Re: The Court at Constantinople

[Tolassot]

The Emir of the Coastal Settlements was sent to Athens in order to promote good will. "Your Majesty, if you would be so kind, the King of Tolassot sent me here to improve our relations and to perhaps open up a partnership."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Athens

Oh? Do tell me, Emir.

Rome is your neighbour, an openly Saracen government is bound to make them nervous.
Moslems and Orthodox Christians working in partnership even more so.

Tell me the details of this 'partnership' and why I should pursue it.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"While my lord was.. vague in his orders" began the hesitant diplomat, "I do believe he wishes to pursue a trade agreement between our two lands, although there is a fair distance between our two lands. If I burden thee not, then I request to stay here in your fair city to pursue any agreements that offer any benefits to you. If you have none to recommend, then I will leave your lands at first notice and be on my way to Athens itself."

Venetía

"Of course, it is no bother at all. You are a guest, it is tradition to see that you are treated well while in Greek lands."

"You are welcome to pursue agreements with the Venetían lands, but, as my advisor so aptly said, any agreements with the Kingdom as a whole will be sent off to Athens to be processed. A messenger's trip here and back should only take one month's time. A residence is available for you in the San Polo neighborhood, the servants will show you the way.

[Orberstine]

"While my lord was.. vague in his orders" began the hesitant diplomat, "I do believe he wishes to pursue a trade agreement between our two lands, although there is a fair distance between our two lands. If I burden thee not, then I request to stay here in your fair city to pursue any agreements that offer any benefits to you. If you have none to recommend, then I will leave your lands at first notice and be on my way to Athens itself."

Venetía

"Of course, it is no bother at all. You are a guest, it is tradition to see that you are treated well while in Greek lands."

"You are welcome to pursue agreements with the Venetían lands, but, as my advisor so aptly said, any agreements with the Kingdom as a whole will be sent off to Athens to be processed. A messenger's trip here and back should only take one month's time. A residence is available for you in the San Polo neighborhood, the servants will show you the way.

"We thank you, Lord, for you gracious hospitality"
The diplomat bowed and followed the servants to the San Polo neighbourhood. There he spent the remaining time issuing letters to the Prince-Bishop before beginning his journey to Athens.

[Tolassot]

Athens

Oh? Do tell me, Emir.

Rome is your neighbour, an openly Saracen government is bound to make them nervous.
Moslems and Orthodox Christians working in partnership even more so.

Tell me the details of this 'partnership' and why I should pursue it.

The Emir smiled, obviously uneasy. "Well, this partnership will provide to your great Kingdom safe passage in the western seas. We have lands on the coastlines as well as on the island of Corsica. Rome is our neighbor, yes, and we understand that this may be a bit... odd, for infidels to help one another, but the Prince-Elect feels it is the best way for our world to move forward. He is just a boy after all, raised during a time when his father was at bed and had little influence and as such he took guidance from the people around him. The island of Corsica is, although you may not believe it, a kind of safe haven for people of all faiths, as our Prince-Elect would see be done. We have made much stride in religious plurality, your Lordship." He had no gifts, just a message and a plea.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Athens

"You offer safe passage?
I do hope your Prince feels this way, the letter I received from my diplomat would have me believe otherwise.

One chance is all I offer your prince.
If any undue harm comes to any Greek in Tolassot or if any wealth is illegally seized from a Greek...

Well, injustice demands justice, you know this.

I trust you have lands to govern, Emir. If there was nothing else?"

[Grand Auvergne]

A ship entered the water of Constantinople's port. It would have been unoticeable between the many boats and trireme of similar nature that come and go everyday, but the flag it beared was quite uncommon, for this pattern of gold, red and green was yet unseen in any sea. But not the second seal that could be seen on the bridge : one of a virgin Mary before a castle, giving the origin of the vessel : Montpelier.

