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The Reconquest of the Balkans; Byzantium on the march
Topic Started: Apr 30 2014, 01:39 AM (1,063 Views)
Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
To Austria
Encrypted Communique
We shall open a meeting to discuss borders at the Casinia Palace in Constantinople. As an act of good will, the Byzantine Emperor will rlease your ships in return that you drop threats and sanctions and shall allow merchant vessels through the blockade of the Adriatic. However, removing the blockade entirely will depend on negotiations and the Austrian tone. Lack of respect toward ones betters shall earn consequences.


OOC-

In other words, don't try to proclaim Austrian greatness toward Constantinople. They'll reject the notion every time and it will annoy them.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Ivan happily accepted the glass, raising it with a nod of thanks before taking a healthy sip.

"Then we are of more agreement that I thought" Ivan stated with a smile. "Moscow does not neglect the situation for which Constantinople finds itself and regrettably, Russia has done little to assist a people it has always shared a bond with. However, I hope you can understand my position in that the Russian crown had a great affinity for the old dynasty. I myself took one of the last princesses as a bride. It seemed only natural to look upon this new Empire you are building with worry and suspicion. However, I can see now these suspicions were ill placed and for that I make a sincere apology. Russia does not wish to make an enemy where such things should not be placed."

"Still" Ivan stated as he continued, "I believe you share with me the same concerns for Eastern Europe, indeed Europe as a whole, when it comes to continued peace and security. We bare the ancestral duty to protect this continent from those that would wish to destroy us. However, we cannot allow trivial disputes complicate our task. The Austrians are worthy of note, they have just begun their ascent towards true Empire. Their desires grand, I will admit, but I am also told that they could prove to be good allies and friends, something that one cannot be in short supply of. Equally, while Marslava may speak boldly and are unquestionably direct with their desires and beliefs, they are a people of good quality. They seek only the protection of the slavs, a people you know Russia holds equally dear. "

"No, either of these two states are truly an enemy of my people nor are they of yours. No, the true enemy in Europe and the one place our gaze must never turn from for any length of time is Rome. The Genesisians are a dastardly, despicable, and intolerable alliance of people whose only true course is that of destruction. They care little for any beyond their own and would, as you undoubtedly already know, would just as quickly wipe us off this Earth that cooperate with us. More cunning than Republicans, more vicious than Scythirians, and more driven that Gasselists, it is the Genesisian Church that is the true enemy. It is why we must consolidate our power, not drive it thin. That is why, not only have I come to extend a hand of friendship to this, the new Byzantium. I friendship, I admit, should have begun sooner. But also to impress upon your majesty the necessity to consolidate our power, not stretch it thin."
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Kasnyia
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"We too have looked upon the Genesians with suspicion. And I take exception to their control of Rome, especially now that Venice can no longer keep them in check. I had hoped to discuss the issue with you after reclaiming Dalmatia, to perhaps use it as a staging ground against their forces in Italy. That discussion can still happen if you like."

"As to our friendship, yes. It must be reborn stronger and better. I regret that this great city could not come to your aid when you needed it, but we were sinking in corruption. Such is the fate of those who made deals with Gassel himself, even if he is ostensibly of the faith. Regardless, our hands were tied. But this new Byzantium shall honor it's words. And do not worry, we will not stretch ourselves thin. We aren't Genesis City after all. I wish to give Constantinople breathing space, is all."
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: You are lucky that Austria is led by Karl von Habsburg II, otherwise this petty rhetoric war would continue ^^ .

IC:

Word that the Byzantine's had released Austrian merchant vessels spread through the Hofburg like wildfire. Many had thought it impossible, while many more had prepared for the grim reality of war. Luckily for both sides, Austria and Byzantium, the crisis was averted; however that fact was due more towards Austrian forward-thinking rather than Byzantine goodwill. Constantinople's most recent communique had NOT given the Austrian leadership confidence that the Emperor was a respectable equal, nor that he could be trusted as such. Many inside the Imperial Council had suggested that the Archduke refuse to lift the sanctions until Constantinople admitted to Austria's strength, yet Karl von Hapsburg II was a practical man. While the Austrian Kriegsmarine could provide the Byzantines much more than headache (the blockade of the Adriatic made many in Austria laugh audibly), the Archduke realized that cooler heads often prevailed and ultimately benefited.

