The Royal Court of the King of Bosnia

[Velasco]

Isabella smiled knowingly as Zelkjo, and gently placed her hand just above his knee, stroking his leg as she said, "I am here on matters of the most pressing urgency. I am an envoy of John, duke of Gravina, regent of Naples. It is imperative that I talk with your King, and only him. I am willing to wait until he is at liberty to do so."

 

[Eldin]

Rajkovic and Altavilla​

Zeljko saw the woman, no the veritable beauty's hand rest upon his lower thigh, and almost wasn't able to bring out the words in answer he had to make. His mind raced, searching for a way to bind this woman to him for a while longer, even if it were only for a few seconds. Blushing heavily, he looked up from his dinner into the woman's inviting and beautiful face. It took all his effort not to gasp at her pure beauty.

With some effort, he finally managed to speak.
"I am sorry to hear that, milady Isabel, for I am the king's right hand man, and the second most important person in the kingdom." Zeljko boasted, almost desperately.
"I could show you around the palace and accomodate your stay while the King is in audience, if you do not desire to speak openly of these matters with me. I hope your stay will pleasant and long... I mean fruitful. Now please wo-- AH!" Zeljko jumped up as the overtures of the woman became increasingly more sexual in nature, something Zeljko was not accustomed to at all. He coughed nervously and beckoned her to follow, blushing furiously as he left the dinner table, not able to bring out another word.

 

[unmerged(21085)]

Duke's merchant scale​

Andrija Sorkocevici​

Andrija looked amused for a moment, and yet inside, he felt outrage about leaving weapons behind, he is a sovereign ruler and so thus do not need to have leave behind his weapon. On the other hands, if the King's peace was broken and he somehow died among the chaos, his people will spent next ten years turning the Kingdom of Bosnia into nothing but a remote memory. He dismounted his horse and gave over his reins to the Captain. He spoke in clear deep pleasant voice in direct reply to the King.

Andrija Your Majesty, I indeed have a satisfying journey, too long that we have not met each other, I believe in closer cooperation between rulers of Balkan lands, and so I travelled outside the realm of Ragusa to ensure such things happened.

He smiled slightly at that reflection and nodded his head gracefully.

Andrija I also believe that relations between the Kingdom of Bosnia and the Republic of Ragusa is very pleasant, and so with pleasure, I will leave my weapons behind. And the guards of course.

His guards looked at him with some surprise and with extreme unhappiness. They all knew that if anything happened to the Duke, they will face Crijevici and he keep his sword skill sharp by actually using it on failures.

Andrija I am looking forward to dinner so we can discuss many issues that will benefit both of us. Your Majesty.

Andrija looked seriously at the King at the end of his speech.

 

[Eldin]

The audience with the duke​

After the words of friendship were spoken by duke Andrija, king Tvrtko only moderately noted that the duke's reply had been a formal one. However friendly the words would become, he did not doubt that many things would be discussed over dinner that would anger both men.

For now, though, he did what he felt he had to. He walked up to duke Andrija and embraced him, like a friend long lost before giving him his most jovial of smiles and beckoning him inside.

"It is with great honour that I find you here, illustrious lord Andrija, for today is mutton day. The finest sheep have been taken from all over Bosnia to be eaten here today. I do hope sincerely that you will enjoy the dinner as much as I will. Now, let us come quickly and dispose of our relative followings so that we may be alone at long last. I have a feeling that we have much to discuss, and let us do so over a good glass of the fine Rakija that is distilled around Novi, my precious fort on the Dalmatian coast."

King Tvrtko revelled in his not quite so friendly barb, probably rubbing the source of the duke's ire in his face. An angry duke would perhaps be easier to handle when concessions were discussed. But for the present he just watched the duke's reaction to this as he led him to the dining room. It was a lavishly covered table with grapes from Dalmatia, kale from the last harvest in Trebinje and of course the much famed mutton of Visoko. Servants industriously ran off and on with more fruit and vegetables before king Tvrtko kindly beckoned the duke to sit, doing so himself. He shooed off the servants and signalled the guards to leave them, leaving only the captain of the guard inside, Sanin Hljebcic, a man he would trust with his life and that of the duke's.

