NationStates Jolt Archive

The blue smoke wafted to the ceiling lazily. Three men sat around a dark Imitoran Oak wood table, covered with a dark blue felt. Each held two cards, with a stack of clay chips sitting in front of them. They were quiet, the only real noise being the soft ambient trance playing quietly in the background. They were dressed in a mixed style wearing dark suits, but instead of matching dress shirts, dark colored longs sleeve t-shirts. It was the new style in Imitora.

One of the men looked at the two cards in his hand, then at the three on the table. He tossed four blue chips into the pile. "I'll call your four hundred," he said, then picked up another chip, a green one, and tossed it in. "And raise ya five."

The man then looked to the one sitting on his left. He smiled, almost evilly. "I'll call that," he said, tossing in a matching amount of chips.

It came back to the first man, who dealt another card onto the table. A queen of hearts. He stopped for a moment, and then pushed everything he had into the pile. "All in," he said. The other two nodded, and matched his bet. All in. The man on the far left, a younger looking guy of 29, smiled, and flipped over his cards. "Nada, with a high eight" he said, showing a four and ten of spades, and tossing them on the table. "What about you Hoot?"

The man who had been dealing tossed his cards out. "Same, but high ten," he said, dropping his hand on the table. He began to reach for the pile, when the third man, Robert Fortier, stopped him.

"Not so fast their Hootington." He laid out his cards, a nine and ten. They were both hearts. It was almost too good to be true, as the four cards on the table, a jack, queen, king, and ace, were all hearts as well. "Looks like I'm the heart breaker tonight. He reached and pulled in all the chips, and began stacking them based on color. Hoot sighed, not angrily, but in a light hearted manner, and walked over to the bar where he poured himself a scotch and water, and grabbed the stack of bills.

"Good job bud," he said, handing Fortier the Imitoran Credits. "Two hundred thou," he said, handing him the money. Fortier smiled, thanked Hoot, and stuck the money in his pocket.

There were no hard feelings, the three were all close friends, and had been since, well, forever. They had all gone to high school together, Hoot and Fortier served together, and now they all worked together. Fortier sighed again as a woman entered the room, walked up behind Hoot, and wrapped her arms around him. "How much you loose tonight?" she asked, smiling.

"How'd ya know I lost?"

"You never drink scotch and water when you win. You drink a rum and coke." Hoot laughed.

"I'm out for tonight guys, I'll see ya both tomorrow," Fortier said, standing up. The woman, Hoot's wife, lead him to the door, where he walked out to his car, a BMW ///M3, heavily modified, and recently painted a refreshing Interlagos blue. He waved to Amanda, and slid into the car as the cool night air began to reach its peak. He slowly drove off, heading back to his house.

It was somewhere between 110 and 120 miles per hour on the wide open free way when it hit Fortier. He was single, 34, single, the richest man in Imitora, and if it hadn't been mentioned, single. Ormsby was dead, and Victoria had left. He had to really move on. It was at 130 when he realized he had shot past his exit, and would have to take the long way home. Not that he cared, he loved to drive. This he had asserted at the age of 18, but now confirmed as he clicked past 145.

It took him three hours to make a 20 minute trip, and when he pulled into the driveway of his, well, immodest house in Northampton Heights. He tossed his keys into a small basket as he walked in, and waved his hand in front of a switch. The lights came on, set to low so that he could see, but also not hurt his eyes. He collapsed on his couch, and clicked on the TV, scrolling past the news channels and movie stations, settling on, oddly enough, a Texas Hold 'Em championship.

He stood, walked over to one of the refrigerators, and grabbed a bottle of a local red, pouring himself a glass. He watched as some lucky bastard bet over 3 million, and won it all. To Fortier, three million was chump change, but the money didn't make him happy. Sure he loved life. He had great friends, a close group of relatives, a fast car, and a great house. But it was still missing one thing. He had always been a hopeless romantic; the type that girls always said ruined it for them. He had been told by more than one high school and college sweet heart that they were never able to find anyone quite like him. He needed a wife.

How does one do it, he thought. How did one get a wife nowadays. Arranged marriage was out, he wanted someone who loved him before the forced relationship. He owned a few night clubs, so he knew that that wasn't where you wanted to go. There was always that one thing he had heard of diplomats doing. It was worth a shot. He walked to a study, where he sat at a desk, and began writing out an announcement.
_

Sometimes, being rich and powerful, famous and well known, or any other greatly desired quality is not enough. At times, even the most elevated in society feel lonely, or have a longing for something else. Money, cars, houses, these things cannot hold a light to a few simple things: love, companionship, and intimacy. These are the things that can fill the gap that others cannot.

