Tales of Trevast: A Small Council

[Fyremage]

Spoiler: Setting

This rp is set immediately after 'The Harvest Festival' intro thread.

​

King Bayne lead the way with his small retinue into a small meeting chamber. His servants set about clearing the pile of gold Lord Ohminjokuul poured at his feet, which meant the Lords Vaiken (@The Star of Chaos) and Eule (@Tristar) would need to meet with the King in a separate chamber. It was fairly quaint for being within the royal palace of House Bayne, but bespoke an understated stately vibe altogether. His small attache' of guardsmen accompanied the lords until they reached the room, after which two remained outside, while four proceeded within and positioned themselves at the far end of the room - far enough away to remain out of casual earshot considering the room was rather large, but close enough to observe their liege and come to his aid if need be.

The purpose of the meeting would likely not require their presence altogether, but the Crown's Master at Arms would hardly hear of His Majesty being without protection at all times. Although Edric could always change that with but a word, he knew the man meant well and was only trying to do his job. And far be it from him to get in his way.

Edric took his seat at the head of the table, and invited his three guests to do so as well. A servant placed more refreshments before them, and it was only after the servant left that the King spoke: "I do believe you wished to speak more on the subject of events happening in the North, Lord Edward? I'm sure this news regarding your Son's heroics may come to bear as well." The King cast a glance toward the young Vaiken heir, then rested back on Edward as he awaited his reply.

@The Star of Chaos

 

[Jason Vaiken]

Edward gave Maximillian an approving nod, he'll show his appreciation privately when the two have time to talk.

"Your Majesty, it is a simple fact that our two houses have always had tension. Ever since the unification, we have always had resentment towards you. Resentment centred around your interference in our sovereignty. But the time has long since passed for this... bitterness to continue. My Lord father fought with yours against the Boteri and tried his best to foster an era of understanding with the south. I mean to expand on this by tying my line to the Royal House, if you will have it that is. I believe it is in your benefit to accept because with us tied to your house, preferably Desirak with my Miranda, you'll have the whole north tied to your house. The threat of the Clansmen will be over until the commencement of the campaigning season next spring. Which leaves us time to tend to matters of our own private affairs. Mine will be the training, equipping, and replenishing of my units for next years campaigning."

With that Edward fell silent.

@fyremage

 

[Tristar]

Egon kept a pursed lip as he mulled over the events with a chilled glass of wine in his hand, swirling the contents lazily as the King escorted them into a meeting chamber. He hardly took notice of the oak bookcases and the mahogany table in the center where the council gathered around, choosing their seats informally rather than by individual status. Unconsciously, the Eulean lord drew the chair opposing Edric at the head of the table and slid in. Resting his back on the wooden back, he let the words of Edward gloss the air of the room; the northern lord had wanted closer ties with the royalty which was no news to him. In times of peace, everyone sought out favours to best fit their needs; in war, marriage was a foolproof way of locking a house to commit resources. Edward's Miranda may bear whatever semblance of love a 14 year old could have but in the grand scheme of the realm she was a pawn that her father used to guarantee the Bayne's assistance.

Both house lords in the room historically had rocky relationships with the crown- the Vaikens, he imagined did not appreciate the march of the Baynes north a few centuries ago. The loss of lives were staggering, economic development much hampered by the slaughter. To the Eulean commanders, their story was an example of an unnecessary campaign with unclear goals and poor intelligence on both sides- they learned, they adapted and they solved. That was the Eulean's creed, another chronicle kept in their almanacs. He took a sip and glanced at Maximillian before returning his eyes to the signet he bore on his left hand: the Eules hadn't committed willingly to the royalty either, much of their reason drawn to necessity of the time. The Boteri had left them at a vulnerable state, and the rebuilding house needed as much protection as they could afford less their age old enemies try their luck once more. His father, Reyd II did not see the idea of bending his knee to the king as anything less than their loss of freedom, and it took months for him to finally agree to the terms of their bonding.

For Egon, his early rule was much devoted to fixing the relationship- true, he and much of his kin did not like to be chained to the king but he was first and foremost an opportunist: the relationship still bore promising gains if they remained within the folds. Once there was nothing left to gain? He shook his head, a slight unfortunate timing on his part as Edward's speech ended right then and there. He would cross that bridge later, when he was more at ease with his own private thoughts. "I'm afraid to say this Lord Edward, but the Eules cannot say the same as you- this winter will not be peaceful. My son, Radolf, has seen to that."

