Grand Hall: Sun Palace, Cairhien

The Grand Hall is magnificent. Tall marble columns in a darkly blue shades reach up all the way to the high, domed ceiling. The floor is also of blue, polished marble, and a red carpet embroidered with gilded lines reaches from the entrance gates all the way up the dais, then ends at the foot of the Sun throne. At the end of the hall, the Sun throne itself stands centered atop a wide dais of deep blue marble. The great heavy armed chair glitters with gild and golden silk. Somehow its lines are straight and plain, with the wavy-rayed Rising Sun above it.

The room is moderately warm at this time of the year, in a comfortable way. Many people heads in the direction of the Dining Hall, to have their breakfast served. Others stands in small pairs of two or three in casual conversation.

Between the columns to one side you can see an entrance to the Dining Hall, and the gilded doors facing the Sun Throne lead you back to the Entrance Hall.

It is 8:32 on Day 3, Amadaine NE 1003 - Spring Morning

Kolvin arrives through the guilded doors leading to the Entrance Hall.

Serenia arrives through the guilded doors leading to the Entrance Hall.

Serenia walks to stand among the columns.

Maizran arrives through the guilded doors leading to the Entrance Hall.

As the doors are opened by two heralds, the room starts to fill with people; and amonst them is the young Lady of Hagon. She makes sure she moves off to the side to stand amongst the columns rather than sitting with others that might distract her from the proceedings.

Bishop comes meandering into the grand hall. No fan fare to announce his arrival, now crowd of people following along in attendance. Just Bishop. He has been asked to be here, so he is. make no mistake though, he remembers well what happened to him the last time he was in this room

Unlike at the informal gathering, when the Queen arrived as the last remaining occupant, this time Adelina is already present and accounted for. She speaks with two of her advisors, taking in their further counsel, and likely will remain doing so until the Court session starts. From time to time she looks to the door to who might be entering, though pays no particular notice to those arriving. She gives a cursory nod here and there as might be required, to at least show she's paying attention to her surroundings and the conversation going on within her area.

Kolvin enters the room and turns his eyes around it briefly, considering the place with earth brown eyes shining for a moment. Unlike many of the nobility, this thin man hasn't found himself a group with which he prefers to associate and moves easily through the room while watching others do that very thing. Regather their small cliques so that they may gossip quietly through the announcements that may be born out today.

The same small man that started the informal proceeding moves forward, banging a staff upon the ground. "The Queen wishes welcome those who've come. Please get yourselves settled and seated in an orderly fashion, and then the meeting will start. The rules are few and simple. If you wish to speak during this session, please rise and wait to be called upon. Anyone disrupting the meeting will be evicted from the proceedings."

Maizran enters the hall with little flair, carrying a folder in one arm, as he moves toward the foreign table where he finds a seat. He's here more for observing then participating, and that could be obvious by the expression of his features.

Bishop ponders those instructions. Hmm. Where to sit? Lets see not on the left. They could get at him too easily there. Right is bad to. That...leaves oonly the middle. With that in mind he makes his way in that direction and seats himself as instructed, eyes ever alert.

Serenia watches Maizran as he enters the room and settles himself near the other foreigners. Her features remain hidden behind a safely coiled mask of neutrality.

The small man returns to his place amongst the Queen's advisors, allowing the Queen to get started. His part in this is done.

Rising from the Sun Throne, Adelina looks about the room at the variuos subjects present, and dignitaries. "Today, We are gathered to discuss negotations between Our beloved Cairhien and the Savior." The Queen flicks a glance toward Bishop as she speaks, making it known who the represenative for this evening will be. "We have heard from the Ambassador Elbert on what the Savior has to offer, but we have yet to hear his terms for his offering. Perhaps, Ambassador Bishop, we can start with that?" And in that, she starts off with allowing Bishop to speak first.

Bishop nods his head and finds himself getting to his feet. "Hm. Where to begin? I do not know how through a job my commrade has done in telling you what we have to offer. So I will sum things up just to be certain there is no misunderstanding. Anything and everything one could desire from the south lands, we have available to trade on the open market, and are perfectly willing to do so." There is a pause. "The saviour wishes me to make absolute assurances to Cairhien and its people, that he means them no harm, and that we now, seek only to open up avenues of trade which can be profitable for all of us."

Serenia shifts slightly as Bishop starts to speak, turning herself to regard the man who represents the Savior so. She almost seems wary, casually looking off into the crowds to make sure no one will cause a disturbance this time. Bishop's entrance into Cairhien has been met with ill fortune at each function.

Listening carefully, the Queen tilts her head to the side as one of her advisors whispers something to her. She regains her full height after murmuring something back, then regards Bishop evenly; though in a polite manner. "Ambassador Elbert read Us something that said as much. We believe that the Savior means to open trade, just as he says. We hope that it will be a fortuitous experience for both sides." She just doesn't say how she expects the man to do such.

Bishop decides to pose a question here. "Cairhien is in need of grain no?

Maizran leans back on the chair, listening to the exchange with some speculation. He doesn't give either of the main speakers much of his attention, though he does pay careful attention to the other nobles here. At the mention of grains, he perks up a touch in Bishop's direction.