While Constantinople may ignore Austria's power and influence for the time being, it and every other European power would learn to respect the Habsburgs. Eventually it might even require the sword, but such methods often granted the orchestrator only criticism and unwanted attention. Honor was a precious thing to Austrians, yet even when scorned, internal feelings of greatness persisted. Austria knew it was a growing power. The Russians, Marslavans, and Porcuians knew it, and eventually the Byzantines would learn to know it too. For the time being however, Karl II would show it through chivalry and compromise, even if the Byzantine emperor didn't deserve it. Even though the Austrians agreed to a meeting, caution would need to be exercised at all costs as chivalry could only go so far before defense of national honor once again became paramount.

Encrypted Communique
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Empire is grateful to Constantinople for releasing its merchant vessels and will show its gratitude in kind by lifting all sanctions. Additionally, it looks forwards to meeting with the Emperor to discuss future relations. The Adriatic fleet shall remain off the coast of Albania as a measure to secure our shipping lanes. Do not be alarmed.


Meanwhile, amidst the blockade, a lone Austrian cruiser left the opposing Adriatic fleet and sailed towards the Byzantines. Flying a white flag, the Austrian imperial eagle, and sending a transmission of good-will, the cruiser was allowed through and sailed for Constantinople. Housing the Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister, the vessels reached the city a day later and docked in port. As he departed the gangplank, Duke Albert Zalesky II was surprised to receive such a warm welcome by the city's population.

An elegant limousine arrived to usher the Duke and his entourage to the Casinia Palace and ultimately, the Emperor.
Edited by Whal, May 14 2014, 10:08 AM.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- Hmm, considering the Emperor is currently in a closed meeting with the Russian Emperor, either this will be a representative of the Emperor or this meeting takes place afterwards. Your choice.
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Alberto
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Marslavan Diplomat

The Grand Duchy of Marslava has demobilized its troops, and notes with satisfaction that the blockade upon the harbors of Sinop and Costanta has been lifted. All sanctions against nationals of the Roman Empire have consequently been lifted.

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Whal
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OOC: I have decided to keep the Archduke back in Vienna, so I think meeting with a representative shall suffice.

IC:

Duke Albert Zalesky II exited his vehicle and was escorted into the Casinia Palace amidst the stature of an imposing array of armed guards. Their stoic faces were unflinching and matched the still grave nature of Austro-Byzantine relations. Neither side wished to give in to the other, neither ruler wished to acknowledge their subservience to the other, however it was Austria that had finally decided to end the gridlock by refusing to continue making threats.

The meeting in the Casinia would accomplish only one of two things: detract both empires from war for the time being, or usher them both into a real stand off. Austria, while capable of holding its own in such a war, was still recuperating from its most recent war in Hungary and it would be a few months before the Reichswehr was back to full operational strength. The Byzantine army too had just faced a major campaign, its own forces were stretched thin, and its military was still rebuilding itself after years of corruption. It seemed that both powers would enter a war half cocked.

As he entered through the Palace doors, Duke Zalesky took in the majesty of the building. Lavish, elegant, gold and silver furnished, and packed with an impressive assortment of marble sculptures and classical paintings, the building definitely showcased the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Impressive as it was; however, the palace had scars and blemishes that its inhabitants attempted to keep hidden. Every crack in the wall, every chipped piece of paint, and every malfunction showcased that the wealth of the empire was fading and that subsequent rulers after the Monomachus Dynasty could not maintain the pristine jewel of the empire. Austria, by contrast, was just reclaiming her ancestral glory and the lights from the Hofburg were once again shinning bright in the night.

Smiling to himself, the Duke gazed at a beautiful sculpture of Emperor Nero. With no particular care in the world, he let his mind wander as he awaited his Byzantine equivalent.
Edited by Whal, May 14 2014, 08:17 PM.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- The Casinia Palace is actually the Alexanderhavenien Embassy (Casinia is the ancient name for Kasnyia, whose lineage Alexanderhaven shares along with the modern Kasnyian state). Partly because there is a meeting in the main palace and partly because I dunno the name of said main palace. Apologies for the confusion. :shy:

IC-

Emissary Marius Dovler, Alexanderhaven's representative within the Empire and the diplomat chosen to represent the Empire with regards to the crisis (mostly because he had a direct line to Alexanderhaven's military commanders on the front who, in turn, were in direct contact with their Byzantine Legate counterparts). He welcomed Duke Albert to his palace.

