NationStates Jolt Archive

Lise looked up from her desk. Although only 15, she was already a Temme Member of Parliament and Public Servant for Justice. She was popular in her home of North Douglas, but nowhere else.

She had no friends. Her colleagues in her party, the Socialist Labour Party, tended to look down upon the 15-year-old. All knew she had been chosen for PR reasons, not that the Chief Public Servant really cared about her.

She had left home when she had first taken the job of Member of Parliament. Relations with her mother were still strained. She had dropped out of school, and they hadn't talked since then.

Ex-schoolmates. . .no one had understood Lise. In a country where even the adults don't care about politics, let alone the teenagers, she had been ostracized. Quite often, she had eaten her lunch alone in the classroom while her classmates went on to the cafeteria.

She had never been on a date. She'd had no non-business contact with anyone since she said good-bye to her mother three months ago. Lise was lonely.

She shook her head and got back to work reading some bureaucratic report. But she couldn't shake this feeling like she did the last time. She knew she had to do something.

Logging on to her computer, she went to a diplomatic website where the leaders of the world congregated. She directed her browser towards a forum and posted the following:

"I am 15 years old and a member of the Temme government. I am very lonely and looking for someone who will love me as I am. "

She waited for a response while she read the bureaucratic report.

The Lord Prince was bored. Horrifically bored. Things at home were fairly simple and the political machine ran like clockwork. He logged into a forum he occasionally read and noticed a post from an MP of Temme.

"Hey, you're welcome to pester me, any time," Lord Prince Ywain wrote back, "I'm 28, but I can remember being in school, and how my classmates always called me crazy... I guess if you can put up with a chaotic technocrat for a friend, you've got one."

He glanced over at Minister Cyb who had passed out on the couch, and smiled, knowing he'd never win her over.

"I'm not looking for love, right now, but I am always looking for a good mind to talk things through with."

Ywain hit send, and put his feet up on his desk to await a reply.

Lise sighed. She grabbed a cup of coffee, fretting, "If I keep letting myself get distracted, I'll be up all night reading this stupid thing."

It was drawing her, drawing her. She brought up the forum. There was a reply! She typed in excitedly,

"I'm pleased that we're to become friends. I look forward to getting to know you.

A little bit about me:

I'm 5'3, light brown hair, blue eyes. I love computers and politics."

She sighed and hit "submit." While she waited for the impossibly slow server to relay her message to the Lord Prince, she ran outside and yelled, "I have a friend!"

Mickey Ciceroni sat in front of his computer checking out the diplomatic forum. He wasn't a diplomat, or a world leader. He was the youngest grandson of Mario Ciceroni; the famous mafia boss. Sitting in his room on the island estate of Eden, Mickey would often check out forums like this to get a better understanding of the political world.

Then he happened to see Lise's post. He was intruiged. He was 14, a year younger then she was, but not much of a difference.

He began to type...

"Hi, I'm Mickey, I'm 14 years old and the grandson of a mafia boss. I dont have many friends. Wanna be my friend?"

Advisor Bosska sits at his desk, having just come from Titan to discuss recent events with House Leader Stheet. His return was unspectacular; another day, another Tooth. He decided to look in on the International Forums to see how the world has been faring in the few days he was away.


Let's see...war, war, I have n00ks and i'm not afraid to use them....how passe. Insurrection, war, epidemic outbreaks. What's this? From the nation of Temme .... a new face. Looking for love. Is she serious? He decides to reply, against his better judgement. Usually he would just let these things alone, but he has a weakness for the young and enthusiacstic. Even the human hatchlings.

There is no avatar or picture on the message composed and sent. "It is good to see someone as young as yourself interested in your people's government. But to advertise that you are 'Looking for love' in a place frequented by the old and wrinkly, you may be looking in the wrong place. That is not to say that all here are old, or wrinkly. But you now how the steroetype is."

"I am a young 150 years of age, and quite spry considering. And even I would not look for companionship of that nature here. You never know if someone attempts to 'befriend' you in a grab to sieze power over your people. These things are better done face to face, such as a diplomatic ball or even an arts festival. Try other avenues before offering yourself to strange men, and their stranger appetites."

"May you walk on warm sands"

Advisor Bosska
Empire of Sakkra
City of Guaah

While scrolling through his daily intelligence briefings and various diplomatic messages, Gregor Vetinari, Emperor of Cetaganda, ect, ect, raises an eyebrow as he spots a message labeled, "Lonely Heart." He idly reaches up and taps the open button. As the page loads, however, a voice from behind him says, "This, Gregor, may not be a wise choice of messages to read."

"Oh, shove off." Gregor replies playfully. "Its not every day you see someone advertising for love on diplomatic channels."

"Actually, it is," points out Tarvi. "There's always someone out that's trying to get married to some other head of state."

"Point. Yikes. She's only fifteen."

"Not to mention she's a she."

"Another valid point. You're full of amazing wisdom, aren't you?"

"That's why you married me. You'd no doubt have nuked a few dozen nations by now if it weren't for me."

Lord Prince Ywain wakes up, and shakes his head, realising that his legs are numb from propping them on the desk. He curses his own foolishness, and looks for a reply from the girl from Temme.

He reads the new posts and smiles. She seemed to have attracted mostly good people.

"Well," Ywain writes, "if we're to talk about ourselves, I'm about 5"7', and my hair is black, blonde, and pink. I've got green eyes. I have an intense fondness for hardware, software, rollerskating, and the prospects for cybernetic research. Politics, despite my weighty position, are just a hobby. I think we probably meet somewhere around software, if I'm not mistaken."

He presses submit, and thinks that he must introduce the girl to Tech Minister Cyb... whenever Cyb wakes back up...

