NationStates Jolt Archive

Princess Letheran gazed over at the under-chamberlain, clearing her throat, "I am Her Highness Princess Letheran Wasterin of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion. Would you tell me who is here?" She raises her eyebrows, staring at the man. She obviously has stress in her eyes. She carried herself with utter discipline that a royal upbringing would bring, even if she was not a Royal Highness she conducted herself as such, even as third cousin to the King. She gazed around the room, her hands clasped before her.

Chuckling softly Lidric smiles and bows his head slightly "Given the recent uh..... actions of my father I assumed relations would be strained to near breaking point.... after all I did leave the country to attend this birthday to get away from him.

I feel I can distance myself only so far from him though.... I guess many view son like father....and I'm hoping I can change their minds." He says with a sly grin "I recieved a letter a while back from a certain nation whose attracted alot of my father's attetion, very.... enlightening I would think." He says crypticaly before blushing.

"I've been a nervous wreck all night, the one time I want to impress a room full of strangers and I can do nothing but mumble and stare at a plate, clearly my education has failed me." He says lightly and turns to look at Aurora almost wistfully.

"She looks lovely" he whispers to himself before turning around "Tell me...De..Devon. Do you think she will take kindly to my gift? I bought her a horse, I had intel dig up as much as possible on her majesty in the hopes that I could give her an honourable present. I Hope she accepts it given that I represent a nation none favour.... It would be fitting with my mother country's reputation for her to reject it and send me away..." He trails off saying as he hands them a photo of the chestnut horse, it's breed hinting at an arabic ancestory.

"We call it an Iraqstani Akhal-Teke, it was mainly used by the desert houses back durin the seven hundred year war, a proud breed of horse. Do you think she'll like it?" he asks quietly, almost earnestly as he hands Devon the photograph before turning back to watch Aurora accept more gifts from other nations. "More important do you think it's too little compared to everything else given to her?"

Exiled Royalties

Vethara smiled thinly and sighed as Vicotira blushed. She turned to look at Sophia, he did not seem to be as talkative as the Taraskovyan and Sidhe. She shot her a friendly smile. “Tell me, Your Highness, and what music do you prefer? I am sorry to have hijacked the conversation in the most rude of ways.” She said, blushing softly. She decided to try to drop her Taraskovyan education and address people by their titles and not by the standard ‘My Lady’ and ‘My Lord’ as all self-respecting (as in proud and haughty) Taraskovyan would call anybody who is below him in title or rank, or both. After all, it cost her nothing, others were happy and she was not an official representative of her haughty, suspicious and proud, but still overly charming and quite friendly kin.

<LOS Communications - Devon>
}
<< Mia sorella ... it isn't as though she hasn't taken appropriate if questionable action before for the greater good. I wonder if such anomalies could be genetically screened? It would be by far less a sin than anything actively influencing, after all. I would hate to see history repeat itself yet again, and likely in a time when our own children will be forced to shoulder the burden of it all.

<< Something to keep in mind, no? All the same ... you don't suppose the boy has taken an interest in our young Empress? Now there's an interesting match. [wink analog]
}

Nathicana nods in response to Devon's comment, smiling reassuringly at Lidric. "My dear, we both know you are your own man. And even so, it is my hope that in spite of current tensions that we may yet work together to come to a viable solution. Your father has been a good friend and ally, after all." She arches her brow curiously at his comment on 'a certain nation', but lets it pass for now. It's obvious the young man is already stressed enough. Now is the time to offer a safe haven of sorts, not put him through the third degree.

"I would think Aurora would accept it with all the grace and style I have come to expect of her, Lidric. It sounds a fine gift indeed. Please, don't worry yourself so. I think you're doing better by far than you give yourself credit for, you know. Relax, enjoy the party, and just be yourself. All will be well."

<LOS Communications - Nathicana> {
>> It's like you read my mind. Yes, I think it would be good for young Lidric to meet your sister and get to know her on his own.

>> And I agree, it would be even better if Lidric and Aurora were to see more of each other. Their nations are strong allies, after all. Feel up to matchmaking tonight?
}

Treznor grins at Lidric. "She's the Empress of Lavenrunz, and everyone here is remembering that with their gifts. She's also a young woman celebrating her sixteenth birthday, and that's important in some cultures. Your gift should appeal to the woman as well as the leader, and that's priceless. I predict that she'll be pleased, deservedly so."

With a nod, Chancellor Schlabel wiped his moustache of a dab of icing and said, "I concur with my noble Tsarainese friend, Lord Katsuma. And if I may, in international affairs one must be conscious of one's actions but without self consciousness."

Katsuma looked momentarily perplexed as he pondered the chancellor's words.

"International affairs? It's a birthday party. Still, what he says holds."

"Chancellor Schlabel, may I ask a favor? If at all possible, could you arrange for me to give the Empress her gift in private? I would like an opportunity to introduce myself and converse with her without interruptions. Of course, if that's out of the question, I understand completely."

OOC: Sorry about the short post. Exams...

Although he had wanted to wait until last, Andreus could see that there must be several other guests with the same idea, because many of them still hadn't given Aurora a present and appeared to be in no particular rush. Andreus therefore excused himself, and stood. The servants in his entourage rushed to collect the four boxes wrapped in cloth of gold and tied with purple ribbons, and followed after him on his way to the Empress.

When he reached her, his eyes darted back and forth between the leopard, which was an intimidating creature, and Aurora, who looked undeniably lovely in her flower dress. He bowed with great courtesy and flourish, deciding that the leopard was no more likely to maul him than any other guest, before straightening out and gazing into Aurora's eyes, his expression one of disarming admiration.

"Your Majesty," he said, his voice like smooth velvet despite his accented German. "Happy Birthday! Thankyou so very much for inviting me, I consider it an honour, a privilege, and a pleasure to dine and celebrate the birth of the most beautiful woman wearing a crown in all the world."

He turned to the four presents, and then back to Aurora.

"As you can see, I've brought a number of gifts for you. The first one is from His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty." he said, and the servants set the large box before Aurora.

When she opened it, she found inside a magnificent golden clock, depicting the celestial order. The legs of the ornate clock were composed of teaming masses of commoners, ordinary men and women whose gazes of adoration were cast upwards at the rest of the clock. The bottom level was composed of noblemen and women, their gazes similarly pointed upwards. Golden doors were immediately above the bottom level, flanked on either side by angels, whose arms were stretched upwards, holding the clockface itself as if it was the weight of all the world. On the clockface, each number was represented by an apostle, with an ornate angel whose arms rotated as the clock hands in such a way as to make the pose always look interesting. Above the clockface was a triangle, representing the Trinity, with the name "Yahweh" inscribed in Hebrew. When the clock struck the hour, the doors on the front opened, and a small golden statue of Empress Aurora seated in a throne wearing distinctly Byzantine imperial regalia emerged from within, with mechanical cherubs suspended above her, holding a crown over her head.

"The next gift is from His Majesty's Government." said the Prince, as the servants set a smaller box before Aurora.

This box contained an evening gown incorporating peacock feathers in vast quantity. As he watched Aurora open the box, Andreus wondered which one of the socialist frontbench picked out the dress. He eventually decided that they probably had formed a committee to do it, since only a group decision could pick something so singularly mediocre. He smiled apologetically as he presented her third gift.

"The third gift is from the Pantocratorian Council of Bishops." he said, sounding eager to get to the fourth gift.

The third box contained an icon of the Virgin Mary, which seemed to Andreus to be the default gift given by ecclesial types, and a Vulgate Bible in Latin, with a purple leather cover and gold leaf pages.

"And finally, this last gift is from me." the Despot smiled warmly as the fourth box was set before Aurora.

Inside this box was a lady's saddle, beautifully decorated and adorned. There was also a framed photograph of a magnificent-looking Pantocratorian horse. Andreus looked carefully for Aurora's reaction to this one. Knowing that she would get the sort of stuffy, boring gifts usually exchanged by heads of state, he had tried to give her something which might appeal to her on a personal level.

"The mare," Andreus said, referring to the horse in the photograph. "Couldn't fit in the box. She's en-route from Pantocratoria as we speak, however."

Chancellor Schlabel almost winced at Katsuma's request, but he kept a straight face. "What exactly do you mean by 'private'?" he asked carefully. "No Lavenrunzian monarch is ever quite alone..."

Aurora was breathtaken by the clock, which was stunning in its hideousness. To her, at any rate. Some Lavenrunzians loved 'busy' artwork, but she found it painful to look at. However, her courtiers, to her vast annoyance, were ogling the clock, murmuring about how appropriate it was, and saying rather archly that the Despot seemed to know how to make a good gesture. Aurora smiled regally and waited for the next gift, which made her eyes widen slightly. Still she said nothing. Baroness Toll suggested, "It is...a unique dress, Majesty." Aurora just lifted an eyebrow.
The saddle she found pleasing, and the horse made her almost exclaim in delight, but she kept her cool, and even as down the table Sophia paused, mouthing, "Un moment" to Vicotira and bit her lip in admiration of the lovely mare, Aurora said with a smile, "Perhaps, Highness, you should have brought a bigger box. But these gifts are beyond description. I will look forward greatly to my new horse. And thank you so much for coming!" with a regal gesture, she extended the back of her hand.

Sophia said, trying to watch Andreus and talk to Vicotira at the same time, whispered to her, "I like dance music quite a lot, but I also have a taste for jazzed up classical. You should hear the family play sometimes; we all play something, even rather well at times."

Vicotira followed Sophia's gaze, frowning a bit at the clock. It struck her as...Well, she supposed if Catholics would consider it blasphemous then the Pantocratorians would not be delivering it, so it must be appropriate, if a bit gaudy. However, to Danaan sensibilities, portraying the sovereign as the central figure in the universe without explicitly portraying her as the servant either of Heaven or Justice would be considered not only inappropriate but insulting. Shaking her head, she glanced back to Sophia.

"I would love to hear you play, Your Highness. I doubt that it would be possible to get a moment alone with you or your family here. It's much too crowded. However, within the next few weeks, I am planning an event. If you wish, Your Highness, I'll send you an invitation."

"How kind." said Sophia. She glanced at Vicotira. "Are you sure you won't have much time? You really ought to get some skiing in while the season is in here. And there will be lots of balls and celebrations now that spring is here. In fact, as an Ambassador and as a member of a Royal House you'll have lots of invitations."

Vicotira arched a brow slightly. "The ambassador is..." Vicotira paused a moment to remember the name. "The ambassador is Miss Lorasaadi Steelfarmer. I'm merely here for the birthday celebration. And I'm a member of the immediate royal family, not just a royal house. I am actually the next in line."

Vicotira looked at her for a moment, a little confused. She shook her head as though to clear it before looking over to Vethara, smiling thoughtfully as she considered something. She then spoke again to Sophia. "I would, however, love to hear you play."

His left hand moved up and he rubbed his chin in silent thought before Peter spoke to him. The first words which came to mind werent diplomatic and were quickly dashed away. A slight curl of the lips disappearing as quickly as it showed up as he attempted to feign a smile but failed and remained rather deadpan. "I'm Gregory de los Santos, President-General, or to some here still considered King of the Federal Republic of New York and New Jersey...Its a pleasure." The last part game after a brief pause for Gregory to watch over the gift giving ceremony which got further ornate as most of the gifts were rather wide ranging. Swords and crosses, a horse..how quaint. Then the clock..enough would be said about the clock in private that Gregory didnt need to add his two cents into the air. Of course anything said in public was bound to offend the giver of the gift in the first place, and at one of these functions, even if it was a birthday party it wasnt a typical party.

Looking around the table toward the other guests he looked at Vethara rather glad she was enjoying herself. He had done his homework after the first time he met her on a business trip to Menelmacar. Someone in her situation was entitled to alittle happiness every once and awhile and this was definately such a time. Of course his mind was bouncing from one thought to another somewhere he thought he might have ADD of course that to was quickly drowned out as he wondered how things against Crimmond were going. He had a fleet review the next day, and after that he had a rather long trip to visit one of the more remote research facilities in the employment of the Republic. Fixing himself in the chair so that he wasnt slouched at all Gregory looked bored. He didnt partake in any side conversations and just continued to watch the gift giving taking place. He once again wondered something he had pondered sometime ago...how was it these people could live with all the ceremony. Christ knows he couldnt, hence why he dropped the King part and went to President-General..less ceremony.

Sophia blushed and said, "Oh rats, that was a blunder. I knew you were the next in line, but I thought you were also the ambassador. I'm so terribly sorry." Sophia smiled. "In that case though, it's even better: I'm sure that you will receive invitations anyway. Apart from being a Royal Princess, you are so intriguing and lovely. I'm afraid Count Mirbach alienated many of the elvish nations during his term of office, quite deliberate, the odious brute."

Vicotira colored slightly. "You flatter me, surely. But I will accept as many invitations from Lavenrunz as is practical. The sentiments of my government towards your great Empire is one of earnest friendship and, after a night in your company, I must say that I share the opinion of my government."

She glanced briefly at Vethara, smiling. "Of course, there are a number of other people here whom it has been my immense honor to meet."

The Sidhe grinned to Sophia. "With your musical talents, you might receive a number of invitations from the islands as well. Music and art are truly treasured among my people."

Andreus gently took Aurora's hand, and gracefully bowed to kiss it most gallantly. He kissed her hand in a manner somehow more expressive and affectionate (although in no way inappropriate) than was usual for such an oft-rehearsed rigid court ritual. He stood back up, once again gazing into Aurora's eyes in an expression of personal regard, before bowing and withdrawing politely, returning to his seat. He resisted the urge to tell Aurora about the horse and its pedigree, although as the mare's breeder he was extremely well acquainted with both. He could tell her later if they lacked for conversation, he reasoned.

He returned to his seat and smiled in acknowledgment of Rebecca, Vicotira, and Sophia, and then sat down. He leaned back in his chair a little, and gave Peter a friendly grin too, as if acknowledging his successful efforts at maintaining the attention of the ladies around him.

