Scandinavian leftovers

11

The Chinese ambassador brought much vegetables, fruits, rice, wine, bamboo, sculptures, swords and female slaves as tribute to the court of King Arvid. Arvid welcomed him in Scandinavia and he introduced him to his Korean wife. The ambassador requested a plot of land in Norway to establish an embassy. King Arvid agreed to permit them to have a plot of land near the shores, right outside the Norwegian capital. The Chinese envoy left the female slaves behind with Josephine. The slaves were Korean and Vietnamese women who were sold by their families into slavery in order to avoid exhortation by the elites in their homeland. Arvid left for the capital in Norway to act as a judge in a conflict between several chieftains. Arvid made plain unto his wives that he doesn't want them asking for his relatives. He explained to them that his relatives were envious wolves that seek to devour one another. He has left his relatives behind for almost ten years. He is wise enough to forgive in order to heal and remain free. He is not stupid nor insane to trust nor agree with someone who refuses to turn away from their (self) destructive ways. Josephine agreed with him. She understood the power of envy and how contagious it is  Dagmar was repeatedly victimised during her lifetime due to the destructiveness of the spirit of jealousy. Josephine planned a trip to London with her maids. Her, together with the 70 Chinese maid slaves that the envoy gave unto her, accompanied by the 150 maid slaves at the court. She also asked for 15 auxiliary troops to protect them on the way. Arvid approved her request due to Britain being relatively safe for tourists. Both senates, however, discouraged Josephine's voyage. They perceived the Batavian revolt, the raids of German warbands, and the uncertainty of the Roman throne, as omens of bad times coming. Because of this, Josephine delayed her trip until better reports would come from Rome. 

Two days after Josephine's decision to delay her voyage, a Rhaetian pen pal of Dagmar reported that the legions in Rhaetia, Noricum and Moesia chose Vespasian as Emperor. Dagmar reported this to her husband and to both senates. The senates knew that Vespasian was known for his open minded attitude towards (the people the Roman called) barbarians. His political career was well studied by veterans who lived in Scandinavia. The news of Vespesian support was perceived as a good sign by both senates. Dagmar also received letters from pen pals in Britain, who told her that ''Most people in Britain are tired of Emperor Vitellius. Italians moved to Roman colonies in Britain in order to avoid the tyranny of this glutton. Also many astrologers were executed, together with their relatives. Also, many people in Gaul hope that he will be replaced by someone more Roman-like.''  

Dagmar send a letter to a friend of hers in living in Noricum in which she wrote ''I have been the Queen of Scandinavia for almost two years. Since then I have attended much ceremonies, I've traveled a lot through Scandinavia and I have mingled in some state affairs. That last one was something I shouldn't have done. My co-wife, the other wife of King Arvid, is Korean. She received tribute from the Chinese Emperor consisting of much fruits, vegetables, jewelry and many female slaves. The Chinese ambassador establish his embassy in the capital of Norway, with the permission of both Scandinavian senates. I felt a bit uncomfortable with the lavishness of the Chinese envoy. As we both know, dear friend, nothing is this world is for free. Better said, there are no authentic blessing in the world. You will find blessings with the minority of blessed people on this earth. Unfortunately, it's hard to find such people. And in politics - I grew up in a political family - I can assure you that there is no such thing as a gift. Whenever a nobleman or noblewomen sends gifts to someone else of nobility its in order to secure their own income from the envy of potential enemies. Most rich people can't stand one another. Their households are filled with murderous energies. China is far away from Scandinavia. I don't fear anything like an invasion by the Han. Nevertheless, their lavishness towards King Arvid, because of his Korean consort, troubles me. I suspect that the Han are envious of Roman dominance. Therefore, they seek any way to enforce their philosophy of superiority. You might not be aware of this, but most Asian countries are tributary states towards the Han. So, the Han doesn't treat other civilisations, how tiny they may be, as civilisation worthy of respect and acknowledgement. The Han are similar to Rome in the sense that both perceive themselves as the center and ultimate of civilisation, with the difference that Rome has the actual world power and the Han only regional power. Lately, my co-wife wanted to visit Britain together with her slaves, guarded by troops. The senates warned Arvid that this would be perceived by the British as a form of power display. This would annoy the Roman authorities and it might provoke an attack diplomatically. And I couldn't agree more with them. I wouldn't have endorsed Yu's request at all if I was Arvid. But it'a fact that I'm not him. Arvid is quite fond of his Korean wife. He is nevertheless too permissive towards her. At least that's my opinion. I can be wrong. Probably I'm wrong. Nevertheless, that's how I think about it. She's also spendthrift with the treasury. I probably aren't allowed to say this, but she's into counterfeiting coins. She spends days holding feasts and purchasing expensive gifts for herself and her slaves. She, at the other hand, is generous to the needy and poor. I admire that trait in her. I don't dare to be generous. Most of the time that I showed generosity I was taken advantage off. I know that not everyone will take advantage of me. The world is still a dangerous with a lot of emotional vampires dwelling in it. I grew up with some of them. And I still have some of such toxic people around me. So, I'm not apathetic nor stone cold. I just want to protect myself. I can't be good to anyone else if i'm damaged or depressed. Right? I limit my time with toxic people and if possible I avoid them completely. I'm looking forward to your next letter. If you ever want to visit Scandinavia, let me know.''

After this letter was posted, Dagmar sailed towards the Fjords. She was assisted by two maidservants and five troops (who steered the ship). The time it took was just two days. After arriving at the shore, she went to the Greek trade settlement called Berigos. The town was inhabited for 95% by Norse people, even the leaders of the town was Norse. In the town she rented an apartment. She wanted to be away for several days. She did, however, tell Arvid where she was heading.