Entry #8: Honor the Dead.

[iron_marksman]

The negotiations went well enough, at least on the surface. A treaty was planned and drawn up between the factions and countries, and it seems fair. The world is still reeling from past wars, I feel an intense relief at just barely circumventing another

Comments

[hellfire_gouka]

Huh, so that's how Halloween works in your world, huh?

I remember carving jack-o-lanterns... that was a long time ago, though.

It feels like it's been forever since I've dressed up for Halloween. ...I'm a little excited, to be honest. Don't tell anyone. ._.

[iron_marksman]

I suppose.

Is that... faces carved into pumpkins or something?

Our costumes are different from yours, obviously from the cultural difference... but essentially we have pirates, spirits, fairies, and mock costumes of various professions (soldiers, farmers, etc). What's to be ashamed of? I'm thirty.

Fyrian won't be around... I think she has.... whatever to attend to... *coughs, really doesn't know what his wife is doing, she just said she'd be leaving. DX*

[hellfire_gouka]

Yeah. It's always interesting trying to make them look different.

I don't think it's so different. But for us, it's evolved into more of a "dress-up-as-whatever-you-like" sort of holiday. ...Which is what Isa is doing and making me do, if I'm right. It's seen as a kiddy or nerdy thing where I live...

Well, it's only for one night, huh?

[iron_marksman]

Oh, sweet.

Oh I see. It's similar here, but it's more of a festival type thing. Your culture seems sort of watered down by the sound of it... no offense though.

....Maybe. *doesn't know*

[princesseimi]

I certainly haven't had a proper celebration of Halloween in years. Really, since I ended up leaving the palace on...business, if you will.

Before then, my father would always throw the grandest balls. Very different from yours or Shinju's, I should think, but lovely in their own right. I quite enjoyed those parties...

On another note, I'm glad to hear that a treaty was drawn up without much fuss, I hope. When negotiations go well, I always get a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach.

[iron_marksman]

Oh, I see. I hope you have more fun this year.

That sounds amazing.

Yes... He's the "stab in the back" type person, but certain... situations both he and I are dealing with are keeping him under control... for now.

[princesseimi]

I certainly hope so, as well. It shouldn't be too hard - I'll be spending it with all of you, I expect?

One day, if you should like, I'd enjoy having you at one. In fact, I could likely throw one in honour of everyone, if they all decided to come over to the palace upon my return. Maybe not an All Hallow's Eve celebration...but it would still be lovely in its own right, I should think.

Mm, most people involved in negotiations tend to become the "stab in the back" type, but it's good to hear that they're currently under control. Should they become a little less under control, I might be able to round up a soldier or two to take care of them?

[iron_marksman]

If you want!

I'm.... not fond of formal social events... but thanks for the invite.

Yes, but most people I was raised around were also raised to be that way. I'm guilty as charged but I find I'm more humane and honorable than some tyrants. No thanks, I don't want any more blood on my hands if I can help it.

[seraphsariel]

Ideally then what you want to do is act like a go between from country to city life, ideally in the mercantile class. What would be best to do is to examine your local country economy and see what surplus you can begin to trade in the cities at places like markets. If you can deal in high end luxury goods the better, but if not you'll turn a quick profit all the same.

Look up mercantile classes during the Renaissance, they were easily the most powerful people in the government and often ran the government themselves. An oligarchy is ideal.

[iron_marksman]

*nods*

Thanks, I'll look those up. You're not getting sex in return for this help, you know.

[seraphsariel]

Essentially what ended up happening is during the medieval era merchants began to grow in influence, to the point where they began to take control of the government and instituted communes and the like. It's not entirely applicable, but focus primarily on the increase of merchants and their impact on a primarily farming economy. I don't know your geography or politics as well as I know my history, so this is as far as I can advise.

Incidentally, I wouldn't have thought of that if you didn't say anything.

[iron_marksman]

Your world's historical patterns seem to hold for my world as well. I shouldn't have a problem if I can put those things into practice.

.... ARGH.