NationStates Jolt Archive

[code:1:c4b44ebe7e]To: Nations of the World
From: West Quiq Head of Foreign Affairs
By decree of Her Imperial Highness, Empress and Supreme Power of West Quiq, Ayaliet Andriaana Ousk; a Royal Ball shall be held in the Empress's palace, Fearihn, in the capital, Kuabek, on this night. The Empress Ousk wishes to find a sutiable husband and Emperor that shall co-rule the Dominion of West Quiq with her. Only men of noble or royal lineage may attend, and those that are not of noble blood will be evicted from the ball. Everyone who wishes to attend will be subject to a background check.

We await your presence at the ball.

Sincerely,
Katty Buar[/code:1:c4b44ebe7e]

Two Imperial Guards stand outside the Grand Ballroom. The Empress waits inside for her honored guests, wearing a dress of deep maroon, beaded and embroidered magnificently. Her long golden hair is pulled back Chinese-style with two hair chopsticks.

Bump

Dressed in his uniform, as is only appropriate in the culture of Greater Remia, High Admiral Aurelius Augustus of the Greater Remian High Council peruses the ball quietly. Medals, ribbons, and gold adorn his Navy Blue Dress Uniform, his cap to signify rank held under his arm, his short brown hair well groomed and maintained. Since no true "noble" class exists in Greater Remia, its most prestigious government leader was chosen instead, to attend the ball and court the Empress, in hopes of allying their 2 nations.

The Empress approaches the High Admiral with grace and majesty, intent on making a good impression.

"Good afternoon, sir. I see you are from Greater Remia. I welcome you to my ball and to my kingdom." she says, curtsying.

"Well, I must attend to my other guests." Empress Ayaliet says, and wanders over to another group of guests.

Vice President Jonathan Quecs will be attending in the President's stead (on official business). He is a spooky old man that can't dance if his life depended on it and loves to chitchat endlessly.

The Empress greets the Zoogiedom Vice President upon his entrance.

"How are you, Vice President? Everything well with your superior, I hope?"

Bump

C'mon people!

"I'm fine," the man rattles out. "The President is busy hosting an air show, so he sent me over...how are things in West Quiq? Spreading out that $250 million evenly among your various branches that need funding, I hope?"

"Indeed." she says. "I think it has benefitted the military most. I'm having my military advisors buy some weapons in order to defend the country."

"Indeed." she says. "I think it has benefitted the military most. I'm having my military advisors buy some weapons in order to defend the country."

{Message from the Isidonian Priest Regents, to Quiq}

After much consideration, it has been our decision that Paladin Lieutenant Marcus Blake would be the best possible representative of the nation of Isidon, at your illustrious ball.

Lt. Blake is the only son of Duke Patrick Blake of Ilkansius, whose lineage can be traced back to The Revered Blake Jameson, one of the original colonists who assisted the God Emperor in settling the Isidon Valley, over seven hundred years ago.

{A photograph of Lt. Blake is attached, depicting a dark haired, dark eyed man in his mid 20s, with strong, European features}

Blake graduated at the top of his class from the Isidonian Air Corps Academy at the age of 18. Though he was entitled to an immediate commission upon his graduation (due to his social status) he chose instead to work his way up through the ranks as any other soldier would. At 21, Blake acheived the rank of Lieutenant Second Class, and entered the Paladin Academy, again graduating with honors.

During the recent Heretic Riots, Blake's Paladin unit was one of the most heavily employed in peace keeping operations. Lt. Blake was decorated for distinguished service and notable courage, for his role in quelling the riots and bringing the heretics' leaders to justice.

It is our belief that Lt. Blake shall bring considerable honor to both our nations.

{In the skies, approaching Quiq}

Leviathon, the largest ship in the Isidonian Air Fleet, lumbered through the night time sky. Held aloft by a combination of hydrogen gas bags and massive rotors, propelled by fully two dozen of the largest turbofan jets produced by IsidonGyro, it was perhaps not the swiftest form of conveyance, but certainly an impressive one.

As the behemoth warship slowed to a hover just beyond the Quiq border, a smaller aircraft slipped out from its docking bay; first gliding, then activating its rotors as it slid silently from beneath the Leviathon.

The gyrocraft flitted through the sky with preternatural grace and speed, heading on a steady course towards Kuabek, finally coming to rest just outside the palace's gates. A boarding ramp lowered from the side of the craft, and a procession of men, sixteen strong, descended.

Each man wore the loose, crimson uniform and golden armor of the Paladins, their shoulder paldrons bearing the cross of the Templar Order. The men formed into two lines, the leaders each carrying a pole with banner: On the right, the Holy Flag of Isidon, and on the left, the Eagel-and-Cross of the Paladins. The Templar Honor Guard snapped to attention as one last man descended the ramp: A tall, strongly built man, with close cropped black hair framing a handsome, if slightly rogue-like face, dark eyes showing a keen intellect and cunning. His uniform was expertly tailored of deep, crimson cloth, trimmed with gold, and closed with highly polished gilded buttons. At his hip hung a narrow saber, with intricately wrought, golden hilt and guard, and a scabbard of ivory. Purely ceremonial, though the man wears it with the confidence of one quite used to handling such weapons for real.

