Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[unmerged(25835)]

Archbishop Igor Striyenko of Tver entered the Synod and nodded to the other priests. ”I apologize for my tardiness, Your Graces. There has been momentous change in my homeland and it has just been resolved for the good. Prince Ivan has deemed the roads safe enough for my travel. I see you are discussing the Patriarchates of Constantinople and its relationship to Novgorod? I would only add that Constantinople has tradition but it was burned and sacked by infidels. The Patriarch has a just point. We support Constantinople and other patriarchates. I believe our preeminence is thus established. This is all I have to add on this issue.” He sat down and prepared to listen to the next speaker.

 

[Longinus]

Group of Pomerannian knights, flaying the colours of Red Griffon on the white and blue field, arrive in Pskov. Their leader sends a squire who is ordered to find Her Grace and deliver a massive into her hands.

“Onto Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod,

Your Grace,

First of all I wish to apologise Your Grace in the name of the whole of the House of Greif for the recent lack of contact and correspondence between the two of us. Many factors made it utterly impossible, among them the illness of my brother and Duke of Pommernia, Joachim Gryphon. There was no insult nor harm intended and I truly wish that these communications problems shall not affect always good relations between our respective realms and Houses.

Upon the request of good Count M. Y. Golytsin, I decided to send a group of knights led by Tomasz Biernacki herbu Kalina who has full rights to negotiate an appropriate agreement with Your Grace.

Let it be known also that we are well aware of tensions between Pskov and the Knights of the Black Cross. Having said that I would like to assure Your Grace that certain steps will be undertaken to ease these tensions and direct the attention of the said knights toward pagan Liths and Finns, lapdogs of the Horde in Muscovy or even the Horde itself.

Given in Stettin,

Longinus of the Grief, in the name of Joachim of the Greif, Regent and Protector of Pommernia.

 

[von Streusser]

A letter, still sealed, finds its way into the hands of the Czarina.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin​

​

​

Alexei Timkin warmly greets the knights sent from the dominion of Pommern. He approaches the leader of them, Tomasz Biernacki herbu Kalina and nods his head in respect, "My good Sir, if you seek the Grand Princess you are most likely to find her in Zubtsov or Tver... At this time most probably the latter. I shall issue your party with podorzhnaias so that you may make use of internal post system and meet her with all possible haste as i'm sure your message is important to justify your travel even here. I wish you luck in your journey, i'm sure the Grand Princess shall be delighted to recieve you. We have long anxiously awaited word from our friends in Stettin."

 

[von Streusser]

"One of these days" Dimitru said, rubbing his hands together and blowing into them as he and Katya stood in the cavernous expanse of the foundry "I will get used to this awful cold." He looked around the old converted warehouse, and with particular interest at the completed pieces. "The Voivode is particularly interested in developing a smaller piece, one that could be transported by a single horse through the mountains. Obviously it would fire a very small shot, but a handful of such cannons could still be devastating to a fearful enemy. Our primary concern is not siege warfare, but how to turn these weapons to use against our foes on the field."

He listened as she spoke of materials, and nodded. "Well, we may be able to help you with procurement of iron. Our mines are rich in a number of metals, I imagine that with your peat and sulphur, and our iron and bronze, we could make quite a pair." He smiled, almost suggestively...but not. "We're currently converting a building to this use, but we lack the...sophistication? shall we say, of design to make the equipment necessary to build or develop these pieces. Perhaps Pskov-Novgorod would be willing to supply us with schematics in exchange for steady supplies of metals?"

 

[von Streusser]

Taking another bite of the cheese, Gheorg looked up towards the cieling of the Cathedral. "Delicious. You know, I think it has been a very long time since I've had such good cheese. Sheep make excellent sweaters, but not so much cheese. And with flocks everywhere, someone has to find a few more uses for them..." He grew silent, and reached for his tea.

"Well" he said, following the comments of the other three present, "some valid points are made here. Further discussion will be required on a few points, such as where, exactly, the Archbishop's seat should be located within the Danube lands, but I feel we can agree..."

