Hand Across The Water

[Montelimar]

Palais Royal
Valmy, Montelimar

With the Francophone conference falling short of expectations, King Armand decided that a long postponed meeting with the Grand Duke of Aquitania could be finally held which is why now, with the conference adjurned, Grand Duke Jean III has been invited to the Palais Royal in Valmy before his return to his own country. Though originally, the meeting was to refresh the historical relations that has existed between the two crowns as well as some economic discussions, the recent news out of Meribia will likely bring the subject of the old allegences between Montelimar and Aquitania to the forefront of the conversation.

"Your Royal Grace, I am so pleased you have agreed to meet with me on such short notice. Though I apologize for the lack of a proper greeting on your arrival, but the less known about this meeting before any agreement is made I think is best as current events have created a situation that is far more critical than what we had originally planned to discuss. I hope this arrangement is satisfactory to you."

 

[Aquitania]

Palais Royal
Valmy, Montelimar

It had been many years since the last time Jean de Blanchard had visited Valmy, in fact it was to attend King Armand's coronation that was the last time the Grand Duke had been in the capital of Montelimar. Though it was true, Jean wished his arrival was less secretive as he would have enjoyed seeing some of the city upon his arrival, the King was correct, that certain things must be settled before it became common knowledge that the meeting had even taken place.

"Your Majesty, I assure you I fully understand and concur with you, a bit of secrecy is called for right now, though I am sure that my being in Valmy will break sooner rather than later. So I do believe we should not waste any time."

"Though there are several subjects I had hoped to discuss with you, it would appear certain events taking place in Meribia will have precedent now. As you may know, the relations between Aquitania and Meribia have not been what can be called warm, in fact, ice cold would be an understatement. Ever since the rise of the soviet government in Meribia, a government that is a diametric opposite of the Grand Duchy, our border with them has been ever increasingly secured and our military has maintained a parity with them. Now, with the news of the detonation of a nuclear device, and a missile system that has the capability to deliver that device to any target within the Grand Duchy, we find ourselves for the first time in generations threatened by a Earthly power that we are ill equipped to resist."

"Though there is the ancient alliances that is still enjoyed between our countries, I will not call upon it, but instead, I will ask Your Majesty's assurances that Aquitania can rely on them if needed. Also, though it was a subject I had intended to discuss before, the circumstances make them even more dire, that certain trade and licensing agreements will be renewed, especially those concerning military armaments. Is this something we may be able to agree upon?"

 

[Montelimar]

King Armand was quite surprised with the Grand Duke's straight forwardness, the Meribian news must have him far more worried than was expected.

"Of course, Your Grace, you can rely on Montelimar as much today as Aquitania has in the past. Montelimar has never and will never turn it back on its friends. As for the agreements between our governments, I assure you they will be honored and if necessary, renewed. The licensing on the otherhand I can't guarantee, but I will promise I will use my influence with those companies that Aquitania has license agreements with, if need be, are renewed. I hope that is satisfactory."

"There though something else I wish to convey to you, it comes from the EDF Council and has my full support. As Aquitania has and is considered friendly, not only to Montelimar, but to the alliance as well, the council wishes to extend to you a Tier 3 membership in the alliance. This will bring the Grand Duchy into the defence sphere of the EDF, and though Aquitania will not have a voice on the council, you will have the ability to call on the EDF for aid and the alliance will be abliged to respond. I do hope, as does the council, that you accept."

 

[Aquitania]

The Grand Duke was not surprised that King Armand would unhesitantly reconfirm the old alliance and that Aquitania could rely on Montelimar's aid if attacked, what did surprise him though was the offer of membership in the EDF. Though he was not sure what a Tier 3 membership would entail, the offer was more than he had ever expected.

"Your Majesty, this is an honor, to be asked to join the EDF, but a third tier status, you said that Aquitania would come under the "defence sphere" of the alliance, and that if attacke, we may ask for aid and the Alliance would be "abliged to respond", does this mean the EDF would be obligated to come to our defence or rather just take it into consideration?"

 

[Montelimar]

"As a Third Tier member, if attacked, the EDF will do more than just consider aiding Aquitania, it will have an obligation to do so."

 

[Aquitania]

"In that case, Your Majesty, I will accept the invitation for Aquitania to join the EDF as a Third Tier member of the alliance."

 

[Montelimar]

Just as the Grand Duke answered, the Lord Chamberlain, Jerome Moquet entered the room and handed the King a pieces of paper. The King quickly read the note and nodded to Moquet, who then left.

"I know you will not regret this Your Grace, especially after you read this."

Armand hands the note to the Grand Duke.

"It would seem that Coronado has invaded Meribia. I think you may want to schedule your travel plans to include Nuremberg as your next stop before heading home. I will contact the EDF Council and notify them of your decision."

 

[Aquitania]

Reading the message, Grand Duke Jean was concerned. Though Aquitania's border was secure, a full scale war within sight of that border had the potential for trouble.

"You are correct, my next stop will be Nuremburg. In fact, due to the situation, I should go as soon as possible. If you can contact the EDF, and arrange things for me, I will leave as soon as it is feasible."

Knowing that he has a little time, Jean decides to at least give the King a little good news, or at least it would be good news for some of his country's businesses.

"There is something I would liked passed along before I leave, my consent for Montelimarian mining and petroleum concerns to negotiate business contracts in Aquitania. I have given instruction to the Secretary of Commerce to open negotiations with those companies that have expressed interest."

 

[Montelimar]

"I will notify Nuremburg and also have the Commerce Ministry organize a trade delegation, with those companies mentioned represented, and send it to Aquitania to work out the details. Now, so as your visit here not be all businss and diplomacy, may I offer my hospitality with a fine meal and equally fine company as family would be very pleased to make you aquaintance."