Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[unmerged(9167)]

Miquel was reading the letter. He felt much better even if he felt like a fool. He had also heard of the rumors about Joao and the Countess, so he felt that he had lost somewhat. At least the Countess wanted his presence also. Well, he decided, it is up to God. He shook to himself. He turned to the window and spoke,

I will win Yelezevita's heart, I would do anything to accomplish that. I have enjoyed being with her too much to give up. Yes, I swear that I will do the best I can for her and win her heart.

His spirit has grew and his spine harden. He then smiled. He walked to the desk and starting to writing a letter when suddenly he remembered that King Constantine wanted to know the progression of Pskovian project of building navy. He also wanted to know about Aragonese laborers' well being. So, he walked to the court. He bowed to Princess Mina and spoke,

My King wishes to know how your naval project is coming and offered to sent most updated ship at present as naval technology has progressed somewhat since he sent his best ship to you. He also wishes to know how the Aragonese laborers, sailors, and teachers are doing. I am willing to go to Narva, to record the observation for my King. I think that it could be necessary for me to visit Narva. What do you think?

 

[AugCaesar]

George smiled as he read the changes to the treaty and was happy at what had been accomplished, a good days work he thought as he looked it over. He then turned up to Mina and Breshen in turn and spoke happily,

"This all looks quite good, perhaps we shall add one last clause, regarding metals.

Article VIIII - All transactions made between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of the Kingdom of England in regards to the purchase of refined iron shall be at a twenty percent discount, and in regards to arms all deals shall be done on a case by case basis, per need. With prices gauranteed at the low levels England charges to its vassals and allies for endowments of military goods.

 

[von Streusser]

Dimitru was whistling to himself as he packed. He was so excited he was nearly jumping out of his skin, he was going home!! And Emmy would be there too, and the lovely Maia was to wed, and...

He heard the knock at the door. It startled him a moment, he was so busy with his reverie. Opening the door, he was pleasantly surprised to see Katya. "Princess Katerina! To what do I owe the pleasure? Oh, come in, please...I'm still packing for my trip home, but please come in..." He was positively giddy with excitement.

Most of his possessions were packed in a pair of bags that sat towards the front of his room. Laid out lovingly on his bed was a set of plain steel-colored chain mail and a saber, with a red round shield bearing the Moldavian coat of arms placed nearby, a helmet, a pair of riding boots, and a pair of scale gloves. It was clear that he had buffed and polished each article, and taken quite some time laying them out. As he bustled around the room packing up what was left, he kept looking up at Katya to make sure she knew he was listening.

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

A letter arrives from Germania

Sovereign Dominar of Pskov,

Word has reached me and the court of my Grand Duke. Concerning the recent bloodshed and battle that has occured in lands of the Rus. While it saddens me on a personal level that in the end talk proved frivilous, and force of arms made necessary. Any sadness is eclipsed by the news of a resolution to the conflict.

The Grand Duke reserves his misgivings and continues to question the validity of you realms actions. Therefore though your conquest probably occupies you entirely, any possiblity of future cooperation or trade between our realms is greatly diminished, if indeed not impossible.

Nevertheless, may peace return to rule this region, no matter its uneasiness.

Lord Virgis

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Dimitru's Chambers​

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Katya slipped into the room, and gently shut it behind her with her hands a smile on her lips. She leaned against it, her hands clasped behind her, "Remember in Novgorod Dimitru? At dinner you set my imagination afloat with images of a country far to the south, of rolling hills, mountains raised in the distance and the legends of wolves both man and beast."

Unable to hold back the emotional rush that this trip was already giving her she surged forward and flung her arms around Dimitru's neck with a laugh, "I'm going with you Dimitru! You can show it all to me, just like you said would. Dearest Mina, she has been killing herself with work lately, she's sending me in her place, isn't that wonderful!?" Katya's face was obviously alight with joy, her gray eyes searching his with an almost girlish delight in her excitement. Finally a chance to broaden her horizons from just Pskov-Novgorod, even better she was to go to a country that sounded so wonderful from Dimitru's words, and that very friend would be there to show her.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Trade Meeting​

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Breshev nodded and smiled, his eyes going briefly between the Frisian, the Englishman, and the German, he then concentrated on writing something down. After some minutes he then handed the document to Mina, in long flowing curves she signed her name to the document...

