Mission to Constantinople

**Gandalfus** · October 20, 2012, 10:33 AM

After stopping in Jerusalem for a while and praying in the church of St.James, visiting the temple of Solomon and the ancient Jewish temple, Louis departed for Constantinople. He gaped in awe at the huge harbour, ten times larger than the one in Jerusalem. He wandered around the huge markets, almost in a trance, visiting the vast Column of Justinian, the beautifully crafted and massive Aqueduct of Valens, and finally, visiting the venerable Hagia Sophia. And although he was a catholic, he found himself at peace in there, and said a short prayer to god before departing for the huge Grand Palace of the emperor. He studied one of the Solidii, still in use since ancient times, with the Visage of the emperor Anastasius stamped onto it. He was searched by a hulking Varangian Guardsman before being allowed into the palace, and he requested an audience with the venerable Basileus Manuel I.

**Trot** · October 20, 2012, 07:28 PM

He is disarmed, and shown to the throne room.

**Gandalfus** · October 21, 2012, 02:13 AM

He kneels.
Basileus, I come bearing an offer from the English king. He wishes to ally with you when he departs on a crusade.

**Trot** · October 21, 2012, 08:19 AM

That is acceptable. I will ask that your king see me personally when he arrives. We must discuss how nest to campaign.

**Gandalfus** · October 21, 2012, 08:25 AM

He bows again.
He plans to land in Asia Minor proper, your majesty. He swears to you that any city he captures shall be returned to Roman control.

**Trot** · October 21, 2012, 08:46 AM

"Then we have an agreement."
Ooc your going to have a hard time giving cities to so many different factions

**Gandalfus** · October 21, 2012, 08:50 AM

OOC: I have divided it like so:

Asia Minor: Romans
Egypt/Anywhere south of Jerusalem: Jerusalem.
West of Antioch: Antioch.

IC: Louis bowed, and left.