Brothers on the other side [Ashinara - Mil'Nor]

[Kira]

"That sounds like a fair deal. I hope you do understand that we will require a second payment should you require the facilities in the spring, as we will not be paying out of pocket to maintain our leased facilities when we don't even know if they will be used afterwards."

 Dravos led Gerasim into the keep, the trip to the meeting room kept brisk. Once entered, the diplomat would find himself in a rather spacious study, with bookshelves covering nearly every inch of wall, save for some windows and the occasional oil painting. The Chief took a seat at a small table off to the side, an ornate bottle of red liquid on it along with two glasses. Pouring himself a cup, he'd gesture to the other seat.
"I've had the servants prepare us what we'll need to find out the smaller details, but once we finish here we can get the rough draft out and have a drink to celebrate, if you'd like to join that is."

[aimway921]

"Most definetly. As a matter of fact, I think it would be most convenient for our ships to spend the winter in your port, so that we can resume operations as soon as the seas thaw again in Spring."

Gerasim took in the look of the study. Impressive, but he expected no less of a Toulian noble.

"It would be my pleasure," he responded, as he took his seat.

"But let's talk of matters other than this war. Ashinara is looking to make connection with all Toulian nations. As I mentioned previously, we'd be interested in a cultural exchange. Open up the possibilities of travel between us, import literature from each other, get to know each-other's languages... That sort of thing."

[Kira]

"That will be can be arranged, under extra costs. Our sea trade is limited, so I believe another ten thousand silver will be adequate under the terms of a layover for the winter. If you desire however, for another five thousand silver can be given to grant the use of our Ice Breakers. The Matilda class should be able to at least offer some exit from the ice, although I do ask that the cost of the men's wage be given from your own coffers. I would also expect no harm to come to them in use, and grave fees to be demanded should the souls onboard perish. This fees will given in more silver to the High Chief for the loss of our people, as well as severance pay to the widows and children they may leave behind."
The last bit had a bit of gravel in it, the Mil'Norans tone turning pointed at the end before allowing the words to hang a few seconds.

He'd speak again, his tone dulling a bit down to more calmer point. The smile had returned, at least slightly
"I trust it would not come to that, but I will not see my people suffer for others actions. I'd expect you to ask the same if you were in my position. As for this 'cultural exchange' you've proposed, I'm more then happy to accommodate such an endeavor. There's much we can learn about each other, and I know the High Chief would be interested in learning from your people directly. What little we do hear is very much out of date or just plain skuttlebutt, and we've little way of confirming things beyond trade with the Old World."

[aimway921]

"I believe those terms would be agreeable. I'm not a naval battle strategist, so it'll be down to the Admiralty's decision, but I don't think they'll want to do battle in the ice... However it will be useful for bringing supplies.

Shall we pen down the treaty then?"

[Kira]

Dravos offered a hand to the Ashinaran, a warm smile on his face as he spoke.
"Shall we agree upon an forty-five thousand payment upfront or are you willing to accept a sixty-five thousand payment for both the rights and layover as I've stated we are willing to offer you? I can have my servants bring us the documents needed to sigh the rough draft that we'll have made ready for a proper document. The current High Chief will be happy to keep the terms of our agreement, I can assure you"

[Kira]

Mil'Nor-Ashinara Dock Lease & Cultural Exchange Treaty

Signed in Vaylien of 1931 

Article 1: Mil'Nor and Ashinara will agree to non-aggression and offer fair trade prices to one another.

Article 2: Ashinara will pay sixty-five thousand tons of silver to pay for rights of docking and purchase of supplies at fair price. Arrangements for the lease of The Rubicon, The Sunbearer, and the Iron Dragon Matild-Class Icebreakers will made along with wages paid and collateral offered to the government should harm come to the ships and/or men. Fair food and board prices for the crews stationed upon the Ashinara ships that stay within territory owned by the Mil'Nor. 


Article 3: Article 2 stands in effect until the passing of Foa 30th, 1932. Unless agreements are made before or after the passing of this date, Article 2 shall stand voided after the passing of this date. The Mil'Nor Joined Clans reserves the right to dissolve Article 2 should any harm or unforeseen factors afflict the Mil'Nor people and/or government.

