(1874-01-04) Galenthia: The Meet at Romante Manse
Galenthia: The Meet at Romante Manse
Summary: Some of the Galenthian nobility within Four Corners discuss, on invitation who should lead the delegation at the Senate of the West meeting upcoming.
Date: OOC Date: 2018/01/04
Related: Related Logs: ?
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Thomas  Dertan  Helena  Jarret  Claire  


Parlor - Romante Manse
Room description
04th of Janvier, 1874 IE

While not the expansive grounds that comprise the Tarris Manor, the Romante Manse makes up for it in subtle elegance. From the entryway outside to the foyer inside, the servants that greet the arrivals are proper and almost as prim as the currently in residence Duchess, if not Duke - once he arrives. As for Claire, she is in the parlor with the presence of a white elementi hound who lays curled up at the fireplace with her head turned in the direction of the primary doorway. The noblewoman herself, stands with her back to the room but with a maid nearby who waits to pour either tea, wine or ale, depending on the preferences of those meant to arrive. And the list of arrivals may be small or large, depending on travel time.

And as such, she waits.

Viscount Thomas Chandus enters the Romante Manor in simple, dignified clothing that identifies his heritage and family but remains comfortable - a tunic in his house colours with their device sewn onto his chest, grey trousers and his swordbelt with lightsilver broadsword and dirk. Over all of it, he's got a fashionable and warm woolen cloak to keep out the mid-winter chill and wind that are present so close to the oceans. For once, he looks relaxed, smiling broadly at Claire. "Your grace, so good to see you! It has been some time, yes?"

Dertan arrives two minutes before the alloted time. He pauses in the entrance area to hand cloak and gloves to the attendants there and then moves in to offer his greetings to the hostess. He's dressed in rich fabric - a silvery cream damask doublet and matching trousers - but otherwise bears little in the manner of embellishment. "Thank you for the invitation your Grace." he offers once Thomas has had his turn.

Lady Helena Shepard, Highmother of the Battleborn, and Knight of Kaedon County Arrives with Dertan, Wearing her usual black, though the cut and fabric are abit more upscaile than usual. Handing her gloves over s well, she Bows when Dertan Does, but waits for him to finish speaking. "Your Grace, a pleasure to make your aquaintance." She says in what has to be a very subduded 'inside voice'. The tall knight takes a step back, standing on dertan's right as she places her hands behind her back.

Jarret makes his way in, barely in time, but still in time. There's a polite nod offered to Claire, before he glances around at the others, offering them all a brief nod and a smile. He stays quiet for now, though.

"Viscount Chandus." And in those words, the warmth that Claire had been known for is easily apparent as a smile accompanies the turn away from the window where there might be a glimpse of a brown head or two from the gardens. "It has been, but we have not been kept in the dark about news from the various battles." Letholdus having been involved in a great number. "The boys and I have been in Firen for obvious reasons but with my nephew's ransom reaching us, it seems best to be somewhere he can visit. And Gauvain would be yelling from the Point if I did not bring Merietta and Alicante guardsmen. Not to mention the standard Romante presence as well," she says with a small press of her lips. Always disliked the addition of guards, this particular duchess. "But, we should catch up later. In the meantime," she says with a glance towards the other arrivals. "We have business to attend to ahead of the Senate meeting."

And with that, she turns her attention and smile towards the recently arrived nobles. "Come in and have a seat. My maid, Sarah will provide drinks and I feel that I should at least introduce Merietta my elementi hound. I trust that all of you and yours have been mending since the recent conflict?"

Thomas steps over to take a comfortable seat after handing his cloak off to one of the servants, expertly manoeuvring his sword belt so that the broadsword's scabbard is unclipped and propped next to him. "Quite right, your Grace. The boys are our Kingdom's best hope! Especially if her Majesty persists in remaining a solitary figure. The death of Viscount Cassomir, I suppose. Never been the same." He frowns.

"Viscount, Lady Helena, Sir Dertan. Good to see you all as well. We all look so bloody clean away from that wretched shambles at Mathis but… at least we're not INSIDE the town. I'm sure our troops look like prancing, comfortable nobles compared to the poor starving paupers. In any case… I think we're here for other things." Chandus laughs.

