Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[N Katsyev]

Shores of Lake Pskova​

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Vladimir leaned forward resting his chin on Serena's shoulder as she spoke to him of her homeland. He slowly drew his fingers up and down her back and close his eyes, imagining a land all of Europe away. A land wonderful enough to spawn this beautiful creature he held in his arms. She spoke of the ocean and he opened his eyes to look out over the lake before them, the great blue sky above them and the forest everywhere about them. A slight breeze came off the water, yet that is not what Vladimir felt, he felt the soothing sound and vibration of Serena's voice, he felt the great winds that came off the Atlantic and graced the shores and hills of her beautiful homeland.

Vladimir adjusted Serena in his lap, facing him and he obliged her to rest her arms on his shoulders. He looked into her alluring dark eyes a kindly if serious expression on his face, "You will show me the ocean one day my love?" He motioned with a hand briefly out toward the lake before resting it once more on her waist, "I've never even been to Narva. But the way you speak of it Syerina, I regret that fully now."

 

[Mettermrck]

Shores of Lake Pskova

Serena nuzzled her nose against Vladimir's and smiled at him. "Then you've decided on our first trip, Volodya. Once we sort everything out. You may take me to Narva, and we can see what the ocean is like up here." She giggled and kissed him. "One day, perhaps, I might see home again. Then you can come and I will show what Portugal is like. Father..." A shadow crossed her face and she put the thought out of her mind. It would not do to bring him up, she decided.

Instead she sighed and hugged Vladimir close and together they watched the lake. She thought about Joao's letter, wondering if it reached Lisbon yet. In her mind she had pictured her father's explosion, his wrath. Yet she was here, thousands of miles away, with her love, in this enchanting land. It was very much enough.

City of Pskov

Joao had spent a night in passing comfort. The inn was reputable enough not to cause embarassment, but certainly where he did not wish to be. He looked forward to speaking with the Melnikovs about finding a suitable place to purchase in the city. He had written to the Melnikov residence in the city as well as to the Kremlin, letting them know where he was temporarily staying.

Satisfied that all was in order, he decided all he could do now is wait, which tore at him because he was anxious to do so much. He wanted to inspect the docks and merchant guilds of the city, and make investments for his father. He wanted to check on Lady Serena, make sure everything was ok. He wanted to know what the word was from home. Was he to be helped? Condemned? Exiled? The thoughts occasionally plagued him but he trusted his father. If anything could be done, Alfonso would see to it. And he hoped to...what? What did he want? He knew the problem. Mina and Yelezevita. Mina was someone grand, almost unattainable, a challenge. Yet Yelezevita...the memories were still hazy. Joao felt drawn to her as well...she was truly...noble. Was she still as beautiful as he had remembered? He sighed and sat in his chair, awaiting preparation of a good meal. At least inn had a decent cook, he mused.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Library​

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Count Ivan Melnikov looked up from his desk at the interruption approaching him, "Ah, Vseslav, what news?"

The servant bowed his head to the count and set the letter from Joao down on his desk, "I only bring this your excellency, a courier dropped it off earlier. It is from Count Joao, staying within the city."

The Count pushed aside a ledger and took the letter from the desk, he was beginning to open it when he sighed and stood up. He walked over to an open window and looked out to the street below, winding itself along the shores of the Pskova river. The Count turned, with a bit of a smile under his fading golden beard, "So it seems this Joao is serious, does it not Vseslav? I wonder what kind of dowry he'd want." The Count looked at the servant for some moments more, expecting an answer from him that he knew Vseslav couldn't give.

The Count shrugged, "No matter." Ivan Melnikov read over the short letter, simply informing where Joao was staying. An eyebrow raised slightly piqued in interest. He dropped the letter then in his hand down at his side and strode back over to his desk. Vseslav watching him the whole time, figuring as he had not yet been dismissed, the Count would give him a reply.

Melnikov wrote something out and handed it to Vseslav, "Bring this to Count Joao, and make sure to travel with carriage. It wouldn't do to have our guest have to make his own way to our home."

Vseslav bowed and took the letter from the Count, turned and headed for the exit. Count Melnikov looked out the window once more from his desk, wondering what his counter-part in Portugal must be thinking in regards to his daugther marrying a "schismatic", Ivan's son, Vladimir. He wondered how similiar it was to his own feelings regarding a plausible union between Yeleziveta and Joao.

