Testing the Waters

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Lord Frederick von Arles


Taking time to consider the bonuses and restrictions of entering into a negotiation of greater depth with Treniata, Sedrick deemed it a time to test the waters where the prospective bridegroom was concerned. Sending an invitation to the Grand Duke Frederick to join him for a discussion in the gazebo in the heart of the gardens. He was not equal to a stroll through the flowers and hedges as much, but the afternoon promised to be fine. His physician would be nearby should he have need of her skills, and the sun, she avowed, was good for him.

Agreeing, though he had little liking for basking in the sun like an overgrown pussy cat, the King allowed himself to be arranged in a cushioned chair with his pitcher of herbal tisane and goblet on a low table beside him. A separate tray of libations awaited his guest beside the chair directly opposite him; there was no reason not to extend the courtesy and comfort due a guest, especially one who ensured a steady flow of trade and the potential for more. He had kept an eye and an ear on the man's movements in the court since hearing of the attentions paid to his cousin; it had not occurred to Sedrick prior to now that Serah might be of use in a marital sense.

His intention was not to force her into such, but if the attraction was already present and being pursued, then it was of a potential to be used for Demeria's gain; his mind might be slipping, but Sedrick still had some edge for the game of politics and saw an opportunity presenting itself. Whether the Grand Duke and his Kingly brother would be amenable, he resolved to discover.

For now, he relaxed in the warmth of the sun, content to wait as patient as a spider in its web for the ideal prey to come along.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Upon receiving notice that the king wished to speak with him, Frederick was, at first, taken aback by such a request. It didn't take Frederick too long to figure it out, however. He was a Grand Duke and his brother was the King of Treniata. The potential for diplomacy was quite palpable, especially in light of Prince Riordan's poor handling of the recent trade delegation. Frederick had no real hand in such matters, but he did have the ear of his brother. It was all making sense to him. Never once did Serah enter his mind, since he was so confident that the two of them had managed to keep their liasons secret.

Thus, Frederick assumed that the meeting was going to businesslike in nature. Dressed in some of his finer clothing, but nothing ostentatious. He had a reputation to maintain, after all, and Treniatans were renown for their practicality. The gardens were as lovely as they were the last time he strolled through them, but he had yet to see the gazebo. It seemed so perfectly suited for the garden that it made him smile. It was then that he concluded that he wished for his own gardens back at his own estate.

Upon reaching the gazebo, Frederick offered Sedrick a respectful bow. "Your Majesty. My greetings to you on this lovely day. I trust you are doing well?" At least, as well as he could be under the circumstances.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Sedrick observed the Grand Duke's approach, his gaze resting upon the young man's features to ascertain the initial reaction to the meeting. The King anticipated a diplomatic dance of words, albeit a short one; those of Treniata were renowned for their practical natures and preferences for cutting to the chase on matters of business. He was dressed respectably, the simple yet fine attire appreciated by the equally clothed king; Sedrick's concession to his rank was the plain gold circlet resting on his brow.

"My thanks for coming, Your Grace. I am doing well today, I thank you." He smiled faintly, inclining his head to the Grand Duke with regal cordiality. "And yourself? I trust you are enjoying the hospitality of Demeria?" The pleasantries were exchanged easily as he invited Frederick to be seated and to avail himself of the provided refreshments. Sedrick wanted the young man comfortable before delving into the more somber topics awaiting their attention and discussion.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"Your Majesty, I have been impressed with the hospitality of your country. Of those of which I have visited, I have found this nation to be the warmest and most inviting." But, in some cases, that meant having to watch your back all the more thoroughly. Some used that warmth as a front to get closer and closer. Yet, Frederick was speaking the truth. Sarkozsy was lovely in its own way, yet they could be just as pragmatic and distant as Treniatans. The Lintenese were a bevy of emotions. One never knew what would happen day to day in that court.

"I am looking forward to the Summer Festival. I am planning to participate in my own way, actually, with your blessing. An engagement, of sorts, in which I would introduce the nobles and royals of your court to some of the customs and foods of Treniata. In essence, I would be bringing a piece of my home into yours." It was a simple opening request, one that Frederick hoped would begin a discussion of relations between the two countries.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Sedrick sipped, trying to control his expression at the sharply green taste of the tisane his overly young physician insisted he consume on a frequent basis. The girl had the same skills as her late mother with none of Lirianne's years to lend validity. Despite that, the tisane kept the pain at bay and his mind more sharply focused, allowing him to listen with greater attentiveness to his guest's comment.

