NationStates Jolt Archive

Valient nodded, and closed his eyes...

God... he needed another glass of water.

Simon passed Valient a large glass of sherry, before pouring some for himself and Calis. After they finished, he stood up. "Come on, we need to get changed for the coronation."

<===========>

Malissa laughed as John led her to the bed, and she reached forward for him. As their lips were about to touch, however, she softly fell asleep in his arms.

<==========>

Allysandra walked down the stairs. "Ready, Kithail... the coronation is in a few hours, so do you have anything you want to know?"

<==========>

"Mr. Knightly, please return to your room to sleep."

Calis sighed. He knew this would be long and boring, yet it was his duty to attend.

"So it seems. Off we go then."

Calis climbed to his feet, ready to follow Simon.

John watched Malissa sleeping in his arms, an amused look in his eyes.

"Well, must have been exausted..."

John slid her upward into the bed, pulling the covers over both of them. John felt Malissa roll over and wrap her arm around him, falling motionless once again. John drifted off to sleep within a few moments as well.

Valient followed along the other men.

D'rtang moved beside him and nudged him.

"Sir, you okay?"

Valient nodded.

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine..."

"No...I'd rather stay awake," Joshua say as the pain intensified. Slowly there was a ripping of the uper armor and at that point a sort of silve-white fether fell through the tear.

The Roanians nod, leaving Josh to himself. "Come on, Mr. Cartwright... we'll get you to the Broken Crown." A few servants ran in afterwards. "Master Knightly, your siblings are in the Rose room, waiting for you."

<==========>

Malissa woke up, slowly, as the sun's rays ran over her face. She looked around herself, and saw John. She smiled, and moved forward, burying herself in his arms. She locked lips with him and started to kiss him, her tongue meeting his.

<=========>

Servants bowed to Calis and Valient. "Mr. Presidents, please go and change into your finest. After the ceremony, I would be pleased to enjoy some more of your company, and maybe find Calis a lovely southerner lass?" Simon said with a wink, his slight drunkeness showing.

Calis nodded and grinned at the prospect of getting things over and done with so he could meet a lovely southern lass.

"Will do."

The President sped off without another word, heading back to his quarters to change.

John seemed to wake up from one lovely dream to find himself in an even better one. Malissa was aside him, but nestled closely as she kissed him awake.

"mmmm.. I could get used to this very quickly..." he mumured to her between kisses.

"Well, this is what you'll get every time you wake up..." Malissa replied with a sly grin upon her face.

"Fine by me..." John said as he kissed her one again, dancing his tongue with hers. In between kisses he asked, "So....what's on...the schedule...for today?"

"I don't have any siblings," Joshua replies as he kneles down to pick up the feather.

As John waited for Malissa to respond, he moved his hand to stroke her hair and her face softly.

He smiled softly, while muttering quietly again, "I could definitely get used to you waking me up this way."

Malissa giggled in response...

Kithail smiled looking at Allysandra. "Yes, I suppose I'm ready, if you fixed my outfit, of course. And what about that Alairoc thing?. What were you talking about?", he said, admiring her toned and almost ethereal form...

Allysandra sighed, and turned to the darkened room. "Alaitoc was a city to the north of here, far to the north. It was an elven city..." her eyes misted over. She snapped out of it. "I'll tell you later. We need to run..." she grabbed his hand, and pulled him out the door.

<=========>

Servants busied Josh to Phoenix and Echo's quarters. "Get ready, the coronation is in 1/2 an hour."

<==========>

Malissa giggled, but her eyes got wide. "Oh no... the coronation!" She leapt from her bed in alarm. "Where's my white dress?"

<==========>

Servants waited outside the rooms of the two presidents, waiting to lead them to the chapel.

<===========>

Cartwright blinked, blearily. His ministers all seemed to be in duplicate. "Prime Minister, the coronation... are you ready?" One of the 12 Jameses shook him.

John immediately got up and followed Malissa to her closet, where she had walked into the large closet and was shuffling through her clothing hanging off the shelf. John stood in the doorway of the closet, leaning against the frame as he watched her search for the dress.

"You seem anxious, nervous...why?"

John watched her face, searching for some sign of anything that might help him understand her thoughts...

Finally, President Calis emerged from his quarters in his finest suite, ready to attend the corronation. He moved out of the doorway and approached the servant.

"I'm ready if you are."

Malissa brushed away a tear, as she looked up at her beloved. "I... what if I'm not a good Princess? I... I just want to help people..." She started to pull off her clothes, smiling wanly as John helped her.

"Dear, can you pass me some more underclothes?" She looked up and met his eyes as they travelled up and down her frame. "Please?"

John passed her the clothes, and after she was partially dressed, he suddenly bent, lifting her into his arms and kissing her. "You'll be a great Princess."

<==============>

The servants looked up. "Ah, Mr. Calis... are your brother and his wife prepared as well?"

Calis nodded as Karolyn appeared in her finest dress, her wheelchair also finely decorated. Calin was quickly following as he was controlling the chair.

"Yes, I believe they are ready."

Valient and D'rtang stepped out into the hall in their finest dress suits, D'rtang in his military formal wear.

They looked at each other and smiled, then turned to the servent with them and nodded.

"Well, shall we all head to the chapel?"

Joshua looked Phoenix in the eyes and walked out the door. Phoenix sighed and just sat down on the bed. "You need to talk to him Alex," Echo says as she sits beside Phoenix. "Please don't.... don't call me by my other name," he replies before standing up and walking over to a small case of clothing and pulling out a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt. "Joshua just needs time. Thats what we all need. Our lives...his life is in taters now. He needs to rebuild and restart," she says as she walks over to the case aswell and begens going through the dresses in it

Servants knocked on the door. "Lords Joshua and Phoenix, Lady Echo... the coronation begins soon. Please come with us to the chapel."

<===================>

Calis, Calin and Karolyn were rushed to the lift, down the hall-way, and into the chapel. They were sat in a single row, and a servant hovered nearby, to ensure that all was well.

Karolyn smiled. "I've never been to a coronation before."

<==================>

Valient and D'rtang were led at a stately pace through the halls of the palace. The servants looked around. "Damn... we're lost. Where's that map?"

<=================>

Malissa smiled, and squeezed John's hand. "You better run down to the chapel, dear... I have my own time to enter." She kissed him.