 

[Alex_pharaoh]

An Ortodox Priest and an embassador arrives to the court of Pskov:

"Dear Tzar of Pskov Novrogod:

(He bowed)

I am Hasher Purmov, and I am an Ortodox priest from the far lands of the Uzbek Khanate. I arrived here from the city of Yumhur, through the Caspian sea and the Volga river with a small fleet you can see in your city.

Our Khan, Alxud of the Uzbeks, wishes to open a trade rout that will pass through the Volga river all the way to your rich country, after the completion of the port of Yumhur and the beggining of search to new trading routes and possibilities. What makes him most interested, is your supply of exotic furs that the Khan would like to see them trading in the new and prosperous port of Yumhur."

He bowed, and awaited a reply from the Tzar.

 

[Mettermrck]

Joao's Inn, Pskov

Joao had been impressed by the stately carriage sent by the Melnikovs to bring him and his retinue to their estate. With the air of one used to such amenities, Joao boarded the carriage and waited while his servants loaded his baggage on board. The squire sat inside with him, a strange turn of events Joao could not avoid due to the lack of seating. His servants sat up front with the driver, something he had insisted upon.

The ride had been peaceful, and Joao found that it was a nice chance to relax and observe the city. He noted the finest buildings appeared to be the churches, indeed these were mostly the only ones made of stone. The wooden residences and shops were charming, he supposed, in a benign sort of way, though not to his tastes. His eye was more for the activity on the street, the commercial activity more specifically. And from time to time, he spotted a nicer house or residence and he quickly appraised it with a critical eye, judging if it was right for him.

In all his attentiveness to the individual buildings, he easily lost track of where he was in the city, and could not recall the streets that had taken to reach the Melnikov estate. Yet as they arrived, he couldn't help but be impressed at its grandeur. This was a family of means, he said to himself. And as they rode through the front gate, he realized that was now really close to seeing the Princess again, and he had no idea how that meeting was going to go. Would he still feel something for her? Would she? To say nothing of the father, Count Melnikov. While he was confident in his ability to suppress his nerves, he couldn't help feel a queasiness inside as they approached the main hall.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Miquel smiled as he walked among the coast of lake. He noted the new framework of many future ships and the docks. Aragonese laborers, sailors and teachers have gave him favorable report. He had heard that their students are doing well, very well for landlocked people. Of course, there was plenty of problem of communication, even today but it seemed that the problem has reduced somewhat. Perhaps he is wrong or not, he doesn't know. He only know what is reported to him by the Aragonese people.

He walked to one of the leader of this group of shipwrighter and spoke,

You should know this, Aragon is going to sent more updated ship among with a small group of experts and shipbuilders. You will still be in command especially since you and your people have learn to work with the Russians.

He turned to the Russian village near this site. This leader spoke,

We like it here. To be honest, some of us couldn't stand this cold weather but I don't want to leave upon the completetion of the project. I would like to know if it is possible for any of us, who desire to stay, to stay on after the end of project.

This man seemed to be in love with somebody but he didn't say anything about it so, Miquel didn't ask. He only cautious him to be careful and that he will ask the King and Princess about this.

After this conversation is over, he walked all over the site, observing many things. His mind is more and more wandering to the Countess Yeleziveta and remembering her beauty and intelligence. He missed being with her however, his duty comes first. He wonders when he could see her again. He found it strange that he had hard time focusing on the task at hand. He really want to be around her. How her hairs have hang around her shoulder, how it had fell. How her blue eyes sparked. He sighed with longing for Yeleziveta. Then he wonders if it is possible to marry her or at least, meet with her more often, to see if she would be willing. He tried to focus back on the task at hand which is interviewing laborer.

After the interview, he decided to go to Russian village and see if there is a tarven or inn for a rest and dinner before meeting with the Russians. He walked to the village and turned to look at the site and smiled then headed for village.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin​

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Mina walked with Alexei Timkin at her side down a corridor heading toward the Hall. It was early morning and a very evident chill was already present, yet it was simply a reminder to all those foolish enough to think that winter would be merciful this year. Great armies, God, or even the Empress of Pskov-Novgorod could not prevent this no matter how much they would have liked to.