"I have been given authority to represent His Imperial and Holy Majesty in these negotiations. I have food and drink prepared in the conference hall. Shall we walk and talk?" Dovler asked as he gestured for his Austrian counterpart to walk alongside him, "We'll take the long way around, through the gardens."
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NRE
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Kasnyia
May 13 2014, 04:32 PM
"We too have looked upon the Genesians with suspicion. And I take exception to their control of Rome, especially now that Venice can no longer keep them in check. I had hoped to discuss the issue with you after reclaiming Dalmatia, to perhaps use it as a staging ground against their forces in Italy. That discussion can still happen if you like."

"As to our friendship, yes. It must be reborn stronger and better. I regret that this great city could not come to your aid when you needed it, but we were sinking in corruption. Such is the fate of those who made deals with Gassel himself, even if he is ostensibly of the faith. Regardless, our hands were tied. But this new Byzantium shall honor it's words. And do not worry, we will not stretch ourselves thin. We aren't Genesis City after all. I wish to give Constantinople breathing space, is all."
Ivan smiled as he took another sip of his wine. "This is reasonable and yes, it is unfortunate to say the least that the world lost such a great power as Venice. The Doge's passing was sudden and highly unexpected, Russia mourned greatly because of it. While I can respect the strategy of a first strike against the very heart of the enemy, Russia currently is not in a position to participate at this time. The Catholics have bombed Arrakan and has sewed the seeds of chaos in the former Drax homelands. There is much that I have left to do there to clean up their mess. Furthermore, in the Americas, one of the church's lapdogs...El Dejarbo... is attempting to keep Russia from lands it has always owned. their attempts will fail naturally, but nevertheless it is a war there that I must current focus on."

"Still" Ivan stated, as he continued, "there will come a time when such actions will be unavoidable and out of necessity and I can assure you that Russia will be ready then. In the spirit of this and of renewed friendship between our people, I believe a treaty of economic and military cooperation should be drawn up. Certainly there is much Russia can export to Byzantium to help ease the pain of the people and aid your fight against corruption. Furthermore, Russia would hope that Constantinople could look at is as a partner in protecting the black sea and the Dardanelles though don't mistake such suggestions as a sign we do not recognize Constantinople's authority in this area. When I return to Moscow I will dispatch a ambassador back to our embassy at once. I imagine it still remains despite some of the corrupt and civil unrest that evolved between the inter-period of rule. I will leave it up to them to discuss the finer points of an actual treaty."

"This visit has been most enlightening and I am glade to see that Constantinople has a strong monarchy once again. While I may understand that there exists the need for some discretion in these matter, I wonder if I could be privy to at least one small detail. Can I assume that, at least for, given the necessity to end corruption as well as a need to build one's defenses that the Macedon, Albanian, and Bulgarian frontiers are where Byzantine expansions will stop for now?"
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Whal
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OOC: It's all good. I'll go back and edit it.

IC:

"That sounds delightful," Duke Albert replied as he followed Dolver into the gardens. In truth, he was slightly perturbed that he was not meeting with the Emperor directly, yet he was told to expect deliberate acts of defiance from the Byzantines. An ardent Austrian nationalist, the Duke would find it difficult to take any slight to Austria's honor, but special orders from the Archduke himself were enough to dispel any aggressive tone on Zalesky's part. Hopefully, the two men could come to some form of agreement.

After a brief period of comfortable silence Duke Albert spoke, "It is regrettable that we are meeting under such dire circumstances. It was a supreme hope of his majesty, Karl II, that a healthy understanding could be made between Vienna and Constantinople. Much like yourselves, we too have an interest in reclaiming our lost historic lands, which was why we sent a strong message to Constantinople in the first place. The scope of Byzantium's expansion is still unknown to us and we are worried that it threatens our desires in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Our first contact, while perhaps a bit rash, was merely to show you that Austria is not willing to allow its historic territory to fall under the jurisdiction of another."

"I believe I am correct when i assume that neither of us want a conflict in the future," Duke Albert continued, "For this reason, it is the desire of my sovereign to collect an assurance from Byzantium that further conquest shall not reach Austria's sphere of influence. In exchange, we shall offer a similar assurance of our own and will even assist your forces in your occupied territories with intelligence. The terror group, Translava, in particular, is a reoccurring threat to our mutual efforts in the Balkans and if we assist each other they shall be much simpler to combat. For this reason, Austria is willing to offer up a mutual defensive pact and trade rights if Byzantium can grant us this mutually beneficial assurance."
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Kasnyia
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"You have such an assurance, provided the border talks that are ongoing are resolved honorably," said the Byzantine Emperor, "And we would be happy to have such treaties drawn up. We shall also assist your efforts against the Genesian horde. At the moment, that only means intelligence gathering in Rome, but it could be expanded in future."

