The Grand Prince sits on his throne. Fingers of his hand joined together, he is in deep thought. His brows turned into waves of flesh on his forehead. Besides him Ilya Repin is dictating letters to Muscovy and the Tatar Empire.
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A letter arrives for the Grand Prince from Novgorod,
"Grand Prince Yuri Suzdalskeey,
The Czarina Mina Andreyevna has contacted me and requested of me that I invite a representitive of Vladimir-Suzdal to Novgorod. We very much wish for our comrades in Vladimir to visit this most ancient and glorious city, sister of importance in our mutual history only to mother Kiev herself. Upon which maybe a visit to Pskov itself would be in order, that is unless the Czarina comes to Novgorod as she is fond of doing for a short time in the warmer seasons.
Written with pleasant regards in Novgorod,
Nikita Romanivitch Breshev"
"Grand Prince Yuri Suzdalskeey,
The Czarina Mina Andreyevna has contacted me and requested of me that I invite a representitive of Vladimir-Suzdal to Novgorod. We very much wish for our comrades in Vladimir to visit this most ancient and glorious city, sister of importance in our mutual history only to mother Kiev herself. Upon which maybe a visit to Pskov itself would be in order, that is unless the Czarina comes to Novgorod as she is fond of doing for a short time in the warmer seasons.
Written with pleasant regards in Novgorod,
Nikita Romanivitch Breshev"
Alexander Solzhenycin i sitting at his grand house. Eating borsch with his family, he is interrupted by a servant:
"Sire, Advisor of Diplomacy to the Grand Prince, Ilya Repin is here personally."
Solzhenycin stands up and the womenfolk obediantly leave the dining room. Repin walks in, huge fur coat and fur hat almost covering his large figure.
"How can I be of service to you and the Grand Prince?" asks Solzhenycin.
"You are to set out for Pskov tonight, Alexander. Travel there by night and day if need be. There is a great need for a personal ambassador at the Psovsky Kremlin. Time is of the essense."
The two discuss matters of policies and guidelines, how is he to conduct himself in Pskov. Before nightfall he is given a personal letter to the Czarina and Alexander Solzhenycin races towards Pskov across the northern waste.
"Sire, Advisor of Diplomacy to the Grand Prince, Ilya Repin is here personally."
Solzhenycin stands up and the womenfolk obediantly leave the dining room. Repin walks in, huge fur coat and fur hat almost covering his large figure.
"How can I be of service to you and the Grand Prince?" asks Solzhenycin.
"You are to set out for Pskov tonight, Alexander. Travel there by night and day if need be. There is a great need for a personal ambassador at the Psovsky Kremlin. Time is of the essense."
The two discuss matters of policies and guidelines, how is he to conduct himself in Pskov. Before nightfall he is given a personal letter to the Czarina and Alexander Solzhenycin races towards Pskov across the northern waste.
A man arived of gruff nature, and did not give much thought to formalities and manners, he did what was necessary to get the job done. Yet he still spoke in a very fluent and articulate manner,
"My lord, I am Vladimir Stukov, sent here by Vasily, Czar of the Rus and Grand Prince of Muscovy, to serve as the humble ambassador to Suzdal. There are many things I wish to discuss with you if you should recieve me, and if I may be so bold my lord, I wish to speak in private for the halls of courts have many ears these days."
He gave a respectful yet short bow and awaited a reply.
"My lord, I am Vladimir Stukov, sent here by Vasily, Czar of the Rus and Grand Prince of Muscovy, to serve as the humble ambassador to Suzdal. There are many things I wish to discuss with you if you should recieve me, and if I may be so bold my lord, I wish to speak in private for the halls of courts have many ears these days."
He gave a respectful yet short bow and awaited a reply.
Lounge Room, Pskovskeey Kremlin
A warm breeze blew through the open doors to the balcony outside on this fine August morning, the fingers of the wind gently rustling the light summer dress of the Czarina and playing at the edges of the message given her by Aleksandr Solzhenycin, Grand Ambassador from Vladimir-Suzdal who had been asked to sit in a couch not far from where she stood. While she read Mina listened to the man's words and looking up to him with her gray eyes shadowed from the sunlight breaking into the room from behind her indicted that she was finished with the letter.
