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Post by Erenmor on Dec 25, 2006 20:30:42 GMT -5
(OOC note: this is an open event, thus everyone's welcome to participate if you fancy getting to know the Machine Dominion better.)
***
Following the unannounced visits by Karak and lord Thack to Erenmor, it was decided that perhaps a more official invitation to foreign delegations was in order so as to sort out any matters that might have arisen before anyone else dropped by with their personal armada to pay their respects.
To this end, invitations were sent out to the nations of the federation and any others not openly hostile towards Erenmor. Their purpose, as they put it, was to help bring Erenmor out of its isolation from the affairs of the outside world. The invitations didn't ask for specific people to visit, but rather left picking the delegations to the respective governments. Transport was promised in the shape of small passenger planes for those nations without craft capable of landing in the designated meeting point in Skaine. Identification codes were provided for the situation to allow any delegations coming by their own means to pass through Erenmor air patrols.
Additionally, two invitations were for specific individuals in addition to the standard one extended to the nations. One was for Salato from the Kingdoms of Cal, the second was, oddly enough, for Kohastar of Miokalia. In these cases proper transport was also promised should the invitations be accepted.
***
Skaine was relatively easy to recognise, even from high in the air. Even though it was, like most Erenmor city complexes, constructed primarily underground, the dominating feature of the Skaine area was its airport. Though it too was mostly underground, the slopes of the valley where the city was nestled were pock-marked with numerous hangar gates and the occasional runway strip extending out into the open air. High above, trios of P-12 fighters occasionally flashed across the sky on patrol. Currently they had another task, that of piloting delegations using their own means of transport to the appropriate landing runway.
The AI Nathaniel had been designated to first meet the delegates. Presently, he awaited the delegates' arrival in the massive hangar hall, looking out into the valley through the open hangar gate. One of the newer line of AIs, Nathaniel's appearance was a bit more unconventional. In essence he resembled a suit of highly decorative black-silver armour hovering in the air, a dull blue glow filling the otherwise visibly hollow interior of the plating. The armour lacked leggings, instead having a ring of long, broad metal plates forming a narrow cone hovering below the AI's waist and the ground. Two bright points of light shone through the eye slit of Nathaniel's helmet, though they were there merely for aesthetic purposes. Two sentinels in the Citadel Peak colour scheme flanked him, standing slightly behind him.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Dec 26, 2006 22:04:37 GMT -5
Message to Erenmor welcoming committee from Secretary Waldo of Tinis:
'On behalf of the Union of Tinis I would like to accept the invitation to visit your nation. My flight shall arrive in the pre-determined window for arrivals and I hope to be there on time and punctual. I shall be traveling with three others in all likely hood but will keep you apprised of any changes. The other three are assistants and a body guard. Though we understand the level of safety in your country, its standard procedure for diplomats such as myself to not tavel unescorted.
-Best wishes Secretary of State Waldo R. F.'
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Post by miokalia on Dec 28, 2006 2:56:55 GMT -5
The Miokalian executive jet arrived without a hitch, as the security protocols just seemed to go a lot faster when they happened between machines.
Disembarking from the plane were two of the usual white, boxy mechanical allosaur 'Yamato' units. President Phong, an orange and silver mechanical something between an allosaurus and raptor in shape. Elly Sorenson, a human female who appeared to be slightly Asian in descent, but had bleached-white hair even though she didn't look any more than perhaps 30 years old. Lieutenent Maxwell Chon, a grey fox who probably blended in the best of the whole group in Erenmor. He had a fairly understated hair which was very short and conservative. His uniform was mostly khaki beige and had a green stripe over the left shoulder. There was a collection of military bars over one of the pockets, all of them red and yellow except for two green ones. On the other sleeve was the typical green and grey flag patch, plus another more unusual white, grey and blue patch underneath. He was by far the most ceremoniously dressed there. The Malych simply didn't bother wearing any clothes because it was totally unnecessary since they were machines visiting a nation run by machines. First Lady Sorenson wore a grey, casual dress blouse and black pants. Something fairly modest. Humans such as her were a bit rare up north.