This was Paladin Marcus Blake, representative of Isidon, and potential courter of the Emperess of Quiq.

A court official approaches Ayaliet and whispers something in her ear.

"Sorry John, but I must excuse myself. It appears another guest of mine has arrived. Tell the president the trade pact should be signed and on his desk by next week." she says, going to greet Lt. Blake.

Ayaliet walks over to Lt. Blake and curtsies.

"Lieutenant, I have been anticipating your arrival since the telegram came through. I hope you are well from your flight. Would you care to come and have some drink?"

((OOC: Is she accepting only humans? I have the perfect entry, only he happens to be a catperson.))

OOC: Sorry about that, I keep getting errors, and it can be anything, really, catpeople, etc.

The lieutenant bowed cordially to Ayaliet, making an oddly arcane gesture with his right hand.

"Blessings of the God Emperor upon you, my lady," he said, with a smile. "I would be delighted to join you for a drink; and please, call me Marcus."

The Empress gestures for Marcus to follow her to a buffet table.

"Help yourself, please." she says, taking a plate herself.

Marcus took a plate and a few sweet meats from the buffet, as well as a glass of wine.

"A toast to you, my lady," he said, raising the glass. "And to the future friendship of our nations."

His keen gaze fell briefly on the Zoogien, taking stock of the older gentleman. Was this all the competition the world could muster?

"Why thank you." the lady says, blushing, yet smiling. "And eternal happiness to you and your people."

Seeing the look on the Isidon delegate's face, Quec smiled. "I see you are one to judge by looks," he said. "I am here to represent my nation, and to improve relations with my ally, as I have been elected Vice President...I am not here to gain a wife, lad."

Marcus sipped his wine thoughtfully.

"I confess a certain curiousity, though, as to why Quiq looks beyond its borders for an emperor. Is it purely a political move, or is there some deeper reasoning?" He set his glass aside, then continued. "We Isidonians, of course, have never seen our Emperor. None but the Priest Regents can confer with Him through the Oracle, and all but they are foribidden from speaking his name."

{OOC: And I'm going to have to wrap for tonight. Long day tomorrow.}

"None besides the fact that I am lonely. And for that reason, I do not wish to be private, although I do not like my entire life to be known by my subjects." Ayaliet said. "We are friendly people as well, and this ball also serves to meet new people."

OOC: I shall see you, then.

Emperor Jurrusa Starchaser of Trasa walks inside the building, his Armored truck with his security detail stayed inside due to the Event, they will come only if his life was endangered.

He walks past servents and guards, the look on his face was that of calmness and peace, he was garbed in the traditional clothing of the Trasian royalty, a White Cloak that would almost harm anyone's eyes that set eyes upon it and he wore underneath it a TSD uniform ment for his use only, TSD uniforms where black with many symbols, the more symbols on it the less importance that person was, he only had a single symbol of the sacred Trasian relic the 'Triforce'

He was over 3,000 years of age, still very young for a Trasian, his blond hair and ocean blue eyes would stand out in a group of ordinary white haired Trasians, his blood linage was gifted with difference from the other Trasians, one of the reasons why hundreds of thousands of years ago his ancestors made the first Starchaser Emperor of his people.

he spies the other rulers and he nods in respect, the hood of his cloak remains up as he nods.

"peace with you all, and may there not be harm in this room tonight"

he goes to the Emperess and bows in deep respect. he then reaches into his cloak and takes out a small black box, he opens it to reveal a old Trasian relic, one of the sacred stones of the Temple of time, hidden from evil doers for millenia. it's color was green, like a tree in the forest, that was why it was called the Spiritual stone of the forest.

He presents it to her taking care not to let it fall, the small gemstone was frigile, yet somhow strong enough to withstand a blow.

"my people present you a special gift of friendship, this is a Sacred treasure of my people, the Spiritual stone of the forest, we would like you to have it as a gift, please accept our gift of friendship"

The Empress takes the relic, and fingers it affectionately.

"I am ever greatful to have such a beautiful gift bestowed upon me. Let the friendship between our nations be strong, and remain strong for all the years, centuries, and eternities that our countries exsist for."

First Speaker Ryan Griffin looked over the invite, and mused with the idea of going himself. However, it was a flawed idea, as ruling his nation from another wouldn't be well appriciated if he did. However, he did know who to send, an old friend.

He picked up his phone, dialed a number and moments later was greeted by a freindly, Hispanic sounding voice. "Yo, Griff, whats up?"

Griffin smiled. Anyone else would have been killed if they had called him by anythign save First Speaker Griffin, but Nick wasn't anyone. "Hey Chav, hows it going? Listen, you wanna become a representative of your nation?"