Lise had been up all night. She finally finished the report. She headed to the forum. After 15 minutes of trying to get it up, she looks. A couple of warnings. Didn't they know she was old enough to look after herself? She was, after all, Public Servant for Justice. The grandson of a Mafia boss? She didn't want to be rude, but still, the Public Servant for Justice friends with someone connected to the Mafia? Ah, another posting from Lord Prince Ywain.

She typed in,

"Dear Mickey, thank you for your interest, but I don't believe our friendship could go anywhere due to conflict of interest. I hope you understand.

Lord Prince Ywain, I see you are extremely proficient in computers. That is very cool. Like you said, I think we meet somewhere around software. Your hair sounds very cool. I look forward to getting to know you better."

She pressed submit.

--Scratch that--

Deep within the Traileric capital city of Muan Tai,sits a man at a remote terminal.He has often preferred a public computer such as this to his own.To him it had a more personal quality,for he knew well that those charged to "protect,serve,and uphold",wactched him on his personal,keystroke by keystroke.The had to under order of the Lord Admiral,after all,the young man was the heir to the Throne of Spears,and about six other titles.His father ruled this country benevolent dictator+figurehead parliament style.And so with backround cleared up back to him,sitting at the terminal,four of the bloody guards not three paces behind him.He browsed an international relations forum and looked over the topics.After scanning several pointless topics put up by random thrid-world countries that seemed to believe that they had some semblance of power,his eye fell upon a massage "Lonely Heart"..Curiosity piqued,he opened the thread and read it's contents;almost instantly several caustic remarks floated through his fingers onto the screen..and then he erased them.He thought some and realised that her situation was similar to his,for he had no true friends,mostly corporate suck ups and those who were friends with him or else.

"Lonely heart,huh?Catchy title.Greetings,I am Lord Emeris Gero,heir to the Traileric throne.I can see where you are coming from,being lonely and all.15 and looking for love,a little young,arncha?"

He smirked to himself and clicked submit.

Lise logged back on. She noticed another reply. She clicked reply. After a couple minutes wrestling with the server, she finally was able to reply.

"Dear Lord Emeris, Thank you for your reply. I hope we can get to know each other in the future. I'm 5'3", light brown hair, blue eyes. I'm interested in computers and politics."

The server cooperated.

Prince Anthony wandered about the global net, looking for cheat codes on his latest game when he came across a message on one of the less frequented message boards. Intrigued he decided to post back...

"Hey, I so understand where you are coming from, Life among officals can be a pain in the ass, it is worse when you are a royal and destined to be co-ruler with you sister. I am Anthony, 16, silver hair, silver eyes. My interests are gaming, intrigue, and general mischief. Say hi if you would like to talk.."

He hoped he didn't sound freaky and hastily switched windows when he heard his nosy twin sister enter the room. If she knew what he was up to she would tease him unmercifully...

Lise had been surfing the web, while the forum was up in another window. She glanced at it and saw that someone else, Prince Anthony, had posted. She smiled a mile wide. She had friends! People actually cared about her! She posted back.

"Hi. Ouch, I'm sorry about your sister. Hey, what do you mean by general mischief? I hope we can be friends."

The server cooperated.

After listening for a while to his sister prattle on about her newest dress she flounced out of the room, he sneaked a look back and saw a response. his eyes lit up and he typed...

" I would love to be friends. Yeah my sister is a pain but i could not see life without her. I like to just make people wonder once in a while, move things from where they were set, put sugar in salt containers, change text on certain books and generally throw the household into confusion. have to break up the monotony of meetings and schooling somehow. I don't get away with it as often as I used to though too many have caught on to my particular tastes in trouble, I will have to think of something big." he laughed and continued "tell me more about you and your country.."

He was beginning to really enjoy this, it had been to long since he had talked to anyone outside of the Court...

Sasha Cheenin, Lise's boss, wandered into the room. Lise quickly covered the forum. As she uncovered it, she noticed a new reply for her thread. She quickly typed,

"Oh man, that sounds like fun. I can never pull pranks because I'm not taken seriously as it is. It's tough being 15 in an elected government, especially when you know you're only there for P.R. purposes. Sometimes I'd just like to resign and live a normal life, but my fascination with politics won't allow it."

He smiled even wider as he read the reply then began to respond,

" Elected huh? I was born into my position, not that it is any easier. Here the women weild the high posts and powerful positions traditionally. When I was born it threw things into confusion. Usually only the destined Queen has my coloring, so when me and my sister was born my mother started trying to change things and get more equal rights for men but it is a hard thing still. Half the time I am seen as someone to be coddled and it pisses me off. I am just as smart and capeable as my sister but she gets defered to as having the superior intellect just because she is a girl."
He frowned for a moment then sighs, " But it does make it easier to listen to conversations that I might not otherwise be able to hear hence my facination with intrigue and uncovering plans within plans. It could always be worse.."

He ran a hand through his hair and continued, " I like the manuvering in politics and trying to find the loopholes.."

Morty Qujaz looked at his computer screen. The message read, "I am very lonely and looking for someone who will love me as I am." He had never had a love interest before; he and always wondered what would happen if he actually did have one. He shared a common thread with this girl frm Temme; he had never really been liked much where he worked either.

He typed a response.

"Someone to love you as you are, huh? I cold say the same. The name is Morty Qujaz. I work as a free-lance detective. I am 30 Years old. Theres never much time for friendship over here either."

This was true; all of his partners had died in what tended to be grusome ways, earning him the nickname 'Bad Juju' or sometimes just 'Juju' Morty. He continued with his message.

"I hope i can get to know you, and mabey meet you face to face sometime. Best wishes, Morty." He pressed enter and sat back in his chair, waiting for a reply. He hoped that he didnt seem to sincere or unworthy. He also wished that he wasnt so inexpirienced with women.

