Re: The Court at Constantinople

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"It is.. a position that is lusted after unfortunately. A patriarch is often seen as someone who can sway the minds of the people. I've been invited to plenty of feasts, and offered seats closest to the hosts. Grand displays of wealth, but, only few of these men and women who hosted me would bother to donate their leftovers, a dog's pittance, to their local poor. Again, not everyone, many servants, who perhaps wouldn't have eaten well otherwise, can fill themselves, but... I always hope for more kindness."

Lysander pointed to the book he had handed Daniel and tapped it, and spoke:

"Do you pay such honor to your excrements as to receive them into a silver chamber pot when another man made in the image of God is perishing in the cold?"

"John Chrysostom, I told you it's a worthy read. Christ, the Lord, identifies amongst the smallest, poorest people. In this way, I do try to shape politics to benefit those people, the poor, whatever we do for the people, the brothers, we do for Christ.

Even the most benevolent lord or lady is still often disconnected from their fellow man. Such arrant greed and gluttony is often the downfall of men. The inflow of such wealth can lead to greed, but, I also been able to use this for the benefit of the people. But ultimately, I serve Christ, not the politicians, they know this."

[Cantabrio]

A Spanish ship would be spotted in the North of the Adriatic Sea. They slowly sailed into Greek waters, waiting for one of their ships to confront them. The sails bore the pattern of the Cantabrion flag.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

A ship sailed out to meet with the Spaniards, a bureaucrat spoke in a neutral, well-rehearsed Latin. "Hail. The docks and the markets are both open for trade. If your purpose is diplomatic, I'll need your names, the names of the Lords you will be representing, and I'll need to check your hold for weapons."

[Cantabrio]

The captain leaned over the railing of his ship, an elderly man with a sparsely haired head joined him. The captain spoke in Latin, "Greetings! My name is Captain Pablo Rodriguez and I come here with Ambassador Jose Santiago y Garcia." The elderly man, now known as Jose Santiago spoke too in fluent Latin, "King Ricardo Alejandro y Calderon sent us to speak with your highest in power." Jose paused and coughed a couple times. "Or whoever does your diplomacy." The captain at this time ordered his crew to set a wide board so the Greek official could cross and inspect their hold. Inside the hold would be large barrels filled with fresh water. And large crates of bread and slightly rotten meat.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"Alright then, everything seems to be in order. Our men will lead you to the Despot's Palace in St. Theodore's Square."

The man conducting the inspection stepped off onto his ship and instructed the captain to escort the Spanish ship towards the lagoon.

The Greek ship would do so, bringing their guests through the Grand Canal, showing off the Venetian-Byzantine architecture of the city, eventually leading the group into the lagoon entrance of St. Theodore's Square, the sailors helped to tie down the Spanish ships and helped the ambassador step off his ship.

This area of the city seemed to be the main public area, merchants tried their best to sell interesting trinkets from far-off areas of the world, fishermen would sail into port, haggling their best catches of that day to the vendors for them to sell to the public.

The Despot's Palace seemed like a different world from just twenty paces in front of it, the interior was a quiet refuge for the noble lords and ladies, the guards were as still as marble statues, clad in rich colours, the metals of their armour looked as though they were newly forged by Hephaestus himself.

Alexander, Father of the Emperor, Caesar, Former King of the Hellenes, Acting Despot of Illyria, and holder of many fancy titles sat at the throne, slightly raised above the main hall of the palace, he was passionately engaged in conversation with a low ranking nobleman, the noble then bowed deeply at Alexander and walked back out into the square, bowing lighty towards the Spaniards as he left.

The bureaucrat that had inspected the Cantabrion ship walked over towards a servant that was holding various documents and handed him his notes on the Cantabrion embassy, and a description of the flag they flew. The servant nodded, looked at his papers and spoke aloud:

"Introducing, Jose Santiago y Garcia, representing His Majesty, King Ricardo Alejandro y Calderon of Cantabrio."

Many nobles looked on, loving the aspects of court, or loving just to be seen in court. The servant spoke to the Spaniards in a softer voice: "You may approach His Majesty, Despótēs Alexander."

[Cantabrio]

Jose Santiago y Garcia approached the Greek king. The elder bowed deeply, his grey robe bunched at his feet. Jose really didn’t know if the King were to speak first or if he should, so he patiently waited in his bowing position. His back started to ache, many years of writing hunched over a desk had taken a toll on the man. Senor Santiago was a thin man, maybe even considered frail.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Alexander was getting all of his matters taken care of before departing to Constantinople, and so he wished to hurry things along.

"You may rise, ambassador."

"You're not as spry as the ambassadors and diplomats I usually meet, Ambassador. I don't mean to disrespect or offend, I am saying that you must be quite good at your job to retain your post at your age."

"Now, you've come here for a reason beyond pleasantries, I'm sure, for what reason has His Majesty, King Ricardo graced this court with such a gentleman as yourself?"

[Cantabrio]

Jose Santiago stood back up. It took a little effort to straighten out his back, he wondered if he should have brought a staff to help support himself. Jose smiled, the greek ruler was very nice to all below him in rank. The Spaniard cleared his throat before replying, ”King Ricardo offers free trade between Cantabrio and your nation. In addition his majesty wishes to become allies with you.”

[Cybelos [ERE]]

"Free trade? I'm not sure I understand what you mean by that, perhaps there is an error in translation?"*

Alexander signalled to his servant, and the servant got the information ready  from the next lord wishing to meet with the King.

"An alliance, I do know however. You're looking for an alliance with just Illyria? Not the whole of the Empire? Might I ask you why?"

*:

[Bellumore]

A letter arrived in Constantinople by an unmarked galley, brought by a man who spoke Latin and some Greek but would say nothing more than that it must be read by the Emperor and no one else. The letter itself was but a small bit of parchment, and the man who delivered it stated he would leave the letter in their hands and sail away.

The letter said...

Spoiler:

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