The YoungWorld

scrivneria · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:43 pm Post subject:

Trelane snorts audibly at the mention of the Knights, and receives a short rap on his knuckles from Brunheimer.

Matthias tracks most of the conversation, but continually notices the eyes of Lady Esme on him, and finds his own gaze pulled into a lock with her eyes nearly as if his field of view is a satellite being pulled into the orbit of a larger celestial body.

After Ambassador Hurde finishes speaking he stands and replies to the Assembly "For a couple of your points at least, I believe we can divide our talks to faster reach mutual satisfaction. I would propose that our Arts and Trade discussions take place between our Ambassadors Hurde and MacGregor. They and their staff attendants will the more quickly be able to arbitrate an agreement for the larger bodies of us to reflect upon.

Regarding the issue of magic, I would like for our Chief Wizard to say a few words.

As for the proposal regarding the Knighthood. As I Have been appointed to speak with the Voice of Scrivneria today, so I will tell you the following. Scrivneria does not condone actions of tryanny. The last oppressive legacy of our nation was abolished when my father absored the Grand Duchy of Kaiser Matthias into the greater Scrivnerian nation as a celebration of my birth. Since that time, all citizens of Scrivneria have been equal. We are further unaware of any unfair balance of power in The YoungWorld at large. While a great many citizen nations are Knights, most are largely inactive in global politics, and the current leadership of The YoungWorld's inter-governmental body is the Assassin nation of Darkest Souls. As my father has recently withdrawn his name for consideration from the next election - We believe that this act alone can serve to signify our intentions to avoid any Knighthood policy that may be viewed as oppressive.
Since it is inapporpriate for Scrivneria, or any nation to dictate to another how they should be governed, We do not have any intention of enacting any policies to the Knights as a group that will in any way tell the membership how they may govern their nations. Much in the same way We do not require Darkest Souls to police the activities of all nations within the Assassins guild. That said, any attempts to disrupt a peaceable and enjoyable balance of power, from nations belonging to either the Knights of Light, or the Assassins guild shall be chastised and punished with extreme prejudice as the protection of the peace is our primary intent and purpose.
If you seek any further redress on the issue, a separate negotiation with the Kaiser and Council of Five will be arranged."

Matthias nods to the Head Wizard who stands. His voice sounds as though it is coming from miles away, and yet fills the room, like a whisper that cannot be missed. "The Wizards of Scrivneria have long wished to incorporate the theory of Magitech equipment into reality. That said, we have for many decades found that anything more than a simple cantrip can cause technological equipment of the modern era - such as computers or other sensitive equipment to behave erratically or fail entirely in their operation. If the Commonwealth Science Foundation is able to avoid this outcome, we would be most interested in collaboration with the caveat that we will not tolerate any attempts to research technology that nullifies magic as such technology would threaten the safety of Scrivneria, and we cannot condone the combination of magic and technology to create hybrid weapons. Any devices that would make the lives of world citizens more bright and light, we will happily support."

The Wizard sits, and Matthias again rises, once more finding his words directed specifically to the Lady opposite him. "If you find these terms to be acceptable, I'm happy to proceed. If there is more negotiating needing done on the issue of Guild memberships, i suggest a lunch recess during which the Kaiser will meet with the Council before further negotiations later this afternoon."

Once again Matthias gives a slight bow in the direction of Esme, this time without the flourish of light, but maintaining eye contact for the duration.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:26 pm Post subject:

Esme smiled as the Prince gave his bow. She wasn't sure if she should stand or bow back, and she noticed her cheeks blush. In the end she remained seated and smiling. She had never had this feeling before, and she could sense that he was watching her, even when she wasn't looking in his direction. Really she should have been concentrating on the proceedings, but... her thoughts ran away with ideas.