Lise smiled. She typed back,

"Well, that is a switch. In most cultures, it is the woman who is ignored and marginalized. That must really stink. Oh, well, like you said, it does have its advantages.

Loopholes, eh? Try being elected in Temme. At first, the political process was open and above-board. Then, something happened. We're not sure what. Now, bribes have become semi-commonplace, and you have to know someone in power to get elected, or be an incumbent. I suppose I was fortunate, in that I got elected before the whole thing collapsed."

Just out of pure boredom,Emeris ceased to review plans of some new space thing and checked the forum once more.Seeing her reply he began typing:

"Hm,we are of the same age.I'm sometimes accused of being my fathers clone.Just use a search engine to find a picture of him.He's bloody fam-" He paused midword to glare at a bodyguard that had accidentally kicked over a wastebasket "ous,and has many pictures plastered across the internet.^^ "

Reply clickety.

Anthony sat back and considered, what could have caused such a radical shift in policy? He then placed his nimble hands back on the keyboard,

"I would definately say your election to such a position was fortunate, but if you are just a token as you seem to think I would wonder who might make an example out of you. I know you are smart I can tell from this conversation how bright you are, so I don't really have to tell you to watch your back. I think you would be a one-of-a-kind martyr for some extremist nutjobs out there. I would hate to see anything happen to you."

Anthony's fair skin turned a bright pink as he read that last statement, but decided to leave it as is and forged on, " My position is not what most consider 'Normal' in the common world view I know, but then my Country has always been a bit out of the norm. Like I have said it is getting better, slowly to be sure and when I do rise to take the Throne with my sister who knows what will happen. I hope to know enough and that views will have changed enough that it won't pose too much of a problem. So what do you do there for fun? Besides chatting with bored Princes on the Net.."

He hit the send button with a big smile on his lips...

Lise was excited. Here was someone who actually cared about if she lived or died.

"Hey, thanks for your concern. As a matter of fact, I literally live in my office, which has around-the-clock security. I rarely go out.

I hope views change for you soon. Men are just as intelligent as women, and women as men.

What do I do for fun? Well, I play computer games, and I used to be an avid reader. And, of course, I chat with bored Princes on the Net." She pressed Submit.

She wrestled with the server. "Aah!" she said. She had a very low tolerance for slow and incompetent computers.

He checked back after the server quit being such a temperemental bastard and all his irritation with technology dissapeared after seeing her reply and he quickly responded," Computer games? I am a game nut, I have tons and when I am not seeing what kind of trouble I can get into, I am on my computer getting into trouble. " he smiled wide and kept typing, " Why don't you read a lot now? it sounds like you ahve the time on your hands. And I am very glad to know that you are well- protected. "

He took a look around his room seeing the bookshelves filled and added, " I am a reader too, but then SilverCities has one hell of a library. My instructor is the Keeper of the Great Library."

He hit the send button and prayed the server would be kind...

The server was working. Lise smiled. She quickly typed in,

"I read. . .dumb bureaucratic reports. Ugh. They annoy me to death. They're a waste of time and money that could better be spent on actually solving problems. That's why I don't read actual books.

Hey, that's cool that you have so many games."

She grinned a mile wide. Thoughts of meeting him danced through her head, but she pushed them away. She'd really, really like to, but she could hardly get away, and unless he could come to Temme somehow . . .

Ywain got back from taking his "morning" shower, and shoved Cyb off the couch to go take hers. They'd been up all night discussing policy decisions about public surveillance and nudists. As he settled back into his desk chair, adjusting the labcoat he wore for a bathrobe, he decided to check up on the Lady Lise.

Reading the new posts, he was amazed that so many people had taken a genuine interest in the girl. Where were these people when he was in school? Of course, if he'd been around people like these, he might not have felt the need gather a techno-chaotic nation around himself... He shrugged and began typing.

"Wow, two gamers, huh? ::looks at Lise and Anthony:: I feel some network gaming coming on... We should find a game we haven't all played through twelve times by ourselves, and throw a lan party! I've been looking to play with someone besides Minister Cyb and Ambassador Amadeus."

Ywain looked at his writing and smirked. He sounded like an overexcited highschool boy, again. He shrugged it off, after all he *felt* like an overexcited highschool boy. Smiling cheerfully, he ate some M&Ms, and continues his note.

"I also love to read, but, I'm afraid my library, aside from the legal and etiquette books, is mostly science fiction. Someday, I want to actually build the things some of these guys have dreamed up, and it always makes me happy when I notice that I have."

He felt slightly amused that she had attracted so many posts.Heh,who would think this would be so successful.

Anthony grinned and pondered for a few moments before making his response, " Well, I think it would be a blast to get together on the Net and game, yeah we would have t o see what games we have in common first but we should be able to find something in common. I love Science- fiction and fantasy as well, it drives my Mother insane though, she wants me to be a bit more studious, but what good is all that if you don't have an imagination? "

He mentally ran down a list of games in his head then turned his thoughts to the sweet girl that started all this and wrote in reply to her, " I think I may need to ship you some really good books, something to get your mind off of problems for a while and maybe.." he hesitated, should he? aww what the hell.. " maybe I can deliver them personally?" His cheeks went scarlet as he pushed the send button. The server stalled much to his frustration and after a few tries it went thorough

Lise gasped. She quickly typed:

"That might be nice later. Right now I am in dire distress. There is, in fact, a plot to kill me. People in my own party dislike me. I may not reply for some time as I will leave and I don't know what to do. If you can help me, I'd really appreciate it."

She hit the submit button.

Ywain frolics out of his office and shoots a rubberband at the very grumpy Cyb. "Cyb, quick, I need an inventory of network games sent to Silvercities and Temme." She looked confused and vaguely irritated. "Lan party, Cyb! Games involving people besides us!" Cyb looked faintly amused at Ywain's gleeful fervor; " I'll get it sent in the morning."

