(1874-01-02) Rose Gold Diplomacy
Rose Gold Diplomacy
Summary: A small group of representatives negotiate for Lord Corwin Ashedown's release.
Date: 1874-01-02
Related: The Battle of Mathis
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Dario  Myrana  Corwin  Thomas  

Vinelto  

Four Corners - The Perky Porpoise Inn
Sailors from all around the known world cram into the chairs and tables of Four Corners' most famous dock-side establishment, fighting for elbow-room with adventurous locals and merchant's men. Its possible to hear gossip from the most unlikely of places while enjoying the cheap, entirely palatable seaside fare… though picking one voice out from the many is sometimes difficult in the incredible din created by all the laughter, shouting, cheering, talking, even fighting. It is a sprawling place, with several rooms to let and a huge public room that spills through double doors and into the street with wooden tables and chairs tended by attractive servers with platters of cups and plates. It is open at all hours, lit during the day by open-slatted windows and by night by tin-and-glass lamps cut with silhouettes of mermaids. The walls are whitewashed and a small stage is stuck in one corner for musical performances. Every form of entertainment can be had here, and the city guard is rarely seen.
1874-01-02

Seigneur Malento Vinelto stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Beside him is the Lord Corwin Ashedown, unharmed except for the wounds recieved at the Battle of Mathis. Vinelto watches the room casually, which is mostly empty except for a few of his Knights. He had rented out the Inn for a genrous sum, which the Inn Keeper gratefully and merily accepted, the former White Haller deciding to take a day off to catch up on his reading. His previous book he was reading, a beloved copy of the Queen's Cavaliers rests on the bar still. Dog Eared and book marked.

One of Seigneur Vinelto's knights is behind the bar, pouring a few glasses of wine. The bright color of a Ricoshan Red evident as the red liquid is poured into a glass for each of those present. The Seigneur bows his head as each enters and when everyone is here he proclaims merily, "Come. Drink. Let us celebrate a likely end to the war eh?" He winks and picks up a glass, sipping it. "Ah. Ricoshan Red. They say that the Emperor Darius favored this wine above all others."

To say that Viscount Thomas Chandus, Brigadier of the Galenthian Army and Knight of the Royal Order of the Griffon is somewhat put off would be a ferocious understatement. Already outraged by the tact that Seigneur Vinelto engaged in his letter writing and ransom demands for Lord Corwin, when the Marcher Lord found out that he would have to travel to Four Corners by hideously expensive air ship and then attend a diplomatic meeting in a common INN, he was furious. But, time was of the essence. Arriving early this morning with no more than three other of his own troops, the Brigadadier bathed and carefully attired himself in his best ceremonial armour.

He thus enters the Perky Porpoise Inn clad in the full dress uniform of the Tribune of Viscount Chandus's Repton Regiment; elaborately decorated boiled leather armour painted in his house colours of cobalt blue bordered by dark grey, with the white sun in splendour prominently displayed on the cuirass's chest. On his head, a highly polished brass helm with a cobalt plume falling to his rear. He's armed with both dirk and the lightsilver broadsword he won from the capture of Praetor Marcus Surelius of Kentaire. The men who follow him are similarly attired, though nothing is nearly as flashy as the Viscount himself. Serjeant at Arms Verus carries two shields in. One never knows.

Thomas stops a few steps beyond the door, his expression somewhat surly, his eyebrows furroughed and his watery blue eyes looking at everyone with a hard look.

"Seigneur Vinelto. I, Brigadier Viscount Thomas Chandus of Galenthia come to treat with you, a Seigneur of the Holy States of Rikton in the matter of the ransom of Lord Corwin Ashedown, his knights and his soldiers. I come so empowered with the signet ring of his Grace, the Lord Marshal Duke Gauvain Tarris of Galenthia." Thomas's formality contrasts completely with Vignelto's demeanour and preparation. He waits for him to respond, sharing nothing of the host's mirth.

"No wine?" Vinelto asks with a slight smirk on his features. He looks to Corwin and chuckles lightly. "I think good Viscount does not like me." He looks to the red liquid and shrugs. "Or the wine. He doesn't like wine does he? You Easterners prefer what? Mead?"

