NationStates Jolt Archive

Communique to The International Community

Today is a great day for myself, for my family, and for the people of both Presgreif and Brass Rails. Today I have recieved word that through ties which I will not here outline, for they are long and admitedly dull to those not involved, I have come to inherit the Empire of Brass Rails. Today, the Greiflings finally come into their own. I would write more, for there is so much I would like to express at this moment. My heart overflows with emotion, and I find that quite against my will the tears stream forth. God is truly great. As some of you know my nation is currently embroiled in a war against the nations of Hutu, Hattia, and Cav. Not forgeting that I began my life as a soldier so many years ago, I am here with my men at the front. I couldn't bear to have them die in my name without facing the same risk of life that they are forced to face. I know not how long this war will last, nor if I will survive it. It is because I am currently in an....uncomfortable position that I make my message breif.
But I drag along, and it is high time I end this communication. As soon as this war is over, and the hounds of war put away, I will go to Brass Rails, where preperations are already being made for my coronation as Empress. I extend an invitation to one and all, to join me in the newly named capital city of Greifsgrad, and bear witness to my elevation. I hope you will all consider attending, and joining me in celebrating this truly divine moment in my life. Be well friends! I look forward to meeting you in Greifsgrad.

Written Off the Coast of Hutu, In the Spirit of Friendship and Fraternity,

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

Guest List

President Featherston of Corneliu
Representative of Barbarosea
Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov II of Derscon
Delegate of Diminix
Delegate of Der Fhurer Dyszel
Her Majesty Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz
Turrice Roon, Minister of Defense of Baggera
Konrad Althalon of Melkor Unchained
Emperor Alexander of Magnus Valerius

bump

High Mistress Natalya de Greif,

On behalf of myself, my father, and all of the Eternal Dominion of Wretchengard, I wish you the best of luck in this new position. While my father, the Overlord Bradley Steelblood, generally would attend such an event himself to foster new friendships, it is no secret that we are very likely to be at war with the Elven menace very soon, and likely unable to send a delegate due to wartime policy. Please accept our congratulations however, as well as a ceremonial blade set (consisting of longsword, shortsword, and dagger) that has already been shipped at the time of this writing.

Best regards,
Thanos Steelblood
High Justicar

Congradulations! Unfortunately, I have not much to give or say right now since I'm VERY tired for so I just got out of a Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting.

Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov II
The Kingdom of Derscon

Communique to Thanos Steelblood, High Justicar of Wretchengard:

My Lord, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and your exquisit gift. I shall carry it with me always. I truly hope that this constitutes the begining of a long and fruitful friendship between our two realms. Perhaps one day soon we shall meet. Rest assured that I desire nothing more. Until then, may the Light of Creator guide you to glory. Be well my friend.

http://www.geocities.com/superlendl/Chris.jpg
Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of The Incorporated States of Presgreif
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

The Armed Republic of Corneliu will attend and be represented by our Illustrious President. Though we don't have an alliance yet, we would like to attend if this is appropriate for you. If it is, please let us know when and where to arrive for the ceremony.

The Foreign Ministry Department

tag

Communique to Corneliu

Of course we would be honored to have your President attend our Coronation. We look forward to his arrival in Greifsgrad.

http://www.geocities.com/superlendl/Chris.jpg
Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of The Incorporated States of Presgreif
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

double

We look foward to attending! Thanks again. As soon as our President's security secures his quarters and such, he will arrive in due course!

This in no way reflects upon your own security, which I'm sure is tight, but our leader trusts his own guards. I hope this won't be an inconvience for you.

To:

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of The Incorporated States of Presgreif ,

Everyone here at The Republic of The Golden Simatar congradulate you on your achivment.

President Kurt Sandecker
The Republic of The Golden Simatar
New Orion

A BArbarosean Rep. will be attending. We would be sending Either Barbarosea himself, or Henry the Lionheart, but Barbarosea is out commanding a war, and Henry the Lionheart is attending the GDODAD/Arda/Reich confrence, thus just a rep.

I am here to inform you that if the invite is still available, since the war is basically over, the great Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov II himself wishes to attend.

Thank you,

Yuri Ivanovich
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Kingdom of Derscon

A delegate for the Yayo Empire will be sure to go to the coronation.

I am unfortunately the bringer of bad news. The war has escallated, and the Czar feels that he need to be with his country.

(Note: You need to fly to the Derscon capitol, Rekjyavich Andropov Military City, for an emergency meeting between nations to discuss the newest problems. Read the message dispatched by the General)

Instead, the Czar will send a delegate, but the Czar also suggests you postpone this due to sudden turmoil in Hutu.

Yuri Ivanovich
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Kingdom of Derscon

We look forward to meeting you all in Greifsgrad, thank you for chosing to attend this, our great national holiday. We hope the war in which we are currently embroiled will soon end, so that we may come finally together to celebrate this eventful day.

((Where will this meeting be taking place?))

A small airplane, non hostile, was flying over an uninhabitated area of Preisgrief. Inside the plane, The Yayo Delegate for Queen Natalya. There was only three people in the small plane: The Pilot, The Delegate and his assistant. The Delegate, name unknown, put on a helmet and a backpack and stepped towards a door in the back of the plane. His assistant patted him on the back as the door swung open and the delegate dropped out of the plane, his parachute opening a second or two later.

In Greifsgrad, the newly named capital of Brass Rails, as is stated in the invitation which begins this thread. Did you even read the invitation? Tisk, tisk.

We are sorry to say that any envoys our country can dispose of will NOT be sent to your crowning, even if we would have no problem on sending them to the crowning of a lawful and people-loved monarch we think your politics are not acceptable by the people of my community and diplomatic relations will only be conducted to prevent any intrusion from your country into ours and viceversa.

Pablo B.
President
Community of Bariloche

Natalya read the communique from Bariloche, snickered, and tossed it into the trash bin by her desk. "Preston!" she shouted to her Adjutant, "I really do wish you'd start blocking such spam.....on the other hand, don't, it really was quite amusing...."

The delegate landed on the floor with his parachute ontop of him. He looked around and looked up watching the small commercial airliner pass him by in the sky. His eyes widened as he took another look around the area. He was in the wrong place!

"F*CK!!"

He started screaming and jumping around. He was pissed. He had been dropped off miles from where he belongs. And to top that all off, he was in the desert with a $550 suit on and a small blunt. That's about it. He looked at his watch, it said 8:30 a.m. He shruged, sat on the floor and began to weep. But then something came to mind. He could find his way through Preisgrief and get a plane to Greifsgrad where he belongs. He stood up with a big smile on his face, disconnected his parachute and slowly began to walk towards the big city which he could see from where he was.