Pulling his water glass to his lips, he took a long drink from it, the slurping reverberated off the walls and bounced back through the ears of all present. Brother Octavian continued to look apologetic throughout Gheorg's continuing displays. He began to hum a little tune, not noticing that the rest of the room was waiting for him to finish his thought. Finally, he decided to do so. "...if Rome and Novgorod are the only holy cities outside of Moslem control, then Rome should be the center of the Papist faith, and Novgorod the center of all the Orthodox faith."

He let this statement hang in the air a moment. "As to the question of where the Archbishopric should be located...precious few lands in the Danube remain both free from foreign oppression and well-ordered: Serbia is still recovering from the war with Venice and has yet to find coherent leadership. Bulgaria, Wallachia, Macedonia, all of them are vassals of the Venetians or..." he shuddered a moment "the Horde. In fact, as near as I can tell, only Moldavia is both independent and under solid rule...and only Moldavia has shown unshaking devotion to the faith, not even faltering under threats from Lithuania, while the Serbian rulership nearly converted to Papism in the face of Venetian violence, before their people rose in revolt." He decided to let the significance of this thought remain unsaid.

 

[N Katsyev]

Foundry, Novgorod​

​

Katya looked over her shoulder with a somewhat contemptuous but not unfriendly smirk when he mentioned the cold, "Ten years Dimitru, I dare say if you aren't accustomed to it by now, you're doomed." She held his gaze like that a moment more before breaking into a more full smile and walking over to him, slipping her arm tightly back into his to hopefully help his cold at least a little with the proximity... or this was the covering motive anyway.

Then turned and began heading back to the doors from which they had entered. Katya's smile dissapeared as Dimitru mentioned the Voivode's ideas concerning how to use artillery, replaced by a look of interest. They passed through the portal and out into the broad open avenue again, and once again totally vulnerable to sweeping winds bringing with them biting bits of snow and ice. She spoke loudly over the wind, "As far as I know only the Poles have experimented with anything like that as yet... At Tannenberg against the Teutons the Poles used artillery on the field, but it was ineffective at best and the technology sadly hasn't improved much since then. Still, as you mention, against a fearful enemy, the idea does hold some promise."

Her ears were already beginning to ache only a minute's walk from the foundry and she pulled the hood of her cloak over her whipping hair with her free hand, lowering her head a bit into the wind. They walked some more paces in silence before she continued, "As for the materials you speak of, I shall certainly put you into contact with the proper trade guilds. Or maybe I could even convince Mina for an official charter... Anyway... i'm certain we will be able to work something out." She looked over at Dimitru with an optimsitic and genuinely happy looking smile, despite the tears welling up in her eyes from the brutal winds but were becoming ever more beautiful for it.

 

[N Katsyev]

Holy Synod, Novgorod​

​

The Patriarch looks with interest over to Grigorii, "Indeed, I couldn't agree more. The glory of Byzantium we may all remember warmly, but it is past. Rome has chosen a path that leads her from the true teachings of Christ. The Papists even threaten the one true faith as late in greater fashion than they have for two centuries now. If there was ever a time for new leadership in the True, Holy Orthodox faith, that time is now."

The comments then from Archbishop Striyenko and later of father Gheorg only solidfied further the conviction among not only the Patriarch but the others of the assembly. Sergius waited a moment when the old moldavian had finished before replying, "Your meaning is very clear before this Holy body. Indeed it should be noted that we have from the lands of the Danube only yourself as a representitive. However, I called you hear only originally to see if there was interest among you and your contemporaries in the proposed shift. May I assume that you speak on behalf of all your contemporaries in Moldavia? If so, we should both petition Constantinople for the transfer of authority. Naturally, by simple rule of precedence this new Archbishoporic would be centered in Moldavia as a result, in its gestation at least."

"Now...", Sergius began after a pause and his eyes wandering about those gathered. He was still dissapointed at the abscence of anyone from either Ryzan or Vladimir-Suzdal, but time was ultimately fleeting and he continued, "I feel we should next move on to the topic of candidates for the Archbishoporic of Moscovy." He turned his attention more directly on Grigorii, "I assume you have a somewhat more intimate knoweldge of the workings in Moscovy than many here. Whom would you suggest?"

 

[von Streusser]

"My God" Dimitru said, looking back up at Katya "has it really been that long? Well, I guess that every moment in your company has flown by so quickly, I simply could not keep up with the passing time..." his tone was vaguely sarcastic, as was his smile...but somehow truthful as well. Like all things with Katya, he left it ambiguous enough for her to take it as she pleased. Though he did expect to get hit. As she linked her arm in his, he rested one of his hands on hers. "Ah, thank you...that's much better indeed." He smiled and met her eyes with his a moment.

