Viara stood amongst the grand halls of the Grand Palace, her white-silver armour glistening, and her best "politician" face on. Truth be told, she'd rather be fighting off bandits, maybe even a Drake. Not negotiating gods-be-damned trade routes through treacherous mountain passes and valleys.
Her hair flowed in it's usual fashion, loose and rather shiny in it's golden glory. The only thing that was off, was that she was in ill temper, and hadn't expected to be given an appointment with the Grand Duke at "that" time of the month.
Her stomach pulled and tugged, and she felt an ache something terrible near her gut. And she was in a foul mood.
But despite her circumstances, she waited for the Grand Duke to make his appearance, glowering at the architecture and building structure, seeming so alien from the beautiful land from which she hailed.
She would be waiting twenty minutes tops before a tall and girth man, with thinning grey hair, a large nose and thick, fatty layers to his neck, waltzed in, his body laced in the finest of Connlaothian robes and his stance carrying him that spoke volumes of his person.
"Ah, my Lady Viara," he said, bowing deeply and gracefully, at least as much as his gut would allow it. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I am Vesrik Delcheux, personal adviser to the Grand Duke." And he rose up from his bow to flashed her a most charming grin. "My Grace will be here momentarily, but he told me to go on ahead to greet you and to offer you some of our famous, Connlaothian wine. If it so pleases you, my servants already have the bottle and a goblet they're pouring now." And he gestured towards a maid in fancy skirts who moved forward to pour a cup of the deep, red wine.
"This wine, my lady, hails from the same birthplace as our Grand Duke. And the flavor, I assure you, is exquisite." Turning to her, he waited for her to take the gilded cup as he himself took up a second one that was poured and drank a good gulp of it down. "I hope your travel has been well. I know those mountains can be treacherous."
"Oh its quite alright Lord Delcheux. I understand that he must be exceptionally busy. I had to wait two days to talk to the Queen of Serendipity once." She gave a flourish crossed with a curtsey, the only true feminine gesture she could make. She did notice the charm, and part of her wanted to fall for it.
But she was a political veteran. She already knew the tricks and charms. It was harder in Serendipity. In Serendipity, magic ran rampant in politics. Some nobles had eyes that any woman would fall to, others had grins and smiles that promised diamonds and jewels.
And she had a golden tongue, her own little siren song. It wasn't perfect, but it was effective. The Mordecai cancelled that ability though.
"Thank you m'lord." She took the wine gratefully, and made a note to make it her only glass. Alcohol made all people malleable, and that was the last thing she wanted. She took a sip, and as soon as the metal touched her lips she jolted, the singeing pain a reminder that there were Mordecai nearby.
She took the goblet and held it for a servant.
"My sincere apologies, the nearby Mordecai have negated my armour's enchantment, thus I felt the sting of the iron in the metal."
Vesrik lifted a brow.
"But of course." Though he made no fuss of it now, he put this little detail away and committed it to memory. Never know when it might come in handy.. "Is there.. something else I could offer to you as you wait, My Lady? You need but ask, I am at your disposal."
"I am fine, thank you my lord." Viara began to feel the other symptoms cropping up immediately. Her eyes began watering, and she began to itch in places a lady shouldn't scratch, and now she was feeling slightly angry at Vesrik.
She was now suffering for thinking that she would be immune to iron, and began to regret choosing Connlaoth suddenly. Maybe her ability would be better served in Adela.
"If it isn't too impertinent of me, might I ask how long the Grand Duke may be? I have to go and examine the mountain passes for evidence of border jumpers."
"Ah, yes, he should only be but a moment more. Would you like to sit?" And he gestured towards a room off to the side. "We can wait in the study, or the veranda until he is available. Though I do not think it should take too much longer, my lady."
"I think the veranda would be nice, thank you." Viara followed the man, still not trusting his intent, or his suggestions. But she couldn't risk offending, and the wine had genuine reasoning.