However Mina wasn't one to waste her time on vain thoughts. So much had been accomplished, yet so much left to do. The war was won, the tourney carved into the stone of everyone's memory, the Union Republic's resource base had expanded more than signifcantly, this years harvest was plentiful, trade was flourishing and at that a great new deal had been struck. Despite all of this, all of this that made the Grand Princess, at that the twenty-one year old Czarina almost deific to her subjects was not satisfying her. Some simple pleasure at times, a moment of self-praise, but it was never enough... So much left to do.

She had been walking with her head slightly bowed in thought, she was wearing her hair down and a couple strands fell about her striking gray eyes as she looked up to a courier that was rushing toward her, "A visitor from Tashkent, Empress."

It could have been much worse, she gave a half-smile simply out of interest, "Tashkent?" She turned her face toward Alexei that had been following a step behind her, "Alexei, I don't remember the silk road coming this far north, do you?"

Alexei's age-worn face split in a smile and he shook his head, "Not that I recall my Princess."

Mina momentarily raised her finely kept eyebrows and gave a slight shrug with her shoulders, a more interested smile creeping across her visage. "Quite." The corridor ended into the Great Hall and she passed through approaching the visitors from the Uzbehk Khanate.

She came up before the two men of the Khanate, her smile vanishing and she watched them bow before her, "Welcome to Pskov, Purmov, i'm sure you shall feel right at home here. However I don't believe you've introduced your companion?" Her eyes briefly went to the ambassador accompanying Hasher Pumrov before returning to the priest, "Regardless, what are your affairs in Russia today?"

Czarina Mina Andreyevna listened fully to what Purmov had to say and when he had finished she looked away momentarily to the fire before looking back, "I will of course consider whatever proposal you wish to put before me. If only out of courtesy for the great distance you have travelled to come here. You speak of a port Yumhur, I can't say i've ever heard of it... Then i'm not incredibly knolwedgable about the current state of things on the Caspian either... Also, you may wish to get trade clearance on the Volga from my counter-part in Moscow if you wish to conduct trade of any real volume."

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov, Melnikov Residence​

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Yeleziveta lay belly down on her bed in simple undergarments, the large fire opposite the bed keeping the room plenty warm despite then near-freezing day outside. Her chin propped up on her hands she read over Miquel's letter. She screwed up her face slightly and spoke as if there was an audience, "Narva? Why Narva?" She flopped over onto her back and sighed, laying only for a moment before rolling over the letter to the side of her bed. The young countess stood and rang a bell for her hand servants to come dress her. She would have to respond to him later...

Outside on the steps the Count stood cloaked against a harsh wind coming in from the north, from Karelia. The carriage sent for Joao slowly made its way down the street, he watched it non-chalantly. After all it was no uncommon occurence to have various men pull up to his city residence, or any of the others with the sole objective of courting his daughter. Usually Yeleziveta seemed to attract the military type, these days it seems ambassadors were the fashion.

The door to the carriage was opened, Joao was obliged to step out. The Count put on a smile and descended the stairs to meet his guest, "Welcome to Pskov. Hearing that you were staying in such accomdations, it simply would not be chivalrous for me not to invite you stay at my home here." He slipped his hand over Joao's shoulders and began leading him up toward the home, turning to him with a bit of a grin under his fading gold beard, "And I wouldn't want to be a knave as my son, now would I?"

The stepped into the antechamber and servants came over to decloak the Ivan and Joao. As they worked the rich furs off his shoulders Count Melnikov turned to Joao, "I imagine Lizaveta will be getting dressed shortly. She had a bit of a late night last as I understand." The Count's blue eyes sought out Joao's briefly as if to exchange a thought. With his cloak removed and motioned to an adjoining room, "Children will play, men will talk, you will join me for some refreshment?"

The Count now led Joao into the room he had just motioned. It was small and obviously meant to convey comfort. Rich rugs covered the floor and tapestries on the walls displaying nature scenes, a small finely polished table in the middle of the room where a couple glasses were set. Beside them a pitcher of a dark juice, breads and cheeses. "Please sit." , came Melnikov's voice as he sat opposite Joao on one of the couches, reclining back, "What is your impression of the city so far?"

