NationStates Jolt Archive

Edmund smoked a ciggarette on the balcony of his bedroom, gazing at the falling rain. He had been through so much this year, he was almost killed, lost his nation, and regained it. Now things within the United Emirates were stronger than ever. The Alliance with The Drakonian Imperium was like an alliance between brothers. Because of Drakonia a Generation before his Grandfather overthrew the Sanctus Empire and established the Tersanctus Dominion.

But even as his 25th birthday grew closer, Edmund still felt the pain of the loss of his wife two years ago, and the death of his parents when he was 13, leaving him Executor of the Nation.

He was lonley.

But it would soon be time for Celebration, he was making arrangements for his friends, and allies to come to his Birthday Celebration. And there was much to celebrate, he had brought his Nation to a new zenith, the economy was at an all-time high, and his nations freedoms were second to none in the region.

He had already made arrangements for Telegrams to be sent to various Nations to arrive in a few days.


Meanwhile, in the Red Templar Division, Platoon Leader Alyssa Drake was the first Woman Templar Officer to lead a Templar Legion. She was respected for her Brilliance in Warfare Tactics. And reknowned for her refusal to deal wil BS. Some people thought she was a bitch, others cold, but no one thought about messing with her.

She was lonely.

She had recieved orders from the Office of the Executor that she would be Captain of the Executorial Guard at his Birthday Celebration in a few days. It was honor above all others, and she knew she had earned it.

OOC: Post your arrival here. The festivities will begin soon. Poor roleplaying will not be tolerated. And, yes there is another story behind this.

http://www.creed3d.com/dafiles/previews/StabithaArmor.jpg
Alyssa Drake, Red Templar Divison Commander




http://www.celebrity-exchange.com/celebs/photos48/James-Caviezel.jpg

Edmund Dantes, Executor of Tersanctus

Edmund awaited the arrival of Augustus Drake, the Praetor of Drakonia. A longtime friend, and teacher, Augustus was like a father to Edmund when he lost his parents.

Now he was to turn 25, so many years later...yet so few. The time had passed quickly, and now was the time for festivities. The Office of the Executor was decked out in decorations and and lighting. In the courtyard, there was tabels and tabes of food every imaginable kind.

Edmund stood in the middle of it, smoking as usual. Dressed in his traditional dark suit with a blue tie, he looked at his Captain of the Guard, exchanging ceremonially his sword with the Woman who was to be his Captain of the Guard this evening.

She slowly walked toward him, and almost out of coincedence the wind picked up, and Edmund's eyes darkened appreciatively. Her skintight uniform with the markings of a Templar officer, greatly complimented her red-auburn hair. Edmund thought that he perhaps would enjoy this evening just a little more.

As Alyssa walked toward Edmund to introduce herself, she noticed that Edmund looked at her in a slightly....intriguing manner. She too looked at Edmund appreciatively, but there was absolutely no physical indication that she did so. But she still thought he looked good in that dark suit.

"Greetings, Executor Dantes! I am Commander Alyssa Drake, of the the Red Templar Legion. It is an honor to serve as your Captain of the Guard tonight." She stated cooly.

"Please, call me Edmund, the 'Executor' title is only for formalities, tonight I celebrate my birthday. Though I will also speak of war with Augustus Drake. I intend to be myself as much as is possible this evening." he replied looking directly at her pale eyes.

Unflinching from his stare Alyssa nonetheless inended to be professional.
"Very well, Ex--er, Edmund. I will see too it that nothing shall ruin this evening's festivities. You enjoy yourself, and leave the rest to me..."

"I shall Commander Drake." replied Edmund, in a joking manner.

Alyssa actually smiled at this. "I will ask you to call me Alyssa, Edmund. You are not a Templar Underling, therefore my rank has nothing do with you."

"Very well.....Alyssa." said Edmund mysteriously.

And he couldnt help but look at the rest of her as she walked awa to begin orientation with the Executorial guard. As she gave a last glance when he turned to look at the trees.

The Imperial Jet touched down at the city of Sanctus' International Airport. The Imperial Drakonian Air Forces' Escort Fighters shot over the runway, blasting onward at full speed before moving to land at the nearby military airstrip.

On board the Imperial Jet, Augustus Drake let out a loud and rather uncharacteristic snore, from where he had collapse on the bed. Relaxing next to him, his Queen poked a finger into his kidney.

There was a snort and Augustus sat up with a start. "But, Mommy I want to ride the pony," he whined.

Jolené Sutherland, Queen of Trinidad and the Drakonian Imperium erupted in laughter. "No riding ponies, tonight," she snickered.

Augustus Drake snapped back to reality and realized where he was. "Uh, what did I say," he asked groggily, then thought about his request. "Nevermind, I don't want to know."

"We've arrived," Jolené informed him.

"It's good to be able to see, Eddy again," he responded, standing and straighting his slept in cloth.

"You know he hates when you call him that." Jolené smiled and stood from the bed. She knew, he knew.

"I know," Augustus smirked back, placing a kiss on her soft brown cheek.

The Jet connect with the terminal and the royal couple left the cable, arm in arm. The years of marriage and governing had tried, but not come close to destroy the powerful love that made up their relationship. While, the royal couple seem more like parents to the orphaned Edmund they were not that much older than the ruler of Tersanctus. Augustus was only 34 and Jolené only 31. It seemed to Augustus that while he mentored the ruler of Tersanctus, they were more brothers than anything else.

Edmund smoked on the balcony again, waiting for Augustus, he looked at the servants and workers scurrying about making the last minute preperations.

Suddenly,"He's Here! Praetor Drake has arrived!" Exclaimed one of the servants, whom clearly had too much coffee.

"Than welcome him! I will meet him at the front gate!" Said Edmund, with a smile, and he took a last drag and flicked it over the balcony.

The evening was truly spectacular. The stars shone brightly in the sky, obcassional blocked by the clouds that remained after the rain. Clouds, lit by the bright light of a full moon.

The limosine holding the royal couple entered the mansion that was the Office of the Executor. The car pulled up outside the grand entrance, other cars filled with a few advisors and Praetorian Guards following suit.

Standing tall and proud a Praetorian Guard stepped from the passenger side of the limosine and opened the door for the royal couple. Augustus Drake and Jolené Sutherland stepped out, both dressed the part of the rulers of world power, Drakonia, and both looking forward to spending time with their old friend.

Meanwhile, on the roof of a nearby building, professional assassine #112963 took up a firing position with her Kartoffelburg class railgun. Stolen from the corpse of one of her former targets, it was a weapon of immense destructive power and had never let her down.

#112963's target today was Jolené Sutherland. It was not her place to ask why, only to do as commanded. As her target stepped out of the car, #112963 aligned her railguns crosshairs over Jolené Sutherland's head, and gently squeezed the trigger.

OOC:**Sighs**, there is no possible way you could be inside my country, with an assassin with a railgun, at the equivalent of the white house, with a security second to none in my region, please learn to RP before I put you on Ignore. Im not going to throw around "Godmodding" and "N00b" because it loses its meaning that way, And I dont mind if you join in, but there are rules you have to follow, and an assaassin magically appearing outside the Office of the Executor violates the rules I.E. How did the assassin get there? How did you get past my security? True in storytelling there are certain liberties that can be taken. BUt keep in mind Main Charchters are usually immortal unless the author decides to kill them off, so either edit or delete you post please....

Alexander Black, Prince of Roania, Head of the Council, and Ruler of the Empire, slammed his fist into the table. "I want her out of my hair. For at least a few weeks!"