As she went, she examined mirrors, trying her golden tongue ability as she went, and after a point, it worked. There was a distinct lack of mordecai near the verandas. And that meant her golden tongue could take full effect. Here, she had power.
"So... You are personal adviser to the Grand Duke you say? Would it be possible for you to advise him to set up a trade route with Serendipity through the mountain passes? With Serenian forces guarding it?" Her tongue would, to anyone who couldn't hear her yet, turn to what looked like liquid gold, shimmering in the daylight.
Vesrik gave a swish to his wine in his goblet.
"Is Serendipity proposing to help us make more protections in the Kilanthros?" he inquired, genuinely interested as he gave a smile over in her direction. "I know things have seem... rather strained as far as trade routes go, but I'd be willing to bet the Grand Duke might be interested to hear Serendipity is interested in helping with this... problem. We all know those mountain passes can be dangerous."
"We feel, in the Serenian government, that making more trade along current routes will cause the current ones to become overcrowded, and will attract the attention of unfriendly eyes." Mid sentence, she felt a Mordecai come in range, and her ability faltered. She didn't know if the idea that she had tried to plant would stick anymore.
"If we make routes through the mountains, policed on either side by Serenian and Connlaothian forces, with escort guards perhaps travelling with caravans, we could open more trade, without overburdening the current routes."
Vesrik paused to consider the woman's suggestion. It was a fine idea indeed, and... if the Serenians were willing, it could also use up less resources from the Connlaothian forces.
"Which of your provinces (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=9796.msg69644#msg69644) are willing to open trade? Or are all of the boarder provinces okay with such an idea?"
"Northwatch would be the most suitable I imagine, and I'm sure they would be happy to have some trade. I was thinking perhaps have the trade route be river based, after all, it saves horse power, and is slightly more efficient. River trade is excellent for the towns and hamlets that reside along the river banks as well, as some of them are far off the beaten path, and don't get much commerce. Some are entirely self sufficient. Darken Vei would be open to trade, as they are further inland than Featherfall, and some of the small fishing towns in Featherfall sustain the rest of the province. But of course, I would need to have my current travelling companion relay a message to the heads of province of course." Viara smiled, her naturally beautiful appearance always a political spell to use.
Vesrik had almost not caught what she said, coming off guard by her looks, despite her armor. Though he tried not to stare, she was a beautiful woman indeed, and he had no qualms about entertaining her now since the Grand Duke seemed to be taking his time... Calent was probably still hiding away with his taxes. Just let him, he didn't always need the Grand Duke present in order to help deliver important messages anyway, but he knew, for Connlaoth's sake, Calent should at least make an appearance.
"Ah, sounds like you've gotten everything figured out. I'm sure Grand Duke Allarrick will be pleased to hear of the details, and if there's a plan for us to unionize to conquer trade in the Kilanthro's, I myself, will be a supporter of such an idea. The roads, as we all know, can be perilous and despite both of our countries best efforts, thieves and bandits tend to thrive there, believing those mountains can protect them." He shook his head at such a scandalous idea.
"Oh, yes, that reminds me. While we're on the subject of bandits, Serenian nobles have received several offers to help cleanse the mountains of bandits. Our only issue, is that most of these offers are from a rather shady organisation calling themselves the Knights Of Phelgenoth, named after an ancient demon-lord of the north." Viara flicked her hair, seeing a glint of interest in her in Vesrik's eye. She had the upper hand here, as long as no-one stuck an arrow of a blade in her face.
"Obviously, for said reasons, we are reluctant to allow, what we believe, is a demon cult, to assist us. We're more convinced that the dragon colony in the Western Highlands is the better option for clearing the mountains."
"Ah, yes, I'm sure my lord Grand Duke would not be pleased with either option. He prefers...t he more human approach, I dare so."
"Unfortunately, with the willing aid of dragons, it makes a clear cut choice to us in Serendipity. Dragons are far more durable than any soldier, and while they are large an conspicuous, I know of nothing that can outrun an angry dragon." Viara realised she was not actually stating the most necessary point.