"Very well," the Ambassador said after a moment of consulting with Captain Sanders and the other members of the Commonwealth Council around the table. "In the past the Guild of Knights has been an oppressive regime, using force against any who would speak against them. It took an alliance of nations to lead a rebellion against that tyranny. The ancestors of your nation fought in the wars that engulfed our planet, as did ours. The YoungWorld has changed a lot since then, and with the global decline the nations of The YoungWorld should be looking to working together as we are here today. We will accept your assurances that the Knights Guild has changed from those old days of oppressive global domination, and we will accept your conditions regarding the use of Majik so that we can work together to build a brighter future. We will look to the exchange programs and scientific collaboration as a joint venture with Scrivneria as we strive towards a larger goal. Be assured however, that the movements of the Knights will continue to be watched closely."

Still stood behind the delegation, Amy could sense the mood in the room. There was a tension as they waited for the Scrivneri to respond, but the Commonwealth's people appeared optimistic. She meanwhile was pondering over the words of the Prince. It was true that power in the YoungWorld was more balanced now than it had ever been, even leaning slightly against the Knights at the present time. It was unlike the Knights Guild to sit still though, but there had been no movement of any kind for a considerable length of time. There was of course still a great deal of corruption in the YoungWorld, oppressive regimes and poverty, but these were almost entirely limited to the ungoverned areas of the planet. Could it be that the new heads of the Guild of Knights had changed the entire basis upon which the Knighthood was formed? or is it a trick?

Amy caught the gaze of Sebastian and followed it to where Esme was sat. She could not see immediately what had him concerned, but the youngster looked almost uncomfortable, as though she did not know where to look. She also appeared to be blushing slightly, and often looked in the direction of the Prince sat opposite... Amy suddenly felt very old as the realisation struck her. She made a mental note to caution Esme as soon as they were in private.
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scrivneria · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 10:11 pm Post subject:

Kyle jabbed Matthias in the ribs as he sat down. It was a subtle motion, unobservable above the table, and gentle enough not to do more than make the Prince aware of his displeasure. Kyle had not been pleased to see his warning slipping away as the Prince's interest in the Lady Rigolo continued to grow, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. A situation that could be potentially disastrous with the Commonwealth officials seeking to steer Scrivneria's allegiance so overtly as that final request.

Matthias rises after Hurde finishes speaking. Managing to tear his eyes away from the Lady Rigolo he says "It would seem that we can relay the details to smaller committees to create the final document for the Kaiser and Great-Leader-To-Be to sign, perhaps late this evening." He says the second, improvised title with a slight smile toward Esme. "In the meantime, may I suggest an informal lunch, and offer to you all the palace's telecommunications facilities. I believe I remember hearing yesterday that there is a substantive announcement you all wish to make?"

Matthias reaches for his belt to draw a sword in formal salute to the other party, only to realize that because this was a friendly negotiation he entered the room unarmed. The Scrivnerian delegation notices the slip and unilaterally began to boisterously laugh. Matthias for the first time blushes slightly, then begins to laugh himself. After the laughter dies down, he recovers, claps a fist over his heart and gives a final slight bow to Esme directly before leading the way out of the room.

Staff begin to file in to reset the conference room, and a couple of palace pages follow to answer questions and provide guidance through the grounds for the Commonwealth guests.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:44 am Post subject:

"They took that well." Sebastian said when the delegation had made their way back to the rooms they had been designated. The response from the Scrivneri had been fairly positive, and both sides had agreed on almost every point raised. There would be a period of planning and organisation, but expectations of future colaborations and trade agreements seemed quite probable. Sebastian wondered if the result would have been the same if the Kaiser had been in the room.

With the morning's negotiations complete, the members of the delegation had a few hours to rest until their flight home was scheduled to depart. Lunch was to be served in about half an hour, and most of the delegation returned to their own rooms after a short debriefing. A more in depth analysis of the visit would be carried out once they were airborne. Amy walked Esme back to her room, and lingered a moment in the doorway. It was normal to wait for permission from a Great Leader before entering, and she had to remind herself that Esme was not yet the Great Leader. Sitting on the bed, Esme caught Amy's eye.

"Is there a problem?" Esme asked.

"Well, no. Not as such. It's just that... well, you see... Prince Matthias is..." Amy frowned at her inability to speak, she had never been less confident since her childhood. "During the negotiation, you were looking at Prince Matthias in... in... well, to put it bluntly, it looked like you were flirting with him." Amy had never had children of her own, and though she had played sitter for Elizebeth Rigolo's children when they were young, she had not had practice dealing with these sorts of issues. It was not something she was comfortable talking about either. People in her line of work didn't have relationships, it just wasn't done.

