Malto Peace Talks begin

[Bregir]

Just now, Capt Wolf said:

We have licensed some of our builds. And we actually like the name Nova Malto. We think it has an Eslandian ring to it, and it's not reusing the Mardierian name straight. So if you don't mind letting us use it, it'd be appreciated.

Go ahead. We will find another name for our settlement :) 

[Capt Wolf]

Guilder sighed. He knew there was a cloud of exasperation among the various Eslandolan stakeholders. Guilder, Monezterrell, and Bowditch could only promise so much before their constituencies would balk.

"Sir, you ask too much. I have stood here and negotiated in good faith to resolve what my countrymen believe to be an egregious transgression on your countrymen's part. I have gone farther than many of my countrymen would have me go. Many feel we have bent over backwards to prevent the outbreak of war without signing away our rights. The time has come for you to step up to the bar and take responsibility for your actions and your commitments, sir. We have made a fair offer. It is up to you to decide whether or not the remaining difference is worth war. I have lost a leg to a Mardierian cannoball; I am not going to cower in fear of a Corrie musketball! My last offer stands. What shall it be?"

[Mike S]

18 hours ago, Scarst said:

(@Mesabi Please make sure you read this)

A Guard runs into the Queens meeting gallery and quickly bows and slightly out of breath

"Your majesty, .... It's amazing!", said the guard.

"What, you have news?", Asked Queen Annetta.

"He's alive!", Said the guard.

"Who's alive?", Asked Queen Annetta.

Before the guard could speak a figure enters the Meeting Gallery

"I am ever at your service your Majesty", Chauncy Pennington said with a bow.

"We all thought you dead!", Queen Annetta said tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Do no cry my queen, I needed to go to the colonies personally to attend to some matters and find out why they are in such disarray. The turmoil of the colonies reflects badly on our nation and I will not have anyone think you are weak my queen.", Ranted Pennington.

"You could have told me, why would you just run off and what turmoil, I thought Woodbrose and Montoya were handling the colonies?!?", The queen questioned.

"I fear they are not up for the job my Queen, but fear not I have learned of a man who may be the solution to the current problem with the former Ilse de Medio. He's a bit gruff and I myself can't believe it has come to this, promoting common rabble as our hope for a solution, but...", Pennington paused,

"Who, What situation in the Colonies have I not been adequately updated on?", the Queen asked starting to get angry.

"The Isle de Medio is close to forfeiture to the Eslandolians, we need decisive action and there is a man currently doing just that on the isle. I think he would be of great help to the empire even if he is a bit...crude." Said Pennington.

"Who is this man? What do you purpose I do, your father never lead my family astray and i pray your advice will not either.", The queen retorted.

"The man is interested in a saboteur that blew up some buildings on the isle, I personally could care less we can rebuild, but his persistence is admirable he has not given up where others have laid down like dogs, and he is on the island. I speak of a man known as Captain Mesabi.", Pennington said with a pause.

"I purpose he be given the rank of Count under the condition he stay paying his taxes. The County of Debonshire in the south has no real value but he may be able to turn it around, and his persistence may prove useful in the Noble Parliament as it hasn't moved any legislation in months. I also suggest granting him a regiment of the Queens Guard, I believe this will legitimize claims as well as show that he has your full support and is to be considered a primary actor on the diplomatic stage.", Said Pennington with a slight smirk.

The Queen looked at Pennington quizzically, "I like the idea of Putting him in the Noble Parliament, He's a forward thinker and I should hope he will continue, but I do not think I want to send my own soldiers to the colonies, especially under a new untested noble. I shall grant him the County of Debonshire if he agrees to pay taxes.", the Queen said looking at Pennington.

"I'm sure he will your Majesty", Pennington replied.

"Then send him thim messege immediately, That I Queen Annetta of Corrington name Captain Mesabi Count of Debonshire, and raise him up to the ranks of Noble Parliament. Upon his death his land and title shall be passed to a blood Heir of his choosing as long as his family remains loyal to the Crown of Corrington and abides all Laws therein.", The Queen said.

"I will send him the news Post haste, but what of the soldiers?, Queried Pennington.

"I will think on it, for now his title should grant him leverage in any negotiations enough to slow them down while I see how this plays out, I am my fathers daughter after all." The Queen Snidely remark punctuating her thought with a laugh.

The guard enters the queen's meeting gallery a second time.

"A letter, your majesty, bearing the seal of the minister of intelligence," he presents the letter with a bow.

"My, my, this is certainly turning out to be quite an eventful day," the Queen said taking the letter.

She opens and reads it.