"But of course, they will remain strictly neutral. They are a neutral territory, offering to aid Serendipity and Connlaoth to allow for better relations with both countries. I have been told to relay a message that Veraxitoc, their leader, would very much like to speak to the Grand Duke. I couldn't make promises of course. But they have told me that Mages have sought refuge in their territory."
"Ah, no wonder. The dragons must be upset!" Vesrik said, giving a sympathetic look towards Viara. "But I'm sure this is a matter best left for my Grand Duke to decide. We all know the particulars on a nation's boarder. The.. people of our nation might feel ill at ease knowing dragons are now lurking in those mountains willingly. So forgive me for speaking out of place, but I know my Grand Duke well. He might not be so willing to accept those sorts of forces to be of any aid."
"Of course, I do understand. Please do remember, no final agreements have been made on the matter, we felt it would be better to consult the Grand Duke before instigating actions along the border of our two nations." Viara smiled, trying to remind herself that her golden tongue wasn't working right now.
"We would prefer to keep the peace if possible."
"Ah, yes, and keeping the peace is what Connlaoth wants most," he said coolly. But just as his eyes moved to nonchalantly take this lovely woman in, movement by the doors drew his attention. And upon seeing who it was, he immediately rose.
"Ah, my liege," and he bowed before him, sweeping across the distance to remain before his dukeship. "So wonderful for you to show up. We were just enjoying a delightful conversation on the veranda and sipping some fine, Allarrian wine. Please, allow me to conduct the proper introductions. Grand Duke Allarrick, this is Lady Viara Fostell, Lady Fostell, this..." he said, finally lifting his gaze. "Is the Grand Duke of Connlaoth, Calent Allarrick."
Stepping across the distance between them, Calent moved a hand forward and took Viara's before moving it lightly and kissing the top of her hand, before moving his own gloved, ringed fingers for her to do the same.
"It's a pleasure, Lady Fostell. I hope you were not waiting long."
"I was not my liege, and I found the company most exuberant." She kissed his hand back, and flourished in a more ladylike way than she had for Vesrik. This man was one of the most powerful men in the world right now, politically anyway. She had to maintain every formality.
"It is an honour to meet you, your highness." She smiled, and decided that her feminine, natural charms were a bit too primitive for politics of this kind.
"I take it your travel has been well. Please, do sit down and make yourself comfortable. I am under the presumption there is much you wish to discuss?" Or else Calent had no idea why she would show up now, and where as Vesrik had the low down as to what you intentions were, he felt it was necessary to let the lady speak instead of he for her. No need for Vesrik to play the ambassador of the ambassador, even as lovely as she was.
"Yes, there is your highness." Viara could feel the overwhelming draining sensation of a nearby Adhara, most likely standing guard in the corridor. It made her feel ten times worse, the iron in everything irritating her skin and making her sting.
"Serendipity has sent me to, ugh, negotiate trade routes, specifically, one running through the river that runs to, um, the province of Northwatch." Viara was clearly beginning to get uncomfortable, and tried desperately to avoid scratching in an un-lady-like fashion. She could feel rashes breaking out under her arms, and one in the joint of her right thigh to her crotch. It was horror to her, and she wanted to just strip and itch. But she doubted the Grand Duke would appreciate it. She had to maintain an image.
ooc: lol poor Viara
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"Yes, before you arrived she had briefed me on the particulars," Vesrik said with a cool nod.
Calent gave a nod on his own.
"The you may continue, Lady Fostell, and give me the most prudent details on your suggestion. Connlaoth is always open ears to trade with our partners to the south."
OOC: She is starting to regret choosing to go to he mordecai, where her more dangerous magic is controlled, lol
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"Of course, we have two options." Viara continued. "A boat route, following the river through the mountains. Or a route through the mountains. If we were to choose the boat route, despite the slightly slower speed, it is the safer of the two, as, with the right type of rotation on the boat, we can have the boat travelling at night. And there are plenty of villages looking to sell and buy on the rivers in Northwatch. With the mountain route, it would be faster, but more treacherous, more risk of bandits attacking and stealing wares and gold."
