It was late in the evening. Allied leaders were still gathered in a meeting, trying to decide what to do with Phrygian Campaign after last enemy letter. Ishabell wasn't interested in signing a fair peace, even taking into account they haven't ask for any compensation from her, neither economic nor territorial. Princeps Senatus Denis Cicic was discussing with Pharaoh Lucius Verinus about the convenience of continue fighting endlessly in Asia against a people not interested in peace. Marcus Aurelius watched the scene from his chair in the corner of the tent when an optio came in and whispered briefly in his ear.

After apologizing to his comrades, roman Censor left the room and walked animatedly to his own tent. There was a man inside. Marcus approached and gave him a hug.

- Welcome Lucius!!
- Salve Marcus!!

Lucius, his former assistant and one of his best friends, had just arrived from his comission in Greece. Marcus Aurelius asked him:

- Have you been able to find it... ?

Lucius went to the table in the middle of the place and took up a wooden box, giving it to the Censor. Marcus opened it and watched carefully its content.

- Thank you very much my friend. You’ve done us a great favor.

They both spent much time talking about events in Rome and Greece, and also about future outcome of the war. After the dinner, Lucius left Marcus Aurelius alone, absorbed back into pending paperwork on his desk, writing a new letter:

QUOTE:
To Dareia,
Queen of Dacia,
Leader of the Daoi:

Greetings from the Roman Republic, and late congratulations on being elected to take on the crown of Dacian Nation. I send your Majesty, as a token of goodwill, a present. You surely remember in the forests of Dacia those times when you ruled over greek lands, living in your village of Sterea. In the chest you have received with this message there's a small craftwork from your former province, a kopis I've made bring for you. I hope it serves you well in your next battle.



Long years have passed since our peoples fought a bloody war, which only caused suffering and grief for both sides. Dacians showed in that conflict their strength and courage that have earned you respect throughout the known world, giving you dominion over the lands between the Pontus Euxinus, Danube, and Carpathian Mountains.

Roman Republic is honoured having such a brave and valuable enemy; but this open wound hurts only our citizens, ordinary people subject to military discipline, long absences from their homes, and unable to trade, farm, or praise their Gods. Roman Senatus desires peace with Dacian People, and believes a deal could bring both of us benefits. For this reason, from now on our "diplomatic status" towards your nation reverts to Neutral level, restoring trade and free passage between our countries. I hope you and your people agree with this proposal.

May Iuppiter Optimus Maximus be with you...

Respectfully yours,


Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

Dareia and her army, consisting in the Dacian’s stronger warriors, were returning from a victorious expedition in the lands of Napoca. There, the Dacian’s spies discovered the new settlement of the bandits that ravaged through the Dacian’s villages from Cumidava, a few months earlier. Discovering their new hide-out, the council of Tarabostes and the High Priest decided that they must be punished for the satisfaction of Gebeleizis. Their surprising attack was a complete success and now the Dacians were returning to their homes and families, content that their mighty God Gebeleizis was once more satisfied.

Reaching the citadel of Carpi, the army was welcomed by its inhabitants with cheerful hails, songs and dances… presaging the long feast that will be about to come, for celebrating the new Dacian victory. She stood still, watching her companions unloading the boars that have been hunted in their way back. The boars will be prepared by the Dacians woman with secret herbs and strong red wine, before they will take their rightful place on the spits above the fires and served to all the Dacians at that night’s feast.

Alexander, her older son, approached her and with a serious face stated:
Congratulation for your victory against those bloody bandits! We are all so proud of our brave warriors.

Thank you my son. answered her with a smile on her lips, knowing very well how much her 14th years old son wished to join them in the expedition but she decided that he should stay at Carpi and defend it with his own life in the case of any intruders will pass onto their lands.

A Roman messenger arrived a few days ago with a letter for you, from the Roman Senate. He was welcomed and treated properly while he awaited for your returning.

Let’s go see him, right now, my boy.

…

Salve, Queen Dareia! I bring you a message from the Roman Senate… and I was instructed to not return to Rome without an answer from You. said the messenger while giving her the parchment.

