The Austrasian Court

[Austrasia]

The Royal Court in Metz

OoC: This the central RP thread for all happenings in Austrasia, as well as a general outlet for diplomacy with other factions. While I do intend for this to be a storytelling thread for myself, that does not mean I won't encourage other people from entering whenever they want a character of their own. If you want a character to post outside of diplomacy than please shoot me a PM on the NS site or here and we can figure something out. If you want to send an emissary then my approval is totally unnecessary and you should proceed as you see fit.

Main Characters (As played by me):
- Charles de Murat I, Duke of Austrasia (42)
- Claude of Wallonia, Duchess of Austrasia (20)
- Guy, Heir of Austrasia (19)
- Louis, Son of the Duke (15)
- Charlotte, Daughter of the Duke (12)
- André de Murat, Marquis of Mainz, Marshal of the Army & Brother of the Duke (39)
- René de Murat, Bishop of Verdun & Brother of the Duke (32)  
- Godfrey Savant, Royal Chancellor (45)

Open Characters
- Pierre de Buch, Vicomte of Loon & Royal Treasurer (48) -
- Francois de Guis, Vicomte of Trier & Royal Spymaster (52) -
- John de Montserrat, Bishop of Metz & Court Chaplain (58) -
- Oliver de Torres, Royal Engineer (42) -
- Clothar von Prum, Count of Julich (27) -
- Ulrich von Stahleck, Count of Pfalz (53) -

*Open Baronies include: Sponheim, Namur, and Eppstein
*Open Bishoprics include: Saint-Vith, Prum, Worms, & Mainz

Glossary:
Marquis: French word for Margrave
Vicomte: French word for Count

[Grand Auvergne]

The journey from Clairmont to Metz was quite uneventful, as most of Berry, Bugundy and Champagne was under Auvergne's dominon. All that was keeping the Realm away from Austrasia was the county of Verdun after which, it was an almost straight line to Metz. Jacques, Baron of Aubusson, was not going to complain about it as he like his days of horseriding this way : boring, uneventful and quickly done. He hoped that, once his mission finished, he could return to Limousin attending to his land, but he was not going to dissapoint his Duke, much less by fidelity and more because he feared what failure could cost him.

He made his presence known at the doors of Metz and he and his escort were escorted to the royal palace. He had to wait a bit to finally be able to see the Duke and his knights were not allowed to follow him in the throne's room, but he nonetheless entered, bowed before the lord of this realm, and declared :

"Greeting, Your Grace.I transmit to you the salutations of my Master, Berenger I, Duke of Auvergne who wish to congragulate you and your effort to restore your lands. He also wish to discuss important matters with you and it is why he sent me, his servant, to you."

[Austrasia]

Duke Charles I

The throne room to which Baron of Aubusson entered was not the biggest in Europe, but its ornate columns and wonderfully painted frescos were lavish enough to present an aura of prestige and wealth. Apart from culture, the court in Metz also presented the might of the new Duchy as at the base of each column stood a tall Frankish knight clad in the most ornate armor Duke Charles could procure for his elite royal guard. All of them stood at attention and waited eagerly for the Duke to speak.

As for Charles himself, the Duke matched his realm's prestige. At almost 6 feet and 4 inches tall, he was one of the tallest men in the Duchy and his seasoned yet muscular physique added a martial quality to his figure. He was lavishly dressed in furs and his Ducal crown was made from the finest golds and silvers. Yet, for all his wealth and glory, the Duke paled in comparison to the Duchess, Claude of Walloonia. A young starlet of great beauty, Claude's youthful appearance was only outdone by her vast holdings which Charles had so eagerly added to his own realm.

Duke Charles looked the Auvergnian diplomat over for a few moments before speaking. Through his thick dark beard, Charles bit his lip slightly in contemplation.

While Charles had never met Duke Berenger personally, he had heard a few tales of the man's penchant for diplomacy and he was fully aware of his skill as a statesman. For Charles, such devotion to tact and statecraft were traits to be admired; however, Charles was also aware of Berenger's claims to the Kingdom of France, which was something he could not praise.

He spoke, "Yes, I thank your master for his fine words and I welcome you to my court. What matters does Duke Berenger wish to discuss exactly?"

