NationStates Jolt Archive

To His Imperial Majesty Viktor I, King of Reichskamphen, Emperor of Greater Prussia

Inasmuch as our peoples have ancient racial and cultural ties, and regarding the current alliance with which we are involved with great pleasure, We are desirious of a discussion of union between the nations of Lavenrunz and Reichskamphen by means of a marriage between Ourself and You, and would discuss this by means of envoys.

Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Empress Aurora,

We agree, it would be to the benefit of all for such a Union to take place. Your envoys are welcome to meet us at the Imperial Palace in Magdeburg, or if that is too far of a trip, We can send a representative to some mutually friendly nation where they can meet.

God be with you.

His Imperial Highness,
Viktor Leipzig I
Imp. et Rex Melior Prussiam et Omnis Melior Prussianorum

[tag of DOOM!]

OOC: Also, he is not Technically King of Reichskamphen as he abdicated that position, but he does wield absolute authority. Marcus Antonius II is King of Reichskamphen. However, in the writ of Abdication, no power is granted to King Marcus and Viktor pretty much retains it.

If he were King of Reichskamphen, the wedding would be impossible for there is a charter in the Reichskamphian Consititution that says the King cannot be a Papist or Marry a Papist, or be married to a Papist when he ascends to the throne.

There is, however no such provision set up for the Greater Prussian Crown.

If you are intent on a national unity, then, the red tape can be gotten through. But we must discuss this.

OOC: Lavenrunz and Reichskamphen united? NOOO!!!!

#tag#

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"How far humanity has come and yet so blind we remain.
I never knew horsetrading was still in fashion."

~Chairman Mangan
'Conversations with the Council'

OOC: Oh my oh my. Consider this thread tagged by the glorious forces of Sound Governance.

#tag#

OOC: An Imperial Tag... Reich, I sorted it out... contact me with your idea again. I think I have one of my own...

Taggishness, and I want a picture of Thomas upon hearing the news :P

Former Ienotheisan Territory

Off a refurbished ex-Ieno installation, Edward Cornell is discussing poilitics with his wife, Renate von Saucken. Generally, these days, the two wonder just what the long-range goals of Lavenrunz are - but generally, they just tag possible avenues for investigation by TSA.

The possible marriage was a matter for the Court, not the Volksraad or the Government, and so accordingly it was also a family matter for the Empress.
Her cousin Archduke Amadeus had served in a diplomatic capacity on various occasions. He was a handsome fair haired man in his middle thirties, with pleasant blue eyes and a keen eye for detail. He himself had not married--there were many speculations about this, but in fact Aurora knew that the death in a riding accident of his first love had soured him, and till just a year ago there had been little necessity for him to wed.
They spoke for some time regarding the matter.
"It's like something of older times; you've never even met him face to face." commented the Archduke as they walked in the richly blooming gardens of the Autumn Palace.
"Yes, but it comes down to this: with SATO having gone out with a faint sigh in the night I need to build strong ties. We have them with a number of very independant nations, but I need to explore more options." Aurora replied. "And that's all I'm saying for now."

Later, considering this conversation, Amadeus decided that the Empress had said very little about her motivations indeed, but that nevertheless he was required to pursue the matter with his considerable abilities. He was the man who had orchestrated the building of Lavenrunz' space industry, who had led the investigation into Count Mirbach...
He decided the less he thought about that the better.
His chief companions were firstly Count Mecklenburg, who was the Imperial Director of Protocol, and in addition to a heavy book of compiled rules and codes and such had many rituals and customs in his head. He was a dry fusty man who seemed annoyed by being taken from the halls of the Palace and taken aboard the airplane, luxuriously appointed though it was.
The second was Baroness Augusta von Toll, a buxom, fair haired young woman who was the Empress Press Secretary, but was also a shrewd political advisor.
The third was Colonel Rennenkampf, who was Amadeus' own aide-de-camp and was also an intelligence specialist. He in fact looked rather like a dandyish staff officer, with chiseled blonde good looks that were popular in dramas about 19th century Lavenrunz, with dashing hussars and grenadiers nobly dying for Crown and Country.
As the plane approached the borders of Reichskamphen, the flight leader sent a message requesting permission to land, identifying themselves.

"Permission Granted, God Save the Empress!" the reply was recieved from Ground Control.

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Emperor Viktor Leipzig I, was a self made man entirely. He was a member of the lower nobility, but his father, a scurrilous man, had wasted all of his family's fortune and been thrown into debter's prison.

