NationStates Jolt Archive

Esteemed world leader and representatives,

It is my pleasure to announce that the Family of Laird Austinbough the Fourth has recently returned to the ancestral home in the Borderlands of Leaha. In celebration of this occasion, the Laird is throwing a Gala Ball for all to attend, if they so desire.

Come in peace, bring your entourage, and enjoy yourselves. Arrivals begin at seven o' clock. Accomodations for aircraft, shipcraft, and any other kind of craft available.

Please RSVP to Meaggan, Second daughter of the Laird

*bump*

TAG, will consider entering with a particular character in mind. Will need to talk to other person who has a character associated with mine.

OOC: I suppose if Tarlacharia enters with the individual I think he will, then I will have to bring Whiptail to this gathering.

Madam Meaggan,

One of our most prominent Senators, Thomas O'Reilly, has expressed interest in this event. He and his wife, Jennifer, would be pleased to attend your gala. We will need instructions as to your societal customs, as well as the location of the nearest airport.

Senator O'Reilly sends his regards.

Heather Mills
Senior Aide to Senator O'Reilly

The Senator and Mrs. O'Rielly are most certainly welcome! Ah yes, the airport is located aproximately 10 miles east of the capital city of Rochon. Ground transportation to the Laird's estate will be waiting if you choose to use air travel. The estate does have it's own dock as well.

As far as social customs go, our society is one that encourages creativity, free thought and respect for one another. Customs are deeply rooted in Leahin history and could best be compared to those of the landed gentry in Renaissance Britain. Everyone is welcome; all opinions are heard equally. Most of what we do might be classified as bardic arts: storytelling, music, poetry, and the like. Come enjoy a hearty stout beer and a lively dance with us.

Arah, titha et pline etchex va,
Meaggan, Second daughter of the Laird

O'Reilly finished putting on his bow tie as Jennifer was applying the last touches of her makeup.

"You clean up nice," she jokingly said to him. She was used to seeing Tom in his suit and occasionally the ceremonial robe of The Senate, but they didn't attend many black-tie functions. He would have said the same to her, but the Mrs. always dressed nicely.

They took the elevator downstairs from their penthouse. No need to take the helicopter today, O'Reilly thought. We're supposed to be fashionably late.

The doorman opened the door. "Senator, Mrs. O'Reilly," he greeted them. "Have a good night!"

They walked down the entrance to the Bentley waiting for them. They had their usual driver, and the ride to the airport was quick. Once there, they boarded their G5 and were off to Leaha.

Tag: President Valient and his trusty Admiral will RSVP and will come :D

As soon as I get the energy to post something for real.

John looked at the letter recieved from Leaha.

"Malissa, come look at this. We've got an invitation to Leaha for a ball. Shall we go?"

Malissa looked over his shoulder at the letter, reading it for herself.

"Yes, let's take a small vacation from this depressing government world."

John nodded and called for a servant. As he waited for one to arrive, he scribbled out a quick message. The servant arrived, and was instructed to deliver the letter to Communications:

[code:1:ed858d49cd]
ATTN: LEAHA
SENDER: ROANIA
ENCRYPT?: YES
TIME: 4:37pm

To Whom It May Concern,

Princess Malissa Black and Royal Consort John Marshall Black will gladly accept your invitation. Transportation assistance will not be required, as
we have our own private jet. Please have a limousine ready to recieve us at your nearest airport.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Princess Malissa Black
Royal Consort John Marshall Black

END MESSAGE: 4:40pm
ENCRYPTION ENDED
[/code:1:ed858d49cd]

Turning back to Malissa he spoke with a glint in his eyes:

"Let's show them what Roania has to offer yes?"

Ground transportation has been arranged for both the Honored guests from Roania and the Senator and Mrs. O'Reilly. Speak with Braunaugh when you arrive at the airport.

Arah, titha et pline etchex va,
Meaggan, Second daughter of the Laird

Within an hour John and Malissa found themselves in their private jet making their way to Leaha. Surrounding them in the air was a half dozen Roanian fighter jets, there to ensure the safety of their leaders' passage.

John sat inside, sipping his wine, Roania's best.

Such a wondrous taste...

Beside him, his wife Malissa sat, resting with her eyes closed. She was going to need her strength, for John planned to make the two of them a wonder to watch during the dances.