"Yeah man, sure. Whats the deal?"

Griffin explained the invitation, and what his buddy was to do.

"Man, woo the ladies, I'm Spanish John, its in my blood. Want me to hop a flight out? I got a good tux and all."

"Not quite yet. I'm reinstating you. No one can resist a man in uniform."

Dominic 'Nick' Chavez laughed.
_______

Hours later, a personal CV-22I(P) landed around a hundred yards from the location of the ball. Chavez, now in full ICMC regalla, including the saber and cerimonial side arm, loaded of course, walked into the room, looking around.

Chavez was young, 28 years old, and already a true veteran. He had been in two wars as a seargent in the ICMC, in Markov and then in Vietnam, and after that, at the age of 24, was accepted into the ICMCs 1st Special Operations Unit, Delta. For two years, he was involved in top secret operations that included hostage rescue, counter terrorist work, and deep cover operations. After that, he was personaly selected by First Speaker Griffin to head up Live Wire, Imitora's Top Secret CT/HR unit.

Chavez had a rugged handsomeness to him, it came with his Spanish ancestory and military service. As he walked into the ball, he looked around, and saw the one man giving the Empress an emerald of some sort. Shoulda brought more than some roses, Nick thought, looking at his bouquet of 12 red roses.

He shrugged, and decided to rely on his Spanish charm, and started walking towards the Empress

OOC: ICMC Dress Uniform is Identical to teh USMC Officer's Dress Uniform, and I'm working on a pic of Chavez for ya.

Turning aroung to hand the relic to one of her servants, the Empress bumps into Chavez.

"Escuse my clumsiness, sir." Ayaliet tells him apologetically, as she hands the box containing the relic to one of her advisors. "You must be Dominic Chavez-I'm pleased to meet you."

Chavez bowed, and took the Empress's hand, and kissed it. "The pleasure is all mine." He returned to an upright position, and offered a charming smile, extending the hand with the flowers in it. "I am honored that you allowed my presence at this fine ball."

He smiled again, and looked around quickly, sizing up the compitition, and then back at the Empress. "And please, call me Nick," he added.

The Empress takes the roses, sniffs them delicately, and puts one in her hair.

Smiling, she says to Nick, "My favorite. I absolutely adore roses. They are so fragrant and beautiful."

Jurrusa bows once again when she accepted the gift, he see's a person from Imorita bump into the empress, she had handed the Spiritual stone to a Advisor.

He gathers his robes around him, not letting his hood fall off his head, the white Cloak covers most of his body, his Black gloves cover his hands.

underneath all this people would think he was a human except for the pointed ears, Trasians where infact related to Elves, they had mostly the same DNA except alittle human DNA that had gotten into the genepool and created the first Trasian, Trasians where 80% elves,20% human...

But most Trasians except the Starchaser family dispised humans, beacuse they thought that their human part was a curse.
The Starchasers thought differently then the others, they embraced their heritages, they didn't curse either part of them, but took joy in the fact that they where a uniqe people.


Jurrusa walks to a window and stares outside into the night sky, he looks in deep thought, he thinks about his daughter Reia back on the world LV-377 where the Trasians mostly lived, he thought about the uniqe blue hair and crimson eyes that his daughter had, she was precious to him, beacuse she was different then any Trasian, the Starchaser family loved things that where different then it's own peoples...

A small smile creeps on his face as he thinks about his family, he sits down in a chair and continues to look outside the window, the smile soon turned to a sad look as he remembered the accident that had claimed his wife, Irina... she was killed while the Trasians where being brought out of cold sleep chambers, her's had malfuntioned and the life support systems failed.

One of his hands clenches into a fist then he relaxes himself and regains the peacful look on his angel-like face.

Still playing with the roses she is holding, the lady inquires, "So, have you been in many wars? Tell me, I'd love to hear."

The Alenterian Grand Proconsul, the Grand Consul's second son, arrives. He is a tall, dark haired, blue eyed gentleman in a traditional proconsul uniform.

Seeing another visitor, the Empress excuses herself yet again, going to greet the newcomer.

"I extend my greetings to you." Ayaliet says, curtsying politely. "What is your name?"

Bowing, "My Lady, my name is Alexei Alenter. I offer you this humble token." Alexei offers a n old ivory jewelry box. He opens it. Inside is a gold bracelet with 12 different precious stones inlaid. "Please accept this pualtry gift from me and my dominion."

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

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

OOC:

Allow me to join in, if you shall allow.

IC:

Colonel Sed'Re exited the dark-colored helicopter, hardly a sound made by its blades expect a light thump, he having a cloak on and chosen to come only because of his bloodline. Yet even as he had his formal uniform on beneath, his appearence would have to wait to be seen. Komodren he was, standing somewhere near seven feet and five, perhaps eight inches. A tail about five feet long was kept from dragging on the ground behind him, hidden well by the large cloak, the hood dark inside that hid his reptilian appearence.