He listened to her speak of the Poles fighting with the pieces he had described. "Yes, I think Petru mentioned something of Tannenberg...well, so perhaps the Poles did not get it right, that is where our ingenuity will have to come in. I think the Voivode is very much looking forward to designing an entirely new breed of weapon."

The wind slashed and bit at him, but he honestly didn't mind as much as he had in the past. Perhaps he had gotten used to it. Or perhaps something else was warming him from the inside. He looked over at Katya and pulled just a little closer to her, using her body heat to try and take the edge off the cold. "I fear you're right, I am doomed!" he spoke loudly, above the howl of the wind. "So, my official business is out of the way...what else is there to do around here?" He smiled as he asked, hoping that she would not prove too busy the rest of the day...

 

[Longinus]

Pskovskeey Kremlin​

​

​

Alexei Timkin warmly greets the knights sent from the dominion of Pommern. He approaches the leader of them, Tomasz Biernacki herbu Kalina and nods his head in respect, "My good Sir, if you seek the Grand Princess you are most likely to find her in Zubtsov or Tver... At this time most probably the latter. I shall issue your party with podorzhnaias so that you may make use of internal post system and meet her with all possible haste as i'm sure your message is important to justify your travel even here. I wish you luck in your journey, i'm sure the Grand Princess shall be delighted to recieve you. We have long anxiously awaited word from our friends in Stettin."

Capitan Biernacki thanked Alexei for all information and help. After one day of refreshement and necessary preparations the party of Pommeranian knights ventured deep into the lands of Novograd and soon afterwards Tver, seeking the audience with Grand Princess.

 

[N Katsyev]

Correspondance...​

​

The Czarina had left that morning for Tver and a courier left behind headed in the opposite direction with a simple bit of paper that held the full weight of his life or that of any so foolish as to hamper its safe arrival at its destination...

Commander of the Zayyanid Forces,
Represntitive of the Zayyanid Caliphate to Pskov-Novgorod,
One with an intimate knowledge of all things beautiful and worth living for...



I have indeed recieved, read, contemplated and enjoyed your first missive. All things said and unsaid. So much more agonizingly not done. However this is the world in which we find ourselves, and sometimes for a higher duty, for forces however regrettably out of our control, we must all at times pay homage to in our actions.

I am pleased to hear that you sojourn in England, while not as effective ultimately as you may have wished ended in no shame or harm to yourself or those whom you represent. It sounds as though there is a transfer of power taking place. Such times are always dangerous, and you know that I would never forgive myself for having let you leave the embrace of Pskova and entering the embrace of danger.

Such transfers of power are indeed high priority in my mind as I write this. In the morning I leave to Tver, now my Tver. The Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovich is rumoured to have been murdered by his son, Dmitri. In the process, the candidate for the throne of Tver whom I support the most was attacked as well and Andrey my poor foolish nephew was imprisoned. Obviously such a sleight on both those we support and on my very family had to be repaid in force. This very day Tver fell to an army loyal to my name and Dmitri was slain by his brother Ivan. Ivan whom shall now become my servant, Voevoda and Tysatskeey of a Tver now joined with the Union of Pskov and Novgorod. A fact which i'm sure you must know brings me no little amount of pleasure. I just regret having little more than this wine, bath and letter from you to celebrate with. Perhaps I should take matters into my own hands with memory of a number of such joyous occasions between ourselves during your stay.

While unfortunate, I find it hardly surprising that without your guiding touch the armies of Algiers have suffered. Indeed, I can empathize with the loss of your services since you left Pskova. However in like fashion I am sure with your return, it shall only be a matter of time until this matter find a suitable remedy. The battalion of women fighters you mention, does pique my interest - however I imagine it to be something borne only out of long tradition. One which lacking here would be met with the stigma of peculariarity, despite the untold number of women that in my people's history have actually taken up the sword. All too often silent heros.