The other, strange and unknown heraldry's signifaction was soon revealed by rumours and an official letter sent to the lord of the city : The Emissary of Berenger I, Duke of Auvergne, the Count Mathieu Lepuy, as come to discuss economy and trades between the empire and their Realm.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

The ship of the Count was escorted into the Harbour of Theodosius by a guardman's ship, the diplomat's ship was tied up, and a man approached the Count, he had short brown hair, a full, distinguished beard, brown with some silver hairs mixed in, big, grey eyes, and a bright, mirthful smile which he greeted the Count with.

"Count Mathieu Lepuy, I presume?" The man bowed deeply and continued: "I am Petros Tilapos, Logothete of the Course for his Majesty, John I Philanthropenos, Emperor of the Romans. I received your letter a time ago, we have been expecting you, I've arranged your lodging already, in the Palace of Daphne, if you'll follow me, I'll have my servants attend to your belongings.

Petros opened the door to the carriage for Mathieu to get in.

Petros would have the driver lead them on a well planned path, down the Mese, past the Church of the Forty Martyrs, past the Forum of the Ox, past the Philadelphion, past the Forum of Theodosius, past the Anemodoulion, past the Forum of Constantine, from there the jewels of the city could be seen in all their wondrous splendor, the monolithic Hippodrome, the Baths of Zeuxippus, the imposing domed church, the Hagia Sophia, and its accompanying Patriarchate building. Eventually the group stopped at one entrance to the Great Palace, this entrance was called the Palace of Daphne, namesake of the mythological nymph.

Petros led the diplomat inside, a group of acrobats performed for seemingly no real occasion, bards played along to to the enticing display, a great banquet of food lay out on many, sprawling tables, the local lords who sat in on the feast knew not the reason for the feast, but were more than willing to think it was for themselves. But, in fact, every aspect was practiced, and set up by the Logothete, Petros. The trip through the richest areas of the already wealthy city, the feast, the bards, acrobats, bright colors, and impressive sounds. Made to seem as though wealth was endless and inconsequential to the Empire.

The Logothete lead the diplomat to a quiet, vacant room down the hall from the festivities and once both parties were inside he shut the door.

"I have read your letter, my Lord. These must be exciting times for His Majesty, the Duke Berenger. A well and prosperous port for himself I'm to believe, I suppose we will soon be referring to His Majesty as 'King of the Franks', yes?

[Grand Auvergne]

Mathieu observed Constantinople from the carriage. He was warned to not fall for the beauty of Constantinople and to keep his mind on his duty. But still, he couldn't help but to be impressed by what he saw. He knew very well that no part of this little "trip" has been left to hasard, but still. He couldn't think of any road in Auvergne that could offer such a view. But he must not let himself loose control over his thoughts, for so much depended on him.

Once again, he quite liked this Palace of Daphne and appreciated the attention to details. He followed the Logothete through the corridors and the halls, trying to not be distracted by the music and by the feast. While his last meal on the boat hasn't been meagre by any mean, the scents of food still gave to Mathieu thoughts he tried to shut.

So he was thankfull of the Logothete to lead him in a isolated room, where it wouldn't be so hard to keep its mind clear. He tried its best to keep his face and gesture as unphased as possible and think he did a somewhat decent job at it, but now he could start the real work. He expressed himself in a greek that was, once the accent taken out of the equation, quite good.

"My Master, Berenger, indeed aim for such title, even if it is only to stop all the petty squabbles that destroyed the old kingdom of Clovis and Charlemagne.

As for the port, you do well to mention it for it is why I am here. But first I must say, my Master did not sent me with just words. There is, in my baggages, gifts from my Master to His Majesty the Emperor. While it won't appear to be much for the lord of such a rich and beautiful Realm, it is an...collection of what in his Realm my Master judged would be worthy of His Majesty the Emperor.  He shall find there some of the finest wines the west can offer, drapes form the Flanders, Salts, wools...all humbly offer by my Master and in the hope it can show our determination to keep with His Majesty the Emperor good relations and even, if God permits it, friendship.

You see, my Master is a man with...a vision. He saw the broken lands of the West, the brothers against the brothers, the chaos twirling and destroying everything it touch. And he took upon himself to stop it. This is why, as I said, the recent addition of Septimania in his Realm was so important to him, for now trades with the rest of the world is possible. And all know that trades are the backbone of all periods of peace.

