| Senate: Bull vs Dragon |
| Summary: | Viscount Ludovic d'Korbina squares off against Prince Darius Firebrand in the Senate of the West as all try to address the Qatunax |
| Date: | 03/06/18 |
| Related: | Any Qatunax related logs |
| NPCs: | Grande Mistress of the Kingdom of Rikton, two Chancellors of the Holy City of Rikton, Kentairish ambassador |
| Players: |
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| Four Corners - Darnis Palace - Senate Ha |
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A stark, oblong chamber of black-veined marble stands beneath a dome of green glass cased in black iron and hung with lamps on long, dark chains. Seating exists here for twenty in the form of hard-backed wooden chairs of intricately carved mahogany, inlaid with ivories and abalone and cushioned with velvets and silks, that fan out between four marble pillars. At their seats or standing in the wide aisles, each member of the Senate may have a clear view of the podium at the apex of the room. Here, unlike the rest of the palace, every sound echoes and a whisper has a way of seeming a shout thanks cunning acoustic design. It is almost painfully cold at times, but the robes of Office here are thick, and one does not last long in the Senate anyhow if cold alone is enough to deter from politicking. Inlaid in the marble of the floor in the central aisle, the black-and-white rose with golden sepals and a heart of blood red stone is surrounded by a ring of red lettering that reads: 'We Live With No Kings, And So We Are Free'. The Senatorial Chambers of Four Corners usually house the Senate of the Free City debating and hollering at each other while Ministers try very hard to just get the Councilors to do their job and make sure the city progresses as a whole in a shining display of democracy that is certainly NOT corrupted. However today, the senatorial chambers are lined with flags and banners. A large central banner procession proclaims the Domain, while the smaller ones of individual house crests proclaim the individuals present for the Senate of the West. This allows everyone there to look at a Domain, and so long as they know their heraldry, know who is present for this meeting. It is there that it become apparent that there is an extra flag this day. Though there is only one Heraldry beside it, a battle banner of a white Dragon in Rampant to the left, the words below read: Legio XIII Asterrea. THE FLAG ( http://eternalcrusade.wdfiles.com/local--files/vir-sidus-empire/Vir_Sidus.png ) |
| 03 Juin, 1874 IE |
Darius says, "Toga? I'm in armor. These Colonials are insane."
Pompey says, "if you come expecting a fight, you'll have one, best to dress for what you want to do. Besides, they wouldn’t attack a diplomat."
Sir Mattias Thynne, Chancellor of the Free City State of Four Corners and Guildmaster of the Honourable Guild of Bankers if the weighty and ornate chains about his shoulders are anything to go by, steps into the Senate Hall. There is the briefest of pauses as the man makes his way to his chair, a chair that is no more or no less than any other chair in the room. As ever Mattias is clad in black, for there is hardly any other colour but the colour of mourning adorning his frame. Though it is safe to say he is hardly mourning the previous Chancellor given the joi de vivre that is shown as he settles and lays claim to a peach from a bowl beside his chair, nor the swift slicing of said fruit with a singular fruit knife wielded by his gloved hand. Aaah a peach hasn't tasted this good since they had an brain-damaged Arkanin in a cell and a case of the whale plague.
Speaking of brain damaged arkanins and whale plague! In comes the Duchess, dressed in a gown of cloud gray and lined with fox fur. Oddly muted colors, likely due to her current sister in law being in a coma and the golden eyes fiasco. She comes unattended by her husband but mingles amiably with those she passes by whilst waiting for the event to start properly.
Jasmina and her people have taken up seating and are quietly murmuring amongst themselves. The Archduchess stands out thanks to how elaborate her gown is, the garment bearing the colors of her house, her hair done up in an equally elaborate style.
Eschewing the pageantry of courtly attire Dertan enters a few paces behind Jarret clad in the uniform of a Galenthian brigadier. He is notably unattended by the Countess Kaedon. Eyes sweep across those inside the area, assessing and weighing, before he moves to take his place in the seats nominated for the use of County Kaedon. He seems mostly uninterested in seeking the company of those outside of his entourage, almost immediately turning his attention to one of his companions and starting up a softly spoken conversation.
Somehow Viscount Ludovic, a man practically incapable of entering a room without drawing attention, has managed to do just that. He is clad in courtly attire; golden silks and black velvets and has the arm of his consort loosely looped through his own. He leans to speak to Imogen once, briefly, and in a very softly spoken tone as they arrive and then moves to take up a seat near Jasmina.Ramius has arrived.
His Lordship, Captain Augustin al'Mordran enters with something of a grimace etched upon his ancient and weathered features, his gaze sweeping the 'gaudy' room with something akin to amusement and awe soon replacing that grimace. Awe that the person who decorated this room wasn't murdered publically, "A damned whoo-ers boudoir!" The ancient mariner Lord intones a touch too loudly as he stalks into the room, clad as ever in his armour and that bright blue sash wrapped about his waist. His tricorn is simply tucked beneath his arm, while his other hand sweeps back what strands of hair remain. The amusement and wonder is soon replaced by his standing grimace, and the old Lord moves to take up his position with the al'Mordran contingent, one of whom finds himself glowered at for evidently looking 'too fancy'. But Jasmina finds herself a most respectful, "Your Grace." And indeed, there's even a courtly bow before he rises once more, those old eyes scanning the room.
He had been watching them come one by one, he had noticed the way they carried themselves.
"Cousin, it's amazing how they actualy formed a senate on their own… shall we?" The shorter of the two imperials says from a side room, adjusting his Toga, dressed quite simply compaired to the others, save for the fact the fabric of his Imperial Consul's Outfit is of very high quallity. His entrance hasent been made yet, though, soon.
Not quite realizing that she's doing it, Myrana D'Armaz, clad in brilliant red silk and with her snowy hair down her back in a profusion of fluffy waves and woven dogroses, stares at the peach as Mattias carves it, her dark blue eyes considering it in much the same way a man in a desert market surveys a sliced melon. Her chin rests in her hand as she sits like she's half-dozing in her chair and beside the big empty one left for Ramius al'Arran. The gold bracelets on her slender wrists clatter as she shifts, toying with one hand with the bell pendant she wears.
Pausing a little as he enters, Jarret frowns. There's a brief glance to Dertan, before he looks back in the direction of the exit again, as if carefully weighting the arguments for and against simply heading back out. In the end, he seems to decide to stay, moving to seat himself, while pulling out a small flask from a pocket and taking a long sip.
Imogen is in court, on the arm of a viscount, awkwardly holding a fan, and wearing a dress of simillair colour to dovi. She looks monstrously out of place, the awkward begennings of the nothing lady learning how to navigate high society. She leans to listen to what her consort says before following along with Ludovic to go meet his liege. "Your Grace," she murmurs quietly as she curtseys to the woman, before promptly shutting up and trying to fade into the obscurity of the arm ornament.
In comes Viscount Thomas Chandus in his court clothing of a late Western Vir Sidian lord, long sleeved cobalt blue tunic with grey stripes and geometric patterns on his torso, his house's sigil (a silver sun in splendour) on his chest and matching grey cloak and trousers. He's got a silver coloured diadem on his head with three sapphires in it. He moves to take a place near to the Sokars and Arkanin, greeting first Evae with a smile and, "Your Grace", then to the two southerners next to him. "Gentlemen." He does not seat himself, but instead waits for things to develop, watery blue eyes crossing paths with all in the chamber.