Ywain wandered back to his office by way of the kitchen, and sat down to write his reply with a large bowl of brie and pretzels.

"Minister Cyb seems amused by the lan party idea, and she'll send a list of our games to both of you in the morning. Anything we should know about getting the message to you both? Guards? Blocked ports on the network?"

"By the way, Anthony, good luck with your delivery. ::wink::"

He chuckled to himself and hit send.

Anthony growled and typed furiously, " I thought.. never mind... if you get out of there safely, I can offer you sanctuary, or if you are in absolute dire straights now I will send someone to get you out and bring you here, I don't know how I will explain it to Mom but i will.. "

He reads the reply of the other gamer and blushed, " Thanks, you can always contact me via telegram or here I have the feeling I will be checking in more often.. "

He then heard his sister yelling that it was time for his classes and he swore, "Damn, I will be checking in to see what is going on... Lise, do whatever you need to to get out of there and Believe me if you send word I will get it.. "

He hit send and grabbed his notebook then ran for the Great Library... He was late and Morgan was going to chew his hide for it...

* * *

After hitting send, Ywain caught Lises's last post. He typed quickly...

"I don't know if it does you any good, but, you're welcome on our island. I'll get a suite at the palace ready in case you decide to drop by in your escape from the dangers of public office. I can safely say that our people would be as upset by this development as I am."

"We're also willing to offer surveilance and anti-surveilane equipment to your cause."

He crossed his fingers and hit send.

The server hiccuped. Twice.

Lise grabbed her favourite skirt and stuffed it in a cloth bag. She slipped away.

Making her way to the Public Library she typed,

"Thank you both for your kind assistance. Prince Anthony, is there some way I can get to your nation? I'm at the Public Library incognito right now. I really, really look forward to meeting you." She flushed pink, but left it in anyway.

Anthony checked back after his first couple of classes and grinned, " I will come and get you myself.. umm I will have to bring at least two of the Royal Guard though, I hope you dont mind, where shall I meet you? In what city is the library you are in now? " he nibbled on his bottom lip as he considered what he was going to tell his Mother when he went to the rescue of this sweet girl, " I will come get you, you can't help but notice me, silver hair about shoulder length and silver eyes tend to stand out in a crowd... I am really looking forward to meeting you too and I hope we can help you out of this mess..." Oh he could hear his sister teasing him about his new "Girlfriend" now, but he was not minding the thought at all.

Lise sighed. Oh, she hoped the server worked.

"I'm in the capital city of Saskatchewan. It's right smack dab in the middle of Temme. The library is on Main Street. The airport is at the south end of Main Street, keep going north from the airport. I cannot wait to meet you in person." She sighed. Anthony sounded so romantic, funny, and everything she'd ever wanted.

Ywain panicked quietly at this development.

"Get the messages off the server, kids. If they can find you at home, now they know where you've gone."

He yelled across the room to Amadeus, "Get me a team of spotters! Lise of Temme is headed for Silvercities with an assassin on her tail, and I want to catch the bastard before he gets near her."

Lise of Temme is headed for Silvercities with an assassin on her tail

OOC: :shock: Where did it say that?

After seeing the last message Anthony quickly summoned his personal guard and told them the situation and told them to get his private jet ready to fly. He then made his way to the Throne room where his Mother was holding Court. He approached Silver and with a respectful bow waited until she was finished with her current conversation.

Silver was curious to why her son was not with his tutor but it looked like something was bothering him so she raised her hand to halt the words of her advisor to forign affairs and smiled at her son, "Tony, what are you up to? "

Anthony smiled and said, " Mom, a girl needs my help and the sanctuary of SilverCities.. there are those that would use her for terrible purposes and I intend to get her out of there. I would like your blessing though..."

Silver sighed, her son reminded her of her sister Rothana in a lot of ways and she knew her son would not do anything too foolhardy and he also knew that he would have to take Guards so she decided to let him go on his little venture, " Go on then and take five of the Guard. I want to meet your friend when you get back and she is able.."

Anthony's smile literally lit up the room, " Thank you, Your Majesty.. Mom..." he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and ran out of the room. He saw his friend James, One of his personal guard and sparring partner waiting for him outside of the Throne room and Anthony said to him, " Let's go rescue a damsel in distress shall we?"

OOC: Falastur: She says there's a plot to kill her. Ywain is a little excitable.

Lise slipped into the bathroom and changed into her favorite skirt. Although she was a little frightened, she was also excited at meeting Anthony. She sighed. Twirling around for appearances, she went back into the library and started reading. Then, she let down her hair from its uptight bun.

Anthony while riding in the passenger side of a black SUV was fighting nervousness while his friend James drove. He looked in the mirror set in the visor several times checking to make sure nothing was out of place and James remarked, " You are acting worse then your sister you know. " the two Royal Guard, dressed down to keep from alarming the locals checked their .45's and replaced them in the nearly invisable shoulder holsters. as they pulled up to the library Anthony just whispered, "Let's not make a scene if at all possible shall we?" He then let James exit the car first and let the Guard do their jobs inspecting the surroundings before exiting the vehicle himself. All of them looking fairly casual as the entered the building, Anthony keeping an eye out for a young lady with brown hair and blue eyes.... to his dismay there were several, and he hoped that she was keeping an eye on the door. Anthony then made his way to the new hardbacks near the front and began perusing the books there wondering if they had anything interesting.his bodyguards were unobtrusive but definately present keeping watch in the least obvious manner.

Lise was in the washroom. "He's going to think I'm so ugly!" she fretted to herself. Every flaw that she had never noticed seemed to be magnified ten times. She sighed. "Well, better go meet him as I am." She opened the door to the washroom, and there stood Anthony.

"Hi." Lise said. She didn't know what else to say.

