The Value of Diplomacy (CLOSED|Esvanovia)

[Aquilinia]

First part of a series by Aquilinia, New Azura, and Kylarnatia

Consul's Office
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

17:45

Consul Zoé Metelli leaned back in her chair and stared out of the window. Night had fallen over the Free City, the darkness illuminated by the skyscrapers and offices, the lights of the cars passing by, and those of the ships heading into and out of the port. It had been yet another long day of Senate debates over the recent issues concerning foreigners, and it didn't look like any progress was coming any time soon. Anna Augusta and her AS group had managed to tie down the agenda for an entire week, despite the fact that there were far more urgent matters the Senate needed to address.

A knock on the door pulled Zoé out of her thoughts and back into reality. She had almost forgotten that she had scheduled a meeting with the Foreign Magistrate in order to discuss the upcoming state visit from Azura. "Enter."

The Foreign Magistrate, an experienced statesman named Lucius Schneider, entered, and, without skipping a beat, went straight to business. "Zoé, we have a problem. An urgent one." He put a newspaper on the Consul's Desk. "Evening edition of the Nuntius just came out, look at the front page."

Immigrant School Children Hospitalised after Attack by Angry Mob

Zoé looked up. "Well that can't be good."

Schneider shook his head. "Definitely not. Three kids hospitalised. Apparently they were on their way home from school, chatting to each other, when they came across one of those anti-foreigner demonstrations. The mob saw two guys and a girl in uniform walking towards them and some of them apparently thought it was a good idea to go beat them up. Didn't click with them once that they were wearing school uniform, or that they were sixteen years old. Probably thought they were some foreign agents or something. Madness."

The Consul stared at the headline in the paper in silence for a moment. "Teenagers getting beaten up for speaking a foreign language? How much farther is this madness going to go, seriously?"

The Magistrate simply shrugged. "I have no idea. The worst part is, they went and attacked the kids of some embassy staffers. The papers don't know that just yet, luckily for us. And not just from any embassy, either. The kids they attacked are Azurans."

"Fuck. And we're having a state visit from Azura coming in tomorrow morning." Zoé slammed her fist on the table. "Have those responsible been apprehended yet?"

Schneider nodded in reply. "Yes. One of them is currently being treated for a broken nose. Of course, the fact that the kids defended themselves quite competently riled the mob up even more, and even they couldn't win a fight against fifteen angry dockworkers. Urbani arrested all of them, luckily, and the kids were only lightly injured. A few broken ribs, a minor concussion, a ton of bruises. They're keeping them in hospital over night out of caution, but they should be going home tomorrow."

"Right.At least some good news." Zoé sighed. "Well, we better put that on the agenda for tomorrow as well, then. I'm certain the ambassador will have informed their government, and they'll want answers. Their flight arrives at 10, right?"

---

The Next Day

Waldemar Cato International Airport
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

10:00

"The Azurans are just coming in for their final approach, should be on the ground in the next ten minutes. Had to fly around a bit of a storm front out over the sea, so they were delayed a little bit."

Zoé nodded in acknowledgement at the airport staffer, before looking around again at the waiting honour guard. The band of the Air Fleet was standing by for the national anthems, and members of all three branches of the Aquilinian Guard, in their dress uniforms, lined the long purple carpet that had been laid out to receive the visitors. Black, armoured limousines stood ready to take them on the short drive to the Praetor's mansion, where they would first take lunch, before moving on to business. The morning papers had been filled with news of yesterday's attack, finally revealing the nationality of the teenagers that had been attacked, but writing nothing about them being connected to the embassy. The kids themselves had been released from hospital just an hour earlier, and their attackers were being questioned by the Urbani. Hopefully, by the time the formal discussions started, they'd have some results.

The Foreign Magistrate put his hand on Zoé's shoulder. "Don't worry about it too much. I'm sure it'll be just fine." Schneider, a retired Second Legate in the Air Fleet, had turned out in his dress uniform, a row of medals on his chest. Next to him, the Consul in her simple black suit, with a teal tie matching her hair, almost looked out of place, especially considering the fact that she only reached to his chest.

"I hope so," she finally said. "It's a shame the Praetor couldn't join us today." The Praetor, also a former military man, was in hospital himself, suffering from complications with what should have been routine eye surgery.

"I keep forgetting this is the first official visit you're hosting. Don't worry, it'll become routine soon." Schneider patted the Consul's shoulder, before standing to attention. "Here they come."

Zoé took a deep breath as she turned around to see their visitors' plane touch down and begin to taxi to where they were waiting. Behind her, Aquilinian and Azuran flags were fluttering in a light breeze as the band readied their instruments.

[New Azura]

Waldemar Cato International Airport, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

The plane ride to the Free City of Aquilinia had been anything but a jaunt; diverting to avoid a storm over the southern sea route inbound to Waldemar Cato had added some time to their trip, time that had pressed on her perfectionist nerves. Guilia Trevisani was still coming to terms with the magnitude of her mission to the Aquilinian capital, her first formal state visit since becoming the Governess of the Evenguard. She wanted to get this right, and having any sort of delay, intentional or otherwise was dragging down her lofty expectations of the experience to be. This day, this trip had to be perfect, for it was not just her reputation on the line, but the reputation of the foreign mission of her country. At least, that is the mantra she chose to repeat to herself in seeming perpetuity as the plane finally touched down at the airport runway, taxiing to a rest by the official welcome delegation waiting outside for them.

Guilia looked down at her notes, hastily scribbled out over the formal copy that had been prepared for her during the trip aboard her private plane. Everything had of course been planned out long in advance of the actual date; that was handled by the Foreign Ministry, and quite a job they had done of things. But Trevisani was nothing if not articulate, and she had been giving her prepared remarks her own ‘private’ touch-up, much to the chagrin of her personal aide Lia Simoni. It was not that Simoni, a thirty-year-old native of Cira, had nothing of note to add; Giulia trusted her implicitly with a great many things. On this occasion however, she felt it only proper to do this herself, recognizing the incredible weight that rested on the goings-on. Once she and her aide had found themselves away from the delegation in a moment of privacy later on, she would allow for a gentle scolding about not taking outside help when offered it.

To her right was her political counsel and chief intelligence officer, Aristide Di Norcia. Trevisani was personally against the need for someone of Di Norcia’s particular set of skills, but it was a prerequisite for taking the Governorship of the Evenguard set by her predecessors. And it was not that she disliked Di Norcia; far from it, even. His charming, almost ethereal personality had won her over quite quickly, even if she gleaned from his reserved countenance that there was a high likelihood of it being an elaborate ruse. No, despite her personal interest in his charm and handsome good looks, she knew what went on within the ranks of the Strega Nera intelligence agency, what men like Oleg Korzakhov, John Cailean and her counsel Aristide Di Norcia had done and were willing to do. ‘Midnight’ as he was called was a dangerous man, and she had a difficult time abiding by dangerous men being so close to her.

At least the two of them were well dressed for the trip, at least. Di Norica had worn a crisp charcoal gray suit with black vest and tie tailored by Spataro’s of Raevenna – a gift from the Governess for the trip itself. Both Trevisani and her aide Simoni were wearing more traditional Azuran attire, long, crimson silken tunics with gold and silver embroidery with leather chokers featuring their respective family signets cast in obsidian. As the Governess, Trevisani also bore the honor of wearing an azure sash with silver epaulettes holding it in place at the shoulder, giving the ensemble a vague military appearance. The three of them would be the head of the Azuran diplomatic delegation to the Aquilinian state, representing the hopes and dreams of closer diplomatic ties and the potential for even grander, loftier ambitions in Southern Esvanovia. If only there were some way to look into the future and predict the right diplomatic moves.

The captain of her plane, an officer with the Corpo Celeste whom she had been assigned only that morning, strode up the aisleway towards her seat while the stewardesses began the process of opening the hatch. The captain smiled and offered a salute, stating, "Madame Governess, we are ready to disembark you."

“About time we got out of here,” Di Norcia said bluntly, stretching as though he had been in captivity for some time and were just now being released. “Do you realize how tiresome it is being locked up in an aluminum tube for twenty-six thousand hours? You would think it was torture!”

“Mr. Di Norica, if you please!” Simoni pleaded with him, trying to gather their little diplomatic posse together. It was clear from her tone that Lia was none too thrilled with Aristide’s presence with them; “We need to observe formal protocol right now! Madame Governess, if you would?”

Lia beckoned towards the front of the craft, where the captain was moving to stand with the host of stewards and stewardesses of the plane, all in line ready to honor the delegation as they disembarked. Guilia nodded, “I guess there is no time like the present. You think we are ready?”

“Madame Governess, you know you are ready,” Lia reassured her, placing her hand gently upon her shoulder. “There is no one in the whole of the Evenguard that I trust this diplomatic mission more towards than yourself. You will accomplish great and mighty things for Azura here.”

“And if she does not, at least we get some free food out of the deal, am I right?” Aristide laughed, trying to lighten the mood slightly. When the wisecrack failed to register a response, he switched tactics: “You know what it is that we have to do here. We have prepared you to the letter, ma’am.”