Viktor cared for his sick mother all throughout his short stressful childhood and at the age of 17 applied to the Royal Military Acadamy at Fort Wurmser. There he learned the discipline that would carry him throughout his life. A dashing man with long, curly dark hair, he was very popular with the ladies, but never made much ado about it.

Upon his Graduation two years later (he studied year round to gain the required credits in half the time), he immediately enlisted in the Royal Guard and became a Palace Guard for King Will The Great. Showing his skill in political matters, and his speaking to a Foreign Ambassador clinching an alliance against the Communists, the King elevated him to the position of Foreign Minister of the Triune Kingdom, a rare post for one so young and untested to hold. But he performed well.

A few months later, Arch Duke Joseph, the King's brother faked an assasination, imprisoned the King secretly, and abolished the crown. The story of the first Scottan War is well known, and here Viktor was a majour player. With all of the experianced staff but Viktor fleeing, Joseph appointed him the Foreign Minister for the Protectorate Government. Whereupon he renounced his title of Count, bestowed by the King, and attempted to establish, for the best interests of the nation, legitimacy in the Protectorate.

Upon the death of Joseph and the return of the King, Viktor was made the Lord High Protector of the Triune Kingdom and for 12 hours held supreme power over areas controlled by the Protectorate. In the best interests of the nation, he abdicated, though the Scottan armies were winning, and welcomed the King back, whereupon he was made Arch Chancellor in order to smooth things over with Scotta.

Then, seeing that the new King after the death of Will was unfitting, Viktor launched a revolution to overthrow him and did so successfully. He then took the crown himself and began a monumental overhaul of the Kingdom.

The rest of the story is well known.

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Viktor planned to recieve the delegation in the Imperial Palace in Magdeburg. He had sent the Imperial Motorcade to pick up the Empress's delegation and covey them to the Palace.

With him would be...

Count Friederich von Magdeburg, the Military commander of Scottan Forces, a bitter, but brilliant old soldier. Brilliant in many ways, but not a fan of people in general.

Dr. Ian R.K. Paisley III, religious advisor to the crown, a fundamentalist Protestant preacher whose belief in the evil and apostacy of Roman Catholicism, while shared by his Emperor, is much stronger than that of his Sovereign. His presence is necessary to the Emperor, but will be expected to cause somewhat of an obstruction to the general proceedings.

and finally...

Count Dietrich von Oberhausen, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom, and current ambassador to Prussia. He is noble appointed by Viktor himself after the entire von Oberhausen family emigrated out of the Country, likely to Menelmacar, after the rise of Viktor. A very pleasant man, but very liberal. He falls more in line with the politics of the Thompson family than his Emperor, but is loyal nevertheless.

OOC: eep. Isn't Aurora like, 15 or something? I'll need to think about this, the more Lavenrunz move towards Metus or the Reich the more Chimaea's lack of reaction gets unrealistic...

"I suppose the correct thing to have said to such a valued ally as Lavenrunz was, ah, 'Good luck.' Of course, one generally finds that hard to write into a proper congradulatory memo, so I had a speechwriter do it for me. I had him make it brief - I had the odd feeling that this whole thing would only end in tears..."

~From the memoirs of Olivia Mirralev, former Indiastani ambassador to Lavenrunz

Sure, sure... and fancy pants tag like no other.

OOC: eep. Isn't Aurora like, 15 or something? I'll need to think about this, the more Lavenrunz move towards Metus or the Reich the more Chimaea's lack of reaction gets unrealistic...

OOC: Ditto on that. Jo, why the HECK are you moving your country closer and closer to the Forces of Darkness™? Though I'm glad to see you decided not to respond to Morg's call to arms- I'd hate to fight Lavenrunzians, but we'll have to see how that situation plays out.

Back to the marriage thing, why isit that every marriagable girl in NS is some heir to a crown or something? Sheesh, what does an elected head of state have to do to get a date around here? ;)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: I'm assuming this is still OOC knowledge until someone makes an official announcement. Therefore I'll just tag this.

OOC: The Reich considers me their enemy now I believe. Also, Sys, our reasons are our own haha.

OOC: The Reich considers me their enemy now I believe. Also, Sys, our reasons are our own haha.

o.o.c: not true-
the point is greater prussia is just into erratic war r.p.g and has more puppets than the muppet show.

OOC: Untrue, only a couple nations here are. They have autonomy to do that if they want to as long as it doesnt harm the rest of us. We do have puppets, but not THAT many. We have alot of larger functioning nations and many more will be added. I don't know if its still the case, but at last check we still had more than the Reich.

