Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[unmerged(7849)]

A letter arives from Moscow,

"Czarina of Pskov,

I will make this letter short and to the point as I have no time to spare. The Lithuanians and the Pommeranians have recently concluded an agreement to sell land; in this agreement the price was 2,000 ducats for the sale of Memel.

I will put our past differences aside and look towards cooperation, but only for a gift of 2,000 ducats in exchange for the province. I do not wish to place any more burden on my economy which was not given the time to recoperate, especially when I will be ceding land. I hope you realize that this arrangment will work much better for the both of us.

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

 

[N Katsyev]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod​

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Upon her arrival in Novgorod, Mina had been presented through correspondance with Moscovy with a most intersting proposal. They were asking for money, people asking for money was one of the key components to her family's rise to power under her father and uncle. The visitors were shown to rooms already set up for them and Mina went off to the parlor to write a response.

Other news upon her arrival was that Breshev had fallen ill, and he would not be able to participate in the trade talks for some days to come. Waiting for the response from Moscow, walking the snowy gardens, and thinking about Katya in far away Moldavia is how the Grand Princess spent what little free time she could afford herself.

Then there was a response, interest, the arrangements were being made. However when the deal's conclusion seemed imminent, that the last territorial stumbling block of peace between Pskov-Novgorod and Moscow was about to be removed... Betrayel. There would now be no deal. Breshev was summoned, Volker, Manuel and Joao... the trade talks would begin, deal or no deal.

In a room of finely polished dark woods a single table was set up, on the walls were tapestries and paintings, scenes of the winter, of the spring, of great heroes of old and tragic battles. Mina once more sat at the head of the table, laid upon it numerous ink-wells, pens, paper and of course the normal breads, salts, cheeses and decanters of freshly made Sbityen, its sweet honey aroma wafting through the cool air warmed only by a fireplace in the side of the wall. Mina rapped her nails lightly against the wood of the table as she waited the other guests. Breshev would soon enter and take the seat to the right of her, a slight cough and a voice deeper than usual he seemed none the worse for the wear...

 

[Mettermrck]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod

It had been a short wait for them to be summoned to the negotiations. Joao and Manuel had each spent their time in their rooms, relaxing and contemplating the coming talks - Manuel about how to make sure the deal was signed, and Joao about how to secure maximum profit. Perhaps later, Joao though, he could tour the grounds and see more of the palace up close...preferably without Lord Manuel, who apparently was an expert on Novogorod. He sighed and sat down in one of the comfortable chairs, his mind reeling with profit figures.

For Manuel, the issue was simpler. Maximum profit or not, a deal had to be signed. The timber was vital to Portugal's fleet and he had to make sure it was acquired, for a decent price, of course, but as much as possible. Considerations for Count Joao, as much as Manuel deferred to him, were secondary to the Queen's wishes. He spent the short time in front of a tall oak mirror in the corner of the room, adjusting his courtly outfit, making sure his chain of office was perfectly centered. His sceptre lay in his pocket, and without his fur cloaks, Manuel once more looked like the high lord he was...with the boyish face.

Finally, a messenger arrived summoning them to the negotiation hall. As they emerged into the hall, Joao began to walk towards the hall and Manuel followed. He was brought up short by the messenger who had stopped and had discreetly coughed, raising an eyebrow. Joao flushed with the humiliation yet knew that the protocol had to be observed. With annoyance, he took a couple steps to the rear and allowed Manuel to lead the way into the room, with Joao behind and to the left. So they entered the main room, where they found the Czarina seated at the far end of the table, which was laid out with food and drink for what promised to be a long session.

Manuel bowed upon entering, and Joao followed suit. They then made their way to their designated seats, and once more Manuel bowed, Joao following. "Your Imperial Majesty." And they remained standing, awaiting her pleasure.

 

[unmerged(17303)]

A letter arrives from Astrakhan.

 

[N Katsyev]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod​

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Mina watched the two Portugese men as they entered, a cool expression but not impolite on her face. Breshev stood upon their enterance and nodded to the both of them, "Good day my lords."

Mina eye's went to Breshev for a moment as he addressed the visitors before she did the same, "Please, sit. Food and drink of course, help yourselves. We are only waiting on Herr Volker to begin." Mina sipped at her sbityen as the two men sat and turned to Joao, "Remind me to speak with you over the matters you brought up on the road after the meeting. I would have done so before now, but there have been other matters requiring my attention." From the tone of her voice it was clear that she was none too pleased with these 'other matters'.

