The Bears and the Hawks

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

The moment of truth, as the saying went, was at hand. Sedrick could not avoid the meeting with the King of Sarkozsy any longer, and neither could Anatoli avoid him further. They were both Kings and men, faced with a distasteful duty of resolution. It was time to shoulder that responsibility and determine if a future of mutual benefit could come from the rubble of years' long planning destroyed in a single moment. His own anger had largely dissipated, though Sedrick continued to keep an ember of it glowing for his daughter's treatment. He intended the meeting to be civil and open, however, deeming it best to meet outside of the camp where a measure of privacy could be obtained.

A ring of chairs was established in a clearing of the woods, surrounded by guards that were both Demerian and Sarkozsian. This was to be a joint effort; he intended to establish that from the start, granting equal measure to Anatoli at his sons' request. What reservations the King of Demeria felt were set aside for now, a request sent to his sons to join him in the clearing prior to the Tsar's arrival. The meeting would begin with both families, yet Sedrick intended to end it with a discussion, King to King and man to man.

He dressed simply in a blue doublet with his working circlet. There would be time for formalities and pageantry later. For now, best to get down to business as he tugged down his tunic. Refreshments waited and his most trusted servant would be the only one present who did not bear the Carlisle name, though Sedrick was quietly relieved that Rupert was in Triadon. He would endeavour to overhear this discussion. A knight was sent to escort the Fyodorovs at their convenience to where he waited.

It was time to speak.


King Anatoli Fyodorov, Prince Riordan Carlisle, Prince Tristan Carlisle, Prince Demetri Fyodorov, Princess Anastasia Fyodorov, Princess Katya Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Ekaterina had fussed over which outfits he should bring and had impressed upon his valet that he must look impeccable when he approaches the King of Demeria. The valet, of course, worked to make the King look impeccable regardless of the circumstances. Anatoli had a tendency to take things casually and his clothing often reflected that. He preferred to be identified as a man of the people, but knew that he had to be a noble from time to time. This was one of those times. Anatoli was not dressed in his finest clothing, per se, but the man certainly did look regal. The cloth to the rest of the court may seem poor, but to the Sarkozsians, it was practical and handsome. The beard had been trimmed and his hair combed neatly.

When the knight arrived to escort them, Anatoli made certain that his children were ready to go. The king was silent as they approached the meeting site. Once they did, he remained standing until Sedrick's sons had approached and taken their places. Anatoli did not bow to Sedrick, but he did incline his head to the man. The expression on his face was stoic and nothing more. Soon, the bear would speak.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

That it was held outside the camp was no surprise to Tristan, who meandered his way toward the meeting to find he was among the first to arrive there. The clearing, surrounded by guards in both Sarkoszy and Demeria colors, held a number of chairs to his eyes, which Tris blinking in mild surprise before deciding that there were more involved into this meeting than just the Kings for the time being. It was all for the better, perhaps, that they were not to be present at the final part of negotiations, as he had been warned earlier.

Brushing off the invisible dirt from his clothes, Tris walked past the guards and into the ring of chairs, bowing to those present as appropriate and taking a seat. This was going to be interesting, he thought, studying those present and his surroundings in quiet curiosity, as he waited for all to be gathered and the meeting to get under way. As usual, sometimes such things could take time.

[Princess Anastasia Fyodorov]

Pleased that the meeting was held on a semblance of neutral ground, Anya walked with her father as they were escorted to the location where the King and his sons awaited their arrival. She dressed in a simple but fine gown, her dark hair neatly confined and her chin raised. No matter what came of this, she was a Princess of Sarkozsy and she was proud of both her heritage and her people. Not so proud that she did not accept the responsibility for her brother's poor choices, nor so arrogant that she would not speak humbly, but proud all the same.

Reaching the grove, she did not expect her father to bow, nor should he. He and Sedrick were equals, crowned Kings and sovereigns. Anastasia was not, however, and she paid the respect due to both King Sedrick, Crown Prince Riordan and Prince Tristan, as well as her father with a graceful curtsy. No words left her lips; she was here as a silent support to her father.

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Like his sister, Demetri remained quiet as he greeted those present with a bow and moved to take his place upon their arrival. For the time being, he was present as supporter, though he had an inkling he might get slightly more involved than the others, but he would wait and see whether it was so.