Barely discernably in the shadow she smiled, she was not accustomed to hear Russia spoken of so romantically from lips other than her own, full and pursed now as if in thought. Creasing and folding the bit of paper delicately with her fingers she made a slight jerk of her head, beckoning Aleksandr to follw her out onto the balcony. She simply looked out over the Kremlin yards, the mighty walls and over the city sprawling around them, more importantly around the Pskova and Velikaya rivers, both busy with traffic coming in off the lakes and from the south. She spoke clearly against the wind, as it blew her dark hair let down about her shoulders, "If your prince shares the same convictions in his heart that he speaks about in this letter, and that your words convey then I believe he is a very wise man. And one who holds a very similiar vision to mine as to what Russia should be."
She gave a bit of a half smile and turned to face Aleksandr for a moment, her eyes cast over the older man. She herself would appoint such a man an ambassador, his very appearance spoke of dignity, experience, and most importantly his trustworthiness. She then looked back out to the scenery about them, her land, their land, that of the family that was Pskov-Novgorod, a family to which she was the matriarch - more importantly of Russia and her people, "I wish also to bring back the Russia of Kiev. Princes allied for the benefit of greater Rus, an alliance against all those that would threaten our holy motherland. Unfortunately there are those among us who do not share my dream, who would rather allign themselves with Russia's greatest enemy than with their own brothers. I speak of the Moscovites, the Moscovites who rule their lands like Mongol Khans, and not like the Grand Princes of old. They claim to be rulers of Russia, all Russia. It is this ignorance, this poison which destroys us even to this day.
This beautiful summer day where we are now at war. No doubt as we speak Lithuanian armies march in this direction, a march to destruction..." The Czarina paused a moment, closing her eyes and slowly inhaling concentrating on the feel of the hot Russian sun seeming to burn through her light dress in its heat, "Regardless, much greater threats have been destroyed, in much worse situations. Still this is but a preview of what horrible fate will befall Russia if she remains divided. A preview that could be most damaging in itself however, if we are to take steps toward a great union of co-dependance in Russia... Now is the time." Mina turned around now to face Aleksandr, leaning against the railing, her palms on either side of her feeling the stone under her hands, "Any support that can be found is needed. When battle against Leetva comes, it is not a battle for Pskov-Novgorod, but for the future of Russia. The Moscovite Czar will not stop the Lithuanians, he does not care for our Rodina for our very faith, he has shown that. If your Prince wants the Russia he speaks of, well... " Mina raised a hand from the rail and gestured to the city around them, "This is prosperity, this is Russia at its finest, it cannot be allowed to fall to barbarians. Aleksandr Nevski did his part, Yaroslav the wise did his, now it is our turn, my turn, Prince Yuri's turn. It is time to defend Russia."
Das Heer said:
The Grand Prince beckons the Muscovite ambassador into the private chambers, along with the Advisor of Diplomacy, Ilya Repin. Within the private halls they speak.
More messages and discussions happen between the Moscovite ambassador and the Grand Prince of Suzdal.
Within the Grand Halls of Suzdal all becomes quiet again. In the private chambers. but one fire is still burning. Around it stand the Grand Prince, Ilya Repin, advisor of diplomacy and Yuri "the small".
"And so it is done", mutters the Grand Prince, bearly audible.
"Yes, my liege! The pact that we have sought for so long is done. We have joined the first two links, from a chain that will soon unite Orthodox Rus from the Baltics, across the northern tayga, to the steppe and the marshes of Vladimir at its north-eastern extremity.
An alliance, created by the free-principalities of Rus. In choosing of their own, they should perceive that the only path from the dark days that we have fallen into is an alliance of friendship, unity and brotherhood."
Yuri the small, oldest son of the Grand Prince interrupts:
"Yes! Boyars from across Rus will ride like one, to vanquish our enemies and carry peace and prosperity behind their strong mounts!"
The Grand Prince views his son with slight alarm. Let us hope he will forsake the path of the sword and choose the art of diplomacy before I rejoin the Allmighty, he muses.
Repin speaks again:
"Sire, we shall be the first two stones, that sall trigger an avalanche. The mighty Volga and all across the Rus, let us hope that powerful bonds will be cast into letter and stone, so that the glory past of Kiev will return one-day!
For tonight, the long sleeping Rus has re-awaken!"
"And so it is done", mutters the Grand Prince, bearly audible.
