Aliza leans back, satisfied with Lanya's answer. Iyov nods at Wilhelm's suggestion. "I don't think there is really a private place here at the kitchen. I have paid for several rooms here. So might I suggest we retire to those rooms and discuss this at length." He appears to not take notice of Aliza's disparaging comment.
Chuckling quietly, "No I suppose there is much privacy to be had here at all. Let me find a place to set aside all this gear and we can carry on our conversation."
Feeling significantly refreshed, Wilhelm makes his way back to the common room and his fellow nobles. "I feel significantly better. Shall we make our way to these rooms you mentioned? I'm eager to be about our business." Following his noble peers, Wilhelm considers what's he's learned so far.
Once the group is safely ensconced in a more private setting, Wilhelm asks, "Now that we're safely tucked away, would you be so kind as to elaborate on the details of this writ? I have the basics of it, from what you told me earlier, but I'm eager to learn more of what our role shall be."
As soon as Fhârn managed to unload some of the heavier gear on Oleg he grabbed Sanita and went planning. "Hmm - most of our haul is tied up in these small, expensive items. Could you carry them? If the manure hits the windmill, I suspect you would be able to hide and protect them. Then I can take the heavier junk on a secondary horse - and if we need to, we can use that one as decoy. What do you think?" he strokes his chin "We should probably give Wil a head's up before we leave, but I don't think barging on his meeting is the wisest of moves. Ah well, we probably don't want to leave before tomorrow anyhow - a warm bath and hearth sounds far to tempting..."
Yawning, Fhârn wakes up and makes it down to the common room for breakfast. Glancing out a window, he notices the weather. "Drek ..."
Sanita nods. "I should be able to carry most of the small expensive stuff. And I think I can absolutely evade people better than you can." Sanita grins, and steps back against the wooden wall of the stable. Her skin and clothes turn greyish and black, like the wood of the stable, until only her eyes and the flashing white grin remain. Then even those fade into the wood.
"What do you think?" The Sanita shaped bit of wall asks as she walks away, her form blurring to blend in with the wall. "New trick I picked up recently."
"Oh quit being a baby. Let's go." Sanita saddles up her horse and climbs up, apparently not too bothered by the massive pack on her back, despite the obvious weight in it.
Fhârn lets out an impressed whistle as Sanita disappears. "Impressive! I kinda figured you wound have a trick up your sleeve - that is why I wanted the the decoy ..."
Fhârn grumbles something and goes of to find Oleg and a hot cup of tea. And he makes sure to prepare a few castings of Endure Elements in case things get worse...
Lanya will ask Oleg a question when he seems free of his duties of catering to his guests.
"Oleg? Do you have any yellow silk clothing? A dress or gown perhaps?"
"Sanita, might I have a word with you?"
She looks around if there's no-one in hearing range, then leans in closer and hands her a small piece of paper.
"I believe a change of raiment of mine is in order. If you wouldn't mind stopping near a fine tailor on your voyage, ask him to make a gown for me. The description for the sort of gown and the measurements are written on this piece of paper. I don't mind you having a look or a guess, but please keep it to yourself or between you and Fhárn if you can't resist gossiping." Lanya smiles about the last bit, then hands her a small pouch of coins.
"It's probably not enough, but I'll pay you back as soon as you get back."
The pouch contains 30gp, the piece of paper details Lanya's sizes and measurements and a depiction of the dress she wants on one side. It seems as if Lanya has carried the picture of the gown with her for some time already. The main body is made of soft yellow silk striped with black, two green serpents intertwined on the back and separating on the shoulders.
Sanita smiles at Lanya. "Of course, I know someone who knows someone who makes wonderful dresses." She grins impishly. "Wilhelm requested a green wedding dress for himself, so I was going to be visiting them anyway." She winks at Lanya. "Fortunately, I was able to measure his armor while he slept on the trip to Oleg's."
Lanya smiles back at Sanita.