Article I) Transactions between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of English or Frisian merchants in regards to fur trade excluding Mink, Sable and Arctic Fox shall be exempt 50% the normal tarriff when conducted in the cities of Pskov or Novgorod. Fur trade involving Mink, Sable and Arctic Fox shall be exempt 30% of the usual tariff and be taxed at 70% the normal rate. Merchants of Pskov-Novgorod shall be encouraged to offer lower prices to merchants of England and the Frisian cities in fur transactions. This will allow English and Frisian merchants to gain leverage in pricing competition in their own local markets and offer a more reliable customer base for merchants of Pskov-Novgorod.

Article II) Transactions between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of English or Frisian merchants in regards to lumber trade shall be exempt 15% the normal tarriff when conducted in the cities of Pskov or Novgorod. Merchants of Pskov-Novgorod shall be encouraged to offer lower prices to merchants of England and the Frisian cities in lumber transactions. This will allow English and Frisian merchants to gain leverage in pricing competition in their own local markets and offer a more reliable customer base for merchants of Pskov-Novgorod.

Article III) Transactions between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of English, Hansa-members, or Frisian merchants in regards to cereals shall be at a 15% discount from the standard selling price at the time. These transactions will also be exempt 5% the normal tariff when conducted in the cities of Pskov or Novgorod.

Article IV) All transactions made adhering to this treaty must be recorded in all their details upon specially sealed paper able to be purchased in the cities of Pskov or Novgorod. Without such a receipt, normal tariffs shall be applied to the transaction and the goods shall not be treated specially under Article 5 below.

Article V) All transactions made adhering to this treaty must at all times be accompanied by the receipt made according to Article 4 above during transport. All transport of these transactions must pass through Hansa customs and toll regulations when passing through the Sund. Such transactions shall enjoy a discount of 35 % if the ship in question is flying English flag, 10 % if flying a flag of a Frisean city. This is to insure greater customer traffic through Hansa waters for taxation and also to provide English and Frisian merchants with a cheaper alternative to Danish customs and tolls.

Article VI) The original longevity of this Treaty is 24 months from signing. Upon termination all involved are encouraged to re-negotiate and re-sign this treaty if necessary or desired.

Article VII) All transactions made between merchants of Pskov-Novogord or those with the Frisian Cities or those of the Kingdom of England in regards to the purchase of raw wool shall be subject to 85% the normal tariff.

Article VIII) All transactions made between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of the Kingdom of England in regards to the purchase of finished textiles shall be made at 75% the normal tariff. Transactions of sails shall be made at 65% the normal tariff.

Article IX - All transactions made between merchants of Pskov-Novgorod and those of the Kingdom of England in regards to the purchase of refined iron shall be at a twenty percent discount, and in regards to arms all deals shall be done on a case by case basis, per need. With prices gauranteed at the low levels England charges to its vassals and allies for endowments of military goods.

Mina laid the signed document onto the center of the table with a half-smile, "Gentlemen, any proposals for a suitable name for such a grand document?" Breshev took a drink of water and smiled looking about the table wondering if anyone else could think of a good name, as he himself was quite lost as to what to call it... What's in a name?... A lot.

 

[AugCaesar]

George looked up at Mina and stroked his bulbous chin, thinking. He would have liked to stamp his own name on the thing as he thought how good it would be and thought he played some part in that, always overestimating his influence. Nonetheless all parties stood to profit and gain from this so a success could be claimed. After some time he spoke as if questioning to see if anyone cared for his suggestion,

"The Baltic Gate Accords?" He looked around at all the delegates questioningly, hoping they would not think him silly.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Trade Meeting​

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Breshev after not hearing responses to the name question from any other than the Englishman turned to Mina, raising his eyebrow slightly. Mina gave him a slight nod at which he began writing the name at the top of the treaty that would now be copied and passed around for signing. The Grand Princess stood, "Its been a pleasure gentlemen. I think our respective lands shall look back on today with a certain appreciation. Have a pleasant evening." Mina turned to leave, her eyes meeting Volker's for a moment as she did with a certain meaning behind them. The slightest hint of a smile curling at the corner of her lips as she walked across the great hall...

Sometime Later...​

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Mina had recieved Miquel's audience later that same evening before dinner, she had been wrapping things up for the day speaking about S_ family from Novgorod with a representitive of the frontier guard. The man bowed and stepped away and Mina took her last audience of the day, the guards allowing Miquel to step forward to her.