"Yes, my liege! The pact that we have sought for so long is done. We have joined the first two links, from a chain that will soon unite Orthodox Rus from the Baltics, across the northern tayga, to the steppe and the marshes of Vladimir at its north-eastern extremity.
An alliance, created by the free-principalities of Rus. In choosing of their own, they should perceive that the only path from the dark days that we have fallen into is an alliance of friendship, unity and brotherhood."
Yuri the small, oldest son of the Grand Prince interrupts:
"Yes! Boyars from across Rus will ride like one, to vanquish our enemies and carry peace and prosperity behind their strong mounts!"
The Grand Prince views his son with slight alarm. Let us hope he will forsake the path of the sword and choose the art of diplomacy before I rejoin the Allmighty, he muses.
Repin speaks again:
"Sire, we shall be the first two stones, that sall trigger an avalanche. The mighty Volga and all across the Rus, let us hope that powerful bonds will be cast into letter and stone, so that the glory past of Kiev will return one-day!
For tonight, the long sleeping Rus has re-awaken!"
A middle-aged lord entered the room, his brown beard showing the signs of winter snow. Flurries fell from his coat as he walked and bowed to the Grand Prince.
"Your Greatness. I have come at your request to serve as the representative from Tver. I apologize for the delay. A winter storm caught us on the roads north of Moscow. My own sleigh was damaged for several days. But I am here, and ready to speak."
"Your Greatness. I have come at your request to serve as the representative from Tver. I apologize for the delay. A winter storm caught us on the roads north of Moscow. My own sleigh was damaged for several days. But I am here, and ready to speak."
The envoy of Tver stands before the Grand Prince Yuri. Behind him stands the omni-present Repin, advisor of diplomacy, closest aid of the Prince, most trusted confidante. As always, it is Repin who speaks, whereas the Grand Prince looks on, ever earning the nick-name 'mute'. But not for one second is there doubt in anyone's mind that it is the Grand Prince who pulls the strings. Repin's voice fills the hall:
"Welcome to snow covered Suzdal, ambassador of Tver. Long and perilous was your journey, many frozen lakes, treacherous marshes and endless forests you had to brave to arrive in Vladimir. The city of the Northern Star.
Rest, regain your strength, join us by the fire-side. There is much that has transpired since the last horse-man has ridden out of the city walls of Vladimir. To carry the word of Vladimir into the vast spaces of Rus. Much has happened.
And among the most important is the forging of the Volga Alliance. A bond of protection, unity and understanding betwixt the ancient realm of Muscovy and Suzdal. You can read the very text if you wish to do so. A scribe will provide you with a copy (ooc; see section "Treaties" in the thread).
Grand schemes and words are spoken across Rus. Words of unity, words of brotherhood, words of the holy struggle against oppressors. Words recalling the glory of Kievan Rus. Grand Prince Yuri and his brother in Muscovy have decided to first cast their reservations aside and join a bond. It is our goal to once gather all freedom-yearning Russian principalities underneath the shield of the Volga Alliance. So that one day, Rus will re-emerge from the shadows and shine brightly once again across the vast steppes, endless tayga and over the Ural mountains and beyond Lake Ladoga!
Would your ruler be interested in this scheme. To put labour and work, where once but words and speeches lurked?"
"Welcome to snow covered Suzdal, ambassador of Tver. Long and perilous was your journey, many frozen lakes, treacherous marshes and endless forests you had to brave to arrive in Vladimir. The city of the Northern Star.
Rest, regain your strength, join us by the fire-side. There is much that has transpired since the last horse-man has ridden out of the city walls of Vladimir. To carry the word of Vladimir into the vast spaces of Rus. Much has happened.
And among the most important is the forging of the Volga Alliance. A bond of protection, unity and understanding betwixt the ancient realm of Muscovy and Suzdal. You can read the very text if you wish to do so. A scribe will provide you with a copy (ooc; see section "Treaties" in the thread).
Grand schemes and words are spoken across Rus. Words of unity, words of brotherhood, words of the holy struggle against oppressors. Words recalling the glory of Kievan Rus. Grand Prince Yuri and his brother in Muscovy have decided to first cast their reservations aside and join a bond. It is our goal to once gather all freedom-yearning Russian principalities underneath the shield of the Volga Alliance. So that one day, Rus will re-emerge from the shadows and shine brightly once again across the vast steppes, endless tayga and over the Ural mountains and beyond Lake Ladoga!