For now he watched and waited to see what was going to happen next. Feeling slightly conscious of the weight in which he was present at this meeting, he slightly tilted his head to the side, an observer instead of active participant, at least for the time being. To observe, rather than to speak, was the norm to which he was used to, thus he was merely shifting into his comfort zone, though he’d have to begin moving away from it sooner rather than later.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

The Royal Guard was given strict instruction to ensure that the meeting go uninterrupted. Even though they worked to keep the location of the meeting secret, that didn't stop courtiers from nosing in personally or with spies. Thus, Riordan coordinated with the Royal Guard to keep any rats from watching and/or listening in to the proceedings. Any rats found were to be hastily and firmly shown away. If they were caught again, they were to be placed in the pens until further notice.

Once he was satisfied with the arrangements, Riordan dressed and prepared for the meeting. Chances were good at the younger royals would be excuses, but that didn't stop Riordan from putting his best foot forward when it came to King Anatoli. Thus, he arrived on time with nods and slight bows of greeting to those assembled. Though he wanted to give the younger Sarkozsian royals a smile of reassurance, he refrained from doing so. Everything had to be done properly. Into his seat he went and waited patiently for the talks to begin.

Princess Katya Fyodorov

[Princess Katya Fyodorov]

Katya was dressed in a manner similar to her elder sister, her hair hanging in a delicately arranged braid down her back. She was proud of her papa, looking so regal and collected in the face of the discussion that they would soon be a part of. As she walked along with her family, Katya remained silent though her eyes were twitching this way and that way in curiosity. Mimicking the curtsy made by her sister, Katya still couldn’t help the slight blushing that came as her eyes fell on Tristan. Damn it, and she had practiced! At least, everyone here would surely have more important things to think about than a girls flushed skin. Settling onto her seat beside her siblings, Katya waited for the discussions to begin. Would they be shooed off? She certainly hoped not but she would not be surprised if they were.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

The silence was palpable between the families, yet Sedrick smiled as he broke it, extending a hand to the King of Sarkozsy. "Your Majesty, welcome to Demeria. It is good to finally meet you." His gaze then went to the three who flanked Anatoli, greeting them with cordial nods. "Prince Demetri, Princess Anastasia, Princess Katya. My thanks to you for joining in this discussion as well."

He gestured for his sons to join him, continuing calmly, "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce my sons. Riordan, my eldest and heir, and Tristan. I hope to introduce you to my elder daughter later; she is with her children. Emmaline could not be here, though I intend she will rejoin us in Twinport for the Joust." Having accomplished that, Sedrick gave his servant a look, indicating that refreshments should be offered. A wave of his hand invited them all to be seated; he had made a point of arranging the chairs in a circle to facilitate open discussion and to hopefully instill a sense of equality.

King Anatoli Fyodorov

[King Anatoli Fyodorov]

Anatoli's grip was firm but not crushing as he shook hands with the King of Demeria. The King was being friendly. That was a good thing. A nod acknowledge his children, "You know my children as a matter of course." He paused for a moment, indicating that his children were to remain standing for a moment. "Your Majesty, before we begin our talks, I have something important to say. I wish to address the bear on the plains." A frown briefly creased his face.

"It is a pity that your daughter, Princess Emmaline could not be present for this, but I understand her absence." There was a pause. He had almost began the next statement with 'my son.' However, he stopped himself. "I personally apologize for Nikolai's actions and behavior. He does not represent the best of Sarkozsy, much to my chagrin and I find his behavior reprehensible. I am prepared to offer both a private and public apology to your daughter.

"I come to you in good faith, Your Majesty. I still desire a good relationship between our kingdoms. As a family," he nodded toward his children, "We stand together. As a nation, we stand strong and are ready to prove ourselves worthy."

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

For his part, Tristan was watching and listening, having taken the cue from the others present, though he shot a grin toward his older brother upon his arrival. Katya’s blush didn’t go unnoticed and he felt his ears turning red in response, hoping he didn’t blush himself. They did not need to give ammunition for teasing as it was, but neither could quite help it yet, it seemed like. For now, it seemed like to observe was better than to speak, particularly when he wasn’t at all certain if he had anything useful to say, and he already learned from his former mistake.

The apology was noted, though he also noted the pause, and he wondered at the changes that had taken place among the Fyodorov family. It had to have been off-putting, to say it mildly, but Tris was slightly surprised to hear the wording. Whatever it was, he thought the siblings were already aware of their father’s words, and he saw no reason why they shouldn’t be. The changes, after all, would be affecting them, though whether they were going to affect himself, Riordan and Emma remained to be seen.