"But, we have sent privately funded scouts, and a few of our neutral but politically allied forces to examine the mountains for bandits, and they have found plenty. But before Serendipity moves forces into the mountain to make it safe, we wanted to consult you. We feel that it would be a ver unwise decision to just march soldiers into the mountains and start a bandit purge, and begin setting up camps and outposts. You understand how something like that might be interpreted as an act of war, and neither Connlaoth, nor Serendipity wants to go to war from what I gather. So, it was unanimously decided, that we would consult you before taking action."
Zannrick, one of Calent's more esteemed mordecai, lingered near the door, listening in to everything this Lady Fostell had to say. Where as Vesrik was an adviser, Zannrick was like Calent's hound, and might have been one of the reasons for Lady Fostell's ill at ease. Not only was his powers causing her to be itchy, but he himself, evoked a presence of power. He wasn't chosen for his position as a personal mordecai escort for no reason, and while his accomplice, Emery, was off elsewhere in attendance, he was needed here for the time being. So as Lady Fostell went on to go over the particulars of a river pass, he just tucked that information away. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except, those boundaries in the mountains were questionable at best, and should a Serenian mage slipa cross the boarder to cause trouble...
"Rivers are a great mode of transportation to move large cargo about swiftly. However, I do agree, the mountain passes are treacherous. If the bandit problem were to be reduced, it would make this sort of option ideal, but even bandits aside, a lot of the rivers in the Kilanthros have dangerous rapids that, during the spring thaw, become impossible to pass. It might be wise to create both a river and trail route, if it is so desired, on the more calmer aspects of the rivers that float from the Connlaothian side of the mountains and into the Serenian valleys. That way more trade routes could be exposed outside of port cities, and would help make in land travel more accessible. I will definitely consider it, as I see the benefits for our countries both. Though naturally, I would want to have my own men hired to take up positions on both ends of the trade line, to ensure Connlaothians safety, mind you."
And after hearing Calent's suggestion, both Vesrik and Zannrick felt content, and waited to see what Viara would have to say.
"Of course, it is only right to want to protect your interests." Viara forced a smile, feeling it twitch, and her eyes began to water a little as her aversion to iron caused her a lot of discomfort.
"I agree on your point about using both, if the rivers do as you say, then this may be the best choice. We have contacted several, outside, private groups about being paid to clear the mountains. Some others have contacted us as well, and we have some concerns." Viara returned to a business-face, hiding her emotions. "We have had a group called the Knights of Phelgenoth contact us. They are named after an ancient Demon Lord said to have haunted the Hyoite wastelands, and we are wary of accepting their offer, as they are, in our opinion, obviously a demon cult, and must be crushed when resources can be put to it. The second group, is, to Serendipity, a wiser choice. Serendipity has recently developed a good relation with a group of dragons in the Terrin Mountains. They are neutral, calling themselves a separate nation, and they wish to aid in our endeavour, in return for being left in peace. We are willing to oblige them, but we again, felt it best to consult you on the matter, as we understand that borders are not well defined."
"I'd prefer military only for our boarders, thank you," The Grand Duke said, purposely being short with his words. He need not explain himself for not wishing to bother with those offers, he knew if Serendipity truly wanted to make a better land route between their boarders, it would be from their military and nothing less. "This is not a matter to be handled by anything but. So once your Queen has made the arrangments and an agreement on the sources, we can send out our own surveyors to help establish the fastest and safest route. To which province, did you say, this would open up to?" That would matter greatly here as certain provinces were... less hostile towards the Connlaothian anti-mage laws, especially with the more severe ones as of lately. He needed no conflict, and dragons and demons were completely out of the question. It was military or nothing, as far as he was concerned.