Would your ruler be interested in this scheme. To put labour and work, where once but words and speeches lurked?"
Gregori smiled at the Grand Prince as he spoke, and wondered if he truly believed what he was saying.
"You say that you wish to put labour and work, where once but words and speeches lurked? This is strange. Your entire argument is words and speeches. They are flowery words and speeches. They are words like unity, brotherhood, protection, and shield. These are words that make Tver ask questions."
"In nature, the free do not unify by instinct. They unify because of mutual need. They unify because their natural freedom is insufficient to protect them. Set aside your flowery words and tell us the truth. From whom do we need protection and shielding? The Golden Horde is a danger, yes. It is a danger we can repel by helping each other as free princes. There is no need to unite to do this."
"Lithuania has always been a danger. We note that they are allied with Muscovy. We note that Suzdal is allied with Muscovy. Therefore, Suzdal regards Lithuania as allies and not as a danger. This is disappointing."
"We note that Lithuania is at war with Pskov. Lithuania's allies, Muscovy, helps Lithuania with finanical support. Suzdal is now a Muscovy ally. Does Suzdal intend to help Lithuania against Pskov? Russians fighting Russians is not a sign of brotherhood."
"This leaves with three possibilities for what your offer of unity really means. It could mean protection against the Horde. It could mean protection against Lithuania. Or it could mean protection against Pskov. Since the three choices are, in order, unnecessary, not likely, and anathema, we are left with the conclusion that Suzdal has another purpose in mind. Tver is proud and free. It is not our inclination to defy our natural instinct for freedom and unify without more explanation."
"You say that you wish to put labour and work, where once but words and speeches lurked? This is strange. Your entire argument is words and speeches. They are flowery words and speeches. They are words like unity, brotherhood, protection, and shield. These are words that make Tver ask questions."
"In nature, the free do not unify by instinct. They unify because of mutual need. They unify because their natural freedom is insufficient to protect them. Set aside your flowery words and tell us the truth. From whom do we need protection and shielding? The Golden Horde is a danger, yes. It is a danger we can repel by helping each other as free princes. There is no need to unite to do this."
"Lithuania has always been a danger. We note that they are allied with Muscovy. We note that Suzdal is allied with Muscovy. Therefore, Suzdal regards Lithuania as allies and not as a danger. This is disappointing."
"We note that Lithuania is at war with Pskov. Lithuania's allies, Muscovy, helps Lithuania with finanical support. Suzdal is now a Muscovy ally. Does Suzdal intend to help Lithuania against Pskov? Russians fighting Russians is not a sign of brotherhood."
"This leaves with three possibilities for what your offer of unity really means. It could mean protection against the Horde. It could mean protection against Lithuania. Or it could mean protection against Pskov. Since the three choices are, in order, unnecessary, not likely, and anathema, we are left with the conclusion that Suzdal has another purpose in mind. Tver is proud and free. It is not our inclination to defy our natural instinct for freedom and unify without more explanation."
Repin responds:
"Words have been ushered in the ancient walls of Suzdal. Words from the distant Tver. We agree on many things, ambassador. On many things.
But on many we disagree. Suzdal and the Rus as a whole are threatened. By enemies amassing along its vast borders. We do not seek the destruction of Pskov and nor will Suzdal ever in anger march agains the Grand Princess Mina.
However, while this struggle goes on in the west, we have other concerns on our heads. Concerns whether Rus will withstand an onslaught again. While the fire is burning in the west! we have already in Muscovy decided to forge alliances in the east, so that once the marshes of Pskov cool we can resume our joint plans with Grand Princess Mina. The dreams of a Rus united.
From your speech I undestand that Tver will not be joining an alliance soon. We respect your decision, for it is your decision to be made. Maybe in time you will change your opinion. Thank you for visiting the distant city of Vladimir."
"Words have been ushered in the ancient walls of Suzdal. Words from the distant Tver. We agree on many things, ambassador. On many things.
But on many we disagree. Suzdal and the Rus as a whole are threatened. By enemies amassing along its vast borders. We do not seek the destruction of Pskov and nor will Suzdal ever in anger march agains the Grand Princess Mina.