"Oh. Is flirting with men bad?"

"No, no. I mean, men in general, no. The Prince however, yes, very much so. We cannot trust him, or any of these Scrivneri... well not yet anyway. They're up to something here, I just don't know what it is."

"But they have been so nice to us all? Matthias is very nice." Esme looked confused.

"I dare say he is, but..." Amy started,

"And they have agreed to everything we requested."

Amy realised that this was not an argument she was going to win without backup, and none seemed forthcoming at that moment. Words had failed her miserably. However, she was saved by the door opening, and Ria appeared. Defeated, Amy took the oportunity to leave. Still, she would have to keep a close eye on the situation. She sincerely hoped that no one on the Scrivneri side had noticed, especially not the Prince. The Goddess forbid that he should ever find out. Fortunately the Prince would never entertain such thoughts for Esme, never in a million years. Unless... Amy pushed the thought from her mind, such ideas did not bare thinking about.
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scrivneria · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:41 pm Post subject:

On reaching the Prince's quarters Kyle begins to rail a bit. "Alright, what did I tell you about romantic involvements with the Lady! I told you that she is far too young for you and the situation is volatile. Not only that, but you spoke quite candidly about affairs for the Knights of Light to one of the most active nations in the Assassins alliance! What in blazes were you thinking?!"

Matthias, maintaining a calm demeanor but flushing slightly at the end of Kyle's outburst replies "I was thinking that the lady is quite lovely after all, and according to the lifespan of her people is roughly equivalent to my age, all things considered. Also, her humor is just bawdy enough to be fun without being crass, and her eyes continue to draw my attention despite pointed efforts to look elsewhere. As for the Knights of Light - isn't it about time that the YoungWorld stop fighting amongst itself? Most of the Knighthood nations barely bother to run their governments or appear before the TYW Senate. What purpose have we to antagonize the more active Assassins on the brink of such an auspicious alliance?" At this last Matthias perks an eyebrow.

"Oh very well." Kyle responds. "You were well within your rights, and didn't exactly promise anything of import away. Well spoken. Regarding the Lady, if her interest runs to you as well, it is in the best interest of both nations that we keep this out of the media for awhile. Agreed?"

"Agreed." The two shake hands and follow a staff person to the informal lunch that has been prepared.

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Matthias XVII looks over the transcripts of the meeting in his private pocket-dimension located office. "This seems very promising. My son is doing well in public, and his solution to the Knights/Assassins issue shows some quick thinking." Looking to the council who have gathered in the assorted armchairs, he poses a question. "Do We have any concerns?"

Brunheimer speaks up "Only two my lord. First, that there are certain factions in the Commonwealth that are, *cough* rather negatively disposed toward us and the traditional Scrivnerian faiths in our founding deities. To be blunt, i worry about the followers of Johanna taking reprisals against either the Commonwealth or Scrivneri people as a result of our talks.
Also, your son seems to have altogether too much of an interest in the young Lady. Ravel is speaking to him on the matter, but I worry that being young himself, Ravel will let the boy go with his heart."

Matthias laughs softly. "The followers of Johanna will likely be roused to some action simply from the visit to Our nation, if indeed they are going to be incensed and take action at all. As for any budding romance, so long as we can keep things out of the media until such time as formalities become an issue - I see no problem with it so long as my son displays no tendencies to discuss private matters of governance in bed." This last is said with a wry twist of the Kaiser's mouth.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:35 am Post subject:

Everything had been such a rush these last few days, but at that moment there was nothing to do but wait for lunch to be served. Esme found herself alone for the first time since her arrival in Aeternia, and sat on her bed she thought about the events of the last few days. Of course she wasn't completely alone. She could hear the two guards outside the door chatting away as they often did. News updates had arrived from home, including the latest sports results, which never failed to create some animated conversation. Through the door, Esme had found out that George, the guard on the left of the door, was an avid Harriers fan. Stape Harriers were Esme's favourite team as well, but apparently they had lost their last match. She couldn't quite make out who it was they had lost to.