Intrigued, he shifted a little on the cushions to redirect a pressure point. "What sort of engagement, Your Grace, if I may inquire? I have no objections initially, of course, and would enjoy an opportunity to learn more of Treniata first hand as I am currently unable to travel." The discussion might be a good segue into discussions of a more serious or diplomatic nature, and grant him greater insight into the young man before him. Sedrick had a promise to keep to his aunt regarding her daughter, and before anything occurred, he wished to gauge the waters.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"A social. A gathering," Frederick explained easily enough with a smile on his face, "An opportunity to play a few simple games of my home country that require the minimum of setting up. I would also like to commission your Cook to prepare a few dishes in the Treniatan style. I remember a number of the recipes and I have seen for myself that your marketplace has all the necessary ingredients for such. We enjoy our tart foods and sausages," the smile bloomed for a moment before he drew more serious.

"It would be open to all of the nobles in your Court, of course. If you will have any traveling troupes coming to the Summer Festival, I will inquire if they know any Treniatan folk music." He was liking this idea the more the two of them talked about it!

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

He nodded thoughtfully, finding the notion intriguing and of a nature to pique the interest of his often bored courtiers. A new experience would entice them, he knew. "I believe there are a number of jongleurs and troubadours intending to arrive in the days before the festival. They're likely to know the music you wish played, and I will see that the cooks in my kitchens provide you their cooperation. This promises to be a most welcome addition to our Festival, I believe."

Sedrick paused significantly, his eyes sweeping over the Grand Duke's features before he broached the topic for which he'd requested the Treniatan's company. "Have you heard from your royal cousin since your arrival, Your Grace? What news of Treniata, if I may be so forward? Has he been able to obtain those items for which he has been searching?" Items, the wily Demerian king was aware, could be obtained easily in Demeria... if they were open to asking for them.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick was pleased to see that the King was open to the idea. It would make the planning of such an event all the easier, and Serah would be allowed to work with more ease knowing that they had royal permission. The thoughts drifted to Serah as soon as her face came to his mind. The prospect of traveling the world with her was very appealing, and indeed, he wished they could cast off on the morrow. Yet, he school himself into patience. Good things came to those who waited and seized at just the right moment, after all. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to hosting it."

The topic to a turn that he more or less expected. "I have heard from His Majesty, yes. He is doing well, thank you for asking. The summer has been unusually harsh for us this year with more violent storms that we've had in many decades, or so the scholars say. Yet, we're managing to hold our own. We've maintained reserves for just that very reason." The other question made him smile slyly for a moment. "I believe you are referring to certain vintage of wines that suit his palate and his stubborn insistence in finding it himself or making is own." The grin was genuine. Frederick loved his cousin, but sometimes his liege's stubbornness amused him greatly.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

In observing his guest, Sedrick thought he noticed something crossing Frederick's face, not that he could accurately interpret what those thoughts or feelings might be. The Grand Duke, like most of his countrymen, could be difficult to read even in the best of times. He had no wish to err by assumption of his guest's expression and what lurked behind it. At his thanks, the King merely waved lightly. "It is a pleasure, I assure you. The least I can do." It would, he felt, go some way towards ameliorating the strain between the two lands due to past events.

The mention of the summer storms ravaging the lands drew a concerned frown to his face despite the reassurance that Treniata was well-prepared with contingency plans and reserves, though the mention of the wines shifted the frown into a wry smile. The Treniatan king's persistence in crafting his own vintages was well known among the brotherhood of crowns, as was his lack of success. "I am, just as I know his reluctant fondness for some of the Rose wines. But I am equally curious to know if some agreements of a trade nature might be agreeable to His Majesty, as there are items of mutual attractiveness between us."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

The king's suggestion made him smile all the more and then he leaned a bit closer to him. Frederick was clearly interested in the discussion. "When one is entering negotiations with my liege, you have to take a certain approach. I believe that he would very much enjoy the wines your Roses produce. You will more than likely have to put down terms that he will have no choice but to accept. Not in a strong arming sort of manner, but an offer than he cannot resist." He cleared his throat.

