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The Trouble with Treaties

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"Hmm?" Masako looked over at Tansen as if to dispel the growing animosity and disgust she was feeling toward Gavin. She'd just been reacting to the body language he was giving her, one of stern disapproval. It seemed like he was being an asshole for no other reason than that he was the host and that he could. She remained seated since Tansen wanted to speak with her and Gavin privately; she kept her mouth shut though to avoid getting into anymore trouble; she'd had her fun razzing Gavin and now it was time to play by his rules. Masako had wanted to establish that she was an individual whom was not cowed by either Gavin or his beloved Ritter Hex.

Reina, heeding the request to speak privately vacated the room as well and just sighed. "I wish she'd just keep her mouth shut sometimes. Those amazon tribes are always a handful because most of them don't like men as a whole and I wager the fact she had to deal with one turns her stomach." He thought to himself as he tilted his head back and looked up at the ceiling. "This is a nice castle though." He said aloud as he looked around. "Warm, clean secure. Better than having to freeze during the winter. I apologize for any ill-feelings our ..delegate.." he said in a quietly disgusted tone. "Has caused." He said courteously to the Ritter Hex. Deciding that at least trying to be nice would be better than being an asshole.
 
Tansen stood with the other two trying to find his words carefully. Making either of them upset would not bode well for him or his country. He knew he should apologize for Masko's behavior but had no idea how to, without upsetting her. She seemed very prideful, a kind that only matched the Anastaria's except in a very different way. He decided to bring up the Ritter Hex's first.

"Dear prince I understand that some of our behavior," He made a gesture to Masko and himself, "has been a bit... untrustworthy, and perhaps a even a bit antagonistic, but I do not believe that calls for guards to be placed upon us at all times. I risk my life and that of my families just being so deep in your lands, and to have two Hex's, there to kill us at a whim is just far to dangerous for me to continue negotiations with. I'm sure you see my point." He looked at Gavin, with a stern glare. The thought of half his family being killed within a moments notice, horrified him.
 
"I see your concern," Gavin said. He understood where Tansen as coming from. Had he been on Loidite soil and guarded by a bunch of wizards, he'd feel the same way. "I will see about taking the Ritter Hex away from their guard duty. However, I will continue to use them, and they will be present for any and all meetings. I'm sure you understand my concern with magic."

He stood. "I will see what I can do," Gavin promised. "With so much magic flying around today, they are just on edge."

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

Her hair finished, Diane was escorted to the gardens. She found a small bench and sat down, reading a thin book of poems. It was one of the few books she was allowed to own. Rather boring, but it was all she had. Sometimes, she wished for adventure.
 
Once inside, Honorè set about her toilette with a bit of precision, much like any of her movements, they all had purpose and grace. As she did so, she let her mind wander over the various aspects of the day so far. Honestly, given that so called woman's behavior, she thought it was perfectly acceptable that Prince Gavin had placed Ritter Hex to guard over everyone. It wasn't just for his protection, but for the protection of his allies as well as keeping people in line. Perfectly acceptable to her line of thought.

"Mistress..." A voice spoke from her right hip, and she glanced down to see one of her servants kneeling there.

"Thank you, Nicole." Smiling, she ruffled the girl's hair, toying with the braids that matched her own on the girls head, letting the faint tinkling of the bells attached to the girl's blond hair sooth her agitation. The girl leaned into the affection with a soft sigh and Honorè smiled. It had taken a while but the girl was very well behaved now. Opening the large-ish box that the blond and another servant had brought, she checked to make sure that everything inside was nice and pristine before closing it and running her hands over the ornate metal and gem work. Yes, she was sure both the Prince and Princess would like their gifts. Smiling, she nodded, and watched as Nicole helped her change her dress for another equally conservative yet more elaborate gown that did not have road dust upon it.

"Lovely choice, Nicole. The silver trim on the purple blue suits me, I think. I wonder what Valère will choose to wear tonight." There wasn't much more than a passing thought. After all, whatever her sister wore, they would most likely compliment each other. Once that was settled, she'd not wait on her sister, but head back towards the prince so that the gift could be presented. She didn't like making a show of things unless it was most effective.
 
The Lord Martinez had already cleaned and prepared. His people were settled in, preparations were made. There was little, if anything for him to do during this pause. He looked over towards the Knights who had settled in on either flank of him. He seemed perfectly at ease, despite how easily they could overpower him, and having no guard of his own to counter, unlike the Goldsparians or Loidites. He stood slowly, he still wore his ceremonial dagger, though his hand never strayed towards it, no matter how looming or on edge the Hex Knights seemed to be.