Kithail grinned with a grim expression taking over his features. "Well, it's alright, I suppose you can tell me later. Let's go to the coronation to finally meet your Princess, Dear Lady", said Kithail using his rusted courtier accent this time, his voice sounding like an old flute. He walked behind Allysandra, giving his clothes a last touch before leaving.

With a smile and a whisper of "I love you," to Malissa, John left the room, dressed in a handsome Armani suit and strolling with an air of authority down the hallway, led by one of the servants who had come out of nowhere. The servant led him toward the chapel, then held the door open for him as he entered. Once inside, he recognized that the church was Roman Catholic in appearance, but some things appeared to be of Eastern Catholic, or Orthodox, as some called it. Nevertheless, the rituals upon entrance to the church were similar to each other.

John dipped his forefinger into the basin of holy water, made the sign of the cross upon himself, touching himself with his finger in the appropriate points of the cross, starting with the forehead, then the chest, then both shoulders. John walked inside and seated himself, gazing upon the cross that hung upon the wall before him, just below a large circular mosaic window that depicted several scenes from the Bible. An usher led him to a designated seat for him. Once there, he knelt upon the cushioned rest and bent his head as he prayed his opening prayers silently. Several minutes later, he finished, and sat back once again, and waited, watching as the others guests of the coronation arrived. The soft harmonious music of the chorus floated through the church during this time.

As they walked to the palace, Allysandra sighed. "It was destroyed..." when Kithail turned a questioning look upon her, she blushed. "Alaitoc, I mean. 4 million of our kinsmen sent to someplace horrible... and then there was the mass-murders..." She brushed away a tear. "And I could do nothing..."

The palace loomed before them. "I'm a failure."

<===============>

Malissa closed her eyes and waited as the roll-call began.

Valient looked around with worry until D'rtang pointed slightly off to the West.

"The Chapel. There it is."

With relieved looks all around, the Admiral, President and the servents made it in the doors just as roll-call started

Kithail grabbed Allysandra's hand and forced her to stop "WHAT?. Who...who did that?, Who ordered that massacre?", said the elf, his face full of unspoken rage as he heard the evidence of kinslaying in Roania, the crime that usually makes him lose his temper.

"That's not your fault, you couldn't stop it alone. But the ones responsible must pay for it. I swear it by Ilúvatar", said the Pince, calming a little and holding his hand between his own. "I'm sorry about that, but it wasn't your fault, sometimes things are too big for just one person to handle", he said, pressing her head against his shoulder.

Allysandra sighed. "It doesn't matter... they're all dead... the humans responsible, I mean." She cried for a while into his shirt, but eventually she looked up. With a sad smile playing on her lips, she leaned up, and kissed him. "Thank you..." She looked towards the chapel. "Come on... I promised I'd get you in to see Malissa, and I keep my promises..."

She walked him into the chapel.

<============>

Valient and D'rtang were rushed through the entrance ritual, and led to their seats. "Can we get you anything while you wait?" One of the servants asked.

Kithail just followed Allysandra, leaving the comfort of her hand as he wasn't sure if it was correct to enter that chapel with her hand and his hand joined together.

John snapped back from his reverent meditation as he noticed more had arrived within the church. He looked back to see President Valient and D'rtang brought in. What he heard from the servant, despite his attempt to keep it quiet, surprised him.

Doesn't that boy know that there's nothing supposed to be taken in regards to food or drink besides water before a mass? Ignorant fool...can't imagine how he got that job without knowing that...

John turned back forward and watched as several altar boys move silently to the altar and light the candles in preparation for the mass. A third altar boy came forward, carrying an elegant stand and placed it in front of the altar, amongst the flowers that adorned the front of the altar. It stood tall, demanding its attention, as it waited for the precious crown to be placed upon the velvet pillow on top. The crown was probably going to be brought in by someone of importance, probably even the Prime Minister himself and place it upon the pillow. During the mass, the priest would personally crown Malissa at the appropriate time.

John pulled out a hymn book and flipped through the pages, seeking the songs to be used in the mass as he waited for the mass and ceremony to begin.

Calis, Calin and Karolyn were rushed to the lift, down the hall-way, and into the chapel. They were sat in a single row, and a servant hovered nearby, to ensure that all was well.

Karolyn smiled. "I've never been to a coronation before."

Calin nodded.

"I haven't either. It should be interesting."

Calis laughed at this brother's comment.

"Don't get your hopes up brother. They can be long, tedious and painfully boring."

Phoenix nodded and walked out of the room slightly eyeballing some movment that he just dismissed it as shadows. Joshua had already walked down to the chapel and entered. As he did he moved into the shadows alone and looked at the silver-white feather in his hand. As he did he sighed and let it go and pulled a small image of what looked like him and another woman 14 years before.

The mass went on, and on, and on. Finally, the prayers, in languages the guests did not understand, and embracing concepts few of them truly understood, ended. And the coronation began. An old, bearded man, stood before the altar, and raised his hands to heaven, speaking in an imploring voice in Latin to an unseen listener. As the speech finished, the nobles murmered their own prayers, in a mixture of Russian, German, and a musical, lilting language.

The doors at the back of the chapel silently opened, no human hand guiding them. The Prime Minister, Derricks, Agua, and Altara, walked in, each carrying a ring on a pillow. Behind the governmental figures, the two dukes and the Burghomeister also entered, carrying three gems. There was a murmer as Malissa walked in slowly, dressed in a simple white dress and holding a diamond. The altar was moved to the side on a magnetic track, and a dusty white chair was pushed forward. On top of it, the traces of a faded symbol could be made out.

Malissa, Simon Darquis, Leopold von Agua and Burghomeister Hendricks stood before it, as the government figures moved into a square shape around it. Patriarch Frazer blinked, and blearily said, "Who is it who stands before the throne?"

Malissa closed her eyes, and nodded. "A humble supplicant, requesting to serve my people."

"On what right do you ask?"

The young woman paused, gathering her thoughts. "On the right of birth, as a servant of the true faith, and as a protector of order."

The Patriarch stepped back, and another man moved forward. "Before you can take the throne, you must first join the ranks of true nobles. Do you, Princess Malissa Lucille Black, daughter of Alexander Duellist, swear to uphold the laws of the Grand Cause, defend the Catholic Church, protect your people, and rule justly?" The Archbishop of Roan asked.

"I swear."

"On your father's name?"

