Aja leaned back in the chair watching the advisors in the room, shuffle papers, maps and charts around. Speaking rapidly to each other about which documents were of importance and which were not.
She kept an idle ear on them while she cleaned her nails with a knife. Something that made some of the advisors nervous. But then, that was the point of the exercise. Reminding them that provoking her with political chatter was never a good idea, lest they wanted to lose vital parts of their person.
"Miss Bird?" one of them started in that oh so cautious tone.
"Aja." she reminded him with just the barest hint of her best stern tone.
"Yes. Of course. Aja." he cleared his throat. "Did you get a chance to view the points of the meeting?"
"I did." she replied and inspected her nails. "I can see what Ajay was saying yesterday now dat I looked it over."
Owen knew well enough the route to the meeting hall. He and his assistants" footsteps mirrored one another until the doors were opened by another on duty guard. Sure enough the gaze of all those around the table turned to the newest entrant. Thomas led the way to procure a chair for his lord to sit.
Aja gave a nod to Owen and Thomas as they entered. The help made sure the newly arrived guests had refreshments, before moving to their places along the walls.
To each in turn Owen dipped his chin. Then he spotted one of the Bird daughters at the table. Owen reverently bowed his head and waited the arrival of his host. "Good afternoon ah— Aja." He had overheard the tail end of the exchange with the advisor and Aja.
"Owen." She smiled a little and then waved off a serving attendant from putting down a plate of something she didn't recognize. Likely pate as Ajay had recently developed a liking to the foul stuff.
"Never ceases to amaze me about the reception Ballentine provides its guests." After Owen respectfully declined the offer of water from the, as Owen would label them, servants.
"Well. It's whut we do in da big house." she grinned and it only got wider as she saw Ajay's advisors visibly cringe at how she spoke.
Luckily for the advisors, Ajay arrived in time to hear that and nudged his sister as he entered.
"Behave." he said warmly as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.
"Yer no fun, J." she winked up at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "But fine. No more tormenting the fussy men."
Pomp and stance overtook the next in line King. Owen rose out his chair in a rigid attention at the sight of the eldest Bird sibling. Behind closed doors this was exactly how he was expected to react in the presence of other worldly leaders.
"Master Bird. I'm glad you had time to meet with me on such important matters." There might as well be a sense of groveling from Owen's tone.
"Of course, Lord Owen. And please, it's Ajay. Master Bird makes Aja tease me mercilessly later." he gave Owen a smile. "I'm sure you can understand I'd like to avoid that as much as possible."
Aja said nothing to this, but she looked fairly amused all the same. Ajay continued on in his warm voice. "Treaties between our nations have always had the utmost importance."
In his old age Thomas had a certain shrewdness to every action. An agenda of topics is set before Owen as he returned to his seat. There was a glance to Aja after the comment. Perhaps this information would come in handy later" Yes, Owen wore a rather jovial smile.
"I agree, but there is a prerequisite toward our talks I have concern over." This wasn't covered in Thomas" docket and drew a disgruntled huff from the aged man.
"A prerequisite?" Ajay questioned curiously. The tone also had Aja's interest, not that anyone could tell as she appeared to be staring out the window.
Owen had a lump in his throat the size of a grapefruit. The only way to rid himself of it would be forthright. "Your sister, Ajia. I am not privy if you know, but our relationship has...broken down. I can only suspect myself as the cause. Perhaps I pressured her too much after I found a document in my family's archives. By the measure my father and mother reacted I thought it best. Though antiquated."
Ajay conferred silently with Aja, who nodded a little. She leaned over and whispered something to Ajay, who considered it a moment before turning his gaze back to Owen.
"Worry not about that. As I have been informed just now, the blame does not solely rest on your shoulders." He gave a warm smile to Owen. Aja just sat quietly, clearly letting Ajay take lead on this conversation. "Our youngest sibling has some wild romantic notions that sometimes lead her to make very foolish choices."
"Do not mistake my words or intentions. I did and do love your sister, but perhaps it best we merely remained friends." There came a drawn sigh of relief. Owen then turned to the bullet pointed talking points that had required Ajay's attention in the first place.
"There has been a strike recently in our quarry. The miners are unhappy with the agreement of twelve hundred marks per ton of marble. I have tried to appease them, but nothing stops them. I was hoping you could provide some guidance."
"Are they requesting more workers?" Ajay asked curiously.
"They seek better wages. There are not enough buyers to support their demands. It has drawn mining to a complete halt." The stress in Owen's voice is clearly evident. "In order to keep operation going I've had to limit the number of employees. That has left many without a means to feed their family."
