The Dragon and the Rose (Closed IC)

[Cymrea]

This thread will chronicle the IC (mostly secret) relations between the House Serra and House Aranet of Caldoria.

Avanti....

[Cymrea]

A raven flapped high into the chill morning sky carrying a message.

To: Duke Clement of House Aranet, Lord of Palatine

Cousin,

I am delighted to read of your proposal; joining our Houses will provide us both with unprecedented prosperity and lasting harmony. With the unfortunate passing of House Caldor, we must look to gird the future of our Houses lest we suffer the same fate. While House Serra has many blood ties to Caldor, we have no ambition to the High Throne itself. We shall content ourselves with providing loyal support to the rightful successor and to expand our efforts to protect and defend the people of Calidor.

I am certain you feel much the same as I, cousin, though I make no presumption as to your own ambitions. With a joyous marriage between the Dragon and the Rose, we can forge a mutually beneficial future - one that perhaps sees a Duchy of Palatine serving as steward of the entire river delta and beyond, shoulder to shoulder with a greater Persica. Together we can ensure the protection of all central and southern Calidor.

I look forward to receiving your son August and shall ensure that he is completely enamoured of Vanovar before returning home to you with a pledge of betrothal between two of our scions.

As to matters of state, I am dispatching twenty ships including the galleass Duke Rowan. It is my intention that they rendezvous with an equal number from your own navy and that, in coalition, we blockade the capital Islands and ensure the succession is a peaceful one and that the new High King or Queen - whomever that may be - is provided with a clear demonstration of our loyalty and faith. My ships are sailing even as this raven soars to you.

Ever yours,

Rhiannon II Serra.

Plainly spoken: The marriage between our Houses is a grand idea. Without having to worry about each other, we can kick some ass in the region and expand our lands and holdings. Meanwhile, I'm sending a lot of big boats to make sure no one messes with the succession and to kind of control the proceedings, while also showing whoever ends up ruling that we're awesome and can be favoured. You should join me in this.