Count Chemnitz whispered into Aurora's ear; she was faintly curious but also slightly annoyed; she wanted to get out of the flower dress before it wilted completely and change into her ball gown; she wanted to start the fun part of the party; this gift giving had been nice but she could see her guests getting a little bored. However, she nodded, and rose. "Thank you all for your presents. We are going to have a chance to stretch our legs, refresh ourselves a bit, and then in an hour we'll have some music dancing and entertainments." with a genuinely sweet smile she went out amidst her courtiers, some of whom 'contrived' for Lidric to coincide with her in a hallway. Katsuma was led along more slowly, Chancellor Schlabel whispering to him that 'everything had been arranged for a private meeting."

Sophia rose and said, "I don't know about you, Vicotira, but I need to visit the little girls' room." she winked enigmatically at Gregory.

Vicotira responded to Sophia's obvious invitation to go gossip by rising and following the older woman. "I, as well, Your Highness."

She curtsied to Gregory, who was, as she reckoned such things, the only person in the immediate area who outranked her, Aurora being some distance away and no other crowned heads being present.

Gliding graciously behind Sophia, Vicotira slipped into the washroom after her, shut the door, and looked around to make sure no one else was around. Then she turned to the adult with a grin, eager for the exchange of gossip and other such matters of girl talk, like any teenager.

He barely caught the wink, and was unsure what she was up to when that happened. Of course she always seemed to be playing some sort of angle, some sort of game. She had virtually ignored him when he started talking to Vethara and now she was winking at him. What he was to make of it he had no idea and would as the night progress eventually forget it happened unless he ran into Sophia once more. Standing up from his own chair though he decided now was the right time for a smoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll excuse me I'm going to go indulge in a particularly bad habit.." He looked down at Vethara and smiled leaning down to whisper to her, "I'll shall be back before the music starts, and when it does my dear you and I shall have some fun." Moving straight once more he headed off toward the balchoney for a smoke.

Felina closed here eyes and bowed to the Empress of the Lavenrunzians once more, clearly still enraptured by the moment of her inspiration, studied and practiced for over a month sixteen hours a day.

"A Bone Singer is a specific type of minstrel, Your Majesty. It is a singer that it is capable of rending apart the fabric of space and shape the matter that you see in front in of you to the whim of his or her music. A matter that we call Wraithbone, a specific material that our Eldar teachers taught us to master and conjure. Looks like it responds to psychic energy and emotional discharges. Our home is entirely made of that material, as our houses, our shape ships and everything made with our technology. All that we are able to made, is made from wraithbone and with the help of the Bone Singers as myself. We are both the best artist and architects of our kind"

Listening to Devon and Nathi Lidric begins to feel a bit more confident in himself and straightens his shoulders slightly. "Well, the worst that can happen is she'll hate it I guess. After all it's only a horse...." He says at an attempt of humour.

Looking around he watches the proceedings before turning back to the pair "If you'll excuse me I must go check on the horse." He says with a formal bow and a friendly smile to both.

Turning he heads for the doors, casting a glance over at the lavenrunzian royalty and heads outside where two waiting men snap to attention at his arrival. "At ease gentlemen is he relaxed?" He asks the men who nod and point to the dark shape of a horse off to the side grazing beside a tree.

Nodding Lidric walks over to the horse and strokes it's ears idly remebering many a horse riding lesson upon the young male's back. "We've done alot my friend, but now is the time for even you to put a better face on our motherland." He whispers to the horse who softly nudges his hand with his nose, looking for a treat of some kind. "Sorry buddy, I'm all out." Lidric whispers and returns to scratching the horses ears.

Following the conversation between Sophia and Vicotira, Peter smiled at the mention of playing music. He turned to Sophia with a happy, pleasant expression. “I am sorry, your Highness, but I could not help overhearing your conversation. I, too, would love to hear you play sometime. If you are interested in a fusion between classical styles and modern jazz, you might find Excalbian music of some interest.”

Continuing to balance his various conversations, Peter turned back to President-General de los Santos. The young prince could tell that the man did not like him, though he was at a loss to understand why. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. President-General. Or should I address you as your Majesty? Quite an interesting collection of titles. I am sure quite a tale lies there in. It is unfortunate that the Holy Empire has allowed its relations with North America lag.”

When Andreus returned to the table, Peter returned his grin with a wink of his own. For once, it seemed, Peter was surrounded by more women than Andreus. Though he was certain that the Despot would change that situation in due course.

When Sophia and Vicortira excused themselves, Peter stood and bowed. He bowed again, though he remained seated, when de los Santos made his exit. With the table thinned, Peter turned back to Vethara. “So, your Highness, I would love to hear something of your country…”

Exiled Royalties

Vethara inclined her head to Sophia and then Vicotira when the two dashed off. She shot a happy smile at Gregory as she whispered her answer to him: “I am looking forward to it.” And as their table thinned, she smiled pensively back at Peter as she tried to come up with something to say on her nation. There were so many things to tell that it was impossible to begin with just one.

“There are too many things to tell and I am at a loss with which to begin. Do you want to know more about the politics? Then it is rather simple, for my nation is currently divided between my Government in Exile (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8555782&postcount=25) that has no power.” She said with a sad grin, not afraid to show the real state of things. “And the Federal Government, which is represented by that officer over there.” She motioned her head slightly into Ithun’s direction. “And which has a lot of power but does not know how to use it.” She smiled sweetly at the Prince as she took up her glass to sip some of her drink.

Treznor blinks at the sudden shift in the young man's attitude, and nods slightly as Lidric heads away with renewed enthusiasm.

Oh, to be that young again.

"What'd I say?" He shrugs and lifts Nathicana's hand to his lips for a quick kiss. "Oh well. Shall we mingle, then?"

<LOS Communications - Nathicana> {
>> Yes. If there's anything we can do to help that young man, I really think we should.
}

Peter returned Vethara's sad smile with one of his own. "A terrible situation, your Highness. To have knowledge without power and to see power wasted without knowledge or wisdom..." Peter shook his head in sympathy. "I hope, though, that your exile is not too difficult, your Highness." Peter gave the Taraskovyan a friendly smile. "It certainly has not affected your grace or charm."

The Prince glanced over at the military officer Vethara had identified as the representative of the Federal Government. "I must say, especially under the circumstances, you are a testament to grace under pressure, your Highness..."

Guests and courtiers had begun to rise, chattering conversation going on while the footmen and maids directed by under-chamberlains began to clear the room. Those who lingered behind were offered wine, cheese or fruit to soothe their palates. As Sophia was leaving, she remarked to Peter, "We really should, I adore fusion. Je retournerais."

In the ladies' room, Magda brushed by Sophia and Vicotira with a quiet, "Excuse me". There was a maid with towels and a tray of makeup, powders and other things to assist a lady in refreshing herself. Sophia frowned at her reflection, combing back a lock of blonde hair with her fingers. "I look like a nighthag." she murmured. "Prince Peter does seem to be very cute. And I advise staying away from Andreus; he's a lech and he doesn't seem discriminate. How dare he flirt with you and Vethara when he's supposed to court my cousin?"

Aurora smiled to realize that Nathicana and Devon were actually at the party; they had been so quiet and discreet, and she sent them a note reading:

Dear Nathicana and Devon

I am very glad to see you both. I hope you can stay for the whole party and that we will have a chance to talk.

affectionately
Aurora

In one of the halls, Aurora swept through and was able to meet with Lidric. She felt a bit like something the cat had dragged in; the dress was beginning to wilt, and she felt her hair was hot. Also, she couldn't wear a bra with a flower dress so she was determined to stand rather still when meeting with these foreign envoys.

Exiled Royalties

Vethara smiled at Peter, his compliment clearly touching her heart as she inclined her head slightly in sign of gratitude. “Your words humble me, Your Highness. But, pray, tell me more about the lands you hail from.” It would seem that even in the moments when her lips were not curved in a smile, her deep emerald eyes appeared to always (at least that very evening) shine with some sort of either joy, either kindness, something that was confusing and luring at the same time. The young woman looked Peter into the eyes for a brief moment, as if studying them, before letting her gaze wander slightly off. “It would be rude for me to monopolise the entire conversation by speaking only about my homeland, Your Highness.”

Sorry for Intruding,but could I send a delegate to your party?

If no,I'm sorry for doing this. :(

Gregory stood once more just outside of the party. His left hand reaching into his pocket he pulled out the silver cigarette holder and clicked it open before he tugged one of the cancer sticks out.It had been a day or two since he smoked last and it played alittle on his nerves. Rolling the zippo lightly it was bare of any ornateness, except for a simple inscription of his name, and a few words a motto of sorts which he kept hidden under his fingers which each move of the zippo between his fingers. Blowing smoke into the air he felt rather old at this party and it didnt help his public demeanor at all. But still he'd continue on if only for Aurora, the daughter of a friend and highly respected peer. Aurora was sure coming into her own physically, but as far as Gregory was concerned she was still a long way away from being the head of an alliance like SATO. Of course nostalgic feelings came over him as it seemed like only yesterday. "Oh well..." said to himself as those thoughts were quickly buried once more.

Sorry for Intruding again,but can I come to your party?

If no,I'm sorry :(

Please tell me the answer.

Vicotira smiled a little as she looked at the make-up and towels in momentary puzzlement. She watched Sophia putting stuff on her face as though she had no idea what was going on. "How do you think your cousin feels about this courtship? My sister always says your Empress deserves the very best of men with a heart brave and poor. I hope she isn't forced to marry for some political reason."

Vicotira then grinned a little. "Your Highness, do you think Prince Peter is seriously interested in me? I've only been of age for four years and I've never been courted before, though I have been trained for it, of course."

Having left the horse to it's munching in the field Lidric headed back into the buildings heading towards the party when he stumbles upon Aurora. Bowing politely he keeps his eyes on the floor, his shyness once more returning. "First let me apologise your majesty for any inconveniance, but as you will see the gift I bring is hard to present in a room of crowded people.

I must say I am slightly embarrassed I had my own nation's intelligence people gathering information about you, everything possible to find out what you liked and disliked and finnaly I decided on this course of gift. An empress such as yourself deserves only the finest of things, and although in the eyes of many little from my country can ever be considered graceful I present the last of a line of royalty..." He says softly, his accented voice barely making it past the floor.

Outside your highness is your gift and I hope that you may accept a request from an ally sometime. That how ever will be asked after you recieve the gift. Please, I dont wish to keep you any longer than possible." He says finnaly turning and extending his arm to Aurora politely.

"You just have a way with people, mi amore," Nathi replies with a warm smile meant just for him. "Whither thou goest, I follow. Lead on, Imperatore."

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< Just so long as you keep close, all's well. Everything seems perfect. The mingling, the guests, the pleasantries. And that's just how it was last time before it all went straight to hell. This place is more dangerous than Devras I swear, if only for the fact that on acount of their increased freedoms they tend to get entirely too emotional about their uprisings. Violent, nasty business, that. You're sure backup is close enough? [pause]

<< But yes. Help. Subtly. And only if needed. The last time I played matchmaker, there was all sorts of trouble, after all.

She nestles in close at his side, quietly giving his arm a gentle squeeze, though she pauses when the note is delivered. "Quite the young lady, Dev. That should give us the opportunity to give her our gift as well. I'm hoping she'll like it."

Aurora listened carefully to Lidric, not the least because he was mumbling at times. What a shy boy he was. And what on Earth was he saying, that the gift was a future exchange for a favour he would ask? Slightly confused, she paused and then with a gracious smile took his arm, though in fact it was not etiquette for him to offer it. It was on the tip of her tongue to say, "What is it? A horse?" but she realized that that would spoil everything for him. She really wasn't sure about Lidric so far, and she definitely was not sure about his country or his father. Her mother had once said that the young Matthew Iesus seemed a decent enough young man if idealistic in a skewed way, and that perhaps his upbringing might have dominated him but there was hope...and yet, in the end, the apple had not fallen far from the tree. With her courtiers following close behind and Thirty Camelias watching Lidric carefully they went outside. The breeze was a bit brisk still, it being early spring, and Aurora anxiously patted her flower dress.

Lifting his left shoe up off the ground he took the mostly finished cigarette and put it out on the heel of his shoe before flicking it over the railing. The fix taken care of Gregory thought about remaining out here for the rest of the party, it was certainly a decent enough night that he wondered why such an affair wasnt set up on the outside under tents and such. Of course such things were not up to him so he'd keep the idea to himself, inside was just as good really. For now though until the music started he would remain out on the balchoney unsure of what to do next aside from keep the promise to dance.

Andreus excused himself, giving Rebecca a friendly wink, before rising to stretch his legs and explore the palace a little bit. He wondered about mingling, leaving most people with the impression of courteous disinterest. Out of the corner of his eye as he wandered about he spotted Aurora talking with somebody, and he stopped to watch.

"Who is that... boy?" he murmured to himself, as if expecting a servant or courtier to be following him around so closely as to be able to answer such a question, seemingly directed at nobody. Of course, in New Constantinople, there almost always was somebody following him around able to answer such questions. In New Constantinople, he was the centre of attention. Realising that there was nobody there to answer the question, he felt vaguely jealous of Aurora for a moment, and decided to resume mingling, turning back to the other guests.

Leading the way to wards the two shadows of men Lidric watches Aurora from the corner of his eyes before taking a breath "You and your people should be thanked your majesty, this night has been truly memorable so far, and I feel it can only get better." He says as they come to a stop beside the two men whom in physical appearance look like Iraqstani men but when they speak their accent is of a different nature.

"Meine Kaiserin" The men whisper and salute Aurora the traditional way, elbow bent, hand touching side of forehead with respect. The most striking detail about these men is not the fact they are Um Lizaan but the fact they do not salue to Lidric and his seemingly stance of equality among these men.

"Your majesty, allow me to introduce two of my best friends and sometimes advisors. The man with the beard is Muhammed farrah Al-Sahaf, and the man with the glasses is Ali Bashir Muhammed. Both have been my friends for many years." Lidric states as the two men bow and one turns walking quickly into the shadows where moments later the soft clumping of animal footsteps can be heard.

"And now your majesty, I'm sure you already know of his presence I give to you the last of the royal house quil'raya's horses. The Iraqstani Akhal-Teke" He says as a chestnut horse trots into view Ali holding a rope tied to it's neck in a manner that suggests royal worship of the horse.

