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| Lo Sposalizio del Mare; Marriage of the Sea | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 19 2010, 05:17 PM (978 Views) | |
| Aelius | Apr 4 2010, 10:36 AM Post #26 |
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Norman Warlord
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Nielsen then made his way over to the Doge and began to speak with him. "Good day. I must say, Venice is a beautiful city. I am curious about the recent changes in the Venetian government. When you have the time, I'd like to discuss some things with you, if that is acceptable." |
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| Telosan | Apr 4 2010, 09:44 PM Post #27 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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"Thank you. Venice is very proud of this ancient beauty of a jewel we are so lucky to have preserved through the passage of time. I have already set meetings with both the Russians and Romans, but would be happy to see you afterwards. I don't imagine that you would want to sit around in a lobby waiting your turn, so feel free to take your bissona around the city after the ceremony. There are quite a few sights to take in." |
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| Hastine | Apr 5 2010, 08:55 PM Post #28 |
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Universi enim hic sumus.
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"I never thought I'd be here in such a short time," Henry said frankly to his fellow delegate, as they were both helped down from the galley that had taken them across the lagoon, and onto the pavement of St. Mark's Square. "First I'm considered a dangerous rebel by the Venetians; now I'm seen as a legitimate ruler, with the honour of being invited to the very city itself. Things sure do change in the span of two months!" Samuel Autepuanu, who now served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Sperry, look to him and smiled in agreement. "Indeed. But let's not take it as either a good or bad sign, Your Majesty, but simply for what it is; an invitation. The negative and positive results will come once you've actually met and talked with the Doge," he finished, with a slight chuckle. The King laughed as well, realizing he was getting ahead of his self, "Fair enough, my friend." They made their way across the plaza towards the palace, their bodyguards watching their flanks with increasing vigilance. After all, Sperry and Venice had not so long ago been involved in what could have been a disastrous conflict, and Henry was a ripe target for violence from some more nationalistic locals. Relations with Venice were still relatively shakey, despite the peace treaty signed a month earlier, and this meeting could make or break it all. As they walked through the crowds of delegates and nobles, the square was filled with a cool breeze of sea air. The King breathed in and cherished it; his nerves were slightly frayed, and he needed reassurance, even if it was in the inanimate form of the wind. Finally, the two stopped, standing outside an ever-growing crowd that surrounded the Doge with gossip and conversation. "This will take a while," Autepuanu sighed. Edited by Hastine, Apr 5 2010, 11:26 PM.
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| Telosan | Apr 5 2010, 09:36 PM Post #29 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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The Doge noticed that the last bissona to arrive had brought two Sperians, the more notable one being the notorious King Henry. He politely disengaged from his conversations to greet the young king, whose status with Venice was as yet undetermined. "If my generals are to be believed, you are the notorious Sperian rebel leader, Henry? I am Domenico Contarini, the Venetian Doge. Though you are not seen as a rebel any longer in my eyes, my generals who fought against you are difficult to persuade otherwise. I would like to apologize in person for the tragic error on my part just a few short months ago. As a result of my rash actions, future diplomacy between us may be strained, and becoming allies may be near impossible. I hope to, at best, achieve a mutual understanding and maintain a neutral or friendly disposition towards each other." A few moments later, the basilica's bell tolled and Archbishop Anacleto attempted to quiet everyone down to begin the ceremony. "Mi dispiace, but I have to join the Archbishop for the ceremony. If you would like to continue this brief discussion, seek me out at the banquet that follows." With this, he hurried up alongside Anacleto and took his place. OOC: The ceremony will be RPed tomorrow. Afterwards, there will be a short banquet where a few more discussions can take place, and then I'll move on to the meetings with NRE, RD, and Lans. |
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| Telosan | Apr 6 2010, 03:17 PM Post #30 |