Corwin rolls his eyes. "I don't like you."

Vinelto shrugs. "Eh. Mores the pity." He looks to Thomas and shrugs a shoulder. "Very well then Viscount. On behalf of His Grace the Duke Tarris, I accept you as his voice in this matter. Do you have the material requested, or is this a Parlay? I assure you, and the Lord Ashedown can attenst. None have been harmed, and have lived comfortably."

Corwin tries not to growl as he replies. "Your Excellency, I can confirm we have wanted for nothing. He has maintained perfect gentlemanship. Except the slight threat he gave His Grace my father."

Vilelto shrugs and sips his wine again. "Well. A man must replace what is lost yes?"

Myrana's silvery-green skirts whisper about her legs as she steps 'round one of the knights, shooting a dark-eyed look up at him before putting herself comfortably within arm's length of the bar, her heavy white braid slipping across her back in a gentle sway. She is glancing at the book, but surrepticiosly.

"I have come to witness for Aequor," she demurrs, drawing her fingertips along the smoothed edge of the bar herself as she paces along it a few slow steps, eyes heavy on the little book and then sweeping around to light on Vinelto, then Corwin.

"The hospitality is appreciated, mon Seigneur, but duty reminds both of us that we are here for a negotiation, not a picnic." Thomas presses his lips into an even flatter line as a sign of his further disapproval, but when Vinelto accepts his voice, the Viscount steps forward and removes his helm. It's handed off to the already overburdened Serjeant Verus, who gives one of the shields he's holding to the very young Ensign next to him. An Ensign who has not a single award on his very bare leather cuirass - a fresh officer. No wonder Verus, who is replete with all kinds of awards, can do what he will with him.

Thomas nods respectfully at Myrana, saying, "We welcome to this parlay her Grace Duchess Myrana al'Arran, heir to the d'Armaz County of Fiorello and an honoured ally" He then moves to take a seat. "House Tarris has been engaged, at war, nearly since the beginning of the Thirty Years War. House Tarris, while a Ducal house of Galenthia and of no mean financial state, proclaims your demands to be exhorbitant. This is a parlay." He finally acknowledges Corwin, his expression softening considerably. "Very good, Lord Ashedown. We will get to the latter part as soon as we are finished with the former."

Dario steps into the tavern with a perfectly calm expression. His black attire is simple yet highly elegant and of the finest quality. A satchel is carried over one shoulder, containing medical supplies. The Rose Gold medallion that marks him as a Four Corners Minster hangs about his neck within plain sight over his black doublet. Into the room he moves, dipping his head respectfully to those gathered. "I have come to witness for Four Corners and to insure that Lord Ashedown receives proper medical treatment if its needed." He glances between Thomas and Vinelto calmly regarding each with a thoughtful gaze. Corwin is also studied carefully, though Dario seems to be ensuring he has truely not been harmed more than anything else.

Corwin nods his understanding to Thomas and takes a seat.

Taking a seat for himself, Vinelto nods to Thomas. "Sir Jaysen. Please make note that this is a Parlay, and as a show of good faith we will restart the clock on the deadline." The Knight behind the bar nods and takes out a parchment and a quill which he scribbles down on. The Seigneur turns back to Thomas and spreads his hands. "House Vinelto welcomes both the Aequoran and Four Corners delegates in over seeing this meeting. Please. Have the Wine. As stated Ricoshan Red," He sighs lustfully. "Divine." Then he turns to Thiams again. "Very well Your Excellency. You find the cost for freeing a Ducal Son, his Knights, and Soldiers, enemies of the Holy State of Rikton, too high. Please then Excellency enlighten me as to a proper sum for this transaction."

Dario, too, gets a friendly nod of acknowledgement. As friendly as it can be. Thomas is down to business, though. "House Tarris declares that your demand of ten heavy and ten light horses of breeding stock to be acceptable. Where it does not agree as such is the enormous sum of gold crowns you demand. Such is five times what an average Duke puts in his own pocket in a year. Further, I must, absolutely MUST, lodge a complaint in your behaviour in this episode in front of both her Grace the Duchess al'Arran and his Excellency the Bishop Tevino. Your honour, sir, is besmirched by threatening of ANY of those in your care. I have heard of common soldiers being mistreated, which is shameful, but threatened with execution? Are we barbarians from north of Benide?"