Allow me to explain a bit about myself. I am not royalty, nor a world leader. I was at one point, but an assassination attempt took me out of that line of work. I have made my life a successful one, always working hard, and pushing for the best. However, at the same time, I am a hopeless romantic, to say the least. I have been married once, to the late Amanda Ormsby, the First Speaker of Imitora seven years ago. I dated, but it was infrequent, and I couldn't get past her death. However, now, I believe I finally have, and I am looking for a wife.

I don’t want to arrange anything based on monetary status, or prestige, or place in class. I'm looking for a true love, someone who can share my passions, and someone who will be there when I need her. To use a clichéd line, someone I can "grow old with."

After four years straight of work, I've decide to take a break, and on this break, I will be going on a tour of sorts, to see the rest of the world, not behind a rifle or the front of a diplomatic mission. I would like to see what other nations have to offer, and hopefully, meet someone special. I will accept an invitation to any nation that wishes to send one, and look forward to meeting some very special ladies. With the utmost respect and sincerity,

*signed*
Robert Fortier


Fortier made sure that media contacts and friends got the message out globally. Further, he had other contacts "leak" a bio out for the ladies interested. All he had to do now, was, according to the protocol he had seen, was wait.

Bio
Name:Robert Fortier
Goes By:Rob, Robert, Robster, Fortier
Age:34
Height:6 foot, 1.5 inches
Weight:215lbs
Hair:Brown
Eyes:Blue

History:Graduated upper 1/4 of his class in high school, attended Georgevon University in Northampton, majored in Political Science, with a field in Foreign Relations, and minored in Legal Studies. Graduated, again in upper quarter, at 23, then joined the Imitora Colonial Marine Corp. Served from age 23 to age 29(Operational until 26), in which he achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and served in the Force Recon Unit, while also achieving Chief Field Operations Active of ICI Field Operations at 26. Left ICMC at age 26, but only after being confirmed as Chief of Intelligence, Imitora Central Intelligence. Held this position until elected First Speaker of Imitora. Served term for a year and a half before an assassin shot him, and he decided that he had been shot at enough in the military, and retired, leaving the position to the current First Speaker, whom he acts as an advisor to. Opened several business based on his personal hobbies and experience.

Personal Life:Married once to Amanda Ormsby, First Speaker of Imitora, for four years. Marriage ended after her assassination. Dated current ICI head Holly Lutz, now just friends.

Military Experience:Operational-ICMC, reached Lt, MOS-D18 (Weapons Specialist), Force Recon (3rdBt, 2ndPt). Unaffiliated-ICI Field Operations Active (Black Operations Operator), Reached Chief of Field Operations.

Government Positions Held:Imitora Central Intelligence, Chief of Intelligence and Operations, First Speaker of Imitora, Currently Held as Imitora "Master Ambassador"

Hobbies:Automotive Sports, Reading, Going out, Work[i]

Current Net Worth:[i]Between property ownership, business ownership, stock ownership, liquidated funds, and savings, it is estimate to be in the upper ten billions, between 75-80 billion Universal Standard Trade Dollars

Companies, Corporations, and Stock Holdings:Northampton Import Automotive Performance Specialties, CEO/Owner and Chief Mechanic and Technical Advisor, Chief Design Advisor; Executive Operational Initiatives, CEO/Owner and Chief Operational Advisor; Northampton International Shipping, CEO/Owner; Nine Six Custom Firearms, Head Design Advisor and Head of Personal Sales (Local); United Military Arms Corporation, Primary Share Holder, Board of Directors; Georgevon University, Board of Alumni and Stock Holder; Club Europa, Owner; Divanarium, Owner; Hurruncany, Owner

Ownerships:Houses-4; Vehicles-6; Land-Unconfirmed

Anything else...just ask!

OOC: Big long read? Yes, and I appreciate everyone who read it. This is meant to be more of a 'find my main RP Character a wife' type thing, because, well, he needs one, lol. When it comes to 'species', I'll take human, catpersons, and maybe elf, preferably one of the first two because when Fortier gets old, his wife still wont be a youngin'. I'm hoping to, even if I don’t marry your character, get some good OOC and IC relations out of this. It is open, and again, if you wanna know anything about Fortier, just ask away.

