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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 27, 2023 14:27:54 GMT -5
The harsh summer sun stood at its zenith, the blue waters of the Narrow Sea glistening in its rays. The cries of seagulls followed a myriad of ships that sailed to-and-fro the mighty city of a hundred isles. Lucerys Velaryon breathed in the fresh sea air as he stood on the bow of his ship as it sailed beneath the colossal Titan of Braavos. How his spirits lifted with every moment that he could spend at sea. Had he not been a lord, no doubt he would have been a pirate king. Yet on this occasion, there was no time for such fantasies - duty called, the needs of an entire kingdom called. A small fleet he had brought with him, officially escorting the king's master of coin to Braavos. They docked and Lucerys took some time to rest while the sailors set to work. He thought of their mission. The devastation wrought on the realm, and King's Landing in particular, would take much effort to rebuild. Effort that required money. Money that the Iron Bank of Braavos had in spares to share, or rather loan. Lucerys sighed at the thought of having to deal with such tiresome business. There was a silver lining at least, he thought to himself as some port official arrived to document their presence - the master of coin would do most of the talking.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 29, 2023 16:42:45 GMT -5
Braavos was a nest of islands and canals, a labyrinth that famously remained hidden from the Valyrian Freehold and the world at large in the days when the Dragons still flew above the earth. The Westerosi party was indeed greeted by a port official; the Sealord himself had been informed of the delegation, and had generously provided one of his many palaces for them to house themselves in while they negotiated with the Iron Bank. They were led up the canals in a smaller craft, flat and wide with a score of men manning the oars. Unlike in the other Free Cities, these men did not wear chains, for slavery was as anathema in Braavos as in Westeros, if not even more so. They valued their freedom highly, and had paid the price for it in blood many times over.
Eventually, the Braavosi craft moored up against the manse that the Westerosi would be staying in. The Sealord has spared no expense, with the walled complex being larger than most Westerosi castles, with several houses and wings for both the nobles and the servants. A sizeable garden sat at the rear of the manse, populated by groves of lemon and pear trees that seemed to thrive despite the tepid heat. Lefford and Velaryon would certainly not want for comfort.
When they were ready, the Westerosi were invited to attend both the Sealord of Braavos and the Iron Bank, respectively.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 30, 2023 13:52:25 GMT -5
Lucerys Velaryon made his way to the garden while the servants took care of his sizeable luggage - as one of the most senior bannermen of the Iron Throne, it would not do for the Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark to present himself like a dirty vagabond. His finest clothes of various colors, in both Westerosi and Essosi fashions, had been brought along and were now being prepared for use. Lucerys relaxed with some wine and pears until everything was ready. poachAfter a splendid nap did Lord Velaryon seek out his companion on this journey. He did not know Lord Harmund Lefford that well, but as the master of coin he held some seniority when it came to matters of... well, coin. "Lord Harmund. I suggest that we pay our respects to the Sealord of Braavos before beginning negotiations with the Iron Bank. He is providing us with quite the lavish quarters, it would no doubt be considered an insult not to do so." |
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Post by poach on Jul 3, 2023 5:38:34 GMT -5
Harmund nodded in agreement.
"Yes, it would be wise to attend the Sealord first," he said, "We dare not risk appearing to insult him by conducting business in his own city without first paying our respects."
The Sealord, though unlikely to be made into an ally in this venture, was certainly not a man worth crossing: hostility from such an office would doubtless tilt the Iron Bank's own decision-making against them.
The party, thus prepared, arranged with the Sealord's representatives to attend his presence at his convenience.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 3, 2023 19:18:00 GMT -5
They were welcomed by a colourfully dressed party into the Sealord’s Palace, an entire quarter of the canal-ridden city with dozens of golden-topped domes and towers scraping towards the clouds. A golden thunderbolt turned mechanically atop the central complex, presumably the actual residence of the Master of Braavos amidst the nest of castle-sized manses and ornate temples of polished marble and alabaster; shrines to the thousand different gods of the East, each honoured in their own way.
More colourfully dressed men led them to the Sealord, a bullock of a man with a thick twirling moustache who sweated under several layers of purple and white silks. He sat at the head of a feast table that stretched from one end of the Great Hall to the other, adorned with all manner of exotic foods and delicacies; boars stuffed with eggs, rabbits stuffed with sausage and lemons, a gigantic pie filled with musicians, and an entire man-sized model of the Red Keep created from tinted Marzipan. Several red and blue painted dwarfs functioned as entertainment, riding in on the back of pigs to joust in the fashion of knights, before a giant-sized man dressed as a Dothraki (complete with the bells and braids in the hair) came in and knocked them all over. His bells jingled as they joined together for a dance.
