NationStates Jolt Archive

#Begin Ad Copy#

Bored in your current location?
Take a trip to Imnsvale!

Winter celebration taking place all this month and next month.

Located on a wonderful island, full of forest. Call your travel agent for details.

#End#

I hope people show up.

"So why are we doing this?"

"International good will."

"So we are throwing a large party for anyone, just to build good will?"

"More or less."

"Good plan."

The arrangements were all set up, Trademeet's largest park, Larepal, all several dozen square miles of it, were prepared, and secured for the Festival. You could almost hear the trees and grass scream in fear of the trampling and abuse to come. There was to be the main grounds, for anyone, or anything that wished to come, and then a little private area, fenced and secured better, for more "distinguished" guests of the Festival.

How bout no...... :twisted:

(tag)

Jaenna Seal read the advertisement with a piqued amount of interest. With her husband away in Sagesquagmire (reputed to be really nice this time of year), she felt a bit jealous. And as her vacation was coming up, her duties to be handled by the Deputy Minister of Education for Khenala, she figured she had nothing to lose.

Taking out her DataPad, she sent a message to the Government Travel Minister to alert him that she was, indeed, taking her vacation and that she would require transport to Imnsvale to take part in the festival.

The Government Travel Minister, in turn, set up transport on board a government craft (Jaenna Seal was, of course, the Prime Minister's wife) and sent messages to the Imnsvalian government of her plans for arrival and security needs.

Leaving her husband a message that she would be travelling abroad and would return home soon, she set out to prepare herself for the trip.

The security department received the message, and the automated reply was that security was of no concern, it was all taken care of, even in light of the guest of honor.

Trade Master Ensor was overjoyed. Effectively the president, if not in name, it would be nice to have a little tête-à-tête with someone very high up in another government. Ensor left a message in the Intelligence department to find Ms. Seal's dress size, so they could have a number of festive dresses and gown available as gifts.

After travelling from Titan to Earth, the Khenalian personal transport ship Grace of the Heavens came to a silent landing in Trademeet, Imnsvale. A port on the side of the vessel opened up, providing a ramp to travel down on, and Jaenna stepped out, looking around for a few fleeting moments before making her descent to whomever was there to meet her (should anyone have been sent).

She hoped that her request of the Travel Minister had been fulfilled, and that transportation and lodging had been arranged privately. She thought for a moment that as the wife of the Prime Minister, and the first Khenalian to step foot into Imnsvale, she might be acting in a semi-Ambassadorial status. While she was pleased and somewhat nervous at the same time of forging new relations with another government, she hoped that she would get some down-time to relax. This was her vacation, after all.

As the sun began to set, Master Ensor walked down the path to meet with Ms. Seal, purple robe flowing behind him.

"Salutations!"

He noticed the temperature.

"Goodness, you must be cold."

He took off his robe, and offered it to her, halfway wrapping her already.

"I am glad you could make it. Do you have any questions?"

As the sun began to set, Master Ensor walked down the path to meet with Ms. Seal, purple robe flowing behind him.

"Salutations!"

He noticed the temperature.

"Goodness, you must be cold."

He took off his robe, and offered it to her, halfway wrapping her already.

"I am glad you could make it. Do you have any questions?"

While Jaenna was dressed somewhat warmly (she, of course, knew not to come in summer clothes to a "winter" celebration), she accepted the robe nonetheless. "Thank you. That is quite kind." She covered herself with the robe. "That is much better. I dont have any questions, no, but I would like to introduce myself.", she states, offering her hand. "Jaenna Seal, Education Minister for the Imperial Commonwealth of Khenala. How do you do?"

He grasps her hand, and firmly shakes.

"Master Theos Ensor, High Minister for Trade. I am effectively the ruler of Imnsvale, the name just doesn't reflect that due to tradition. What can I do for you? Can I get you anything?"

He grasps her hand, and firmly shakes.

