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The Trouble with Treaties

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"It would be a pleasure, your highness," he answered softly. His gaze came up to the dining hall before them. He stood tall, his step was measured. He seemed to take a moment between paces to assemble himself. His smile was gone, replaced by an impassive mask. His shoulders set back, his chin lifting, taking on an aristocratic air as they neared. By the time they reached the hall, he seemed a perfect cut of the lord, beyond the concerns below him, beyond the touch of those around him.

He paused at the threshold, woman on his arm, waiting for whatever proceedure of announcement and entry the castle maintained before he would step inside. He had shifted slightly, almost imperceptibly, to go from the princess leading to taking the lead himself, ready to guide her.
 
Diane let him escort her into the dining hall. After they were announced, he took her to her seat. She wasn't surprised by how he shut himself off from her the closer they got to the dining hall. She was used to the men in her life ignoring her when in public. He was a proper lord, and she was just a woman. She knew her roles well. The more formal he got, she stood straighter and took a slight step back. Even staying on his arm, he was aways an inch or more ahead of her.

She took her seat, giving him a small smile. A few moments later, Gavin escorted the two comtesses in, surprising Diane. She had never seen her brother open up to a woman before and was very shocked to see that he looked so comfortable with two on his arms.

Gavin led the women to their seats, kissing their hands as they sat down. It didn't escape Diane's notice that he kissed the palm of one woman. Diane blushed, realizing that her brother may finally have fallen in love. She looked down, not wanting to witness any other moments of intimacy.
 
Another small smile as the prince escorted them to their seats, and kissed her palm once more. A dangerous game, indeed. This could indeed be fun. Giving her sister a nod, Honorè looked around the table, taking note of who was there and who was not, before zeroing her gaze in on the princess. "Your highness." she nodded her head towards the girl, and motioned for the servants who had been behind them to stand behind the princess. "Your brother has already received our gift. Yours is in the chest that is now behind you." The two servants holding the ornate chest looked exotic and untouchable, as fragile as glass, yet they held the obviously heavy chest with ease, awaiting her orders on disposal.

Once that had been dealt with, Honorè unfolded her napkin upon her lap and sipped at the cool water that was sitting at her place. As she did so, she continued to assess those individuals around her as well as those who arrived after them, her gaze returning again and again to the prince, gracing him with a small intimate smile every time their eyes would meet.
 
Ser Eloran, still in his impeccablbe white cloak and armor ensemble, moves deftly to put himself between the chest and his Princess, while Gavin remains a few steps behind. He is relatively sure the Comtesses aren't up to anything, at least not anything blatant, but he must still take precautions.

He subtly signals to his men to get between Lord Martinez and the Princess, as well as for one man to claim the seat next to the Prince, Ser Eloran would take that position when they sat for dinner. Gareth felt uneasy, not just because of the presence of magical nobles he has been fighting for years, but also because he had to watch his Prince being taken by the charms of a woman. His cheeks flushed, and he felt light headed thinking about it, but he does his duty flawlessly, not allowing a single defensive gap.

He also tells a nearby man to round up any missing delegates immediately. Masako and the Loidite third son, Deston, were not present, and that worried him.

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

A pair of Ritter Hex watching over Deston and Masako in the library approach the two. "Dinner is served, Lords." one says, his tone masked behind his visor. "Please accompany me. Your presence is mandatory."
 
Deston gave a long sigh. "Ugh more boring politics. Oh well if I must." He stood up looking at Masako to make sure she would follow them into the dinning room. She didn't seem like the kind of woman to like it when she was told to do something no matter how polite. Deston had read about such women. The barbarian women from the land of Goldspar. He had never thought he would see such people in his life.

____________________

Tansen walked into the dinning hall hungry from the constant argument, he had been practicing in his room. His entrance one that did not draw attention to it though he was puzzled at the fact that it seemed every man in the room, (other than Ritter Hexs of course) had a woman they had brought. Gavin had two upon his arm he noted. Such things could be used to his advantage in diplomacy, his advisers told him. As he sat down, he thought about commenting about such a thing but decided to let Gavin begin the talking. As for who was at the table he wasn't surprised to see that Deston and one of the Goldspar delegates, the one who he had forgotten to talk to, now cursing himself for such things, were the last to show. Looking around the room he saw the Ritter Hexs at the ready, it seemed that Gavin would not be taking any chances on someone loosing their temper.
 
When Prince Tansen entered, Gavin stood. "Your highness, welcome to the dining hall. Your seat is here," he said, pointing t a seat between Honore and his sister. "Now that we are assembled, I'd like to introduce you all to my twin sister, Diane." Diane slowly stood, embarassed by the attention. She gave a small curtsy to Tansen, remembering that he was one of the ones that appeared out of no-where. She sat back down, looking at her plate.

