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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 13:00:45 GMT -5
The travel had been smooth. Asherat had blessed the ship with a strong wind and sunny skies, and we had arrived early in the city of Marsilikos.
As the men took out the coffers and luggage, I took in the fresh air, the salty scent of the blue sea, and I grinned. I had always had a soft spot for this city, it's bays and sunny buildings.
Emilio had sent me ahead, a preparation assignment for future embassies, a trade agreement to be passed with the Lady of Marsilikos, rights of passage to be negotiated, friendships to be offered.
It was not the first time, nor the last that the Hellene-born city greeted me, and I was anxious to meet the young Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande. I had been told of her intelligence and beauty, and it made my motivations all the more pressing.
They were done, and I was pleased. A quick passage at the White Horse Inn, my usual stop, and I was ready and presentable, making my way to work. She had been advised of my visit, and knew full well to expect me. I would not be late.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 13:09:04 GMT -5
My hair had just been cut on the advent of my mother's death; it hung about chin-length and in tamed curls. Usually I would have brushed it until there was only bright-red waves, but my motivation had been lacking. Still, I was presentable, well-gowned in a maroon color that reminded me of the last bit of sunset, and seated on my dais gracefully, hands clasped in my lap.
On time, the Duca Gillermo Stregazza was announced and serenely, wearing my best welcoming features, I motioned for him to be allowed entrance.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 13:20:30 GMT -5
The usher bid me in, and I obliged, my sword left at the entrance as a sign of trust.
Introduced to the Lady of Marsilikos, I bowed low, a handsome, courtly gesture, and presented myself.
"The Emissary of Caerdiccas Unitas and La Serenissima presents his salutations to the Lady of Marsilikos," I said as I bowed. Standing straight, proud yet respectful, I smiled pleasantly as I finished my sentence "and much gratitude for this audience, Your Grace."
I looked at her - she was serene, and pretty, in an offbeat way. Chasing such considerations from my fickle mind, I pursued. "The Doge has requested that I present our sincere condoleances, on behalf of the Stregazza family and the Immortali," I said, giving a bow of respect to the Departed.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 13:31:20 GMT -5
Clearly, as I'd been taught, I replied with a small, suitable smile, nod and gesture to rise I replied, "Salutations to you as well, Duca Stregazza. Thank you for your kind words in this sorrowful time. They are greatly appreciated."
My intellect was ruling me at the moment as I took in this Gillermo Stregazza through thoughtful grey-blue eyes- handsome and polite, as well as knowing the protocol of these happenings. "I hope you will find that the arrangements between our peoples haven't changed," I continued. "My late mother's agreements will be kept for the time being, until the City has had appropriate time to grieve." And me, I thought, though my expression showed nothing of it and my tone remained cordial and courteous.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 13:40:14 GMT -5
I had anticipated such a reply, for it was unfortunate that the passing had coincided with my departure.
I had been bid to leave, one way or the other, and to present whatever lent hand I could - and I would. My own father's passing was still fresh in my mind, and I could not dare think the weight such young shoulders - was she 19? 25? - I had been told her age, and she looked it alright, though visibly as mature as I. Nonetheless, I had care.
"Of course, I would not wish to add to the burden of loss, by disrespecting the memory of the departed, Your grace," I replied soberly. "My liege has bid me to extend the hand of friendship to Terre d'Ange, and to the Sovereign Duchy of Eisande, in these sorrowful times. Mayhap there is something else, that I, or my Liege, might do to strengthen our collaboration ?"
My tone was even, but I could not keep a hint of kindness out of my voice. Not pity, no, merely understanding. We are all sons and daughters.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 13:47:13 GMT -5
The tones in his voice were sincere and I nodded, softening just slightly, though I knew it would make me look just a little closer to my actual age. "Thank you," I replied, in the same serene tone but with more sincerity in it. Not that I hadn't been sincere before, but that had been for a different sake- my city and its people. This was for myself, just a little. "Your friendship and kindness are much appreciated."
Squaring my shoulders again I smiled more widely but with a slight flush I added, "Perhaps you could explain to me the collaboration that already exists between our peoples? I've been looking over it, but I would appreciate hearing it from your point of view."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 14:09:00 GMT -5
My eyes filled with something akin to brotherhood. Her softening smile had suddenly reminded me of my sister, and I wondered how she might be when she wasn't in function. Mayhap a different person, a softer girl in need of friends ?