The errors that took place before...are now corrected, I will henceforthe follow my best instincts and control the army myself as much as possible so that no one can screw anything up. Of course Lavenrunz and Jedi, capable commanders, will keep their positions of control, but I will be editing the Marechalate soon.

The plane and escorts made their landing, and the Archduke, in a uniform of blue, with two rows of gold buttons, gilded epaulets, his decorations and an ornate sword at his side, stood in the entryway of the plane, about to step out onto the soil of Reichskamphen.

As they stepped out, a band struck up the Lavenrunzian National Anthem. They were attired in uniforms of the Imperial Guard, Imperator Division, assigned as the personal guard/army of the Emperor.

"God Save the Empress!" shouted Count Dietrich von Oberhausen to the delegates steping off of the plane. " I am here," he said, motioning to the large motorcade of limosines, guarded by motorcycles, APC's and Stryker vehicles, all flying the Emperor's Personal Standard, a white field with a golden stripe diagonally on it with bees upon that stripe and a "VL" in the centre. (OOC: The flag of Russapovia and the nation "The Greater Prussians"), " to take you to the palace. The Emperor and the others await our arrival there."

*Imperial Palace: Magdeburg, Scotta*

(Red Room)

"I am unsure of this." Count Gerhard Liebnitz, Governor of the Kamphstadt region, said to the other 25 assembled top nobles.

"I share your reservations," Count von Magdeburg, head of the Armies, agreed, "but, it is best for the nation. Dr. Paisley will just have to deal with it. Greater Prussia and the Kingdom must be preserved."

"I see no problem with it," Count Franz von Reichsburg shouted, "you are all a pit of vipers, biggots all of you! We need to follow in the path of King Will!" Count von Reichsburg was installed by the Thompson family and was the most outspoken one of the 8 out of 25 who were still loyal to the Thompson family over anyone else.

"Just one minute!" cried out Arch Duke Walter Leipzig, the brother of the Emperor, elevated just recently to the position of Imperial Governor of Russapovia, "King Will was a leftist pushover! He pandered to the elven kind. He is no friend of true Christians! He was probably a Papist himself!"

Baron Fritz Mannstein, the great grandson of Emreich von Manstein who attempted to overthrow King Will Thompson I, father of King Will the Great, sprung from his chair and got into the Arch Duke's face, "You brother of a usurper, take that back!" He grabbed him by his neck and pulled his face in closer, "he was no Papist! I don't care what my lineage is, I am loyal to the Thompson family, and I know that my loyalties don't lie with any Romanists!

(OOC: Calling someone a Papist is like calling someone a horrible name in the Kingdom, it is an insult...so yet another problem to be overcome culturally haha.)

"He was..." the soft voice of the Chief Royal Advisor to the Thompson Crown, Count Dieter Noblintz, hushed them all...they listened to hear what he was to say. He was aged about 92 and had lived through the end of the Reign of King Will I and the entire Reign of Will the Great, the Protectorate, and now the Empire. "He was a good man...by any name...he was a good man. I don't know the Emperor personally...but I will only say this...Will would have put the interests of his people before his own prejudices..."

The Lavenrunzians came to attention and saluted or placed hand over heart at the 'God save the Empress'.
In reply to Oberhausen's remarks, Archduke Amadeus nodded. "I thank you, Count Oberhausen. Since I take it that our meeting is to take place immediately, we should be glad to be conveyed to the palace." Privately he thought, "Awfully brusque fellow...well, that's Reichskamphen for you. I wonder if we shall have to get used to it?" What he said was, in fact, as they entered the vehicle, "Please let me introduce my companions..." and so he did, one by one.
Baroness Toll asked curiously, "What are the feelings of the people and the aristocracy regarding the possible union, Count Oberhausen?"

OOC: The full meeting isn't taking place, but the introduction will take place as soon as you arrive. The full meeting will start the next day and last as long as necessary with decent breaks for enjoyment. Also, the following post isn't writtent that well, I am a bit tired haha.

IC: The Count took a breath, careful to address the issue correctly, "Well, Your Emminance," he paused again, "there are mixed feelings among the aristocracy and the people as always. Actually as far as the people go, we have new polling data in." he reached into his suitcase and pulled the sheet out, showing it to the delegation.