 

[Mettermrck]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov

Joao was impressed by the comfortable opulence of the residence. It was stately, refined, and dignified. And it bespoke a calm pride in a status that was naturally theirs. Joao smiled, for he appreciated the sentiments perfectly. He followed Count Melnikov's lead in entering the residence, not saying much as he had his cloak taken by the servants and was then shown into what appeared to be a lush sitting room.

"I thank you for your most generous invitation, Your Excellency. I admit that in my haste to come to the city, I had not arranged things as well as I might have hoped with Sir Vladimir in regards to lodgings. And the inn was not a completely regrettable experience. Indeed, it served to acquaint me with your city better."

He sat down when invited and relaxed on the couch, letting some of the fatigue of the journey ease. His mind suppressed the thought of the Princess dressing and he noticed the Count regarding him. Then it came to him...of course, the father. Be respectful, Joao, he told himself.

"I'm afraid I have my father's eye when it comes to Pskov, Your Excellency. In the brief glimpses I've had, I've been very impressed by its commercial activity. The amount of trade your city carries must be very lucrative indeed. It is...how should I put this...a city with a future. A city that looks forward rather than merely priding itself in the past. I certainly hope to see more of it in my stay here."

He leaned back, pausing for a moment. "And the churches...most impressive. We passed one earlier...St Basil....na Gorke? An austere structure high on this hill. It conveyed power naturally, with ease. Well...a foreign view perhaps," and he made himself flush a little, though he felt no such embarassment.

Joao held his finger to his mouth in thought, recalling something Count Melnikov had said. He grinned, allowing himself to appear friendly and affable. "Your son made the term knave a badge of honor, Your Excellency. Would that all men were such knaves." Part of him was thinking of a Princess....two? Three duels for her? He suppressed the thought and continued smiling.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov​

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Melnikov sat forward a bit at the mention of Vladimir, a kindly smile on his face simply from pride. He turned his eyes to focus on a servant that was waiting in a corner, "Semyon, pour us a drink will you?" The servant stepped over and poured three glasses of the dark juice. Melnikov took his glass and motioned for Semyon and Joao to do the same.

Melnikov took note of a look of maybe surprise at the servant taking a glass with them, he tapped his finger twice lightly on the wood of the table, his eyes meeting Joao's again, "Vodka, in any form... Well, it is looked down upon if imbibed in groups of less than three. To drink it with oneself only, is to show oneself to be highly odd and undesirable. Then, drinking anything by oneself is such." The Count gave a bit of a smirk and turned to Semyon, "And after all, you are a good sort, aren't you Leonidivitch?"

The servant smiled and nodded his head to the Count, "My lord, I will drink to that."

Ivan turned back to Joao with a bit of a shrug, "As will I." The Count took a bit of the liquid, before setting his glass on the table again and entwining his fingers in his lap, leaning slightly toward Joao his eyes narrowing slightly at the man's face, "So tell me, any word from the girl's father? She is staying with us... When she is present anyway. Volodya often takes her out into the country." Melnikov tilted his head slightly with a half smile taking another drink, "I imagine as would I if I were young and in love."

 

[Mettermrck]

Melnikov's Residence, Pskov

Joao relaxed as he drank, feeling the familiar warmth from a few evenings ago and starting to feel the tension ebb in his limbs. He was beginning to feel at ease in the presence of Count Melnikov, and smiled as he mentioned the drink he was now casually imbibing. "Then it appears I will not disappoint, Your Excellency, for I seem to have grown fond of your customary refreshment. And I am glad for it, to follow proper custom." He grinned and took another sip. The familiar voice of warning in his mind was easily ignored the second time, its attempts to get him to slow his drinking casually set aside.

He nodded when Count Melnikov mentioned Serena's father. "I regret to say no word from Duke Pedro of Coimbra as of yet. I suspect, judging by the time it took for our journey from Lisbon to the Isaborksa, that my letters have only just now arrived in the capital." Joao paused, wondering how to explain how he thought the reaction would be. While he harbored hopes that Pedro would be understanding, he knew he was a tough man, and affairs might be difficult. Yet it would not due to deceive his host either.

"Duke Pedro is a powerful man, fair in his own right, and protective of his daughter. She is his heir after all, and Coimbra is one of the foremost duchies of the realm. He is also a warrior, and Vladimir's three duels fought for Serena should count for much with him. And there is my father, who I believe will help in our cause as well. No, Your Excellency, the chances are rather better than one might think. I just need to make sure I haven't missed something, that I try all avenues for requesting aid." He sighed, suddenly feeling tired with all the responsibility for Lady Serena.