After some minutes of listening she answered him dryly, "The proceedings at Byedantsa from my understanding are going quite well. A simple look out onto the Velikaya river will tell one that with the ever-increasing number of state of the art ships built here in Pskov-Novgorod. As for the craftsmen... well, I can't say I hear much about them Miquel." Mina shrugged, a bit of a good-natured smile taking her face, "You could always feel free to go yourself to Byedantsa if you wished. Everything happening there is paid for by invididuals now and not the state, not until that is we decide to finally build a navy to grace Princess Yekaterina Yuriyevna's new standard anyway..."

Mina motioned to the naval standard hanging from an adjacent wall with a slight movement of her hand before turning her gray eyes back on Miquel, "Regardless, we would be most appreciative to recieve the newest designs. Perhaps we could do something for our friends in Aragon in return?"

 

[von Streusser]

Dimitru laughed as Katya threw her arms around his neck and he hugged her back. "You are?! That's marvelous! Oh, I can't wait to show you all there is to love about my homeland! That IS wonderful!" He let go and returned to packing, but the smile on his face was now far bigger. "And you MUST meet the Princess..oh, and Emmy, I'm sorry, my sister, she'll be there too! Oh, and the wolves...well, after all my stories I'll have to show them to you!" he said with a hearty laugh.

"And you'll get to meet my masters! You'll love Ilias, he's wonderful...Stefan...well, he's not as easy to love. Think of Grand Princess Mina, but colder. Much colder..." His voice tailed off as he spoke. "Anyway, we'll have such a marvelous time! When are we to leave?"

 

[AugCaesar]

George's name was accepted, and it was like a crowning glory for this achievement. Indeed this would open up a great new trade, and great an English presence in a whole new part of the world. King John and the regent in England could do nothing but be pleased. Mina rose to leave, and George rose as she did, politely, and bowed to her as she left.

"It has been an exquisite honor working with you Princess. I hope to some day return here to see the fruit of these labors." She was gone now and after a quick admiration of her slim figure as she left he turned to Breshev and offered his hand, shaking the man's vigorously.

"You too sir, have been a gem to work with. Knowledgable, flexible, and to the point, its been a pleasure." He turned then to Tobias, and the Frisian and nodded to them, once again offering a hand,

"Likewise gentleman, one could not hope for a better group for such negotiations." With everything in order the portly envoy took the stack of papers from before him and with another bow headed out from the hall, contented.

 

[N Katsyev]

Lake Pskova​

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A warm wind blew in across the lake, the great pines behind Vladimir and Serena rustling at its touch. How much had changed since that first day he had gone to Izbosk so long ago. Luckily if it were all a dream, he had still not awaken, ever after coming to the city after the tourney some time ago. They had been staying at the Melnikov residence within the city, the two lovers however like today sneaking off whenever possible.

They would wander the streets, or on beautiful days like this go off on rides into the country. The Count Ivan Melnikov, Vladimir's father was more than busy with the dealings in regards to Karelia and Arkhangl'sk, not to mention with the many brokers that sold much of the produce off his lands which would now have new markets through the WHU into Moscovy. All of these matters were mundane to Vladimir, not dressed now as a knight, but casually almost as a peasant.

He stood at the edge of the lake, its water lapping at his ankles and he sighed contentedly. Vladimir turned with a smile to Serena, "You know... one only needs a ship well enough and they could go from this point I stand all the way to your homeland." He paused, looking down at the cool water around his feet before looking back to Serena again, "You must miss it... your homeland. It seems you speak so little of it however."

Vladimir stepped out of the water and sat down in the grass near Serena's feet, he looked up at her with a smile, "Tell me about Portugal Syerina, about Coimbra." He took her hand in his and pressed it to his face, kissing it and still holding it delicately in his own turned his eyes up to Serena for her response.

 

[Mettermrck]

Lake Pskova

Serena looked sad for a moment as Vladimir asked her to speak of Portugal. She looked somber for a moment, deciding what she should tell him. Finally, she relented and inclined her head to speak.

"I didn't have the happy childhood you might think, Volodya, She said awkwardly, trying to figure out what she might say. Serena brushed her hair nervously, knowing Vladimir deserved to know what she could tell him, yet feeling reluctant to. She had never spoken of her experiences.