Emperor Andreus of Pantocratoria was sitting in a meeting with the Imperial Government's Foreign Minister in the François Ier room of the French Suite in the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. The air between them was heavy with the sense of barely concealed mutual loathing as the two looked over sheets of paper and discussed potential diplomatic marriages for members of the Imperial Family. The Foreign Minister, Demetrios Raoul, a prominent trade unionist, was a member of the Pantocratorian Socialist Alliance, and found the whole idea of the marriages of the Emperor's children being used as diplomatic instruments fairly appalling. The Emperor found the idea of having to humour the socialist Imperial Chancellor by discussing such things with the Foreign Minister equally appalling. Each man was willing to work with the other, however, to give the impression to the general public of the monarchy and the democratic system working hand in hand.

"What about..." Raoul began, finding Robert Fortier's biography. "Monsieur Robert Fortier, from Imitora?"

The Emperor picked up Fortier's file, and flicked through it.

"Oh no, no." the Emperor said dismissively. "A commoner, absolutely not."

"He's extremely prominent in Imitora, it could be a very good match diplomatically." Raoul insisted. Of course, for him, the fact that this Fortier wasn't royalty or nobility, but instead a "mere" commoner (albeit an extremely wealthy one) was one of his most appealing characteristics. It might be the first step in bringing down the wall which separated the Pantocratorian nobility from ordinary citizens.

"It says here he goes by the name... Robster." the Emperor sneered. "Can you imagine an introduction at a ball? Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie and her husband... THE ROBSTER."

It was the closest thing to a joke the Emperor ever told, but his proud mouth didn't betray even the smallest hint of a smile. Raoul suppressed a chuckle.

"With respect, Majesty," the Minister continued. "I believe my point stands. Despite his unfortunate choice of nicknames, Monsieur Fortier could be an excellent diplomatic match."

"Are you suggesting, Monsieur," the Emperor replied coldly. "That my niece should marry so far below her station? Does your contempt for my brother run so deep that you would see his daughter forced into a humiliating and degrading match?"

"Monsieur Fortier is wealthier by far than any Pantocratorian noble." the Minister insisted. "Wealthy enough to maintain Her Highness in conditions nowhere close to humiliating nor degrading. Wealthy enough, I dare say, to maintain Her Highness in luxury only paralleled by the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator itself! And I can assure Your Majesty that I hold no contempt for His Highness, the Leader of the Opposition. I admire him. I just disagree with his political views."

"Wealth doesn't make the unhappy circumstance of his common birth any less lowly." the Emperor insisted. "I thought you socialists disagreed with the idea that having more money made someone a better person."

The Foreign Minister seethed, biting his tongue to stop himself from saying something back which he might regret later.

"Wouldn't it be prudent, Your Majesty, to at least invite Monsieur Fortier to New Rome?" he asked in a calm voice. "If nothing else, Your Majesty could impress and humour him. He's a prominent man, and could return to his country with stories about Your Majesty's glory and prestige. The fact that Your Majesty was willing to even consider him for the honour of your niece's hand might gain such attention that Imitora would consider establishing normalised diplomatic relations with Pantocratoria..."

The Emperor rubbed his beard disdainfully.

"He's thirty four, Her Highness is twenty." the Emperor protested.

"Your Majesty suggested a forty two year old Duke not a moment ago." replied Raoul.

"Is he Catholic?" the Emperor asked.

"It doesn't say, Majesty, but your own daughter married a Protestant." the Foreign Minister replied quickly.

"That Protestant is also the Crown Prince of Excalbia!" the Emperor snapped back.

"Even still, Your Majesty. Even if you have no intention of taking such a match seriously, why not extend an invitation to Monsieur Fortier, if only for diplomatic reasons?" Raoul replied, returning to his earlier point.

"Oh very well. But I have no intention of seeing a common head on a purple pillow, understand?" the Emperor replied.

***

http://members.iinet.net.au/~a_marrington/ns/achievement.gif

To: Monsieur Robert Fortier, Imperial Domain and Lands of Imitora
From: His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus of Pantocratoria

Monsieur Fortier,

We would like to invite you to attend us at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator in our capital of New Rome to meet our niece Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie, the youngest daughter of our brother His Imperial Highness Prince Basil. We hope that you will come and enjoy our hospitality, and take this opportunity to visit Pantocratoria and partake in the pleasures and bounties of our court.