“He is right, in his own special little way,” Lia scowled in Midnight’s direction before turning back towards the Governess. “We have done everything we can to prepare for this event, and we all have faith in your abilities. At the end of the day, the Evenguard is in safe hands, Governess.”

Guilia put her arm on Lia’s cheek, her thumb rubbing below her eye. “My sweet Lia, always uplifting me when I need it most.” She then stole a look at Di Norcia, who was staring intently at her. “What do you say we exit this ‘aluminum tube’ and get this show on the road already, hmm?”

Di Norcia smiled at her, bowing slightly in reverence to his Governess. Guilia sighed, pushing the small pulldown desk aside in order to stand up, instinctively straightening her tunic as she did so. Walking towards the front of the plane, she could see outside the window the delegation of the Aquilinians awaiting them, the row of Aquilinian and Azuran flags fluttering in the breeze. The massive, sprawling airport tarmac was impressive enough without the congregation of dignitaries that had amassed outside, waiting for the Azuran diplomatic delegation to disembark. With each step closer to the front of the plane, the sinking realization that her first real test as Governess of the Evenguard was about to be upon her weighted itself in Guilia’s soul. All she could do was continue to remember the encouragement of Di Norcia and Simoni behind her, urging her to do what she was born to do for her countrymen in her visit to Aquilinia.

As she passed, the captain gave her another salute, which Guilia returned. It was the last gesture she made before dipping her head slightly to exit the craft, coming to a stance on top of the gantry ladder. The bright skies above were quite the juxtaposition to the stormy weather they had flew around to get there; an omen perhaps for what was to come? Trevisani tried to seize hold of the moment as she started down the steps, each movement forward accompanied with the latent fear of doing something embarrassing like tripping and falling down. Before she knew it however, she was down the ladder and standing upon an ornate carpet that had been rolled out on the tarmac for the Azuran delegation. The pomp and pageantry of it all was something to behold, an experience unlike any she had ever witnessed before. It truly drove home the ceremonial grandeur of the office she had come to inherit, making her thankful.

Guilia came to a stop before the head of the delegation, recognizing the Foreign Magistrate and the Consul, Dr. Zoé Metelli from her briefing. Everything was as she had envisioned it in her mind’s eye: the lush purple carpet, the military band awaiting to play their respective national anthems, the delegates standing before them in their finest attire, the flags fluttering in the breeze. She extended the customary Azuran greeting, placing an open fist across her heart, then bowing at the waist before the delegation in front of her. Everything was now riding on this moment, and she did not intend to mess things up now, for the fate of relations between Aquilinia and Azura were riding on the line. In truth, the future of southern Esvanovia could be riding on the line, depending on how things went out from this moment forward. There was no more preparatory practice, no more time to scribble down notes; it was 'go' time for the Governess.

“Your Excellency; Esteemed Legate, I am Guilia Trevisani, First Governess of the National Congregation of the Evenguard of Azura. Behind me are my personal aide, Lia Simoni and my political counsel and chief intelligence officer, Aristide Di Norcia. We are servants of Azura and are humbly at your service.”

[Aquilinia]

Waldemar Cato International Airport
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

10:15

There they were. The Azurans. Zoé observed them carefully as they stepped out of their plane, just as dressed-up as the Aquilinian delegation was - except that the fact that the Governess was wearing a uniform of office made her feel even more underdressed. The only symbol of rank that she wore, after all, was a small silver lapel pin in the shape of the Aquilinian Seal, the same emblem that graced the national flag of the Free State, and had symbolised the Aquilinian people since time immemorial. She had studied the history of Aquilinia, of course, and knew that in days past the Seal graced the banners of many a war leader, before the great and last Empress of Aquilinia, Lucille, had led the nation to a stance of neutrality. For too long, war had been a hallmark of Aquilinian history, but now co-operation and commerce were what the nation was known for. It was all of these things that the Azuran delegation had been invited to discuss. While the trade relationship with Azura was healthy, it could always be improved upon, and military co-operation was also set on the agenda for the three days that the visitors would be in the Free City.

In the files she had been given during planning for the visit, Zoé had learned that the Azuran Governess, Guilia Trevisani, who was leading the visiting delegation, had herself only recently assumed office, and this was her first state visit as much as it was Zoé's first time hosting such an event.

When the Governess bowed in greeting, the Foreign Magistrate responded with the traditional salute of the Aquilinian Guard - placing the right fist on the heart, before extending the right arm outward with an open hand. Zoé herself had never served in the Guard, and therefore simply bowed her head.

"Madame Governess, welcome to the Free City, and the Free State of Aquilinia. I am Senator Dr Zoé Metelli, Consul of the Free State of Aquilinia, and with me is Legate Lucius Schneider, Magistrate for Foreign Affairs. It is a great honour to welcome you to the Free State, and I am looking forward to fruitful discussions over the next three days."

When the Consul finished speaking, the Magistrate gave a small nod, at which the band began playing. The air was filled with the sounds of the Azuran national anthem, followed by that of the Free State, as Zoé and Schneider led the Azuran delegation to the waiting limousines for the short drive to the Praetor's mansion.

Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

11:05

"Madame Governess, esteemed delegates, welcome to the Villa Praetori, the residence of the head of state of the Free State, the Praetor." Zoé indicated the building behind her once the Governess and her companions had stepped out of the limousine, a simple, two-story building in the traditional Aquilinian style. While not a very tall building, it was nevertheless large, with over a hundred guest rooms, offices, a ball room, an interior courtyard with a small pool surrounded by colonnades, and many other locations for official representative business. While not quite as impressive as the Crystal Palace, the old Imperial residence on the other side of the City, it was still a beautiful building. "We have prepared accommodation here for you, as well as a suite of offices for your use while you are in the Free State. The Praetor himself is unfortunately unwell, which is why he is not here to welcome you personally, but he sends his salutations and hopes for a successful meeting."

As Zoé was speaking, a young man in the uniform of the Aquilinian Air Fleet approached the group and saluted, which the Foreign Magistrate returned. Zoé turned around and smiled, waving the young soldier closer. "Madame Governess, may I introduce you to Vexilis Ivan Metelli, of the Aquilinian Air Fleet, my son. He will be joining us for lunch, and he will be available for any needs you may have during your visit."

Ivan saluted again, this time facing the Governess. "Consul, Legate, honoured guests, when you are ready, please follow me to the State Salon."

[New Azura]

Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

The entire trip to Aquilinia thus far had been a whirlwind of emotion and fervor, with so much happening all at once. The delegation’s arrival to the airport had been received with great pomp and circumstance thus far, but the real treat of their arrival had been the immense pleasure of embracing the scenery of the Free City go by outside the limousine windows. There were some unique similarities between Aquilinia and Azura that Guilia had noticed as they arrived at the Villa Praetori, giving her some cause for optimism that if the Aquilinians and Azurans shared some modicum of preference in architectural style, they might find common ground diplomatically as well. Aquilinia was like a puzzle box waiting to be unlocked it seemed; it took careful political skill and maneuvering to open the delicate ornament without breaking it, thus ruining its value. It was this thought that ran through Guilia’s mind constantly as Ivan Metelli approached.

The Governess placed her hand over her heart in the traditional Azuran greeting towards the young officer, saluting him with as much grace and dignity as she could muster. "Honored Vexilis Metelli, I am Guilia Trevisani; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I look forward to working with you while we are here."

The Aquilinian host and their Azuran guests followed the young officer in towards the State Salon, an impressive piece of architecture if one could even be so modest to say. The dining hall was lined with ornate columns on either side as you entered, with the centerpiece on the back wall being a gigantic, lavish mural depicting figures from Aquilinia’s history from the looks of it. In the middle of the room a long table had been positioned for them to sit at. Everything was immaculate in its preparation, indicating the great level of care that had gone into the planning of the event. The two delegations, hosts and guests took their place at the long table, with Guilia Trevisani and the Aquilinian Consul Dr. Zoé Metelli seated at the positions of honor on either side of the table. The rest of the gathering filed in and followed suit, taking their places. Trevisani decided to take the initiative with her counterpart, once again saluting her.

"Your Excellency, in the Evenguard we have a custom that has long since been established as one of the great traditions of our people. It is a greeting we have adopted over the generations that conveys honor, respect, and a devotion to friendship; we offer it to you now: Hail! Live forever, honored hosts!"

Both Aristide Di Norcia and Lia Simoni saluted in likewise manner. "Hail! Live forever!"

[Aquilinia]

Zoé smiled kindly as the Azurans hailed their hosts, before waving over the server who had just entered the room. "Please, the wine." She turned to the Azurans. "You see, we have a similar tradition in our nation, however, it requires that we have something to drink first."

A moment later, the server reappeared, holding a large bottle. "Here we have a Corvennian moonwine, 2753 vintage, perfectly balanced in dryness and fruit." At a nod from the Consul, he began filling everyone's glasses, and placed a pitcher of water on the table before once again retreating to his position right by the door.