"As you can see it breaks down very much along national and regional lines as politics often do in the Kingdom. In the West, Reichskamphen that is, it is being recieved with great enthusiasm, around 78% of those polled are supportive of the union. In the North of Reichskamphen, in my own area of Oberhausen though, we see a drastic decline in that support to about 34%. This is because Oberhausen was the centre of the Reichskamphian reformation and is the province that adheres most strictly to reformed doctrine in all of Reichskamphen." moving his fingers to the other bar on the graph he said, "In Russapovia, support is a little less enthusiastic, about 62%...but the regional breakdown shows about 93% support in the south around Kamphstadt and the lower half of Russapovia, the mid areas polling at around 63% and the top third holding about 40% support." he paused, allowing the data to sink in. Then continued.

"In Scotta itself, the most conservative and Protestant of all of the Kingdoms, support is..."he paused to think of a tactful way to put it, "lacking at best. While the south polls around 40% like the North of Russapovia, the overall support is around 30% even lower than my province of Oberhausen. Of course there it could be 3% off in either direction, but this is basically it."

Then he thought about how to address the issue of the Aristocracy. "The Aristocracy is a differant matter all-together. Their opinions often don't break down along national lines...but we see this being recieved pretty well by about half of the entire nobility who know it is for the best. another fourth welcomes it, but with reservations...and another fourth...is extremely opposed to it. It is unfortunate that of that last fourth, they hold more than three fourths of the position on the Council of Elders, the most important regular organization of the nobility, consisting of the top 25 nobles appointed by the King. King Marcus has only appointed one...the rest are Viktor's and 3 are holdovers from King Will the Great."

Just as he finished his...insanely long...speach, the motorcade pulled up at the palace. Imperial Guard stood in straight lines their Black, elaborate 1804 model uniforms. They were armed with decorative An VII Charleville Flintlock muskets Muskets. As another Imperial Band struck up, "Ein Feste Burg ist mein Gott"(A Mighty Fortress is my God), They crossed their rifles and bayonets atop the entering delegation forming a type of covering under which they walked.

At the end of the covering stood Emperor Viktor in an ornamented Red, Imperial Guard Uniform, and a gold, laurel crown on his head (not the corronation crown). He approached the head of the delegation and instead of shaking his hand, gave him a hug. (OOC: a la Alexander III and Napoleon...not a la Ace and Gary :lol: ) "So glad to see you my friends! Let us go in and meet the others, but first, you must be hungry from your trip." He walked into the enormous entrance of the Palace out of the vaulted foyer, and into a side room which had in it a long pefectly appointed table, overflowing with foods of all kinds...beluga caviar, prosciutto and Soppressata imported from Italy, Joselito Ham, the finest in the world imported from Spain, and then, Reichskamphian foie gras, Russapovian Bread, vegetables, and fish of all types, and Scottan wine, and spirits including two bottles of the Emperors own personal favourite Port Wine, Leiberstadt 1968. Of course there was a wetbar fully stocked with Scottan Spirits and a bowl of overflowing fruit. If one wasn't a drinker, all types of Soft Drinks, waters, and fruit juices were available, even Jamaican Blue Mountain and Turkish coffees were available.

"Eat and drink. The room is sound proof, and I assure you it is not bugged, you can check yourself, and as a man of honour I will swear to it. We will get to the introductions shortly, let me just round up my men." with this, Viktor left them.

OOC: I'm sorry, I'm genuinely stumped...can we just get to the introductions please?

OOC: lol...so thats why you haven't said anything. Let me try to find everyone who is there haha. Then I will do that.

Viktor re-entered the room, stepped a bit off to the right and used his arms to direct the attention of all within to the door way. In it stood the two others who would be meeting with them.

Count Friederich von Magdeburg, a man of around 65 years, graying heavily, and dressed immaculately in a Black Republican Guard Uniform from Lord High Protector Joseph Thompson's protectorate, from the days of the first Scottan War, or the Wars of the Protectorate. It was a simple uniform and lacked the adornments of Viktor's elaborate presentation suit. He saluted the assembled dignitaries and shook each of their hands. Then, smoothing down his clean cut, small white beard, he walked to where the Emperor stood.

Dr. Ian R.K. Paisley III, religious advisor to the crown, a large bulldog of a man, around 78 years of age, a fixture in the Second Scottan reformation, and the most prominent ecclesiastical figure in all the land approached the dignitaries. His bright blue, piercing eyes gave them all a once over. His thinning gray hair was matted perfectly in place and he sported a pristine black suit with white winged collars like the Puritain preachers of old. He gave them a hardened look, took a long pause and then shook their hands as he eyed them all suspiciously.

Count von Oberhausen, then asked joyously, "Well then...what to? To business right away or would you like a chance to acquaint yourselves with the country, the city, the palace?"

