[i]A most peculiar exchange.[/i] Heldan mused silently as he slipped back down the corridor to the main parlor. In all his many years in the court, the adviser to Lord Barad Anselm had yet to witness a more unusual round of diplomacy.

James Conrad seemed very much intent on pursuing the Regency of Elyden. So much so, in fact, that he had either the gall or the naivete to ask the abrasive Kreshvi for their support in his gambit. From behind one of the moulded pillars holding up the citadel's upper floors, Heldan watched as James Conrad had drawn a knife on the bodyguard of the very Kreshvi dignitary he was trying to curry favor with. And even then, it seemed that the two parties had reached an agreement, however awkward the process was to reach it.

Heldan could not help but to be curious after so unusual a negotiation. Surreptitiously, the ancient man shadowed Lord Conrad, and listened in briefly from behind a corner as he met with Lord Whiteshorn. A pattern was becoming quite apparent, and so Heldan made haste to find his own lord to share with him these findings.
But it was James Conrad, of all people, who had beaten Heldan in seeking out Barad Anselm. The he-crone watched from a distance as Lord Conrad presented himself to the Lord of the Weald.

James had approached Lord Anselm with only one guard and another wooden crate. He put his hand out to shake and said "Greeting's Lord Anselm of the Weald, I am James Conrad Sea Born of the isles of men." James turned grabbing something out of the wooden chest another three potions. James turned to hand them to Barad and said "The purple one will make anything smell appealing,the green is a posion and the blue can make anyone seem happy for at least a day." Jame smiled and waited to see what Lord Heldan may think of his gifts.

"And... Hail to you, Lord Conrad." Barad acknowledged, his left eyebrow raised. "Thank you for these most - ahem - thoughtful poultices. I must ask, though, what prompts this gifting of such fine elixirs?"

"Well aside from island hospitality I'd like to ask for your vote for the Lord Regent's election." James sent his guard away and sat down next to his new hopefully good friend. But no sooner than Lord Conrad had concluded, Heldan intercepted Barad Anselm and whisked him aside.

"My lord, I must inform you that Lord Conrad has spent the better part of this summit mustering support for his bid for Regency in the election tomorrow." Heldan whispered, his blank eyes peering over Barad's shoulder toward a bewildered James as they pressed in to huddle.

"So I've seen..."

"You have not promised a vote to him?"

"I have absolutely no intention of passing any ballot for this man." Barad whispered sharply.

"We will consider it. [i]Strongly.[/i]"

"Heldan..." Said Lord Anselm in a hushed tone. "Have you at last lost your mind?"

"It may be in our favor. Make it clear that we will [i]consider[/i]. But it will take more than a handful of potions to sway us. Remember what we discussed - the equilibrium is shifting..."

Barad nodded in agreement and broke from his huddle with the wizened old man.

"So you seek the Regency, my esteemed Lord?" Barad said at last, turning back to James.

"Aye I'm not suprised at all that you know this. I've been told that those from the Weald are always well informed. Anyways Yes what is it you seek so that we can have a strong relationship and I get your vote." James looked at Lord Heldan interestingly. waiting for a reply. Before Barad even had the opportunity to open his mouth, it was Heldan who had made Anselm's counteroffer.

"The fleet of the Sharktooth Isle is rich in plunder. This much you so graciously demonstrated for the delegation earlier with your magic display. It is no secret that House Conrad is awash in wealth - the same wealth for which Anselm strives. In return for the vote of my liege, you are to provide a sampling of the finest gemstones of the Isles to the court of my lord in Riddom." At first perplexed by Heldan's counteroffer, Barad was quickly tantalized by the prospect of foreign wealth. For something as intangible and simple as a vote. He approved of Heldan's shrewd offer with a tacit nod.

James nodded to the demands after having to deal with the Kreshvi and there strength and his somewhat sarrow from Flint it was nice to have an easy measure to go to. "I think that is agreeable. However I will only give up said gems if I am made Lord Regent so should I not become it the deal is off. Other then that it has been a pleasure working with you." James put his hand out to shake so they may accept the deal before he would go back to his table to finish supper and perhaps head to bed.

"I think not." Barad interrupted. "You ask of me a vote. A single vote I can provide. Your Regency I alone have but a miniscule share of control over. Is it just to deny me my rightful compensation for a failure on your end rather than mine? I understand your trepidation, my good Lord, but my vote is a valuable thing indeed. Do you not think other Lords value my ballot? Perhaps - say- Lord Sovanid seeks the Regency. I doubt that a monied man such as he would waste his time haggling with such a lowly lord as I.

There is no room for stinginess in this game, Lord Conrad. A vote is a valuable thing. It must be compensated, and compensated well."

"Very well however should you vote for someone else then this deal is off. Also I know that The Sovanids don't want the regency but I understand your point. Also perhaps I could throw in some extra gems should I win. As for you Lords could also rally votes. Anyways as this matter is finished I have some dinner to eat." With that James shook hands with the lords and head back to his table happy he could count on two if not three votes.