Taking a bite from the soft mutton, its taste reaching his palate in an explosion of flavours, rosemarin prevalent, he motioned duke Andrija to do the same before speaking.

"Please, eat. Before we must continue on to the unpleasantries that divide us... at least I assume that is what you wish to discuss... But indeed before we do so, please gorge yourself upon the fruit of my kingdom. Doubtlessly not so rich and varied as the food of your own city, which is rich beyond anything the Bosnians could ever hope to achieve, we are but poor and devoid of our own resources." The smile that graced Tvrtko's lips turned from knowing to sardonic as he spoke these words, leaving the last words hanging ominously as he continued eating. Whether the duke would answer immediately or not, the food was of a quality only seen scarcely in the kingdom.

 

[unmerged(21085)]

River of Silver​

Andrija Sorkocevici​

Andrija's eyes narrowed with anger. is this what he get in return, all the benefits that Bosnia getting from all this trading. And all he got is some petty king who is so full of envy, nay, that word do not even cover, greed, aye, greed for silvers and golds in Ragusa's coffers. The very acts of offering his the wines from that damned port which is just a thorn and like a thorn can be so easily remove by certain acts. Maybe few warships can do the act...

He slowly grasped his fingers around the wine cup, wishing he just simple throw that cup at the King's face of oh so self-importance. Putting his anger under control, he sipped the wine barely. Looking at the King thoughtfully ...

Andrija Well, the reasons why we are so rich is because of few vital articles, first, the silver mines of Bosnia and Serbia which sustain the silver coinages of Ragusa very well. We levied a tax of 1 in 10 of all silvers that came though Ragusa which then converted into coins which then used to invest into trading. Second, our merchants do not have to pay any tolls in the Kingdoms of Bosina and Serbia, Albania, Burgaria, Wallachia and so on. This allow us to prosper. Third, we got merchant fleet that sail the Sea which carry these silvers to Italy which then exchanged for goods to sell back in Balkan nations. And the cycle continued.

However, since Balkan nations is going to have problems with the Turks and I disliked them even more. So that why I decided to see you so we can talk about establishing some taxes on silver so these silvers gained can be put to better used to improve the kingdom of Bosnia. I have no desire to see this kingdom to fall apart in unrest. You cannot stop the river of silver but you surely can build water mill by divert some of the river.

He sat back, drinking the rest of the wine in his cup,

 

[Eldin]

At the Dinnertable​

A grape stuck in the throat of the king at the Ragusan's words. That was indeed much better than he had expected. The offer the Ragusan made was in fact so good that it could not be denied. Diverting the river so that it may flow through Bobovac! An inspiring thought indeed and much more than thinkable before. The Ragusans were never easy at the bargaining table, but it seems that his tactics of insulting his opposition into submission was taken the wrong way.

Tvrtko had not dreamed of such a contract so he had already made arrangements to work around the Ragusans, the Stanak his main instrument. But with such a deal, an offer that could not be refused, on the table, these earlier arrangements would strangle him. The Stanak would never agree to such a soft deal, good though it was. Already a great part of it was openly speaking of open war on the Ragusan miners... they would not be done away with an economical concession like that... they wanted reintegration of these mines into the Bosnian kingdom and nothing less. His earlier plans would prove Tvrtko's undoing.

His mind raced as he reached for his rakija, realising he'd been silent for awkwardly long. He thought of a deal that might be portable to the Stanak, but also agreeable to the sheep in wolf's clothing in front of him... lest he turn into a full wolf and bear down the might of Hungary upon Tvrtko's kingdom. He could find no deal, and in his mind Tvrtko would quickly be measuring the pros and cons of angering either organ. The Ragusans might be able to involve Hungary in their wars and many of the catholic nobles supported them. However, Ragusa on its own could not do much and the interference of Hungary was not at all assured if it were sufficiently placated. And the catholic nobles... they could be dealt with easier than all the other nobles rising in revolt if he ignored the Stanak. Perhaps waiting things out would be the best answer but then the situation would be the same as before, and the situation as it was was a very bad one for Bosnia. And the Stanak was already called, it could not be sent away with a mere scutage discussion like last time, unrest was already high.

