Nexxis smiled even larger. She skipped and hopped, and even did a little twirl. To have such a conversation with foreigners, it was truly exciting and brought happiness to her in this tough time for her, and the Atheans.
"Ahh, my friend. Wonderful points. I do believe in the existence of Tamatoa, however not exclusively. I believe that all gods are real, as you have just said. I find it hard for all of this, to be a certain random happening."
Upon saying this, she held her hands up and slowly turned around, as if to mean the wonderful building they were standing in, and all of Athea for that matter.
"But I do not in believe in one over the other. That is why when approached, I simply say I do not believe. For those without the composure of having such discussions, it is impossible to explain this view. Though it is more aptly said, that I do not worship any one god. I worship none, but acknowledge the existence of all. Using our mortal terms of conflict, one could say I am a neutral in the matter of the gods. As is this country. I however, do not look down on those that worship a specific god. In fact, I respect it."
She approached Salanaha and spoke once more.
"You inferred it one the beginning, but I take it that you wish to spread this knowledge of Tamatoa to Athea. I do not mind if you do, however I will provide some boundaries. The country itself, in relation to its official stance, will always be neutral. I will allow a small number of emissaries from your people in at a time. They will be registered as missionaries and given a set amount of time in the country. Once that time is up, they are expected to return to your land. However, they can immediately return, or a new emissary can be sent in their place. You can acquire land, even build religious buildings in Athea, but it must be done in accordance with our laws and regulations. Most importantly, you cannot force anyone to believe. The will of my people is free, and will always be that. By that free will, they can chose to believe you, or to not believe you. You cannot try to force it down their throats, so to speak. This will also be in regards to Athean citizens who have converted. "
Nexxis lightly clapped her hands, and an aide appeared with a pen and paper and begin writing.
"I do not place the country of Athea above Tamatoa, but all laws and regulations of Athea are to be followed. Even if they directly conflict with the teachings of Tamatoa. I cannot make exceptions just for you. I would have to make exceptions for every religion in that case and reform many things. I do not with to do that. That isn't even broaching the matter of disagreements between religions. What if I change a law for you so it isn't in conflict with your teachings, but then becomes in conflict with another religious teaching? Ahhh, I'm not even daring to go there, so a hard line will be drawn. Finally, any monetary gains you receive, will not leave this country. They can only be used in this country.
We have had an issue in the past, where emissaries have come and spread their religious teachings, then took money from the citizens of Athea. They loaded up that money and sent it to their homeland, and it was then used to fund a war their home country was fighting. Their enemy came to us and said, "How dare you help this filth in this conflict." So, we now no longer allow things like that to happen.
Also, you are not allowed to take citizens of Athea with you from this country. If they are to travel to your land it is of their own free will. They must do it themselves, not by you or on your vessels. We have also have had such a thing happen, where a religion has come to our country, and our citizens left on their vessel for a pilgrimage. Yet it was later heard, that they were turned into slaves. "
The aide was writing everything down with a quick speed. It was somewhat impressive.
"Finally, your emissaries will be constantly monitored. If any of these are suspected to be broken, then an investigation will ensue. If found guilty, the perpetrators will be punished under Athean law, in Athea. At that point, all current emissaries will be expelled from Athea, never to return as long as I'm in power. Tamatoa's teachings will no longer be allowed at that point. Your people will not be allowed into this country for religious reasons.
Some of these may seem harsh, but let me enlighten you on why Athea takes stances of this nature. Their are creatures out there that wish to see elves on their deathbed. Creatures like the harpies who take our people as slaves, then use their bones to make their buildings. Look down on us like inferior beings. Their are creatures who wish to capture us and chain us up in a basement, and only with to breed us, then kill us when our use over. You saw the sexual makeup of Athea. The amount of females grossly outnumbers the males. If we opened the borders, men would flock to this country for the idea of capturing as many gorgeous elves as possible. Such a time happened, and many problems arose. So I closed the borders. No disrespect to you, Salanaha, but I must be ever vigilant.
The last thing I would like to add is this: We will not enter into negotiations, or allow anyone into Athea, if they have current dealings with the harpies. If we sign anything, and it becomes known that you have anything in league with the harpies, everything will be null and void. Your people will immediately be expelled, never to return for any reason, until it can be proven that you have nothing to do with the Harpies."
Her smile faded and this last point became very serious.
"We hold no prejudice, but they wish to see us dead, or in bondage. They will go to almost any lengths to do it. They see us as inferior beings. I will not allow even a sliver of a chance for that to happen. This last point is the only thing that cannot be compromised on."
@Amdarh
