Re: The Varazdin Castle Court

[Varasd]

-snip-

"We must admit, we an impressed by the vast differences that are the western world," he paused, "The Khanate of Azaq?..." A small discussion arose within the ambassadors, "Mongols correct?" he asked hesitantly.

"Mongols indeed." - said another Lord other than the Chancellor who has left during the commotion. "They came from the east and settled down in Scythia. Didn't try to cross into Transylvania at all so we are in good terms with them." he said.

[Orberstine]

Corbinian Schuster, Lord of Klütz arrived in the fair city of Pressburg, Varsad, the largest northern city Schuster knew. After a week's delay he found a reasonable translator and made his way to the Varazdin Castle, home to the prestigious court of Varsad.

[Varasd]

Royal Servant
Infront of the gates of Varazdin

"Greetings, ambassador! We have heard of your arrival. Please feel welcome and follow me to the Royal castle. If you have any questions meanwhile, do not hestitate to ask."

-------
Otto Berger

Once they were all in a safe distance from the hall and the chaos within, Otto spoke:

"Lady. Excuse me for dragging. Újlaki should not be trusted. He betrayed his own and does not stop for anything for power." Otto looked at Börte and Tsetseg, clearly hoping that they both understood what he wanted to say, and that he used the right words.

[Azaq]

Otto Berger

Once they were all in a safe distance from the hall and the chaos within, Otto spoke:

"Lady. Excuse me for dragging. Újlaki should not be trusted. He betrayed his own and does not stop for anything for power." Otto looked at Börte and Tsetseg, clearly hoping that they both understood what he wanted to say, and that he used the right words.

Börte and Tsetseg

Börte sighed when she heard Tsetseg translate what Otto said. Tsetseg then translated her response.

"He sounds like my father, though at least my father can keep his word. He mentioned his sons... such an ambitious man like that, he must assume that by marrying me to one of his sons that he would gain an alliance with the Khanate. He is mistaken in this regard, for my father would never do something to jeopardize relations with Christendom, Catholic or Orthodox."

Börte was clearly distressed by this train of thought, yet felt it made too much sense not to be true. Tsetseg wanted desperately to console Börte, but chose to avoid doing so in case she might arouse suspicion from Otto of their true relationship, and so remained quiet and seated.

[Orberstine]

Royal Servant
Infront of the gates of Varazdin

"Greetings, ambassador! We have heard of your arrival. Please feel welcome and follow me to the Royal castle. If you have any questions meanwhile, do not hestitate to ask."

We thank you for your hospitality, herr, and will follow your lead. With all respect, we will save questions for the court.

[Varasd]

Royal Servant

The servant has led the ambassador through the city of Varazdin straight to the Royal Castle. Then he was led into a great hall, where, a lot of guests were present. It seemed like a big feast was just over. A man approached the ambassador, nodded towards the royal servant who immediately left.

"Greetings, Sir. My name is Chancellor Zrinski. I hear you come from the realm of Orberstine. Excuse me for the circumstances but a feast was just held here. We can speak in a more quiet room too, if you wish to. The King can only see you tomorrow because he has already retired to his chambers."


--------
Otto Berger

Otto nodded while leading Börte and Tsetseg back to their chambers. He tried to figure out what a knight or a fancy servant would do in such a situation, but couldn't come up with anything, so he said the following when arriving at Börte's rooms:

"I leave now. Get rest, lady. Send Tsetseg for me if need things. Uhm.. " Otto counted on his fingers half-loud... "Four rooms away, close. Goodnight."

[Azaq]

Otto Berger

Otto nodded while leading Börte and Tsetseg back to their chambers. He tried to figure out what a knight or a fancy servant would do in such a situation, but couldn't come up with anything, so he said the following when arriving at Börte's rooms:

"I leave now. Get rest, lady. Send Tsetseg for me if need things. Uhm.. " Otto counted on his fingers half-loud... "Four rooms away, close. Goodnight."

Börte and Tsetseg

As Otto left the two entered the room together, and gently shut it close. From then on the two embraced each other in a way that much of the world would be greatly disapproving of should it ever be discovered. That night ended like many nights before it, the two women sharing their feelings for one another in the most carnal of ways.

[Guest]

Daniel Mitt

After a week or two of travelling, Daniel Mitt has arrived to his destination in Varazdin, with a small party. He walks up to the gates and waves to the the guards.