But buisness and order depends on each other. Without good protection, there can be no trade and if there is no trade, one can not sustain the effort to protect more than himself. And this lead us to the problem at hands and why my Master has sent me here, to you and your Lord the Emperor. You certainly know well that the Mediterranean see is plagued by pirats and raiders, from Africa, from the Islands...from everywhere there is anarchy. My Master seek trades to be once again fully possible, without the threats of such bandits.

We do not request for His Majesty the Emperor, to help us in this task. But we know the Greeks are some, if not the, greatest sailors on the seas. We also know that the Fleets of His Majesty are the most powerful and well trained there is. This is why, My Master, the Duke of Auvergne, humbly ask the Emperor to agree to send a few veteran captains and marine officer, so they can train and form our own forces to the complex art of maritime warfare.

We know such assitance is not free, and this is why I am here, to discuss of an agreement that can satisfy all parties and, if His Majesty the Emperor desire so, for me to stay and serve as a liaison between him and My Master."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Petros drank in the flattery for a moment before responding.

"Brothers against brothers you said, I know that story too well. The schism between the churches didn't ease my responsibilities one bit. Luckily the common citizen of Europe doesn't know, or doesn't know the details fully."

The diplomat rubbed his chin through his dark beard and stood, walking over to a nearby table, he opened a bottle of wine, Petros poured two glasses, and put one on the table near Mathieu, Petros took his glass and sat back down, he then spoke again:

"It's a Peloponnesian wine, nothing compared to to a wine from Auvergne, I'm sure, I hope you enjoy it nonetheless." Petros took a healthy sip from his glass. " Hmm, we may be able to help you train your marines, I believe a equitable tariff reduction on imports from the Empire and Auvergnat exports to the Empire would be fair. I am worried, however, of the sailors disposition while living in a foreign land, could you tell me where the sailors would be staying? Obviously being granted a holding, and us sending an Admiral along to govern over them would be ideal. In return I will ask the Megas Doux to refer to me a list of captains and officers to be sent to Septimania."

"Your thoughts, Your Lordship?"

[Grand Auvergne]

Mathieu let Petros drink first, and then took a sip of the glass, respecting the old lesson that all diplomats are taught : never drink before your host.

"My thoughts are that we perfectly understand each other." He responded to the interrogation of the Logothete. "We are willing to reduce the taxes on all greek merchants, it is a concession we are ready to make if it is, as you said, equitable.

As for the stay of the sailors, we have thought of creating houses and a little "greek district" if you will , not far from the port, in a little village known as Perols and we will make sure that your men can find no source of complains about their stay.

For the pay, we already thought about it and have arranged somes estates to be ready to see a part of their annual production go to your men. It would be a pay in cereals, peas, beans, wines, fresh meat, silver and gold. Everything a man need to live a good life.

While you speek of the Schism...My Master don't hold a grudge against greek rites and see no problem with a priest of your choice coming to make sure the spirituality of your men is in good care. He is ready to build or transform an existing building into a chapel adapted to the greek rites, but with some conditions. You see, France as a whole has been kept aways from such religious problem and we are not sure most of the population know that there is more than one way to be Christian. My Master don't want to see...problems arise because of an history of faith. So a bit of discretion would be necessary. Not many things, but the chapel will have to show no external sign of its true nature, nor can your priest be caught for proselytism. But beyond that, my Master see no reason to be hostile for such...details, if you pardon me."

"I hope you are reassured ?"

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"Very much so, my lord. All of that sounds fair to me. We will get this written up officially later this day."

"Now, you are welcome to stay here as the official diplomat for Auvergne if your lord wishes it. Though, if I recall, you did say that you are a Count, my lord? I shall not keep you away from your county if you need to return home."

The list of sailors being sent::

[Grand Auvergne]

"I am very happy that you can see the benefits for the both of our Realms.

And indeed, I do possess some lands my Master granted me. But I am not afraid for them : my first son is already a man now and I took care to make him my viscount before coming. So, I can perfectly be my Master's ambassador to His Majesty the Emperor if he so wish to keep me in his city."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"Very good, we are happy to host you as our guest, my lord."

