The woman's hand reached down, scooping up the coins into her weathered hand. It trembled as it lifted the coins, holding them up to the sky again, eyes closing as a whisper died upon her lips. Slowly she lowered the coins back down, setting them in a stack upon the table's surface. She shivered as they left her hand, the woman drawing up the heavy furs around her frame even tighter, her hands retreating into the heavy coat.<br/><br/>"He expects what he knows of you, lady," the old woman's voice was weak and strained, barely able to reach Diane. "Practical man he is. What is weighed and measured he seeks. He knows what you have to offer. That is all he expects. Practical man though, he knows not to overlook what is before his eyes."<br/><br/>---------------------------------------<br/><br/>The lord nodded as he entered the chambers. He took a seat slowly, between Gavin and Tansen. Almost immediately as the topic was broached, he gestured over towards one of the servants, calling him over he said simply, "Bring me a map of the lands." He dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand to scurry off to the task.<br/><br/>"It is hardly a simple issue, your majesties, but I am certain that we can arrange an agreement before our time is through. Indeed it will be a good first step towards peace."<br/><br/>His elbows propped up on the edge of the table. His palms flat together, index fingers pressed to his lips. His gaze was drawn towards the middle of the table, the map wasn't there yet, but his eyes moved as though tracing routes and destinations.<br/><br/>"The garrison issue from before will tie into these negotiations as well, if you are both willing to consider it."