[Grand Auvergne]

Jacques looked left and right with as much discretion he could. A throne room tell a lot about the power of the state it represent and of the personnality of its holder. He took note of all the details, the quality of the woods, of the painting, the adjustment to the room, the clothes of the guards, of the Duke, of his wife, of the courtisans and range it in a corner of his mind for latter, once he'll have to report all that was said and done back in Auvergne.

"My Liege, as I said, is impressed by your talents and think greatly of the, oh so justified, rise of your realm to Duchy. It is a feat so few could have done, as talents, wits and luck seems to have dissapeared in our times.

But as you know, you Honor, my Master dream to see the Kingdom restored to its past splendor. He works hard so the dream can become reality but he knows that one man, no matter its rank, can't do it alone, for the Merovingians and Charlemagne after them did so much, and so great, that it cannot be recreated in one mere lifetime.

So it is why he look towards you with hope and friendliness, as two men can do so much more than just the sum of what they could alone. So it is with an offer of Brotherhood and Friendship that he sent me to your Honor, so both of our realm can work together towards recreating not only Francia, but Carloman's Empire itself as it was in its glory days. You, in the north, vanquishing the Frankish and Germans Lords and us in the south, uniting the peoples from Normandy to the Languedoc. Can you see it, your Honor ? Two brotherly nations, united by friendship and blood, standing against anarchy and chaos, the frankish peoples united again ! All of it could become true, if we can coordinate our efforts and planify our campaigns so we would not have petty conflicts arising. For it is such petty conflicts that destroyed the Carolingian and the Merovingian before them.

My Master trully hope you can see the truth in his words, the determination in his actions and that you are as wise has he was told you'd be, and accept his offer for an alliance."

Jacques stoped, his little pamphlet finished, and bowed before the Duke, hoping for the best.

[Austrasia]

Duke Charles I

Charles truly smiled as the envoy spoke about peace, friendship, and brotherhood. What man could deny such wondrous things or speak ill of the men who suggest them? Was such a proposal not exactly what Christ had himself preached several centuries ago?

Charles was not an evil man, nor was he a servant of Satan, yet he remained an ambitious and cautious ruler. Many times a peace existed between brothers and friends in the old Frankish kingdoms only to be shattered as lords from all stations used the quiet to scheme and assassinate. Charles had seen this enough in his own lifetime to realize that such offers from rival claimants were usually only plots to lull their adversary into a false sense of security while a county, duchy, or even a kingdom was snatched away from under their feet. Regardless, Charles and Berenger had claim to the highest title in the land - the Kingdom of France. Was it truly possible to share such a station?

Charles looked over to his wife with a suspicious gaze. Duchess Claude simply nodded her head in a silent affirmation of his own reservations to such an overt alliance.

After giving the proposal one last thought, Charles finally replied, "Your master is indeed a wise and gregarious fellow. I do not doubt his wish for peace within Christendom, nor his sincerity in the fact that he believes it possible. I can say confidently that it is my wish as well to not see open war between our two great duchies.

Yet, I find i must honestly say I cannot approve of an alliance between us at such a time. You know as well as I that the Kingdom of France, or any title for that matter, is held de jure by a single claimant and passed down their line. It is for this reason that we simply cannot share a unified Kingdom unless one of us, myself or your liege, relinquishes their claim or swears fealty to the other. It is impossible to imagine that either of us will abandon our claims in the wake of a united Kingdom, and therefore I will not embrace your master in open arms.

I understand this is difficult to hear and it pains me to put it so bluntly, but to ignore it would only put my dynasty at a disadvantage at the war to come. Yet, i will make Berenger an offer.  I shall not enter into an alliance with him, but he may consider this proposal: he can relinquish his claims to the Kingdom of France, remain an independent duchy and in doing so we may become the best of friends. This is my offer and you may relay it your liege."

[Grand Auvergne]

at least it is clear. Thought the Baron. But Maybe something can still be done.

He sighted, a great show of emotion from a diplomat, and his face suddently lost this mask of falses reassurances that hey learn from their young age to bear in all occasion, to the point it become a second nature. His eyes became somewhat cold and his glare serious. His smile dissapeared. And when he spoked, even his voice acquired a grave, strong tone, contrasting with how he spoke only a few moment ago, but still kept, what he hoped to be, the correct amount of respect and reverence before a Duke.