"2753, that is the year 2000 in the common erea," Zoé explained once again. "The Aquilinian calendar counts from the founding of the city, that is the city of Anima in what is now the province of Corvenna, in the year 753 BCE." She took her glass, added some water to the wine, and held it up, with the other Aquilinians following suit. "To our honoured guests, health and prosperity! Vinu hic vobi prosit!" "Prosit!", was echoed by the other Aquilinians, before they each took a sip from their glasses.

"Now, I am sure you must be hungry after your long journey," the Consul continued. "There will of course be a grand banquet this evening, with guests of honour from all walks of Aquilinian society, including industry, sciences and the military, but for now, we have prepared a simple, four-course lunch. As the old saying goes, 'from eggs to apples', and so is the course of all formal meals in our culture. The first course will be an appetiser of eggs, prepared in various fashions, followed by a lighter course, the main course, and a course of fruit."

She once again waved the server over, who placed a platter of eggs on the table, as announced. "Today, your excellencies, we have for you what is called devilled eggs, made in the Vulcassi manner, filled with a cream made from cheese and spices," he explained. "For the second course, we will have a creamed tomato soup in the Levincian manner, seasoned with chilies and herbs. For the main course, we will be delighted to serve you medallions of pork, in the manner of the province of Corvenna, that is, wrapped in cured ham and served in a sauce of cream and peppercorn, accompanied by red cabbage pickled in apple vinegar, and pan-fried potatoes. To close the meal, we will serve a selection of cheeses from Glacinisa, and a selection of fruit. As is custom, each course will be served after twenty minutes. Please do not hesitate to call on me if you require more wine, or any other drink such as beer, water, or tea."

"Thank you," Zoé said to the server, before taking the small silver tongs that had been provided with the eggs, and placing one on her plate. "You see, the head of the kitchens thought it best to create a meal that would illustrate the cuisines of each of our provinces in some manner. As for diluting the wine, that is something we do if the wine is to be taken with a meal during the day. The water is provided for every guest to mix according to their own preference, but of course if you prefer not to add water, that is equally acceptable. It is, however, also custom that matters of business are not discussed before the fruit is served, as the focus is supposed to be on the meal. Now, please, enjoy."

[New Azura]

Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

The meal was, in effect, a minor feast in the eyes of the Azurans – a four course odyssey into the delicacies of Aquilinian culinary delight that proved rapturous upon the senses. Trevisani marveled at the eloquent presentation, noting that she would have to prepare a similar offering for her own diplomatic guests back in Azura when the time came. She had quite enjoyed the medallions of pork wrapped in cured ham, with the cream and peppercorn adding a delectable high note to an already fashionable meal. Lia Simoni was trying her damnedest not to scarf down as many of the Vulcassi deviled eggs as she could, attempting – almost in vain – to remain as dignified as possible. Only Di Norcia seemed unimpressed with the offerings, though Di Norcia was a notoriously difficult man to please. He was also someone that kept his cards close to the vest, choosing mostly to enjoy the wine on offering during the meal and watch from afar as small talk was made. Perhaps he was studying the Aquilinians for any potential surprises yet to come during the luncheon.

After sixty minutes of culinary majesty, with the pickled red cabbage soaked in apple vinegar all but devoured on her plate, Guilia felt as though she were at a buffet rather than a formal diplomatic gathering. She had to hand it to her Aquilinian hosts; they had done a rather marvelous job at loosening the atmosphere and making the Azuran delegation feel truly as guests, rather than as dignitaries. A slight difference in the eyes of some perhaps, but in the world of diplomacy it was a truly important distinction, for it allowed the Azurans to negotiate with relative creative freedom as their tailwind, rather than be restricted due to any feelings of misgivings lingering on between the parties. The Aquilinians and the Azurans were two different peoples in many respects, but there were enough cultural similarities that Guilia felt common ground could be established between them. It was a promising start to the diplomatic rendezvous that held such great promise. Yet this was only the opening act in a dance that required careful, continued coordination.

Servants moved to and fro through the dinner party, removing plates and refilling glasses at the leisure of the patrons. Lia looked up thoughtfully at one of the servants carrying a bottle of Corvennian moonwine, smiling: "No more for me, thank you. I have quite had my fill already, but it was delightful!"

"More for me, if you would my good man," Di Norcia said with whimsical charm as the servant looked up from his station by where Lia was seated. Aristide waved him over with considerable zeal: "This Corvennian moonwine is quite easy on the palette. As a sommelier, I enjoy tasting fine vintages on holiday."

Trevisani took note of her underlings actions, recognizing that they too were loosening up as the luncheon came to a close. As the fruit course began to be served, she looked up at Dr. Metelli and smiled reassuringly, "I would like to commend you on this luncheon, you have done your guests a great honor."

"Hear, hear!" Di Norcia said loudly, raising his wine glass merrily. "We have all been treated as royalty here today, it truly is a shame that we cannot be wined and dined like this on the regular," he said casually before sampling some of the fruit that a servant had carefully placed upon his ornate plating.

Guilia, trying to reassert the initiative from the boisterous Aristide, turned back to the Consul and nodded: "So, Your Excellency, as you were saying, matters of business are to be reserved for the fruit course. Now that we have arrived, how may the Evenguard's host be of service to your government?"

[Aquilinia]

Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

12:30

"I am glad you enjoyed the food," Zoé said with a smile. So far, this was going just about as well as she could have hoped for, and the wine had certainly helped her nerves calm down a little. When Di Norcia complimented the wine - which he had clearly already enjoyed quite a few glasses of - the Consul couldn't help but smirk. "You know," she explained, her doctorate in history once again proving itself to be most useful in conversation over a meal, "this wine is called 'moonwine' because it is traditionally harvested under the full moon. In ancient times, it was believed that this would produce a wine fit for the gods of the Aquilinian pantheon, that it would be imbued with medicinal, even magical properties. Of course, while the religion has long passed into history and mythology, the tradition of producing this wine continues to this day, and it is one of the most sought-after wines on the Aquilinian market. Moonwine is produced in two areas, on the sides of Mount Cassi, the extinct volcano that gave the Province of Vulcassi its name, and, in much smaller amounts, in the Province of Corvenna. While Vulcassi moonwine is exported by quite a few wineries, its Corvennian counterpart is scarce enough on the domestic market, I am not aware of any official exports."

At this, the Foreign Magistrate raised his hand, summoning one of his clerks who brought a tablet PC. "I think this is the perfect segue into business. The agenda for today is brief. I have scheduled in roughly half an hour for general diplomatic matters, before we will take an hour's recess, to allow you to settle into your accommodations, and refresh yourselves as you may find necessary. We will then reconvene at 14:00, where we will be joined by the Magistrate for Commercial Affairs, to discuss matters relating to trade between the Free State and the great nation of Azura. That meeting is scheduled for three hours, after which we will adjourn, in order to give both parties time to discuss the matters negotiated, as well as to prepare for the Great State Banquet, which will commence at 20:00." He looked around the table, waiting to see if there were any questions.

When there were none, he continued. "It is tradition to start the business of the day after a banquet a little later, so tomorrow, that being Wednesday morning, we will reconvene at 11:00 for a working lunch - unlike the more formal affair we had today - and continue with matters of security affecting both our nations. That meeting is scheduled until 16:00, with a brief recess at 14:00. Following this meeting, you, our esteemed guests, will be taken to your embassy at 18:00, for a reception hosted by your ambassador, with official business continuing throughout Thursday with a summation of the matters discussed during your visit, as well as time to address any other business that may arise. Finally, your flight to return to Azura is to depart at 09:30 on Friday morning."

Zoé nodded when the Magistrate had finished. "So, we have a busy schedule ahead. However, while the Senate is in recess this week, it has been called to reconvene on Thursday afternoon to discuss some recent events in Aquilinia, and I would like to invite you, Madame Governess, to also attend that session and address the Senate. You see, there is something else we need to discuss, unfortunately, a matter that would have been kept until tomorrow's security briefing, but I feel it needs to be spoken about before anything else, to maintain the honesty between ourselves." She took a deep breath, and another big sip from her glass of wine, before continuing.

"You see, yesterday afternoon, three teenagers on their way home from school came across an unlicensed protest against immigration and foreign involvement in Aquilinian business. The protesters heard the three youths speak in a foreign tongue, and, as they were wearing uniforms, attacked them. The three youths in question were the children of members of the Azuran embassy staff. Luckily, however, the three only sustained minor injuries, and after staying in hospital overnight for observation were discharged this morning. The Urbani, our law enforcement, have arrested fifteen people involved in the protest, one of them with a broken nose sustained during the fight, and are investigating the matter. The Azuran teenagers have already been cleared of any suspicion, as it was clear they acted in self-defence and did not provoke the attack in any way. The suspects are currently being questioned, and the lead investigator will join us tomorrow morning to share the Urbani's findings on the incident. The Proconsul of the Free City has already issued a decree in response to the incident, increasing Urbani presence around the embassy district, as well as promising to immediately shut down any further unlicensed protests." She took another sip from her wine. "The identities of the three children have been protected, and the only thing that has been reported in the press is that they were Azuran. The details of the matter have been highly classified until the investigation has proceeded far enough to give us some insight into what has happened, but like I said, the Senate has been recalled early from recess in order to discuss how such an incident can be prevented in future."