"On my father's name."

"Are there any others here who may make claim upon the Principality of Roania?" He asked, scanning the chapel. None of the Roanians moved a muscle. "Then, in the power invested in me by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I hereby proclaim you to be their true servant, and name you Princess Malissa Lucille Black."

The Archbishop stepped back, and the Patriarch stepped forward again. "Who is it that dares to stand before the throne?" He asked, expecting the standard, A lord/lady of the shattered empire, who wishes to be granted legitimacy by the spirits of the Shattered Empire. Something he was all too pleased to give them.

"A Princess of the shattered Empire," Malissa said, drawing strength from her words, "who wishes to see this land united."

The Patriarch seemed taken-aback. Loud murmers suddenly broke out from the nobles sitting in the church. The three nobles behind Malissa, however, stood stock-still, as if they had expected this. The Patriarch of Novar Ohan stared, and then spoke quietly, "a Princess? Where is your ring?"

Prime Minister Cartwright suddenly looked up, surprised. "Oh... I, the Premier of Roania, hereby grant to Her Highness the ring of state." He stepped down, and handed it to her. Malissa curtseyed, and he responded with a deep bow as Malissa placed the ring on her finger. The Patriarch sighed, and glanced at the Premiers out of the corner of his eye. They looked as shocked as he was. The Patriarch sighed once more. Well... she said the words... let's go through with this bit of charlatanry. After she's been refused, we can all get on with our lives.

"Princess Malissa Black, you must have the four gems of state in your possession before you may ask for such an honour." Malcom Fraser could feel the world spinning beneath him. "The throne has been empty for three-hundred years. Perhaps it is best if it remains so?"

Malissa shook her head. "For the strength of the shattered empire, I must stand forward." She turned to the three high-ranking nobles. They bowed. Malissa curtsied, and moved to Simon Darquis. She looked up at him, hopefully. "Most Noble Lord of Derricks, friend of my father. I request from you the ruby of the crown, which the last Kaiser gave to your forefather so long before. Will you grant me this one thing?"

Simon placed a hand beneath her chin, and rose her up. "You must never debase yourself before me, my lady. I grant you this sacred gift." He moved forward, and placed the ruby next to Malissa's diamond. Malissa nodded. Tears could be seen in her eyes.

From the area where the nobles of Derricks were sitting could be heard angry whispers, which silenced as their Duke embraced Malissa, whispering into her ear, "Unity in purpose is a grand thing, my god-daughter. But don't lose sight of the individual. That's where all the other rulers since the Empire failed." He released Malissa, and sank to the ground, bowing his head low.

The Patriarch closed his eyes. Heavenly father... what is this lunacy that has fallen upon our people? "Two gems are re-united. Two more must be relinquished before the empire can be considered whole."

Malissa moved again, and stared up at the harsh countenance of Leopold von Agua. "Most Grand Lord of Agua, master of the Holy Inquisition, I request from you the sapphire of the crown, which the last Kaiser gave to the Aguan Kings, and which was passed to your forefather, many years ago. Will you grant me this one thing?" She asked, kneeling.

Leopold stared up at the stained glass window, seeming to study it intently. "What do you hope to do with this?"

The Princess paused, unsure of herself. "I... I wish to re-unite the four lands. Peacefully."

Leopold laughed. "Our lands already now are united, in spirit and civilly, if not wholly. Why do you wish for this? Tell me why, and I will grant you my sapphire."

Malissa looked up at him. "I wish... I just wish for peace. Not the peace of a dead continent, as the Al'Roans attained. Or the peace of equal misery, as Rasputin Macchiavelli attained. And not the peace through greater force of arms, the Pax Roania, which my father and grandfather, may the Heavenly Lord bless them, wished for. I want unity behind a single purpose." Leopold stared at her, drawing more words out from her. "If... if you wish for this honour, I will relinquish both gems to you... all I want is a common ground... as the old Empire, the Divine Empire, had."

Leopold cupped her chin with his hands, and rose her up. "You are honest, and that is one thing we have been lacking in lately. I grant you my sapphire." He embraced Malissa in a massive bear-hug. Then, letting go, he placed the glittering gem besides its brothers.

She whispered to him, "Thank you..." as he let go. He knelt low to the ground as she moved onto the final noble, the Burghomeister. His soft, rotund body seemed especially out of place after the two muscular Inquisitors.

While she stared at him, a minor noble leaned towards John and whispered, "We've been lacking in idealists, too. Let's hope that after she's had a few babies, she's done with this nonsense. Sorry you had to..." He was silenced by John very carefully and silently grabbing his hand, and snapping his fingers.

Behind this, Merkenoff nodded approvingly. He'll go far...

The Burghomeister spoke first. "Who are you to request from me the emerald of Altara? It is the ancestors of your nation who destroyed our dukes and people. Why should I wish to see a Roanian rise high over us again?"

Malissa looked momentarily sad. "I... I can not change the sins of the past, Lord Burghomeister... what I can do is request a chance to correct them." The crowd stared in shock as the Roanian Princess knelt to the ground before the Altaran Burghomeister. "On behalf of my people, I apologise."

The Burghomeister softened. "I... oh... grr... how can I refuse that...?" He reached down, and cupped her chin in his hands, raising her off the floor. "I grant you my gem... Your Imperial Highness." He kissed both her cheeks, and sank to the floor. The entire room hushed.

The Patriarch stared, blearily. The Premiers looked as if their world had crumbled around them. Fraser looked around the room, meeting the eyes of every man and woman there, searching for an escape. With a sigh, he nodded. "Princess Malissa Black of Roania, you have been granted peacefully the gems of the Imperial Crown... is there any noble here who wishes to challenge this?"

The three men at the front turned and glanced behind them, making it clear that any noble with complaints would be a marked man. The room stayed silent. Fraser sighed, and began a long spiel in Latin as several lesser priests left through a side door on some errand. When he finished, he repeated the words in German and Russian, before moving to common. "May it be the will of the Heavenly Father, blessed be his name, that the nations support Her Highness, in all ways and means it can. May her armies bring order to the world, may her servants glorify her name. And let us say, Amen."

The crowd muttered, "Amen." Then the entire room went silent once more as the priests walked from a rear door, carrying a crown. They placed it upon the throne. Then the Patriarch picked up the gemstones, and returned them to their bearers. He shook his head. "If you truly desire to see the empire rise from the ashes of three hundred years, restore your gems to their rightful places."

