Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[unmerged(20844)]

Holy Russian Synod, 1453​

Antim looked at both of them with disappointment and continued. "I see. Further Fragmentation? We have numerious Patriarchs, and only one of them is actually in Christian lands. You give the impression of very provident thinkers, your Holinesses." He turned towards Sergius. "You are clearly making a mistake, and while I can justify Demetrius's mistake, due to his bias and the attitude he has towards me, I do not understand yours, your Holiness. I did not come here to ask for fragmentation, I came to ask you to support Orthodoxy in the Balkans. I shall continue with my plea in Constantinople, although I see the negative decision already. Orthodoxy has never been similar to Catholicism in its Patriarchal structure. We have never been subordinated under one single Patriarch. I cannot see why you speak of fragmentation in this case, when it is the right of every orthodox country to have its independent church."

"Besides, I would like to remind Demetrius that Bulgaria actually is in the centre of the Balkans geographically. I understand your words about it being in danger, and that is why I came here. If you had supported my proposal, it would have helped both the church and the state in Bulgaria. Obviously your decision is one of a hypocrit.

Your Holiness Demetrius, it also seems that you did not understand what I proposed - that is, a Bulgarian church. I am not claiming it will be a Slavic church, no, a Bulgarian church, so I do not understand your words on where it should be located. O yes, before I finish, I would also like to remind you, the great scholar Patriarch Demetrius, who knows much about Orthodoxy and the Balkans, that Moldavia is not a Slavic country."

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Holy Synod

Demetruis smiled "When did I call it slavic?Patriarch Serigus called it Slavic, I did not nor does it matter, but I prefer the Patriarchete in Moldavia than in Bulgaria, their ability to protect, and perhaps keep order, is greater than Bulgaria.However, turning the Bulgarian church into a.....Nezcha , a highly central church in the area, could be acceptable.In Baghdad, the NavaChristians, and Nestorians, tend to do that to their churches, we can use the same basics.Bulgaria could be a good Patriarchete, but this is too early."

*OOC: It was Kat which called them slavs

 

[unmerged(17489)]

A great burden was lift from Alexandr's heart as Katya catched up on the two and joined them. As the angel returned the night was given a new life, the magic returned to the trees and they became full of life again, as if they too rejoiced over the fact that the beautiful Katya had returned. His father would have said that God was present that night in the Pskova courtyard, and Alexandr thought that might be true. At least there was something over the trees that mere mortal men could not understand, and it brought him immense joy and pleasure. He exerted himself to keep his look straight, and listen to the words of the Grand Princess. He was here to create diplomatic relations between Ryazan and Pskova after all, not to chase women that he knew he couldn't get anyway. His father would never allow him to marry someone of his own choice, and even if he would the niece of the Grand Princess was a part of the royal family and he a mere son of the metropolitan. Add to that he was the youngest son, who didn't even get a fitting place in the clergy but had to travel to Pskova as a diplomat, a job he disliked. He didn't hate it, he liked travelling and meeting with new people, but he didn't like the politics.

"I asked you Sasha for your personal opinion... Not that I disagree with what you have said. But when I say future, what do you think we shall become? What is the destiny of our people? I care little right now for what Prince Oleg thinks, i'm asking you Sasha."

The words came past Mina's lips and hit Alexandr like a lightning from clear sky. He thought he had lied well, but she had read him like a book. How could she know he didn't tell his own opinion? His attention must've slipped due to the thoughts of Katya that kept returning to his mind, he thought. What was his own opinion anyway? He didn't have one, he didn't care about politics and diplomacy. His passion was in trade. Travelling between the numerous cities in the world, trading goods and meeting with new humans, that was his passion. While he did get to meet new people and travel to distant cities in his job as a diplomat he found the politics and politeness while talking to 'official' persons quite dull and annoying. As he didn't really have an opinion, he decided to try to sort things out with an exerted voice and a smile on his lips.

"Your Majesty, that is my opinion. I share pretty much the view of my country, and I trust Grand Prince Oleg can defend us from the Mongols well. He has done so successfully for nearly 35 years after all. The future of the Rus are in the hands of the people that rules us, as long as they are as competent and honourful as they have been so far, with the exception of the Muscovite betrayal, the future of the Rus shall remain bright."

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin, Walking in the Grove​

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Mina smiled in a bemused sort of way as they rounded a bend in the path, passing by a large tower that shot up to touch the sky. In front of them on the left was the trinity cathedral, its pearly structure dressed in an orange glow. "Bright...", responded, almost mockingly Mina's cool voice, "I suppose you've answered the question anyway. Let us speak of Ryazan then. The mutual defense that we Russian princes have signed to is showing its age, I wish to draft another agreement with even more binding clauses. More requirements for mutual aid, sharing and training of armed forces, recognization of sovreignity and claims. Would Ryazan be interested in such an agreement? As you have stated, Russia's future is in her unity, her ability to use outside powers to her advantage without relying upon them, her ability to prevent the very same instability and weakness on her borders that brought about the fall of the our Kievan predecessor."

 

[N Katsyev]

Holy Russian Synod, 1453​

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Romanivitch watched Antim and Demetrius with interest before finally answering the former, "I am not so certain of these rights you mention your holiness. Every country maybe, every people... maybe, but ever indepenant Princeling may have his own Patriarch? This I do not agree with. What is a country your holiness?", asked Sergius rasing an eyebrow at Antim.