"I wasn't meant for this world. For social occasions, for tournaments, for...love. My father had me marked for the convent and I spent my early years inside the family castle, studying, praying. Oh how I hated it!" She suddenly burst out, shocked at her words.

She shook her head, trying to force emotion back under control. "My father had my sister Nanci for marriages. My two brothers were the heirs. I was...for God. I spent most of my life ready for one cage to another. Until the day..."

Now the first tear flowed down her cheek and she leaned closer to the knight, her head inches from his chest. Looking at him would only make this difficult so she kept looking at the ground or at his surcoat. "About four years ago...my brothers, Carlos and Enrique were commanders in the garrison in Ceuta. That is in Africa. There was a rebellion. Being my father's sons, they were in the front of the fighting. Both..." she couldn't bear it, and hugged him close. "Both were slain." She sobbed for a few moments before willing herself to continue. It felt good to let these suppressed emotions, and she felt that things would be better if she could finish the story.

"My father was devastated, of course, but did not show it. Yet he had a decision to make. His heirs were gone, and it was just me and Nanci. So he plucked me from my cage...and...here I am. Spreading my wings, in love with with you...because my brothers died." She broke down again and hugged him.

She leaned forward and nuzzled her head to Vladimir's neck, still sobbing quietly. "You see, Volodya. I cannot help but think that all this happiness is due in part to my family's misfortune. Sometimes at night I feel the guilt of it. Yes, I mourned them. But I was so happy when I learned that I had escaped my cage."

 

[Mettermrck]

Pskov - The City

Count Joao was suitably impressed by the city of Pskov. Its vast dimensions bespoke a prosperity born of able government and lucrative commerce. His critical eye spotted caravans of goods being shipped to points unknown, and vast warehouses of all sorts of items for purchase and shipment. And it was an elegant city, he decided. Old and dignified.

The lands were not quite what he was used to in Portugal, though rolling hills and forests could be seen in many parts of the continent at that time. The Russian tree was...there was simply no other word for it...massive, vaulting, and this made Joao smiled in remembrance at...so he had enjoyed himself that evening? Added to the cold weather, there was a ...stoicism...about the landscape. And this only intrigued Joao more as his party approached the city gates, where he inquired of the location of Count Melnikov's residence.

It took some time to find out, having to ask the right person of rank who knew of such things. But first Joao asked to be directed to a nearby marketplace...one of quality, of course. There was something he had to do. The noise and bedlam did not intimidate Joao as it might many a foreign visitor...for this sort of chaos meant trade and that meant wealth. Indeed, he smiled as he regarded the activity in Pskov's markets.

Finally deigning to dismount, he told his squire what he was looking for, and let him lead them around the various shops and stalls that were set up. He had chosen well, and noticed that the crowds were lessened here, probably because the goods were of the quality that few of the commoners could afford. Those of taste could browse in relative peace, and Joao was glad for it.

At last they found the right place - a goldsmith who looked to have a touch of the right craftsmanship in him. Joao entered, and after viewing the man's wares - and being very impressed - he went into length as to what he wanted. A gold brooch, with flowing curvy lines to match the figure of the...ahem...intended. It was to be elegant, and slightly ostentatious to reflect the taste and wealth of the giver and the recipient. Satisfied that the man would perform the task with ability, Joao paid him - double his asking price - and asked him to do an extra special job on it. And when he was done, to have it delivered to the residence of Count Melnikov, for the pleasure of the Princess Yelezevita.

Included with the gift would be a note that Joao had written and sealed beforehand, to be sent with the brooch.

"Your Highness, the Princess Yelezevita. I am delighted to be in your fine city of Pskov and hope to fulfill my promise of coming to call upon you soon. Please accept this token as a sign of my affection and my wish that you may provide a suitable time for me to call upon you. Your beauty and taste have never left my thoughts since the Isaborksa, and I await the day when I have you on my arm again. I can be found at the best inn to be found in this fine city.

- Joao Duarte, Count d'Guarde, Lord Beira Alta"

He had struggled with the wording, not sure if he wanted to come across as affectionate, his memory being still hazy about that whole night. But he had made a promise, and it was not in him to do something halfway. Nodding to the goldsmith, he turned to his squire and decided to try to find lodgings at a temporary inn of high repute.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Miquel spoke,

I will let my King know that you would be willing to receive the latest design. I believe that you will get it in several weeks if not months. Thank you and Aragon needs nothing at present except for the continued friendship between our two nations. Aragon gives you the latest design out of friendship, not to gain something.