Simon moved forward first, and turned the crown around so that he could see the symbols and the cachets where the gems would fit. He paused, and then slid his ruby into place. "I speak for Derricks, and I say yes."

Leopold followed him, placing his sapphire reverently into its slot. "I speak for Agua, and I say yes."

The Burghomeister blinked, blearily, and then moved forward, placing the emerald within its slot. "I speak for Altara, and I say yes."

Malissa followed, moving slowly. Every eye in the room followed her as she glanced at the diamond, and then slid it in. The crown glowed, seeming to boil to the touch. Malissa stepped back in alarm. The Patriarch stopped her. "The crown is whole... Your Highness, please step forward and take the final test. If you are unwilling, then you need but say so, and the gems will return to their owners and the crown to its slumber." And the continent to peace.

Malissa looked around the room, nervously. Her eyes met John's, and she smiled at him. 'I believe in you,' he whispered, knowing how stupid it sounded. She smiled wider, and then turned around, taking the crown in hand.

The pain is all in my head. She thought as she lifted it from the throne, and slowly raised it over her head. The pain was unbearable, but she couldn't be helped now. No one could do this but herself. With a gasp of relief, she placed it on her head, and instantly felt it cool. The Patriarch shook himself.

"As Patriarch of Novar Ohan, I... I... I... hereby re-innagurate the Divine Empire of Novar Ohan. May it grow strong, and may its rulers be blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ." He held up a cross, and then passed it to Malissa. She kissed it reverently, and then returned it to him.

Malissa looked at the three nobles, and then at the three premiers. She remembered, vaguely, what she was supposed to do. "I hereby... I hereby confirm you as nobles of the Divine Empire." The Premiers audibly gasped their relief, and then moved down the stairs, passing the rings of state back to the three men.

She then stood up, and swept down to the door, followed by the three nobles, and her guards, which had stepped from hidden positions and now left after her, closing the immense doors. The entire chapel exploded in a rush of loud conversations.

As Malissa swept gracefully out of the room, John smiled. She had done it, she had begun her move to shake the world's foundations. And he had been there to watch it all begin...

And that crown looks like it belongs there...and it does...

As she went past, he bowed respectively to her, as would be expected, and waited until she had departed the building to stand up and begin moving to get out of the Church. He turned to the Cross, blessed himself and then turned and began to snake his way through the masses of people crowding the aisles.

He muttered to himself, "Come on..come on..get out of my way!"

A hand reached out to grab John's arm. John turned to find Merkenoff smiling and beckoning for him to follow with a finger. Together the two men made their way back down the aisle and around to the side door, where less people were leaving out of. Once outside, Merkenoff turned to John and clasped his hand to his shoulder.

"I know you'll want to congratulate her. Take my limo. The driver will know where to go."

"Thanks Ivan."

With that, John got into Ivan's limo and away it sped to the palace once again. Minutes later, the car swung into the main entrance. John thanked the driver, then got out and walked quickly into the entry vestibule. There, Malissa stood with Simon, Leopold and Burghomeister. John walked up and patiently waited until Malissa was done talking to the men and finally noticed him. She smiled warmly and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.

"Congratulations Empress Malissa," he said softly to her. He hugged her, closing his eyes with a smile. He stood back and held her hands with his, squeezing them lightly. "You'll do wondefully as Empress."

Calis, Calin and Karolyn sat in silence for several minutes at it all sank in. Malissa was now Empress of Novar Ohan and Princess of the Roanian province. Although the Asstonian brothers did not understand much of Roanian politics, they realised the significance of what had just passed.

Finally, Karolyn spoke.

"Wow. I didn't think the provinces would ever be reunited again......"

Calin remained mute as he went over his knowledge of Roanian history and politics. Calis merely nodded.

"It is a surprise indeed, but Miss Black appears to be a promising ruler. Hopefully she will bring great things to her nation."

Even though Calis had never actually met the woman, he had heard many things about her, namely she was not like her father whom Calis had encountered before.

Calis would definitely have to confer with the Empress about the Empire's stance with Assington and other political issues.

The pair slowly rose from their seats as Calin suggested they head to the bar. Within minutes Calis was leading whilst Calin pushed Karolyn's chair along. Calis figured he could catch up with the Empress later.

Joshua sat in the back quietly glancing up to look sometimes. He then slowly placed his picture away and smiled slightly. I hope she can handel the stress, he thinks as he looks around for several seconds

"Well...well...this calls for something more personal..."

Communique Directly from Duo Migashi, People's Representative of Cyberutopia

Wow. By the Faith itself...this is unprecedented. I've been quietly watching this for some time, I'll admit. And I'm damned suprised. Roania united...no matter how many times I repeat it, nothing seems real. Er...contratulations, I suppose, this looks good for Roania's future, there must have been something Her Highness did right. Good luck, Malissa.

((From Cy himself: holy crap, I sense big changes. Perhaps even Roania leaving, I hate to think? This doesn't happen all this often unless someone's going to leave, now that I think about it.))

Valient and D'rtang waited for a moment, until most of the guests had filed out, before Valient surrepticiously brought out an opaque bottle and lightly shook it.

D'rtang looked at his president with a humerous smile.

"I thought you gave up drinking... and we're in a church."

Valient shook his head mirthfully and gave a short laugh.

"This will be the last drink. After all, we have to celebrate what we have just witnessed..."

As Valient took a single shot from the cap of the bottle, D'rtang spoke.

"What did we witness, Alexander? Sure Malissa has reunited all 4 lands, but how many people will be happy with this setup?"

Valient shook his head and handed the Admiral the bottle.

"I am not sure, Joseph. But that is out of all of our hands, save for Malissa and for our dear Prince Marshall. Now come, let us see what else there is to do before the sun sets..."

Together, the President and his Admiral exited the Church.

Joshua slowly walked out and began walking away from the mass when he felt a calming hand on his shoulder. "So you still want me around after all," Joshua says as he is suddenly turned around and was pulled into a embrace he never expected from Echo. "God don't ever leave like that," she says as she holds him tightly

Malissa smiled, and just pulled herself from her beloved's grasp. "I'd be glad to spend time with you... but now I must meet our other guests... I'd hate for you to seem to be keeping me for yourself..." She kissed him. "Has anyone seen ShadowPrince Kithail?" She asked the guards.