"At what point does one draw a line between a duchy and a kingdom, a sovereign realm, an empire? And which of these are to be counted for their own Patriarchates? Surely you would see there would be chaos if there two dozen Russian patriarchs, but there are at least that many uzeds throughout Russia which could argue to be independant. And I should add, that though Kiev was for centuries an orthodox country, Russia was only allowed to have a Patriarchate rather recently." With a dismissive shrug and a slight smile, Sergius continued in a quiet tone, "I am not opposed to your proposal, but I do not yet support it, nor do I particularly see how it will be of great benefit. These are cases which must be argued before the Patriarch Grennadius in Constantinople, who holds jurisdiction over your lands, cases which representitives of my own shall be present to hear. Do not think I am set in my decision your holiness, only that I have not yet established my decision."

Smiling more and casting his gaze over to Demetrius again before back to Antim he responded to the slavic comment, "I do not think anyone present here denies the presence of significant numbers of slavic peoples in any of the realms I mentioned. I could have added Venice and Hungary to my list as well, even Poland and Bohemia, though the presence of Orthodox slavs in these countries is markedly less." Standing, he made a general motion and there was a shuffling as the rest of the men gathered around the table stood as well, "At this point, i'm calling an end to this Synod. I hope that many of you shall see each other again soon, in Constantinople." Making the sign of a cross, the Patriarch bowed his head and quietly left the room.

 

[N Katsyev]

Kandalashka Colony, Kolskeey Peninsula - Summer​

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Anna Pytoravna proudly carried a pregnant belly as summer's humidity descended upon the small colony stradling the crytalline bay that opened up into the White Sea. Shamefully, Sonya Zavidavna only carried her newest bruise, given to her so graciously by the back of her drunk husband's hand. Red, puffy, tender her fair little cheekbone was a clear indication of just the sort of new opportunity that Kanadalshka had been for her. Her husband, Sergey Eevanovitch, was one of the three proficient leatherworkers in the colony, and the only one that could devote most of his time to that craft. By practice of that craft they lived a comfortable life, well, just about as comfortable of a life as one could live in the colony and as such he only had the more resources with which to acquire alcohol. If not distilled from the pitiful crops that could be raised here, then traded for with merchants who would come northward via the rough trails from Kem.

To the rest of the community, things were good for the two, and if Sergey had to keep his wife in line - she was pretty after all, then that was just another sign of a healthy relationship. For Sonya, it was simply hell. Now in summer, when finally the oppressive cold had lifted, her work seemed to double. There was more washing to do, there was the gardening, their home - hardly more than a shack was in need of constant keeping up and her husband was always busy or hungover. There was cooking and there was hell to pay if something didn't get done or done well. And then, Sonya's green eyes would rise from the washing and there would be Yuri, who always seemed to have a sympathetic smile for her. More and more she wished she believed he had killed a bear with a stick and a cross, maybe he could take care of Sergey Eevanivitch too... Wordlessly he would pass though and this pretty creature far from civilization would return to her own personal hell in a place that seemed far too cold for the even the pits of the abyss to endure.

 

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Mina's Study

"That is all, Grand Princess. Now that my father has sent me word that a permanent representative has arrived in Vladimir, I will not need to visit you so often" as a letter bearer!

"As for the marriage with your family, I believe that is still desired" by my father. Or Repin!

"Forgive me, but I need to retire to my chambers to write some correspondence. Good bye."

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Novgorod - Parlour (Part 1)​

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"Kostya... ", began Serena invoking a bit of a smile from Sofiya Zakharyevna, "Soya love", she began again toward her daughter, a cute little four year old who looked far too much like her mother, "Can you take your brother to the nursery love?"

The little girl, her brilliant brown hair hanging loosely about her tiny shoulders took Kostya's hand in hers in emulation of how she had seen her mother do so a thousand times, "Come on Kostya", she squeaked, "Lets go play." Serena watched the interplay between these two of her three children (the third, Nikolai a year old was in her lap) with a proud smile as the little boy pulled his thumb out of his mouth and awkwardly took his sister's arm, waddling out of the room with the little girl in the pretty little Portugese dress, sent to her by her aunt the Queen of Portugal.

Serena's deep brown eyes turned to Sofiya with an apologetic smile, "Where were we again?"

Sofiya Zakhareyevna only smiled more and gave a dismissing and knowing motion of her hand, "Your sister in law, Lizaveta, she is coming soon to see your father? Sergey keeps telling me how much he wants to meet the Queen of Portugal."

Rolling her eyes with a grin that inspired a laugh from Sofiya, Serena answered, "Countess Lizaveta wasn't enough for him? She's a lovely woman, I miss her, but there's not a shred of humility in her, I can only imagine its become worse."

The two women were once more interrupted, this time by the heavy thud of a man's boots. Sofiya turned her eyes to see her brother in law, Varlam Kazimirivitch with her eldest son, Alexei on the man's back. Immediately she gave Varlam a scornful look, though there was a certain radiance in her face at seeing her already handsome child of six years, "I told you brother, you shouldn't carry him around so, you'll spoil him. And Alyosha... ", Sofiya's eyes moved to her son's face, "You should know better."

The boy's face took a dangerously playful look of dissapointment, "Yes Mamma..." Quietly uttered as the boy slipped down from his uncle's back and in his little riding trousers strutted like a little officer over to Sofiya's side. Ruffling his short, well-kept hair Sofiya asked him to go join Serena Vladimiravna in the nursery with Konstantin. Obediently with a reciprocated sly smile to his uncle the little boy wandered off down the corridor.

