Something must have gone terribly right. It was no secret that Aixelsydani
delegation to Celpalar was expected to yeld high results, but even the spies
of the nations of the northwestern part of the continent who took
painstaking trouble to keep an eye on the engagement could not have
predicted the degree of the success. When the sleek ships of the mighty
Aixelsydani fleet sailed into ancient port of Areneth, carrying on it a
select group of politicians, diplomats, traders and even army commanders,
they were welcomed eagerly. When they left, Celpalar and Aixelsydan were
alied. Just like that - alied. And while no one but the two parties were
allowed in the state chambers where all the talks took place, many wish they
could have heard what exactly went on.

The new alliance is still a fragile one, but a pact that is promising to
grow with time. For now, the two nations have rediscovered each other, and
due to a carefully prepared presentation from Aixelsydan and an equally well
executed response, a common cultural bond was found... one that extends from
political and diplomatic measures to the people themselves. For the
Celpalari are the descendants of the ancient Avaerans, and Aixelsydan claim
similar heritage from the great mansions that Avaeran aristocrats built on
the Anorurr shore, thus shaping the local culture into their image. Even the
languages, despite the miles of sea in between are amazingly similar.

The alliance is said to grow with time, but for now a strong trade pact was
established. Under the new rules, Aixelsydan and Celpalar are trade partners
- a move that will allow the latter greater influence in the Midsea region
and the former increased trade through the Straight of Anorurr and access to
northern markets. The trade routes of one nation become open to both,
although in the beginning, the merchant fleets will not venture that far
from their established routes, but rely on the other nation to bring the
resources to them. With time, that distinction will blend as well. With both
fleets engaging in trade, greater flexibility of who covers which trade
routes (based on costs and savings) can be established.

Furthermore, Aixelsydan has now greatly reduced its tariffs on the access of
the Straight of Anorurr to all Celpalari ships, and in three year time those
tariffs will be reduced completely to nill, in ports of both countries. In
return, the merchant vessels of Celpalar now use Aixelsydani towns as
trading bases overseas, bringing more products and trade to the nation.

On the political front, Celpalar has established a permanent embassy in
Aixelsydan and the latter is doing the same. The embassies will facilitate
diplomatic dialogue, ideas exchange and quick response time. This is a
second permanent embassy like that for Aixelsydan, having already set one in
Aryisa.

Talks of future engagements have already been undertaken, and while nothing
has begun on this front yet, a plan to broaden cultural and scientific ties
has also been established. The project is called 'Twin Universities', but
the name may be quite temporary. Under it, both nations will build or
designate one university, academy, school or even hall dedicated to
cooperation in mutual cultural studies, as well as scientific ones and
magical ones, when pooling of resources and knowlege is required. (OOC: This
has not happened yet. Actions to the nature will be taken in future turns).

More plans of military alliance have also been spoken about, but given the
short amount of time (a year can pass so quickly), nothing has been
formulated yet. Still, many people on both sides of the sea await greatly
the day when the mightly fleet of Aixelsydan and the legendary army of
Celpalar will call each other brothers. Some mention of common colonization
of the isles south of Celpalar has been discussed... as well as exploration
beyond.

Yet while the plans may be lofty and spirits high, for now the nations of
Celpalar and Aixelsydan have tied an economic alliance, venturing into
trade, reducing tariffs and supporting each other's ports and markets.
Embassies have been established, cultural similarities celebrated, and the
project of 'Twin Universities' discussed. What other benefits this alliance
may bring is to be seen in future. One thing is for certain. Celpalar and
Aixelsydan are friends. It is, perhaps, small news in the changing world of
today, but to the two nations who are involved, a momentous one.

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