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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 19, 2018 8:43:04 GMT
Sir Artur Grimbold Principle Ambassador of the Kingdom of Aladez
News travelled fast in the Kingdom, whispers moving like wildfire throughout the Eternal City. It had started the moment the Rjillund Party had arrived in the Despotism of Surdan, ravens let lose, messages dispatched. Arthur had head what transpired, and what he heard unsettled him - nothing had been said. Rjillund, or so his reports said, had travelled halfway across the region, to talk about nothing. Naturally, he had replied as best he could - seeking to control the flow of events in the best way he new, discourse.
A letter had been sent a few days after the visit became public knowledge within the Nobility of Aladez, 'politely requesting' an emmissary be sent to 'discuss the welbeing of his apostollic majesty', in a guady attempt to divert attention away from the true discussion. To add to the deception, Arthur had instructed the emmisary to place a white rose petal in the letter - a flower commonly associated, with marriage. If nothing else it would keep the gossips distracted for a while longer.
His Embassy was a modest affair, far gone from the arrogant structures of some nations. It did not, as he had penned in a letter to the Regent some weeks past "...command subservience from our guests..." rather it "...offered a place of thought and reflection...". It was, as one would expect, surrounded by a wall, and attended to by the relevant authorities. However, the only sign of military protection was on the front gate, a lone soilder, ever vigilant for incursion. Its real protection came from the dozens of alcoves, dead end corridors and passages in which could be found the robes Silent Watchers of the Diplomatic Corp.
Arthur would be meeting whomsoever the Rjillund group send, and in whatever number they opted to send, in the 'Fountain Hall' a large, square, marble clad room, dominated by a fountain, from which the room took its name. He would also,be meeting them on his own.
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Post by Fyremage on Jan 19, 2018 16:16:41 GMT
The morning sun rose to brighten the sky soon enough, with the townsfolk of Carenna getting started with their day. The Valdez Embassy was located in the Civil district of the city, which was the cluster of buildings which rested at the mouth of the bridge which led to Whitefall Palace itself. All Embassies of foreign nations granted diplomatic status by Rjillund were to be found here, along with the Minister's Hall where those tasked with handling the mundane affairs of running the realm meet and work within, the city's courthouse, as well as several massive barracks and armories for the city's garrison.
A pair of riders flanking a simple although no less stately carriage pulled up to the Valdez Embassy, with a man dressed in black and gold emerging from within holding a piece of parchment sealed with the signet of Ferrus Cassian himself - obviously for the Ambassador's eyes only. The man handed the parchment to the guard outside, instructing him to present it to the Valdezian Ambassador. The parchment contained a missive displayed below:
"His Royal Imperial Majesty, King Ferrus Cassian III - Warden of the Falconmarch, King of Rjillund, Patriarch of the blood of Arturas, Headreiksmarshal of the Imperial armies of the Sacred Falcon, Govenantor of the great city of Carenna, Master of Hosts, Lord Protector of the Imperial Heartland, and others and others - do hereby invite the esteemed Ser Artur Grimbold to engage in diplomatic discussions as per your request within the palace of Whitefall. His lordship shall be expected by noon, within the throne room of his Royal Imperial Majesty, with introductions to be made therein, and a private audience arranged within His Majesty's study. We trust this appointment will be kept, as rescheduling such a meeting will not be possible within the next two months.
Regards.”
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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 20, 2018 10:42:16 GMT
Clever, the Ambassador noted. It was clear the King was eager to hold talks on his 'home turf', within the confines of his palace or someplace similar. Hardly shocking, he mused, as he accepted the invite and headed for the carriage ,perhaps the Pheonix does not wish to stray from the fire?.
"Must not keep the man waiting eh?" he said to the douor faced guards sent for him, and stepped into the carriage. He would go alone. It took little time for the Carriage to arrive, Arthur opting to stay inside and see who came to receieve him.
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Post by Fyremage on Jan 22, 2018 18:57:42 GMT
The carriage set off in due course, crossing the bridge between the city proper and the palace soon enough. The Ambassador would be privy to the view of a sheer drop on either side, with the white foam of the waterfall cascading down on the left, and the visage of all merchantmen sailing into the harbor beneath them. The massive iron-barded drawbridge connecting the bridge and the main gates was down and open to receive the entourage, the portcullis raised as if agape and ready to eat some unsuspecting prey. Palace guardsmen flanked the pathway on either side as soon as the carriage entered the courtyard, with the carriage following the path in a semi circle until it stopped at the palace entrance. An attendant opened the carriage door for the Ambassador, with a second attendant dressed in a fine tunic with his hair brushed back tightly, and a handlebar moustache, bowed at the hip to greet the Valdez representative. "Welcome to Whitefall, Your Excellancy. Please follow me."