"Your majesty, it is my hope that this letter reaches you in time. As you have instructed me to be your eyes in the new colonies, I have been watching the key players in the colonies closely. It was with great surprise when his Lordship Viscount Pennington crossed my path for you had not informed me that he was traveling to the colonies. I am not sure what game he is playing, but I aim to find out. I do not mean to worry your majesty, but ever since his Lordship Viscount Pennington's arrival in the colonies, none of my messages to Admiral Woodbrose have been able to be delivered to him. In other words, it seems he has gone missing. I have not yet been able to discover whether his Lordship Viscount Pennington has anything to do with his disappearance but I do not believe in coincidences.

In the meantime all goes as planned howbeit a few minor obstacles. Consul Montoya has performed his duties admirably. While initially his policies were a bit too "progressive", he has since settled into his role with "perfect finesse". There is a small matter of certain Captain Mesabi that has a slight possibility of complicating your plans but I have directed him to your little side venture in Serentia so I hope to turn him into an asset rather than a liability.

Signed,

M

[Bregir]

Montoya raised a brow, considering a snide remark about Guilder's recent comment about Corrington's abilities. As Guilder's outburst came to an end, Montoya's eyes had again taken on the reptilian glare earlier reserved solely for Captain Mesabi, and he spoke in a cold, yet calm tone.

"It is becoming increasingly clear to me that there must be considerable cultural difference in our perception of what constitutes 'good faith'."

He paused for a moment, eyeing the representatives. "I should like to remind you that we did not cause the war, and that Corrington has repeatedly confirmed our perfect commitment to taking full responsibility for our actions and promises. At no time have we offered any reason for questioning this. Neither have we threatened with war, but merely stated that we will defend the neutrality of Malto. Further, as a sign of good faith, we have not increased our military presence in the settlement, despite the extensive build-up of Eslandian forces camped at its gates."

"I shall disregard threats and insinuations about Corrington's capabilities, and you may hereby consider yourself informed that Corlander troops will initiate the evacuation of civilians from Malto within the week. I consider your word as a man of honour sufficient guarantee that Eslandola will live up to the promises made (6 levels, including artisan, factory, and commercial builds), regarding building up the new settlement once it is founded. Although unsatisfactory, Corrington holds noone committed beyond their abilities. Further, we will tolerate no interference with the evacuation, nor any incursion upon the settlement before Major William Bradley officially hands over control to a suitable representative of Eslandola, after which our troops will depart in good order."

"Now, thank you for your time. I have an evacuation to attend to. Gentlemen..." He said with a deep bow and a lift of his hat, before turning on his feet to walk back to Malto.

[Jacob Nion]

"...Gentlemen!" A tall young man with wild hair and a slight grin on his face walked over to the negotiation tent, making large but slow steps, followed by several Eslandolan guards, struggling to keep track.

"May I beg your pardon for my uninvited, and surely unexpected but hopefully not unwelcomed intrusion. Similar visit of an -I think- Eslandolan "guest" in my people's camp encouraged me to drop any reservation to approach this gathering of power. So allow me, gentlemen, sirs, señores to introduce myself as representative of the Brethren of the Sea Rats, Benjamin Morgan. Captain Morgan, if you like."

Speaking these words he bowed both to Corlandish and Eslandian attachés.

Edited July 4, 2017 by Jacob Nion

[Bregir]

Montoya stopped in his tracks, turned, and bowed in return. "Sir?..." He said, with a quizzical look upon his face.

[Jacob Nion]

Captain Morgan surveyed the attendants. "I heard word the Lord Damaximus would be present. It would have pleased me to meet that man in person. He seems to bear a personal feud against me. Likely that he would have insisted to put me in irons. 

Unwarranted, of course, out of his very own craving for revenge. As far as I am proficient in my own case Eslandola has no charges to bring me. As for my overestimated role in the battle near this island, you will all agree that there cannot be any charge against an official combatant in possession of a letter of marque.

As for my personal relation with Corrington..." he looked quizzical at Montoya: "Have I ever crossed one of your convoys? I can't remember. Be that as it may. I did not intend to steal your time for discussing personal misconducts."

 

[Bregir]

"I don't believe you have, sir, given that you are still at liberty..." Montoya said with a smiling bow and a dashing swing of his hat. "I shall leave you to your business with Lord Damaximus, then, although it would have been an interesting meeting to follow... Good day to you, sir!"

__________________________

@Mike S: Uhh, the plot thickens! (And if Montoya knew it IC, he would be happy for the support! )

[Jacob Nion]

"I am not here for Damaximus, sir." the captain said in a serious voice. "Nor did I come to intervene in your negotiations. As you can tell, we were gentle enough to establish our fortification in this area on neutral ground. 

I come to you as ambassador of what you maybe consider a loose grouping of condemned individuals. Do not make this mistake. This group might be more solid than you imagine. A factor of power every nation would be well-advised to enter into its considerations."

Morgan waited for the Eslandolans and Corlanders to evaluate the meaning of his words.

