The conclusion of the war mixed with the events the followed closely after is what caused Arthur to either initiate or wait for contact among the other prominent figures that played their role in the outcome. And Italy had been the last one that Arthur had sent something of a request, although the elegant wording on the stationary hardly made it sound optional, extending an invitation to meet with him in London. England was an extraordinarily strategic person with an intensely rational thought process, and as such, this meeting was entirely for him to observe and gauge exactly where Feliciano was at. He’d noticed the subtle hints from all of those who’d attended the gathering following the conclusion of the war and he decided that it would be best to act accordingly. On Arthur's end, he would reserve judgement until he'd interacted with Feliciano further; even if his mind was mostly made up at this point.
And as such, Arthur chose a business venue to meet him, a lovely upscale lounge in West London that offered fine spirits, cigars, and food. It was cozy, yet stylish to accommodate even the pickiest of business partners. It harbored efficient lighting with the occasional pop of color, enough to transport a visitor directly out of the dreary London weather. The nature of the people currently sharing drinks, pleasure, and business within the establishment was very much how the British people behaved during strained times, such as currently after the world had endured two major conflicts so closely together: they were bold and resistant. And seeing some of this normalcy steadily trickling back into the bustle of London warmed Arthur’s normally icy visage, even when he was about to have a meeting that was strictly of business formality.
The sight of normalcy gave him confidence in his own soil that things could continue moving forward as they are, that he would continue holding onto his empiric strength as well as maintain his good standing with his allies. Currently, he dressed well, with one of his nicer charcoal suits and coat and had ordered himself a whiskey sour while he waited. Arthur had reserved one of the more prestigious corners of the lounge, though enjoyed seeing the bustle of Londoners going about their day, getting on with their lives, so he left the rest of it available for the sight.
The small appetizers were varied, but he would let Feliciano decide if he preferred to order something different. But for now, Arthur stuck with his whiskey sour along with taking a few bites of the appetizer plate of grilled mackerel with olive aioli over crostini. There were also small servings of raspberry almond tarts and wine poached pears that the lounge owner had brought out as complimentary tastes. Arthur didn’t normally have a palate for sweets, so he requested that he simply leave it on their table for the time-being. One of his staff members was currently waiting outside the double glass doors to escort Feliciano to the correct table once he arrived.
Post by Northern Italy on Jan 23, 2017 22:48:44 GMT -7
Feliciano had always been a very jealous person, while the Italian people had always been a jealous people. From when he was a child till even today, he hated how others had something that he lacked or didn't have. The jealousy almost always turned into an obsession... Arthur had something Feliciano didn't have. Strength, power and prestige. It was those very things that Arthur had, that forced Feliciano to play nice with the Englishmen. It was no secret to the world that he had not been satisfied with the results of the Moscow Conference.
Everyone knew that Feliciano wanted to gain territory at the expense of Germany and Britain, they both possessed land that would certainly increase Italian prestige and influence. Yet they refused him. With Arthur's control of the Suez Canal, the only way that Feliciano could reach Italian East Africa, Italy was going to have to appease Britain in order to keep the Suez open... Something that Feliciano detested greatly.
That is why Feliciano is here, London which in his opinion was one of the most dreariest and boring capital cities of the civilized world. To practically maintain good relations with Arthur and to ensure that the Suez Canal remains open to Italian shipping at the lowest cost possible. The Italian, as fashionable and as militaristic as he was, sported military attire to this meeting. In a completely black variation of his normally blue military dress uniform, however he wore a blue tie instead of his normal black tie.
Parking the car lent by the Italian embassy in London nearby, he walked swiftly to the venue only to be greeted by a staff member who directed him inside. While he was being led to the Englishman he looked around the place. It was quite a nice place to discuss business. That's what made the Italian suspicious of how these talks would really go.