The answer seemed clearcut, but Tvrtko did not like it. He just hoped the Ragusan duke would. At last he drained his cup and ignored the way the heady liquor seared his throat, relishing in the pain to draw upon enough strength to do what he was going to, with a heavy heart.

"Your offer is a most generous one, more generous perhaps than we have seen since the beginning of our banate. However, the republic of Ragusa must remember we are no longer a simple banate, we have elevated ourselves to the level of kingdom and as such we require things only you can give us."

"As much as it pains me to say this - for we have always been the best of friends - Bosnia can no longer be sent off with a simple economic nod, friendly and honest though it may be. The kingdom can not be sated like that any longer, people are dying in our realm. Our brothers in christ are most generous to see our need, but the lords of Bosnia wish for more." Tvrtko hoped that the mention of lords tipped the Duke to the king's precarious position without making it seem like he was actually vulnerable... impossible surely.

"In fact we, the lords, are surprised at the fact that on Bosnian soil lands are run that are not loyal to the kingdom but only to money. They find it odd that should an attacker come, these lands might turn against the kingdom that nurtured it and made it grow with favourable treaties and opportunity to cut its way out of its womb. And the lords wish to prevent this."

"What do we ask of you then? The mines take orders from Ragusa and only Ragusa, though their councils are largely autonomous. Bosnia believes that the only way to solve this discrepancy is to make these lands a fief, Zupa of Dubrovnikske i Saske Rude, to the royal crown. Not much will change of course, they may keep their own customs, or any customs you wish to impose on them and they may be elected by you. Their will be but 3 major differences. First, their allegiance when a foreign army invades lies with the Kingdom, not the Duchy of Ragusa. Secondly, any goods mined or produced will have to be weighed and stored in a Bosnian crown city, either Visoko, Jajce or Bobovac. Thirdly, their merchants will pay tolls and taxes like any other of the kingdom of Bosnia." The king was silent for a moment, brooding on his own words. They were still big concessions, things the Stanak might not go for, but if he took away their Ragusan way of life too, it would be surely denied by the Ragusan emmissary. And this way, the Ragusans would largely hold sway over the Zupa, with its own justice and taxes to be taken by the zupan himself, who might still be elected by Ragusa, as long as he swore allegiance to the Bosnian crown. Scanning the Ragusan duke for signs of approval, or more likely, disapproval, the king continued.

"Bosnia believes these terms to be fair but they may of course be negotiated, we might grant you more favourable trade agreements to compensate for any losses you may have or feel you will have. Note though that this will be no more than a surface change, and that any real change will only come from the increased tolls, which you proposed yourself already, and we hope you agree with it."

The table was now being cleared by servants, and the king stared intently at the duke, guessing he would not agree but hoping this did not show on his face.

 

[Velasco]

Isabella laughed at the man's childish innocence. She found it somewhat becoming. Jumping up, she walked over to the door of the chamber, and closed it. "My dear Zelkjo, sit down." She beckoned him to sit down once more.

"The second most important man in the kingdom..I am most honoured". She smiled as she said this, once more placing her hand on his leg. "I would be most pleased...most delighted even...if you could show me around the palace and its gardens. However, perhaps it is better that we leave matters of..." she searched for the word, before saying it with an extra-stress "pleasure, yes matters of such extreme pleasure, until we have discussed what i have come to discuss: namely, the succession of King John to the throne of Naples. In his name, I come to propose an alliance between our two kingdoms, to guard both our nations against the encroachment of Hungary, and also to protect and enhance trade between us."

 

[unmerged(945)]

A letter for the Kings eyes only arrived from Hungary.

 

[Eldin]

Exit Zeljko, enter Vlatko (or, exit Naples)​

Vlatko Vukovic entered the palace, virtually bulldozing over Hljebcic, that upstart guard captain who liked to pretend he was better than him because he had a few years on him. Vlatko was not in the mood for such people at the moment. He'd had to assuade the catholic nobles not in the Stanak on the way that there was no conflict with Ragusa brewing, contrary to his own knowledge and belief. The things he did for Tvrtko.