Walking the steps to the door, Sed'Re grasped for the door-knob, seeing his reptilian hand exposed to the moon-lit night, then turned the knob slowly, quietly, entereing and silently shutting it behind him. Sighing as he saw the many people, he took off his cloak and thought of how his appearence could shock many, starting a slow walk as his claws on his foot tapped silently on the floor beneath with each step.

OOC:

Image Linkage of Komodren:
http://img29.photobucket.com/albums/v87/Bad_Skeelz/Komodren.jpg

Seeing the beautiful braclet, the Empress gasps.

"It's marvelous!" she says in awed tones, putting it on immediatly. "Your generous is highly appreciated."

seeing the empresses reaction,Alexei says "It pales in comparison to your beauty."

The Empress blushes slighly, but is nonetheless happy.

"You think I'm that beautiful? I am complimented indeed. However, I wouldn't say it pales, it's fine, very fine."

Marcus had been attempting to mingle pleasently with other guests at the party, when he spotted Sed'Re out of the corner of his eye. The Isidonian glared briefly at the reptile, though managed to mask his disdain that such a creature could be allowed to mingle freely among men.

He shook his head slowly, turning from the Komodren. There would be time enough to deal with his kind, later.

Sed'Re felt unwanted, he could sense, could smell, this displeasure. It made him severly uncomfertable, however he would bare it, as with everything else. Humans were not a rare sight in Nodea Rudav, expect one difference: Humans in Rudavia were Birthrights of Pure Rudavian Blood, which makes the Birthright Humans by nature. To the Komodren, Birthright Humans were like Brethren, all other Humans were Friends.

However, Sed'Re cared not for the sense of hate he also detected, for he would kill anyone of these Imperialists that dared invade his personal space. Although, however, he still respected all.

One of the lady's advisors whispers in her ear. The Empress mutters something, and the advisor runs off.

"Attention everyone! My advisor has informed me that the orchestra has arrived after a short delay. They are all set up and ready to begin playing so that we can dance. Find a partner, please." the Empress says, and waits for someone to dance with.

Alexei, seeing the empress waiting, asks "Would you care to dance with me, My Lady?"

Hearing this new information, Sed'Re quietly walks to a wall, crosses his hands, lowers his reptilian head as the hair-like strands sway somewhat, and cloeses his eyes as he leans against the wall. He would not be apart of this dance, not unless asked.

"I wouldn't dream of not doing so, Alexei," Ayaliet replies sweetly, holding out her hand for him to take.

Alexei takes the emperess' hand and escorts her to the dance floor. He gently puts his free arm around her waist and leads in the dance, looking into the emperess' beautiful eyes.

The Empress looks back into his eyes, and moves perfectly in tune with him. She swirls with grace, the perfect picture of royalty.

Being amazaed by the seemingly divine grace of the empress, Alexei tells her "My Lady, you dance with a beauty and agility not matched by my country's finest nobles and ballerinas. "

Still lost in Alexei's eyes, the Empress replies quietly.

"You compliment me too much for my own good. What about you? You're handsome and dazzling."

"I thank you for your kindness. If the lady wishes, I will move away from the subject of your stunning beauty and grace and will speak highly of your nation and your hospitality."

The Empress laughs, a delicate sound which is seldom heard.

"It would seem so. I am proud of my people. What of your country? I would hope they would all be like you."

OOC: If I am too late, just disregard this.

IC: His Emminence, Count Dietrich von Oberhausen, Foreign Ambassador of his Majesty Emperor Viktor Leipzig I, Emperor of Greater Prussia,(OOC: Greater Prussia is a large region, this nation is a puppet ambassador state) arrived at the ball, a bit harried indeed. He feared he was late so he hastily hurried into the chambers where the Ball was being held. Adorned with a powdered wig done into a short, regal ponytail in the back, he gazed onto the assembled guests. His red great coat, doublet, and pants. He was dressed as a gentleman from the late 1700's. A gold neck cloth, regally knotted across his chest in the Napoleon knot, he strode into the crowd, his large, ebony walking stick with gold plated filagree pommel making a soft click each time it set itself upon the cracks. He was a young man of about 35 years and needed the stick only for aesthetic purposes. He immediately set about finding the Empress and as soon as he did bowed deeply before her saying, "I bring greetings from my master, Emperor Viktor Leipzig I, Emperor of All the Greater Prussians."

Alexei, appearing contemplative for a moment, responds "I have a deep devotion to my people, as all in power should. My country was feircely isolationist until my father became Grand Consul. Since that time, we have learned to reach out. I must say that some of my countrymen are still quite arrogant although quite devoted to Alenteria."

Alexei, appearing contemplative for a moment, responds "I have a deep devotion to my people, as all in power should. My country was feircely isolationist until my father became Grand Consul. Since that time, we have learned to reach out. I must say that some of my countrymen are still quite arrogant although quite devoted to Alenteria."

