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The Trouble with Treaties

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Martinez smiled. A bit of honey meat was held between his right index finger and thumb, barely a small morsel that he had peeled off the animal. He gestured slowly, his hand pointing towards the Prince Tansen as he explained his magic, a face etched into a slight smile, his eyes locked onto the prince and followed his words intently.

"Created pathways of magic. Roadways along which magi could travel at a whim. Routes within the immaterium linking far off lands, only waiting for another mage to tread where others have once been," his smile widened, just a little. The meat was popped into his mouth slowly. His gaze shifted once more to Prince Gavin, nodding just slightly as he caught the prince's comment about conversing with him after the meal, showing his agreement.

"The logistical implications alone are staggering." Another piece of meat was torn from the platter in front of him, another small bite which lingered on his fingers. Finally he glanced towards the deligation from Goldspar. Three women, subtly different to wildly unique. The comtesse's boldness with the prince was caught, but his tongue never moved. He merely ate his second bite of the boar, his eyes following the Comtesse's fingers.
 
Gavin's face flushed as he heard Lord Martinez. Could magic really work that way? Once he created a way into the palace, could they really just use that magical road any time they wanted? The thought chilled Gavin's heart.

"Prince Tansen, is that true," he asked carefully. He would have to find a way to close any magical roads made the Loidites, and make sure it didn't look like a hostile act. He didn't want to give the people who had been his enemies yesterday a way into the heart of his palace.
 
Mentally, Honorè's mind was turning, processing each piece of information it received. While the prince was speaking with Martinez, maybe she could have an audience with the princess to present their gift to the girl. She had to have noticed her brother's new accouterments and wondered what her own gift was. It would be unnatural not to, especially with it not ten feet away. Or maybe the girl wasn't naturally curious, although the Comtesse doubted that, it was most likely simply well trained in her not to show it.

She wished there was an Aviary, or perhaps a hunt planned. It was only one day, and she was feeling a bit restless and out of sorts. She was used to an active lifestyle, and just these few hours of passive activity was wearing on her. But she also knew she couldn't excuse herself to see to her beloved Gawain. She was also used to smaller but more frequent meals. It seemed this entire ordeal would be a host of new experiences.

She looked up as Martinez spoke, hearing his words but it took a moment for the realization to sink in. Catching the older man's eye, her own widened in shock and questioning, silently asking if he was sure he wished to bring up such a topic. If she understood what he'd said properly...he was right, the implications were staggering. Shaking her head a little, she felt herself shiver. She had nothing 'against' magic persa, but she felt a little less easy with it around, and she'd seen it every day of her life, in matters great and small and thought nothing of it. Give her people and mundane matters any day.
 
The Lord's head shifted slightly, cocked to the left, his chin dropping down just a little as Honore gave her silent glance at him. His smile was still there as he barely nodded once at her. He leaned back in hsi chair, hearing Gavin question the Loidi Prince. His meal was left unattended, his smile gone as he spared a glance at the two princes. He was leaning to his left, his elbow resting on the arm of his chair, fist holding up his chin. He seemed completely relaxed as his eyes rolled back over to the Comtesse. He hummed, barely audible to those next to him as he looked at her.
 
One eyebrow arched upwards as she continued looking at Martinez. Strangely enough, she wasn't disturbed by his stare. Merely curious. After all, he hadn't paid her any attention previously. While he wasn't 'that' old, he was still older than they were, and while innocent had its flavor, there was something to be said for vintage knowledge. With a quirk of her lip, she gave him a grin and picked up another flower, placing it to her lips. It was a shame that her taste did not run to courtiers, after all, they couldn't afford each other. That and she liked power under her fingertips. It would likely shock most in the room if the identity of some of the slaves in their entourage were known.
 