She took it and smiled, remembering how tiring were the reading and writing lessons of Latin and Greek that she took while she was just a young warrior in Greece. The old priest from her village, in Sterea province, fought hard with her for a proper learning of those languages but he succeeded.

After reading the message she talked to the messenger:
Go and feast with our people tonight, and early in the morning you’ll return to Rome with my answer.

Returning towards her son she ordered: Announce our women to prepare some provisions for the Roman messenger, he has a long journey ahead. Advise them to give him some of the best parts from the boars we have tonight at the feast. Call all the Tarabostes and the High Priest to me, I have to talk to them.

…

Soon, all that have been called were present and she read them the letter from Rome.
So, what we should do with this proposal? asked her.

After a long discussion, a decision was taken. She let them go and prepared herself for answering to the message.
Being a warm and pleasant evening she headed to one of the gardens. She sat on the ground, enjoying the warm mountain breeze through her hair, and started to write the reply.

QUOTE:

To: Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

Thank you for your kind words and gift, Senator. The kopis will be highly appreciated, for the years spent by me in the Greek lands will be treasured deep in my heart as long as I will breathe on this earth. Even that my ancestors were born in the Dacian’s forests, I’ve spent as you already know, my childhood and youth in the middle of the strong and educated peoples of Greece. I’ve learned and grew so much during those years and it saddened me very much leaving those blessed lands but, I had to return to Dacia to serve and protect the lands of my ancestors.

Indeed, long years have passed since our people crossed their weapons on the battle fields. Our Gebeleizis, always protected us, the Dacians, giving us the strength to resist in any war that we have been forced to face during times, and receiving those that fell, protecting their lands, right beside him.

We accept the peace state that you proposed us, but remember, that we will also, be ready to stand against your armies and protect our lands anytime we’ll sense any threatening coming from Rome.

Respectfully,
Dareia
Archon of the Dacians

Finishing the letter she left the garden, and joined the feast that already started.

News of a government change in the court of Dacia had just reached the Roman camp at the foot of the mountains in Illyria. Roman Censor, after gathering all the information he could find, called a messenger and gave him a letter for the new leader of the great Warrior Tribe...

QUOTE:
To Dao,
Archon of Dacia,
New Leader of the Daoi:

Greetings from the Roman Republic...

Recently, news of your ascend to the throne of Dacia reacherd the Urbs. The Senate and People of Rome send you their best wishes for your reign in hope that bonds between our both nations, stablished under your predecessor Dareia, will be strengthened even more under your rule.

Your People has been feared and admired for centuries worldwide for their strength and courage. On behalf of the Roman Republic, I wish you that "prosperity and glory of the Dacians" exceed under your reign even those of your ancestors.

May Gods be with you...

Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

Marcus Aurelius wrote:

QUOTE:
News of a government change in the court of Dacia had just reached the Roman camp at the foot of the mountains in Illyria. Roman Censor, after gathering all the information he could find, called a messenger and gave him a letter for the new leader of the great Warrior Tribe...

QUOTE:
To Dao,
Archon of Dacia,
New Leader of the Daoi:

Greetings from the Roman Republic...

Recently, news of your ascend to the throne of Dacia reacherd the Urbs. The Senate and People of Rome send you their best wishes for your reign in hope that bonds between our both nations, stablished under your predecessor Dareia, will be strengthened even more under your rule.

Your People has been feared and admired for centuries worldwide for their strength and courage. On behalf of the Roman Republic, I wish you that "prosperity and glory of the Dacians" exceed under your reign even those of your ancestors.

May Gods be with you...

Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

As we Remember & Honour our Ancestors & Glorious Queen Dareia while celebrating the Midwinter Festival in Natures Snowfilled Forests & Mountians we recieved your Official Letter...

Marcus Aurelius!
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic!

Thank you for your great kindness & friendship!
We always admired the Mighty Romans Long History, Strength, Success!
and welcome your wish for growing peace & friendship with us!

May the Gods be with all of us...
As we wish for peace & friendship among all peoples especially at this sacred time...

Many Thanks!
Daoi's Dao