The Archduke said, "Matters are a trifle urgent, Majesty, though it is too important to rush through. First of all, I would like to thank you for granting us audience on Her Majesty's behalf." he glanced at Baroness Toll, who looked around the room and said,
"It's been noted by some of our cultural advisors, first of all, that authority in Reichskamphen is very traditional with regard to men and women and authority. This is not the case in Lavenrunz," she smiled ironically, "and is not likely to change in the near future. So the matter of Her Majesty's authority must be considered by your Majesty and you noble advisors."
"There is also this." said Count Mecklenburg. "The issue of religion. Reichskamphen and your Majesty as well have been very outspoken against Rome lately."

"Yes," Count von Oberhausen said, "we are traditional in terms of authority, but look at Queen Sarah, the widow of Will the Great, she became ruler after the revolts..."

Viktor cut him off, "and would have remained so were it not for me...she was a well meaning leader, but lacked the muscle and the willpower to fix this nation..."

"Yes, your Majesty," Oberhausen conceded, "but regardless, she was greatly revered all throughout the Kingdom, even in Scotta."

"True.." Viktor paused, "let us sit down." he poured himself a glass of Port, "Can I offer anyone something?"

"In regards to Rome..." Paisley began.

"Ian," Viktor interrupted, "let me." turning to address the delegation, he took a sip of his Port and a deep breath. "Insofar as religion goes...this is where we shall find the most resistance to the union in both nations I believe. I have a certain set of core beliefs that cannot be sacrificed...and I am sure the same is true with your Empress. If we pursue any course around this area, the union will end in disaster. Perhaps it is best if we just ignore the issue all-together. Other such unions have worked very well. She can go to her services, believe what she will, and I will do likewise...but the biggest problem to that is in my country, the Mass is outlawed and it is illeagal to claim a Priestly Status in the Roman Church...the solution to this, is to cordon off whatever city is set up as the Imperial Capitol, be it Magdeburg or some other, and we make it an autonomous state in and of itself where we will permit at least one priest."

Paisley who had been rolling his eyes and appearing rather visibly upset during this speach suddenly shouted"Allowing One Priest, even one little piece of blasphemy, even one Mass is a slap in the face to Jesus Christ! He comes before everything! He is..."

Oberhausen elbowed him in the ribs. "Quiet!" he said under his breath.

"YOU CANNOT SILENCE THE TRUTH!" Paisley screamed out.

"Ian." Viktor called softly, in stark contrast to his loud tone. Paisley turned around slowly. The power that Viktor wielded even over the fiery minister was evident. "You will have your time to talk, but just give us a moment." Paisley sat down.

Count von Magdeburg who had previously remained silent, now decided to raise his voice, "I believe Dr. Paisley has just illustrated exactly why a matter such as this cannot simply be ignored."

"True..." Viktor sighed..."What are your suggestions?" he asked the delegation.

Archduke Amadeus and the others were incredulous at the Doctor's outburst, though in different ways, Baroness Toll barely concealing distaste, Count Mecklenburg embarassment, Amadeus amusement. The Colonel was silent and acted as if the incident had not taken place at all.
The Archduke smiled and said, "Well, Doctor, you believe do you that you and your fellow protestants have a monopoly on the truth? That is fair enough. We Lavenrunzians know better now than to argue with fanatics. The solution I offer is simple. Let Lavenrunz be the seat of power, and your Majesty can come to Hofburg. That will give you a chance to convert a few of us papists, eh, Doctor Paisley?"

Dr. Paisley opened his lips to speak, but Viktor raised his hands, silencing him.

"Gentleman," Viktor began, "I appologize for this outburst. But as for what you suggested, such a thing is not possible, just as it is not possible for the seat of power to be in Scotta. The seat being in Lavenrunz would be just as unfair to us as it being in Magdeburg would be unfair to you."

"We have an idea however, that can solve this issue." Count von Oberhausen chimed in.

"Yes," agreed Count von Magdeburg, "as Emperor Viktor is no longer technically sovereign of the Triune Kingdom, and his title of Emperor is over Greater Prussia, such an arrangement can be worked out with your Empress."

"What he means," Viktor added, attempting to clarify, " is that while maintaining control in the state for the most part, the Empress does as I did, and abdicates the throne of Lavenrunz and takes up the larger Greater Prussian throne while someone of her choosing would take up the throne in Lavenrunz and serve either as a puppet or as an actual ruler...whichever she prefers."

