[hider=Alejandra]

Pompey and Conrad continued to go back and forth with their questions and answers. Conrad eventually asked, "Why must [i]we[/i] provide the champion, Pompey? The implied belligerents are you and the Gauls. If it appears truly dire, we'll come to your aid, but we won't be fighting your wars for you." 

Pompey stroked his chin, staring at the map. "Alright," he relented, "I'll handle the champion. Just provide the guard, third party witnesses, and pledge your aid in the war. In return, we'll allow you to take whatever land from the North you like."

Conrad squinted. "And you'll be promising the same to the other party?" 

Pompey pulled out a piece of board from the drawer of the table, writing already on it. "Yes," he replied, "for I had intended that the Midlands represent themselves as a whole. This problem was made by you, not I." 

Pompey began to make edits, scribbling and striking at precise points in the document, when Conrad spoke up again, "And another thing: don't go selecting that monster as your champion." 

Pompey took his eyes from the paper, glaring at Conrad. He tossed his quill in the inkwell and bitterly replied, "What do you mean?" 

Conrad rose his voice just enough to avoid being heard outside. "I mean that beast that'll be slaughtering that poor Midlander boy tomorrow, that's what." Conrad shouted while pointing out the door. "We know his whole story. He may be able to chop a bear to bits, but I don't want his traitorous blood in our mix. Besides, if the Gauls find out that he's a Southerner, and that you broke their sacred ritual by bringing a mercenary to their bout, they'll all swarm Albany, whether they win or not. And not even an ogre like that's going to save you when every one of those Gauls comes storming across the border." 

Pompey turned again to the bookshelf. After a few moments, he turned around and conceded, "Fine; you're right. I'll find someone else." Pompey made a final edit before looking up to Conrad, waiting for any further objections. With no further debate, Pompey turned the board to Conrad, who signed his name while quickly listing next to his signature the many, many independent parties that he represented, as was requested of him. Pompey then signed it himself and gave the contract to Conrad. "There's a separate contract for St. Louis and Blackwater," Pompey remarked, "but I assure you that they will receive no advantages that the rest of the Midlands will not also receive." 

"Good. Then I believe we're done here." Conrad proclaimed, straightening his clothing. 

Pompey smiled for the first time since he walked into the room, if halfheartedly, "I hope my adviser's demeanor was not upsetting."

Conrad chuckled, "Oh, no. Old men like he and I understand each other very well." 

The two men fared each other well and parted, with Conrad's party close behind him. Conrad's guard was now free to enjoy the party somewhat, now that the formalities were finished. Drinking in excess and conspicuous behavior was still explicitly prohibited, but they could mingle among other guests if they desired. They could also stay close to their ambassador and potentially have him shed some light. Most of them dispersed to the party, and should Alejandra choose to stay with Conrad, she would have him all to himself for questioning.[/hider]