"I'm not surprised. Green looks perfectly fine on Wilhelm." She grins and laughs softly.
"You and Fhárn have a safe and pleasant journey. We want you both back in one piece, and Munin too of course."
Yawning, Wilhelm rises from sleep, satisfied with the events of the past evening. Having eaten, trimmed his beard and generally made himself presentable, he walks out to say goodbye to Sanita and Fhârn. Catching the tail end of Sanita's joking, Wilhelm stifles a groan and says, "Yes, a green wedding dress will be wonderful. Also, if you could deliver this letter into the hands of the Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius, that would be helpful. This is Felix's letter, so please don't read it. Have a safe and pleasant journey." Carefully untying a jingling purse on his belt, Wilhelm tosses the bulging sack of coins up to Fhârn. "That should cover the rest of Lanya's dress. And, since Sanita has my measurements, a finer set of clothing suited to a noble for me would be appreciative. I'll trust your discretion as far as choices... foolish as that might be.." The last is said in a muttered undertone. "Anyway, have a safe journey and hurry back. I'll have need of both your skills soon enough, I think."
Fhârn weights the sack in one hand and accepts the letter with the other. Neglecting to comment on the dress issue he merely nods "We will try and be as swift as possible. Still, I'm not exactly sure how long time this will take - but we'll send a message in case it moves slowly. And Felix letter is safe with us."
"You seem to show up at the right time or you are listening in on me. Interested in my dresses or the lack thereof Wilhelm?" She grins at him as she sturns around.
"In any case, thank you for the loan on my new garment, it's much appreciated." She kisses him again on the cheek.
"Luckily the dress itself is still a mystery, at least something I can surprise you with. And no, Sanita is not gonna tell you. Am I right Sanita?"
With that she walks away swaying her hips from side to side. She then seeks out Oleg and Svetlana to see if she can help them with anything today, to thank them for their hospitality.
"Always, m'lady of Medvyed. I'm surprised you haven't heard though. I'm something of a connoisseur when it comes to dresses. I've already chosen a wedding dress for m'self and all. Though here I was thinking you two were talking about me -and my measurements- when I'm in various states of undress..." Wilhelm retorts, grinning playfully. Flushing slightly pink at the kiss (albeit less so than before), he says, still grinning, "Think nothing of this 'loan', as I'm sure that kiss is more than repayment enough. I eagerly await the unveiling of this mysterious garment."
Pointedly avoiding looking at the swaying of her hips , Wilhelm smiles and nods to Fhârn and Sanita before saying, "Don't worry too greatly about the time it will take you. We've at least a couple weeks before the others arrive. I've no doubt we can manage to find a way to occupy our time if it takes another week for you to gather supplies."
"Yeah..." Fhârn glances at Lanya as she leaves and then back at Wilhelm. With a smile and a blink he adds "I'm sure you two will find something to do! Hahahaha!" He knowingly pats Wil on the shoulder, still laughing. "But in all honesty, take care! How did it go yesterday, with the bankers - by the way ?"
Sanita frowns at Wilhelm. "Well now, how am I supposed to surprise you with your new dress if you're sneaking around behind my back. Just for your own safety, you should know that people who do that are usually run through, gutted, and then questioned until they die.." She does seem a bit serious over that one. "Then again, most of the people who try to sneak up on me are usually murders and cut-throats."
She takes the purse of gold, and smiles quizzically. "Oh, I seriously doubt this will cover it, but I'll put it to good use. And no, I have no intention of ruining any of Lanya's surprises, no matter what kind they are." She smiles enigmatically. "Oh, and we'll be gone about 2 weeks, give or take a week. More likely give than take." She tells Wilhelm, before riding off with Fharn.