The councilors quailed. "Your Highness, your twin sister is your blood-kin. Surely you aren't suggesting exile, no?"

"Of course not!" Alex looked around on his desk for a transcript. Finding it, he passed it to them. "Send her to Tersanctus."

Seeing Edmund there to meet them the royal couple walked forward to greet their longtime friend.

"It's good to see you again, old friend," Augustus said, smiling and offering his hand to shake.

"You’re looking well," Jolené greeted, stepping forward to hug Edmund.

When the friends had greeted each other, Augustus again spoke. "So, your turning 25 and you're not married, yet." He thought this statement over some, throwing a mischievous glance to his wife. "Well, we will have to do something about that," he added forcefully, a bit of humor seeping into his voice.

Alexander Black, Prince of Roania, Head of the Council, and Ruler of the Empire, slammed his fist into the table. "I want her out of my hair. For at least a few weeks!"

The councilors quailed. "Your Highness, your twin sister is your blood-kin. Surely you aren't suggesting exile, no?"

"Of course not!" Alex looked around on his desk for a transcript. Finding it, he passed it to them. "Send her to Tersanctus."((OOC: Waitaminute, isn't Rachel still stuck inside Sara Resi's head? :? ))

OOC: Rubber time. I'm going to get her out of there, any time now.

Edmund saw Augustus and Jolene, walk toward him, all smiles. It caused him to automatically smile as well, and pick up his step a little faster to see them again.

He shook Augustus' Hand and embraced Jolene.

Than Augustus made his comment on Edmund's Marital Status.

"Aww, Augustus." Said Edmund smiling wider now. "You know Im looking, ever since my Wife died two years, Ive ben meaning to jump into the ring again, Ive even held a couple of courting sessions. But nothing seems to be to appealing to me at the moment, I want love, true love. That might seem to be a bit of wishful thinking on my part, but I think true love is worth waiting for!" Said Edmund getting a transcendental look in his eye.

In truth he had the soul of a poet, and the heart of a warrior. Things that often misplaced him within his society, but things that had saved it more than once.

And as he finished his comment about love, Alyssa's Face flashed through his mind for a split-second....

The space-plane landed in southern Tersanctus. Rachel Black and 20 guards strode off.

As the royal couple and Edmund talked, one of the Praetorian surround the couple put a finger to his ear. After a second of listening, he approached the couple.

"Sir," he caught their attention, addressing the Praetor. "We've word that Rachel Black has arrived in the country."

The Praetor looked a little confused. "Rachel Black." He turned to his wife. "Do I know a Rachel Black," he asked.

"Sir," the Praetorian Guard again caught the Praetor's attention. "Roania."

Realization crossed the Praetor's face. "Oh that, Rachel Black."

Edmund looked quizically at Augustus.

"I was informed of Rachel Blacks arrival, and Roania and I have crossed paths before. Nothing hostile, have you two had some dealings before?"

Meanwhile, Alyssa walked out of the balcony some three stories up finishing her security detail, and saw Edmund speaking with The Drakonian Royalty. She even shared a similar bloodline, as her Grandfather was an Immigrant from Drako Throne.

She stared at the three talking, and noticed the way the moon picked up off of Edmunds dark hair, she couldnt help but stare for a few seconds.

Suddenly she noticed Jolene, The Queen of Drakonia, was also staring at her with an amused expression, and she than smiled and said something to Edmund that she couldnt hear from this distance.

Flustered and slightly embarrased for being caught looking, ahe moved away to return inside.

There was a glint in Augustus' eye. "Nothing official," he responded to Edmund's question.

The questioningly look on Edmund's face prompt a more indepth response. "You remember long ago, when Jai Resi went missing."

Edmund did. "It was all over ENN, Wombat News, CING, and every other news channel from here to Arda."

The glint in Augustus' eye appeared again. "Well, some Praetorian Guard and Roanians locked heads during the hunt."

"In the Resi Corporate Islands?" The implication were shocking, but not so shocking to Edmund, who knew about the Praetorian Guard.

"In the Resi Corporate Islands." Augustus' eyes sparkled for a second.

Jolené whispered the comment to Augustus and he looked up in time to see a female in Red Templar Armor disappear.

"A friend of yours." Augustus gestured to where the Templar had disappeared, his voice clearly indictating he meant more than just friend.

Rachel looked around, impatiently. "I wonder where our escort is? I've never been here before."

((OOC: Waitaminute, isn't Rachel still stuck inside Sara Resi's head? :? ))

OOC:
Sorry to hijack or anything, to the thread starter, but Resi, you're dead! Stay in character, even on OOC posts! :P

Edmund looked to the Balcony just in time to see a glint of red hair.

"Oh, Alyss--I mean, Commander Drake is the Captain of my Guard for this Evening. She was probably just checking up on me." Said Edmund, realizing he sounded way too casual to Augustus' tone.

"We just met before you got here actually. Though I admit, I cannot complain as to having her for a Bodyguard." Said Edmund smiling.

"Besides, I believe we should go inside now, there is much to discuss and much too celebrate."said Edmund gesturing to the Office of the Executor's lavish Front Door.

As they begin to walk in, Edmund gets back into the subject with Jai and the Roanian skirmish.

OOC:
Sorry to hijack or anything, to the thread starter, but Resi, you're dead! Stay in character, even on OOC posts! :P((OOC: Congrats LE, but you just opened up a new can of dumbassery. As previously stated I am NOT dead, just ignored. I may be dead in your universe, which is why you ignored me. As such you should treat me as if I was dead and ignore my posts. Otherwise, well, it's just plain bad RP. :wink:

As for saying I'm dead OOCly, well that's just plain stupid. Unless it's my ghost typing this stuff, I can't be dead. Well, at least not that I know of...))

"Alyssa Drake," Augustus asked, obviously remember some family relation. "She would be...." He trails off and looks to his wife.

Jolené smiled at her husbands memory. "She is the decendant of Trajan's brother, John and William's Uncle."

Augustus got a look of strain on his face. "Second cousin," he asked meekly.

The look on Jolené's face told all, and prompt a more defensive response from Augustus. "Hey, I never got all that first, second, and fifteenth cousin nonesense," he wined.

This only prompted a burst of laughter from his wife. Needless to say, Augustus was relieved when the conversation was steered back to the Hunt for Jai (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75990).

"Well, it was a most interesting report I read on the incident," he continued the conversation. "It seem there was something about a Discordian Priestess, a Celackian Psycho Bunny, and a giant talking lizard involved."

Edmund laughed heartily.

"Giant talking lizards? Psycho bunnies? Almost as intersting as reports I recieved on the S&M Demonstration at The Judicator Assembly a few weeks ago! Lotion sales went up 25% due too chaffing I hear!" Edmund laughed again.


Edmund looked to the couple with a serious note taking over his face.

"Aug, Jolene. I know it is my Birthday and all, and I do not wish to darken the festivities, but the Al Anbar Incident is Business that must be taken care of sooner than later. And I'd rather discuss it before Rachel Black arrives, the Roanians are........sneaky, from what I hear."

"But otherwise there is food, fun, drink, and laughter. With my Nations latest economic rating and civil rights, my people are happy, and so I shall drink to them!"

The royal couple both laughed at the joke, then Augustus' face too became serious. "Yes, we must discuss the war," he said, not sounding happy at all.

"Triegh is supposed to be here to discuss the war plan, but he is late and missed our flight out. Anyway." August gestured to one of the Praetorians, who produced a large clipboard sized computer monitor. Displayed on the monitor was the plan for the invasion of Al Anbar. "Here is the latest strategy." The Praetorian handed the monitor over to Edmund.

http://www.highgallery.com/military-aircraft-35a.jpg

General Richard "Triegh" Lippert stuck his head into the cockpit of the military transport jet. "How much longer," he asked.