Clearing his throat and giving the king a knowing eye, the lord took a sip to assuage his thirst before resuming. "We have the Lord of Rendall imprisoned beneath our keep, along with his wife and children. The letter was short, but from what I gathered there has been shedding of blood involved. An unprovoked attack on my household guard, if we go further with assumptions. Harold was always an impulsive man."

"The 'king's peace' could break in a few weeks, and I'm not the only one to have noticed the Silverhawk's displeasure with our western neighbour. Honestly, the scene- what a gaffe! Blood money?" He chuckled, a little lightheaded from the wine. "Who does he think he's in with? Noble men and gentlemen? The Barrans dine with tribesmen, the Vaikens f**k like rabbits before settling down when they grow tired, the Wolniers trade with our former enemies and the brother of the Thrudgast lord is probably spitting on our names outside of this room. No offense Edward, 'tis saying as how we see it but I digress."

"The North's unending war will be the backdrop to a more imminent threat, and I have no doubt we will engage in another ritualistic bashing with our neighbours. And if I should be pessimistic about this scenario, 'our' neighbours will also include a bird of prey. . ."

 

[Fyremage]

Edric remained silent at the Lords spoke their peace, mulling over what they both had to say. Edward's proposal was good in the King's eyes, for many reasons. His father always disliked how distant the Vaikens were. And although they helped in the latest war, and measures of goodwill were taken, there was still a rift there from the events that transpired centuries earlier. Plus, there was a matter of renegotiating some of the terms agreed upon back in that time, and a marriage seemed the best opportunity to do that. Even with the Vaikens requiring help in these desperate times, the Baynes were loathe even then to agree to paying over half the maintenance costs of the forts the northmen manned. Although Edric saw the reason why the need was there, he hoped it could be negotiated. The Vaiken's had centuries of relative peace to build their economy back from the ravages of their war with the Baynes, so surely they could afford to take more financial responsibility over their forts. "I officially agree with your proposal of marriage, Lord Vaiken. It is time our houses be joined. Perhaps the rift that has stood between us can be mended, once and for all." The King wasn't going to bring up his thoughts on the renegotiation of the fort subsidies just yet. He'd wait until the matter of the dowry was brought up.

Instead, he wisely chose to redirect his attention to Lord Eule, who spoke of the happenings between house Rendell and Eule, namely his son imprisoning the rival house's lord over a slight, and overt aggression. Then there was the matter of the Silverhawks... After taking a sip of his wine, the King began: "This is indeed a delicate matter regarding the Rendalls. While I can understand how... intemperate the Lord Rendall can be, in the spirit of fairness and in keeping with the laws of our land, I'm sure you can understand, my Lord Eule, that I cannot simply let this matter go."

The King nodded to his steward, and after clearing his throat, stated with an official air: "I will have to summon your son to appear before my court immediately, and insist that the Rendalls be remanded into my custody. I will also summon representatives who have witnessed the event, namely a few guardsmen present, house servants, and the like. While I do not doubt, even in the slightest, your honor nor that of your Son's, this matter must be handled fairly for all parties involved."

The steward scribbled on his tablet of parchment at the King's side, moving over to a small table off to the side of the room as he went about his work.

@The Star of Chaos

 

[Tristar]

"It is also fair for you then, to remember what our houses signed when we first entered the fold; pursuant to Clause 15 under the Eulean-Bayne Treaty specifically dictates that any and all matters regarding the actions of the Triple Entente falls under the jurisdiction of House Eule, including wars, domestic taxes, local rules and trading regulations and any diplomatic incidents." Egon sipped his wine carefully, eyeing the king for any reaction. Clause 15 had its many uses, and was perhaps one of the most important clauses for any Eule to remember- it was what signified their independence and authority even under the crown. It was by all means also a containment measure- by excluding the crown from interfering with any outbreaks between the two constantly bickering factions, it also prevented the Triple Entente from seeking favours with the king to step in and curb House Eule.