Alexei, appearing contemplative for a moment, responds "I have a deep devotion to my people, as all in power should. My country was feircely isolationist until my father became Grand Consul. Since that time, we have learned to reach out. I must say that some of my countrymen are still quite arrogant although quite devoted to Alenteria."

"I am glad to hear that. I'm glad you came. After this dance, would you care to go for a walk?"

"My Lady, I will certainly join you for a walk."

The music stops. The Empress grabs Alexei's hand and tugs at him to follow. She leads him out into a large hedge maze.

"I love coming out here," she says, sighing happily.

The music stops. The Empress grabs Alexei's hand and tugs at him to follow. She leads him out into a large hedge maze.

"I love coming out here," she says, sighing happily.

Alexei, noting the beauty of the hedge maze, asks "Is every part of this land a work of art?"

"I think so. The artists here have graced me with their presence for as long as I have known them to be around. Everywhere I turn, I discover new things."

"I have always felt that art is the greatest blessing a nation can have. "

"It is. Art inspires me, in all it's shapes and forms. Art is everywhere. Art is everyone. I especially like you. You are a beautiful piece of art to me."

Alexei is speechless that such a refined empress would consider him in this regard. When he regains his voice he says "Thank you for your kindness, My Lady, and know that I feel the same toward you."

Smiling ever so little, she says, "None of the gifts I have recieved on this night, perhaps in my whole life, mean as much to me as you do."

Looking into the empress' eyes, "Nor have I ever seen a treasure so beautiful as that which I now look upon. I love you with all of my heart."

Still looking into his, Ayaliet grasps his hand.

"Nor have I met someone as caring as yourself, Alexei. I love you, too."

And then, all of a sudden, the empress and Alexei hear helecopter blades off in the distance, drawing ever nearer. Suddenly a spotlight shines over the hedges, catching the empress and Alexei together for a second, and then carries on. Out of what was assumed to be a helecopter, but was in fact a Resian Tiltroter, dropped a lone figure, with skin or fur as black as the night sky. He wore a black cowboy hat with a strange golden feather in it, and a black tuxedo with a dark grey shirt. Standing up, he waved to the Tiltroter and it passed on. Then, without a single word from his lips, he knelt and kissed the empress' hand.
"M'lady," the stranger began, "I came as soon as I could, after hearing that such a divine lady as yourself needed a husband to dote upon her. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Tomas D'Arlington, an heir to positions of power in both the Resian and McCountry administrations. My enormous supply of wealth I inherited allows me to do what I most desire, and some refer to me as a treasure hunter. I have tackled many great challanges in this life of mine, and I want the next to be committing myself to a beautious woman such as your majesty."
Standing up, and gazing lovingly into her eyes, he took her hand in both of his.
"Aaah... you're even more beautiful than I was led to believe. Please, call me Tom."

Alexei, elated at hearing these words asks "May I be so presumptuos as to ask My Lady for a kiss?"

((OOC: Yes, I realize his timing is TOTALLY horrible, but that's the point. I actually waited for the worst possible moment to do this. :P ))

Tomas raised an eyebrow at Alexei.
"My, it seems as if I dropped in at a most unusual time. Either that or you're moving a bit fast."
Tipping his hat to the empress again, he begins to talk again. "What I suggest the two... er, three of us do is get lost in the maze, forget formalities and enjoy ourselves. At least that's what I'd do. Sounds like a good idea, no?"

The Empress jerks away from Tom, her face red with anger.

"GET-AWAY-FROM-ME!"

Alexei, realizing that Tomas has arrived and heard his request for a kiss becomes quite embarassed. "I am sorry to embarass you in front of another callerMy Lady", he whispers hoping not to be overheard by Tomas. To tomas he says while drawing the epee from his dress uniform, "I suggest you leave this place at once, sir and do not return!"

5 armoured escort cars arrive outside the Palace. Out of the middle one steps a man in full uniform, who walks up to the two guards at the door. Behind him a another man in uniform steps up - "Inform Her Greatness, the Imperial Highness, Empress and Supreme Power of West Quiq, Ayaliet Andriaana Ousk, the Caracas, High Lord of Arrandin, Emperor for life and Supreme Commander of Yallak, Lieutenant of the Holy Alliance has arrived".

The First guard leaves as the second takes the two men inside.

The Empress jerks away from Tom, her face red with anger.

"GET-AWAY-FROM-ME!""Aw, now what did I do?" Tom frowns, "I just dropped in here and told you how beautiful you were, is that a crime? I mean, it's not like you were doing anything else at the moment..."
He glanced over at Alexei for a second.
"Oh right! Right! You! How could I forget you? Then again, you haven't really talked all that much other than to ask yon fair maiden for a kiss, so that's understandable. I suppose I wouldn't mind you tagging along."
Turning back to the Empress, he sighs.
"Oh, now where were we? Ah yes! I was just expressing my undying adoration for you."