He smiled as he thought of the possibilities of what was to come.

ooc: btw, WA, the name is Tarlachia...not Tarlacharia... :wink:

A carrier pidgeon arrived at the window of the second daughter of the Laird, the one known as Meggan. The small avian had a note of proper proportion attatched to its leg. The note was of simple primitive paper, the message written in a black ink-like substance...


Greetings to the second daughter of the Laird from Warchief Illiad Redscale of the Argonian people.

I have been informed of your social gathering, and wish to attend. I will bring a small protective escort with me, consisting of my two most trusted advisors. The first is the leader of my most revered warparty, the young Arakesh Quickclaw. The second is the national hero & revered hunter Whiptail Longtail. I assure you that we come in peace, despite the title of my leadership position.

Both Arakesh & Whiptail are civilized beings, not taken to random acts of violence or other distasteful habits. If this is satisfactory, please return the messenger to me with a note of affirmation. We will most likely arrive by jet at your public air terminal.

Many Thanks,
Illiad Redscale

*Meaggan, reading in her chair by the window, notices a pidgeon flutter onto the sill. She unties the small note from its delicate leg. Quickly, Meaggan reads it. She neatly tears a blank page out of the back of her book, writes a response in her elegant script, offers the gentle bird some seed, and sends the creature on its way.*

The note:
My dear Illiad Redscale,

We would be most honored by your attendance! We, too, are a nation that disdains the senseless violence that certain radical groups in other countries seem to favor. You are most welcome in Leaha.

Arah, titha et pline etchex va,
Meaggan, Second daughter of the Laird

*tag* for later.

Malissa sighed, peacefully. The plane would be landing soon.

<========>

Back in Roania, the Ministers were all trying to get the PM out of his room. "Harold! Nothing bad will happen while she's gone!"

"Says you! Remember what happened last time? We still haven't found that island!"

The Senator's plane landed at the airport. O'Reilly could see Rochon's lights in the distance, but he didn't know anything about the city.

He and his wife walked off the plane, followed by a single man in a black suit. He wasn't necessarily a security agent, but one of his jobs was to keep The Senator safe. He handled all of the communications between The Captain and Senator O'Reilly.

They walked down the stairs to the waiting car, generously provided by the Leahan government. It was such a hassle to have the go-ahead team arrive early and get the cars ready, not to mention the security detail that usually accompanied the larger team.

They got in and rode off to meet the family of the Larid.

The three Argonians, each a different hue, arrived at the public air terminal by way of borrowed C-130 from the RDMA mercenary organization.

Arakesh seemed somewhat shaken, having never been inside a great metal flying machine before. Illiad rode with the calm indifference of a Warchief, enduring the odd feeling of flying for the duration of the flight. Whiptail, on the other hand, seemed quite comfortable with the aerial odyssey. The trio of bipedal reptiles boarded a cab that took them to the palace campus, yet another new expeirece for Illiad & Arakesh.

Arakesh was dressed better than usual, in a fine set of clothing his mates had picked out for him before he left. The shirt & pants where made from silk, a distinctive change from the rough, homespun garments & leather armor he was used to. His katana, named 'Lathi', or 'Razor', hung at his side. The red-silk wrapped hilt matched his green outfit, the family colors of the House of Quickclaw, the green a few shades darker than his scales. Illiad was dressed in a similar style, although his clothing was a blue color, representing his status as Warchief among the Argonian people. Again, like Arakesh, he was armed. A longsword made from fine steel hung at his side. Illiad had no name for his weapon, he felt such sedimental things detracted from the purpose of the weapon: To kill. Illiad was a practical leader, as this illistrated.

Whiptail was dressed very casually, in his typical black pants & tunic, with a faded leather belt made from Durzog hide. A new cloak had replaced his tattered one that he was known for. A silver chain supporting a crucifix hung from his neck, highlighted by its dark background on his tunic. Whiptail was a sub-specie of the Argonian phylum, known as a Dark Argonian due to his charcoal-black scales & violent temper. Oddly enough, Whiptail was a calm individual, only releasing his rage during heated arguments or in the thick of battle. By his manner, one might have mistaken him for a scolar, or perhaps a philosopher, a poet even. His eyes where the hue of molten gold, and blazed with an intense intelligence, like that of a knowledgeable specialist in a given field. Again, he was armed. A pair of shorter katanas where beneath his cloak, attached to his back. Their outline was apparent as he bowed in greeting...