"If you will sit down and buckle in, we're making our final approach now," the annoyed pilot responded.

The General walked back to his seat, and for once did what he was told.

He was a veteran of several military ventures. Having recieved his rank during the Rebellion in East Turkestan (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25729), taking over General Maxwell Clark who was killed in a missile attack. Triegh was good friend of both Edmund and Augustus having known them for a long time. He was looking forward to seeing the leader of Tersanctus, but not of making his late arrival.

Impatiently, he looked out the window and watch the jet descend on the capitol of Tersanctus.

Edmund took the clipboard computer and saw a map of Al Anbar with The War plan outlining Drakonian, Tersanctan, and Khristatatan Offensive and defensive positions.

"Impressive Aug, there is already word of a conflict brewing between my Navy and the Dyelli Beybian's. So this war may start soon than later. These plans seem to be well in order. I admit it is a load off of my mind. With your permission I will have this transmitted to my Commanders in the field post haste."

Turning to one of the Aides, he hands the Computer clipboard to him to give to the Secretary of Defense.

"Now let us consider the matter taken care of for the time being, that is why I have a Secretary of Defense to handle these matters, to assist me in running a Nation. And Treigh is coming? Excellent! I have not seen him in a long time! We last spoke before the East Turkenstan Rebellion. I admit I am proud of him for achieving his new rank."

Rachel looked around, impatiently. "I wonder where our escort is? I've never been here before."

Suddenly a Limousine pulls up. The Driver steps out, looking confused.

"Sorry about being late, Are you Rachel Black?" said the Driver nervously.

"I dont think I have enough room for all of them." said the Driver pointing to the Guards.

"But I think some Templar transports are scheduled to arrive as well. They should be here--" he was cut off by the sound of 2 Urban APC's arriving on the Airstrip.

"Ms. Black" said a Templar stepping off "We will transport any of the guards who dont fit in the car with you. Sorry we only just recieved word of your large guard contingency."

The military transport jet set down, and pulled off the runway toward a terminal. Before they had even connect with the terminal General Lippert was up, grabbing everything he would need.

http://www.airliners.net/photos/small/6/5/0/432056.jpg

A long minute later he was rushing down the terminal, looking for the Tersanctan official that was supposed to meet him. The poor man, didn't know what hit him.

"Take me to the vehicle and fast," Treigh ordered, grabbing hold of the man's arm and dragging along after the General.

"Most definitely," Augustus answered Edmund's question. "Post Haste."

Augustus laughed at Edmund's comment about his Secretary of Defense. "You know I prefer a hands on approach to the military," Augustus cut in. "Maybe, it's because I served." He looked at his wife, no doubt she knew. "Oh well, whatever the reason. I make it sure, I'm part of the strategy planning process."

Edmund shifted the conversation toward their mutual friend Treigh.

Augustus smiled proudly. "Yeah, if was quite a pleasure to give him a promotion."

His wife gently elbowed him in the side. "Remember, who's idea it was," she joked.

Augustus' smile broadened as he looked to his wife. "Well, I can't think of everything. That's your job."

Jolené realized that her and her spouse must seem a bit like newly weds to their friend. "Sorry, if we're a bit all over eachother. It's really been a while since we've had much time together," she explained to Edmund.

"The rigors of the Praetorship," Augustus explained further.

The door's behind the group were suddenly flung wide and in strolled (calmly, but purposefully) a tall caucasian man, crisply dressed in the uniform of a Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces General.

"I do hope, I didn't miss the military briefing," Treigh Lippert spoke walking up to the royal couple and Edmund.

"Treigh!" Edmund exclaimed. Uncharacteristaclly hugging him, as was he was like the cool Uncle that Edmund never had.

"Look at you! A General! Welcome Treigh, welcome to my birthday. I was just speaking with These two over the Al Anbar conflict." said Edmund gesturing too Augustus and Jolene.

"I believe we were discussing Aug's preference too have a hands-on approach to war strategy, as do I, though for this evening, I will have my Secretary take care of it."

The four stood in a huddle, old friends finally discussing things as if no time had passed. Though the time did pass, and as Edmund was all too familiar, Abscence makes the heart grow fonder.

From the far right Alyssa came down the stairwell, her Red Templar armor a stark contrast to the marbled surroundings. She looked over at Edmund and the Drakonian Royalty, and the new Uniformed person with the Drakonian Military markings. She recognized the rank as General, and Edmund seemed quite friendly with him.

National Leaders! She mused.

Edmund realizing he was ignoring Jolene's comment, replied "Oh not to worry Jolene. You wont make me jealous." Smiling at his own joke.

"I understand how it is to be torn between duty and desire. Even now on my birthday, we must discuss things such as War. Men speak of one day there being everlasting peace. I believe that day will come only when there are no men to speak of it. As horrible as war is, it is a neccessary evil that must be used to counter those who would use it for an evil intent. Let us not forget a famous saying, 'only the dead have seen the end of war'"

OOC: Do so love Bendin' Time...

IC:

He loved the feel of the wind rushing through his hair...but maybe this was overdoing it a bit. He fell...and fell...and fell. He was in free-fall for a good three minutes, before he triggered the thruster pack on his back.

The violent yank he felt was extremely painful. The blue-hot glare of the thrusters on his back was just an aftereffect, it was the way he seemed to glow a golden color. The trademark of an Induction Drive.

He popped through the clouds leisurely, his helmet firmly affixed and sealed to the breastplate he wore under the jacket that was currently flapping up at the waist.

He was high above Tersanctus, the invitation was tucked firmly away in a recess of his jacket. He looked down as descended, like some kind of radiant angel from the heavens, all aglow in lordly splender. Right. Whatever.

The rest of his Delegation was taking a bit of a more...conventional form of transportation...meaning they would arrive in an Assault Shuttle. He had been a bit late though, so he'd opted for a high-atmosphere insertion...and it would work to.

He gently touched down at the Tersanctus Airport, moments before the Assault Shuttle carrying the rest of the Revenian Delegation touched down. Off stepped Inquisitor Sero Relaran, two nameless, faceless, Inquisitorial personnel, and his own security detachment, two Twilight Seraphim, one in plainclothes, one not. He nodded calmly, and fell in at the front of the procession.

It took a few seconds for the lift to lower, but then the Command Groundcar was active, and before he knew it, he was inside...and en-route to an address given him. In the mean time, he had stripped out of his jump gear, and had changed into his usual plain black clothing, and weaponry, and so forth.

Yes, Commander Dysaryn Stark was in need of a vacation...so here he was.

~Stark Out
That is All.

Triegh cringed at Edmund's hug, put off by the man's forwardness. "You do need a wife," he commented, still a bit surprised. Triegh peeled Edmund off himself and stepped back, ready to dive for cover in case Edmund attempted another hug.

As the friends continued their discussion, one of the Praetorian Guards stepped forward. The man, wore the rank of Colonel and was the Praetorian in charge of the royal couples guards. His skin was a tanned red, his long hair neatly pulled back and tied behind his head. The Praetorian was a Cherokee indian, born in his homeland, the Drakonian state of Cherokee.

"Sir," Michael Whitewolf reported. "We've been informed that the Revenian delegation has arrived." He paused for effect. "I am told that while the rest arrive conventionally, that Commander Stark made a high-atmosphere insertion."

The Praetor smirked. "That would be Stark, most unconventional."

Rachel looked around, impatiently. "I wonder where our escort is? I've never been here before."