"Toaken Wine, 341 A.I I take it? Very distinct in the summer taste. Do I taste mulberry? Unorthodox, but it works well." Egon had an tongue for delicate tastes, both in cuisine and in context. The king of course, had every right to arbitrate any political cases brought up to him, especially if it concerns the entirety of the realm- the so called 'King's Peace' as it were, was in danger of unraveling into conflict. 'King's Peace', as if there ever was a proper period of peace in Trevast. Eules didn't believe in peace, they believed in action, progress and at the same time, power when it was necessary. Pragmatism was their core, and for that reason Egon didn't believe in 'demobilization'. In the whole realm, no other house could easily muster their armies as quickly or painlessly as the Eules, so when the king mentioned about a 'delicate' matter he wondered if Edric truly knew what he was saying. War was war- no matter how well you tried to contain it, it would still affect others regardless. Riverland trade would fall as the Eules returned to their closed economy state- in their position, they could last for 5 years without external trade. The Baynes would be hit as trade flow would be redirected further south, or through the northern bridge- the other mainland houses would also be particularly affected.

Of course for blacksmiths and the odd mercenary group it was a business opportunity, and as it happened Egon had a few contacts he was itching to request an audience with. He sighed and slumped into his seat by a bare inch, swirling the wine in his goblet. Delicate, delicate, delicate- drumming his fingers on the oak table was rude, so he refrained from showing his impatience. Egon was an opportunistic individual- if he saw the chance, he took it. If there was a chance the king could prevent a war, wouldn't it be natural for him to leap to it? But no- doing so was eroding the Eule's sovereignty, whatever the illusions behind it was. And another thing to concern about was the king's summons- Radolf was the only Eule back home, governing in his stead. He loathed to leave the castle empty as it was, and sending a family member back home now was nothing short of a slap in the face- a trip to Heldrayth was uncommon for them. Sending Harmann back to the keep was out of the question- far too young, and far too. . boisterous. He needed a calm and cool individual. He could try sending Dietter and Desmond back, if not for Dietter's brash and aggressive attitude characteristic of Catari- Of course, he could always send back his wife, but she barely had any time to recuperate from her travels. He worried for her health at her age, so that was completely out of the question.

He pursed his lips- if Desmond could curb Dietter's aggressive temperament, then they were about the only other viable option he had, as much as he preferred Radolf's ice-cold nature. "Oh, do not concern yourself with the honor of Eules- it's well known our honor is like loose garments: it falls off from us easily." A riverland joke, originating from one of the three houses within the Entente- rather than condemning it, Eule readily accepted it as a fact and used it to their advantage much to the Entente's displeasure. "But I digress; in spirit of. . .cooperation, this will all pass- Radolf will travel to Heldrayth, so will the appropriate witnesses and the inestimable Lord Harold and his family members. Of course, best this does not become a habit, my liege."

 

[Fyremage]

Edric hid it expertly, but he was not amused at the ending quip stated by the Lord Eule. 'Best this does not become a habit?' Who in the many hells of the underworld did Egon think he was talking to? This was surely not the most effective way to secure any amount of loyalty or aid from the crown. And while the typical Bayne temper threatened to rise within Edric, it was thanks to his uncle's tutelage that he kept his calm demeanor throughout it all. "Thank you for your cooperation. Please keep in mind it is not my wish to try and impede on your sovereignty, as I heartily respect the dominion the Eules have over their peoples and lands. But let me share one thought that pervades my mind at the present: the Rendalls, among the other two houses you are at odds with, have been at odds with you for quite some time. If you handle this directly, I'm sure you could see how it would not help your political clout in the region by any means. But if the crown handles the matter, don't you think it would add more weight to the decision? Whatever the case, if things push to the worst possible outcome, the crown will stand beside you."

It was at this stage that Edric remembered Lord Max was in the room, and turned his attention to him: "Lord Max, you were in that area recently. Did you notice anything of import to the matter at hand?"

 

[Jason Vaiken]

Maximillian steps forward and gives a slight bow to the King and a nod to Lord Eule. "I saw the obvious, the Triple Entente is mobilising. They don't seem content with waiting from the looks of it. It is my opinion that unless they either get sent a message ordering them to stand down and submit to Royal mediation or be attainted for treason that they will not back down. Your son Lord Eule senses a storm and is preparing a response. I also happened to pass Lord Silverhawk, he seemed most discontent and the reception I received passing through his lands was icy. This situation can deteriorate rapidly if not dealt with a degree of caution."