By your leave, I shall leave for Narva.

He then begun to turn, suddenly he remembered something. He turned to face the Grand Princess and spoke,

King Constantine invites you or anyone of your people to Aragon. You would be welcomed to come at anytime.

He bowed to the Princess and left the court. He walked to his quarter and wrote a note. He then walked to an offical and spoke,

Please take it to Melnikov estate. It is for the Countess Melnikov.

The note reads,

Greeting, the Countess. How is your life? I still think of your beauty and sophicatation among with being intelligent. You are one of the most beautiful person I had ever met, if not the most beautiful. I hope that you are happy so far. Umm.. I am going to Narva, to see how the things are processing and how the relation between Aragonese people and Russians in Narva are doing. Would you like to meet me there and perhaps could we talk? Have a good day!

signed,
Miquel Maninin

 

[N Katsyev]

Kuzma Kudhkov's Shop, Pskov​

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The tall thin Russian looked bored out into the street outside of his shop. Kuzma Varlamivitch Kudhkov had a friend or four over the night before and his hangover was making this long day seem even longer. Not one damn customer all day, and now the sun was getting lower in the west... probably about time to close up.

Kuzma scratched a bit at his pointy chin with his long thin fingers hidden under a dark beard which was about the only thing that seemed to give him some width. He was walking around the counter when a customer walked into the door. "Every damn time" he thought to himself, just as he was about to close suddenly some seemingly interested fellow would drop in, loiter for an agonizingly long time, not buy anything and leave.

"Zdrastvooytye, how are your affairs?" Kudhkov's eyes searched out those of Count Joao and he held his hand out to a display set up, "Anything in particular you wish to see today?" Kudhkov led Joao up to the display he was speaking of and pointed to one piece in particular, "This one is nice, just recently bought its original from a friend of mine. It was originally from Bukhara I believe, fine craftsmanship on the original piece. However... well... " Kuzma's lips parted in a proud smile under his beard as he eyed the delicate golden horse charm he was indicating, "I added my own touch to this one, Russified it... Or improved it, same thing."

Kudhkov eyed Joao to watch his reaction to his little quip. He then began showing him other pieces in the shop, some purchased, most of them he made himself. His mood was already improving dealing with this obviously interested customer, it was men like this that made him tend to the store at times and not just sit at his work bench all day and have one of the lads he hired mind the shop. Then Joao began explaining what he wished for Kudhkov to make, as Joao described it the skinny Russian's artistic mind making its own impression immediately of what was desired.

He nodded with a smile and offered a price, one which Joao offered double. A most prosperous day indeed. He took the sealed letter to be given with the brooch into his palm and smiled once more at Joao, "I shall do all I can to show the sincerity of your affections for the lady in my work my lord. You mention wishing to find temporary lodgings? I might suggest Vyachek's Place, its just over the Velikaya, excellent view of the river and the Kremlin, food is pretty good too. Rather frequented by Germans and Novgorod merchants."

 

[Mettermrck]

Pskov

Count Joao thanked the goldsmith Kudhkov for his time and his suggestion of the inn, and made his way out into the streets. He was certainly not going to be staying in Vyachek's Place for certain if he could help it. Germans...he winced. Part of his mind recalled that the Princess also despised them, something they had in common. It would not do for her to know that he had consorted with German merchants.

His party spent the better part of the day searching for proper lodgings. It was disappointing to be staying in an inn, but, having had no arranged time for visiting the Melnikovs, Joao knew it would touch upon rudeness to simply drop in unannounced with all of his baggage and retinue. No, they would have to make due at the best Pskov had to offer a traveller.

Finally, after a few hours of politely inquiring from wealthy shopowners and even hailing some of the nobles that occasionally passed through in procession, Joao was able to locate something suitable in the wealthier quarter of the city, not far from the Kremlin in fact.

It was an imposing structure, actually, more vast than he had anticipated from an inn. The price and amenities were suitably large and Joao naturally engaged a suite of rooms for himself, while his staff were assigned quarters in the servants' area. Relaxing after a long day of travel and searching, Joao was content to engage a bath and a fine meal while he awaited word from the Melnikov estate.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin, Great Hall​

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Mina addressed Miquel as the turned to leave, "Manana, you may wish to skip your trip to Narva if you wish to see the where the ships are being made. That is at Byedantsa on Lake Ladoga, far from Narva. Have a pleasant evening Miquel."