"Master Theos Ensor, High Minister for Trade. I am effectively the ruler of Imnsvale, the name just doesn't reflect that due to tradition. What can I do for you? Can I get you anything?"

"A pleasure to meet you, Master Ensor.", she replies, smiling softly. "I dont have any needs at this time, but I must say that I am quite looking forward to the celebration. Perhaps you could tell me more about it? It's origins, perhaps? Is it a national celebration?"

He beams wit pleasure. He was not used to receiving guests.

"Well, it is usually just a local celebration, and the localities decided on their own how to celebrate it. This is our first national one, and we thought, while we were at it, we might as well make it an international one, too. We decided to do all this because the people have been feeling a little down, and needed something to look forward too, something to get excited about. And by all accounts, it seems to be working. You are the first international guest to arrive, but we hope not the last. And people are streaming in from even the far flung corners of our little island."

Jaenna feels butterflies as he mentions that she is the first international guest.

I guess this is where I say something nice and diplomatic.

"Interesting. Well, while I am not an official spokesperson nor an ambassador of my nation, I certainly hope that my trip here will help to broker relations between my nation and yours."

There, that sounded nice.

"In any case, I am sure we can discuss that further later. What happens to be first on our itinerary?"

"I think it will."

He smiled.

"What to do first? Whatever you like! We reserved several different rooms at several different hotels, depending on the locale you might wish to stay at in this fine city, if you would like to get situated. There are also many attractions, such as museums, or galleries. If you are not the art sort of person, there are some other places you may like to visit."

Sheesh, I sound like an advertisement.

"The first planned event is the event itself, really. That is in two days. In the meantime, you can do whatever you like. Would you like to go to dinner?"

"Oh, I'm not too picky. I'm sure if you think its nice, it will be. I'll be fine anywhere, really."

Oh my, art galleries? Yes, I do think this is a fine choice for a vacation, indeed.

"I, actually, have quite an extensive collection of art. Most of it is modern-Scolopendran and pre-Imperial Khenalian, though I do have quite a few others. Dinner sounds nice. What do you have in mind?"

"Well, it all depends on what you like in hotels. But we'll get to that later."

Dinner... Huh, I suppose I should have thought of some places first.

"Well, there are all sorts of ethnic restaurants. Seldane if you are the adventurous type, and like food that most others wouldn't really call food in a strict sense. The Undine have the blandest food, but it isn't offensive."

I probably shouldn't even mention some of the others...

"And there are all sorts of regular restaurants. You name it, we probably have it somewhere."

"Well, I've travelled half way across the solar system so I might as well be adventurous.", she says. "Seldane sounds nice. I'm always up for trying different foods. Lead the way." With a slight smile, she gestures ahead of her.

"Okay, right this way."

I HAD to mention Seldane food. Its not so bad, but it takes some getting used to...

He leads her to the car they would be taking to get there, and opened the door for her, and after she got in, he climbed in the other side. He told the driver to take them to the "Feast of Maayti".

"Okay, right this way."

I HAD to mention Seldane food. Its not so bad, but it takes some getting used to...

He leads her to the car they would be taking to get there, and opened the door for her, and after she got in, he climbed in the other side. He told the driver to take them to the "Feast of Maayti".

Jaenna glances at the sights of Imnsvale as the vehicle begins to move towards their intended destination. She notices a large amount of forestry, something radically different from Khenala Prime. Seeing the numerous types of trees, she makes a note to foward a request on to the Ministry of Enviroment to obtain a few for the Arcologies It could stand for some updating, in any case.

"Your island is quite beautiful. Sometimes I miss all the nature that surrounded us when Khenala was on Earth. While our Arcologies are quite nice, nothing can quite imitate the natural beauty of Earth." She smiles wistfully. "So, this restaurant we're going to, what is the cuisine like?"

What's the cuisine like? Please don't hurt me.

"Thank you, we try to capture some of the wilderness in our cities. You could travel there, if you like. Shamwood, up north, is rather nice in the winter, with the snow blanketing the trees. It is truly a sight to behold."