:lol:

ooc: You want some help, or would you prefer to play this out yourself?....began to weep, that's funny.

The Community of Bariloche is sorry to have no answer to their communication and will take time to improve the reasoning between our nations as clashing our politics can be, our country is just starting to develop bi-lateral relations and the people asks for the diplomats hard response on countries that go against our ideals. Anyway an envoy has been sent and we hope he will be received with respect, we do not intend to start an international incident of any kind (OOC: really :D )

OOC: :lol: :lol: :lol: Diminix: That was excellent, was it from the top of your head or you had it planned? :lol: :lol: :lol:

((A small rescue team and proper escort to Griefsgrad would be great :)

And it was off the top of my head lol))

The Dictatorship receives word of the coronation. A messenger is sent to Mathias Bortnainsky, acting leader of The Reich at the moment. He runs along a familiar route to an old caved in tavern and down a long flight of concrete stairs, only to find that his normal route is no longer normal. An obstacle lies in the way, and that is the obstacle of reaching Mathias (for you see, an intense fight to hold the doors to The Depths of Hell, our largest and most predominant military base, has begun last night and Mathias is in the middle of it).

He looks to his left to take notice that two people are holding fire behind a support pillar, while Mathias and his soldiers defend the doors directly in front of him. Between shots of fire, he manages to scramble his way to Mathias, who is leaning against a small upturned table, bleeding heavily from his abdomen.

"Sir, sir, the coronation of a previous Reich member is taking place. Shall we send someone? Sir, you are shot, are you well? Sir? Could you hear me? Sir......."

Mathias's gaze wonders during the desperate attempt of the messenger to reach his attention.

"Sir, are you.....dying....Sir," he frantically called out.

At the sound of the frantic calls, a soldier crouches aside of the messenger.

"I am afraid Mathias can not answer your question any more."

The messenger looks down upon his beloved leader. His leader had out a small notepad, half covered in his own blood. His hand shook terribly as he wrote something on a piece of paper. He tore the paper slowly from the pad and handed it to him.

You may send someone, and please do. Forgive me. Hurry now. Schnell.

The messenger nodded as he read the paper. Without looking back, he headed fast to the stairs, not taking any fire from the two trying to enter. He gave not another thought to the scene as he raced, with the blood covered note toward the only operational city left.

There, he was greeted by a heavy defensive perimeter of soldiers, who admitted him on contact, for the recognized the note he carried. (Note: those notes are clear sign orders from Mathias, a recognizable sign.)

Inside, he headed for a large building where he met a young lady.

"My lady your assistance is recommended at a coronation ceremony of a former Reich member."

"Yes. I shall attend," said the woman smiling peacefully, unaware of the scenes the messenger had just seen.

OOC:
Sorry for the long post, but I needed to do that because Mathias is the only authorized person to give orders to any Dictatorship member. Moreover, until he dies, all others will have to face the same sort of message of approval.

Also, I had too much fun with that one. Still shocked about last night I guess.

Ma'am! I'm pleased to announce that our beloved President shall leave for your Glorious Coronation tomorrow. Sorry he couldn't leave sooner but with his Wedding Anniversary and the New Year, he wanted to spend it with his family. I know you would understand. Tomorrow Republic One will Take off from Liberty City and fly under Escort of Echelon Squadron, our Presidential Fighter Escort Squadron to Greifsgrad. All we need is the proper clearences. Thanks again my friend.

The Presidential Secretary of the Oval Office!

This thread got quiet..

This thread got quiet..

That's because she has decided to lead from the front in our war that you seem to have forgotten about.

I didn't forget about it. I've got defense units positioned in her nation incase of strikes against her homeland. That's all I've sent there and I'm sure she knows about that. :D

Well my president is due to leave for the capitol soon. But if the war doesn't wrap up, she can forget it.

Natalya stepped from the shuttle at Greifsgrad International. The brand new spaceport had been errected upon a high peak so that she could see the city spreading out from under her. It was....ugly, to say the least. She now understood why this God forsaken planet had been named Brass Rails. The city was the largest she had ever seen. It was like one huge industrial zone; no suburbs or commercial districts to speak of. Greifsgrad was all factories, manufacturies, powerplants, and train stations, closed in by ugly little brick apartment buildings. It stank of three things, smog, money, and the sweat of hard labor. She smiled to herself. It was her kind of place. At the center of the city, a great white tower rose high above the surrounding buildings. Greif's Tower, another of her recent additions to her new capital city. It was to be the place for her coronation, and the seat from which she would now rule her vast empire. As she pondered these things, a high ranking CH guard approached her, his face covered by the deep red hood characteristic of his unit.
"Identify yourself." he said.
"Its me, you idiot." she said harshly. She had no patience for long explanations which she felt she owed no one anyway. The guard gave her a second look, and then checked himself.
"Empress, I apologize. I did not....recognize you. Please, allow me to lead you to your car."
She smiled to herself again. She had changed since she left Hutu. It was strange, but it seemed to happen every few decades. Her features changed, always similar, but...different. Fresher. As if whatever kept her alive throughout the centuries also revived the youthfullness of her body and mind. She shuddered thinking of what she would be like if her body continued to age. A 500 year old crone, how horrible.
The guard led her to a limousine, which immediatly spead off toward Greif's tower. She sighed happily. Finally, after so many distractions, the crown of the Twin Planets would be hers...

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

bump

To Her Imperial Majesty Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords

I recently came into full posession of the throne of Lavenrunz. Since I believe our country should develop new relationships abroad and because I remember your country being supportive of sovereign rule in Lavenrunz I would like to be able to attend your coronation. This would be my first state affair abroad, and would be a stepping stone to other travels I intend to make this year.
I would also like my palace staff and the foreign ministry to be able to contact your government and staff so that matters of etiquette will be known.
In hope of friendship
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Communique to Her Most August Imperial Majesty, Empress Aurora von Sachshausen of Lavenrunz

I would be honored to have Your Majesty as a witness to my coronation. I hope this will prove to be the beginning of a long and fruitful friendship between our two nations. Accomodations are already being made; we await your arrival in Greifsgrad. I hope to see You soon.