"The mountain pass that I examined on my travels here, split off into two roads, one leading to Northwatch, and one leading to Featherfall." Viara was struggling to hide the intentions of the trade route less than she struggled to hide her discomfort. She was itching beyond belief, and it was starting to sting.
"Of course, we were anticipating that you might say that, so we organised that we can use our military in this scenario. However, I must then give you fair warning, I have spoken to the dragons, and they have stated they will act independently in this case." Viara spoke calmly. The dragons were peaceful, but not afraid to throw their weight around enough to make people vacate a premise.
"The negotiations are between Connlaothian men and Serenian ones. I will agree to nothing less." And he left it at that, taking a longer drink of his wine, but he was not one to ignore Viara's unease and asked her again, "Have your travels faired you well? If you need some time to rest after your travel, we can easily make accommodations for you in the palace."
"Of course. I understand." Viara answered, lightly scratching her hand. She wanted to scratch so badly. So, so, so badly.
"Oh, we ran into some trouble with the aforementioned demon cult, as they tried to attack us on our travels. I warn you, their cultists are well armed. Armed better than some soldiers. And they're impossibly tough." Viara mentioned. She wanted Connlaoth to at least understand this cult.
"And some rest would be much appreciated your highness. Might I ask that mordecai keep their distance? It's an issue, my armour and clothes have all been enchanted to reduce the symptoms from my aversion to iron, and obviously, their ability renders it useless."
Calent gave a nod.
"I'll have my men looking into it." But at her last statement, he gave a blink. "Unfortunately, that is not possible, my lady. If you'd need a different garb, I'm sure my maids would be able to produce you something, but as it stands, there is a strict policy in the palace, well, in the entire capital, about the amount of mordecai present and how many and for how long. Do forgive me." And he gave a nod, hoping she'd understand. It was out of his hand. He would not compromise safety for comfort.
"Oh, of course... I understand." In her head, Viara instantly knew she wanted out, she couldn't stand this itch. It was unbearable. And she just wanted to scratch, in the most male, unlady-like fashion. But hopefully this conversation was not going to be too much longer, or they could get out to somewhere with less iron.
"Do you have a barracks or training ground nearby? I wish to refresh my combat memory, for the travels home."
Calent gave a nod her way and gestured towards Zannrick, who was stationed nearby, wearing all of the proper and elite attire a mordecai could earn.
"Zannrick can see you there." ANd then he paused to turn to her. "So is our meeting at an end?"
"Thank you your highness." Viara was looking forward to at least be stretching her sword arm. It would keep her from getting bored in this city.
"Yes, I believe that is everything I wished to discuss Grand Duke Allarick. Is there anything you wish to discuss further?"
As Zannrick stepped into the room, ice blue eyes remaining upon Viara, Calent rose from his chair, and Vesrik soon followed.
"No, my lady," the Grand Duke said with a bow. "But if you need anything, simply call on the servants. I will be returning to my work now. Good eve." And he righted himself and moved out the door.
Vesrik hung back, bowing at the waist.
"Yes, anything at all, my lady, our resources are at your disposal during your time in the palace. Enjoy your practice." And he flashed her a polished grin before following Calent out the door.
The second they were alone, Zannrick barked him command.
"Come, the training grands are on the East wing. It will be a bit of a walk, but we can take the bridge over the veranda to see us there." And with a rigid bow, he turned away, cape sweeping behind him in his wake as he lead the woman down the long halls and out onto the bridge.
Viara smiled politely, gave a feminine flourish, then waited for the politicians to leave the room. Then she seemed to switch in an instant. She undid her hair, and let it fall, and her eyes had a predatory look in them.
"So, sir Zannrick, you are the Grand Duke's personal guard?" She followed, examining the man closely, judging whether a sparring challenge would be worth her time. Eventually she decided he was worth it, and flicked her hair over her shoulder, letting it mess. The one trick she had planned always sent men of a certain kind into a frenzy for her.