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Once the ceremony had begun, the archbishop led them in a short prayer, "Marco, nostro evangelista, fanno di questo mare per noi e per tutti coloro che vela essere calmo e tranquillo.." (1) Following this, he requested that all who wished to follow board their respective bissoni or gondoli and fall in behind the massive Bucentaur, which the archbishop and the Doge then boarded. Posted Image They sailed out to sea, trailing an eclectic line of pious Venetian citizens, curious tourists, and foreign representatives. Once they had left the Laguna della Venetia, the Bucentaur slowed to a stop and the smaller craft formed a semi-circle alongside it, with the foreign diplomats' bissoni closest to the Doge's galley. On the bow, Archbishop Anacleto stood and recounted what it was that had brought the Adriatic under Venetian control and the importance of the sea in Venetian history. Once he finished, he called the Doge, Collegio, and elder members of the Pregadi up, annointed each one of them, and threw the remaining holy water in the sea so that it, too, would be blessed. After this was done, they all knelt in prayer until a knight, signifying the wars that Venice waged to protect the Adriatic, brought a gold ring on a bed of olive leaves to the archbishop. After blessing the ring, Anacleto said, "Ricevere questo anello come pegno della supremazia che voi e i vostri successori avrà per sempre sul mare," (2) and handed it off to the Doge. Now, Domenico Contarini, the reigning Doge of Venice, stepped up on the bowspirit and said, "Desponsamus te, mare, in signum veri perpetuique dominii" (2), before dropping the ring into the Adriatic. For the next half hour, the archbishop said a shortened version of mass before the Bucentaur lead them back to the city where a small banquet awaited the foreign representatives in the Palazzo Ducale. Posted Image (1) Mark, our evangelist, make this sea for us and for all those who sail be calm and peaceful. (2) Receive this ring as a pledge of the supremacy that you and your successors will have for ever on the sea. (3) We espouse thee, O sea, in sign of our real and perpetual dominion over thee. OOC: You can continue discussions until Friday, when the banquet/ball will end. If you could RP your representative leaving by then, I won't have to be rude and kick everyone out. :D After that I'll get to the meetings that were set up earlier. |
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| Porcu | Apr 6 2010, 07:01 PM Post #31 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Nixon found the ceremony to be an incredible experience and certainly did not regret personally making the trip to Venice. Holding no particular fondness for the religious activities of the ceremony, Nixon did his best to show no disrespect to his hosts. As a young man, Nixon the Younger needed lots of food to fuel his energetic personality and anxiously awaited for the banquet to begin. But before it began, Nixon sent a little note to his hosts, hoping to receive an audience with the Doge afterward: It is my hope that a solid and fruitful relationship may bloom between our two nations, and as a first step I would like to secure an official trade agreement. I understand if you have more urgent matters to attend to and would be happy to meet with you at a more convenient time and location. Nixon |
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| Telosan | Apr 6 2010, 08:09 PM Post #32 |
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The note arrived just before the food did. Glancing over at Nixon, who was gleefully partaking in the best cuisine Venice could offer, he wrote a reply. I have scheduled meetings with 3 other representatives already, but you are welcome to remain in Venice until I have finished with them. The bissona you arrived in is at your disposal, and the crews are all residents of the city. If you are interested, the English representative may be touring the city as well. Perhaps you could meet up with him. ~ Domenico ~ |
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| NRE | Apr 6 2010, 08:56 PM Post #33 |
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OOC: RD, consider the conversation I'd hope to start happened before the ceremony and we can have it whether you wish. This conversation happens after the ceremony. IC: Though religiously different from Russia, the Venetian ceremony overall was an enjoyable experience for the Prime Minister, Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V. After the ceremony was over, Boris began scanning the room when he came upon the Sperian King. Russia had never concerned itself with the concerns of the Pyrenees or West Europe for that matter. However, though Russia never showed concerned over the affairs of the Sperians, she never took her eyes off the nation. They could prove to be a good ally in the West even with the bad blood that the Empire had heard of between them and the Venetians. If all went well with the Doge in their later conference, perhaps Russia could mediate between the two nations, should it be necessary. After all, the monarchist had to stand united especially in the face of a rising Republican front. Moving through the crowd of this diplomat and that, Boris came before the Sperian King and introduced himself. "Your majesty, I am Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V, Prime Minister for his majesty, Tsar Alexei Paulovich Romanov II of Russia. Russia has been interested in coming to the court of Sperry, should that is, we be welcome. Russia wishes to strengthen its ties with all the monarchs of Europe, especially in these times when Republicanism threatens to change the very way of European history." |
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| Hastine | Apr 7 2010, 09:00 PM Post #34 |
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Universi enim hic sumus.
