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The Trouble with Treaties

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Masako returned to her room after getting little information on the country and it's goings on and not really wanting to associate with anyone outside of the meetings currently. She "knew" they all looked down upon her for being so brazen and bold about her appearance and personality; the blonde had done away with that damnable dress and had packed it away and was sitting on a chair looking out of her window. It had a view but in the dark she'd have to wait a few moments before her vision turned over to nightivision before she could see it all in the low-light. "Man this is so boring... I can't wait for tomorrow to come, maybe I can sneak out and go for my own ride." she mused some and continued to watch the outdoors.
 
Gavin smiled, hearing his name on her lips. "In private, you may call me Gavin. I like it, actually," he said, blushing. The only woman who ever called him by his name was his sister, but it never sounded so wonderful. Despite the hinted warning of using hunting to take care of political rivals, he decided to get one set up as soon as possible.

"When I see you tomorrow, I'd love for you to help me put the unguent in my hair. I can only pray that I don't mess it up with my tossing and turning tonight." He smiled, brining her fingers to his lips. "I wonder how Diane would feel about the prospect of having a sister-in-law?"
 
Another small chuckle, "For one so young, you seem so very sure of yourself. I like that..."she leaned forward then, and pressed her lips to his. "It should hold for one night..." Her face was still close to his, her breathe mingling with his. "No matter how tempestuously you toss and turn for whatever reasons." The grin on her face said she knew exactly what those reasons would be.

"In all seriousness though, I would keep this quiet between us until things are settled with your sister. After all, she is the political glue around here, and seeing as the Loidites brought us here, it is likely that anything between us could be used as fuel against you." She smiled and laid her head back on his shoulder, "But it is a lovely thought. The matter is getting my sister to agree to it."
 
"I will keep silent, my sweet Honore," Gavin said softly, "but know that I will continue to think of you. You will make a great wife for a king, and I can only dream of being so lucky as to have you say yes. I'm sure your sister would agree."

His hand rubbed up and down her arm. "Once I get Diane settled, things will go easier. I just have to find a way to appease the Loidites when they hear of the engagement." He had a sinking feeling that Tansen already knew, but he had made sure there was nothing the prince could do.
 
Masako would wait for a few moments, sighing and pacing around for a few minutes; in the end she'd throw on a short sleeved shirt with a long vest over it and flexed her legs, clothed in leather pants to work the kinks out. Having shifted footwear to low-heeled boots that she was comfortable wearing. She was back to her favorite look: black and blue before she exited her room again. She was thinking that perhaps she shouldn't acquiese to what they wanted she was comfy like that. But in the end and twenty minutes of meandering around the women's quarters, she would find Diane's private room and knocked on the door politely. Why not make a friend.
 
Diane had just gotten into her nightgown when she heard a knock on the door. Pausing with a ribbon in her mouth and her hair half piled up on her head, she looked at the door. Letting her hair down, she went to open it. Seeing one of the delegates standing outside, she looked confused.

"Can I help you," she asked, trying to figure out what was going on. "You're one of the Goldsparite women, right? Not the comtesses, the Baroness Masako?"
 
"The biggest problem is that technically speaking, you are in the most vulnerable position here. To the victor go the spoil." Honorè was quiet as she thought about the problem. "I'd say offer some kind of technological advance that they won't have figured out with their magic yet. But I myself am not too sure of what it could be. But for any kind of peace out of all of this, they'll want something big. Perhaps agricultural technology. It's much harder to do something with the earth in magic, as mother nature does not like to be forced to do anything." She sighed, things always had to be so difficult. She leaned back, and looked back up to the moon, much like she had when he'd first arrive, the faint light highlighting the curves of her body in a most attractive way.

"I know that all beneath the moon decays,
And what by mortals in this world is brought,
I know frail beauty like the purple flower,
To which one morn oft birth and death affords;
That love a jarring is of minds’ accords,
Where sense and will invassal reason’s power"

She turned and smiled at him, "If you couldn't tell, I also like poetry..."
 
Masako offered Diane a friendly smile when she opened the door, and she wasn't that confused; more bored than anything else. "That's right." She said. "I was just out for a walk and thought I'd be polite and say hi. I'm also somewhat confused by some of your ...customs here in Anstaria." She admitted, rubbing the back of her head, raking her hand through her hair. "Can't help but feel a little..unwelcome." Masako did have a friendly air to her she was casual, relaxed but still confident about herself.
 
Diane stepped aside. "Come on in, maybe I can help," she said. Her brother had a bit of a problem of letting first impressions color his perseption. She had a feeling that she'd spend most of her time smoothing over his mistakes. What would he do without her? "Please, make yourself at home and tell me what's wrong."