Finally, there he was. The man was well dressed and appeared as professional as ever. However the Italian noticed that he was already in possession of alcohol, Feliciano wasn't against this but if rumors were true than he would better be prepared for the Englishmen to become intoxicated throughout the time he was here. Feliciano walked over to the man, smiling and offering a firm handshake. However if anyone knew anything about the Italian, him smiling did not precisely mean he was happy whatsoever.
"Good evening Arthur. I must say you have chosen a very fine venue today."
Last Edit: Jan 23, 2017 22:50:44 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
Strength, power, and prestige. The things that every nation seemed to crave with the vivaciousness of a starving man over a full-glutinous-course meal. It was the thing that Arthur had once craved as a small child, running wild and always fighting in a world of green that had once been untouched by the black political intrigue of Europe. As a child, he wanted to remain untouched, separate from Europe and its ridiculous game that they forced the rest of the world into. But Arthur was a part of it now, he was forced to play. And as a result, he fought for those things: for strength and power and prestige, because it was the only way for the other Europeans to leave him be, and better yet, to come to respect the little child that they had once terrorized and frequently attempted to subjugate. England had not always been well regarded by the Europeans, in fact he was never truly and entirely considered to be one of them. He was a Briton, a mixed breed. But he was damned proud of who he was. And he would continue using the tools of power, strength, and prestige to force the stained Europeans like Feliciano, who would only deign to play nice with him if he had those things, to indeed continue playing nice with him.
Arthur was well aware of Feliciano’s unhappiness with the result of the conference, and he was also well aware of his lofty aspirations for the Italian Empire. Anyone who’s ever tasted having an empire before along with ruling it for an extended period of time would be an idiot to not recognize that stride for power from someone else. So, that’s what the purpose of this meeting was, to ensure a continued working relationship. And Arthur was also quite aware that he had the upper hand here; he currently held important pieces of land, specifically the Suez Canal, that would determine Italy’s health. Shipping, for a nation, was like an artery—it sustained their life, the flow and ebb of their economy and revenue. And right now, Arthur had the ability to hold a knife right up against that tender artery of Italy’s. As such, the visiting man better choose his words carefully with him, because Arthur held the full and dangerous capability to press that knife to his proverbial throat, and he had very little, if any, moral qualm with following through.
Feliciano could be suspicious all he wanted; Arthur was always a very straightforward and brutally honest man. If Feliciano was walking into something dreadful, then Arthur would certainly let him know it. The niceness of the atmosphere was there to serve it’s own purpose. He was making a statement about himself.
When Feliciano arrived, Arthur’s eyes briefly grazed him, noticing the military uniform, the colors. Always such a darkly morose little thing these days; but at least he was well dressed. Arthur would give him that. Arthur’s finger trailed along the rim of his glass, and when Feliciano offered his hand, he accepted it, giving a firm handshake back. Arthur observed Feliciano’s forced smile and he didn’t return it necessarily. The slightest raise of the corner of his mouth that gave away that he acknowledged it, but wasn’t going to play the façade.
”Good evening to you. And thank you; I thought it was most appropriate for a business meeting. You’re free to get whatever you’d like to drink or eat. Or to refrain, if you’re so inclined.” Most visits or business meetings came with expectations of what was considered polite and what wasn’t; but for Arthur in this moment, he really didn’t give a fuck. Rules were oftentimes unnecessary when it came to these affairs. And he took another sip, enjoying the warmth that touched his tongue. While he may have a reputation as a bit of a lush, he certainly wouldn’t go and get himself completely sloshed while in the middle of an important meeting. The Englishman knew to watch himself.