"I'm certain that you've all heard that Kentaire and Rikton wish to negotiate. No surprise, that. They've bitten off more than they can chew and have been surprised when their food has turned to poison them. Thanks to the valour of you," Thomas sweeps his hand to motion at the three who've entered after him, "as well as others, obviously, we've got the Central Powers by the throat."

Dertan glances towards the suggested seats before heading across and settling in the most appropriate one. Asked about a drink he requests tea for both himself and Helena. "I was fortunate to suffer nothing more than bruises to my pride and body Your Grace." He replies to Claire. Then Thomas is speaking and he gives the viscount a serious nod. "I am glad that we have been able to bring them to the table."

Helena moves to take her seat next to Dertan, though she does give the Hound a very appraising and favorable look. "Such a beautiful Hound your grace." She says before accepting the tea. Looking to Thomas she tilts her head. "Aside from the nomral, 'stop attacking us' what else would you be asking for Viscount Chandus?" She asks softly.

"Truly a great hound," Jarret agrees, before he shrugs a little. "As for mending, that's really all we've gotten to do," he offers, before he looks to Thomas again, studying the man a bit carefully for now.

Nodding to Thomas, Claire remains standing until all drinks have been distributed among all present parties before accepting a teacup and saucer from Sarah. Nodding to Helena and Dertan, she spares Jaret a return silent nod before looking to Thomas and asking the obvious question in her mind. "Have Kentaire and Rikton made any indication as to what they want in negotiations? More than that," she begins while settling herself onto the nearest chair, a slight limp present in her brief but necessary movement. "Telling them to 'stop attacking us' is one thing, Lady Helena. But as victors, we are in the position to ask for concessions to prevent this from happening again. However, what is decided in Senate will need to have Her Majesty's agreement when presented to the throne."

Merietta, when acknowledged, lifts her head long enough to look towards the grouping admiring and commenting. It's a long look on the hound's part before once more lowering her head and turning her eyes towards her mistress once more.

Thomas nods rather enthusiastically at Dertan. "As am I." He leans over to pour himself a cup of freshly brewed kaffe, not taking a sip right away, just… smelling it. The pleasures of life at leisure. "What do you mean, Lady Helena? We are here to demand their surrender to us, the Allied Powers. They attacked us without true provocation. Teleko, if you remember, was the Cardinal who originally called for Prince Sylvain of Aequor to stand trial, this just after the Sealing of Rikton. It was taken to combat and Seigneur Rollo Tusca fought on behalf of the Church against the Prince's sister, Atreis. She defeated him, and all was honourable. Then, Kentaire decided to support an insurrection among d'Kemp, surrepticiously. We Galenthians went up north to show Aequor that we supported them and a stable west… and then Kentaire declared war on both of us. Invaded Aequor. Rikton crossed the border immediately after war was declared, which meant that they had planned it."

Thomas frowns slightly, taking a sip of his lovely cup of black goodness. "They were the aggressors. That we won was due to the justice of our cause… and valour. There must be a reckoning for this. There must be."

Claire gets a rapid and very concerted nod and look of agreement. "Precisely, your Grace. This is as I understand a preliminary meeting. I don't expect to see Prince Mikel or the Holy Father there… rather, some kind of Kentairish official of some sort and a Holy Legate, perhaps a Cardinal? Kentaire is very opaque insofar as their government is concerned. Closed. I suppose we'll see. But, importantly, we need to debate amongst ourselves and decide what we see as just. What SHOULD we ask for, I ask of you"

"They started a war of aggression." Dertan says softly in response to Helena's questions. "There have to be reparations, even if we are simply at a standstill in the war and at this point, as her Grace pointed out, we stand at the cusp of defeating them should the war continue." He glances across at the Hound briefly before picking up his teacup and holding it exactly as etiquette would dictate. "From what I remember from a discussion between Thomas and I, back on the road, it was suggested that we should demand that Rikton gives up all claim on territories beyond the city, ensuring that they are the head of the church and nothing else, and that Kentaire divided up so that it could not raise such a force again. I feel that these demands could be seen as being rather excessive but the ideas behind them are solid enough. At the very least we should demand they pay war reparations and strip the cardinal and perhaps his allies of rank and title."