"Also," von Oberhausen spoke again, "there is another option. We could unite the two Kingdoms as you seem to be thinking but we will have to make the capitol somewhere on our border. (OOC: Create a new nation, and have that serve as the Capitol, and both of us have access to it) In the Holy Roman Empire, the Hapsburgs normally held the Imperial Throne, but also had family lands within the Empire...it is something akin to this which we suggest for these two options will be fairest to us both."

Archduke Amadeus took out a cigarette case. "Does anyone mind if I smoke?" he replied. "Majesty, Lavenrunz is in a fragile period right now. I am going to speak very bluntly on this. Archduke Carl would immediately become Emperor of Lavenrunz, and the Empress I think would rather go to Raem than have that happen. No, what you fail to see, I'm afraid, is how delicate our balance is. Abdication is out of the question. As to forming a new capital, a new country...that has possibilities, but if you consider, what would this nation have as its sovereignty? One bone of contention not merely for the current elected Government but also for Her Majesty is that several times you, Majesty, have acted without the Estates-General. This has made it into something of a travesty, and hotheads like the Czar of Descron have risen in ascendancy while the authority of Lavenrunz seems to have deliberately been undermined. Under those circumstances, Her Majesty is extremely reluctant to give up any form of sovereignty to gain one that would appear to be theoretical at best."
Baroness Toll sipped at her drink, tracing a lock of fair hair back behind an ear. Her velvet gown displayed her figure handsomely while also having elegance and discretion, drawing attention to her fair skin and magnificent bosom without being vulgar. "I should add, Majesty, that the question of why not have the capital of Greater Prussia has not been answered. Because we can tell you that it would very hugely reassure the people. And Her Majesty."

"The Reason that we cannot have the Capitol in Lavenrunz is because it would afford too much power and importance to that country, just as having it in Scotta would afford too much power and importance to it. It is merely being fair and evenhanded." Viktor said flatly. "The best way to keep it level on both sides is to have a new Capitol to represent the new combined authority, while perhaps retaining for whatever reasons or purposes, the use of some of the old Capitol."

"As for the Estates General..." Oberhausen began, but Viktor cut him off.

"Dietrich, I will handle this one." He took a sip of his Port, "When I have acted without the Estates General, I did so with full legality. That is part of the foundation decree. Also, I did so because when I first tried to convene the Estates General, I seldom got a response, likewise with the second time, and the third, but when I rule by decree, and discuss with the Marechalate, people seem to respond better. I am unsure why it is. One would think it would be the other way around. This is why I designed the Estates General. I put it in to the regional foundation of my own volition, without any advice or necessity because I thought we should have a discussion forum and a body where votes can take place. Furthermore, the authority of Lavenrunz has never, and will never be undermined as long as I have anything to do with it. And as far as the Czar of Derscon. At this point, your sway is Greater than his because your position is higher, but this union would eclipse the others. It would make the two most capable nations at the fore of the region. Therefore, when we have to rule by decree, we will be able to come to terms on it beforehand."

(OOC: I am unsure how to ICly address me OOCly forgetting to talk to you, any suggestions because I am drawing a blank on that...)

Archduke Amadeus was unfazed, his elegant posture undisturbed by the lengthy and stern response. He lit his cigarette and blew a couple of rings thoughtfully. "Majesty, what I have put forth is not theoretical. It is fact. As for the Estates-General...many of the nations in Greater Prussia are for practical purposes militant dictatorships. So in effect you are saying that you suborned the process of government for an unecessary expediency. Furthermore, the Empress has stated that it appears as if the Metus agreement was done for the same reasons, among others. The others leading up to virtually swearing an oath of fealty to Lord Melkor.
Under the circumstances, since the Empress has insisted on dealing with Lord Melkor as an equal and you have not, as the Empress has dealt with you openly and you have avoided including Her in the process of government of Greater Prussia, what on Earth is to be equal or fair about this arrangement? What actual effect has Greater Prussia had on our nation? is the question many are asking." the Archduke continued to be pleasant in manner but his blue eyes in fact looked rather intent. "Majesty, this is not mere disparagement. It is a wonderful idea, but the fact is that Lavenrunz does not need to be in this alliance at all, but we would like to do a greater good in the world. This cannot be accomplished by alienating those who oppose Lord Melkor. It can only be done by demonstrating leadership. Let me draw a line therefore. The Empress will not abdicate the throne of Lavenrunz under any circumstances, and She would like some guarantee of your good faith in this matter."
"What about a compromise?" suggested Baroness Toll. "Having a capital in Lavenrunz but not Hofburg itself."