”I think you know me well enough, Feliciano, that I prefer to be blunt. And that’s how I’ll conduct myself tonight.” He rested the side of his chin against his knuckles, elbow against the table as he considered Feliciano, his eyes resting on him, a fierce sort of regard. And the corner of his mouth once more rose, a cynical sort of half smile. ”So, then. How would you like to define our working relationship? Furthermore, without all the frivolities of politeness and pretenses, what would you like me to be to you?” His eyes remained hard, on the verge of aggressive, although his tone was light and neutral. Similar to a predator tense on the outskirts of an open field, waiting to see if he need pounce, give chase, and wait for the target to bleed out. ”I’m certain I don’t need to tell you that I can either be an invaluable ally or a truly nasty enemy. And I’m fully prepared and capable of being either, whenever I see fit.” Arthur was well aware that he held an important hold over the Italian regarding which lands and permissions that was currently in the British Empire’s iron grasp, and how much Feliciano depended on those permissions. But that neutrality lingered for now. Arthur wasn’t going to present any threats yet, in that calm and even voice of his, not if it wasn’t even necessary in the first place. He would give Feliciano a choice.
Post by Northern Italy on Feb 16, 2017 0:42:10 GMT -7
While Arthur fought as a child, who refused to be subjugated Feliciano simply stood no chance. He had been the youngest in Rome's family at the time and arguably the weakest. When he was young, he would often cry over the most simplest things, he was scared of almost everything and rarely had the confidence needed to fight. When he did however set his mind to fight, he was capable of many incredible military victories.
While they did feel good to have, young Feliciano was never a fighter, the child would rather paint, sculpt, trade and design buildings... This passivity only led the child to subjugation and despair that would last for centuries as a slave to Roderich. That was where Feliciano would remain until 1861... Only 84 years ago from the end of the war.
As for most of his life Feliciano had lived as a weak, timid and helpless child, it was only natural for the Italian to thirst for power similar to the other powers in Europe. Arthur stood in his way from his dreams of grandeur, despite commanding his own empire, its survival relied on the Suez Canal and Gibraltar being accessible to Italian trading ships. He had few natural resources of his own and thus had to import it, the Englishman held a massive advantage over Feliciano, the fact that he controlled all the entry and exit points in the Mediterranean assured this and put the Italian at a massive disadvantage, yet hope was not completely lost...
Italy still had the all important ally. Germany. Trade with Germany would boom, the German had lots of resources and could help with Italy's needs and leasing German ports for Italian shipping in the Atlantic and Persian gulf were also possible. Feliciano would rather avoid this situation, however it was good to know, that while Arthur certainly did hold a lot of power in these talks, the Italian had a secondary plan should the two of them end up wanting the other dead.
"Ve~ Thank you Arthur, you are very kind."
As the two sat at a table the Italian quickly poured himself a glass of red wine, while picking three crostini to please himself. Feliciano had always been a glutton from his childhood and his habits had certainly not changed now, but he thought it would be best that he wasn't too comfortable in this environment, after all these talks were important after all.
When Arthur finally got onto business, one could feel a chilliness radiating from the Italian. The Englishman was already daring the hotblooded Feliciano to come at him with his handy MVSN knife. While he knew Arthur was blunt (in more ways than one) he certainly hadn't expected such a friendly way to start off the talks, Arthur knew that he had the power to make life difficult for the Italian and he was practically waving it in front of Feliciano's face... The blond could afford to act in an aggressive tone, while Feliciano couldn't.
Restraining the urge to leap over the table and stab the man, Feliciano only sipped his red wine before placing his hands on the table. Hands that were shaking in fury... Feliciano responded to Arthur's hard gaze by tilting his head a little to his right and flashing a murderous smile at the direction of the Englishmen. Oh let the games begin! The Italian's voice was no where near as warm as it was a few seconds before, his voice was now very cold and had a very dangerous edge to it, yet some how the brunette remained calm.
"How I would like our working relationship to be? As it has always been Arthur... I believe that our alliance can continue rather well if we just both keep things as they are, there are no changes needed to this agreement."
Feliciano emphasized this last point. While he made no threat one could sense there was a threat in between his words as he said last line in a very dark tone. The hotblooded Italian was tapping the table very angrily, yet this rage hadn't been expressed directly in words, the brunette only smiled as if he wanted to tear Arthur to shreds... one by one.