"Quick reactions, unwavering loyalty. I am sure that one of our Danbarian Cataphracts would be able to learn much from your masters," he spoke softly to the Ritter Hex on either side of him while looking straight ahead. He started walking out, towards the courtyard rather than deeper into the castle and the quarters set up for his men.

"My people are quite settled in," he explained to the somewhat jumpy seeming knights of the Ritter Hex as they tagged along. "A quiet stroll in the garden. I'm sure there is no need to watch me there, but if you must, I do ask you remain somewhat unobtrusive, if you may."

He never broke his stately stride, each step measured out, exactly the same length as the previous one. He seemed in no hurry. His hands were clasped behind his back as he made his way out of the meeting, and towards the sunlight and fresh air of the castle garden.
 
Diane enjoyed her little book of poems. Her dark sapphire dress covered her from throat to ankle, her dark red hair piled up in an elegant bun with pearls threaded through. As she read, she crossed her legs, one foot tapping in time to the rhythem of the poem. She thought she was alone in the gardens, taking the time to relax. She was nervious about going to dinner and meeting those magic-users. It scared her, actually.
 
Ser Eloran stands at casual attention outside the door, ready to spring but feeling the tension slowly ebb out of the situation. What a terrible blunder. He brooded. This isn't going to happen. That Masenko woman is up to no good, her presence could be a ploy by another Danbarian Lord, of some sort. The Loidites don't seem willing to make any concessions. There cannot be peace without respect, and they clearly don't respect us enough even to approach our front gates. Using magic to invade our castle....that's a gesture of war. They're saying they can be anywhere, anytime...

He pulls off a gauntlet, and puts it in a pocket on his white tunic, then fishes a pack of cigarettes out of another one, and some matches. He opens his visor, grabs it in his lips, lights it, and takes a couple slow drags while he thinks, brows creased over dark eyes. A moment later, he swats the visor back down, and sticks the smoke in through the grate, holding it with his lips as has become so comfortable in full armor. He puts his heavy gauntlet back on, and stands at attention, puffing a cloud of smoke above him while he waits outside the door.

This is a folly. The leaders of these nations aren't even involved. This was doomed from the start.
 
To Valere's mind the proceedings had most obviously set off in an entirely wrong direction. There were people in support of strengthening the border and then there were those against it. For a council gathered of all neighbouring countries it really seemed as though no one knew what the hell they wanted, which just made the Comtesse's job all the easier. Yes, things were proceeding in a quite chaotic and potentially even hostile direction.

Perhaps even that annoying Baroness could be dealt with, it would be good to remove such filth from the royalty of Goldspar. The thought pleased Valere as she shed her clothes with the aid of a servant, who she didn't bother to notice. Unlike her sister, who was far more passionate for the daily part of life, she had never bothered to learn the names of those that served her. Nobles and dignitaries and ministers she could rattle off going generations back; but who cooked her food, that was something unknown to her.

The Comtesse Valere was a political animal.

There was no time for a proper bath and so servants moved and flitted about her with damp cloths and cleansed what they could of the road from her. Even at the end of it she felt dirty and looked forward for the conclusion of the night. Then a new set of clothes were laid out for her. Before having this new attire placed upon her form she inspected it to make sure there was not the slightest bit of damage from the travels.

Not too far away Honorè was changing as well, wearing a deep blue the bordered on purple with silver trim, a little gaudy for the severe tastes of Valere. Her own dress was grey; but it was decorated with a pattern of fleur de lis in such a subtle shade of purple that they were almost naked to the eye they blended in so well.

Subtle was what Valere loved best, it was the way the world was changed. In small imperceptible steps, steps triggered by individuals like herself.

Once dressed she regarded her sister and smiled.

"Should we make them wait, or should Goldspar be good little girls?"

Just so there was a desire to play the world to her own tune.
 
Jaren took a deep breath as he approached the gardens. Taking in the myriad of scents, the earthy scents of scrub and hedge, the delicate sweet smells of the small blooms so carefully planted and tended. The sounds of gently flowing and falling water from the fountains. His shoulders slumped just a bit as he exhaled, the tensions of the day starting to leave his body. He kept his hands behind his back the whole time, paying no attention to the Ritter Hex who stood guard over him, who hopefully were being none too obtrusive as he requested. His pace was slow and measured, giving him time to inspect the work of the groundskeepers who tended this garden, pausing from time to time as he looked upon an intricate design or twisting of flower and vine.
 