"Cairhien is, indeed." Adelina speaks up. It is a known fact that the Aiel War toiled on Cairhien, even as shameful as that fact might be. "We are in need of many things." She further adds, but not what those things might be. She regards Bishop curiously, "Though, what would the Savior ask in exchange for such things as his grain?:

Bishop is quick to respond. "Money of course. The means to sure up that which he has acquired. Stability is the end objective. For that one needs 3 things. money. Cooperation from ones neighbors...and finally, recognition." There is a pause. "I am sure Cairhien also has many things which could be most beneficial to put up on the market for trade."

The Queen dips her head in a regal nod, the light of the room glinting off of the crown which she wears. "Indeed, Cairhien has its own products it could trade in return, should we find a mutually beneficial agreement." She pushes a few locks out of her eyes, watching the crowd of nobles a bit before looking back to Bishop. "And money would not be a problem, nor an issue. We were used to dealing with Tear before the barges stopped." Is there a note of accusation within the Queen's voice? Nah, couldn't be. Though truth rings within her words. Cairhien was doing well with Tear before the Savior took things over.

Bishop smiles condisendingly. "Well now you may be used to dealing with us." And perhaps the barges may resume again.

Celise arrives through the guilded doors leading to the Entrance Hall.

"Perhaps, Ambassador Bishop, perhaps. It will all depend on negotiations and whether or not We find them desirable." Adelina crosses her arms as she consideringly regards the Savior's representative. "So let me get this straight. The Savior is wishing any money and commodities that we can offer, peaceful neighborly relations, and recognition?" She ponders the last two, "What sort of recognition?"

Bishop corrects. "What we want, is to be viewed as a soverign nation, with a strong, respectable ruler. What we trade is not so much at issue Queen Adelina, as much as is the fact that were -are- trading. It is the image of us contributing and taking the place we have earned for ourselves in the community of nations...and then gaining the recognition of our soverignty from thos enations."

"If you expect some sort of guarantee that should Cairhien give such recognition to the Savior and his held lands, that others will follow suit, We're afraid that We cannot guarantee such a thing." Adelina states, her words kindly, yet her manner in keeping with her stature. Adelina lets her gaze travel amonst those nobles who've come in attendance, particularly the foreigners who've managed to come. "I think, perhaps, Ambassador Bishop, you might take an opportunity to speak with those in session with this meeting, to see if they view the Savior worthy of such respect asked by him."

Celise makes her way into the Hall, not the least bit ashamed or put off by her tardy appearance. Then again, when was the Taraboner Lady ever on time? Celise dips her head to Adelin, making way to stand next to one of the large columns near the front, although not too close to actually interupt. Her eyes scan the participants in the room, flickering back to the Queen every now and again, a slight smile appearing underneath the transparent silk veil she always wears.

Bishop smiles in response to Adelina's words. "You give us the support of Cairhien...and let us handel the rest your majesty." He turns around now to look over the herd of mindless nobles festering out there. "Queen Adelina...You are the son...you are the moon, you are the starlit sky of Cairhien. Where you go, I have every confidence they shall follow." Nope, he doesn't like them one bit.

A few people shuffle in their seats, many more eyeing Bishop. It seems as he mistrusts them, they mistrust him as well. A few quiet comments are exchanged amonst the nobles, though never get above a whisper.

Serenia furrows her brow at Bishops comment. She's certaintly no sheep to follow after its guide. She snorts quietly, crossing ehr arms and leaning against one of the columns. In fact, she's one of the few who've started to lose faith. She watches the Queen quietly, uncertain of her feelings on these proceedings.

Kolvin's eyes narrow as he listens to the man. His hand flexes a little bit as he looks at the man and his lips turn up a frown. This sounds distinctly like a threat to him and that simply will not do. He looks to the Queen to see what it is that she will reply with to this latest demend.

Maizran features take form of an appropriate frown, as he looks around to all the whispering nobles. Bishop's words have little affect on him, though then again, he's not one of the sheeping Cairhienin nobles that Bishop referred too. Or tried to imply. Still, he finds all this strangely amusing.

A light chuckle then does escape the Queen, almost with a hint of nervous candor. "We would not be so bold as to agree with you, Ambassador Bishop. The citizens of Cairhien are a restless lot, and will travel where there is fortune and power to be gained. That is the nature of Our life, and what it has always been." Looking up, she does manage to notice Celise entering a little late. She takes a moment to smile at the woman and give her a respectful nod of greeting before looking back to Bishop. "I believe the only way that we could believably give the Savior the respect and recognition that he desires is to obtain an agreement in writing that he does not wish to breech Cairhien's borders and try to take Our lands. I believe it would put to peace the minds of those who might be worrying about whether or not they will have a home or be cast out into the streets after some dispute or another."

Bishop looks to the Queen and then to the small carrying case he left at his seat. He holds up a finger. "One moment if you would please Queen Adelina." That said he moves to said case and opens it up. "I already have such a document in my posession." yes, it seems this is one deal that the saviour is anxious to close. Treaties can always be broken later afterall

Bishop retrieves a large document affixed with the Saviour's seel from his traveling bag and hands it to the nearest guard to present for her inspection.