[Princess Anastasia Fyodorov]

Anya felt nervous but hid it with a gentle smile as she stood with her siblings. There was security and safety in numbers, and she was glad to have her family around her. Staying quiet as the Kings spoke, she took little notice of her sister's blush. Katya received plenty of teasing as it was about her reactions to the younger Prince, and she didn't want to add to her sister's discomfort. Instead, her attention focused on the discussion.

Her father started strong, as she expected, but she didn't miss the pause. Nikolai's defection hurt him greatly, and disappointed him beyond description. A brief thought was spared for Sir Darton, who was trying to track him down, and wondered what would happen when he was returned to face their father. It would not be pretty, that much was for certain. Suppressing a sigh, she let her gaze wander over the Princes' and the King's faces as her father continued, gauging their reactions.

It was a start, albeit an awkward one.

[Prince Demetri Fyodorov]

Like the others, aside from the Kings, Demetri kept quiet, an amused eyebrow going up as he noted the reactions of their youngest at the sight of each other. There was that, as well, and if he wasn’t mistaken Katya received her fair share of teasing already, so he wasn’t going to pour more oil into fire just yet. There was their foothold, but his father seemed to be of belief that the matters that brought them to this point were still needed to be discussed, and thus the start.

Demetri, meanwhile, curiously and, he hoped, subtly studied the Demerian Princes, wondering to himself if it’d be a good idea to have a word with them after this meeting had broken. Perhaps without their fathers’ presences, it would be easier to converse, and he would need to speak with Prince Riordan at the very least. For now he was merely making mental notes on the meeting, but saw no need to interrupt. There would be a chance later, at that, if such.

[Princess Katya Fyodorov]

Katya bowed and nodded in acknowledgement of the greeting cast towards them by the Demerian King. As her father indicated for them to remain standing, Katya obeyed and listened to her fathers words. She had to wonder which royal family Nikolai would be worse off to face. He had offended the Carlisles but the betrayal felt by the Fyodorovs ran deep. What was definite, was the fact that neither family would hold any mercy, at least, she very much doubted it.

Tristans red ears didn’t go unnoticed which had her feeling a quiet sort of feminine pride. Her mind was wandering slightly, as was the habit of many a person her age, but Katya forced her mind to focus, which wasn’t too difficult when the discussion at hand was so crucial. She had no guesses what would come of it, as of yet.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Sedrick's reaction to Anatoli's apology was going to be more significant than his own. A glance was given toward his father before he looked back toward the Fyodorovs. It was quite clear that the they were all going to stand together. It was also clear that Anatoli's words were heartfelt and genuine. Indeed, in that moment, Riordan wished that Emmaline were with them now to witness. Alas, that was not to be case.

King Sedrick Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

The handshake was appropriate between men, granting Sedrick a moment of respect for his fellow monarch. He met Anatoli's eyes calmly but openly, keeping his sons' request to be fair, to refrain from judging a realm by the actions of one impetuous and idiotic fool, as the Tsar spoke. A nod of his head acknowledged the remark about Emmaline, though he did not yet mention his request for her to rejoin them in Twinport. There would be an opportunity for meeting there. Sedrick remained quiet until he was confident that Anatoli was finished speaking.

His gaze took in the gathered Fyodorovs, the way Anatoli's son and daughters flanked their father in support and pride. Letting the silence linger as he framed his reply, Sedrick did not falter in his gaze but looked first to his own sons. "Your apology is greatly appreciated, Your Majesty, and accepted. I believe it is fair to say neither of us anticipated such an action and that both of us find ourselves in a position no King enjoys. You will be able to meet and speak with Emmaline in a few days when we reach Twinport."

His eyes rested briefly on Demetri, Anastasia and Katya before returning to Anatoli's face. "Your son and daughters have conducted themselves beyond reproach in the days following Nikolai's regrettable choice, and established that they are the true representatives of your homeland. I too desire a good relation between our realms, and am willing to continue negotiations. However," Sedrick said quietly, "those negotiations hinge on the apprehension of Nikolai and the resolution of the initial issue."

While he knew it would raise discomfort in all who attended, the Demerian King was not going to leave that 'bear on the plains,' as Anatoli phrased it. The wrong done his daughter demanded a measure of justice and recompense. On this point, Sedrick remained inflexible, leaving the next step in Anatoli's hands.

King Anatoli Fyodorov