Mercy d'Juliano wnters wearing a black court dress with her Military coat over that. Moving to the Aequoran section she takes a seat, the Zephyr's Call in port, and of course, her sailors drinking to her keeping raiders from gaining anything. With that, Mercy holds a folded fan in her lap as she looks around to see who is all in attendance.
Darius grunts and slips a half cape over his armor. "It's a iracle the Colonals haven't murdered each other yet. This war they were in was pure folly. You'd never find THAT in the Empire. Sure. a Rebellion here or there, but even our neighbors were civil. Abyss. The Caltu woudl trade with us rather than fight us and they were bloody barbarians." He waves a hand. "BAH. Let's get this over with. Let them speak their words and likely a few threats." He sets the mug of Kaffee aside. "even their damned Kaffe tastes funny."
The captain is given a warm greeting from Jasmina, who invites him to join her, a chair to her right unoccupied. "How have you been," she asks quietly, looking around as she does so. It isn't long before he is given her full attention. "Is all well today?"
The Senatorial Chambers of Four Corners usually house the Senate of the Free City debating and hollering at each other while Ministers try very hard to just get the Councilors to do their job and make sure the city progresses as a whole in a shining display of democracy that is certainly NOT corrupted. However today, the senatorial chambers are lined with flags and banners. A large central banner procession proclaims the Domain, while the smaller ones of individual house crests proclaim the individuals present for the Senate of the West. This allows everyone there to look at a Domain, and so long as they know their heraldry, know who is present for this meeting.
It is there that it become apparent that there is an extra flag this day. Though there is only one Heraldry beside it, a battle banner of a white Dragon in Rampant to the left, the words below read: Legio XIII Asterrea.
THE FLAG ( http://eternalcrusade.wdfiles.com/local--files/vir-sidus-empire/Vir_Sidus.png )
The room is quieter than normal. Everybody in their Domains in the Senate Chamber. Muted whispers can be heard as delegates discuss and talk. Some look at the flag with raised eyebrows, but most just ignore it and the individuals standing under it. One of them wears a blue half cape over a set of Dark Leather Lorrica stencils in Rose Gold and sporting Lightsilver clasps. On his brow is a simple Iron Circlet, with a saphire set in the center held in place by lightsilver. He stands smugly, his long hair pulled back into a braid that falls down to the center of his back. His eyes, Ice Blue scan the room, but never linger on any one person.
The Steward steps forward and bangs a gavel at the Podium. "This Senate of the West is called to Order. Will all return to their Domain's location on the floor. The honorable Chancellor, Sir Mattias Thynne of Four Corners has the floor. I remind you all that the Senate is a place for discussion. Let Words reign here instead of blows." He bows his head and steps aside to allow Mattias to take the Podium.
Having just arrived in time for this, Prince Sylvain al'Ramar moves into the hall, looking around and offering a few polite nods to various people, before he moves to seat himself.
Darius just snorts at the whispered words to him.
Imogen chuckles softly at whatever she and her consort are whispering about, before kissing his cheek tenderly with a playful pat to his arm.
Mattias eyes the steward with some measure of thought, his face betraying little emotion whatsoever. The peach is set down beside him, the knife likewise following suit, and Mattias rises and moves to take his position at the podium. There's the faint remnant of a smirk as he takes up his position, no doubt recalling his dear predecessor's untimely end. That was one full bladder. Yet a mere moment passes and the black-clad banker casts his gaze across the gathering before him, "My dear esteemed members of the Senate of the West." He actually manages to use not a single title nor honorific as he slowly casts his gaze down towards the mosaic on the floor. A mosaic that probably insults half the people here, "I welcome you to the Free City of Four Corners and to our Senate Hall, it is here that we find ourselves welcoming some guests to our little corner of the world, and it is to them I shall concede the floor. Especially so Darius Firebrand, Princeps of the Vir Sidus Empire, and Consul Pompey Magnus."
Snapping her fan open, Mercy frowns as she looks to be fanning herself off, though, the other aequoran ladies can easily see the fan signals she sends. ::So, the 'high and mighty' have come to our level? I wonder how much it hurts their pride.::
Myrana sits up straighter, breaking out of her daydream with a jingling shake of her head. The tassles of her earrings clink together and the gold discs wink. "Ah," she murmurs to herself, blinking the sleep from her eyes. There's a sharp hunger burning in her belly which she does her best to ignore in true Aequoran fashion; to be hungry is to be sharp, after all. Still, her stomach growls beneath the settling chatter of the senate chamber as one by one all those gathered turn their attentions to the podium and Thyne's opening words.
Out of the corner of her eye however, she catches Mercy's fan, and a bit of a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.
Augustin settles beside Jasmina, nodding once, "All is indeed well Your Grace. And you?" The conversational tone of Augustin's voice much the same as his snappy barking orders tone, albeit somewhat softened. Though as two new arrivals are introduced, Augustin bristles slightly and narrows his gaze towards them, "Haven't given that side of the world a moments thought till now."
Pompey smiles softly and moves towards the podium, giving a formal nod to Mattias, before stepping up to the Podium, not only waiting for the noise to settle, but to die down completely before he speaks.
"Delegates of the West, I, Pompey Magnus, Consul of the Imperial Chancery, speak with the authority of the Vir Sidus Empire. With that Authority brings me a chance to form alliances, against a common enemy who will seeks the destruction of not such a handfull of us, but every last one of us. The Empire's insular ways are being chhanged, thusly why I am here now, we would like for each of you to make your own mind up on this matter, we, the Thirteenth Legion, ask for auxilla for the fight against the Qatunax, and in return, trade will be open to you."
He says as he speaks with a clear and very robust voice, his accent not as thick as it used to be when he got to this part of the world, though still, very much a high class imperial.
Jasmina's own fan is nowhere to be seen, kept somewhere hidden on her person. But, while lacking the means to reply with it her expression speaks volumes for her, the look of disapproval given to Mercy from out of the corner of her eye. Shaking her head, she returns to murmur quietly to Augustin. "I know. But let's wait and see what is said before we start frowning, hmmm?"
The seat adjacent to Myrana is empty. This is not entirely uncommon due to the Arrani Duke's relative dislike for courtly affairs, but it is perhaps a little bit worrying for those who know him best in that 'where is he and what is he doing' kind of way that so often gnaws at the back of the brain.
The answer comes almost immediately after the mention of one 'Darius Firebrand', when a barrel is unceremoniously set down in front of the great chair, followed by a massive, though peacebonded, blade and finally by the very same Ramius d'Arran who is so often absent for these kinds of frou-frou affairs.
Perhaps somewhat more worrying is that he seems to have gotten a little… pre-toasty.
"Myrana," Ramius asides in a low, conspiratorial voice, "I have brought snacks. Have I missed anything not particularly useless?"
Ludovic gets a rather deep frown at what Pompey says. He sits glowering for about ten seconds and then he goes to mutter quietly to Jasmina. "What does he mean? Trade will be open to you. Can they really hold reopening our trade routes over us like that?"
Darius rolls a shoulder and moves to the center of the room as is Imperial Style when addressing the Senate. Old Habits die hard it seams. He clears his throat. "My Lords. My Ladies." His common is heavily accented, a language learned but rarely used. "I am Darius Firebrand the Twenty Fourth. Princeps of the Empire, and Praetor to the Thirteenth Asterra Legion based currently out of the city you call Paras." He looks around the room and gives the tiniest smirk to Ludovic. Almost unnoticed.