Suddenly a Limousine pulls up. The Driver steps out, looking confused.

"Sorry about being late, Are you Rachel Black?" said the Driver nervously.

"I dont think I have enough room for all of them." said the Driver pointing to the Guards.

"But I think some Templar transports are scheduled to arrive as well. They should be here--" he was cut off by the sound of 2 Urban APC's arriving on the Airstrip.

"Ms. Black" said a Templar stepping off "We will transport any of the guards who dont fit in the car with you. Sorry we only just recieved word of your large guard contingency."

"My thanks. Would there be room for my Protocol advisor?" Rachel says, with a customary bow. "I am afraid that such a guard was considered a necessity by my brother."

The Driver looked at Rachel.

"You got room for a total of six people in the Limo, bring whomever you wish in it, the rest has to go in the APC's." he said cordially.

OOC:I would like to dedicate this post in honor, as my 1000th post! Here is to 1000 more!

A man sat at the a radar tower looking at some strange signal, it was too small too be a plane....it was the size of a man.

"Sir, you gotta look at this. We have a bogey, falling from the sky, it been there for at least a minute and a half. Radar shows no other aircraft in the--wait, We have something..Its, one of those weird shuttle thingy's. Code comes in as...friendly....matching...it's Revenian. Never Mind probably one of there stunts they love too pull."

The Radarman's suspiscions were confirmed within seconds as a rocket-packed man landed on the airstrip, followed by the Revenian Craft.

"Now that's how you make an entrance!" said one of the Radarmen sipping a cup of coffee.

(dooodle-loodle-looo; time shift forward!)

The front Gate of the Office of the Executor opend to allow the Revenian Delegation to arrive. Half the party was already informed of Commander Stark's hell of an entrance.

The Driver looked at Rachel.

"You got room for a total of six people in the Limo, bring whomever you wish in it, the rest has to go in the APC's." he said cordially.

OOC:I would like to dedicate this post in honor, as my 1000th post! Here is to 1000 more!

"Right." She pointed at her chief of protocol, and 2 more guards. "The rest of you, back on the plane, and head home."

"Well," Jolené said, continuing the conversation. "If you are going to quote someone, you should quote Edmund Burke. He said, 'the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' Nevertheless, war is horrible and should be avoided if at all possible. But, I hate to talk about such things as you all know."

"Yes, dear," the Praetor responded. "Let us continue on, for you sake." He through his wife a glance, and then promptly change the subject. "So we will have such characters as Rachel Black and Dysaryn Stark coming. This evening should prove to be most interesting."

"Agreed." said Edmund, shaking his head.

The limo drove on. "Okay, Protocol guy. What is the protocol here?"

"Um... it depends on how he greets you... I think... um, I'm new at this..."

"I can't believe I left Trix behind to bring you."

The Ground Car moved through the front gates, it's skirts riding a few inches off the ground. It was a hovercar, as was almost every Revenian ground vehicle. Dysaryn adjusted his jacket, he was dressed entirely in gloss black, but in his own, unique, style. The hilt and pommel of his Hand-and-a-half sword stuck up over his right shoulder, while the FS-2 holstered at his left thigh, provided a measure of reassurance.

After all, he -was- an officer of the Revenian Military. And, House Stark had won it's rule through combat, they maintained it through combat. He smiled absently, as his thoughts drifted, and then, it was time to exit.

He was the first out of the car, followed by his two Twilight Seraphim, and then the Inquisitors, and the aides. He walked slowly, but powerfully. The three-bladed tri-staffs carried by his guards, was not just a ceremonial instrument, but also a very deadly weapon. The three-bladed staff head gave off a faint glow, showing that the weapon was charged and ready.

He smirked absently, and his delegation dispersed to their various area's of expertise, to each, his own.

~Stark Out
That is all.

The Templar Guards at the gates looked at Stark and his entourage suspiciously, the triple-bladed staffs especially, making them uneasy. But all Templar carried swords, and guards of foreign dignitaries were of course permitted to carry weaponry.

They nonetheless, let the Revenians through cordially. opening the massive Titanium Gates, showing the lit walkway through the massive gardens before the Office of the Executor. In truth a large Mansion.

The limo finally reached the Executor's palace. Rachel stepped out, radiantly. "Ah, hello." She said to the guards.

The limo finally reached the Executioner's palace. Rachel stepped out, radiantly. "Ah, hello." She said to the guards.

OOC: Sorry pet peeve. Executor (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=executor) is NOT an executionist, the word is pronounced ig-zek-you-ter and is the title of the ruler of the nation. As in the Executor of an estate.

IC: The Templar looked Rachel and smiled, followed by a quick glance at the other Guard. "You must be Rachel Black, please come in, we've been expecting you." They opened the large gates yet again.

Whislt Edmund spoke with the Drakonian Royalty, Alyssa strode by them giving Edmund another look. She couldnt help but stare at him now. His voice and laughter became infectious in her mind.


Edmund looked at Alyssa as she walked by, checking up on the other Templar Guards. He decided to excuse himself for a moment. And he walked over too her.

"Hello, Edmund." She said, a bit suprised by his approach.

"Alyssa, I cant help but wishing too speak with you a bit later this evening. Perhaps you could join me in the library for a nightcap later?" said Edmund, unsure of why he was doing this.

"S-sure." said Alyssa, taken aback by the request, but strangely satisfied at the same time.

"Great, I should see you in an hour or so. Duty calls me of course." he said returning to Augustus, Jolene, and Treigh's Company.

Alyssa stood there for several seconds watching him leave, dumbfounded and heart racing. She hadnt felt like this in years.

Edmund returned to The Drakonians prescence, feeling a bit strange, heart racing. He hadnt felt like this in years.

The limo finally reached the Executioner's palace. Rachel stepped out, radiantly. "Ah, hello." She said to the guards.

OOC: Sorry pet peeve. Executor (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=executor) is NOT an executionist, the word is pronounced ig-zek-you-ter and is the title of the ruler of the nation. As in the Executor of an estate.

IC: The Templar looked Rachel and smiled, followed by a quick glance at the other Guard. "You must be Rachel Black, please come in, we've been expecting you." They opened the large gates yet again.

OOC: Fixed it.

IC: Rachel grinned as she moved into the manor. "You know, most people would consider too guards enough to keep this place safe. You don't need to close the gate. My guards could tell you how it's done."

The Legionnaires blinked, and looked at eachother. "Could we?"

Meanwhile, Rachel quietly slipped inside and away from her entourage. God. How am I meant to get anything done with them following me?

The announcement came suddenly. Interrupting, the conversation between Edmund, Augustus, Jolené, and Triegh, Colonel Whitewolf approached the group. "Sirs," he started getting everyone's attention. "It's started, Generals Kingston and Santiago await confirmation."

"Give it to them," Augustus commanded. "Praetorian Edict."

Whitewolf turned and was gone, left to attend to his duty.

"Well, then," Triegh stated, not sounding happy. "We are at War."

The conversation continued, the Roania and Revenian delegations arrived at the Mansion, and then Whitewolf returned.

"Sirs," he said. "I think you should see this." Whitewolf produced a clipboard-size monitor and play a minutes old ENN broadcast.

Emirate News Network

ENN Logo flashes while a Loud Booming Voice says, "Reporting live is Candace Locke at Griffon Military Base in the Imperium, on the latest with the Liberation of Al Anbar."