The attendant lead the way up a set of stairs adorned with a red carpet, passing yet another pair of guardsmen on either side of the massive double doors that served as the entrance to the palace. The doors were opened before them, with the throne room laying just ahead. The stone was a similar-colored off white as the rest of the palace, with a marbled tile adorning the floor. Gold trim lined the bases of the walls, which were embossed upon the stonework itself. The room seemed to be inclined downwards toward the entrance that Artur came through, with the throne elevated higher than it normally would have been. An ornate stone carving of the Phoenix hung over and behind the throne itself, painted to a finit detail with exacting precision, symbolizing the importance of the centerpiece of the room - the throne itself. The throne was a simple though no less regal piece, seemingly carved from the stone used to form the upraised dais it sat upon. The back of the throne itself seemed to be made in the shape of a pair of wings, raised up nearly a full ninety degrees as if a falcon in full flight.
Ferrus sat upon the throne, bedecked in a well made-sable robe with fur lining along the neck, and golden trim highlighting the fringes and edges. His moustache was well manicured, as to be expected, with his face wearing a neutral expression as if it too were carved from the stone of the throne. So it seemed that the usual members of the Rjillish court were present in the throne room, flanking the pathway on either side as they awaited the Valdez Ambassador to walk down the carpet. The Ambassador would notice a pair of servants standing at where the carpet ending, both holding bowls of water and salt as per Rjillish hospitality custom. Ferrus merely stared in silence as he awaited the dignitary to make the first move.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 23, 2018 19:18:05 GMT
The bombasitity of the Cassian Court never ceased to astound the Ambassador - indeed, it seemed to be a common trend within the Trevastine Nations as to who could have the most overdone court. Regardless, he appeared undaunted and walked forwards offering a deep bow to the Monarch, before taking the customary pinch of salt, and sip of water, the meaning behind which was, to this day, lost on him.
"Your Majesty, on behalf of his most Apostollic Highness, King Ferdinand du Valdez," he rose from him bow "...the fifth of his name, I do thank you for this audience." he spoke clearly, in perfect Rji-lish, having mastered the language when he joined the service. His introduction finished, he rose fully from his bow and stood, ramrod straight before the Monarch.
He had a job to do, and so he spoke clearly "His Apostollic Highness, King Ferdinand, has compelled his most humble servant," he paused, making it clear he was referring to himself "...to request that in future, your diplomatic office does not send 'envoys' to the Despotate of Surdan, without informing the Eternal City in advance." he paused, guaging the Monarchs reaction before carrying on.
"We understand the changes in Aladez can be confusing to foriegn eyes, unacustomed as they might be to our ways," he said, smiling politely "...yet the vassalage of the Despotism, and of those lands under the petty-King of Aquitania, are not," he raised his hand as if for emphasis "...in question or doubt, and thus his Apostollic Highness would appreciate the Rjillund Diplomats following correct protocol."
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Post by Fyremage on Jan 24, 2018 18:01:39 GMT
The tone of the room was tense to say the least, with the courtiers remaining silent as the Valdez Ambassador's voice echoed through the chamber. Ferrus' face remained impassive, with his moustache and beard serving to mask the face behind it adequately enough where there always seemed to be a default smile on his lips by virtue of the slant of his moustache. The aging monarch waited for the ambassador to finish speaking before he did, his voice carrying in the air with a commanding strength, as if the room was built to magnify the voice of whomever sat upon the throne. "There must be a misunderstanding between us, Ambassador." Ferrus began, his tone even and firm, yet absent of any other emotion. "It is not the policy of this court to offer vassalage to any of the lands within the realm of His Majesty, Ferdinand Du Valdez. We have, however, offered our services in keeping the peace during the troubled times the Kingdom of Valdez is experiencing at this time. It is my understanding the proclamation presented at the conference in Aladeen made it very clear that Alendron will be aiding the Eternal City in maintaining order. It was our intent to follow through on our promises in keeping the peace and ensuring a stable transition into a legal regency."
Even in his advancing age, Ferrus was capable of commanding an air of respect and control within his throne room. Silent whispers could be heard throughout those gathered in observance of the meeting, with the small commotion broken by Ferrus once again. "We of course have nothing but the best of wishes at heart for our friends to the west, and no harm was meant in our mission to keep the peace. Now that this is settled, what else do you wish to address with me today, Ambassador?"
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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 24, 2018 18:14:00 GMT
Arthur bowed as the King spoke, rising from it to reply to the Cassian Monarch. "Your words shallbe as music to his majesties ears," he began, standing upright once more "...such joy it shall bring him to know the nation of Rjillund has his best interests at its bosom." his face grew more serious, as if announcing grave news "But your Majesty, I must humbly inform you that the Heptarchy - whilst it welcomes your kind words - does not require, or indeed desire, the House Cassian, or anyother outside of his most Apostollic Majesties realm to...." Arthur paused, as if attempting to recall how to say the next phrase in Rjilish.
"...keep the peace?" he smiled. Arthur ignored the bristling of the courts nobles and pressed on with the mater at hand "And as for our mutual friends, the Kingdom of Alendron, they offer their support to us, but do not see fit to urm....." once again, it appeared as though Arthur was searching for the correct words "...mediate with our vassals on our behalf."