HE continues to look around the room. "I stand here as a representative of Imperial Power and Friendship. A blade offered hilt first, for I was not bred to be the Princeps, but a Soldier. I command the largest Legion the Empire has assembled since the destruction of Marinor." He pointedly. Very Pointedly looks to Kentaire as he says that. "With it, we have taken back from the Qatanex the lands of Paras, and made it a Colonia. We fight these savages everyday." He gestures to Pompey. "What my cousin says is true. We have come to ask you for Auxilia in this fight. But not as your Overlords. As your friends. A friendship with the Empire, and a friendship that will see your lands, the West, not suffer at the hands of these Savages as we in the East have." He nods once. "Trade, as my Cousin has said will be open with the Empire. We will open all access to Imperial lands again."
Greetings accomplished to his nearest peers, Thomas's attention is largely on the Vir Sidian delegation, both Darius and Pompey. His expression is impassive, eyes flitting back and forth, attempting to suss out their intentions. Standing at full height, then, and responds. First, he uses the flowing Imperial tongue, accent antique but completely fluent. "Your Highness, your Grace the Consul, I bring welcome and greetings from the Rose Queen Melisande of the Kingdom of Galenthia."
He immediately switches to Common. "The Qatunax are arguably one of the most pressing issues we face in the West. We have discussed several plans forward, and your presence here is apropos. A Legion of the West is to be formed from elements of all nations here, and Galenthia will gladly fight alongside the Empire against the savages. There are other concerns that Galenthia seeks to address, as well, but I do believe that the Allied Powers," he refers to those victorious belligerents in the War of the West, "can agree that the Qatunax must be destroyed." Thomas dips his head to Ramius, Myrana and Jasmina in deferrence.
Blinking a few times as he hears what's being said, Jarret leans forward in his seat a little. The flask is placed in his pocket again, while his fists clench briefly. He pauses as his gaze goes to Darius, studying the man rather carefully through narrow eyes. Those eyes stay narrowed as they turn to Thomas as well, frowning as he listens.
Jasmina blinks! For the longest time the Vir Sidus and House al'Mordrin had a fairly exclusive trade agreement, it being a large part of why they've been able to be so prosperous for so many years. Now they're talking about opening trade to everyone which would mean a lot less money coming into the Duchy. Murmuring a few choice words under her breath, she waits for her time to speak before she says anything.
His frown now actually thunderous in nature after the announcement by Darius, Ludovic demands of Jasmina "You cant let this stand, Your Grace. We agreed that he cant just march up and annex Paras like that." So much for keeping his temper in check.
Imogen is quick to grab her consort by the arm to keep him from storming up there and yelling. "Dovi, breathe, i'm sure no one intends to just let him claim Paras like this," she states quietly.
Myrana startles almost out of her seat, both hands flying to the armrests in preperation to bound up- but it is only a barrel set down with a great THUNK on the marble parquet. "God-in-Heaven," she swears under her breath and looks up sharply at Ramius, who surprised her. But. The magic words. 'I brought snacks'. As far as three magic words go, those are very very easily her favorite compared to all others.
"Come sit," she murmurs, putting a hand on the arm of his chair. "I'm glad you're here." And surprised. She did not expect Ramius to arrive at all. "…what snacks?" she whispers equally conspiratorally.
Jasmina nods to Ludovic and Imogen. "I know. I will voice our concerns." Sighing, she shakes her head, her body tensing. Why is Darius doing this? Is this his way of punishing her for her refusing his proposal?
Augustin's old gaze narrows further, "Colonia? Auxillia? Damnable words if ever I heard them, and likely from lips that scant know the worth of them." The old sea captain rumbles amidst the al'Mordrans. Looking as ever like he'd prefer to be out at sea fighting those behemoth war canoes.
Pausing as he hears the words from Darius, Sylvain studies the man for a few moments, before he nods a bit as he hears what's said. "I'm very glad to hear the honorable Princeps say they want to fight alongside us as friends. Hopefully this is a golden opportunity for all our people, both east and west of the mountains, not only to beat the Qatunax, but also for us all to be able to improve in peace as well." A brief pause, before he adds, "I believe your people have more experience with them, Princeps Darius? Maybe it will be easier for all gathered here to make a decision if you tell us more about them?"
Great, now the bull is getting angery. Pompey Frowns as he addresses Paras. "We liberated it from the Qatunax, we Liberated it's townspeople from the Qatunax. We leave it's fate up to it's people to decide, to us it's our staging area for our continued push against thease savages, savages that have yet to break our maniples. Viscount d'Korbina, we offered you talks once before, and you responded with rudeness, we have a pressing problem, that must be delt with -now-." He says as he walks from the podium right into the center of the room. Spreading his arms wide
"You may distrust us, but we have only attacked and harrased Qatunax, Paras was under their control when we arrived there, and now it is not, we do not wish war with you, nor have we come to seek it, we wish to push the Qatunax back across the mountains, and into the far sea, to see them realise that Tirth isn;t just a handful of people, but a people that will work together to fight evil." He does give a nod to both Chandus and The Prince of Aequor. Though he does let his cousin speak on the matter of the enemy.
Ludovic was actually soothed by Jasmina's words but then Pompey is talking directly to him and he's moving up to his feet. "There have been no talks." Is his response. "Instead you keep coming up and outright declaring that Paras, a city under MY domain, now belongs to another nation. Talks were planned. We were planning to be reasonable. But every time you declare that an Aequorian city belongs to another nation you practically declare war upon us. You call me unreasonable. Yet you are the ones who came in here an named OUR city as your own. Let nobody doubt that this is an act that you initiated and not me."
Jasmina rises to her feet, waiting to be addressed by Pompey or Darius, her expression grim. She's angry but is outwardly in control of herself, her emotions held in check. For anyone looking at her, seeking to guage her reaction, they will find her almost entirely unreadable.
Darius nods to Sylvain, noting his rank he then salutes the man in the Imperial fashion, Right fist to heart, while the left fist plants itself in the middle of the back and bowing the head just slightly. Given that the two of them are of the same social rank he does not however lower his eyes. When he speaks he first acknowledges Thomas. The man's Imperial accent was attrocious, but at least he tried. "And we welcome your Greeting Galenthian." He says in his own crisp and pure Imperial.
One above if only these Colonials would use a proper tongue. Even with their atrocious accents it was at least civilized speach.
Then he looks to Ludovic, holding one hand to Sylvain to let the Prince know that he is part of this conversation. "Your Excellency. Paras was liberated. You have no means, and certainly no ability to have been able to reclaim the city. My soldiers need a place to call their own. I have invested much Imperial time and coffers into seeing Paras resotred, and I have freed slaves and given them the choice to remain Imperial or return to you." He tilts his head slightly. "Why. Did you know that not a one to this day has wnated to return to your custody? Something about being treated as more than just cattle while with the Empire." He smiles. It is the smile an adult gives to a child who is being an idiot and he's about to tell them. "Tell me. Your Excellency. Do you rule your lands like you do your battles? Becuase from what I've seen, and what my Scouts tell me, you have much to learn about warfare before you can be trusted to rule over your lands. What you charged like a fool Plains Runner seeing the Great Salt for the first time, headlong and foolish, are what is called Fire Pikes. They shoot a stream of liquid fire tweenty feet long. The fires cannot be put out by water, which only causes it to spread." He shrugs a shoulder. "We in the Empire shoot them, not charge them with Cavalry in some foolish attempt to look brave."
