B3 Chapter 63: The Winds of Change
B3 Chapter 63: The Winds of Change
Tiberius issued a brief address to the Senate, rehashing parts of his earlier speech—albeit in a tone more befitting this upper-class environment. He also touched on the empire's growth, progress, and goals, even though it may have been slightly redundant. He had no doubt that Iladrien had already relayed much of this information to the politicians. Still, the gesture itself was a worthwhile one.
After finishing, Tiberius finally proceeded to the throne and took his place upon it. Two simpler chairs were grown for the high priestess and king, which was a sight in itself, and the senators launched into their own speeches. They ranged from simple praises of the returning empire and its ruler to far more practical matters of what these changes would mean for the elves themselves.
The topics left plenty of room for debate, and soon the Senate was filled with them. Tiberius remained quiet for the most part, content to listen to the various arguments and points put forth by the senators and offering input when requested. But for the most part, he took this opportunity to observe.
The more Tiberius spent time around the elves, the more he found them increasingly odd. Despite their features resembling those of a slender and effeminate human with pointy ears, their thoughts felt so very different sometimes. Those differences were subtle and difficult to tease out, especially beneath the shared Roman values they had in common. Yet they seemed to lack a certain ambition so prevalent among members of his own race. It was not exactly to the level of self-sacrifice, but they certainly displayed a fair bit less selfishness and more respect for tradition than even the most pious priest from his old world.
Perhaps that was part of why they’d been able to maintain Rome’s ways for so long and with such fidelity. It would also explain how they had managed to avoid the same attempts at conquest that their predecessors had engaged in so wholeheartedly, even despite having the troops to attempt such things.
All of that did not mean that they couldn’t disagree, though. Something that became abundantly clear once the topic of reopening trade came up.
“...For many long years, our seclusion has been our protection, the only thing standing between us and the reprisal of ancient foes,” the senator currently holding the floor spoke to his audience as he paced. “I am as eager as any to celebrate the resurgence of the empire and the changes it brings. Yet to open our borders to outsiders once more… Such a move would be folly. It would weaken our defenses and risk the corruption of that which our ancestors have spent millennia protecting.”
“What of it?” Another called down. “The protections are no longer needed. Our task was to stand vigilant and guard Rome’s legacy. And we have succeeded.”
“‘Was’? I would argue that it still remains our task. An even more important one, given the number of enemies the empire may soon find at its doorstep. Are not the worshippers of the pagan gods already assembling against her?”
“This is a foolish argument. We have already made our presence known. Or do you mean to suggest that the sight of our Legionnaires across the lands will go unremarked?”
The senator on the floor shook his head. “Sending out our own is one matter. But allowing others into our homeland is another matter entirely. Perhaps we can make an allowance for citizens, but for anyone less? I am wholeheartedly against it.”
Another chimed in. “The Great Ruthin Forest and its people must remain a bastion of Rome’s ways, a crystallization of civilization. Allowing just anyone to come in and poke at that crystal with their grubby hands is a recipe for disaster.”
“You speak as though such services will continue to be required,” Tiberius’s voice silenced all discussion. “As though the empire shall fall again.”
The senator paused, choosing his words carefully. “I mean no such disrespect, emperor. Nor do I mean to imply that such a fate is doomed to befall you. Yet what of the next emperor? And the next? Elves live long lives, long enough to recognize the patterns woven throughout history. And while this single thread is hardly enough to create a tapestry, it would be foolish to cast it aside in favor of ephemeral wisps of dreams.”
“I agree.” Tiberus looked over to see King Glendale speak up. “Besides, what have we to gain? Our civilization has remained self-sufficient for this long already, and the emperor himself recognizes how diligently we have maintained Rome’s culture. Opening our borders, even to citizens of the empire, only risks diluting that.”
Tiberius mulled over the arguments. Once again, the priorities of these elves felt rather skewed compared to what he’d expect. Any Roman would see it as their duty to spread their culture and integrate barbarians through conquest. Yet these… perhaps it was another manifestation of their muffled ambition. Or perhaps a consequence of their long lives.
“The question is not about what you have to gain, but the empire,” he said. “And the answer is not a trivial amount. Even from a cursory stroll through your lands, it is clear that Rome would benefit from your various specialties. Applying the skills of your agricultural workers to Novara’s farms would prove a great boon to Rome’s food production. The ability to grow trees into whole structures would allow us to reforest and repurpose the portions of the plains that are unfit for farming. That is not to mention the various goods that I am certain your people can produce for trade.”
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The explanation drew a series of mutters from the senators. Many appeared excited at the prospect, save for the one currently occupying the floor and a handful of other holdouts. But rather than any of them, it was the king who spoke next.