His eyes drifted upwards and away, pulling deep into his mind before he returned his gaze to Honore, just in time to see her second move with one of the sugared flowers. The lord's shoulders shook once, as though he was holding back a laugh or trying to restrain a bad twitch in his gut. His hand lowered, the man leaning back fully in his chair, back against the hard wood, his chin up, looking down towards the comtesse. An amused smile was back on his face once more, his ears ready to pick up the conversation between princes even as he focused upon the deligate from Goldspar.

"I hope you brought your hawk, I hear Anastaria has some magnificent hunting."
 
Once more Honorè's eyes widened in surprise. He knew about one of her private pleasures? She tried to think, running his name through her brain as she tried to recall meeting him before. What she wouldn't give to be Valère right now. Other than her eyes, she did not give away the game, and simply replied in kind, her placement of another sugared flower more deliberate.

"Yes, I have brought Gawain. I do not like leaving him to hunt with others for too long." Implied in that statement was the fact that she hadn't known how long negotiations would taken.

"And you? Do you have any birds in your entourage?" Even if she couldn't recall him, she wouldn't mind looking at another person's bird and seeing how it paled in comparison to her beloved pure white Gyrfalcon.
 
"Created pathways of magic. Roadways along which magi could travel at a whim. Routes within the immaterium linking far off lands, only waiting for another mage to tread where others have once been," his smile widened, just a little. The meat was popped into his mouth slowly. His gaze shifted once more to Prince Gavin, nodding just slightly as he caught the prince's comment about conversing with him after the meal, showing his agreement.

"The logistical implications alone are staggering."
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Gavin's face flushed as he heard Lord Martinez. Could magic really work that way? Once he created a way into the palace, could they really just use that magical road any time they wanted? The thought chilled Gavin's heart.

"Prince Tansen, is that true," he asked carefully. He would have to find a way to close any magical roads made the Loidites, and make sure it didn't look like a hostile act. He didn't want to give the people who had been his enemies yesterday a way into the heart of his palace.
Click to expand...

Eloran brushes a hand through his long, black hair. "If i just heard correctly," he takes a small bite of the roast, "The logistical implications," he says the words slowly, and takes a sip of wine, "are simple. Enough capable wizards with a mind to, correct me if I'm wrong, it's called teleporting? Anyway, enough teleportators..." he fumbles with the word, "could bring an invasion host to our door, in the dead of night, instantly."

"As well, it would seem that a mage has been here before, to establish this...gateway?" He states his suspicion bluntly, sips his wine again, and takes another bite of his meal.

One more thing to address, a little shiny something he noticed just a moment ago...

"As well, and again, my Lords, I am but simple muscle among your higher minds, please do correct me if I'm wrong...but I do believe I stated earlier, and in no unclear terms....that MAGIC" he stands up, roaring,"is not allowed!" He draws his sword in a flash, points it at Deston. "Take him to his room. This boy and his ill manners are interrupting our adult discussion. Draw him a bath, and take his clothes to the laundry. Prince Deston may have his choice of either bathrobe, or chains, his compliance being the determining factor."

Two Ritter Hex's move to his command, to drag Deston away, unkindly if he refuses. "See to it that he has ample protection for the evening. Wouldn't want anything happening to him."

Ritter Eloran forks another piece of meat into his mouth, and looks around harshly, his dark eyes raging. "Resume the pleasantries."
 
Tansen thought about the prince's question then replied, "Well a fairly powerful mage must first create a connection from the place of origin and our castle. Mind you that the caster that establishes this connection must be of great strengths. A master by mosts standards. If you wish before we leave..." Tansen went silent as the Ritter Hex flew into a furry. He gave a long sigh. So much for the talk they were to have after dinner.

Deston merely looked at his brother, now a little scared. He had no idea that they would take such small tavern tricks so seriously. He didn't say anything as they took him away, merely stared back at the congregation with a blank stair. He had not thought to take the Ritter Hex so seriously.

Tansen watched as they dragged his little brother away. He was confronted with choices he suddenly hated to make. Would he defend his little brother and their honor or save what little peace he was sure there to be had at dinner, in hopes of finding peace for his nation. He half stood as the left the room, then fell back into his seat, staring at the door they had just dragged his little brother through.
 