With our regards, by our own hand at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator in the thirty-first year of our reign,

ANDREUS
By the Grace of God, Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, Caesar Augustus, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al.

Can you imagine an introduction at a ball? Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie and her husband... THE ROBSTER OOC: SAWEET!

IC:

Fortier looked over the invite. "Nice, Pantocratoria. Heard things about from Ding," he said, dropping it on the table, looking at his bag. He had packed a bag of 'casual clothes', and was now packing a few suits and tuxes.

"Ding? When did he become an ambasador?" Andrew asked, looking over a set of papers. He was asking about Father Domingo Chavez, the Imitora Archbishop.

"He isn't, but those priests know all the Catholics. I swear, Ding could probably name every Catholic in Imitora." Imitora was a heavily Catholic nation, with a minimal, almost non existant, Protestant population. Fortier himself was a Catholic, but probably not the best. He didn't practice as much as he used to, but he tried, still going to feast days and major events of the Church. "I'll go ahead and write up an acceptance. First visit looks like Pantocratoria."

Andrew nodded. "Ya sure ya wanna leave NIAPS on my watch?"

"You're the one whose gonna take it over when I bug out, so yeah, I'm positive." Andrew just nodded. He finished helping Robert pack, and left so Fortier could write a response.
-
TO: (OOC: Not quite sure who this would be addressed to, so eek)
FROM: Robert Fortier

Monsieur (OOC: Eek, again don't know),

It is with great pleasure that I graciously accept the invitation to your fine nation, and to meet with Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie. I look forward to finally having a chance to see your fine nation, and hope that we can develop friendly relations. I will be leaving very shortly for Pantocratoria, and again, look forward to seeing your nation. With the upmost respect,

Robert Fortier

A Peacock Motors limousine waited to convey Rob Fortier from New Rome International Airport to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator in the centre of the picturesque Old Quarter of New Rome.

The white ane black Gulfstream V SP glided loftily down towards the runway on final approach, touching down gently, and taxiing to an assigned hanger. There, Fortier, dressed in a black suit with a crimson shirt and matching tie, stepped off the aircraft, looking well rested, but a touch tense. He moved towards the back of the plane, where the pilot helped him get his two bags off. The pilot took one, and Fortier took the other as they walked over towards the limmo.

OOC: Fortier (http://www.murphsplace.com/owen/images7/clive-baftas.jpg). And I dig your crest...I want one, lol.

Without a word (since the driver only spoke French), the limousine pulled out of New Rome International Airport and drove through the streets of the city, soon entering the Old Quarter, where the city's wealthiest citizens lived. The architecture was unique and of a style which either provoked instant dislike or admiration - clashing pantobyzantine and baroque/rococo elements were combined to form a uniquely Pantocratorian style. The car drove past stately homes, impressive government buildings, and inspiring churches on its way to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator compound. The walled palace complex was only accessible by imposing gates, guarded by the Varangian Guard in splendid dress uniforms. The limousine was admitted without a fuss after a few words between the driver and the guardsman in the booth which operated the gate.

The huge courtyard which followed the gates was dominated by a statue of Emperor Constantine the Great, whose cold eyes stared down at the limousine as it came to rest just before an entrance to the main palace building. Porters immediately emerged to take Fortier's luggage straight to his chambers, and a page opened his car door for him.

"Monsieur, if you will kindly follow me, you will be presented to the court." he said graciously in perfect English.

He led Fortier from his limousine into the entrance, into a cavernous waiting room. The waiting chamber had a gently-domed ceiling, decorated with a Byzantine-style icon of Christ the Pantocrator which looked down on the Count with haunting eyes. The stylistic clashes for which the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator (and indeed all of New Rome) was so well known started immediately beneath the dome, the oldest part of the palace (since this waiting room over which the icon watched was the original great hall), with huge marble pillars standing in the corners of the room (the pillars served no structural purpose, being added in the 17th century). On the wall to the Ambassador's left was a huge painting labelled "Le Martyre de Constantine XI", depicting the final moments of the battle between the defenders of Constantinople and the Ottoman Turks. Into each of the tiles on the floor were carved the initials "L & T", interwoven to form one letter with a T's top and an L's bottom, commemorating the 1810 marriage of Louis XVII, titular King of France, and the Empress Theodora II Comnenus.