"I can't ask you to alter the price you already pay, but am hoping you may know of another who needs such stone." The plea...yes it was a direct plea to Ajay which had Owen looking rather vulnerable.
Ajay sat quietly for a moment then looked towards Aja. She looked at him then at Owen.
"Could bring some of the surplus to RhyDin. Always a fairly brisk trade in marble, fine quartz and other masonry stuff. Due to various factions in RhyDin forever blowing up buildings, and causing general mayhem." She flickered a glance to Ajay. "Also, you could use it on that religious site the clerics have been pestering you about."
"Yes. The clerics would be pleased with marble for their structures." Ajay mused over the thought. "They were saying how they would like the buildings to stand for many years to come."
"I still think they're being a prissy bunch of? " Aja started but a look for Ajay silenced that sentence. "But it would appease them."
There came a dark look from Owen at the mention of RhyDin. As if he needed any clarification Thomas whispered in the prince's" ear. "That city is always in some sort of turmoil and strife. Whom would I need to speak with in order to open means of trade?" This question posed to both Ajay and Aja.
"Bob"." Aja snapped her fingers as she tried to recall the last name of the man in question. "He handles quarry requests and stone supply for the majority of RhyDin." Aja supplied the information matter of factly. "I can have one of the dock workers in RhyDin arrange for a meeting with him as early as next week." she paused. "I'd do it tomorrow, but he's taken his wife on their yearly anniversary vacation and won't be back till Monday." Aja's general knowledge of the inner working to RhyDin's infrastructure always amazed Ajay. She had become quite connected over the years with those people who made it possible for RhyDin to continue it's growth.
"Ballentine would also purchase a large amount for reasons previously stated. I can speak with the architect this afternoon and ask how much he would require for the completion of the temples." Ajay added. "It would improve the general relationship with that particular religious group for us."
Deep chocolate brown eyes settled on Aja at her willingness to handle the mediary task. A sense of relief swept over Owen and calmness reflected in his gaze toward the Bird sibling. Somehow he felt Ajay and Aja were making deep concessions on his part. Therefore a number of the bullets Thomas had provided were scratched out with red pen. Much to Thomas" dismay. In effect Owen had wiped out the remainder of the minor disputes.
This lead to something greater. Owen hesitated but a second. "I would like to spend equal time with you, Ajay, and you sister. Should either of you allow it or have the time to afford. I am aware your brother may know why." A pointed look landed on Aja.
"My father is not in the best of health and has bestowed me a great deal of responsibility. Considering you both have years if not centuries—" Yes that was jab at Aja as teasing gaze wafted her way. "Experience seeing to your countries prosperity. I'd very much like if I would be allowed to shadow you both."
"I would not mind at all." Ajay said. "Since Ballentine would be closest to the type of kingdom you would be inheriting." Ajay's point was a logical one, he then motioned to Aja. "With Arcadia, it runs on an entirely different set of rules. The residents of Arcadia over the years, have more or less voted Aja as the head of the community."
"Others chime in, decisions get made sometimes based on what the Historical Society prefers." Aja added on.
"Yes. Bob and Ed. They are some of the oldest residents there." Ajay supplied who the Historical Society was to those in the room who did not know.
"As much as either of your schedules allow I'd like to be there as an observer. No official influence of course." Dimpled smile turned to Ajay and Aja alike. "It makes sense to understand how all successful nations run and find that medium which suits your own" Am I correct?"
"Fair enough ta say." Aja replied. "I took whut Tanner taught me, a little watching of the elders in Arcadia before a lot of them passed on, and then jist my own ideals, sort of made leadership soup." she grinned. "But it works."
"It also helps that she works alongside the residents there. Something I have been trying to replicate here." Ajay added. A slight, uncharacteristic tinge of pink showed up in Aja's cheeks for the barest of seconds. Her brothers praise obviously meant more than she was willing to show in front of strangers or even the advisors. It passed almost in an instant. "In some cases, cooperation works a lot better than any order or decree could."
Owen nodded accordingly to each in turn. Oddly enough the advisors seated around the table had grown oddly silent listening to the three discuss matters. "Which is what I would like to have with my citizens. Not just direct obedience, but communal willingness. I was so proud of what our people donated to another nation when the snowstorm hit. I'd like to carry this on and show that Ociaeryn is not focused solely upon itself."
"While I, myself, need to learn how to connect with my own people in the same manner you.." A deliberate look to Ajay and then Aja. "And you connect with your own. It was something your sister instilled in me when we rebuilt the burned village."
"Yeah. I recall dat project." Aja said. "Some good work got done on it." she paused a little then looked towards Owen. "It's a respect thing. If ya respect them, their opinions, their wants, their needs...then they respect you.?