She could actually see why her brother would avoid the baroness. The baroness didn't really seem to go for the Anstarian modesty, and that could be a problem for Gavin. It made Diane uncomfortable, too. However, she smiled and sat demurely on her bed.

****************

"And you are so poetic," Gavin said. "I wish I had that talent. I'm afraid, I'm very boring. All my life was nothing but preparing for when I'd be king. My only hobby is reading or hunting." He gave a small laugh. "Diane is like that too. I turn a blind eye when she steals books from the library that she shouldn't, but I spoil her. Reading is her only joy."

He looked down. "Saying it out loud, I feel like I've failed her. That's why I need to make sure her marriage works. I've done nothing for my sister before, and now I'm out of time."
 
Masako bowed her head to the princess and a relieved look passed over her face. "Thank you your highness." She said and joined her in the room and looked around for a moment. "It just seems like... I'm not really welcome here compared to the other two delegates from Goldspar." She admitted. "We come from different areas of the country where things are naturally different. I grew up in a clan of warrior-women that don't put much stock on just words and have a natural distrust of nobility that didn't have to earn their right to it." Masako said ruefully, being honest and opening up some. "So I just be myself. Is that really that big a problem here?" The blonde asked, seeming really bothered by that.
 
She looked at him, her smile turned down. "The only way you've let her down is by failing to realize the things she is good at. Then again, you haven't realized them about yourself. I've only known you one day, but I can see you are struggling against a lifetime of preconceived notions to do what's right. For your sister and your country. You are kind and as long as people don't push you, you don't push back. At the same time..."It seemed it was her night for giving advice.

"You have to open up, both yourself and your country. Or the world is going to pass you by. You can't let one war mark your country forever. Loidi is doing very well, and could do your country even more damage if they were so inclined. I'm not always comfortable with magic, but I understand the necessity of it in coexistence. It's not just going to go away. The best thing you can do is prepare your country and the future of the country for its existence. Perhaps even more moderate Ritter Hex. Just tonight, if the Loidites were inclined, the Ritter Hex's behavior could have prompted another war. Over a child's game." She didn't want to reprimand him, but it was a fact, the Ritter Hex had insulted a prince of the blood of a country that had previously been at war with this one. It could not possibly be sitting well with the Loidites.
 
Diane sighed, looking down. "Well, yes, that is a problem. Anstaria is a very old-fashioned, closed kingdom. We barely even have visitors. This is a big deal to us, opening our boarders for so many people to come through. We are naturally a suspicious lot, and it is a culture shock to have so many who are so different from us running around."

How could she continue and still remain political? She hadn't been there when Masako and her brother met, so she wasn't sure how much friction there was. "If you showed your lack of respect for my brother, as you've told me you feel for nobility, I can see why he'd wash his hands of you. We are a proud people, and to have a guest come in and spit in our faces is an insult that is too great to bear. As a delegate, we are obligated to try harder to understand you, but don't think that will save you. I suggest you don't sneer at my family and our position and try to understand the land you are in."

***********

Gavin nodded. "I will speak with both the Loidites and with my Ritter Hex. I am afraid that the normal situation of Anstaria has gone to Eloran's head. The Ritter Hex rarely have to answer to even the king. If he cannot control himself, i may have to enact an ancient law and demote him. I'd hate to have to do that after all he's done for my family in the past, but I can't risk having us go to war when peace is on the table."
 
Masako looked at Diane as she looked down and tried to fight back the urge to tell her to look up. But really couldn't, as if it ran counter to her nature; she reached over and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to look down at the floor when you speak... you have such pretty eyes, anyone would feel honored to see them." she said. "and you're right. It's not all that fair of me to do. For it I apologize." Masako said. "I don't spit in his face because of the fact he's nobility. When I first showed up..." Masako said and explained what happened for first impressions. "As shallow as it sounds it feels like women are supposed to be..covered from head to toe with as little seen as possible. That just makes no sense, I tried to walk in a dress and tripped 3 times, I'm glad nobody saw me fall on my face." she chuckled.
 
"I'm afraid your Ritter Hex will not like having their power diminished." leaning back, she thought of everything that had occurred in a matter of hours. "I will be honest with you, Gavin. When I came here, it was to stories of a enfeebled kingdom under the control of a magic backward Ritter Hex. I didn't expect to respect or even like you." She chuckled as she lifted up the riding crop she almost always had on her right hand. "This isn't just a tool for horses. I expected everything from rape to being ignored." It was likely hurtful what she was saying, but in her own way Honorè was as blunt as Lady Masako. Her own clan was not one of Amazons, but they had respect for talents beyond the field of battle.
 
"It sounds like you pushed my brother and he pushed back. You feel unwelcomed, but how welcomed should you feel if you come in and start off flaunting our rules in our faces. Everyone else tried to conform, or at least respect our traditions. Despite their use of magic, the Loidites have backed down and are willing to play the tradions while in Anstaria."