As guests of honour, the Westerosi dignitaries were seated either side of the Sealord at the head of the table, who would largely busy himself by wading through the twenty course meal prepared for the guests…
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 4, 2023 3:01:23 GMT -5
Velaryon needed no encouragement to enjoy the festivities they were offered. Delicacies and drinks were all partaken in, while he guffawed heartily at the entertainment. The men of the Free Cities certainly know how to put on a show, Lucerys thought to himself as he tasted another meat pie. For the occasion he had dressed in a sea-green tunic and trousers, while his long, white hair was tied back in a ponytail. Sitting beside the Sealord, Lucerys turned to their host and nodded his head respectfully.
"My lord, your generosity knows no bounds. After endless days at sea with only the base necessities for such a harsh journey, you have our thanks. I am sure King Rhaegar will be most pleased to know that Braavos considers the Seven Kingdoms worthy of such a welcome. I hope the Iron Bank will also consider friendship with the Iron Throne a worthwhile one."
As much as he enjoyed the feast, Lucerys was well-aware of the purpose of their visit. Surely though, if the Sealord himself treated them to such a lavish welcome, would the bankers in the city not do the same? He took another sip of wine, letting the alcohol ease whatever ill thoughts he had.
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Post by poach on Jul 4, 2023 8:02:44 GMT -5
Rarely did one encounter such a feast, such a display of opulence and wealth. The message, one of a grand welcome and invitation to friendship, also to Harmund held a subtle undertone: reminding the representatives of the Seven Kingdoms that Braavos was wealthy and mighty in her own right, a state that felt itself more a peer than an inferior.
Considering the reason for Harmund's presence, it was not a message easily ignored: Braavos held her fair share of cards in this affair, and could negotiate from a position of at least security, if not strength.
Of course, it was not an entirely one-sided affair. No doubt the Sealord had entertained advances from many of the city's notables about how lucrative the market of the Seven Kingdoms could be, and how rare an opportunity such as this, to access a market as vast as Westeros, truly was. The opportunity to negotiate a relationship larger than a mere loan was surely on his mind: it was not often the Westerosi came seeking to discuss something as monumental as rebuilding an entire city.
The Sealord had as much to gain from this going well as King Rhaegar did. The lavish welcome was as much about establishing cordial terms for negotiation as it was about reminding the Westerosi delegation that Braavos was no minnow. "The feast before us is something even men of our stature are lucky enough to indulge in only on great occasions," said Harmund to the Sealord, echoing Lord Velaryon's compliments, "We are honoured to be considered worthy of such a welcome. I hope it augurs well for our negotiations with the Iron Bank."
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 4, 2023 15:19:11 GMT -5
Velaryon needed no encouragement to enjoy the festivities they were offered. Delicacies and drinks were all partaken in, while he guffawed heartily at the entertainment. The men of the Free Cities certainly know how to put on a show, Lucerys thought to himself as he tasted another meat pie. For the occasion he had dressed in a sea-green tunic and trousers, while his long, white hair was tied back in a ponytail. Sitting beside the Sealord, Lucerys turned to their host and nodded his head respectfully. "My lord, your generosity knows no bounds. After endless days at sea with only the base necessities for such a harsh journey, you have our thanks. I am sure King Rhaegar will be most pleased to know that Braavos considers the Seven Kingdoms worthy of such a welcome. I hope the Iron Bank will also consider friendship with the Iron Throne a worthwhile one."As much as he enjoyed the feast, Lucerys was well-aware of the purpose of their visit. Surely though, if the Sealord himself treated them to such a lavish welcome, would the bankers in the city not do the same? He took another sip of wine, letting the alcohol ease whatever ill thoughts he had. Rarely did one encounter such a feast, such a display of opulence and wealth. The message, one of a grand welcome and invitation to friendship, also to Harmund held a subtle undertone: reminding the representatives of the Seven Kingdoms that Braavos was wealthy and mighty in her own right, a state that felt itself more a peer than an inferior.
Considering the reason for Harmund's presence, it was not a message easily ignored: Braavos held her fair share of cards in this affair, and could negotiate from a position of at least security, if not strength.
Of course, it was not an entirely one-sided affair. No doubt the Sealord had entertained advances from many of the city's notables about how lucrative the market of the Seven Kingdoms could be, and how rare an opportunity such as this, to access a market as vast as Westeros, truly was. The opportunity to negotiate a relationship larger than a mere loan was surely on his mind: it was not often the Westerosi came seeking to discuss something as monumental as rebuilding an entire city.