However, while this struggle goes on in the west, we have other concerns on our heads. Concerns whether Rus will withstand an onslaught again. While the fire is burning in the west! we have already in Muscovy decided to forge alliances in the east, so that once the marshes of Pskov cool we can resume our joint plans with Grand Princess Mina. The dreams of a Rus united.
From your speech I undestand that Tver will not be joining an alliance soon. We respect your decision, for it is your decision to be made. Maybe in time you will change your opinion. Thank you for visiting the distant city of Vladimir."
A letter arives from Moscow,
"Grand Prince of Suzdal, loyal ally,
Please forgive the amount of time that went by before I wrote this letter to you, but I came down with a sudden illness, and only as of late has it subsided. Now that I am free to use my strength towards diplomacy, I first write to you to express my gratitude and hopes that this alliance between us will secure are lands from all threats. The Rus is a land long raveged with war, but with the end of the Pskov-Lithuanian war insight we might find peace yet again. I sincerely hope that our alliance will keep that peace in our northern lands, and that no more russians have to die in battle. If you would so like, you are more than welcome to come to Moscow. In recent years I have expanded the Moscow Kremlin, and its living quarters will provide a warm home away from home. I would very much like to come to Vladimir, but I will not be making any trips outside of Moscow untill the end of the war.
written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of the Rus, Grand Prince of Muscovy"
"Grand Prince of Suzdal, loyal ally,
Please forgive the amount of time that went by before I wrote this letter to you, but I came down with a sudden illness, and only as of late has it subsided. Now that I am free to use my strength towards diplomacy, I first write to you to express my gratitude and hopes that this alliance between us will secure are lands from all threats. The Rus is a land long raveged with war, but with the end of the Pskov-Lithuanian war insight we might find peace yet again. I sincerely hope that our alliance will keep that peace in our northern lands, and that no more russians have to die in battle. If you would so like, you are more than welcome to come to Moscow. In recent years I have expanded the Moscow Kremlin, and its living quarters will provide a warm home away from home. I would very much like to come to Vladimir, but I will not be making any trips outside of Moscow untill the end of the war.
written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of the Rus, Grand Prince of Muscovy"
The snow covers the tayga. The birch trees no longer display their black marks. The Rus sleeps. Suzdal-Vladimir, the last outpost of civilization in this otherwise barren landscape rests. Isolated from the world once again, but for a mad trapper who braves the freezing paths, none travel the long winding roads to the nearest realm. Even the border outposts could be destroyed and undone for all the the Grand Prince Yuri of Suzdal knows.
Suzdal sleeps
A man bearing the Moskowy's banner enter the court, he asks to speak with the grand prince
The Advisor of diplomacy, Ilya Repin ushers in the Muscovite:
"Welcome to the foreboding realm of Suzdal. We have had many months without any contact with the outside world, as the winter was harsh and only madmen to traverse the barren wastes of the snow covered tayga.
We still have bonds of steel with the Muscovites. We share common interests, ambassador. What plans you have for our alliance?
The Grand Prince will see you shortly. In the mean time, you can converse with me"
The two figures walk over to the window of the palace and share a view over the snow covered roofs of Vladimir.
"Welcome to the foreboding realm of Suzdal. We have had many months without any contact with the outside world, as the winter was harsh and only madmen to traverse the barren wastes of the snow covered tayga.
We still have bonds of steel with the Muscovites. We share common interests, ambassador. What plans you have for our alliance?
The Grand Prince will see you shortly. In the mean time, you can converse with me"
The two figures walk over to the window of the palace and share a view over the snow covered roofs of Vladimir.
The Ambassador bows looks up and speaks
Well, Grand prince's Advisor, Before this long winter separated us, Our two countries were about to put in paper the great friendship he allready have... maybe we should sign it now, in the dawn of the Spring, in the Dawn of a new age of Friendship here in the Cold Russian lands!
Well, Grand prince's Advisor, Before this long winter separated us, Our two countries were about to put in paper the great friendship he allready have... maybe we should sign it now, in the dawn of the Spring, in the Dawn of a new age of Friendship here in the Cold Russian lands!
Repin looks with surprise at the ambassador:
"Your Excellency. We have already signed the treaty with Muscovy. It is often refered to as the Volga alliance. We have a copy in the archives."
With that they show the ambassador the copy:
"Your Excellency. We have already signed the treaty with Muscovy. It is often refered to as the Volga alliance. We have a copy in the archives."
With that they show the ambassador the copy: