Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[I Killed Kenny]

*He Bows* Sorry for my ignorace but I do not know the expences, I can only imagine... So I ask that you would send the Good I ask, in the capital of Pommerania then I'm sure I would find good people to carry it into Bavaria... The Goods I ask are Furs to the army of my Duke, We are fighting a vile Traitor, you know as good as my Duke, that the traitors most be killed at all cost. My duke is fighting in the Winter, he will need this furs the sonner the better... He is ready to pay the RIGHT price for them He will need enough furs necessary to equip the army, This is a great deal to Pskov and to Bavaria, will you concretizate it?

 

[N Katsyev]

Mina was wondering if there really was that much of an intellectual difference between southern Germans and northern ones, or if his duke was just particularly daft. Still, the profits to be made off such a transaction would undoubtedly be great... "I will summon Nikita Breshev to meet with you. He can speak on behalf of Pskov's largest trading organization, mainly the Veche of Novgorod which operates its own business. Remember though, this will all be very expensive, and you might not even recieve the furs until after the worst part of this winter has ended in your part of the world. It is after all a great distance... still, wait in the antechamber and Breshev will meet you there."

The two guards escorted Markos back out into the antechamber where he was to await the merchant who would arrive shortly. Breshev was cloaked heavily in bear fur with a mink scarf. He had obviously been outside when the couriers first grabbed him on behalf of the Grand Princess. He removed his gloves and shook Markos' hand, "Good morning Herr Wittlesbach, what can I do for you today? You seek some sort of trade?"

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Good morning mr. Nikita, I am Markos von Wittlesbach, the representative of the Duchy of Bavaria to the northen lands, I seek a trade yes, I would like to know what is the number of Furs you can send IMMIDIATELLY to Stettin and waht would be the cost and of cource HOW would you do it?

 

[N Katsyev]

Breshev stared blankly at Markos for a moment, he was really quite shocked... "Mr Nikita" what is mister? Some sort of German title? He had never heard it before... This Markos seemed pleasant enough however, he doubted it was an insult, "Well... well, come with me."

Breshev led Markos and his two guards down a corridor attached to the antechamber and began talking while walking, "Firstly, I can give you no accurate numbers as far as the volume of fur we can supply you with at this time, especially not knowing the size of your army and what exactly it is your require. If you show me some proper documents, i'm sure i'd be able to get something worked out.

Secondly, as far as immediate shipments are concerned, this would decrease the volume we can send quite notably. If you wanted them for shipping by the end of the week for example, I could only operate with supplies to be found here in Pskov and perhaps Ostrov, maybe some bordering towns from Novgorod province. If we wait two weeks I can probably get shipments in from Novgorod herself to send which would increase the volume available significantly.

However, if this is really for an army, the cost of said volume will be enormous. We are talking about stately amounts here. Also, considering the nature of such a transaction, I would need to recieve the monies up front. Which means that we are paid before this stuff even gets put on a boat in Narva. If you have this amount of money on you now, then that's no problem. Like I said, give me some accurate documents as to what your needs are and I can give you a proper estimate.

Thirdly and finally the best idea for shipping this safely and expeditiously would be for WHU merchant ships to gather the goods in Narva, then bring them to a WHU port in Pommerania. From there they would need to be caravaned through friendly Bohemia to Bavaria. Which means you will need clearance from both Pommern and Bohemia I imagine. When you have all this worked out, the proper documents, and most importantly the payment, then we can have the goods shipped. Understand? If you want all this done soon, I suggest you get to work immediately or I doubt the shipment will have any effect whatsoever on the position of your army for this winter." Breshev stopped in the cold corridor and looked to Markos for a response.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

After thinking a bit, he replies
I don't have any expessific numbers... I'm, sorry, That is why I asked you to know the numbers of the good you had, my duke as far as I know is dealing with the Bohemians and the Pomeranians... YOu say 2 weeks to find all the goods here, what would be the time wasted untill you reached pommerania? and the time to pass Pommerania and Bohemia? If we started the perparations NOW, I think it would reach Bavaria before December right? looks to the merchant and waits the reply

 

[N Katsyev]

Breshev lead Markos further down the hall, he was silent, thinking. He stopped abruptly, and opened a door for Markos. The insides of the room were small and cozy, even if a bit messy. This must have been the room Nikita was using during his stay here in Pskov. Breshev closed the door behind him and sat down at a desk, motioned for Maros to sit on a chair in the corner of the room, "Please, sit. It will take me a moment to do a bit of research here and give you an estimate of what we can give you now. Naturally it will be just normal game furs right? Bears, etc? Anything more rare would raise the price astronomically, such as minx or sable."