<================>

Allysandra looked heavenwards after the ceremony. "Humans and their pageantry... still, it's a nice feeling. Now, come on!" She grabbed Kithail's hands. "We need to catch the Empress before she disappears again!"

<================>

A stern looking man walked towards Echo. "Lady Maxwell? I am First Marshal Michael von Derzna of the Roanian Legions. His Excellency the Prime Minister has sent me to find you and your brothers, and take you to his office. He desires to meet with you, for some reason." He bowed, and kissed her hand.

<================>

Cartwright put a boot out, almost tripping Drtang. "Oh, dear... I'm so sorry. Clumsy me," he said as the bottle flew through the air and into a nearby rubbish bin. "Mr. President, do you have a moment?"

<================>

Return Communique: Asian Peoples Section of the Roanian Ministry ffor Foriegn Affairs and Trade

We thank you for your kind words, Ambassador Migashi. The Imperial Government has every wish to maintain good and close relationships with Cyberutopia, and Her Imperial Highness thanks you personally. We are glad you are settling in well, and look forward to working with you.

OOC: I'll never tell! NEVER! Oh, btw... I'm planning something you might be interested in. I'll tell you over TM.

<================>

An emissary appeared right beside President Calin. "Sir, if you, your brother, and Lady Karolyn, could come with me, the Prime Minister wishes to speak to you."

((Imperial Highness, right. *scribbles note furiously* Anyway, I'm always open to any plans of yours.))

D'rtang righted himself and glowered a little at the Prime Minister. Valient ignored his Admiral just for a moment.

"Yes Prime Minister... what is it?"

An emissary appeared right beside President Calin. "Sir, if you, your brother, and Lady Karolyn, could come with me, the Prime Minister wishes to speak to you."

OOC: Calis is the President Ro.....

IC: Calis nodded to the emissary.

"Ok. Let me just finish my drink."

The President quickly drained his wine, then waited for Calin to pull Karolyn away from the bar.

"Lead the way....

Echo brushed a small tear from his face and nodded. Before Joshua could even mention anything about not being a Maxwell he felt a hand hitting him in the back of the head. At that point relying totaly on instinct he snatched the arm and tried breaking it but realized it was Phoenix's. "Let go of my arm before I have to tear off yours to get it," Phoenix says with a slight hint of annoyance in his voice. "Ya...." was the reply as Joshua let go of his arm, "And.." He was suddenly cut off by Echo when she says "Joshua is not in the same genetic family as me and Phoenix so if you could please no longer adress him as my brother but by his military rank of Advance General that would be helpful. So now lets go see what is needed." Joshua was alittle stuned by this but hid it. "Oh and Joshua one more thing...." she says before suddenly jumping on his back like a child startling most people "You're carrying me."

Kithail smiled, his joy slowly coming back from the hidden hole of his heart as she lead him by the hand through the thick group of people around there. Allysandra had some kind of magic to make him happy, and make him forget all worries.

"Let's go, then. I really want to meet your fabled Empress, Allysandra, and to ask her several questions?", said Kithail, letting himself be carried away by the elven maiden.

Allysandra smiled herself as she concentrated. "Hold on... this is a spell I learnt from an... an old friend." She looked momentarily sad for a second, then just stepped into the air, carrying Kithail with her. She smiled as he grabbed her hand firmly.

Malissa looked up, shocked. "Allysandra!" She said, after regaining control. The guards put their guns down, embarassed. "What did I tell... ShadowPrince Kithail?" Malissa curtsied.

<==========>

President Calis, President Valient, and President Echo were led to the PM's Office. Once they were all present, Cartwright moved behind his desk. As they waited, the three Presidents had a chance to look around the office. It was shaped like a pyramid, and the rumour going around architectural circuits was that it had been three dimensional on the plans.

Accordingly, there must be angles that were outside of conventional space-time. Strange sounds could be heard on the edge of hearing. Cartwright muttered something about 'stupid cross-dimensional phasing...' He pulled out some papers. "Gentlemen... and lady," he remembered, nodding to Echo. "As the Prime Minister of Novar Ohan, I am gratified by the sight of your arrival. Thus, I propose a mutual defense pact between your nations, and mine." He pulled out a bottle of champagne. "Care to have a drink while you think things through?"

John smiled at Malissa's shocked face at Alysandra's arrival. Taking this as his cue to leave, he excused himself with a wink to Malissa who merely smiled at him.

John ambled away enough to give Malissa her space as she talked with Alysandra and Kithail. He put his hands in his pockets as he thought to himself over the day's events. However, one thing troubled him.

What the hell happened today?

John found himself approaching Simon suddenly, and stopped in front of him.

"Simon, if I may ask...what exactly is up with all the ruckus over the coronation today?"

Calis denied the drink as he thought it best to keep a clear head when undergoing these sorts of negotiations. That and he had already consumed a large amount of wine beforehand.

"I'm interested, but I must ask what the conditions are?"

"No thanks. I don't drink," Echo says calmly, "But you should speak to Phoenix on this he is the military leader. But he has been looking foreward to not having to worry aobut getting the piss bombed outa him." Sh laughed slightly then streched her legs for a second "So what would this require for this to be formed?"
----------------------
Joshua streched his arms and pulled off the torn under armor and looked over his soulder at his back and sighed. "So it is true then. Mom... your mother was part angel," Phoenix says as he walks behind him. "Yes it is. Now back up I'm letting my wings out," he replies as suddenly his slivery-white wings burst out of the old wounds on his back with only a slight bit of blood on them. "Wow... never believed in angels till now."

Although quite used to flying, mostly in planes and space shuttles, flying by the use of magic was a new and interesting sensation for the ShadowPrince. Allysandra was with no doubt a box full of surprises...

Then suddenly he saw the figure of the Empress and the guards raising their rifles towards them. "Allysandra, I'm not quite sure this is exactly a good idea, since..."

"Allysandra!". What did I tell... ShadowPrince Kithail?", said the Roanian Empress, and finally Kithail could relax for a while. "Indeed my parents placed that name over me, Empress Malissa, but it's not a beautiful one like yours. Congratulations, Your Highness, I'm glad to be here to share this moment with your people". As he spoke he approached Malissa and, bowing slightly, kissed the ring of her hand.

Malissa smiled at Kithail, and curtsied to the elf. "That is okay, sir... your name is interesting."