Varlam opened his mouth to say something with the exit of the boy but was interrupted by a commotion at the front door and the loud sound of men's voices. Serena and Sofiya exchanged a look before, remaining seated, both looked in the direction of the hall. Soon Vladimir Eevanvitch, Sergey Kazimirivitch and Prince Pavyel Yuriyevitch Polotovski appeared, the three of their faces heavily reddened from the chill outside.

By a good margin, the largest of the men, Vladimir beamed broadly at his wife and their child in her lap, "Syerinka, its quite a marvellous evening, see how the sun is off the river." He made a motion toward the window whose curtains had not yet be drawn to the view of the Volkhov outside, its waters red with the evening's touch as he walked over to his wife, stooped low and exchanged kisses with her.

Taking the lead, Sergey went over to Sofiya to greet his own wife while in a moment of awkwardness, the Prince shuffled into the parlour and leaned onto the back of a magnificent chair from the Luga region. Pavyel, always a jovial type quickly dismissed the passing hesitation and spoke up, "And what a beautiful domestic scene is this. Countesses, my ladies... ", he said with a bow and a smile, "Always a pleasure beyond reckoning."

Smiling and pressing Serena's hand, Vladimir's ice blue eyes rose to hers, "Tell me love, how's father?"

 

[unmerged(17489)]

While he had been in Pskova for a number of weeks by now, he had not yet understood the importance of his travel here, and his mission. However, Mina's words made him suddenly understand that he was the representative of all Ryazan here in Pskova, and had the future relations of the two countries in his hands. It was of uttermost importance he was bright and didn't make any mistakes at all.A wrongly placed word might not directly lead to war, but at least decrease the relations and make the two so friendly principalities enemies. This would make for an extremely dangerous situation for Ryazan, and all of Russia. The principalities simply could not stand divided, they had to stay united if they were to resist the eastern threat fo the tatar mongols on their border, and to prevent another 1236.

Aleksandr felt uncomfortable with this suddenly discovered responsibility, he started to think about Mina's proposal. She wanted to expand the pan-russian pact, with recognition of claims and with sharing and training soldiers, etc. Aleksandr had been forced to read the Pan Russian pact over and over after he had been selected to go to Pskova-Novgorod by the Grand Prince (or rather, the Grand Prince' diplomatic advisor) on his father's reccomendation (more because he was ashamed of Aleksandr not becoming anything worthy (i.e. non-traderelated) than him thinking Aleksandr was a good diplomat). However, he didn't see the reason why the Russian pact ought to be reviewed.

"Indeed, it is true that the treaty between us are showing some age, but not all things get worse from aging. Why fix something that is not broken? I'd say that the current Pan-russian pact is working perfectly, and fulfilling its purpose, to protect the Rus from foreign aggressors. I fail to see the need for such an update, perhaps you could enlighten me about what problems you see in it?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin, Walking in the Grove​

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With Aleksandr's response, Mina and Katya exchanged a look. A half-smile taking her lips, Katya pressed Mina's arm and looking by the Czarina as they walked spoke to Aleksandr, "Inevitibly the time to forcefully work toward our goals is nearing. The current treaty, while providing for each other's defense only vaguely advises toward the necessity for helping each other at time when aggression is warranted..."

A gentle and subtely persuasive tug on the arm and Mina was leading the two up the steep steps onto the walls of the Kremlin itself.

Crossing her arms for warmth, Katya slipped away from Mina and lent up against the battlements, facing her 'sister' and the Ryzanskeey ambassador. Behind her were the numerous commercial wharves, the shops, the temples of the bustling heart of the city. Flowing by them on either side, as the Kremlin stuck between them were the Pskova and Velikaya rivers. "One would think Sasha... ", began Mina, only occasionally glancing over at the ambassador with her beautiful grey eyes before looking back out over the city, "That in such a fortress as this, one would be safe from anything. But you aren't. These stones we stand on now have been stained with the presence of the enemy, I myself was taken from this place by the enemy. We almost lost everything Sasha, relying upon defense." Her eyes glared over at him once more, meaningfully, "I shan't go through that again. Russia is too large, too vulnerable to sufficiently defend herself at all times, because of this, she must strike out at her enemies, even if those enemies are within her heart. The Moscovite traitors must be dealt with, there are encraochers from the west and always the Mongol threat. We cannot defend ourselves against all these at once and we must show ourselves to be strong enough - even if we aren't - to deal with all the other threats as well. The pact remains the same Sasha, it is for our defense, but it hardly facilitates our need to show ourselves as aggressively strong. I hope you can understand that."

Sighing, the Grand Princess looked out over the city again, "I love this land Sasha. It flows through my veins thicker than blood. To its people, I am a mother, would you not do everything in your power Sasha, to protect your child?"

 

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As Aleksandr was lead into the Kremlin, the warmth surrounded him and stroked his skin. The fires of the Kremin must be numerous, he thought, while he let the warmth give him inner pleasure and joy to his body. Not until now had he noticed how cold it had been outside, the weather was heading towards winter again it seemed and the temprature got lower every day. Especially so up here in the north, he thought, it was probably still autumn at home. The winters had got a lot cooler lately though, noone could have possibly missed that, and the winter had expanded in some places by two weeks which was a disaster for the farmers living in an already barren and cold land.

Aleksandr listened to Mina speaking, and then replied

"Protection is what we all seek, your Majesty, and we always seek it. As a child we seek protection in our mother's arms full of love and care, while as adults we seek protection behind walls of stone and shields, and in the Almighty Creator of all that is good. As guardians of a child, we also seek to protect her, and do whatever is in our power to shield it from foreign as well as domestic threats."