Written In the Spirit of New Found Friendship, in Greifsgrad

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

Natalya strolled into her private office at the 100th story pinnacle of Greif's Tower in Greifsgrad. It wasn't the first time she layed eyes upon the spacious room before her, she had drawn the plans for it herself.
At one side there was a large oaken table which countless assistants had taken over days before, using it as the station from which they could make the countless arrangements for Natalya's flamboyant coronation.
The west wall, that is the one facing out onto the city, was glass from floor to ceiling, and offered a breathtaking view of the cities busseling commercial core. Before the west wall was Natalya's own desk, upon which she presently sat. One of her personal assistants approached her and handed The Day File to her, an always heafty daily document of pressing matters around the Empire. Each day Natalya recieved one of these, each day she responded to countless issues, urgencies and plaintifs before the day was through. Such was the lot of a benevolent dictator who ruled over three billion people. She looked at her assistant and asked, "Any news?" They both laughed knowingly. She then sat at her desk and began her work. The coronation would be tommorow afternoon, but until then, it was business as usual for the Mistress of Presgreif.

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

bump (in case of last minute arrivals)

and a one more, last one, really....

I would be glad to attend. My transport is being prepared and I will leave immediatly.

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/shogun.jpg (http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/shogun1.jpg)
Turrice Roon
Minister of Defense

To Madame Turrice Roon:

The necessary accomodations are being made as we speak. All will be ready for your arrival. I eagerly await our meeting in Greifsgrad.

"Congratulations on this wonderous acheivement! I would be most honored to attend this glorious celebration, as we must strengthen our ties to form a working bond. If it pleases you, I'd like to attend personally."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Communique to the Warlord Konrad Althalon

"My Lord, you do me a great honor by chosing to attend this celebration. Hosting a representative of Lord Melkor in Greifsgrad is an honor without equal. But that the representative should be you, my Lord, is an honor beyond all compare. Accomodations are being made for your arrival. I shall meet you personaly at the spaceport, and will be at your full disposal all day before the business of the coronation drags me away. Once again, I thank you for honoring myself, my family, and my people in this way. We eagerly await your arrival.

Yours,

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
High Mistress of Presgreif
Empress Elect of Brass Rails and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

Smoothly and effortlessly did the Warlord's shuttle glide quickly over the oceans surrounding their countries--preparations had been made of course to leave immediately, as apparently this was taking place soon. Flying under escort, they proceed with weapons stowed to Grifsgrad , where the craft touched down.

The sleek black and silver transport shuttle rolled gracefully to its designated spot on the tarmac, rolling open the doors and a ramp after the engines were cut, The engines hissed as Several armed men filed out of the opening, striding down to the ramp and taking up their positions on either side of it as the Warlord strode onto the ramp and down it, flanked on either side by a single bodyguard.

He stood there on the tarmac, his blackened silver lined cloak trailing in the breeze, his uniform impeccable as always.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
[i]First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

A shuttle that resembled a flower with its huge solar panels descended to the landing zone designated, bearing Empress Aurora and her party.
The fifteen year old Empress was fair haired, with bright blue eyes, an attractive intelligent face and an athletic figure. She wore a long embroidered gown and was accompanied by Baroness Toll, her press advisor, two soldiers from the Imperial Jaeger Regiment and the prowling dappled form of Thirty Camelias, the avatar/bodyguard provided her by The Territory.

Natalya stood at the tarmac, as had been promised, accompanied by her Regent, Katarina Herodotus, and a company of high ranking CH Guardsmen. She had not been expecting both Konrad and Aurora to arrive simultaniously, but decided to make the best of the situation. She greeted her counterparts warmly. "The coronation is in a few hours." she said. "Perhaps you would eat before the ceremony begins?" The three entered a limousine which had been awaiting Konrad's arrival, and it promptly whisked them away toward Greif's tower.

An Imperial Coronation: Natalya at Greifsgrad
January 25th, 512 Y.G.

On the 25th of January in the Greifan year 512 about three o'clock in the afternoon, a whole ox worth about 7000 Marks was roasted in front of Greif’s Tower. In the ox was a hog, in the hog a goose, and in the goose a hen was roasted, as is the ancient custom at the coronation of an Emperor of Brass Rails. Later at the appointed hour came the Empress-elect’s man, who cut off a large piece of roast ox for Natalya, whereupon her retainers pressed in and cut up the roast ox with their daggers, each taking what he or she could.

Meanwhile, High Priestess Sarah Maria Decados appeared in the company of 200 CH Guards, all dressed in the Greifan white and blue ceremonial tunic and slacks. In front of Greif’s Tower a bronze fountain was erected with the black griffin bearing the arms of the Greif familia, and from its breast flowed wine imported from Gernalitily. To the griffin’s right was a golden lion with the banner and arms of Brass Rails, left of the griffin was a black lion with the arms of Gernalitily. The sight of it gathered a great crowd of commoners before Greif’s tower, and it took the CH guard a long while to organize them somehow.

Around six o'clock Her Imperial Majesty Natalya, Regent Katarina Herodotus of Brass Rails, High Lord Dorian de Greif of Presgreif, and the great company of esteemed international representatives who had chosen to witness Natalya’s coronation gathered at the Tower. They were then lead to quarters where they could freshen up, dress, and generally prepare for the coronation. First to present himself in the main hall was Dorian, clad in a white tunic and pants, his black hair tied behind his head with a blue ribbon, an Iron Cross glimmering upon his breast. He was followed by Katarina, who wore the black leather uniform of the Dreadchild Fraternity, a fine saber hanging at her side. Shortly thereafter the High Priestess Sarah came into the main hall, wearing the flowing red dress and hooded veil of the Passionist Church, an inverted silver cross hanging low across her chest. They were followed thereafter by the representatives of all of the Greif’s many allies, all dressed in their most exquisit finary, so that the hall shone with the glory and power of those present. Lastly came Natalya, and her apparel drew more than one gasp from those gathered there. In her shining blond her she wore white feathers, which spiraled around her ears. She was clad in a ceremonial white dress adorned by tiny blue griffins and cut so low that it stopped just above her naple. A high collar covered the back of her neck, the tiny white flair sleeves covered her arms down to the knuckles of her hands. A silver griffin on the background of a cross rested upon her breast, and a long sword, short sword, and dagger, a fine set she had received as a gift from the ruling family of Wretchengard, hung loosly from her left side. They were then all escorted to the left wing of the Tower, to the Temple of Serene Truth, where the coronation was to take place.