Pskov Kremlin, Dimitru's Chambers​

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Katya still in quite the playful mood and spirit smiled as Dimitru resumed his packing and sat with a bit out of a bounce on his bed paying little heed to whatever items were knocked awry by the action. Her gray eyes went about the chamber again, taking note just how he lived. It always surprised her to think of just how many rooms within the Kremlin walls she had never been in before like this one. She turned to him once more, a half-smile on her face, "As soon as you are ready I assume, I already have some servants packing for me. We are to be accompanied by a number of servitors as well. Of course, considering the territory we will be crossing to get to your homeland, I doubt that is surprising." The playful Princess of a moment or two again was once more a serious, beautiful young woman, with a particular gravity in her gray eyes as she spoke these last words.

 

[N Katsyev]

Shores of Lake Pskova​

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Vladimir held Serena tightly in his arms as they sat on the grass looking out over the lake. She sobbed against him and his heart sank, he felt horrible for bringing up such painful memories. Still, seeing her thus only made him love her more, he began to understand her position, her situation even greater. A realization came that for as much as he loved his precious Syerina he really knew so little about her.

Vladimir stroked her hair slowly, feeling it soft against his fingers and kissed her forehead. She fell to more sobs and his heart ached in pain for her, softly he spoke, holding her head tenderly and lovingly against him, "Dearest, you must not feel guilty for loving, for finding hapiness in that. You do no dishonour or disrespect to your brothers by enjoying the life made possible by... "

Vlaidmir paused, he knew what he wanted to say, but it simply wasn't coming out the way he wished. He slid his finger under her chin and gently, slowly raised her tear-stained face to look at his. Even now she was so beautiful he thought, he wished to speak but his voice barely came out in more than a whisper as he looked into her enchanting dark eyes, "I love you Syerina. You should not, can not feel guilty for doing what is right. If there is one think Izborska proved to us all, is that we are right, just, how it is supposed to be." He smiled slightly, a tear forming in his own eye, "Then, sitting with you here now, looking into your eyes, Izborsk could never have happened and I would have known that... "

 

[Mettermrck]

Shores of Lake Pskova

Serena stared intently into Vladimir's eyes as he spoke, listening to his words, and craving the absolution he offered. It still felt so difficult to love with guil at the circumstances that had brought them here. Yet she could not burden their love with these emotions forever. This wonderful man, this brave knight, had fought three duels for her. He had killed a man. Was not God truly on their side? It was a reassuring thought, and at last Serena was able to put aside her regrets and smile at Vladimir with happiness. She gently caressed his face with her finger, wiping the single tear away from his cheek.

Then she leaned close and kissed him gently. "You are right, my love. God has already judged us at the tournament, where you fought for me and won our right to happiness. I suppose I cannot dispute that." Brushing off her melancholy, she leaned against Vladimir and laughed gently.

"I still have not told you of Portugal, have I? Oh it is a wonder, Volodya. The warmth of it. The lush land, the beautiful terraced hills sloping down to the sea. This..." she gestured to the lake. "is peaceful, serene. In Portugal the sea is...majestic, powerful. Our estates were in the inland countryside, hills not too much removed from your land, though the trees are smaller." She giggled and squeezed his arm.

"Yet the sea is everywhere. One can ride to the shores and hear the gulls call. The passing of the great ships is a sight to behold. And the smells of the ocean." Serena was in rapture as she recalled the senses of home, in those months after she had emerged from cloister into the world of the Portuguese countryside. Such sights she had breathed in.

 

[von Streusser]

Dimitru threw a few more articles into a bag, then lovingly placed his armor and arms into one as well, on top. He thought he might put them on for his arrival into Iasi, it was the sort of thing that might be expected of him as a boyar....

"All right, I'm ready...let's be off then!" He slung one bag over his shoulder and picked another up in his hands. That was really all he had. He looked the room over once more, just to make sure that he had everything. Though he loved his home, he would miss this place...he hoped that Stefan would allow him to return once the festivities ended...

"I should like to bid the Grand Princess farewell, and then we may leave, ok?"

-------------------

Dimitru sought out Mina, bowed before her, and said "Farewell, Grand Princess Mina...it has been a pleasure staying in your lands, and I hope that once these festivities have concluded, I shall be allowed to return. May God bless you and Pskov-Novgorod, your Grace."