Thomas fixes Vinelto with a hard stare. "And the threats levied against Lord Ashedown's person and his annointed knights is beyond the pale. Might I remind you, mon seigneur, that at this war's advent, the Duchess, her husband Duke Ramius and I took an enormous quantity of prisoners from your ally, Kentaire. You may ask Praetor Marcus Surelius precisely how they were treated. Never was a threat levied on their head. Never was a hand laid on their persons. They were fed and quartered, and then they were sent on their way home."

The Viscount adds, "If this war is to end soon, and I believe it is so ending, you will need to make allies and establish relations with your fellow nobles. Do you honestly believe that the way to do so is by extorting us from funds, threatening the livelihood of our vassals? Do you think that His Grace, Duke Gauvain will forget? Do you think I will? What about Her Majesty, Queen Melisande. For it is US who speak to her. And our esteemed guests - Duchess Myrana, here, is in correspondence with their Majesties of Aequor. Do you believe that they will be much impressed in cultivating relations with Seigneur Vinelto? "

Myrana accepts a glass of wine and takes a seat as bid, still studying Corwin with concern. But once she's satisfied that he's not been tortured or anything barbaric, she turns a slight smile towards Dario before nodding to Thomas and swirling the wine in her glass, admiring the colour and nose.

"Times were that we counted Kentaire a great friend," she says, her smoky voice gentle. Vinelto recieves a measured look; her expression is thoughtful.

Dario listens carefully as Thomas speaks. He takes a seat and lets his calm gaze assess both men before he speaks. "Your Excellency, if I may?" He addresses Thomas calmly before looking to Vinelto. "I understand that you may feel you ought to get as much as you can from this ransom. However it is unwise to let greed be a driving force behind ones actions. I know Rikton has lost much in this war. We all have. So, perhaps if we are to parlay for peace we can begin by negotiating a ransome that is more reasonable than the previous? Threats are not needed here and are unacceptable, that you would resort to such confuses me. Surely you know the Duke would be willing to come to the table. Such bluster is uncoming of a man from the Holy City. Now. Viscount Chandus. What do you feel is a more reasonable price? I am willing to hear suggestions from you both and then hopefully we can reach a mre agreeable decision."

Dario keeps his tone calm and composed, attempting to reason with both men as best he can. His gaze is stern yet as calm and unwavering as his tone.

"No. I daresay they would not be." Vinelto smiles despite the threats subtly leveled agaisnt him. "Tell me, Your Excellency." He looks over the rim of his wine. "How is Arkanin fairing? Sokar? How is al'Mordran or D'Geroux? All enemies of those you mentioned yes?" He sips his wine. "One, but the Emperor was right. Jaysen? Bring his Excellency a glass." He leans forward you MUST try it. Ricoshan Red. It iis so full of flavor. Of Life." He smiles.

"Obviously, Navali has your ear, since you married their heir. Four Corners is blissfully neutral, and well, Kentaire is already an ally. I also have allies among the hosues of my own Kingdom. So, frankly, your attempt to frighten me is … " He shrugs. "Misinformed might be the correct phrase." Vinelto nods his head as the Rikton knight puts a glass down in front of Thomas. He waits for the other man to return to his position. "No. Arkanin and Sokar loathes Tarris. To hear what I have done they have already sent me trade envoys for when the war is over hoping to curry favor. As have those houses to the North as well as al'Callenta who while they don't loathe your house, the have a healthy …. " He gestures with his glass, "Distaste for the Betrayer. As you say, you've been at war since the 30 Year War. Your enemies remember." He winks and sets the glass down.

"Now then Your Excellency. Let us discuss the price hmm?" Vinelto gestures to Corwin. "Let's call a Ducal Son, Bastard though he may be, 200 Crowns. How many Knights of yours did I capture Lord Ashedown?"

Corwin fairly growls under his breath "All five of them."