"I'm sure you know of the breed, Turkmenistan bred, over 3,000 years ago imported by the arab world when they first landed on Iraqstan it has been the transport of many house Quil'rayan royalty and serves in small numbers of the Iraqstani Guard. This how ever is the last of the royal breed left in the world. There is no royalty in Iraqstan and I do not see my father as claiming right to such a beast.

I present it instead to an empress who has shown great devotion to her people and freedom." He says letting go of her arm and stepping back as the horse trots over and pushes his nose into his arm. Scratching it's nose he smiles softly watching her expression.

It was as if the remaining beauty of the Iraqstani desert had been brought to Lavenrunz. The horse made Aurora think of endless burning skies, of vivid colors, of veils and mysterious cities. A smile came to her, and she approached slowly, carefully, and reached up to offer the scent of her hand to the horse. Unfortunately as she approached so did Thirty Camelias, whom she had to order back so that she would not spook the horse. The leopard watched the men balefully.
Turning to Lidric, she said softly, "It is a lovely gift, Excellency. And very thoughtful." her blue eyes looked into his. "But I have only one reproof: it would have been wonderful to have presented him in front of others, so that they would know how great the friendship of our nations still is. Nevertheless, that is a minor thing...you have a generous heart."

Can I come to the party?

Peter had given Sophia an expectant smile. “I can hardly wait for your return, your Highness,” Peter had then said as Sophia stood to leave the table. “When you return, perhaps we can arrange a cultural exchange – a tour of Excalbian musicians in exchange for a skiing expedition.”

During the conversation with Vethara, Peter gave the Grand Duchess a humble nod in response to her look of gratitude. He was genuinely touched that she was so moved by his expression of support.

Peter studied Vethara’s emerald eyes until she looked away. He smiled and let his gaze casually meet hers again. “Well,” he said, “what can I say about Excalbia. We are a large, wealthy country that tends to stay out of the international limelight, preferring to concentrate on problems in our own corner of the North Atlantic.

“We are a very religious and fairly conservative nation and many of us, myself excepted,” he said with a playful wink, “tend to be regarded as a bit self-righteous. We also take a great deal of pride in our blend of democratic and imperial institutions and in our technological achievements. And finally, and most importantly, we do have some fairly good popular music, sort of a fusion of classical, Celtic and modern jazz.” Peter leaned back and smiled broadly. “I do not, however, want to bore you with details of Excalbia. I would much rather hear about you, your Highness.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca watched as Andreus left the table and suddenly felt lonely and abandoned. She stood and excused herself to those remaining at the table. Then, heading towards the restrooms, she went looking for Vicotira or anyone else close to her own age.

Vicotira was still standing there in the washroom with Sophia, waiting for the Lavenrunzian woman to respond to her words. She smiled slightly as Rebecca entered before looking intently at Sophia a moment.

Rebecca smiled when she spotted Vicotira and Sophia. She gave Vicotira a shy wave and walked over to the two women. "Excuse me, your Highnesses," Rebecca bowed towards Sophia, then towards Vicotira, "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting. I just... um... wanted to... well, get to know you a little better." She looked at Sophia. "I don't think I was formally introduced to you, your Highnesses. I am Princess Rebecca of Excalbia..."

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Vethara smiled back at Peter as broadly as he smiled at her as she arched an eyebrow slightly at the Prince. Their table was getting thinner and thinner to the point that only she and he remained at their places. She gave a quick glance in the direction of the balcony where Gregory vanished out of sight, sighing softly before returning her gaze to Peter, shooting him a charming smile. “Oh, pray, Your Highness, what would you like to know about me apart from what can already be found in the public domain?”

OOC: Excalbia, you still want to talk to Sukothai?

Treznor winks and raises her hand to kiss it again. "A successful operation is not only whether or not you achieved your target, but also how smoothly the extraction follows. You taught me that, remember."

<LOS Communications - Nathicana> {
>> Oh, I know. If we get hit with another coup attempt while we're here, I swear I am never coming back no matter how much I like the girl. But I think we've been sufficiently paranoid about this trip, and Aurora has been very understanding about our security concerns. Hit the panic button and we can be extracted in three minutes. I trust Jas if no one else.

>> I don't think we have to be all that blatant about matchmaking. I think all we have to do is encourage opportunities for them to get to know each other. I wish them both the best of luck.
}

"Let us make haste to send her reply. I can't wait to see the look in her eye when she sees what your people can offer. For now I see a buffet table laden with entirely too much food."

Peter followed Vethara's gaze towards the balcony where the President-General of New York and Jersey had retreated from the crowd. He found himself wondering just how close the two were.

Turning back to Vethara, Peter smiled. "Well, your Highness, I would be interested in hearing whatever you care to share. I would think your dreams and ambitions would be particularly fascinating, given the situation in your country. But, I would also be interested to know your tastes in art, music, literature. What ever make you the charming woman you are."

OOC: Excalbia, you still want to talk to Sukothai?
OOC: Yes, of course...

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“Your words are most flattering, Your Highness.” She said with a smile. “And as of my ambitions…” She said pensively, pausing for a moment before continuing. “I deem that my greatest ambition is to restore order and peace in my country. To return to the golden age of my father.” She sighed deeply and shook her head looking Peter into the eyes. “As Your Highness might have noticed, my ambitions are nothing out of the extraordinary.” Of course, she would not reveal to him her true dreams and ambitions, for she would not be a Taraskovyan should she do so. And she was not keen to debating the tastes in art for she already had a little discussion about it earlier and preferred to talk about other things than to stagnate on a single subject.

Sophia had been concentrating on readjusting one of her earrings, and was about to reply when Rebecca walked in. Oh, fun fun fun thought Sophia with mischeivous glee. "Hello Rebecca." she said in a warm and friendly way. "We were just talking about whether or not your brother likes..."

He seemed to consider for a moment, "It's... fun. Provided one gets the delegation down," he said with an impish grin, continuing to regard Kira and seeming quite comfortable with the food.
"Delegation?" Kira blinked. Was he talking about the random beurocrats who did nothing at all, like the High Council, or actual workers who did the management...

"Oh yes. I find actually being an autocrat is rather more bothersome than just letting the people do most of the domestic work." So he was a lazy dictator, Kira noted. That made sense, considering the Kingdom's own history of Kings dumping power into the hands of anyone who wanted it. "So you let people handle all the work, get the final say, and get blamed if someone screws up?” the alchemist inquired innocently.

"Not really. Mostly I oversee things. A lot of domestic policy is run by either the Senate or daily refferenda," he said, "it helps not to sleep when making time for relaxation and work too."
“Wow,” Kira tried to imagine not needing sleep. That’d make life so much easier; you could do so much stuff with those extra five hours. “Must be nice, not having to sleep.”
"It does make some extra time," he said with a slight grin, "Have you any more specific questions?"

"Yes," I am so going to regret this, she thought. "What's a necrontyr?"
"A humanoid intellgient life form," he said, "Kind of elf like. Generally not as physically adept as humans, generally more intelligent. They tend to thrive in hotter climates than humans."

"More...intelligent?"
"As much as can be quantified yes."
"Higher exam results, that sort of thing."
"I am, of course, not a necrontyr."

Really smart elves...figures, Kira made a mental note to add that to the central database when she got back. Necrontyr were... "You're not?" she blinked. "But your empire's...it's..."
"I am what is called a C'tan, entirely different thing. There's only around thirty million necrontyr in the Empire."
"And they don't mind being ruled by...well...you?"
"Why would this surprise you? Why would one of their own species be better?"

"Er..." she sometimes wondered the same thing, except in relation to the rash of seccessions justified by people who didn't want to be ruled by anyone except their own race. "Sorry," Kira shook her head. "I keep forgetting people in the Kingdom don't act sanely."
He laughed slightly, "Well. Generally Necrontyr consider themselves sane."
That…wasn’t a joke, Kira wanted to respond. Weyraeans weren’t sane by any definition; the results weren’t a joke. “So do Weyreans,” the alchemist smiled. “But I don’t want to keep you from the other guests…”
He gave a slight smile, though it wasn't easy to tell, the smile was, in its way, of pity. "Yes, I suppose so."

"But before I leave you alone," he added with a slight grin, "I'd best mention an offer to you. My advisor on magic and other arcane arts has been looking for an alchemist to employ for a while, and I'm afraid she'll be very upset if I don't mention the offer to you while I'm talking to you," he said, smiling, and doing his best to look innocent,
"Not that I aim to insult your patriotism, or any such thing, but should you ever find yourself out of work, I'm sure she'd be quite happy to employ you."
"Patriotism?" Kira blinked. "My government thinks sucking up to Morgoth is the best thing they've ever done. If by alchemist she means an actual alchemist, well, she's got an alchemist."
Mephet`ran almost laughed, amused by the speed at which she took the offer, "Oh excellent," he said, "I'll sort your citizenship out later," he added, "assuming you're happy to move of course."

Sure, why not, Kira shrugged inwardly. Details could be sorted out later. “Just…won’t your advisor want a resume or something first?” That was probably a stupid question to ask; there were most likely people with better credentials than her lining up for the position, unless he was just making it all up.
"I have confidence that you deserve the job," he said, "besides, I'm sure you are excellent, after all, they do think you are worthy of representing them internationally, no?"
"Sort of," Kira scratched the back of her head. "It's probably because I forgot to remove my name from the Tower list."
He laughed, "Well. In any case, I'm sure she'll take you..."

Blushing and apologising Lidric scratches the ear of the horse once more. "I was hasty in my decision to present him to you in private, I felt the giving of the last in a long line of noble creatures to some one of even nobler existance was a matter of privacy between the two parties. I however stand corrected.

I bring too a Quil'rayan house saddle which unfortunately still bears the symbol of house Quil'raya and the honour badge of the Iraqstani Guard, but those you may dispose of when you please and please, I am not one for titles I tolerate being called commander by those two because they find it funny to call a teenager a commander. I would simply ask you to call me Lidric." He says softly as he steps back from the horse to give girl and creature time to familiarise themselves with each other.

"As for that request, it is simple. humour me with a horse ride through your wonderful country some time, show me the things you love dearly so that I might compare my homeland and yours...." He says with a smile.

Sophia had been concentrating on readjusting one of her earrings, and was about to reply when Rebecca walked in. Oh, fun fun fun thought Sophia with mischeivous glee. "Hello Rebecca." she said in a warm and friendly way. "We were just talking about whether or not your brother likes..."

OOC: Although I'm not Excalbia, I do feel obligated to point out that Peter is Rebecca's cousin, not her brother. :)

Gregory took in one more deep breath and stepped back toward the table. Looking over at Vethara he smiled abit as he approached and stopping just to her side, he reached a hand down to her and said in a warm tone, "Would you care to join me outside? Its a nice night and the view is rather good from where we were earlier."

"You are shameless, Devon Treznor," Nathi replies, a now rare hint of mischief in her eyes. "Then again, so am I. If we didn't have quite the audience we do, I could think of several more uses that lovely buffet table could nicely serve. But yes - a reply."

She flagged down one of the staff, requesting something to write on, and penned a brief note to the young Empress in reply.
Dear Aurora:

We wouldn't have missed it for the world. Congratulations on your sweet sixteenth! We will indeed be staying, and look forward to speaking to you later when you have the time. We thought we would present you with our modest gift then.

You look simply radiant today, Aurora. I hope this has been an enjoyable day so far, and that it will continue to be a pleasant, memorable occasion for you. I couldn't be more proud, for whatever that is worth. You are truly a credit to your family name, and your nation, my dear.

Best wishes on your Birthday
Nathi and Devon

Princess Latheran sighed, gazing around. Her handmaiden would soon bring in the present for the Empress, until then she simply waited. She stepped further into the room, grabbing some wine if it is so being served. She sips softly, taking note of the various personages around the room, though appearing rather nervous. She was not an official envoy of the government, she was trying to flee her country, and she hoped it was not obvious. Her status came from being a member of the Royal House of Wasterin, but now it seems the military was quickly seizing power from even the Royal Government.

With a smile, Aurora said, "I should like that Herr Quil'raya, and I hope that we may do so soon. And now..." she nodded to an equerry. "Please take my new horse to the stables. I will see you shortly. Thank you again, very much, for my birthday present." With that, she withdrew into the palace.


Chancellor Schlabel discreetly adjusted his eyepatch and then headed towards the area near the buffet and obtained a glass of schnapps. Seeing Princess Latheran, he smiled and approached, bowing his head, and said, "How do you do; I don't believe we have met. I am Chancellor Schlabel, the head of Her Majesty's Government."

Princess Latheran nodded politely to Chancellor Schlabel, "Ahh, hello." She smiled as dignified as possible, "I am Princess Latheran Wasterin of the Royal House in Aerion. Where is Her Majesty?" She sips on her wine.

Felina closed here eyes and bowed to the Empress of the Lavenrunzians once more, clearly still enraptured by the moment of her inspiration, studied and practiced for over a month sixteen hours a day.

"A Bone Singer is a specific type of minstrel, Your Majesty. It is a singer that it is capable of rending apart the fabric of space and shape the matter that you see in front in of you to the whim of his or her music. A matter that we call Wraithbone, a specific material that our Eldar teachers taught us to master and conjure. Looks like it responds to psychic energy and emotional discharges. Our home is entirely made of that material, as our houses, our shape ships and everything made with our technology. All that we are able to made, is made from wraithbone and with the help of the Bone Singers as myself. We are both the best artist and architects of our kind"

OOC: My humblest apologies for missing this post. :( Unfortunately sometimes I miss people's posts but it is not for lack of wanting to find them.
Therefore, please presume this happened following.
IC:

"Well, Felina, you are most welcome to my court, and I hope you will be happy here. Count Chemnitz: I would like you to accomodate Felina in a manner that we can best suit her." Aurora leaned foward and took her hands. "And thank you very much for your performance, it was lovely." she reached to the table arrangement and plucked a Tiger Lily, presenting it to Felina with a smile.

Chancellor Schlabel raised his eyebrows and said, "Well, I don't know if your Highness heard, but the Empress is changing for the dancing and celebration. If I may ask...I've heard of course of the difficulties in your country. Can you tell me something of how things are going?" He felt a bit wary of the idea of presenting this lady, however prominent, to the Empress until he had a better idea of what was going on. After all, she had not been invited but her rank and position had gotten her in, along with a couple of other people. This was how things had gone wrong at the Winter Ball, in part; too many unexpected people confusing the security.

