The Bears and the Hawks

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

More than ready to put the topic of that young nitwit behind them and get to the meat of the matter, Sedrick listened with interest. Unrest in a country who sought alliance was a concern, yet he had to wonder if there were opportunities inherent in the matter. "Less rain? Less snow? Or is there a lack of available farming innovations, do you think?" He had a thought sprouting in his mind, though it required some time and reflection. His son in law's family was renowned for their farming techniques and advances; perhaps the Jardiniers could be called upon in this instance.



King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Well, like I said, I have not personally noticed any change in the weather or climate out there," he gave a briefly frustrated look. The answer, he felt, was eluding him... as though it were something that were just at the edge of his vision. It was something that he could not adequately explain. "We get the same amount of snow melt, more or less, we get the same amount of rain, more or less, and yet for some reason, we have lower crop yields." It was as though the food was simply... vanishing. He frowned in thought.

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Perhaps, being just beyond involvement, clarity came more easily to Sedrick, reluctant as he might be to raise questions that Anatoli might wish other than to answer. He did not immediately respond to the Tsar's words, his gaze gone distant with thought and contemplation. Questions arose in his mind, possibly unrelated, possibly the root cause behind the issues that plagued the realm that was Sarkozsy.

Turning his gaze back to his fellow monarch, Sedrick studied Anatoli for a moment. In some regards, they were alike, burdened with the same cares and responsibilities. Now that their respective children were departed, the conversation could simply be between two men. "Word has reached me that Sarkozsy is suffering from some... unrest due to the shortage. Is it at all possible that your yields are not necessarily less, but being reported as less to stir the pot?" He braced himself for outraged denials, but the seed needed to be planted.

King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Nations and their leaders could be funny things. It was perfectly fine for the denizens to complain about conditions and accuse their leaders of not being up to snuff. It was another matter entirely for an outsider to do the same. The criticisms may be identical and correct, but from they came mattered a great deal. It was likely an issue of pride. The thought of his court full of treachery in the eyes of another sovereign was embarrassing "Treachery in my court?!" The question boomed out of him like a war drum, acting more on instinct than anything else.

Anatoli scowled at him, but Sedrick could tell the scowl was not necessarily meant for him. "Hmph. Yes, I had just pondered it myself. There are families within Sarkozsy that have been wanting to wrest control from the Fyodorovs for decades, if not generations. Just as I am sure there are those here that would secretly enjoy toppling you Carlisles."

He let out a tired laugh, "I'm almost tempted to give it to them. 'You desire this power? Please, have it. I grow weary of it.'"

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Sedrick was mildly surprised by the initial reaction of the Tsar, evidenced by the brief widening of his eyes at the booming response. His lips twitched, not to laugh at the idea, but the way that Anatoli let his dismay be known. Hastily correcting himself, he met the scowl calmly. Treachery was nothing a King liked to consider, but he had his fair share of scheming traitors to deal with and would not deny it. To give the Tsar some reassurance that he was not alone in this problem, the Demerian King replied quietly, "Indeed there are, and one has done his level best to ensure that my reign ends sooner than I should like. I owe a great debt to my physicians, who have been able to accomplish much to counter it. But," he added, "I will not surrender what my family has worked so hard to achieve without a fight, and I suspect you are - at your core - much the same."

He understood that weariness all too well; the crown was more burden than ornament, and he occasionally wondered if those who craved power would change their minds after wearing it for a week. "It would cure them of their desire, that much is true. But that does not solve the present issue we both face. Someone, or in this case, several someones have worked to prevent these negotiations from occurring, and I have to wonder if they worked on Nikolai's mind as well. How then do we work past this to achieve our common goals, and in the process, spite those who would oppose us?"

King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Anatoli's eyes narrowed on Sedrick. There had been an assassination attempt on him? That was disturbing news, indeed, but Anatoli had avoided one or two himself. It was the price of power and he wasn't sure enjoyed footing the bill. "I'm sorry to hear that," he offered his sympathies on the matter, "I hope the traitor has been rooted out and dealt his or her fitting end." All traitors belonged at the end of the hangman's noose in Anatoli's opinion.