There was a smile to her sister as Honorè looked over her shoulder. "I think for the moment we will watch and see. We may get an enjoyable play to watch." Yes, they looked for an advantage, but if it was truly chaos it wouldn't matter what they would or would not do. It simply remained to be seen. Having one of the girls open the door, she regarded the Ritter Hex outside the door, guarding them or guarding from them, with an amused smile. "We're almost done, sirrahs." She looked at both of them. "But I've been remiss, we did not get either of your names." Looking from each of them to the other, only one eyebrow waiting patiently for a response unless her sister interrupted. She had no magic other than natural human charm and so should not set off their magical alarm bells, however, even the stoutest of men could often be undone by a woman's natural graces.

It was true, Honorè was more prone to know the names of her servants and slaves. It was for a simple reason. Kingdoms could rise and fall upon the lower echelon's whims. While nobility ruled with a fist, it was the men at arms and lower classes who were the arm's strength. Living in Goldspar had taught her that much.
 
Gavin stuck his head out of the throne room, motioning Ritter Eloran to him. "Take off the Ritter guards from the delegates. Myself and my sister will continue with the guards, and I'd like them stationed around any meetings. Also, have the Comtesses rooms changed. My mother's old chambers would do just fine."

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

Diane looked up from her book, noticing a man in the gardens. She recognized him as one of the delegates, the ones from Danbar. She smiled and marked her place in the book. Danbar would be okay to talk to, they were allies with her brother. Getting up, she walked over to him. "Hello, welcome to Anstaria. I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to run off like that, I was just startled when the Loidites appeared," she said. "I hope you found your rooms to your satisfaction."

***********

Ritter Hasglow looked over at the Comtess Honore. "I am Ritter Hasglow," he said. "If you need anything, you can speak to me. My men are instructed to be seen and not heard." He felt he had lucked out in the guarding department. The Comtesses had not shown any signs of being the enemy. That, and he had seen the prince warm up to them. This seemed like the cushy position. He didn't want to have to watch the Loidites, and he knew that the Danbarians were their allies.
 
His attention snapped quickly, bringing a little jump to the man as the Princess approached and spoke. Hastily he gave a bow to her, aware of possible protocols, and the armed knights so close by, in addition to whatever ones must be watching over her. He rose slowly, having taken the time to compose himself smoothly from the sudden guest.

"It is perfectly understandable Your Highness." His gaze quickly took in the princess's appearance, noting the marked the book in her hand with a bit of curiousity. A woman of letters, it was something he did not quite expect from Anastaria, even among the nobility. "Our quarters were quite well appointed, as I expected of Anastarian hospitality, my thanks to you and your brother."
 
Masako remained where she was and quietly listened to what was said and tilted her head some and nodded in agreement. She too could understand the necessity of what Tansen was requesting, the Ritter Hex were making her nervous as well; and she didn't know where her own quarters would be for all this. In the end if she didn't ask about it, she'd probably wind up in some low-class tavern/inn for the night on the tab of the royals. "Your highness, forgive my impertinence; but where should I just go for the night? With the Comtess' here I should find different accomodations lest we be at each others' throats all night in a verbal fashion." she said, it was killing her inside ti play nice with a weakling like Gavin who had to hide behind his Hex but she had to do it.
 
"A pleasure, Ritter Hasglow. To be guarded and seen to by such a handsome and powerful man as yourself, I feel safer already." A smile for him then. After all, it did well to curry favor with those who protected and served, if done right. And if you made it seem that they were watching over you, instead of simply watching you, it did tend to make them likely to protect you if something untoward happened. "I hope we won't be too difficult of a burden upon your shoulders."

Honorè glanced back at her sister, being subtle was all well and good, but if it was lost on the target, there was no point to it. Shaking her head with amusement at the effect the place seemed to be having on her, she turned her attention to Ritter Hasglow. "So other than the horrid behavior of the other delegates, do you think there is any chance of peace?" a understandable question really, but what Honorè wanted to know is what the, for lack of a better word, lowest common denominator thought of it. The Ritter Hex were loyal to the country and to the Crown. If there was any chance of peace, they'd know it.
 