As Iyov gets up to take Wilhelm, Lanya and gnomes to his rooms, the nearest two tables of men at arms also quickly finish their meals and follow you out. The storm has gotten worse as he leads you across to the building that contains the Trading Post's 4 guest rooms. Opening the rightmost door he gestures for you go in out of the wind. Four of the men at arms stay to guard outside, while the other four take refuge in the room next to this one. A young attractive elf with white hair and very dark skin takes your cloaks and coats. Ivoy motions you to sit. If anyone wishes food, drink or any other amenity, Mia here will be glad to fetch it for you. He produces an ornate folder sealed with the sigil of the King Of Brevoy while Mia proceeds to lay out some fine crystal in front of you and starts to open a fine wine bottle. Iyov continues. "I can't underestimate how excited I am to be part of this venture. King Surtova has appointed me as the Ambassador to your nascent kingdom, so it is very important to me that we succeed here. So feel free to air any concerns or problems you may have." He pauses to let you reply.
Pharast 16
Fharn and Sanita head out early on their journey The snow has stopped but it makes travelling difficult (almost 8 inches) and you find that you cannot make it all the way to Fort Sarenko before nightfall. The day stays cold and the snow shows no sign of melting.
Pharast 17
You spend the rest of the day getting to Fort Sarenko and arrive dead tired. It's still cold and the snow isn't melting.
Pharast 18
Finally the cold snap has ended. Although the snow starts to melt the road is now a muddy mess. You can make an early day of it and stop in Nivakta's Crossing or continue past and camp on the road.
Svetlana takes Lanya to the storage shed. She has no actual dress but she does have bolts of yellow and green cloth. She is slightly apologetic. "Everyone out here are loggers and trappers. The only tailors are back in Restov.
Fhârn doesn't notice the predatory shape in the distance until Munin gently points it out; by pinching his masters finger and pointing with one of his wings. The weary mage gazes of in the distance. "Yeah, anyday but today I could be the one lecturing about that critter... Let's just circle around it, no need to have it eat one of the horses then fly off ..."
Noticing that the weather seems to be improving - Fhârn suggest that they keep moving. "Not much of a place to rest anyways, better hurry to our destination!"
Vaguely surprised by the number of guards who follow them out, Wilhelm makes a point of holding the doors for Lanya and the gnomish moneylenders, bowing politely. It's curious that they have so many following at their beck and call. The question is, are these retainers for the ladies Pornos or for Iyov.
Following Iyov to his private rooms, Wilhelm shivers slightly at the frigid wind. I hope that my friends have found a warm place in which to rest tonight. Feeling a little guilty, Wilhelm takes a seat and accepts whatever is served to him. Listening to Iyov, Wilhelm wonders, Would he truly be so open about his ambitions? Or is this some ploy that I'm not seeing? Making an act of thinking over the man's words, Wilhelm studies him, hoping to read his intent.
"I look forward to a lifetime of mutual prosperity between our fledgling nation and Brevoy. It's indeed an exciting time for all of us. I am curious though, you will be representing Brevoy, but not the Swordlords, and other noble families..." Wilhelm nods to the gnomish moneylenders with a genuine smile, "who are financially backing the expedition, correct?" Wilhelm pauses a moment to allow the man to answer. Carefully... it seems clear that there will be tension between this Surtovan and the Swordlords. Let alone the Pornos family.
"I'm afraid I've no other questions for the moment, though I'm curious to hear to the details of our writ..."
Wilhelm and Lanya notice that the guards all wear a badge of the Pornos family. Iyov starts to cover the details of the writ. Boiled down from the legalize it is as follows.
The Kingdom of Brevoy recognizes the sovereign right of a kingdom to exist in the Stolen Lands as long as if fulfills the following requirements.
1) The ruler of the kingdom is determined by a committee under the auspices of 5 people (The Ambassador of Brevoy to the realm, A representative of the Pornos family, A representative of the City of Restov, A representative of the Swordlords, A representative of the Church of Erastil). Under this writ the country is basiclly under control of a Corporation or Compact with Wilhelm as the appointed CEO. It will be referred from this point onwards as The Compact. Wilhelm can only be voted out by majority.
2) The kingdom makes no claims on territory claimed by Brevoy.