The delegation of five entered the hangar and approached Nathaniel. None of them all that surprized by Nathaniel's glowing, floating shell in the least.
"Hello Nathaniel, I'm president Halderyyt Phong of Miokalia. This is First Lady and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Elly Sorenson. This is MRZF Lieutenent Maxwell Chon. And the two guards are Tdantaku (#7D4N74KU) and Esoure (#350URE). They do not talk much. They are serve a function similar to your wraith units.", said Phong. He continued, "The invitation for Dl. Kohastar was received. However I do not know if he will be present. As he is not president anymore and is not really involved in government matters. If he does decide to show up, he will most likely arrive in a seperate aircraft.
However, I beleive another individual of some interest has chosen to accompany us. I am honored to have #36 as a part of our delegation here."
From trailing behind the rest of the delegation was the old mechanical t-rex. He was simply taking his time, but for no particular reason other than eccentricity.
"I figured if I was going to visit Erenmor, I might as well do it right.", he then said.
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Post by Erenmor on Dec 28, 2006 20:06:15 GMT -5
Nathaniel bowed formally to greet the Miokalian delegation, though he accomplished this somewhat differently to most people. Specifically, he floated slightly higher before tilting his torso forward. He also straightened up rather quickly, like a released spring.
"We are honoured to have you here," he spoke slowly. "We sincerely hope you will find this visit both enjoyable and productive. As a matter of procedure I must first request, however, that any personal weapons you may be carrying be deposited at the checkpoint we will be going through once all the delegations have arrived. You are the guests of the Overseer and he extends to you the full protection granted to each of our citizens," Nathaniel asked, the tone of his voice during the last part of the request seeming to indicate that this was a mark of high respect.
Taking notice of the Malych escort, he added, "Though to make things easier we can limit that to weapons that can be left behind without needing to resort to special tools for removal and/or replacement," he said, nodding his head slowly. "That being said, is there anything you will be needing while we await the other delegations?"
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Jan 1, 2007 23:57:24 GMT -5
Salato sat at the cabinet table in calie parliament complex reading over the invitation.
"This looks like a good opportunity to get to know the Erenmors better" she says. "Well Al seems to have the Emassen situation under control, so you could probably afford to be out the country for a bit." Alexander says. "OK but I have to be keep in contact in case the emass situation kicks off again." salato says. "Well if you take the bird that shouldn't be too much of a problem and we'll make sure we have an angle in the area." Alan Douglas (defense minister) says. "Oh yes, it'll give us a chance to give the long range drone a real test." Alan continues. "The what?" salato asks. "Oh a new drone to take care of your communication, much easier than having to carry about all the equipment. Lisa will look after it for you" "Lisa?" "Oh she's an AI that has taken up residence in the foreign office's system" "Oh right....right is that everything?" "You might want to take the young Barron Leck with you, just to keep the lucan council in the loop." Alexander says. "Good idea" salato says.
----- Message from Cal to Erenmor
We were very pleased to receive your invitation and wish to confirm that Prime minister Eye Salato en will be arriving shortly on board ensemble. Barron leck will also be traveling with her along with a drone which will act as a link back to Cal.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Jan 2, 2007 22:22:46 GMT -5
The fairly small aircraft with the seal of Tinis on the wings was next to touch down, having been escorted my the local aircraft in. Secretary of State Waldo was the first to exit via the small fold out stair. Not that the plane was excessively large nor far off the ground. Following quickly after, apparantly not to happy with the secretary having gone first was a burly wolf in formal military attire, but of fairly low rank. Next came a skunk wearing a very different uniform, and not one seen very often in public. The skunk was sporting the official uniform for the Tinisian Intelligence Patrol. Next to exit was a very thin feline with black and white spotted fur. The black fur around his mouth gave him the look of a mustach and gotee.
Waldo briskly lead the other three towards the hanger as per the instructions. With a nod to President Phong and company, Waldo began the introductions in his best pronunicaiton of the local language.