[Bregir]

"Such has always been Corrington's contention. You definitely demonstrated your relevance during the recent war. A most creditable naval engagement, I am told... However, we have never been contacted by, or pointed to, any representative with which to conduct diplomacy." Montoya said, tilting his head. "Am I to understand that you have a general message to deliver, or a specific matter to discuss? And that it is pertinent that both Eslandola and Corrington is present at the same time? Normally, I should prefer to conduct such matters bilaterally, and will welcome any representative most kindly to a meeting in Malto, or whereelse it may be fitting?.."

[Maxim I]

Still in the campment outside Malto, Lord Damaximus received word that Captain Morgan was at the negotations camp. Kinda surprised, he asked an officer to send a message to the Captain.

"Dear Captain Benjamin Morgan,

It only makes my respect for you bigger you come yourself to Eslandolan territory. It is true my commodore, Matt Lenoir, brought you a visit in Tortuga, but that was more out of curiosity than anything else. He was very surprised to hear that the guy he thought he sent to the bottom to the sea was still alive and kicking.

Am I a bit revengefull for an event that destroyed my warships? Yeah I am, it did hurt my pockets. But I still prefer business and relations over some worthless feud over something that happened in the past.

I am very sure that if you accept my invitation for a drink with beer/rum/applecider, we can forget the past and see what the future offers. And I am very sure we can find some interesting opportunities together.

So hereby my invitation. You have my word as Eslandolan Lord that no harm will be done to you and that you will be able to leave whenever you find necessary.

My utrermost respect,

Lord Maximilian Damaximus

 

[Professor Thaum]

Definetly the place to be !

Seems that the grand collection of political scientists meet here !

[Capt Wolf]

Guilder addressed Don Isaac Montoya. "Sir, the terms are indeed understood and agreed upon, and you can count on my word as good as gold."

Under his breath, Guilder muttered "To Sol and Luna, I swear I never want to go through that again!"

The entrance of Captain Morgan to the occasion surprised Guilder just as it did everyone else. While Montoya spoke, Guilder surveyed this tall young man of whom he had heard so much. Guilder then addressed Morgan.

"Captain Morgan, I know of no instances of piracy by you against any ships of Eslandola, and no Eslandolan warrants for your arrest of any kind. Your actions at the Battle of the Five Fleets were under proper Mardierian letter of marque, so we have no quarrel with you. In fact, as much as it chagrins me, I must say that I've heard several sea captains discussing your prowess in battle." Guilder paused to assess whether these words had any outward effect on the young captain, then continued. "So am I to take it that you present yourself here as a representative, dare I say ambassador, of what some might call the nation of Sea Rats?"

As Guilder finished, an Eslandolan officer approached the tent with a letter. Guilder looked it over, then said "It appears Lord Damaximus has sent you a note" as he handed the folded paper to Captain Morgan.

[gedren_y]

Consort Taliesin the Lightbringer skips through the Trador contingent camp, offering blessings as he goes. He sidles up to Lord Damaximus' tent, and slips inside.

"Ah, good," he says quickly, "I have a message for you from High Priestess Ylsbeth the Starcatcher."

He passes the letter over, and then slips back out. Taliesin returns to skipping as he returns to the Crahaish neh Triuri camp.

-------

To Lord Damaximus of Stedor, Trador, and many points in-between,

As you should know, the Crahaish neh Triuri will be financing the resettlement in Trador of many Truachesh laborers and craftspersons once the relief work has completed. When this is done, it is my intention to hold in your fair island port a blessing ceremony for all those who contributed to the war relief effort in Nova Malto. Your attendance at such a ceremony would be most welcome.

Respectively,
Ylsbeth the Starcatcher, High Priestess of the Crahaish neh Triuri

[Maxim I]

After receiving the note from Consort Taliesin the Lightbringer, Lord Damaximus joked that Malto should become the diplomatic center of Nova Eslandola (the archipellago Malto was part of) as it seems all the diplomats are here already.

"Honoured Ylsbeth The Starcatcher, High Priestess of thd Crahaish neh Triuri,

With a great pleasure I accept your proposal and invitation!

Kind regards,

Lord Maximilian Damaximus"

 

[Jacob Nion]

"You are indeed right, sir," Morgan said to Montoya, "that the purpose of my visit is of general nature. Not more than the wish to commend myself."

"We are indeed a nation, master Guilder." he said to the resolute Eslandolan statesman. "And a nation needs representation towards other nations, we live in civilized times.

In my people's and everyone's common interest, I therefore offer my humble influence for further  affairs. You will see, negotiations with the Brethren of the Sea Rats will become essential for the politics in this our new world, so far from the old continent. I encourage you to see me as counterpart for such matters." 

He accompanied these words with the most charming smile one would expect from a young, blithely Corlandish gentleman of a certain noblesse.

