CHAPTER XI: Bulgarian Feast

Justinian and I was invited for a feast in Tarnovo by the Tsar Asen, the Niceans and the Bulgars are somewhat in peace for the meantime but I think this would not last long. Yesterday, the Bulgars sent us letters asking to attend a royal feast between our nations, we gladly accepted it but the Emperor Vatatzes declined the offer as he was busy on the pressing matters on the realm.

So alongside on our journey, was a group of handpicked Hospitallers and Lazurians to protect us on our journey the way to the capital and journey home. Before we depart, Emperor Vatatzes asked me to do negotiate on how we will keep the peace a lifetime, and I was to represent the Nicaean if there is other Kings or Generals that will attend to it.

Bulgaria is a mysterious nation, formerly conquered by the Boulgaroktónos; Basil II. Full of mountain passages and deep forests that is perfect for surprise attacks. However, our journey went on to be a safe one unlike one on that day on Pliska.

We have arrived at the capital of the Bulgarians, Tarnovo. We showed a sealed letter to the palace guards to make sure that we are not here to spread terror and havoc. We are finally allowed to enter the palace and the event was soon to start. We saw various feudal lords, and generals that we used to fought with. The palace itself is astonishing, full of gold and jewels, it reminds me of how Constantinople once did.

While roaming around the palace, we saw beautiful Bulgarian women. Maybe noblewomen or some sort. They were looking at us quite flustered and whispering among themselves as we walk past them. And alas, we were found by a nobleman that can speak our common tongue, his name is Petar. We were at once guided to our places at the exquisite dining area where we soon wait for the Emperor Asen.

Minutes and soon an hour has passed, we were just sitting and Justinian has already been spiritless because of waiting, he prefers on the battlefield than in a house. But while me I just want peace and write. We also see some of the noblemen also waiting for the Emperor to arrive but lest he is still not here. Finally! After another hour, he has arrived. And soon music and happiness has begun, for a second right there I forget that there are wars and suffering on the outside, but this happiness must be worth it.

I forgot to record what has happened during the time we ate during the feast, however I still remember that the Emperor that one of his noblemen's one of daughters be married at once to Justinian to last another alliance that our Emperor Vatatzes will do agree, when we saw her she was beautiful, and her face reminds me of the snow. I recommended Justinian that she should court her, but he will have a thought of it and soon the feast continued as usual.

2 days have passed and we were allowed to leave the palace and said our farewells, may our peace will last longer. On our way home we encountered terrified peasants and villagers because of our bodyguard's garments and surcoats that had crosses which signaled terror and fear because of the previous events in the Holy Land, but I made assure that we were just passing through and gave them couple of gold coins to convince them we are no enemies.

Arriving on our town, as soon we entered our palace I recommended him that marrying the Bulgarian princess will strengthen the Nicaean - Bulgarian relations. But again he will have thoughts of it.