"For tonight's meal, we will be enjoying native cuisine from Loidi. I hope it is to your satisfaction," Gavin said as the servants brought in roasted pheasant surrounded by native vegatables from Loidi. The plates were served to each of the guests. Gavin looked over at Lord Martinez, "I'd like to speak with you after dinner," he said. "It's of a personal matter."
 
Masako didn't seem too bothered by it and followed them out, keeping her steps measured enough to remain behind them both and at least attempted to look regal. She'd had to sublimate much of her own pride for this occasion but when she saw the comtess' latched onto their host her internal feminist showed up again, cursing them both for such weakness but didn't let it register on her face or words. She'd never had Loidite food before and this was going to be a new experience for her as she sat down at the table. But the blonde saw no fit reason to say anything to anyone at the current moment as she did. But she did give a nod oa greeting to the other delegates.
 
"Thank you, your lordship. We are sure it shall fit to our taste." Tansen nodded to the prince, looked at his younger brother now taking a seat beside him. The two, while not very close had began to grow together over the past year due to there being no one left in the family. Deston knew instantly that Tansen disproved of his being late, but just shrugged. He had lost himself in the book. It had given him quite an insight on the Hex's that he had before thought many wrong things about. Leaning over he whispered, "Where's Uncle?" Tansen replied with a head shake, unknowing.
 
Diane slowly ate her food, moving the vegetables around her plate. Finally, she tried them. Taking another bite, she turned to Prince Tansen. "Your Highness, is this close to what you have in Loidi," she asked, curious about how well the kitchens had preformed. "This tastes good, so I was curious as to how authentic it was." Now that peace was being discussed, Diane could fantisize about maybe actually getting to travel to other kingdoms. Until that day, she'd do her duty as a good hostess.
 
Tansen looked over surprised at Diane. He had been told Anastari women were kept tightly under lock and key, the fact she was even allowed to be here surprised him though, he knew she could get away with a many things others could not, due to the fact she was, the prince's sister. "Surprisingly your cooks did not do a bad job. Theirs normally a bit more spice to it back home, but other than that it tastes very similar."
 
There was a faint amusement to be found as Honorè snapped off the leg of the pheasant delicately, placing the tiny drumstick within her lips and tearing off the meat with small, pearl like teeth. After all, forks were not in common usage other than as serving utensils. "A very nice delicate flavor.", she commented as her lashes lifted from her cheeks; they had lowered to help her focus on the flavor. "It matches the vegetables nicely." Honorè was very much a sensualist, but most people wouldn't realize what that really meant. Every sensation was important.

It was time. Dipping her fingers into the bowl for that purpose, she then touched the napkin in her lap to clean then. Then reaching for her glass, she took the honor into her own hand, and lifted it for a toast as she stood. "Your highnesses, my lords and ladies." Bowing to each of the royal persons in the room as she spoke, making eye contact if they would and waiting for everyone to acknowledge her stance. "We stand on a great precipice. Within our reach is the singular honor of attempting to find peace for not one, but two" her next word was stressed so that each one would realize she was doing both countries honor. "great countries. It is often said that history only remembers the winners, but if we learn from that history and move forward, to greater things, the history will be but a footnote to the achievements that may be accomplished. Those achievements are brighter than any shadow that loss may bare. " Her phrasing was very careful, but a smart observer would note the nuances. After all, one side had lost in the previous war, and one side had won. She was glossing over the bitterness that came from that, and instead reminding them that while the past could not be changed, the future could be.

"To the future..." And with a nod of her head at Prince Gavin, she toasted, and sipped her wine before sitting down. After all, it was not a proper dinner till at least once toast had been performed.
 
Gavin smiled and stood to present his own little speech. "Thank you Comtess," he said. Turning to his guests and his people he added, "She is right. We stand today on the brink of history. Today has already seen a change in the status quo of the world. I will be the first to admit that Anstaria has not always been so hospitable to visitors, and I hope that this is just the first of many times we will welcome our neighbors into our boarders." Turning to Prince Tansen, he decided to take a chance and extend the olive branch publically.

"To you, Prince Tansen, I am extremely honored to finally meet. I know we have had our disagreements in the past with the spats between our lands. However, I have always admired your brilliant manouvers in battle, and have come to respect you. I am sure that an intelligent man, such as yourself, and I can come to a peaceful resolution for our kingdoms, and I look forward to many discussions with you."