A beautiful blond woman appears wearing khakis looking out across a massive military base from the top of a tall building. Below her are many more buildings, some Offices, others Barracks, Motor Pools, and at least one is a Military Factory and Repair Facility. Farther off large and varied training areas can be seen, they are swamped with soldiers, many of which are in marching formations. Meanwhile among all the buildings, IFVs can be seen farrying soldiers and officers back and forth on the routine tasks.

"Welcome to Griffon Military Base, center for the Imperial Drakonian Military. As you can see below me." She gestures behind her, as below a squadron of tanks move out across the feilds to the forested edges of the training area. "The base is very active. With the war gearing up in Al Anbar, the the activity here has increased greatly."

As if in response to her comment a flight of Combat Assault Transport Helicopters go flying by ferrying troops away to coast military facilities. "The Fleets of Tersanctus continue their blockade of the Dyelli Beybi fleet along it's position of defending the Al Anbar coastline, two Drakonian Task Forces are on their way to support the Tersanctans."

Three Attack Helicopter goes shooting by, making mock dives over the forested outer edges of the training area, before they speed back off camera. "The Imperium also released information today that three Plethora-Class Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles equipped with Cruise Missile warheads were launch at targets in Al Anbari-controlled Syria, where forces of Crownguard, Dyelli Beybi, and the bulk of the Al Anbari troops have dug in for the war. No report, yet as to if the attack were successful, but it is likely that the ground invasion as already begun."

"This all comes after the government of Drakonian issued a Declaration of War on Al Anbar. As of yet Drakonian still has not issued a Declaration of War against those nations staging forces in Al Anbar. This is a deliberate last chance to those nations to save their men from being attacked by the Imperium." There is a pause as another flight of Combat Assault Transport Helicopter go flying by headed for the Drakonian coast.

"This is Candace Locke reporting live at Griffon Military Base, Drakonia." The camera zooms in on the far off training feilds. On them the squadron of light tanks are now in retreat, being pursued by a force of IFVs and Infantry which materialize out of the forest, but it is quickly apparent the main reason for the retreat. Flanking the light tanks are much larger heavy tanks, which sweep in and outmanuever the smaller fast tanks before anything can be done. The training exercise is quickly over.

The camera doesn't quick off, instead is refocuses on the reporter. There is a pause as the reporter suddenly puts a hand to her ear listening to someone talk to her. She looks down for a second, distracted. After a second her hand returns to her side and her head snaps back up. In the background air raid sirens are heard.

"We've just been informed that Dyelli Beybi and the nation of Axe Weilding Maniacs have just launch an massive unprovoke nuclear strike against the Imperium. Current reports state that over 200 nuclear weapons have been launch at the Imperium. Nuclear Defense Protocols have been activated and SDI defense emplacement across Drakonia are responding to the incoming missiles."

Below the report and around the base military activity has suddenly double. Soldier rush all over the place, IFV, Tanks, and Armored Vehicles are suddenly on the move, and combat helicopters are quickly flying everywhere.

"This is highly unpresidented as while the Imperium is Nuclear Weapon capable. It is public knowledge that Drakonia has no nuclear weapons.

"All Drakonia citizens are asked to return to their homes and not panic. We will report again, once we have more news. Again, this is Candace Locke report live. Remember you heard it first, here on the Emirate News Network."

The screen again changes to the ENN Logo and the Loud Booming Voice is heard again saying, "This has been an ENN News Bulletin."

"My God," was all the Praetor could say.

Jolené burst into tears. Her husband held her, tightly his own face: graze, troubled, horified, and greatly saddened.

There was a long silence.

"What the f---?!"yelled Edmund, shocked at the news.

"What the hell are they thinking? They know that you--I mean, we have no nuclear wepaons..." said Edmund trailing off.

Well obviously they think that despite Uranium mining being one of our largest industries, that we have no nuclear weapons. Though that was the point, to keep it secret.thought Edmund.

"I will advise the FKC on NARTA policy. The idiots obviously think that civilian casualties is of no importance. They have revealed thier true hand. The world sees what Dyelli and Axe is capable of!" said Edmund angrily looking at one of his aides.

The aide understood the look at went to speak with the Secretary of Defense.

Clint "outa my cold dead hand" Eastwood recieved the news of the Nuclear attack on Drakonia.

He than got on a secure line to hundreds of Underground sites throughout Tersanctus, usually in mountainsides or places capable of surviving nuclear fallout, to give the general order. NARTA was in place. Nuclear Attack Response of Total Annihilation, for 57 years since the first discovery of Uranium, Tersanctus had secretly been builing up a large cache of Nuclear weaponry, The NARTA policy was signed and put into place by Executor Jason Roberts, and no other Executor had seen fit to cancel the program or the funding, resulting in over 45,000 Intercontinental-capable Nuclear Warheads, though in reality Tersanctans despised nuclear weapons, and all they did, they would never let the death of a single Tersanctan at the hand of a nuclear weapon go unavenged.

Rachel entered the room. "I heard it all." She said, shaking her head. "My condolences. I would offer you Roania's help... but I have no power to make such decisions. A communique will be sent to my brother, though." She sighed. "While it's probably treason to say so, I hate war."

"Rachel....Rachel Black."said Edmund approaching her and extending his hand.

"Its a pleasure to finally meet you. I am only sorry for the circumstances that have darkened this once festive party. War is horrible, to be sure. And now this....." tralied off Edmund, shaking his head in disgust.

Rachel stared at it. Her protocol minister whispered. She smiled and shook it, then, to return to her proper poise, curtsied. "Yes, but talking about war never made things better. We should at least celebrate your birthday."

Edmund stared increduously at Rachel for a moment. It wasnt the comment on ignoring the nuclear attack, rather the unknowing of the handshake.

I'll have to be careful, she must really be from a different culture! thought Edmund.

"Yes, of course. But understand if the Praetor and his queen are not so optimistic as they are the ones whose nation is under attack.." said Edmund gesturing toward Augustus and Jolene.

Meanwhile Alyssa gave a piteous glance at Aug and Jolene, she was reminded of how fragile life was, and how precious the moments we have really are.

Then she glanced at Edmund.

OOC: In Roanian society, people bow or curtsy. Japan had a heavy effect on their protocol, and things. Also, she's not sure of his noble rank.


IC: "I will understand, of course." Rachel curtsied to them both. "Is this your wife, Executor?" She asked, looking at Alyssa. "My apologies,..." she ran through a list of titles, and picked the one that made sure there could be little offense "my lady."

OOC:Ah! I thought it was simply a sense of humor, which I have absolutely nothing against, I can be downright silly when the mood creeps over me! FYI There is a Pic of Alyssa on the first page of this thread in case you missed it.

IC: Edmund blushed deeply at her comment. Looking at Alyssa Drake, he saw that she too was somewhat put out by the comment. But Edmund realized that Rachel meant nothing by it.

"Oh, no!" Laughed Edmund. "This is Alyssa Drake the Captain of my Guard for this Evening. I am not married Ms. Black!"

Alyssa approached Rachel and Curtsied to her.

"An honor to meet you Miss Black. You may address me as Alyssa if you wish, I am more of Military than Ruler. Only my underlings need address me in a formal manner."

Rachel raised a hand to her mouth. She turned crimson. "Oh, my. I am so sorry!" She again went through a little protocol check. "Captain Alyssa, then." She said, still openly. Then her eyes narrowed. "Not a Templar, right?" She asked, ready to run.

The protocol minister stifled a scream and rushed over and spoke into her ear. Her expression softened. "Oh... I'm sorry."

OOC: Roanians generally set a great store by openness, and she thinks she's lost face.

"Um, Yes I am. Actually. I am not offended in the least by your comment. It was an Honest mistake. We Tersanctans are an open lot." said Alyssa

Edmund simply chuckled at the whole scene.