"You, sir, have a HORRID sense of timing, and Alexei, do not be ashamed."

"You, sir, have a HORRID sense of timing, and Alexei, do not be ashamed.""Oh, I know," Tomas said, blushing a little, "I'm sorry if I intruded on a personal moment, although I don't see how one could have much to be personable about with a stern guy like that. Please forgive me, I was just so taken in by you that I couldn't turn down this opportunity. Of all the treasures I've collected from all ends of the world, you'd be the greatest and would remain so for all eternity. I simply wished to drop in and tell you what I thought of you, your highness. Perhaps I am unworthy..."

The Empress, enraged, is tempted to slap the man.

"You are! And do not insult my friend here! Furthermore, you are completely unworthy, and I shall have you evicted from the premises as soon as I can find my way out of this maze!"

Alexei says to Tomas, "I swear by sword that if you do not honor the Lady's wish and leave this premises forever, you will face retrabution from me, the family of Alenter and all Alenteria."

Satisfied that the man will leave, she turns back to Alexei

"Where were we? A kiss you desired? It will be my honor."

From the door leading outside, Nick watched teh small fiasco. It had all the means to turn into an international incident, and he had thought about moving in, just to see if he could calm the situation.

Of course, he decided not to, as he found a slight humor in the situation. He toyed with his sidearm, letting his hand rest gently, in a non threatening manner on the grip, and leaned against the wall, sipping the wine he had been offered.

He looked around the ball room, checking for anyother females, and then looked back out at the events taking place in the hedge maze.

The Empress, enraged, is tempted to slap the man.

"You are! And do not insult my friend here! Furthermore, you are completely unworthy, and I shall have you evicted from the premises as soon as I can find my way out of this maze!"Tomas looked up, puzzled.
"Did I insult him? If so, I didn't mean to and I appologise for that, too. I appologise for being unworthy, I appologise for breathing your air, I appologise I appologise I appologise for appologising."
He smirked, one of his fangs glinting in the light.
"I honestly did not mean to bring harm, emotional or otherwise, upon a woman as beautius and yet as enraged as yourself. So if you'd set down the metaphorical chainsaw, I'd like to try and prove my worthyness to you. Granted, it would take a second of your time, but I think that everyone would be glad for it."
Turning to Alexei again, he cocked his head.
"Well, maybe except for this odd fellow. I don't believe I caught your name."

"First of all, shut up before I pick up a real, working, chainsaw. Second of all, I'm busy at the moment. Third, I don't care about your worthyness."

"I must insist that you leave at once Tomas! It is obvious that any further attempts one your part to state your intentions would be reason enough for me to use this weapon." Alexei raises his sword to attack position.

"First of all, shut up before I pick up a real, working, chainsaw. Second of all, I'm busy at the moment. Third, I don't care about your worthyness.""First of all, that would require getting out of this maze, wouldn't it?" Tomas said with a smile, "Second of all, you don't look all that busy, and third, you may if you let me show you. It could be wonderfully surprising."
He smirked and winked when he said this.

"How dare you infringe on the Lady's Honor in this manner!"

"I think not. I have better things to do. Leave NOW."

"I must insist that you leave at once Tomas! It is obvious that any further attempts one your part to state your intentions would be reason enough for me to use this weapon." Alexei raises his sword to attack position.Again, Tomas cocked his head at Alexei.
"Oh, the crazy man's got a knife now? I'm sorry, but the empress and I are busy. If you want to make death threats, I'm afraid you'll have to leave."

"HOW DARE YOU MAKE SUCH A DEGRADING INSULT AT ALEXEI! I COMMAND YOU LEAVE!"

"I think not. I have better things to do. Leave NOW.""Sooo..." Tomas began, looking dejected, "You really don't want me to be here? Cause that's the message I'm getting. I mean, I bet I'm wrong, but I'm just getting a tiny feeling that the situation is uncomfortable and all. Oh! What if I got sword-boy to leave? Would that loosen things up?"

"HOW DARE YOU MAKE SUCH A DEGRADING INSULT AT ALEXEI! I COMMAND YOU LEAVE!""Oh, who's Alexei? Oh, ooooh! You mean knife-boy has a name!"

((OOC: Just a point of clarification, Tomas is just really, REALLY clueless. I realize he could come off as sarcastic, but he's not trying to be. He just doesn't grasp the situation.))

Alexei, realizing that killing Tomas would cause a war, replaces his sword and approaches Tomas, "Leave" he says as he pushes him aside allowing Alexei and the Empress to walk out of the MAze the way they came.

"Of course not! I like Alexei much more then I like you!"

"Alexei, let's leave, I don't much care for the company here, besides you, of course."