@Fyreleader

 

[Fyremage]

The King pursed his lips as he listened to the report made by Max. So, apparently the situation had deteriorated rather quickly. Who would have thought the Silverhawks already had cool feelings toward the crown? Apparently the Lord of the Silver Mountain was merely venting his already long held frustrations. And with the Triple Entente already massing for war, the situation was indeed dire. If the realm had any hope of maintaining the peace, decisive, united action had to be taken.

"Thank you, Lord Vaiken. Please, have a seat at our table and enjoy some wine. There is no need to remain standing on my account." Edric gave the northman a warm smile, and redirected his attention to Lord Eule: "I feel I must apologize to you, Lord Egon. Earlier, my intent was definitely not to interpose on your authority, as your family has long held the stipulation in our treaty. I meant no disrespect to procedure and our agreement. Even Kings can make mistakes... However,"

Edric arched his fingers together as he paused and mulled over how he would phrase his next statement.

"If I'm being objective about all of this, this situation is quickly deteriorating. While I am all for honoring the agreement our forebears made centuries ago, It is clear we have a rebellion on our hands, unless this is done with extreme care. While I am not afraid to fight if things come to that, and I know you aren't either, I would rather not plunge the realm into civil war if I can help it. And I am rather inclined to agree with Lord Max's recommendation on this matter, namely that the best chance we have to get the Entente to stand down is if the crown intercedes. It is ultimately your decision Lord Eule, and while I appreciate your earlier statement that you would cooperate, I would ask that you please think about this decision long and hard yet again and make sure it is within the best interests of your house. I don't want to force you to do anything, even though I have my personal preference."

While the King was being more than conciliatory to Egon, and his words were salted with good will, it was quite on purpose. The only way he could keep this realm united was by showing he was willing to work with the Lords he served at the pleasure of. He could only flex the crown's muscle so much, and it was best to reserve it for when he had to do it, and not necessarily when he could do it. Hopefully the Lords present would see that and appreciate the efforts he was going to.

@Tristar

 

[Tristar]

Egon had to suppress a small smile as Edward's heir confirmed his very own suspicions in the presence of the king- Maximilian was a fine man, boisterous and energetic. Full of life, compared to Radolf's steady, duty-bound personality; when it came down to the bare bones of their individual personalities however, Egon never could understand why Radolf did not mind Maximilian's presence. Another one of his many mysteries, he supposed. Still, Vaiken's support went to his favour, and he watched with glee as the king fell back and gave him what he wanted the most- individual consequences.

He set his goblet down, breathing in the air of a victory of royalty conceding- it was the last of the few pleasures left to him at this age. "Tell me, King Edric, what do you know of the Boteri War? The last one, forty years ago- you most likely would have heard about it from first hand witnesses, or your father for that matter. I was seven when my father rode to war. I followed suit, albeit in the safety of a carriage several miles behind his procession of gallant knights." He remembered scant details of that time in the carriage, except that he understood very little of what was going on. Reyd III had always been a grim and bitter man but that morn when he woke his son up from slumber? He bore the look of a man who had seen the devil, and spat in its face. "Lord Edward," he gestured with his right hand. "Would have been two, a wee lad of his time." Nothing small about the man now of course.

"It is tradition for every Eule male heir to follow his father to war, at first to bear witness- the next to understand the cost of war, and the price of winning. I did not see the majority of the battle, but I arrived in time to see the thick of the melee. Blood, metal upon metal- horses slaughtered by the thousands. There was no fight for ideologies but for survival, cliched trope as it may be. War is not something I am not unaccustomed to, and neither are the Vaikens who have to face tribes day by day. This is the meaning of our words, my liege: We do not forget what war has cost us, what it will take to win and how we will win it." His heart beat faster and faster as his speech neared its crescendo. Egon's last war was ten years ago, although 'Battle' was the more appropriate term: there never was a formal declaration of cease fire between the two factions, and for many years what 'peace' they had was considered nothing more of a truce.