Anthony stood there and he cleared his throat, " Um... hi." She was unlike any other girl he had seen, her eyes were the clearest, deepest blue and he felt himself get lost in them, " Lise?" he felt like a complete idiot and his creamy complexion became stained a cherry red. " Nice to meet you, " he managed to stammer out... :oops:

Lise gazed into his silver eyes. They were so beautiful. He was so handsome. Even his cherry red face was like nothing she had ever seen. All of the sudden she felt her heart flutter. She had never experienced anything like it before. Her cheeks had a slight flush of red on them. Silently, she told herself, "Lise, pull yourself together. You've spoken with diplomats, held press conferences, and speeches in front of thousands. What is wrong with you?"

Her pep talk made her feel a little more composed. She put on her Barbie-doll perma-smile she used with the media. She didn't like it because it felt so fake, but she desperately needed to compose herself. "Nice to meet you. Where are we going?"

He took a deep breath and felt the blood leave his cheeks revealing his usual peaches and cream complexion, " I have a vehicle waiting, and from your airport we will be taking off for my Country. " he smiled and offered his arm, "Shall we my lady?"

James made a slight signal to the Guard and they left the library to check to be sure nothing was amiss...

Lise took his arm. She smiled, not her media-smile, but her genuine one. It had been so long since she'd used it. She was amazingly grateful that she would be getting away from bureaucracy and stagnation.

She forced her thoughts from Temme politics and turned to Anthony. "I cannot wait to see your country," she said. Then she looked into his silver eyes. All coherent thought left her brain. It was surprising, because this was the girl who had never wanted for words in front of the media. She felt the stirring again, and she wished to know what it was.

Anthony looked into her beautiful cerulean eyes again and was tempted to 'read' her to see if she felt what he did, but he just led her out of the library and held open the car door for her," You will see it soon Lise, it is beautiful there, green and peaceful. We are proud that we have not been involved in any major war since our Nation's birth. We are more diplomats and scholars then soldiers. Not to say that we dont have a strong defense if need be. " He climbed in after her and James started the SUV as the Guard took their own seats. "we are of course happy to provide you with anything you may need. " He cursed himself silently as he felt like a bloody diplomat as he recited that speech, " You do know that I will always be happy to help you personally.." He flushed slightly again as he realized that no matter what he said he wasn't going to be able to say what he really meant and he sent a tendril of intense positive feeling to caress her mind to convey what he intended.

Lise kept staring at her hands. If she looked at Anthony, she knew she would lose all control. "I'm glad your nation is peaceful. We had a bit of a war after a terrorist attack, but now we are officially peaceful." She leaned back a bit in the seat. Another flutter. She gave up trying to maintain control. She turned and gazed at Anthony. If only she had spent more time reading novels in school instead of political books. What were these flutterings? If only there was someone who knew. Finally she turned to Anthony and said, "I have these weird flutterings in my stomach. I don't think it was something I ate. Do you know what they are?"

Anthony became slightly worried and he knew the fastest way to find out what she meant but he didn't want to frighten her, so he explained softly, " I can certainly find out, but ... " he then just let it out in a rush, "there is something i didn't tell you, you see.. my father had some slight empathic ability, and my Mother.. well part of being one of the Royal line she too had it, but it only pertained to her husband, her Consort. That is complicated I will explain it later, but the thing is my sister and I have very strong Empath and Telekinetic ability. Apart we are just strong but when we work together the force is magnified tenfold, needless to say we caused quite a stir when we were babies and we hadn't learned control yet. But I suppose what I mean to say is, if you let me, and I won't go looking into your private thoughts, but I can find out what you are feeling..." He then looked into her eyes and then looked away, terrified at the possibility she would think him a freak.

Lise sighed. "You are welcome to look into my mind anytime. Maybe you'll be able to tell me what I'm thinking when even I don't know."

Just then the Public Servant for Finance stopped the car. "Where are you taking this girl?" he demanded. Lise whispered into Anthony's ear, "This is the man who wants to kill me!"

Anthony's eyes went a steely silver as he gazed at the rude man. James just said calmly in his best official voice, " This girl is the guest of Prince Anthony of SilverCities. We are taking them back to that Country so that they may resume their talks and fostering of goodwill international relations there. If you have an issue with that you may take it up with the Queen, she is expecting us shortly. " James then revved the engine of the SUV menicingly and the two Royal Guard slowly revealed their sidearms, their eyes never leaving the man.

Anthony took Lise's hand reassuringly.

A tingle started in Lise's hand and went all the way up her arm. The Public Servant showed his own gun. "Lise," he said in a patronizing way, "would you rather have me kill you or your prince friend here?" Lise made her decision. "Leave Prince Anthony alone. It is between us; leave him out of it." She squeezed Prince Anthony's hand. As he cocked the gun, her thoughts were, "Can these guards save me?"

Anthony's silver eyes flashed and he reached out with his mind to disarm the Public Minister. Once he had the gun he said calmly," For threateneing a Prince of a neighboring Country that alone can incite war between our nations but I will let the offence go should you back off now! " James and the two Guards drew and aimed at the lone man.

The minister, having nothing with which to kill Lise, backed off, yelling, "Someday, Lise MacPherson, I will kill you, and your little friend too!" Lise took Anthony's hand, feeling the familiar tingle and butterflies. Turning towards him, she asked, "Can you tell me what the feeling in my stomach is?"

James put his foot on the gas and hightailed it out of there.

Anthony looked deeply into Lise's eyes, his mind reaching out with feather light touches to explore her feelings. With a grin he whispered, " I think you have a serious case of 'like' for me Lise. Just so you know, I really like you too... " He then gently brushed her lips with his.

" Ok guys enough of the mushy stuff, lets get on the plane and in the sky.." James smiled at them both as they approached the airport.