--------

"Byzantium has no designs on North Dalmatia, known to you as Croatia, as you already control it. Bosnia is only of worthwhile to us if the Dalmatian coast is also with us, which it isn't. We intend to take Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo, known also as South Dalmatia, as well as Moesia, known to you as Bulgaria. As for Serbia, His Imperial and Holy Majesty had intended to make a move there, yes, due to shared Orthodox faith. However, in the interest of peace, perhaps Serbia could remain a buffer zone between our realms? And certainly mutual defence of each other's realms from third parties is very much something Constantinople would be interested in. If you would like, Constantinople can support your claims on the Magyar lands of Hungary."
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Whal
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Kasnyia
May 14 2014, 08:22 PM
"Byzantium has no designs on North Dalmatia, known to you as Croatia, as you already control it. Bosnia is only of worthwhile to us if the Dalmatian coast is also with us, which it isn't. We intend to take Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo, known also as South Dalmatia, as well as Moesia, known to you as Bulgaria. As for Serbia, His Imperial and Holy Majesty had intended to make a move there, yes, due to shared Orthodox faith. However, in the interest of peace, perhaps Serbia could remain a buffer zone between our realms? And certainly mutual defence of each other's realms from third parties is very much something Constantinople would be interested in. If you would like, Constantinople can support your claims on the Magyar lands of Hungary."
Duke Albert appeared slightly relieved. He was expecting a reoccurrence of the opposition he had observed from Constantinople's foreign ministry, yet it seemed that his adversaries had calmed down themselves. This was a defining moment in Austro-Byzantine relations and it was the Duke's hope that both empires could ride their current wave of understanding for as long as possible. The only foreseeable challenge that he could see would be over Serbia. Marslava, Austria, and Byzantium all had desires on Serbia, and for once it appeared as though Austria would be the most difficult one to work with. A buffer zone was the smart option, but Austria could not settle for this alone - Serbia was to be fully included into Vienna's realm. This left little room for compromise, however perhaps conflict could be averted for the time being.

"Austria would undoubtedly appreciate any support to its claims over Hungary and you can expect us to pay back such support in kind," Duke Albert replied as they walked further. "In regards to Serbia, I feel obligated to inform you that the Empire considers that territory as exclusively Austrian. While a buffer zone between us is not impossible, I must exercise caution as to what that agreement will entail. Does Byzantium desire large swaths of Southern Serbia? Perhaps an agreement can be worked out splitting the province in some way? We have already conceded to a mutual defensive pact, therefore I imagine that some form of compromise can be made."
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Kasnyia
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"Byzantium claims all of Serbia. However, depending on the plan, a partition is not impossible to accept."
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NRE
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"Very well" said Ivan, finishing the last of his wine. The hours had passed quicker than he had imagined but he felt his trip to Constantinople had be prosperous. The new Emperor of Byzantium was bold and eager to reclaim all that he saw as his own, this much was very apparent to the Russian Emperor. Still, this Emperor had treated him with great hospitality and talked to Ivan as an equal, not as a man beneath him. Perhaps a true era of partnership between Constantinople and Moscow was indeed on the horizon, only time now could tell.

"I believe this trip has been quite successful and my only apology is that it had not come sooner. While I wish I had time to stay longer, I do not. I must return to Moscow but I assure you I will dispatch an Ambassador to Constantinople as soon as I return, to take up residency at our former palace and embassy. I will leave the finer points of a treaty between us to the Ambassador, his staff, and representatives of your own government. I imagine they are far more capable of constructing the finer points than myself. I will contact the Grand Duke of Marslava and ask that his nation's hostilities cease, given your assurances of the expansion. I will also attempt to speak with the Austrian leadership though we have no formal relations at this time." Ivan was naturally unaware that an Austrian agent was already in the city. "Hopefully within a days time all these hostilities can be behind us."