At the end of the room were two massive bronze doors, with three Varangians standing in front of each door. Flanking the doorway were two marble statues, each dressed in imperial gowns of ancient Rome. One was the Roman Emperor Augustus, and the other was the Pantocratorian Emperor Constantine XVIII Comnenus (in the middle of whose reign in the early 17th century the statues were installed, along with the pillars). The doors at the other side of the chamber swung open, revealing a glimpse of the great hall behind them.

The great hall made the entrance chamber seem tiny by comparison, with huge marble pillars stretching from the floor all the way to the ornately decorated ceiling, spanning more than three stories in height (evidenced by the two levels of balconies which run along both sides of the hall). Underneath the balconies on each side stood dozens of members of the Imperial court. In the centre of the chamber was an imposing throne structure on a platform of its own, and seated on that throne wearing stark black encrusted with millions of ducats worth of diamonds was the Emperor, a tall man with gray hair and a well-kept beard. Standing beside him was a man who looked like he was closely related, although his darker hair and his clean shaven face made him look a few years younger, and next to that man stood an attractive woman in her early forties.

"Monsieur Robert Fortier, former First Speaker of Imitora, and Imitora Master Ambassador!" announced the herald.

The courtiers fell quiet to allow Fortier to introduce himself to the Emperor.

OOC: I am assuming that English is your native language of choice - if I am wrong, please replace all references to English with your native language of choice :)

The enitre drive, Fortier marveled at the architecture. It reminded him of the estate homes of upper Northampton in the heights. He also marveled at the architecture of the hall.

Upon being anounced, he entered the room, and approached the Emperor, hoping that he was doing this right. He bowed to the Emperor and the two next to him. "Your highness (I assume thats the proper way to do it), it is with great pleasure I stand before you today."

OOC: Dont deal with emperors to much, hope I did that right. And yes, Fortier is fluent in French and German, but his main language is English.

OOC: Close! It would be Your Majesty for the Emperor and Your Highness for the princes/princesses.

IC:

"Monsieur Fortier, welcome to Pantocratoria." the Emperor replied in his usual stern and cold voice. "We trust that you had a pleasant journey. Permit us to introduce our brother, His Highness Prince Basil, and his wife, Her Highness Princess Jacqueline."

"Pleased to meet you, monsieur." said Prince Basil, extending his hand to Fortier. Princess Jacqueline curtsied politely. The pair were both studying Fortier very closely indeed.

"Their Highnesses are the parents of Princess Marie, monsieur." the Emperor explained. "Do you hunt?"

He bowed to the Princess, and shook the prince's hand when offered. "Its my pleasure to meet you both," he replied. Fortier then turned to the Emperor to respond to his question.

"The hunting isn't all that gret in Imitora, but whenever the season comes around, I make sure to get out, try to get some game in."

"Perhaps you would consider joining us tomorrow?" the Emperor invited, rising to his feet. As was often the case, he had business to attend to, and would rather get to know Fortier away from the ears of his courtiers anyway. The great hall was the perfect venue for a most impressive introduction, but it wasn't ideal for serious conversations. After hearing Fortier's reply, the Emperor bade him, Jacqueline and Basil a good afternoon, and then left the great hall, the courtiers bowing and curtseying as he went.

"Would you join my wife and I for a light afternoon tea in the gardens, Monsieur Fortier?" asked Prince Basil. "I know it's cold outside, but it isn't unpleasantly so, and I think we might have rather a lot to discuss."

Robert nodded to the Emperor's offer to hunt. "It would be my honor, your Majesty." He then watched as the Emperor left, and turned back to the prince and princess.

"I can stand the cold," he said, smiling. "I'd love to join you. I'm sure we can work things out that need to be worked out. Please, lead the way."

Basil and Jacqueline led him through several stately corridors before emerging in one of the palace's many gardens. In the middle of the formal garden, a table had been set waiting for their arrival. In the meantime, some of the younger courtiers were strolling about the flower beds, and enjoying the new hedge maze whose entrance was just beyond the table. A small string orchestra softly plays in the corner, behind a hedge so that they can't see the courtiers and vice versa. The three sat down at the table, and servants seemingly appeared out of nowhere to serve tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits.

"Well, Monsieur Fortier..." Basil began. "Your career is most impressive, I was int...."

"Could you tell us a little about yourself, monsieur?" Jacqueline interrupted. She didn't want to make chit chat about politics and business, she wanted to find out more about the man who was being considered as a potential match for her daughter.