When you go to battle Azim, remember the very flower you speak of. Be inspired by it and come back to adore it all the quicker. As you fight for your fatherland Azim, remember your motherland. Remember the mother that does even now weep, her delicate bosom stained by tears with your abscence. Tomorrow I go to Tver for many reasons, some of them more vague still in my mind than others, but I feel things shall not be the same when I finally once more return to my beloved Pskova. I can only hope that my deeply missed and trusted advisor from the south shall be there soon upon my return.

Most sincerely written by her hand in Zubtsov,
Czarina Mina Andreyevna, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver"

 

[N Katsyev]

Novgorod, Near St. Peter Yard​

​

"has it really been that long? Well, I guess that every moment in your company has flown by so quickly, I simply could not keep up with the passing time..."​

Katya grinned and nudged Dimitru with her hip as they walked, giving him a playfully scolding glance. "Well...", she continued after a moment, her face becoming a bit more serious, "If you are successful in your innovation, don't forget us, such a thing could be very useful on the open plains of the steppe... As opposed to the forests and marshes of northern Russia. But that is the nature of tactics I suppose, everyone develops what they need... Or, they hope to."

As they passed into yet another large avenue before the Yaroslav Yard and Palace, they could see to the southwest the shadows of ships moored at the commercial wharves, icebound by the mighty Volkhov. Once inside the walls of the foritifed yard, there was some relief at last from the biting winds.

Katya let out a laugh as Dimitru proclaimed himself doomed, "Hmmm.. ", she began to answer over the wind as they neared the enterance of the palace, "Nothing worth your time socially happens till the evening, but with the weather like this, I doubt even that. In the meantime... " She looked over at him with the hint of an impish smile at the corner of her lips as they passed through the portal and into the contrastedly very warm antechamber of the palace, "One gets warm again, maybe has a drink and enjoys a game of chess or a book... Most importantly though, gets warm."

A footman stepped forward to take her snow covered cloak, revealing the slender body underneath only in a simple royal blue gown, her skin immediately attacked by the chill air still hanging about it. She reached up, shaking the snow out of her hair, looking over at Dimitru, "Would you care to join me getting warm Dimya?", she smiled inquisitively, her cheeks hotly flushed by the cold.

 

[Longinus]

- EVENT -

Russian Post-Relay System and Reform

Following both Moscovite wars and the Lithuanian wars the need for military reform became self-evident. With the responsibilities brought on by the new Pan-Russian pact, the omnipresent threat in the east, and her own emergence as something of a protector of Orthodoxy, this self-evidence for reform became absolute and unignorable necessity. Among the top decision makers in the Union was discussed the alternatives to go about this reform.

Of the many issues decided upon, chief among them for Grand Princess Mina Andreyevna was the one - in characteristic anti-militarist fashion - that held not only great strategic but economic and diplomatic potential. During the time of Mongol rule in the eastern principalities they had put great stress upon the need for reliable communication over vast distances.

Based upon this previous system in the east, and much more modern and effective system would be created in Pskov-Novgorod and hopefully, ultimately, in all of the Pact members. Post stations that would also act as inns to provide both room, board and transportation would be set up at intervals along the most important and well-travelled routes. The ruling class would then be able to grant special route-passes or "podorozhnaia" to important officials, couriers or foreign envoys.

A historical precedence was found in late fifteenth century Moscovy, where a Habsburg envoy, Sigismund von Herberstein reported that the system "enabled him to reach Moscow from Novgorod, some 500 kilometers, in seventy-two hours, which was much faster than he would have been able to travel anywhere else in Europe. He went on to describe the great pains to which maintenance of these facilities were given,

"Anyone was permitted to ride horses at top speed, and if any horses by chance fell, or could not last, it was permissable to seize another from any nearby house, or from anyone whom one by chance met on the way, excepting only the courier of the ruler, and to take the horse with impunity. The iamshchik is accustomed to look for horses exhausted and left en route, to restore another horse to him from whom it was taken, and to pay a price according to the length of the trip.

Expenditures: Pskov spends 2 eco to trigger the event.

Modifiers: Pskov gains -1 to the roll due to good quality and relevant role-play.