He paused and stifled his impulse to wring his hands.

"Well, Seldane food is different, to put it mildly. Rather earthy, there are some strong plant tastes. Some of the dishes use things that average people wouldn't even consider food, mostly plants that one doesn't usually eat. Nothing is harmful, you can be sure about that, but it can be unpleasant if you are not expecting it. There is meat, but there tends not to be used much."

She sensed a bit of his discomfort, and smiled in an effort to relieve him. "It's alright. I am a vegan, and I am always looking forward to trying new dishes. I am sure this will be fine."

She smiles wistfully. "Snow, now there is something I havent experienced in a long while." She nodded, as if resolving herself to do something. "Yes, I believe I will visit Shamwood before I leave." She pauses. "If it isn't too much trouble, of course."

Phew.

"It would never be too much trouble. It would be our pleasure."

They pull up to the restaurant. A brown drab shell-like structure smiled back at them. Staring into their retinas was the dark green text, "The Feast of Maayti". A Seldane opened the door for them as they walked in. The door was a rather large bronze colored object, made tall enough to allow the usually seven foot tall Seldane to pass comfortably. His blue skin had a rather healthy glow to it, lighting the way.

"Welcome," he said, in a rather calm, flowing voice, "table for two?"

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

"Right this way."

He led them to a table, rather dimly lit, but his eyes adjusted quickly. He handed them menus printed on parchment paper.

"May I get you anything?"

Coming from an area where E.I., Sakkrans, and K'zin abound, Jaenna was not all too suprised at the presence of the tall, blue skinned Seldane. She was, however, a bit curious about them, but decided that the current moment was not an appropriate time to ask about such things.

She gave the menu a glance, before looking to Theos. "I'm not sure. What would you recommend?"

He looked up to the waiter.

"A Pinot Noir and a Sauvignon Blanc, please."

The waiter bowed, his black hair swinging forward every so gracefully, before dashing off.

Let's see, vegan, eh? That puts Yrro right out...

He continues to scan the menu looking for suitable dishes.

She glances towards the Seldane man until he is out of sight, then turns her attention back toward Theos.

"Interesting, I did not expect the Seldane to be non-human, if that is in fact what they are, though I should chide myself for being so close-minded. I was thinking that perhaps they were a different ethnicity. I've never met one before. Are they an interesting people?"

"Interesting? Oh yes. What would you like to know about them?"

Something involving flat bread and vegetables is probably my best bet.

She pauses, thinking for a few moments, before replying. "Well, what about their culture? Are they native to this area? How do they interact with other members of your nation?"

"Well, they are excellent sculptors--you might see some at the museum when you decide to go--but they aren't much for painting or architecture. They are native to the area and they get along great with everyone in the nation. Except for the Undine. Both of those races hate each other, but both like everyone else. It is rather strange, but you get used to it. They have rather long lives and tend to be slow to act on most everything. When they decide however, they are extremely tenacious and don't quit."

The waiter returns with the wine and four glasses.

"Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc?"

"Pinot Noir."

The waiter whisks his Sauvignon glass off the table.

"And for you, Madam?"

"I'll have the same.", she replies. She watches him pour the glass of Pinot Noir and whisk her glass away in the same fashion. After waiting a few moments for him to leave with the glasses she raises her question.

"Forgive my curiosity, but why do the Undine and the Seldane hate eachother? Are they the same race, but different culture? Different races? Do they cause too much trouble here?"

He leans back in his chair.

"If I could answer that entirely..."

He sighs.

"It's something like this. Centuries ago, the Seldane and the Undine lived on Everard Island, an island off the mainland of Imnsvale. Everard Island was ruled by the Seldane for the most part. However, the currant Tyrant--the ruler of the Island and not as despotic as the name sounds--fell in love with a young Undine lass. They married and three days later, she killed him. The Undine were driven off the island by the understandably angry Seldane. They used to get along well for two entirely different races until then. Nowadays the Seldane and the Undine only 'hate' each other because they are supposed to, but it usually never goes farther than some snide remarks now and then."