Diane smiled, curtsing for him. "I'm sure my brother will be pleased to hear that. I know how important it is for all of you to feel at home. We are do want peace. I know that it might not seem that way," she said, looking over at the Ritter Hex, "but we really do. Your ways are so different from ours, it's just hard to adapt at times."

Shyly, she said, "Is this your first time in Anstaria? I can give you a quick tour of the gardens, if you like?"

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

Gavin looked over at Masako. "Your room hasn't changed," he said. As much as he'd like to get her out of his palace, he was still bound by polite society. "You will still stay in the women's quarters. Nothing has changed in that."

"I do suggest, though, that you take your escort up there and change for dinner," Gavin said as he left. He headed to his sister's rooms to see how the Comtesses were doing.

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

Ritter Hasglow nodded. "Yes ma'am. Prince Gavin is a wise and kind man, like his father. His desire for peace is for the betterment of his people. If anyone can keep the peace between the kingdoms, it's Prince Gavin."

Truthfully, the Ritter Hex weren't all that excited about the whole peace thing. If Anstaria opened it's doors to magic, what would become of them? How could they police the evils of wizards and witches if they were running wild in the land? Anstaria would be ruined.
 
The Danbarian let a small smile grace his face as the princess made her offer. It was little more than just a slight upturning of the corners of his mouth, no teeth showing. He gave the princess a slight bow, offering his arm for the princess to take up, "Nothing would please me more Your Highness."
 
"Of course." She said to Gavin before he up and left, once he was out of the room she groaned and rubbed her forehead, having to do that always gave her a headache. She'd rise from her chair without a word and left the room, her guard falling into place beside her as they headed for the quarters they'd been assigned. Reina would simply stay out in the hallway first off it wasn't proper to share a room with a woman that wasn't your wife and two: he didn't want to hear her amazonian ranting all night. Masako went on inside without him after a maid had showed her the way there; not deviating a little from the course, she'd have been carrying what amounted to an adventurer's backpack the whole time at her side and rummaged through it to see what she had to wear. Furs, more leather clothing, a polar-bear fur cloak for cold nights... no none of that would due. The one outfit she had brought on the demands of her clan's matriarch was a rich, red satin dress with black accents and trim. "my goddess, I don't' want to have to wear something so..severe..." she groaned to herself.

She may not have had the elegant taste the comtess' had, which obviously made them the preferred choice in whom their hosts would rather deal with. It made Masako a bit jealous in the end and she found herself wanting to smash a gauntleted fist into their faces, just to ruin their appearances. Her jealousy causing a minor shift in the air around her as the room darkened for a moment but faded away just as quickly as she got her negativity under control.

A few moments later after some grunting and muttering about the way the thing fit, even though it was made for her personally. Masako came out in her red and black dress and smoothed her hands down the front of it and sighed, no amount of skin was showing other than the cut of the bodice, something that was there for air-flow and to help keep the wearer cool, not out of showiness. It was as modest as she could manage. "I suppose we go back down to the main hall." she said and looked around for a moment and went to a window to have a look outside. Under the dress she was wearing brown leather pants and her soft leather boots, she hadn't brought spares. "I hope this pays off." she said and went back into her room and sat down and began to weave her hair into a thick braid to get it out of her face.

When she was finished, she'd sweep out and head back toward the dining hall alone. Praying to whatever god there was that nobody saw her like this yet.
 
Diane smiled, slipping her arm around his. "Well, let me show you my favorite part of the gardens." she took him to the center of the gardens where there as a large walk-in cage. Inside, birds of all kinds flew from the branches of trees. There were benches on the bottom of the cage for them to sit on.

"My great-grandmother had this built. Normally, it's a sanctuary for the women of my family. I like to come out here when I have nothing to do. It's a little loud, but it's special," she said, opening the cage door. "Want to come inside?"
 
Each of the Comtesses had their own traits, most would never know though. Each had long practise in mimicking the other and new how to slip in and out of the others thoughts and behaviour. It allowed them to connect and understand one another, something useful in a world of politics.

Still, Valere remembered nobles and Honorè servants. Together they kept tabs on both the head and body of the state.

Before exiting the room to rejoin the others Valere grabbed her cane. It was a dark wood and finely carved and made a most authoritarian sound upon striking the floor of this most humble palace. It pleased Valere to have it clip with each step as she fell in with her sister and their guard.

"Peace would be most beneficial. War may stimulate certain economies; but it destroys others."
 