1. The whole project works very well and greatly improves ability to communicate militarily, economically and diplomatically with far marches of Rus. It will need to be maintained in future. (+1 tech to Pskov for 2 years/8 turns)

2. Although there are some flaws, the whole project fares considerably well and greatly improves ability to communicate militarily, economically and diplomatically with far marches of Rus. It will need to be maintained in future. (+1 tech to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)


3. The whole project fares well and improves ability to communicate militarily, economically and diplomatically with far marches of Rus. However it’s impact is too small and does not give any massive boost to Russian principalities. Perhaps in future it will change. (no effect)

4. The whole project fares well and improves ability to communicate militarily, economically and diplomatically with far marches of Rus. However it’s impact is too small and does not give any massive boost to Russian principalities. Perhaps in future it will change. (no effect)

5. The whole project is a blunder, workers do not do their work well, people responsible for maintenance do not care, on top of that bandits strike in unusual numbers this year. (-1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The whole project is a blunder, workers do not do their work well, people responsible for maintenance do not care, bandits strike in unusual numbers this year, on top of that corruption eats a lot of resources and maintenance is much more expensive than it should be. (-1 max eco and -1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)


ROLL:
Pskov: A 4 is rolled - 1 = 3

RESULT:

3. The whole project fares well and improves ability to communicate militarily, economically and diplomatically with far marches of Rus. However it’s impact is too small and does not give any massive boost to Russian principalities. Perhaps in future it will change. (no effect)

 

[Longinus]

- EVENT -

Dynastic Struggle in Tver​

Following the suspicious death of Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovich of Tver, his son Dmitri has taken according to succession the reigns of the Principality. However in doing so not only did he attempt the murder of his younger brother, Ivan (favored by Pskov-Novgorod) but also imprisoned Prince Andrey Polotovski, Mina's nephew.

Naturally, not only would P-N be inclined to move in and remove the Moskva friendly Dmitri anyway for political reasons, now its a matter as well of keeping face and retribution for such an insult. One that is clearly seen as a classic casus belli. In the meantime Prince Ivan, the younger brother, of Zubtsov has retreated to his own Uzed, or Appenage within Tver to begin to gather his own strength, as well as that of Prince Yuri Polotovski, Uzed Prince of Rzhev.

Now Prince Ivan of Zubtsov is moving now with his own and Prince Yuri's armies, but those of Pskov-Novgorod to overthrow his brother suspected of murdering of their father. The result of his coming to power will be the mechanical vassalization of Tver to Pskov-Novgorod. In role-play the recognization of the sovereignity of the latter and the surrendering of the Grand Prince title, to replaced by Voevoda and Tysatskeey (military governor and commander).

*****​

Eighteen thousands of Pskov-Novgorod stand but a couple hours march from the seat of the Tver Principality, the city of Tver itself. To join them is another thousand from Zubtsov and Rzhev, led by Prince Ivan Borisitch himself. The son of the previous Grand Prince of Tver, and brother to her new Grand Prince who not only is under suspicion of killing their father, but also of attempting to kill Ivan and imprisoning Prince Andrey Polotovski.

For the latter, and for her own personal support of Prince Ivan, Grand Princess Mina Andreyevna has led a great host to aid Ivan in the dynastic struggle to topple Grand Prince Dmitri. Following the coup, Tver under the Sovereignty of Pskov-Novgorod will be ruled by Prince Ivan, now also Voevoda and Tysatskeey of Tver. The only question remaining is how the populace of Tver and Pskov-Novograd shall view the outcome of the struggle...

Expenditures: Tver spends 1 landmil to represent the losses of the dynastic conflict and any conflicts. Pskov-Novgorod spends 1 landmil to represent the effort required to send that many soldiers abroad, as well as the disorganization and costs involved in doing so and to cover any potential casualties despite their overwhelming numbers.

1. Glory to Pskov-Novograd and Tver! Populaces of both realms rejoice, from simple burghers and farmers to highest boyars and priests. (+1 morale to Pskov and Tver for 1 year/4 turns)

2. Boyars, priests and burghers of Tver supports the whole idea a rejoice believing that this can only bring stability and provide them with protection. Their Pskovite counterparts think however that it was huge mistake that might endanger their safety on a long run. (+1 morale to Tver for 1 year/4 turns and -1 morale to Pskov for 2 turns)

3. Populace of both realms feel indifferent, life has been to hard to care about changes high above them. We shall see what future bring. (no effect)

4. Populace of both realms feel indifferent, life has been to hard to care about changes high above them. We shall see what future bring. (no effect)