He sat for a moment, staring at his glass, thinking of how far he'd come in such a short time. Weeks ago he was simply her escort, out for his own advancement, and merely mindful that she behaved. And now? Here he was, assuring a Pskovian noble that he would do all he could to help Serena marry. This land has had its effect on me, he decided. Noticing Count Melnikov eyeing him, he smiled reassuringly and took another drink before setting it down.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Miquel was walking from the inn, where he just had a good night sleep and breakfast, to the constructing shipyard. He walked to a construction captain and spoke,

Good morning. How is the working going?

Narva looks beautiful at this time of day.

The Aragonese laborer captain looked at Miquel with strange expression. He spoke,

This is not Narva but Byedantsa.

Miquel's face redden as he realized that he made a mistake. Then the captain spoke some more,

We are just starting now. If there is on ething I have learnt, it is that it is stupid to start working before midmorning at earliest, with this unnatural temperature and the tendency of water to freeze. Also, that some of tool frozen and sticked top the skin. You should have seen poor Ferdinand's tongue on cannon. It took us few hours to get enough hot water, to unstick his tongue from the cannon without damage, beyond these of numb sensation and bruise.

Miquel winced at that and did even more so when he imagined it. Not that it was difficult to do so, after a smiliar incident for him when he first came here except that it was only a spoon in a room. Then the captain spoke some more to Miquel. Miquel listened with some interest, as much as he could as he often think of the Countess, and smiled at the progression.

He then walked and talked with some of Aragonese workers that he hadn't spoke with yestarday and with a leader. After this was over, he walked to the Russian leader of the group that worked on constructing the ship. He asked,

How is everything going for you and your people? Did your people learnt plenty? How are Russians working with the Aragonese, I mean are your people and Aragonese people cooperating well enough? Are you satisfied with the Aragoneses? Do your people have any problems with them? Do you have problem with any specific individual?

 

[AugCaesar]

The English delegation had received an audience with the Princess Mina this day, and George, Thomas and the rest were there before her. George appraoched first and spoke graciously,

"Princess Mina, Czarina of these lands, I would like to thank you again for the favor you have shown us and the pleasantness and success of our negotiations. We are to depart for England again tomorrow to spread tales of the greatness and beauty of your lands and greet our King with the warm congratulations of a succesfully treaty with Pskov-Novgorod. It has been a pleasure, and you can expect a permanent envoy from his Majesty shortly after our arrival in England." George stopped and then stepped back, as Thomas took his turn.

"I can only echo Sir George's words of thanks, and offer them again as my own. I have much enjoyed my time here, and should hope to return, in a more official status if such is possible. I congratulate you on your new title, and increased power and can say it was all only possible due to your own strength of will. I shall miss these lands and its people in my absence. Farewell." With that George and Thomas came before the Princess and in turn kissed her hand gently and politely, and with nods to others at court, set out from the room. Their ship awaited them in harbor to set out for home.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Tobias Volker had held to himself lately. He had witnessed the funeral for Magnus von Grünenwald, and had participated in the Trade meeting, but apart from that, he had not socialized much.
Whenever he had seen her from a distance, he had admired how Mina held herself, but she was apperantly busy these days, and he would not intrude on her. Privately, he wondered if the end of the war against Moscow had also meant an end to their relations. The anathema over her was bound to be lifted one of these days, and with the eye of her God once again looking down on her, she might not be willing to commit the sin of sleeping with him. Tobias had searched for ways to express his feelings towards her, but had not yet found any. He had smiled warmly at her, he had looked at her, trying to convey his feelings, but he did not command the art of body language as she did, and he feared he had failed.

Today, however, his mission was another. He had heard that the English delegation was leaving, and had decided to say his goodbyes. After all, from the reports he had received, it appeared he had started a fine job by seeking close cooperation regarding the Friseans. He was proud of that, as it proved to him that even after the war, his role in Pskov was far from finished, and as it showed that the time he spent reading through reports not immediatly connected to his assigment was wellspent.