"And please let Lord Damaximus know that I send my kindest regards."

[Capt Wolf]

"I will indeed give your regards to Damaximus" Guilder said with a bit of a flourish. It was a side of him the others had not seen at these talks previously.

Guilder rolled this new information around in his head. A nation of Sea Rats. It was hard to fathom. Yet from all Guilder had heard, if there was a man in the Brick Seas who could pull this off, Captain Morgan may be that man.

"My dear captain, thank you for presenting yourself to us here today. Although I must ask for your forgiveness while I grapple with the idea of the Sea Rats as a nation, I welcome the opportunity you have presented, the chance to consult or negotiate when cause arises with someone who can represent them. I truly wish you good luck in this venture, as I imagine it can only help relations between us."

[Bregir]

Montoya stepped forward and offered the young man a handshake, presenting himself: "Pleased to meet you, Captain Morgan. I am Don Isaac Montoya, consul for Corrington. I am pleased to meet my counterpart amongst the Sea Rats, although one might reasonably ask for some credentials to prove that you are indeed who and what you say you are?" Eyeing Morgan, he seemed to measure him up.  "Nonetheless, I should like to ask permission to pay you a visit at... Tortuga, was it? Before I leave this corner of the Brick Seas..."

[Jacob Nion]

"Don Montoya" the captain began with contrived indignation in his voice: "whether it seems reasonable or not for one to question another man's honesty, it  does not belittle the insult. If I was indeed not the one I claim to be...who could I be instead? Who else would have dared to march straight into your session? As for what I claim to be... you may understand that I cannot speak up for all of my kind at all times, as less as you, gentlemen, can do for every company and settlement. 'Every captain's a king on his own ship', as you may know. 

But as for all matters concerning the entirety of this wild bunch, I assure you that I am your most sympathetic contact."

Towards Don Montoya he added: "Although my people usually preserve an aloof manner towards strangers, I am confident to arrange an exception for you- given that you are willing to forgo a significant contingent of Corlandish millitary. You will understand; since Malto moved into the centre of public attention, one might reasonably ask for some warranties. Trust is a luxury no man should share frivolous these days." 

Edited July 5, 2017 by Jacob Nion

[Bregir]

"I shall travel in a modest vessel of limited armament, and very rarely travel with a guard." Montoya replied. "And as such, I place my security in your hands, relying only on the protection granted to me by my status as a diplomatic representative of Corrington. I expect that you will guarantee my safety."

"I shall venture to visit you after our evacuation of Malto is well in hand. Where may I take my stay, should I need to wait a day or two for your convenience?"

[Capt Wolf]

"Captain Morgan, perhaps we will see each other again soon in the company of Lord Damaximus. Until then, unless you have anything else you want to discuss at the moment, we must excuse ourselves to attend to affairs here and elsewhere. We have much to do, as I am certain you do as well." Guilder moved his cane to his left hand so he could shake the captain's hand with his right. Then Guilder turned to Montoya and bowed his head in a crisp nod. "Gentlemen, good day and fair seas to you."

[Jacob Nion]

 

"Before I leave, gentlemen," Morgan said, "I am afraid I have to beg your pardon a second time. I intend to take my men with me."

In an instant the Eslandolan soldiers who had arrived with the Sea Rat came to the ready, aiming their muskets at both the remaining Corlandish and Eslandolan guards aswell. 

 

Several more muskets and pistols and swords were drawn, while the officers hushed to put their ambassodors behind them. 

"You may understand that I couldn't dare to set foot on the heaviest guarded island of the new world without bringing a guard of my own. Master Guilder, I am spoiling for an encounter with Lord Damaximus. Don Montoya, you are welcome at any time. I assure you that there is no reason to apprehend a thing while my men are present. My relationship with Corrington is of highest importance for me. Honourable sirs, good day."

With a last smile Benjamin Morgan left the Negotiation tent, noticeably pleased, his disguised men slowly following, the muskets still aimed at Corrington and Eslandola.

 

Edited July 7, 2017 by Jacob Nion

[Bregir]

(Montoya keeps wondering where these Corlander guards are coming from, as he explicitly stated that he would only bring young Baker, his assistant )

"How most irregular..." Montoya mumbled to himself with deep furrows on his brow. He left the negotiations wondering whether in fact such a man were to be trusted with his safety...

[Capt Wolf]

OOC: @Jacob Nion, I love your interpretation of Guilder. Now he wants that hat!

[Jacob Nion]

Just now, Capt Wolf said:

OOC: @Jacob Nion, I love your interpretation of Guilder. Now he wants that hat!

Originally I wanted to add something like "when the cold evening fell over Isla de Victoria, Willem Guilder covered his exalted head with a majestic furcap."

Edited July 7, 2017 by Jacob Nion