Treaty of Senlis
Charles VIII of France and Maximilian I of Habsburg are signing the Treaty of Senlis, formally ending the Franco-Habsburg conflict over Burgundy and the Low Countries. The scribe carefully records the
Setting
The grand hall of the Bishop's Palace in Senlis, France. The room is adorned with tapestries depicting religious and historical scenes, and large stained glass windows allow filtered light to enter. A long oak table dominates the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs.
Characters
Charles VIII of France
primary
A young man of 23 years, slight of build with a pale complexion and a noticeably large head—a feature often remarked upon by contemporaries. His thin lips and receding chin give him a boyish appearance, but his piercing blue eyes convey a sharp, if sometimes erratic, intelligence. His posture is upright, though he occasionally hunches forward when agitated.
Maximilian I of Habsburg
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-thirties with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. His long, wavy auburn hair is neatly combed, and he sports a meticulously groomed beard. His posture exudes regal authority, though there's a visible tension in his shoulders from the high-stakes negotiations.
French Diplomat
secondary
A middle-aged man with a sharp, angular face and deep-set eyes that betray years of careful observation. His posture is upright, though slightly stooped from long hours at negotiation tables. His hands are well-manicured but show the faint scars of past duels, a reminder of his noble upbringing.
Habsburg Diplomat
secondary
A man in his early 40s with a lean, angular frame and sharp, calculating eyes. His dark brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his clean-shaven face bears a few faint lines of stress. His hands are elegant but show signs of frequent quill use.
Scribe
background
A middle-aged man with a lean build, his face marked by deep-set eyes and a furrowed brow from years of meticulous work. His hands are stained with ink, and his posture suggests both fatigue and attentiveness. His dark hair is streaked with grey, tied back neatly.
Dialog
Charles VIII of France
By Saint Denis! We concede these lands not from weakness, but from... Christian charity.
Maximilian I of Habsburg
As the lion guards its cubs, so must we safeguard our rightful inheritance. The Emperor accepts this... Christian gesture.
French Diplomat
Mutatis mutandis, sire—this concession secures our northern borders against... less pious claimants.
Habsburg Diplomat
Ipso facto, the Duchy of Burgundy returns to its natural allegiance. A most... equitable resolution.
Charles VIII of France
Our scribes shall draft the final terms—provided the Emperor remembers this charity when next our armies march.
Maximilian I of Habsburg
The lion does not forget—nor does he forgive encroachments upon his den.
French Diplomat
The ink flows smoother than blood, Your Grace. Let us... attend to the quills.