Rachel tensed, but then relaxed. "Okay, Captain." She turned to Edmund. "M'lord Edmund, with your permission, I have to contact my brother. He rarely pays attention to these things, but I'll get him to see reason."

"Of course, The communique room is at your disposal." Edmund snapped his fingers having an aide come to show Rachel the way.

"And keep me posted. I dont think we want any more victims involved." said Edmund.

Rachel entered the comm room.

[code:1:b4802b1517]<<Begin Transmission>>
TO: His Highness, Prince Alexander Black
FROM: Her Excellency Princess Rachel Black
RE: Drakonian Nuclear launch

Nuclear weapons have been launched against the Drakonian Imperium by Dyelli Beybi and some nation of lunatic something-somethings. This could be the oppurtunity we have been waiting for to launch a crusade against the heretics of DB.[/code:1:b4802b1517]

She sighed at the necessity, but he was hardly going to turn humanitarian now.

[code:1:b4802b1517]I am sure Cardinal Richelieu would agree with me on this topic. Awaiting your response,

your loving sister Rachel Black[/code:1:b4802b1517]

The Praetor and his Queen and been silent, excepting her quiet sobs. Triegh had simply dissappeared. Finally, Praetor Augustus Drake spoke. "Thank you, for you condolences Ms. Black. Roania's help, in any way would be most welcome." His voice was abnormally cold. He turned to Edmund. "Edmund, may I make use of your press room. I wish to make an international broadcast."

Edmund's response was expected and the Praetor kindly disengaged himself from his wife. His eye jumped to Edmund. "Can you," he said quietly, gesturing to his wife. There was a thank you and then he was gone, several Praetorian's and governmental staff following him.

Treigh appeared. "The twin cities of Eugene/Springfield and the port city of Castries, have been hit," he informed everyone.

Jolené nearly collapse, but Colonel Whitewolf caught her. The Colonel looked to Edmund.

"We've intercepted the rest of the first wave," Triegh continued rapidly and without fealing. "But, there are still over a hundred inbound." Then Treigh too was gone, rushing to catch Augustus.

Shortly thereafter, Augustus Drake, ruler of the Drakonian Imperium, informed the world of the Nuclear Holocaust in Drakonia (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=93916).

Commander Stark blinked. The DataBurst shot through his Sunglass-mounted HUDset like lightning, it took him a second to comprehend. He paused in mid step, spun on his heel, and headed back to the ground car. At the exact second, that exact instant, so did every other member of the Revenian delegation.

He nodded silently to one of the aides, who offered him the communications device, routed upwards to the Menacles where it spun in orbit, then, shot back to Nexus, moving at the speed of light, through the nearest warp point.

---
RevNet Login
Access Code: Accepted
UserName: Dysaryn Stark
Message begins:
-
Nuclear Attack on Drakonian Imperium. Saturation. Unsure as to best response. Relay orders through usual means. D8 divisions on standby. Please Advise.
Stark Out.
-
Message Ends
Tranmission Severed
RevNet Logout
---

Dysaryn sighed. When would they ever learn. He had a hunch that he wouldn't be authorized to intervene. But...well...support was possible.

Yes...possible...indeed.

Augustus had returned. He went to his wife who had collapsed into the first chair she could find.

OOC:Damn, miss a day miss alot! Sorry about my abscence, my roomates were absolute hogs with the computer.

IC: Edmund stood with his longtime friend and closest ally Augustus Drake. "It is still hard to believe. All those people gone, in a flash. We are receiving news of the Tzars death. This may work out in the end. As for FKC you need to understand thier position, would I let you fight them alone, anymore then you would let me? The United Emirates would never let such a thing transpire."

Edmund put out his ciggarette, the third he'd had in a row.

"But we will continue in Al Anbar, the order with the fleets and troops is, to either force a surrender, or take no prisoners. We will not let our dead go unavenged."

Triegh spoke first, his voice so full of anger his immediately caught everyones attention. "Take NO prisoners," he roared. "I say we kill every Dyellian in the Mediterranean!" His friends knew why he was so angry. He had family in Springfeild.

For a while no one spoke, each rapt up in their own horrible thoughts. Finally, Augustus straightened. He knew what he must do. "I'm returning to the Imperium," he informed everyone.

There were immediate objections. "We can't," his wife sobbed. "It's too dangerous."

"I didn't say we." The words hurt like fire and he say it as soon as he said them. "I am sorry," he comforted his wife. "But, your right it's too dangerous. You are staying here."

She started to object, but Augustus continued cutting her off. "I must leave immediately. I will return once everything has settled down, but not until then. I need to be there for my people."

He turned to Triegh and Edmund. "Continue blockading the Dyelli Beybian fleet. Don't let them escape."

"Yes, Sir," Triegh snickered.

"No," Augustus cut in. "You are to take prisoners. Everyone you can. I want that fleet to sit out this war in POW Camps."

There was another, much more reluctant, "Yes, Sir," from Treigh.

"I am sorry, Edmund, that I cannot stay for your party, but I know you know. My country needs me." He turned to Rachel Black. "My appologies also, Ms. Black that I could not remain longer." Augustus looked around for Stark. "Please, tell Mr. Stark the same."

Augustus turned kissed his wife for a minute, then straightened turned back to everyone. "Good Bye, everyone," he said. "Take care of my Wife, please." There were affirmation and then he left. The Praetorian Guard Colonel trailing after him.

"Colonel Whitewolf," the Praetor's voice carried. "I am putting you personally in charge of the detail with my wife." His voice failed for a second. "Take care of her Colonel."

There was a "Yes, Sir," and then the Colonel returned.

Edmund looked at Jolene, and took her hand as she was obviously in a stressed state.

"Jolene, I promise you that everything will be fine, I know things seem lost now, but we must be strong for our people. We must avenge there deaths, and uphold our honor. Kungshao once said, 'Seek not revenge, for it is the errand of fools'. But we will not seek revenge only justice, anything less...."

Triegh snickered. All new he didn't believe in Kungshao. He believe in little but what he could do himself, which was a lot.

meanwhile looked worried. "You know my husband, Edmund. When he is angry...." She trained off, but the meaning was still obvious, and she was here where she could do little to calm his mood. Full scale war, might be inevitable.

Rachel entered the room, shaking her head. "He's considering assisting DI, but he seems to think that his own ends would be better served with Dyelli Beybi. For a relative, he really is..." She bit off the word.

General Richard "Treigh" Lippert the III (hence the nickname), turned to Rachel. "Does he know that Dyelli Beybi has fallen into anarchy with half a dozen difference groups vieing for power? Even Vrak, hasn't let it troops cross the border for fear of offending the wrong faction. Divide and conquer...." He let the last words end his sentence, wondered if it would make a difference. Still he had to argue, the Imperium needed all the help it could get now.

In the chair, Jolené slumped. "More death, more destruction, what does it matter," she said almost silently. She was so greatly troubled and her husband had left, not for the first time, she hated her job, his office. Why had they not turned his Grandfather down and lived their lives in peace. Duty, right now she hated the word with all her heart.

Colonel Whitewolf, stood protectively near his Queen. He knew this probably a safer place than Drakonia, but still he was very much on guard. The Praetor had entrusted him with the care of his wife, personally. He listened to national leaders talk, but he did not care much, it mattered little to his job.

Edmund left the main part of the Celebration to find a quiet corner, he ended on a balcony on the third floor. He looked out over the view which showed the eastern half of Sanctus underneath a bright night sky, it was a breathtaking view. The cool night air sent a breeze through his hair, relaxing him instantly. He lit a ciggarette to think, a bad habit he knew, but considering the event that had taken place, it didnt seem so bad right now.