Article 4: In order to further future cooperation between our nations, Mil'Nor and Ashinara will exchange intellectuals and cultural ambassadors in order to further peace between our people for the prosperity of each other. This Article stands under the agreement between standing heads of state, and is governed by the agreements signed after declaration of this treaty.


Signed by Dravos of Clan Gruvar and Minister Tagomych of the Ashinara Hetmanate.

[aimway921]

Ambassador Konyur would reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mil'Nor. He wanted to discuss the fate of the expired dock lease deal, as well as other things.

[Kira]

An acknowledgement of Ambassador Konyur's outreach was sent in return by the Valderan Ministery, a meeting scheduled with Representative Binks to discuss new agreements.

The meeting was scheduled to take place within one of the conference halls of the Representational Offices. 

[aimway921]

Konyur would enter the conference hall, dressed in a woolen three-piece suit, carrying a briefcase. Exchanging his greetings with Representative Binks, he would take a seat at the table.

"Thank you for having me," he began.

"New winter will soon be upon us, and operations in the South seem to be far from complete. I believe this time we would be able to dock in local captured ports, however, the issue of supply remains. We would like to once again rent the services of the Rubicon, the Sunbearer and the Iron Dragon for the winter to maintain the flow of transport and cargo ships to supply our troops down South, as well as have the ability to dock in your ports for refueling. If you have coal to sell, we would like to be able to purchase that as well."

[Kira]

Representative Binks considered the Ashinarin for a moment, the older Mil'Nor opening the ledger before him as he spoke. 

"We are willing to reinstate the terms of your prior lease, along with a sale of coal for your vessels. I am sorry to report that we will require a different form of payment then silver, however."

[aimway921]

Konyur opened his own ledger that he produced from his briefcase, and began running down the lines written in it.

"We could export Heavy Equipment and Ground Equipment," he began. "As well as food to increase your surplus in the winter. Living in the tropics, we are able to grow our produce year round. Alternatively, we can pay you in Ashinaran currency, the Hryvnia. While it currently has not the best exchange rate to the most dominant currencies, namely the Koian Jewel and Gaelian Pound, it is steadily gaining strength and recognition as we entering the international markets."

"This also brings me to the second matter I wished to discuss. News have reached our homeland that you have entered a war with a bordering nation. May I inquire into the nature of the cause for hostilities?"

[Kira]

Binks raised an eyebrow as he spoke.
"The nation of Xagreau has taken to hostilities against us. I'm not authorized to speak too much on the matter, so you must forgive me if I must leave any questions you have unanswered. As for payment for the lease, we can see about a Heavy equipment trade being established."

[aimway921]

"As you may know, from our previous communications with your government, we in Ashinara, and by extent, our allies in Franerre, are aiming to increase the levels of cooperation and prosperity around Touli. As such, we would like to offer to invite both your and Xagreau governments to a meeting and mediate as you settle your disputes at the negotiation table instead of the battlefield. Spirits know, enough Toulians have died in combat in the last year.

Should that fail, however, Ashinara would like to offer support to Valdera in this conflict, mainly material, as we have heavily committed to the war against UST and have scarce troops to spare, but once we could, we can talk about sending troops to support you as well. If your war is not over by then, of course."

[Kira]

"I appreciate the offer, Mr Konyur, but I'm afraid we must decline on the possibility of mediation. As for what aid you could supply, you are welcome to donate what equipment and men you can spare. The Mil'Nor people would be most appreciative of the aid, but for the time being we are not seeking any armaments purchase." 

[aimway921]

"Very well," Konyur replied. "Although, once you force your enemy into surrender and peace talks, our offer of mediation would still be on the table. In the mean time... Now, I don't have the authority to sign off on anything so big right now, as it must also be discussed with our ally, Franerre.. But I'll let you know that Ashinara is looking for closer ties with Valdera, especially after your restructuring we have witnessed on the recent Day of Rising, including but not limited to a guarantee of independence."