“I agree that there is much that our people can contribute to Rome—beyond what we already have, of course,” the ancient elf began. “However, we are not so easily moved. For us to shift in our ways takes time. Therefore, I would request that we instead consider a compromise. A slower integration of our people back into the empire. The Legionnaires are one matter, but the common folk do not have such resilience in their ways. Perhaps the matter of opening our borders can happen stepwise or even be deferred until Novara’s people become more… acclimated.”
Tiberius frowned inwardly. To some extent, he understood the concerns. Yet they also seemed so incredibly shortsighted. What better way to maintain Rome’s ways than to impress them upon others? Also, the fact that the king had given no timelines was concerning. For someone with his life expectancy, who knew how long a “slower integration” would take? For all he knew, it would stretch far beyond Tiberius’s natural life expectancy.
Surprisingly, he wasn’t the first to take issue with the king’s argument. Rather, it was a stooped old elf whose voice was as soft as wind rustling through reeds. “Slower? You underestimate the speed of humans, young Valden. They flit about as hummingbirds, hardly content to stay still for a single day, much less a century.”
The king showed no offense at being called “young Valden.” Rather, Tiberius sensed a bit more respect in his bearing as he addressed the senator, who seemed even older than himself. “I am grateful for your wisdom, Selengar. Yet is this not even more reason to wait? For if such a transition will be fast, then there is little harm in a more measured approach.”
Selengar shook his head slowly, his papery skin shifting over a skeletal frame. “Quite the contrary. These Novarans will not take as much time to become true Romans as you may presume. Simply blink, and that time will be upon us. But without exemplary models to turn to… They may not stay as such, either. Our presence will serve to guide them toward the ideals that we have held so dear for so long. It is our duty. And that, friends, will better ward us against corruption than hiding within the trees.”
The king frowned slightly, but said nothing. Tiberius decided to seize the opportunity. “Indeed. My Legionnaires are spread thin across the empire. There are hardly enough to train additional troops, much less educate the populace to the degree that I would prefer. As such, assistance from your people in these areas would be a major boon.”
The debate continued for a while longer, but it quickly became clear that the matter was decided. The majority of the Senators appeared eager to open their borders and once more join the empire in full. The king still appeared to have his hesitations about the matter, but was unwilling to go against both the Senate and Tiberius himself.
“I will send priests of Ceres to accompany you back to human lands,” High Priestess Fenwyn finally spoke. She had remained quiet for much of the meeting. “They will surely be of use with regard to farming.”
“We shall send some of our more skilled [Treespeakers] as well,” one of the senators chimed in. “If only to stem the deforestation happening at the edge of our territory. Speaking of which…”
Soon, the conversation turned to other matters. How the elves would govern themselves within the new empire proved a particularly important topic. It seemed as though they were comfortable reverting back to a province as the empire grew, though they would seek representation in the Roman senate. This Senate was simply one meant for the elves, after all, and its decisions wouldn’t affect the empire as a whole. Tiberius also got the sense that such a change would almost be a relief for the elves, who seemed eager to relinquish even some of the responsibilities associated with rule.
Between the disposition of the elves and their respect for Tiberius's position, the senate session proceeded quite well indeed. In addition to woodworkers and priests, who would massively improve their harvest, he was also able to secure a promise of additional troops for the empire. But full Legions, perhaps, since weakened defenses would indeed be a worry for the elves once they left their seclusion behind. But enough to take some of the pressure off Tiberius's own Legionnaires.
It also helped that many more of these senators seemed to have some military experience than the group he was used to. The inclination toward martial pursuits combined with the general lack of ambition to make for a far more peaceable assembly.
Or if they were trying to stab each other in the back, they were doing a much better job of hiding it, even from his social skills. That might have been the least Roman thing about them.
Eventually, as the debates began to wind down, Tiberius cleared his throat. “This has been an enlightening experience. I thank the Senate for their time and wisdom, as well as their praiseworthy efforts in maintaining a culture that would have otherwise been forgotten.”
“And we thank you as well, emperor, for ensuring that our efforts were not in vain.” The king replied on the Senate’s behalf. “We shall eagerly look forward to the restoration of this great civilization.”
After a few more closing remarks, Tiberius finally took his leave. The meeting had been a long one, and the sun was already setting by the time they adjourned. Still, considering all that he'd gained, it had clearly been worthwhile.
He was just preparing to leave when he saw a number of elven senators making their way in his direction. Inwardly, he sighed. It seemed there was still plenty of politicking to be done.
“Sir,” Lucius appeared beside him before any of the senators could approach for more private conversations. “We have received word from Legatus Gaius. There have been strange developments on the warfront. They urgently request additional aid.”
Tiberius frowned. That was troublesome. But also a bit fortuitous given the current situation. He turned to the elves waiting a respectful distance away. “My apologies. There are other matters I must tend to for the moment.” He then gestured to Lucius. “Let us move to a more private location. Then I will hear the report.”
“Sir.”
Tiberius and his aide left the Curia. Perhaps those elven reinforcements would come in handy more quickly than expected.