A few minutes later Alyssa came around trying to find him, it was after all her job to know where he was at all times, at least for the evening.

She stepped out quietly with him looking at the view as well, the wind picking up and moving her hair, sending a cloud of Edmunds smoke her way, she flitted her hand to move it out of her way, she didnt mind the smell, just not blown directly into her face.

"You know, Edmund, this situation has me think---" she was cut off by Edmund yelping in suprise, and throwing his ciggarette.

He began to cough as he had choked on exhaling some smoke.

"--<cough>--<hack>--Alys--<wheeze>--Alyssa, you scared the living hell out of me!" choked out Edmund, beggining to laugh.

"Oh.. I am so sorry! Are you alright?!" laughed out Alyssa, putting an arm on his shoulder and hitting his back to help him recover.

"I'll be fine, that'll teach me to smoke.." chuckled out Edmund.

Edmund turned around Alyssa's arm still on his shoulder, he was suddenly struck by her beauty in the moonlight.

Alyssa's hand was still on his shoulder as Edmund turned around bringing them face to face, she saw a look on his face that she could'nt describe.

"I-I was...going...to say...that...the situation...had me...thinking..." Alyssa said slowly and in a lower tone of voice, her eyes on his lips.

"What might that be?" said Edmund in a lower tone of voice. His eyes looking at hers.

"You never know when something like this could happen to you, and every moment in life should be taken advantage of."

In the profile of the full moon the both moved in to each other, magnetically drawn to one another, they embraced and kissed deeply.

"Eddy," Treigh came milling out on to the balcony. "So where's the bathroom?" Apparent, the General was lost.

Treigh realized he was interrupting something. "Oh, ah..." Triegh looked away and started to turn. "I'll...uh...find it myself. Excuse me." Triegh walk into the nearby hallway, looked one and then the other. He repeat the process once, looking both ways again. Finally, desciding on a direction he should search, he was gone.

OOC: Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Rachel sighed, and began to think of how much money had been spent furnishing this room.

Jolené sighed. Finally, she lifted herself from the chair still greatly troubled. For a second, it looked as though she would collapse. Whitewolf jumped forward to help, but the Queen waved him off.

Her face flushed and then she banished the greif, the trouble, from it. Calling on her inner strengh (something the Praetor loved her for), she decided to play host, being has her friend was not. Using all her strength she smiled and approached Rachel.

After all, she needed something to take her mind off everything. Off her worry for her husband.

"So what brings you to Tersanctus on this special occasion," she asked.

OOC:hehe, No Problem I would do the same! :lol:

IC: Edmund and Alyssa taken in by each others kiss, and warmth didnt even hear the Treigh as he excused himself, for many more minutes they stayed that way unable to stop themselves.

Finally after what seemed like seconds to the both of them, they stopped and looked at each other.

"Alyssa.."

They immdedatley fell back into the kiss.

Jolené sighed. Finally, she lifted herself from the chair still greatly troubled. For a second, it looked as though she would collapse. Whitewolf jumped forward to help, but the Queen waved him off.

Her face flushed and then she banished the greif, the trouble, from it. Calling on her inner strengh (something the Praetor loved her for), she decided to play host, being has her friend was not. Using all her strength she smiled and approached Rachel.

After all, she needed something to take her mind off everything. Off her worry for her husband.

"So what brings you to Tersanctus on this special occasion," she asked.

"My brother wanted me out of his hair and away from my lover." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Sometimes he really is so obvious."

"Excuse me, Eddy." Treigh had reappeared. "I'm going to need directions. This place is too bloody big, I still can't find the bathroom."

There was no response.

"Yeah...um...uh." He wait a second. "Ah, damn it. I'll find it myself...hopefully."

Treigh waited a second longer. "You might want to come up for air." Finally, he turned to leave. "I suppose this means, if I get lost no one will know what happened to me. Oh well." He disappeared.

Edmund finally realizing the amount of time he was spending up on the balcony, despite the return of the intoxicating feelings he was once accustomed too, the pull of duty became stronger.

"Alyssa, I am neglecting my guests. I am truly sorry, but Jolene needs some company right now, and I excused myself for only a few moments. Come with me downstairs."

She looked slightly dissapointed but understanding nonetheless, as a Templar she understood duty well.

"Come than Edmund, we are needed downstairs, I dont know what we were thinking after what has just happened, after all I am descended from Drakonians, I may have family that is dead."

They took off down the hallway, hand in hand, both certain of the others feelings at that moment. Suddenly Edmund saw Treigh.

"Hey Treigh! Do you need help with anything? Get lost up here too?"

Triegh did look very lost, he turned to Edmund and Alyssa. "About bloody time," he commented, a bit annoyed. "Yes, I am lost. Where the hell is the bathroom?"

"My brother wanted me out of his hair and away from my lover." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Sometimes he really is so obvious."

Jolené meanwhile was doing everything she could to take her mind off what was happening in Drakonia and her husband. "Yes, brothers can be that." But her mind just kept coming back to the trouble back home, right where her husband had gone.

Stubborn, the word cut into her angry hurt mind.

"Down the hall the to the right." said Edmund wondering what Treigh meant by "About bloody time"

"My brother wanted me out of his hair and away from my lover." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Sometimes he really is so obvious."

Jolené meanwhile was doing everything she could to take her mind off what was happening in Drakonia and her husband. "Yes, brothers can be that." But her mind just kept coming back to the trouble back home, right where her husband had gone.

Stubborn, the word cut into her angry hurt mind.

"What makes it worse is that he's probably steering the country into the mud..." Rachel sighed, and looked around. "Where did our host and his 'captain' go?"

Jolené smiled slightly, there was a slight twinkle in her eye, as she responded to Rachel. Still, the pain of everything bore down on her and it showed in her smile and across her face. "With the way those two were looking at each other," Jolené answered Rachel. "I would say that are spending some quality time together."

A mischevious look crept onto Jolené's pained face. "We could always go hunt them down."

Dysaryn smirked absently, as he adjusted the blackwashed gauntlet that covered his left hand a forearm. The RevTek Multifunction Gauntlet was a wonder of Revenian Technology. A full featured minicomp, in a gauntlet.

The movement of his fingers triggered off a set of functions. He eyed the Pocket-sized LCD display he had removed from his...pocket. The gauntlet had no visual read-out, thus, he made do. He calmly made his way to the 'Blinking Red Dot.'

And he wandered right into a certain room, with certain occupants. Dysaryn smiled faintly. It was the best he could do, as he was in a sort of teeter-tottery mood. Not sure whether he felt like falling over and puking his guts out, or running a marathon.

"Hello, Ladies."

(OOC:...guess who he's talking to. Just Guess. I'm not spelling it out. Now...
Bring
Up
Mr. Tersanctus'
Post)
~Stark Out.
That is All.

"Dysaryn," Jolené greeted, still trying to get her mind of her nation and her husband. "Hello. We were just wondering where everyone had gone off, too."

The Praetorian Guard Colonel, Michael Whitewolf, blushed a little. He continued to stand stiftly, guarding over his Queen. Still, listening into the two talk, he felt a bit like and interloper. He was also glad to see the Revenian Commander as it made it unlike the Queen and Rachel Black would engage in "Girl Talk", something he really didn't want to overhear.

Dysaryn flashed Jolené his best smile, dazzling in its entirety. Wrong move, Dys. He felt his balance cut out, and it took a supreme act of will to fight through the haze and remain standing. He merely seemed to wobble a bit, then catch his balance.