"Greetings friend Nathaniel and other honored guests. I am Secretary of State Waldo of the Union of Tinis and am delighted and honored to be here. This here," motioning to the uniformed wolf, "Is Major Janches whom is the official body guard on this trip. This fellow is Lead Analyst Krel of TIPS," he continues motioning to the skunk. "Who I am assured will keep out of trouble." Waldo was hoping Krel hadn't manage to learn another language. "And this feline freind is former ambassador Multek Rand. With humble appologies, he will be handiling most of the translations for me from here on out."
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Post by Erenmor on Jan 3, 2007 19:49:42 GMT -5
"Regarding Kohastar, the Overseer was hoping to speak with him personally with regards to the build-up to the Pargalo incident," Nathaniel was explaining as the Tinisian plane touched down. "Ah. The second party of delegates," the AI commented.
Nathaniel performed another one of his formal bows as Waldo and company approached, and again straightened up unusually quick. "Secretary Waldo, we are honoured that you have accepted our invitation," he said, speaking slowly and calmly, apparently taking his time to consider each word in turn. "The Cal commonwealth has also expressed an interest in attending, thus I will discuss procedure matters at length once they have arrived. We are confident it will not be a long wait, but until then, will you be needing anything?" Nathaniel asked, turning his head so as to address the question to the Miokalian delegates as well as the Tinisian ones.
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Varro
New Member
Knowledge and Conquest
Posts: 45
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Post by Varro on Jan 3, 2007 22:29:15 GMT -5
A gray furred wolf in a black suit decorated with medals, followed by another gray canine with a crest of feathers showing along his head and across his hands, donning a brown suit jacket as he goes, step out from an Erenmor provided plane and head towards the general crowd that had gathered. The pairs expression are of high contrast. The plumed one beams with energy, translating into a wide smile (one that many would compare to a madmans) and short, quick steps. He looks back and forward, taking in as much of the surrounding as possible. The others face is of solemn dispassion, near expressionless in its sharp features. Aside from an obvious difference in demeanor, the two are actually quite similar in physical appearance.
With much ado, the be-feathered delegate sets to introduce himself to Nathanial and the group. "Hello to all, I am Varro Marcello, Representative Elect of the Republic of Naraemat. Behind me here is our General Salinas, Head of Armed Forces. We're glad to present for this event."
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Jan 3, 2007 23:39:29 GMT -5
"The Bird", the name given to the official jet used on official visits, it was one of the few remaining ensemble aircraft. Despite their age they were always used to transport calie dignitaries on official visits. Partly because of the symbolic value that they were their creation was due to the first pan cal project, it was to create a supersonic airliner but the ensemble was never economically viable and partly because they looked so good. The Calie people had an emotional attachment to the craft and when the airlines had taken them out of service had been vivid. Thus the governments bought them back for the one meep they had been solid to the national airlines for and put them to use in the service of diplomacy.
It had taken Salato and Leck some time due to the fact the plane was not hypersonic. But the concord like aircraft usually raised a few eye brows, for looks if nothing else, and the calie liked to make a good impression (as wasteful as the craft was).
The bird touched down elegantly and taxied to it's assigned point, with it nose drooping. As the stairs that had not been used in years were wheeled up to it baron Leck head becomes visible at the door. But the first to walk down the steps were two of the commonwealth guard, both lupine who took up position at the base of the steps in their highland like dress and broadswords.
Leck then walks down the steps, a little nervously and walks towards the crow of dignitaries in a similar dress to the guards but without the weaponry. It had been though that that bit of the ceremonial dress best be left.
"I am baron Leck of the Lucan council" he says as he bows to Naraemat a little, before realizing the most of the others were still looking at the door of the air craft. A spider like drone then scuttles down the stairs, with what appeared to be a briefcase attached to the back of it. It was followed by salato in a gray suit under a long black coat. The drone stepped to one side as Salato got to the end of the steps.
She walks over to the crowd, followed by the drone, and smiles "I don't care what they say about solid state stabilizers there was no way I was going down steps that steep with that thing behind me" she says smiling and indicating the drone.