Princess Latheran cleared her throat, attempting to sound as polite as possible without sounding strained, "It is as it is said in the news, Aerion Public News is the more public and true of the two. They are probably not even broadcasting from the capital any more. Aerion News Network is a bit unbalanced. I have not had contact with any members of the Royal Government, but many have left the capital as the Third Legion under this General." She sighs deeply, "After the terrorists assassinated the Lord Chancellor, and then bombed the Privy Council basically all the appointees of my cousin His Majesty King Wasterin X have been killed. As in my country only His Majesty or an Royal Regent can appoint such political posts this leaves these empty. It seems therefore that the officers in command of the Royal Armed Forces have chosen to take the situation into their own hands so to speak, and run right over the Royal Government. Most of the Deputy Ministers have most likely left the city, I hear. The megacorporations and executives seem to be being allowed to carry out day to day business, as usual, but under the close eye of military officers I imagine. It is a terrible situation." She almost gets teary eyed but swipes her eyes with her hand, and takes another sip of wine.

“Noble ambitions, your Highness,” Peter said sincerely. “You truly are inspiring. And very charming. Perhaps, once the dancing begins, you would grant me the favor of a dance.” Peter gave Vethara every indication that he was hanging on her every word, even as he casually glanced about looking for Sophia and Vicotira. I smiled warmly as he thought how fortunate he was to share the company of three charming women.

Just then, the President-General returned and interrupted his conversation with Vethara. Peter glared at the older, and to his mind, duller man. He masked his glaring with an artfully forced smile as he looked at the man. “Welcome back, Mr. President. How is the weather outside?”

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Rebecca suppressed a giggle. “Well, your Highness, if you are speaking of my cousin, Peter, I think he is very much enjoying being surrounded by beautiful women.” Rebecca blushed a slightly and looked away from the two other women. “He has always enjoyed being the centre of attention. Especially the attention of women.”

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Vethara thought for a brief moment before answering Peter, with the most charming of smiles on her face. “Maybe.” She lifted her glass slowly off the table and sipped her wine, her eyes fixing Peter as she distanced the glass from her lips. “Your Highness seems to have made quite an impression among the feminine attendance and I fear he might not have time for me.” She smiled again as she caught intriguing movement with the side of her eyes, drifting them into the direction to lay them on the approaching figure of Gregory. Because of that, she missed Peter's reaction to the President General's return to their table.

She smiled happily as he offered her his hand, accepting it and standing up from her seat, looking at Peter for a moment. “If Your Highness will pardon me, I shall take my leave.” With that, the attention of her eyes shifted back at the President General of New York and New Jersey. “Lead the way, Gregory.”

"Hmm?" Gregory looked over toward Peter, "Oh yes the weather..its fine outside..you should really ask the Empress to have someone show you the way outside if you really want to know though." Gregory smiled geniunely..of course it was toward Vethara's direction and not Peter's as he escorted her over toward where they had been earlier. "I really do like Hofburg, its a lot more old world than my own capital..and this Winter Palace is certainly more lavish than my own humble abode back home." It was true, Gregory had taken the tallest apartments in Manhattan and had a small vacation retreat near the Niagra falls but still nothing as large as this.

Stepping out into the night air with Vethara by his side he smiled brightly and looked down toward her. "No need to worry, I already had my cigarette so now its just you and a more calm me...but let me just explain the head rolling thing..apparently the rose in Lavenrunz a..symbol..of two passionate lovers. You can not believe how embarassing that is when I was told that..especially when I was friends with Aurora's mother Joanna. Fine woman she is and a fine woman Aurora appears to be turning out to be. I must say."

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Vethara smiled as she listened to him, not daring to interrupt. And as he mentioned the size of palace, she smiled softly as she remembered the Vigvar Winter Palace and its own size. But that would be a subject for some other discussion, besides, she did not really want to think of Vigvar right now as memories flooded her mind. She could still see the swans flying away, as if it had happened the day before. And so she made a deep breath, letting the night’s air refresh her thoughts as the latter descended back to Hofburg.

She smiled broadly as Gregory explained the reason for his anger and laughed softly, quickly biting her lower lip as she looked up at the President General, hoping that her sudden expression of emotions did not offend him, nor appeared as if she was mocking him. She shook her head slightly and smiled. “You offered her a red rose…” She said pensively, breathing the outside’s air, closing her eyes for a second to enjoy the freshness it procured. “Indeed, a red rose stands for love in the language of flowers, most often meaning passionate love, for the white rose stands for eternal love.” She said, grinning. “And a yellow rose stands for friendship and admiration.”

She paused for a moment, thinking it over. Actually, the language of flowers was so greatly divided into various local ‘dialects’, that often the meanings were confused. A yellow rose could also stand for jealousy in certain cases… or maybe not. Well, it did not matter anyway. But still, some general rules were always true. She smiled again and nodded in agreement at Gregory’s words about Aurora. “I never knew her mother… but indeed, Her Imperial Highness does have something special about her. To greet a complete stranger, an uninvited stranger even, as she greeted me…” She sighed, the smile withering off her face for a moment as her eyes fixed Gregory questioningly as she frowned. “Or do you mean physically fine she is turning out to be?”

He didnt appear to be offended when she laughed, indeed his smile grew wider at her laugh. Then of course the smile left when she asked what exactly she meant. Of course he wasnt going to be rude and say she was physically coming into being. He noticed, but felt little attraction to her. She was to young, and not his type..then again one made him wonder about Sophia..she wasnt his type either but he still tried for her in the past..and even alittle tonight he had hoped later on to continue with their tepid verbal jousting.

"I meant leadership wise. She seems to be taking the ropes far more often than letting the ministers do all the work. Why do you ask?" He raised an eyebrow looking her over quickly before looking over toward the view once more. In the back of his mind he wondered if she was jealous.

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She smiled as he spoke, closing her eyes and lifting her face to the sky, letting the light of the stars caress her skin. She opened her eyes as he finished talking, lowering them to look at Gregory as he lips curved in a smile yet again. “For no reason at all. Just… to know…” A soft blush appeared on her face as she turned her gaze towards the scenery outside of the balcony as she was at a loss what to say next. She had a few ideas about which way to take the discussion, but all of them seemed overly routine and unoriginal. And she wanted something exciting, but she could not find anything to talk about with a man she had only seen a couple times before. "It has been some time since I last participated in such a... crowded event." She said with a sigh, smiling softly. "I guess that I just might have to get used to it all over again." She laughed lightly again, shaking her head.

Peter stood and bowed gracefully as Vethara excused herself. “Your Highness, it has been delightful.” He gave her a small wink. “And, I assure you that anyone with taste would always have time for you, your Highness.” He glanced at the President-General. “Excellency, your Highness, enjoy your walk.”

Peter returned to his chair and looked over at the First Consul of Syskeyia. “Excellency,” Peter said to the First Consul, “I have heard of the tragic conflict in your country. Our wishes are with for a speedy and satisfactory resolution.”

Gregory laughed at her choice of words and leaned against the railing while turned toward her direction. "I am never used to it..It helps though when you recongize a good majority of people. Dont worry..you'll get to know these people in the future as well, it wont seem nearly as crowded when you're not a stranger." Gregory smiled brightly at her giving her a hint that he would likely in the future ask to come with him to attend another function without openly coming out and saying what he thought. "So, Vethara tell me what is it that you do with your spare time? What interests do you have? What is something you've always wanted to do but couldnt?" He tossed one question at her after another trying to plan out future events. Something he typically did.

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She smiled happily as she listened to his words, her head inclined slightly as her eyes fixed his features. She laughed slightly as she heard his series of questions, pausing for a moment to think about it. “Well, I have quite some interests, such as mountain climbing, diving, horseback archery, but also simply sitting by a warm fireplace by night and reading a book, wrapped into a cosy plaid.” Her smile grew wide as she looked him into the eyes. “May I ask the same question of you, Gregory?”

Watching both the horse and the empress depart Lidric stands still unable to speak his throat tightened by the smile Aurora sent him. Watching her leave he lets out his breath and winces as the raging bull party in his stomach once more takes to bashing agaisnt the walls of his insides.

muttering an iraqstani curse he walks slowly almost dejectedly back into the palace barely making eye contact with anyone and watching the empress from the corner of his eye. Heading towards a table and a seat Lidric sits down quickly and looks out at all the people a small smile on his face.

"Still she did look impressed by the gift." He whispered, boosting his spirits a notch.

Thomas had been hoping to present the official gift from Glorious Humanity during the formal party, but he and Ambassador Sargos had arrived too late to get to the front of the line before the Empress retired from the party. Thus, they found themselves on the list of dignitaries seeking personal audiences with Aurora. Actually, Thomas wasn't too upset with this turn of events. Maybe he'd get a chance to talk to Aurora a little after all.

Now where was she?

Thomas had heard that dancing was about to start. Would Aurora be available to ask for a dance? He hoped so. Maybe he could give her the presents then. He could actually dance now too. At least, he thought he could.

"Archery is something we have in common then. I also indulge in rifling and games of chance. Mostly though my work leaves me with little time for pleasurable activities. When I do get some time to away from work I end up sitting by the fire reading a book." He gave her a wink in that regard before he tilted he backtracked alittle. "Mountain climbing? I couldnt imagine myself doing that. Slight fear of heights ya know." He laughed alittle at himself as he kept on, "Its odd though I enjoy flight immensely though, rather ironic huh?"

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She smiled as he revealed his acrophobia to her, shaking her head slightly. “Well, I am a Taraskovyan. We do not have much else than high places everywhere, with all the mountains we have…” She laughed lightly upon his words about his love of flights as she looked him into the eyes. “You love flying? You mean you know how to pilot?”

"Oh yes, I have a small private collection of aircraft backhome that I keep in tip top condition and fly every once in a blue moon. Although with all the troubles my nation has been getting into, mostly a war with Crimmond, I havent gotten into the pilots seat in a good four months. Its a shame really." Gregory said with a tinge of sadness in his voice before he bucked up once more and smiled at Vethara, "So tell me, more about yourself, anything you feel remotely interesting feel free to say it. I've known you for several days and I know practically next to nothing..hence all my questions. So instead of being rude to you further I think I should just let you take over telling me about yourself." He gave her a sly grin and a small wink.

Peter returned to his chair and looked over at the First Consul of Syskeyia. “Excellency,” Peter said to the First Consul, “I have heard of the tragic conflict in your country. Our wishes are with for a speedy and satisfactory resolution.”

"Thanks," replied the Praesidens Primus Consulque. "We've made some good progress, but there's still a lot more to be done. How's everything in the Isles? Most of my knowledge of your country and the region it inhabits comes from the Republic's relationship with Pantocratoria, but I'm wondering what you think about everything."

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She smiled as she bent to rest her elbows on the banister of the balcony, letting her hands hang into the open as she fixed them with her eyes for a moment pondering what to answer to his ‘questions’. Then a thought suddenly pierced her mind, a soft blush appearing on her face again, as she straightened to rest her hands on the banister, since it was not proper for a lady of her rank to be in the earlier position in front of a man whom she hardly knew.

“I believe that you would like to know something about me that you would not find in some publicly available resources or biographies… I accept to lift the veil of secret on some aspects…” She said as she looked at him, smiling, a malicious look in her eyes. “But only on a mutual basis. First I talk, then it will be your turn.” She ran her eyes over him for a brief second before concentrating their attention on his face yet again. “Most official biographies portray me as ‘mentally deficient’ during my childhood, until my ‘illness’ was suddenly cured by a miracle. Although my parents never provided any official reason for keeping my existence secret up to when I was twenty two years of old.” She smirked and shook her head, sighing as she looked up at him with an appeal for consolation written clearly in her eyes. “Do I look like a mentally deficient to you?” She shook her head, biting her lower lip. “I have found out the true reasons of keeping me secret not overly long ago and…” She shook her head as she looked up into his eyes again. “But I cannot speak of that.”

She looked up at the stars again, asking herself why she was flooding him with all of this. He most surely wanted to have a fun talk with a lovely girl and found himself in the role of a psychiatrist on a therapy with a patient. But she just had to confide to someone, after years of silence, after years of living far from home and among people that were too different from her to understand. And these people had their own daily cares to attend to; they had no time to listen to the whining of a crazy Taraskovyan. She held through, clinging to the skills she was taught in her past… but one could simply not go against nature, it would have seemed. She was all alone in the entire world, and it is hard living to know that nobody would listen to you.

“I am sorry.” She said, shaking her head. “It is a joyful event and I am most depressing.” Her emerald eyes looked into his ones again, seeking apology and understanding as her lips curved in a shy smile.

Chancellor Schlabel gravely said "My dear lady...I think that you are in some distress." he carefully maneuvered her so that she was not exhibiting this to anyone--although he could see her discretion, nevertheless people were always watching in the palace. "I confess that I have heard something of your nation's troubles. Well, perhaps we can discuss this tomorrow, if you would like to come by the Chancery?" He was very wary about this but...it was better to at least offer to lend a sympathetic ear. If nothing else, perhaps Lavenrunz could be host to more exiles...

Count Chemnitz entered the dining hall after some time had passed and everyone was relaxed from their supper and had enjoyed some conversation or a chance to stretch their legs, and said, "Majesties, highnesses, excellencies and ladies and gentlemen, the dancing will commence soon. If you would be so kind as to follow me to the ballroom."

The ballroom seemed to be the very namesake of the Empress; pink and gold clouds made its dome seem infinitely huge. The room itself was circular, with small alcoves, some for musicians but others so that comfortable padded benches could be near enough to the wall for those worn out from dancing could rest a bit. The very floor itself was somehow made so that interlocking wood, actually carved so that it curved, made a neat smooth surface which was not so unpleasantly hard as stone. As they came in, there was a merry march by Strauss being played, that seemed to invoke birdsong and flights of twirling blossoms raining from spring trees.

Vicotira blushed deeply, looking between Sophia and Rebecca. It was certainly a matter that interested her. In fact, it concerned her rather directly. She wasn't exactly happy about the impression Rebecca gave of the matter either. It made her feel a tad irrelevant, like one of many diversions for someone else's entertainment. She looked away, toying with the make-up to hide her blush, wondering exactly how such a strange custom had arisen among humans.