Vinelto nods. "Five Knights. Let's call them 75 Crowns. This includes their mounts, armor and weapons mind you. That is a further 375 Crowns. Now. We have the soldiery and all their acutraments. They're peasants," he waves the wine glass beneath his nose as if the smell of the Ricoshan Red can disguise the smell of the peasantry.. "So let's call them … A further 200 Crowns. Mostly for their Armor and Weapons. This brings us to 775. To feed such has set me back, so the remaining is how I will recover those losses. Now. I dind't have to take the Lord and his retinue captive. I could have done as your Viscount Riene during your Thorn War and simply kill them all. Crucifixtion I believe he favors of enemy prisoners yes? You Easterners have quite the reputation, and when one dares to do better you take offense. Take the offer as it stands or make an offer that makes me satisfied Sir."

Thomas says, "The idea that a number of Ducal houses and kingdoms are approaching your small Seigneurie as supplicants, eager to snap up… what is it that you produce again? Grain? Yes, well, it's laughable. Lovely that you believe that I am so easily deceived, but you are forgiven. A mere provincial aristocrat of the Holy States, I understand that your contact with actual nobility is perhaps thin." Says the Viscount, patronisingly. He continues to run through his little lesson for the Riktonian noble. "There are other examples of the true treatment of prisoners, of course, perhaps ones that are more fitting for you, mon Seigneur, if Kentaire is not. When you return home, I do hope that you will talk to the Seigneur Tusca about the Battle of Goldhollow. Piteous in battle and brilliant in strategm, he is a thorough gentleman. Please, ask about the fate of his wounded under the care of then Lady Belladona Ulsen. Returned, hale and hearty, to his camp. No ransom payment. Seigneur Tusca is a man of unimpeachable virtue and dignity. He loathes any kind of dishonourable act. I would like to say that I count him among my friends, since our battle. Do not worry - if you persist, he will surely also hear about this."

Thomas narrows his eyes. "For chivalry is what distinguishes us from barbarians, from mercenaries and from brigands. Chivalry is what helps the West endure. It is what secures the loyalty of our vassals to us. It is a duty, both down and up. And your behaviour is ferociously unchivalrous. If you persist, I will ensure that your behaviour and your actions are known throughout the entire West. I am a man of no small influence, Seigneur Vinelto. My liege is still less one to trifle with. And influence spreads, rapidly. Perhaps you ought to reconsider making enemies of us."

Thomas breathes in and exhales deeply, his demeanour calming significantly. He smiles at the Minister of this city state. "Your Excellency. I believe that you are correct. However, near 800 Crowns is a truly princely sum. Again, I understand what Seigneur Vinelto is trying to accomplish it, unschooled and untutored in the ways of going about it. Remember, Seigneur, that you are the loser of this battle, and you will soon be the loser of this war. You hold Lord Ashedown and his troops. Tarris breeding stock is the best in the world, and that is known as right and true. For your little Seigneury, the sum of 500 Crowns will establish you as one of, if not THE wealthiest in your domain."

Dario frowns and eyes Vinelto carefully. "An offer that makes you satisfied?" He looks to Thomas. "Your Excellency? I believe it is the sum of crowns that is the problem here yes? What if I as a neutral party were to offer both parties an item of value? An item to represent a truce between you and to help encourage the release of the prisoners." He looks straight at the Rikton noble. "Rose Gold. I'm sure you have heard of it? I can have accents added to your armor or your weapon or a new item made entirely. I would do so for both parties a custom addition or item from Rose Gold, but only if the amount of crowns being negotitated here is reduced to 200. Would that along with the horses you have requested satisfy you?" He gives the man a peircing yet utterly calm look.

Myrana was taking a sip of wine when Dario says that he'll make rosegold. It's a miracle she doesn't choke, but she does swallow rather quickly and lift white fingers to her lips as she puts the glass away from herself. WHAT?!

Myrana has to put the glass down with a little click on the table and turn her head to recover her composure, giving a small dry cough behind her hand. But she didn't choke to death or spit wine on everyone or stain her dress so really it's all under control. Rosegold?! Was that what he was doing?