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OOC: Dammit, I just finished my response... and then my computer fucked up and deleted it all. There'll be a post tomorrow though, I promise. |
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| Rhadamanthus | Apr 7 2010, 09:04 PM Post #35 |
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Legitimist
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OOC: I hate it when that happens :( For example, it happened to me a bit more than six years ago: http://s3.zetaboards.com/nationstates/single/?p=3007&t=221857 |
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| Hastine | Apr 9 2010, 01:05 AM Post #36 |
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Universi enim hic sumus.
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OOC: I'll respond to the Russian delegate on Saturday. IC: King Henry and Samuel Autepuanu were pleased to see that the Doge was not so busy as to leave them on the margins of those he was paying attention to, and were surprised when he came to them so quickly. Autepuanu bowed to the Doge in respect, while Henry hit his fist against his chest; the traditional greeting given by Sperian monarchs to whom they saw as equal in prestige. As the Doge introduced himself and explained the nature of things to the King, Autepuanu politely excused himself so that he could talk with the other delegates nearby. When the Doge finished, Henry responded with a smile, "I whole-heartedly accept your apology. I know matters can get troublesome when things on the ground arn't so clear, as was the case in Gaul not so long ago. I am disappointed to hear, however, that your generals still hold grudges; but many soldiers under their command were killed in the conflict, and I can understand their ire against me. But even while considering this, I feel that, given time and understanding, a future alliance is not far off the radar, and your generals will eventually put down their arms of mistrust, just as us two have. In the meantime, I would be very pleased to see our two nations engage in cordial relations..." With this he paused, seeing that the Doge had become slightly antsy, as the ceremony was about to commence. The King thus finished quickly, "But yes, I would be honoured to have a meeting with you afterwords. Until then, farewell. I look forward to the ceremony!" As they parted ways, Henry met up with Autepuanu again. "So, how did the Doge treat you?" He asked with curiosity. "As well as any rebel king could have been treated, considering the circumstances," Henry smirked happily, "But in this case, even better." "Excellent. Well, let's get back to the bissona to watch the ceremony, young King," Autepuanu replied playfully, looked slightly down on him almost in a fatherly way, with his large ebony frame creating a shadow that partially shielded Henry from the sun. The King himself had an imposing figure, but Autepuanu was even larger. This, along with the fact that Autepuanu only came to Sperry as a young child from the once Sperian-controlled Republic of Inguaxu in South America, confused many of the delegates who saw the two men walking together, as one was white and one was black. But Autepuanu was a true, patriotic Sperian, selflessly devoted to his country and to his king, who he had increasing come attached to after his father's untimely death. They made their way over to their boat, where they started watching the Marriage of the Sea; Henry with keen interest, and Autepuanu with both a slight disdane and immense amusement, and not of the respectable kind. "And that, Suu Machestat, is why we've been calling the Venetians "Mar-Futurais," he laughed, as they disembarked from their bissona and walked onto the plaza, the ceremony now over. Henry tried to keep his laughter in, but could barely keep a straight face; none-the-less, he attempted to speak seriously, "Come now, let's not resort to insulting the Venetians, as we have been doing for the past few months... Today's begins a new era in Sperian-Venetian relations, and we need to treat them with respect because of this. We can't ruin thing now." "True. But damn, it just had to be said," Autepuanu continued laughing. The King then let out a chuckle of his own in agreement. "Yeah, it did," he replied. And with that, the two Sperians headed towards the entrance to the Doge's palace, where all the other delegates were currently gathering to enter the banquet. Edited by Hastine, Apr 9 2010, 01:07 AM.