"Oh dear, now now Arthur are we already resorting to threats? It saddens me that you would even consider being an enemy to me~ I must ask... Why such hostility? What has the Kingdom of Italy done to receive the most cruel threats from the British Empire? Is this rage that you have bottled up in regards to the loss of your dear Canada and France? I wonder how they would feel you know? Maybe betrayed? Who knows? We need not be enemies Arthur... I will always be your friend, partner."
The Italian was very aware of the fact that Canada and France were both sore subjects for the Englishman. The jab aimed straight at the blond was quite obvious, labeling him a traitor, however it was concealed within an innocent question and suggestion. Hence it would make no sense for Arthur to retaliate too hard over a simple statement. If the brunette had to insult the Englishman through innocent questions he would do so...
And Feliciano would enjoy it immensely.
Last Edit: Feb 16, 2017 0:53:59 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
Arthur’s drink was already half finished, but he poured himself some additional lager while Feliciano poured himself some wine. While he preferred that they not be frivolous and politically correct in their conversations, which is what he meant by being blunt and honest in their responses, he hadn’t meant outright hostility. Blunt and hostile were not the same terms. And it seemed that the Italian had taken his suggestion to be frank as a suggestion that he was immediately going to attempt to violate and maim him. Although, given that he knew the way that Feliciano treated the countries that were subservient to him in the Italian Empire, he had more or less expected the signs giving away that Feliciano was indeed a loose cannon.
Arthur would have argued that his tone wasn’t aggressive, but was assertive, which were also two vastly different terms. Aggressive insinuated that he meant to harm Feliciano and speaking to him in a violent manner, but assertive meant that he was going to retain his self-confidence and firmness without resorting to taking on that offense.
His eyes shifted to the shaking fingers on the table and he raised a brow questioningly at Feliciano. What the hell did he have to be that upset over? Arthur didn’t even threaten him. But either way, Arthur remained calm and kept his eyes coolly on Felicano’s while Feliciano took a frosty tone with him. And when he was finished, Arthur responded in kind, his voice exactly the same tone as before, calm and even without raising in the slightest. ”That I can agree upon. I would prefer that we continue working as we have, given that neither of us decides to start glancing at the other in an ambitious fashion. I have no intention on expanding my empire, and if you have designs to expand your empire, then if you wish to keep this agreement, then your ambitions will not land on any of my current possessions.”
And again, Arthur glanced briefly at Feliciano’s hands, with how they were tapping the table in a very angry manner, which he thought did not fit the situation at all. He almost wanted to sigh with how ridiculously misplaced this displayed rage was. And again, Arthur waited patiently and calmly while Feliciano finished the veiled insults. He put down his lager which he’d been sipping at slowly throughout the barrage of words.
Again his voice was calm when he responded. Assertive, but not at all aggressive. ”I apologize that you misinterpreted my questions and statements as threats. I wanted to know your position and where your ambitions lie. I also reminded you that I could either be a great ally to you, or a nasty enemy if it’s necessary. I don’t feel that those statements are threats, as any nation would say the same before beginning any sort of politically driven meeting with another nation. And I also disagree with you that I was hostile in making those statements.” And when Italy repeated that Arthur had pent up rage, he tried very hard not to sigh, a touch irritated with the untrue allegations that he was even displaying any anger toward Feliciano at this moment in the first place, but still keeping his cool with the situation.
Although, Feliciano’s attempts to hurt him were rather misguided as well. If Felicano really wanted to wound Arthur, then he needed to know exactly where to strike in the first place. And unfortunately, bringing in France and Canada were hardly as effective as he probably hoped for them to be. Arthur just looked at him for a long moment, calmly switching out his lager for the cup of tea he'd poured earlier, taking a long sip. He finally set it gently on the table and responded, his voice still rather even, almost soft, though no less assertive in his tone and stance. ”Darling, what are you trying to accomplish by asking me those questions? If you’re that curious, then perhaps you should ask the nations yourself. As of now, we’re here to talk about our relationship and what direction we’d like to maintain following the conclusion of the war, not about the feelings of other nations.”