"I bring greetings from my homeland to yours. I am Whiptail, of the Longtail clan. My superiors & myself wish to enter. I believe that the second daughter of your leader has recieved our request for entry..."

Whiptail was articulate, his speech holding a thick accent that sounded like he was afflicted with a severe case of strep throat. His voice was deep, like that of an old veteran relaying a tale of his past exploits. His eyes flashed a hint of playfulness as he said 'my superiors'. Clearly, there was more to him than was readily apparent...

Admiral Joseph D'rtang sat across from President Alexander Valient on the Air Force One, watching as the statesman checked his watch for the third time in the last ten minutes.[/]

"I assure you, Alex, we're not going to be late. We are right on schedule..."

[i]Valient brushed a hand through his blonde hair.

"I guess you're right. It's just... I want to make a good impression. You know, after that incident in Roania..."

"Ah, yes. But that was not entirely your fault. How were we to know about the demons?"

Valient nodded, and checked his watch again.

"... do you remember that time in Elara, D'rtang?"

"Pardon?"

"Elara. With that... beautiful Elaran Minister of affairs for something-or-other... she was beautiful."

"..."

"I can't even remember her name..."

"..."

*************

After another round of reminiscing, the Aeroplane landed at the airport of Leaha. With a small DEO contingent escorting them, D'rtang and Valient exited the plane.

"Sooo... where is the greeting service?"

"Unknown sir. They shuld have known we were coming."

"..."

"Do you think there will be another single, beautiful minister in Leaha, Admiral?"

"..."

Meaggan paced back and forth in her room, anxiously giving orders over her headset. Everything seemed to be in place, but she was still in panic mode. Her older sister, Asha was having a hard time curling Meaggan's long red hair.

"Will you just STOP for a second? Ay vah! You're making this very difficult!"

"Shut up. Grenald is talking to me. What? Get a car there immediately! We promised transportation, there WILL be transportation!"

"Come here, rhia, and put your gown on. It's time to go downstairs."

Meaggan held her breath while Asha tugged and pulled the strings of her bodice. Mentally, she checked off everything:

"Drum and Pipe band? Check.
Buffet? Check, the caterer is in charge.
Flowers on the tables? Yes, done this morning.
Family and entourage all assembled? Asha's here, her husband Tulio is downstairs... The twins Mitrelle and Sandie were with Tulio... The guard is in place... Who am I forgetting?"

"ASHA! Where's Father?"

In Dornam's chambers...

"My Laird, your daughter is here to see you."

"Thank you, Grenald."

*Grenald steps out. Meaggan, gracefull and elegant as ever in her deep emerald green ballgown, takes the four regulation steps across the entry, executes a deep curtsy and rushes to her father's feet in admiration.*

"Da, the guests are arriving. Come downstairs with me."

"Sweet telia, I have a gift for you. Fetch the chest from the top of the bookcase."

*Meaggan brings the chest to her father, and with a nod from him, opens it. Inside on a bed of dappled green velvet is an ancient circlet of copper.*

"My dear, this was your great-grandmother's circlet. The excavation team found it in a storeroom beneath the north tower. It belongs to you now. Wear it with dignity, for it is a symbol of our heritage and our right to the land; your right to the land."

"But my laird, this should go to Asha! She is the elder sister and the Heiress of Leaha."

"Your sister does not want this honor. She has never wanted it. She has a family, a growing family, and does not want to be mother of the land. You have been acting in my stead for a while now, and Leaha will grow and prosper in your hands. Lady Meaggan, take Leaha and make it yours. Come, child, let us make our entrance and greet our friend together."

*Arm in arm, Dornam and Meaggan walk to the grand staircase to meet the world.*

Malissa stared around her at the palace entry hall. "I think... this entire palace could fit into my entry hall back home."

John patted her hand. "Aye, but this palace wasn't build by an egomaniacal family of madmen. Ah, there are the other guests..."

Dear friends, our doors are open for you. Come eat, share some wine, and revel in the glory that is living.

In peace,
The Laird Dornam Austinbough of Leaha and his family

Meaggan rushes over to greet the esteemed couple that has just arrived.

"Welcome your Highness Malissa, and your countryman to Leaha. It is truely an honor that you are here."

