Meeting of the County Chancellors

Caitilin had chosen a nice bright room for the Chancellors to work in.

She made sure that everything was prepared for her husband's meet. She may not be involved but Baldar had requested her assistance and Cait was always there for him. Once all was in readiness, she slipped to the boys room and spent some much needed time with their sons, Alex and Balian.

She hustled to the airy room set for the important meeting with a stack of papers. Marie's skirts rustled as the elder woman entered. She laid a parchment at each of the six places with parchment, a freshly sharpened quill and a container of ink.

Quote :

Proceedure for Diplomatic Policy in England

This document is binding between the national government of England and the counties of England, including, but not limited to Devon, Mercia, Sussex, and Westmorland.

In order to present a unified national front, reduce redundancy, and make relations clearer for foreign territories, the National Embassy shall be the first point of contact for Diplomatic Relations in England. This includes treaties such as Diplomatic Relations, Friendship Treaties, Non-agression Pacts, Judical Treaties, Mutual Defense Pacts, and specality documents such as Peace Treaties. The National Embassy shall pass no document that intereferes with county trade or county laws.

The Counties of England shall have the freedom to create trade treaties so long as they do not harm another county or the country. The Counties may send a representative to the Royal Embassay in the form of a Chancellor of [County] and the Count(ess) of [County].

The National Embassy shall create a public archive of all treaties.

The process for approving National Treaties shall follow the following guidelines:
1) A treaty is submitted to the Royal Embassy by a foreign territory. (Or we send out one of our standard treaties and receive it back from a foreign territory.)

2) The treaty is translated, checked for accuracy, looked over for basic revisions, and made as correct and whole as possible.

3) The treaty is submitted to the County Offices for feedback from all four counties, which would be taken into account in case rewriting, etc were needed.

4) Once the checking and rewriting process is complete, treaties are submitted to the House of Lords for discussion, revision, and a vote.

5) Hopefully, assuming majority agreement in most places, the treaty is signed and copies are posted both to the foreign territory and to our repository of treaties.

We the undersigned agree to this proceedure and on behalf of whom we represent, pledge to uphold it.

Queen

Chancellor

Earl Marshall

Countess of Devon

Count of Mercia

Count of Sussex

Countess of Westmorland

Following the guard, Patan is ushered into a pleasantly airy room. Seeing just one person, a lady, seated at the table, she walks forward and smiles, dropping a curtsy, "Good day, my Lady." Her eyes are drawn for a moment through the window to the brightness of the pretty garden beyond, "What a charming room for a meeting...I think I need to sit facing away from this view, for I should never be able to concentrate for staring outside!"

She blushes, "Forgive me, my Lady, wherever are my manners? As you may recall, I am Patan Seymour, co-Chancellor for Devon. I believe that at least one of my other co-Chancellors shall be joining the conference today, but I hope that having more than one of us here shall not overwhelm everyone else - I promise, we are very well-behaved!" She gives a soft gurgle of laughter as she moves around the table to take a seat.

Irish entered the room at that particular moment to hear what Patan said. I have to behave? Well nuts. Irish smiled a she continued further into the room choosing a seat next to Patan. Patan, good to see you here. Lady Merlyna, I am Irish Dragons,one of Lady Patan's Co-chancellors. I am pleased to meet you. Patan, I brought along with me the counter proposal that was written to this one here to see if it would be more easily accepted by all of the Chancellors than the first one was.

Glancing up as Irish enters, Patan grins, "Yes, for I have promised it. It may be difficult, and I am sorry for committing you as well as myself, but I think we should at least try to behave..."

She nods, "Thank you for bringing our alternative proposal. I have a copy with me, but hoped that you might have it too so that everyone will be able to see our suggestion."

Baldar walks into the room and bowing to the Ladies and Lords present,

I welcome you all and thank you for coming, he orders the servents to bring refreshment before the talks began.

Lady Ghostwriter walked into the conference room quietly, having come from her suite of rooms after leaving instruction to come get her if need be, snf looking round at some familiar faces saw a few she was unsure off. There was a slight furrow to her brow, Ora having decided to play hide and seek not long ago, and still undiscovered when Ghost had needed to leave the others to find her daughter.

Hello Irish, Ghost greeted, putting on a smile and walking over to her. It's been a while, Ghost greeted, and seeing another face smiled. Merlyna! A pleasure to see you here.

Glancing round the room Ghost saw Baldar giving instructions to servants, and smiled to herself to see Rhenova who she made a beeline for, hugging him warmly.

Hey there. I hope you are keeping the ladies entertained, Ghost laughed softly to him.

Deekay entered the room and bowed.

"Ladies, Lord Baldar.

