~ An Ambassador of the East ~

[Canos]

It was amusing to Canos that the people of Middle Earth had no idea what was happening. They believed that he was onside and they he would unite Nurn to fight for the Reunited Kingdom. If they had thought that he would be the “link” to the East. Well, the deception was fun to keep up and for some reason Canos was very good at it. Perhaps it was because he had the aid of the dark one from the first age. Perhaps that was the key to his success, but whatever the case, Canos was fooling the world and doing a very job of it.

Canos, along with a small assembly of humans, found himself nearing Lorien. They had been given free passage in Middle Earth and it seemed that Lorien was experiencing new leadership. Canos figured that it would be best that he “introduce” himself to this man before he was completely set on the throne and became bias one way or another. He had to get him when he was young and try to sway him to his favor. Canos liked deceiving men because they were easy and usually rather unobservant. He didn’t have to be as sly around them as he would a woman.

Canos began to approach the great elven wood. He could see it now in the horizon. He rode a horse along with the rest of men that were with him, counting seven in all. Canos of course rode at the head and those behind him followed in suite depending on their position and place of authority. Canos had an interesting banner in which he carried behind him. The flag was black and it held in the middle the tree of Gondor in a deep red. It was an interesting contradiction, but it was good for negotiations because he had a perfectly good explanation for it and everyone that he had spoken with seemed to like the idea. The woods were drawing closer now. He wondered how he would be met. He didn’t know if this man would be welcoming to visitors from the East.

[Syenë]

OOC: Very nice post.

IC:


Ever since Syene had taken over the throne room of Lórien she had seen to it that all the information concerning other realms reached her soon and in an efficient manner. That was she could get to know the sort of alliance she would need in order to keep the everlasting peace Lady Galadriel so wished for the Silver Woods.

It couldn’t be said that Syene was a young and inexperienced woman, being the daughter of one of the mightiest Noldor there had ever been… Gil-galad. But she never thought herself the wisest of women, for the Noldor always wished to improve in knowledge, in techniques, in everything they could work in. And so investing her time was most diligent, concerning who to ally with and who to ignore… in a polite way of course.

It was then when word reached her of the increasing activity in the lands of the east, the ones once known as Mordor, the one place which tormented Arda for so many ages, until Frodo destroyed the ring. She also heard about the new leader called Canos, he was said to have great fighting skills, a strong mind of his own and the ability of persuading others into his own reasons. That had once fooled the Noldor but Syene was a bit cautious, of course if he ever came to visit she would listen to him, she obviously had to take the alliance in wish she gained the most.

And so it was… she was informed by a guard who was patrolling the land, of the incoming of Canos or so they thought for his powerful stare and the way he rode on his steed. She was also told of the strange emblem that was brought by one of the men who accompanied him. They were said to look proud and diligent and so Syene grew curious of them.

She sent some guards to simply state that Canos was to be taken to the Castle where the present ruler would listen to whatever reason brought him all the way to Lórien. And so the guards did as they said and Syene waited for them looking at the balcony. She awaited the greeting of the Lord Canos in the throne room as he was brought in. She wondered what could have brought him all that way, yes the Noldor were ever so curious… that brought Feanor to his doom and the one of the Noldor who came to Arda.

[Canos]

((Thank you; not a bad one yourself))

Canos found himself in good hands as he reached the elven wood. He was met by the elves and he took it as a good sign because they were not up in arms against him. He was neither in the mood nor the place to fight; however, that could change. Canos and his men were escorted through the forest. They were blindfolded as was tradition and was to be expected. This was fine because Canos needed not his eyes to find his location. Canos and his men were taken to the great castle, the great fortress of the elves within Lorien. It was nothing short of what Canos had expected it to be. The elves were master craftsmen and masterful at beauty and splendor. This city was the very testament to their skill and wisdom. Canos could not help but revel in the magnificence of the place. He would much rather persuade this ruler onto his side. He would not wish to destroy such a place if he could spare it.