Robert followed the two out into the garden, noting the string orchestra, and the wandering courtiers.

"Could you tell us a little about yourself, monsieur?", he heard Jaqliune say.

He paused for a moment, trying to think on how to best answer the question. "Well, ma'am, I'm a pretty easy going guy. Like to relax now that I'm out of official government work and all. However, I try to stay active. I guess I'm waht you would call a passionate guy, and I can stay pretty focused on a single goal. I've also been known to be protective, to a point. I'm a loyal guy, and I'm trustworthy." He paused to take a sip off tea.

"I guess the best way to say it is that I try." He paused again before speaking. "I hope I answered your question ma'am."

Although Jacqueline liked his answers, her face showed no sign of it. She glanced at Basil, and then turned back to Robert.

"And do you have any hobbies, monsieur? With what interests do you pass time?" she asked.

"Well, I try not to get to taken up in my work, so I play sports, work out, try to keep in shape, which is suprisingly hard once you leave the military, and don't have someone forcing you to work," he chuckled lightly. "Mostly I like to play basketball and rugby, but not in a leauge. I feel that in those situations, you sometimes have to sell yourself to someone else. We just play pick up games."

He paused momentarily, trying to figure out how to word the rest of his answer. "However, those are really past times. My hobbies, well, I try to keep up on current events, and youcould say I've always been a fan of spirited driving. I find that it soothes the soul, lets me think and clear my mind. I also enjoy getting out, into nature. Hunting, taking walks, things like that," he repplied, hoping he didn't scare her with the 'spirited driving' comment.

OOC: can I enter a character?

OOC: TGram me with your idea

"Spirited driving?" Jacqueline started, looking confused. "Do you mean speeding?"

"Of course he doesn't, he means getting the feel of the road, getting to appreciate the car, you know, like Constantine." Basil answers his wife. He turns to Fortier. "My nephew Prince Constantine has a huge collection of classic cars from all over the world. He's quite an enthusiast, perhaps he'll show them to you."

Jacqueline looked a little dubious at Basil's reply, but she saw somebody coming out of the maze and gestured towards her. She was a beautiful young lady, dressed in similar style to the rest of the ladies of the court, and quite clearly closely related to Princess Jacqueline. She was twenty years old, 5'9", fair-skinned and of slight-build. She had obviously let her long, dark hair down during her time in the garden - rather than pinned up in an elaborate style like that worn by the other ladies of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, it had fallen over her shoulders. She looked very beautiful.

"Mother, what are you two doing down here?" Marie asked as she approached the table.

"We're having some tea with a very important visitor." Prince Basil replied. "Marie, may I present Monsieur Robert Fortier from Imitora. Monsieur Fortier, our daughter, Princess Marie."

"Pleased to meet you, monsieur." Marie said as she curtsied politely. She hadn't the slightest idea what was going on - at no stage had anybody thought to inform her about the arrangements which were being made on her behalf.

"Exactly," Robert replied to Basil's explanation.

Robert watched as Jacqueline looked away towards the maze. He discreetly follwed her eyes to another girl, and watched her walk in.

"Marie, may I present Monsieur Robert Fortier from Imitora. Monsieur Fortier, our daughter, Princess Marie."

"Pleased to meet you, monsieur."

"Your higness, its my pleasure," he said, standing and bowing. He followed her with his eyes as he came up from the bow, and smiled. "I can see your mother's good looks were passed on to one so deserving."

OOC: Hope that last line makes sense, it does to me, lol.

"Uh, why thankyou, monsieur." said Princess Marie, flattered but a little surprised. Her mother on the other hand was positively glowing, even more flattered by the remark than Marie. Any concerns she had about spirited driving faded.

"Marie, we thought you might spend some time with Monsieur Fortier, show him about the palace." Basil said.

"Of course, I'll be only too..." Marie paused, her head suddenly putting Robert's flattery, her mother's reaction, and the tea party in the garden together. "..happy. I'd be most pleased to show Monsieur Fortier around."

Now that she had worked out that he had come from Imitora for some reason which concerned her particularly, she looked closely at Robert, discreetly looking him up and down. She was a little surprised by the age difference, but he was still very handsome, so it didn't bother her very much. She offered him her hand.

"Shall I show you about the gardens, monsieur?"

Robert took the princess's hand, smiling. "I would love to see them," he replied.

OOC: Help me out here real fast. Its been about two years since I last spoke French...would the proper term be Madammoisle when refering to Marie?