I think you know me. Deekay former Chancellor of Stafford and now co-Chancellor with Lady Merlyna."

He took a seat next to Merlyna.

"Are we expecting someone from Sussex?"

A certain young scotsman enters in plain clothing, one arm draped with a pristine white cloth, steps to a sideboard and begins preparing drinks for the guests present. He speaks to the latest guest to enter...Father, are ye allowed tae take a wee sup of wine or sommat? I can fetch tea if ye wish, though a pot weel need tae be brewed. Having spoken, he returns to preparing drinks in general, so as to have an assortment ready upon demand.

Irish turned at the sound of her name. A smile spread across her face as she wrapped her friend in a hug, Ghost, I am surprised and pleased to see you. You are right of course it has been far to long and I miss seeing you in the Wiltshire Embassy. How have you been. I have been hearing rumors as far south as Devon that you are to be married again. That pleases me to hear as well. I wish you all of the happiness I have in my own marriage.

Irish smiled at Baldar. It had been far too long since she had seen her friend and former Vice Chancellor and then Chancellor.Standing on her toes to wrap him in a hug and place a small kiss on his cheek, Baldar, I am pleased to see you. How are Cait and the children? I sorely miss our days in the Royal Embassy,where things got done and we had happy Ambassadors.

Irish then noticed that Father Deekay had entered and excused herself from Baldar to greet her friend. Wrapping him in a hug she whispered to him, Tell me my friend how fairs young William. I worry about him after his display of discussed near the Tower.I have in my possession Eridil's sword that was left to William. I t will be safe in my care and returned only when you think he is ready for it. I worry about him,being so young. I love him as if he was one of my own children and only want to keep him safe and protect him as much as I can.

Caitilin entered the bright room and went directly to her husband's side. She kissed Baldar tenderly and greeted the others with a hug. I would like to welcome you all to our home. She smiled graciously at her guests.

Ghost hugged Irish back and smiling listened to her. I have missed being in an embassy fullstop, but now Baldar has given me a chance to put my knowledge back into use, Ghost answered, still getting used to the idea as she was. Oh yes I erm... yes I am marrying next month. I've yet to send out invites but been so busy with the university of Westmorland and other things... laughing softly Ghost glanced across at Seamus who she could see preparing drinks. You know me Irish, I am always busy and thrive on it.

Ghost looked round the room as Irish turned to speak to Baldar. She saw people arriving still, and Seamus with drinks. Thinking that a good idea Ghost walked over to him.

Any mead around? she asked jovially.

Marie curtsied as she entered, She was followed by one of the younger house maids who set the sideboard with the refreshments that Lord Baldar had requested.

Young Seamus pours a healthy sized goblet full of mead, and carefully hands it to Ghost with a small smile. Enjoy, dear. Tis a nice mellow brew, that. Stepping near to table, he makes busy to begin taking requests for drinks. Happening to start near Lady Dragons, he murmurs Lady Irish, what be yer pleasure this day, wilt take wine or perhaps sommat a bit stronger?

Irish smiled at Seamus, Ah My Lord Seamus, a wee bit of rum if you have it please, if not a nice white wine will do.

Thank you dear, Ghost said quietly to Seamus as she took the goblet of mead from him, taking a sip before turning back to the room. Seeing Cait enter Ghost went over to her and hugged her briefly, carefully of her mead.

Are many more expected? she asked Baldar smiling.

Patan rises and curtsies briefly as the host and hostess enter to welcome them, "Thank you for inviting me. I hope this will be a useful meeting. I wonder.. are all the Chancellors expected to attend?"

She moves quietly to the side as others walk into the room and greet each other, smiling and bobbing a quick curtsy to Lord Deekay as he greets all of those present. Patan gives a brief glance at the Scottish man whom she recognises slightly from seeing him in London. Whilst he offers drinks to a couple of the ladies, a housekeeper and maid bring refreshments in and set them out on a sideboard, and Patan moves slowly around the table, hoping to quench her thirst.

Cait took a cup of tea from the sideboard and turned to answer Lady Patan. Word was sent to each of the four counties. Each was invited. I have had word from Dame Ophelia. She wrote saying that she will try to attend. It would be good to have the input from all of the counties. Uniting to offer to the King a workable plan for the diplomats throughout England.

Moving around to the other Lady(Patan), whom he recalls from London and elsewhere, but has never been actually introduced to, Seamus murmurs Dinna worry yerself, Lady, I shall gie yer drink wi' me own hand. What would ye be preferrin'? Surely we mun arrange sommat tae yer tastes.

Darko decided to pop in he had heard an important meeting was going and an even more important fact there was beautiful woman in this meeting Hello everyone so what do we have going on here?