"You must be the best trained soldier in all of Connlaoth? Ever get any sparring practice?" Viara stretched, waiting to hear his answer.
Zannrick's gaze remained sharp, and he, unphased by whatever flowery display she tried to put on her person. He was a soldier, through and through, and replied simply, "Yes, or the Grand Duke would have no right to keep me so close." And at her latter question, he replied, "I get practice every day." Especially now with the war...
and if he wasn't doing some because of it, he was certainly practicing for it. One does not simply become a hound for a figure head without knowing the dangers behind it. War was one thing, but politics was a whole other game, and he was close to the chess table and knew the moves far too well.
"What about practice with foreign warriors? With outsiders?" Viara sped up her walk to keep up with Zannrick, looking at all angles of him. He was confident, but that meant he could be overconfident. She had a strategy forming in her head.
"I'm just thinking, as the two largest domains, would it not make sense that a significant number of rogues come from Serenian military as well as Connlaothian? I have a friend back home who trained in Connlaoth as a soldier. I spar with him regularly, so that I may recognise the training an opponent has had." Viara needed to be careful. If she made it seem like she was preparing to fight actual Connlaothian soldiers, then she would be accused of preparing for war.
"If you're proposing we practice, I only practice with the best of the best. I'm not here to do any training routines. I haven't the time. But if you think your skills are adequate and it so pleases you, we could do so to pass the time."
And he was also partially bitter towards Serenians. It was a racist aspect of himself, to be sure, but he tried not to let it get into the ways of politics. But the way things were going, he could channel all of his childhood heat towards the enemies of war. They were the real enemies anyway, and with a nod, he continued to briskly lead the way, until the pair of them were standing in an outdoor section of the castle evidently created specifically for sparring.
"Sometimes our Grand Duke himself can be seen practicing here, though he tends to prefer to take his practice to the fields."
And bowing towards the woman, he gestured towards a row of hanging swords.
"Shall you use your blade, or one of our own?"
"I will use my own if that is okay, as the iron in your blades upsets my skin, makes me itch and causes me general discomfort and pain." Viara wanted to make sure this man knew who he was up against, and what a challenge he would face.
She drew her sword, flourishing the silver blade, and she smiled lightly at him, making herself look extremely pretty.
"Bring it, handsome." She set her stance, prepared for anything. She knew what she had to do. Get in close, and bring him to the floor.
"An irritation of iron means only one thing," he said, cutting her a look and drawing out his blade. "And I only use the strongest of blades, polished well with iron." And he took the sword out and pointed it towards her, then lowered it down as his blue eyes remained latched to her form.
"No blood or the match is forfeit. First to fall loses. First to fall back as well. Are you ready?" he asked, now lifting the blade, pointedly.
Viara held her blade ready to fight her opponent. She wanted to make this a clean fight, and his terms were fair in her eyes. He wanted a good sparring opponent and she would oblige.
She stepped forward, preparing a neutral stance. She would change to offense or defence when she saw how he fought, what kinds of techniques he used.
"Let's begin then, shall we?"
The grip on his blade tightened as he nodded when she was ready, and in a flash, his sword batted at her's.... hard. Zannrick was by no means a defensive sort. He was always in the fore front of battle, so offense was always his game. You didn't make an enemy drop to their knees by waiting back and dancing in the shadows, you struck down before they had a chance to even consider that as an option and force on their defeat.
Viara prepared her stance, and when the two blades made contact, she let Zannrick's carry through, spinning a full 360 for a strike down at his sword, where the cross guard met the blade, hoping to wrench it out of his hands and end the fight quickly.
If this failed she, would take a step back and reassess.
The fight wouldn't be over that swift, and before Viara could aim that strike so low, his own sword came up swiftly, meeting it half way and striking it away with a hiss of metal grating across metal, before he freed his blade and made another strike, this one, aimed at her opposing wrist, before coming back towards her other one in hopes to get her to loosen her grip on her blade, much in the same way she tried to disarm him on her first strike.