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| Telosan | Apr 11 2010, 09:45 PM Post #37 |
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OOC: Sorry, I was busy this weekend. IC: A few hours later, night was falling and the Doge thanked everyone for coming and sent those who weren't staying off to their bissoni to silently cross the lagoon under the darkening sky of the beautiful Venetian sunset. He saw to it that the Porcuian and English representatives were fine for a while and that the Roman count was sufficiently distracted by a historian who was conversing with the count about events long past in Venetian and Byzantine history before leading the Russian prince to his office. "It is good to finally be able to talk. I am not sure exactly how much we can accomplish as I don't know the extent of your authority, but we can at least set up preliminary talks and I could always meet with the czar another time. I believe it was you who called for this particular meeting, so I will let you lead the conversation." |
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| NRE | Apr 12 2010, 02:33 PM Post #38 |
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Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V settled in the chair offer to him by the Doge and smiled before speaking. "Well certainly the Tsar is far more in authority that myself" Boris said in a lighthearted tone. "However, as his majesty's Prime Minister I am allowed to speak on his behalf to certain degrees. First and foremost I can say that the Russian Empire has look forward to the proper time and place in entertaining Venetian-Russo relations. Russia seeks energy independence from the Middle East for Europe and has made great strides in developing our own oil and natural gas resources in viable exports at prices that certainly give us a competitive edge to Middle East countries such as Paradise. A trade arrangement between Venice and Russia would certainly help the Empire towards this goal and certainly go far in ridding Europe of Middle Eastern influences." "Of course trade is only one level to which Russia hopes to be better aligned with Venice. The Russian Empire seeing good things coming from your leadership and the influence your family has over Venetian politics, no matter our limited that influence may be in reality. Russia recognizes as we believe all nations do, that we are entering a interesting period in the developmental history of mankind. The Dominion Wars were long and bloody, certainly no nation on Earth wishes to see a repeat of such a global conflict. Yet still there remains elements of the Dominion in the world as well as the fundamental republican attitude that the Dominion founded itself on. Republicanism is dangerous as democracy can lend itself to rise of unfit leaders and radical anarchists. The last monarch of Russia sought to make peace with these powers but in doing so let down Russia's guard and saw to an invasion of Europe by the Dominion that could have been avoided had when been more firm against that which threatens our authority. Monarchies are the tradition of Europe and it is our hope to rally support for monarchism in this region to fight back against the growing threat. We can only hope that Venice will at the very least, be perceptive to our ideals and taken them with an opened mind." "May I finally add" said the Prince, while clearing his throat "that Russia recognizes Venice as a rising naval power in the Mediterranean if not the world. Certainly there is a maritime traditional that is virtually unmatched anywhere else in the world. It is Russia hope that in looking to secure Europe for foreign influence and foreign invasion, that Russia and Venice can find common ground and look towards future military cooperation and perhaps even joint military engineering and development projects. However, I fear I have already put some much on your plate to digest Doge. Tell me, what does Venice look towards Russia for? Where do you wish to see a diplomatic relation go?" |
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| Hastine | Apr 14 2010, 05:51 PM Post #39 |
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Universi enim hic sumus.