Other than that Esme was alone, and she was quite glad of the peace at last. She knew this trip was important, and she believed it had gone well so far, but it was nice to be able to rest, even for a few moments. She didn't care for being chaperoned everywhere she went either. It meant that she could not talk freely with other people, or enjoy the other person’s company properly, for she was always on edge, being careful of every word and every gesture she made. In particular, she was thinking of the Prince. Esme doubted that they would ever be able to spend even a moment together without half a dozen others hanging around to make sure they did not do anything improper. Matthias was as heavily guarded as she was, if not more so.

The only person Esme could ever spend any time alone with was Ria, her maid. She loved Ria dearly, and the time they spent together was always enjoyable, especially the night when Ria stayed over. But still, doing those things with Ria was not the same as being with a man. The current state of things would not remain for long though. Shortly after returning to the Commonwealth, Esme would be elevated to Great Leader, and then she could spend time with whom ever she liked without anyone else bothering her. She wondered if her cousin Annabelle had these same problems. Esme and Annabelle were the only direct decedents of the Rigolo bloodline. There were other, more distant relations from other parts of the family attached through marriage, but that was all. Annabelle Prior was three years older than Esme, the daughter of Marcus Rigolo, but Esme had only met her a few times at some national event or other. The last time they had met the two girls had promised to get to know each other better, but nothing much had come of it since.

Esme was pulled from her thoughts as Ria entered carrying a long white dress which had pink and gold ribbons sewn into the seams and around the middle. Ria placed it on the bed and beckoned Esme to stand up.

“Come, lunch will be ready soon.” Ria said with a smile. “Then we can all go home.” Esme stood from the bed and followed her maid to the mirror. It wasn’t often that Esme wore a different dress to lunch than the one she had worn to breakfast, but Ria had insisted that the exertion of the morning meeting had creased the dress terribly. Esme was sure it was an exaggeration, but Ria took pride in the fine presentation of her mistress to extremes on occasion. Their close friendship did not detract from her work either. However, when the first dress had been removed, Esme felt fingers running through her hair, and then rubbing gently across her neck. She turned and slipped between the maid’s arms to be held closer. After a moment though, Esme broke the kiss and stepped back, asking for the dress to be put on.

Time was running short and Esme could not be late for lunch. For her part though, Esme had been thinking of Matthias again, and was even slightly embarrassed by the thoughts that had suddenly found their way into her head. It wasn’t as if she wanted to do anything wrong or inappropriate, but she thought it best to put a leash on her imagination before it ran wild. The new dress was draped over Esme’s head as she held up her arms, and Ria started tying the back. This dress was of a different style to the previous one, with several rows of lace ties at the back which pulled the dress in very tight around her upper body. She didn’t like the way dresses of this style crushed her stomach as much as possible and pushed everything else upwards, but Ria said that they suited her, and they certainly did make her look thinner, which had to be a bonus. Not that there was much thinning needed on Esme’s delicate body, but the fact that it was trying was of some comfort. She decided that she didn’t mind things that failed to succeed, so long as they made the effort to try.
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scrivneria · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:16 am Post subject:

The Scrivnerian media was completely abuzz with activity in the main press room of the new castle. News of a budding detente between Scrivneria and the Commonwealth, two world powers that had previously barely acknowledged one another outside global meetings had a number of reporters looking for a way to put their edge out front. Thanks to some savvy planning from Ravel; however, it was the radio service from the Commonwealth that took prime bidding over the event of the hour. None of the newspersons really know what it was, but they knew that they wanted to be a part of the action.

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Shortly after mid-day, S.I.M. Matthias XVII, the emperor of Scrivneria enters the room and strides to the assorted microphones at the address podium. "Good people of Scrivneria and the Commonwealth. It is with great pleasure that I stand here today to announce a formal friendliess between our great nations and peoples. While for various reasons of politic we were unable to reach a full alliance, it is my hope that all our peoples will see the benefit of friendship between our two nations and support the goals we have outlined here today. Our ministers are still figuring out some of the finer points of the negotiating of words, but I look greatly forward to returning the favor of a state visit to the Commonwealth in the very near future.
Rather than take questions at this time, I would like to give the floor to my gracious visitor of this last day, the Lady Esmeralda Rigalo." Matthias steps down from the podium and stands in the back of the room.

