The First Step Home
Verdi Mountainbearer gave an approving nod to the still developing Steingart Trade Quarter, last time she'd been here on the way to Averland, it had been a half demolish ruin. Now? Now the buildings were either being built or sources of much traffic, human and Dawi alike. There even was a section of open ground outside the city for 'traveling traders' and the like to do business from their wagons or carts. Naturally it was kept in line by Dawi trained city guards as well as any Expatriate dwarves that enjoyed such work, making sure that thieves or swindlers that tried to take advantage of the Dawi and City's generosity learned the error of their ways.
"Scuse me young manling, could you direct me to the 'Skull and Comet' tavern?" Verdi asked a human boy, a raggamuffin who's eyes were a clear blue if hidden by uneven bangs. When the lad didn't speak and instead just looked at her, Verdi gave a rueful smile and held out a silver coin stamped with the crest of the Ornsk Mint, "Foine foine, there's a silver coin innit for you if you take me there. Little scamp. Reminds me of our Durtel it does."
Snatching up the coin with the speed of a Goldsmith that's spotted shoddy jewelry, the tyke bit into the coin to test it, nodding in approval when it came true. After pocketing enough money to feed himself for a week in most Imperial cities, the boy gestured for the dawi matriarch to follow him.
They passed by plenty of crowds and stalls, many showing the growing industries that were being developed in the region and a sign that, even if her clan left in the next few years the impact of their actions would remain. Dwarves from the Grey Mountains bought goats meat and milk from human herdsmen, Sollander wool was being sold to Reiklander merchants to take back to the looms in their home. There were even some Marienburg merchants looking into the lumber samples displayed for ship materials up north.
Verdi also came across one of the new bounty offices that had been set up in preparation for the Purge. A relatively simple stall but it had a wide board with drawings of the various creatures and monsters that Rakidum was willing to pay bounties on and the prize that bringing in would garner you. Goblins, orks, beastmen, and obvious mutants were included, and a bonus was included if you were able to provide them in batches of five and ten.
Verdi raised a brief eyebrow as she heard some umgi debate over the bounty, with one asking if it was sacrilege to do 'holy work of Taal' for pay, and an Umgi priest of the same god pointing out that if the Dwarves wanted to fund Taal's faithful in doing their duty, then it was hardly the priesthood's business. The priest claimed that Taal did not forbid such dealings, only forbidding the dealing with beastmen in anything but death. It was a surprisingly pragmatic outlook in Verdi's mind, and one she approved of.
The Longplait did snort as the priest
did say that donations made with funds gained by such could also be used to help restore Taal's priesthood to the region, and ensure that buildup of corruption in the forests of Solland would be lesser in the future. In short, the priesthood would not care as long as they got their cut. The conversation faded from Verdi's hearing as she kept following her guide, and soon found herself standing before a well built inn and tavern with a sign that had a skull with a flaming comet in one eye painted on it.
Verdi looked around for her erstwhile helper but the human had already sped off, his task done, to concerns that Verdi assumed were of much greater priority than getting thanks from an old dwarf. Pity, she'd have given him another silver coin for the speedy work. But that was the way with Umgi and beardlings, often rushing past opportunities they'd see if they just took a bit of time.
Sighing at the vagaries of the youth of today, regardless of species, Verdi entered the tavern section of the building to be greeted by a near wall of sound and smell. Humans and dwarves sat on tables, drinking, gambling, talking, and generally carrying on boisterous. Others were tucked away in evenly spaced cubbies with whispered conversations going on behind thick velvet curtains, private spaces for sensitive matters that any proper Dawi construction had.
Off to the side was the feasting section, long tables and benches near the hearth fire where you could sit with a meal and tankard with any that you wished to share your company with. There were platters of wood, metal, even bread if the patron wanted, which was often a sensible idea with the penchant in both dawi and Imperial food to have copious amount gravy for the bread platters to absorb when they were eaten. Verdi made a note to get herself some food after the coming meeting, travel always did perk up her appetite.
Once she got to the counter of the bar, the Rakidum matron waved down the busy barman, "I am Verdi Mountainbearer, I believe I am expected." The beleaguered umgi nodded distractedly and reaching into his pocketed apron pulled out out a key that he handed to the elder kvinn.
"Door's to the right, it's one the one with the dog's head. I'm sorry mistress dwarf but I'm up to my ears and-Yes yes, two pints coming!" the barman rushed off, leaving Verdi chuckling as she turned to the side of the tavern inn near the curtained cubbies. There was a door in the middle that her key fitted the lock too snuggly as only dwarvish work could, which was another mark in this inn's favor for Verdi. The door opened to reveal a hallway with doors evenly spaced along it. Each door had a stylized carving of one animal's head near the top, a simple if effective way of letting people know which one to go to.