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OOC: This is in response to NRE's earlier post. IC: Upon entering the banquet hall, King Henry and Samuel Autepuanu both noticed that the Russian Prime Minister, Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V, had been watching them since they arrived. Henry was intrigued. Russia was not on the top of Sperry's priorties, as it was so far to the east, but King Henry had always looked at the nation with keen interest. They were roughly the same size as Sperry in terms of military and population size, and could prove an extremely useful ally in a world dominated by Genesian fanatics, ready to stomp down on anyone who didn't follow their narrow-minded views. Sure, they were Eastern Orthodox, but in the eyes of many Sperians, this was a thousand times better than being involved with those who followed the Anti-Popes that ruled in Cologne and Genesis City, respectively. The conflict in Europe between Monarchism and Republicanism, meanwhile, was a less-pressing issue; since Sperry was a constitutional monarchy, it had respect both for republics, though it looked at them as being empty and corrupt without a ceremonial figurehead, as well as for monarchies, though it saw unrestricted absolutism as dangerous. Either way, the King saw promise in relations between Russia and Sperry, and upon make his own eye-contact with the Russian prince, he came up to him and they introduced themselves. After the Prince had spoken, Henry smiled and responded in turn. "I would be honoured to have you and/or the Tsar come to my nation as a guest. It is indeed a good idea for us states of similar ideas to bond in these uneasy times, especially with the threats of the Genesians that we hear of consistantly." As they finished off the conversation, they made their way to the banquet table, where Prince Borris sat beside the Doge, and King Henry in turn sat beside the Russian prince. Edited by Hastine, Apr 14 2010, 05:54 PM.
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| Telosan | Apr 14 2010, 06:26 PM Post #40 |
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The Doge was a bit shocked by the directness of the Prince, but then supposed he shouldn't have been, given that he was Russian. "Venice has had a long, long history in commerce, so any trade request that reaches us is most likely going to be answered. The preferred method of trade is by sea, but modern times has added aircraft to the merchant's arsenal. We can trade through both methods if you like. As for energy, Venice imports much of its oil, but we have plenty of electricity. The many waterways of the Dalmatian coast are dotted with underwater turbines that use the flow of water to turn it's blades. The mountains of Galicia have wind turbines and it's become somewhat of a fad lately for large companies and well to do middle-class men to install solar panels." "The Dominion is something many despised, but already the younger generation seems to be forgetting the tragedies it wrought. Having seen its horrors first-hand as a captain in the Iberian Campaign, I aim to make sure it is remembered, if only to prevent it from happening again. Venice's views towards republicanism are somewhat uncertain. We regard it with suspicion and use it to an extent. The democracy in Venice is limited, as can be evidenced by my presence here as Doge. As for democracy and republicanism abroad, we just try to keep the peace. We have amiable relations with Porcu, the apparent leader of democracy since the fall of France, but we favor monarchies. Our government consists of my advisors, a judicial branch, and a senate that handles the day to day management while I attend to more important matters." "And what does Venice seek in Russia. What is there not to hope for? A powerful ally that has remained on the forefront of European politics for decades with a global reach; that is exactly what Venice needs. We are friends and allies with the Romans and if we are friends with them, why shouldn't we ally with Russia? I wouldn't want to move to fast, though, so we can take all the time you wish working towards that goal." |
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| NRE | Apr 17 2010, 08:58 PM Post #41 |
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Boris was pleased to hear what the Doge had to say as a Venice more aligned with Russia was more preferred over a Venice working against what Russia envisioned for the future of Europe. "Well Venice being more energy independent is certainly something all nations should aspire for" said Boris. "As I said, Russia would like to do all it can to become your primary oil and natural gas provider as well as help Venice integrate ethanol technology. You see Russia has over the years perfected its own oil, natural gas, and ethanol production plants and today Russia can complete with the oil giants of the Middle East, especially that of Paradise. Certainly the world has felt the effects of a rebuilding Paradise as her oil productions have begun to slip. Europe should not be dependent on the Middle East for its oil when we have the resources here. Think