She shakes Naraemat hand "Naraemat" she says but does not bow, not out of disrespect just that she was inteerie and they don't bow.
"Wotcha Waldo, I'm guessing thats Phong in there and your...." salato says with a smile. "Varro Marcello" Varro says. "Ah. Prime minister Eye Salato en, just call me salato, I can't be done with formalities" Salato says matter of factly. She notices a few eyes on the drone "Oh that's well....that's a drone that they have stuck me with apparently it'll look after all my communication needs." salato says with a shrug. "Oh" Varro replies. "The AI that's running it from back home is called Lisa, she's quiet friendly." Salato says. "Right are we waiting on anyone or shall we move to a move convivial atmosphere for a drink?" salato says smiling.
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Post by Erenmor on Jan 6, 2007 19:11:08 GMT -5
Nathaniel again gave a formal bow to the delegates from Naraemat and Cal as they arrived.
"Ah, yes, I believe all those that announced their arrival are here," the AI answered Salato's question. "Once we've gone through the security procedures, we'll take you to your accommodations for the duration of your stay here. From there, your guide proper can take over," he explained. "Now, come this way, please."
Nathaniel turned away, floating at a leisurely speed towards a wide, not too high door at the end of the hangar hall. "I'm afraid our procedures with regards to personal firearms are rather strict," he explained on the way. It was a big hangar, after all, plenty of way to explain on. "A license is absolutely necessary for the possession of any weaponry, and special permits are needed for owning and carrying of ballistic weaponry and higher-powered energy weapons. That said, I will have to ask those of you carrying weapons to deposit them at the checkpoint we will be passing through shortly. Those of you concerned with going unarmed can be issued with non-lethal public models, if you wish, and your weapons will of course be returned when you leave."
The sides of the door slid open with the slightest hiss, leading into a smaller room, though it was still large enough to accommodate a small truck. Sensor devices lined the ceiling and one silvery sphere, roughly twice the size of a human head, was set into the wall above each doorway. There was also a glassless window in one side wall, with a Sentinel calmly waiting behind it. Seeing the delegation enter, the android turned away and reached for something behind it, then placed the items down on the counter. Said items were small metal squares, about half an inch tall and three inches long, with a dull blue-grey screen set into one face and a band attached to a side.
"Those," Nathaniel explained, "are ID transponders, and they'll serve as a mix of key ring, pass card, transport ticket and other items along those lines. They are quite important, so please do not lose them."
The Sentinel behind the window waited patiently for the delegates to approach, ready to hand out to each of them their assigned ID.
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Post by miokalia on Jan 13, 2007 3:22:35 GMT -5
The Miokalian delegates seemed to pretty much expect this somewhat and didn't really consider the carrying of weapons very necessary for such diplomatic functions. The Malych guards, however didn't have any loose weapons (in the conventional sense) on them.
Phong decided to curtail the short pause and explained. "These units do not have seperate weapons. Their primary weapon is built into them and it can't be removed...
Normally, these units do not accompany our delegations in such numbers. In a way, Tdendaku and Esoure are a different delegation. Their interests are in matters specific to, and of inorganic significance."
#36 didn't have any weapons at all. But there plenty of mounting places where there were at some point. He took the transponder and said, "I'll be very direct. I very much look forward to meeting Onyx. I'm assuming we will get to meet him?"
Elly rolled her eyes and removed a small multi-tool knife from one of her shoes and handed it to the Erenmoren. "What? I like to have tools handy.", she said as Lieutenant Chon looked at her oddly.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Jan 13, 2007 22:16:38 GMT -5
With a nod Waldo eagerly took his ID transponder. "I hope the Major here did as I asked and came unarmed." Janches nodded. "Now the questions is did Krel."
"I am not that silly Secretary."
"Good."
Oddly enough, Multek removed a wicked looking knife from his boot. "I don't part with this often, I hope for your sake Secretary they get it back to me."
This sight of course elicited a look of surprise from Waldo. Multek, before grabbing his own transponder, offered the blade up for storage.