[New Azura]

Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

Guilia listened intently to Consul as she described the attack on the three Azuran teenagers during the unlicensed protest the day prior to the delegation's arrival in the Free City, feeling a strange internal mix of emotions bubbling up. On the one hand, she felt a slight peal of indignation run through her that Azurans - her people, after all - had been attacked out in the open without provocation, simply because of their mother tongue and their uniforms. It was a tough pill to swallow after all of the pleasantries that had befriended them during their stay thus far in Aquilinia. On the other hand, Trevisani admired Zoé and her courage in admitting the attack having taken place; a lesser leadership figure may have tried to pass the buck off entirely, or execute some strange machinations to attempt to sway the historical record against those attacked. Instead, she took (indirectly) full responsibility for what had happened, and had been perfectly blunt with them about what was happening, how Aquilinia was planning to react, and what the ramifications were to be for the attackers.

Guilia nodded along as Metelli finished with the notice that the Aquilinian Senate would be coming back into session on Thursday to discuss the matter of the attack and how to prevent a reoccurrence from happening. As it was, three people being attacked seemed enough of an isolated incident not to raise too many alarm bells, though the propensity for the situation to spiral into something larger and nastier was always a danger in these sorts of situations. To the everlasting credit of the Aquilinians however, they seemed to have caught on to that possibility and were doing everything in their power to cut off the head of that proverbial snake before it could rear up and strike out at them. Guilia sat quietly for a moment in reflective thought, stealing a look over at Lia Simoni and Aristide Di Norcia for implied guidance. Neither Simoni nor Di Norcia spoke a word, instead staring at her intently, a grim look carved into their staid features. Trevisani sighed, clasping her fingers together on the table before her; there was really only one way to handle this new information peacefully.

"I appreciate the candor with which you have spoken with me about this incident, Your Excellency," the First Governess remarked after taking a moment to collect her thoughts, buffeting her own internal feelings with the veneer of statesmanship. "Whilst this incident represents a troubling development, the precise nature of events having yet to be determined, I'm sure that in the capable hands of your authorities, this matter can be resolved peaceably. I see no reason that this should derail our negotiations or forestall any agreements between us at the present, though I will make it a point to speak with the children and their parents when we attend the Embassy function later in the week, if only to reassure them that their continued safety here is our shared priority."

Lia Simoni nodded along with the First Governess, waiting until she was done to add: "I know what it's like to be a student in a foreign country, the pressures that it brings. Having the support of the Aquilinian government will be a boon to them as they seek to move past the incident and begin to heal from it."

"Yes, quite right," Guilia replied, taking a sip of wine from her glass in a visual attempt to reassure the Aquilinians that the Azurans were still comfortably suited for the negotiations to continue on with them. "And as far as the rest of the schedule, that should all work out to our mutual benefit, for certain."

"We have the entire week cleared of the Governess's schedule, so we can fit everything in quite nicely," Aristide added, also taking a sip of wine, albeit far from his first, reigning in the casual atmosphere. "The Azuran delegation is ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to find success in Aquilinia."

"Indeed," Guilia remarked, "well spoken Mr. Di Norica. The Azuran delegation is at your beck and call throughout our stay here in the Free City. We are delighted to be here and will continue to avail ourselves to you as often as we can for the purposes of diplomacy and finding that gentle good humor between ourselves."

[Aquilinia]

Zoé nodded, struggling to keep herself from sighing a breath of relief. The Azurans had taken the news much better than she had feared. "Thank you for your understanding, Madame Governess. Of course, if there is anything you need during your stay, do not hesitate to ask."

She took the tablet from the Magistrate's hands, and opened another file. "As for our negotiations, the hopes of the Free State are twofold. Firstly, while the trade relationship between our two nations is a healthy one, we feel there is still a significant margin for improvement, in both directions. I am sure there are many goods that Azura can offer the Free State, and that the Free State can offer Azura, that have not yet been considered, and we would of course like to change that, for profitable trade brings prosperity to both partners. Secondly, both the Guard and the Frumentari would like to extend their cooperation with your military and intelligence service, respectively."

At this, the Foreign Magistrate nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Both our nations have much to gain from working together more closely, both in matters of trade and security. We will conduct preliminary negotiations here, and then leave it to the diplomatic corps of our nations to iron out the details once we have reached an agreement in principle. Any treaty will of course have to be approved by the Senate, but I highly doubt there will be any difficulty regarding that."

[New Azura]

Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

Guilia was well-pleased with the direction the conversation was headed; cooperation on matters of intelligence and security were among her top strategic aims when arriving at the Free City of Aquilinia to negotiate; commercial cooperation between the two nations was a boon to the proceedings, in all honesty. Her hopes to wrangle some time of multilateral treaty bringing the Aquilinians and Azurans together in the defense of the Southern Esvanovian sphere was still on the table after all, despite her initial fears that it may be too pie-in-the-sky. That the Aquilinian host was bringing up the idea of discussing the points - if not the idea of a treaty in and of itself - was an encouraging sign for their future negotiations, she thought. Trevisani nodded along thoughtfully, pleased that things were proceeding in a manner in which all sides were finding agreeable. Given the attack on the Azuran schoolchildren, that was never a given.

It was ironic, really; Guilia had come to Aquilinia without much in the way of expectation; her insides had truly been knotted up with apprehension and nerves. Though it had been two years since her ascension to the position of First Governess, most of her affairs of state had been directed inward, internally toward domestic matters. This was her first big diplomatic rendezvous with a foreign power on the magnitude of the Aquilinians. That it was proceeding this well, this early on, despite the potential hang-up with the Azuran schoolchildren being attacked was a minor miracle. It made her feel more comfortable to proceed with things, more comfortable even to share some of her loftier ambitions with the Consul and the Legate. Aristide of course would be most interested in discussing any potential ramifications of intelligence sharing, but that was a price worth paying if it meant having the Aquilinians on board with regional security.

The First Governess smiled broadly as Consul Metelli and the Foreign Magistrate finished. "I could not agree more; trade and security are two of our top priorities to discuss while we are here. Our current partnerships have indeed been fruitful, but the grounds remain ripe for further cultivation."

Aristide was a bit more hesitant than the First Governess, speaking in turn after Guilia had finished: "I would be interested to know what your plans are regarding the potential cooperation of our intelligence services. Obviously a modicum of secrecy would need to be upheld in the interest of security."

Lia Simoni, the aide to Guilia Trevisani, gently challenged Di Norcia's mild reservation. "Surely, there will be safeguards in place for both sides, but to think of the possible benefit that we could all gain from having cooperative agreements in place on matters of security, the whole region would benefit!"

Guilia nodded in agreement with Lia, stating after the fact: "I am in agreement with my aide, the benefits of working together outweigh the security concerns. We should make it our top priority to incentivize deeper trade relations and more thorough security agreements while we are here in Aquilinia."

[Aquilinia]

The State Salon
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

Zoé could not help but clap her hands. She had only been in office for six months, and was the youngest Consul the Free State had seen in over two centuries, yet so far, her first international reception was going surprisingly well. She understood the Azuran security advisor's concerns well, of course, and shared some of them. But like the Governess' advisor had said, there was more value to be found in working together than in working against each other. Nevertheless, one should always maintain some safeguards, just in case. Zoé shouldn't remember who the quote originally came from, but 'friends stab you in the front' was a saying that was well-known saying throughout Aquilinia.

It was the Magistrate, however, who spoke first, after glancing at his watch. "Excellent. We will be discussing the security agreements tomorrow, when we will be joined both by the Magistrate at Arms and the Princeps Frumentari. I recommend we adjourn for the moment, however, as the Magistrate for Commercial Affairs will be joining us later to discuss matters of trade. Vexilis Metelli will show you to your accommodations, as well as to the offices that have been prepared for your use. He will then return at 14:00 to show you to the audience chamber, where we will reconvene to negotiate. Should you require anything in the meantime, the Vexilis will be at your service, of course."


The Praetor's Office,
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

13:15

The Aquilinian delegation had retreated to the Praetor's office, which had been made available for them to use during the negotiations, and the Magistrate for Commercial Affairs, Marissa Cato, had joined them. Magistrate Cato was the younger sister of the CEO of Cato&Co., which together with its subsidiaries controlled almost the entirety of the financial sector of the Aquilinian economy, as well as much of international shipping, and remained in the firm hands of the Cato family to this day. The corporation's founder, Waldemar Cato, after whom the Free City's main airport was named, had been the youngest Consul in Aquilinian history, with Zoé Metelli a close second, and had laid the foundations for the Free State's flourishing international trade networks.

