Treaty of Meltwater

The Treaty of Meltwater was a peace treaty between the Kingdom of The Highlands and the newly established Autonomous Zone of Dab Ea.

Signed in 142, the agreement brought an end to nearly thirty years of conflict between the human majority and a persecuted kíndallan minority bent on independence. At stake was control over the territory east of Connor’s Gob and west of The Reek—a small parcel of land, to be sure, but one the kíndallans believed was theirs by right.

The document was signed by Queen Johanna Vinternsdotter and by the kíndallan Nést Yokté—better known as The Beast. It was signed inside Meltwater Tavern and the terms agreed to were as follows:

1. The Crown would recognize Dab Ea’s right to self-govern their territory;
2. Dab Ea would take responsibility for the defense of the eastern border against any encroachment by the Democratic Republic of the Reek; and,
3. King Hamish II, upon reaching the age of 18, would marry a woman of Dab Ea’s choosing. This new queen would serve not only as consort but as co-regent.

Impact & Legacy

The treaty established what was, prior to Frieda Jacobs’ unification of Wonderland, one of the only havens for non-human folk in the xenophobic South of Eden. It marked the end of Queen Johanna’s dominance over Highlandian politics. And when Hamish II married Bonnie MacAdam, the bride chosen for him by the kíndallans, it brought an end to The Great Abdication Movement as well.