The two Emperor's exchanged hearty handshakes, at which the Byzantine Emperor expressed his final thoughts and both expressed their desires and hopes for the future relations of their two people. Ivan was then walked towards the front entry way of the palace before the Byzantine Emperor formally bid him farewell. Agents of the Emperor then escorted Ivan to the awaiting Limousine. Within an hours time, Ivan was back on his flight to Moscow.

___________________________________________________________________

Official Russia Communication
TO: Prague
To His Majesty, Grand Duke Otokar

Given the severity of the situation I have traveled to Constantinople and discussed with the Byzantine Emperor the situation in the Balkans. I have been given assurances from the Emperor, that the current expansion shall not exceed the borders it currently finds itself at, at this time. While it is undoubtedly the case that Constantinople will wish at some future date to take all of the Balkans, it will not do so at this date. While I understand your position on the Balkans, I believe these assurances to be a victory for the Slavs at this time. It is my hope that before the Byzantine march again we can press upon them the need for assurances towards the protection of the Slavs in this region of the world. I am hopeful that with these agreements made, you'll see fit to protract your currently military stance as Constantinople has agreed to do the same.
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Whal
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Kasnyia
May 15 2014, 09:28 PM
"Byzantium claims all of Serbia. However, depending on the plan, a partition is not impossible to accept."
Dovler's answer did not surprise Duke Albert, nor did it particularly frighten him. When the time arrived where Serbia became a point of contention between Vienna and Constantinople (and he was sure it inevitably would), Austria would have used the time granted by the mutual defensive pact to amass and revitalize its forces for a proper land war. Provided the Byzantine's had not accepted Austria's claim to all of Serbia, the Reichswehr would be ready to back up its words with the necessary muscle. For the time being, however, a simple agreement could be worked out to dissuade conflict, whilst hopefully even providing a way for future conflict to be avoided.

"Likewise, Austria desires Serbia in her totality, yet we too are not opposed to forming some type of agreement. In addition to our mutual defensive pact, and our shared understanding of each other's spheres of influence, we would do well too sign an agreement proclaiming Serbia's fate now. What we propose is roughly as follows: Both Austria and Byzantium agree to relinquish control over the whole territory, and shall instead agree to partition it along a predetermined line. On either side of said line, a demilitarized zone shall be established and observed by both parties and a direct landline of communication between Vienna and Constantinople should be established. Last, both Austria and Byzantium promise to oppose any efforts organized by the Great Duchy of Marslava in opposition to said joint partition. Is this agreeable to Byzantium's sovereign as it is to mine?"
Edited by Whal, May 16 2014, 08:24 PM.
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Kasnyia
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"We will happily-"

An aide came into the room, whispered in Dovler's ear about the end of negotiations with Russia, and left. The expression on Dovler's face was furtive, but then began to respond to his guest.

"We will happily agree to this, but let me make something clear. I stated, on behalf of the Emperor that Croatia and Bosnia was yours, as a courtesy. They are not, in actuality. This line will establish the final boundary of the realms, if we can agree to one, thus granting you North Dalmatia and part of Serbia. Otherwise, you must give up Serbia in its entirety and North Dalmatia comes back into play. I am sorry for mentioning it, but I had to make clear that Byzantium does not intend to be taken for a fool, or weak for that matter. Thus the line must be drawn carefully. So we agree, but only if the line is drawn properly."

"As for Marslava, I cannot make this guarentee, unfortunately. The Slavic peoples are Orthodox and thus are under the protection of Constantinople through Russia. We can support you in your claims to non-Slavic and/or non-Orthodox lands however. The aforementioned support for you in Hungary. Romania too, should it become an issue between the two of you. Certainly your realm as a whole."

"In anycase, I look forward to seeing the map proposals. And there is no rush. This plan is to become our final border."


OOC- It's Dovler, not Dolver.
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Whal
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Duke Albert raised and eyebrow before replying, "I believe we can come to some form of agreement - one in which both Byzantium and Austria obtain what is desired."

So pompous and lofty were these Orthodox Christians! To say that Byzantium's armies could reach Croatia and Bosnia and hold them was one thing, but to actually believe they could be defended so close to Austria was sheer lunacy. Had Duke Albert not been ordered to hold his tongue by the Archduke, he would have had no qualms over shattering the Emperor's fantasies; however, much to his dismay, the Duke had to placate them. Despite this, Duke Albert had a plan drawn up in his mind he believed the Byzantines would entertain.

He let his gaze wander slightly, but then stopped when he found something of use to him.