Elegantly pointed ears perked as she listened to the exchange, though she said nothing herself. Rebecca was addressing Sophia. She would wait her turn in the conversation.

“Well, your Excellency, we in the Excalbian Isles have been blessed with relative peace and stability. Recently, a long overdue revolution in Upper Virginia ousted the tyrant, General Altman. Unfortunately, the final outcome there is still quite unsettled; there are communist insurgents up there. And, we fear, now that the Order of the Invisible Hand is at work behind the scenes. The Order has come to power in the Confederation of Sovereign States.” Peter shrugged. “Unfortunately, it looks like some kind of conflict might be looming in the future.”

Peter looked over at the President and First Consul. “Perhaps when things are more settled in your country,” Peter smiled as he spoke, “you can visit Excalbia. In the meanwhile, you would certainly be welcomed to establish formal relations.”

Rebecca was troubled at Vicotira’s blush and her sad look. Rebecca wondered whether she had said something wrong. Then, reacting almost without thinking, she leaned towards Vicotira and said in soft voice, “I actually think Peter is rather enjoying your company, your Highness; he keeps turning to watch you and…” Not knowing what else to say, Rebecca simply forced a smile to her lips.

As the rest of the guest were led to the dance hall, Lord Protector Katsuma lingered behind. To another, it seemed as thogh he was admiring the architecture of the hallways. In truth, he was lost in a torrent of thoughts and emotions. Being around so many jovial people, laughing, conversing, and in some cases, flirting, made Katsuma feel... strange. He'd never experienced anything like it. The feeling of being amongst... friends, for lack of a better term.

"I don't understand why I feel this way..." He thought silently to himself. "Why does being around them confuse me? Make me so nervous? And that show of weakness at the banquet..."

Katsuma thought back, to when he'd received the toy soldier. Those tears he'd shed, no matter how brief they were, disturbed him greatly.

"It's like I've become another person, being around these...... civilians. At any other time, such a thing would be dangerous. Commanders who aren't in control of themselves are not fit to command. But..."

He looked down the grand hallway to the dance hall, from whence the elegan and soothing sounds of classical music drifted, and guests could be seen enjoying themselves.

"This is not a battlefield. I do not have to command anything, except my own actions."

Resigned to allowing himself to being swept up in the emotions of the evening, Katsuma let out a long sigh and relaxed his shoulders, feeling more lucid and at ease than he'd been the entire evening prior. "Nothing to do but await my meeting with Empress Aurora. After all, that's why I came, isn't it?"

Vicotira smiled slightly at Rebecca. "Thank you, Your Highness. And how do you find Prince Andreus? He seems quite interested in you."

The Sidhe grinned a little, playful, before looking back at all the stuff that was on the Lavenrunzian powder table. "Your Highness, would you be so kind as to explain this custom to me? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with it."

"Oh no its quite alright really.." Oops..he had openned Pandora's box and was getting all the contents. This wasnt what he expected at all then again he himself wasnt sure what to expect when he asked the question, but it most certainly wasnt this fact. "I'm the one who told you to air it all out so I can not complain about me having to tell you my own little story." Gregory was about to start when he heard the music in the backround, now he was stuck in an interesting situation. He could of course talk with Vethara and tell him what little there was left to learn about him. It was really mostly an open book with him except for several things which he kept hidden from his allies, and from others.

As a handful of seconds ticked away Gregory reached his right hand forward and took her hand in his. Lifting it up he press a kiss onto it and tugged her back toward the ballroom. "However this sly politican shall hold off on his opening..the music has started and I for one did ask you for the first dance. I would hate to miss it. You have my word though that after the dancing is over that you and I will continue our conversation, for however long as you would like." Gregory mentally kicked himself for those last few words. She was beautiful and she was smart and treated him nicer thus far than Sophia but he wasnt really sure if he was in such a position to hear all of her problems. Although it did make things easier.

Gregory was tired of learning about the baggage the socialites back home carried after the fact. He still recalled to this day the klepto he once bedded who's father just happened to be incharge of one of the nations defense contractors. That one had been lucky she didnt lose her head..he still missed the vintage coins which had been pilfered from his very room. Vethara was just airing her baggage out before anything. It was a frankness he was comfortable with and yet unsure of how to handle it all in the same. He was used to being the upfront one on almost every occassion and yet here he was being sly and putting off something instead of coming out on his own.

This party was full of personal little twists to him. And he was most certainly looking forward to the next oddity of the night.

Sophia said, "Well...you hardly need it but perhaps a little around the eyes here, you see how this pulls up the lashes and makes them look bigger? And maybe just a dab of blush on your cheeks...there we go." she turned Vicotira to the mirror. A lady in waiting popped her head in and raised her eyebrows.
"Ball's starting, Highnesses." she said, and popped back out again.

Vicotira sighed with relief when Rebecca's question was allowed to drop. She followed Sophia's instruction exactly, applying the make-up. It didn't look horrible per se but it was fairly clear she'd never used it before. "Thank you, Your Highness."

The Sidhe smiled a little to the attendant, inclining her head. "Thank you kindly." She looked back and forth between the three other royals in the powder room. "Shall we, my ladies?"

Prince Andreus fancied himself to be particularly talented at a great deal many things. Such fancies were usually unfounded, or at least, overblown. Dancing, however, was something at which he was truly exceptional. He was almost as good a dancer as he thought he was, and that was saying quite a bit. He loved performing for his court of adoring sycophants, and he loved impressing young women, and therefore for him, dancing was an ideal hobby.

He strode confidently onto the dance floor, politely acknowledging fellow guests and courtiers, whilst patiently awaiting the arrival of Empress Aurora. He found the look she had given him across the banquet table earlier in the evening confusing, she was quite an intriguing young lady, and he was quite sure she hadn't been particularly impressed with him thus far, although he couldn't tell why. He hoped that the combination of his gift, and to a greater extent, his dancing, would reverse her opinion. Well, more correctly, he knew it would. He was the Most Pious and Purple-born Prince Andreus, Despot of New Constantinople and Dauphin of Viennois after all.

Treznor looks up at the announcement, then peers suspiciously at Nathicana. "You know I've never been much of a dancer, but we probably ought to practice. I'd hate to look the fool at our wedding reception."

Nathicana arches a brow slightly, and offers Treznor a mischievous look. "Well, we couldn't have that, could we? Besides." She leans in to whisper near his ear, giving it a playful nip for good measure.

"This just means I'll be guaranteed to have you close. Just the way I want you."

Leaning back, and smiling innocently as she can manage, the raven-haired woman links her arm with his, and gestures to the dance floor.

"Chi non risica, non rosica."





translation: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Exiled Royalties

Vethara’s face lit up with joy as he led her off into the ballroom. She was a tad nervous, still unsure of what he thought of her, but at least he did not seem to dub her of crazy, which simply could not be bad. She smiled at those present around as they walked through the guests, the Taraskovyan Archduchess appearing rather small in company of the towering Gregory (and yet, that was with counting the rather generous addition to her height that her heels provided). And as they approached the dance floor, she stood in front of him, smiling.

“My Lord?” She said as she waited for him to lead her off into the dance, her eyes fixing his.

Treznor grins lopsidedly and leads his companion to the dance floor. Music was always something to be appreciated. Moving to it was something he let other people do. However, he steps in gamely and attempts to conform his movements to the beat. If he looks a trifle awkward, he can perhaps be forgiven in that at least he doesn't step on anyone else's feet.

"Realmente devo imparare come a faccia questo. Il pity là non è più tempo nel giorno."



Translation: "I really need to learn how to do this. Pity there isn't more time in the day."

Rebecca pondered Vicotira’s question. What did she think of Andreus? She realized that she had no easy answer to that question. The young princess sighed, grateful for the distraction, when Sophia began showing Vicotira the various cosmetics laid out on the powder table.

As the young sidhe finished applying the make-up and turned to lead the way to the ballroom, Rebecca leaned over to her. “I am not sure what to think of Andreus, your Highness. What do you think of him? He is charming and I appreciate his attention, but he’s so much older. And, well, he seems a little artificial…”

Leaving the restroom, Rebecca’s eyes brightened as she heard the music. “Oh,” she said, “who do you want to dance with, your Highness? I’m sure Peter will ask you dance. Do you think anyone will ask me?” Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t conceal the youthful excitement in her voice.

As the three young women left together, Sophia laughed and agreed with Rebecca. "How could anyone not want to dance with you, cherie? That's no way to think...au contraire, I think that you may have to beat aside a few suitors. This will be fun!"

As they entered the ballroom, indeed they found that a number of pairs of eyes followed them with admiration: from a handsome young Imperial aide de camp standing alongside an equally admiring Collegiate Counsellor to Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen himself, who was clearly asking a handsome middle aged woman beside him something about the trio as they came in.

Prince Andreus saw the three ladies emerge from the powder room, and suppressed a cruel chuckle at Vicotira's amateurish application of make-up. Noting that some of the guests had already started to dance, he didn't particularly see any reason to wait until Aurora arrived, especially since she'd probably dance with several others before getting to him. He approached the young women, and bowed courteously.

"Would one of you ladies do me the honour of a dance?" he asked.

Rebecca blushed at the talk of dancing and the sight of men watching the three women, or two women and a girl – if she were honest with herself, entering the ballroom. The blush deepened when Andreus approached. She dearly wanted to dance with Andreus, but she decided to wait to see what Sophia and Vicotira would do first.

Meanwhile, after finishing his conversation with the Syskeyian First Consul and President (OOC to Syskeyia: we can RP the conversation when you are ready), Peter walked into the ballroom and began looking for a dance partner. He spotted Vicotira and Sophia – the fact that Rebecca was them nearly escaped his notice – and began approaching them with a smile.

He saw Andreus bow to the women and stopped a little ways off. Peter decided to wait to see with whom Andreus would be dancing. He would be content starting the dance with the other; after all, both women were lovely, interesting and charming. And, he hoped, there would be plenty of time to dance with both women.

Vicotira smiled to Rebecca and winked slightly, not answering. She walked to the dance floor with the other two women when Prince Andreus approached. Vicotira looked to Rebecca encouragingly, smiling for her to take the dance. It was partially because the young woman seemed to want it and partially because...well, she had her eye on another young prince.

Abel Jerynth placed the telephone back into its receiver as the aircraft approached Lavenrunz - an unexpected detour to show the favour of the Imperial Faith Union at a coronation ceremony had resulted in an unseemly delay, but something that the Chaplain would turn to their advantage...the delay would give the message that secular appointments were not of concern to the Imperial Faith. Hopefully the Living Saint would not made an apology for the delay in public, although naturally the situation should to explained to the Empress in private as a matter of courtesy. Courtesy was something considered to be very important in Isamite society.

"Sirs, my Lord, we will be entering Lavenrunzian airspace within the next few minutes, escort is turning back to the Protected Kingdom."

Abel nodded to the pilot and glanced out of the small window beside him as the two squadrons of the First Air Fleet turned back toward the nearest Imperial Faith holdings.

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

The plane touched down gently and taxied up to its designated point, the Imperial Cross proudly depicted upon its tailfin, and only a short time later the Living Saint, his assistant, Chaplain and retinue approached the palace.

The young assistant was gazing around him, having only seen the almost aggressively church-based and classical arcitecture utilised throughout the Imperial Faith Union in the past and being surprised at the changes.

Abel and two of the other four members of the delegation (whose role was mostly for appearance and to remind Tyraine of various important events) were looking around carefully, searching for any possible threat that might threaten the elderly man in front of them.

Simon, dressed in his elegantly simple white robes, was at the head of the delegation, and walked into the palace with an air of dignity and command that one would not have expected from one who used such atypical methods of theological education. His silver hair was neatly combed back, lined face slightly friendly but mostly expressionless until he had come to a first conclusion about the nation and its people - first impressions were important, and he could let his more friendly nature show later.

Still holding Vethara's hand as he led her to the dance floor, he turned his head to look over toward her and offered her once more a low silent warning. "I think I should just warn you once more before we start..I'm a bad dancer, I've hoped you've enjoyed walking for the night. I'm afraid after this I'll have to carry you around." Of course as they began to dance it became readily apparent that Gregory wasnt too bad of a dancer. That wasnt to say he was good or even decent, he did miss step here and there, but Vethara's feet were saved from punishment as Gregory made each careful calculated step with her. It was an amusing sight from the distance at first yet as the song continued on and Gregory found his step he'd go from mediocore to decent at best with his ability to dance.

Rebecca, bolstered by Vicotira’s encouraging glances, looked sheepishly towards Andreus. “I,” she said shyly, “would be honoured, your Highness.”

Seeing his younger cousin accept Andreus’ invitation, Peter approached the women and bowed. “May I also ask for the favor of a dance, your Highness?” While his bow was ambiguous enough to include both Sophia and Vicotira, his eyes were clearly locked on the young sidhe.

Exiled Royalties

Her smile grew wide as he led her into the dance. She did not do anything to try to avoid her feet getting smashed by his, trusting that he would not. And indeed no accident happened as her cavalier grew more and more sure of himself as the music played and his steps were becoming to be those worthy of a skilled dancer. She just smiled as her eyes looked into his as they whirled among other dancers.

***

Ze Federalist

Ithun walked into the ballroom without any clear plan in mind. In fact, he was not sure he wanted to dance, for the girl with which he would have loved to dance was not present at the event. But then again, there was no harm to getting acquainted with the locals and so he went up to Sophia just as Peter was inviting either her or the girl next to her for a dance. Well then, if he was inviting the two, then Ithun had the right to steal one of the ladies in the most rude of all possible manners. And so he attempted to do as he bowed to the Lavenrunzian Archduchess, looking back at her, scraping the little knowledge he had of the local language.

- Ihre Hoheit, würden Sie mich mit einem Tanz beehren?

His smile and the look of his eyes were full of respect and admiration as his mind hoped that he did not say anything stupid. At least, he did not mix it up with French or Italian words, which was a good sign. He hoped…

Vicotira smiled delicately to Peter. "Why, I would be most honored, Your Highness."