5. Boyars, priests and burghers of Pskov-Novograd supports the whole idea a rejoice believing that this can only bring more wealth and power to them “Glory to Czarina Mina the Blessed – or the Whore, doesn’t really matter since she is doing smashing job!” Their counterparts from Tver think however that it is a huge mistake which may endanger their safety on a long run. (+1 morale to Pskov and -1 morale to Tver for 1 year/4 turns)

6. Boyars, priests and burghers of Pskov-Novograd think the whole idea is a blunder and will undoubtedly lead to their demise. Situation in Tver might become even worse as their counterparts are enraged! (-1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns, Triggered Unrest in Tver Event)


ROLL:
Pskov and Tver: A 2 is rolled - 0 = 2

RESULT:

2. Boyars, priests and burghers of Tver supports the whole idea a rejoice believing that this can only bring stability and provide them with protection. Their Pskovite counterparts think however that it was huge mistake that might endanger their safety on a long run. (+1 morale to Tver for 1 year/4 turns and -1 morale to Pskov for 2 turns)

 

[von Streusser]

"I speak on behalf of all Moldavia, yes." Gheorg said, simply. This group did not seem to be high on discussion off the agenda, he noted, loudly slurping his tea. "In that case, I will do as you ask, and petition the Patriarch of Constantinople for the shift."

On the topic of Muscovy, he elected to wait and see what the others assembled had to say...

 

[N Katsyev]

Yaroslav Palace, Soiree​

​

Countess Klavia Golytsina, wife of Vyesheslav Yuriyevitch and cousin to the Pskov-Novgorod supreme commander - a relatively well aging woman at forty-one though one whom had never been particularly attractive rushed about the ballroom as more and more guests were arriving from the dining rooms. The Princess Ekaterina Polotovskaya had charged her with organizing a party to celebrate the union with Tver and of course the safe return of her brother, Prince Andrey Polotovski.

Already there were members of many of the most powerful and presitigous families of Pskov-Novgorod present, of course the Golytsins, Klavia, Mikhail, Vyesheslav, Varvara and Mikhail Vyesheslavitch, the latter a young man of sixteen years at his first soiree and his sister Varvara a blossoming young woman of twenty-one well on the hunt for potential suitors, and reciprocally sought. Orbiting rather close were the Golytsins were of course the Melnikovs, missing only the daughter Yelizveta who had departed not terribly long ago for Portugal. Present were the Count, his two sons Vladimir and Yuri and of course Vladimir's lovely wife and new mother, Serena.

There were also the Zhukovs, Kazimir, Alyona, Varlam and Galina - Kazimir and Alyona's son Sergey currently serving with the army still remaining in Tver. Sergey who had recently been married to Sofiya Kharina, now Zhukova. Who was present as well and currently had wandered over to speak to her family, missing their youngest daughter at the moment Svetlana. However the rest of the Kharins were present, Zakhary, Ivanna, Arkady and Gavril.

The conversation was still low at the moment and very casual as people were introducing each other among the whole host of other families, Counts, Princes and lesser nobility that were constantly arriving to fill up the splendid ballroom decorated in the finest woods inlaid with gold and silver carvings. The great candle sticks everywhere about the sides of the room and the tapestries. The magnificent marble floor with designs etched on it some dating as far back as the Palace's original construction some three hundred years ago.

The Polotovskis of course would be the last one's to enter the room and the time was nigh on coming. Andrey already stood outside the doors in the main corridor, leaning against a table and straightening the various medals and ribbons on his breast. Long out of his mind were the days spent in the dungeon in Tver. He could clearly hear the light music being played already inside by a small concerta out of Peterhof. The sound of the venetian glasses, of idle conversation and gentle laughter that so typified Russian nobility at such gatherings. The sound of servants going about with their platters consiting of everything from smoked fish, caviar, wine, sbityen, kluikovo, vodka, mead, breads, salts and cheeses and so much more. The smells were delicious and his stomach was already beginning to rumble despite the dinner everyone had eaten earlier.