Deekay wrote:

Deekay entered the room and bowed.

"Ladies, Lord Baldar.

I think you know me. Deekay former Chancellor of Stafford and now co-Chancellor with Lady Merlyna."

He took a seat next to Merlyna.

"Are we expecting someone from Sussex?"

Did someone say Sussex?

Father, Lords, Ladies, friends, good to see you all. I am here, but my authority is tentative at best. Discussions continue at home, whether we have an Embassy or whether it was just dissolved. And as I seem to have gathered a self-proclaimed enemy upon the Council, it is possible that my resignation as Chancellor may finally be accepted.

Regardly of politics, I am here. Or, rather, because of politics, I am here. And fascinated by the topic at hand. Oh... what's in that flagon??? May I have some?

My Lord Plotnik, I do believe that is why Baldar has gathered us here today.Lady Patan wrote a counter proposal ,which I have brought along with me as well as she, so all of you can see it. I think it is a much fairer proposal and one that would do the job the King intended and that is for the counties and the Royal Embassy to work hand in hand and the counties having more of a say in the day to day running of the Royal Embassy. I have also brought along the suggestions as to how the RE should be run and by whom. If we as the County Chancellors get behind this idea, then maybe, just maybe our Count/ess's will be able to go back and get this done the right way.

Quote :

Procedure for Diplomatic Policy in England

This document is a letter of intent for changes within the National Embassy. It is supported the national government of England and the counties of England, including Devon, Mercia, Sussex, and Westmorland.

In order to present a unified national front, reduce redundancy, and make relations clearer for foreign territories, the National Embassy shall be central agency for Diplomatic Relations in England. All treaties such as Diplomatic Relations, Friendship Treaties, Non-aggression Pacts, Judicial Treaties, Mutual Defense Pacts, and specialty documents such as Peace Treaties shall fall under the authority of the National Embassy, with the exception of Trade Agreements. The National Embassy shall pass no document that interferes with county trade or county laws.

The Counties of England shall have the freedom to create trade treaties so long as they do not harm another county or the country.

The National Embassy shall consist of:

The Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, appointed by the monarch, sets and oversees foreign policy

The Embassy Board, consists of the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, the Chamberlain of the Embassy, and two representatives from each of the Counties

The Chamberlain, elected by the Board and ambassadorial staff from amongst their number, and is responsible for the daily operations of the National Embassy

County Representatives, appointed by the County Councils, usually one Chancellor and the Count(ess), oversee the four areas within the Embassy

Ambassadors, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors

Interpreters, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors

Special Envoys and other special posts, appointed as necessary by the Board, report to the Board

The National Embassy shall create and maintain a public archive of all treaties.

The process for approving National Treaties shall follow the following guidelines:

1) A treaty is submitted to the National Embassy by a foreign territory or by the National Embassy to a foreign territory.

2) The treaty is translated, checked for accuracy, looked over for basic revisions, and made as correct and whole as possible.

3) The treaty is submitted to the Embassy Board for discussion, during which the County representatives may seek input from their County Councils.

4) Once the Board finds the treaty satisfactory, it is submitted to the House of Lords for discussion, revision, and a vote.


5) If approved by the House of Lords, the treaty is signed and copies are posted both to the foreign territory and to our repository of treaties.

We the undersigned agree to this procedure and, on behalf of those who we represent, pledge to work towards the necessary changes to enact it.

King

Chancellor

Countess of Devon

Count of Mercia

Count of Sussex

Countess of Westmorland

Now here are the suggestions that Arkrantos and Silvermane brought up in our discussion about the RE.

Arkrantos wrote:

While since concept is mainly one I would love to see the Royal Embassy take on I had thought, especially considering out current situation in Devon it would be worth considering, I will outline a structure only at this point, it is also directed at the Royal Embassy.


High Chancellor
Selected by His majesty, oversee's all the Embassy.

Chancellor (4)
Each Counties appointed Chancellor

Portfolio's
Four portfolios which are given to each County Chancellor, essentially a different duty with the High Chancellor coordinating and making sure everybody does their due.

1. Treaties
- Handles treaty negotiations with the appropriate Ambassador
- Works on standard treaty templates

2. Internal Diplomat
- Handles the English Diplomats
- Compiles reports from their Diplomats

3. External Diplomat
- Handles the Foreign Diplomats
- Compiles reports from their Dipolmats

4. Administrative
- Moderates the Embassy
- Hands out/revokes Keys
- Compiles the final reports



Its mainly just thoughts and not very fleshed out but I think you get the idea.

Silvermane wrote:

Chancellor of Foreign Affairs
Selected by His majesty, oversee's all the Embassy.