((More to come!))
She kept an idle ear on them while she cleaned her nails with a knife. Something that made some of the advisors nervous. But then, that was the point of the exercise. Reminding them that provoking her with political chatter was never a good idea, lest they wanted to lose vital parts of their person.
"Miss Bird?" one of them started in that oh so cautious tone.
"Aja." she reminded him with just the barest hint of her best stern tone.
"Yes. Of course. Aja." he cleared his throat. "Did you get a chance to view the points of the meeting?"
"I did." she replied and inspected her nails. "I can see what Ajay was saying yesterday now dat I looked it over."
Owen knew well enough the route to the meeting hall. He and his assistants" footsteps mirrored one another until the doors were opened by another on duty guard. Sure enough the gaze of all those around the table turned to the newest entrant. Thomas led the way to procure a chair for his lord to sit.
Aja gave a nod to Owen and Thomas as they entered. The help made sure the newly arrived guests had refreshments, before moving to their places along the walls.
To each in turn Owen dipped his chin. Then he spotted one of the Bird daughters at the table. Owen reverently bowed his head and waited the arrival of his host. "Good afternoon ah— Aja." He had overheard the tail end of the exchange with the advisor and Aja.
"Owen." She smiled a little and then waved off a serving attendant from putting down a plate of something she didn't recognize. Likely pate as Ajay had recently developed a liking to the foul stuff.
"Never ceases to amaze me about the reception Ballentine provides its guests." After Owen respectfully declined the offer of water from the, as Owen would label them, servants.
"Well. It's whut we do in da big house." she grinned and it only got wider as she saw Ajay's advisors visibly cringe at how she spoke.
Luckily for the advisors, Ajay arrived in time to hear that and nudged his sister as he entered.
"Behave." he said warmly as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.
"Yer no fun, J." she winked up at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "But fine. No more tormenting the fussy men."
Pomp and stance overtook the next in line King. Owen rose out his chair in a rigid attention at the sight of the eldest Bird sibling. Behind closed doors this was exactly how he was expected to react in the presence of other worldly leaders.
"Master Bird. I'm glad you had time to meet with me on such important matters." There might as well be a sense of groveling from Owen's tone.
"Of course, Lord Owen. And please, it's Ajay. Master Bird makes Aja tease me mercilessly later." he gave Owen a smile. "I'm sure you can understand I'd like to avoid that as much as possible."
Aja said nothing to this, but she looked fairly amused all the same. Ajay continued on in his warm voice. "Treaties between our nations have always had the utmost importance."
In his old age Thomas had a certain shrewdness to every action. An agenda of topics is set before Owen as he returned to his seat. There was a glance to Aja after the comment. Perhaps this information would come in handy later" Yes, Owen wore a rather jovial smile.
"I agree, but there is a prerequisite toward our talks I have concern over." This wasn't covered in Thomas" docket and drew a disgruntled huff from the aged man.
"A prerequisite?" Ajay questioned curiously. The tone also had Aja's interest, not that anyone could tell as she appeared to be staring out the window.
Owen had a lump in his throat the size of a grapefruit. The only way to rid himself of it would be forthright. "Your sister, Ajia. I am not privy if you know, but our relationship has...broken down. I can only suspect myself as the cause. Perhaps I pressured her too much after I found a document in my family's archives. By the measure my father and mother reacted I thought it best. Though antiquated."
Ajay conferred silently with Aja, who nodded a little. She leaned over and whispered something to Ajay, who considered it a moment before turning his gaze back to Owen.
"Worry not about that. As I have been informed just now, the blame does not solely rest on your shoulders." He gave a warm smile to Owen. Aja just sat quietly, clearly letting Ajay take lead on this conversation. "Our youngest sibling has some wild romantic notions that sometimes lead her to make very foolish choices."
"Do not mistake my words or intentions. I did and do love your sister, but perhaps it best we merely remained friends." There came a drawn sigh of relief. Owen then turned to the bullet pointed talking points that had required Ajay's attention in the first place.
"There has been a strike recently in our quarry. The miners are unhappy with the agreement of twelve hundred marks per ton of marble. I have tried to appease them, but nothing stops them. I was hoping you could provide some guidance."
"Are they requesting more workers?" Ajay asked curiously.
"They seek better wages. There are not enough buyers to support their demands. It has drawn mining to a complete halt." The stress in Owen's voice is clearly evident. "In order to keep operation going I've had to limit the number of employees. That has left many without a means to feed their family."
"I can't ask you to alter the price you already pay, but am hoping you may know of another who needs such stone." The plea...yes it was a direct plea to Ajay which had Owen looking rather vulnerable.