Momentary break between the next conflict. The Battle of Epiphany Fields was a conflict won by speed, daring and violence of action- no one had time to think, but act. So much the same then, for the current situation. "We also do not forget the conflict between House Eule and the Triple Entente. For hundreds of generations we have fought, bled and victored over their many instigation. There can never be peace between our house, our history has made it clear. So then, what do we do? Offer a compromise? A peace? It will not last, I can assure you- ten, fifteen years later my son will face another situation, and he is not as lenient as I am in my concessions. What peace we can broker will be an illusion."

"As king, you have many duties and responsibilities- peace of the realm as well as unity, is one of them. Sometimes, preserving peace when it is beneficial is necessary. Then there are times when you must apply brute force, for when you must safeguard the future generation and their peace. The Triple Entente will not honor your peace for long so long as House Eule remains, and the Silverhawks have no more love for our allies to the west, than we do to our former enemies to the east. Silver has made them stubborn and prideful with wealth- until we cast out the house of raiders, they will not be happy either."

He wet his throat with the last of his wine, savouring the taste for the last time before setting his goblet once more unto the table. "Time for caution has gone, the moment we inadvertently insulted Lord Eric with spoils from the west. Caution is all and well, but now it tarries what actions we can take to squelch the threat." He stood up slowly, tipping the empty goblet as it fell and landed upon the oak table with a dull thud. The first sounds of war.

"This kingdom cannot remain united so long as those who are opposed to unity and peace remain, and it threatens to break even now with the north under pressure. We cannot face two wars at once. . . but we can end a rebellion swiftly, and with no prejudice. The only way with which we as a house can guarantee success."

 

[Fyremage]

As Egon spoke, Edric thought long and hard about the decision that lay before him. He knew what Egon wanted, and perhaps even what the Vaikens wanted. Even in the silence that pervaded the King's chamber, he could hear the proverbial drums of war sounding in the distance of the far-flung fields in the riverlands. Although he hardly said as much, based on what information he had, The King was almost entirely convinced the situation was not aided by Radolf, but in actuality exacerbated by the young and spirited noble. And Egon all but demanding the crown act in favor of House Eule only further served to convince the King of this notion. It was at this time that Edric faced the decision that would define his reign, or at least one of the key decisions that would do so.

Granted, Egon had a point that the Triple Entente had always been a nuisance: always a thorn in the side of House Eule and in some cases the Crown itself. The seeds of dissent were growing, and was Edric really prepared to let them blossom into something more?

"I am well aware of my duties, Lord Egon. And I have made my decision." Edric said, certainty in his voice. The time for discussion was over. Now was a time for action."I will issue a call for two Bayne legions to be mustered, and after the festivities have been observed and concluded, I will ride with you back to the Riverlands, Lord Egon. With your permission, I would like to fully hear the matter myself from your Son, and from Lord Rendall. And while I agree that the threat is tangible and all too credible, as Lord Max has lent his testimony to prove, we owe it to the Rendalls to at least hear them out. Then, once a ruling is met, if they do decide to raise their banners, you have the crown's army already at your side to assist."

Edric's eyes met Lord Egon's as he added: "Are these terms acceptable to you, my lord?" If Lord Egon did indeed understand the duties which bound Edric, he would understand that he could not just simply ignore the laws that governed Trevast. And condemning a man, much more so a noble house, could not be done without a trial.

 

[Tristar]

The tips of Egon's mouth turned upwards into a thin smile- victory, or perhaps the knowledge of it was sweet to the tongue. Straightening his back, he gave a short bow- short, but sincere- to his king and praise be his name. "My gracious thanks, my liege. It is more than acceptable to my people." The king can ride to his keep, speak to Lord Harold as much as he want. His many letter back and forth between the three houses gave him a clear understanding of what these men were: Harold was by far, the most stubborn and the biggest glut of them all, literally and figuratively. He had an insatiable lust for money and with his wealth came the illusion of pride and an unwavering view of righteousness- of himself. He who had the most money, was the most right, was the simplest way to describe his mentality. It came with their house words, Gold is our Blood. Not the most chivalrous, nor the most awe inspiring but it certainly educated people of the Rendallian qualities.