Breshev sat there for some moments, going over the latest inventories of various merchant organizations in Pskov and Ostrov. Finally, he started scribbling something down. Then he handed it to Markos. The document showed a sizeable volume that could potentially be delivered to Narva within a week with payment today. This numbers showed could possibly at least aid a small army, much as the Bavarian one. Nikita sat back and scratched at his chin, "That's the absolute best I can do under this conditions. You pay us today or tomorrow, and we can have all this headed for Bavaria within a week. That's assuming of course you already have clearance through WHU, Pommern and Bohemia? Naturally, once this stuff gets on a boat in Narva, its no longer our concern. In other words, we aren't liable for its transport to Bavaria, crystal? You pay us, we give the goods, they get shipped... If the weather is kind, you may just recieve it in time to aid your army... if not, well, like I said once we have the money its no longer our concern. We are only responsible for its transport to Narva. Is this agreeable?"

Nikita played a bit with one of his gold rings, then looked back up at the German again, "Ah yes, one more thing. The price we would charge for this is 10,000 Bavarian reichsmarks (OOC: 1 eco) in gold. If all this is pleasing, I can begin work immediately. Deal?" Breshev was grinning ear to ear in his mind, he did his best to keep his composure however physically.

 

[N Katsyev]

Cold Road to Pskov​

​

​

The fierce blizzards that marked late December and Christmas of this previous year were over. The world outside was eerily calm and peaceful, every now and again the wind would pick up bringing with it powder snow and covering any unfortunate who happened to stumble into its path. A few words by action of the veche councils of Pskov and Novgorod roads were actually being cleared and re-opened. The heavy snows would return no doubt, but communication now was still important.

A lone rider and his mount pushed their way through what still was an unclear road. The rider was heavily cloaked and furred, and held onto a spear in one hand and his reigns in another. Highwaymen became desperate in the winter, and nobody could be too careful. Other than that, bad things lurk in the snow, in the forests, things too terrible to mention any old peasant lady would tell you that.

It was in these surroundings this rider made his way to the city of Pskov. Before all too long the city was coming into view, her great walls and Kremlin giving off a feeling of strength and power. This was a haven, the smoke of hundreds of stoves and fireplaces slowly raised over the city. The rider, a young Golytsin (nephew to Mikhail) couldn't be more pleased, he was home. Soon he would pass a number of peasants and their headman beginning the clearing of this path and not much later he was in the city.

The indomitable Pskoviy merchants made their way about the markets of the city despite the horrible cold doing their best to sell great new cloaks, special deserts, and in the heart of the markets rare goods from across Europe. One here could buy wine from Italy and Iberia, iron ploughs and tools, German-crafted jewlery, even salted fish from both Iberia and Scandinavia. Golytsin proceeded through the market areas on his way to the Kremlin. The Kremlin guards recognized him and he was allowed into the walls of the fortress. He would dismount and have a stableboy take his horse and belongings before proceeding into the main antechamber of the Kremlin.

He passed by a number of merchants and nobility speaking of the latest rumours from Europe and Russia. They spoke of peace between Denmark and the Bremers, of the latest sighting of supplies heading for Moscovy's army, they spoke of many things, most importantly however was anything that could make them money as another man, Breshev was attempting to do just down a corridor. Golytsin stepped through the doors into the Great Hall. It was still early and four of the five dining tables were all arranged to his left. Various men sat here as well discussing. As he approached the center of the room to his right was the fireplace and its arrangement of chairs and couches where often the Polotovski's would entertain guests in a less formal way. Before him was the chair of the Grand Prince, vacant for now as Mina was at the fifth and final table that always sat on the far upper left of the room.