The Sealord had as much to gain from this going well as King Rhaegar did. The lavish welcome was as much about establishing cordial terms for negotiation as it was about reminding the Westerosi delegation that Braavos was no minnow. "The feast before us is something even men of our stature are lucky enough to indulge in only on great occasions," said Harmund to the Sealord, echoing Lord Velaryon's compliments, "We are honoured to be considered worthy of such a welcome. I hope it augurs well for our negotiations with the Iron Bank." The Sealord finished quaffing down a portion of pheasant, belching into a kerchief before a servant came forward to wipe the grease from his moustache. "The honour is mine, my friends. A long time since we have had a visit from the Iron Throne." He licked his lips, and washed down the food with a draught of lemonwater. "No doubt the Bank is similarly honoured. Many of their dignitaries are here now." If they were, it would be difficult for the Westerosi to tell - the Braavosi did not distinguish rank between themselves so easily. They wore no sigils or devices. "I know the Bank is as interested as I am in forging beneficial ties with the West. An official treaty could go some way to easing the path to... Shall we say, generous loans. Braavos does not forget its friends."
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 4, 2023 16:14:49 GMT -5
The Sealord finished quaffing down a portion of pheasant, belching into a kerchief before a servant came forward to wipe the grease from his moustache. "The honour is mine, my friends. A long time since we have had a visit from the Iron Throne." He licked his lips, and washed down the food with a draught of lemonwater. "No doubt the Bank is similarly honoured. Many of their dignitaries are here now." If they were, it would be difficult for the Westerosi to tell - the Braavosi did not distinguish rank between themselves so easily. They wore no sigils or devices. "I know the Bank is as interested as I am in forging beneficial ties with the West. An official treaty could go some way to easing the path to... Shall we say, generous loans. Braavos does not forget its friends." Velaryon glanced around the table at the other guests and dignitaries attending the feast. Despite his travels, the customs of the different Free Cities were only known in general to him - impossible to distinguish one Braavosi from another. Certainly not enough to spot an employee of the Iron Bank. He took another sip of wine and smiled at the Sealord. "You tease us, my lord. I can't imagine the bank giving away its money so easily, otherwise it would not be the wealthiest in the world. But a treaty, you say? Between the Iron Throne and Braavos? I'm sure the king would be interested in a beneficial agreement - we Va-... I mean, we Westerosi do not forget our friends either."Lucerys took a pause to gather his thoughts. Despite his proud Valyrian blood, Braavos was not the city where one should flaunt such heritage carelessly. "What treaty of friendship does the mighty Braavos have in mind?"
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 6, 2023 16:15:08 GMT -5
"A treaty that ensures our traders receive preferential treatment in your new city will go a long way to sweetening the offer from the bank. Perhaps a more permanent presence could be established."
Offered the Sealord, watching the two Westerosi with beady eyes.
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Post by poach on Jul 7, 2023 5:40:14 GMT -5
The Sealord was a man of direct action, it seemed. No dancing around, no implication or subtle suggestion. Rhaegar had already given the pair leave to negotiate a Foreign Quarter of sorts, which seemed was fortuitous: Rhaegar had correctly predicted exactly what the Braavosi would seek.
Still, best not play ones cards too freely.
"A foreign quarter, of sorts?" asked Harmund, feigning thoughtfulness, "An intriguing proposal, indeed. There could be advantages to this, spurring investment into a city that needs kickstarting."
Harmund took a drink of his wine, whilst staring out into nothing in particular, mulling over this 'surprise' proposal.
"Naturally such a treaty would be an expansive undertaking, going much beyond our original remit to negotiate for a loan from the Iron Bank, though we have been given... leeway, in how we approach securing the Iron Bank's buy-in to the King's efforts. Perhaps the Sealord or his representatives should be party to our forthcoming talks with the Iron Bank, and we can broaden our talks into something that transcends a simple loan agreement? Of course, it is my hope the Iron Bank are as open to these exciting possibilities as you are."
A foreign quarter would likely not entice the Iron Bank much: as lenders of money they did not conduct trade as such, but if the Westerosi delegation could leverage the Iron Bank's main backers' enthusiasm for a bigger deal, it may force their hand somewhat. After all, more Braavosi business in Westeros likely meant expanded banking opportunities, because where there was business there was banking. Having a delegation in the room extolling such possibilities from the Braavosi side couldn't hurt the Iron Throne's negotiating position.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 7, 2023 6:03:38 GMT -5
The Braavosi Sealord seemed pleased with the acceptance, and a touch amused at Lefford’s apparent surprise at the offer. Perhaps they had eyes in the capital, or perhaps it was merely fortuitous coincidence.
“We would be honoured to aid you in treating with the Bank. Naturally, establishing a branch in your capital would be in their best interests.”
Which would make it very easy for the Bank to keep one eye firmly on the investment. The Braavosi Sealord’s moustache wriggled. What influence he himself held over the Bank was impossible to say. It was common knowledge in the city that the Sealord and the Bank sometimes came to loggerheads.
“A foreign quarter would be a fine solution. Of course, a recognition of Braavos’ primacy over the other cities in this section would be most welcome, given our ready support of his Grace.”
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