Gavin rubbed his temples and muttered, "Wizards," under his breath as the Ritter Hex took Prince Deston away. So much for a moment of peace. "Prince Tansen," he said, "as you can see, we take magic very seriously here. An early bedtime is good for the health of your young brother after such a strainous journey."

Trying to get the momentum of the dinner back, he said, "You were talking about the point of your entry, I believe. I'm interested in what you were about to say."

Diane stood up. "I'm sorry, but may I be excused."

"Too much excitement," Gavin asked.

"Yes. I think I'll just head to my chambers for the night," she said. Turning to the Comtesses, she said, "If it's all right with you, I'll look at the gift in the morning." She hadn't wanted to open it in public, but she did want the comtesses there when she saw it.
 
Masako had kept quiet about it all and when Deston was hauled off she could only grin in satisfaction, watching the Hex with a strange type of interest. Now THOSE were the type of men she liked, ones that could get things done and had no qualms about doing them. "They're very efficient." She complimented them in general. At least Anstarians do ONE thing well... She thought privately as she watched everyone else, as she finished her own meal, consisting mostly of the roasted deer, she rose, pushing the chair out behind her. "If you'll excuse me. I believe all this passivity is getting to me, I think I"ll take a short walk....if that's ok with you your highness." She addressed Gavin.
 
Gavin signaled the Ritter Hex. Two moved to escort Diane and two moved to escort Masako. "As long as you stay in the agreed areas, you may take a walk, Baroness," he said. "For safety precautions, you cannot go to the men's chambers, the research facilities, family living quarters, servant quarters or the military quarters."

Diane said her good-byes and was escorted back to her rooms. The chest the Comtesses had given her was set in the corner of her room. She took her fancy dress off and changed into a plain gown. Taking her book of poetry, she sat by the window to read by candlelight. Too frustrated to read, she put the book away. She knew she should leave these matters to her brother, but sometimes men needed a gentle hand to help guide them.

Knowing she had to sneak past her guards, she started plotting her escape from her room. When dinner ended, she planned on smoothing things over with the Loidites.
 
Masako bowed fluidly to Gavin and smoothed her hands down the front of her dress, giving a distasteful look for a moment before starting for the door. "No worries. I don't really have an interest in the men's quarters anyway, or any of the others." She said with a shrug and exited the room with the Hex following her. She couldn't take it anymore, having to suppress her aura and began to let it seep out just a bit as she relaxed. It wouldn't have any real noticeable effect unless you were exposed to it for more then 15 minutes and moving around prolonged that even more. "Can you show me the way to the stables?" she asked one of Ritter Hex. She'd grown up with horse-nomads on the plains so she had an interest in the beasts and was curious to see the breeds they had here.
 
"I understand your highness. Sadly my brother does not. Please do not be to harsh on him though. Mother and Father have spoiled him, at home, so he tends to not listen to the rules." He looked back at the doors the hex's had 'escorted' his brother through. "But yes as I was saying before that disruption. We would gladly take down this connection for you once we left, as a sign of peace between our nations. Though I should warn you this requires the use of more magic." Now that he thought about it, he had no idea how they would get home. They had brought no other form of transportation other than their magic.

Deston paced in his room, the first waves of fear now gone. Replaced by a feeling of anger. He was to be locked up in his room like some little child. He began to think about whether it would be worth it to use magic to escape, or mess with the guards that were now his, guards. He flopped down on his bed in frustration, letting out a deep sigh. What a bore this trip was turning out to be.
 
Gavin nodded. "Thank you, Prince Tansen," he said. "I understand it would take magic to destroy magic. Thank you for the warning. I am sure that the Ritter Hex would be willing to allow you to take down the magical road before you leave with no interuptions." He looked over at Eloran after that. He just had to make sure that the Ritter didn't jump at the chance to imprision everyone at once.