"I can think of just the man to lead the sailors, Constans Semnos, Admiral of the Macedonian Fleet. I shall write to him, and tell him his assignment. Give him some time to gather some men, and transfer command to his Vice Admiral, and they shall sail for Auvergne!"

"Now then, the servants must be done with your quarters by now, my lord. Please, follow me if you would, I shall lead you to them..."

[House of Judah]

The night was dark and wet. The winds blew the rains almost horizontal. It would be little surprise that any who would be about would do so with cloak drawn, much as the man who approached church did.

Upon arriving at the door he raised the large door knocker and let it fall. He did so again until the door opened.

"My thanks. Please allow me entrance. I have an important message for Patriarch Lysander from Caesarea."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"Uh.. Yes, right away, I believe he is still awake." The sexton made haste towards the back of the church.

Once the doors closed only the dampened sounds of the storm, and the small crackling of candle's fire could be heard..
The faces of Christ and the Apostles, painted upon the ceiling of the dome, looked down towards the occupants of the church, and on a night like this, it felt as though the icons were staring past your eyes and into your soul.

The same door the sexton disappeared into earlier reopened, he, the Patriarch, and his guard, clad in lamellar armour walked back through the church, and towards the front.

Lysander wore dark crimson vestments, his long black beard extended down towards his chest, the Patriarch still looked strong, but the greying of his beard gave his age away.

Lysander spoke to the man: "I heard that you have asked for me personally? I wasn't expected to receive any guests. Normally messages can be relayed to me. I am sure Brother Ioannidis could have done so. But, I'm rambling, I am here, I hope the news of Caesarea isn't grave. Please speak, brother.

[House of Judah]

"The news from Caesarea is not so very grave," began the robed man, "but is of a private nature. As trusted as your guards are, I'm unsure that my patron would wish them present when I speak with you." There was a certain familiarity to voice of the man. "I assure you and your guard that I am quite the harmless old man. Indeed, I only seek to aid. If we may please dispense with them?"

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Lysander sat at a bench meant for those who were unable to stand for the churches services, he welcomed his guest to sit next to him.

"Pavlos, you may retire for the evening, Alexander, I hate to ask, could you please step outside?"

"Of course, Your Holiness." The guard went for the wooden double doors, and the sexton fidgeted around him.

"Your Holiness, perhaps.." The Sexton spoke up.

"That will be all for this evening, thank you for informing me of our guest's arrival" The Patriarch interrupted.

"I.. Yes, Your Holiness." The sexton said, defeatedly. "Good night, Sirs."

When the door shut fully the Patriarch spoke again: "Caesarea.. that is quite some distance, to what do I owe the pleasure of welcoming a guest who has travelled so far?"

[House of Judah]

"I had hoped that the clue of Caesarea would give tell to my identity, though I suppose I'm too clever for my own good." The robed priest pulled back the hood of his cowl. "It has been some years since I've heard any other called Your Holiness, brother," said Daniel... no, Basilius... no, Daniel. "When I was elevated, I had hoped to heal the tear in Christendom. Sadly, I fear I have not done enough. I make one last desperate bid to salvage the Communion of Christians in the garb we once wore as lesser men. Can we sit this night, brother, and speak as wisened men once more?

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"I wasn't expecting secrecy from the man in the seat of Saint Peter. You have no need to hide here, this isn't Rome, you won't be thrown in the dungeons for coming here and voicing your opinion to me.

Guests have rights in the lands of the Hellenes, it is known as xenia, a concept as old as the Pelasgians, rights that every Hellene follows. You are safe, none here besides myself and scant few priests know your face at all..

No matter, It is my wish to heal the division between the churches as well.
Though, a number of my colleagues, in private talks, urged me against pursuing it, saying that it will only increase general knowledge of the schism and that it would only highlight the differences between the churches, creating strife, and perhaps, the loss of lives in unnecessary wars between brother Christians.

If you have any ideas, I am willing to hear them. Come, I will bring poor Alexander out of the cold and tell him to retire for the night, then we shall speak in the library, should be a much more relaxed atmosphere for such discussion.