The Grand Princess looked up sensing a new presence, "Ah, young Golytsin, what news of my nephew in Narva?"

The young Golytsin sighed, "It seems he is still waiting for audience there. He tells me the headman there may be away or something, that is the only plausible reason for all this he can think of. I noticed he's getting a good handle on German though..."

This was displeasing, but once again thought Mina, there wasn't much she could do about it... , "No matter, i'm sure he will send word when things finally get situated... You did well Golytsin, that's no easy trip in the middle of winter like this." Mina looked back down to some documents she had been going over, "That is all, you may go."

Golytsin gave a slight bow, "My pleasure my Princess, thank you." Golytsin turned and began to walk out of the Great Hall...

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov​

​

​

It was a cold winter morning the sky was a clear deep blue, not a cloud in sight, however the sun was terribly distant and weak. It looked very small and insignificant in the sky, yet both Mina and Alexi were glad it was there anyway. The old man and the young Princess walked together in the courtyard of the Kremlin on newly cleared paths.

"So I hear that Monorov and the veche of Novgorod have been quite busy of late... "

Alexi nodded his head slightly and picked at a bit of loose fur that was coming from his cloak, "You hear correctly Princess, the frenchmen who arrived just before the winter are not doing badly. Polish and Lithuanian merchants should be coming in greater numbers now due to a tariff break. Pskov herself is not doing badly in all this, what is good for Novgorod is good for Pskov after all..."

Mina ran her gloved finger through the snowbank to her right as they walked, leaving a long trail behind them, "I suppose you are right... Alexi, I can trust you, right?"

Timkin looked over at the small Princess to his side, the very epitomy in appearance of youthful grace and beauty, "My Princess you always could."

Mina stopped and turned to face Alexi, her eyes looking up, searching his. Had Alexi been a complete stranger, he may have found the Princess difficult to take seriously at this very moment. He saw before him a soul not recently out of girlhood, rosy cheeks from the cold, full lips, smooth skin drawn over a well articulated face and those beautiful gray eyes. However Alexi knew fully well that this creature facing him just now only a fool would underestimate, and then pay dearly for doing so. A smile played slightly on Mina's lips as she looked into the eyes of this kindly old man, "It is time for a change Alexi... beauracracy... I've been thinking, as Pskov grows and her wealth and land increase we will find that the current system is not viable... Not truly anyway... "

Alexi leaned back into the snowbank behind him and listened, "We need centralization Alexi. What i've been thinking of is one great represntitive Duma, that shall meet in Pskov and take over much of the administrative powers the local veche councils have now... Including of course the rights over the Grand Prince... " Mina couldn't help but smile a bit when she said this, "Regardless, our current system in the end will only draw our country into more independantly minded seperate entities... For the considerations of unifying our people, we can't have that..."

Alexi's face was becoming more serious as Mina spoke. To an old man change can be very frightening, this young Princess was talking about restructuring something that had been since he was young as she... "The veche councils would never let you do such a thing... If they saw their power threatened, that could very well be the end of you, no matter your popularity."

Mina nodded and began walking once more, obliging Alexi to do the same, "Granted, granted... Alexi quite frankly, I don't plan on giving them the choice when the time comes... "

Alexi was becoming rather unnerved about all this, "What do you mean "not give them a choice"?"

Mina abruptly turned around, Alexi almost walked into her, she looked up at him and smiled, "In the end Alexi, I will get what I want. There is nobody or nothing that can stop me. If they do not give me what I want, I will take it. But don't worry friend, I have it all under control. Only I can shape my destiny Alexi, and Pskov's destiny and mine are intertwined." Mina still smiling stood up higher on her toes and kissed the old man's cheek, "No worries Alexi, I just wanted to warn you so it would not be such a shock when the time comes... "

Timkin knew the matter was now settled, and they began to walk once more, talking of things of no consequence and completely unrelated. What good was there to talk of it? If Mina wanted it, she was going to get it...

 

[Khal_Drogo]

While Duke Otto discusses weighty matters in the King's tent, young Karl von Shauenburg shifts himself restlessly on his mount, staring with wonder around the King's camp...just when he seems to grow bored of it all a messenger arrives, looking for the duke. He carries with him the letter from Novgorod...