Arthur rubbed his temple very briefly, the quiet irritation not quite passing, but he eventually looked at Feliciano again. ”Now, if you’re quite finished, I’d prefer if we continue on your last statement that you would like to continue upholding friendly relations. However—“ and he glanced briefly at Felicano’s shaking, angrily tapping hands against the table for reference before glancing calmly back at him. ”—If you’d prefer to calm yourself first before we proceed, I have no qualms with that. In fact, I’d probably prefer it, myself. This meeting is not about making threats or bathing in irrational rage. Shall I order another bottle of wine or would you like further verbal confidence from me that I’m not looking to threaten you?” Arthur was being completely serious. If Feliciano needed Arthur to frequently remind him that he wasn’t threatening him, then he would be willing to do so if it meant coming to a workable agreement between the two. The decisions and working relationship here were too important to jeopardize on such irrational blowups over nothing. But again, Arthur was going to allow Feliciano to make that decision. If he wanted to throw away this relationship over nothing, then that would be on Feliciano's shoulders. But if he really wanted to engage the British Empire politically and economically, then Arthur would oblige with that as well.
Post by Northern Italy on Feb 23, 2017 1:10:14 GMT -7
Taking Arthur's advice to calm down, the Italian lit up a cigarette. They were one of the few things that calmed Feliciano down and sure enough, the Italian looked visibly more relaxed and the angry hand tapping stopped. The brunette ran through Arthur's comments from earlier to survey the position Feliciano was currently in with these negotiations, so far they were very much on the Italian's terms it was almost too good to be true...
The terms so far were that Feliciano would not gaze too long at England's territory in Africa or in the Mediterranean. This was something that he could achieve easily, Feliciano would assure Arthur that he wouldn't even dare think of expanding into English territories.
However, if the Englishman knew of Feliciano's past, even as a young child, deals with Feliciano were considered making a deal with the devil. The Italian was very well known for switching sides, betrayal and lies and the brunette saw this as another deal where he could implement these traits that followed him. When Arthur was at his very weakest... Feliciano would grab what he wanted and leave.
Taking a bite out of his crostino, Feliciano responded in an almost friendly tone. Which was quite amazing seeing how furious the Italian was only a mere 5 minutes before, the brunette seemed to retain the same sort of happy and friendly smile and tone that he had before the fascists took over. It was the first time in a long time that Feliciano was actually happy, despite the fact that the man was almost literally smiling everywhere he went.
"Ve~ My apologies Arthur, I shouldn't be so rude. Let the relationship between our two peoples be fruitful! We should honestly talk often shouldn't we? In return for the access to the Suez Canal, Italy will under no circumstances threaten, attack or claim English territories in any shape or form."
It was quite unbelievable, had he seriously managed to walk away with such a deal? If Feliciano did, he was going to laugh the entire flight back to Rome, Arthur really wasan idiot wasn't he? If that was all the Italian had to do to assure access through the Suez Canal, then this could be accomplished easily.
Feliciano puffed some smoke out of his mouth before sipping some more wine. If this was how the night was going to go, then the Italian was going to have to ask for champagne to be brought here to celebrate the friendship between England and Italy. A friendship which was heavily in the Italian's favor. Despite the fact that Arthur could control Italian economic policy and cut off vital sea lanes for Italy and asked that he only, look away from English territory, Feliciano somehow was walking off with a deal so heavily favoring the brunette that it was almost a steal...
However the night and meeting was still young... And by the sounds of it, the blond didn't finish explaining his demands completely...
Arthur didn’t necessarily think of this as a deal, he saw it as a warning. He was very aware of Feliciano’s past of breaking promises, not meaning a word that came out of his mouth, and attempting to constantly backstab whomever he was currently associating with. Feliciano had a history of that behavior, and every nation in Europe was well-aware of it. And as a result, the Italian shouldn’t be surprised by the cautious strictness that any dealings would be brought forth by any of the other nations who were typically very vigilant with who they worked with. Whenever Arthur dealt with a nation like that, because he had little choice otherwise in the situation, at least for the time-being, then he was going to lay out the consequences if he saw any movement from Feliciano that suggested any such deceptive activity.