Celise focuses her attention on the man speaking to the Queen, a hint of derision in her expression. Perhaps looking down on the man she sees as opposing her Queen...her friend. She waits expectantly, eyes focusing fifrst on the carrying case of Bishop's, and then on Adelina. Her gaze also turns to the rest of the nobles, and she catches site of her beloved, the Lord Demmar from Andor. A coquettish smile, and she slowly removes the silken white gloves covering her hands, sliding them into a small pouch at her side.

A darkened brow raises in a quizical manner as Bishop announces that he has such a document prepared already. "It seems this Savior thinks of everything, yes?" Adelina states, considering Bishop and his presence once more. It would be rather hard to notice the slight downward turning of her lips as she casts a frown upon the man as he moves to get the documents. Once he rights himself, that frown disappears however. "Quite resourceful." She nods to the guard, who brings it forth. She holds her hand out to take the document, does so, then examines it.

Serenia stands a little taller as Bishop hands the document to the guard, and then sees it transported to the Queen. She does not hide her own frown, not liking this more and more. She casts a glance over in Maizran's direction, watching to see how her husband's patron is handling such matters.

Bishop watches quietly. he doesn't feel the need to praise his savior. The man has already taken control of taer and Illian now. He must be pretty damn swift.

"Everything seems to be in order." Adelina murmurs, "And seems fairly straight forward." She looks away from the papers and back to Bishop. "We would be pleased to know that the Savior agrees not to breech our borders, should we agree to start trade. We have our own set of troubles to worry about without needing another dispute. And, of course, as a good neighbor, he would aid Cairhien should We need any help in such matters as border disputes or trouble with the Aiel?"

Bishop smiles. "I am certain...he would be more then pleased to send as many soldiers to your country...as is deemed necessary." there is a pause as he internally finds that one most amusing. "My Saviour is well aware of just how troubling things are here in Cairhien, and to that effect, he has authorized me to present the Sun Throne a gift, as a token of his undying good will."

The Queen narrows her eyes slightly at Bishops wording, as though catching on to some hidden meaning. She lets it pass however, for now. "And what sort of gift might this be?" she inquires, allowing the man the opportunity to further speak on the matter.

Bishop glances down at his travel bag. "A week ago, 2 caravans baring grain from our saviour were dispatched for Cairhien. They should arrive within the week." He pauses. "My Saviour seeks only the good relations of Cairhien Queen Adelina." the smile grows. "What must we do to prove this to you?"

If the Queen is surprised, she certainly hides it well. "We thank the Savior for his generous offer." Suspicion, however, resides in her eyes. She'd be a fool not to be so. "The food will do well to feed the many people housed within Our walls, and within those remaining villages housing others." One of her advisors pulls her attention away once more, whispering in her ear. A thoughtful expression comes to her features. "Cairhien, too, has a gift for the Savior. But it is a small token in comparision to what he has given Us thus far." With her words, the man who spoke to the Queen steps forward and presents a small black box to Bishop.

Bishop receives the box and opens it up to view the contents. Ah...another pin. Didn't someone give him something like this earlier? He removes it from the box and holds it up to the light to admire the luster, before pinning it onto his jacket. "My sincerest thanks your majesty. It is my hope that we can work together, to forge a profitable relationship between our 2 peoples.

Celise sighs slightly. Grain caravans. Wonderful. Was it too much to hope for that it was Tairen delicacies? Celise turns her attention away from Maizran, and back to the box Bishop now holds. A slight smirk on her face, she absently runs a hand over the pouch her gloves rest in. And then moments afterward, her attention is distracted by the most delecitble blue-eyed guard. Her eyes revert to their blank almost fawning stare that comes into play during her encounters with men.

"You will understand that I must look the documents over in full before giving a final answer, and signing any treatises." Adelina states with a matter of factness. With that, she continues, "For now, I'd like to open up the floor for any questions residents amongst the nobility of Cairhien, or her visiting peers might have." With that, Adelina now retakes her seat upon the throne, the wieght of her crown sagging her shoulders a bit.

Bishop bows his head. "Of course your majesty, when you are ready, I am at your desposal."

Pressing his fingertips against one another Kolvin considers what a gift of caravans of grain may potentially mean for the people of this city. His thin frame reclining nimbly where he watches the powerful people debate this important issue. Shaking his head a little bit at the man's garuntee's, the Filderryn lord is somehow certain that there is more to his words than what is being said. With that he rises to be acknowledged as having a question, the cocksure and, perhaps, foppish smile born on his face like a badge of courage.

The small man who made the announcements steps forward to take the burden of calling on people in the crowd, to save the Queen from such nuissances. "The Queen has spoken, the floor is open." Spying Kolvin first, he nods his head in the Lord's direction, pointing as well, "And the Lord now has the floor."

Unfortunately, Adelina's ISP connection cut off before the end of the meeting could be concluded. She was unable to get back online to take the answer/question portion of the meeting.