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Post by Asinity on Dec 13, 2017 19:02:10 GMT
The King of Luska was surprised when Trion approached him, but returned the man's bow with one of his own.
"It's good to see you as well, Prince Trion," Koschei replied, with a managed smile. "Nothing could have foreseen it, though I hope your coffers are not suffering. Luska hasn't hosted a tourney in some time just because of how expensive they can be."
Koschei paused for a moment, and glanced at his vassal before looking back to Trion Cassian.
"I'm not sure if you've met yet, but this is Boyar Arturas Cosella," the King introduced. "He and his family have been staunch supporters of the Vyre Dynasty for many years."
Upon his aunt Elija du Valdez being mentioned, the dark-haired King grew stern.
"You have my thanks, Trion," he expressed as collectedly as he could, though it was obvious the man was not comfortable on the subject. "I agree on that: House Cassian has always been an ally of Luska, I know we can count on you if the need arises. I just hope it doesn't come to that. Not when Trevast is in such a state."
Koschei grew quiet when the Protector raised his voice, then gave Trion a firm nod before taking his seat.
"Here, here!" he raised his voice in agreement, adding to the Protector's urge to settle down.
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Post by Jason on Dec 14, 2017 2:41:36 GMT
Mirun Miruvid is carried into the chamber in her Palanquin where her guards pull back the curtains and she reclines casually. Glancing at the other monarchs who are here and gives them a simple nod. Unlike when she was talking to Arno, her armour is displayed, she decided to go for a functional rivetted mail armour with her purple robes doubling as a cloak. Her head was topped with a laurel crown and her hair was braided in ringlets. She gives a nod to her Vizier to give her introduction.
"Your Majesties, Your Grace, Honourable Grand Protector, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce. Empress Meron X Miruvid of Izhen."
Mirun just has a small smile on her face as she glances at them all.
"I cannot wait to get this business out of the way!"
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Well Aelin thought to herself bitterly, that just ruined my dramatic entrance. She gave a nod to her cousin Koschei and Mirun before turning to Arno and giving him a wink as she took her seat.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 14, 2017 15:04:09 GMT
Margraf Emmanual Varos
The Principality of Rji-Fluss
Emmanuel kept his silence as he walked into the main meeting room, visibly rolling his eyes as the 'Empress' from the South made herself known to the room. He did not announce himself, after all it was not him people had come to see. Instead, he took a step forward - and after his liege has taken his seat - and handed his letter patent to the chairperson of the days event. He returned to his place beside the Prince, pausing to offer a brief bow to the Luskan delegation as he passed them, and striding arrogantly passed to the Izhen, before standing still.
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Post by TheCalmOne on Dec 16, 2017 5:34:40 GMT
Elric waited for a small moment of silence to settle after the Izhen upstart made her presence known. Of course, he had learned of the growing power in the south due to his economic ties and connections, but he was woefully unaware of the extent of its power, nor the legitimacy of its ruler.
Thus the Duke of Aquitania decided to stick to the plan and remain as neutral as possible for the time being.
Giving the Izhen upstart an analyzing glance, the Duke then stood and spoke slowly. "Before we begin, I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the Valdez family for the loss of our late king. He was a great man - and one that ruled with great wisdom and justice."
He paused a moment, then continued, "As per Valdezian custom, the various Dukes of Valdez are to pledge their support to the next in line before he is crowned."
With this he glanced at Hedreath, "As we are all aware... This has not happened as of yet."
Elric was well aware of his soon-to-be son-in-law's intentions - or at least he suspected. "It is my hope that, no matter what happens, we will remain at peace and conduct ourselves in a civil manner. I do think everyone here wishes for the violence we've seen in recent times to cease."
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Post by Zoilus on Dec 16, 2017 21:36:18 GMT
Duke Iudicael IV Cadeyrn walked behind his queen, giving the gathered monarchs and traitor-dukes especially wary looks. The only person in the room that warranted a second glance was the newly-arrived and proclaimed 'empress' from the southeast. She was a vision, certainly, but then again, the poisonous snakes had the most colorful scales, no? That entrance- just the cobra opening it's hood.
Aelin followed the would-be empress and sat without a word, only a few significant glances, so Iudicael followed suit. If she wasn't going to make a spectacle, he certainly wasn't going to try to. Iudicael sat just in time to hear the Duke of Aquitainia's pathetic eulogy for the late King Ferdinand. If that traitor cared a damn for the Valdez, this conference wouldn't even be happening. Iudicael kept the contempt for his fellow duke off of his face, though. There was opportunity here for Alendron, and that's what mattered post. No self-serving pontificating would change that.
Iudicael gave Aelin a look, and a nod. He was ready to begin.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 18, 2017 10:11:50 GMT
Count Eduardo Odo III
The Count took to the floor as soon as it was indicated that he was welcome to, shooting a bitter look at the Duke of Aquitaine as he did so. He walked to the middle of the circle of chairs, and produced from within his robe a scroll, sealed by the Council of the Eternal City, and cleared his throat. "Your Majesties, Excellencies and Others, on behalf of his most Apostolic Majesty, King Ferdinand du Valdez, Fifth of his name, I do extend greetings to you all," he began, looking around the room as he opened the scroll. "Furthermore do I extend apologies to you all, from all the Court of Valdez for the inconvenience of this conference, and hope that today we might put such wrongs to right."