"Hello, my friends. I am Daniel Mitt, diplomat of King Tobias III, King of Sielburg. I have been sent to speak with the King. If I cannot at this present time, I will wait in a tavern." Said Daniel in German.

[Varasd]

Gatekeepers

The Gatekeepers looked at each other. One of them said in Croatian to the other and said something in Croatian. Then he turned towards the Guards' House and yelled 'Hans' several times. A minute later, a tall and lean young man came out - apparently, he was the one speaking German.

"Yes, Good day. How can I help you?"


Otto Berger:

Otto waited for an hour or so at the door of Börte's chambers to make sure nobody was coming to cause trouble, then went to his own little room and took a couple of hours of sleep. When he woke up, he went for a short walk in the Castle's gardens, then back to guarding the door of the Princess. If this was out of loyalty or having nothing better to do, he didn't know but as always, he had to make sure the task he was given was carried out properly.



Royal Servant:

The Royal Servant has led Corbinian Schuster, Lord of Klütz straight to Chancellor Zrinski, who seemed to be always awake and ready to take guests.

"Greetings, my good Lord! My name is Bernard Zrinski, Chancellor of the Kingdom of Varasd. How may I help you?" He asked and quickly ordered a servant to prepare chambers for the new guests and bring some food and wine. "The King is not available right now, and I am not sure when he shall return."


King Zvonimir

When the King woke up, his rage was half-settled. Chancellor Zrinski and no further news from Ebsotz made him calm down a bit but the desire to vent his anger has still remained - just like how you have to put the embers out even if the fire is long gone. He needed to kill.

"Get my horse and my gear." He said to one of his servants. "We will hunt today." Word was sent to Count Orseolo, Chieftain Árpád, Commander Markörgis, and the usual Royal hunters to get prepared while the King was having his breakfast.

[Guest]

Daniel Mitt

Ah, I see that German isn't very common here. Perhaps North, around Pressburg, they speak it. My mistake.

I am Daniel Mitt, Diplomat of King Tobias III. I believe your name is Hans, as these men have been calling you. I come from Sielburg, and I've been sent to deliver a message and a small package to your King. Is he available?

[Varasd]

Hans the Guard:

"Uh, I don't know. You will need to head through the main street to the main square with the church... Then take the road up to the castle and you will need to ask the guards there. I believe that all ambassadors are first met by the Chancellor, Lord Bernard Zrinski, or the Steward, Count Orseolo Peter. If you have a choice, Pick Orseolo... The way Lord Zrinski looks at people creeps me out."

[Guest]

Daniel Mitt

"Very well my good man. God bless you."

So Daniel Mitt and his party made their way to the castle. Upon arriving, they hailed the guards.

"Greetings. I come from Sielburg, and I've been sent to deliver a message and a small package to your King. I have been informed that I must see Count Orseolo Peter first. Is he available?"

[Varasd]

Varazdin Castle:

The guards nodded after greeting Daniel Mitt and one of them went into the castle. Soon, the gates were opened and Chancellor Zrinski has approached Daniel Mitt.

"Greetings, my good Sir! And welcome to Varazdin Castle, seat of the King of Varasd! I am Count Bernard Zrinski, Chancellor of the King. Please, come with me to a more comfortable location and we shall discuss whatever reason you have come here for. " The Chancellor has put an arm around the shoulder of Daniel Mitt for a few steps, then escorted him in a friendly manner into a small hall with wine and fresh food ready. Upon entering the room and taking place, he finally asked:

"And how was your journey?"

[Guest]

Varazdin Castle:

The guards nodded after greeting Daniel Mitt and one of them went into the castle. Soon, the gates were opened and Chancellor Zrinski has approached Daniel Mitt.

"Greetings, my good Sir! And welcome to Varazdin Castle, seat of the King of Varasd! I am Count Bernard Zrinski, Chancellor of the King. Please, come with me to a more comfortable location and we shall discuss whatever reason you have come here for. " The Chancellor has put an arm around the shoulder of Daniel Mitt for a few steps, then escorted him in a friendly manner into a small hall with wine and fresh food ready. Upon entering the room and taking place, he finally asked:

"And how was your journey?"

Daniel Mitt smiled and replied in a friendly manner.