As he beckoned some servants to take some of his travelling gear from his own servants to his usual quarters he saw the chancellor, that pitiful and pathetic man Zeljko Rajkovic, talking to some outlandish looking female. He did not pay it much heed, preparing himself to head to the king's throne room to discuss with him what all this nonsense was supposed to be about when he caught the woman speaking several words containing the words 'Naples' and 'Alliance against Hungary'. Vlatko, fully remembering the stories his father had told him of the noble Hungary fighting off the horde against all odds, and also knowing the rumours of a supposed alliance between that horde of antichrists and Naples, saw white.

He brashly grabbed Zeljko by the shoulder before he could answer this... admittedly pretty lady, and spoke himself.

"Thanks, but no thanks. You can tell your master king... Charles of Durazzo that we'll have nothing to do with the likes of you, who would ally yourself with the Horde of those despised mongols, we-"
"VOJVODE! You shall not insult an acknowledged diplomat from a christian nation like this! The king would not have it, they are NO longer allied to the blasphemous horde like you say nor are they ruled by the excommunicant Charles of Durazzo. Furthermore, I as chancelor am handling this diplomatic mission. You Vojvod Vukovic, are out of line and you can be sure that the king will hear of this." Surprised at the interruption by the whimp of a man standing in front of him, but unperturbed, Vlatko Vukovic burst out laughing. He then spoke, cynically and without regard for the public nature of their conversation.

"You speak to me of going to the king so he will listen to you? I can assure you, the king and I are of like mind, little man, something that could not be said for you. As personal friend and advisor to the king, I am taking over this diplomatic, and it is he that will hear of YOU, chancelor, scheming behind his back to create alliances with enemies of his kin in Hungary, the king would have none of it. Even if the allegiance between the Scourge of God and Naples is through, no alliance would be possible on terms that would make the king forsake his family, so have this Neapolitan seductress removed and get yourself your own harlot if you are indeed that desperate."

And with that he stared Zeljko down so the small bit of spine showed did not show itself again. It was succesful, and before long, he scurried along, taking the neapolitan dame along with him. His mood slightly improved due to letting all the irritation out of his system, Vlatko went to look for the king.

***___***​

Zeljko Rajkovic was furious. That uncultured illiterate oaf from the southern regions was becoming ever more of an annoyance. His arrogant behaviour could now well have ruined his -the kingdom's, Zeljko reminded himself- relations to Naples. And that must not be.

However, what the Vojvod Vukovic had said was largely true, the king would NOT accept an alliance of any kind to the Neapolitan kingdom. So he should probably send dame D'Altavilla back to her homeland and --

But Zeljko looked upon her once more and knew he could not let her go so easily. Not having the heart to ask her to marry him -such a request would surely be folly, he was but a lesser noble by birth, and orthodox no less-, he had nothing else to do than try to keep her here.

"I am truly sorry for that outburst of the barbarian from Hum, milady. He is uncultured and walks around the palace like he would his own house. But don't worry, the king or the captain of the guard will surely set him straight. For now, we have more important matters to tend to."

"Indeed, some of what the barbarian said was correct, an alliance as such is not possible, the king would not allow it, but I have no doubt that the king might see to other treaties. But you will need to speak to him personally after all if an alliance of force is what you seek here, for I can not give it to you."

This was not a total lie, but only a halftruth. Unless Naples really had intentions of coming through on a supposed alliance, the king would decline any treaty presented. And even if there WAS enough to show for, the king would probably still decline it. But this dame needed not know this... she would just have to stay longer for one more day.

"I can show you to your personal room in one of the mansion in Bobovac if you desire, milady, as you wait for the king to find time so he can talk to you. I will be at your every beck and call for anything you might require. If you wish to become a permanent diplomatic attachee to his majesty's court, I will try to secure you a room in the palace itself."

"You may of course also return to Naples, and I will ready an escort for you personally if that is what you desire. But I would love... I mean I think it would be prudent if you stayed." Zeljko honestly hoped it didn't sounds as desperate as he thought it did, and hoped the dame did not see that staying any longer would be a lost cause, in all probability. He just wished he could spend a little longer with her, any way possible.

 

[Velasco]

Isabella smiled at Zelkjo. Indeed she thought him rather handsome. She would make him hers, even if only for a few hours.