Allysandra coughed. "Kithail... didn't you say you had questions for her Imperial Majesty?"

<============>

Simon looked around. "I'll explain later, John... this is neither the time, or the place..."

<===========>

Cartwright nodded. "Essentially, whenever one of our nations is attacked, the others will come to their aid... forgive me, but details aren't my strong point."

John nodded silently and glanced over at Malissa once again.

"Well, excuse me, while I go for a walk through the garden. Do have someone call for me should one of you require my presence..."

With that, John walked away from Simon, brooding over the day's events once again. He found himself walking through the exquisitely designed royal garden, gazing nonchalantly at the various plants that grew. A few he bent in to sniff, enjoying their sweet smells. Finally he sat down on a bench, and stared thoughtfully at the fountain in the small pond in the center of the garden...

Calis nodded, displaying his agreement.

"I see. I'm all for such a pact, but I want to know exactly what I'm getting into. Do you have a copy of the document?"

OOC: Is there anything I should be worried about?

"Your Highness, most praised of all thr Roanian women. I suppose I can ask you a few questions. The first one is maybe the most important, and the basic one. Can I ask What will happen to Roania now that the country is under your rule?. Are you going to rule it using the iron fist that your father used?", asked Kithail, in a very frankly manner, without hesitation, but using a soft tone of voice to avoid to look too rude. He even dared to take Allysandra's hand as he spoke, smiling to the elven courtier.

"Ok simplely if someone is attacked we help. If someone needs for example aid money to repair attack damage we offer what we can to help?"

Valient politely waved off the drinks and sat down on an adjoining chair.

"Well, I have no qualms with this sort of agreement. I will tentatively say that the Commonwealth-Dominion will take part, but I must first discuss this with my Admiral.... Shall we meet another time for any signing of papers?"

OOC: Not to be rude or anything, but come on Roania...you know I have to leave soon for the summer...and time is getting very short...

IC:

John breathed in the air, closing his eyes. Despite the hot dry heat that rolled over the land, the sweet smell of the flowers of the garden were a pleasant countereffect.

Such a wondrous and mysterious nation this is...

OOC: E-mail me your wedding post *checks watch* Okay, a decent post in 2 minutes. AND GO!


IC:

Cartwright shook his head. "Completely up to you, President Echo... I mean, completely up to the individual nations involved. President Calis, I will have my aides fax a copy to your embassy in New Agua. Same as well for you, President Valient, if you are unwilling to take the word of a fellow statesman." He tried to keep a straight face, but burst out laughing. "Very well, I'll send a copy of the document to each of your embassies for perusal and approval."

<===========>

Malissa looked stunned, but her expression slowly became angry. "My father was a great man, ShadowPrince Kithail." The Imperial Guardsmen stiffened, and their hands began to inch along towards their scabbards.

Allysandra acted quickly, and stepped forward. "Your Imperial Highness, I require your permission to leave the Empire for Aelosia." Malissa blinked with surprise.

"Sorry, Lady Allys?" Malissa asked, and then she stepped back in surprise as Allysanndra moved back, showing that she was holding Kithail's hands. "Ah... um..." Not wanting to ruin her friend's new life, Malissa bowed her head to Kithail. "As I was saying, ShadowPrince, my father was a great man, but he was very hard. I have more faith in my subjects and elected officials than he did."

Calis nodded, a slight grin crossing his face.

"In that case, I'll take you up on that drink."

The President looked around the office, examining the certificates and other such decorations of the office. The place felt strange, but he merely remined himself this was Roania.

"Sounds good to me. Just give me a moment to let Phoenix know of this," she says as she reaches to her wrist watch and flips up the time part and taps it a few times. At that point a small hologram of Phoenix apered on it and it spoke "What is it?" "Just an alience with a few nations thats all. Just letting you know." "Ok then oh and you might want to know Joshua is not exactly 'normal' right now."
===============================
Joshua looked out a window and folded his wings and slowly started to open it letting a cooling breze enter the room. It slowly made him strech his wings out for a moment and let them disaper again only leaving strangly a small silver ring in his hand. Alittle startled by this he grabed his under armor and put is back on quickly.

I didn't say that your father was a bad man. I said he ruled this country with an iron fist. that only meant that your father was a strict and a strong ruler. And I'm sorry if my clumsy words let you extract some wrong conclusion, Your Highness", said the ShadowPrince, in his words an apology and the grace from a courtier, yet in his eyes a blaze of anger shown.

"And I would like to congratulate you for your decision. Trusting in your vassals is a show of wisdom, Your Highness. Another thing, I would like to ask you for Allysandra's leave too. And maybe I'm interested in asking for her hand too", said the Prince with conviction, even although his cheeks were blushing a little for the situation.

Malissa herself glared at Kithail, but her expression thinned and she looked embarrassed. "Oh... well... um..." she blushed. "Sorry, I over-reacted..." the young woman looked at Allysandra. "Well... I don't know... how will my government ever cope without you?"

Allysandra laughed. "Well, if it comes to that, you could always try to keep Cartwright busy... so long as he doesn't have time to think, he's a good man." She kneeled, and bowed her head. "Your Imperial Highness, Kaiserine Malissa... I have never asked your family for anything before now... please, grant me this one thing..." she looked to the side at Kithail, and smiled at him, showing her pleasure at the idea of marrying him.

Malissa looked shocked, and quickly looked around. "Alys, please don't... I'm not my father or grandfather, I don't need my people kow-towing in order to follow their heart... please, go. Enjoy your life, and find happiness..." Malissa pulled Allysandra up, and embraced her briefly. "I'll... just try to get on as best I can."

Allysandra smiled, and curtsied. "Your Imperial Highness is most kind, Malissa... and give my regards to your fiance..." Allysandra smiled over at John, who looked up and assayed a brief wave at hearing himself mentioned.

Malissa smiled, and then curtsied to Kithail. "Well... it seems you're stealing my Imperial Advisor on Elven Affairs from me... I'll need to find a replacement... are you at all averse to sending one of your subjects?" She asked him.

Allysanda moved beside Kithail, and smiled at him, making it clear she had a plan. With a quick look around, she darted up as if to kiss him, but whispered into his ear, "send your best intelligence agent, my dear... they won't check him..." she then did kiss him, and stepped behind her love.