***********

The Ritter escorts took Masako to the stables. The royal stables were set up in three sections. Horses for riding, horses for the carriages and horses for the fields. The riding horses were mostly for looks and not much use for anything else. The carriage horses were stouter and able to endure pulling a lot of weight and working in teams. The work horses were squat and strong, not much to look at but of good breeds.

"If her ladyship wishes to ride, we must insist on waiting for daybreak," one of the Ritter Hex said.
 
Masako looked over the horses and sighed as they seemed to grow uneasy around her and kept her distance. They were overall disappointing, it looked like these poor horses couldn't keep up with Goldsparite horses, whom could run marathons over the grasslands at home. "I suppose I'll have to wait then. Are there any that are actually used for recreational riding? The ones that have those labels don't look like they could carry much or go for long.." she asked, still looking at them. "The carriage ones seem to be better fit for it."
 
As she watched the situation with the young royal, Honorè felt a migraine coming on, and began to massage her temples. These people didn’t need anyone else to screw things up for them; they were doing a fine job themselves. As she moved her fingers in their soothing circular motions, she bent her head, only to stare at the horrifying meat.

Thankfully, the princess spoke and she had an excuse to look up. “Yes, of course, your Highness.” At the rate the evening was going, she was going to end up pleading off her walk with the Prince. She really needed the freedom of a hunt, or at least a ride. Perhaps at least feeding Gawain his night meal would make her feel better. She’d not felt so superfluous at any point in her life previous to this. For once, it was with gratitude that she watched Lady Masako perform a faux pas, setting a precedent.

"Yes, perhaps the day was a bit much for us all." If their rooms were ready, Honorè thought she might indeed retire to them in preparation for her walk with the Prince. She needed to be in decent quality for that tête à tête. In the morning though, she would have to go riding for at least a bit, to get her normal energy back.
 
Ritter Eloran stabs at his food angrily, biting down hard and scanning everything with his smoldering black eyes. He wasn't sure he believed in peace. He knew he believed in hatred, in ancient grudges and in mankind's utmost willingness to shed it's neighbor's blood.

What was peace, but a lull between wars? Someone would break the truce eventually, and the land would turn into a hell all over again.

He snarls to himself. He knew a thousand ways to kill a man, had taken out cults and fought summoned demons, and infiltrated some of the toughest forts in Loidi. He had never felt a true sense of belonging without a sword in his hand, though. He had never been in love.

He didn't understand peace. Could it really happen?
 
And then there was three. Jaren had risen with the leaving of each guest, excepting the hauling off of Deston. He gave the proper bow to the ladies leaving the table before retaking his chair, Princess, Baroness, or Comtesse, he showed the same level of deferrment among all three. He still had a slight smile upon his face, leaning heavily upon his left hand, his right picking at the roast before him, still eating tiny morsels at a time, delicately tearing apart pieces no bigger than one of his toes. He picked slowly, waiting as Prince Tansen and Prince Gavin tried to smooth things over.

"Sires... little is ever accomplished upon first night. We met, we feasted, we measured. Perhaps it is time to call it a good evening, and let the events settle in our mind. Unless you have such dire business that you seek to accomplish after our friends from Goldspar leave?" He spoke softly, his tone drifting as though his mind was not fully upon what he spoke. He popped a small morsel of honey cake into his mouth, swallowing slowly as he watched the Princes and the strongarm at the table.
 
"I think you may be correct, your lordship. Much has happened for one to think about this day." Looking over at Gavin, he asked, "I do hope I have the permission to see my brother this night. I may be able to talk some sense into his youth, before he does one more, folly action." He felt that his brother would not be stuck in his room to long. It did not seem his nature to do such a thing.
 
Gavin nodded, standing. "It has been a long night for us all. Comtesses, your rooms are ready if you wish to retire." He bent low to Honore and whispered, "I will be in the gardens later, if you still wish to view them."