"It seems we are...misunderstood." He started. " If your Grace do not wish for friendship, then we offer you a second offer : a pact. Of non-agression to be precise. Stay away from Reims and our Realm, and we will not bother you. My Liege believe that if one does not disturb you, then you should not disturb him. We would let you in your own sphere of influence, doing whatever you wish to do north of Reims, as long as you don't enter our own. My Master, and yourself it seems, both understand that no other kind of peace could be satisfying or long lived, for none would back down, that was obvious from the start. But war can be avoided. In fact, we let all the cards in your hands : a war that will be costly to both our Realm and will benefit no one, or a peace that can be much profitable for everyone.

The choice is yours and know that no matter your decision, under God's watch and my Liege's honor, we will respect it."

[Austrasia]

Duke Charles I

Charles' premonition appeared to be true; that the Duke of Auvergne had serious claims on the Kingdom of France and would never relinquish them was a hard fact that he had wanted to hear from the envoy's lips. Now that he had heard it directly, the truth not only frustrated Charles, but actually brought with it a sense of relief.

Misunderstood? He thought to himself. Not at all, so now we understand each other perfectly.

However, the nonaggression pact was an interesting rebuttal. It did not shock Charles as much as it too confirmed his suspicions that Berenger was as wise as he was treacherous. It seemed to Charles that his rival too was cognizant that a war so early on would ravage their respective levies and wear down their internal support. Both lords would need to bid time at home before turning their armies into a war over the disputed Paris basin.

"Your master appears to also forget that threats left alone are threats that come back with a vengeance," Charles responded bluntly. "However, as it appears that we are finally being honest about our intentions, I will relay to you and your master by proxy that a non-aggression pact would be agreeable, albeit with a caveat. Naturally, I cannot allow you forbid me from Reims and take it for your own. You may tell Berenger that his nonaggression pact will be honored, but only if Reims remains independent from us both.

Make no mistake, Reims and all of Paris sits not a mere days march from my lands and should I wish it they could be mine before your levies are raised. Tell your Lord that a pact will stand, but Reims must join Paris in our agreement."

[Grand Auvergne]

Indeed, Jacques knew very well that distance and time were not in his Duke's favor. Austrasia would have an advantage in the course for Paris and Reims...at first. What mattered was that Charles bite the hook, in a previsible way, the only way that an independent Duke could have done. Jacques was not in the Duke's secrets, for if something had gone wrong, he could not give away important information to what was, it was clear now, the ennemy. But he was no fool and was starting to put the pieces together, and if he does, then the Duke Charles, or his wife that seem to be much more than just an excuse to add Luxembourg to his desmene. Thoses looks they give to each others are all the proof the baron need to know that. But for now, he must buy time.

"May you know, your Honor, that there was no threat in our words, only facts. But, if you permit so, I will return to my Master to inform him of your offer, for I cannot decide in his name about such matters. An envoy shall return to your Honor, when he has made his mind."

Jacques bowed before the Duke and waited for his permission to leave.

[Austrasia]

Duke Charles I

Charles nodded his head and waved his hand.

"Yes, you may take your leave," he permitted. "I wish you a safe journey, Baron."

There was no going back now. The dice had been cast and the proposal sent. The only thing now would be to wait for the Duke of Auvergne's response and the state of either peace or war for Francia would be set. In the meantime however, there were serious plans needing the Duke's attention. With a now possible war brewing to the southwest and the unfinished business with the rebellious lords in Lower Lorraine, Charles' retinues and advisers had much to prepare for.

[Grand Auvergne]

To the most honorable Duke of Austrasia, Charles the First

We, Duke Berenger the First of Clairmont, wish for this letter to find you in a most agreable situation. We wrote, to inform you that we accept your offer. Paris and Reims independency shall not be contested by no party. We are trully sorry that our first offer did not pleased you, but if God permit so, this agreement we found shall be the cornerstone of a new Francia.

May God watch over you,

Berenger the First of Clairmont, Duke of Auvergne, Count of Clairmont

[Guest]

Luke Bretter and Company

With Metz coming to view, Luke called his captain over. The captain ride through the small group to the top before speaking to Luke.