Verdi passed along, impressed at how not a sound seemed to emanate from the rooms she could tell were occupied, until she came to a door with a mastiff head on it. She knocked in the agreed upon manner, and when the return pattern was given, opened the door to be greeted by the Manling that was Tandre Caskbranch's partner in the Solland Trading Company, Reiner if Verdi recalled correctly. Giving a bow, the manling ushered Verdi in with a touch of haste but nevertheless showed manners no doubt garnered from his time with Tandre, "Greetings mistress Mountainbearer, you are just in time. The, er, 'delegation' is here, along with the 'witnesses' you asked for. Took some doin to get them all here but it happened." Verdi gave him a pat on the side,
"First off, tis Nanny Verd m'lad, and secondly, sounds like you did your job right and proper. I can't imagine it was easy to get them nobles all in one place hmm?" Verdi smiled as the man very carefully did not agree with her, as they made their way through the greeting room to the door in the back, where a large circular table was in the center of the room.
Around this table were many finely dressed humans, several of them wearing black and yellow together in some degree. Those were primarily on the right side of the table, with a noblelady of 'middle years' for an Umgi, a younger man dressed in light armor with a yellow and black tabard, another 'elder' with a not terrible beard for a human that was missing a hand with a crude claw replacing it, and a brace of burghers or merchants that bore caps with dyed feathers on them of Black and Yellow.
Verdi noticed that outside of the died feathers, many of the clothes were if not patched, then showed signs of skillful care and restoration, and many carried peacebound weapons that her eyes could see were centuries old. They were signs that many humans might not notice, or dismiss out of hand. To a Dawi however, it was an all too common sight, and one that her own clan had been a part of: That of a people holding onto what little identity remained when their home was no longer their own. Anything left from that time was cherished, cared for, and kept in good condition with near zealous fervency and the fear that if these relics of what they had lost faded away...so too would the last vestiges of the culture and home the bearers sought to honor.
On the left side of the table was a more motley mixture, with two nobles similarly dressed like their opposites, but much more merchants, burghers, and some umgi that Verdi recognized as being on the Council of Elders for villages her clan had helped. They were wearing Solland colors but for many, it was something that they only recently started doing again, like old habits being slowly relearned.
There was a third section more towards the right side but still separate, that wore the heraldry of Averland, and seemed content to let the conversations pass them by, speaking occasionally if spoken too.
Both sides were talking with one another, for the most part amicably, albeit with some askance glances from the nobles when the 'commoners' spoke a bit too bluntly, and neither seemed to notice when Reiner returned with Verdi in tow and the man had to theatrically clear his throat in order to get their attention, "Excuse, pardon the interruptions good people, but the representative from Clan Rakidum has arrived." And he gestured to Verdi who gave her patented shut eyed smile and wave.
"Hello there. My name is Verdy Mountainbearer of clan Rakidum, but as I told this young man, you all can call me Nanny Verd, or just Verdi if yer feelin' all formal like. Might I have the pleasure to know whom I'll be addressin?" Verdi sat down in the chair in the middle, between the groups as Reiner took a seat on the left.
The human noblelady, with a pinched face with deep lines from much severe frowning, rose and curtsied with exacting formality, "Greetings, Matron Verdi-
"Ah ah ah, Nanny Verd or Verdi missy. You remind me of Our Migmi, always so solemn and serious." Verdi 'chided' the woman, causing the human noblewoman to blink rather rapidly at the idea before slowly nodding her head,
"Very well...'Verdi', I am Ingeborg von Gimmenhagen, at my sides are Bartusch von Wurzener, and Stephke von Pferig." First the younger human man, and then the one handed elder, rose and bowed from the waist. The younger man did it with a great deal more flourish, reflect the current fashion in Averland. The elder, Stephke, was much less ceremonial and bowed much like a soldier did, reinforcing the impression the deep scars on his face gave of a manling that had spent much of his time fighting. The now named Lady Ingeborg gestured to the two burghers who rose and bowed in turn as well, "These goodmen are Dippelt Eppledorf and Heimar Dresschler, merchants of no small influence. We together we represent the Sudenland Reformation League, a gathering of nobility and commoners that have not forgotten that Sudentland, or Solland as it was known, existed. Nor have we forgotten its history and that our people were a part of it. Sadly, since the rampage of that beastly Gorbad Ironclaw, our families were driven away from our ancestral holdings, many with little more than the clothes on their backs and what relics and funds they could bring out."
