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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 8, 2017 14:41:29 GMT
Headryth Carraigh
Grand Duke of Castille, Lord of Ard Caedywn and Warden of the North
He would not admit it, but the Grand Duke was nervous. After all, it was not every day one met with representatives of one of the most powerful Kingdoms in Trevast, especially one that he personally held in high regard - the Kingdom of Alendron. The Grand Duke had long wished to meet one of their representatives and, with the crisis in Valdez looking as though it was about to redraw some lines on the map, now was as good a time as any. It was the Dukes intention to understand if Alendron would be seeking to get involved directly in the crisis, or if they would seek to drive their own influence more indirectly.
As such, he had invited their representatives to join him down by the waterside near one of the mansions of the City of Aladeen that he had been sheltered in since he had arrived. The Two-Hundred members of his 'Security Team' for want of a better word, surrounded the mansion to keep people out, but the Duke walked alone and leaned on the wall which looked out over the sea. The water was less than a meter below, and as he looked out, he felt deeply calm. "Lord," he turned to see his second "they are here."
Headryth smiled, instructed wine to be placed on the wall next to him, and cups brought for all who would be here. "Show them in." he instructed, removing his sword from his belt and placing it propped against the wall before him.
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Post by Zoilus on Dec 8, 2017 18:09:23 GMT
Iudicael IV Cadeyrn
Duke of Tyraxis, High Intendent of Alendron and Keeper of the Royal Seal
Iudicael was the first Alendronian representative to arrive, separately from the queen for discretion's sake. Looking around though, he realized that they needn't have bothered. Guards everywhere, obviously not native to the city, and all this was being done in a mansion, no less. The Valdez have so very much to learn about subtlety! Ah well, how long could anything they discussed here truly be hidden anyway? The realities of it would be to Trevast, whether it liked them or not.
The final guard finally waved him into the inner sanctum and meeting chamber, and Iudicael finally got his first look at the man who'd destroyed a kingdom: dressed in overly ornate Valdezian finery, but he still had a certain martial stance and build to him. Of course, one's appearance hardly ever told the whole story. It was his treason that told Iudicael everything else he needed to know about the man, but if Aelin had plans for him, it was Iudicael's place to support them: that was the difference between him and Headryth.
"Greetings in the name of Alendron, your Grace. The queen will be arriving shortly to properly begin the negotiations, but until then, I will be here to address any opening concerns you may have. Before we begin, though, I have been instructed to give you a gift." Iudicael gestured to the door, and two guards brought in a covered frame.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 8, 2017 21:18:41 GMT
The Duke turned as Iudicael entered the room, and smiled, offering a slight bow as he approached. "Greetings in the name of Alendron, your Grace. The queen will be arriving shortly to properly begin the negotiations, but until then, I will be here to address any opening concerns you may have. Before we begin, though, I have been instructed to give you a gift." Headryth smiled again, replying simply "My thanks for attending, and my thanks for the gift" he said, with a gesture for the covered frame to be revealed.
He offered Iudicael a wine glass, and clicked his fingers for one of the attending servants to pour before dismissing him. "Will you be representing the interests of Alendron alone?" he asked.
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Post by Zoilus on Dec 8, 2017 22:08:06 GMT
Iudicael took the glass had a sizable drought. "My thanks, a fine vintage. Certainly worthy of her Majesty." Iudicael stared at the glass for a moment."I'm afraid my role here will be advisory, for the most part. The queen will be conducting the meat of the negotiations here, but she wanted to keep our arrivals separate, to minimize suspicion from Aladeen's other guests. Wouldn't want them to know about our early start, eh?"Iudicael turned to the covered frame, "While we wait...," and uncovered it: "This is a painting of Second Tarria, an important Alendronian victory from our little war," Iudicael grinned, "It's a bit on the heroic and romantic side, but what else are we supposed to line the walls with?" |
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 11, 2017 14:40:14 GMT
Hedreath looked at the painting, his eyes wide - for he had long wished to count something such as this within his possessions. Something of a historian himself, he had long heard rumours of the splendour of the Battle of Tarria yet had never seen something concrete to portray it and do it justice. "Line the walls indeed!" he muttered to himself as he looked at the painting before turning back to wall, and picking up his sword to stand in a mock pose, imitating one of the subjects of the painting. "If only!" he laughed, before sheathing the blade.
"My thanks," he said "A masterpiece only the worthies of Alendron could produce."
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Post by Jason on Dec 12, 2017 4:09:12 GMT
Aelin d'Alendron went to the address of the Duke wearing a simple (relatively speaking) dress with her face hidden in a veil. Other than her 2 bodyguards one would be hard pressed to recognise her as the Queen of Alendron. As she's let into the building by flashing her signet ring to the sergeant outside the manor, she can't help but steel herself for what this Duke has to say. After all, if it wasn't somewhat important, she wouldn't be here. She spots Iudicael by the portrait and saw the Duke sheathing his blade.
"Your Grace, we are certainly proud that you admire the artwork that our wonderful artists produce." With that she peels off her veil revealing the slim circlet set with a diamond on her brow and nods her head at the two of them. "It is a pleasure to meet you Your Grace and we cannot wait to begin our discussions."
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Post by Lord Newbury on Dec 22, 2017 9:30:46 GMT
Upon seeing the Queen, the Duke bowed deeply - a mark of respect for her Station rather than a sign of subservience. "You honor me with your presence here Majesty," the Duke said as he rose from his bow and returned his attention to the diplomat ".. however I imagine we have not all travelled so far to discuss art?"
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Post by Zoilus on Dec 23, 2017 19:24:34 GMT
Aelin smiled, "Not today, I'm afraid." She glided over to chair, and sat down.
"What we are here to discuss are the real negotiations between our realms: the summit is an antiquated absurdity. Alendron is willing to recognize your sovereignty, and even a royal title, when that time comes. In return, this is what we expect: open borders for our merchants, peace with Aladez, and a sworn pact on non-aggression with Alendron, whoever your allies might be."
"Is that acceptable to you?"
(Sorry if this is rough, was not the original primary negotiator.)
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