Tobias managed to intercept English before they left the Kremlin, and he stepped up to them and offered his hand.
"Sir George. Herr Thomas. I wish you a safe journey to England, and take this opportinity to express my gratitude for the signed treaty. It was truly a pleasure working with you."

 

[AugCaesar]

The servants were slaving away behind the men, dragging several chests as they headed out of the Kremlin, not far from the exit though Herr Volker stopped them, and offered his hand. George smiled back at the man and shook it vigorously,

"Likewise Herr Volker, I hope this was the beginning of great things for our realms." He let go of the man's hand and motioned for the servants to continue on, leaving Thomas there next to Tobias. These two then shook hands, and Thomas looked to the ground, as if searching, then looked up his face bearing a curious expression.

"I did not have the pleasure to work as closely with you as George did, sir. But in observation here and at the joust, and in the brief words we did exchange I perceive you as a good man. A rare commodity in this world. I hope that I can return to this land and learn and see more of it in the coming months, though if not I hope we can meet and speak more personally again elsewhere. I think we may have some things in common, and in common to his court. Good luck here, I do not envy you this winter." Thomas shook the man's hand again and prepared to catch up with his companions.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov Kremlin​

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As the Englishmen were heading down to the docks on the Velikaya they were intercepted by a large, mounted armoured warrior in the boyar fashion. He held out a mailed hand to them, outstretching his fingers indicating to stop. He was soon joined by another two mounted warriors that came up from behind them and the direction of the Kremlin. The one who stopped them spoke in a somewhat accented Russian, "By order of the Empress, I can not let you pass."

He looked away momentarily as thunder roared somewhere in the distance, dark clouds were coming in from the west. He turned his eyes back on the Englishman but seemed to catch something beyond them in his line of sight. A slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth and he nodded in the direction of the approaching Grand Princess.

Mina eyed the Englishmen cooly as she approached in a deep purple dress flanked on either side by a number of Kremlin guards, twenty to any who bothered to count. She slipped dangerously close by Tobias while advancing on the Englishmen, giving him a sly glance as she passed, "Herr Volker."

She stood before them now, looking over the lot of them. As she watched them the guards formed a circle around them, completing what the Servitor Zhakhary and his companions had already begun. Mina held her hands clasped behind her back, Tobias behind her being able to see she was playing with a letter in her fingers. Her eyes scanned them all over once again, "Angleechaneen, you must forgive me for all this." She motioned with a single hand to all the armed escort, "With your hurried departure, I thought it may be necessary to see that you stay put until i'm finished with you." She paused for a moment, her eyes meeting Thomas' for a moment longer than the others, "Finished thanking you that is."

One of the guards came forward and delicately placed a brilliant silver medal in her outstretched hand. With her hand holding the letter still behind her she slipt the bit of paper securely against her skin where the dress opened at her back. With both hands she took the medal and walked up to Pierre, "Sir Pierre, Commander Golytsin had no shortage of good words to say of you. Though the offensive was doomed by circumstances out of the control of any man you fought one of the greatest battles of all during the entire campaign. If all English commanders act so toward their armies then there is no doubt in my mind as to why your country is as great as it is. And all this for soldiers who are not even your own brethren." She stepped forward, leaning up on the balls of her feet and draped the metal about his neck, before stepping down and taking a step back, "As such you are now of the order of Aleksandr Nevski. One who attains greatness in seeking to valorously do the impossible. As a Russian and as a leader of my people, you have my deepest appreciation."

Mina turned now to the portly Sir George, "My good Sir, you are truly a man of your craft. You speak honestly and bluntly yet not to offend. It has been a pleasure for me to see England represented in you as such. If you truly represent the will of your country in your actions here, then I am sure we shall be friends for quite some time."

Mina happy to be done speaking to the piggish-looking Sir George turned to Thomas, "While we have not had the pleasure of speaking much you and I, and i'm not aware of any particular deeds of yours of any grandeur... It seems you have caught the attention of another equally as important as myself. I have to apologize on behalf of Princess Yekaterina Yuriyevna for due to my haste she was sent away on a diplomatic mission before she could give you her partings personally. She did however give me this to give you before she left." Mina smiled and took the letter from her back, handing it to Thomas. She then took another step back and nodded to Zakhary who urged his horse out of the Englishmans' way.