Helena gives a nod as all the facts are brought up. "I agree that Rikton should have it's army and holdings dismantled. Does the principality answer to the empire? Or are they indipendant of Vir Sidus?" She asks as she takes ap ropper sip of tea. "I would agree that having the land divided, and impartial stewards to govern those lands would make for a calmer west."

Jarret frowns as he listens, keeping silent for now as he looks between the others. Expression rather thoughtful as he listens to what's being said.

"They may have started the war," Claire points out gently as the saucer is turned slowly between the fingers of both hands without glancing down at the contents. Yet. "And, even as they now see that their cause was… corrupted, they will not concede everything asked for. Especially if we are too aggressive in our own requests." Lifting the cup briefly to sip, she uses the pause tactfully before adding, "There is also the matter that Prince Mikel is Her Majesty's maternal uncle. While not close, it is something to consider when speaking of making Kentaire separate territories. Who governs? Which nation? What happens to the current ruling family?" All questions stated calmly but one thing seems to get a nod - a firm one regarding the Holy City. "It seems that Rikton should only be a city but then what of trade? How do they manage to sustain their people?"

"I've developed a great deal more about this, your Excellency." Thomas says, his frown having been replaced by a more thoughtful look. "We may lead off with what we'd talked about. You must always ask for more than you intend to receive, but as both you and her Grace point out, we are the victors here, and they the losers. Kentaire is an overly centralised state, that much is clear. They do not cleave to the standards of nobility that we do. Any Prince or, previously King, who wishes to move the country to do his will can do so with no argument. And, my lady, they are independent."

Thomas, as oft as he may, is going into his monologue. "This is likely, in my opinion, why they have decided to fight two destructive wars of conquest in the last century - against the Empire when they were still Marinor a hundred years ago, and against us, as Kentaire. If we force them to adopt a feudal structure which decentralises power from the Prince, where their nobility can then refuse to exercise in such adventures, we may preserve Kentaire whilst still neutralising them. We may also gain allies among their nobility, who likely do not want to war against their fellows after losing so many troops, and who will breath a sigh of relief for newfound freedom. That their troops have shown valour in battle is undoubted. If we can harnass that against the foes of the next bound well…" He trails off, sipping his kaffe.

Viscount Chandus considers Claire's question. "Yes, well. Perhaps Prince Mikel ought not to be the ruler. Perhaps exile would be better off. To Alezzo? That would be fitting." He mentions the redoubt of the former Grey Prince of the Thorn who fought Galenthia years ago with a smile. "As for Rikton, I agree fully with Viscount Kaedon. But again, you bring up a good point your Grace. That said, the nobility of Rikton too may chafe under the rulership of the Church, and the Church will be better off without having to rule nobles. I also suggest that we disinherit House Teleko entirely. They must be replaced by an honourable, trustworthy house."

"We do need to be careful." Dertan agrees. "We need to strike that balance where we ask for more than we truly wish, so that there is room for negotiation, yet not so much that they simply take it as an insult and walk away." He stops to think over what Thomas has said, sipping at his tea as he goes through the options, before nodding and saying. "The idea of leaving each individual noble in place has a great deal of merit. I remember that when Thomas first mentioned it as a possibility one of the issues I had was that we must not damage them to the point where we are responsible for their protection. We have to many foes oversea and on land to risk such a thing. Yet the question of changing their political structure isnt that simple. Do they follow the aequorian or the galenthian structure? Do we make something new up and hope it works?" he shakes his head slowly. "It still has a lot of details that could trip it up. An alternative could be enforcing limits on their military strength - but that will leave them vulnerable to outside forces which is something I very much wish to avoid. As for the matter of the city of rikton surviving if it is no longer the liege of various noble houses - is that not what the tithes we give the church are for?"

Helena looks up from her cup of tea. "I doubt calling for the death of the monster himself would do much, since the man is, as I've stated, a monster." She says with a frown. "Even with thease sessions that was ask form, and with both nations in hand, there is still the problem of Teleko, he could show up at thease peace talks and do what he did at mathis." She says, which is deffinately one reason she isnt more than a room away from Dertan, or Sonya. "Also, the tithes they receive should be used to rebuild the fallow lands, there are alot of displaced people who need homes, food, and a new start to the lives this war has ruined."