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Slaving away in a relatively small room with a relatively large amount of people for the last eight hours. Timothy MacGregor was exactly one of the "ministers" assigned to "figuring out details" mentioned by the Kaiser. What the Kaiser had left out, in the views of those actually in that room was that none of them seemed to be agreeing on anything without a ruler from one side or the other to tell to them behave themselves. The Commonwealth ministers either wanted nothing to do with an aspect of Scrivnerian culture, or wanted so much access to it that those entrusted with protecting the uniqueness of Scrivnerian life were quite unnerved. Needless to say, Timothy was hoping to find a quite corner with a tall glass of Scotch, and perhaps the chance to pick Ambassador Hurde's brain. Since they were the ones constantly zipping back and forth from delegation tables to compare notes and shake heads frutratedly, Timothy hoped the elder statesman would have some idea how to steer the talks to some manner of conclusion before anyone lost their temper.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 8:12 pm Post subject:

Back in the quiet of her room within the Scrivneri castle, sat on the bed looking out across Aeternia through the open window, Esme thought back on the event of the past few days for much had happened. There had been cause for excitement and also disappointment in everything that had occurred. She particularly looked back upon her parting speech, given just moments ago to a room full of media representatives from many nations. The speech had been necessarily long to please those listening, for her people were always concerned with keeping up appearances. There had been much speculation back home about why Esmerelda had been sent on this diplomatic visit, and on the passing of Esmerelda's parents.

It was not prudent for her to dwell on her parents tragic loss in front of a foreign crowd, even one so friendly, so she said little on the matter in her speech. Even so, she was certain that every camera in the room had managed to spot the tear in her eye as she spoke of her mother in particular. Michelle had lead their nation into a golden era of prosperity, and no one could take that away from the people. Esme knew she would have to speak more openly on the subject once she was safely home, which was a prospect she did not look forward to.

The majority of the speech however, was centred on Scrivneria and all the positives both sides had taken from the last week. Even now representatives of both sides were discussing some last moment things. There was just an hour left before their flight home, and most of that would be spent travelling to the airport. Aeternia was a beautiful city, all new and sparkling, but it wasn't home, and she longed for her own bed again. Esme had told the press that the two nations had formed a strong friendship during the visit, a friendship she hoped would remain a positive example of peace for all nations to follow.

Esme also mentioned Prince Matthias, although only to thank him and to express her satisfaction that they had gotten on so well. There was a lot that she didn't say, mostly because she wasn't sure how to say it without getting embarrassed. She was still too young to be able to hide her emotions from the prying eyes of the press, but she was at least old enough to know it. Therefore she avoided the subject as best she could. In truth however, she would miss him, and hoped that he would contrive an excuse for a visit soon. After all, parting is such a sorrowful blow to the heart, and Esme felt that hers was a somewhat fragile thing.

***

Rufus Hurde was dismayed. The delegations were so close to reaching an agreement at one stage that he had thought everything was settled, and then it all fell apart again. One of the Scrivneri side had rejected part of a proposal over a mutual co-operation on the subject of palaeontology, and suddenly both sides started calling shots on their own particular misgivings. Rufus was not so concerned that the Scrivneri had refused a complete alliance, it was not something he had expected from them and so he had made a point of not mentioning it himself. But now it looked likely that some of the things he had hoped for would not be agreed upon either. His only cancellation was that both sides had already firmly agreed upon all proposals for mutual artistic co-operation. It was mostly just the academic and scientific proposals that were causing the biggest problems now.