Arthur looked at the King directly "His Apostolic Highness would be much agrieved should any Rjillish, Alendronian or other agents cross into his lands again, without his most graceful permission." his voice calmed, the pomp and ceremony of his words vanishing "The Roads, so close to the Badlands are dangerous indeed, and the Eternal City wishes only for the normal, correct procedure in future. As for other business your Majesty," a murmer built around the court as Arthur spoke one final time.
"The Eternal City would merely wish to know how our two nations might move forward, in rebuilt harmony and sureity of friendship?"
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Post by Fyremage on Jan 25, 2018 18:34:58 GMT
Ferrus, after a long pause, finally smiled. "Perhaps we should convene into a more private setting as we discuss how we can pursue a deeper friendship between our two realms." He ignored the comments made further about interference. Whether it was because he was done with the issue or simply chose to ignore them was anyone's guess, but regardless: Ferrus rose from his throne, which resulted in all of the nobles offering a slight bow as he did so. "Join me in my study. My servants will show you the way, Ambassador."
At that, the King of Rjillund exited the throne room, a pair of guards following in step, along with attendants. The same attendant with a handlebar came and extended an arm for the Ambassador to follow him. The court of nobles began speaking amongst themselves, with the sound growing distant as the attendant lead Sir Grimbold down a stone corridor from the front of the throne room, over to the west wing of the palace. Eventually, the attendant arrived in front of a set of small double doors, with a pair of guards opening them revealing a comfortable though stately study, the same study that the late King Ferdinand had met with Ferrus the day prior to his passing. The attendant offered the Ambassador a seat and began pouring a goblet of wine.
In short order, Ferrus arrived in turn with his entourage of guards, who dispersed to the different corners of the room, with Ferrus taking a seat opposite the Ambassador, his countenance displaying that of a man... in control of the situation. Whether such a feeling would be disarming or otherwise was up to the individual, but regardless, Ferrus spoke shortly after taking his seat, a sigh escaping his lips as he took the weight off his feet. "If I may, Ambassador: Where was this effort to become friends with my people before the conference, when rumor abounded as to his Royal Highness, Juan Du Valdez holding a distinct hatred for me and my kin? I find this change of tune fascinating." Ferrus' tone was oddly pleasant and cordial, which seemed more than just a touch out of place.
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Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 31, 2018 8:46:40 GMT
"Perhaps we should convene into a more private setting as we discuss how we can pursue a deeper friendship between our two realms."the King spoke, and Arthur remaining utterly silent as the Monarch skirted his questions entirely. Time to change things up a bit, he mused to himself, offering a steep bow as the King rose from his throne. "Join me in my study. My servants will show you the way, Ambassador."
The Ambassador rose from his bow as soon as the king started moving, walking up to keep pace with the Monarch, as they exited the throne room. "I had never had the Empire of Rjillund down as a fan of theatrics." Arthur commented, as the entered the private study.
"If I may, Ambassador: Where was this effort to become friends with my people before the conference, when rumor abounded as to his Royal Highness, Juan Du Valdez holding a distinct hatred for me and my kin? I find this change of tune fascinating." the King spoke once more. Arthur smiled as Ferrus spoke about Juan du Valdez, before taking his seat.
"It offers me boundless joy that the Kingdom of Aladez is such a source of fascination for your Majesty, but tell me," he brooked no room for interruption "...are you messengers so sluggish that news has not graced your Majesties ears as on whom the regency now lies?" he enquired, a look of clearly fake concern crossing his face.
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Post by Fyremage on Feb 5, 2018 15:34:14 GMT
"I am well aware of who the regent is, Ambassador." Ferrus began. He wasn't sure where the comment of theatrics came from, but that was not the focus here. "But I am also aware of the pact made between the Kingdoms of Aladez and Alendron prior to Elija's formal appointment as regent, made by the Prince Palatine. Myself and my court have found such a turn of events most troubling, considering how close our two kingdoms were to forging stronger bonds between one another during the late King Ferdinand's reign. Further: I am also under no illusions about how delicate the balance of power is in Aladez. Rjillund's involvement thus far has been in the interests of ensuring the balance of power remains unmolested, namely that no one tries to usurp your new King's authority."
Ferrus' tone was respectful yet firm, unlike his guest. In fact, he was unsure why the Ambassador's tone seemed to broker an air of contempt for the hospitality he had received thus far. "Before we continue speaking, Your Excellency:" A servant approached and poured cups of wine for the two men. Ferrus continued: "I suggest that we take a step back and consider what our goals are in talking to one another. You can speak plainly here, but if we are to get anywhere, I suggest we approach this topic from the standpoint of mending whatever fences have been destroyed rather than broadening the rift between us." Ferrus wasn't normally in the business of telling a diplomat how he should conduct himself, but it was clear this man sent to him was a bit... bold, and direct.
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