In the temple’s foyer they were met by the high council of the Passionist Church, the Archbishops of Konigsberg, Danzig, and Varsovia in their pontifical vestments with miter, cross, and bishop's crosier, together with the clergy carrying crosses, incense burners, and the Gospel book. There were also other prelates, bishops, and abbots in pontifical vestments to receive the great company. When they met Sarah said a prayer, and then the three Archbishops flanked Natalya and led her into the temple. Then Sarah preceded them, followed by the procession, while an antiphon was sung. When this was finished, Natalya laid herself full length on the altar steps, while Sarah prayed over her. Then Natalya sat on a beautifully decorated chair before Our Lady's altar, and a bit behind her sat on a little bench to the right the three Archbishops. Gathered above and behind them sat the company of international representatives, as the Council of Witnesses. As soon as all the more minor guests filed into the temple and took their seats before altar, there was performed the Apparition of the Lord with a sequence sung in the Gregorian manner.Natalya then layed before the alter with her arms outstretched in the form of a cross. After two priests sang the litany, Sarah arose and, crosier in hand, said a prayer, to which the clergy responded. Then Natalya arose, and Sarah, who stood before the high altar, crosier in hand, put to her these six questions.

"Will you preserve the great Passionist faith and protect it with any and all means?

Will you be a faithful protector and defender of the holy Church and her servants?

Will you rule and defend the Empire, which God has entrusted to you, according to the justice of your predecessors?

Will you guard the rights of the Empire and the Imperial office, recover their unjustly alienated properties and employ them for the good of the Empire and the imperium?

Will you be a just judge and a righteous defender of poor and rich, widows and orphans?

Will you render to your subjects the duty of providing them with an heir to your reign?

To each of these questions Natalya answered:

"I will."

Then the three Archbishops led Natalya to the altar. She raised her right hand to her heart and said:

"With God's help and supported by the prayers of Passionists, I will, as best I can, loyaly perform my duties, so help me God."

Sarah then addressed the crowd before her, and asked:

"Will you submit yourselves to this Lady and ruler and strengthen her sovereign rule, fortify it with your loyalty, and obey her commands, according the Word of the apostle that every soul should obey the higher power, especially a so eminent Empress?"

To this the people cried three times:

"SO SHALL IT BE!"

Sarah then pushed Natalya down upon her knees and bared her shoulders, breasts, and elbows, and Natalya then sat in prayer with folded hands. Sarah anointed her with the oil of catechumens on the head, on the breast, between the shoulder blades, and on the shoulders; then she anointed also the palms of Natalya’s hands, praying as she did so. Meanwhile, the clergy sang "The Lord has Anointed You." Now the archbishops led Natalya into the sacristy, where the senior cathedral canon wiped the anointed places of his body with the purest wool. The canons then put shoes and an alb on her, plus a stole crossed over her breast. Natalya returned before the altar, where she prostrated herself with arms out in the form of a cross, while Sarah spoke a blessing.

Now Natalya was dressed in a mantle by the three Archbishops. At the same time they handed her the sword of Belya’al, while Sarah spoke a prayer. They placed the sword in its scabbard and girded Natalya with it. Then Sarah gave her the bracelets, the pallium, and the royal ring, and when this was done, all three archbishops placed the crown of Brass Rails and Gernalitily upon her head.

Natalya then kneeled before the alter and spoke the following verse:

"I confess before God and his angels, that I shall conserve the laws, justice, and peace of the holy Church, serve the welfare of my subjects and exercise justice, and preserve the laws of the Empire, taking into consideration divine mercy, as best I can with the advice of the princes and loyalty subjects of the Empire and my friends.”

Following this oath the Archbishops conducted the Empress to her imperial throne, which is located above the altar. When the Empress was seated on the throne, there stepped up to her all those who wanted to be created Avatars of the Greif. Natalya drew the sword of Bely’yal from its scabbard and held it in her hand, and a total of 200 avatars were created to the sound of trumpets. Then, while the "Te Deum" was being sung, they all climbed back down and took their former places in the choir.

The Empress now took the scepter in her hand at the Offertory and produced several gold coins. Next, the canons of the temple came and invested her as a fellow canon, and when she had sworn an oath for the benefice attached to this office, they brought her to her place in the choir. She handed over the statues and the gift of wine, according to the usage of this church. The Empress then choses two vicars, who administered the benefice and take her duties in the church. Thus the Imperial coronation ended.

OCC: Godd@mnit! I lost the thread, then I find it, and it's through! Typical of my luck.

OOC: Consider me there. I couldn't get on.

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

Warlord Althalon sat with the other dignitaries, taking in the air of the procession, pleased immensely by his surroundings. Seldom do the citizens of the Imperium enjoy a procession such as this one, and when they do, it's well underground. He smiled as he felt a gust of wind, and his eyes locked on Natalya as the coronation begin. He slowly took in all the details of his surroundings, passing from person to person with his eyes, in polite silence.

But still his attention came back to the woman, again and again. He lifted a brow and exhaled sharply, stirring in his seat. With a bit of effort, he broke his gaze and cleared his throat.

When the time was appropriate, he rose form his seat and cheered for Natalya, as she sat on her throne.

Now, all he could do was hope that the reception was as good as the ceremony.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Unfortunately, due to home land problems, The Dictatorship was unable to attend the coronation, and with great remorse they regreted it. The mood dropped in The Dictatorship greatly, and missing the coronation did not improve the situation.

Lux received word of the missed coronation. She sat amid silence and despair. She wished more than anything to attend the coronation, and she had missed it.

However, she arranged that gifts be sent to Greifsgrad in honor of the celebration. A large case of The Dictatorship's finest (Bourbon) was sent, along with BonBons and some wine. A letter of forgiveness was also attached, in order to inform Natalya of the reasons behind a lack of attendence.

Natalya,

Hello my dear. I am sorry that I was unable to attend your coronation, and it is with great pains that I write this.

I am en route now for a delegatorial meeting among alliance members to establish the final plan to eliminate Perry, once and for all. I am truly sorry that I was unable to attend, and words cannot express my regret.

I am sending some of The Dictatorship's finest, and a few other gifts in honor of you. Please enjoy them. I hope that we may have the pleasure to meet, for I was not in rule when you came to visit us.

Congratulations fair Natalya. May everything run smoothly for you. May you have luck in all you do.

Respectfully,
Lux
President of The Dictatorship
Note: She will not resume the title of Dictator because she detests the title greatly, hence she chose President, and assumes the roles similar to a President.