"Young Karl, I bear a message for your father."

"I am no youth! I am..." he thinks for a moment, trying to come up with an impressive title for his new-found authority "Prince-Regent Karl von Shauenburg, and soon-to-be Duke of these lands. You would do well to learn to address me as such. Now, let me see this letter."

"Uhmm..yes, your grace" he hands the letter to the prince

"There, you're learning!" he grins, and then carefully opens and reads over the letter

After thinking it over for awhile, Karl decides to begin his career a bit early and, as soon as he can find a scribe, begins dictating a response to the Russian. "My father will be proud", he thinks to himself.


soon thereafter, the following letter is sent to Novgorod...

"Noble Representative Monorov,

It is indeed a grand day for Christendom. From all I hear, we find ourselves closer and closer to peace with the Emperor and Duke Johann of Bremen. We pray that God may guide the Emperor's hand to justice and mercy when dealing with his subjects, and that this conflict may end without further loss of life or land. Finally, we thank you for your offer and would be more than happy to send merchants to the city of Novgorod. As soon as we recieve said documents, the very finest merchants available will be granted this written proof and sent to your fair city with what goods our bounteous harbors can bring in. I am sure that this venture will bring prosperity to both our realms and, though I travel now to the city of Copenhagen, I am sure that this will not be the last of our correspondences."

Signed in the hope of future friendship,
Karl von Shauenburg,
Prince-Regent of Schleswig-Holstein

 

[N Katsyev]

Cathedral of St. Basil's on the Hill, Pskov​

​

Archbishop Dimtry Rhuzinin, Vicar of Christ for the Pskov diocese kneeled before the alter and the many icons of the savior and the saints. No official word had been made, but the signs were clear, there were preperations for war afoot. For the previous months what the commanders called "soft mobilization" was in effect the soldiers were being gathered slowly to not disrupt everyday procedures greatly and being brought into operational status. Even so slowly done however it was clear what was happening. It had begun with the threats sent to the Grand Princess.

Rhuzinin prayed for the souls of those who would march under the banners of Pskov and Veliky Novgorod. Rhuzinin prayed for those would march under the banner of Moscovy. Rhuzinin prayed for those would fly the emblems of Bremen, maybe even the Griffon of Pommern if she heeded the call. Most importantly Rhuzinin prayed for the souls of mortal man, always a sinner. The archbishop placed on the alter a small vial filled with dark earth. It was the soul of holy Russia, taken from the spot where St. George had slayed the serpent. Rhuzinin now would pray for the Grand Princess, blessed by the Savior as witnessed by the Patriarch-Metropolitan.

The smell of incense was heavy in the air and the Archbishop was beginning to feel at peace. He could hear the wind blow outside fiercely, battering itself against the walls of this house of God. This house of God like the Patriarch had said many months ago, was the one binding agent that held Russia together for all these years, through all these hardships and conflicts. This holy church of Russia had no place in this conflict, it was here only to enlighten and save the people, to bring words of truth to the simple peasant, always a sinner... Mortal man. The church also held great estates in both Pskov and Novgorod, her wealth would be untouched, the church, always a sinner... Mortal man.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Great Hall​

​

​

Mina and Katya where at the table where often business such as this was handled. Mina was seated holding a small binded group of documents, and Katya still in travelling outfit including a long flowing cloak of furs was standing over her pointing things out and making comments.

"And you see dear, this one, Mikhail and I inspected personally outside of Gdov. Very good regiment that, their leader is a promising young man, from the Kritevski family I believe it was... " Katya was obviously quite excited about all this, she had just recently returned from making a general survey of the core army at their rallying points. Snow was still cuaght in various areas of her hair as the winter raged once more outside them in the early February day. "Any word from Andrei or from the Bremers yet?"

Mina set down the mobilization report with a sigh and leaned back slightly, looking up at the pretty Katya, "Nothing yet, even the Bremer ambassador, Volker has been quiet of late. I asked him of Latvia's place in this all, he has yet to get back with me for an answer. He's probably waiting on the Duke Johan as we are."