He felt like he was talking about things he did not know that much about, but nonetheless he continued

"I too, on behalf of my Grand Prince, think that the Muscovite traitors must be dealt with, but I do not see the reason in altering the perfectly well treaty that has shielded the Rus for a number of years. It has worked well thus far, what makes you think it has been weakened? The threats against Russia were not weaker during the signing of that treaty than those of today. There are rumours of inactivity in Lithuania, and the Golden Horde is on the edge of a civil war. A joint declaration of war against the traitors in Muscowy is very possible, but I can't see why we need it written down on paper."

 

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Holy Russian Synod, 1453​

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It was a cloudless day, but unseasonably cold, especially to the visitor unaccustomed to this nothern climaate. Outside the gates of the great Synod, he was able, in a very broken fashion, able to ask the boy to deliver the message inside, that an Emissary from the Almohad Emirate of Fez sought an audience with the Patricarch on a matter of mutual concern.

"With luck, this man of the cloth will speak Latin, or perhaps Greek," thought the heavily bundled Arab, "Though if I must continue in Russian I shall do my best."

It had been an extremely long journey and this was his final destination. Whether or not the he would carry back news of success for the difficult journey home would depend more than anything else upon how he was received.

Bearers had accompanied him inland from the port, and they too were uncomfortable in this strange, cold land, but at least their burdens would be lightened, regardless of whether the trip would succeed or fail.

A long shadow was cast by the sun moving behind the steeple tower, as they waited to learn whether they would be granted an audience.

 

[N Katsyev]

Cathedral of St. Sophia​

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Greek and church slavonic were both cardinal languages of the church and here, in Novgorod at the centre of the Russian church it was spoken fluently by all. The arab was met kindly and after being offered refreshments within the building was brought into the offices of the Patriarch himself. Sergius Romanivitch looked up to the man curiously from his desk and stood upon his enterance, making a cross before offering the man his hand, "My apologies comrade, you've missed the conclusion of the Synod. Still, is there anything I can do for you?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Upon the Walls of the Kremlin, Looking over the City...​

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Mina glanced cooly over at Aleksandr before turning away again, "The current treaty is not weakening. It is an establishment of trust between us, it was the first step. Now it is time for the second step. Relationships cannot stagnate Sasha, personal or political, they must either flourish or die. It is time that our relationship develop. And it is that time because I deem it so." That said she allowed a moment of silence before turning to face him fully once more and giving him the sort of biting smile that was so characteristic of her, beautiful and chilling all at once, "I shall have my scribes deliver to you a copy of the proposed treaty in the morning, we shall discuss this further at that point. Have a pleasant evening." Giving her wind chilled and delicate hand for him to kiss, she stepped then over to Katya and kisses her cheeks, whispering something briefly before descending the stairs once more and passing into the grove once more, a train of Kremlin guards behind her.

Left with Aleksandr upon the battlements, Katya smiled, composing a slight shiver from an icy wind. Stepping over to the Ryzanskeey ambassador she offered her hand in much the same way Mina had, "What my 'sister' offers can only help us, all of us." Saying that 'us' she pressed Aleksandr's arm with her hand and looked meaningfully at his eyes, "I hope you sleep well ambassador, it has been pleasant meeting you at last." Giving him a brief smile, her hand left his arm, "Until next.", and with this she left in the same manner as Mina had, leaving the Ryzanskeey alone upon the windswept walls looking out over a Pskova shrouded in the coming darkness.

 

[N Katsyev]

Melnikov Residence, Novgorod - Parlour (Part 2)​

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Part 1

"Well... ", Serena began in whisper to her husband, before giving him a knowing smile tinged with sadness, "Resting... anyway." Pressing Serena's hand assuringly again, Vladimir rose and nodded at his pretty Portugese wife - her dark hair so much different from the others in the room the envy of no few in society. Prince Pavyel had already entered into discussion with Varlam over some of his lands outside of Torzhok, recently purchesed from a vassal of Vladimir Melnikov's who had encountered financial dififculty lately. While Vladimir Melnikov was far from the administrative mind of his father, or even of his brother or sister, that one deal had secured him significant funds to keep the family in obvious comfort for the next couple years.

Sergey, half sitting on the arm of his wife's large plush chair, decorated with a french floral print turned in Melnikov's direction, "Tell me, what news of Queen Yeleziveta?"

Grinning despite himself at the mention of his sister's name and title, the large man answered Sergey with a shrug, "The last we have heard she had given birth to twins, Aleksandr and... Jo... ", began Vladimir, but stumbling over the second name.

"Joanna", Serena chimed in with a sudden and often hidden Portugese accent. Vladimir and Sofiya both turned the lovely dark hair woman a smile to which she blushed and continued, "Marvellous children i'm sure. Joao and Liza are such beautiful children, i'm sure their children are simply brilliant. And little Petya, she tells me so much about him, the diplomatic trump card of Portugal. She tells me he had the King of Castille practically melting for him and acquired fine gifts from the King of Egypt."

With a pleasant sigh, Sofiya dropped her head back in the seat and spoke with a hint of nostalgia, "I still remember going to Portugal for that tourney, it was a lovely experience... well, the journey aside that is. And Svetya.... "

At the mention of Sofiya's younger sister, Sergey interrupted, "She is still being 'courted' by that Carinthian nobleman, yes?" The answer to the question he already knew, but seeing as how he knew nothing of Portugal, and everything about his sister in law he figured it best to steer the conversation in that direction. And as so often happens with such discussions, one bit of gossip lead to another...