OOC: I understand, but in character this is not the first time an ally has signed a treaty without Lavenrunzian presence for instance. So the reasons you gave are fair enough in character.

"When have I ever dealt with Lord Melkor as a superior to me?" Viktor asked. "I have many times stated in discussions with the Marechalate that I swear oath to nothing but Greater Prussia and her people. If Melkor's actions were against Greater Prussia, I would be against Melkor."

"But it is an interesting point that you bring up about the alienation of Melkor's enemies...because, infact, that was just recently discussed." Chimed in Count von Oberhausen. "It has been suggested within the Imperial Court that we adjust our status in Metus to that of an ally as opposed to a member. This would allow other nations to travel to Greater Prussia that have not signed on or allied with Melkor. We feel it foolish to hitch our train irreversibly to him, but we also feel it foolish to alienate ourselves from him."

"I feel it foolish to ally ourselves to him in the first place..." grumbled Paisley under his breath.

"Ian," Viktor said, reprovingly, "Now, insofar as what Greater Prussia has done for you? First of all, it has given you a place of temporal power greater than that you would have had otherwise. It has given you access to what may prove to be the largest wing of the Greater Prussia. Now there is also an issue I have not addressed. While you are upset with me issueing orders by decree, there have been times, when orders, not objectionable to Lavenrunz or her allies, have been given, and subsequently not carried out. Infact, i sent a private message to your government on three separate occasions asking you to reach out to other Germanic regions to perhaps form a pan-Germanic alliance and to update me of your progress. I have recieved no contacts from anyone you have contacted, and I have recieved no updates in a month. I have also recieved no replies to the three messages I sent. I also on two occasions, upon information of a threat to the security of the Empire, asked your Empress, as Head of the Home Guard, to ready the defenses and raise up troops from whatever nations she had to in order to swell the ranks of the Home Guard. This she did not do, and I was forced to circumvent the command chain on both occasions and do it myself. The same is true of the alliance. I was forced to do the work on that myself and as of now, have been without the time to finish it. I am only one man, and the Empress is only one woman, but when something unobjectionable is asked of her, I would hope she would follow it. I will give an agreement of good faith that I will discuss all matters with her before giving a decree, but I must also ask that she keep up her part of the bargain and do her job which I have seen no evidence she is even working at."

"Another point about what the Empire has given to you, and has yet to give," announced Count von Magdeburg, "is that it has given you an alliance to Melkor, and thereby turned one of your foremost enemies into one of your foremost allies and thereby made your nation much safer. Also, the Emperor gave you charge of Kriegskorp. Which I have seen no evidence of it operating without the Emperor's direct imput. He ordered naval ships to be produced, and he had to directly oversee it as no one from Lavenrunz was at the helm. Also, arms and munitions were ordered and the Emperor oversaw that as well. Your nation by agreement, skimmed 5% of the multi billion dollar profit from this corporation and has, theoretically, at its head, a Lavenrunzian. But no work has yet been done by this head to advance the corporation and it has been left on the Emperor's shoulders to do that."

"And if it is charity work you want," Paisley added, "we are sending missionaries oversees, hundreds a day. We are also about to launch a food programme to feed the poor of the world which the Emperor, and should the two Sovereigns be wed, the Imperial Family, will head."

Amadeus looked weary at all this. "While there is a certain truth to all these accusations, Majesty, I think my point has been missed. Perhaps I could illustrate it thusly.
What we are after is the spirit of the agreement. Power is not enough. I could rebut all of your points if I wished to but I do not frankly think it necessary. Majesty, your vision was to create a great alliance. This could still be...but only if we put aside the spirit of suspicion and bickering. We have on both sides grievances, we have differences of religion. But ultimately we stand for human independance, for monarchy, for strength of tradition and for Christianity. What is ritual compared with this? What is the location of a capitol compared with this? Without this guiding spirit, of a unity that will bind all together, we will have nothing." he hesitated, then spoke with genuine emotion for the first time. "There is this as well. If we have been remiss, we ask your forgiveness. The Empire, indeed the Empress, are embittered but deep hurts that have only begun to heal. One of these is the virtual betrayal by members of SATO who only acted for their own good, and who on several occasions let Lavenrunz do the donkey work while they simply grabbed land and advantages. Add to this that the Empress is orphaned and bereft. As her cousin, I wonder if you could put aside religious difference and her youth and sex, and even in an arranged setting, love her and our country."

"Oh..." said Viktor, taken aback by this. "insofar of the Spirit of the agreement, I am with you 100%, I was unsure what you were aiming for beforehand I suppose. I can also tell you, that I do already love your country. And I am sure, that once I know her, I will love your Empress as well."