He then turns away from Ludovic. "Your Highness." He says when he addresses Sylvain. "The Savages are brutal. Believing Fire to be most Holy. They have arrows that explode with this flame. They sling Firepots. They will set a battlefield aflame. Their soldiers are well trained, if lacking in discipline. We won battles. But their strength is that there are ALWAYS more of them."
He looks slightly over his shoulder at Ludovic. "So. If we win but take remendous casualties, it is really a win for them. Wouldn't you say Your Excellency?"
Thomas listens to both Pompey and Darius carefully, nodding at the young man who's come with him and is taking copious notes. He whispers something to him and then stands straight again. "Honourable Consul, if you do not seek control of Paras and simply use it as a staging area, then do you solemnly promise to hand it back to Viscount d'Korbina once the war is over? It is, after all, sovereign Aequorian territory." Thomas begins, turning from Pompey to look at the other delegations. "Though the Imperial Prince and honourable Consuls may not know, this august house will remember that the last time Aequorian territory was claimed by another polity that it ended up retrieving it with the assistance of allies. We seek to avoid more bloodshet among brethren." The Viscount nods at Sylvain, the al'Arran and Jasmina.
His eyes narrow at Darius, but only slightly. "Your Highness. While Galenthia would like to pursue relations with the Empire, the last time we did so we were laughed at and told not to come back. I will note that Castra Vetara, your fortress east of my lands, subsequently was emptied of Imperial troops by either goblin or savage. If you wish to cultivate us as allies, then you perhaps might try the tact of negotiation from a place of good faith instead of chastising and goading our commanders? Your Consul says one thing and you say the other. Which is it? Do you seek to retain Paras, or no?"
Jarret raises an eyebrow at Ludovic's reaction, but otherwise, Jarret stays silent, just looking between the others, rather carefully. Once in a while, he pulls out his flask, to take sips from it again. "I wonder where they came from…" he remarks quietly, in the direction of the ones nearest him.
"Well, it's a little early for the usual preserves, but I did manage to pick up a few of the local produce," he slings over a hefty cloth sack filled to the brim with… apricots! Fresh apricots. Ramius plucks one of the fruits from its sack and idly begins peeling it. He settles down into his chair then, craning his gaze up and over at the drama unfolding on the floor.
He gives Thomas a bit of a nod in acknowledgment, then focuses his attention back to where it must be.
"So," Ramius shrugs, plucking a pit from one of his fruits, "It sounds vaguely like a hot mess, doesn't it? Can't even fight them in the rain. But maybe we can make use of their love for fire some other way."
Mattias says little. Trade is good. But equally so is letting the other realms soak up the Qatunax and run up huge debts. Death and war are always wonderful things for business. Peace is equally as good and much preferred, but events have moved past that. Equally so the Free City State is presently enjoying a boom, with a hugely lowered crime rate (Mattias executed everyone) and lovely new roads and bastions of law and order within and without. Oh and the canals got dredged. Yes. This war should satisfy certain war-loving Guilds, "Citizens of Paras gifted a voice. How noble." The Chancellor intones briefly before resuming the slow carving of his peach, a wedge held firmly between thumb and blade for all of a moment, and speaking in neat and clipped Imperial, the Chancellor speaks, "The evils faced require a united front. The Free City of Four Corners has already pledged its support, and does so again before the Representatives of the Empire." A nod is simply offered both Pompey and Darius, and then that peach slice is eaten.
"I've no damn objection to you using Paras as a staging post. I'd been planning to offer you that right directly." Ludovic tells Darius in a voice slightly louder than is strictly necessary. "What I object to is all these sneaky attempts to make the city yours through clever wording. Paras is not part of your Empire and any attempt to make it so will be an act of aggression against me, and most likely the entire kingdom." He glares at Pompey first before Darius brings his attention back again. His arms folded across his chest. The military comments? Well that just makes him bristle and go an interesting shade. It says a lot about the power of the senate that he hasnt attacked anyone. It looks like he wants to. Alas, he's well past the point where he's calm enough to wait his turn.
It's clear that the men are going to be too busy 'talking' to be paid attention to, prompting Jasmina to speak out of turn. "Princeps," Jasmina calls out, speaking in Imperial, "I will not allow for this to happen. You are spitting upon every agreement we have made. Not only in regards to Paras, which I will not allow you to take over, but the trade agreement between the Empire and House al'Mordran, an agreement that has been in place for more years than I've been alive. You are not seeking for anything but to punish Aequor for my having refused your proposal for marriage, or so it seems to me. If that is the case then punish me directly but please. I ask that you leave the citizens of the kingdom, and Paras, alone."
"Viscount Chandus, it is not 'us' who will decide Para's fate, we leave that to the people. In the empire, it's not her Ruler who chooses the senators and administrators of the Chancery, but her people." He then turns to Ludovic. "You let them fall, you let them be enslaved, we saved them, we do not rule them, they rule themselves. Much like this fine city here, you will be surprised what work ethic the citizens can do when you give them responcibility."
Everyone else of note is standing up, so Evae is standing up as well. It's not her kingdom, but the precedents allowing the empire to 'linger' in cities would set is indeed a bad one. She's not going to let that stand, not for a moment. But her rage is carefully controlled under that mask of political neutrality years of sitting on the sidelines has mastered, so she merely waits to be acknowledged and say her peace.
Augustin has clearly been aboard the HMS Redoubt for far too long. He stares at Jasmina, brow furrowed. Then to Darius. His brow furrows more. Then once more for good luck back to Jasmina, "Marry? Him?" Each word punctuated perfectly. And that weathered brow remains so furrowed.
Sylvain listens in quiet, not saying anything else right now, simply listening to what's being said, and making a few mental notes in the process.
Thomas leans in to whisper something to a page, who runs over to transmit it to Evae.
Jasmina shrugs. "He proposed, I refused." That's pretty much all there is to the story, really, so the Archduchess leaves it at that.
Pompey turns and walks towards the Podium, whispering somthing to his cousin.
Ludovic, as expected, objects to the theft of his territory. Myrana nods in silent agreement with the D'Korbina, letting her gaze travel over the Vir Sidus delegate as things begin to open up. Her eyes keep going back to Darius and her blue gaze is thoughtful, half-lidded as she continues to finger the lightsilver pendant she wears below the new, delicate torc of lightsilver that clasps her white throat just above the uppermost edge of a jagged, raised scar that mars the side of her neck, as if the small Armaz has at some point tangled with some terrible lion or tiger out of Partharia. How it didn't just gobble her up in two neat bites is anyone's guess. Lady's Mercy, the miracle ungeunt, has made that terrible scar smaller and smaller as the years have gone by, but it has never really QUITE gone away, and is visible in the low light of the Senate chambers.
"This is why I married you," Myrana says, taking one of those apricots with a smile that'd melt the bones right out of a lesser man. She takes a bite of the velvety gold fruit and watches the real arguements unfold on the floor in front of them. For now, she holds her peace, wanting to see what those more directly affected by the Vir Sidus have to say before taking her turn. "Thank you, Ramius."
Whatever it is the page whispers to Evae, it brings a crack to the mask, a small smirk and she turns a grateful eye to Thomas before she sighs and speaks up. "Whatever your justifications, however you word it, that the people have chosen you to rule them, the simple fact is that our kingdoms are not a democracy. Paras is a domain of His Excellency d'Korbina and there is no way any of us will allow you to set it by keeping the land. You may be allowed to stay there with your armies, but the second you claim it as /belonging/ to you, know that we will /all/ see it as an act of war," she states coldly.