Apart still however were Pavyel and Varlam who had moved onto the subject of the German question. "And your sister, the Grand Princess, surely she is agitated by the continued occupation at the borders. I even heard rumour that the damn fools come by the boatload into Narva. They are trying to... well, it seems replace the Baltic peoples in their own homes."

Pavyel waved a large plump hand dismissively, "What is there to be done comrade? Attack the Pommeranian and Teutonic interests at once? They would ally and then we would have something of a problem on our hands for sure. Moscovy is the first problem, then we can worry about the Germans. Besides, i've met a number of decent Germans, and surely you have walked in Peterhof lately?"

"Of course and never have I heard such a smattering of gibberish!", responded Varlam in a mockingly spitful tone.

"Ah comrade, but you see, that gibberish is what the trading guilds call money. My sister must listen to the trading guilds at least as much as she listens to the aristocracy, surely you see the issue.", answered Pavyel with a self-pleased smile.

"Well thank the Lord I don't have the same concerns as your sister Prince, I just know that I have a lot of friends who like to purchase rights to the river routes from Ladoga to the Baltic, particularly on the Neva and right now cannot and are none too happy about it. Speaking of concerns of your sister though, tell me of the Princess, is she all I have heard?"

"And more!", laughingly responded Pavyel, before entering into a story of the little Natalya. Slowly afternoon wore to evening and evening lead onto a soiree at Kyshchliokovs'. The same topics were discussed there, the best agricultural tracts to secure 'south of the Valdai', the debated law currently being discussed to limit fermentation in the colonies to one third of produce grown and of course which faction in Lithuania was at the moment most likely to take power. All this interspersed with the usual gossip and biting remarks about the poor fashion-sense of some young lady or another and it was looking to be another very normal winter in Novgorod...

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Cathedral of St. Sophia​

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The Arab, El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra introduced himself in passable Greek, and showed the respect due the Patriarch's position. After displaying the royal seal of Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, he proceeded...



"Holy Father, I have traveled far from home to reach you. There are others that I would seek an audience with before returning for home, as my mission requires I make contact with the government leaders of your nation, but I sought you out first.

I thank you for the generous refreshments you have provided. I come as a representative of the Holy Almohad Empire, to bring you news of the Mediterranean. The Roman Pope makes war against our people, calling it a Crusade, and despicably attacked our ships without even a civilized declaration of war so that whatever hostilities that existed might have been resolved in an honorable, albeit regrettable way.

The Holy Almohad Emperor is dead. He fell at the gates of Malagra, trying to liberate the people of Al-Andalus, who practice inquisition and prohibit the expression of their religion, all in the name of the Roman Church. With his death comes great uncertainty about our future.

Father, I know that Novgorod is far from my home in the Atlas Mountains, and that more than a great distance separates our people and our cultures. I tell you these things not to try to engage you politically in this conflict, but because my Lord seeks advice and counsel, knowing regrettably less than he needs to know about your relationship with the Romans.

If you would so indulge me, I seek to carry your words back my Lord, after completing what business I might have with the Czarina or whomever would be willing to see me.

First of all, how do you view the Roman Church? It had made war against my nation and the Almohad Empire? We have sent most of it's fleet to the bottom of the sea. While we regret violence, it is we who were attacked. Is the Roman Pope an ally of yours? Are you able to intervene for peace? To serve as mediator between warring parties? Or do the Romans also reject your faith with the venom they do ours?

Secondly, if we are unable to reach peace with them, and must march on Rome, we are sure that there are items and relics that would have significance to you, and you would like to see preserved, yes? We seek not to destroy items of irreplacable holy value, and would deliver unto you those that would see preserved. Again, we did not start this war, but we will see it end. We value any input you might have on how we should treat Rome.

Finally, you are aware of the Concession of the Holy Land won by the Almohad Emperor, are you not? Which guarantees free access to the Holy Land for all faiths? With the passing of the Emperor and the fate of our people unknown, (we are threatened by the Portuguese as well, who had come to us seeking trade but conspire to conquer our lands), the ability to enforce this treaty also stands in questions? The Emir Elector did not know, do your followers make pilgrimage to any of these sites? Do you maintain or claim affiliation with the Coptics, the Greeks, or other Christians in these lands, who do not follow the ways of the Pope? Is maintaining this treaty a concern of yours, or is it of little importance?

I thank you and beg that you forgive the volume of questions I have brought before you. There are trials ahead that require careful and thoughtful action, and the Emir Elector seeks to learn how your Church fits into this puzzle.

I have brought with me gifts from Africa, which we present to you as gifts to be distributed as alms, in recognition of your hospitality.

I will now be silent and await whatever answers or opinions you are kind enough to share with me."




El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra bowed respectfully, with his hands together.

There was still much left for him to do in this strange land, but he would wait until every hair on his head turned gray, if necessary, to bring this knowledge back to the Emir.

 

[N Katsyev]

St. Sohpia's Cathedral in Novgorod​

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Holy Father, I have traveled far from home to reach you. There are others that I would seek an audience with before returning for home, as my mission requires I make contact with the government leaders of your nation, but I sought you out first.