However his hunger nowhere near matched his sister's who now politely waited outside Dimitru's chambers, inspecting the golden bracelets on her wrists and occasionally listening at the door wondering just when he would be finished. Katya smiled to herself and sub consciously raised a hand to her hair, checking everything was just perfect. However what she smiled over was the relationship, the new sort of relationship developing between Dimitru and herself over the weeks following that day in the parlour... That so easily remembered day in the parlour... She lightly touched the wood of the door and spoke through the crack, "Almost ready? They'll be expecting us any moment... "

 

[N Katsyev]

A note...​

​

​

Is given to one of the hand servants for Princess Dasha's bedchamber for the Princess....

"Princess Dasha Yuriyevna,

As i'm sure you've witnessed and been aware of the recent developments concerning the new Post-Relay, Podorzhnaia system. And its subsequent expansion into Tver. This is also a fully open option to Vladimir-Suzdal as well who would need only spend a small sum to reap benefits of a system already in place. It is important not just for couriers, but for very cooperation in times of war and the flow of communication. I hope that you may convince the Grand Prince, your father of its uses and necessity.

Respectfully and humbly,
Chief Advisor A. Timkin"

 

[N Katsyev]

Staraya Russa​

​

That morning, rather exhausted, she stepped into the carriage outside of Tver. Ivan kissed her hand and Mina gave a coy smile back, her finger drawing up against his chin as it slipped out of his hand. The door was shut and soon the city of Tver, her future husband, was behind her. From the signals she had been getting in both Zubtsov and Tver however, she could tell that much more was on the road ahead.

However, the Grand Princess didn't realize how quickly on the road ahead. They were stopped on the road by an official courier from the Kremlin. Pommeranian knights were en route to meet with her in Tver. It was decided then that they should be met on their journey and directed to Staraya Russa, there she would meet them. It was a good point and major city along the route from Pskova to Tver about halfway and also in very close proximity to Novgorod.

The city of Staraya Russa was a very ancient one near the southern shores of Lake Ilmen. It served as a gateway from the rich valleys of the Valdai to Novgorod, and ultimately the Baltic. It was also a relatively important center of trans-Russian movement. Today however, it served as the meeting place, long overdue of Pommern and Russia.

Arriving some hours earlier, the Pommeranian knights had been shown to comfortable quarters within the city's kremlin. They were given refreshments and invited to lunch with the local magistrate, a wealthy lesser nobleman Zaitsev. Who insisted that the leader of the group, Biernacki, must absolutely return to come wolf hunting with him sometime.

Mina had since fallen asleep despite the muddy, bumpy roads and only came to as the carriage rocked its way the final short distance to its destination. Sighing, her head dropped back against the seat and she stared blankly at the ceiling a moment, words about stars in her mind, a letter from a far off world, a far off lover in her lap. Both were dismissed, the latter tucked away in a little leather case she often carried with her. Taking the hand of a guard she stepped down out of the carriage and was immediatley led into the Kremlin and toward the small reception room where the Pommeranians had been gathered when advance news came of the Princess' impending arrival...

Her mind was still a bit dazed from both lack of sleep, and excessive sleep during the day, but for one so accustomed to sleep deprivation she handled the situaiton with typical mastery. Her practiced, graceful gait had lost none of its allure as she neared the doors of the reception room. And when the door was opened by the guards who then filed in, the polite, but not over-zealous smile that was upon her full lips was in fully admirable and characteristic form.

Immediately picked out the leader of the Pommeranians with her grey eyes she took a few steps forward to him and the doors were shut behind them. She offered her hand, scrutinizing his face and movement as she did so but under a mask of near apathy to the gesture, "Welcome to Starya Russa comrades... I hope both your journey and stay have been as pleasurable as possible? I am Czarina Mina Andreyevna, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver... Who may you be and on what business?"

 

[von Streusser]

"Katya? Come in...I think I need...help..." Dimitru called out through the closed door, then muttered to himself. "Dammit, why won't this thing..."

He was struggling, that much was certain. He had procured a new outfit just for this occassion, but was not used to wearing such garments. "I think this thing goes...no...no that's not it..." He looked up as she entered the room. "My God, you look beautiful..." Awestruck for a moment, he quickly came back to Earth when his cufflink bit into his flesh. "OW! Katya darling, could you help me with this? I bought something new but damn if I've ever found a more confusing garment!" He looked sharp, in the latest fashions, but was having a terrible time trying to get his cuffs to match up and stay closed. That he had gotten the other buttons and laces tightened properly was, he felt, nothing short of a miracle. He hoped she would be able to fix him up properly, and before they were expected to appear.

