Quintus came and went in the Censor's office. After receiving news from Princeps Senatus Denis Cicic, reporting that armies in the East were turning back to Greece, Senatus had decided to make a new peace offer to the Courts of Phrygia and Pontus. In absence of Marcus Aurelius, Quintus Servilius was in charge of those duties. He recalled the Censor had long ago prepared a draft of a treaty, but couldn't find it. Wasn't between documents on Marcus' desk, so he took a look at the Tablinum, checking the shelves on Eastern Affairs. There it was finally!

Quintus took the scroll and went back to his own office to rewrite and send the new offer. Although, because of a twist of fate, Phrygian sovereign was under Roman protection at Halikarnassos, letter for Pontus had to travel much further eastwards, and should be delivered as soon as possible…

QUOTE:
To Kadea, Lady of the Amazons, Queen of Phrygia;
and to Orkan, Lord of Sinope, King of Pontus;


Greetings from the Roman Republic!

This conflict has lasted for too long. Both our citizens and people of your nations have been wasting blood, sweat and tears on battlefields for a long time, while generations of our youth perished in this senseless war.

As you may have seen, our offensive operations against your countries have stopped, and only Burnu [440] province remains in our hands. The Roman Republic does not intend to stay in this place, nor our allies. Our only goal in re-taking and defending this territory, along with Etruscan armies, was to allow Egyptian troops to ship back home.

Taking all these points into account, Senate and People of Rome, and also our allies, offer you a deal:

- Burnu [440] will stay in roman hands for three more days, to allow both our troops and Egyptians to set sail back home.

- After that period, we will abandon control of the province and you will be able to reconquer it without inconvenience.

- If any Egyptian warrior is still in the city at that time, will be free to turn back home, though may be restrained to prevent spying. Aelius Decimus Maximus, Pharaoh of Egypt, will in that case be your interlocutor about that issue.

- If both Phrygia and Pontus agree with this truce, as a sign of good will, Phrygian warriors who fell in our hands during your last attack will be set free, and their restrains will also be canceled before tomorrow Scoring.

- From the moment Burnu [440] is abandoned, a yearly renewable cease-fire will be enforced between Phrygia, Pontus, Roman Republic, Etruscan Cities, Egypt, Hellenic League, Teutonic Tribe and Raurici People.

Because of current situation of Phrygian leaders, authorities of Halikarnassos have been ordered to facilitate any necessary means for you can both negotiate your answer. With the hope you'll give peace a chance...

Respectfully yours,


Quintus Servilius
Vicarius Censoris Rei Publicae