As Feliciano starting eating, and responded to him in an exceedingly polite manner, a stark contrast to how explosively angry he’d been minutes ago, Arthur’s flat expression remained as he continued to watch him. It was almost insulting how falsely joyful he seemed, but that was the kind of person Feliciano was. And Arthur wasn’t going to comment on it. If any of the others decided to flaunt just how two-faced they really were, then he was going to treat them the exact same as they were at their very worst throughout the entire exchange.
”Of course, I’m not finished,” he murmured calmly, reaching to taste his wine once more. ”The health of your economy will depend entirely on you. I will instill regulations on the canal, and how content you keep me will determine how lenient I intend to be on these regulations.” Arthur’s ownership of the Suez Canal and the strict regulation that he would instill upon it was Feliciano’s leash. A leash that was being strapped to an unpredictable, and clearly unstable, dog. Feliciano was displaying his emotional instability just moments ago and that wasn’t the type of person that Arthur wanted to make deals with. If Feliciano was going to continue behaving so inappropriately, then that would naturally reflect on Italy's decisions and actions as a nation. And Arthur didn’t want any part of that. So, the regulations existed to keep Feliciano in check. If Feliciano made Arthur happy, then the regulations would be evened out. If he made him unhappy, then the leash would be tugged, the clamp set to slow the blood that kept the heart of Italy’s economy pumping. Simple as that.
And Arthur eased back into his seat, his eyes grazing Feliciano in a mild manner. ”So yes, if you conduct yourself as you should, then the relationship will be a fruitful one. If you displease me, then you’ll experience the natural consequences.”
He set down his glass, leaning forward slightly as he added. ”I do prefer the former, Feliciano. Fruitful relationships, especially in your case, can only be to your benefit.” Leaning back once more, Arthur helped himself to a bit of the food, not intending on leaving the meeting wanting. He would wait for Feliciano’s response before adding any further specifics as well as additional demands that he would have for the other nation in return for England’s most vital support and cooperation that would ensure basic Italian economic health.
Post by Northern Italy on Apr 13, 2017 19:32:22 GMT -7
In typical English fashion, Arthur ruined everything. When progress was being made, it almost seemed as if the island nation took great joy in irritating the Italian, however Feliciano showed no signs of anger compared to that of only a few minutes ago. While Arthur's promise of regulations was quite unnecessary and only caused the Italian great annoyance, it was not entirely unexpected, indeed all of Europe knew just how traitorous he was when he was in the mood.
Exactly what was being regulated was a question that needed to be answered by Arthur. He was well aware the regulations could indeed be indefinite, he did not like the feeling of being able to be forced to do what Arthur wanted so easily, it appeared the Englishmen held all the good cards on the table. Tilting his head to one side and thrusting his hands out in a shrug, Feliciano's smile disappeared and was replaced with a neutral and serious expression.
"Arthur come now... There is no need to make this much harder than it has to be. As allies we should at least be on more better terms than this! If you must go forward with these unnecessary regulations please tell me what you intend to regulate at least!"
Leaning forward he tried an attempt for Arthur to see reason, rather than brashly doing something that would only make the ability to be effective allies harder.
"Arthur, we both know business. We are both aware on how it works and what must be done to reap the rewards. These regulations you propose are unneeded and time consuming, as we are allies we must be able to trust each other and be able to freely cooperate in military and economic matters, the Axis Pact even declares this! What you are calling for will only produce nothing, Italy does not wish to antagonize England, we only wish to engage with commerce with other nations as well as you own and to be able to transport supplies to Italian East Africa. I urge that you reconsider before you put this terrible proposal into action."
Last Edit: Apr 13, 2017 19:34:15 GMT -7 by Northern Italy