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Varro
New Member
Knowledge and Conquest
Posts: 45
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Post by Varro on Jan 14, 2007 17:16:13 GMT -5
The Naraemat envoy returns bows when given, and proceeds with the rest of the group to the check point. Marcello keenly takes a transponder and looks it over as if for something, then, settling his mind, pockets it.
Salinas, before taking a transponder, hands over seven knives, a pistol, two extra clips of seven rounds, and an electroshock gun casually. "I believe there was mention of 'public issue' weapons?", he states as he request one himself.
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Post by Erenmor on Jan 15, 2007 19:29:45 GMT -5
The Sentinel manning the desk patiently handed out all the transponders and collected any weapons handed in. Upon Salinas' request, it reached beneath the counter, producing from it a rather small pistol, matt black, the main part of it consisting of a shape like two cones linked by bases, with smooth curves at the "joining point" and the tips. Save for the trigger, it didn't appear to have too many moving parts.
"This is a CC-097 series sonic pistol," the Sentinel explained in a steady, monotone male voice. "It has sufficient charge to knock out a horse long enough for Erenmor security forces to arrive and resolve the issue, and is effective at up to 200 metres. Be advised, there is minimal recoil," the droid said, demonstrating how to handle the weapon and pointing out where the recharge socket was before presenting it to Salinas.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel gave #34 a slow nod. "That is indeed correct. As it is, the Overseer has decided to take time off from his work to personally give you the tour," the AI explained.
Once all the ID transponders were assigned, all weapons collected and replacements given where asked for, Nathaniel hovered out in front of the group, turning to face them all.
"From this point onwards," the AI began in a formal tone, "you are assured protection on the same scale a full citizen of Erenmor can expect. We ask only that you do not abuse this trust." Then, abandoning the more formal tone, Nathaniel gestured to the other door leading out of the checkpoint room, which slid open with a quiet hiss. "We should now proceed to Citadel Peak, where you can settle in to your accommodations and meet with your guide proper."
The corridor beyond was as wide as most major motorways in other country, though the traffic was decidedly lighter. Occasionally a Golem would rumble past, trailing a platform, sometimes empty, other times loaded with cargo containers. People also walked by now and then, and sometimes hitched a ride on a passing Golem's platform. There were occasional polite whispers of conversation against background noise that seemed to indicate a much more crowded area not too far away. The walls were a cool grey, while the light was a soft yellow, imitating natural sunlight quite well.
"This section of the Skaine flight terminal is primarily used for freight transfer," Nathaniel explained, "thus traffic is commonly quite light here," he said, leading the delegates to a pair of Golems who had platforms with comfortable seating attached behind them. Both platforms hovered a slight distance off the ground, and while one's seats were generally human-sized, the seats on the second platform looked designed specifically for the unique physiology of the Miokalian delegation. Nathaniel showed the delegates to their seats before the Golems set off, with the AI hovering casually alongside the passenger platforms.
"Because of the nature of our cities, there is little in the way of personal vehicles here," the AI explained as they went on. "Golem carriers such as these fulfil the role of taxis, while mag tubes provide for mass transit means and monorail trains link cities to each other."
Quite unexpectedly, the corridor opened into a massive circular hall. The centre of the room was taken up by a thick pillar, lined with elevator shafts, while the walls were quite literally sparkling with all manner of shops and stores. Bridges connected the balcony ringing the central pillar and the outer balcony linking together all the shops. A look upwards showed that the pillar went on for several more floors before terminating in a semi-translucent energy field, letting in sunlight into the hall. The spaces between the bridges were also filled by such energy fields, though curiously enough they presented a milky white surface when one were to look downwards.
The crowd here was quite massive in comparison to the occasional person in the corridor. People were milling about, browsing through the shops, sitting at the occasional bars and cafes or just plain standing around and chatting. The passing delegations drew more than a few eyes, specifically the Miokalians, though from what could be overheard, the attention was more of curiosity than hostility.