Breshev retook his seat and taking some bread he turned to Manuel while he was preparing it, deciding to take part in some small talk before the meeting began, "Welcome to Veliky Novgorod chancellor, I hope she pleases you so far?" Nikita Breshev cleared his throat slightly and sniffed before taking a bite of the dark bread.

 

[Mettermrck]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod

Sitting down, Joao could tell something was bothering Mina. He made a mental note to keep on his guard as she would likely pounce on anything irrelevant that was brought up in negotiations. At her words, he smiled politely enough but refrained from the usual flattery that came to mind. Instinctively, he knew she was not in the mood. "I thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. At your convenience, of course."

Manuel, meanwhile, was getting used to the feeling of a diplomatic table. Here he was, his first official treaty negotiation and he was doing his best to seem calm though he knew his nervousness must show. He nodded genially to Nikita Breshev as he entered and took his seat. "Why yes, milord. Novgorod is truly a fine city, more than I had ever conceived. I hope to see more of it before I leave." On subjects he was comfortable with, Manuel found himself better as polite conversation than at other times. Yet he couldn't help notice the sharp expression in the Czarina's eyes, so he did not say more, not wishing to seem irreverent towards the proceedings.

Menlikov Residence, Pskov

Serena smiled as Vladimir sat up near her and took his hand in hers, squeezing it warmly. "Then I am ready to leave as soon as I am presentable," she giggled. She sat up, listening to Vladimir until he reached the word 'Liziveta'. Her face fell.

Serena's eyes flickered to Vladimir sharply, and she looked as if she wanted to say something, but memories of Joao's words of the previous night entered her mind and she looked down at the bed for a moment, clearing her thoughts. Finally, she nodded to herself and looked back at Vladimir, smiling wanly. "O..o-of course, V-volodya. I would be...d-delighted to have your sister accompany us." Then she looked back down at the bed. "Well, I had best get ready then, the more to hasten our journey." She squeezed his hand again before standing up.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov​

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Vladimir's eyes went away as she answered his question in concern to his sister. She stood to get ready and squeezed his hand, however he did not let go, but only tightened his grip. Vladimir looked at her again, a half-smile coming to his face, "You are lying to me my dear. I may be hopelessly in love with you, but i'm no fool, or blind yet."

Vladimir sighed and pressed her hand that he held to his lips before rising his eyes to her again, "Don't think I didn't notice your behaviour at lunch yesterday, how you ignored Lizaveta after you left the room, or for that matter your cold greeting to her on the docks. The last I remember at the tourney to my great delight the two of you seemed close... Now... well, what has changed Syerina?" His voice was soft, inquiring, and betrayed no hint of annoyance. He drew her to him by her hand, hoping she would sit with him.

 

[Mettermrck]

Menlikov Residence, Pskov

Serena sighed and turned to him as Vladimir tried to draw her back down. She smiled kindly but was reluctant to sit and talk about it. Joao's words still had a powerful effect on him and she knew anything she told Vladimir would come to Yelezevita eventually. Squeezing Vladimir's hand, she shook her head gently.

"Oh, my love. Do not concern yourself over such things. I d-do not mind having...your sister along to Novgorod. And nothing is wrong. Please, do not trouble yourself. All I want to think about is spending time in Novgorod with you." Looking at Vladimir, she realized that she was not being very fair to him and did not want to seem evasive. She owed him some form of an answer.

She stepped closer to him but did not sit, her hand caressing his cheek. Staring at the ceiling for a moment, Serena thought about her response for a moment before looking back at him and smiling. "I...g-guess...I am getting...used...to the idea of Yelezevita...and Joao. You know...it is silly, really. And none of my concern. Please, Volodya. Do not worry. It would never affect our joy, my love." Smiling warmly, she leaned in and kissed him on the forehead.

Stepping back, she managed a giggle, and squeezed his hand before releasing it. "And now, Volodya...the longer you stay in my room, the longer we wait for our trip. Not that I mind, of course." She winked at him and turned to her wardrobe to select an outfit to wear before she summoned a maid in to help her.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov​

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Vladimir's smile faded as she talked more, he hadn't expected this from her. And as she continued to speak it only became worse, her words were actually hurting him. To act so, but to obviously be thinking so differently, and that sweet voice of hers that he so loved now being corrupted by the falseness it conveyed... Why couldn't she tell him the truth?