"Quite pleasant actually. Sielburg borders Varasd, so it didn't take long to travel here. It's a nice place. I was sent by my King to discuss how our two realms could create a friendship and a bond. We are neighbours, and we follow the same religion. It would be good if we could to some sort of agreement?"

[Varasd]

Bernard Zrinski:

"Of course! The King is out hunting at the moment but when he returns, he will be able to sign and make agreement. For now I propose that we establish a secure trade route from the Adriatic Sea through Pannonia to your realm. I'm telling you this between ourselves... Stephan and Cecilia, the son and younger daughter of the King are already married, but the King is looking for a suitor for his older daughter, Gisela. Though she has rejected all suitors so far, the Royalty from your realm might still have a chance. "

[Guest]

Bernard Zrinski:

"Of course! The King is out hunting at the moment but when he returns, he will be able to sign and make agreement. For now I propose that we establish  a secure trade route from the Adriatic Sea through Pannonia to your realm. I'm telling you this between ourselves... Stephan and Cecilia, the son and younger daughter of the King are already married, but the King is looking for a suitor for his older daughter, Gisela. Though she has rejected all suitors so far, the Royalty from your realm might still have a chance. "

Daniel Mitt nodded his head.

"Very well. I look forward to meeting your King. Now, about Lady Gisela. The King's eldest son is married, but his youngest son isn't. His name is Max, and he is to turn 16 in a few days time. Although he is not that old, he is well beyond his years, physically and mentally. I'm not sure whether Gisela would be interested. May I ask how old she is?"

[Varasd]

Bernard Zrinski:

"I see. Gisela is 20 years old but I honestly have no idea what that girl is looking for in her suitors. Excellent knights, prestigious families and luxurious lords too have tried to woo her, all in vain. But there is no harm in letting the two know each other. To be honest, I was planning to go on a diplomatic mission to the West and-" - the Chancellor was interrupted by a loud horn and let out a relieved sigh.

"The King has returned... And it seems like he had a successful hunt too!"

King Zvonimir:

The gates were opened as soon as the King and his hunting companions have approached. The King seemed cheerful and calm in the same time, as hunting always did good for his thoughts and attitude. The cart behind him carried the carcass of a great brown bear and a beautiful stag too. The people cheered and the King even threw some lesser prey - mainly rabbits and ducks - into the crowd to feed some of the hungry.

The horns were sounded three times in a row, which signaled that the King had a successful hunt. This had no tradition in Varasd as only King Zvonimir had such a habit of doing so. The courtiers and guests of Varasdin Castle were all called to the great and spacious courtyard so they can inspect the caught prey and congratulate the King.


Otto Berger:

Otto knocked rather loudly three times on the door of Börte. This wasn't because he was angry or upset, the man was simply unaware of his own strength sometimes. After he waited for another minute and saw courtiers quickly pass by to go to the courtyard, he knocked again and then decided to go inside.

"My lady. The King return, his hunt are good. It is custom to... eh... " He stopped for a while to search for the word he had on his mind. "Gratulieren." He finally said in German, giving up to find the word.

[Austrasia]

Baldwin de Guis

The journey to the Kingdom of Varasd from the Duchy of Austrasia was a pleasant, albeit a rather long one. The small Frankish delegation, led by Baldwin of the House of Guis, had stopped frequently along the way to ask for directions, yet had inevitably made its way to the court of King Zvonimir intact and in good spirits.

Baldwin, being the impatient man that he was, made it his primary mission to speak with the King as soon as possible. Accompanied by two of his guards, he approached the gatekeepers of the castle and spoke. He was sure the men did not speak French, but knew not of their Slavic tongue either and did not bother to learn it during their brief sojourn into Croatia.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," he began in French. "My name is Baldwin de Guis. I'm an emissary from the Duchy of Austrasia and I have traveled many miles to speak with your King. Could you please alert the chamberlain that we have arrived?"

[Guest]

Bernard Zrinski:

"I see. Gisela is 20 years old but I honestly have no idea what that girl is looking for in her suitors. Excellent knights, prestigious families and luxurious lords too have tried to woo her, all in vain. But there is no harm in letting the two know each other. To be honest, I was planning to go on a diplomatic mission to the West and-" - the Chancellor was interrupted by a loud horn and let out a relieved sigh.

"The King has returned... And it seems like he had a successful hunt too!"