The deepness and darkness of Canos’s eyes had lessened of late. He could not be the ruthless being that he loved to be in the presence of the elves, especially of one from such stature. Around men and lesser beings he could take less of a glorified form because they were easier to seduce and manipulate. But now, he was in the presence of the elves, the presence of presumably the wisest race in middle earth. His men were left in the waiting quarters and he alone was permitted to enter the throne of the king of Lorien. Canos voluntarily relinquished his weapons, and kept the gray garb and robes that he had come with. Then he entered the throne room of the king.

He was surprised to find not a king, but a queen sitting on the throne of the elven people. His brow furrowed for a moment before Canos reset himself to deal with a woman. He was not as optimistic now. He let none of thoughts ring clear on his face because elves had a knack for reading people’s expressions and he could not have this woman reading his true ones. It mattered not, he had the skill of the masters of the old world when it came to deceit. Those masters had deceived the elves once; Canos could do it now. Canos walked humbly towards the throne. He kept his head held up, but he did not walk with a pride or arrogance as he usually would. He made sure to deem all respect he could without seeming overzealous about his business. He would not be as “giddy” as a child in the presence of an elf. He reached her throne and bowed his head. He did not drop to one knee as no king do so for another. “Greetings.” Canos began; his voice ringing pleasantly in the ears of those who heard. It was a sweet and calming voice, befitting the young looking man that Canos appeared to be. "I come with tidings from the East."

[Syenë]

OOC: Thanks!

IC:

“Greetings… I come with tidings from the East."

Syene was still looking at the landscape through the balcony when she heard a voice quite uncommon among men. Still she showed nothing that lied within her, like the rest of the world she knew how to play a part. She turned to look at him and slowly approached him silently. Just when she could look at him more closely did she answer to his greeting, “indeed, I was waiting for you to come. Do sit down.” She motioned to a soft arm chair that was right next to him. She sat on the one in front of his.

Yes, it was more than obvious that this man had been taken aback by the fact that he was facing a, single, unmarried young Queen… rather than a strong and wise King Lord of Lórien and his wife. But simply… Syene had never been raised for that kind of life. Her father, Gil-galad had seen to it that she had been well educated and treated like a son. Though he never admitted such.

She smiled at him as the servants brought them both two goblets of the finest red wine in the Lórien lands. Only then did she take a sip and then inquire looking into his eyes, “which tidings are those?” Even though she suspected, since she had a mirror anyway… she needed to know from his own mouth whatever business he had in mind. At least now she knew… he was quite a smart man for he seemed to use soft words to charm the ears of the elves, the lovers of arts. Still she wouldn’t judge him just yet.

[Canos]

Canos was aware of her ever-watchful eyes and the curiosity that was within them. She would be judgmental, yet would be curious enough to wonder who he was to come to her. Canos looked so young and so agile. He almost looked too young to be king of a country. But he was dashing and he was attractive, at least to his own eye. These things were good for the attraction and luring of women. It would not be so effective against men. Canos had ways of looking stronger and more overpowering when it came to talking to men. Again, men were so different than women and Canos understood that. It was not just physical characteristics, but emotional and mental characteristics. Women loved intrigue and mysterious people. They usually liked men that kept them guessing, at least a little bit. She liked men that revealed themselves slowly and in small bits, never revealing too much, always keeping them wanting more. Women enjoyed a challenge and enjoyed anyone that could give them one in a proper way. It was of great benefit to Canos to have already understood these things about women. It helped him greatly when it came to negotiations with them. They were more likely to be interested in his politics if they found him to be interesting.

Knowing this, Canos made sure to choose his words carefully and speak slowly. It was also good for him to speak articulately and clearly without them thinking he was taking them for a full. Diction was important in any negotiation. “It depends on the tidings of which country you request.” Canos paused, looking up, standing erect now, standing tall, his back straight and his shoulders broad. “I shall bring you tidings from Nurn; one would not want to overwhelm you.” Canos paused. His voice was still methodical and smooth. It was a calmly voice that set anyone’s mind and heart at ease. “We are… a new country without the restraints of Mordor,” Canos continued, using his hands as he spoke to emphasize his words, “We are an ever growing people now, yet somewhat confused about how to live with our new found freedoms. My people….” He paused, “they need structure, something to be a monument for which they can all agree and come to, perhaps one of such a being as Eru.” It was unusual for anyone to know the name of the great one, but Canos was no fool; she might have been beginning to notice this.