She let go of his hand and went back to her wardrobe, the maid would be here soon. Vladimir sighed and stood, not knowing to be angry or sad and ending up a little of both. He watched Serena for a moment more, "Don't bother. If you wish we will still go, but only after Joao returns. If father does not consent to take her, I will most probably tomorrow, I wouldn't want you to be any further made uncomfortable by my sister's presence." Vladimir strode out of the room quickly and coldly that he had only some time ago entered in a completely different manner. The door shut firmly behind him, it was all he could do to not physically wince at the pain in his heart.

 

[Mettermrck]

Menlikov Residence, Pskov

Watching the sudden shift in Vladimir's mannerism and tone broke her heart. The swiftness of his change rendered her speechless, and as much as she wanted to call out to him, to return and let her explain, she found she could not. Her mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. He had gone, she thought to herself. Left her. In a daze, she walked slowly to the door and pressed her palm against it, as if the feel of the wood would bring back a hint of him. But it failed. Sighing, feeling the first waves of regret flooding over her, she pressed herself against the door, and gently eased her way to the floor. The first tear fell before she reached bottom.

Serena did not call for the maid. She simply sat there, motionless, angry with herself for her feelings, wondering why she felt so suspicious of Yelezevita...and why could she not tell Vladimir. What was it about her? It could not be jealousy, for she did not love Joao. And Yelezevita had never done anything to her. It was instinctive...a base reaction. And it had torn her heart in two. Wordlessly she sat there, leaning against the door, sobbing quietly. Even in this pain, hardly any sound escaped her lips.

 

[Eu_proof]

Pskov, Pskov-Novgorod​

The city of Pskov. He was there at last, after taking routs through Magdeburg, Brandenburg, Pommern and Poland, he had decided to go to Pskov. He knew that Brittany had an ammbassadour here under the reign of Jean VI de Montfort, or was it even earlyer but Father Pierre Hardi should be dead after what he had heard. He was sure of that none of the nobles in the lower classes of Pskov would not know about rumors in Brittany. He walked in the streets, looking for a bar where he could ask someone about where he could start his new life, finding a job and a place to live. He found one, the sign over it was on a foreign langague he did not understand, he could just hope that he would understand them. He approached the bardesk and asked the bartender for something to drink, he got in something red and warm and tasted it, it did not taste so bad. He looked around in the bar, who looked sober enogh to talk to him, he saw a little, thin man who sat in the middle of the bar alone. He walked to him and sat down. He looked the other man in the eyes, "Hello", he mumbled. "Nice weather today". He tried to start a conversasion with him.

"Do you pershaps know were a stranger like me, just arrived to Pskov, could get a job and somewere to live? I have nerver been here before you see, I would be much grateful for any help"


In Nantes, meanwhile, Jean talked to Gerard, who just arrived from Groningen.

"So he was in Groningen? Then he is heading for a country in the far east like Russia, i guess, is Father Pierre Hardi still alive in Pskov you think? Maybe i should contact him once again"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod ​

Tobias had anjoyed Novgorod so far. He had hardly sepnt any time in the palace, but had instead spent time with the may merchants, learning all the minor tidbits of news that where not included in his official letters from home. He had, as he knew he would, enjoyed speaking German immensly. It had one sad side, and that was that his longing for home had been wakened once again, especially as one Niels Jensen, Hanseatic merchant from Stockholm, had offered him free passahe all the way to Mecklemburg, from where transport to Bremen would be ease to secure.
Tobias had been tempted, but in the end, his duty to the duke of Bremen, and the thought of a certain drak-haired beuaty, who just happened to b the Czarina of these lands, kept him back. He had given his thanks to Jensen, as well as a letter to his parents, and had then stayed in the inn most frequently visited by Hanseatic and Wendischer merchants, where he had enjoyed himself throughout the night. When another captain, Jürgen Pesch of Prussia, had offered to sponsor a night with a tavern girl, he had however declined the kind offer. He felt he owed it to Mina.

But now duty called again, and despite lack of sleep and a moderate hang-over, he appeared at the negotiations table, ready to secure yet another deal for the Hansa. Last night, he had heard dark rumours that yet another war with Denmark was approaching, but he had refused to believe them. No nation could be so foolish. Banishing such thoughts, he nodded to those present, bowed to Mina, and took his seat.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov​

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The thin little man, Sadko Eevanivitch walked up to the bar where the foreigner had just stepped up. It was still mid-day and not many patrons were here yet making this slight annoyance no more than that. He smiled a half-smile with a hint of sarcasm, displaying a missing tooth or two, "Greetings... Nice day? Hmmm... A bit cold if you ask me. But spring is coming - which I believe is a bit of a blessing for you when you are asking about work."