Verdi curtsied when needed and after the prim human noblewoman had made her initial pitch, the dwarven matriarch gave them her best quizzical face, "Well now, that's a lot of names to be sure, and I suppose there was something preventing your families returning to their homes after Gorbad was killed?" the younger man, Bartusch, slammed a gauntleted fist onto the table as he hotly retorted,
"Because those bastard Wissenlanders refused to let us return to our Province and demanded that if we did so, we did so as Wissenlanders. My ancestor, but a child at the time, swore he would never return and bend knee to Nuln! Better to remain in exile and hunt for the Runefang and crown of our Elector Count than submit to opportunistic neighbors." there were some general murmurs of agreement in the room, but mainly from Stephke Verdi noticed, with the merchants speaking a bit more out of habit than anything else.
Stephke himself continued where his fellow noble left off, "Truth be told, there was little our ancestors could do at the time as without the Runefang, there was little to rally our people around. As much as they protested and our families continued to protest, we could not get support for the restoration thanks to the division of the Empire under the Three Emperors. But we kept the dream alive, kept in contact, found ways to help each other and other disposed children of Solland. There are rumors that Sun Fang has been found, by your clan in paricular...is it true? Is Eldred's blade once more known to the world?" Verdi knew that to his race, the old warhorse must be seen a man of years and experience, but with the light of nade hope in his eyes and the fear of the same making his voice tremble ever so slightly, the dwarven elder felt she was looking at one of her own asking if they'd finally have a home once more.
"Aye, although I will not lie, we started our efforts in the region before it was recovered, the event of which was a byproduct of a 'beastman' attack on our hold. We are glad that some good has come of it, but there was too much loss of life for my people to ever see it as a truly 'happy byproduct'." Verdi said mournfully, Her Vildir having been one of the ones lost. Around the table, condolences were murmured by the Umgi and even a toast raised for 'the honored dead' which was solemnly drunk by all. When that was finished, Ingeborg spoke again, her clipped tones much like a soldier's speech itself, and Verdi would lay good money the umgi matron had if not served, then certainly spent time surrounded by those that did.
"That raises the question of why your people did not get involved beforehand, and why your clan in particular did now. I am not ungrateful, especially in light of it causing Wissenland to pull from half their earlier claims while digging in the remainder. But it does seem rather...odd, compared to the centuries of silence prior." Verdi noticed that even those on the 'Steingart' section were looking to her with this, and the elder of Clan Rakidum took a deep breath before responding,
"To put it simply? Prior to this the Dawi people didn't care. It was Umgi business to begin with and with the Three Emperors situation, our people were even less inclined to meddle in the affairs of a short lived race. For my clan in particular, we have only settled recently in the region and arguably had the greatest to gain from reforming the region into some semblance of organization. It did not matter who, only as long as the roads were clear, trade was safe, and there weren't easy places for Beastmen and Greenskins to gather. Our efforts in the reason have been as much for our interest as yours and we have made no bones about it." To Virdi's surprise there was little recrimination in the Umgi, with Ingeborg even giving an reserved if approving look, "My clan, come what may,
will be leaving the region, and so our efforts have been to ensure that your people are able to survive and even prosper without us. We do not seek rule, we do not seek overlordship. At most we merely wish to make sure our investment in the region comes out in a profit, something I think we can all agree is something we all wish to see in our own cases hmm?"
Virdi was pleased to note that there wasn't an umgi that did't agree, albeit the ones that did the most were the merchants naturally enough. Clapping her hands together, she gave them a cheery laugh, "Hehe, now that that blunt business is out of the way m'dears, let's get to the meat of things: You want to know if the offer to return home is genuine hmm? Especially as nobles of Solland and not subjects of the
Von Leibwitzes correct?" The humans on the right side of the table nodded, particularly the Lady von Gimmenhagen.
"Yes, as much as we are grateful for the aid you have provided our home, including the recovery of its Runefang, we did not resist submitting to a Wissenlander overlord to accept one that is not human or part of the Empire." Verdi waved away some of the growing protests from the Steingart side, interestingly enough that included one of the nobles and gave Ingeborg a smile below eyes clear from her usual deep smile, "Of course, any Dawi would feel the same about Umgi that had walked into one of our holds and proclaimed overlordship. I have asked these goodmen here to not only vouch for my clan's conduct in the region, but also provide copies of the agreements my clan and their respective holdings have made so that you may see what sort of dealings you will have when you decide to return."
As the various worthies on the left side of the table brought out the paperwork that Clan Rakidum had signed with them, Verdi noticed that no one on the right side had argued about the fact that she had said '
when you decide to return' and not 'if'. That was the white bull in the room, that it was not a question of if they would return. No, that desire to reclaim lost homes and land was a common trait in Dawi and Manling alike. But seeing what they'd have to agree to before doing so, what they might be walking into? That was another thing and a reasonable thing to need. Like many Dawi that had lost their ancestral Hold, Verdi could apprciate the desire for patience before taking a chance.