"Their money will be more than enough to fill the coffers, heal the sick and protect God's word." Thomas smiles at Helena. "I realise that you may not agree with that mission, but it has been the Church's since the time of Saint Marius, and typically well followed. And it is the majority of the West who cleaves to it." His smile fades when she speaks of tithes. "That the Church should pay reparations is beyond question, but that all of its tithes must go to such reparations? Not a good strategy. They do an enormous amount of good and have their own local places of worship, hospitals and poor houses to support with tithes, as well as the city of Rikton itself."

He calms for a moment and leans back to think. "The structure of their nobility can be ironed out organically, as opposed to us imposing a model on them. That, my friend, might be a question best suited for THEIR nobles, instead of us."

Claire's lips twitch upwards ever so lightly as her gaze shifts over to Thomas on the suggestion of where Kentaire ruler should be sent. "Fitting but for who," she murmurs from behind the rim, lowering the cup once more. "When suggesting the disassembly of their nation, this should be a joint decision between Galenthia and Aequor. Not to mention the other representatives in the Senate of the West. In which the current nobility of both Rikton and Kentaire should have something of a say. If you do for one, then it should be for the other. But there is also the matter of who makes such a proposal to the Senate." Which is the other matter of business. "By nature of who I am from birth house and the one I will continue to live with through marriage, I must stand apart from this." Looking between Thomas and Helena and Dertain, she continues, "The one who speaks does have to be of our country but rank need not be the only decision."

"That could be a valid option." Dertan agrees with Thomas. "It is certainly worth further consideration." When Claire asks the question of who he simply states. "I should not be the one to put forward any act that punished Rikton." Dertan tells Claire plainly. "My wife's heritage will immediately muddy the waters and risk making it viewed as an attack of the many upon the one. Clearly my wife is an even worse choice for this same reason. At present my choices are either you, your grace, Viscount Thomas Chandus or Lord Jarret Sokar."

Helena gives a frown as she sets her tea down. "I am not a diplomat, only a commander, and as seen in this war, they wouldent take the word of someone like me, nor even my pressence with anything less than distain. Though I can see past that, and to the people who have truly suffered under the brutality of this war. As long as the galenthian subjects are given back what they are lost by those who attacked us, I will not insult them or their religion, and as the nobility, the person who speaks for us, should have those people in mind." She nods to Dertan. "She is passionate about our people, and they are distainful of the same people. I say Lord jarret sokar should be offered to the queen as a viable diplomat."

"Disassembling is not what we aim to do, your Grace. Rather, a reorientation. Kentaire will still exist. Its people will simply have a say in how it's governed." Thomas corrects, gently. "And many ought to be there, regardless of who speaks primarily." He arches an eyebrow. "True and right, my lord. But Sir Jarret is… not much of a diplomat. A true warrior, certainly, but diplomacy is not where he excels. I have tried to encourage him in this before. He'll take the mantle when he is ready, but I do not think that peace talks are precisely that point."

Dertan frowns across at Thomas's appraisal of Jarret. "Lord Jarret has stated that he will consider it." he states. "Let us give him time to decide if he is up to the responsibility or not." he looks to Claire. "Who would you suggest Your Grace? Do you wish the responsibility?"

Claire ruefully remarks, "Even if we say it is not disassembling, it still comes to what the people will see it as." With a flicker of her eyes to Dertan and Helena, she offers in explanation, "I remember what it was like when the tournament was held there years ago. The special security forces, the information control. The power will no longer be centralized as suggested, Viscount Chandus has said. As long as they - the general population can see this as beneficial, then perhaps they will appreciate the effort. If they have become too accustomed to such treatment, then what will happen when such freedoms are bestowed?"

"I also acknowledge what you have said, Lord Dertan. I think that the decision should and would be between Lord Thomas and Lady Helena all the same. Regardless of the Lady Knight's demurring, it may be best that someone from the battlefield makes such terms known." On being asked of the responsibility, the duchess gives her head a firm shake. "I should not wish for the responsibility as mother to the heir apparent of the Griffin Throne. It could be seen as being not impartial."