Lise pulled back a little. She never drank water, so her lips were all chapped. She gently touched his hand. "I've never liked anyone before, Anthony," she confessed. "I don't know what to do, how to act." She closed her mouth as they approached the airport.

Anthony sighed and let her pull away, his heart was pounding, but his voice remained deceptively steady. " You just go with what you feel Lise.. there is no hard and fast rule on attraction. " He smiled and kissed her hand, " don't worry, there are plenty of girls for you to talk to at home... come on... " the vehicle stopped and after the Guard and James gave the all clear signal He opened the door and offered his hand to Lise to help her out of the SUV.

Lise let Anthony help her out of the SUV. She asked him, "Where's your plane? Hey, do you have a computer on board? We really should let Lord Prince Ywain know I'm safe."

bump

Anthony pointed to a sleek looking lear jet, " That's it over there, there is a laptop on board and you are more then welcome to use it after we take off. "

The Royal Guard approached the plane and kept on the lookout for any more surprises. James said to Anthony, " Let's get a move on Tony, I will feel tons better once we are on our way. It has been made clear this can turn into an ugly situation real fast."

Anthony headed up the steps to the plush interior of the plane, sitting and fastening his belt. He then patted the seat next to him. "You can sit next to me is you like, and if you are hungry we can have something made.."

Lise accepted the seat next to Anthony. She smiled. "I'm not hungry right now, but maybe later. . ."

((Alright, this is great!))

A sleek black sports car screeched along the tarmac and halted several meters from the lear jet. A slim figure, a pale gray cape billowing out behind it, made it's way to the jet. The door unlatched and swung open, and the figure stepped in slowly before looking around. She was a dazzling young Elf, her elegant figure donning a smooth crimson tactical bodysuit. Her silver hair flowed down the back of her shoulders, and her slate gray eyes stood out against her fair skin.

She glanced at the Prince and Lise for a moment before something hit her. "S'pose I'm a little late, hm? Oh well, I might as well hang out. Sorry for...busting in here, but I heard about a little action going on in Temme, so I looked into it and bolted down here."

She rubbed the back of her neck, clearly embarassed.

"Oh, sorry, my...title is Agent Eighteen, but it'd be alright if you just called me by my name, Elfira." She stared hard at Anthony, before her eyes softened again. "So you're the empath I felt..."

OOC: sorry it took me so long to get back to this but getting around the server has been hellish! I also have an odd work schedule.. thanks for your patience!

IC: Anthony, looked at the newcomer warily and his shields immediately tightened down, " Elfira... well this is certainly unexpected. " the Royal Guard immediately took up positions flanking the prince and his new friend. Anthony then said calmly, " Are we being detained? " he ran a hand though his hair and sighed, " I really wanted to get though this with the least amount of trouble possible..." He smiled at Lise reasurringly.

Elfira grinned at the guards. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt either of them. If anything, I'm riding shotgun for 'em. I can understand it's unexpected, but then again, so is whisking away this young lady from a sure death on a whim. All the best things in life creep up on you."

She settled into the seat in front of them, placing her hands crossed on the back of the seat and resting her chin on them. She looked at Lise now, and her soft face melted again into a smile. With a twitch of her finger, the cloak fluttered off her shoulders and into the adjoining seat.

"So you're Lise...quite the stir you've caused, and you've managed to find your personal knight in shining armor. First of all, I'm glad you got away from that horrid place you were staying at. I can guarantee that no one's going to hurt you. Ever." She fell silent, and then giggled lightly. "You two are so cute together..."

Lise was a little wary. After all, this elfish woman just hops on the plane without any warning. She decided that Elfira must be a reporter. She gave her best media smile and said, "It is good to meet you, Elfira."

The Elf smirked at Lise. She easily decyphered her smile, she used that forced grin often with the media that glorified her.

"Ah, don't treat me with that façade." She said with a tiny sigh. "What'd you do to make...whoever...want you off the map?"

Elfira was the first person to ever see through Lise's smile. It seemed impossible to tell from a real one, until you saw her real smile. Elfira had never seen Lise's real smile. She kept her smile steady and said, "I wish I knew." Sasha Cheenin had often commented on Lise's knack with the media. She had that odd ability to appear candid to them while she fed them carefully structured lines. As a result, Sasha had often given tough media questions to Lise. Now, she had taken stress leave, and her job was replaced by a man who missed his calling as a reality TV star. He was always doing dumb stuff in front of the camera.

"Oh." The Elf said with a shrug of her shoulders, realizing how much she was probably reminding Lise of some over-curious reporter. "Well, I shouldn't be worrying about that anyway. I'm only here for your safety, after all..."

Elfira trailed off and rose from her position that was beginning to develop into an uncomfortable one. She took a seat further up, giving Lise and her friend a bit more space.

Lise let out a sigh of relief. She had expected to have some time with Anthony. She knew, however, that she would have to be on her best behavior. You never know what these reporters will report on you.

Anthony watched the exchange with curiosity then sighed as he felt the doors close and the plane begin to move. " It wont take long for us to reach SilverCities, my mother wants to meet you when you feel up to it."

Lise breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to be on their way. Although, she wasn't sure she was up for the task of meeting a queen. Diplomacy had always been Maureen June's department.

bump

bump

bump

Anthony looked over and Lise and smiles he could feel her anxiety but knew that his mother and sister would make her feel welcome.. now to figure out why someone wanted to hurt her... " Lise, what happened right before you got the threat on your life?"

"I was doing what I always do. I was reading a bureaucratic report, when I needed to get a drink from the cafeteria. As I walked down the hall, there's this old pipe where you can hear everything in the conference room. The Public Servant for Finance said, "We have to get rid of this girl! She's too honest. She'll destroy the hard-earned corruption we had to use to get in here." I was so frightened, I got back to my office without the drink and posted on the forum.