Alexei, realizing that killing Tomas would cause a war, replaces his sword and approaches Tomas, "Leave" he says as he pushes him aside allowing Alexei and the Empress to walk out of the MAze the way they came.As he is pushed down, Tomas allows a lighter to slip out of one of his sleves and into his hand. Pressing the button on it, he lights the flame and sets fire to Alexei's back before Tomas bites the dust. Rolling to his feet, Tomas approaches Alexei. The flame is still small and unnoticable at this time.
"Now see here, sir, you ruined a perfectly good suit! I demand an appology at once, and request that you not be so violent. A man of such violent nature should not be in the company of women."
He coughed.
"Oh, and apparently your back is on fire."
The flame by now had grown to noticable proportians, and was causing Alexei's jacket to smoke profusely.

Alexei, realizing that killing Tomas would cause a war, replaces his sword and approaches Tomas, "Leave" he says as he pushes him aside allowing Alexei and the Empress to walk out of the MAze the way they came.

"Alexei, let's leave, I don't much care for the company here, besides you, of course.""Why thank you, madam!" Tomas said, bowing, while Alexei's back was still in flames.

Ayaliet screamed and punched the man in the jaw.

"GUARDS! ARREST THIS MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING!" she shrieked, and went to kneel by Alexei's side.

Alexei drops to the ground to extuinguish his jacket. He removes the jacket. Alexei is rather embarassed and stands up to escort the empress back to the ball to safety from Tomas.

Two guards come running and grab the man.

"Are you all right, Alexei?" she asks. "Guards, I shall deal with the man later."

Ayaliet screamed and punched the man in the jaw.

"GUARDS! ARREST THIS MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING!" she shrieked, and went to kneel by Alexei's side.((OOC: Okaaay... a couple of things. First off, Tomas tried to make it seem like he didn't set Alexei's back on fire by doing it sneakily. Second, the fangs should've tipped you off that he wasn't exactly human. But whatever, I'll roll with it.))
IC:
"But madam!" Tomas said, clutching his jaw, "Neither did I set fire to that man, nor am I human! Did you not notice?"
He lifted off his hat, revealing cat ears.
"Ah well," he said, "I do believe when a restraining order is filed it's time to give up the relationship."
Pressing a button on his watch, the Tiltroter swooped down to pick him up.
"Until we meet again, love!" Tomas said, grabing a latter that was lowered from the Tiltroter, and flying off. The guards, still clutching his legs, were dragged with him for a distance.

"I am alright, the damage was only to my jacket. Thank you for asking. Are you alright? is Tomas to be dealt with by the guards?"

"He is flying off. I hate this international ordeals, they always result in fiascos."

"It is the curse of those who lead."

"Aaah," Tomas chuckled to himself aboard the Tiltroter, "that was fun! What other parties should I crash tonight?"
Spying the empress down below, he quickly opened a window on the plane and tossed out his hat.
"Just something for her to remember me by," he said with a half-loving smile, probably only half-loving because his jaw had begun to swell something terrible.

"You best not come back soon, you miserable thing!"

"Perhaps now, before we return to the rest of the company we could share that kiss?"

"Indeed." she says, leaning towards him.

Nick chuckled at the ordeal as it ended, and tossed around the idea of going into the maze to check on the Empress and her new boy toy, but quickly dismissed it. He was one who could admit defeat.

He, in turn, finished off his wine, and motioned for a nearby waiter. He asked for another, it was a good merlot, and went back to looking at the sky. The tilt rotor, he had to admit, was a nice touch. He then proceded to the court yard, and began to wonder around the maze, hpoing to get himself lost as well.

Alexei kisses the empress.

Looking deep into his eyes, Ayaliet kisses him, too.

Awaiting her highness in the Ball room, Caracas begins to grow impatient.

Talking to a guard - "I find it hard to believe sir that you do not know where your Empress is! Please find as i did not travel all this wait not to at least meet her!"

Time seems to stop for Alexei. After the kiss he is unsure what to say to a beautiful woman whom he loves so much.

Ayaliet breaks off as a guard approaches.

"Another guest? Lovely. Alexei, excuse me, please." she says, going off to greet Carcas. She finds him in the Ballroom and curtsies.

bowing to Ayaliet.

Greetings your Highness, I have come from the Empire of Yallak, quite curious about this open invitation

"I extend my greetings to you as well. You have, unfortunately, arrived a little late. I have found a husband-if he is willing to be mine. I apologise, sir, for making you come all this way for nothing."

Nick, through the process of getting lost, somehow appraoches Alexi from behind. He sizes the man up, and determined that he wont attack if suprised, speaks. "Hey man, nice going. Good thing I ain't you, woulda popped the man straight off. Dominic Chavez," he finishes, extending his hand.