Marissa, herself an experienced businesswoman, had followed the family tradition of the younger children entering politics, and had served in the Senate for ten years already, rising to the deputy leadership of the PPN, the junior partner in the governing coalition. Her older brother Sebastian, meanwhile, had taken over as the head of Cato&Co. when their father retired three years earlier. In her mid-40s, the Magistrate was an experienced woman both in business and in politics, and had become one of Zoé's closest political allies.

Magistrate Cato had a number of spreadsheets laid out across the large desk in the Praetor's office. "Consul, Magistrate Schneider, as you can see from these figures, trade between Aquilinia and Azura has been growing steadily at a rate of about two per cent per annum. Analysis from the Office of Commercial Affairs predicts that this can be increased, however, by an initial boost of seven per cent, and then a rate of four per cent per annum, should we be able to achieve an overall reduction in tariffs and trade regulations with the Evenguard." She pulled a folder out from under the the spreadsheets. "These are the proposals we have developed, and forwarded to the Azuran embassy. Our counterparts should already have had a chance to review them and develop their response."

Both Zoé and Schneider nodded in acknowledgement. "I believe we have discussed the proposals enough in Council, and we are clear on our positions, where we are willing to give way, and where we are not. Let's hope the Azurans are agreeable."

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

14:00

The audience chamber was somewhat reminiscent of an old courtroom, with an elevated platform on the back wall, underneath a large metal representation of the Aquilinian Seal on the back wall - the seat of a judge. In front of the platform, two long tables were placed opposite each other, for the negotiating parties to sit at. Zoé was sat at the centre of the table, with Schneider, still in his uniform, to her right, and Cato, her grey hair tied into a knot and wearing a simple azure-coloured dress, to her left. To the side of the judge's chair on the elevated platform sat a single scribe, ready to take the minutes of the meeting. Pitchers of water were placed at the end of each table, and a house servant stood ready by the door should any other refreshments be asked for. As soon as the Azurans arrived, the serious part of the day could begin.

[New Azura]

Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

The accommodations provided for the Azuran staff at the Villa Praetori were beyond adequate; they were ornate and charming to the last. Each of the three main delegates of the Azuran host had received rooms befitting their station in the hierarchy of things. Guilia had taken the time to run herself a hot bath in the luxurious surroundings, allowing Di Norcia time to embrace his inner culinary mark by sampling the coffee and tea availed to them through the room's facilities. Only Lia Simoni was devoid of relaxation or pleasure seeking during their brief respite in their accommodations, instead preparing notes for the upcoming meeting that was to take place later that afternoon in the audience chamber of the Villa Praetori. As Trevisani began to dress for the gathering, she took note of Simoni's continued running around and beckoned her to calm down for a moment, wondering if she were pushing herself too hard.

"Lia, if you don't settle down, you're going to burn a hole in the carpet from your pacing," the Governess remarked. "Try and settle down, have some tea with Aristide before you wear yourself out. We still have several hours to go of functions today before everything is finished, and I need you at your best."

"I apologize Madame Governess, I truly do," Lia replied. "It's just... I don't know, something has me concerned. I don't know what it is, but I fear that our negotiations here will fall short unless we are pragmatic and dedicated to the cause with which we set out to achieve. We have to be on our toes here."

"Really, now?" Aristide interjected, sipping from a mug of warm tea before speaking his piece: "that's not the read I have on the situation at all; if anything, the Aquilinian host has been nothing if not courteous, kind and open with us. Even the mishap with the little school brats was handled appropriately."

"Oh, no, no, my concern doesn't lie with the Aquilinians," Lia responded, turning towards Aristide with her hands up as if to beg off. "What I meant was, we are going to be coming at this as relative novices for the first time. We don't want to underplay our hand and receive a raw deal from our gracious hosts..."

"...But we also don't want to antagonize them needlessly and come away worse off than when we arrived," Aristide finished, nodding effusively. "I get you, don't worry. All I'm saying is that our Aquilinian hosts have just as much riding on the line as we do, and have been perfectly fair with us thus far. We're good."

"We are all good," the First Governess reassured her aide, agreeing with Aristide. She turned towards Di Norcia, handing him a stack of papers that she had been preparing prior to her bath. "I want you to review this; it's some provisional agreements I want to broach with the Aquilinians at some point today."

"Very well, Madame Governess," Di Norcia responded, taking the papers in stride. "Are we still looking at the proposal of the Southern Esvanovian Association being on the table here, or have you decided to punt on that issue to a later date? Either way, we can make it work within the framework of our itinerary."

"No, I believe we will be pushing for it here," Guilia replied. "It's too important not to bring up, and now is as good a time as any to broach the idea. We can also bring up trade totals and our proposals for increasing net gains on both sides of the respective coin. Lia, do you have my notes handy with you on trade?"

"Yes, Madame Governess," Simoni bleated out almost apologetically, bounding to her feat in a rush to hand over a stack of papers sitting beside her on the Villa's room desk, drawing a stern look from the Governess. "Here are the corrected notes you requested, along with the proposals for the trade agreements."

"In that case, we should be ready to go," Guilia answered her aide, smiling at her. "We have everything we need and are as prepared as we are going to be for this meeting. Aristide, if you would accompany Lia and alert the Vexils that we will be approaching the Audience Chamber shortly, we will be on our way."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

As soon as the Azurans had arrived in the Audience Chamber and taken their seats, Zoé began to speak. "Madame Governess, I hope you and your delegations found your accomodation to be suitable. May I introduce Marissa Cato, Magistrate for Commercial Affairs, who will be joining us for this session on trade. She has written a proposal to form the basis of our negotiation today, which you should have received for review prior to your departure from Azura. I will let the Magistrate take the lead on this matter for now. Please, Marissa?"

Marissa nodded. "Thank you, Zoé. Esteemed guests, welcome to the Free City. Like the Consul said, my name is Marissa Cato, of the Cato family, the most successful family in the financial industry in the Free State. I hope that we will come to an agreement to the profit of both our nations. As you well know, the Free State prides itself on its manufacturing, especially in high-tech areas, such as medical devices and computer components. However, we are unfortunately somewhat lacking in natural resources, and heavily rely on imports for those, as what we produce in Aquilinia covers less than ten percent of what our manufacturing sector requires. An obvious solution presents itself here, of course, which is why we are proposing a relaxation of regulations and tariffs concerning the import of Azuran resources to Aquilinia, in exchange for an equal relaxation concerning the export of Aquilinian manufactured goods to the Azuran market."

She reached for one of the files in front of her, and took out a few spreadsheets. "On these spreadsheets, I have compiled some figures and estimations that have been provided by my office's analysts, showing the potential benefit of a trade agreement between our two nations, where Azuran resources and Aquilinian manufactured goods, respectively, see a reduction of tariffs to a quarter of the present rate, or even entirely removed, compared to the status quo."

[New Azura]

The Audience Chamber, Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

Guilia Trevisani had listened with deep intent towards the Magistrate, Marissa Cato of the esteemed Cato Family as she began to broach the idea of a swap of resources for goods between Aquilinia and Azura. Thanks in part to the briefing she had received prior to arrival, Guilia was prepared to receive such an offer openly, especially given the Azuran need for assistance in the medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors. The nationalization of the healthcare industry had caused the unintended side effect of stymieing competition among the major Azuran firms that existed prior to nationalization, thereby creating a lull in the production of new drugs and technology compared to the pre-nationalization effort. It was a problem her government had been want to solve since its inception, and this seemed a perfect time to bring about the possibility of a trade for commodities. Especially given the Aquilinian need for raw materials.

What had her hung up was the idea of lowering the tariffs down from their present state. She had no personal problem with it, nor did the Supreme Council of the National Congregation. What mattered at this point was convincing the Council of Deputies that the lowering of tariffs would be in the best interest of the Evenguard. Trade with Aquilinia was an attractive carrot, too attractive to allow the nuances of international finance to be dictated by the whims of the demagoguery in the Council of Deputies. If she came up with an investment plan, a solid pitch that she could make before the Council and hit them hard with, she may yet be able to win the day on the issue. All said, nothing was going to get done without first negotiating a plan with the Aquilinian host, which would come down to hammering out which sectors needed supplying of theirs versus which Azuran sectors needed refurbishment with Aquilinian support.

Guilia took a sip from a glass of water as Marissa Cato finished her prepared statement, then nodded in her direction: "Honored Magistrate, first allow me to say that your reputation precedes you, and I thank you for your tireless efforts here. The Azuran government in Raevenna is prepared to discuss the lowering of tariffs on goods traveling between our two nations, with the caveat of course that both countries move in tandem on the reduction of tariffs. We are even prepared to discuss the elimination of tariffs wholesale, in exchange for talks on possible trades. As you have stated, your factories are in need of raw materials and resources to produce Aquilinian goods; we can supply your factories with ample materiel for this purpose. What we need are assurances that specific Aquilinian commodities find their way into the Azuran marketplace in sufficient quantity and quality to make this arrangement productive."

Guilia turned to her aide, Lia Simoni, who was sitting at the ready to participate: "Miss Simoni, if you would, please."