And so I obliged, taking a more comfortable stance, for the explanation would take a while.
"As you wish, Your Grace. As you may remember," and I averted my eyes - the shame had never completely left me, "Caerdiccas Unitas did not do so well in their support of Terre d'Ange. Many nobles felt a great deal of shame at the disorganization that ensued in our own country, and we have been striving to correct this state of affairs. The late Duca di Belafonte traveled here, and met with your mother, in fact."
I took a breath. "At the time, they came to an understanding of sorts, a tolerated passage for our ships to Alba and Eire, reduced demands on caravans to the City of Elua." I grinned at what came next, but it was all true. "It is partially why Emilio Stregazza required my participation. He was looking forward to what the next generation would agree on."
The gist of it given out, I gave her a look of askance, a polite nod and a grin that was almost mischievous. "Is this sufficient, or shall I bore you with dates and figures?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 14:18:13 GMT -5
Smiling and nodding even as I thought I stepped down from my dais and walked to a nearby table where the actual work happened, placed off to the side and covered with maps and paperwork arranged in neat stacks. "If it wouldn't bore you too terribly I would like to have the details," I replied, cocking my head sideways in invitation for him to come over and explain things to me while my expression was still more request that demand. "I rather like things most people wonder consider tedious."
My intellect told me this was not only a smart move politically, but personally- the more show of friendship and actual one, the better for all sides concerned. The more I understood, the better I could work for the benefit of those involved. Personally- he had an air of someone who would understand, especially as word of his own father's death had traveled this far.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 14:34:28 GMT -5
I grinned, almost giddy with the occasion. I rarely talk of my work with others than monarchs, and most merely shoo me off to their financial advisers. It was a rare treat, and I felt both privileged and honored.
She was of a rare breed, the Lady of Marsilikos. Most would defer such details to others, and prefer to be involved in the wider scope of things, I commented to myself, my look that of earnest appreciation. Her dedication would do great things, in time.
"As you wish, You Grace," I replied elegantly, following her to the table. She was tall, for a D'Angeline woman, but I was still towering over her, and I almost felt a protective instinct course through me. Such responsibility on her shoulders....
The table was broached, and a parchment pulled out of my pocket. It had all the pertinent figures - I had come prepared.
Pointing to the map, I asked, "May I?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 14:41:49 GMT -5
Clearing some of the papers further back from the places he'd mentioned before on the map I nodded. watching what he was about to do with a cool, intelligent gaze, prepared to listen closely. I hadn't been lying, I'd been taught and enjoyed such topics as this. MY mother had told me of everything, but I wanted to hear from the delegate himself what he expected of such an arrangement, to judge his words on their own merit. If this went well, perhaps it could open new doors in trade.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 15:10:49 GMT -5
Pointing to various points on the map, I explained what La Serenissima had to offer.
"We have a large commercial fleet, of over 100 vessels," I said, not counting the military ships, but merely the commercial ones. Military agreements would come at a later date, perhaps.
I pointed to indicate the various routes. "They cover the following ports," I said, indicating Menekhet, Carthage, Amilcar, the Alban, Eiran Ephesian and Illyrian ports as well. "A small portion brings back silks from Ch'n and embroidered goods from Bhodistan."
I gave her the parchment. "This details the goods that could be imported into Terre d'Ange, or that may need to transit to Marsilikos, their estimated transport value, and the added value to be included in the retail cost. Do note, in the foot notes, the added value to Marsilikos in created employment, and the calculated taxes for such goods."
I stood back, giving her time to read the document.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 15:19:44 GMT -5
My eyes went over the paper, taking the numbers in and calculating them quickly before I nodded. "As well as the benefits in cultural expansion and general goodwill," I agreed. "Overall, a good agreement for all concerned as long as everyone maintains goodwill with one another."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 15:34:23 GMT -5
I gave her a smile of patience. "It is the foundation, isn't it?"
I had grown accustomed to the queries of rulers. Goodwill was the most difficult commodity to present - fleeting, moving, faltering. That was why they chose me. I did not lie - I did what I had to. I am half D'Angeline - my shared heritage comes with a price. Shared allegiance.
"I assure you, good will is not to be in short supply, not if I have anything to do with it, Your Grace," I told her soberly. "Although maybe there is some guarantees you would require?"
