gaurds on horseback looked down at the men and laughed but not at them only at the fact that the Huns have been approached many times in the last little while. Slowly they rode over to them stopping short in front of them.

“More kívülállós, And what brings you here?” shouted one of the gaurds over the rain.

(Translation: kívülállós = outsiders/foreigners)

[King Hengest II]

The emmisary bowed in a sign of respect, before make his statement:

"I come from the land of England, my King is 'King Hengest II'. We have heard rumour of the Huns, people with brutallity equal to even ours! We wish to form better relations,"

[QaraGan]

The cities gate guards nodded as they looked down upon the man. “Many of late have come and gone seeking the same… some faired better then others.”

A horn rang from within the walls loud and clear then accompanied by several others as the ground began to rumble. Slowly the gates opened and a large host of men, some on horse back others on foot began to march out and past them

“Make way… “ The guard said to Ethelbert politely him aside as the Hun army passed. “Hail Qaragan! May the Ancestors and the War God smile down upon you!” The other guard shouted as a man dressed in full grand war garb passed them at the head of the coulomb.

“It shall be so!” Qaragan yelled back. “I go myself to ensure victory! We shall take back what is rightfully ours. Guard well the city in my absence.”

Without another word the army of the Huns slowly moved past them heading for war.

Once the army was far in the distance the guards turned back to Ethelbert. “Our great lord goes off to war as you see, the other tribal leaders are within the council. A guide will take you there.” With a whistle the English emissary was allowed in, there a man in fine robes escorted him through the streets of Budapest till they reached the main court. Within the Main court the man escorted them into the central council chambers were the remaining tribal leaders sat talking amongst themselves.

Hasat was the first to notice them enter and laughed loudly. “What is this you bring before us?” he said to the escort then motioned for him to leave without an answer.

Tai then turned to look at Ethelbert and say. “Greetings kívülálló, I assume you come from a nation seeking something from the Huns? Speak your name and business.” with that said he motioned for the man to approach the center of the room.

[King Hengest II]

"My lord rules over a powerful kingdom in the north, he wishes nothing from you but your friendship. He has heard great tales of hunnic ruthlessness in battle, never would I of expected such regal buildings to stand in the place of mud huts so long expected. Clearly the Christian propaganda has colouded the visions of us all, I am sure that in these parts the English are known as filthy barbarians? I assure you this is not so, we are a sophisticated nation of traders and warriors. Now, what say the huns on these words?"

[QaraGan]

“He Insults Us!” shouted out Turan then stood and drew his sword but Nemuri raised his hand in a motion for silence and peace.

“We are not Christians here nor are we influenced by them. We Huns allow our people and those we conquer or who surrender unto us to worship as they wish. All that matters to is obedience , if our laws are obeyed, peace is kept and taxes or tribute paid then our wrath is not felt by said peoples.” Nemuri, eldest of the tribal leaders, said in a raspy voice.

“Yes” replied Tai as he smirked at his brothers reaction to the Englishman’s words. “As for the influence on our architecture…. It is true some influence comes from Rome, My grandfather, The Great Attila, spent some time living in Rome it was then he decided to bring to us the greatness he saw there without the weakness….. But also we have also traveled abroad and sent many of our greatest craftsmen to the corners of the known world, Greece, Egypt, Spain and even into the Far East all have inspired us to create a better life for our people.”

“As for friendship with your people, we have also heard tales of the Saxon and it is true that we are impressed with your prowess in battle and skill of trade you are also renowned for your treachery in these eastern lands. We have heard tell of friendships and alliances being made with the Saxons but when said friends were of no more use or weakened from battles it is said the Saxons swoop in and destroy those they called friends” spat our Hasat as he closely watched the emissary.

“To true, such tales are told but without proof they are just that…. Tales” again said Nemuri. “This is our offer to you good sir, As we are without one of the tribal leaders in attendance at this time, we bid you return to your king and bring with you our most gracious and honorable regards then in a months time when we are all sure to be in attendance we extend a personal invitation to him to come himself and treat with us, Is this acceptable?”

[King Hengest II]

"It is most acceptable, and my lord would be most thrilled to come to Budapest. He is currently feasting in Carthage, and then wishes to speak with the Arch-Druid of Brest. After this he would be thrilled, of course to come here and enjoy your hospitality," replied Ethelbert.

"As for insults, none were intended, and we are no traitors, but loyal to our friends. This is assured,"

[QaraGan]

Nemuri nodded at his response then looked to the others for there reactions and though Turan groaned still feeling insulted they all nodded in agreement as well.

“In a months time then.” Said Nemuri in a stronger tone. “You may spend the night here if you wish. We will provide accommodations as well as food, drink and women if you desire and you may leave tomorrow to take our invitation to your King”

[King Hengest II]

"I shall do so," replied the emmisary. "My thanks,"

[QaraGan]

That night lavish rooms were prepared for the Saxon, food, wine and incenses were also placed for his pleasure as well as two slave girls being sent in the night to pleasure him.

In the morning the slave girls were gone and a guide accompanied the emissary to the city gates. “The leaders bid you good journey and patiently await your Kings presence in a months time.”