Simoni jumped into the conversation wholeheartedly, pouring into her notes; "I believe our foreign mission to Aquilinia provided you a summation of our industrial output in key economic sectors for the prior fiscal year shortly before our arrival. In summation, the Azuran government is in need of a distributor of medical technology and pharmaceutical goods: antibiotics, hospital equipment and supplies, I.V. solution, the works. In exchange for assistance, we are prepared to meet the industrial needs of your factories over the coming fiscal year, providing in raw tonnage enough materiel necessary to keep every Aquilinian factory producing at its current level. Any additional framework for materiel trades could be further negotiated at your leisure, of course."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

Zoé listened intently as the Azurans presented their own proposals. When they had concluded, she nodded. "Naturally, the Senate would be equally disinclined to approve the unilateral reduction in tariffs. We are in full agreement on that part. As for your requirements for medical equipment, I am certain that Magistrate Cato would be more than happy to liaise between your health officials and the management of Lindstadt Medical, in order to broker a deal that satisfies your needs. As for raw material deliveries, of course we would not want to alienate our current partners in that area by relying purely on Azuran supply, nor would it be wise to tie ourselves exclusively to a single nation to supply our economy with resources. Nevertheless, I am certain that we will be able to reach an agreement agreeable for both parties, would you not agree, Marissa?"

The Magistrate nodded in agreement, and took another sheet from the folder. "I do believe so. However, as part of direct negotiations with LindMed, I am sure they will raise one issue of concern, that being the regulatory differences between the Free State and Azura. Adapting any product for a foreign market takes additional development time, and thus increases the price of said products. I would therefore ask you to consider harmonising regulations for medical devices with ours, in order to expedite the development, production and supply of goods to the Azuran market. LindMed will also want to set up a distribution network within Azura, in order to ensure the continued upkeep of devices supplied, as well as setting up facilities for the production of items with a time-sensitive delivery window, such as perishable pharmaceuticals. These subsidiaries would, of course, operate according to Azuran law, while remaining entirely within the ownership and management of LindMed. During preliminary investigation of possible export markets, LindMed themselves have identified Azura as the market with the highest potential for expansion, and have prepared some proposals of their own on this matter."

She passed the sheet to the Azurans. "Of course, negotiating all the finer details will require time, but I am sure that we can reach such an agreement in a reasonably short window. However, I will have my office prepare a preliminary agreement before the end of your visit, to enshrine what we have agreed so far."

[New Azura]

The Audience Chamber, Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

Trevisani followed along intently as Marissa Cato laid out the counterproposal and concerns with regards to Azuran regulatory policy and the harmonizing of medical regulations between Aquilinia and Azura. Bringing down the proverbial barriers between the two countries with respect to the Azuran health regulations on medical equipment was no problem, the system was flexible enough to absorb that sort of bureaucratic overhaul. What concerned her was the necessity of LindMed opening distribution networks within Azura itself; Guilia had no problem with the idea in theory, except for the vast economic differences between the two countries. In Azura, collective ownership by the workers traditionally enjoyed would impede on LindMed's rights as corporate owners, meaning the enterprise would be devoid of the labor needed to succeed, unless of course the Free State were to provide for the staffing of the enterprise.

Even so, there was a difficult time inside of her imagining passing up on the offer. Supplying the factories of Aquilinia with raw materials and resources would be the easy part of the arrangement for certain, but if they could hammer out the necessities of labor organization in the distribution networks, they could really be onto something here. Guilia smiled, feeling on top of things truly for the first time since they had landed in Aquilinia; it was a good feeling, having the confidence in both herself and her team to be able to put together an attractive trade package to the Free State and to receive in return that which the Evenguard was in need of at the moment. It was a reminder to her that every waking moment spent in Aquilinia was a grand opportunity to achieve the achievable, to reach for that which seemed previously out of reach and take the initiative by the horns. She stole a quick look over to Di Norica, who reassured her with a nod and a smile, silently giving her the go ahead to negotiate out that which her heart most desired in that moment.

"Regulatory oversight can be overcome," Guilia began, addressing Marissa Cato, "that much is no problem. The Lorist Party has given me charge to accommodate the best deal possible in order to procure the goods and services we require. Standardizing the regulations between our two countries is but a simple matter of bureaucratic happenstance, really. Where we would like to address the specifics of the deal is in the distribution networks inside of Azura; because of the differences in our two nations' economic models, it would be apropos to consider having an Aquilinian labor force transplant to the Evenguard to help run the distribution network itself to avoid any complications that could foul up the process."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

Magistrate Cato cursed inwardly. How could she have forgotten about the Azuran workers' collectives? Shipping the necessary workforce to Azura from Aquilinia would incur costs that LindMed would not be willing to bear, but what other solution was there going to be?

Luckily, the Consul stepped in. "Madame Governess, I understand that the differences in our economic systems may cause an issue here. However, I am sure the legal experts in our governments will be able to find a solution for those issues much more effectively than we would here. Provided LindMed receives a share of the profit made by the distribution and production networks in Azura, and maintain management control, I see no reason why they would not agree to observe your laws. After all, if they refused to do so, they would lose out on a highly profitable opportunity. As for the regulations, again, our legal experts will consult with yours in order to determine which adjustments would be required to streamline the process."

Marissa took a breath, and nodded. "Thank you, Consul. I agree, we should not let such simple matters stop us from reaching an agreement that would greatly benefit both our nations. Are there any other areas you would like to discuss today?"

[New Azura]

The Audience Chamber, Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

Guilia wasn't sure, but she could almost make out the frustration in Marissa's face initially, leading her to believe that there was a hang-up to be found in the moving of Aquilinian labor, which Dr. Metelli then confirmed. Truly, it was a conundrum of sorts, but not one that was insurmountable - the legal eagles could partake of the finer details. As for the Consul, her willingness to abridge issues and find solutions to the problems that lied between increased ties between Aquilinia and Azura spelled good things for future negotiations. Guilia had taken a liking to Zoé Metelli in the short time they had been together, seeing much of herself in the young political leader. It gave her the confidence needed to broach an idea that was, in fact, one of the ones Guilia had originally intended to leave off the table, fretting over its scope and potential ramifications. Now, however? Perhaps now was the time to act, after all.

After listening carefully to the Consul and to the Magistrate, the Governess nodded enthusiastically, stating, "I couldn't agree more with my counterpart, our legal experts can hammer out the finer points and bring this deal to fruition for both sides amicably. In fact, the gentle good nature of our current discussion has given me cause to ponder about the possibility of taking our diplomatic and socioeconomic partnership to the next level. Lia, if you would please?"

The Governess's aide sat up a little straighter, staring thoughtfully at the Aquilinian Consul and Magistrate: "Yes, ma'am. The Evenguard of Azura and the Free State are currently locked into trade deals that are, shall we say, beneficial to both sides. But as you have stressed yourselves, if we could possibly take this relationship to the next level, we could reap benefits even greater than those currently enjoyed. We believe we have a solution in the TEEP Initiative."

Guilia beamed, ready to dive into the material. "She refers to the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership Initiative, or TEEP as she mentioned. It is a pilot program we have floated in the Council of Deputies designed to bring economic cooperation and partnership between Esvanovian countries. In addition to removing tariffs completely and opening up marketplaces, the Initiative calls for substantial investments made across borders by participating countries."

"Put in layman's terms," Aristide interjected, "one hand washes the other."

"That's right," Guilia replied. "To give prospective on what we are proposing, under the TEEP Initiative, the Evenguard of Azura would - in the name of trade - invest millions of dollars in Aquilinian resources to help boost your domestic production. The Free State may in turn decide to invest several hundred million into Azura's public transportation grid, or its agricultural industry, or what have you. Nations would have infinite flexibility on how to invest, and would have even greater incentive to help knowing that a return on investment would help both their bottom line and the bottom line of their partner nation."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

"Simply put, a free trade agreement," Zoé remarked, her interest piqued. "It is an elegant solution, certainly. As for the investments, I am sure Aquilinian corporations will relish that opportunity." She glanced at Marissa, who was staring intently at the documents on the table, eager to get a closer look. "Of course, any such agreement will have to be ratified by the Senate," the Consul continued. "But I see much potential in such an initiative. Have you floated this idea to any other nations?"

Magistrate Schneider, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, finally spoke up. "Establishing a multilateral agreement such as this will require an international summit, where all interested nations can discuss the proposals, table their own amendments, and ultimately decide whether joining this TEEP, as you call it, is in their interests. I can think of several nations in the region that would try to exploit such an institution to further their own goals at the detriment of others, and I am sure the Evenguard shares that concern. Therefore, choosing which nations to invite is a decision that needs to be taken with the greatest care. We may be open to trading with all nations, but we should not be so foolish as to consider them all our friends. During this discussion, we have already discovered that the Free State and the Evenguard have very different approaches on how to manage their own economies, both with their own merits. Dealing with such differences may be something we can achieve with relative ease in bilateral negotiations, but adding more variables to the table exponentially increases the difficulty."