King Zvonimir:

The gates were opened as soon as the King and his hunting companions have approached. The King seemed cheerful and calm in the same time, as hunting always did good for his thoughts and attitude. The cart behind him carried the carcass of a great brown bear and a beautiful stag too. The people cheered and the King even threw some lesser prey - mainly rabbits and ducks - into the crowd to feed some of the hungry.

The horns were sounded three times in a row, which signaled that the King had a successful hunt. This had no tradition in Varasd as only King Zvonimir had such a habit of doing so. The courtiers and guests of Varasdin Castle were all called to the great and spacious courtyard so they can inspect the caught prey and congratulate the King.


Otto Berger:

Otto knocked rather loudly three times on the door of Börte. This wasn't because he was angry or upset, the man was simply unaware of his own strength sometimes. After he waited for another minute and saw courtiers quickly pass by to go to the courtyard, he knocked again and then decided to go inside.

"My lady. The King return, his hunt are good. It is custom to... eh... " He stopped for a while to search for the word he had on his mind. "Gratulieren." He finally said in German, giving up to find the word.

Daniel looked at the King for a bit, and then spoke to Zrinski.

"Well, my good sir. I am intrigued about what you have to say. Perhaps, you'll tell me later? For now, I must go to your King."

Daniel made his way to the courtyard, and walked to the King. When he could finally get his attention, Daniel introduced himself.

"Good day, sir. Congratulations on your successful hunt! Quite the prize. I am Daniel Mitt, from Sielburg, just north of your Kingdom. I have been sent by my king to discuss a possible trade agreement. Is now a good time to discuss, or I should I come by later?"

[Azaq]

Otto Berger:

Otto knocked rather loudly three times on the door of Börte. This wasn't because he was angry or upset, the man was simply unaware of his own strength sometimes. After he waited for another minute and saw courtiers quickly pass by to go to the courtyard, he knocked again and then decided to go inside.

"My lady. The King return, his hunt are good. It is custom to... eh... " He stopped for a while to search for the word he had on his mind. "Gratulieren." He finally said in German, giving up to find the word.

Börte & Tsetseg

The first knock rudely awoken the sleeping Tsetseg and Börte, who were gently huddled into each others' arms after a night of passion. The two panicked, springing from the bed and getting dressed as quickly as possible. "Um, one moment please!" Tsetseg called out, as she struggled to get dressed. Börte, already finished, rushed over to help her servant-lover as she struggled. Almost as soon as they had finished, Otto entered. The two stood side by side, acting as if nothing had happened, and hoping nothing looked suspicious, as they listened to Otto. Tsetseg translated what he said to Börte, though she didn't understand German, so took liberty in assuming what he was going to say.

"...To greet him?" Tsetseg asked Otto, assuming that is what he meant. "I assume that is what you meant, and if so then we should waste no time."

[Varasd]

Otto

"Yees!" said the big man with a merry and loud tone. "Greet him, yes. Come, I lead." he added, then turned around and marched out of the quarters. He walked fast and gently pushed everyone aside who was in the way. He sometimes said "Weg für Börte von Azaq!" to remind the people that it was Royalty passing through. Soon they arrived in the courtyard where the King's hunters and servants were already packing off the prey.

King Zvonimir

"From Sielburg?" the King asked. "Great place, I've heard. Full of stag and boar, haha! Trade agreement you say?" the King asked, then stopped to give instructions to his hunters and servants about what to do. He accepted gratulations too and then put an arm around the shoulder of Daniel Mitt, while he began walking towards the center of the court yard.

"Trading is never harmful, my friend. I like the idea! And you coming down here all to do this, I must say your intentions must be good and you are respectful!" The King stopped for another while because he stepped on a round shield, surrounded by about a dozen men. He once looked again at Daniel Mitt and said: "We shall discuss this further, make a formal agreement too when there is some good-for-nothing scribe around too!"

Then he was raised up by the men around him on the shield, and spoke loudly:

"My good friends, loyal subjects, and dear guests! Tonight you are all invited to dine with me in the halls of Varazdin castle!"

The crowd cheered and yelled Long live King Zvonimir several times. Even though it sounded good that they would be all invited, Bernard Zrinski was already making the list in his mind of the invited guests.

As the King was lowered again, there was another wave of courtiers, guests and officials to congratulate him on the hunt - and he spoke a few good words with all of them.