He took his seat after offering another toast to peace. He wasn't lying when he said he respected Tansen, but he wasn't sure he trusted the man. He caught Martinez's eye, a silent reminder to talk to the man after the meal.
 
Masako simply grumbled a bit, there was a definitive lack of meat in this meal but she tried it out anyway but didn't let her idea of it slip in either her expression or what she said; which was very little. It seemed like women were to be seen and not heard around here except either of those cowardly comtess' that certainly got their host's eye. But the admission from him elevated her opinion of him just a little, at least someone could admit their faults. Perhaps that's why nobody likes you Anstarians.... She thought to herself as she watched what was going on, one always learned more when they weren't talking afterall. The blonde was paying key attention to the way the others reacted to each other, learning what they thought of each other by those reactions.
 
Tansen raised his glass, shouting out, "Here, here!" in agreement. It was not expected to be treated with respect, in Gavin's court, or even by Gavin himself. While Tansen had never truly seen him in combat, Tansen had to admit that he had respect for Gavin as well. The man seemed to wish only the best for his nation, and Tansen deemed him, a worthy leader. He been told by his advisers that, Gavin would try to make Tansen feel welcomed, so he tried to shake the opening statement from his mind.

He looked across the room, hoping they would not expect him to give a similar opening speech. He was not one good with words and often spoke things in his own court as he saw fit, having little fear of those around him. But in Gavin's court, what he said would affect the lives of everyone in his country, and he would rather not have to come up with an opening stance on the fly.
 
The servants brought out the second course of deer and roasted boar, surrounded by edible flowers and honeyed cakes. Diane's eyes lit up as she noticed this. She had a sweet tooth and was nearly never allowed to indulge. As she had a cake set on her plate, Gavin leaned over towards her.

"Just one, sister," he said softly. "If you really must have more, have them delivered to your room."

"Yes, of course," Diane whispered. She felt the dinner was going well. Her brother had made a toast and so far, no one had started fighting. That was a good sign.

Looking back over at Prince Tansen, she said, "I hope you don't find me too rude for asking, but I've always been rather curious about Loidi. A nanny of mine used to tell me that you could travel through shadows. It scared me as a kid, but I never knew if it were true or not. Can you -"

"Diane," Gavin warned, "don't bother his Highness." He gave a small smile to Prince Tansen. "You'll have to forgive her. After so many years opposed to each other, rumors and fairy tales tended to grow. I'm sure you understand, your Highness." He sent a glare to his sister, warning her to not ask about magic ever again.
 
It was a shame that Honorè couldn't read minds or she might have agreed with Lady Masako. At least partially. One did learn a lot about people from observation. But even better than simply observing was stirring things up a little, then observing how people reacted. Which was precisely what Honorè had done, if for different reasons than Masako would.

As the second course was brought out, Honorè managed to hold back a shudder. Lifting her eyes for a moment, she gave a simple prayer to the heavens, and this time it was she who barely touched her food. She picked up a flower or two and nibbled on them, but did not touch the meat and in this case, the honeyed meat.Instead, she turned her gray blue eyes to watch her dinner companions and to not have to look at her plate.
 
Tansen act his food hungrily, not saying much just listening to the multiple conversations going on, until the young princess, spoke to him. He quickly spoke to ward off, Gavin's apology. He put the fact that he did so, up to the fact they oppressed the women of the country. The fact that one would speak to a foreigner at a negotiations dinner, must have been looked down upon harshly, Tansen figured.

"It is no problem, your lordship. I have no problem speaking to her of such things." He looked over to Diane, replying, "No we can not travel through the shadows my highness. We have a more reasonable way to travel. Are mages are able to make pathways across the world, in the dimension of magic, which is how were were, eh..." He coughed for a moment, he would rather not bring the topic up. "We were able to come to you land in such a manner. Of course such things can only be done by mages of a certain strength. We do not all have the ability to do so."
 
Masako's expression changed visibly when the roasted meat was brought out, seeming to light up and buzz a bit with an expression of pleasure crossing her face in the form of a genuine smile. But when Diane spoke up she laughed slightly at the question, some of her kind could do that. Hell Masako probably could herself if she really applied herself, but her demonic powers were untested and she didn't want to cause a stir by experimenting here, that could wait til she got home. "Wooo finally." she exulted slightly as she accepted her portion of the new roasted goodness.
 
Gavin noted that his companion wasn't eating. Leaning close to Honore, he whispered, "Is the food not to your liking? I can see if there is something more to your tastes in the kitchen?" He didn't want to insult any of his guests, and to see someone he was so vastly interested in be so uninterested in what he was offering tore at his heart. He would have to make sure that when the kitchens showcase Goldspare for the cuisine, he put something that the Comtesses enjoyed in the meal. Gavin did note that Masako enjoyed the meal, and, to be kind, would see to it that roasted deer was on her menu.