As she set to work fixing his cuffs, he straightened his collar and looked in the mirror one last time. "Sorry...I wanted to try and get something special, to look nice...I didn't think it would be so hard. You sure we can't just skip it?" he said with an innocent smile. "Maybe play some chess? Oh bother, I think I'll have to be buried in this thing, I doubt I'll ever get out of it again." He gave himself a resigned look in the mirror, and suddenly noticed she was done.

"Oh...well...ah, thank you. Glad that's taken care of. Well then, shall we? There is much celebrating to be done tonight..." He smiled, then leaned in and kissed her briefly and lightly on the lips "so as not to damage a perfect appearance."

 

[N Katsyev]

Yaroslav Palace, Soiree​

​

"Katya? Come in...I thnk I need... help..."​

The Princess gave a sarcastic smile and leaned her forehead at on the door frame a moment while she tried to compose herself. Somewhat satisifed, she applied pressure to the door and slipped through a small opening, then closed it firmly behind her. Turning to look upon Dmitru, quite evidently struggling, her previous attempts at composure turned out to be for naught. She raised a finely trimmed eyebrow and her teeth grazed her bottom lip as she appraised Dmitru and his situation...

"My god you look beautiful..."​

She winced as he stuck himself and stepped forward, "Here Dimya, let me help." Doing her best to stifle a giggle she took first his one arm, and then the other with a concentrated gaze and a smile hanging about her full lips as she listened to him, "Really, its quite nice. Was this one of the local tailors? Ulinov perhaps? It looks like his work... and look at that seam, how it matches... there, very nice."

Her fingers moved up from his cuffs and went about properly tying this string, adjusting that button and primping his hair a bit with his fingers, her grey eyes quickly moving over him as she did looking for any and all loose ends. "Don't be sorry", she said as she worked, "I appreciate it, its very becoming of you. Buy more things like this and maybe i'll get Mina to increase your allowance." Her eyes left her work a moment to wink at him, "Play some chess hmmm?" With her finger she touched underneath his chin to take a look at something on his neck. Some skin blemish or another that she decided must go.

"No, its really quite necessary we be there. Beside, I need to show everyone that you have some style sense in you yet.", she smirked and backed up, appraising him one last time.

"Oh... well... ah, thank you."​

"My pleasure." she replied with a proud smile, maybe more of herself than him - but probably more of both. He stepped forward, his hands brushing on either side of her waist, "Indeed we certainly shall.", she answered with an amused smile as his face neared hers with a touch of sensuality. She brushed his lips with her own and touched his nose with a smile before locking his elbow with hers and practically pulling him to the door, "Now come, they'll be waiting."

It was a quick, short distance from where they had been getting ready to the ballroom. Andrey had already gone inside. The murmur of voices mixed with music could clearly be heard as the two smartly dressed doormen/guards pushed open the great double doors for the Princess and Dimitru. Walking inside, they were instantly greeted by a concerned looking Golytsina who took Katya's hand and looked into her eyes, "Is everything okay Princess? I was beginning to worry."

"I know", Katya wanted to reply but only pressed Golytsina's hand with her own and smiled, "Nothing at all Countess, simply one of my hair dressers was late, most unfortunate, but i've punished him." She winked at the concerned looking older woman who took a matter of a fact expression.

"Damned fool servants, this younger generation is terrible."

"Indeed.", answered Katya, "So is everything going well?"

Goltysina took Katya's other arm as the trio then descended into the crowd of people gathered into groups throughout the room. Each like a cossack band seeming to have its own hetman who would guide the conversation and babble on about this or that. Usually however this guide was someone chosen by the host like a fine roast, to serve to everyone is due course, rotate the main courses of conversation between the guests and look herself for any trouble spots, "Well indeed Princess.", Klavia answered, "Your brother the Prince will be making an address in a few minutes, then we'll start some quick dances before more refreshments are brought out, and those casks of Rhineland wine." Klavia Golytsina then, now somewhat relaxed, noticed for the first time Dimitru though he had been on Katya's other arm the whole time, "Oh wonderful outfit, is it Popov? Certainly looks like Popov... "