Sadko titled his head to the side a bit, and shrugged, "I suppose I could tell you more, but I think you really should buy a drink first. A warm mug of sbityen maybe? The foreigners love it, nectar of Rooseeya they call it." Sadko leaned his arms on the bar, waiting for this foreigner's response, and curious at the origins of his most odd accent.

 

[N Katsyev]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod​

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Volker entered as was distinguishable from Mina's eyes that went up from some notes to the newest presence in the room. With the same gray eyes she directed him to the seat on her left, directly across from Nikita Breshev, "Good morning Herr Volker, the servants tell me you never returned to your chambers last night. Out enjoying the city I hope?" Mina smiled but there was something else in her look, certainly not something to smile about.

Breshev stood once more on Volker's enterance and nodded respectfully to him before sitting again, "It seems we meet again Herr Volker, I would shake your hand if I were not cursed with illness." Breshev sniffed slightly and turned back to Mina, taking another bit of his bread and washing it down with the honey drink.

Mina acknowledged Breshev with her eyes before turning to Manuel, "Chancellor de la Braga, you may begin." With a free hand she played at a couple dark curls at the ends of her hair, leaning back in her seat preparing to listen and if necessary guide the conversation.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov​

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Prince Andrei Yuriyevitch Polotovski walked down the steets of Pskov, two Kremlin guards at his flanks. He had been home now for quite some months, not long after his return though Katya had left to Moldavia. It had been a sweet reunion, but he found himself missing her all the more once again. His sister was truly becoming more beautiful with every passing day.

He had rarely seen Mina, and now she had left as well for Novgorod. His aunt was an Empress now, and seemed busier than ever. With her relative frequency of meetings with the Hansa representitive, Herr Volker he figured Pskov-Novgorod's ties with the west were getting stronger daily. Still she had been gone now only for a day, and he was already thinking of excuses to go to Novgorod, to see her face, her body again, hear the voice that summoned all his attention with a single word.

In a vain attempt at self-control he was heading to the Melnikov's residence. He and the young Countess Melnikova had always been rather friendly, and some time away from the Kremlin would do him well. Regardless, he should pay his congratulations to Vladimir Eevanvich Melnikov, champion of the tourney at Isaborska. How he would have loved to attend that display.

It only took the appearance of the Prince through the front gates and a porter was already inside seeking out the Count. Andrei walked up to the residence, a long flowing fur trimmed cloak falling about his shoulders and body itself adorned in latest styles of the German courts he had become fond of, dark colours of course for winter. When he arrived at the door he nodded to the porters who already had it opened for him and stepped inside. To greet him was a smiling Count Ivan Melnikov, naturally all too pleased to be recieving the finest suitor possible for his daughter in his own home, "Prince Andrei Yuriyevitch, running about in Lithuania and Germany for how long? And all the time denying us the pleasure of your presence."

Andrei smiled at the long-time associate of his father and stepped forward to hug the Count, "My lord Melnikov, it had been far too long. Yuri, Vladimir, Yeleziveta how are they? And of course youself, how have affairs treated you of late?"

Melnikov wrapped his arm around Andrei's shoulders and led him into the parlor, the doors shut behind them, as they walked he spoke, "Myself? Quite well I think, i've managed the purchase of some lands in Karelia, a good deal here and there... However my children - well, they do me proud. Yuri my youngest son was given the honour of being sent to Eire as an ambassador..."

Andrei sat down at the Count's request upon the couch and shook his head with a smile, "Oh dear, what trouble had he gotten himself into to deserve that 'honour'?"

The Count sat with a chuckle, "Hmm.. yes, well that is Yuri all over for you. Either way, I hope he is keeping out of too much mischief there, we wrote to him not long ago, hoping for a reply. The way Mina and I look at it, if he does screw things up, at least it won't come back to us."

Melnikov shrugged with a smile and ordered a servant to bring in some wine, "Vladimir on the other hand, has brought both the family and his homeland great honour as i'm sure you've heard. But being the proud father I don't mind saying it again. Champion of the Izborsk tourney, and found himself a pretty little thing while he was there. She is staying here, a lovely creature - i'll have to introduce you later. All the way from Portugal, I had always feared it being difficult to marry Vladimir off, he never had that... well... "

Andrei took his glass from the servant and sipped at it, nodding and leaning back into the couch, "Quite, and your most charming daughter?"