Anthony sighed and shook his head now getting an inkling of why women were left to run things so long in his country if honesty was seen as a liability, " Why would your being honest pose such a threat? And why didn;t they just find a way to oust you from office? It makes no sense to try and kill you unless there is a bigger picture that can't be seen at the moment and that worries me... " He reached out to hold her hand once more. " Well you are safe now I promise you that, and we will get to the bottom of this." His eyes flashed briefly as he contemplated the situation.

Lise pulled her hand away as she sneaked a quick look at Elfira. She still figured that Elfira was a tabloid reporter. She answered, "There was some sort of corruption going on. They didn't want me finding out because I'd expose them. I should have stayed back in Temme, gathered evidence, and made this country honest again. Why kill me? I don't know."

"The short answer is that...well...your government's full of idiots." Elfira spoke up from a few rows forward. "It's always a lot easier to kill someone than to force them out of office and spend a lot of effort to keep them quiet. But...to be honest, you're still blantantly innocent. I would have expected them to terrorize you into silence, or at least play puppetmaster with you. You don't need to stay in Temme to make a difference, however. Our country has such sprawling communications networks you could easily influence your government from the safety of another country. Then maybe you could go back one day."

Lise kicked herself mentally for talking so loudly. "Thanks for the offer of the telecommunications systems." She thought, "Oh, great. I must watch myself."

Elfira smirked, though Lise could only see the back of her head.

"We try to help people with views similar to ours. But these aren't just any old telecomms. Not at all..." She said with a light chuckle.

Lise smiled. "Tell me more." One must be friendly to the reporters and put them at ease. It was her favorite trick.

"Considering..." She thought for a moment. "Military-grade burst tightband transmitters, at least. Impossible to jam or intercept, naturally encoded. The Temme government couldn't do a thing about it."

Lise considered the possibility of not being believed. Finally she said, "I thank you sincerely for the offer, but I will be staying in SilverCities for the duration of my 'stress leave' rather than Cyberutopia."

"I can always give you a satelite linkup, if it will help. You have to at least try, Lise."

"Well, I suppose I could try." Lise knew it wouldn't work; she'd never been listened to in either caucus or cabinet. Still, she new better than to insult reporters, especially when in a romantic relationship.

Anthony felt her pull away and sighed softly, this girl was more shy then he thought but felt he had time to make her feel more comfortable with him. He then listened intently as the girls talked and considered, " Elfra, if you like you are more then welcome to put the idea to the Queen. We have not had much contact with outside natons in recent years, and I am sure Mother would be interested in fostering new diplomatic relations."

#tagged...

HI SILVER!

Lise picked up on his sigh. She checked to make sure Elfira wasn't looking, then whispered in his ear, "I think Elfira is a tabloid reporter." She didn't dare to say any more.

OOC: hi FCN! :wink:

IC: Anthony smiled reassuringly and whispered back," I understand though I think there is a bit more to her then that.." He pondered her ablility to pick up on his abilities.

Lise leaned back in her seat, feeling reassured. She pondered Anthony's ability to make her feel better, even when her life was in danger. She turned and looked at him, finding herself lost in his eyes again.

Anthony looked at Lise and he felt like he wansted to do anything to keep her safe. He could see himself reflected in her eyes and hoped he could live up to whatever she needed. He had never felt this stricken by any girl before and he was enjoying it immensely.

Lise looked away as she felt herself lose her head. If Elfira wasn't there, she wouldn't have minded. Still, she was an elected official, and she didn't want to jeopardize her party or her future.

Elfira mumbled something along the lines of "just let yourself relax already," but composed herself and glanced back at Anthony.

"Yes, I'll have to talk to your Queen, Anthony. However, I'm more curious about your abilities as an empath, you're a powerful one too. I could feel you from...all the way in Cyber." She said casually. "Family trait?"

He looked at Elmira and began, " Yes you could say that, though from what I understand my type abilities has only been matched by one other person and that is my twin sister. We are the first full fledged empaths born to the Royal household.The women of the Royal family have a form of such called Bonding. That is when after they marry and lose their maidenhood to their husbands, they are bonded mind to mind with them for the rest of their life, and their husbands to them. That is why the women of my family choose very carefully whom they choose to marry, their lives depend on that choice. My father comes from a long line of empaths as well and from what I understand the ability was pretty diluted when he was born, but perhaps coupled with my mother and seeing how I am the only male in the history of our Royal Family to be born Chosen has something to do with it as well." He stopped and looked at both of the ladies. and wanting to make himself clear continued.

" My physical attributes, my hair and eyes are not common among my people, in fact before me only one female in a generation, born to a woman of Royal blood (one of the women decended from the First Mother) had silver hair and that meant she is destined to become Queen. She was the Chosen of the Goddess. Silver eyes has never been seen before until my sister and I were born, and a male with Silverhair I am the first. So it was decided that we would co-rule my sister and I though it seems most still expect me to take the subservient role since i am male. I will be sure to show them different." His face took on a expression of determination and resolve when he said this.

Lise listened quietly. She was a little afraid of Elfira's abilities. She didn't know exactly all Elfira could do, but would this mean that Elfira would always know whenever she and Anthony were together? Would she never have any true alone time with Anthony? She'd heard of reporters having a nose for news, but she still liked some privacy.

Hoping he wouldn't scare her Anthony whispered in Lise's mind, Don't worry no one would be able to spy on us,there are ways to shield from other empaths.. He then grinned at her. :wink:

Lise wondered, "How did I think that?" She then noticed Anthony's grin and smiled back. Oh, so Anthony had many abilities. She was also relieved.

Soon the plane began to make it's decent into SilverCities airspace. Anthony smiled as his eyes went slightly unfocused, his sister was nagging him in his mind...

Of all the harebrained things to do Tony! There are channels to go through, diplomatic channels... you could have gotten hurt for Goddess's sake!