Gavin walked up to the room just as the Comtesses were standing at the door. "Ladies, I hope I'm not coming at a bad time," he said, smiling. "I believe you mentioned something about wanting to give me something? Also, I had your rooms changed to my mother's old quarters. After dinner, everything will be moved there for you. It's the more spacious rooms in the palace."

He made a guesture to dismiss the Ritter Hex. "You may leave. I will be honored to escort you ladies to dinner."
 
She let a little of her doubt show, with just a small frown. Perhaps it -had- been that barbarian of a woman that had thrown the Prince's sensibilities off. Hopefully dinner would put them all in better spirits. At just that moment, her sister chose to finally appear fully ready. Honorè as always, had her riding crop strapped at her wrist. She was an excellent horsewoman, among other things and liked having the familiar item with her. She was the more blatant of the two in showmanship, but they were equals in their own way, these two sisters.

"Well, as my sister comtesse has finally made her appearance, I believe Ritter Hasglow, we can make our way down to the Prince and then dinner. If you would be so kind as to escort us." She teased both the Ritter and her sister with her words. In response to her sister's words, she said nothing further, letting the man think about them what he would.

As they turned to go though, an unexpected visitor arrived. The prince himself. "Your highness." Honorè curtsied and then looked up with a smile. "that is most gracious of you." She looked first at the Ritter Hex. "I hope I get the pleasure of seeing you again", she spoke to him before he was dismissed. Then a glance behind her at the two servants carrying the chest. "Yes, we do have a gift for you, and your sister. It would not do to just have it opened in the hallway or the like but if you'll escort us to a place less chaotic, I'm sure you'll be well pleased with our gifts." After all, a hallway was not a place to conduct business of any type except those of an unsavory nature.
 
The Comtesse made note of her sisters slight against her, there'd be room for reprimand and punishment in the future; but for now things were taking a course for a much more interesting path. Prince Gavin had decided to show up and greet the two while away from the others, a most peculiar act to Valere's mind.

Dropping a slight curtsy as well Valere dropped her eyes low then raised them at mention of the gift.

"Perhaps Prince Gavin, being the man of peace which he is, would like to receive our gift publicly as a sign of our willingness to commit to an agreement. Long has our nation been in turmoil as it is well known, perhaps with a greater peace we ourselves may find our own."
 
Gavin smiled. "The only truly quiet room I know would be my room, my lady, but I'm afraid women are not allowed in the men's quarters," he said. "We can just enter my sister's room for this. I know she won't mind. When you see her, she's the very model of a true Anstarian woman. I'm sure you will like her when you meet her."

He held the door open for them to re-enter the room, admiring their dress choices. Nice, rather modest and very appropiate for the occasion. His eyes stopped on the cane and ridding crop, wondering why they carried those around.

turning to Valere, he said, "You can present my sister's publicly. You had mentioned earlier you wished to talk privately. As long as it's not about the treaty, I am all yours, my lady."
 
The efforts of gathering, and keeping, so many avians of such differing needs. Maintaining the cage and the animals, breeding them or replacing them. The Danbarian could see that it was more than just a small investment of time and will upon the part of the princess's ancestors. Not inconsiderable, but it definately was a sign of affection beyond the norm. He reached out slowly, feeling the worked metal of the cage.

"If I may," he answered, reaching out for the door to the cage, working the latch and pulling it open slowly. He held it open so that the princess may enter first, his eyes flicking only once to his Ritter Hex guards. He'd step inside after the princess, closing the cage's gate quickly and softly, not slamming it. His gaze drew high, towards the birds up ahead and thier displays.
 
"Are you sure it's proper for a man to enter the women's quarters," she teased Prince Gavin, having a feeling that might take her comment at face value, as he should. A light flirtation between a woman and a man. But she motioned for the servants to step backward and she retracted her steps, so that if there was any danger, it would see her first, rather then him. A sign that she would not be one to give offense.

As her sister and the Prince would enter back, she moved towards the chest, allowing the servants to set it down before she opened it up. "Forgive our presumption, but as we are twins ourselves, we took it upon ourselves to present a gift to you and your sister." with that, she lifted the head of the ornate chest up, she moved out of the way so that Prince Gavin could see.

Laying in the chest was a fur made of a silver fox known for it's rarity, made into a short cape worthy of a king to be of a great nation. Upon it rested also a jeweled collar of the richest emeralds and gold. In another box still being held by the other servant was the princess' gift. With a necklace that matched the collar in style as well as a short capelet and hood in the silver fox fur as well.
 
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