3) The Kingdom makes no claims on any territory east of the Tors of Levenies (the mountain chain to your east), including the Tors themselves.
4) The kingdom maintains and facilitates trade along the South Rostland Road.
The kingdom is initially given a grant of 50BP. The wagons outside (rumors aside) contain goods like nails and tools to supply your first month without worrying about the delay in getting them from Restov. With the 6 BP you already have this gives your starting treasury 56 BP.
Once negtiations have completed, Becky Pornos will be staying to set up a branch of the Pornos banking interest here in the city. Until an actual bank is built she won't actually keep commodities here, anything will be sent to Restov.
Wilhelm finds Iyov hard to read. He certainly seems excited to be a part of all this and seems very friendly.
Well that seems an awful lot like a dependence on Brevoy, still that is as much as we could have expected from now. I'd like to have warm relations with Brevoy in the future, but eventually we should be without restrictions.
"Well these requirements seem to be logical and fair enough. The second through fourth line is only logical and naturally we'll keep our word to those things as they are in our favour as well. War or a power struggle in these lands wouldn't serve us or anyone else."
Lanya points to the third line, looking up with a questioning look at Iyov.
"I assume this part is about Maegar Varn's charter right? Is he also entitled to the same writ as we have gotten now?"
She waits for an answer before asking a follow-up question, pointing to the very first line.
"Who will be these five representatives? I'd take it is you Iyov and miss Becky as the first two, but who are the other three? When will we meet them?"
Wilhelm, mind numbed by the tirade of legal verbiage, merely nods his agreement with Lanya. Why did I want this job again? Yes, I get a warm comfortable bed tonight, but all this talk of 'legal rights' and 'domains proper'. Blech. Taking a sip of his wine, he listens to Lanya's questions and the corresponding answers. Nodding thoughtfully, he follows up with another question, "One other clarification that my companions will surely wish to know, is what say they might have in the leadership of the Compact. My understanding is that it will be these five representatives who have a say in who should rule. Is that correct?"
Aliza lets out a small 'hmpph' as Lanya mentions Maegar Varn's name and to your surprise she answers this question instead of Iyov. Captain Varn does have a seperate arrangement and will be a duly recognized independent nation, but our house will not be supplying any funding. And Rebecca will not be making any decisions other than setting up a lending house here, she's way too young. I am the representative of the Pornos family. Ambassador Damrosch is the representative of the King Surtova, although that can change by royal whim. Lord Mayor Seliemius is the Restov representative. Swordlord Aldori is the Swordlord representative. And High Priest Keegh is the Church of Erastil representative. I've been told you have met with the first three."
Iyov answers Wilhelm's question. "Well, this is really up to you, but might I suggest that there needs to be a public perception that this is truly an independent nation. I think everyone in this room can recognize their is a real need for this nation to exist. The constant wars of the various city states that make up the Stolen Land imperil Trade and Stability in this region. It is time for civilization to come to the Stolen Lands. But there are unfortunate political realities that cannot be ignored. First and Foremost is the Restov will not welcome a new kingdom unless they feel they have some say in its governance."
Aliza interrupts at this point. "I say 'feh' to political realities. This young man and his companions have done what no one else has and rid the South Rostland Road of the bandits." She turns to Lanya and Wilhelm. "Govern how you wish. I think I can assure you that you will have mine and Keegh's votes regardless. And Aldori seems very pleased with you. As for Seliemius all you have to do is marry his daughter and you're set with him, although you may have race Varn on that score."
Lanya nbods as Aliza, then Yov then Aliza again speak up and make their statements about forming a new kingdom.
"Indeed we've met everyone now except High Priest Keegh. I had thought maybe some others would come to check up on us, but it brings my mind to rest that we will not have that many strangers making life-changing decisions for our fledgling nation."
She nods in appreciation to Aliza.
"I'm glad you see our side of our own way of governing the new lands, as this is uncharted territory we will need to have a different approach to some things as Brevoy has." With that said she turns to Iyov.