She offerred him a small, delicate hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Her amateurishly applied make-up was, in truth, very difficult to notice in light of the rather intense effects of her noble bearing. Still, if one struggled to pay attention to the actual physical details of her form and not the overall impression, one could make out a few possibly embarassing mistakes. In Vicotira's mind, however, she had sucessfully participated in a strange foreign custom. She'd make sure to discuss it at length with a number of royal scholars. So exciting!

She danced with a natural and untrained grace, responding to the music itself. As she danced, she seemed to glow brighter and brighter, a brilliant golden aura surrounding her as she took in the music. She grinned broadly at Peter as she danced, basking in the experience.

Andreus offered his arm to Rebecca, and then bowed courteously again to the other two ladies. He decided that he had definitely neglected Sophia in his attentions so far this evening, and that if the opportunity presented itself, he would correct that mistake later. In the meantime he led Rebecca out onto the dance floor.

"Let's steal the spotlight, shall we?" he murmured into her ear in a gentle, good-humoured tone. At the same time, he hoped that Rebecca was able to keep up with him. Andreus started leading her on a most impressive and quite intricate dance.

"If there were more time in the day, Imperatore di il mio cuore, I would make certain you spent more time off your feet than on," the raven-haired woman murmurs as she presses in close at an appropriate moment in the dance. She too is not one who would likely win any awards for her dancing, still, she moves gracefully enough, relying now and then on her augments to help cover for what might prove more noticeable flaws.

Nathicana seems to be more relaxed, all the same. She smiles warmly as Devon leads them across the floor, though her eyes flicker constantly as she assesses their surroundings, making note of who and what is where.

Abel Jerynth placed the telephone back into its receiver as the aircraft approached Lavenrunz - an unexpected detour to show the favour of the Imperial Faith Union at a coronation ceremony had resulted in an unseemly delay, but something that the Chaplain would turn to their advantage...the delay would give the message that secular appointments were not of concern to the Imperial Faith. Hopefully the Living Saint would not made an apology for the delay in public, although naturally the situation should to explained to the Empress in private as a matter of courtesy. Courtesy was something considered to be very important in Isamite society.

"Sirs, my Lord, we will be entering Lavenrunzian airspace within the next few minutes, escort is turning back to the Protected Kingdom."

Abel nodded to the pilot and glanced out of the small window beside him as the two squadrons of the First Air Fleet turned back toward the nearest Imperial Faith holdings.

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

The plane touched down gently and taxied up to its designated point, the Imperial Cross proudly depicted upon its tailfin, and only a short time later the Living Saint, his assistant, Chaplain and retinue approached the palace.

The young assistant was gazing around him, having only seen the almost aggressively church-based and classical arcitecture utilised throughout the Imperial Faith Union in the past and being surprised at the changes.

Abel and two of the other four members of the delegation (whose role was mostly for appearance and to remind Tyraine of various important events) were looking around carefully, searching for any possible threat that might threaten the elderly man in front of them.

Simon, dressed in his elegantly simple white robes, was at the head of the delegation, and walked into the palace with an air of dignity and command that one would not have expected from one who used such atypical methods of theological education. His silver hair was neatly combed back, lined face slightly friendly but mostly expressionless until he had come to a first conclusion about the nation and its people - first impressions were important, and he could let his more friendly nature show later.

Greeted with great ceremony at the airport, the delegation was escorted to the Palace of the Moon and the Stars, which was in a somewhat isolated part of Hofburg. They could hear as they approached the gates in the vehicle cortege the strains of a waltz. Soldiers wearing greatcoats (for though it was spring the night breezes could still be chilly) made security checks at the gate and then let them pass.

When the had entered the palace they were greeted by the Chamberlain, Count Chemnitz, a tall striking man in a uniform of white with gold lace and braid, who bowed politely and said, "Count Chemnitz, Imperial Chamberlain. Excellency, I am relieved that you have arrived safely, we were beginning to worry. Would you care to dine before joining with the dancing, or would you prefer to go straight to the ballroom?"

In the ballroom itself, Sophia smiled and gave a quick appraisal of the handsome Tarasovkan officer. She knew little of him save that he had a lot of important roles in spite of his relatively low rank. He was certainly interesting, and so she could not help but reply, by means of simply raising her hand and waiting for him to escort her onto the floor.

Peter took Victoria’s hand with a gracious bow and led her to the dance floor. Peter fancied himself a good dancer, though he would readily admit that his skills fell far short of those of his friend Andreus. The young sidhe’s natural grace and ability, however, greatly augmented his own workman-like ability.

As they danced, Peter fleetingly noticed that Vicotira had applied – and in places misapplied – some makeup. However, her own natural beauty and glow overwhelmed the mistakes.

Taken together, the overall effect of Peter and Vicotira dancing together was quite spectacular. And Peter quite enjoyed the attention.

Peter smiled at Vicotria as they danced. “You are as graceful as you are beautiful, your Highness,” he said. “I would say it as if you are music itself embodied.”

Rebecca blushed and beamed as Andreus led her on to the dance floor. She nodded her head at the Despot’s suggestion they steal the limelight. She cast a brief glance at Peter, then turned her attention to Andreus. She did her best to keep up and, fortunately, her years of dance lessons and her mother’s natural grace allowed her to a passable job. Clearly, she thought, the Despot had missed his calling as professional dancer.

"You dance very well, Rebecca!" Andreus said, complementing her. She danced well enough, nowhere near as well as he did of course, but that was no reason to be cruel about it, she was trying and she was enjoying herself, and that was what was important. In the meantime he kept an eye out for Aurora's arrival.

The Living Saint smiled and nodded politely as the Imperial Chamberlain introduced himself. Behind him the various members of his retinue bowed back to the Count, excepting only a member of the retinue wearing the white robes indicative of the Church Civil, who bowed his head in a hybrid between a bow and a nod.

"I am pleased to make your aquaintance, I am Simon Tyraine. I and my assistant, young Judas here, will go directly to the ball since I do not eat a great deal and the boy.."

A faint smile appearing as he indicated first his twelve-year-old assistant and then the white-robed ecclesiast.

"...managed to persuade Bishop Verdez to allow him to have something to eat before we arrived - you know how boys are. However, those others accomapnying me will doubtless wish to eat before attending the ball.
"Thank you for your concern over our late arrival - we were re-routed to one of the Imperial Faith's adherant nations to bless their new monarch."

The five others - the Chaplain, Bishop, two who were obviously either presently or formerly military, and the other two (who apparantly performed some form of secretarial role) men bowed slightly to Tyraine and stood slightly to one side as the elderly man spoke his wishes concerning arrangements for the ball.

Rebecca smiled at Andreus compliment. Her face was still flushed from being the centre of attention, though the compliment did redden further. "Thank you, André," she said. "You are a wonderful dancer!"

Meanwhile, Lady Allison Blugar, the Holy Empire's newly designated ambassador to Lavenrunz, entered the ballroom looking for Chancellor Schlabel. She hoped to have a private word with the Chancellor about further developing relations between their two empires.

In the ballroom itself, Sophia smiled and gave a quick appraisal of the handsome Tarasovkan officer. She knew little of him save that he had a lot of important roles in spite of his relatively low rank. He was certainly interesting, and so she could not help but reply, by means of simply raising her hand and waiting for him to escort her onto the floor.

Ze Federalists

Lieutenant Khat took Sophia's hand into his, leaning forward to kiss it before straightening again and escorting her galantly to the dance floor. And as he led her into the dance his eyes scanned quickly through the room as the two whirled around, the Taraskovyan leib-Count making some mental notes for a second, before he looked into Sophia's eyes, smiling. After all, it was not every day that he was dancing with a foreign Archduchess.

"I am sorry, Your Highness, it was most rude of me not having introduced myself. If you allow, I shall correct this flaw immediately." He said with a smile as they danced among other pairs. "I am Poruchik* Ithun Khat." He wondered whether to get her bored with his rather lengthy official title and decided not to, placing a short resume of his functions instead. "The most officially official Taraskovyan representative for the evening!"

[OOC: Poruchik is the Taraskovyan equivalent for lieutenant.]

Vicotira blushed faintly and looked down demurely. "Surely you flatter me." She continued to dance, thinking for a long moment. "And I am hardly the embodiment of music. That honor most likely belongs to the Nanehi."

She followed Peter's lead and moved in tune with the music. Her eyes remained largely fixed on Peter, though she did manage to make some peripheral note of where everyone else was at the celebration.

Gregory smiled lightly down at her taking his time with the dance, he had nothing to prove to anyone with his dancing and thus he felt comfortable. Of course in the back of his mind he was awashed with uncertainty. The time would come when he would have to be as blunt and open with her as she was with him. What could he tell her that she couldnt have already found out elsewhere..maybe there were things she didnt know. There had to be of course. Smiling still he moved the two of them toward the center of the dance floor making sure not to go to fast lest he cause her uncomfort with a misplaced foot ontop of her own.

"It has been sometime since I've gone onto the dance floor...twenty years maybe alittle more than that..I wasnt any good then either." He chuckled abit and nodded his head alittle knowingly. Going into the fourth century of his life he maintained the outward appearance of a middle aged man. Chestnut brown hair his long ancestary traced back to mixed roots which got more complicated the farther back he went. His eyes were a dark brown color and seemed a lot more warmer than his outgoing apperance. Then again he was from one of the rudest nations statistically speaking on the planet. It was joked back home that people wished you to "Go to Hell" when you sneazed instead of a being given the typical bless you. Of course anyone who really knew better knew that under the exterior the people from his nation could be some of the kindest on the planet. With a strong sense of justice tempered with a cynical outlook toward other nations.

As she danced with Peter, Vicotira reflected on her visit so far. Nothing had gone wrong or at least nothing serious had. She didn't think she had particularly bettered relations with Lavenrunz. She had given Aurora a gift the Empress seemed to like (as many others had) and had gotten on fairly good terms with Her Imperial Majesty's aunt, Sophia. That was enough to maintain friendly relations unimpeded, of course, which is all that was really expected of her. Thinking about her, her eye moved briefly that way to see Sophia dancing with Lieutenant Khat.

The sight of Lieutenant Khat reminded her of what was likely the most significant thing she had done at this party. She had publically recognized the legitimacy of Vethara's government in exile on behalf of the Danaan High Kingdom. Of course, that was a matter of policy entered into some diplomatic rulebook years ago but it had never been publically expressed before due to the near total lack of contact which had previously existed between the Resurgent Dream and Tarasovka. It wasn't something she had come here planning to do and it was, from a realist perspective, likely to be more of a liability than a benefit in the international arena. Truly, Vicotira was proud to have had the opportunity. It was not only her first chance to stand up for what she believed in, in however subtle and small a way, but also her chance to give her support to a woman who, from what she'd gathered of Vethara's character over the last few hours, imminently deserved it.

Thinking of the Taraskovyan Grand Duchess, Vicotira gave her a glance before looking back to Peter with a smile, silent for the moment. She looked at him a little too intensely before glancing away demurely. She was fairly sure there would be no diplomatic consequences to her dance with the Excalbian prince. It was nice to get to do just one thing at this party without worrying about the diplomatic ramifications.

Sophia wisely did not answer what Lieutenant Khat had said, preferring to smile as if she took his meaning, and discreetly directed him--or rather, since he was a good dancer, urged him a bit in a particular direction so that she could observe those who interested her. It amazed her that Vicotira was so shy; she was so lovely as to be breathtaking. Sophia, who might normally have been jealous, found it distracted the way that an unexpectedly glorious view would be.
However, she was also interested in the rather impish Tarasovkan dancing with her, and she said after a moment had passed, "Excuse me, but what are you exactly an officer of? Forgive me, unlike some in my family I was not a good student and I often get foreign uniforms mixed up!"

Meanwhile, Count Chemnitz, listening to the Living Saint, bowed again and said, "Gentlemen," and he made a gesture at which a black and silver clad under-chamberlain stepped forward into a neat heel clicking bow, "This young man will lead you to a somewhat private dining room, where food and drink will be brought. Reverence," he said, then bowing to Simon, "If you would care to follow me, I will lead you to the ballroom." Which, if he did, the Chamberlain proceeded to do.

Chancellor Schlabel had been in conversation with the Princess from Aerion, but that lady seemed to have needed a moment alone to recover herself. Sympathetic but concerned, Schlabel, having at least mentioned the idea of her seeing the Foreign Minister the next day, strolled along the edges of the dancers. He himself did not dance, but enjoyed the music and the dynamics of it. However, he also noticed one of the Excalbians approaching. He remembered after a moment; she was to be the new Excalbian ambassador, and he greeted her with a smile, saying, "I hope you have all that you need for your comfort, Ambassador."

Tyraine smiled and nodded as his retinue followed the black-uniformed under-Chamberlain toward somewhere where they could eat in peace before attending the ball (although the Living Saint knew that the young Bishop in the company would probably lurk on the edges, not being one for the dance floor).

The straight-backed ecclesiarch followed the Count with his assistant hurrying along behind the two, his youthful face set in an expression of awe as he looked around - still overwhelmed by everything new and exciting, it was almost enough to forget about the heavy weight of the two boxes tugging at his arms.

Upon reaching the ballroom the white-robed priest smiled, thanking the Count for his assistance and bidding him congratulations on the organisation of the event before moving off around the edges of the ball, pale eyes surveying those present so that he could recognise them later. He recognised a fair few thanks mostly to the efficiency of the Office of Foreign Affairs run by Archbishop Tay, although he did not know whether any of those present would recognise him - hang around in Isam for more than a few days and chances are that a fair bit could be learnt of the Living Saint, but the Imperial Faith Union is not the most open of societies despite the numbers of pilgrims that make their journey into the Isam Nation to pray before the numerous relics collected by the Church of Christ Imperator.

Ze Federalists

Ithun smiled broadly as he listened to her question, nodding understandingly. “Do not take the blame on yourself, Your Highness, sometimes it is hard even for a Taraskovyan to distinguish between the various uniforms of his own nation.” His eyes looked over her shoulder as they made an other whirl, noting the people around them before he returned his gaze at Sophia. “And I am a poruchik, a lieutenant if you wish, of the airborne, somehow still assigned to the seventy fourth division, although it ceased to exist years ago.”