She stood up. "Have a seat, Baroness. I'm going to tell you a dark secret of Anstaria, something that we very rarely whisper beyond our boarders," she said. Pacing slightly, she started her tale. "After the Great Upheaval between Anstaria and Loidi, we were in a great turmoil. The magical battle had saturated our lands and many lives were lost. Back in those days, the women of Anstaria enjoyed freedoms that are now seen in only the other parts of the world.

"In those days, there was a princess. The decree to go back to the most ancient of teachings, to wipe magic from our boarders, had just been spoken. She didn't like it, and was poisoned against her own people by a wizard from Loidi. This wizard convinced her to start a riot, to rally others to her cause and go against the king and queen.

"The princess, the wizard and several of those who were on the princess' side were exiled from Anstaria. They formed their own little land just in the south-west, a spit of land between us and Danbar. I don't know if you've heard of it, but they called themselves Hekata. You'd like them. They are everything that we are not. Women rule there, men are subserviant. They are heathens who twisted the gods into what they want. Magic runs wild in that strip of land, and they have lost their humanity."

Diane looked over at Masako. "I follow the laws of my land, even knowing that it wasn't always like this. My family has been the rulers for centuries since the Great Upheaval. We earned our place, and we've held it. We have kept Anstaria safe from the Loidites in the north and the Hakatas in the south. You may not agree with our traditions, or that my brother has a right to rule, but it has served us well. There have been no more riots or uprisings since then, and that means a safe kingdom."

****************

GAvin looked at the riding crop. "I suppose we deserve the rumors. We have not been a very friendly kingdom. We've had our problems and tought to close our boarders. The less we interacted, the more the stories grew." He gave her a small smile. "If its any consolataion, I never thought I'd enjoy the company of a strong, intelligent woman."
 
"But why. Refusing entrance to the Loidites, I understand, but why the rest of the world? From what I understand from my grandmother, people here did not used to be so closed minded. I've even heard tales of women holding equal power with men. But due to the lack of information, often it's just dismissed as a fairy tale." She brought up her riding crop, putting the tip of it just under Gavin's chin.

"Just because the knowledge of wisdom is different, makes it no less valuable. I could show you things that would turn your knees to jelly and your brain to mush. I am a woman of slightly above average intelligence, but I use everything I have to get what I want." She smiled, using the tip of the crop to bring his face closer. "But I'd far prefer an equal who compliments me rather than a subordinate or a superior. Inside the bedroom however, well...we shall see...." And with that said, she leaned forward and kissed him again, the riding crop still at his throat, the soft hide pressed against his skin even while her lips pressed to his, her tongue slipping out to wedge between his in an open invitation of an earlier continuation of the courtship game.
 
"I see..." She said, thinking about what she'd just learned about Anstaria. "Love can make people do stupid things sometimes your highness." Masako said. "Not to be insulting but has anyone thought that that might be the case? The princess may not have been "poisoned" as you describe it but simply chose love over what had to seem at the time to be an oppressive regime?" she asked. "And they might say the same about you Lady Diane." She pointed out. "but I suppose that's not important." she chuckled.

"To be honest princess, the only thing I really want from your brother right now is some form of acceptance for who I am, I won't let him try to cram me into the stereotype of women Anstaria has. Is that so much to really ask?" she said "I'm wiling to make some adjustments for taste adn all but I simply don't understand the necessity of having to constantly "cover up' other than for warmth. How acceptable is this outfit I have right now by your cultural standards?" she asked, lifting her arms to display it. It looked more rough and casual and for exploring or doing stuff outdoors.
 
Gavin moaned low, his hand coming up to cup Honore behind the head and pulling her closer to him. His lips parted, taking her tongue in his mouth as he returned the favor. The subtle touch of the leather crop against his skin made his heart race. He had no idea how he'd be able to sleep tonight without her. She was driving him crazy.

Pulling back, he mumured, "I know you deserve more then a tumble in the hay, but I am finding it hard to control myself around you. Every fiber in my being is on fire for you. If I don't stop now, I fear I will do you a diservice and never stop." He gulped, trying to keep his emotions under control. His desire for her was so great.
 
She smiled as he pulled back, watching him visible try to control himself. "Now I'm sure you'll never be able to deny that woman have power. I only wield it more honestly and openly than most. And even then, it's subtle enough to ensnare a prince, "She teased him lightly. This was one part unseen of her plan, to capture a prince's attention. But it was not unpleasant.

"But somehow, I doubt you lack that much self control...", her smille turning into more of a smirk as she took her hand down, and slid it along his thigh and leaned back in close. "Besides, the tease of the wait will make the culmination all the sweeter when, at last, I am in your bed.", her breath was almost a purr as she looked up at him, daring him to challenge his beliefs about his self control and take another taste and still be able to pull back.
 