"As I can't see any lines of a defensive pact between our countries in this writ, I don't think we can be assured of any protection. It would be odd though that if you don't want to be associated with us in that way, to still have a large influence in our government. You could have one or the other, but not both in my view. Don't worry, we plan to keep good relations with Brevoy and healthy trade routes open, we know who helped us get this far."
"Marrying Sellenius daughter is something of a problem though, I guess Maegar Varn would be first as I can't see Wilhelm or any of the others marry someone just for political reasons. If Varn wants her for just that, I feel sad for the girl."
"You touch on a delicate matter." Iyov replies to Lanya. "As I was attempting to explain, political realities guarantee that Restov needs some assurances that should your kingdom do something rash that threatens her interests, that they can intervene. But I assure you, this is an action that would not be arbitrarily done and I really don't see Wilhelm doing anything reckless. But it would be in all our interests for The Compact not to become common knowledge."
At this point Aliza interrupts Iyov yet again. "Lady Medvyed has a good point, Ambassador. As she says ' You can't have one or the other.' she raises her hand as Iyov starts to object. "We can argue this all night. What you propose makes sense for a small colony, but not a kingdom. Might I suggest a compromise. We will take a yearly census and if the census ever has the kingdom's population as being over say 5000 citizens, The Compact will be dissolved and they can have self governance."
Iyov immediately objects. "Really Lady Aliza, I'm not sure King Surtova would approve such an agreement."
Aliza responds. "Well, I can assure you that if such a compromise is not offered, I just have a feeling that everyone will know about The Compact."
Iyov sits back for a moment frowning. Then he replies "10000 citizens and The Compact is kept secret"
Wilhelm looks from Iyov to Aliza in surprise as the small, but formidable, woman answers instead of the ambassador. He's ambassador but it 'can change by royal whim'. Was that a strike against Iyov? Probably just stating the obvious... Wilhelm nods his agreement, "We have indeed met the others, I appreciate your clarifications. It's always good to know who you'll be working with. As Lanya has said, we've a keen interest in maintaining good relations with Brevoy and Restov."
Wilhelm listens quietly to Iyov and Aliza's answers, nodding thoughtfully and running over what they were saying. Lanya seems to have hit the nail on the head there. They want to have their cake and eat it too. That said, I'm surprised she's making the argument that I wouldn't marry politically when we were discussing the very idea earlier. Suppressing a smile, he coughs into his hand to cover his amusement before saying, "Perhaps there is something to be said for such a marriage, but then again perhaps not. I'm glad to have your support, Aliza, and I hope to win yours as well, Iyov. I think there's a chance here to build something lasting."
Wilhelm finds himself nodding in agreement with Lanya and Aliza's arguments. Yes, clearly the power imbalance is too strongly in favor of our patrons at a moment. They hold us over a fire pit by a piece of twine that could snap at any moment. All the while they coat the twine in grease to prevent us taking steps to help ourselves.
Frowning thoughtfully, Wilhelm says, "I think, Iyov, it is also in the king's interest that the number be lower than ten thousand. Consider that this is already reaching near a third of the size of Restov and its adjacent lands. Even if the Compact is held secret, the nobility in Brevoy will have to realize that such a nation could grow without backing. Restov is the only suitable patron in the region and clearly stands to gain the most. Given the intermittent... tensions... between the Rostlanders and the rest of Brevoy, I don't have a difficulty in imagining this backing making certain nobles nervous. They may well ask themselves, 'If Restov can extend its hold over the Stolen lands, who knows how far their reach could grow?' That is not a situation that benefits the king any more then it would Restov."
Wilhelm pauses for a moment to let his words sink in a little, "A kingdom of five thousand or so, as Aliza suggests, is large enough to stand on its own but not so large as to make the noble families in Brevoy nervous. If Restov let's go of its hold then, perhaps via rumor, then it looks like Restov is merely protecting its southern borders. This size works best for all of us. All of this said, keeping the Compact secret makes sense for all. If we are thought to be a puppet, then changing the size at which the Compact is dissolved is worthless. The shadow of a doubt will remain for all time. Thus a census total of five thousand and the Compact stays a secret seems a better route to me."