He smiled again as he looked over the Lavenrunzian Archduchess, sighing slightly as the image of Angelina covered his eyes for a moment. Soon, he would be able to see her again, if all went well. But in the meantime he thought he should give Sophia a hint as to how recognize what kind of forces a Taraskovyan belonged to. “You can see that I am from the airborne by the tabs I wear.” The tabs were of black, blue on the edges, with a silver symbol on the cloth, representing a wolf taken from enface with an open parachute above him. A sword and an arrow crossed behind the wolf with the parachute. “There are, of course, other particularities that are proper to the uniform of a Taraskovyan airborne officer, but I shall not bore Your Highness with them. Just know that in Tarasovka, tabs matter a lot.” He said with a charming smile.

***

Exiled Royalties

Vethara laughed lightly as she heard his words, shaking her head slightly as she flashed him a happy smile. “Oh, it would seem that you must have improved a great deal then! You dance marvelously.” Indeed, even if she was taught how to aid a ‘cavalier in distress’, as her dance professor called the situation, she did not have to resort to any such knowledge with Gregory. She just let him guide her, confident that he would make sure not to harm her little toes nor to send her off whirling into the decors.

Peter smiled at Vicotira’s modesty; she really did move with almost supernatural grace. As they danced, he followed her eyes to the Taraskovyan Grand Duchess. Vethara was certainly an impressive woman, made all the more so by her grace in the face of adverse circumstances. Though he certainly did not think much of her taste in dance partners.

Peter glanced around the ballroom. Part of the reason for his trip had been to engage in diplomacy, yet he had met only a few people so far. He looked back at Vicotira. With the attentions of such a lovely young woman, it was difficult for him to think of diplomacy. He smiled warmly at the sidhe noble. She certainly made it easy for him to forget about Helen.

* * *

“Oh, yes, your Excellency,” Lady Allison Blugar said, bowing slightly, “everything is exceptional. It has been a lovely evening.” The Ambassador took a small step, narrowing the distance between herself and Chancellor Schlabel. “Actually, your Excellency, I was hoping for a moment of your time to discuss furthering relations between our Empires.”

Schlabel nodded. "Of course. Perhaps if we went just a slight distance from the crowd...what is it you wished to discuss, Lady Allison?"

Pausing at the end of the particular waltz to applaud, Sophia said to Ithun, "All uniforms are complicated, it seems to me. Are you aware that at present Her Majesty's favourite regiment is the Imperial Jaegers? They are also an airborne unit." she looked approvingly at one of them standing on guard detail nearby, in a neat dress uniform of forest green.

Empress Aurora herself was wondering what to do. She was frankly aghast at Andreus' behavior...but then he might simply be bored. Who knew? She was worried at how little she really knew about how to deal with men on an intimate level. It seemed unfair that she had to even consider it, or who she would dance with.

With a fanfare from the musicians as the representatives of Isam were arriving, Aurora came into the ballroom, wearing flame colored gown that somehow she wore without it being gaudy. Rather it heightened the loveliness of her youthful womanliness, blended with her strawberry hair and blue eyes to make her seem like spring embodied. Just as colorful prowled Thirty Camelias by her side. Aurora had at the last minute resisted the impulse to bring the liquid metal kitty with her. People paused in their dancing to bow to her. Her bright gaze swept the room, and she nodded to the kappelmeister, who bowed and raised his baton, leading the orchestra in "The Emperor Waltz".

She had made her decision, not that it meant anything yet. But it certainly would make things buzz. She smiled at Rebecca as she crossed the floor to where she and Andreus stood, and said, turning to him, "Prince Andreus, I invite you to dance." raising her hand.

Andreus continued to dance with Rebecca. His objective had changed from simply drawing attention to how good a dancer he was to making Rebecca look like a much better dancer than she was. He had decided that she was trying so hard that she deserved to be even more talented than she was. He wanted to leave her feeling good about herself when he finished dancing with her; she was a nice girl, after all.

His thoughts turned to the Empress, and he began to wonder whether he'd ever get a chance to even get to know her, let alone impress her with his considerable talents and virtues. They seemed considerable to him, anyway. She was, from the little he had seen of her, an impressive young lady, although in many ways she did seem very young. A lifetime spent in imperial palaces had given him the ability to see through the regal facade of majesty monarchs erect around themselves, although he had to give Aurora credit, she played the part of Empress to perfection. But beneath the exterior, he could detect the uncertainty of a young woman. And for some reason, that uncertainty had punctured his own feeling of invincibility - he was now worried that he had already managed to upset Aurora, already blown his chances with her. Naturally, however, he had no idea how he had done so. And then, it happened...

...Andreus missed a step. He was sure that nobody else noticed, perhaps not even Rebecca, but he did, and that was bad enough. He turned to the source of the distraction - "The Emperor Waltz", announcing the arrival of the Empress. Another unexpected event followed - Aurora crossed the floor, right up to Andreus and Rebecca, and Andreus actually felt a little nervous, perhaps even intimidated for half a second.

"Your Majesty honours me." he replied courteously. He turned to Rebecca and acknowledged her politely. "Un plaisir, Your Highness. With your pardon..."

He took Aurora's hand and led her away from Rebecca to give them room. He gazed into her youthful blue eyes, giving her the full attention of his own blue-grey eyes. She certainly was physically very appealing, although she seemed very young. Being so close to her, it was difficult for Andreus not to feel every extra day of the decade which separated their ages. He glanced down at Thirty Camelias momentarily before his eyes returned to Aurora. He hoped that the powerful looking animal didn't have any objections to him dancing with its mistress. They started dancing.

"I've been looking forward to this dance all night." he said softly to her and smiled.

Aurora had to admire his confidence; certainly he acted like a prince, and he was a superb dancer as well as very good looking. She felt a bit ashamed; first her unbelievable reaction to Lord Indigo at the wedding, and now this...she could not suppress entirely a blush to her fair cheeks as they elegantly moved across the dance floor, Thirty Camelias keeping pace easily, prowling nearby, her yellow eyes taking in what was happening, her ears, and other senses few would be aware of keeping track of everything else happening in the room.

Looking up at him, she said with a smile, "You are very good dancer, Prince Andreus. Do you have many dances in New Constantinople?"

"I do, as a matter of fact, Your Majesty." Andreus replied. He perceived her slight blush, but barely gave a thought of it, having made a fool of himself in his mind missing that step earlier. "Do you get the chance to dance often?"

He wanted to tell her about New Constantinople and about his interests, and to hear about what she was interested in, what she enjoyed. He wanted to skip the awkward small-talk and find that common ground, if it existed, how he hoped it existed. But instead, they kept dancing. As he listened to her answer, Andreus decided that strawberry was a most agreeable hair colour indeed, in fact, it was the most agreeable hair colour. Naturally he assumed that she found him as attractive as he found her, but he still felt the slightest hint of nervousness, and it wasn't the presence of Thirty Camelias.

Rebecca felt as if she and Andreus were the only couple in the room. She had never felt so confident, so beautiful… so mature. She was enthralled with her dance that she did not notice Andreus’ misstep. Nor did she notice Empress Aurora’s approach until the young monarch interrupted her dance and invited Andreus to dance with her.

For a heartbeat, Rebecca was so stunned that she could not speak. Quickly, however, she regained her composure and curtsied to the Empress. “Your Majesty,” she said, sounding slightly embarrassed.

Rebecca watched Andreus and Aurora begin their dance looking as if she were lost little girl. She quickly scurried for the safety of the nearest wall. Feeling a little more composed, she began looking to see if someone else might ask her to dance.

When the orchestra began playing “The Emperor Waltz,” Prince Peter paused in his dance and turned to watch Aurora enter the ballroom. The young woman was lovely and he felt just a twinge of jealousy as she asked Andreus to dance.

Peter turned back to his own beautiful partner and felt his jealousy dissipate. “Shall we continue our dance, your Highness,” he asked Vicotira with an inviting smile.

Lady Allison followed Chancellor Schlabel to a quiet corner away from the crowd. “Thank you for time, your Excellency,” she said with a slight bow. “Naturally, we are interested in expanding our diplomatic and commercial relations. We would be honoured if you would agree to an exchange of embassies. We would also like to open trade negotiations; our policy is to pursue free trade agreements whenever our partners are agreeable to the idea.”

Although the Ambassador spoke evenly and confidently, a slight shuffle of her left foot and the slightly rapid pace of her speech would have revealed an edge of nervousness to anyone who knew her.

The Ambassador paused and drew a breath. “Of course, we can pursue all of these topics at a time more convenient for you, your Excellency.” She took in another breath. “At the moment, the most important issue confronting the Empire is the rise of a foreign cult in the Excalbian Isles. A cult that has already seized control of one of our neighbors and which, undoubtedly, is vying for control of another.” The Ambassador locked her eyes onto the Chancellor’s face, intently watching him for any reaction. “Are you familiar with the Order of Invisible Hand, your Excellency?”

Galadriël had not had a moment free for days, and in the crowded closeness of the black limousine, she imagined for the first time what was in store for her there at the ball, in those brightly lighted rooms- with music, flowers, dances, the Empress, and all the brilliant famous people from Lavenrunz and beyond.

After stepping hastily over the red baize at the entrance, she entered the hall, took off her fur cloak, and entered the palace itself. Only then did she remember how to behave at a ball, and tried to assume the majestic air that she considered indispensable for a Lady on such an occasion. This attitude became her best. Before and behind them other visitors who had been at the party longer were entering the ballroom to dance, talking in low tones and wearing ball dresses. The mirrors reflected ladies in dresses, with diamonds and pearls on their bare necks and arms as well as gentlemen in appropriate attire.

Galadriël looked in one of the mirrors and she could not distinguish her reflection from the others. All was blended into one brilliant procession. On entering the ballroom the regular hum of voices, footsteps, and greetings deafened the Knootian elf, and the light and glitter dazzled her still more. In the ballroom itself guests stood crowding at the entrance doors awaiting the Empress. The Prime Minister took up a position in one of the front rows of that crowd. Galadriël heard and felt that several people were asking about her and looking at her.

Meanwhile, Amras Eärfalas swayed his tall elvish body as he made way through the crowd, nodded to right and left as casually and good-naturedly as if he were passing through a crowd at a fair. He pushed through, evidently looking for someone. Galadriël looked joyfully at the familiar face of Eärfalas, knowing that he was looking for her. He had promised to be at the ball as well, after the difficult Chantouillet negotiations it was only appropriate that this old friend accompany her. He was also a stark reminder to her of these political events, and how this would likely be her last Lavenrunzian ball as Knootian Prime Minister.

Suddenly everybody stirred, began talking, and pressed forward and then back, and between the two rows, which separated, the Empress entered to the sounds of The Emperor Waltz. Amras, meanwhile, after greeting her warmly, started to point out the most important people at the ball.

"That is the Knootian ambassador, do you see? That gray-haired man," he said, indicating an old man with silver-gray curly hair, who was surrounded by ladies laughing at something he said. “He will receive us at the embassy tonight.”

"Ah, here she is, Princess Rebecca of Excalbia. Better avoid her tonight. Despite her inate diplomatic skill she might not receive you well. The Lady you saw standing next to her earlier is Vicotira from the Resurgent Dream," said Amras with an admiring tone. He continued in a more conspirotal voice: "Despite their nations stature these Highnesses are both quite equal to the Dread Lady Nathicana and Treznor there if you ask me. The charming ingredients of the old and the new dishes of the civilised world, so to speak.” He smiled warmly as Galadriël nodded.

"That is another member of the Royal family, Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen," he said, indicating a middle-aged man. “Oh yes, and that's Prince Andreus dancing with the Empress! Looks as if he were an Emperor already! All the same, the Pantocratorians are charming, very charming. Despite their terrible government and wicked negotiating efforts.” Galadriël ignored that last remark about the terrible Pantocratorians, instead nodding more into the distance.

"There's someone else we know- Mephet`ran, do you see?" she whispered, pointing out the Ctan. "You may remember him, he stayed a night with us at Noordeinde."

"Oh, you know him?" said Amras. "I can't bear him. He's too proud for anything. Just look how he treats the ladies! Anyway, I must be off now if you wish. I have some people to talk to. Have fun, serme.” And with those words he dashed off into the crowd.

Galadriël felt that she would be left alone now among a minority of women who crowded near the wall and she stood with her slender arms hanging down, her bosom rising and falling regularly, and with bated breath and glittering, frightened eyes gazed straight before her, evidently prepared for the height of joy or misery. She was not concerned about the Empress or any of those great people whom Amras was pointing out – just wondering if anyone would ask her. "That is impossible," she thought. "They must know how I long to dance, how splendidly I dance, and how they would enjoy dancing with me."

The strains of the dance continued for a considerable time, sounding increasingly like a sad reminiscence to Galadriël's ears. Amras had left her and Mephet`ran was at the other end of the room. She was standing by herself as in the depths of a forest amid that crowd of strangers, with no one interested in them and not wanted by anyone. Mephet`ran was talking to a lady, apparently not recognizing her.

<Insert Weyr's next post here>

Mephet'ran had of course, taken note of the announcement of Galadriël's prescence, and turned to observe the entry of Aurora, standing, he walked away from the table, and was interrupted by Amras Eärfalas catching him by the arm. "You always dance. I have a friend, the Lady nos Círdan, here. Please ask her," he said.

Mephet'ran gave him a stiff glare, and he took his hand away, Humm. Insolent Knootian the C'tan thought, continuing to regard the Knootian with annoyance. Not for touching him, but for the man's feelings. He carefully stepped forward, and trod on Amras' toes, careful to regulate his weight not to do any permanent harm. Amras pushed himself up onto his tip-toes and winced, his expression turning into something resembling that worn permanently by the testers of sour boiled sweets.

He strode off with amusement as the elf bowed to him and glared at his back. Walking, Mephet'ran contemplated the Weyran he had been speaking to, he had an odd feeling that she would not be taking him up on his offer. But would put her citizenship through anyway, despite the probability of her having an entirely separate destiny.

Approaching Galadriël, Mephet'ran promptly kissed her on both cheeks in what one of his favourite agents would term 'a rather Continental manner.' He leaned back, holding her softly by the shoulders and smiled at her "Hello Eiå Táralóm," he said, using one of several necrontyr words for 'dear' thankfully no one present would know that it was in the superior-to-inferior form, "would you care to honour me with a dance?" he said, looking into her eyes.