Jaenna nods solemnly. "Too often do people fight for reasons lost to time. It is something I have seen in my own people, indeed, people the world over. It is a shame they will not reconcile." She smiles a bit, moving on to other things, not wanting to dwell on the subject. "So, how long are the winter celebrations expected to last? All winter?"

"Well, honestly, they will last however long they still have steam. We aren't ones to stop something if it is still going well. I expect them to last about two weeks, though."

"Well, here's to an excellent winter celebration.", she says, smiling warmly and raising her glass.

He raises his glass and gently taps it against hers.

The waiter returns, smiling, almost glowing.

"And what may I get for you two?"

Let's see.

"The lady will have a bowl of mushroom and crolna soup and a salad on flatbread."

"And for you?"

"Baked Yrro and squash pasta."

"Excellent choices."

She smiles as he makes the selection.

"It sounds delicious. I can't wait."

She pauses to take a sip from her glass, before speaking again. "So you mentioned you are expecting other members of the international community to come. Are you expecting anyone in particular?"

He pauses nervously.

"I was hoping for more, but honestly, nobody else even replied, much less arrived. People from all over the country are coming in, but you are the only international guest."

He re-folds the napkin on his lap to alleviate the nervousness.

"Well, in that case, I am truly honored.", she says, nodding respectfully with a small smile on her face.

"There are times that I miss the winters of Khenala when we were on Earth, before the Scolopendrans moved our people to the rings of Saturn. The area would be like a winter paradise. Coming here, it makes what we have on Titan seem...almost artificial. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful to be removed from the constant warring and danger of nuclear annihilation, but I do miss the simple things. Things that I used to take for granted."

"They actually moved your entire population to Titan? Wow."

He is lost in thought, mostly of how you would accomplish such a thing, but he snaps out of it soon enough.

"Well. We have to make this a memorable trip then."

"All but five million of our people. The five million who remained behind felt that they could not leave their homes. They decided they would rather stick things out on Earth. We kept contact with them, but relations deteriorated and contact eventually ceased. We sent a team to discover their status and nothing was left of the nation. Only ruins. As if they had disappeared from the face of the planet. What became of the citizens, we do not know."

She sighs lightly.

"It is something my husband regrets to this day, and I believe he will carry it with him for all time. He blames himself, but it is not his fault. Those who remained behind grew to resent us, as they felt abandoned. Though we never abandoned them, we were always there. They merely turned their back on us."

She shakes her head, then looks up at him. "I'm carrying on, forgive me." She attempts to change the subject. "You've told me what Imnsvale is like in the winter, but what is it like in the summer? Vibrant and warm, I would guess?"

"Well, it depends. Some of the more mountainous regions remain cool, bit for the most part, sunny and warm, yes."

Going back home and finding nothing. That must've been awful.

"The whole area of Kennishire in the summer is gorgeous. The knolls in the area have these grasses and flowers that make the whole area look wonderful. You will have to come back and see it sometime."

"The whole area of Kennishire in the summer is gorgeous. The knolls in the area have these grasses and flowers that make the whole area look wonderful. You will have to come back and see it sometime."

Jaenna nods, enthusiastically. "I'll definitely have to put that on my schedule."

She glances to her side to see the Seldane waiter approach. "Ah, it appears our food is ready."

"Ah, so it is."

The waiter sets a large bowl of a rather olive green thick soup in a white bowl with handles and a salad on a flatbread plate in front of Jaenna. Turning back to his tray, the waiter hands a large ovoid plate of a pasta in a yellow sauce with bits of dark red meat all over.

"Enjoy your meals."

The waiter bowed and walked off.

Jaenna makes her way through the meal with little comment. While she was, at first, somewhat apprehensive of the new taste of the Seldane food, it was not altogether unpleasant. In fact, after a few bites, she was of the opinion that it was decidedly good.