Wilhelm watches Iyov for signs of his reaction. Hopefully tossing in the bit about the Compact staying secret will help his decision along.
Iyov thinks about it for a moment. "We are supplying you with the funding. If you go independent then our backers have nothing to show for their money. I think I can sell 5000 citizens and a repayment of their loan of 200000 gold pieces when the time comes."
Still carefully observing Iyoz's reaction to his counterproposal, Wilhelm glances at Aliza, hoping to get a further read on her willingness to interject. Repaying the loan would beggar the kingdom right as it's getting to a useful size. We'd likely be hair's edge away from collapse. Is that the game, keep us dependent on Restov despite any talk of dissolving this Compact? Shrugging uncomfortably at the necessary suspicion, Wilhelm makes a show of thinking carefully before replying, "I'm unclear how it is of benefit to our backers to try to beggar the kingdom right as it begins to take off. They are backing this venture, at least in part, to gain stability along the South Rostland Road. Forcing repayment of such a large sum, when it could instead be reinvested, seems absurd. It seems like a significant risk for our backers to take repayment of the loan. The point of the venture, as I understand it," Wilhelm nods towards Aliza, "Is to create a stabilizing influence on the Greenbelt and the Stolen Lands in general. You'd risk undoing all of your work by making such a repayment necessary. Should the kingdom collapse, then your problem returns, perhaps worse than before, and the time and effort put into this project is wasted."
Wilhelm pauses a moment to let the first portion of his argument sink in, "As to your concerns that our backers would have nothing to show, I'm afraid I disagree. The gains in new trade opportunities, increased stability in the region and security are all benefits to our backers. If I recall the terms correctly, there is a trade agreement between our fledgling nation and Restov. Reinvesting that princely sum should pay itself back tenfold in the long term. There's also the matter of prestige to be gained for being involved in the creation of a new realm." Wilhelm looks Iyov pointedly in the eye as he raises his last point. Hopefully that was enough to convince him. Iomedae be willing he'll see sense. It's my duty to perform this task but, Lady above, do I dislike dealing with the posturing of nobles.
Aliza actually smiles as Wilhelm speaks. "Oh, very well put. We've lost more money than that over the last 3 years as trade along the road has dried up." Seeing that the mood in the room has turned against him Iyov sighs and says. "Very Well. I don't know how I'll justify this to my Liege but on behalf of King Surtova, I accept your terms. Once the legal census exceeds 5000 citizens, The Compact will be dissolved. He raises his drink for a toast. "To..." and he pauses. "Just what do you plan on calling this Kingdom?"
"The 10000 citizens might seem a bit harsh a threshold to obtain before reaching our independence. There are some advantages that might be had from lowering that number. One is that when we have a lower number before Brevoy declares a hand's off from the new kingdom, we mgiht an influx not only from Brevoy, but also from other regions in the vicinity; adventurers, fortune-seekers, craftsmen. New people bring in new trade and new trade goods, it may very well be that Brevoy and Restov would get access to more exotic goods, wares and crafts from the time that people know there's a new kingdom around. At the very least these goods would be in a larger supply and closer to home."
"These luxury goods can of course be taxed should you so wish it, enabling Brevoy and Restov to gain more from the trade routes than was initially assumed. Perhaps even more than the initial generous input into our 'kingdom's' building plans. That would cover the expenses you've initially suffered, than the threshold number of citizens would depend on how soon you would like to realize attracting settlers from other kingdoms to our cause. We could attract more artisans and craftsmen from other settlements if they know of Brevoy's hand's off approach to us, so the sooner Brevoy would do that the better it is for both our parties, wouldn't you agree."