"I would be most pleased if you could show me to my room. A permanent place in this court would be most welcome...especially in the company of such handsome, well educated men as yourself." She drew closer to him, and put her hand around his waist, sliding it down onto his buttocks. Smiling, she kissed him, first on the cheek, and then on the lips, before asking, no, commanding him to take her at once to her room, where they might be alone.

 

[unmerged(21085)]

Shattered Hope​

Andrija Sorkocevici​

Andrija's mood took quite a bad turn by the time Tvrtko is halfway explaining his plan and at the end, he stared at Tvrtko as if he was round the bend. Oh how he wish he can punch him and break off the table leg and start plummeting him with death. He glanced the table's corner and lamentable sigh can be heard, pity.

He frowned thoughtfully and started repeating the King's words in his head with comments.

They find it odd that should an attacker come, these lands might turn against the kingdom that nurtured it and made it grow with favourable treaties and opportunity to cut its way out of its womb. Of course they will decide for themselves, I lost count how many time our people have to switch protectors, I would gladly switch to other protecters if the Kingdom of Hungary doing very badly.

Secondly, any goods mined or produced will have to be weighed and stored in a Bosnian crown city, either Visoko, Jajce or Bobovac. Oh really, then I suppose ALL foolish lords are doing the same things, sending their own goods to these cities which are full of my people and I can build warehouses in these cities. Well, at least that is a way.

Thirdly, their merchants will pay tolls and taxes like any other of the kingdom of Bosnia. I will agreed on that at least, as long that as the tolls and taxes are concerned, my people will only give same amounts as any other same subjects of these foolish subjects.

BUT the worst of all, is this very stupid demand of making these lands a fief, Zupa of Dubrovnikske i Saske Rude, to the royal crown. The mines take orders from my people precisely they ARE owned by my people. If I present this to these Skejs, councils of all these mining towns and several areas, I will get very nasty letter from Count Latinica of Srebrenica, one of the oldest Ragusan family in the kingdom baying for my head. If I go back to my city with that treaty in my hand, they will personally hang me up. so NO. I would rather attempt to kill half of my Council than agreeing to that silly demands. Even I do agree which is about the same possibity of seeing the sun rising in the west, Counts and Skejs most certainly would not.

So one of the way to get these lands back into the fold of imprudent kingdom is to take them back directly by deadly force and THAT happen, I will personally spend next ten decade taking this kingdom to pieces and crucify all your subjects who take up arms against my people to every trees I come across and that will only happen IF I am feeling generous and your subjects very luckly. I want to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price.

Anyway back to the subject

After long thinking, he picked the grape up and glanced at it with fullest attention and spoke in clear voice.

Andrija Fascinating, very fascinating. A plan that can work with few changes to it, naturally.

Here are my suggestions. As for goods mined or produced will have to be weighed and stored in Visoko. Then I suppose that all the subjects of mines as well your subjects in this kingdom will do the same, after all, this idea is excellent way to maintain controls on all these goods that your kingdom produced. Our people can build warehouses in the city to take care of these, indeed we got quite a few in these. I mean, with all these increasing goods coming through the single city, we will be happy to pay for the cost of building and maintaining warehouses. As for our merchants will pay tolls and taxes, they must be the same as any other merchants of the kingdom, including the money your kingdom earned from the tax soon could be levied on the silvers produced from these rich mines.

On the other hand, I most strongly in opposition to the plan of Establishing Zupa of Dubrovnikske i Saske Rude, the system have worked well for long time, there is no reason to change this, acutally you might find that they are most competent when left alone. The Skejs and Counts of these towns will not desire to allow this to happen, they are most ferociously independent, a notion of all of them obeying a single Zupa is laughable. Saxons as miners while my people as shopkeepers, minters and owners. Your own subjects are minority compared to them in these mining towns. Better to leave them alone in peace, as long they produced silvers for well bring of the kingdom and the known lands. However, if anyone disturb them in their constructive efforts, I will be unhappy, most unhappy.

So what do you think, my dear friend?

He smiled willingly on these words.

 

[Jape]

A guard made note to Tvrtko that a message had arrived from Serbia, but instead of an emissary or even the Prince himself a mere letter appeared.