[Syenë]

“… without the mask where will you hide… can't find yourself lost in your lie…”

One of the reasons Syene had never fallen in love was how much she disliked men whenever they wished to take over the circumstance, to control everything that surrounded them and how sure they were of being smart enough to do as they wish. She could tell Canos would use al his charm into making her yield to his desire. Or at least that is what Syene normally though of every man she met, King or not.

Still, she could play the part well, just as she had always done ever since she came back to Lórien. She was somewhat young, for an elf, but she had seen much already, her experience could go back to the first ages of Arda where the world was young… It could be said that ironically enough Syene had quite some experience concerning men and how well they disguised their own purposes but she would always do what is best for Lórien and if this man wished to gain alliances in order to conquer the world she would stay neutral, she would not fight nor get on the way. For she had seen quite well the results of war… He could try and get her to follow him, but if there was no hundred percent of probabilities for him to win she did not wish to risk her country’s neck.

“We are… a new country without the restraints of Mordor… We are an ever growing people now, yet somewhat confused about how to live with our new found freedoms. My people… they need structure, something to be a monument for which they can all agree and come to, perhaps one of such a being as Eru.”

His words seemed like pure wisdom. But she, like her father, was cautious till the end. He seemed the kind of man who clearly knew what he wanted. And so she would listen to whatever it was he needed. Surely she would not neglect her help if he wished for his country to find its way through the chaos left by Gondor after the War of the Ring. She nodded to his words and had another sip of wine, she even wondered if he had a wife, for wasn’t it politically ‘polite’ for a king to travel with his wife in order to establish a more equalized conversation?

“Indeed, what you tell me is wisely put, but you still have not told me why you have come here. What is it you need?” Syene was a woman of few words, but that didn’t mean she was impolite or unfriendly. Surely her expression well played the part of an innocent and friendly Queen.

[Canos]

If someone could sit back and watch the two as they conversed and read the thoughts of the queen and this king they would be surprised by their two intentions. Both of their faces veiled their thoughts and they simply put forth information that was seemingly helpful to the other person. Perhaps this was because neither party really trusted the other yet, r perhaps they both wanted something from the other and were not at the point of simply asking for it. Whatever the case, from an outsider’s perspective; this was an interesting meeting. Canos’s eyes were calm, yet they could not be easily read, even for the wisest Noldor. Some people did not appreciate such difficultly, but Canos had to be veiled in many ways when dealing with the elves. It was even more difficult to seem as though he was not veiled. The complications were tremendous. Either way, it was hard to see whose disguise fooled which side. Canos sensed an unnatural hesitance towards him and he could not conclude as to what she felt of his presence and speech thus far. Her words were blunt and to the point; which was fine. Canos knew that he would be able to talk her in circles and go on and on about his new kingdom and his new rulership position; how he wanted to change things and on topics similar to that accord. However, she seemed to want to know what it was that he wanted. It was an interesting decision as to whether or not he was going to simply go and tell her.

Canos had to figure out what kind of woman this was. He wondered if she was the type of woman that needed to be in control of the situation. He wondered if this type of woman was the one that was the true backbone of a man; that had something of manly value in a small jar by her bed. He wondered if this woman was one that was and perceived her unmatched in knowledge and skills. Perhaps she was all of these things. If so, these facts only increased the difficulty of the situation. Yet, Canos’s face never showed his complex thought process. He face and voice remained calm and soothing. There was not a furrow on his brow or an indication in his eye. “I must say, it is good to have someone that is not afraid to be blunt.” Canos said with a smile and took a sip of the wine he had been brought. He had forgotten about it until Syene had taken a sip of her own. It was a good wine, but he had tasted better. He did not like the sweet wine of the elves, but the bitter wine of his own making; a bloodier wine. “I…” he paused, “Would like to have the elves superior craftsmanship.” Canos finally lured, “To erect an icon, a beckon if you will; symbolizing or new found freedom and gratitude towards the people of Gondor for giving us…that freedom.” Canos said. His words towards the end were crisp and resolute. He took another sip of wine, finishing the glass. The ride had been long and he was parched; apparently though, not too parched to present a well worded speech. But that was what Canos was good at. He was a master of speaking. Of course, he had a little help from a power and master not of his own.