Darius turns his full attention on Ludovic and takes ONE step forward form that center spot. Back home it's a non verbal slap in the face. To state that you are beneath being addressed formally. Here? They probably think he's lost his temper. Well. That might be true. "Ludovic. I am speaking your Language. You DO speak Common do you not? I freed your people. I bled to do it, which was more than you can say. All you do is bleed when the enemy looks at you. Even when you win, you bleed so much you might as well lay down and die. No one thinks you're worth his attention Ludovic, his time, a vote, a place in society, or even the light of day!" He has no idea if THAT insult translates. But he sure hopes the damn Colonia gets the undertone.
To Jasmina he blinks. "Your Grace. I promise you if I felt insulted by your refusal I would do much and more to bring harm to you. I am merely doing what is best for my people as a whole. We isolated ourselves, and my Lord father, who believed too much in it, allowed that isolation to nearly destroy the empire. I won't do that again."
He stands up straight and adopts what might be considered an at ease stance. His chin is however held high. "Paras is it's own city. We freed them. That means exactly that. They are FREE. My Soldiers have come to love these people as one of their own. To us, in the Empire, to love one as hey do means they are as family. If you want them to come back into your … lands … As peasants, a people below citizenship, who have no rights but to do what your nobles say, then by all means. Fight a two front war. But I promise you Your Excellency, for every Imperial killed, every person of Paras whom you make suffer for YOUR vain needs, I will burn and salt your lands a hundred fold." He holds one hand to the side and it begins to smoke as heat boils off that hand. "So. Your Excellency. Paras is your to decide. Do they retian their Freedom? A freedom that said we can stay there and they can be Imperial, or will you harm those whom I now love?"
"Your Grace Arkanin." Darius says his Ice Blue eyes falling on her. "You have made Galenthia's opinion very clear. I thank you for it. Perhaps. Just perhaps y Father was right about you all. NONE of you in the West save perhaps Four Corners can see beyond your own damn greed and power. Your Peasants as you call them have rights and chouce. You'd take that away after you abandoned them?"
"And what if you get Paras, Princeps? What will stop you and your men from continuing to claim more and more of our lands?" Still speaking in the tongue of the Vir Sidus, Jasmina frowns, her cool mask starting to chip away, to fall apart as the anger continues to well up in her. "As Archduchess of Aequor, I will suggest to the King to take any attempt made by you to annex Paras as an act of war and to act accordingly." Grrr.
"Vicount Chandus brings up an excellent point," Myrana raises her sultry dark voice to use the full accoustics of the senate chamber, a place she's known as well as her own bedroom for some years now. Five years ago, her bell tones changed significantly; her voice is throaty now, and full of pleasant smoke, and when she raises it it only becomes more apparant.
"The guest-room of one's house is expected to be empty of guests once their business is concluded and part their way from us in friendship." She smiles, and rises from her seat with a rustle of skirts and a bright metallic jingle. "In fact, in Gendiel, we have established a trade city between our annointed lands and those of our friends, the Clans of Queen Kyrena. Gendiel's wealth, therefore, has grown, and our own nation is the stronger for it and the influx of trade. Men and women there are ever the more educated, for learning from one another in a neutral place where no man is above the other by any great degree."
"Honorable representative," she turns her gaze on Pompei and the warmth of her smile is almost aggressive as the Armaz turns on the brights, socially speaking, and steps forward with a muted tap of slippers. "It does my heart well to hear that the ancient and vaunted Empire of Firebrand has not settled into any terminal stagnation; if I might ask, what advancements of culture or science would you consider to be our strengths?"
"The people, eh? How will you test the people's will? By acclamation? By the votes of its leading citizens?" Thomas asks after Evae and Darius speak. "We are clearly at an impasse. I would say that the amount of savages who flooded the d'Korbina lands were in the tens of thousands, in the reports I've read, and that these same savages cracked the august Empire in two. It is easy for you to throw stones at Viscount d'Korbina, who has several thousand men under arms including levies, but the Qatunax did the same on a larger scale to your homeland. How would Your Highness react if Galenthia marched across the mountains and recaptured several former Imperial cities, declaring them as part of Galenthia by fiat?"
There is a pause. Thomas looks over to the other delegations as Aequor and Galenthia harden against the absorption of Paras into the Empire. "It is Galenthia's position that we wish to work along side you against the savages, your Highness, but perhaps the issue of Paras is best saved for another day. Our enemies laugh at us if we continue to squabble. Can we not leave this until we have fought the savage to a standstill?"
Ludovic steps forward himself. "When did this get so damn personal?" He demands. Seeming to have actually gone from blind anger into something colder and far more deadly. "I've done nothing to you and yours but give aid and in return you give me? What? Insults? The insults we can deal with on the duelling field. Both of you. Princeps and so called politician have caused me such insult that the only recourse is the duelling field." He waits for that challenge to soak in. "BUT PARAS is above me. ITS Not mine to give. No matter what I might feel on the matter. So don't try to claim you are somehow justified in this act of aggression just because you claim I'm not worthy of my rank." His eyes go to Thomas. "Leaving it WAS my intent Viscount Chandus. Yet coming here and declaring the city as his in front of the entire west is to much of a precedent to allow to stand. I will drop the matter of the city." He looks back to Darius. "Until such time as the Qatunax are off our lands if he agrees to stop declaring it belongs to him."
Evae meets those icy eyes with a gaze of her own, wisened and hardened over the years. "What we are objecting is you coming in and taking our land. The ONLY reason we did not immediately respond was due to the fact you appeared as a friendly force. But now, now you speak of claiming Aequorian land, land that does not any longer belong to you. That is an act of war hidden beneath pretty words. This is not about peasant choice, greed, or power, this is about you marching into Aequorian territory and setting a dangerous precedent!" she snaps, her voice rising a tiny lilt in her words, but thomas's words give her pause, there's a reason he is the diplomat and she is not.
"But Viscount Chandus makes a fair point, perhaps you ought to reign in your cousin from constantly bringing up the subject of the city. For now paras is a neutral territory, when the qutanax are defeated, from both our lands, we can discuss it's status, but for now savages ran amok amidst all our lands and we ought to focus on them, we can squabble about who a city belongs to when the savages lie dead in ruins,"
Mattias eyes his half eaten peach, the knife again soon sliding through the succulent flesh to carve another wedge of sweet delicious goodness, "I would second the honourable Duchess Arkanin's and Viscount Chandus' motion, Paras is moot until the Qatunax are dealt with. Once this new foe has been destroyed utterly, then and only then does Paras become an issue. I would table that Paras be the first motion discussed once the surrounding lands are free of our mutual enemy, and they have been resoundingly defeated, and I would also welcome Paras' leaders to that very gathering of the Senate."
"A simple suggestion…" Jarret remarks as he gets to his feet, looking straight at Darius now as he watches the man. "Perhaps, if we are to come anyway in this place for once, we should get back to the heart of the matter. While the question of the lands taken by these enemies, liberated or not, is an important one, we also need to know the hert of the matter." There's a brief smile offered to both Darius and Pompey, before he glances to Thomas, unable to hold back a grin. "The… always honorable Viscount Chandus has a point. The matter of Paras and any other liberated land is best left for another day." Stepping forward a bit, he adds, "I was once told that the Empire was the strongest realm in the world. Yet our common enemy came from your side of the mountains. I'm a bit curious, both as a leader of men, as a soldier, but also as a person with an interest in history," okay, maybe that last one was made up on the spot. "How did this enemy manage to appear from the lands of the Empire, and if they did not originate from there, where did this threat originate from?"