Diane looked down at her plate, picking slightly at a flower. "I will admit, your appearance scared me. I was wholly unprepared for people to just appear out of thin air." She blushed, looking down. "I do not mean to chastise," she said hastily, in case Gavin was listening. "I was just startled."
 
"It is quite alright my dear. We should have expected such a reaction. We..." Tansen thought about his position, and that it was his order to appear in such a manner, "I should be the one to apologize, to you." He knew he would have to make up for such events if the negotiations were to pursue calmly. Taking in a deep breath he went back to eating the food. He was very much so amazed at how well the Anastairi prepared the meal.

Deston looked about the room bored out of his mind. He over heard the discussion his brother was having with the princess laughing a moment at her. Then whispering to his brother, "She's looker even if she is an Anstarian huh?" He laughed at his brothers expression.

Tansen looked straight at the brother for a moment, his fork still in his mouth, then he punched him in the arm. "Not here you dim whit. Sheesh you trying to get us killed." He laughed with his brother for a moment before going back to eating and listening to conversation.
 
When Gavin made note of her appetite lack, Honorè smiled back in kind as she whispered back. "I mean no offense, your highness. It is nothing you could have foreseen. After all, we were late arrivals to the delegation. It is only..." Her voice lowered so that only Gavin could hear. "The boar is sacred to my mother's family, and honeyed cakes are part of the offering. As trust, we do not eat boar or any animal that cooked boar touches." She smiled pleasantly. "It was just a bit of a shock. I forgot that so many other people do, in fact, eat it." A little weakness she let him see, that she was more personable. More human. It would have been difficult for him to know of such a thing, even if they had not been late to the party, so to speak. After all, they held their father's name, and their mother was a little no count noble from the rustics.

While not distracted from observing those around them, she took a moment when most if not all were busy with their own conversations, their own delegation not withstanding, and looked the Princee in the eyes.The decision was made. She would be a bit bold. This would seal in her mind if she would dally in games with the prince further or go back to the game of diplomacy. Lifting one of the small sugared flowers, she reached forward and offered it to him with her fingers, a very intimate act in a public game. It was a quick, and if he turned it down, she would give no sign, and simply attend back to her meal, if he did take it from her fingers, she'd press one finger to his lip and then to her own, as if to lick the sugar off before going back to her more obvious observation, no further comment for the moment but a smile on her face.
 
Gavin raised an eyebrow at her gusture. Had he ever caught his sister doing that, he would have locked her in the tower. However, Honore's boldness intrigued him. Leaning forward, he took the flower from her fingers, letting her see the heat in his eyes. She was much more fun then the politics he had been expecting.

"After I speak to Lord Martinez tonight," he whispered to her, "I would love to show you the gardens under the moonlight."

His movement hadn't been lost on Diane, who now looked over at the Comtesses with a renewed interest.
 
"It would be my pleasure, your highness." She smiled into her food, savoring her small victory with a relish that she reserved for sweet food. She had a sweet tooth, and the Prince was a bit of spice with that sweet. Innocent in some ways that peaked Honorè's interest. A challenge, if you would. She glanced up catching the princess' eyes and smiled back. Things were going to get interesting, she thought. And she was surprised at how much the idea pleased her. Perhaps she had grown too complacent.

Removing her gaze from the princess, she looked over at her sister. Her sister was more pragmatic about things, but Honorè was curious how she'd react to their food. After all, no matter that they could change easily with each other, people change so you must constantly observe them to know.
 
Diane frowned slightly at her brother's behavior. She knew that if she dared to act like the Comtesses she'd be in trouble, but it was interesting to see Gavin responding to them. She wondered briefly if men really liked women who were a little more bold and forward.

Looking at the flowers on her plate, she was tempted to try that little trick, but dared not to. Maybe, she could just observe for the time of the talks and, someday, work up the nerve to act.
 
Deston noticed the little scene across from him and chuckled lightly. He was looking around the room, no longer satisfied to listen to the people's stories and talk. He pulled out of one pocket a small coin. Taking it he spun the coin upon the table, it seemed to spin around obsticals in its way, and last an abnormal amount of time. He would say that it was pure talent but any who paid attention could tell it was clearly magic.

As soon as his brother saw what he was doing, he shot him a dirty look, and took the coin. He had no wish to tempt the Ritter Hex into reacting, no matter how innocent the magic. He would have a swift talk with his sibling after the dinner.
Sighing Deston went back to studying the crowd wondering what it was he could do.
 
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