"Angry, dissapointed, but yet happy to see you again my lord." Melnikov shook his head, 'she always does that' he thought as the turned a smile to his daughter standing in the doorway. Yeleziveta was glad she had walked in when she did, before her father said anything about Joao or Miquel.

Andrei looked over as well to the young woman standing in the doorway, "Beautiful as well I see." Andrei set his glass down and stood up, stepping with a certain grace across the room and taking Yeleziveta's hand in his own and pressing his lips firmly to her flesh.

Yeleziveta remembered the last time she felt Andrei's lips on her body and shuddered slightly but did her best to keep her composure, her cold blue eyes watched him raise his head before her, "Flattering me my lord? I would think you above that. But then I would think you would owe me a compliment or two noting the time between now and our last meeting."

Andrei's gray eyes met hers as he rose back up and he smiled a knowing smile, "I shall do what I can to repay my debt. The Melnikovs are known for not being the kindest to those who do not. Am I right your excellency?" Andrei turned his glance onto the Count.

Melnikov enjoyed watching the interraction between his daughter and the Prince, and broke into a full smile when addressed, "Something like that my Prince."

Yeleziveta slowly slipped her hand out of Andrei's and took his attention once again with her eyes, "We will see what you can do to repay your debt."

 

[Eu_proof]

Pskov​

Miguel, tired after his long journey looked at the man, he talked as fast that he could just snap up what he was saying.

"Sbityen you say?", he ordered in one and took a taste, his whole body became warm, he could not remember drinking anything more... Cheerful in his life, the drink made him happy all down to his soul.

"Not strange foreigner like it, very tasty indeed", he licked his lips wich were wet after the drink. "I suppose you have tasted it? Now about living here in Pskov, what does this town have to offer in that way? Back in Na... Ehhrm, back in France there is not so cold like it is here so first of all I could need a place to buy some clothes", he still had a handful of money, he could just hope that they accepted that currency here in Pskov. He awaited to the other man to responde, he couldn´t wait to get out of here, it was not the most happy place he had been in.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Sir Basileus arrived at Novogorod. He smiled a bit as he observed the people with amusement. He also bear a small admiration for them for surviving in this climate, not even the Romans could do it better. He then wondered where the Grand Princess is. He shrugged and walked to market. There, he purchased the finest fur coat and beautiful bear carving, to go with his own gift from his homeland among with a finest wine of his adopted homeland. He took them and walked to where the Princess is. There, he spoke to an offical with arrogance,

I am Sir Basileus and I bear the gifts to Grand Princess among with possible talking about expanding the friendship between Aragon and Pskov. I request an audience with her majesty.

 

[Mettermrck]

Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod

When signalled by the Czarina to begin, Manuel nodded and produced the papers containing his notes on the proposed treaty.
"Your Imperial Majesty...milords. Portugal is making a massive investment in its fleet, to sustain our exploration, to protect our commerce, and to assert our interests on the seas. This is to be a long-term committed project which will involve years of planning and construction. And, of course, materials. In particular, timber. To build the ships in the quality and quantity we seek, Portugal requires large imports of timber on a steady basis for the duration of our naval expansion."

He paused, to let his introduction sink in. To his left, Joao was listening quietly, but knew better than to interrupt. On this stage, at least, Manuel was seen as the senior man, however much it irked the Count. "Naturally, the best timber in Europe is Russian fir. And thus both our states find ourselves in a position to help each other. Pskov-Novgorod can provide the timber, and we can provide the profits." He even managed a smile, as he knew very well that profit was the motive that drove this treaty negotiation. Finally he began to study his papers.

"The outline of our proposal is as follows:

1) A fair market value shall be established for the price of the timber purchased by Portugal. This value shall ensure fairness in terms of profit for the sellers and affordability for the buyer. This shall be a fixed value for the duration of this agreement to avoid speculation.

2) The Kingdom of Portugal appoints Joao Duarte, Count d'Guarda, as its duly authorized agent in Pskov-Novgorod to be solely responsible arranging and determining the actual purchases of timber. His Excellency will be fair in his decisions, and shall not show undue favor in order to maximize the benefit to Pskov-Novgorod's merchants.

3) Selling merchants shall be allowed to sell timber at a fixed price of no more than the fair market value +10%.

4) His Excellency, Joao Duarte, Count d'Guarda, as Portugal's duly authorized agent shall receive a commission for his services to be set at no more than the selling price (fair market value + 10%) + 1%.