Katerina nodded, still smiling. She lent down and kissed Mina, "I suppose there's not much can be done about it now... i'm going to go change, take a bath, we've been going non-stop for quite sometime now."

Mina kissed Katya back and smiled, "Of course." As Katya walked off Mina pushed aside the mobilization documents and once more returned to looking over the plans for yet another project on her mind...

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Tobias Volker had finally received the letters he had waited for.
The Grand Princess had put him in an akward position, as he was in no position to promise provinces held by Latvia to Pskov, and he had been forced to ask her to wait while he enquired through letter to Bremen.

Things would have been much easier, had he been a senior member og the diplomatic corps. Erich Bruche, von Katrinehaven, Drechsler. They were permitted to take own initiatives, and negotiate directly, without awaiting confirmation from Bremen. But when he left, Pskov had not been deemed very important, and it was seen as a good place to start a career.
Now, Pskov was suddenly an ally in a war yet to be declared, and that required much more freedom to move.
Tobias dearly hoped he would not be replaced with more senior diplomats, but he feared so. Positions in alliance partners, Gelre or Pommern, were among the most coveted by the few nobles trusted with diplomatic positions, and a lowly merchants son as himself did not stand a chance if one of them asked for such.

But here his answer was, and the man who had brought it were simply a WHU-captain, employed by Bremen for this occasion, and not a permanent replacement.

Having his answers, Tobias made his way towards the hall, where, as he expected, he was informed about the whereabouts of the Grand Princess, and granted an audience practically without waiting.

Not wanting to appear to bold, Tobias made do with a simple bow. The cheek-kissing he would leave for others, as he felt it was not his position to kiss royalty, even on the cheek, without being invited.
"Your Royal Highness, I have received news from Bremen. The duke would much prefer if Latvia was allowed to withdraw from this war without any harm, as their forces never marched against us, but will of course require permission to march his troops through their territory, permission for Pskovian troops to march their lands, and denial of passage for the Moscowites. If such is not granted, or if the dukes allies in Pommern and Gelre does not agree with these wishes, fullscale war could be the result, in which case Kexholm would be Pskovs for the taking."

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Great Hall​

​

​

As Katerina was walking out of the Great Hall she passed the Bremer, Volker on his way in. She nodded respectfully to him with a hint of a smile, and when she had passed him turned a quick meaningful glance to Mina. Their eyes met and Mina smiled slightly for just a moment before turning her attention to the approching Tobias, "A pleasure to see you once more. News from Germany I hope? Please, sit." Mina motioned for Volker to take a seat at the table opposite her.

She listened to him speak on his lord's position with Latvia and nodded. She gestured for a servant to bring over some sbityen and cakes. She nodded and smiled at Volker when the refreshments were brought over and took a sip of her sbityen, "Of course, of course... Do help yourself..." She made sure the servant knew she was no longer needed and turned her attention once more fully on Volker to respond, her eyes searching his at various times while she spoke, "Your position on this is understandable. Latvia can after all be given another chance I suppose... and if they fail, well, there is always another day."

Mina took another drink and tapped the table lightly with her fingernail gathering her thoughts, before looking up at Volker again "I don't know if you recieved word of this or not... however I sent a handful of Kremlin guards to your homeland to deliver a message of my own to the Duke and of course to help protect him on the long march he has yet to make. Which does of course remind me, as word from Stettin in the last months have been few and far between, does Joachim of the Grief choose to join us in this battle? As far as I understand, a state of war does not exist between Pommerania and Moscovy." Mina's eyes searched Volkers and she took another sip waiting for his response.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

After thiking for 2 minutes, that to some looked like 2 days... Markos replied Oh... That is a lot of money, let me think for some more time...


[OOC: /]

 

[N Katsyev]

Breshev shrugged and stood up, "It matters to me not, every minute you "think" another of your men freezes, just keep that in mind." Nikita opened the door for Markos to let him out, and exited after Markos. "I'm a busy man my Bavarian friend, I have much to attend to. When you make up your mind inform one of your two companions here." Breshev indicated Markos' two full time guards, "They will figure out how to find me i'm sure. Good day." Breshev locked his door and walked off down the corridor...