Eduardo looked at the Duke of Aquitaine as he said he next piece, and scowled at the House Carraigh members also "His most Apostolic Majesty, by the Grace of Artis, King Ferdinand Carlos du Valdez the V, hereby affirms the following action to be taken to restore the primacy of the Church, and power of the monarchy over all his realms and domains. Upon the next feast day, his most apostolic majesty shall be crowned King of the Kingdom of Aladez, by the Supreme Patriarch of the Eternal City. Further, the position of regent shall be abolished, and a council of bishops shall take its place, supported by a diet of nobles.," he paused as if for breath and continued.
"...Prince Juan Carlos Du Valdez shall hold the office of Palatine of the royal household, with the remaining duchy’s of the realm to be held by cadet branches of the Valdez House. The northern triumvirate of duchy’s shall be granted sovereignty, whilst the Horse Lords of Sardan shall unite under the Despot of those lands, subjects to the Apostolic Throne all. Likewise, shall the Grand Duchy of Aquitaine become a Principality, free to rule as it pleases, bending the knee to the apostolic throne. In matters pertaining to other realms of the Arturian Line – the guilds of Luska shall be granted patent to trade in the Eternal City, and the Queen Mother granted the title of Baroness, with the lands and pension such rank offers," he paused once more, and looked at the Routaille delegation and that of the House Galathion and the House Cassian.
"The Dowager Du Merov shall be granted similar title, and permitted to return to her daughter in Routaille, whilst an alliance of mutual defence shall be redeclared between the Apostolic Throne and that of the Kingdom of Alendron, who shall in turn send tutors to school his Apostolic Majesty. To the noble Cassians of Rjillund we offer you our warmest greetings and wish to once again embark on a course of lasting friendship. " closing the scroll, he returned to his seat.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 18, 2017 17:06:02 GMT
Hedraeth Carraigh
Grand Duke of Castille, Lord of Ard Caedywn and Warden of the North
The soft clink of armour on armour was heard as Hedreath took to the floor, the chain of office about his neck tapping on the armour he wore beneath it as he made his way to the middle of the circle of thrones and chairs. One could almost feel the smugness radiating off him as he offered a slight bow to the House Valdez delegation, a smile clear to see on the Grand Dukes face as took in the declaration by the new Kingdom of Aladez.
"His most apostolic," he look at the House of Valdez delegation as if to confirm if he was correct in his form of address "...is wise indeed to pass such judgement. It is our great pleasure to also take this chance to state that the House Carraigh of the Kingdom of Caedwyni," he paused as if to let it sink in, for long had he dreamed of being able to make such a statement. "...is to be wedded to the House Aquitaine, and to pursue alliance with the most esteemed House Vyre." he nodded to the delegations of both Houses. "Let this usher in a new era of peace, and of strength in the North." he added, returning to his seat.
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Post by Fyremage on Dec 18, 2017 17:48:50 GMT
Trion smirked at Koschei's response to his statement, and muttered in a low voice for only the King to hear: "I'm glad we can always be counted on. Hopefully in the future we can continue to demonstrate such a reputation to each other." His tone was friendly enough and jovial, but the meaning of his words were clear to someone paying attention. Rjillund and Alendron had fought a brutal and unforgiving war over the past 15 years. It was no secret that Alendron had expected Luska to intervene and fight alongside them during the conflict, and yet Luska remained neutral throughout the affair. In fact, Luska had been the chief trade partner of Rjillund during that time, not to mention the many centuries prior. While military assistance would have been appreciated, Rjillund at the time was certain of ultimate victory and therefore did not demand such intervention by its 'ally'. Luska did what they did best, which was remain an economic powerhouse. It served Rjillund well then, and it would serve them well now as they proceeded down the path of recovery. Koschei was betrothed to Trion's sister Patrice, which promised even stronger ties between their two houses in the future.
With niceties over and done with, Trion proceeded to his seat, with Lord Varos eventually joining him. The Crown Prince ignored the introduction of the self-proclaimed 'Empress', choosing instead to keep his attentions focused on the other monarchs of Trevast as he gave them all respectful nods as the conference began. He listened intently as the Duke of Aquitainia offered his condolences for the death of the late King Ferdinand, as well as his wishes for this issue to be resolved peacefully. In truth, this issue had the potential to become yet another brutal onslaught should things degrade significantly. The statements made by Count Odo III in behalf of his liege Lord Juan seemed to underscore such a risk, as his list of demands seemed to touch upon the very grievances of this whole affair. That much was plain when the Duke of Castille spoke his peace in response, declaring his attentions over what his newfound Kingdom would do should the regency continue. A faint smile could be seen on his face as he listened and waited a moment for the clamor that followed the Lord Carraigh's statement to subside. Thereafter, he rose and stood in silence as he glanced around the room.