Fortunately, Ramius is not an ordinary man. He answers Myrana's heart-melting smile with a mirthful chuckle of his own. "Really, you married me for my propensity to carry around sweets? I thought it was my dashing good looks or my stunningly brilliant personality? Well, at least I know your true feelings now," Ramius faux-sniffles, then abruptly pinches his nose as if there was some kind of horrible itch-spider crawling around in there that he needed to crush without mercy.
Ramius knows a thing or two about smashing spiders.
"More importantly," Ramius clears his throat pointedly, "Should we really call those we fight savages when they managed to best the great Vir Sidus empire so thoroughly? That seems to be somewhat understating their capability, doesn't it?"
Rikton's King Rollo is not present in the Senate today, but the Grand Mistress of Rikton is present, a noble lady who acts as one of King Rollo's chief ministers. Standing, she inclines her head to both Aequor and Galenthia's delegations. "The Kingdom of Rikton is for the current social order, instituted by the Empire in times immemorial and sanctioned by the Holy Church. It is also for the utter destruction of savages. If the War of the West could be ended with agreement, then the issue of Paras can be as well, in due time, and we can concentrate on our foe." She sits.
Navali's delegate seconds this, with a 'hear hear!' The graceful looking Navali ambassador nods enthusiastically. "Let Paras decide its own fate, yes, but after! We've other enemies too, I will note, others on the seas that WILL come and WILL attack you. They did so with Kentaire and slaughtered their legion! And they've more recently attacked Aequor's ships, too. And we've the Ice Clans. What I will say is that the Imperial delegates need to settle down, because we're getting nothing accomplished here other than denting pride."
"D'Armaz is it? If you wish to see for yourself, you and your esteemed Husbund are more than welcome to come and see such for yourself, though, Valesca is a pale imitation to the jewel of the empire." Pompey says, adressing the D'armaz first. Then to the Al'arran. "When greed overrides good sense Duke, when a false promise can make a man condem a million people to burn in their final moments, when parley, and bread and salt are seen as weakness, maybe you can understand why things are as they are, and why I for one will focus on their retributuion." he holds up a small silver thimbol. "They are barbaric, I can fit what's left of my wife in this small thimbol, and room left for what's left of my father. I am open to talks, and I am open to help, I agree with the chancellor, other disagreements can be settled when thease Qatunax are no longer a threat."
Darius bows his head to Jasmina. "You will do what you must Your Grace. Just like I must do what I must. For the good of our people." He smiles slightly, his hand still eminating heat and small tendrils of smoke. He takes a deep breath and then looks to Ludovic. "I will keep to my Oath d'Korbina. But lo, you dind't even invite me to your last military manuever. You jsut blindly charged, with three armies into the mouth of a Tiger. And because of that you got BURNED. Literally. If you want my help against these people, and if you want my years of experience in fighting them, then you need to work with me, and not be hung up on what your pocket books and what money you'll loose for Paras!" He practically shouts that at the Viscount.
He takes a deep breath The temperature, Pompey might ntice is visibly warmer around Darius right now. "Paras can wait." He looks right into Ludovic's eyes. IS there a flash of literal fire there? "I will agree to waiting on the matter of Paras until this fight with our common foe is over."
An ancient and red robed Cardinal rises from the Rikton contingent, truly withered and with each inch he rises in height, the vertebrae of his spine grate and crackle and pop. Beside him, another younger yet no less withered Cardinal also rises, reaching out to grasp the much more ancient Cardinal's arm in order to support his elder Theological colleague. And while age may well have withered the body, the old Cardinal's voice though it trembles, remains strong, "They are savages!" His voice tremors in response to Ramius' final point, "Savages! Fiends of the very pits from whence evil dwells. The Holy city of Rikton!" His voice cracks briefly and a couple of vertebrae follow in sympathy.
"The most Holy City of Rikton shall stand by our dear beloved brethren, our dear flock, we shall push these devils back, drive them from our lands! And we shall do so together! Together! With prayer in our hearts!" Again he pauses, his head nodding slowly as he surveys the room with milky eyes, "Together as One. One Faith. One Body. One… One… One…" The younger Cardinal leans in to whisper into the rather hairy and larger ear of the older Cardinal, "One triumphant push to drive them from our lands! Our homes! Our hearths. May the One protect and guide us all!" And with a slow and shakey genuflection, the two ancients settle as one.
Jasmina is so angered that she leaves abruptly, leaving her maid and guards having to scramble to catch up with her. It'd be funny, seeing all the black-purple-and-silver-clad figures scurrying off if it wasn't for the Archduchess's mood.
The other delegations - Ryalta, Alezzo and Partharia do not appear to have any opinions on the matter. They stay out of the argument entirely.
The Kentairish delegate rises and takes but a moment to regard both Darius and Pompey, "The Empire takes whatever it wants, the only way you'll free Paras from their grasping clutches, is to burn them out. As one might fleas from a pile of sodden fleeces. Burn them out, drive them from Paras and free your City from their grasp." Sniffing disdainfully, the roman-nosed delegate from Kentaire continues to eye the two Imperial delegates with mild distaste and a sneer that says it all, "They take advantage of your troubles, and they undoubtedly will continue to do so once the enemy is defeated. Burn them out now. Leave Paras a scorched ruin that benefits no one, especially them." His lip quirking into another momentous sneer as he eyes the two before sitting down once more and looking away.
Mercy stands. "Evan after a peace treaty, I expect nothing less from Kentaire. Arcadia has it's own problems, but I say savages first, then our personal problems second. I agree with Chancellor mattias and Viscount Chandus." She says before sitting back down.
Myrana puts the pad of her thumb to her lips with a descending clatter of bracelets to clean a bit of apricot juice from there, slanting an oblique look at Ramius as she does so. There's colour in her cheeks as she turns her gaze back to the floor though, and she clears her throat. It must be warm in here.
"It would be rude of me to refuse the invitation of a Consul of the Palace," she demurrs. "Though without an answer I feel I should not, as it would be entirely innapropriate to come as a representative of our King and Queen without bringing those masters of our sciences whom might wish to exchange ideas. I myself am no master of anything in particular, and can offer very little in exchange for hospitality."
Ludovic takes a deep breath himself, slowly straightening his hands out of the fists that they have bunched into. He meets Darius' eyes, returns the look, and then gives a nod at the Princeps agreement that Paras can wait. "I'm happy for you to continue to use Paras as a home for your legion Princeps and I will take that declaration on faith." A muscle ticks somewhere in his jaw even as the kentairish delegation speaks. "Hopefully your word means more than that of the Qatunax."
Annnnd there it is. Ramius breathes a long, perhaps slightly frustrated sigh. "My apologies, it seems that my meaning was somewhat muddled by semantics. You misunderstand me, honorable cardinals, consul. I understand well the barbarism and savagery by which those outside our borders frequently exhibit. Likewise, I have come to know that this savagery frequently belies cunning, wisdom and intelligence which rivals our own. What I am saying is simply this. When my homeland was overrun, it was because we mistakenly considered our neighbours to the north merely 'savages.' Lesser folk whose humanity was somehow diminished by their customs. I know better now. Perceiving our foes to lack humanity closes doors to diplomacy, but it also causes us to believe them less than ourselves in practical terms. To call these foes 'savages' is to denigrate their capability and to underestimate their prowess on the battlefield. It creates a bias, constrains our minds, and prevents us from considering all the situation for what it is."