"I must say, this is quite delicious. Thank you for recommending it.", she states politely, before taking another bite of the soup.

"I am delighted you like it."

Phew.

He twirls more pasta on his fork and spears some of the meat before ingesting the bite of food.

"So, before you moved to Titan, did Khenala have any ethnic foods or local delicacies?"

"Oh yes, quite a few, actually. Many of our dishes range between being extremely spicy or extremely sweet. Some are a combination of both. Local cuisine has given way to foreign restauarants recently, however, but we have managed to preserve our national delicacies. One restaurant that comes to mind combines our local foods with Sakkran dishes. The last time I ate there, I felt full for a month."

"Well, that is certainly good to hear. Have you ben disappointed at anything that has progressed since the move? Any shift in culture?"

He sips his tea rather delicately.

"Aside from being less concerned about nuclear annihiliation from our neighbors, there have been few changes. Though I must admit, our quality of life has risen since we joined the Triumvirate. Such can be said for the technology sharing agreements we have in place. I have very little to be disappointed from, though I see less and less of my husband. He has become much...busier, since joining the Triumvirate. I'm afraid it has affected our daughter." She looks down slightly. "She seems...withdrawn."

"You were worried about nuclear annihilation before? I must confess, we are not worried in the least. It is a possibility, but as long as you don't make enemies with people, you should never have to worry."

He thinks about her statement and the importance of what she said.

"Perhaps you could bring your husband and daughter on a trip to Imnsvale? We could make the trip special and memorable and a change of pace may be healthy for your daughter, not to mention your husband."

She smiles at his suggestion, and it seems to cheer her up a bit. "I will be certain to suggest so when I return to Khenala.", she states, finishing up her meal. "A vacation could certainly do my husband, and our family, some good. I do not know the last time we have done so. It has been quite a while."

She shakes her head slightly. "Listen to me banter on about my problems. Forgive me. You must think me rude. I come to celebrate the winter in your nation and all I do is vent."

A rather soft grin crept onto his face.

"It is quite all right. Honestly."

He ponders for a second, formulating an idea.

"If you could come in the summer, we could show you Kennishire. Especially because of the Kennishire needle workers and the wonders they do with thread."

He reaches down to his satchel and gingerly lifts out a scarf. A violet hue, with crimson tassels, it is decorated rather ornately and could tell a story if you squint correctly.

"I do hope you accept and enjoy this. The Kennishire needle workers sewed the enormous flag back at the capitol in a mere two weeks. I do believe I've already mentioned how beautiful that area is in the summer."

Pausing, he adds, "But we are getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we?"

His ear-to-ear smile brightened the entire room.

She smiled at the presentation of the scarf. "By the Suns, this scarf is one of the most beautifully crafted items I've ever seen." She looks up at him for a moment. "I don't know what to say. It's beautiful. I accept it with immense gratitude."

She bows slightly in deference, thankful for his gift.

"I look forward to seeing Kenshire in the summer. Perhaps I will even get the opportunity to thank the needle-workers in person." she says, still smiling.

"But yes, no need to get ahead of ourselves. Winter is still about us. Thank you for the meal, by the way, it was quite delicious. I must get a recipe before I go. Now, what would be our next destination?" she asks, an eager look of curiosity on her face.

Giving his mouth a final pat with his napkin before setting it on the table, he leans back in thought.

"That all depends. If you'd like to stay in the city, we have art galleries, more than one for each culture, and the High Hall of Wonders, arguably the finest of all of them, concentrating all of the cultures in one place. If you'd rather see the countryside, we have some Seldane ruins that are rather hauntingly pleasurable. If you name it, we probably have it somewhere. The High Hall of Wonders does however, take more than one day to navigate. But it is entirely worth the time. Ancient artifacts, modern and ancient paintings, fine marble sculptures and small stone trinkets from millennia ago."

(post forthcoming)