Aurora was struck by similarities and differences between her coronation and this one. What on Earth was the Passionist Church? The breast baring and annointing was intriguing; she had never seen such a thing. However, the prayers were to God and invoked protection for the new ruler's country, so she extended her own prayers.
It also struck her that in Natalya now she would look into the eyes of another country, as Natalya would when she looked into Aurora's eyes.
Her most sincere prayer was this: Dear Lord: please grant Natalya a reign in a land less on the edge of the sword of strife than my own...

OOC: Wonderfully presented, beautiful descriptions.

Emperor Alexander, from his casual day of playing golf, received word that the Empire of Brass Rails has recently chosen a new leader, Natalya de Grief. He thought of his own coronation back so many years ago. It was a glorious event, in which the country was unsoiled by war that breaks out in recent days. His wife, Theodora, was also such a beauty when she had that beautiful dress, adorned with a tiara of diamonds. Those were the days, Alexander thought.

Taking an inked pen, the shaken emperor wrote the new empress of Brass Rails a letter of congratulations. This will surely bring Magnus Valerius recognition among the international community, to send a letter and to open up.

"Dear Empress Natalya de Grief,

Being an Emperor myself, you must be overjoyed to have been crowned as ruler of a country. I wish to congratulate you with utmost sincerity and best wishes for your reign over The Empire of Brass Rails. I send you open arms here in The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius. You are free to visit my empire of sturdy people and fine customs. I also was, unfortunately, tied up in a war against certain unsavory enemies to request an invitation to your coronation ceremony. However, I shall offer you a gift for your ascension. It may kill me to do this, but, I want you to have my late wife's fine tiara. It is the one she wore when she was empress beside me. I lost her not too long ago... but, I believe that another empress, a powerful one, should be honored with her symbol of authority. Along with her tiara, I of course, offer you best greetings, and a chest of finely cut gems and jewelry.

Once again, I wish you luck and longevity in your reign.

Your Fellow Monarch,
Emperor Alexander I
Emperor of All Valerians"

http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/empvalens/Alexander.PNG

Rekjyavich Andropov Military City

Star Office

There was a knock on the door. "Yes, come in." Yuri Ivanovich walked in to the room. "Sir, Natalya's coronation was last night."

"Oh, yes, that," the Czar replied with a hint of embarassment. "I missed it. D@mn. Well, it was probably better that I did. There are other problems that are evolving, such as two other countries joining the ever-growing Empire. Plus, there are other matters also."

"What do you mean by 'other matters'?" Yuri asked with confusion.

"Other matters." the Czar replied.

"Oh, I see," Yuri said, getting the message that he wasn't cleared for it.

"Get the courier in here in about an hour. I must write a letter to her. I don't want her to think that I no longer care."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you."

When Yuri left, the Czar picked up the in-house phone and dialed the Defense Minister.

Communique to President Lux of Der Fuhrer Dyszel:

My Lord, of course I do not hold it against you that you could not attend my elevation. No friend or ally would expect of the leader of a nation that he should abandon his domain in times of crisis. The gifts you have sent us are exquisite, the simple courtesy speaks volumes of the everlasting friendship which thrives between our two Empires. I shall meet with you as soon as my business in Greifsgrad is done, though I must say that this may take a long while, for it is the administration of an Empire which I must now undertake. Until this meeting comes about, I leave you in the glory and light of God.

Written in the Spirit of Eternal Friendship, at Greifsgrad

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
Empress of Presgreif, Brass Rails, and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

Communique to Alexander I, Emperor of All Valerians:

Your Most August Imperial Majesty, know now that you have eternaly my friendship and the friendship of my people; your letter and the gifts you have sent honor me far beyond my due. The jewels you have sent are truly breathtaking, some of the finest and purest I have ever seen. My subject Samuel, who was once a jeweler, has appraised their value to be equal to that of a small country. Such a gift alone far exceeds the common courtesy paid amongst nations on friendly terms. But the Tiara.....my Lord, what have I done to deserve such an honor? You have all but taken my breath away, I have no words to describe that which I feel. I shall do my best to live up to the reputation of your late (may she rest in God's good peace) Empress, and to honor the symbol of her sovereignty which is now in my possession. The Tiara shall be held in a place of honor to the right of my throne, and shall accompany me during all official public appearances.
I shall try to see you as soon as I can, though matters of state hold me back. Indeed, I crave a meeting with my benefactor as soon as possible, and find it quite frustrating that I cannot see you immediatly. I fortify myself with patience, and promise to call upon you at the first possible moment.

Written With the Deepest Affection, in Greifsgrad,

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
Empress of Presgreif, Brass Rails, and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D.

ooc: I'd just like to thank you all for participating thusfar. Your post-coronation messages were truly wonderful and heartening, and added a level of depth to this RP which could not be achieved without the participation of such a fine group of RPers. Truly elegant work, I thank you all kindly. Oh, if only all NS RPs were like this....
Anyhow, keep checking back to this thread if you wish to continue on with our little celebration, there is yet a parade to be attended, and after that a reception (dinner+ball room dancing), where all our characters will have a free hand to speak amongst each other. I have high hopes for the latter, for it is seldom that so many high ranking officials and sovereigns meet in such an intimate setting. I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to write up part 2, that is the parade. I'm kind of budgeting time right now. But rest assured it will come as soon as I find the time to write. Till then, be well, and don't hesitate to tg me in case you want to discuss anything.

Naty

The letter from Natalya soon was brought to the hands of a courier in Valerius Prime. It was night, when a dark, infinite blanket of diamonds hung over the large capital city of The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius. Footsteps and clicking of the soles of the courier's opulent boots echoed through the halls of the Imperial Palace as he was heading to the emperor in his bedroom.

In the bedroom was Alexander. He was already dressed for his slumber, in his bathrobe, warm sleepwear, and slippers. He bowed his head down towards the floor, holding his hands together solemnly. Why had God whisked away Theodora from his side, so soon? They had several years to live... Alexander turned upwards to pick up a bottle of vodka, resting in a bucket of ice. He uncorked the bottle and took a sudden swig of the intoxicating drink. The courier was at the door.

The cherry wood door opened as the glass doorknob turned. Alexander perked up his ears and looked up to see the courier enter his presence. The courier hunched over in formal greeting, albeit he did the bow slowly in respect of the emperor's continuing trouble. He opened his mouth, to report the arrival of a message from Natalya de Greif. "Sire... A message from Empress Elect Natalya de Greif. I believe it is from your gift." Alexander reached out his hand, in which the courier placed the envelope containing the letter. The courier stood at the door, watching as the emperor opened the letter up.