Yes, using Mademoiselle for a single woman is appropriate, Madame for an older or married woman.

Thanks much.

She smiled warmly at Robert and began to lead him away, but glanced over her shoulder to shoot a look at her parents, as if to tell them that she was upset she hadn't been told the full story. Turning back ahead, she led Robert out of the little garden they were in into a much larger garden. This one wasn't particularly pretty to walk around in - it was more made to enjoy looking down on from the palace buildings rather than up-close. It led down steps to another layer of gardens, featuring huge fountains and marble statues, which led down to another layer, and another, and another, so that there were a variety of gardens, a series of them, to keep the courtiers amused.

"I like the gardens here, but they're much more impressive in summer, I'm afraid." Marie said. "Do you like gardens very much, monsieur?"

Robert admired the gardens as they walked. The fountains were beautiful, and they complimented the flora and fauna well. Fortier thought about making a comment comparing the gardens to the beauty of Marie, but he decided it would be to forward at this moment. He watched the courtiers, and smiled. "Well, I'm not a huge garden person, persay, but I do enjoy being out in nature, so you could say that I do enjoy them. Even more so with you," he said, pushing his luck.

Marie smiled at the complement, although the fact that he'd say it so soon would've usually elicited ridicule from courtiers used to talking around things for indeterminate periods rather than getting to the point. But Marie knew he wasn't a courtier, and didn't expect him to act like one.

"Monsieur..." she said, daring to be a little forward herself as they strolled away from a fountain into a side garden of all sorts of colourful flowers which could grow in winter. "I think I have some idea why you're here. I know better than to be shy about it. If you would like to ask me anything about myself, I would be only too happy to answer, or at least try to answer as best I can. I suspect you prefer things direct... so please feel free to ask me anything, don't worry about offending me by being forward. I'm not as delicate as I look."

Direct? A woman after my own heart, Robert thought to himself, chuckling lightly. Robert thought for another moment, wondering to himself. "Well, I guess if you could just tell me a bit about yourself. I haven't heard to much about you," he replied, trying to make this more like a blind date, and less like some buisness deal.

"Now monsieur..." Marie said, smiling playfully. "I told you that you could ask me questions. You can't expect we ladies to give up all our mysteries without at least a show of defence! But I'll save you some of the less interesting questions. I turn twenty one in August, and I've one elder sister. I've lived for most of my life here at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, the only times I've left it has been when the court has relocated to another palace. I've never been outside of Pantocratoria, I've never even been away from my family. I'm sorry for not being very interesting. What else would you like to know?"

Robert chuckled lightly. "I appologize," he replied, smiling. "I dont think I have any questions, really. Maybe you have some for me, and I can think of some for you then?"

"Very well..." Marie said, looking him up and down. "If I may, monsieur, you look to be in your early thirties... why haven't you already married? I'm assuming that you're not married obviously, and I hope I've not just made a fool of myself, monsieur, but the way my parents were acting I just assumed that... that was why you were here."

Robert nodded. "You assumed correctly, madamoiselle. I was married a while back, but, to put it lightly, politics in Imitora is a deadly game. Unfortunately, my first wife, the former First Speaker of Imitora, was assasinated when I was away on buisness. A splinter group from INSA had her killed in an attempt to take control."

Marie's expression quickly lost its playful quality and she looked very sullen and apologetic.

"Oh... I'm sorry, monsieur, I didn't know." she said quietly. "I don't know what to say... how awful for you."

Robert nodded silently. "It was a tough time, trying to get past it all. I mean, I've played the game, and I know the rules, but it always hurts when it hits home. Its different, being on the recieving end instead of the giving."

Marie looked at Robert sympathetically, but was at a loss for words. It would be very difficult for her to move the conversation back to lighter grounds, so instead she picked a flower and looked thoughtfully at it.

"How long were you married before... before she was murdered?" she asked gently.

"About three years," Robert replied quietly.

"I'm so sorry, monsieur." Marie apologised again. "I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories."

"It's ok madamouiselle. I've gotten past it, and now I just celebrate that I was lucky enough to know her. But what to you say about moving the conversation onto more, upbeat, subjects. Or maybe I should say lets switch the spotlight. Why does such a lovely young lady like yourself not have a line of young men banging down your door to marry you?" Robert asked, turning to look at Marie.

"Surely there must be time where you have to beat them back with a stick."