The people milling about were not all Erenmor citizens, as far as could be seen. Those without the ever-present jumpsuits underneath whatever accessories they wore were at most only half the colourful crowd. To match this, the shops here were also a myriad of brands, local and foreign.
"This is the Great Marketplace, as it's come to be called," Nathaniel said as they travelled past. "With Skaine being the main entryway for travellers into Erenmor, this place carries virtually every kind of goods imaginable. You can easily stop here on arrival and purchase what you need for the stay, and before leaving stop through again and pick up plenty of souvenirs for the people back home," he explained. "Admittedly, pickpockets are something of a nuisance, though we do what we can to return stolen property to its owners. Typically, it's foreigners who don't quite grasp how complete the surveillance in Erenmor is that try to make a quick profit at others' expense."
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Post by Erenmor on Jan 22, 2007 21:42:52 GMT -5
(OOC: This is a small heads-up. I generally try to avoid posting more than once in a row if I can help it. I'd rather adjust to other players instead of making you stick to a posting schedule, but still... A whole week and nothing? It can't be that dull a tour, can it? Come on, even some idle conversation, give me something to work with here...)
***
The convoy circled around the main pillar of the marketplace at a calm speed, allowing the delegates to take in the surrounding. The main thing that caught the attention with regards to the crowd was how mixed it was. Though Erenmor's citizens were easy to tell apart by the jumpsuits that apparently all of them wore, they did not appear to try to stick to their own company here. Foreigners made up easily half the crowd at least, and judging by the languages heard they were a very varied crowd in their own right. Shreds of conversation in numerous languages drifted over and while English and the local language were the most common, the delegates could catch bits of Miokalian, Tinisian and other languages more than once along the way.
Then there were the machines. The most noticeable were the Sentinels, the ever-present watchers, standing at every corner and at every door, always at least two of them, holding the same uniformed colour pattern. The weapons they carried held some resemblance to the sonic pistol that Salinas had received, though in size they could be compared to rifles. There were other machines around, too. The freight-carrying golems, for one. And then there were the black metal spheres that buzzed around the hall, zipping back and forth over the crowds, several of them even trailing after the delegation's convoy before apparently losing interest and floating off to some other task.
"Those are Sky-Eye drones," Nathaniel explained as the convoy turned down a gently slanting corridor, away from the hallway. "They serve as auxiliary surveillance devices and are generally a right nuisance. Too curious for their own good sometimes, but they're mostly harmless."
The corridor turned around, weaving slowly down. The chatter from the marketplace hall was more of a background noise now, though they were by no means the only ones using the corridor. The people they passed, at least those that were Erenmor citizens, didn't seem too surprised or concerned about the delegates' presence here. The convoy carried on for several floors more before turning off down a wide side passage.
As they went along, the walls began to draw attention as much as the inhabitants. The plain grey surfaces were becoming a rarity, it seemed, as most smooth vertical surfaces not taken up by doors had been commandeered for a wide variety of decorations. These ranged from highly detailed murals depicting mountainous landscapes to abstract, geometric and colourful graffiti. Additionally, recurring geometric patterns carved into the walls' surfaces separated any styles that were rather radically different. The corridor itself seemed like an art gallery of sorts.
Finally, the convoy pulled in at what was clearly a railway station, with a short bullet train waiting at the terminal. As opposed to the rest of the city that the delegates had seen thus far, the station was empty and quiet, the dominating noise being the soft whisper of the single power rail over which the train levitated. The delegates were shown into the train and once they were all aboard, the monorail took off. From what could be seen through the windows, the machine had an excellent turn of speed, though the acceleration was barely noticeable.
"Citadel Peak is not considered a primary tourist destination," Nathaniel explained as the trip went on, "and as such there are few state-held guest quarters, certainly no hotels as you would be used to. However, several of the Citadel guilds have expressed their desire to house you during your stay. The guilds typically maintain additional quarters for any of their representatives that travel frequently, and such accommodations hold a high standard. The jewellers' guild was selected to provide you with room and board for your stay here, I sincerely hope you will find the conditions there to your liking."
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