He knew what Rjillund's stance on this whole affair was, and in truth the latest proclamations and statements made Rjillund's stance all the more precarious to express, given the political climate. Yet, he knew it couldn't go unsaid. "Your Majesties, Lords, and Ladies, If I may -" His voice resonated through the chamber, a low and polished tone that betrayed a confidence and strength of character for all to bear witness to. "I stand before you all today, representing the interests of my father, his Majesty Ferrus Cassian, the Third of his name. Allow me to begin by first and foremost, expressing our deepest sympathies for the events that have transpired which has led us to this meeting together. While I must admit that I did not know his Majesty, the late King Ferdinand well, his reputation was known to all as a wise and just ruler. Presiding over a succession after such a ruler is never easy under the best of circumstances."
He paused and nodded over to the Duke of Aquitania as he continued: "I must agree with his Grace, the Duke of Aquitania in expressing the desire for these talks to proceed peacefully, as bold pronouncements can go a long way in souring what we are trying to accomplish. With that in mind, I would like to state that Rjillund is open and willing to extend its protection, in the interests of keeping the peace, to any and all institutions of Aladez, be they duchys or fiefdoms that feel they are under threat of being subjugated by force without their reasons for opposing the succession being placated." He turned his head to that of the Count Odo III, and added: "And of course, it cannot be overstated that we wish well upon the House of Valdez, and hope for a continued course of cooperation and peaceful relations between the greater realm of Aladez and Rjillund, whatever the outcome of this conference is."
At that, Trion withdrew and took his seat back alongside Lord Varos. Hopefully his meaning was clear - as he wished to express it as diplomatically as possible without being too vague. Any dukes or realms within Aladez could look to Rjillund for support during this trying time, especially if the rumors were true that Juan wished to destabilize the conservative institutions that had stood for many years prior. The Church, and the duchies did not stand alone.
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Post by Asinity on Dec 19, 2017 5:57:39 GMT
As Trion Cassian took his seat, the Tsar of Zarasai felt pushed to stand. Whether it was due to the diplomatic weight on his mind, or the ghost of his father urging him to assume his mantle, something caused the black-haired king to rise from his seat. Briefly, he gazed at those assembled before turning his attention to Count Odo III. He cleared his throat, and braced one hand on the back of his chair while the other rested upon his hip.
"Luska stands with our cousins to the south in their...hour of grief," Koschei began, with his brows furrowed sternly. "It goes without saying that my uncle was dear to me, and of course to my aunt Elija, the Queen Mother."
The king allowed a brief moment to pass, as he cleared his throat.
"I find it curious that she has not come to this conference herself, but I imagine the loss of her husband has kept her in mourning," Koschei surmised, though his tone was measured. "Regardless, she and I will speak on the matter soon enough."
As the words left his mouth, the black-haired man looked over toward Duke Carraigh, then exhaled a deep breath as he shifted his gaze toward the Grand Protector.
"For Zarasai and the Eternal City, Luska wants nothing other than a continued peace between us," the king declared. "Luska will support a trade agreement, and will send over the necessary diplomats to finalize the terms. In regard to House Carraigh and its sovereignty, Luska is indeed in full support of the Kingdom of Caedwyni, and gift them rule of the trade Barony of Muz to cement this alliance. I'll ask that my plain manner of speech be forgiven, but I know there are those who would question the...nature of this alliance."
Koschei took a moment to glance at each of the rulers in turn, before clasping his hands together behind him.
"My kingdom is not one of war," the king spoke plainly. "The Second War of Succession was a lesson Luska learned well. Let me be clear: we have no intention to use this alliance to a military advantage. The people of Salka and the Wolf-Spine seek nothing but the retainment of their culture, the freedom to trade as they please, and the defense of their lands by the great House of Vyre. To those ends, and to the respect of Duke Hedraeth, we have reached this partnership. We will continue to broker peace with the Eternal City and all other nations of Trevast as we have always done, and look forward to a renewed relationship with House...Aladez."
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Post by TheCalmOne on Jan 9, 2018 16:53:20 GMT
Elric listened carefully while Count Eduardo spoke, not allowing any emotion to enter his face. It was a brilliant ploy, considering the position that the king's death had left them in. Let the traitor dukes go on your terms while attempting to solidify your control over the other major regions and stripping away much of the political power of the existing nobility. It would leave House Valdez and the church with the most power in the new kingdom, something that Elric suspected House Valdez has wished for for much time.
Still, it didn't necessarily leave him with nothing. After all, House Aquitane would become one of the most powerful noble houses of Aladez. Add the fact that he would be free to make treaties with other nations independently of Aladez, and it would leave him with much to work with.
Of course, should it come to war - Aquitania would be forced to decide on a side to join, facing likely devastation no matter what choice Elric would make.
He thought for a moment, keeping his face clean of emotion. Inwardly, however, he chuckled slightly. The entire situation reminded him a little of the bidding wars that commonly occurred in Thyria. All the major kingdoms would want to participate in what they perceived as a land-grab, and Aquitania could only benefit from such a thing.
All he had to do was a figure out how to make the most of it.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 19, 2018 13:47:24 GMT
Emmanuel VarosRji-FlussStepping forwards, Emmanuel had little to add bar agreement with his lords comments. OOC - I'll have a longer post with Aladez when it is their turn
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