Diane frowned. "I doubt what happened could be construed as love. Love would be just running away, not trying to overtake the kingdom and inciting a revolt in the wake of a war. That isn't love, that's the opposite of it." She went to her wardrobe and pulled out a dress. "Here, try wearing this one. Attempting to understand our people would be a step in the right direction. Sneering at our way of life and demanding that we respect you based solely on you not even respecting us is wrong. Make amends with my brother and you'll see a difference."

She tossed the dress at Masako's feet. "If we had gone to your land, my brother would have had to bit his tongue, but he would also have followed your traditions. Do us the courtesy of acting like the delegate you claim to be." She didn't appreciate that the bloodiest part of her country's history was demeaned down to a simple lover's spat. She lived with the consequences of those wars every day of her life. If she could do it for a lifetime, then one delegate could humble herself for a few hours a day.

"The other female delegates managed," she added. "They still show more skin then is proper here, and yet, manage to still adopt a healthy respect for our land while in public. I don't care if you strip naked behind closed doors and call us uncultured, inbred baffoons, but in public it is best to attempt to get along with your hosts."

Despite it being her room, she stormed out and walked briskly down the hall. She had no destination in mind, just as long as it was away for awhile.

**************

Gavin gave a low moan before pulling Honore to him. He savagely kissed her, like a drowning man. With her, he didn't feel like the proper prince, but a man. When she mentioned being in his bed, all he could do was picture her naked, laying on the fur cape she had presented him. She was the most bewitching woman he had ever met.

"You test my patience," he murmured against her lips. "Everything about you ensnares me. Should I worry that you've done this so well, so easily? Or should I just assume that it was all a coincidence?" In truth, he didn't think he minded if she set out on this goal. She had been expecting to meet his father, not him. Gavin had imagined that he'd be away during the peace talks, until his father fell ill.

"I think you are a dangerous woman," he said with a smile. "Perhaps I should keep you away from my innocent sister. The gods only know what you'd teach her. Then, I'd have to worry about two women twirling me around their little fingers. I already deny my sister little, and I doubt I'd deny you anything. I'd be at your mercy."

He picked Honore up and placed her on his lap as he kissed her neckline. "I can think of nothing sweeter then you, my lady."
 
She laughed delightedly as she was picked up. It was rare that someone had the means to make her feel delicate. But he lifted her as if her height was nothing. "I came with no such intention, but it pleases me, nonetheless." she smiled and cupped his face between her hands before kissing him passionately once more. "I would teach your sister no more than how to be the woman she is...I'm sure Lord Martinez would appreciate that." Another more ardent kiss.
 
Gavin's hands slipped under her skirts, cupping her calves and moving just up to her knees as he kissed her back. His hands played on her skin and stockings, careful to not move past what was mildly proper. If he wanted to be completely proper, he wouldn't even be this close.

"Let's not talk of my sister or politics," he said. "I just want to think about you. Let Lord Martinez take care of Diane. At this moment, you are all that matters." He knew he didn't have to worry about his sister. Soon, she would be Lord Martinez's bride and he would have done his duty as her brother and protector.
 
How easily his hands moved against her soft skin, and she sighed, truly things of this nature were a pleasure. "As you wish, Gavin..." It was like an ice bucket to talk of such things, when passionate blood was boiling. As his fingers moved up, she thought again of what her own sister would say.

"But we can not do this. It would bring dishonor to both of us." She had her secret passions, but they were done in such a way that she was beyond reproach. In fact, this was the first time that she could recall a man being this close to being in her bed. "I have my good name to protect as well as my position as delegate..." she actually sounded regretful, and in a way she was. After all, it was rare to find any time for herself. But even as she said the words, her finger nails were skimming around the edge of his throat, dancing along the skin revealed by his collar, teasing him lightly with what else those nails could do.
 
Gavin smiled. "You will be the death of me," he said. He didn't remove his hands, but he didn't move them to caress her skin anymore. He kissed her once more before helping her up. "I suggest we start walking while my control is still my own." He held out his hand, taking her from the atrium. "there are still so many beautiful places, but it is getting late. Allow me to escort you to your room, or your sister may think I've kidnapped you."
 
She nodded, chuckling as she did so. "This is true. Valère will worry. She has been like this since my accident. Very over protective. It eventually extended to the rest of our family. Sometimes I feel like a hot house flower." But she let him help her up, managing to appear graceful while she did so, despite their fumbling. As they would walk back, she thought of how the day had gone so far past most things she could have planned for, and yet how well everything was working out.

"Do you still wish the unguent in the morning? If so, we'd best do it before the others awaken so there won't be too many questions. At least ones they can ask."
 
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