But indeed i have not come to seek a wife but more for politics and a break from the current debates in my Empire

"Pleased to meet you Sir. I am Alexei Alenter"

Sed'Re smiles from behind the dark shadow that fell over his figure, still against the wall. The Empress and Guards neither noticed his entry. Indeed he was of keeping his Warrior skills up to grade if these good-hearing individuals heard not him, neither his footsteps and so forth. Sed'Re approved of this Empress, caring not if she was of an Imperial Blood, for most Imperial Empires still had Good within them. Intern, he slowly stepped forth from the shadows, just enough near the princess to have her notice.

Slowly, in a soft yet stern rumbling voice, he says, "I am honored to have been able to stay here for so long without M'Lady Empress noticing. I must be keeping myself in shape to have such a keen one as yourself not notice me."

"Well, that is an entirely different matter. Come, we can talk in my conference room."

OOC: :( gotta go to work now but be back later

Caracas acompanies the Empress to the conference room

OOC: Dang, I gotta go to bed. We can continue tomorrow. Bye!

Smiling, noticing he was not heard, Sed'Re quickly returned to the shadow-filled wall where he would stay until noticed or asked.

"Pleased to meet you Sir. I am Alexei Alenter"

"Pleasure. Call me Nick. Everyone else does." He looked at the man's sword, it was a nice blade. "That thing actually work, or is it just for ceremony," he asked, pointing to the weapon.

Lt. Colonel Richard Sharpe, sent as a representative of His Royal Majesty King Elder James of Eldenham, plucked at the sash over his dark green military uniform and fiddled with the sword he wore at his side.

He sidled quietly towards the buffet and wine table and pondered as to which wine might be the tastiest and finally settled on a bottle of something red, the lable of which he was unable to understand. He glanced around as he surreptitiously picked the bottle up and walked quickly back to the burly man in a similar uniform who had accompanied him to the ball.

"Here, Harper, what do you make of this?" asked Sharpe.

The Sgt. Major looked at the bottle and shrugged slightly. "Couldn't say, Sir. Maybe it's French. Should I sample it for you, Sir?" he asked in a lilting Irish accent.

Sharpe handed the bottle to the other man who uncorked it and took a swig directly from the bottle. He grimaced and swallowed it. "Definitely French, sir. I don't think you'll like it."

Sharpe sighed. "I don't like even being here, Harper. I mean why are we here exactly?"

Harper offered the senior officer a slight smile. "Oh, we're here to represent His Majesty, so we are. It's best that you just mingle a little and then we can go home, Sir."

Sharpe sighed. "I didn't join the army to bloody well mingle with people."

"No Sir," replied Harper dutifully.

"Still I suppose we'd better get on with it. Isn't there supposed to be some Empress or something we're supposed to meet?" Sharpe asked.

"I couldn't say, Sir. Though I did see an important fancy dressed lady head outside with a young feller dressed like a peacock Sir." Harper replied.

Sharpe looked at the Sgt. Major for a long moment. Even after all the time they had known each other it was difficult for Sharpe to tell when the Irishman was joking. "Well, we'll wait for an hour, and if nobody comes to bother us, we'll go home."

Sharpe wandered back towards the buffet table and tried to look inconspicuous. Harper lifted the bottle of wine to his lips and took another sip. "Home," he said quietly. "The sooner the better."

Entering the conference room Caracas pulls out a chair for the Emperess, then sits on the other side of the table.

"Firstly congradulations on finding a suitable man this evening, ill try not to keep you for two long then.
Besides for company i came tonight to better public relations with other nations, hence, i would like to offer you a trade agreement and a position within the region Typoon Lagoon, the only place for a person of such beauty".

Entering the conference room Caracas pulls out a chair for the Emperess, then sits on the other side of the table.

"Firstly congradulations on finding a suitable man this evening, ill try not to keep you for two long then.
Besides for company i came tonight to better public relations with other nations, hence, i would like to offer you a trade agreement and a position within the region Typoon Lagoon, the only place for a person of such beauty".

"Well, I must admit that I quite enjoy my current region of residence. But a trade agreement will suit me well."

"Done then. Well i must away but my regions doors are always open."

Caracas gets up to leave, bows, and leaves. " Good day you Highness, enjoy the ball".

Alas, poor Marcus Blake, missing his chance with the Emperess. Still, it was a lovely ball, and he cannot complain about the time spent with the various Quiq courtiers. He hoped that he may have made a few valuable contacts...

His heart sank considerably, as he saw a member of Leviathan's crew approaching, flanked by a pair of the palace's guards. Though he did not know the man personally, he recognized the drab, grey uniform of an Isidonian Airman immediately.

"Orders from the Capital, Master Paladin.." the airman said, bowing slightly and handing a telegram envelope to Marcus.

Blake dismissed the man with a gesture, sending him back to the gyrocraft which had conveyed him to the palace, from where the Isidonian flagship hovered just beyond West Quiq's border.

Marcus knew what the orders must have been, before he even read them. With a heavy heart, he rose from his chair, and sought out the Emperess.

The Empress is sitting outside waiting for Alexei when she is approached by Marcus.

"Good evening, Marcus. How may I be of service?"