Helena blinks a few times. "Me? B… but I…" She says and turns her head to Dertan with a look that suggests he say somthing, point out how brash and loud she can be, or how zealous she can be, a battlefield and army is one think, she can do that better than almost anyone, a diplomatic metting… is another monster entirely.

Chandus says,"Your excellency, you know that I am not one to elevate petty partisan politics as an important concern. I care not if a man is a Sokar, an Arkanin, a Tarris or whatever may be. But Sir Jarret lacks the tact necessary for such endeavours. This is simply a true appraisal of a man who I've fought alongside for the last decade, and one whom I consider to be a great friend and a goodly future Duke. The importance, here, is that we ought to consider who is the most accomplished diplomat and who would best represent our nation in these discussions. They must have a breadth of idea in the maneouvrings at the highest level, the nuance and the experience to apply them in such a forum."

Thomas seems to find Claire's reasoning for her lack of wish to serve as envoy odd. "Why should that disqualify you, your Grace? Indeed you would be an ideal candidate in many ways. Highborn, and high titled. That you are of the royal house qualifies you, if anything. You speak for the kingdom." He doesn't respond to the suggestion that Helena should be the envoy, but it is plain from his expression that he disagrees with this idea even more than the idea of Jarret.

There aren't many things that make Dertan's composure fall apart but apparantly suggesting that Helena, mother of the Battleborn, should hold peace talks with Rikton is one of them. He coughs, practically choking on his tea and spends several long moments simply blinking at the Duchess. "Countess Sonya would be a far better choice than Helena." He says, looking mildly horrified by the suggestion that Helena do it. "She is at least skilled in the appropriate arena. /I/ would be better than Helena. If a strong presence in this war is an important factor in choosing your negotiator then I stand behind Viscount Chandus."

"We already have a some measure of a proposal. That would be the utmost import of topics to be delivered. Beyond that," Claire states with a note of consideration in her voice. "If I am seen speaking for the kingdom, they may believe that this will be and has been discussed and decided with Her Majesty. Nevertheless, we can certainly discuss the matter of 'who' now that we have made such progress on possible terms? I appreciate that you wish for me to further consider speaking at the Senate and as such I too will take it under consideration. Shall we discuss via missive with our thoughts on representatives later?"

Helena blinks a few more times before looking at dertan with a 'I said save me not insult me' type of look, but she finaly gets her composure. "Your Grace, while I am flattered that you would put my name forward, again, I am no diplomat, Soldiers and knights I can handle, but trying to speak on behalf of a kingdom in matters of a peace treaty puts me well outside my element." She says before she stands to Give a bow. "We can of course talk more on this later, My Vuscount, I'll have the horses ready."

"Yes, of course. However, if both the Duchess and Viscount have put my name forward, which I believe they have, and no one has any objections, I am amenable to speaking. With the preliminary talks only three days hence, we've not much time to decide on things. Which is why I am glad we are here speaking. If indeed I am an acceptable candidate for this," Thomas says, though he definitely seems to believe he is, "then I would wish to have you all on Galenthia's side of the negotiating tables for the meeting itself. We represent the Kingdom and seeing such divers faces shows that we are united of purpose and mind."

With his composure clawed back in place, Dertan gives Claire a respectful nod. "I would appreciate that Your Grace. It would give me the opportunity to discuss the matter with Countess Kaedon." He nods briefly to Helena as she states her case and then nods again to Thomas. "I would like to attend the meeting."

Claire may have been smiles and cordiality throughout the meeting but with Dertan's failed composure, her lips press tighter before she answers in any part. "What we need is a strong presence for Galenthia. I cannot begin to think what is stronger than being a commander of men and women. They speak and are listened to. There is just the matter of the arena by which they do so," she states in mild admonishment as she leans forward to set aside the teacup prior to standing herself. "I would have insisted upon being part of the delegation, even if I chose not to be the initial speaker, Lord Thomas. In that, I can certainly be visible to have Galenthia's best interests at heart. But if you all excuse me, I must see that the boys are fit to be tutored before the afternoon grows too long."

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