"Ah, Jolené, Long time. No Idea. But, eh, I think I better sit down. Before I fall down. Must be Jet Lag."

He tended to speak in short fragments when he wasn't feeling well. And he -wasn't- feeling well. Of course, it wasn't Jet Lag. He had a hunch what it was, but he wasn't going to go about shouting it out.

He moved to the nearest chair, and lowered himself heavily onto it. The look of relief that washed over his face when he was no longer supporting his body on precariously balanced legs, was immense. Through all this, he caught sight of Whitewolf, who'd somehow evaded his notice earlier.

Quite a feat that, but he wasn't in the mood to think about it right now. -ehk-

~Stark Out.
That is All.

Dysaryn flashed Jolené his best smile, dazzling in its entirety. Wrong move, Dys. He felt his balance cut out, and it took a supreme act of will to fight through the haze and remain standing. He merely seemed to wobble a bit, then catch his balance.

"Ah, Jolené, Long time. No Idea. But, eh, I think I better sit down. Before I fall down. Must be Jet Lag."

He tended to speak in short fragments when he wasn't feeling well. And he -wasn't- feeling well. Of course, it wasn't Jet Lag. He had a hunch what it was, but he wasn't going to go about shouting it out.

He moved to the nearest chair, and lowered himself heavily onto it. The look of relief that washed over his face when he was no longer supporting his body on precariously balanced legs, was immense. Through all this, he caught sight of Whitewolf, who'd somehow evaded his notice earlier.

Quite a feat that, but he wasn't in the mood to think about it right now. -ehk-

~Stark Out.
That is All.

Rachel paused. "Ah... Master Dsaryn" She said, smiling at him. "How pleasant to meet you..."

Edmund and Alyssa descended the flight of stairs hand in hand. Edmund glanced over at Jolene and simply smiled and turned red, he walked over to her, leaving Alyssa behind for a moment.

"Dearest Jolene, I am truly sorry for leaving you to yourself. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, as this event is a tradgedy that has affected me deeply, it is as Tersanctus itself was struck down my Dyelli Beybi. Now Jo, you have been a sister to me for as long as I can remember. I need to ask you a bit of advice, as to whether I am being headstrong in something."

Edmund proceeded to explain what he had did with Alyssa and that he believed he was in love. In truth he trusted only the Judgment of a Woman in this matter, and not just any woman, only one as remarkable as Jolene.

The brown-skinned Queen smiled back to Dysaryn. Although, her smile was still tarnished by the pain she felt. "Mr. Stark, you don't look well," she comment, looking concerned. "Are you sure you are alright?"

He nodded her that he was alright, and before she had time to pursue the matter, Edmund and Alyssa returned. Edmund took her asside, want to discuss something in private. When she had heard what it was she spent careful time considering it. It sounded to Jolené like he was asking her advice on if he should marry Alyssa. Knowing Edmund he might be asking just that.

"Edmund," she said finally. "Don't rush in to anything. Give yourselves time to get to know eachother. You will know then, when you listen to your heart. You know the story of mine Augustus and my wedding."

That he did. Augustus and Jolené had fallen in love before Augustus had been chosen as the successor to his grandfather, the Praetor. They had been engaged, when his grandfather had approached him with the offer. Augustus had downright refused, and that had been why he had been chosen. He did not want the burden, the responsibility, the duty of the rulership, he wanted to live out his life in peace with his caribbean beauty Jolené. In the end, he had no choice, he had to accept his duty. Augustus had then tried to end it with Jolené, as he did want to burden her with his responsibility. Forceful as she was, Jolené convinced him he had no choice with her either, and there was a royal wedding.

Edmund nodded slowly. "But, did you ever just get that.....feeling? It seems like Ive known her my whole life yet I have known her but a few hours. But perhaps the situation has me thinking muddled."

Edmund knew Jolene was giving good advice and he was going to take it.

Jolené smiled, almost painfully. "Yes," she said, "I got that feeling, I still have it, in fact." She looked again worried; worried about her country, and most of all worried about her husband.

Meanwhile, Whitewolf's attention had was drawn to Dysaryn Stark, who really did not look all that well. Nevertheless the man had noticed the Praetorian Guard Colonel, who as per his training, seemed alway to blend into the scenery unless he wished otherwise.

"Mr. Stark," Michael Whitewolf took a step toward the Commander. "You do not look at all well. Are you sure you are alright?"

Dysaryn frowned, his vision began to blur. He rested his head in his left hand. He really wasn't feeling so well, and he didn't understand why. His thoughts flew inwards.

It was a skill, this thing he did. A method of examining one's inner workings for problems. And it proved to be impossible to perform, at the moment. But, it didn't matter. He thought it was the gravity difference, but no, it couldn't have been that.

He smiled faintly, ironically. The truth was, he didn't know what was wrong. That scared him. It scared him a whole lot, a lot more than most things. He could probably figure it out, given a few days of meditation, but he didn't exactly -have- a few days for meditation.

He lifted his head from his left hand, and his fingers moved. The Control Gauntlet he wore interpreted the movement, and executed the command. He felt a coolness spread from a sharp point on his left forearm.

His head cleared, and he smiled. The stimulant didn't solve the problem, but it did give him a day or two before he had to worry about it again.

He looked up at the Colonel, "Yes, I'm quite sure I'm alright."

Dysaryn stood, a little wobbly, but that was intentional. He still hadn't quite figured out what the devil the problem was, and the Swerd was keeping quiet, remarkably.

At that point, he heard a little voice in the back of his head.

"You owe me for this one."

Whitewolf did not believe that Stark was alright as he said. He was trained to understand body language and movements and he knew something was wrong with Stark. It could just be jet lag, or it could be worse. The Praetorian Guard Colonel did decide for now to let it slip. He would not say anything, simply letting his eyebrow raise for a second as if to show his doubt of what the man said.

Dysaryn sighed, his mind was clear, his senses were sharp, he was perfect. His right hand snapped back, a guardless knife flicked into his hand. He smirked, as he tossed the knife upwards, and caught the knife by it's blade.

He proceeded to flick the blade through his fingers, weaving a pattern. Not one drop of blood did he spill. He finally caught the little knife, and slammed it back into its sheath. Nothing wrong with -his- reflexes.

That same little voice in the back of his head, "Ohh, who's Mr. Daredevil now? Why don'tcha try that with ME. HAH!"

Dysaryn grinned absently, annoying as the Swerd was, they like each other. They were good friends, the Swerd and him. Very good friends, been through a lot together. He was rather accustomed to the Swerd's snide comments, but they never failed to bring a smile to his face.

"I seem to be quite fine, don't you think?"

~Stark Out.
That is All.

Whitewolf looked skeptically at Stark, his hand falling back to being clasp behind his back, leaving where his had strayed to his pistol holster. "Yes, sir. I suppose so." He still didn't sound convinced.

Jolené across the room, stood from the chair she had just sat in. "If you will excuse me, I am tired from the flight." In truth, it wasn't the flight that had tired, it was the worry. "I will retire, for the night," she excused herself and then was gone.

It was then that General Lippert returned, apparently having finally found the bathroom. "Wow, those are some nice bathrooms you have there," he comment to Edmund.

Edmund looked at Lippert and smiled, "Yes, I like to have as comfortable surroundings as is possible."

He had returned to Alyssa's side and was holding her hand facing her. "And good night Jolene, may your rest be more peaceful than this day has been."

Edmund still couldnt believe it...and yet he felt as though he had found someone finally with Alyssa....this was one of the strangest Birthdays he had ever had,...