The car carrying Senator O'Reilly and his wife pulled up to the entrance. They waited while the driver walked to the right side and opened the door. Tom stepped out first and helped Jennifer climb out.

They walked up the stairs to the front door where they nodded at a doorman as he did his job and let them in.

Malissa nodded. One of the aides stepped forward, and said, loudly, "Her Imperial Highness, Princess Malissa Black, Kaizer of Novar Ohan!" Malissa curtseyed to the Queen.

Another aide stepped forward and matched tone with the first

"Prince John Marshall-Black, Imperial Consort to Her Imperial Highness, Princess Malissa Black!"

John bowed to the Queen as the aide finished his declaration.

Shortly after the O'Reilly delegation rolled up, the limosine carrying Valient, D'rtang and the half-dozen DEO agents came to a stop.

"... and that's when the nun said, 'Pass me the avacado'."

"..."

"DOn't you get it? You see, D'rtang, the nun ha..."

"Excuse me good sirs. Please follow me."

D'rtang breathed a little easier as the Leahan Servent escorted them into the palace.

They entered into the main hall and came up behind the Roanian and O'Reilly group.

"Alexander, is that Marshall, and Malissa? We should go and get reaquainted..."

"In a second Admiral. DO you see that picture?" D'rtang turned around and spied a painting of a young lady. She appeared in regal outfit, and her face was soft, and beautiful. "Who is that..."

"That," said the servent, "is the Lady Meaggan, the daughter of Lord Dornam."

"Really... she is very beautiful..."

*Meaggan's head is positively swimming. She'd never seen so many finely dressed people in her whole life. She watched the Roanian couple walk by after their introduction. All the people in her home overwhelmed her, but moreover she couldn't stop thinking about what her father had said to her. Meaggan couldn't help feeling that she didn't deserve this honor. Well, what's done is done. She floated off to greet the Senator and his wife.*

"Senator O'Reilly! How wonderful of you and your wife to come. We are truly honored. If you please, the banquet hall is just behind us and the drums and pipes are beginning a new set in just a few minutes. Please, enjoy yourselves."

"Good evening!" Tom said.

"My, this place is lovely," his wife commented.

They listened to Meagan and thanked her for having them. After that, they walked inside to the banquet hall and headed for the bar.

President Valient, after O'Reilly left for the dining room, immediately went over to Meaggan and introduced himself.

"Good day, my lady. Thank you for inviting us to such a fine gathering. I am Alexander Valient, President of the Commonwealth-Dominion of Valient. With me is my trusted Admiral, Joseph D'rtang, and a small escort of DEO agents."

"I hope you don't mind the security. Gov't policy. They could leave if you wish..."

"No they don't need to leave at all," replied Meaggan. "It's so nice to meet you Mr. President. Thank you so much for coming. Please, make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you, my lady. Perhaps... we shall meet again."

With that, the Valient entourage went into the dining room and headed straight to the bar. In order, from the 6 DEO agents to D'rtang to Valient, all ordered drinks from the bar.

"RUm and Coke."

"Martini."

"Vodka."

"Spritzer."

"Martini too."

"I'll take a white wine."

D'rtang was next. "I'll take whatever's on tap."

Lastly came Valient.

"I'll take... err... what do you have in water?"

Ashton, the bartender smiles and serves up the agents' drinks with swift percision. He sets a large mug of a dark beer in front of the esteemed Admiral. "Here you go, Sir. This is our national beer of choice: The Grainback Stout. I think you'll find it full-bodied, rich and roasty.

"And for you Mr. President, did you want ice with that water?"

The O'Reillys had decided against the bar for the moment and had instead used the restrooms. They did have a long flight after all.

"Look over there," Jennifer commented to her husband. "There seems to be quite a security force with that group."

"I don't believe that people would bring guards to an event," he quietly commented back. "I understand their desire for safety, but nobody wants to wade through a group of suits to talk to anybody. The thing that I find interesting is that they're allowed to have drinks on duty."

"That does seem odd," she replied. "Let's go get a drink and meet these guys."

They walked over to the bar. O'Reilly nodded at the bartender and ordered. "Champagne for the Mrs., and I'll have a Johnny Walker Blue, on the rocks please."

He turned and nodded at the others down the bar.