I thank you for the generous refreshments you have provided. I come as a representative of the Holy Almohad Empire, to bring you news of the Mediterranean. The Roman Pope makes war against our people, calling it a Crusade, and despicably attacked our ships without even a civilized declaration of war so that whatever hostilities that existed might have been resolved in an honorable, albeit regrettable way. [/quote]

Sitting again, as the stranger from distant lands began, Sergius settled in and listened before answering, "It is an honour to have you. I should tell you that many of our maps don't even both includes your lands. As for Papists and crusades, we are familiar with these things." He added this final statement with a bit of a wry smile.

As the arab began to speak of relationships with the Romans, the death of an emperor, it became quite clear to Romanivitch that these people were truly desperate. To come this far, and to think that his words could have great sway on the Grand Princess…

First of all, how do you view the Roman Church? It had made war against my nation and the Almohad Empire? We have sent most of it's fleet to the bottom of the sea. While we regret violence, it is we who were attacked. Is the Roman Pope an ally of yours? Are you able to intervene for peace? To serve as mediator between warring parties? Or do the Romans also reject your faith with the venom they do ours?

"I view the Roman Church… " began Sergius' answer, "as unfortunate believers in false doctrine and practice. As for us being allies, this is far from the case, if anything the Papists have happily shown us how much they dislike our beliefs, how much they would rather us worship their Pope as the God they do. Intervention…", the Patriarch thoughtfully ran his fingers through his beard and turned his eyes back upon the arab, "I regret there is not much I could do. The Papists neither care or prefer us enough to garner any sort of influence - however I shall tell you this. I am considering sending a representative to Rome by invitation of the same Pope, if I do so, I shall inform him who I send with what you tell me today. Perhaps more is possible than I believe."

Secondly, if we are unable to reach peace with them, and must march on Rome, we are sure that there are items and relics that would have significance to you, and you would like to see preserved, yes? We seek not to destroy items of irreplacable holy value, and would deliver unto you those that would see preserved. Again, we did not start this war, but we will see it end. We value any input you might have on how we should treat Rome.

Sergius listened to this with controlled surprise, betrayed by a inquisitive eye wandering over to El-Zahrewi at a number of occasions. After a moment of thought he answered, "I should hope none of this comes to pass. It sounds a most unfortunate turn of events. Indeed it inclines me toward sending the aforementioned representative. I have no requests as of now…" Sighing he glances over at the arab, as if assuring himself that this man from such a foreign land was indeed here, "This is troubling, I'm sure you can understand. Catholics, though misled are still christian, I should hope these words are proved to be meaningless in the coming years."

Finally, you are aware of the Concession of the Holy Land won by the Almohad Emperor, are you not? Which guarantees free access to the Holy Land for all faiths? With the passing of the Emperor and the fate of our people unknown, (we are threatened by the Portuguese as well, who had come to us seeking trade but conspire to conquer our lands), the ability to enforce this treaty also stands in questions? The Emir Elector did not know, do your followers make pilgrimage to any of these sites? Do you maintain or claim affiliation with the Coptics, the Greeks, or other Christians in these lands, who do not follow the ways of the Pope? Is maintaining this treaty a concern of yours, or is it of little importance?

Frowning and nodding, "I know of the agreement yes and I do know that have some taken advantage of these freedoms. One right now is in the Holy Land at our direct charge. As for the Greeks, Cotpics, etc. we find more in common with many of these than we do with the Catholic sect, but this is something of a generalization. Finally, I would like to see such an agreement continue…" Drumming his fingers on his desk once, he saw that the arab was now done and shifted to face him fully again, "I will need time to think on all that you have said. I have not yet decided if I shall send someone to Rome, but you have convinced me of its importance more than I previously believed. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin​

​

In the normal flow of things breakfast was brought into Aleksandr, salted herring, dark breads and a decanter of juice from the Kliukva. Out of the ordinary however were the two Kremlin guards who had come with the Ryzanskeey's breakfast who after the meal were to escort him into the Great Hall for audience with the Grand Princess.

It was a cool morning and the chill had quite obviously crept into the corridors of the hall as the small group passed through the stone corridors decorated as they were tapestries and decorations from around Europe and beyond. The courtiers at the door didn't give a second glance as the two guards accompanied Aleksandr through the large doors of the antechamber and into the great hall itself. With the confidence that only direct duty brings they brought Aleksandr mid way up through the hall so that they were waiting directly behind a small group who were currently meeting with the Grand Princess. Wearing an elegant dress of dark greens, reds and gold that no doubt left her uncomfortably cold in the early morning chill she spoke with the same inherent fluidity and diplomatic grace to which all attributed to her without a second thought on the matter.

The discussion from what could be overheard at this distance was clearly over holdings on a tributary of the Volga. These men were most probably Tverskeey by their accent and they mentioned the city of Rzhev within the lands of the Grand Princess' old uncle a number of times during the discussion. Eventually it seemed some sort of agreement was met, formalities and pleasantries were exchanged and the group of men left speaking quietly among themselves, seeming content if not pleased. In passing one or two of them cast a curious glance at Aleksandr flanked as he was by guards.

The Grand Princess indicated Aleksandr forward with a motion of her hand and crossed her legs as he approached. Alexei Timkin, standing slightly behind her chair handed her a rolled bit of paper and she whispered something to him with a smile before turning back to Aleksandr, "Good morning Sasha, as promised, this is the draft of the treaty I spoke of. I trust you shall find it is not too drastically different from its predecessor… " With a meaningful glance she offered him the rolled paper…

Pravda y Edynyeniye

Правда и единение

Premise: The sovereign Union of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Principalities of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryazansky all recognizing the significant threats posed to them, their culture, their beliefs and their autonomy from outside and potentially hostile powers believe it necessary to act in such a way that such a potential threat meets a formidable, unified front. The mentioned realms and their Princes find themselves forced by ongoing external concerns to seek greater ties of strength, empathy and fraternity in their quest for ultimate truth, justice and unity for the Russian people.