Emilio had been clear. Our goodwill must be transparent, and offered with grace. The D'angelines may not have forgotten the fiasco - certainly, we had not.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 15:49:30 GMT -5
Smiling, I shook my head. "I'm still young enough to have faith in goodwill, I think," I replied. "Especially since such a thing as that must begin within oneself before it can ever be shown to another. In our countries histories there have been disagreements and difficulties on both sides- perhaps the job of a new generation is to put such things aside when they have no more purpose."
Still, I did have my own country and people to think of. "I think, perhaps, a two year trial arrangement, to see if it suits as it is? After all, there is as much risk to Serenissima and Caerdicca Unitas as there is to Marsilikos and Terre d'Ange."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 16:06:30 GMT -5
I nodded in amused ascent. Anyone who did not know would have believed the young Lessandrie de Mereliot to be twice her age, if they had heard her speak.
"A reasonnable compromise, My Lady Duchesse," I replied with a smile. Emilio would be rather pleased, for he had been prepared to give extensive guarantees. "There is only the formalities to attend to."
I pulled out another parchment, and on it, in elegant penmanship, I added the following caveat.
The parties hereby convene to revise the circumstances and modalities of the present treaty on said date, two years from current signature, albeit for continuation, amendment or termination for cause.
Spreading some sand on the ink so that the excess would be absorbed, I brushed it off lightly, and blew on it for good measure. "Will this additional provision do, Your Grace?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 16:11:19 GMT -5
With a good-natured smile I nodded. "It suits me very well, thank you," I replied, taking the time to flip open the lid on my inkpot and take up a quill. "Was there anything else that needed going-over before we close this matter?"
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 16:15:23 GMT -5
I grinned, an ambitious idea coveting my mind. "For this particular matter, I believe there are no other caveats," I replied. "There will be, however, another one, once we are done, if you will grant me another few instants of your time," I added with a smile.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 16:23:32 GMT -5
"Fair enough," I replied, smiling in return as I turned my pen to the paper and, with remarkably good penmanship, signed my name, adding a handful of sand as well and letting it rest for a moment. Blowing the sand could, on occasion, smear the ink. I then offered him my own quill, another sign of goodwill, so he could add his own signature of verification.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 16:36:52 GMT -5
Accepting the quill with an elegant smile of thanks, I signed, and as she had left the sand on her side of the signature line, I did as well, twice over since a copy would be returned to Emilio, the caveat quickly added and dried.
When it was all done, I gave her a look of askance, "Are you ready for the second matter?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 16:45:49 GMT -5
"Certainly," I replied steadily, trying to think of what else he would want to go over, but subtly so it didn't show in my expression. Still, I was burning with curiosity.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 21:12:28 GMT -5
My stance, I made comfortable, my smile, open. I did not wish to give the wrong impression.
"Please forgive my daringness." I paused, "I will be in Marsilikos for another fortnight... should your Grace desire company, I wish to offer mine. Dinner, mayhap?" I suggested with a raised brow and a smile that was both friendly, and a little impish.
In truth, I expected she refuse, but I could not fathom not asking. She was... interesting, and I was intrigued.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 21:24:23 GMT -5
Well, that response had been at the bottom of my things to expect. Inwardly I flushed and grinned; however, my outward image simply smiled more warmly and nodded, remembering countless lessons on being charming and sophisticated. "I would like that," I replied sincerely, the faintest hint of maidenly blush touching my cheeks as my eyes returned his flash of mischief.
Besides, he was handsome enough and seemed friendly. There was nothing wrong with making a friend.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 21:32:18 GMT -5
I smiled in sincere thanks, and bowed elegantly. "You honor me," I replied by way of thanks. "There is much to do at the port today, and I must bide my leave. Shall I wait for your word, then?"
The deal was sealed, and orders needed to be given. Two weeks were a short time to make it all happen, and every moment counted. Besides, I expected the Lady of Marsilikos had enough labor awaiting her, herself.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Jul 8, 2007 21:45:15 GMT -5
With a slight but respectful curtsy I nodded as I rose, eyes flashing with a little bit of innocent eagerness. "I'll send you word within a week's time," I assured him. "You have my word."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Jul 8, 2007 23:20:43 GMT -5
"I look forward to it," I replied, giving a deep and elegant bow. That being said and done, I took my leave, and headed to the port.
She would send word - the Eisandines kept their word, and had honor. I knew so fairly well.
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