5) Shipments of timber from Pskov-Novogord to Portugal shall be handled under the auspices of an agreement soon to be concluded with the Hanseatic League. A copy of this future treaty will be appended to this agreement upon its ratification.

6) Pskov-Novgorod shall guarantee the availability of stocks of timber to Portugal in the desired quantities for the first ten years of the agreement.

7) After the initial ten year period, Portugal shall continue to purchase timber at no less than 1/5th the amount of timber purchased annually during the first ten years.

8) This agreement will expire in fifteen years unless renegotiated by Portugal and Pskov-Novgorod.

[ ] Manuel de la Braga, Lord High Chancellor, acting in lieu of Adalia Duarte, Queen of Portugal and Reginald Witau, King of Portugal

[ ] Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya, "The Blessed", Czarina of Pskov-Novgorod

Manuel set down his papers and sipped some water to moisten his dry throat. Then he smiled to nodded to Breshev. "This is an initial outline, of course, designed to begin negotiations. Your thoughts are most welcome, milord. And Your Imperial Majesty." Manuel nodded to the Czarina.

Joao remained quiet, though he had straightened up when the part of about him being appointed as agent was mentioned. Otherwise, he kept observing Herr Volker, Mina's favorite. He didn't alter his expression, but the poor man looked like a bird with its wings clipped so it wouldn't fly too far from the cage. Smiling neutrally at Mina, Joao realized that she was the cage. Not for him, he thought to himself.

 

[Mettermrck]

Melnikov Residence, Pskov

It taken her hours to recover herself after the trauma of Vladimir's departure. Once she had cried out her emotions, she felt empty and spent, and resigned. Numbly, she had summoned the maid to dress her and decided she fancied a walk. Serena felt no great hunger and did not want to risk running into Vladimir or the Princess at the morning or midday meals. So, after putting on some furs for warmth, she decided she needed a walk on the Melnikov grounds.

She exited to the rear, hoping she would not been seen and she emerged on to the paths that wound their way through the grounds of the estate. Not really worrying about the slippery paths or the snow, she hastily walked along, quietly observing the somber winter landscape, craving the loneliness she felt inside. The weather matched her mood perfectly. Gray skies and a silence broken only by a dismal wind. It was how she felt in her heart.

Finally, as she was approaching a massive forest, Serena felt the first rush of fatigue and decided she should rest. Using one of her cloaks as a makeshift seat, she set it underneath a large tree near a bend in the path and set herself down upon it. It was awkward, but after adjusting herself, it felt comfortable. She leaned her head against the trunk, wincing at the sudden coolness of the snow upon her hair, but slowly becoming used to it.

Here she felt safe...away from the disappointed look on Vladimir's face and away from the ambitious Princess. She cast her mind back to the Isaborksa and that day...when Vladimir had discovered that she had granted favor to two knights. His heart had been strained. And though they had overcome that, here they were again. The same hurts...could she ever get anything right? Sighing she leaned her head forward and rested a while. It was cool, but not freezing, and some time away from the estate would do her good. Maybe then she could figure out what she wanted to do.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskov​

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Sadko Eevanivitch chuckled despite himself, he couldn't help but think this foreigner was a bit simple, "Tasted it? Indeed, most popular winter drink you'll find. Good for a sip or a night with the lads with a bit more vodka."

Sadko eyed the coin paid him for the drink with interest, even clenched down on it with his teeth while the foreigner talked to test the metal. "What's your name?" The Russian bartender interrupted before letting the man finish his sentence. "Clothes eh? Just head on down to the market streets, you'll find everything you're looking for in every colour, every size and so much more i'm sure." Sadko regarded the foreigner opposite him for a time more, crossing his arms over his chest and remembering the man's first interest, "So first you asked me about a job, you want to know anything more about that?"

Outside the Yaroslav Palace, Novgorod​

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The guards watched the laden-with-goods Sir Basileus approach them. He seemed to walk favoring some injury or another and certainly his rough apperance and visible scars only confirmed to them that this was a man was certainly a warrior of at least some renown. Basileus then stopped and addressed them with arrogance that they were not in the least surprised to recieve from him. One of them replied, "My lord the Czarina" he put particular emphasis on this final word to correct this man's mistake, "is currently attending a meeting of great importance. I don't imagine you will be able to have audience with her immediately. However if you wish to leave contact information, we shall deliver your request as soon as possible and give you an answer at the appropriate time."