"You say you stand for Christianity eh?" Paisley said, as if he was leaning into a larger speach, but Viktor raised his hand, quieting the blaring trumpet of Protestantism.

"I will agree to an agreement of good faith, if you will." Viktor offered, "If we both hold up our end of the agreement, there is no problem. The differances we have and temporal issues will have to be addressed, but I agree, they are secondary to the ultimate goal. The location of the Capitol though, is important on a symbolic level though, and is an issue that we ought to address as soon as possible as that city will be the representative of the entire Empire. I propose that we take whatever city we will, and make it a separate Country, like the Vatican is with Italy. But we cannot have the capitol in any established Empire."

OOC: I created a nation, which is currently being used as a representative to Prussia called "The Greater Prussians" It is symbolic of the Greater Prussian People and their voice being projected. We could use this nation as the Capitol, and use it as the voice through which the Imperial Family would give proclamations and have the Capitol there. Or, if we decide our nations are bordering, then, we can pick a city on our border, even a small town, and just build it up as necessary. That way we solve the problem there.

"Your Majesty has struggled to build an alliance of strength and purpose...it is my hope that you can also understand that Her Majesty has struggled as well. Her word must be equal to yours in all Greater Prussia." Archduke Amadeus said.
Baroness Toll was quiet, a bit irritated by the continual address of 'gentlemen' as if she was either not present or sexually neuter. Perhaps they were just used to it though. They had bloody well be prepared for a few changes then.
The Archduke turned to Doctor Paisely. "You are a powerful voice of religion in your country." he said quietly. "Now: if you cannot accept that Lavenrunzians are fellow christians, there is no point to this."

"If you allow a Protestant Church in Lavenrunz, then there are Lavenrunzians who are fellow Christians." Paisley replied. "If you do not outlaw Protestantism or attempt to persecute it or bring any portion of this crown subject to the edicts of Rome...then I will raise no objection to the union."

OOC: I don't remember ever just addressing the men...hrm.

IC: "The Empress's word," Viktor began, "Will be as powerful as mine...and will be powerless without mine...just as mine will be powerless without hers. We must keep absolute unity. Remember...I am Emperor of Greater Prussia. Greater Prussia as a whole is not as religious as my nations. We must work for the greater good. I have a king on the throne of Reichskamphen and of Russapovia and of Scotta. They are taken care of. We must realize that there will be objections raised to this as will be raised by many. But if Dr. Paisley supports this union, it could quell alot of it. Even if it doesn't the protesting party is a minority in the region though it is a majority here. I do not believe that the protestors will attempt any secessionist or militant action against the crown either. All will be well."

OOC: Weird...

"It is getting rather late," Viktor said looking at his watch. "Should we have a pot of coffee or tea boiled or should we make for bed?"

Dr. Paisley looked anxiously around. He was not comfortable with this at all. But he trusted Viktor and knew if he was doing it, there was likely a reason behind it. Most people had thought Viktor was a flash in the pan, but he had grown to be one of the most loved and respected leaders in the history of the Kingdom.

The way not only the servants, but even the rest of the court differed to him and honoured him in all manners was not merely impressive, but breathtaking. He seemed to have this implacable quality that made people willing to storm the gates of Hell if only he bade them do it.

Feld Marschall Count von Magdeburg, ever the Aristocratic traditionalist, was entirely and enthusiastically for the union, as was Count von Oberhausen, the new blood so to speak.

Viktor himself, was less enthused than Magdeburg, but still very willing and happy to take the union. He had always had a deep abiding respect for Lavenrunz and its people, even when they were considered the enemy. Thought Dr. Paisley's voice echoed in his thoughts..."Compromise with Rome is a sin against God....The Church of Rome is not a Christian Church, but a habitation of devils....The Protestant Crown is the only good crown."....He still was willing to take these steps.

"Coffee is an excellent suggestion, Sir." replied Archduke Amadeus. "I was wondering by the way if you are fond of hunting, or any particular sports. As you probably know, it was very much encouraged in our family."
Baroness Toll leaned over to Doctor Paisely. She said softly, "You should know, Doctor, that the only protestant sect not tolerated in Lavenrunz is Methodism, because of its connotations with anti-authoritarianism. But you could also take this as an opportunity to approach and convince Catholics of your beliefs. Did Christ not after all principally command his followers to bring the Gospel to all nations?"

{Tag; For Intelligence Purposes}

OOC: I am leaving the game and Lav is leaving the region, so the whole deal is off.