The Varazdin Castle Court

"Originally I was sent here to make a trade and nonaggression pact with you. Now with Ragnar attending, only the gods know." Floki said looking up for a sign

A man of about the age of thirty peered over the wooden railing of the Spanish ship. He wore a simple black cap with a single black feather. “I Diego Gonzalez y Lopez have come as an ambassador of Cantabrio. Cantabrio’s king, Ricardo Alejandro y Calderon sent me to deliver a message to your king personally.”

In the Adriatic

The Varasdian ships granted entry for the Spanish ships and led them to the Port of Fiume. There, they've explained to Diego Gonzalez y Lopez that they will receive an escorting group of 40 soldiers to lead them to Varazdin Castle, where they can meet personally with the King.

Count Orseolo

"Well then, let us wait for you King to arrive! Meanwhile, if you have an wishes, just tell me! Drink and feel well now, I shall go and see if the King is free to meet you."

Count Orseolo left the room and headed for the King's Throne Room. As he opened a side-door, he stepped into a father-daughter fight, with Chancellor Zrinski being there as a silent observer. As the Count stepped in, Princess Gisela and King Zvonimir both stopped and looked at him. The King spoke swiftly with a rather annoyed tone:

"Yes?"
"Zvonimi- Your Majesty, there're diplomats here from the Northlands. They say they wanted to trade but now their King is heading here too. There are also news of a Spanish ambassador who is coming to deliver a message to you personally-"
"Zrinski, isn't this what's supposed to be your job to do?" - The King asked. Even though he was a man who always had an interest in politics and diplomacy, King Zvonimir was a warlord at heart. He carried the burden of the Great Iron Crown* on his shoulders more wearily every day; both he and his servants felt that the King has worn tired after 50 of ruling.
"Yes, your Majesty, I shall take care of it immediately." said Zrinski, breaking the silence.
"No, I will handle these with Orseolo for now. You will depart with Princess Gisela towards the West right now. Pick some trustworthy Hungarians and a handful of knights to go with you."
It seemed like Princess Gisela was ready to start the debate about this again, but before she could say a word, the King slammed his fist on his throne and yelled:
"Now!"

Princess Gisela turned around and left the room in a hurry. The Chancellor bowed before the King and followed her. For him, these personal debates had no meaning at all - the most important thing was to get things done.

A letter from Constantinople, was dictated, with help from advisors, by Emperor Ióannés before he left for Septimania, and then it was translated, and a messenger was sent off towards Krakow, realising that the response would come back by the time the Emperor returned, the letter read:

To His Majesty, Prince Stephan Konsky, Grand-Master of the Order of St. George,

Your Majesty,

I hope this letter reaches you and your family in of good health, and I hope you will tell the lovely Princess Aelia that I send my regards.

I write to you as equals, as you have married into the noble house Corvinus, a family that I respect greatly, and a name that commands respect through all Europe.
Your sons and daughters will inherit the name, even though they will take the name of Konsky.
I see the Corvinus family as equals to my family, Philanthropenos. As such, I see Aelia as a sister in a sense, and you, in the same sense, as my brother-in-law, I hope the feeling is mutual.
As equals, I write to you, as the future King of Varasd.

The reason for my letter, is the instability we both likely face, you, from the south, and I, from the north.
The areas near the lower Danube, are home to many upstart Kings and Dukes, two main Kings within the matter of some five years. Yet these Kingdoms never maintain stability for more than a year.

This is dangerous for many reasons, mostly for, lest we forget, the Bogomil heretics that terrorised both of our countrysides some years ago.
This group was thought suppressed and pushed to the Bulgarian and Vlach lands.
We thought this group effectively destroyed, but I have, and I'm sure your father, has heard, that Christians in the area have had churches and religious gathering places desecrated.

I have sent some soldiers to investigate these lands, and have indeed found Bogomils. Something that troubles me though, is the reports coming from the north of the Danube. I haven't dared to send scouts in, less your father think I was plotting for his throne.

I do not know if this was ignored because the people under duress are mostly Orthodox, and His Highness, King Zvonimir, didn't wish to complicate things, or be seen as playing favorites, or if its the inability to raise an army to devote to the issue. But, I hope you will wish to work with me, and realise that this goes beyond the schism of the churches. I do not wish to attack alone, and risk sending fleeing Bogomils north, into Varasd. I hope we can work together, as symbolic brothers-in-law and brothers in arms.

Blessings of God upon you and your future Kingdom,
Emperor Ióannés I Philanthropenos

Somewhere in the Moravian lands, in the army camp of Stephan Konksy:

A messenger ran to the Grand Master's tent, carrying a very important message, as he said. Prince Stephan read the message carefully and silently, then thought about the matters for long minutes. His generals and commanders waited in patience, until the Prince finally spoke:

"Count Reuben! Order a messenger to Varazdin and tell my Father the King that he will have to send troops for garrison into these lands immediately unless he wishes to lose the recently conquered lands.
When you are done with that, order the men to break camp... We will start marching East as soon as possible. "

Docks of Fiume
Diego Gonzalez disembarked off of the ship and waited patiently on the wooden dock for his escort. The Adriatic Sea’s waves lapped calmly below on the wooden posts supporting the walkway. Diego smiled happily, the warm sea wind gently buffeted his Frank made jacket. Meanwhile the Spanish captain of the ship was giving orders to his crew to fix a torn sail, one that ripped during a storm on the voyage in the Mediterranean.

In the Port of Fiume:

Now that they have disembarked, the Spanish group of ambassadors led by Diego Gonzalez were met by the Mayor of Fiume, who explained that a contingent of 40 soldiers will lead them to Varazdin Castle, if they wish to meet with the King. He also mentioned that one of the Knights can speak Italian, which could be the common language used.

