A Reconnecting of Peoples

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Informed of the presence of the pair from Montenoire, Sedrick invited the two to present themselves formally to the Royal Family. Emma and Mariana were yet in Triadon, due to arrive any day, but his sons were available, requested to join him in receiving the Remingtons. He was curious and interested in equal parts to lay eyes on the youthful pair, and to discover what they sought of Demeria after so many years of isolation.

Rather than make use of Twinport's keep, a pavilion to serve as a makeshift court was erected near the Keep where both King and Regent were available to tend the matters of Kingdom business and other import. It would be in that pavilion where the Carlisles would receive the Remingtons, welcoming them cordially and opening the door to discussions of international trade.

Seated in the portable throne with a similar seat established for Riordan and a subtly lower chair for Tristan on either side of him, Sedrick adopted a slightly more casual appearance, wearing an open doublet over an open-necked shirt of pristine white. He was feeling a little tired, and justifiably concerned over the recent efforts at eliminating his physician from her post. While she was recovering, he had ordered a guard on her at all times, a subject to be discussed with his sons soon.

For now, he was focused on the meeting about to begin.



Prince Riordan Carlisle, Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lord Nicholas Remington, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

This meeting was expected by Tris for some time now, as far back as the festival, but he knew full well that organizing such meetings took time. Wondering which of the pair was in charge, he decided he’d find out sooner or later, and instead made his way through their pavilion toward the meeting place. Knowing a little of what to expect, as he met the pair in question, he nonetheless wondered what the official meet would bring. Time to find out.

“Father,” he acknowledged with a bow as was appropriate and took his place, glancing around the surroundings with mild curiosity. This was, after all, a formal meeting, despite their somewhat informal looks. He’d be the first to admit that he’d gone to about every corner of their pavilion’s new location that he could upon their arrival, and he was still finding new places he hadn’t seen yet. Giving his thoughts a mild shrug, he brushed off invisible dust from his clothes and glanced around again, a questioning look to his face. He supposed he’d find out what truly brought their guests by once they and Riordan would show themselves and this meeting gets on its way.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

It seemed that more and more interesting people were making their way toward their fair kingdom. It only served as a good thing in Riordan's eyes. More foreign visitors meant a greater likelihood of allies which in turn meant a greater show of force against the massive Empire to the west. Though Riordan would never declare such a thing publicly, he was worried about the Empire. Old and fading it may have been, it was still a considerable powerhouse both militarily and politically. The thought of Demeria being absorbed to revitalize its old bones was not an enticing one. But, with a show of force, perhaps the Empire would behind their mountains and bother them no more.

Any other idealistic thoughts, Riordan?

Like his father, he was more casually dressed. The man bowed respectfully to his father and then offered a nod toward toward his brother. "So, have either of you had a chance to meet with our new guests? The Island of Montenoire, even its name still triggers the word 'mystery' in my mind. We've not heard from them in... daresay it, father, I think it's been a few decades, no?"


King Sedrick Carlisle, Prince Tristan Carlisle

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Welcoming his sons with a tired smile, he looked forward to the meeting, intrigued to discover what drew the aloof people of Montenoire from their isolation to seek a renewal of trade and other interactions with Demeria. They were shortly to discover what that cause might be, but until their guests arrived, Sedrick was able to enjoy the company of his sons. "I have not yet met them, but I am most curious to know what brings them to our realm." He did not speak with the royal plural, rather meaning the family on a collective level. "Decades? It is more like a century's time, perhaps more. Their rebuffs of efforts to solicit trade with them stretch back to before my father's father's time."

The King, as aged and ill as he might be, knew that something was in the wind, though he could not place his finger precisely upon what. The potential for momentous times was strong, hovering over Demeria like a storm cloud heavy with rain, yet he wondered privately if the rain would be the kind that nourished the land or washed it away. "What of you, Tristan? Have you encountered these Montenoire people?"


Prince Tristan Carlisle, Prince Riordan Carlisle

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

The time for their formal introduction to the King and Prince Regents was at hand, compelling the two Remingtons to don their finest attire, bring the chest of gifts intended to begin renewing the friendship between their lands and go forth to answer the invitation from King Sedrick. Kathryn was admittedly nervous, wanting to make a good first impression. She had chosen a gown of pale mauve to lend her features a little color, her dark blonde hair pinned up with pearls by her maid. She did not try to carry the chest, leaving that to the two footmen who followed the pair towards the pavilion where the King of Demeria awaited them.

Nicholas was to take charge of the meeting, but she refused to be left behind. Ignoring the occasional palpitation, she knew it was from nerves and endeavored to slow her breathing down to calm her heart. If she needed it, Kathryn carried a vial of her medicine in the cream colored sash of her gown, but hoped she would not embarrass herself in front of the royal family to need it. "Are you ready?" Lifting her gaze to her brother, she smiled timidly, a hand smoothing down his arm. He looked quite distinguished.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

“I had a run in with both,” Tris admitted, inclining his head in answer to his father’s question. “Lord Nicholas seems… charismatic, more outgoing than his sister, and seems to be the speaker for the two. He seems to be inseparable from his twin and the one to watch for. Lady Kathryn seems to follow her brother’s lead more often than not, and at the same time stop him from any rash decisions. She seems to be like Lady Katalin in character and bearing, but more frail. Tis but a fleeting impression I got from the two upon our meeting, however.”

He bowed his head, mulling his words over before continuing. “I believe we may learn their true purpose upon this meeting, and I cannot believe you have not taken time to find out for yourself. Do I need to pull you away from paperwork more often so you could be aware of how the visiting nobles are in character before any official meetings, brother?” His eyes lit up with mischief, a look his brother should’ve gotten more familiar with as of late. He most certainly would endeavor to try, and this time he – hopefully – had an ally to help him.


Prince Riordan Carlisle, King Sedrick Carlisle

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

Nicholas knew that Kathryn was nervous, and though he did not confess to it, he was nervous as well. Nicholas was always nervous before important meetings. Several years ago, he had asked his father if he had ever gotten nervous or agitated during his reign of Montenoire. Arthur had surprised Nicholas by confirming that, indeed, he did. Yet, his father pointed out that rather than let the anxiety dominate his thoughts, he used the heightened awareness to his own benefit. Naturally, it required a great deal of practice and Nicholas was a hardly a master, yet ... he was growing slowly. A hand reached down to rest over hers, a confident smile forming. "I am."

The man was dressed in a fine outfit of dark grey trimmed with tasteful applications of dark blue. Kathryn had helped him select the outfit, wanting him to make a good first impression without appearing ostentatious in the process. It was a good combination. "And I think you are, too," he reassured her while glancing back toward the men carrying their gift to the king. Nicholas had no doubt in his mind that the man would appreciate it. As they drew close to the pavilion, Nicholas waited patiently to be admitted.


King Sedrick Carlisle, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Riordan cast his brother a vaguely amused expression before shaking his head slowly, "No, brother, that will not be necessary. I can pull myself away from the paperwork just fine. It is just a necessary evil that has be dealt with swiftly. I've found that the sooner that I get it done, the less it piles up. That, and I have the council members look it over. I trust them to pick up on the finer details." And with that, the topic was shifted to the matter that was presently at hand.

The man nodded thoughtfully at Tristan's initial impressions of the Remingtons, finding them interesting. It was Riordan hope that this Nicholas was not prove to be like any other charismatic noble he had met: all show and no substance. Yet, if the people of Montenoire were finally emerging from their island... it was a sign that they were serious. "Well, then, I hope for a productive first meeting."


Lady Kathryn Remington, King Sedrick Carlisle