To
Stepjan Tvrtko I Kotromanic, King of Serbia and Bosnia, Primorje, Zahumlje, Dalmatia, the Lower Region, the Western Regions excetera

My friend,
I will speak bluntly. This Ragussan business seems to be getting out of hand, you know our bonds of kinship go back years but at the same time less than one year I signed a deal with the Duke reaffirming our trade bonds. I am torn between friend and contract at this time and would like to know more of the situation before I act, but know this, if the battlefield this affair takes you to I shall be the standing by your side.
I have heard you tried to contact the Venetians about alternative trading but I feel I must warn, while Ragus is a greedy nation the Venetians are a treacherous group I would not wish upon my worst enemy. Coincidently they have talked with the Turks on many an occassion and seem to view them in a better light than Hungary and us, mere balkan buffer states. If you intend to seek alternative merchant partners my view is to find others.
This letter asks for no reply as my finest diplomat Johvan Pietrovitch will arrive in your court shortly to discuss this matter in greater detail. I am sorry I will not be able to attend in person at the moment as I am setting in motion what will hopefully be the catalyst for that dream we both long for: a Great crusade against the Turk. However I and you too should have the highest confidence in my emissary and I hope once my business is sorted to come in person, it has been long since I walked through halls of the great Kraljevska Sutjeska.

I hope this letter has found you in the best of health,
Lazar

 

[Eldin]

Ragusan Audience, final words

​

Pondering the words of the duke Andrija, king Tvrtko was rather amused. Why was the duke so desperate to debate his own position? Why was he so anxious to pay tolls? He had realised the answer a while ago of course, the Ragusan had probably found out about the scheme that would have him nationalise the silver mining industry. Of course, knowing this did not make the Ragusan duke's words any easier to swallow. In fact, quite the opposite.

With the duke's proposed sollution none of the nobles or merchants of his realm would be pleased. Sure, centralising power had always been on the KING's wishlist, but Tvrtko was no fool. A treaty like this would have all parts of Bosnian society up in arms, what with the volatile situation of the moment. And Tvrtko, a renowned pragmatist, was not one to let that happen. No, angering the Ragusans would be easier.

Though for one moment Tvrtko entertained the notion of letting the Ragusan know about his predicament so some sympathy might be given to his cause. Tvrtko didn't much like showing such weaknesses to potential enemies in the end. For that reason, and that reason alone he decided to speak these words

"It is a kind and ammenable offer Ragusa has made, and we much appreciate it. However, the duke must know we can do nought but decline it. Some core issues to us are indeed the concern of the loyalty of territories that by right are ours and were not given to Ragusa for anything other than safekeeping, exploitation and the yearly tributes of St. Demetrius as said in the treaty of Primorje. If Ragusa sees no need to change this treaty, then we shall not feel inclined to make any other treaties either, even if they would be to our gain in the short term."

"It could in fact be called surprising that Ragusa suddenly comes by here and offers us some of its riches, then making demands that did not come forward in a similar treaty signed with Serbia, our neighbours. We find this most strange and unsettling."

"For these two reasons, we feel we must regretfully decline. Of course, the previous treaties signed under my rule are still in effect and we feel they are enough to affirm good trading relations between our two realms. There is no reason to look into this again until either of us can enrich ourselves with the results."

"This was after all a friendly visit, was it not? And I must thank you first and foremost for the company today on this cold spring night (ooc: It's autumn by now in game :S). I feel we get along well and I implore you to visit my halls more often, humble and poor though they may be unlike your own fair halls. As for now, I apparently have a backlog of matters I need to attend to, so I must take my leave of you."

"You may stay of course, but due to the unpleasantries of state I shall be away from you for some time. A general Stanak has been called and the palace is bustling with many noblemen, as you may have noticed. And though your visit of course takes prevalence, they too must be seen and spoken too. Now, farewell." And with that the king bowed, blissfully noting that his fortress port of Novi had not even been talked about in the draft treaty. His inward mirth was soon replaced by a daunting feeling of having to face both an angry Ragusan republic and an angry Stanak not too long from now.

This would be a troubling time...