He stroked his chin in thought for a moment. "For example, while our two nations have differing approaches to corporate ownership, both our economies still rely on the forces of the market. All of us here at this table will be able to name at least one nation in the region that does not share that approach. And that is only to speak of economic freedom, not of the freedom of the individual person. The Free State will trade with any nation willing to buy its goods, but it will not invest to the benefit of those who oppress their citizens. Aquilinia is a free nation, of free people. A democracy. If other nations wish to take their citizens' individual freedoms, we certainly will not assist them in doing so by helping them improve their economy, and thus their ability to oppress. An initiative such as the TEEP needs to hold its members to high standards, both their economies and their treatment of the people within their borders, or it will be doomed to failure."

Zoé looked at the Magistrate for a moment, before turning back to the Governess. "I find myself in full agreement with my colleague," Zoé finally said after a moment of silence. "And I am sure Magistrate Cato does as well. I see great promise in this initiative, but I also see the danger of furthering the aims of those who wish to oppress others and further their own power. For generations, the Free State has welcomed those who managed to escape regimes such as the ones the Foreign Magistrate described. They have come here, found their freedom, and prospered in it. We would not stand by to see those freedoms eroded by investing in the same systems they fled from."

[New Azura]

The Audience Chamber, Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

As Magistrate Schneider continued on in his speech about the dangers of having the wrong nations being part of the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership, Guilia stole a look over towards Lia and Aristide, who both had a sour expression on their faces, as if insulted by the idea that the Evenguard of Azura of all nations would entertain the notion of working with those governments not holding dear the sacred freedom of basic civil liberties. For her part, Trevisani allowed the Magistrate to finish uncontested, for the sentiment was indeed a thoughtful one, albeit an unnecessary one. The Aquilinians were perhaps talking with the one national delegation that understood implicitly the dangers of unchecked avarice and barbarism towards their fellow man. Once the Magistrate had finished, and the Consul had reassessed her own position based on his recommendation, Guilia sought to put their fears to rest most expediently.

"Honored Host, I feel it pertinent to share with you briefly the nature of our government in Azura. The republic we have founded in the Evenguard was borne of a revolution to overthrow a corrupt and tyrannical regime that suppressed civil liberties and engaged in barbaric acts of gross injustices. Our countrymen bled for the right to be free of that tyranny, and to uphold the sacred principles of self-determination, free expression, the right to worship freely, and the breaking of the bonds of economic serfdom. If any country knows the dangers of working with that kind of tyranny or evil, it is the Evenguard of Azura. You have my personal guarantee, and the assurances of the Evenguard that only those states meeting our parameters would be invited to form the basis of this bloc."

To her credit, Simoni managed to absorb the sting of the mild consternation she had felt to reinforce the Governess's words. "The Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership begins and ends currently with the Free State and the Evenguard, respectively. How the TEEP initiative proceeds will be shaped exclusively by those two nations, and only those nations deemed worthy by them to stand amongst the circle of friends as economic and diplomatic equals."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

Schneider opened his mouth to speak, but the Consul lifted her hand to stop him. She knew, of course, why the Foreign Magistate was so concerned about potentially aiding oppressive regimes, but she was certain that this initiative proposed by the Azurans would lead to nothing of the sort - in fact, it may even lead to those regimes changing their ways.

"The reason the Magistrate is so adamant about his concerns," she explained, "is that they affect him personally. His husband came to the Free State as a refugee. However, I am certain that we will develope mechanisms and safeguards to ensure that only those who share our values of freedom and equality before the law will be part of the TEEP. This is an opportunity not only to bring great prosperity to our nations, but to also maybe motivate those nations that do not share our outlook to reconsider. We all know that governments, nations, people, they all can change. You need only take the Free State's history into consideration. The unification of what became known as Aquilinia was the result of a millenium of war between the kingdoms and republics that are now the Provinces of the Free State. And yet despite this warlike past, the Aquilinia of today aims only for peace and prosperity. And it is not only on that level that this nation has seen change. We peacefully transitioned from the United Empire to the Free State, by putting the future of the nation to a democratic vote, when Empress Lucille decided that she would not risk plunging the nation into constitutional chaos concerning her succession, as she had, and still has, no heir, and will likely never have one. And while there are some elements that would like to see us closed to the world, we welcome those who wish to come here with open arms, no matter where they come from, because anyone can bring something that benefits us all. It is only through working with others that we can truly better ourselves."

[New Azura]

As she listened to Zoé Metelli speak with such eloquence and resolution on the matter at hand, Guilia was suddenly reminded of her predecessor Calixte Vardanyan in many respects. Both shared that idealized view of their nations and the almost-romantic view of man's better angels triumphing in the end. Guilia was not quite prepared to take that leap of faith herself, but she was indubitably ready to latch on to the Aquilinians' willingness to go along with the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership proposal, at least in principle. The move would free up the two nations to begin trading with each other in earnest without the restrictive nature of tariffs weighing things down. Metelli was correct, Trevisani surmised, that working with other nations was the key to a brighter future. The answer lied in globalization and the expansion of free trade specifically, the exchange of ideas in the marketplace of expression.

"Well spoken, Your Excellency," Guilia remarked as Zoé finished her remarks, smiling broadly; "I could not agree more, the future of our children and our children's children depends on working with one another for the betterment of both our peoples. The world is a complex place that demands complex solutions, and the days of looking inwardly to find those solutions is rapidly coming to a close. We must be willing to think outside of the box and create new solutions to old problems that plague our respective peoples for their betterment. Yes, yes indeed, well spoken Consul, well spoken for certain."

Lia Simoni interjected, rustling some of her papers as she spoke, "I think that the Magistrate would be happy to know that the Evenguard has already taken into account some of his concerns regarding the manner in which the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership is to be carried out. Provisions are to be included that restrict oppressive regimes and dictatorial states from participating in the program. The Evenguard shares his concerns most deeply."

"Yes, quite so," Aristide added, leaning back into his chair, keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the Magistrate. "The Evenguard has taken upon itself the mantle of responsibility for weeding out the chaff before accepting admission into the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership. My people in particular have been doing their due diligence reconnoitering prospective admissions to the trade pact as we sit here. We would never put the Aquilinian state in a position where it was forced to abrogate its values or its principles in order to do business with the Evenguard of Azura. We are all friends here, Magistrate."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

Zoé watched Magistrate Schneider's reaction out of the corner of her eye as the Azurans explained the precautions they had taken. She had already decided for herself that Aquilinia would join the Azuran initiative in creating this regional trade union, and that if Schneider was going to pose an obstacle, he would have to be replaced by someone more willing to agree. The coalition agreement between the PLA and the PPN had included a provision on concluding more trade agreements with nations in the region, and she was not going to let one man's personal feelings stop her from achieving that goal. On her part, she was taking more and more of a liking to the Governess, someone she felt shared many of her goals for a peaceful and prosperous Esvanovia, with the right balance of idealism and pragmatism guiding her actions.

When the Magistrate did not respond to the Azurans' speech, Zoé took a deep breath. "Magistrate Schneider, I believe the Azurans when they say that they share your concerns, and have already included some precautions within their proposal. I see no reason not to proceed with this initiative, and neither should you. Remember, the only way to shape the future is to be part of it, and I fully believe an agreement such as the one proposed by our guests is the right way forward. We will, of course, discuss the finer points of the proposal in Council before we pass it to the Senate for approval and ratification, and if we find anything that we feel requires an amendment, we will work with our Azuran partners to address those issues. For now, I propose that we conclude with a preliminary agreement that the Evenguard and the Free State will work towards establishing a regional trade partnership, which will bring great prosperity to all those participating. I will appoint a Magistrate Extraordinary to work with both of your Magistries and our partners in the Evenguard to work out the details and create a treaty that will find the approval of both of our legislatures."

She looked at the Azurans. "A Magistrate Extraordinary is a Magistrate that is not a member of the Senate, as is constitutionally required, but instead an expert in their field invited to advise the Union Government, at equal rank to a Magistrate Senatorial, taking part in the Council of Government, what other nations may call a cabinet," she explained. "I already have a number of candidates in mind."

Finally, Magistrate Schneider spoke. "My office and I will carefully study the Azuran proposal, especially concerning the provisions for other nations joining, in order to ensure that us going forward with this initiative will not put the Free State in a position that would compromise our values. I have a feeling I know who you were thinking to appoint as Magistrate Extraordinary, and I can already predict what the outcome will be."

Magistrate Cato had started typing on her tablet the moment Zoé had mentioned appointing a Magistrate Extraordinary. When Schneider reiterated his concerns, however, she shook her head. "Schneider, like both the Consul and the Governess said, this proposal brings the potential for great prosperity to the Free State. I understand your personal misgivings, I really do, but you cannot let that influence your decisions concerning the good of the State. And I am sure that when you speak to Kim about this, he will say the same thing." She turned to the Azurans. "Honoured guests, honoured friends, we should really say. I for one do not share the Foreign Magistrate's hesitation. My Magistry will do everything that is needed to get your proposal passed by both the Council and the Senate, and we will work with the Consul's Magistrate Extraordinary to ensure that any misgivings from Foreign Affairs are addressed. I, too, am certain I know whom the Consul is considering for that position, and I think there could not be a better choice for the position. Although you will have to work hard to convince her to return to public service."