I agree.

Chancellor (4)
Each Counties appointed Chancellor

I agree

Portfolio's
Four portfolios which are given to each County Chancellor, essentially a different duty with the High Chancellor coordinating and making sure everybody does their due.

Also agree.

Now as far as division of duties and separate portfolios, I agree to the basic premise, however not as to the way it had been divided below. I would suggest the following for a more even distribution

1.Internal Diplomat ( Within the Royal Embassy)
- Liaison English County Diplomats
- Treaties
- Handles treaty negotiations with the appropriate Ambassador
- Works on standard treaty templates

2. External Diplomat - Western World ( English, French and Spanish speaking Towns, Counties and Countries including Scandinavia)
- Handles the Foreign Diplomats
- Compiles reports from their Diplomats
- Creates a map of his areas of responsibility and a list of the ambassadors assigned to specific areas within the realm of his responsibility.

3. External Diplomat ( Eastern World - German, Italian, Turkish, Greek and Slavic speaking cities, counties and countries)
- Handles the Foreign Diplomats
- Compiles reports from their Diplomats
- Creates a map of his areas of responsibility and a list of the ambassadors assigned to specific areas within the realm of his responsibility.

4. Administrative Diplomat
- Moderates the Embassy
- Hands out/revokes Keys
- Compiles the final reports
- Ensures that arriving Foreign Diplomats are greeted on a timely basis and not left forgotten. Announces Foreign Diplomatic arrivals to the Diplomat or Ambassador responsible for that area.

5. Ambassadors and Consuls

1) Ambassadors are long term diplomats that shall engage their designated destination in discussions as directed by the policy of England to that area.
They shall not only seek treaties, if that is the wish of England, but also create a discourse with their foreign counterpart(s) regarding those counties, duchies, countries relations with their bordering territories and report their findings back to their immediate supervisor so such information can be incorporated into the report.

2) Consuls are diplomats designated for specific one time tasks to a foreign territory and report back to England. After which they may or may not be appointed as ambassadors to that specific region if regular ambassadors are not available.

3) Reports should be done on a timely basis ( I would suggest every 2 weeks unless some imperative news is garnered which maybe be of vital interest to England) designating the diplomats advance or lack thereof in accomplishing the goals set out for him/her by their supervisor.


Again this is basically an overview without all the detail.

Deekay grinned at the offer of tea from the young Scot.

"Kind of you to offer tea. I don't know what sort of priest you have in Scotland, but most of the ones I know in England seem nearly as committed to the bottle as the altar. I know that Lord and Lady de Stryke keep a well stocked cellar, and a glass of chilled white wine would be welcome."

He turned and accepted Lady Irish's embrace. He smiled until she mentioned young William, and it was as though a dagger pierced his heart.

"I am sorry, news may not have travelled. There was an accident at Wolvesey Castle." His hands shook a little as he spoke. "Well, unlikey to be an accident. William was found with a dagger in his hand and his throat bleeding badly. I fear he will not survive."

Waving at Lord Plotnik he retook his seat, and perused the document that Lady Irish had circulated.

"I wonder - could someone explain how this part of the arrangement would work?" He tapped the paragraph

Quote :

Ambassadors, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors

Interpreters, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors

"Does that mean that the ambassador will report to all of the Chancellors - at least four? This seems to lead to difficulties. In any organisation - military religious - it is esential to know who is giving the orders."

Deekay wrote:

"I wonder - could someone explain how this part of the arrangement would work?" He tapped the paragraph

Quote :

Ambassadors, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors
Interpreters, appointed by the Board, report to the County Chancellors

"Does that mean that the ambassador will report to all of the Chancellors - at least four? This seems to lead to difficulties. In any organisation - military religious - it is esential to know who is giving the orders."

Your eye and mine, Father Reynard, were drawn to the same paragraph, no doubt for the same reason.

Was that dinner in Westminster the last time we met? My Lady Jasmine. was Countess then. So much has changed in England. We must visit more often, you and I. And by that, I mean I must get out more often. That dinner was when I resigned as Chancelor - a resignation that has not yet been accepted. Water under the bridge. Tears long since evaporated.

Ignoring my shortfalls for the moment, we could spend time debating the relative benefits of an embassy led by a council of diplomats versus an autocrat. I'd rather not, as I can see that road leads to nowhere I'd like to go.

Rather, may I ask someone's indulgence to explain, with a tad bit more history, why we are here? I heard rumours of a closed door meeting in London, to which Chancellors were specifically not invited. I assume this meeting here stems from that? Was there a document that resulted from that meeting? Was there read-ahead material that I've sadly not yet seen, that could have prepared me for this day? What has transpired in my absence?