<==============>

Cartwright rose. "Well, there's no point in waiting around here... let's be off then..."

"Not at all, Your Highness, I'll be delighted to send a representative", said Kithail, bowing a little, a wry grin appearing in his lips as he heard Allysandra's comment. No need for that, Darling, I prefer to send someone nice, to learn from the Roanians, not to spy them.

"I'll findsomeone you can trust, and someone who will try to be as capableas Ally sandra, although I'm not sure if someone will be as useful as her", said Kithail, smiling to Malissa.

"As your father had, you have now my friendship and the friendship of the Sindarin Empire of Aelosia", he finished, staring directly to Malissa's eyes.

Malissa curtsied, and everyone of her guards bowed low. "Thank you, ShadowPrince Kithail..." she said, as she averted her own emerald eyes modestly away from the elf's. "Have a safe trip... and..." she flashed hand signals to one of the servants standing nearby. The man nodded, and took off for a distant corridor.

He returned a few minutes later, carrying a shining rapier, with designs of crowns and gems worked into its hilt. A single flawless ruby glinted from the hilt, and the general aura was one of finesse and elegance.

The response the rapier received from Allysandra, though, was one of almost pure terror and revulsion, though she managed to regain control of herself. "Might I... ask... whose rapier that was?" The elf-woman asked, eyes darkened.

"My father's, of course... part of his collection," Malissa said, as the servant proffered the sword to the ShadowPrince. "I had heard that ShadowPrince Kithail was a swordsman, so I thought to present him with one of the finest rapiers ever to come from the smiths of Tarnaqin." Her brow wrinkled. "Why?"

Allysandra stepped forward, and smiled at Kithail, panic evident. Accept it, or there will be an incident... then put it in your treasury and never, ever, use it or look upon it... it might not have been one of his 'special' collection, but I'd prefer not to take the risk... however, my prince, the choice lies entirely with you and I wouldn't dream of making decisions for you... she quickly added, the sight of the sword re-awakening old patterns of thought, and old feelings of fear.

Joshua placed the ring on his hand and began to walk away form the window and closed it with just a thought. "I want to go home," he whispered to himself quietly, "And find some answers...."

"I have heard that the Prince of Roania was an awesome swordsman in his former days. It will be an honor to have a weapon of your father, Princess Malissa Black. This looks like an amazing gift. Two presents you have given me today, and I promise you that I'll answer to your kind attitude", said Kithail, arching an eyebrow as he took the sword and analized it with expert eye, taking into account Allysandra's advise, he didn't dared to take the blade out of the scabbard.

"Princess Aliria sent you a present, although I lost it in the little incident in the palaceI'll find you something that will match with your delightful personality and looking, Princess, to you and to your fiancé", said Kithail, lowering his face and playing with his foot.

Calis waited for Cartwright to lead the way as he still wasn't quite sure where he was going.

"Where are we off to now?"

OOC: Hey Ro, why haven't you been on msn lately?

Cartwright said nothing as he politely led them all to the tavern. Then, with a flourish, he placed several large gilted invitations on the table, next to several plane tickets back to their homelands. "Have a nice trip... and I hope we'll see you at the wedding." He said, hurrying back to his office as his mobile started to ring.

An explosion somewhere outside caused him to move even faster, his short legs pumping furiously.

===============

Malissa blushed. "Thank you, Kithail... but your presence here was sufficient, really..." she curtsied once more, but then a uniformed man suddenly ran and whispered into her ear. Her eyes widened. "Oh... oh, dear... there's been some sort... some sort of incident in the city, and my Interior Minister feels that he would be happier if you were returning home..."

A distinct smell of acrid smoke could be sensed, wafting in through an open window. Allysandra sighed. The Nasos again, I suppose... though noone here will ever admit it...

Malissa curtsied politely. "Please, excuse me..."

Allysandra and Kithail were left alone, as guards rushed the newly crowned Empress and her fiance to safety. One of them looked over at the two elves, but Allysandra waved him away. She looked over at Kithail, and kissed him passionately. "What do you think of these people?"

"I find them charming. Maybe Aliria was right about humans after all", he said, still blushing from the kiss, that he had returned quite eager. "Although I already know that Roania is a land of secrets, and some things that are present in this place are not that charming, I guess. Even I'm not entirely sure if I want to find what those secrets are. Maybe you would like to tell me dear, before the Ministry of Internal affair takes care of us, sending us well away from all this trouble", he said, taking her hand, in his features depicted a wry grin.

Allysandra smiled a bit sadly, and before he could protest, she pulled the rapier from his hand. "I'll... I'll show you one of them..." she mouthed a prayer to any God or Goddess that might be listening, and slowly drew the blade from its sheathe.

As it became totally free of the cover, it suddenly burst into red flame, the lights of the entry-hall dimming considerably and the blade made an audible humming sound. The woman's eyes suddenly became dilated, and her breath grew uneven. "I... no... no!" She exerted intense force, and pushed the weapon back into its scabbard. She panted heavily, exhausted by her brief meeting with powers beyond her own comprehension. "There... there. That's... the greatest... of them. For all their talk about purity... they... how much do you know about Alexander Black?"

Calis sighed. Sometimes Roanian politics really pissed him off. Sitting down at the bar and ordered the closest thing to a beer the place had. Not really satisfied with the drink, the President couldn't be bothered getting into an argument about it.

He would need to find his brother and Karolyn, and probably talk to his head guard.

Kithail opened his eyes wide, rushing forward to take Allysandra between his arms, to check if she was alright...

"What in the name of Valinor was that?. I suppose I don't know as much as I would like", he said, visibly worried, arching an eyebrow. "Maybe I would apprecciate if you can tell me more about it"

Allysandra collapsed into Kithail's arms. "It... it was... a relic of the blade's previous owner... he allowed his tainted mind to enter even into his weapons... only someone much stronger than me could overcome it... if I had tried to use it, it... would have eventually taken control of me..." she panted heavily, her very life-force seemingly being drawn from her. "And... and these people... they see nothing wrong with that... nothing at all..."

"Then the best way to control such power is to keep it secret, and keep it safe. I suppose I could face such power, but I'm not exactly prepared for it, not now, although I'm fairly sure that I'll find the strenght someday", said Kithail hugging the elven woman very close, fondling her hair with a delicate touch of his fingers, trying to comfort her.