[House of Judah]

"Me ears were not shut on the road from Rome to Athens. There are Latin and Greek Christians who speak of the 'Jew-Blooded Pope', and not often with fondness." The Pope sighed. He had aged more than his years since he had taken head of the Church in Rome. "I did not come here to fight. I came to reconcile our churches. Ex-communion has left ash in my mouth in place of the body and blood of Christ. I wish it ended. There is but one communion of all Christians. There are differences among us and yet we remain Christians all the same. This must be what is preached, not that we are the heirs of Rome and therefore right. The Greek Patriarch will be in full communion with the Roman. All Christendom will look upon us and see no strife. The Greek church will remain fully independent within the greater garden of the Catholic Church."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"I hope this is right of independence would be given to all churches that follow the eastern rites, not just Greeks.

What of the successors of your seat as Bishop of Rome? Will you and these successors still have supremacy over the other western bishops?

We are independent, but they are not? I do not see that as just.
It is my wish that all Popes retain primacy but not supremacy.
Primus inter pares, much the same way as the office of Ecumenical Patriarch conducts itself.
You said yourself that just because you hold the seat of Rome does not therefore make you right."

Lysander stood from his chair at walked to a shelf and retrieved some texts, St. John Chrysostom's Homilies on the Epistle to the Colossians. Lysander looked at the pages, quickly thumbing through the texts, before closing the pages.

"As primate, the job of the office should be solve contentious matters and to care for the numbers of Christendom, not the so-called divine authority to be able to jail brother Christians who have not committed a crime."

Lysander picked up the books and sat down once again.

"I must divulge, I am sorry to say that the mess with Bishop Philo and myself being excommunicated, jailed, and retrieved from our prison had weakened the mans constitution, he has recovered some, but, he has had to retire to a more quiet monastic life."

Lysander handed the books to Daniel

"I know Greek texts are difficult to come across in the west, perhaps not so difficult for the Pope, but... this is my favorite of John Chrysostom's writings, I am interested to hear your thoughts on them later, brother, and your thoughts on what I have said."

[House of Judah]

"You have seen how much power the Popes have truly held. How tightly have any of our number held rule over Christendom? We are dependent on our bishops, just as you are on yours, to tend the spirit and souls of our flock. Mine follow the Latin Rite. Yours the Greek. There are Syriac and Coptic Rites. In truth, at times I wonder had I not been elevated would there today be a Judean Rite. We will render unto Caesar, brother. Those who follow other rites will follow their rites, regardless of what edicts a man in Rome might try to make. I can't promise that future Pope's won't forget that fact, but could you make a similar promise of your successors?

"In my view, there has always been one church. A catholic church. It has many wings, many shrines, but it is one. There are those who are chosen to be placed higher than others, but they are chosen to guide and not command. I should hope that answers your questions.

"I had tried to get Leo to order yours and Philo's release. By the time I had arrived at Rome to plead with him, he was dead and you had already made your escape. I'm glad to know Philo has his health, if weakened. Between you, me and your library, I sometimes long for the greater simplicity of the monastic life."

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"As do I, perhaps in some years I can settle down at Saint Catherine's monastery at Mt. Sinai, must be a austere life there, but a peaceful one.

I am glab to hear of your altruistic approach towards the imprisonment business, Philo is living at the monastery of the Blachernae church in Constantinople, if you ever feel up for the journey, or if you wish to write to him.

Now, I suppose if we were to retain independence the excommunication can be overturned, through, I believe a papal bull must be put in place to promise the independence of all Eastern rites, and to help prevent future schisms being initiated impetuously.

It would be devastating to have two schisms over the same issue."

[House of Judah]

"Very true. It is to be hoped that our successors learn from past mistakes as we have. I'll work on the language tomorrow. I'll have to be careful with it, of course. Being the Pope is as much about temporal politics as spiritual guidance." Daniel practically spat the word 'politics'. "I suppose it becomes unavoidable eventually. Do you spend many nights thinking on the politics of what you do?"

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