Hans the Guard:

Hans looked at Baldwin de Guis without a single hint on his face that he was understanding anything at all. But even though he wasn't able to speak French or any foreign language aside from German and Croatian, he wasn't a fool. He understood that a fancy company would only want one thing to do in Varazdin Castle: to meet the King.

He pointed inwards to and drew a rough map of the Castle to the new guests, explaining them where they can find the King in the castle court yard.

[Austrasia]

Otto
Hans the Guard:

Hans looked at Baldwin de Guis without a single hint on his face that he was understanding anything at all. But even though he wasn't able to speak French or any foreign language aside from German and Croatian, he wasn't a fool. He understood that a fancy company would only want one thing to do in Varazdin Castle: to meet the King.

He pointed inwards to and drew a rough map of the Castle to the new guests, explaining them where they can find the King in the castle court yard.

Baldwin de Guis

Baldwin looked upon the guard with a bit of compassion - he knew the man must have dealt with this sort of thing all the time. Had he any more "unessential" traveling money, he would have tipped the man for his trouble, but alas he had not a single ducat to spare. He merely sighed and muttered the only word he knew in Croatian - "Hvala". "Thank you."

It took a few minutes to navigate the crude map the guardsman had made, but eventually the Franks made it further into the bowels of the castle. Baldwin was quite shocked that no one approached him or his guards to ask for their weapons. Perhaps, these Slavs merely didn't question that five men could do any real harm.

"This place is a maze," an old guard at Baldwin's side muttered.  

"Indeed, but I imagine soon enough we will run into someone who will direct us to the King," Baldwin responded.

Shortly after, the Franks arrived at two very tall double doors that led to a large courtyard. Without a word Baldwin and his men shuffled in and merged with the crowd. No one seemed to pay them any mind, as it seemed the King had just returned from a hunt. Very slowly, Baldwin pushed through to make his way towards the King.

"Your Majesty!" He shouted in French, as he moved closer. "Your Majesty, A moment of your time please..."

[Guest]

Daniel Mitt

Daniel cheered along with the rest of the crowd and smiled. Daniel decided to speak with the King later. For now, he wanted to find Zrinski. After scanning the crowd, Mitt saw Zrinski and approached him.

"Count Bernard! Count Bernard my friend! I just spoke to your King. He seems to be a great man! A fair ruler indeed. Now, about our conversation earlier..."

[Varasd]

King Zvonimir:

The old king was still accepting congratulations and passing jokes but then he met an unknown face. He said something in a language he has never ever heard of, so all he was able to do was to ask "What?", of course, in Croatian. He quickly switched to Greek which he spoke fairly good, altough far from perfect.

"I don't speak your language, stranger. Who are you?"



Bernard Zrinski:

I am more than glad that he and you got along well! He is usually very cheerful after a successful hunt. Yes, yes. I have planned the following: that the caravans marked with the sigil of the Duke of Sielburg or the King of Varasd shall have free and unharmed passing through the others realm. Caravans from Sielburg will be free to sell their wares in the Dalmatian city of Fiume, and Varazdian caravans will be free to sell their wares in an equally important trading city from your realm, that is up for you to decide. Does this sound beneficial for you, or you had another thing in mind?

[Guest]

King Zvonimir:

The old king was still accepting congratulations and passing jokes but then he met an unknown face. He said something in a language he has never ever heard of, so all he was able to do was to ask "What?", of course, in Croatian. He quickly switched to Greek which he spoke fairly good, altough far from perfect.

"I don't speak your language, stranger. Who are you?"



Bernard Zrinski:

I am more than glad that he and you got along well! He is usually very cheerful after a successful hunt. Yes, yes. I have planned the following: that the caravans marked with the sigil of the Duke of Sielburg or the King of Varasd shall have free and unharmed passing through the others realm. Caravans from Sielburg will be free to sell their wares in the Dalmatian city of Fiume, and Varazdian caravans will be free to sell their wares in an equally important trading city from your realm, that is up for you to decide. Does this sound beneficial for you, or you had another thing in mind?  

Daniel Mitt

"That sounds good indeed! Since Fiume is just south of one of our major trading cities, Klagenfurt, your caravans may stop there. I'll make sure that prices are adjusted, and that all Varazdian caravans have safe passage and are not troubled. It is quite beneficial indeed!

But I must ask you, would King Zvonomir be happy introducing his daughter to the King's younger son? I am sure that my King would love to have some sort of alliance with Varasd."

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