"Now. You are all dismissed. I will look forward to our next meeting." Mina turned then to Volker, "Herr Volker, i'll be needing of your services imminently when our friends have departed. If you wouldn't mind remaining present." Barely able to keep a smile down from her poorly disguised innuendo she turned once more to watch the Englishmen depart.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov​

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A voice interrupted the quiet talk between the two men in the room. A female voice belonging to a golden haired young woman leaning in the doorway wearing a long, full, royalblue dress, "Lord Joao, my father spent some time in training as is customary for nobility, my brother does the same and is quite accomplished by this point. Surely the same would hold true... And if that is the case, then it seems you are three duels away from marrying me if you would so desire." A teasing smirk was on Yeleziveta's face as she played with the fringe at one of her sleeves.

The Count Melnikov stood up with a laugh, "My dearest little Countess, you put us conspriators to shame."

Yeleziveta entered the room, smiling and nodding her head to Joao, "Your excellency, a pleasure to see you again." She stepped up to her father and placed her hands on his shoulders a kiss to both cheeks. "Father, the morning is treating you well I hope?"

Ivan returned her gesture and motioned for her to sit on the couch near Joao, moving to stand near the window, "And better for you Lizaveta." They exchanged a meaning glance that Yeleziveta knew must be indicating the dull ache at the back of her head from the night's activities prior.

She smiled and turned her cold blue eyes if not her face fully toward Count Joao, "It has been merciful as yet." She gave a wink to Joao before turning her attention fully on him, "Its not the lake residence i'm afraid." Her eyes motioning the room and by implication the building they were in, "However our little Princess in the Kremlin wishes father to remain around for a while. Boring politics i'm sure." She didn't find anything boring about it really, and while she didn't hold any particular interested she sapped up all knowledge of word around her that was possible. After all, it made her a better conversationalist for gatherings.

 

[Mettermrck]

Melnikov's Residence, Pskov

Joao was sipping some more of his drink when he heard the sound of Yelezevita's voice and it was with practiced grace that he set his glass down without showing surprise. He stood as she entered his room, and found that hazy memory did no justice to her beauty. She had a confident gaze, a hint of amusement that intrigued him. And royal blue was a sharp, vibrant color to match her complexion.

He grinned at her jest and watched as daughter met father. Theirs seemed to be a happy relationship and as she sat down next to him, he took her hand and kissed it, more briefly than he would've liked, but Count Melnikov was present. "Your Highness, three duels is but a small price to pay. The pleasure is all mine at your presence."

Joao listened with interest as Count Melnikov and Yelezevita talked for a bit, raising his eyebrow in inquiry at the her 'feeling better'. It would not do for him to ask, however. When she mentioned 'boring politics', his smile grew wider, and his eyes clearly showed that they were not deceived for a moment. "Politics is the fencing without the swords, I feel at times. His Excellency is no doubt as accomplished with the rapier word as the physical sword, as all good nobles should be, I trust."

He relaxed some more as he got used to her presence next to him. Her scent was...sensual. Joao suppressed the thought, not wanting to entertain such thoughts in the presence of the Count.

 

[unmerged(7849)]

A letter arives from Moscow,

"Grand Princess of Pskov,

You write to me of cooperation and friendship. Yet you also call my words hallow, and give my country a name of your own choosing. I have seen no reason to trust you any more than I trust the Liths.

Do not worry about me, I have not forgotten who I am or where I have come from. I am already speaking to the Liths on these matters, and I will take any necessary steps.

written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of Russia"

 

[Alex_pharaoh]

Hasher Purmov recieved a treaty sent by Alxud Khan of the Uzbeks, and he went to speak with the Empress: He bowed to her:

"Dear Tzarina Mina of Pskov:

I have recieved a treaty proposal from our Khan for you to concider:

Trade pact of the Volga trade Rout:

1) Russia will grant access for Uzbek and Pskov traders to sail through the Volga river freely and without restrictions.

2) Mocovite and Pskov traders shall recieve 20% tax cuts for the produts of Silk and Spices.

3) Uzbek taders shall recieve 30% tax cuts for furs and products related for them.

4) Pskov and Russian traders shall only trade with the city of Yumhur and the Uzbek Khanate.

I hope you accept this. If not, you can send modifications to the Khan in Tashkent."

He bowed, and awaited a reply from the Tzarina.