Adeen: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryazansky recognize all other bound parties as legitimate rulers by the Grace of God and the represented will of their lands.

Dva: The Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Perseslavl-Ryzansky recognize all claims and colonies of Pskov-Novgorod to be legitimate by the Grace of God and renounce the unjust claims of the Muscovite principality as unfounded and without meaning. These lands include primarily but are not limited to the Velikiye Luki region, the Kolskeey Peninsula, Iaroslavl-Vologda, the western Ugric lands, Ingria and the vast territories stretching from the Severnaya Dvina east to the peaks of the Uralskeey Gory including the lands of the Komi, Samoyyed, the settlements at Zavidgrad, Mezen, Pechora and Naryan Mar.

Tree: The Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky recognize the sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod to be primary in position to the other Russian Grand Princes and owes no allegiance of claim or support to the Rurikid dynasty.

Chyetirye: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky recognize the necessity to defend the One True Faith and where a situation occurs that challenges the well-being of the Orthodox Church of whatever Patriarchate, they shall be obliged to discuss options for the preservation of said well-being.

Pyat: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky all shall look favorably upon establishing closer commercial ties to link and make better use of the wealth of the motherland. All bound parties shall consider with earnest aiding projects meant to enrich Rus as a whole through her separate principalities.

Shyest: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky shall be bound in agreement of mutual defense from the aggression of a third party for no less than ten years from signing. In said instance of aggression the treaty bound shall be obliged to provide aid to the attacked member or members be it in aid military, economic or both.

Syem: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky shall be bound in agreement of mutual aid in military endeavors whether defensive or aggressive against perceived threats to the welfare of the Rus. In said instance the treaty bound shall be obliged to provide aid to her bound members be it in aid military, economic or both.

Vosyem: Future amendments and additions to this treaty must first be approved by all original signing members out of sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryaznsky.

Dyevyet: Bound parties by this agreement may not justly terminate the bonds for the longevity of the agreement. Claiming to do so shall bring with it rights to retribution against the offending party.

Dyesyat: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky may not under any circumstance make separate military non-aggression pacts or alliances - and all previous ones must be nullified - with the Kipchak Khanate, the Grand Principality of Moscovy or the Kingdom of Lithuania without the approval of all other bound parties. This article pertains to these three mentioned above, and these three only on grounds of their historic hostile stance toward both the well-being of the motherland and the faith.

Adeenatsat: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryaznsky recognize the unfortunate plight of our brethren in the Grand Principality of Moscovy. When and if recognizable opportunity arises to free the people and the Principality from forced servitude to the Kipchak Khanate, discussions are encouraged on how to make best use of said opportunity.

Dvanatsat: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryaznsky recognize the necessity of in the process of defending the motherland and faith that respective armed forces must be able to work together under similar chains of command and tactics. As such the bound parties agree to sending representatives and soldiers to Izborska fortress, west of Pskova annually for training, discussion of tactics and fraternization.

Treenatsat: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryaznsky recognize the ruling house of Suzdal as having familial claim over the Rurikid territories of the Moskva and Niznhy Novgorod regions.

Chyetiryenatsat: Henceforth the 'Pan-Russian Defense Pact' is null and void in all articles.

[x]Czarina Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver
[ ] Grand Prince Yuri V of Vladimir-Suzdal
[ ] Grand Prince Oleg Ivanovitch

 

[unmerged(17489)]

As Mina left Aleksandr and Katya alone upon the wall, the two of them kept looking out over the city. The sun had set entirely now, and there were only a few lights lit down in the Pskova town. The night was very cold but the wind was still, and Aleksandr didn't find the coolness that cold. He glanced at the immensly beautiful woman at his side, but he said nothing. He felt dumb and found the quietness most uncomfortable, but he kept quiet anyway. At last, it was the niece of the Grand Princess who finally broke the silence.

"What my 'sister' offers can only help us, all of us. I hope you sleep well ambassador, it has been pleasant meeting you at last."

She was obiously waiting for an answer from him, but Aleksandr couldn't get a word past his lips. Struck dumb by her beauty, Aleksandr stood silent watching her fair face. She was about to leave him, and he could do nothing about it.

"Until next." she said, and with a cunning smile on her lips she followed Mina down the stairs, with the springiness of a very young girl. Aleksandr watched her leave, he had let the chance go. A chance to tell Katya how he felt, but he had neglected it, he had let it leave unhindered. Looking out over the city he cursed his shyness, he cursed his lack of self-confidence. He was always thinking about how he was seen and appeared in the eyes and ears of others and he was terrified of failing. What if Katya had laughed at him when he spoke to her, what if she had laughed at his insecurity and shyness that would most certainly show through his face. No, it was probably best to remain quiet after all.

He turned around again, looking out over the magnificent view that the walls of the Pskova Kremlin supplied him with. The magnificent Pskova city and the black forest surrounding it, black forests which were said to be the home of varous monstrous creatures and animals. Bears, trolls, witches, wolves, boars, rouges, ogres. There were numerous things that hid and to beware of in the woods and numerous reasons not to go there. Especially not during the night when the night painted it black and covered one's eyes with an unpiercable darkness, preventing you from discovering any danger appearing until it touched you and overwhelmed you with cold death. Aleksandr remembered the stories he had heard as a small kid, the devilish animals that attacked unsuspecting nightly travellers in the forest, leaving only a small pool of blood on the ground, which soon were to dry up. "In the mist, dark figures move and twist..."