Rufus caught the eye of Timothy McGregor who looked as exhausted as Rufus felt. He moved over to his side and stood there for several moments listening to the debate until the other was ready to say what was on his mind.
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scrivneria · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:54 pm Post subject:

Matthias spoke very quietly into Kyle's ear, making one last special preparation before his guest would depart. He claps his friend on the shoulder with a smile, and with a somewhat excited expression dashes off down the corridors of the palace, nearly bowling over at least three pages as he heads toward the private Scrivneri library.
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Timothy looks up from his scotch, and seeing the elder stateman arrives, gestures to an empty glass and the bottle. "Please, help yourself. I think our only hope is to self-medicate to the point that we don't actually hear those fellows any longer. Is there any way I can help make my men more agreeable? Half of the things they are balking at today are things that sounded just fine to them in the octagonal room yesterday with His Highness present. Is it truly hopeless for our nations to get along without the monarchs to force us to behave?" Timothy, realizing how whiny his voice has become, quickly takes a long pull on his glass.

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During the incredibly long photo-op following their speeches, the Kaiser, who was quickly briefed by his son during the search for Kyle Ravel, leans over and discreetly whispers a few words into the Lady Esmeralda's ear. Using the most discreet of magickal spells, no sound carries away from them. My son plans to be waiting for you in your car to see you off properly, but very discreetly. Do with this knowledge as you will.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:54 am Post subject:

"You could shoot them, but it would waste bullets..." The Ambassador joked, picking up the decanter. "Perhaps hanging would be more efficient." He poured out a glass of the fine whiskey and frowned. It was time Emerelda and her people were heading for the airport, but as much as he wanted to be there to see them off, it seemed impossible with the amount still being discussed at the table. Ambassador Hurde would remain in Scrivneria for the duration of his assignment now, which could be years. His young wife and two children had moved to Aeternia as well, issued with a respectable house on the outskirts of the city. He was sure that they would be comfortable living there, even so far from their true home. Across the room there was a muffled cheer.

"Come friend, I believe there has been a breakthrough."

+++

Packed and all ready to depart, Esme sat on the end of her bed, swinging her legs back and forth patiently. Soon Ria would come to collect her, and she would be escorted from the great castle and Aeternia by the guards she had travelled with, and followed of course by the rest of her entourage. The door opened, but it was not Ria. Esme looked up and saw the very tired and reserved figure of Amy Sanders.

"Whats the matter?" Esme asked with consern. "Are we staying longer?"

"No. Quite the opposite." the Intelligence head replied, shaking her head. "We need to get everyone back home as soon as possible."

"Why, what has happened?" Esme's asked, her curiosity growing.

"The King of Ancasta has declared a national emergency. They are requesting aid from The Commonwealth." Amy explained the situation as clearly as she could skipping a lot of the specific details.

"Oh." Was all that Esme could manage to say in reply. She knew as much about Ancasta as she did about her own nation, which still wasn't all that much. The Kingdom of Ancasta occupied the lands on the other side of the Mekha Channel, beyond the Saldanha Islands. Ancasta its self was only a small nation, but about a decade ago it had expanded to incorporate the lands of its neighbouring nations. Annaria, Oraqk and the infamous former empire of Tryanny were all now under the control of the Ancastan King, Fyero Daqyse.

Now, King Fyero was calling for the help of The Commonwealth to bail the Kingdom out of what could only be described as total and financial ruin. The cost of decades of war had left much of the Kingdom devistated, its people deprived and its cities crumbling. There had been a brave and extensive rebuilding effort, but little had been achieved with the Kingdom's economy in freefall. Esme couldn't even pretend to know all the political and economic details, but she had a funny feeling she would soon learn a lot more on the subject.

"It's time to go." Ria said, apearing in the doorway.
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scrivneria · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:30 am Post subject:

Prince Matthias steps from the shimmering portal and ensconces himself in the dark corner of the car designated for Lady Esme. Closing the portal with a sigh, he wonders if his father will actually deliver the message, or if he will shortly be collected by his handlers before the Lady can actually arrive.

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Upon his return to the tables, Timothy finds that Hurde was correct, some agreement had been reached. The wizards had agreed that they would not openly practice magic or send any non-verified magical items into the Commonwealth. In exchange, the Commonwealth scientists seemed to be in agreement that if scientists were found willing, experiments with magic-powered technologies could proceed in designated safe and purpose-built laboratories in Scrivneria.

That only left......everything else.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master