Lord Ermin Rosmann was a meek man, but surprisingly the most aggressive commander in the Entente- too aggressive. Perhaps war was a way to vent his frustrations of his superiors, but the Euleans milked it for all it was worth. War was their way of proving their worth, although they were never really good at its execution. Oh, Egon didn't mean the quality of their soldiers- they at least had the common sense to attempt to mimic the Eulean route of discipline, but it was the mentality of their commanders that were more rigid than his late father's knee. Unyielding to All was their words, and it really did befit them. Egon sat back and shook his empty goblet, disappointed at its lack of wine. Oh well, it simply wasn't meant to be then.

Gascoigne Rivermark, now there was a shrewd lord who could honestly say equaled to Egon's own standards. The only difference was that Gascoigne overthought things too much, perhaps trying to mimic the Eulean mind when it came to strategic planning. Nothing as simple as donning ridiculous garments and fashioning the men's uniform to match House Eule's, that was for sure. That came partly genetically and also with hours and hours of reading the family's history. They tried to much to be like the Eules, not realizing that the Eules constantly changed when the winds changed directions. They simply. . .lagged. Nevertheless, Rivermark's words, The Rivers Carve History perhaps did not really suit them well- usually it was House Eule that did most of the carving. "Well, is that all then my lord, or is there more to discuss? Perhaps about the northern situation? Or shall we conclude for the festivals?"

 

[Fyremage]

"Before we conclude," Edric said, looking over at Lord Vaiken: "I think it is prudent that we discuss the matter of the dowry between House Vaiken and House Bayne, don't you, Lord Edward?"

The King gave his attention to Lord Edward, hoping to give ear to his suggestion before giving voice to his own.

@The Star of Chaos

 

[Jason Vaiken]

Edward takes a moment to think, "I was just thinking the normal dowry, but I believe you have an idea of your own. So let's hear it, Your Majesty."

Lord Edward will only take the best for his daughter, but he's willing to hear out what the King is thinking first before the real negotiation begins.

 

[Fyremage]

After clearing his throat, the King began: "What I have to propose is something I have carefully thought out, and personally I think it could benefit both of our Houses. I do ask you fully hear me out though, as the first part of it may sound a bit unpalatable." With that being said, Edric began: "As stipulated in the agreement made between Houses Vaiken and Bayne, House Bayne agreed to help with the monetary maintenance of the forts and outposts within the north to help stave off the barbarians from their relentless attacks. I believe the explicit amount was... 55% paid by the crown?"

He looked toward his steward who nodded his affirmation, thereafter continuing: "What I propose, as the dowry for this upcoming marriage, is that the amount be lowered to 40% paid by the crown. But."

He made sure to stress the 'but' at the end of his proposal, pausing slightly before getting to the part that would take away the sting of the first portion of the proposition: "Instead of that extra 15% merely lining the crown's pockets, I suggest we help in another way that would be mutually beneficial. It is my understanding that the North has suffered a rather poor harvest this year. The crownlands, as per our reputation, is a realm of plenty. So much so, that there are cases wherein grain is wasted due to mismanagement and improper storage. That was the case a few years ago when our harvest was great, and this year is looking to be the same with our store houses nearing max capacity. So, I propose that the crown offset this deficiency in the north this year, and for all future years wherein your people suffer a poor harvest or otherwise risk going hungry. Does this notion sound agreeable to you?"

@The Star of Chaos

 

[Jason Vaiken]

"I agree with this. Will there be anything else? Would you like it in writing?"

Ed offers him a small smile as he extends his hand out. This is a good day for his family, they will now be further tied in blood with the other houses of Trevast and perhaps his and his father's work has not gone in vain.

 

[Fyremage]

At the mention of getting everything in writing, Edric smirked and nodded to his steward who added it to his small list of things to do. "My steward will see to it that a copy of the dowry arrangement is drafted and ready for us to sign soon. In the meantime, let us all now enjoy the festivities. Shall we?"

He rose from his seat and gave both of the Lords a courteous, and ever so slight bow. At that, the King proceeded off to his quarters to prepare for dinner. The first day promised to be dull with all the business he had attended to, but hopefully it would remain uneventful. At least, with no further outbursts rising up.

/end