"We cannot continue to call all those from lands and civilizations which seem wild, lawless and, indeed, savage, by such names. They are savage, yes, but their intelligence is real. We must be cautious by what we name them, lest we forget that it doesn't take much more than a 'savage' to kill a man. To underestimate them is foolish."
"We must consider them equal to ourselves at the very least. Their capabilities, their intelligence, we /must/ respect these things if nothing else. Only then can we hope to win any meaningful victory."
Ramius settles somewhat, then, the booming voice of a general returning again to the relatively jovial tones so commonly heard from the northern duke. "On the matter of a visit, I echo my wife's opinions. Though a visitation isn't exactly within the realm of possibility right this minute, considering the delicate state of the empire, perhaps we might interest you in a reciprocal visit to our home in the distant north? The summer is the best season for tourism, after all."
Imogen stands quietly, and though it's breaking protocal she wraps both her arms around Dovi's own, her chin resting on his shoulder as she whispers into his ear.
Dertan flicks his eyes between the various parties as he listens and observes the various parties and their reactions. He doesn't speak nor stand himself. Instead waiting.
Pompey turns to look at Ludovic. "Our word is infinately worth more than the qatunax. I don't hate you Viscount, or even dispise you, and working together is the best outcome." He then turns to address Ramius. "Of it we undersetimated them, we wouldent be having this talk right now Good Duke, and yes, I will personally accept your invitation, we can talk on the matters your wife has brought up there, is a much more appropriate environment, if it please the both of you." he says and sets that thimbol he was carrying on the podium, for all to see. "Cousin, I leave the floor to you, though I am open to questions." He says as he takes a few steps back to watch and observe.
Darius envisions leaping at Ludovic, grabbing him by the side of the face and pouring all his flames between his two hands turning Ludovic's head to black smouldering ash as he screams in pain and terror and boiling the blood through the rest of the man's body and then setting Imogen aflame with a sweep form his black ash covered hand.
Instead, Darius takes a deep breath, closing his eyes as he does so. He lets his breath out slowly, feeling the heat around him, as the heat swirls around him. It evne flutters his half cape a little. He is about to retort when Pompey speaks his own mind. So he jsut lets that little daydream play in his head instead.
Ludovic actually gives a small, albeit strained, chuckle at whatever Imogen says. Pompey he just gives a look that suggests he has his doubts. Then, no doubt to the great relief of everyone on a schedule, he returns to his seat.
Thomas nods heartily at Ramius, evidently agreeing with him. He then claps his hands together. "Good. Now, honourable delegates, since we are all in rough agreement about expelling the Qatunax, though some have different views on our Imperial friends, we must put some meat on this idea." Chandus smiles. "Kentaire has previously stated that she will supply troops and pay for the Legion of the West. I would ask that all nations, ALL nations," he looks to Partharia, Alezzo and Ironhold, "contribute soldiers to this Legion. Go back to your lands and find what you can muster. The Galenthian contribution to the Legion will be stewarded by House Arkanin, who are already engaged in this theatre. The Royal Wayston Regiment will act as a strategic depth but will not be committed at this time." He looks over to Evae apologetically, sending a page her way.
Myrana hmms to herself and takes her seat again as Ramius speaks, smoothing out her skirts and lapsing into thought again. As she picks up another apricot her eyes go to Darius, watching him closely.
"This chamber," she murmurs to Ramius from behind the apricot. "May well be an oven."
Mattias continues carving his peach, listening to the various arguments going back and forth between the various delegations and their Imperial visitors. If anything, the idea of free citizens in Aequor, well… that does bring a smile to the Chancellor's lips, a smile well hidden by the claiming of another slice of peach, "Do remain civil one and all, address our dear Imperial guests with the respect you would expect yourselves." The Chancellor's voice carries well enough, before being silenced by another slice of peach. A sigh soon follows however, and Mattias casts his gaze to those gathered, "The Free City State of Four Corners will aid Kentaire in funding this Legion, for one noble country funding such a legion is only improved by two sovereign nations aiding in such a manner. I would offer artillery support, though I would defer to our Imperial guests as to how black powder is most likely an utter hindrance against this enemy, however our mercenary companies can offer a great deal of flexibility."
Jarret just shakes his head after a few moments, as he turns around to look around the room briefly. He moves to his seat, but only to pick up his flask that he left there, before he works for the door, steps slow and measured. Just walking to the door.
The mask is back on the arkanins face, carefully schooled so that the sudden information that /she's/ fielding the entire galenthian contribution to the battle, but she's not exactly shocked, and so it's no great effort to keep her expression neutral as she receives the missive. Whatever it says seems to be satisfactory as she leans forward to whisper a few words to be sent back to the viscount.
Myrana offers half of one of her apricots to Ramius. It is the half with the pit still in it, but you can tell for Myra sharing any delicious food, even stuff that was brought to her, is surerly a gesture of the most sincere esteem.
"You know what these would be really good with?" she whispers to him, leaning towards his chair as she does so.
Thomas briefly reads the note sent back by Duchess Arkanin and nods. More for another time, perhaps. He turns his eyes once more to the chamber. "The Kingdom of Galenthia has one more concern to raise to this august chamber."
Ramius takes this offered apricot and chucks it into his mouth, pit and all. The pit comes back out in a moment or two, because even Ramius isn't that awesome. "I dunno. Honey and some bread? Maybe something salty instead, to go with the sweetness."
Jarret comes to a stop momentarily as he hears Thomas, although he doesn't wait more than a few seconds before he steps outside.
Myrana reaches down beside her in the senate chair and produces (et voila!) a small heel of heavily smoked cheese from the mysterious realms therin. Does she have… a pocket of snacks? Or is it out of a little basket hidden by her skirts?? She quietly offers some to Ramius. "I had toast," she admits. "Earlier."
Ludovic moves back to his feet. "As an act of faith." He states. "In this new Legion. I will assign all of my forces, with the exception of levies and militia, into the legions command. This will include mercenaries and any other troops loaned to me, as long as they approve it. In addition." He takes a slow breath. Aware that is a pretty big gesture. "I will put aside land to house all of the units which respond. They may make use of our ports, without being subject to the usual tithes, for resupply and support."
Ramius has long since learned not to question the source of Myrana's mysterious nether cheese. He nods and produces a couple of cups, and then carefully opens up the barrel he'd brought along to reveal… Wine! Lots of wine. It smells… Strong. He fills one cup and trades it for Myrana's cheese, then sips at his own. "Yes," Ramius says, "This is a good cheese. Is it local?"
The two Cardinal's rise as one once more, cartiledge and bone grinding against eachother in a way that really isn't all that pleasant up close, "Peasants! Peasants are the Ones servants! They should not aspire to serve themselves for in serving themselves they… they…" The younger Cardinal blinks, it appears they missed the moment, but the older Cardinal continues without a care, "…for serving themselves leads to greed and wanton grasping of material goods! They serve their betters in body and soul! And so should the Aequorian subjects of Paras continue to do so!" The ancient Cardinal nods firmly, while the younger Cardinal sees that things have moved on and seeks to aid the tussling ancient Cardinal back to his seat, "They should not aspire to freedom! For aren't we all bound by our duty to the One!" And down he goes!
Mattias slowly rises and clasps his hands together, folding them into the sleeves of his robe, while the heavy chains of office about his shoulders shift heavily, "Is there any more points to put across this day? If not then I would say we have reached at least one agreement to drive our mutual enemy from our lands and our borders. Our honoured guests? My lords, ladies, gentlemen and women?"