"I suppose I have no choice." Iyov sighs. The tide of the debate has firmly turned against Iyov and he concedes defeat. He personally seems to be sympathetic to your arguments, he just dreads the unenviable task of reporting the new terms to King Surtova.
Suppressing (with some success) his urge to grin at the resignation in Iyov's voice, Wilhelm nods to the man. Some impressive negotiation on Lanya's part. I think I've chosen my diplomat rather wisely. Satisfied with how the events have gone, Wilhelm raises his glass in a toast, "To Domierov, may the name ring through the ages." Taking a sip of his wine, Wilhelm chuckles and says, "Of course, we haven't had time to properly settle on a name, but I have a feeling that most of my companions will approve."
Iyov, Anita and Becky raise their glasses as well, chiming in with their own "To Domierov". Iyov smiles. "I think we have covered all the pressing matters." Mia at this point produces some paperwork. It appears that during the discussion she has been hard at work editing the original documents. Iyov looks over and initials the portions that have been changed, then signs near the bottom. Finally satisfied he hands them over to Wilhelm to look over. "All that is left is your signature."
Lanya looks over the papers and nods to Wilhelm. As usual they'd need only one signature to sign. Somehow I'd hoped to find my own handwriting there. I'm sure Alexei would have been glad for that as well.
"This looks in order to the things we've discussed. With this part concluded I hope for a fruitful and prosperous cooperation between us."
Lanya yawns and looks over the rest. "I think that's enough business and talk for me for the night. I think I'll have a glass of wine and go to sleep. You're welcome to join me for a drink if you so wish."
She says to the others, Wilhelm in particular.
Lanya leans in at the door, waiting for Wilhelm to sign and get the formalities over with.
Distracted by sudden rush of success, Wilhelm gives a cursory glance over the papers, trusting Lanya's assessment and Iyov's word. "This seems to be in good order to me." Taking the proffered quill, Wilhelm signs the document with a dramatic flourish. This is the day in which our story begins to unfold in truth. We defeated some bandits and a man with delusions of grandeur, heroic enough as it was. But this is the start of a new nation. Domierov... it has a certain ring to it...
Finding himself grinning at the moment, Wilhelm nods his agreement with Lanya, "A momentous occasion marking the beginnings of our new nation. I'm glad to have your support as we start our endeavor." Raising his glass in another toast, Wilhelm continues, "As Lanya has said, here's to a long and fruitful cooperation between us." Taking a sip of his wine, his eyes twinkle with the excitement of the moment after the tense negotiations of the past hours.
"I think I too shall reside for the moment. I'm sure there's much to be talked about on the morrow, but for now we've managed to lay the groundwork. After a full day's riding and tonight's endeavors, I'll welcome a good nights sleep." Standing and shaking hands with Iyov and bowing to Aliza, Becky and Mia, Wilhelm excuses himself and wanders towards the door.
Now to see if I read her emphasis right just now. Offering his arm to Lanya, Wilhelm says in an overly florid tone, a hint of a smile on his lips, "I do believe I'd be ecstatic to join you for a glass of wine, m'lady of Medvyed. Would you do me the honors?"
Walking out into the brisk breeze, Wilhelm shivers slightly at the chill and says, "Oof, I'll be glad for a warm bed tonight, though I feel badly for our friends stuck outside in this weather. Are you warm enough? I'm happy to loan my cloak if not." Wilhelm pauses a moment to allow her to answer.
After she does so, and after glancing to see that the others aren't in hearing range, Wilhelm continues, "That was a masterful stroke for our fledgling nation, I think. I'm glad to have you at my side, as your skill in there was something to behold." Stopping abruptly, Wilhelm flushes a little as he choice of word's and continues, "Anyway, let's get in out of the cold and beside one of Oleg's crackling fires before we continue our talks. It's been a tiring day and I'd enjoy some... simpler conversation. It seems that all we've done since the start of this expedition is dash around madly. A short time to relax and speak with a friend would be welcomed." Wilhelm smiles cheerily before gesturing towards the main lodge.