Vinelto blinks at the offer of Rosegold. He stares at Dario as the man speaks and leans back in his chair. "Rosegold … " He whispers softly. Then he frowns into his wine as he considers the Bishop's words. Then he sets his glass on the table before him. "Done." He says with a nod. The knight Jaysen scribbles on his parchment. "I don't know how long it takes to produce Rosegold, but consider this negotiation complete." He looks to Corwin. "Lord Ashedown, I release you into the custody of the Viscount Thomas Chandus who speaks for his Grace the Duke Gauvain Tarris of Galenthia. Your Knights and your men shall be released form our embessasy as well, and are free to return to the Tarris estate." He stands and bows to Thomas. "Thank you for your time Your Excelency. It was …. A pleasure." He then makes a circle motion with his finger and his knights all join him as he heads for the door.

Corwin pinches the bridge of his nose. "That man …. Is an asshole." He states plainly and simply as soon as Seigneur Malento Vinelto is out the door and ear shot. "I'm sorry I caused all this Your Excellency. I imagine my father is furious?"

Dario's move catches Thomas utterly by surprise. He's generally excellent at masking such an emotion, but this causes even him to gape slightly, staring at Four Corner's Minister of Alchemical Learning. He's silent for a few moments. "Your excellency… That is a most generous offer. How could one say no to such?" Having understated the thanks, he is rather shocked at Vinelto's immediate agreement and rising. "Bishop Dario, you are truly sent my the One to foster concord and good feeling among the realms. This is among the most selfless acts I have heard of in recent times; with Rosegold, you could have undoubtedly bought yourself… well, whatever you want! And instead, you bought peace. I thank you. Duke Gauvian thanks you. You have made a friend of House Tarris, and we are in your debt. The only thing I ask is that such Rosegold you make… goes to Lord Ashedown. We Easterners are under threat of the greenskins, and Lord Ashedown is truly the aggrieved party in this. If his father agrees, I think it ought to go to him." He moves over towards Dario to pat him enthusiastically on the shoulder, smiling ear to ear.

Thomas dismisses all of Corwin's apology. "Furious? Heavens no, my lord! Furious at Vinelto's absurd demands, perhaps, but that no longer concerns us. You are his vassal and his natural son! He was concerned for you and your own vassals… and now you are back. Thanks be to God, in good health, I hope!"

Dario takes note of Myrana's shock with an arched eyebrow. Once Vinelto is gone he turns to her with a questioning look. "Why were you so surprised? You have Rose Gold as well sister. I gifted you some, granted it was in jewelry form…" He shrugs in a nonchalant fashion and then looks to Thomas. His eyes widen a bit at the sincere and kind words and he looks truly touched by them. "Your Excellency you honor me with your words. I merely did what I felt was right. Consider it a way to balance the scales. This war has been a waste of life and resources. I am a man of the Faith and it shook me to find that the Holy City waged war instead of fighting for peace. I am glad to have at least some small part in ending the hostilities." He smiles faintly yet the warmth in his eyes is true and genuine. "And I would happily make the item for Lord Ashedown if that is what His Grace wishes."

Myrana stands up before the door claps shut behind the Kentaire and goes to Dario, lightly gripping his sleeve and looking up at him like she has a LOT of questions- but then he goes and adds to it and she just sort of goes "H-huh!" And looks down at her hands on his sleeve and lets go with a twinge of guilt at having scrunched up that fabric. "W-well you didn't tell me!" she says, flabberghasted and flushing. "Wait- Dario, does…" Her voice drops to an urgent whisper that Thomas can't help but hear. "Does Father know?" But she relents, still a little floored but having to agree with Thomas, her mood lifting with pride. "That was excellent, brother. Lord Ashedown, it wasn't your fault. Your charge was magnificent."

Corwin just blinks. But he nods to Thomas. "Vinelto was indeed an Asshole. I think I stated that." He says firmly and with a shrug. He then listens to the back and forth between Myrana and Dario and nods to Myrana when she compliments his charge. "It was performed well enough, but the time was wrong. I should have seen that, and men paid the price for my mistake. I'll have to live with that, and hope those under my command and my Knight forgive me in time."