of it this way, before the Dominion Wars, Paradise was offering Crude oil at $72/barrel, Gasoline at $193/barrel and Jet Fuel at $218/barrel just to name a few. It is highly unlikely that even now in the new age that Paradise will be able to come down from these prices. The Russia Empire however before the Dominion Wars could offer Crude at $67/barrel, Gasoline at $191/barrel, and Jet Fuel at $216/barrel. Today the Empire is in a position to lower these prices even more, especially for nations we consider our allies. Now I would understand Venetian caution in putting so much faith in one nation however, you must also look at the costs of getting the energy to Venice as well. I can assure you that it will be far easier and less costly to get Russian oil to Venice than it will be to get any other oil in the world." |
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| Telosan | Apr 18 2010, 02:31 PM Post #42 |
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With the string of numbers rattled off by the Russian Prince, the Doge's eyes seemed to glaze over slightly. Though bored by the simple, unveiled business, he still managed to pay close enough attention to see the value of trading with Russia, as opposed to Paradise. "Well, I see no reason why Venice shouldn't get her oil from Russia. Venice has a long history of trading with the Levant, but times are different and now the Islamic republics no longer dominate European trade. We can close this deal immediately, if you like." "Now, is there anything else you would like to discuss?" |
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| NRE | Apr 18 2010, 04:39 PM Post #43 |
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Boris was soon realizing he may have gone a bit far in the first meeting, allowing his eager youth to get the better of him. That said he believed he'd impressed the Doge and certainly made Venice very interested in relations with Russia. "I can think of no other topics of pertinence at the moment" Boris said. " However, the Tsar will be in Barcelona next month to meet with the administration there. Barcelona has been left in limbo since the Dominion Wars and his majesty will be finalizing its status within the Empire. He will be traveling with family so although the trip is first and foremost meant for business, he will also spend time simply enjoying the Spanish region. I say this because if your schedule should be free, perhaps it would be the perfect situation to meet with the Tsar for I see no reason why his majesty would not welcome yet another guest for his trip." The Doge considered the Prince's offer and then agreed. Meeting with the Tsar in a more relaxed setting would be beneficial to both and the travel would be far shorter than were he to travel to Moscow. The two men shook hands and then the Doge offer the Prince a tour of the city if he had the time. Boris declined the offer as he need to return to Moscow to make the necessary arrangements for the Barcelona trip. Shaking hands yet again the Doge and the Prince gave their pleasantries and Boris left. |
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| Telosan | Apr 18 2010, 05:53 PM Post #44 |
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After the Prince had left, Domenico Contarini looked around the palace until he found the Roman count strolling around with an escort, looking at the architecture and paintings that adorned the palace. "I'm sorry that took so long, Count Iakovakis. I have finished talking to Prince Boris, so if you would like to start our meeting, I'm ready now," the Doge said, taking care to pronounce the Count's name correctly. After Iakovakis agreed to begin, Domenico led him back to his office and offered him a seat. OOC: Ah, I don't have time to finish this, I'll have to cut it short. I'll be able to continue later today or tomorrow. |
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| Telosan | Apr 18 2010, 09:20 PM Post #45 |
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Once in the office, seated and comfortable, Domenico began diplomatically. "First and foremost, I want it to be known that Venice regards the Roman Empire almost as a deity in a country's form. You are one of the single longest standing nations in the history of the world, if not the longest." "I know you don't have the authority to agree to what we'll be discussing, but I would like Venice's intentions known. Perhaps you could take this discussion to the Emperor." As he said this, he pulled out a map and began unrolling it on the grand marble desk. It portrayed the Republic of Venice, as it once was, at the height of her glory. Map "This is the first Venetian Republic, the country that we aspire to be. If you'll notice, most of the territory here is currently under the control of your empire. To put it plainly, we believe that the return of these lands to Venetian control would be a great civil and national deed. Now, I wouldn't expect the Empire to turn over these lands on a whim. Not a soul would do such a thing. So, I propose a trade." From another draw, the Doge produced another map, this one containing the