(I think it's time to continue, sorry for the wait. Where would you like to continue?)

In Varazdin Castle

After Princess Gisela and Chancellor Zrinski set out on their "mission" towards the West, the King was ready to meet with the King of Rorukheim. He sent a large contingent of his army, both Croatians, Germans, Hungarians, and the Azaqden Guard, to escort the King from Fiume to Varazdin. He made all preparations for a pompous greeting, waiting for both the King and the Spanish diplomat.

(Fast forward to Ragnar's arrival)
''Tis the early hours of the morrow(medieval speak *wink wink) when the company of Ragnar (and many guards) arrive. Ragnar is followed by 18 guards. 9 huskarls and 9 vagragian guards. Although he wears no crown, he has an air of authority.

an Aulden messenger/diplomat appears at the courts door

In Varazdin Castle

The horns are sounded to greet the King of Rorukheim. Peasantry and commoners watch with curiosity from far away as the gates of Varazdin are opened and the foreign King enters the castle.

The King rode out with some of his Azaqden guard to meet the King formally and welcome him in Varazdin.

"King Ragnar!" - King Zvonimir spoke, in German. "Welcome to Varazdin!"

The aulden messenger/diplomat idles by the door letting the more pass him

At the gates of Varazdin Castle

The Steward, Count Orseolo was also attending the whole welcoming of King Ragnar at Varazdin. However, he noticed a lone diplomat trying to get attention at the gates - no wonder he wasn't noticed sooner, everyone was focused on the meeting of the Kings. Orseolo went up to him and asked in what business he came to Varazdin.

Ragnar bows his head at King Zvonimir as a sign of respect and says "Thank you for the warm greeting King Zvonimir. Varazdin is a wonderful city. As it is traditional, when two great leaders meet, from where I'm from, I will present you a gift as a token of good will." One of the Huskarls step forward and give Ragnar a carved wooden chest. Ragnar opens it to reveal a gold outlined, jewel encrusted war ax. "Here is my gift to you King Zvonimir."

I'am from Honddāl, but I spent a year at the university in Kanser learning English and French...they don't teach Norwegian yet...
Anyway, in Honddāl the tradition we messengers are taught is to meet unarmed and alone to show sincerity, however royals and generals don't need to follow this due to being to precious.
Ragnar, could I here more about Varazdin after I take care of what I was sent here for?

King Zvonimir

The King of Varazdin took the ax from the King of the North and inspected it carefully. "It is a beautiful work of art, King Ragnar. Come inside my castle, I shall present you your gift."

As they walked inside the court, there stood a white horse - truly one of the most well-bred of its species. Next to the horse, servants held the horse riding gear, which was manufactured with utter care.

The Aulden man is still there...

Steward Orseolo

The Steward turned to the other diplomat after the Kings made their greetings.

"Sorry Sir, I've almost forgot about you in all this! Come, please, let us talk about the reason you've decided to visit our Kingdom!"

I've been waiting so long I needed to think about that for a moment- but the summary of it would just be to establish first relations, make sure they are healthy...see if you want trade or anything, and see how you feel about us for reference.
Would you like to start?

Ragnar sits across the table from King Zvonimir. He sits thinking, the room is very quiet. Finally he speaks.
"You have a lovely home, King Zvonimir. I wish for our two kingdoms to come closer together. I first offer a trade agreement. I will trade irons, furs, cloths, and various other items. Next I wish for us to have a defense pact. Mutually beneficial for both our nation if we watch each others backs. But I know you will be hesitant to agree to a pact, due to our seperate religions. That brings me to my last wish. I wish to be baptized....."

Count Orseolo

"Why, trade? That sounds terrific! I believe both of our realms would benefit greatly from that. Come, let us drink, eat, and be merry, then we shall work out the details!"

King Zvonimir

The King listened to Ragnar closely, and nodded as he spoke. He did not hide his surprise when the Viking King wanted to be baptized.

"Your Majesty..." said Zvonimir. "Those are wonderful news! Of course, we shall organize everything. I shall call Bishop Joachim Gutkeled to perform the rites and send word to his Holiness the Pope too."

The King thought silently for a second then raised his goblet into the air:
"To King Ragnar and to Our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!"

An envoy presents himself at the castle's gate accompanied by six escorts wearing long black clothes made of dyed wool.
"I'm coming on behalf of His Majesty King Yaakov I, requesting to be received by His Majesty King Zvonimir" said Moshe Perez to one of the guards.

Steward Orseolo

Count Orseolo always hated when Zrinski was away. Not that he liked the Chancellor that much, but as soon as Zrinski left, it became his job to attend to all diplomatic matters within Varazdin. Almost panting, the Steward reached down to the gates as soon as possible and greeted the envoys in the long black clothes made of dyed wool.

"Greetings! I hear you come from a faraway Kingdom and seek audience with King Zvonimir? Please, come. The King is having his dinner right now - you should be able to get an audience afterwards. Was your journey long?"

"Thank you. Yes, we come from the Kingdom of Yaakovia, my name is Adam Caro" said the envoy. If it wasn't because his brother, David Caro, Treasurer of His Majesty, asked him personally to go on a diplomatic mission, Adam would have happily remained at the Luunja kollel, near Tartu. All he cared about was learning and his family. While his brother is becoming richer and more influential among the courtiers, he prefer to live in a small cottage in the Emajogi riverside. But now, with 42 years of age, Adam found himself faraway from his house and comfort zone. He already missed his wife and 7 children, but David had been very clear. The future of the kingdom could depend on this mission. "Your nation's land is beautiful, and it made our journey much more pleasurable than I expected because of its length. Anyway, I hope we are not interrupting King Zvonimir"