Looking at Prince Tansen, he said, "You may see your brother tonight. Please, stress to him that the Ritter Hex do not play games. It would be best that he either refrain from all magical activity here, or keep it to the confines of your rooms."

Turning to Martinez, he motioned that he wanted to talk to the man. He brought Martinez to the library, not realizing they were followed. Leaning against a chair, Gavin said, "I'm not quite sure how to say this, Lord Martinez. It concerns my sister. You had a chance to meet her, I'm sure you can understand why I'd worry about her." Looking down, Gavin tried to think of how to continue.

"Diane needs a husband," Gavin said. "Father wants, in the interest of peace, for her to marry the Loidite prince. I am uncomfortable with that idea. That would give them access to the throne and the kingdom. I need to keep her safe from that, to keep Anstaria safe. I think a marriage between Anstaria and Danbar will help matters, and further our political relationship."
 
Tansen nodded, thankfully. "Thank you your highness." Just before he left the room for his brothers he noticed the two lords were to talk to each other. Tansen was very interested in what was to be said, that his ears were not ment to hear. He followed the two with the stealth that had been brought on him, in the various raids he had led against this very nation. Standing at the door of the library he was amazed at what he heard. He was quite amazed at such bargaining over anothers life. Such marriages were rare in Lodi, most women choosing for themselves who to marry. He decided to stay at the door way and learn more.
 
"Thank you, your highness." Both of the ladies made their curtsy, and Valère made her way to their rooms, while Honorè chose a different path. To the stables to check on her bird. After all, Lord Martinez's comments had made her uncomfortable. But she hadn't made it very far when she ran into one of her servants, carrying the bird upon it's carrier.

"My Lady, Gawain seems listless. I wasn't sure what to do."

Taking the glove and leash from the girl, she dressed her arm appropriately and took the bird to rest upon her. "Shhhh..."she soothed, stroking the bird's feathers; like his mistress, the bird was tiring of the confines of the trip. Hm...she had a choice to make, and she made it quickly.

"Go, grab my cloak. Gawain and I will take a walk." Most likely one of the Ritter Hex would follow, but that was their choice. Their part in this whole farce was not so great that she'd risk the health of a bird worthy of kings. Hopefully, the fresh air would perk up the bird until the morning when she could find an excuse to hunt.
 
He nodded slowly as the Prince started his suggestion. He seemed to take it all in stride, standing behind the prince as he leaned down. Jaren's hands were clasped behind him, orderly over the small of his back. He kept his stance measured, feet at shoulder with, shoulders squared, looking upon the Prince levely, not casting his gaze down upon the man. No more sly smiles, no more relaxed poses. He stood a good two paces behind the Prince, nodding once more as he finished his proposal.

"The Princess," he cleared his throat a little, "Diane," he looked over to the Prince, seeing how he reacted to the use of her name. "Seems a proper lady. A true gem of Anastaria. It would be a terrible falsehood to say she would not make a magnificent wife, and a most welcome addition to my Clan."
 
Gavin sighed, nodding. "She would make someone a fine wife. It's all she's been trained to do since birth. She can easily take command of this palace, knows all of the duties of the house mistress, and can fit into politics as the perfect little helpmate. I've seen to that much of her education. I always figured she'd marry some duke, but my father is insistant. He's not much longer for this world, sad to say."

Turning to Martinez, he continued, "I can't announce this arrangement too soon. It might make the Loidites suspicious as to why she's suddenly betrothed. You understand that this must be kept secret?"

He felt a little bad for selling his sister, but it had to be done. It was either a marriage to his allies, or to the man who had just a few days ago been his enemy. He couldn't give Loidi the tactical advantage of having a legal gain to his throne. That idea made him ill.

***********

Figuring that dinner was over, Diane crept out of her room by way of the back servant's entrance. Keeping to the shadows, she cut through the gardens on her way to the men's chambers. she didn't know how much went on after she left, but she was deturmined to at least appologize to the Loidites and warn them about what the pentalites of magic in Anstaria. It was only fair, after all.
 
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