modern view of the Mediterranean, featuring the Venetian Republic and the Roman Empire alone, all other countries unmarked. "If our historians have any credibility whatsoever, the Empire once owned much of Iberian and Southern France in recent decades. Though we do not own the land, we have some of it." He circled the Valencian and the Francian regions of the republic. "These are territories that once sat within Roman borders, and we are willing to return them to you, in exchange for some of the land the Empire possesses. Don't worry, we don't want all of the land on the first map, I'm more likely to drop dead this very instant than have the Emperor sign over that much. I'm looking at Cyprus and Crete." He circled them. "Venice is currently hosting talks with the faltering Neo-Etruscan country to the east. (OOC: Big gray spot in the middle of Italy) Their government is in great peril and it is a possibility that the land will fall under Venetian jurisdiction. If and when this happens, we would be willing to part with a small north-eastern portion, and add it to your Empire as part of this agreement." He scribbled a few more things on the map and passed it to the Count. Proposal "Valencia provides a great port on the east coast of the Mediterranean and a staging point for further reconquest of the peninsula as well as solidifying local Roman power along that stretch of the water. The small area north of Venice grants Roman access to the Alps. Most importantly, however, the French territory provides that prized foothold in western Europe. With the Montpellier region, the Empire can reclaim what it's republican counterpart and superpower rival stole from them." The Doge sat back, watching the Count closely as he looked over the maps, plainly aware of the gravity of the deal the Venetian head of state was presenting. "I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way. We will respect the Roman decision either way, but this is our goal. We hope to eventually rebuild this great country that has been granted a second chance by Father Time." OOC: If only you didn't expand so darn fast after CE left. :dry: :rolleyes: Edited by Telosan, Apr 29 2010, 07:37 PM.
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| Rhadamanthus | Jun 13 2010, 08:26 PM Post #46 |
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Legitimist
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"Your Serene Highness," Count Iakovakis began, "Thank you for your courtesy at this event. I am pleased to represent the emperor's interests in Italy, and I expect that you and I will work together for many years in the future." The count lit a cigar, first checking his host's permission, and then proceeded to smoke it as he continued. "I think, hearing your request, that you must know the story of how I obtained the position of Catepan of Italy. But if you do not, then I will tell you. I was rewarded with this excellent commission, an unheard of luxury for a soldier like myself, because I was the one who negotiated the sale of Occitania to France. Personally, I would have brought the land in line, but the will of the Emperor must always prevail. But I have heard many tales of the atrocities and crimes committed by the thrice-accursed French Republic in those lands, and I rejoice that Venice could liberate some of those people from the wicked French bondage." The Doge smiled graciously at the compliment, but he could see that the Count was attempting to assuage a disappointing result. Joachim Iakovakis was usually a very direct man, and while Italian luxury and Byzantine politics might have changed him somewhat, he maintained that characteristic in many situations. But he had learned a more refined manner of negotiations than he had displayed in Poitiers when he had spoken with the French Foreign Minister. "In any case, Your Serene Highness, I am sure you know the history of Venice's expansion and how many of those eastern lands were taken from the empire and our forefathers after the treacherous Fourth Crusade. Now, our relationship is much sweeter in modern times and I do not wish do dig up buried passions. But I would only point out that among the Greeks, the Venetian empire of old stirs up different emotions than it does among Venetians. "More recently, Cyprus was the country that gave my emperor shelter, where he hid from his wicked enemies as a youth after the Great Catastrophe, and where he rose to power. It was from Cyprus that he rose to power to reform the empire. Before that, Cyprus was a bone of contention during the First Catholic European War, and Crete was part of our hard won legacy of the Third Catholic European War, bought with blood and sweat and tears. I wish you no discourtesy, but I fear that we must reject this offer. I cannot secure permission from the Emperor to surrender those isles. "But in the spirit of our friendship, I would offer you a counter-offer. It is more modest, and I hope its humility does not offend you. It is no secret that Venice deesires to be the Mistress of Italy, and she is certainly the dominant power in Northern Italy. Recently, the Prince of Antioch, the