"Mmph," he grunted and leaned back in his seat to think. "Unfortunately, neither of us will have any proof of wrongdoing until Nikolai is captured. Capture my son first, interrogate him and then we will proceed. We need something we can feed the nobles ... something they will be willing to chew on."

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Sedrick hated to admit it, but trusted the candour might earn him a hint of Anatoli's grudging respect. "Not as yet but the investigation is ongoing. Rest assured when there is sufficient evidence, he will be resolved in the most appropriate of manners." A noose? No. In Demeria, they preferred the headman's block but an especial punishment might be devised for one who deemed regicide a suitable accompaniment to treason.

Anatoli's words spoke truth as he nodded. "I expect word any day to come from Twinport that he has been apprehended. I have the feeling that his interrogation will be most enlightening indeed. In the meantime, there is a surplus of grains that I can offer to Sarkozsy and you to aid through the winter." Much as he wished otherwise, he knew Riordan was correct. This was the way to go.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

"Mm, yes, if I recall, you prefer decapitation to hanging. Swift and effective, for certain." Anatoli preferred the noose because it was less bloody, but it was just that ... a personal preference. "If I can be of any assistance to your investigation, simply let me know." After all, one could be surprised what foreigners can root out.

Anatoli gazed him in silence for a moment before finally speaking, "Your Majesty, I shall never forget that kindness. Thank you. Knowing that my people will have full bellies for this winter gives me a greater comfort than you can know." It was a temporary measure, but Anatoli would take it. It gave him what he needed the most right now: time.

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Blood could be used to emphasise the point; those forced to observe a beheading often learned the art of cooperation swiftly when they realised such a fate might ultimately be theirs if they failed to provide appropriate reason to divert it. "Only in certain cases," Sedrick replied smoothly. Demerian justice was not often cruel, but it could be decisive and as Anatoli said, swift. "My thanks to you. Any assistance is welcomed. Once my Master of Shadows returns, I will effect an introduction."

Feeling his gaze, Sedrick met his fellow monarch's eyes with a faint smile. Generosity had its place, and he bowed his head humbly in acknowledgment of the thanks. "We have long been allies, Your Majesty. Were the position reversed, I would like to think you and your good people would be willing to offer us similar aid. Besides," he added quietly, "I think it fair to say we both have a vested interest in maintaining the peace in your realm."


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Sedrick was saying all of the right things and that gave Anatoli a considerable amount of comfort. He took care not to show too much relief. "A nation in turmoil is in no one's interest, we are agreed. These things have a rather nasty habit of spilling over. Neither of us want that." He nodded gravely and then rose his eyebrows slightly. "We've made good ground, Sedrick. I look forward to seeing where it takes us."

Anatoli was going to be pragmatic. At least, he hoped for a trade agreement and leaving an ambassador behind to maintain diplomatic relations. At most, he hoped for a union between the two nations. Just what that union would be remained to be seen.

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

"Indeed." Satisfied with this initial meeting, and with the trust that there would be more upon reaching Twinport, Sedrick rose and offered his hand to his fellow monarch. "Until then, consider you and your children my welcome guests. We leave for Twinport in a few days, and the grand Tourney. I hope you will join me in my box?" He was trusting his sons' judgment of their foreign guests and extending a hand of friendship, albeit with caution. Anatoli had been as honest and forthright as his eldest son had been deceptive and manipulative. There was a good chance to salvage the situation, though his thoughts strayed back towards his daughter.

He needed to deal with that matter, and for it, he needed a word with his elder daughter and son.


King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Anatoli pulled his considerable bulk to a comfortable stand so that he might properly grasp Sedrick's hand in a firm shake. "Again, I thank you for your generosity and hospitality," it was certainly more than they presently deserved. Yet, Anatoli was not exactly one to look a gift horse in the mouth... unless strange sounds were coming from within, of course. "I would be delighted and honored to join you in the box." The man suddenly chuckled, "Though, I may experience a sense of envy as I watch the younger men prove their worth. A simpler time."

Releasing his hand, he bowed his head in thanks. "I look forward to our next meeting, Your Majesty. Until then, I bid you a good day." Once Sedrick offered his farewell, Anatoli turned to head back toward his pavilion. He had a great deal to think about.


King Sedrick Carlisle