The City of Venoa had acquired a fair amount of money through trade and it's respectable overseas holdings. Much of which one way or another got funneled into architecture. The Rotunda of the Serene Republic Triumphant (better known as Filnorri's Dome) was one of the better results of that. Built in the style of a Third Empire temple, it commemorated Venoa's victory in the 25 Years' war (582-557 BIA) which cemented it's position as the dominant Anvosi city state. It had been used for a variety of ceremonial odd jobs by the Republic's leaders, from swearing in new Doges through remembrance services to being the sight of the most exclusive of balls. On the 29th day of the 3rd month of the 37th year of the Infrastructural Age, it would be for the twenty ninth time the be host to peace talks. On that morning the Doge waited patiently near the center and to a casual inspection alone. In reality a regiment of soldiers stood on guard, as had dozens of mages and a number of assassins from the City's Guild which even their Dark Elvish counterparts respected hidden cunningly. A couple of photographers and artists were also hiding out in the alcoves. He did not fear that either party would attempt anything stupid here, but there were other players which might try something on top of the damn fools. He watched as the seconds ticked down on his watch until it reached 10 AM. A few seconds latter the doors opened.





From the western door marched in the the Infrastructural procession. Two dozen of their soldiers marching in lockstep flanking a small group of Bureaucrats led by Supernova and Drive. Their uniforms neat but stark and functional save for the simple insignia of their realm and it's ideology. While the Bureaucrats were a bit antsy the soldiers and especially the Central Committee members themselves carried themselves with the mechanical efficiency which they so esteemed.





"Your Serenity, on behalf of the Great Machine of Infrastructure I extend the Committee's thanks to you and your city for hosting these talks." Supernova said in clear Venoan, in spite of the not so subtle pressure he'd been levying against her state. He gave a polite nod.







From the eastern door marched the Dark Elvish procession. Sixteen warriors flanked a dozen courtiers and four lords of the four cities present, all of which were clad in fine runic armor even if none of them had elected to carry overt weapons for the proceedings. Making a display of force even when circuitously admitting defeat. Hardly a distinctly Drow thing to do but a tendency which was common enough among the Drow. He made out a couple of the figures including Lord Silnorain of Hansoliath and Lady Valcas. Had this been the Seraphate or Torion they would have brought along slaves, but sapient chattel was banned within the City's Walls.





"Most honorable Doge" Lady Valcas said "you have proven yet again that the Serene Republic is a valued friend to help smooth over this unpleasantness." He picked up a faint trace of relief on her voice. Probably carefully measured to be there. He thought of half a dozen things that this could mean here and now idly as he took in the scene. He nodded to her as well.









Before him stood two of the great powers of this world, each with distinctive strengths that had been locked in conflict for more than three years. One which had upset and was still upsetting the already shakey balance of power even if one side had yet to bring all it's power to bear and the other could not directly threaten it's foes homelands. Both sides had decided to come to the negotiating table and work out something before this war expanded into something truly disastrous. This was a good thing in of itself, leaving aside the fact that it secured the well being of a lot of valuable loans . They were not out of the woods yet but that these two bodies were here was a good sign.





"Members of the Central Committeee, Great Lords of Gathirith, Valnothron, Hansoliath and Janilonas and their esteemed followers. On behalf of the Serene Republic and her people I welcome you and am honored to make this grand hall available to you for your peace negotiations. I and my diplomatic staff am at both of your disposal in mediation of these talks. I hope that both parties can find reasonable and agreeable terms swifty in a spirit of reason and amiability." He gestured forward to a table set up for such a development and both parties wandered to their assigned seating. To his relief nobody fussed over whom sat by whom. "Now let the talks commence..."









Next: Infrastructure: Part Two Hundred Eighty Nine