"My question to you Lady Von Gimmenhagen is this: do you speak for the rest of this 'league' of yours and if so, what can it and you bring to the restoration of Solland? And what of those that are not a part of your league, would you be able and
willing to reach out to them on our behalf to let them know of similar terms?" One of the merchants, Heimar Dresschler Verdi recalled, seemed to pinch his face at the thought of inviting those 'not in the club' but Ingeborg seemed more indignant that they would do anything else,
"Of course we will! The league has kept contact, if not required membership, with many noble and notable houses in Solland since the Province first fell. What's more, we have endeavored to try to find jobs and support for those of lesser standing when we are able. The League is merely a gathering of the most vocal of our number about the defiance of The Annexation. We have earned through direct means or by investments, funds that have been set aside for this event so we will not be coming as beggars Verdi. We can bring household troops that are our employ, we can bring connections for trade with those families that have sheltered us or that we have marriage ties to. Many, such as herr Heimar and herr Dippelt here, have trade contacts that can bring in valuable resources and supplies that will aid in the reconstruction of our home. It will take some time to organize it, and we will need to negotiate what exactly will be expected in terms of the recompense your clan will require, but rest assured Verdi, the League is not just for show. We are
Sollanders, descendants of the Merogens, and we will do our part to bring our home back in its full glory."
By the end of her speech, the entire League side of the table had stood and cheered, with several on the Steingart side at least clapping along, even if many of them seemed to be taking the speech with a grain of salt. It was then that the 'Averland section' finally spoke, or rather, one of their number with a beaky nose overlooking a rather fulsome mustache and goatee, "That is also where myself and my companions come in as well." Verdi turned to him,
"Ah yes, was wondering when you and the others with you would introduce yourself dearie, but I didn't want to be rude." Verdi said cheerfully, and the man rose and bowed to her with due formality,
"I am Felkel Jeronymus of Heideck, and i represent those of Averland that had...interests in the region that were stolen or removed and returned to us when Wissenland made it's move recently. We have a vested interest in not only helping our fellow Imperials that we have lived long years next to, but also shall we say, recouping our losses. If it happens to stymi or even spite Wissenland in the bargain, we will consider our investments and support well granted." Verdi translated that to mean 'we are mainly here to spite Wissenland as much as we legally can without being obvious about it' for the most part. Which she could respect.
"That of couse will be a matter of some discussion, but if these gentles from the League are alright with it, I cannot see why it wouldn't be possible to include you in the talks." Verdi said, but before she could continue, the younger man Bartusch, raised a hand,
"But what of Ummenbach? Haven't we heard of dwarves settling there and using legalese to get around what we are being assured is not the case? Even if you speak for your clan Dame Verdi, what of those that are not either of your clan or employed by it?" Murmurs around the table grew at this question and Verdi could see that even some from Steingart were curious about this. Verdi suppressed a sigh and looked to Bartusch,
"That is a matter I can understand your concern with, but as far as I know, they have kept everything strictly within the realm of business. Our Thane has written to your Emperor about it, so if there is trouble that might be brewing, he will be able to handle it. In the end it is his and your Empire, not ours, and we remain firm in our stance." Bartusch gave a nod, and many of the humans around the table nodded as well at the mention of Magnus the Pious.
"Well, that is a discussion for later, let us continue and we shall bring back word to the League." Ingeborg said firmly, as she reached for one of the contracts from across the table "It will be a long road before Solland is restored, but this I think, will be a good first step."
As Verdi watched the other members of the League, she noticed a change in their manner. It was small, a lightness of their gestures, a subtle straightening of their back. It was as if a burden had been lifted from them. Verdi envied them that, envied that at least for them...the long period of waiting was over. She wondered if she would ever feel the same, if she would walk the halls of her ancestors. But as the umgi said, that was a matter for another day.
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Hokay! That one's done. Been talking about the 'Solland Reformation League' for awhile and hope I've done it justice. Got the idea for it from
history, especially Germany/the Holy Roman Empire's where you had nobles or merchants gathering in a manner very similar to political parties on a common issue. They would gather funds, garner support, and even provide troops if the region they were in allowed it.
With how much I've seen mentioned about a notable population of not only Sollander commoners but nobility and merchants that never gave up on the idea that their province was their own, it seemed natural that they'd gather in something of a pseudo political party/grassroots organization, even if it was only to keep the dream alive. I think that also it'd be something that the dwarves, or at least Clan Rakidum, might relate to.
I only had five members of them show up here because...well any more would probably name bloat to put it mildly, not to mention it'd make this omake drag on even longer. Plus I felt that a few of the League coming to carry word to the rest would make sense. I also figured that because much of the league is settled in Averland, that would mean that some of those that lost goods or businesses in the region would want to be involved or at least find a way to profit off the rebuilding as well as helping out potential neighbors. Even if it's to make space back in Averland.
Hope you like
@Mayto