Zoé, disheartened by Schneider's continued determination to be an obstacle, smiled at Magistrate Cato's words. "I already have, Marissa. I managed to convince her to become the head of the expert delegation that was to finalise any agreements made between the Evenguard and the Free State during this visit." She checked her watch. "In fact, she should be arriving just about now. I am surprised neither of you asked me why there was a fourth chair on our side of the table, when there's only three of us."

As Zoé finished speaking, the door to the Audience Chamber opened, and a woman in the service uniform of the Aquilinian Air Fleet entered the room. Her short, black hair had begun to grey, but her green eyes still shone as brightly as they ever had. She bowed in the traditional Azuran greeting towards the guests, before saluting the Aquilinian delegation in their fashion. "I apologise for my tardiness, Consul. As you are aware, I was visiting relations in Kylarnatia, and the journey home took a little longer than expected."

The Consul shook her head. "We were made aware of your being delayed, and have commenced the negotiations in your absence, as we had discussed. I take it you have been listening to what has been said?", she added, noticing the earpiece the woman was wearing.

"I have indeed, and I share Magistrate Cato's enthusiasm for this proposal." The new arrival bowed again towards the Azurans, before taking her seat next to Magistrate Cato.

Zoé couldn't help but chuckle as she turned to the Azurans. "Sorry, where are my manners. May I introduce to you, Her Imperial Excellency, Lucille Evelyn Felicia of the house of Silvanus-Aquili, second of her name, Empress-Abdicate of Aquilinia."

Lucille laughed. "Consul, I am a Majesty no more, and I have not been for a decade. No, today I am simply Lucille Silvanus Aquili, a private citizen here to assist her nation's government."

[New Azura]

The Audience Chamber, Villa Praetori, Free City of Aquilinia, Aquilinia

The continued mistrust of the Magistrate was beginning to depress Guilia Trevisani and her cohort; as the Consul and Marissa Cato continued to try and assuage his fears over the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership and its membership rulings, Guilia could see the frustration and melancholy wash over Lia Simoni to her left. Aristide was more blanket frustrated than anything, feeling as though the Magistrate was beginning to hold up the progress of the meeting with little else to offer but skepticism of the Azurans and their intention, a fact that could make further negotiations more difficult to manage. Guilia needed her team on the same page, with open minds towards the Aquilinians, and this small hiccup in the plan could not come between them and the ultimate fruition of their goals in the Free State. There was too much riding on the line to let the misgivings of one man, honest as they may be, stymie progress for everyone.

But then, just as the Azuran contingent was at their nadir in the Free State, in came a new beacon of hope and optimism to reinvigorate the meeting. As the doors opened and a familiar looking figure walked into the room, Guilia took but a moment to recognize where it was that she knew the person from. She had seen her make speeches before on television, admiring her from afar (very afar) for her gallantry and her poise. Her Imperial Majesty Lucille Evelyn Felicia of the House Silvanus-Aquili, First of Her Name, Empress-Abdicate of Aquilinia, One of the most important figures in recent Esvanovian history, and perhaps once more coming to the service of the Aquilinian state for the betterment of the region at large. It made Guilia smile, feeling as though the connections in her mind were being manifested in reality around her, ensuring that things were moving in a positive direction for Aquilinia, Azura, and Esvanovia as a whole.

As the Empress-Abdicate approached the table and bowed towards the Azurans, Guilia, Lia and Aristide in unison rose to their feet in respect to the new arrival. As Lucille laughed and stated "Consul, I am a Majesty no more, and I have not been for a decade; no, today I am simply Lucille Silvanus-Aquili, a private citizen here to assist her nation's government," the Azuran contingent could feel the nobility wash over them. This was a woman whom had everything in her grasp, only to loose that privilege in the form of her abdication. Now, ten years on, here she was back again, a private citizen without any of the pomp and prestige of her formal title, yet willing to work for the betterment of her state all the same. The Free State was lucky to have someone of Silvanus-Aquili working for their good, and the region as a whole was lucky to have its better angel working on its side. She was a truly magnificent person to behold.

Guilia placed an open fist across her heart, bowing deeply at the waist and holding the position for a moment, noticing out of the corner of her eye as Aristide and Lia were following suit in showing their due deference. She spoke while still in a deep bow, "Your Highness, your reputation precedes you. A simple citizen you are not in the eyes of the Evenguard; it is our singular honor to be blessed with the opportunity to work with you on our recent slate of proposals."

Finally rising from her bow, Guilia motioned for Aristide and Lia to rise up as well. As the three returned to their seats at the conference table, Di Norcia made an open gesture towards the abdicated monarch; "Madame Silvanus-Aquili, may I be the first to acknowledge what an opportunity it is to work with you on the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership. I do believe we have ample opportunity to create something truly spectacular for both our respective states."

Now it was Lia Simoni's turn to gush as she fumbled over herself trying to get the words out. "Yes ma'am, I mean, allow me to reiterate what Aristide just said; it truly is a pleasure to be working with you on this project. I know that the Governess has often spoke highly of you in private circles and cannot wait to begin working with you towards bringing the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership to fruition. We are all quite excited to have you here with us here today."

"Oh yes, of course," Guilia stammered, forgetting herself for a moment. "Your Highness, may I introduce Aristide Di Norcia, my chief political counsel and intelligence officer and Lia Simoni, my personal adjutant. With the pleasantries of introductions out of the way, allow us to be as forthcoming as we can regarding the Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership and the finer details. Whatever information we may be able to provide to you, please let us know."

[Aquilinia]

The Audience Chamber
Villa Praetori
Free City of Aquilinia
Aquilinia

This was going perfectly, Zoé thought as she observed the Azurans kowtowing to the former Empress. Lucille had always had a reputation, despite her relatively short reign - she had come to the throne in her early twenties, after the untimely death of her mother, and had barely made thirty when she abdicated - and having her as part of the negotiation would almost guarantee things would go smoothly. Her last act as reigning monarch had been to lead the commission that drafted the Basic Law for the Free State, before retiring from public life entirely. Yet, here she was, as stately as ever, ready to do what it took to make this deal happen. The Consul could see that, while Magistrate Cato was exhilarated by the arrival of the former monarch, Schneider seemed somewhat dismayed. He was not hiding his dislike of the situation well, if he was trying to do so at all. Of course, Zoé had had her suspicions before the Azurans' arrival that Schneider might pose a problem - and it was becoming ever more clear that she had been correct in that assumption. Regardless, dealing with that matter would have to wait until the end of the Azurans' visit.

Lucille, for her part, was almost embarrassed by the amount of respect shown to her. "Please, your excellencies, like I said, there is no need to treat me any different to the Consul and the Magistrates. Like I said, I am here purely as a private citizen, with some prior experience in the field of international diplomacy, of course, but that does not change that. As for your proposals, I was listening to your conversation on my way here from the airport, and I am full agreement with the Consul. The Trans-Esvanovian Economic Partnership, I believe you called it, holds the potential to be of great benefit to all nations in the region. While I can understand Magistrate Schneider's concerns, I do not believe them to be a critical obstacle in this endeavour. The TEEP, as any such association in the world, will surely carefully vet applicant nations before accepting them into their fold, which should serve to immediately resolve those concerns."

She leaned forward and looked across the table at Schneider. "That is, unless the Magistrate has other issues with the proposals that he has not yet shared."

Schneider, at being addressed directly by the Empress, reached into the inner pocket of his uniform, and produced a letter, which he placed in front of the Consul. "Her former Majesty is, unfortunately, correct. While I have no objections to an economic partnership in itself, I do not believe we should tie ourselves so closely to a nation with such a different economic system to our own." He shook his head, and rose from his seat. "Therefore it is with my greatest regret that I must say I cannot support you in this matter any further. The letter I have just provided confirms my resignation as Magistrate for Foreign Affairs, as well as from the Party. It has been my honour to serve in your government, but you are taking the nation in a direction that I do not believe in." With a final salute to the Azurans, Schneider simply turned and left the room.

Zoé cursed. This was the last thing this visit needed - a domestic political crisis. And with Schneider resigning from the party as well, it was clear where he was headed - he was going to join Anna Augusta's Aquilinia Superior movement. She took a deep breath. "I must apologise to our honoured guests. This should have not played out in this setting. I had already had concerns about Magist.. no, Senator Schneider's suitability for his role, but the way this afternoon progressed only reinforced them, and I had already decided that I would replace him after this visit. Given that the Senator already had a letter of resignation with him, it has become clear that he had planned to do this all along."

Lucille stood, and moved to the seat just now vacated by Schneider. "In this case, Consul, allow me to take Senator Schneider's place during this visit. I will ensure that the rest of it continues in a smooth manner." She put a hand on Zoé's shoulder. "Do not blame yourself for this. From what I have seen so far, you are handling the situation well."