[Syenë]

This meeting was somewhat curious. It could be taken as a reminder of one which took place long ago, between Fëanor and Melkor, the later one interested in the Silmarils tried to poison the mind of that noble Noldor elf, but it seemed as if both could clearly see their own intentions. He never gave in whatever Morgoth told him and so Syëne partially believed what Canos said. She was no one to be trifled with, nor a weak woman who believed everything her master tells her… no, she wasn’t easy.

Still he played the part, she heard him speak, watched him move and for a moment thought this would be a meaningless meeting. Why did a man form such far lands come to see her in particular, of all elven Lords and Queens… Though he never expected a woman to rule these lands, though she found it normal, for wasn’t Galadriel it’s founder? Even more enigmas to solve now.

Her eyes didn’t betray any emotion. As Queen she had grown used to being impartial to it all, no exceptions made. Especially since this man in front of her seemed of great knowledge and intelligence. Everyone always used their best of talents to get what they wanted. And yet she had a kingdom to consider whenever she took a decision.

“I must say, it is good to have someone that is not afraid to be blunt.”

She could have answered so many things, or simply dismiss him the way Fëanor did when Morgoth tempted him with his own creation… the gems of light, such beauty, such splendour… But she remained impartial and simply sipped form her goblet. She had little patience, just like her kin, but she would listen if she had to. His next words truly filled her heart with confusion.

“I… Would like to have the elves superior craftsmanship.” Canos finally lured, “To erect an icon, a beckon if you will; symbolizing or new found freedom and gratitude towards the people of Gondor for giving us…that freedom.”

So apparently he had travelled all the way to Lórien to ask for elvish crafting? She could have laughed for this man truly knew how to hide it all from what he truly meant to do. Any yet she never did anything for free… He had to state a price for this… or at least something that could be a benefit to her realm. She would let him state the price himself, “when would you need that done?” she asked that questions with two meanings, one being the possibility of having it done if he specified the iconography… the second being that since they were not allies nor anything what the price would be…

Of course crafting took time… it always did.

[Canos]

Nothing in the world came for free and Canos knew this. Canos understood that he would have to give Syene something in return for the help of the elves in the creating the icon or structure that he proposed. It would take them a while to erect the statue and he wondered if she would take into account the length of time her elves would be in Nurn. He didn’t think that she would charge him by the years it took them. In all seriousness, they would be there for quite a while before they had finished their task for Canos. Yet he humored her. She was blunt and to the point; but not quite as blunt as Canos was. He found that in order to get his point across he had to simply tell her what he wanted and ask for it with authority. To her he was a king; a ruler of a young country and a person of power; more than willing to humble him to request the assistance others. So many kings of the past had made the mistake of being prideful and being too high and mighty to ask for assistance. Canos would not create an image that resembled those men. He was proud, but to the elves, he would be humble. He would let them believe that they were better than him and his people. He would let them believe that they were superior and when they felt safe in their superiority, he would strike them. No one expected a country of lesser beings to attack one of stronger. Not even the elves would presume this.

“I find that my bluntness is precise and most easy to understand. I do not wish to confuse you with fancy rhetoric or lavish words for I could so, or at least attempt to.” He said with a smile; his voice still calm and collected. He would seem humble but he would also remain in a state of control over the situation. He would make sure that she could see weakness but also see strength in his resolve. Both were needed to great a good king in the eyes of men and elves. Someone that had no immediate flaws was a threat and someone that had too many weaknesses was a hazard. “I was hoping that you would be able to send your builders to Nurn as soon as possible. I will not go as far to request them on my return because they would be far too hasty and imposing; but as soon as they can be mustered would be preferable.” Canos said calmly. He would have to do a great deal to coax this queen. She was very intelligent. She was an elf and he expected nothing less. Canos smiled and looked into her eyes again. “There is then, the matter of price. I understand that many things will need to be done to accomplish this goal of mine. I am afraid that my country does not have much to offer your people and I do not know why I could personally offer you as compensation.” Canos concluded.