"Did you say tainted mind?. What was exactly the Prince?. I'm not quite sure of his humanity", he asked, looking worried.

Allysandra started to blink back tears. "I don't know what he was... he was a murderer, and more than a murderer... there is a room beneath this palace that's painted in the blood of his victims... he was a Black, you have to understand... they have some sort of defect in their genetics that... that... predisposes them to sadism, or something like that. And not only was he afflicted by that... but he was psychic," she said, softly. "He couldn't stop himself, wouldn't try to stop himself, from hurting others. He didn't... he didn't even see the people he hurt as human... he considered them to be... to be things... he spoke of their pain and fear as if it was meat and drink to him."

She pictured him in her mind, standing over the body of a fallen victim, one of his rapiers impaled in the other man's back. And that expression... that terrible expression; not of anger, not of hatred... but of a terrible and abiding peace. Her words lapsed beyond hearing there, as she whispered, "and god... how he hated himself... how he wished to end it all... but he... he couldn't... how he prayed, and... now he's gone... and he's never going to be able to redeem himself..."

Kithail was with no doubt really disturbed by Allysandra's words. He got his mouth wide opened, his jaw almost falling to his chest. "That he did what?. Alright, I can be really a monster in the thick of the fray sometimes, yet I've never killed somone by the back, and although sometimes I can be a bit cruel I hate to see innocents harmed", he said, almost stuttering the words.

"So it's a family thing, then. And even more, you were here suffering such injustices, and resisted. I'm proud of you, Allysandra. I even admire you, after all you are a remarkable and brave woman. I think the best way for the both of us is to get out of this nation as fast as possible. I promise you that you'll never be in a similar dangerous and disgusting situation in Aelosia, I swear you by my life".

"About Black, etter that way. I hope that he'll never have an opportunity to harm anyone again", said Kithail, the smile reappearing in his face again for a moment before turning again in a wry grin.

Allysandra did start to cry then, burying her face in his shoulder and letting tears flow. ...I'd like to leave... I've seen too much death here... I should never have stayed among the humans...

"Then come with me. I hope the magic of the Craftworld will help you to forget all the nasty things that happened here. There's nothing like the life in the stars to find happiness again. But I promise you something more. The people of Alaitoc won't be forgotten, at least in the minds and hearts of the people of Aelosia", said Kithail, hugging her close and fondling her hair a bit.

"Then come with me. I hope the magic of the Craftworld will help you to forget all the nasty things that happened here. There's nothing like the life in the stars to find happiness again. But I promise you something more. The people of Alaitoc won't be forgotten, at least in the minds and hearts of the people of Aelosia", said Kithail, hugging her close and fondling her hair a bit.

Allysandra giggled, softly. But she looked up as a guard entered. "ShadowPrince, Lady Allysandra... your transport is waiting for you..."

Kithail grabbed Allysandra's hand and conducted her to the direction of the transport. "It's your chance now to be happy, and I'll do everything possible to ensure your happiness. Come with me and forget about all this suffering", he said, looking directly at her eyes, placing the palm of his hand over her cheek.

Kithail grabbed Allysandra's hand and conducted her to the direction of the transport. "It's your chance now to be happy, and I'll do everything possible to ensure your happiness. Come with me and forget about all this suffering", he said, looking directly at her eyes, placing the palm of his hand over her cheek.

Allysandra smiled, and held his hand. "I love you, Kithail." She said softly, almost beyond even his hearing.

Soon, they were leaving the Divine Empire, and Allysandra left, finally doing something for herself.

((Thank you all for taking part. Now, there's one more post... written by Tarlachia, before he disappeared. Sorry I rushed things along towards the end. It's been fun, and I hope to see you all soon!))

((Claps softly

Good job, congrats to all.))

((Posting for Tarlachia...))

John looked into the mirror, feeling a slight anxiety of the upcoming wedding.
He pulled on his tuxedo, straightened it, and turned to side to verify all was
in place.

I can’t believe it…I’m getting married to the woman of my dreams…

A knock sounded on the door, and opened momentarily. His father, the king of
Tarlachia walked in with a big grin on his face. John turned to him and smiled
in response.

“Well well, son, you look quite the dashing groom! Is everything all right for
you? Anything I can do?”

John shook his head, “No, I’ve got it all right. Thanks though, father.”

The king lifted his hand to John’s chin, lifting it to him a little more.

“Be proud son, of who you are, and where you are from. And now, you are soon to
be married to a wonderful woman, who I know will love you unconditionally. The
best kind of love, my son. Trust me, I know…”

John smiled, slowly relaxing himself once again as he listened to his father.

“Now, where is your best man? Isn’t he supposed to be here, keeping you under
control?” the king asked with a chuckle.

“Ahh, you mean President Valient, he’ll be here shortly, he just had to finish
something, probably another drink!”

Both men laughed, before the king reached into his pocket and pulled out a small
box and handed it to John. John accepted it and opened it up to reveal a rather
expensive looking watch.

“John, let this be my gift for you, although it cannot begin to represent the
pride and joy I have in you being my son.” the king spoke, his eyes getting
slightly misty. He sighed, “You’ve grown up a lot my son, perhaps more so than
your brothers. Look at you, an expert swordsman, an ex-President, and a
wonderful man whom Malissa will call her own.”

The king put his hand on John’s shoulder and pulled him close for a hug. “You’ve
done well, my son. I know you’ll treat Malissa with your complete love. I’d hate
to hear otherwise…”

“Of course not, father.” John replied with a chuckle.

Just then, the door burst open, and in came President Valient.

“Yo, John, my man! You’ve gotta get out there! They’re gonna start soon!”

John smiled, before placing both hands on Valient’s shoulders, “Calm down my
friend, we’ve got plenty of time. Come with me.”

John turned, nodded to his father and left the room, followed by the others
moments later…
_____________________________

John stood at the altar, his hands crossed in front of him, as he looked about
the expansive church at the numerous faces that chatted quietly amongst
themselves and watched the various people walk by. In only a few minutes the
ceremony would begin.

President Valient stood next to John, with his arms also crossed in front of
him. John nudged Valient and whispered as he leaned in toward him,

“You did stay out of the alcohol right?”

Valient let out a chuckle, “Of course, the partying starts later, I wouldn’t
want to drink it all before eh?”

“Good man, good man.” John replied with a smile, as he turned his attention to
the rear of the church, awaiting the beginning of the procession.