"My lord Bishop, after the employment of the horrors I've seen on the field of battle in the name of our Church, it heartens me to know that nearly all who swear to uphold her teachings are of faith and honour, as you are. The Church needs men like you. All I said, I mean. What does… rose gold do, anyways? Why is it so expensive?" Asks Thomas, genuinely curious. He looks over to Corwin and shakes his head. "My lord. We all lose. Your father lost at Tamlin Ford. I lost in the Winter Winds of Duras. Everyone is humbled. It is painful, but it happens. Our enemy employed evil which until now none had seen - living corpses, men who turned into snarling wolves and vampires. Vampires! But we take what we can from these experiences. They chasten us, suitably. And we arise stronger. Mathis was a battle won, and you played a part in it. Your men will receive battle honours, and awards. You fought bravely. A knight and lord cannot be faulted for being captured."

Nodding, Corwin sighs and then nods to Thomas. "Lesson taken Viscount. Thank you for coming for me and my men. We all serve the East, and the Queen, but I owe you a debt of honor." He bows his head again, "Thank you." He looks at the wine, sighs and takes a sip. "Son of a bitch." He says calmly. "The asshole was right. This IS really good wine."

Dario's expression turns grim as Adriono is brought into the conversation. "No. He does not. Thats why I didn't openly tell you at first. I was afraid he would find out and turn me into a literal gold mine." He peers at her nervously all of a sudden. "Don't tell him?" He looks to Thomas as the man asks about rose gold. He cannot help but smile a bit as his favorite subject, alchemy is brought up. "What makes rose gold special is the symbol etched or burned onto it. Its an ancient symbol that dates back to the time of Darius Firebrand. Its very hard to get just so and unless its done right its useless. But when done right Rose Gold can help augment ones speed I know that for certain. It can practically double the speed of a man, which could be highly useful in battles where you are up against unnatural opponents. There may be other undiscovered properties to it as well, I'm still researching and studying it in addition to other projects. I hope it will prove useful." He bows his head respectfully to Thomas and chuckles at Corwin's reaction to the wine. "Is it? That reminds me. One of these days I want to compare Tarris apple brandy with my own creations." He grins. Because nothing is quite as important as the science of booze making.

"We are colleagues, and you know as well as I do that in the East, ours is a tight family. Not so insular as the Arkanin brood in their mountain forts, we face danger in all nearly directions, but we persist. Lord Ashedown, I am proud to hold you among my friends and comrades." Thomas says with gravity in his voice, demeanour serious for but a moment. "Besides, your father would have had my balls, I think, had I not come!" This is said with a smile and a wink; a rare moment of crude levity from the normally extraordinarily upright Chandus. He finally pours himself a glass of wine following Corwin's comment, and takes his own sip. His eyes nearly pop from his head. By Saint Sarah! This would quench the thirst of a man walking through Parthia's deserts!"

His eyes pop even further at what Dario says. "Augment a man' speed? But how?" He raises his free hand up in the air, sighing theatrically. "Oh, Lord! How am I to understand these magics? I am a simple man, and yet the world changes at break neck pace." For all that, Chandus doesn't seem overly perturbed."

Myrana touches one of the lightning bolt earrings that Dario gave her, looking like she might very much like to take it off and look at it again. But a lady doesn't take off her earrings around strange men; she gives Thomas and Corwin sharp looks that she doesn't quite realize she's giving, and puts her hands back down, hrmming. Inconvenient. But she clears her throat and seems to remember that these are her friends, and she should not give them evil looks, rubbing thoughtfully at her lip with one knuckle. "…There's a lot I need to focus on. What did he say?" She closes her eyes, quiet voice dwindling to a pensive growl under her breath. "The Emperor…"

"I assure you its not magic Your Excellency. Just highly advanced alchemy. I don't know how I compare to other alchemists but I would say this is one of my better inventions or rediscoveries in this case." Dario replies to Thomas with an easy going smile. He watches Myrana out of the corner of his eye. "I should be on my way. Your Excellecy, if there is anything you need of me feel free to keep in touch. It was an honor to be of assistance here today. I hope we can work together in the future, under more peaceful circumstances." He smiles and bows respectfully before turning to go.

"But what is this kind of alchemy, if not magic?" Thomas asks, somewhat rhetorically. "On the contrary, my lord Bishop, if there is anything YOU need, please, ask. We in the East of Galenthia will do our best to ensure that we are of help. Your house and your person has gained friends today. I promise you this." The Viscount dips his head, solemnly. "And I hope we can work together too. God keep you."

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