"How old is that map?" Zalesky pointed to a strategic battle plan set up on a table.

"It is no relic, if that is what you are asking," Dovler replied.

"Excellent, may I?"

Dovler gestured in the positive with his hand, and Duke Albert began sketching something with an ink quill. Several minutes later, he allowed Dovler to peek over his shoulder.

"There, it is finished," Duke Albert exclaimed. "Does this satisfy you, Lord Dovler?"

Zalesky-Dovler Agreement
 
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Kasnyia
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Before the Russian Emperor left, his Byzantine counterpart made one last point,

"It may serve both our interests to have Marslava Orthodox. There should be no reason for the Slavic peoples to be divided by religion."

----------------------------

"Perhaps if the line is along the Vojvodina border. We're getting quite close though, with the line."
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Quaon
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OOC: Forgive me for intruding, but why are we suddenly calling the Empire of the Romans the Byzantine Empire? The "Byzantine Empire" is a real-world historiographical term; it was never used by the Byzantines to refer to themselves, and has no NSWR history, except during the Dominion. I mean, obviously, it's not my place to decry its usage if that's what you want (and from an IC perspective, it's very interesting that the title "Emperor of the Romans" isn't being used by the sovereign of Constantinople), but I just thought I'd offer the suggestion. Names with IC history would include the Roman Empire, the Empire of the Romans, and Romania. Hell, the "Empire of the Greeks" or "the Greek Empire" would be pretty cool and historically more accurate than "Byzantine Empire," if you want to go with the whole "Constantinople Emperor has renounced 'Emperor of the Romans' title" angle.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- I've always personally referred to the Empire of the Romans as Byzantium, both IC and OOC. It's merely my habit. Also, I don't really take the RL term into account for this world, which is partly why I have that habit.

However, the Empire is officially whatever Sed calls it, and I think he does in fact call it the Empire of the Romans. So just mentally replace Byzantine with that if it helps.
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Duke Albert sighed silently enough to not annoy Dovler. He scribbled on the map once more before speaking.

"A border line is along Vojvodina is not acceptable to my sovereign, yet we can alter the line one last time. This must be Austria's last compromise on Serbia, as we have already abandoned more than we originally desired."

Zalesky-Dovler Agreement
 
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Kasnyia
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"And we gave up to you North Dalmatia. That we're agreeing to any line at all is a gift, as I said before. If you comply with making Vojvodina the line, we'll grant recognition to any claims you have in Romania and will perhaps lend some limited support to you vis a vis Marslava."
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Whal
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"You must excuse me a moment," Duke Albert stated in irritation, "I will have to establish contact with Vienna before I continue further."

Not even waiting for a reply by Dovler, Zalesky turned his back on the man and continued into another room. Once he was sure he was alone, he dialed the secure line directly to the Hofburg Palace. Any incoming calls from Zalesky were treated with the utmost urgency and the call was transferred directly to the Archduke.

"The Byzantines are being ridiculously difficult in regards to Serbia, Your Majesty."

"Have they rejected the proposal I outlined?"

"Entirely, in fact, they request we draw the line at the Vojvodina border!"

"Hmmm well, any line we draw is ultimately arbitrary and I do not expect the Emperor to hold his word regardless."

"Then what do you suggest, Your Majesty?"

"Decline their offer, of course. If we leave the issue open it gives us freedom of movement. What we most require is the assurances to North Dalmatia and the mutual defense pact. Since I'm assuming you have already achieved these, I see no reason to continue the Serbian debate."

"As His Majesty wishes."

Duke Albert hung up the phone and immediately returned to where Dovler had been waiting.

"My sovereign can not, in good faith, agree so such an alteration to the proposal we outlined. However, he does not fear that Serbia shall present an issue in the future. Perhaps, we may agree to leave the zone as a buffer until another solution can be worked out?"
Edited by Whal, May 19 2014, 03:31 PM.
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Kasnyia
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"Until a border is agreed to, we cannot guarentee any agreements made here."
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Whal
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"Then you need to give me more to work with," Duke Albert replied. "The Vojvodina is simply an unfair dividing line and my sovereign will not agree to it. We have already outlined two very fair compromises which grant both Vienna and Constantinople equal swaths of control over Serbia, but you have summarily rejected both."

"Austria does not, nor will she ever, sign her name to an agreement she doesn't plan on honoring, Lord Dovler. Therefore, we will not sign the agreement in its current state."
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