Within the first couple of sentences, Alexander's eyes welled up tears. It seems he had made someone... happy. He felt purely joyful to do such a thing for his peer, his equal. The images of the tiara and Theodora ran through his mind as he read further through the letter. The tears began to pour from his brown eyes. He held the letter to his heart, whispering a calm statement to himself. It was inaudible to the courier, and with his job done, the messenger exited the room. Alexander repeated that wisp of breath:

"Theodora... your beautiful insignia has been passed on to another great, righteous woman..."

The next morning, the emperor called upon other important officials. His remaining son and heir apparent, Alexander, Archduke Bastilus D'Souivons, Marshal Giuseppe Venizelli, Admiral John Kitchener, Lord Barnardo Danmark, and General Stephan Karagiannis.

"Can we set aside time to visit Presgreif?" inquired the emperor to Bastilus.

"Well... we can set aside time - we can leave immediately. We'll need an escort of perhaps 10 guards, and I wouldn't mind bringing our families along," responded the Archduke

"Well, I've got a few good soldiers to be guards. One of the best men I know would be Jean-Pierre Froisard," added General Karagiannis. The general was suspicious of Bastilus, but Karagiannis thought it would give his wife and children an escape from recent war.

"I guess it is settled - we shall leave to attend post-coronation festivities. There would normally be festivities after a coronation. I can still remember those after my coronation..." Alexander rose from his seat and ordered for the servants to assemble all the items they will need, and to order for an express train to take them to Trentino, where they will board and leave for Presgreif.

Before Alexander headed to his room to assemble some personal items, he decided to send a letter of their plans to visit Natalya. He wrote it, but he decided it was best to send it to Natalya de Greif when they are at Trentino.

ooc: So I guess I'll wait till you're at Trentino to reply to this letter. Also, Brass Rails is a seperate planet, so you'd have to make an extra-stelar voyage to reach it. Somehow I assume you have only late Victorian tech. What is your tech level?

OOC: You are correct with my tech level... and that is a problem. Well, If Presgreif can offer transport, then maybe I can attend. So, the emperor's message will be sent immediately to the court of Presgreif.

IC:

Alexander and his officials had already packed up their belongings to head towards Presgrief. Even if they had heard about the coronation from an international communiqué, they did not know where Presgreif was. They allowed some foreign service to deliver the chest of beauteous gems and jewelry - in addition to the tiara and letter - to Natalya. Little did Alexander know that Presgreif was a nation in the heavens - a nation on another planet, to be exact. The emperor consulted his maps of the world, and found no Brass Rails on it.

He had baffled himself, just with planning to head to Brass Rails. He dispatched a letter, his finished letter, to the Empress de Greif. The emperor packed up his bags and headed out of the Imperial Palace. A motorcade shuttled the emperor and his entourage to the Prime Rail Station. There, they loaded up and left for Trentino.

The train would take a day or so to reach its destination.

As for the communiqué, it contained a sincere response from Alexander.

Dear Empress Natalya de Greif,

My heart swoons with utter joy. Words cannot contain my happiness in your acceptance of my gift. I would like to say to you, my lady, that my late Theodora would beam upon you in knowing that her precious item, her tiara which displayed her power and position, was now resting in the hands of a great woman. It may seem odd to be moved to charity to an empress who may not know what my country offers, but I wish to show you how we of my country can be unquestionably kind.

You have given me great closure and joy. Even if Theodora leaves an emptiness in my heart, you have helped me heal that wound substantially.

I also wish to attend your post-coronation ceremonies. You may be seeing your benefactor sooner than you thought, milady. My son, the prince Alexander, and several of my court are planning to attend what you may have in store for all in attendance. However, I happened to study the maps of the world available in my collection of books again, and I cannot find Brass Rails anywhere. Do you happen to live on another world? If so, I would still like to attend the festivities, yet I require transport. May you summon some transport to our city of Trentino? I surely hope it is not of any inconvenience on your part, and any ignorance that I have shown... I apologize for. I am trying my best to make my country up to the current times in terms of technology. A few emperors of the past instituted isolationist policies on Magnus Valerius, and our nation is terribly far behind the world.

However, I must cease rambling… and I cannot wait to meet your acquaintance, my lady, as I hope you cannot wait to meet mine. May God bless your leadership with prestige and uncalculated wealth.

Your Fellow Monarch,
Emperor Alexander I
Emperor of All Valerians

http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/empvalens/Alexander.PNG

OOC: You are correct with my tech level... and that is a problem. Well, If Presgreif can offer transport, then maybe I can attend. So, the emperor's message will be sent immediately to the court of Presgreif.

IC:

Alexander and his officials had already packed up their belongings to head towards Presgrief. Even if they had heard about the coronation from an international communiqué, they did not know where Presgreif was. They allowed some foreign service to deliver the chest of beauteous gems and jewelry - in addition to the tiara and letter - to Natalya. Little did Alexander know that Presgreif was a nation in the heavens - a nation on another planet, to be exact. The emperor consulted his maps of the world, and found no Brass Rails on it.

He had baffled himself, just with planning to head to Brass Rails. He dispatched a letter, his finished letter, to the Empress de Greif. The emperor packed up his bags and headed out of the Imperial Palace. A motorcade shuttled the emperor and his entourage to the Prime Rail Station. There, they loaded up and left for Trentino.

The train would take a day or so to reach its destination.

As for the communiqué, it contained a sincere response from Alexander.

Dear Empress Natalya de Greif,

My heart swoons with utter joy. Words cannot contain my happiness in your acceptance of my gift. I would like to say to you, my lady, that my late Theodora would beam upon you in knowing that her precious item, her tiara which displayed her power and position, was now resting in the hands of a great woman. It may seem odd to be moved to charity to an empress who may not know what my country offers, but I wish to show you how we of my country can be unquestionably kind.

You have given me great closure and joy. Even if Theodora leaves an emptiness in my heart, you have helped me heal that wound substantially.

I also wish to attend your post-coronation ceremonies. You may be seeing your benefactor sooner than you thought, milady. My son, the prince Alexander, and several of my court are planning to attend what you may have in store for all in attendance. However, I happened to study the maps of the world available in my collection of books again, and I cannot find Brass Rails anywhere. Do you happen to live on another world? If so, I would still like to attend the festivities, yet I require transport. May you summon some transport to our city of Trentino? I surely hope it is not of any inconvenience on your part, and any ignorance that I have shown... I apologize for. I am trying my best to make my country up to the current times in terms of technology. A few emperors of the past instituted isolationist policies on Magnus Valerius, and our nation is terribly far behind the world.