 

[Eldin]

D'Altavilla nights​

Zeljko didn't want to rise. Last night had been like a dream, and the morning lark's singing came as the waking call from a dream that was only too pleasant. He drug his scrawny frame from the bed, righting himself miserably, looking at the one thing that was the source of both his happiness and sadness at the moment. Under the sheets, the finest linnen in Bosnia, lay the beatiful italian dame who had enchanted him in just over an evening. She lay there looking at him he noticed. He smiled, no longer nervously, but honestly happy. He approached to touch her beautiful rosy cheeks, flushed from the heat of their shared bed and perhaps being looked upon.

Under the sheets, she was naked as the day God made her and Zeljko was happy she bared himself to him this night. Not just physically, but spiritually. He felt more enlightened now than he ever was. In fact the words on his lips were 'marry me', but he knew still that this was impossible and was afraid of breaking through the burdens that drug him down.

So instead he said "Good morning my love."

He would have said more if it were not for the fact that a servant knocked on the door. Sighing discontedly, Zeljko rose, hoping to give the servant a firm beating. What he saw however was not a servant but that insolent dog, Vlatko Vukovic. He was grinning excruciatingly... was it fratenally?... as well.

"The king awaits you and milady the ambassador. You might want to pick better quarters next time, one a little further away from mine. Seems you are good at other things than simple scribework." with that Vlatko slapped the smaller man on his back jovially, brashly laughing all the while as if congratulating someone on his birthday.

Zeljko was not amused and, beet red, shut the door on him, motion for the lady Isabel to dress herself. Before long they were in the king's throneroom, but Zeljko couldn't help but feel annoyed at Vlatko's interruption of a fine morning.

 

[Jape]

The emissary arrives

Johvan quickly marched down the hallway, flashing the Autocrat's seal to the guard's, without even a passing glance. As he entered the hall, he was taken aback by the horde before him. A sea of bans, lords, knights, clergy, artisans, servants, and trubadours greeted him. Men of the liveries of all of Bosnia's great families and cartels were gathered for the coming Stanak, he was lucky to be early so he might have a word with the Stepjan, so he could catch up on his rest while the formal assembly itself wittered on. He had been travelling by horse alone for several days with little rest.

Pietrovitch found the king as he finished talking to one of the assembled bishops, the cleric gave him a bow, which he returned before giving Tvrtko a grandiose curtsey.
"My Lord I am Johvan Pietrovitch, emmisary of his highness, Prince Lazar. You no doubt recieved the letter that preceeded. I understand you are busy but I and my liege would be most grateful if you gave me a word in private about the affairs discussed in the letter". The Stepjan agreed and they discussed the issue quickly, giving Johvan enough to write back to the Prince about before picking a seat in the great hall at the back and getting some shut-eye.

 

[unmerged(21085)]

Maybe? of War​

Andrija Sorkocevici​

Andrija's eyes looked at the King's back and soon he got out of the earshot, he sighed with some annoyance. In few hour, he sat down in his apartment looking at few letters that reached him, particularly the treaty of Naples. He grinned greatly at the news, it only meant that he will get richer, the people of Ragusa get richer. In moment, a sound of knocking was heard and opened. It was the Captain of Silver Company who guard him but what is not known commonly that he is also the General of the Ragusan Army. General Mihajlo looked at him solemnly, he still not happy about not having any weapons.

General Mihajlo​

Mihajlo Your Grace, this is foolish, without weapons, how could we guard you and defend ourselves. I suggest you should leave this enemy and back to the camp where we can guard you more easily.

Andrija glanced at him with some concentration and spoken in annoyance.

Andrija Tell me, Mihajlo, what would happen if I died here?

Mihajlo frowned thoughtfully...

Mihajlo There will be war, I will personally cut that enemy king's neck off myself, he personally ensure your safety.

He smirked back at Andrija

Andrija Exactly, but do you think we can acutally win?

Mihajlo paced back and forth.

Mihajlo No, without Hungary, there is no possiblity of aggressive war in this land, we can win defensively but it will be painful...

Andrija Hmm, then it require another approache and this time, it better work... I have no desire to see my people getting into war but I will declare war upon this lands if they mistreat my people.

Mihajlo stopped and grinned back.

Mihajlo Of course and I would not have in any other way. There is a certain charm to futile war I guess...