Marie, only too happy to return to lighter subjects, raised her hand to her heart and took a tone and expression of mock protest.

"Are you implying, monsieur, that I don't have such a line?" she asked, feigning insult. She smiled and laughed sweetly. "Princesses rarely have to beat off suitors with sticks, I'm afraid. Their parents and the diplomats do it for them."

She smiled disarmingly, confident that Robert was there as a suitor, but aware nevertheless that he hadn't confirmed that verbally. She turned slightly away, so that she looked on him from the side, over her shoulder. Her blue eyes looked him up and down intently.

"I see that you got passed them unbruised, monsieur." she said coyly. "By their sticks I mean."

Robert chuckled. "I meant no insult, I probably had a special VIP pass to jump the line," he joked. Robert looked her over as well, smiling, noticing her look him over. He offered his own disamring half smirk half smile. "I see were both at a loss for words. Thats a first for me," he laughed.

Marie grinned back, satisfied that Robert's answer confirmed he was there as a suitor.

"Shall we go back to questions and answers?" she asked, walking over to another flower bed, and sitting on a bench by it. She looked back to him, and continued warmly. "I believe it is your turn to ask me a question."

"Hmmm," Robert thought for a moment. "Well, I guess the next question that would fit, what sort of hobbies to you enjoy?"

"I like listening to music, going to the theatre, I love horse riding and I like to stroll about the gardens. I like to draw and paint pictures of the flowers and the other plants, you know, botanical art?" she said. "What are your hobbies?"

Robert nodded. "Well, the only long lasting hobby I've really had is driving. Calms the soul. I also enjoy listening to music, and right now, I'm trying to figure out what to do to fill my spare time. Even though I own a few companies, I really dont run them, and its opened up a decent amount of time in my life. I try not to get to involved in work, I've heard that those who dont like their life make work their life, and I wouldn't want that."

OOC: Bump, still open, TGram me characters.

OOC: Sorry, I've been pretty flat out the past few days and I didn't notice your last reply to this thread until you bumped it!

IC:

"I like driving." Marie said. "I wouldn't say it is a hobby of mine, and I won't pretend to be very good at it, but I like doing it, I don't get a chance to do it very often, you see."

She picked a flower and offered it to him.

"Your question." she said playfully.

OOC: Its golden, I know how ya feel, I've been pretty busy recently too.
IC:

Robert accepted the flower, smirking back. "Hmm. Well, maybe you could tell me a little bit about your nation here. I've read about it, seen it on the news, but never really known what its about."

"Pantocratoria?" Marie asked. "Where to begin? Well, erm, we're a monarchy, I suppose that's obvious. We've got a democratically elected parliament, and my father is the Leader of the Opposition. He used to be Chancellor. Most people speak French, but a lot of people, especially in the countryside, speak Greek. In a lot of ways we're very traditional, but that's changing everyday. The country was settled in the 15th century by refugees fleeing the Turkish conquest of Constantinople... was there anything specific you wanted to know?"

OOC: Istandbul was Constantinople...sorry, got a song stuck in my head.

IC:

"No, not really. Well, yes. A bit more modern of a question though. What do you do around here for fun? Like, whats the night life like?" he asked looking down at teh ground, then back at Marie. He looked for a flower to give back to her, his eyes moving from plant to plant in the garden."

There were all sorts of flowers in the garden. Robert could pick almost anyone he wanted to.

"Well... erm..." Marie said, looking down shyly. "...I'm pretty sheltered, really. You'd have to ask some other girl my age who doesn't live in here that question."

She indicated around at the grounds of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. The little world of absolute luxury was absolutely cut off from the reality which surrounded it.

OOC: Sorry I've been away, dad had to go to the hospital

IC:

Robert nodded. "Well, this area is beautiful, I wouldnt mind having a nice garden like this to walk around in sometimes. But you've spent all your time in here? Havent you ever wanted to get out, or have your parents just not let you leave?" he asked, picking a rose and handing it to her.

"Not all my time!" Marie said defensively. "I've been to lots of other palaces when the court moves about, and I go out all the time... for state occassions."

She took the rose and sighed a little. She knew that wasn't what Robert meant.

"It isn't really my parents..." she said. "Although they're part of it. It's the whole... hmmm... how do I say it? It is part of the package, of being a princess, I mean. I don't go out on my own. In answer to your question, I'd like to, you know, to be able to go out and see it for myself, but... it just isn't done."