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Makos thinks to him self Only Gods knows wht will happen to the soldires... I could try to make this work, BUT, I dunno if God will let me...

[OOC: I hope JG will understand what I meant /]

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Katerina's Bed Chambers​

The young Yakaterina Polotovskaya lounged luxoriously in the hot water of her bath. After the previous couple of weeks riding across the country from the rivers Velikaya to Volkhov and beyond this was a pleasant change of pace. She motioned for one of her chambermaids, Sonya to get her a new razor and to light some more incense.

During her travels she and Golytsin had reviewed numerous regiments across the country and had gone to the estates of many servitors. The soft mobilization had turned out to be quite the success even in the middle of winter. Morale among the men was unbelievably high if one didn't know the circumstances. The circumstances were of course an economical growth over the last year really quite unprecedented. That and with the spirtual revival of the Patriarch's visit, the peasants couldn't possibly be more happy. And what better way to thank their "little princess" than with a victory over her enemies?

Unfortunately the same old supply problems did show their ugly faces, even if not to a critical amount. There were weapons shortages, barding shortages, horse shortages. The veche council merchants of both Pskov and Novgorod were working on these unavoidable problems however, and everyone was glad foodstuffs were not among the negative zones. The frontier guard units were in the process of somewhat organizing for to be more militarily effective. This was all no doubt good news for them and a nice change of pace than keeping an eye on the border for Moscovite poachers, hunting down outlaws, or cleaning the major travel-routes from highwaymen.

To make her mood even better she had asked for the latest news from Mina's largest current "project". To be told she was to have a village named after her was quite an honor in itself. However this had little effect on her mood when taken in relevance to the effect that this project was getting the go-ahead at all. This project would satisfy both Mina's administration desires and Katerina's more marshal desires. She loved to look at the map and dream of that day she had been there, the thick forests, the wind-swept shore, to imagine one day that there would be... Well, it was incredible anyway, and quite exciting. Katya sighed and ran her finger tips across the surface of the warm bathwater, life was good...

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Tobias Volker took a sip of his sbityen, tasting the drink. It was so very different from what he used to drink in Bremen, and once again, he thought himself happy of this opportunity to learn so new and starnge customs, meanwhile serving Bremen. Pskov might have appeared to be a terrible place when he saw her in the middle of a winter, but the people were kind.

"My lord will contact Pommern and ask them to join in the warefforts against Russia, and try to arrange right of passage through Latvia for his own armies, as well as those of his allies. Feel confident that within two months, the first Bremer soldiers will turn their attention towards the Muscowite soldiers. If Your Highness would be so kind as to revoke the right of passage held by our mutual enemy through your lands, it would assist us greatly."

Tobias paused for a moment and thought of what he was saying. Here he was, issuing formal requests for acts of war, to a member of a royal family. All within the instructions received from Bremen, of course, but still.

 

[N Katsyev]

Mina smiled as she watched the Bremer drink from the sbityen and speak of the affairs of current, "Its a drink primarily made of honey you have here now.. with just a taste of vodka is how I like it. Its hardly needed though, we find its very popular among foreigners, not to mention among us..."

Mina took another drink and leaned back a bit in her chair, her eyes showing a great playfulness, "You ask me to commit acts of aggression against Moscovy. However the acts you ask for are very small, breaking of our treaty with Moscovy for one. However, we shall do so much more. The Princess Anastasia shall regret fully the many times she spoke to me the way she did, and she will completely loathe herself for underestimating me and my country." Mina's eyes were very much alight now, almost frighteningly she smiled at Volker, "I have plans herr Volker, great plans. Firstly though, your troops should know they have complete right of passage through our realm until I deem it no longer necessary."

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Great Hall​

​

​

Katerina was layed out on the couch in front of the fire in the Great Hall. She was playing with a bit of fringe that came off a leather belt she was wearing about her waist. Occasionally looking up and hence toward the doors, satisfying herself that nothing interesting was happening she would look back to the fire and eventually back to the fringe. In was mid-afternoon, the lunch had finished sometime ago, she now was waiting. Immediately after the meal Mina had spoken to her of something, acting upon it, her first idea was to summon the Moldavian, Mihai. A perfect resource to a job she had been delegated...