heir to the imperial throne was betrothed to the Princess of Croatia, and the Croatian kingdom became a vassal of the empire. A Slavic kingdom, the Croatians gave the emperor a gift, a tract of land bordering their country, the Italian region of Friuli. I have marked it on the following map. Posted Image "It is not what you asked, but it is a small portion of Italian soil that is adjacent to your land, near your capital, and this would fit naturally within your nation. If it would please you, I would ask in return a small Occitan enclave around the city of Marseille, which I have also marked on the map. In ancient times that city was founded by Greeks, and of all the Occitan lands, it is the one most loved by my emperor. Of course, you are free to accept or reject this deal as you desire, but I offer it to show the spirit of frienship and good faith despite rejecting your proposal." |
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| Telosan | Jun 13 2010, 08:50 PM Post #47 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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The Doge was surprised. Not because his offer had been turned down, but because the Catepan had offered something in return. Domenico had been expecting a flat refusal and an angry politician storming out of his office. "Though it is not what I was hoping for, it's a start. I'll accept, if the Emperor agrees. Hopefully further exchanges can be made in the future, but until then, this will have to suffice." The two talked for a while before the Catepan rose to leave. He turned down a tour of the city, saying he had matters to attend to back home and left. When the count was safely in his bissona, the Doge sent out for the English representative, who had been touring the city for some time. |
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| Aelius | Jun 13 2010, 09:09 PM Post #48 |
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Norman Warlord
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Nielsen walked into the Doge's office, with significant changes since the meetings began. With Ireland at war and the Welsh invasion in progress, there were many new issues which required discussion. "Greetings, your Highness. I must compliment you on the appearance of your city. However, given the nature of the circumstances within the Isles, perhaps we should skip most of the pleasantries. So, what is the official position of Venetian interests at this moment?" |
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| Telosan | Jun 13 2010, 09:20 PM Post #49 |
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
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OOC: :lol: This is started about a year before the Irish Civil War, IC. I suppose you could've been here the whole time... eh, whatever. Time is ambiguous right? IC: The Doge liked the Englishman's abruptness. He'd had a host of interesting politicians in his office today. Pleasantries aside, he answered the question honestly. "Venice's interest in the isles is almost entirely because of our allies there. Were in not for England and Eire, the British Isles could be as far away as Taiwan, for all Venice would care." After a pause, Domenico remembered Wight, which was currently being pounded back under the waves of the English Channel by the British. "Venetian presence on the Isle of Wight does seem suspicious, doesn't it? A while ago, even to today, Venice has been at odds with certain nations in northern Europe. Having a base so far north allowed us to have ample time to prepare ourselves if an attack was detected, as well as the ability to strike back even after a major assault. Aside from this, Venice is losing interest in matters outside the Mediterranean. While we still value our friends to the north, Venice shouldn't be maintaining territories of her own so far away." |
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| Aelius | Jun 13 2010, 10:32 PM Post #50 |
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Norman Warlord
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OOC: Oops. :wasclose: Keep in mind, it's been a while since this started. The time line here is kinda weird. :P IC: "The relationship on Wight has been one of benefit to both of our nations. However, given the current antagonism by the British and Welsh, it may make more sense to remove the base from Wight, if you feel that Wight has become an inconvenience. I'm certain you could make full use of your land forces on the English mainland against the Welsh advance, or in Ireland, if you desire an opportunity to engage the Teutonic Order in a land conflict. Our forces could certainly use the assistance, should you choose to go either route. "As for your vast navy, it may be of the most use to help move the hostile fleets away from Ireland, and prevent any further outside reinforcements from entering Ireland. However, I am not a military expert, perhaps it would make more sense for us to defer to our LFN generals for such assessment." "What would you desire to do with Wight, however?" |
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11:33 AM Jul 13