I am fine Beth, quit having a bovine will you? Besides you will like Lise..

Who is the other empath?

A representitive of Cybertopia, we kind of picked her up along the way..

It figures you would do something like that, Mother has been worried. I will be there to meet you when the plane lands.

Anthony broke off contact and shivered, he was beginning to wonder if his sister hasn't been listening a little too much to Mother's LIW. All they seemed to talk about was how good it was when men were under complete control, how disgraceful it was for modern men to have as much freedom as they have, how it is not good for the delicate male mind to have so much responsibility. It all made him furious.
He closed his eyes and tried to relax as he felt the plane make its final decent into the Private airport.

OCC: at the request of Silver I have taken over the character of James

The plane lands and starts to taxi to the disembarkation ramp.As it stops James stands and moves to the door.

“ok your highness we are ready”

The party move down the stairs and along the red carpet with James in front leading the honour guard. He can see Beth standing there taping her foot

oh great whats she mad at? Bloody women!

Lise looked a little nervous. She had never really met a Queen and Princess before. She looked at Anthony for support.

Anthony smiled at Lise then turned to his irate twin, " Nice of you to take time out from your schedule to meet us Beth. This lovely lady beside me is Lise."

Elizabeth looked at the girl and gave her a polite smile, " Nice to meet you. " Her silver eyes were wintery cold and her snow white skin was flawless. She was dressed in a mid-length black skirt and a sapphire blue blouse that showed her curves to good advantage. Her silver hair shone with metallic highlights and reached midway down her back. She turned her attention to James and her expression showed nothing but contempt before turning back to her wayward brother. " Tony, I am glad to see you home.." her tone warmed considerably as she regarded her sibling. "I have a limo waiting for you and your guests, Mother is waiting for us at the palace." she then said to James, " If there is any luggage you know what to do with it I hope?" She then turned and walked toward the waiting cars, her black heels making sharp clicking sounds on the paved surface of the landing area.

Anthony sighed and whispered to Lise, " She is not as bad as she seems on first impression really... She is just mad I didn't tell her I was going." He then gave her a boyish grin that echoed his father's and held out an arm to Lise. "Shall we?"

Lise took his arm. "Yes. But where is Elfira?"

" She will be along in a few moments I am sure.. " He began to lead her to the waiting cars.

Lise breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards the car.

bump

James glares at Elizabeth's back then picks up the bags and packs them in the car the resentment building in him, ordering him around like a porter, she would see one day there would be a reckoning

James opens the car door for Anthony, Lise and Elfira

Elfira walked with graceful silence behind Anthony and Lise, and gave a short nod to James as he held the door open for her. Halfway into the limo, she stopped herself, and placed a delicate hand against his cheek, locking her eyes to his.

A quick thought was projected into his mind. 'Let your anger go. It will lead to something disasterous for you. The same happened to me, and I did not stop myself. I have warned you, only you can act in return.'

Her hand withdrew from James' cheek and she sat down in the car, her eyes softer than the other two had remembered.

Startled James closes the door and walks back to the car in the rear of the motorcade his thoughts lingering on the touch of Elfira's hand, more that the voice in his head.

He speaks into the raido "ok to go?" as the voices come back telling him the status of the 5 Cars he sighs.

"ok move out"

the motorcade moves out of the airport and down the road.

Anthony watched James' expression change when Elfira touched him and he smiled faintly. He then turned to his sister that was sitting opposite him and Lise.," So what is really going on? You know you cannot hide anything from me. "

Beth sighed lightly and said, There has been talk among the Council. We are coming of age and many are concerned about our future and the future of out nation, but i do not think talking about it now in front of your friend is the best idea." Beth explained, " I would not want to bore you with our petty internal quibbles..."

Anthony you are in trouble, the Council wants to take you out of succession alltogether, to relegate you to a lower noble position as has always been done with males of our line. Mother has expressed objection but I know she has mentioned that since Dad has done so well with the position of Consort under her authority that it may not be that big a deal to keep you under mine.

You are right, this cannot go on. I will not be undermined by you or anyone else, I am just as capeable of running this Country as you are. My gender shouldn't make a bloody bit of difference!

But it does Tony, it does no matter how you rail against it. I love you and maybe just for the sake of apperances..

Beth's expression held sympathy for her brother while Anthony's face flushed with anger. he turned and looked out of the window watching in stony silence as the Palace grew nearer.

Lise saw Anthony's face flush. She knew something was troubling him. She decided to risk all. She gently touched his hand.

Meanwhile, back in Temme. . .

The Public Servant for Finance was back at home. His wife asked, "Did you get the girl?"

"No. Prince Charming whisked her off and threatened war. Maureen would kill me if war erupted."

"Maybe we ought to kill Maureen."

"No, we must keep the bloodshed to a minimum. I think that Maureen can be bought off."

Anthony felt the light touch and turned quickly to find Lise's hand upon his.. he smiled and took hers gently letting her touch sooth his wounded feelings. He Looked into her eyes once more feeling comforted by her daring.

Beth watched and her eyes narrowed slightly,the Queen was not going to like this development one bit.

Lise gazed back and felt herself get lost in his eyes. Only this time, she let herself get lost.

Anthony gazed back at her, his world narrowing down to the two of them forgetting for a moment that there was others in the car with them. He brushed her cheek with his fingertips when his sister cleared her throat. he turned startled and blushed. Elizebeth just stared at them both with her ice cold eyes.
" That will be quite enough of that for now if you two don't mind. We are coming up to the Palace now."

The car parked and several amazonian women moved forward to open the doors. " We are glad to see the Prince safe. " the one with firey red hair and tawny eyes smiled at them all. " you mother is wating for you in the Throne Room. We have a room prepared for the girl in the guest wing. "

Lise smiled. "Thank you so much."