Aleksandr turned around and walked down the stairs towards his guest chamber. He knew the way by now and the misty darkness of the corridors during night did not bother him. The moonlight found its way through the small openings in the wall, and that was all he needed to find his way back to his quarters. He fell asleep on his bed, and his dreams shifted from eyes looking at him as he walked through a dark forest, to Katya's beautiful body and face, smiling at him.

* * *​

A couple of days after the meeting with the Princess and her niece, he was once again ushered to the princess by two Pskovskeey guards that had brought him the breakfeast he now was eating. He quickly finished and when done he was once again lead into the presence of the mightiest woman in the Rus, and astonished by the aura of power that surrounded the fair woman.

"Good morning Sasha, as promised, this is the draft of the treaty I spoke of. I trust you shall find it is not too drastically different from its predecessor… " she said, and Aleksandr was given the roll of paper that Alexei had given to the Grand Princess. It felt strange to Aleksandr to have Alexei at the other side of the 'negotiating table'. He had never before seen Alexei work, everytime they had met as friends. Now suddenly he saw him as the Grand Princess' 'tool'. He couldn't help to be dissapointed, eventhough if it was childish of him, he knew that. He suddenly remembered the incident last meeting, the last words Katya had spoken.

"What my 'sister' offers can only help us, all of us."

There was something about the second 'us', like if she tried to influence his decision. Was this specific to Pskovskeey's, to twist words and relationships to try to influence someone to benefit their own interests? He started reading the treaty which Mina had given him, and when finished, he spoke to Mina. A bit unsure of what to say, he felt the pressure from his Pskovskeey 'friends' to accept but he wasn't Pskovskeey. He was from Ryazan, from Pereslavl, and his country and its leader ought to always come first. He was representing Oleg, not himself, and he wasn't sure Oleg would want to bind himself to such a treaty.

"True, your Majesty, I do not find it very different at all. In fact, this new treaty's only significant change is the Syem. Let me read it to you

Syem: The sovereign of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver and the Grand Princes of Vladimir-Suzdal and Pereslavl-Ryzansky shall be bound in agreement of mutual aid in military endeavors whether defensive or aggressive against perceived threats to the welfare of the Rus. In said instance the treaty bound shall be obliged to provide aid to her bound members be it in aid military, economic or both.

I do not see the need to have this written down on paper, Oleg would wish to aid their Russian brethrens in any war that would benefit Russia. However, we in Ryazan does not wish to be bound to do it by treaty. Rather, we wish that the friendship between our two countries should be enough to trust each other that we shall help should you need it and vice versa. However, being bound by treaty could bring Ryazan into aggressive wars we do not desire and none of us wants that. We believe in unity, but we believe in a unity written by friendship in our hearts, not by ink on a mere paper. As there isn't much difference between the Rus, I believe you do the same but I don't know that much about Pskovskeey's. Am I right, your Majesty, beautiful Mina?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin, Great Hall​

​

​

Mina watched Aleksandr nearly without reaction as he spoke and only when he had finished did her eyes flick up to his before she nodded with a hint of a smile on her lips and stood up. Brushing past him as she stood and passed him she took a couple clearly intentional steps before turning around again, swinging one leg in front of the other with the turn, "No Sasha, I do not think you are right. Not completely anyway, perhaps I shall edit the article in question. But you see, whatever wars could be entered into, would be for the good of Russia as a whole, thusly it is inevitibly good for Ryazan is it not? Or do the Ryzanskeeys no longer see themselves as part of greater Rus?"

Taking slow and deliberate steps dangerously close to the ambassador she titled her head to the side and cocked a finely kept eyebrow in a teasingly sarcastic way, "Ryazan shall never be forced to actively participate in a war they do not want to join, even as the article is worded now. She only needs to aid, even if only monetarily her brethren. In return for protection, in return for the training of her soldiers, the sharing of resources that only larger entities can take part in - see the postal relay system reforms between Pskov-Novgorod and Tver for an example - in return for all of this, I do not see what I am asking as too much to ask." The almost intimately playful expression had turned into something more matter of fact and there was a notable coldness in her eyes before she turned away again and took a couple steps way from his flank before continuing, still not facing him, "When Lithuania attacked us, when they persecuted, tortured and terrorized our brethren. Pskov and Novgorod alone stood against them. My own brother would be lost. To his credit the Grand Prince of Suzdal dispatched a small detatchment of men to our aid, but he would commit to no more. And who knows what difference it could have made if more effort was made on his part." Turning to face him again, Mina gave a warning glare, "Do not doubt my devotion to the welfare of my people. Even now, even after all the sacrifices I do not demand that my allies actively join us on the field, but I feel I should at least expect that they should aid me in the defence of our motherland and our people without hesitation." She let the tense silence fall before continuing, her voice eerily steady and calm, "And there are many Vasilichikov that think I do too much already. They think that Pskov and Novgorod should look our for their fortunes alone. Should ally more closely with the Baltic powers and turn their backs on the 'backward easterners so corrupted by influence of the Mongols'. I would not proceed down this path unless I personally believed it were best, unless I placed the welfare of my children at times above the very power structure upon which I rest."