However, I must cease rambling… and I cannot wait to meet your acquaintance, my lady, as I hope you cannot wait to meet mine. May God bless your leadership with prestige and uncalculated wealth.

Your Fellow Monarch,
Emperor Alexander I
Emperor of All Valerians

http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/empvalens/Alexander.PNG

My Dearest Alexander, I have just recently read your letter, and am at the moment filled with an indescribable joy. I did not think we would have the occasion to meet so soon, and the news of it makes me very happy. I have already dispatched a shuttle to your nation which will act as your personal caravan in your journey to Brass Rails. If I calculated correctly, it should arrive in Trentino not long after you. The coronation parade has been postponed until your arrival. I wish you bon voyage, and eagerly await you in Greifsgrad.

Your Newfound Friend,

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
Empress of Presgreif, Brass Rails, and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
Proud and Loyal Member of G.D.O.D.A.D. and Metus

ooc: This gives our characters a little time before the parade, perhaps a day or two. Please feel free to use this space for any intrigue, treachory, mystery, new found friendship etc. your characters may be experiencing during their time in Greifsgrad. If not, that's cool, but I have the feeling some of you may be having some thoughts on this. This could be a good tie in to the dinner that eveing.....well, I leave it up to you.

OOC:
Sorry for the intrusion, but I would just like to invite you all to this thread:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=120270&highlight=

Please feel free to come.

Althalon spent a short time traversing the inner sanctum of the sprawling metropolis of Greifsgrad. He stayed pretty close to the twoer, as a general rule, and only wandered for a short time before returning. He wasn't too much interested in the outlying city, as it was in fact much like Angband's terrestrial incarnation.

Once back inside the relative safety of the Tower, the warlord milled about, with no particular agenda. He much desired to speak with some Greifan official to mete out some sort of friendship--from what little he'd seen of Presgrief's ruling caste he was pleased, but still sadly lacked the knowledge he needed to bring them around for Metus, the fledging union of their respective alliances. Besides, he had a directive from the Boss that he coudn't ignore. Sadly, it could not begin now. It would probably have to wait a bit , by the looks of things.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

OOC: Hope you don't mind having them arrive in Preifsgrad without your interim post of travel.

IC:

The Imperial Entourage arrived in Trentino. To the surprise of Alexander and his group, the shuttle to transport them to Presgreif and Brass Rails was already there. The impressive technology astounded the emperor, and even brought a tear to his eye! 'My,' he thought, 'What impressive machinery. I wish I could have something like this.' Nevertheless, the moment of admiration whittled down, and the emperor and his crew was loaded unto the shuttle.

Within a few moments of travel, they had arrived in Greifsgrad.

Alexander, 53 yet still invigorated like a youth, hopped off the shuttle with his 24 year old son of the same name. He was referred to as 'Little Alexander' by the maids in the palace. Yet, that was purely an understatement. Of the entourage, Prince Alexander was the tallest, at a towering height of 6'5". He was just one inch taller than his father, Emperor Alexander. The two stood out from the rest of the group, with the shortest probably being Archduke Bastilus at 5'8".

The guards escorted them to where the festivities were to be held. However, one grim guard stared out into space with his sullen eyes. It was Private Jean-Pierre Froisard. He was a mysterious man, whom appeared literally out of nowhere to become a prestigious royal bodyguard. His rifle stood on his shoulder and his feathered black helmet shone in the sun, its silver double eagle insignia shining in the sun. The other guards were a bit looser in their march compared to Jean.

Other than Jean, the rest of the entourage was admiring the city of Greifsgrad. Emperor Alexander especially was beaming. His son wondered how the Empress de Greif looked like. Prince Alexander wondered if he could stay here to study, and wondered if his father wanted him to meet the Empress formally. There is much to be seen so far.

'I wonder if Natalya is interested in my son...' thought Emperor Alexander as he began to lead the entourage from the loading bays and into the city, hoping to run into an official that may lead them to where they needed to go. He hoped he wasn't too late for the parade and for the other planned diversions Natalya had decided upon.

Attn: MU

Katarina Herodotus wandered the spiraling hanging balconies of Greif's Tower, moving slowly and lazily, paying no particular attention to anything. Today was the first day in months she had to do absolutely anything she pleased, and she took advantage of the fact as many people do, by doing nothing at all. Ever since Natalya had been named Empress Elect of Brass Rails so many months ago, she had had an endless stream of duties to perform, first as Regent, now as High Admiral of the Imperial Space Fleet. The recent postponment of Natalya's Coronery Parade created the perfect vaccuum in the all consuming officious monster which seemed to devour all her spare time, and today, finally, she could rest.
Katarina found herself a fine perch amongst the third story balconies overhanging the tower's main courtyard, and was just sitting down to read, when she noticed a tall, handsome figure wandering aimlessly, bound in his own thoughts. She stood up, and leaned over the railing slightly, to examin that whom she had been observing more closely. Upon closer inspection, she deducted that it was a certain Konrad Althalon, some Lord or other, a representative of one suppousedly superpowerful Morgoth Bauglir. She knew him not, nor did she know his Lord, but she trusted her mistress's judgment enough to believe that this was a very important man wandering the courtyard at the moment.
Katarina couldn't help feeling a little disapointed by her recent find. The Lord Althalon seemed like a very grim, humorless fellow, and she was sure he would make absolutely dreadful company. She was about to let him pass unbiden, but thought the better for it. Perhaps she was mistaken? She leaned far out across the railing, tilted her head slightly, as was her habit, and shouted down to the Lord Althalon quite informaly, "You seem a little lost friend, are you seeking anything in particular?".

http://images.snapfish.com/339883%3A323232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A2658564wp1lsi

attn: MV

As soon as she heard of the Emperor Alexander's arrival, Natalya rushed with entourage to meet with him. The meeting was a quick and flurried one, with much bashful smiling and laughing and shaking of hands and kissing on the cheek, a typicaly "European" meeting, as of long parted friends. Natalya whisked her guest and his son into a limousine, and with the rest of both entourages in tow, drove off toward Greif's Tower. As soon as the limousine started she looked upon Alexander and said, "I pray my Lord speak, spare no words, for long is the road we must travel to reach my humble abode, and I would know everything your heart desires and your mind ponders before this journey is done."
She breathed heavily, for she had indeed hurried to make the rendevous, her breast rising and falling heavily and rapidly. She pulled the white gloves from her fingers, adjusted her dress, unbuttoned a button of her coat, and then gazed into the Emperor's eyes with a deep, warm, and kind look, awaiting his reply to her statement.

