Maritime Diplomacy (Fantasy nation RP)

[JM76]

The emissary of the kingdom of Ostium stood patiently on the deck of his ship, admiring the beauty of the ebb and flow of the waves beneath his vessel. Arnol Strassburg, High Admiral of Ostium, had been assigned to organize a diplomatic treaty with Beatrice and her nation. Their nation lay due south of his own, on an island so close that the Pescatori could easily help or hinder Ostium's sea trading business.

While Admiral Strassburg waited for the Pescatori diplomats to arrive, his own three boats floated monotonously over the water's surface, several miles from the Lighthouse, an important Pescatori city. He had sent a message several days before, informing the leader of the Pescatori where the diplomatic session would take place; Admiral Strassburg promised peace and that he would discuss possible trade and unhindered access to important sea lanes and ports. For now, however, the Admiral waited patiently on the prow of his vessel for the Pescatori ships to come into view on the horizon.

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

The lighthouse shone from the shore. It was an omen of safety in the Pescatori waters. This was what Ottavio Pesca, master of the seas thought on his way across the water. In no time he saw the sails of the kingdom of Ostium. They hailed the diplomatic ship and sailed to meet it. Coming aboard the more comfortable ship of the Ostium he bowed and expressed greetings, "I am Ottavio Pesca, I have come in the stead of Lady Beatrice. Unfortunately she is away on pressing matters of state and could not speak with you personally this day." He rose, expecting similar pleasantries.

 

[JM76]

Admiral Strassburg bowed curtly, however difficult it was in his uniform, to show respect to their guest. While his men organized chairs and other decorative effects in case either party found them necessary, the Admiral introduced himself to the Pescatori diplomat. "I am Arnol Strassburg, and I speak on behalf of Prince Hector of Ostium. My Prince - and by extension, my kingdom - wish goodwill and fair winds on your nation. I would like to thank you personally for meeting with us in this place. Our nations are united by our love and dependence on the waters, and it would be most unfortunate if either of those factors caused us to overlook a chance at peace."

"I understand your nation has recently allied with the merfolk against a common enemy. We do not claim to know who this enemy is, or your goals in this maneuver. However, we would like to express our goodwill and hope toward a treaty between our nations that would preserve the freedom to travel through the waters around our nations without being hindered by political and economic stigma. We would hope that you, your leader, and your people would agree."

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

"We would agree, any of our own nations problems should not interrupt your own trade between the other peaceful nations of this continent. That is why we would assist you in the trade of the abundant resources of your nation. The spices and luxuries, so rare in your country are abundant across the sea. The same can be said for your land. There are such great luxuries found there that could bring prestige to your people."

 

[JM76]

"Excellent, and in turn, we shall do everything to ensure any naval travel and trade you conduct in our waters goes unhindered," the Admiral replied jovially, displaying a genuine smile. "Your island nations seem to be a blessing and a curse - defensible lands and natural access to the sea in exchange for dependence on the mainland. If you are ever in need of our goods or supplies, do not hesitate to ask."

"In addition, my nation has felt that, perhaps, along with our strives toward peace, we could come to some sort of military alliance. During these times of political strife and militaristic expansion, we have felt that it is increasingly important to find allies, in case one is attacked. We imagine the same holds true for you; our close proximity to each other would allow us to come to each other's aid quickly. What do you think, Sir Pesca?"

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

The mans face betrayed a slight grin. He'd been the one hoping for such an alliance to be proposed. "I can not speak for my allies, but on behaf of the Pescatori nation I accept your terms. Your scribe should write up the proposition so we may sign it. A pact is only as good as it's written word."

 

[JM76]

"Indeed. Although one of my aides has been keeping notes of the meeting, I'm sure it will not take him long to organize a proper treaty," Strassburg assured his guest, motioning for the secretary to attend to this new task.

After about ten minutes of silent impatience on Strassburg's part, his aide had completed the written pact. Handing the fanciful but petite scroll to the High Admiral, the admiral read over the terms of the contract. After perusing its contents, the Admiral waited as his men placed a small, rotund table between the two diplomats, and fitting a quill pen on the table's oaken surface.

Once the table had been prepared, Strassburg placed the treaty on the table so the Pescatori negotiator, too, could read the contents of the treaty. The treaty itself emphasized three key points: peace between the Ostium and the Pescatori, unrestricted naval travel, and a military alliance that would encourage one party to aid the other in any assault against an enemy nation and the mutual responsibility to defend their ally - if requested.

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

Ottavio looked over the frail paper, his eyes fell upon it like that of a hawk on a mouse. He signed the treaty and handed it to his counterpart of Ostium. "We will need four copies made for my departure. Two I will bring back to my home and two you will keep." He waited silently wile copies were written and the ambassador signed the paper himself.

 

[JM76]

"Very well, I'll see to it that three direct copies are made immediately," the Admiral replied.

Signing the original treaty, Strassburg's assistants cleared the table of its pen and the treaty so it could be copied. Once the scribe had painstakingly copied the treaty onto three blank scrolls - a task that he was forced to repeat several times before perfecting the wording and stylization to the smallest letter - he handed the four flimsy scrolls to the Admiral.

"Excellent. Two for your nation, and two for mine," Strassburg said while handing the two treaties to the Sir Pesca, his own voice thick with enthusiasm. "I believe that concludes our business here, represenatative of the Pescatori. Unless you have anything else to discuss, I'd be happy to send you on your way with riches and spices for your court and your ruler."

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

"We are thankful for such a gift. One of my ships is prepared to escort your own back to the mainland where you may begin organizing the ports for the arrival of more Pescatori ships. Now that we have an agreement many traders will flock to your shores in hopes of capitalizing upon the new opportunity. you will need to regulate the trade." And with that the man bowed and found his way back to his own ship. More ships had arrived now, to escort the two diplomats back to their homelands.

(end thread unless you have anything to say?))

 

[JM76]

{{OOC: Nope, I'm done as well.}}