"For example, my home country offers many exports. It can get rather hot here in Demeria, I have noticed and cotton is a good fabric for hot weather. It still breathes but it feels more sturdy than linen. It also dyes well. We have plenty of linen to offer as well if people wish for something lighter and more delicate. Silk is also very popular. That being said, perhaps you could offer an initial trade. A barrel of some fine wine for some fine silk, cotton and linen in return. Whet his appetite, so to speak." Frederick was not exactly betraying his liege, but he was definitely giving him a firm nudge away from a foolish direction.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

"Tempting him greatly, I understand." Sedrick smiled a little tiredly, but with comprehension. The King of Treniata's implacable nature was one he felt he could deal with in a subtle manner. He listened gravely to the Grand Duke's words, taking the valuable counsel the younger man gave him regarding the terms and offers to secure trade agreements. It was sage advice, a gift that the King of Demeria was not going to refuse or seize advantage of unduly; he sought to lessen the strain between their nations, not increase it.

"All of this is a good starting point, though I tell you candidly, I wish to extend it if the initial trade is accepted. We have some ores and woods that I believe would find a good market in His Majesty's realm, and of course, there are trade goods and materials in Treniata that are attractive to Demeria." The king spoke directly, man to man, rather than couch his words in diplomatic frippery. "I hope you will not consider me overly bold in saying that I hope His Majesty endows you with plenipotentiary powers to pursue this, Your Grace. I enjoy speaking with you, and negotiations could prove most intriguing."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"I am going to be bold in turn, Your Majesty," Frederick stated, his expression turning more serious in thought. "I know the de Vere family specializes in producing materials for construction. I have been researching the various duchies, you see and becoming more familiar with the economics of your great nation." He paused a moment, "I believe you are right. The ores and woods would be greatly received in my homeland, and I hope, down the land, discussion of acquiring construction materials will be broached. Our stockpiles, I predict, are going to be low after the summer this year." The tornadoes, as he mentioned, had already proven more violent in the past.

"I appreciate your forward nature, it is a refreshing experience as opposed to several monarchs and nobles I have encountered in my many travels. I shall be sending a message to my liege king with the request that we officially open negotiations. He trusts me. It may require a little bit of dancing with words, but I will get through to him." The smile returned to his face.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

The candour between the two was equal parts refreshing and appreciated by the King, feeling weariness hovering over him ready to descend at a moment's notice. "If that is the case, Your Grace, then I will be pleased to arrange an introduction to Lady de Vere herself, who has recently come to Triadon. I feel certain she would enjoy making your acquaintance and speaking on the plethora of available materials at her disposal." He trusted Carissa de Vere was as shrewd as she was purported to be, and equally ambitious towards furthering the de Vere name.

He smiled tiredly at the compliment paid him, something confirming the younger man spoke with sincerity. "I find that at my age, Your Grace, blunt speech saves time and patience on all sides. Your efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated, I assure you." Deciding to further tempt the fates, Sedrick added quietly, "I wish to provide you with a gift to thank you. Is there something you might enjoy or desire?"

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"I have not had the pleasure to meeting Lady de Vere," he admitted, wracking his brain to recall any sort of image of the woman. However, he did not believe he had even seen her before. Alas, he was certain that would be corrected at the King's behest. "I shall make a meeting with her. I trust she can be found in Triadon, or she soon shall be?" The eyebrows rose inquisitively.

Now the King was starting to get curious. His eyes narrowed someone speculatively. Naturally, the thought of Serah immediately leaped into his mind, but he refrained from mentioning her outright. "You mean aside from enjoying your hospitality and the company of your fine nobles?" The smile was an enigmatic one, showing that he was merely teasing him. "A gift? Hmm. A gift or a negotiation?"

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

He nodded, a hint of amusement concealed in hooded gaze. Observing the interaction between the Treniatan and the erstwhile Lady of Stone promised to be entertaining at the very least. The Lady de Vere was not precisely the viper that her uncle was, but she had sharp enough fangs and her fair share of venom. "She is in Triadon, I believe, and resident in the suite that has been traditionally occupied by the de Veres. My aunt, the Princess Fiona, may be your best source of introduction as her protégée, the Lady Marisa, is a de Vere herself and can effect a meeting. I'll send word to them both, if it suits you?" He cocked a brow for confirmation then.

The younger man's reply drew forth a rusty chuckle from the King. "Indeed, aside from those. Whether it is a gift, a negotiation or both, time will tell, no?"