Thomas's attention is momentarily stolen by the Cardinals, and he glances sympathetically to the younger one. He decides not to address that. Ludovic gets a gracious nod. "A generous offer, Viscount d'Korbina. Hopefully our other nations, especially Navali, Alezzo, Ryalta and Ironhold will also contribute." He clears his throat at Mattias. "Yes. I bring up the topic of the only nation not addressed so far - the Empire of Partharia. Know this, delegates of your Emperor, that the border forts along the Great Salt River are fully staffed and forces ready in depth to respond to ANY further provocations. We may be at war on multiple angles, but I will remind the honourable representatives of the Southern Emperor that the last time your forces landed in my Kingdom, my liege the Lord Marshal savaged them and made the rivers run with their blood. Do not make the same mistake as your forebears, for we are watching you." He has a hard edge to his voice.
He must have overheard something on his way out, because Jarret turns around again, this time over towards the Cardinals. "That must explain all the fine material buildings of the Church, good Cardinal," he remarks, loud enough for even the older Cardinal to hear. As he hears Thomas speak, he turns to look for the Partharians briefly, before he looks over in the direction of where Dertan seated himself, giving the man a 'you got this' look, before he spins around and heads out.
Myrana whispers back: "I had it off a man being rude to his grandma." This is clearly a point of pride. Being rude to little old ladies, after all, is among the top tier sins of the modern age. "I was considering hiring her at the school under the offices of-" A look is raised to the rhuematic cardinal. However pious the young Armaz is, something that he said prickles down her back and a little spark of angry, hungry static jumps from her hand to Ramius' as she accepts the cup of wine. She realizes this, and flashes a startled look at the Arrani.
"There is another," she says, as Mattias asks the room. Caught with her hands full of cup and distracted by accidentally shocking Ramius (a thing which… well. Let us just say its happened before), she hesitates a moment, then puts the cup down on the arm of her chair, rising again to speak to the chamber as a whole.
"I h-have a direct question for the Princeps," she addresses Darius, turning her gaze to him and lacing her fingers together before the buckle of her low-slung chatelaine belt. "If you will hear it in turn, as Aequor is likewise eager to be witness to those dealings of our neighbors to the south."
The elder Cardinal gasps, a sharp rasping intake of breath that rattles the very brittle lungs of the ancient Theologian, "A testament to the glory of the One!" He rattles after Jarret, while the younger one seeks to soothe the elder.
The Parthian representatve stands and looks to Thomas. He glares at the Galenthian and then the man and his Delegation storms out. Cursing at the Galenthian the whole way. Some of the curses are QUITE colorful and more tha one person in teh room clears their throat.
Darius turns to look to Myrana and gestures with a hand. It is a movement that says simply, You may address me, without using words.
"Ah. I see that Partharia does not even bother to deny its guilt. Let be heard by all delegates in this august body. The Kingdom of Galenthia prepares to receive an invasion by the Empire of Partharia." Thomas states cooly as he watches the southern delegates storm out.
Thomas sends a note by page to Dertan.
Myrana looks back at Ramius, then turns her head towards Imogen and Ludovic, her expression guarded. But then, after a moment's pause, she steps forward to speak to Darius just beyond arm's length near the center of the floor, though she does not cross the invisible line seperating those seats assigned to her own AEquoran representatives. Its as if it were burned into the marble, and to go over it would be… well. Unthinkable, at least for her. Or perhaps she is wary of approaching the man any further than that.
Once the Partharian representative of the merchant princes storms out, she speaks:
"Princeps Darius, most recent of that name," she says. "You told the Vicountess Jasmina when you proposed to her obliquely in the manner of your ancestors that Sorcerers of the empire are embraced- even raised above the status of men and women not touched by Magic." Though she tries to hide it, its likely that anyone standing across from her can see that telltale flicker in the hollow of her creamy throat that signals a racing pulse. Approaching Darius, an open Sorcerer and equally open enemy of her beloved Crown, is frightening. But Myrana is brave. Or stupid. It is sometimes the same exact thing.
"What then, if your emperor puts his banners above us, will you do with the Inquisition?" Despite her craft, her voice catches slightly in mentioning the Witchhunters of Rikton. "Will the Holy Mother Church be untouched?"
Dertan receives the note from the page with a nod. He opens it, reads the contents and then pens his own brief note. This note is sent back via the same page to Brigadier Chandus.
"The Inquisition is an institution founded by fear." Darius says with a shrug. "If they want to limit their understanding of our wirld and try to control the education and intelligence of their people by being small minded, then that is up to them. We Imperials do believe in free thought after all." He shrugs again and then heads toward the door. "I need air. May the One watch over each of you." He bows to the room and heads out a side door.
Pompey moves to walk at the side of his cousin. "I need wine, copious amounts of wine." He says in the imperial tounge.
Darius never gets to the side door.
A Ramius al'Arran is standing in their way. He is wielding… A barrel of booze.
"Did someone say," Ramius al'Arran says to the dread of absolutely everyone in the room named Myrana d'Armaz. "/Copious amounts of wine?/"
Darius grunts. "I'll find you shortly."
"Oh god," Myrana breathes.
Thomas looks over to his scribe's tally. "That is Arkanin forces, forces from Hellsmouth, an artillery battery from Four Corners. We hope to hear of contributions from the remaining nations, particularly Kentaire and Rikton, as soon as possible. The Qatunax will not wait on us, I'm afraid. The Kingdom of Galenthia hs no more business."
Pompey looks up and smiles. "Always trust the Arrani to know how to throw a party." he says with a nod pulls out a few flasks from under his toga. "I got Vodka from our northern territory."
Ramius laughs heartily, right from the belly. "Of course! We would freeze if we did not know how to drink. I've a few bottles of brandy from back home in reserve I can bring along too. And of course the good sir Firebrand will be joining us for firewine?"
With a nod where appropriate, Thomas and his small entourage slip out of the chamber.
The two elderly Cardinals rise as one with a great cracking of bone and crinkly sinew, "The Inquisition!" States the elder one with a gnarled finger wagging blindly in the direction of Myrana and then some completely random member of a delegation, "Protects us from great evil! They hound the devils at our door!" And with that great exertion, the elder Cardinal clutches at his chest as he exhales a ragged papery wheeze, before being lowered back to his seat by the younger Cardinal.
After looking first surprised and then worried by Myrana's question, Ludovic watches Ramius approach Darius with a fairly dark expression. He moves sometime after they have departed, returning to his feet, and offering his elbow to Imogen. Once she moves to join him he starts to leave, telling her. "I need a drink."
Pompey looks to the twqo cardinals, though doesnt say anything. "Oh he will, I know my coousin very well, he will need a good stiff drink." He keeps the joke to himself. "But let us go and drink Arrani."
Myrana's blue eyes cool a little as the Cardinals respond. But there is ultimately no escaping her husband's invitation to the Vir Sidus delegation. Like someone approaching hangman's road, she folds her hands together and goes to face her terrible fate.
Imogen is rather quiet once things die down, she's exhausted and stressed, and it shows. There's a reason she avoids all this normally. But she just silently loops her arms through his own and moves to follow him numbly, as if unable to think or function without guidance.
Mercy wealks past Ludovic, she isnt happpy either, though, mostly because kentaire vitches were here. "I have four casks of wine if you need some Cousin." She mumbles before walking off.