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Althalon looked at the woman sidelong with a wry grin. A cigarette danced across his knuckles as he flipped it about with his fingers. He clutched it suddenly and drew his hand behind his back, under his cloak. He bowed. "I was merely taking in the sights and sounds of the Tower. Truth be told, I greatly desired to meet the Empress, but I'm afraid she's quite likely to be thoroughly inundated with a morass of tasks, given the plans underway," he said with a polite nod to the woman. "I must say I rather enjoy this place, as it reminds me somehwat of my home in the Imperium. Lots of industry."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Katarina came down from her perch in a series of side long manuevers which made her look more as if she were walking down stairs than scaling a sheer face. She landed in the courtyard some 20 feet away from Konrad, and addressed him as she took a few slow steps in his general direction.
"Yes well, I must say that I find the city to be quite....ugly myself. Its home, but its probably the ugliest home in the universe. Did you, I grew up in those slums over there?" she pointed casually to her right, indicating the east side of the city.
"My father would have said that I have come a long way, if the factories hadn't taken him. A harsh life, the life of industry. It pushes people to bad things, to Communism, or even worse things one shouldn't even speak of on a sunny day like this." she paused, but seeing that she would get no compation from this grim individual (how charming), she added on, more formally,
"I regret that you did not aquire your desired interview with the Empress. I should hope that my company will suffice for now. However, if it does not, I shall be on my way." She titled her head once more, smiled slightly, and half turned her body, as if to indicate that she was prepared to leave at his behest.

http://images.snapfish.com/339883%3A323232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A2658564wp1lsi

The Warlord laughed. "I'll not bother you with comparisons of my hometown. My upbringing was probably not altogether unlike yours, given your description." He grinned a bit more. "Angband's a rough place, but I can deal with it well enough," he concluded with a faint nod.

He shifted his weight a bit and chuckled lightly at her last comment. "I've got nowhere to go and nothing to do, so why would I turn away company? If you've got pressing matters to attend to, I'll not be a bother, but the day is young and I've found myself at a loss for meaningful activities."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

"Indeed," replied Katarina,
"I find myself in a similar predicament. Well, if it pleases my Lord, perhaps we should make our way over to the lounge and have ourselves a couple of drinks. Alcohol always makes conversation so much more entertaining, and makes even the most pleasant of company even more pleasant, don't you think?" Not waiting for his response she turned on her heel and began making her way toward the south exit, and therefore in the direction of the lounge. She reached the door and opened it, looking back to him.
"Coming?"

http://images.snapfish.com/339883%3A323232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A2658564wp1lsi

Empress Aurora wrote a letter.

To my dear Imperial cousin Natalya.

I was most impressed by your coronation. The grace you showed is enviable, and I believe that for your people and your country it promises the very best for the future.
For my own part, I am also looking forward to the upcoming parade. Since there are many similar customs in Lavenrunz I feel very much at home here, and very grateful to have been privileged to witness the beginning of your rule of Brass Rails.
I would like also to know something of the Church in Brass Rails.

Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Konrad nodded absently and took a cursory glance around the room. He folded his arms behind his back and followed quickly after the woman, coming at once to her side. "Indeed it does," he says, with a chuckle, stepping into the room. He had been in here some time earlier--or at least somewhere quite similar. His eyes scanned around intently, most notably at the selections of liquor and beer that were available. He scratched his chin and after appraising the situation and his surrounding, nodded approvingly.

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed Forces, Acting Imperial Field Marshal
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

Attn: Lavenrunz

My dearest Lady Aurora, you do indeed honor me with your words. What more can be said? I should hope that this wonderous occasion will prove to be the beginning of a long, great friendship between us. As for our church, well, there is much to tell. Perhaps too much to write in a short note such as this one. If you are truly interested in the High Passionist Church, we shall speak more of it at the reception. Unfortunatly I am quite preoccupied at the moment, and haven't the time to meet with you. We shall see each other after the parade, and then I shall answer your questions to your heart's content! Until then, I bid you adeu.

Your friend,

http://images.snapfish.com/3396957523232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234936876%3B3wp1lsi

Natalya de Greif
Empress of Presgreif, Brass Rails, and Gernalitily
Directoress of The Concert of High Lords
G.D.O.D.A.D. Senior
Proud and Loyal Member of the CoE and Metus

Attn: MU

Katarina slid behind the bar and leaned over, gazing flirtingly into Konrad's eyes.
"What's your pleasure, soldier?"

http://images.snapfish.com/339883%3A323232%7Ffp54%3Dwp%3E232%3B%3D77%3A%3D893%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3A2658564wp1lsi

OOC:

Ack! I am sorry for keeping everything back. High school is such a demanding occupation. It's sad... and I'm afraid my work load isn't going to get any lighter. :(

Ahem...

If I happen to be absent (and thus very busy with life and school) do not worry about going on without me. I'll catch up with everything when I return if I happen to disappear like that...

IC:

It seems that it was a hasty meeting, which Alexander was none too surprised about. After all, he was coming a little late to the planet and all. A 'European' greeting was what Alexander received, and the emperor returned the notion. Natalya whisked away her guests in a waiting limousine. Separated from the rest of the entourage except his son, both Alexanders were a bit surprised. The others left behind looked amongst themselves, before finding some means of transport to follow them to the location of the festivities.

Natalya inquired the emperor Alexander about what he had on his mind. Alexander was a hesitant man, intelligent but hesitant... he was not sure if he should reveal his heart. But, he gave himself the benefit of his doubt, and decided to inform Natalya of his whims and inquiries.

"Natalya, it is a most honorable pleasure for me, a ruler of such a diminutive nation as mine to greet the ruler of a magnificent nation beyond my world. Here is my son, Alexander, heir to the throne."

The other, younger Alexander, who was humming God Save the Tsar, the anthem of The Valerian Empire, was startled. He paused and beamed towards Natalya. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady." The young man nodded his head slowly in greeting.

"Natalya, I wish to ask one thing - may my son stay in Presgreif to study your technology as you wish... so we can advance... and, if you take a liking to him, I give you permission to marry him." The son looked towards his father with droplets of sweat merging on his forehead. He wanted to learn all the country had available to teach. It was also true that maybe his father was going a bit too far. Well, he'll have to see. The prince isn't very akin to Hapsburg politics, but if Natalya is fond of him and vice versa, he wouldn't mind at all.