"Yes, sir?" asked Hauptmann Christian.

"We are nearing Metz, after all this time. When we reach it, please, enter and rest somewhere near the castle. I don't want any issues arousing. I will go to the castle and deliver the message our King has given me."

"Very well. I do not know what made you think we would stir up a trouble, but I assure you, no issue will arise."

"Good. I just wanted to clarify, Chrisitian."

And so they rode and rode, finally reaching Metz. When they reached the gate, the party stopped and saluted the guards. Luke spoke in understandable French.

"Greetings! I am Luke Bretter, and these are my companions. We hail from Sielburg, and my King has sent me to speak with your king. May I speak with him?"

Luke waited for their response.

[Austrasia]

Franz the Guard & Godfrey Savant

Franz looked up from his usual stupor and focused on the man standing before him. It wasn't everyday that a diplomat arrived when he was the one on duty, and he was somewhat mesmerized.

"Oh, you mean the Duke?" he muttered, "Yes, certainly. Go ahead in and wait for the Chancellor in the courtyard. You're also going to need to check any weapons you have with the Castellan."

He then turned to the ramparts and waved a gauntlet at the gatekeeper. The helmeted man nodded and began opening the gates. Franz and the other guard moved their halberds out of the German's path and motioned for them to enter.

Once inside the courtyard, the Sielburger's were disarmed and told to wait for the arrival of the Chancellor. After a few short minutes, the Chancellor arrived and addressed the waiting delegation.

"Good morning, Sirs. My name is Godfrey Savant, Royal Chancellor to His Grace, Charles I, Duke of Austrasia. I understand you desire an audience? Very well, please follow me, but please tell me of your journey! I hope you fared well."

[Guest]

Luke Bretter

"Well, we are all good and healthy, so I guess you could say the journey went well. We did have a few bandits here and there. These shattered kingdoms provide little to no defense from outlaws, but there was nothing we couldn't handle. Things changed in your territory. It is safe and pleasant here, but I have a few questions before I enter though."

Luke stopped and faced the chancellor.

"What is your relationship with the Auvergnians? I understand my King has made several deals with them, but, between you and me, he finds them somewhat suspicious, and looks to your nation as a beacon of hope for France."

[Austrasia]

Godfrey Savant

"It will please my Lord that your journey through his lands was without incident," Godfrey replied earnestly. "As for the Auvergnians, I must conclude with your King's deduction. We have a tenuous relationship at best and there is little trust between Charles and Berenger."

The Chancellor paused a moment and sighed. It was evident that the situation with the Auvergnians distressed him greatly.  

"Duke Charles has agreed to a non-aggression pact in the hopes that there maybe peace, however he holds no doubts that only one of our Duchies will gain the crown of France. Between you and me, I am quite pleased that King Tobias has reached out to us. My Lord has often praised Sielburg in private and he hopes for a healthy relationship between our two realms."

"If I may, I also have a quick question of my own before we meet with the Duke. As far you are able to tell me, what are the extent of the negotiations between King Tobias and the Auvergnians?"

[Guest]

Luke Bretter

"We have had our negotiations. Nothing too important though. My King opened a trade route through Helvetica to Auvergne, not only for wealth, but also for pilgrims. My King cares for the faith of Christendom, and has created a Knight Brotherhood which guards these roads. The Knights work with a group of Knights from Auvergne. Auvergne also has a delegation in Sielburg, but I am quite sure that they said that they would go back home soon. Apart from that, there are no other agreements in place."

[Austrasia]

Godfrey Savant

"Ah, it was as we expected. My Lord will be pleased to hear that King Tobias has not entered into any form of alliance with Berenger outside of a trade relationship. This simple fact will make it much easier for Austrasia and Sielburg to become close. That is, if that is your wish? What exactly does King Tobias see in a partnership with Austrasia?"

[Guest]

Luke Bretter

"Well, King Tobias wants a solid ally in France. He thought he might have that with Berenger, but recently, a Sielburgian messenger arrived from Auvergnian territories saying that the Greeks were working with the Auvergnats. My King has a mistrust for the Greeks, and so he looks to Austrasia as an ally in France. Does your King want the same?"

[Sponsored content]