Ajay sat quietly for a moment then looked towards Aja. She looked at him then at Owen.
"Could bring some of the surplus to RhyDin. Always a fairly brisk trade in marble, fine quartz and other masonry stuff. Due to various factions in RhyDin forever blowing up buildings, and causing general mayhem." She flickered a glance to Ajay. "Also, you could use it on that religious site the clerics have been pestering you about."
"Yes. The clerics would be pleased with marble for their structures." Ajay mused over the thought. "They were saying how they would like the buildings to stand for many years to come."
"I still think they're being a prissy bunch of? " Aja started but a look for Ajay silenced that sentence. "But it would appease them."
There came a dark look from Owen at the mention of RhyDin. As if he needed any clarification Thomas whispered in the prince's" ear. "That city is always in some sort of turmoil and strife. Whom would I need to speak with in order to open means of trade?" This question posed to both Ajay and Aja.
"Bob"." Aja snapped her fingers as she tried to recall the last name of the man in question. "He handles quarry requests and stone supply for the majority of RhyDin." Aja supplied the information matter of factly. "I can have one of the dock workers in RhyDin arrange for a meeting with him as early as next week." she paused. "I'd do it tomorrow, but he's taken his wife on their yearly anniversary vacation and won't be back till Monday." Aja's general knowledge of the inner working to RhyDin's infrastructure always amazed Ajay. She had become quite connected over the years with those people who made it possible for RhyDin to continue it's growth.
"Ballentine would also purchase a large amount for reasons previously stated. I can speak with the architect this afternoon and ask how much he would require for the completion of the temples." Ajay added. "It would improve the general relationship with that particular religious group for us."
Deep chocolate brown eyes settled on Aja at her willingness to handle the mediary task. A sense of relief swept over Owen and calmness reflected in his gaze toward the Bird sibling. Somehow he felt Ajay and Aja were making deep concessions on his part. Therefore a number of the bullets Thomas had provided were scratched out with red pen. Much to Thomas" dismay. In effect Owen had wiped out the remainder of the minor disputes.
This lead to something greater. Owen hesitated but a second. "I would like to spend equal time with you, Ajay, and you sister. Should either of you allow it or have the time to afford. I am aware your brother may know why." A pointed look landed on Aja.
"My father is not in the best of health and has bestowed me a great deal of responsibility. Considering you both have years if not centuries—" Yes that was jab at Aja as teasing gaze wafted her way. "Experience seeing to your countries prosperity. I'd very much like if I would be allowed to shadow you both."
"I would not mind at all." Ajay said. "Since Ballentine would be closest to the type of kingdom you would be inheriting." Ajay's point was a logical one, he then motioned to Aja. "With Arcadia, it runs on an entirely different set of rules. The residents of Arcadia over the years, have more or less voted Aja as the head of the community."
"Others chime in, decisions get made sometimes based on what the Historical Society prefers." Aja added on.
"Yes. Bob and Ed. They are some of the oldest residents there." Ajay supplied who the Historical Society was to those in the room who did not know.
"As much as either of your schedules allow I'd like to be there as an observer. No official influence of course." Dimpled smile turned to Ajay and Aja alike. "It makes sense to understand how all successful nations run and find that medium which suits your own" Am I correct?"
"Fair enough ta say." Aja replied. "I took whut Tanner taught me, a little watching of the elders in Arcadia before a lot of them passed on, and then jist my own ideals, sort of made leadership soup." she grinned. "But it works."
"It also helps that she works alongside the residents there. Something I have been trying to replicate here." Ajay added. A slight, uncharacteristic tinge of pink showed up in Aja's cheeks for the barest of seconds. Her brothers praise obviously meant more than she was willing to show in front of strangers or even the advisors. It passed almost in an instant. "In some cases, cooperation works a lot better than any order or decree could."
Owen nodded accordingly to each in turn. Oddly enough the advisors seated around the table had grown oddly silent listening to the three discuss matters. "Which is what I would like to have with my citizens. Not just direct obedience, but communal willingness. I was so proud of what our people donated to another nation when the snowstorm hit. I'd like to carry this on and show that Ociaeryn is not focused solely upon itself."
"While I, myself, need to learn how to connect with my own people in the same manner you.." A deliberate look to Ajay and then Aja. "And you connect with your own. It was something your sister instilled in me when we rebuilt the burned village."
"Yeah. I recall dat project." Aja said. "Some good work got done on it." she paused a little then looked towards Owen. "It's a respect thing. If ya respect them, their opinions, their wants, their needs...then they respect you.?
((More to come!))