Malissa sat back, her eyes twinkling. "I wonder what their wine is like."

John looked up. "Dear, isn't that Valient?"

Malissa's eyes narrowed. "Why, yes... I think it might be."

"Yes... I'll have ice with my water. thank you."

Valient turned and caught the nod from O'Reilly. With a small nod, Valient picked up his glass of water and strolled down to introduce himself.

"Good day. I don't believe we've met, or for that matter, our countries have ever had relations. I am Alexander Valient from the Commonwealth-Dominion of Valient. And you are?"

************

While the president chatted with the O'Reilly Delegation, D'rtang took the free time to go over and get reaquainted with Marshall and Malissa.

"If you're looking for a good drink, Marshall, their Grainback stout is excellent..."

"And, hello, madame Malissa. You are looking well."

"Yes... I'll have ice with my water. thank you."

Valient turned and caught the nod from O'Reilly. With a small nod, Valient picked up his glass of water and strolled down to introduce himself.

"Good day. I don't believe we've met, or for that matter, our countries have ever had relations. I am Alexander Valient from the Commonwealth-Dominion of Valient. And you are?"

"No, I don't think we have met either. I'm Senator Tom O'Reilly, and this is my wife, Jennifer. We're from The Captain. To tell you the truth, we haven't had many relations with other countries, as our country has been very isolationist until recently."

Jennifer nodded. It was better that her husband was home and not always in some other country. "Is there a Mrs. Valient?" she asked.

John held his arm around Malissa's waist as he watched D'rtang approach them.

"If you're looking for a good drink, Marshall, their Grainback stout is excellent..." D'rtang recommended with a smile.

John chuckled, then leaned in and whispered in a barely inaudible voice:

"D'rtang, my friend, the name is Black, John Black. And please, call me John. We have known each other long enough..."

John pat D'rtang's shoulder several times as he allowed a slight laughter escape his lips. Turning back to Malissa he spoke:

"Come dear, let's get you that wine you're wondering about..."

Malissa merely beamed her radiant smile back at him and nodded.

The Argonian delegates entered the room, using the arrival of the more esteemed guests to enter somewhat un-noticed & avoiding the odd stares that came with their unusual features.

As Illiad & Arakesh began to 'mingle' as they called it in softskin, Whiptail headed for the bar. With a clawed hand, he thumped some currency down onto the glossy surface...

"Vodka... Five shots."

Whiptail seats himself, tucking his long namesake under his barstool to avoid accidents of the stepping-on kind...

John walked to the bar, with Malissa in his arm, who had a look of radiance in her face.

"A glass of the finest wine for the lady, and a Grainback stout for myself. I've heard good recommendations of your drink, and have fancied a drink myself."

John glanced over at Malissa, smiling to her. He squeezed her hand lightly, only reaffirming his love for his wife.

Malissa looked over, and saw the Laird. "John, there's our host... maybe we should meet him?"

The O'Reillys sat at the bar and talked with each other and waited to see what happened.

The O'Reillys sat at the bar and talked with each other and waited to see what happened.

"Another human party," Teel muttered. "All these seem to erupt in violence one way or the other. Either that, or nothing really happens at all."

"It'd be worth another try. I don't believe they know anything about us, or exactly what we are. A Man is but a man until one ties the strings upon his limbs, and then he is a puppet," Trabian said. "I think it would be rather exciting."

"You always think that," Teel incited. "Then we go, and nothing happens, or someone sends 20 men armed with projectile weapons and we have to slaughter them and the entire Palace is destroyed. I think you like that happening because you're never allowed to fight in the War."

Trabian shrugged. Teel was half-right. He did like it when things went wrong. "We'll need the EnheilRas," he said.

Teel nodded, "Right well, I'll prepare my Skells."

-----------------------------

The 13 Clans of High Orcs, Missionaries of Lopnel and Tark, and Persuers of the ChumRas Orka, defenders of the Great Region of Arda, and Leaders of All Orcdom, accept such an invitation upon the grace of hospitality towards the nations of this world. In the Honor of the Clans, the EnheilRas, EnheilChum, and Grand Advisor shall be attending.

No means of transportation shall be required, and you shall be informed when the events call for the presence to be noted. We suggest that your validity in the open minds of your society are not to be exagurrated, as the existence of non-human lifeforms may come as to being a shock to your entire civilization.