((May change pending approval by Ctan))

Galadriël blushed “That would be lovely.” Approaching the elf even closer, Mephet'ran held out his arm to grasp her waist before she had completed the formality of approving the request vocally. The tremulous expression on Galadriël's face, which had been prepared either for despair or rapture suddenly brightened into a happy, grateful, childlike smile.

"I have long been waiting for you," she seemed to say by the smile that replaced her previous anxiety, as she raised her hand to Mephet`ran's shoulder. They also entered the circle of dancers, and as Mephet`ran lead the dancing she followed. Mephet`ran was one of the best dancers she knew, and Galadriël herself danced exquisitely, courtesy of over 750 years of practice. Her feet in their white satin dancing shoes did their work swiftly, lightly, and independently of herself, while her face beamed with ecstatic happiness.

The Ctan meanwhile was fairly familiar around her, managing not to keep his hand on her buttocks, but nevertheless as physical as the waltz would allow…

Vicotira, of course, curtsied at the entrance of Aurora and also at the entrance of Emperor Mephet'ran. She was somewhat disappointed to see that Mephet'ran arrived alone. She had assumed his fiance would be attending and had looked forward to seeing a familiar face. The entrance of Galadriel was also noted with a small smile.

Vicotira turned back to Peter as he spoke to her, slightly confused as they had never ceased dancing. "Yes, yes, of course, Your Highness" she said with yet another light smile.

Watching Aurora and some strange guy dance Lidric turns away and stands gathering his jacket he takes a final sip of his drink and waves a parting to Aurora the next moment he faces her hoping she will see it. Repeating the gesture to Nathicana and Devon he turns and leaves.

Walking outside he looks up at the sky and walks slowly around the grounds not wanting to go anywhere and wanting to get away. Stopping short at the tree where he presented his gift to Aurora he chuckles and sits down. "Well, was a fun night. Atleast she liked the horse.' He mutters as he idly leans back on his arms to look up at the night sky once more.

"Perhaps I'll talk with her tomorrow unless things go even worse, strengthen our diplomatic ties." He whispers to nobody as he sits staring up at the sky trying to identify any stars he might know from the sky above his own country.

"A beautiful night" He whispers soflty as he scans the sky catching sight of one constellation he can recognise and eagerly hunting for others amidst the horde of unknown stars.

Treznor smiles, habit forcing him to keep his lips sealed against revealing his teeth. "The guest of honour has shown up again. We should shuffle over in her direction sometime during the next few dances, so I can do my courtly duty."

He presses Nathicana a little closer for a moment. "But not right now."

He catches Lidric's wave and nods in return, concealing his frown until the young man has already left. "Dammit. He should have stuck around to dance with her. I know his father knew how to woo women once, so I didn't think to include that in his education. I think I made a mistake."

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
>> You think I could get away with having one of our people chase after him and asking him for a word? Or should I keep my meddling nose out of this for once and let them work out their own romantic affairs?
}

OOC: Knoot and Ctan...you keep quoting my favourite book
IC:

With a frown, Aurora noted Lidric's departure, and sighed inwardly. Secretiveness did not appeal to her. He could merely be shy, but there was something funny about the young man. Turning as Andreus spoke to her, she smiled and said, "No, actually I don't. With my ladies, yes, but not like this. Do you like this kind of music, Prince? Actually what do you like?"

Chancellor Schlabel cautiously replied, "I've heard of the Order...though much of what I hear is conspiracy theory." or, rather, nothing officially known.

The Lavenrunzian courtiers present had noticed the arrival of the Emperor of the C'tan and of the Knootian Prime Minister. Aurora von Konigsmark was surprised, muttering, "My God, she actually came" and automatically reaching for an hors d'oeuvre from a tray didn't realize it was a shrimp with the head still on till she nearly choked on one of its whiskers.

"Please, if it isn't too forward, call me André." he replied softly with a smile. "As for the music, it is very nice. Pantocratorian musical tastes, my own included, lean more to the baroque than the classical. But that isn't to say I don't like other music, I've just not heard very much of it."

He wondered whether Aurora meant more than just music, whether she wanted to know about his other interests. If so, he supposed he'd have to leave women off his list of hobbies.

"Nobody would ever be able to tell, Your Majesty." he said. "That you don't get the chance to dance frequently."

Gregory got confident with his dancing and stepped slightly closer to Vethara. Not enough to break proper dancing decorum but enough to be noticeable to her. "Why thank you, I'm glad to see I havent lost a step myself. And you havent lost a toe yourself." He chuckled lightly and continued on. "So what do you have planned for when you return back to Menelmacar after the party is over?"

Ze Federalists

“Indeed, they are impressive. Are they the local equivalent of the Royal Guard? I am sorry, but I have to admit being quite ignorant as of such details.” He said as he bowed politely to Sophia thanking her for the dance. “Does Your Highness wish for a change of partners?” He said as he straightened himself, looking at her again with a smile. “Or does Your Highness wish to share the company of a poor lost Taraskovyan for a little longer?”

***

Exiled Royalties

Vethara smiled happily as Gregory pressed himself closer against her as they whirled in a waltz, not minding his move in any way. She thought on what to answer him, sighing and shrugging lightly. “I don’t know, but I will most probably issue some meaningless statements from my little government.” She sighed and shook her head. “And then I will receive an other dose of… compliments… from the Ruling Council. Routine, in other words.” She laughed lightly and shook her head, looking up at Gregory, her eyes fixed to his. “Or would you have something more interesting to propose?”

Peter smiled back at Vicotira as they continued to dance. In the midst of one particularly graceful turn, the Prince spotted the Knootian Prime Minister entering the ballroom. “That is Prime Minister Galadiel of Knootoss,” Peter said with a chuckle. “She hardly seems to be the maniacal cultist my uncle believes her to be. Do you know her?” Peter smiled and kept his tone light, hoping not to spoil the dance. “I noticed that you acknowledged her when she came in. Perhaps we should dance over to her and greet her…”

Not far away, Rebecca stood somewhat glumly against a wall waiting to see if anyone else would ask her to dance. She was starting to doubt it, with all the older, beautiful women around…

Further away, the Excalbian Ambassador studied the face of Chancellor Schlabel, trying to read his reaction to her mention of the Order. “Much of what one hears about the Order does tend to sound like mere conspiracy theories,” Lady Allison said softly. “Unfortunately, the Empire has learned that, in this case, these conspiracies are all too real.”

Lady Allison Blugar stood tall, wearing a serious expression. She had clearly left her youth behind, yet, like most Excalbian women, she retained a statuesque elegance that tended to lend her both a measure of beauty and authority.

She sighed slightly, but did not relax. “Last year,” she began, “a member of the Order emerged from obscurity to become president of a large neighboring country – the Confederation of Sovereign States. Since then, the Confederation has been remade in the Order’s image. Religion and traditional values are under assault; laws are being trampled and our international agreements have been broken. Most recently, we believe the Confederation – and the Order – were behind the death of the leader of the Church of Excalbia. And, the worst is that the Order’s influence is expanding to yet another neighbor. We fear that the Order will soon attempt to subvert the Empire.”

Lady Allison looked away for a moment. “Do you know who is rumoured to be the force behind the Order, Chancellor?”

Vicotira shook her head. "I don't know her personally. My parents have met her. Knootoss is an ally of the Resurgent Dream through the VERITAS treaty and one of our trading partners. It was a Knootian corporation who constructed the large dike is southern Fireforge. It was an expensive project but one every bit as beneficial in terms of econimic growth and of lessening population pressures as our Lunar colony, the homesteading in Garmar, and..." She paused, laughing lightly. "I guess you have no reason to know of any of those things, Your Highness. They are largely domestic matters."

She turned to look at Galadriel for a moment. "I have no objection. However, she does look somewhat...occuppied with Emperor Mephet'ran. I hope we wouldn't be interrupted."

Had Vicotira brought any male attendants to the party, she would have made sure that one of them danced with Rebecca. Unfortunately, she hadn't done so, thinking it more fitting to come alone.

"Actually, your Highness, I would be quite interested in learning more about your domestic affairs," Peter said with a grin.

Peter followed Vicotira's gaze and watched the Knootian dancing with the Emperor. "Perhaps we can just drift over that way and at a convenient time, you could introduce us. Being an ally of Knootoss. I think it would be quite interesting to meet the author of my uncle's worries."

Vicotira danced slowly over towards Galadriel. She smield slightly up at Peter, moving in his arms. "Well, what would you like to know more about? I can hardly tell you about all of our domestic policies in one dance."

"Then," Peter said with a smile, "I will settle for knowing more about you, your Highness. Your interests, your likes and dislikes. Your wishes and dreams."

Vicotira smiled. "But I'd rather speak of my country. However, as you would have it. I'm interested in art, music, politics, jousting, hunting, and theatre. I like gryffons, horses, sailing ships, dancing, warfare, and social events. I dislike deception above all else, followed by bigotry and selfishness."

She laughed lightly. "As for my wishes...my wishes shall stay my own, Your Highness. If one tells a wish, it will no longer come true and I dearly desire that my wishes all come true, whether or not that is part of an ancient Chinese curse."

"I am a dream. The dreams of a dream...are even stranger. Life is a dream if you make it one. The stars, the sun, the moon, the roaring ocean, the towering forests, the teeming billions filled with countless hopes and aspirations, for what more could one ask? My dreams are the rainbow, the sunset, the half moon. My dreams are first loves, first kisses, first killings. My dreams are my life, Prince Peter. My dreams are my life."

At the Empress' entrance Tyraine had bowed his head politely - more than any he had met so far had received, but patently not a bow. In contrast to the churchman's relatively small acknowledgement of Aurora's appearance (although in Isamite terms it was far more significant - it being illegal for a high-ranking priest to bow before any mortal save the Holy Father in the Imperial Faith Union) his young assistant kneeled and bowed, in the traditional manner of Isamite children before powerful members of society (one among many traditions in the Imperial Faith designed to promote obedience in the young).

The ecclesiast's pale eyes noted the Empress' choice of dance partner, recognising the Prince from the files sent both by the Church's intelligence corps and their embassy in Pantocratoria. He smiled sadly as he noticed Rebecca being set aside in favour of their host, although he would have expected nothing less in any politically charged atmosphere.

He continued looking around the room, slowly making his way around the edge of the dance floor as he examined the architecture, the food and drink, and most particularly the others present. The elderly priest moving with astonishing agility to avoid bumping into others - partially out of concern for them, but mostly because it would be most unfortunate for a representative of the Church of the Christ Imperator to fall in such a surrounding. The young Judas Hyraine moving behind him was similarly trying to avoid bumping people, although with less success - fortunately his age let him off, as most people jolted apologised automatically and, when noticing who had bumped them, either mentioned something about "boys", or ruffled his hair and sent him on his way. While it was unlikely that powerful ambassadors or visitors from other nations would act so, minor functionaries can normally be depended upon for such things.

It was almost by accident that Simon nearly bumped into Rebecca, although he recovered marvellously, switching almost automatically into what Abel had rather deprecatingly termed the "friendly grandfather mode", with a slightly confused expression.

"Ah, I do apologise my dear. You look dreadfully alone there, could I perhaps steal a moment of your time to encourage these younger gentlemen to come and rescue you from the boring drones of an elderly priest?"

All spoken in an amused tone, with an arched eyebrow perfectly accompanying the last comment.

Aurora said, "Well, I was really asking what your interests are. Are you interested in flight? I don't know if you're aware, but I built a small ornithopter I call the Mothplane which I flew as far as two hundred kilometers away from our coast--accidentally; there was an error in the steering mechanism that needed correction." she blushed at this. "However, I was only fourteen at the time. I found myself on a strange island which had a community on it called Freebodnik V. I met the most amazing people there, the most kind and thoughtful people you could imagine. The island is hard to find; they conceal it by means of mental powers, I think, from dangerous countries. Also, I have been thinking about how to make larger models, because you see it just uses the natural kinetic energy built up in wires and springs, so it actually doesn't cost anything to run apart from very light maintenance. Furthermore, it would actually imitate the actions of a bird, so it wouldn't be as fast as an unpiloted plane or helicopter but it would be almost entirely undetectable. What do you think of that?"

Meanwhile, Chancellor Schlabel narrowed his good eye and said to Lady Allison: "I have the feeling you are about to tell me." However, he actually knew very well what she was going to say. He was dreading this sort of conversation. Apart from the expedition to Syskeyia, which had been just a necessary response to an old ally, he wanted to avoid dangerous intrigues as much as possible, meaning to focus entirely on his main policey: to reduce taxes and improve the economy.

Sophia considered a moment, then her eyes lit upon a handsome red haired woman in a Jaeger uniform who also had a braid indicating an Aide-de-Camp who was among the Empress' entourage and had the look of a racehorse kept from a race. "That woman there...she's a good example. It was the regiment that saved the Empress, my brother Amadeus, the Empress' adopted sister Raven and the Archduke Carl from the terrorists a couple of years ago. They trained with the Menelmacari Mornahosse; they are a special forces unit which now always has a battalion guarding the Empress personally." she smiled and said, "I would not mind more of your company, Lieutenant Khat. You are a fine dancer, though I would like to take a moment to get something to drink." she applauded with everyone else as the waltz ended, and the sonorous sounds of a sarabande began. "Ugh, I loathe the sarabande..." she remarked.

"This music is starting to wear on my nerves..." Lord Protector Katsuma thought silently to himself. Without a dancing partner or even someone to talk to, he had relegated himself to the back wall of the dance hall and stood by, merely watching the elegant movements of the guests as they danced, chatted, and laughed with one another. Unfortunately, the monotony of it was starting to get to the young lord. Though on the outside, he appeared perfectly patient and content, long and boring waits had a habit of forcing his mind into overdrive, yearning for something to occupy it. He'd already replayed the final battle of the Second Great War twice in his mind, and was quietly humming the tune of a heavy metal song the pilot had played him on the trip to Earth when the ambient music in the hall changed abruptly again.

Perking his ears, the young foxen opened his eyes, unaware that he had closed them in the first place, and took a few tentative steps towards the crowd of people in the ballroom. It was then that he'd noticed that he'd missed the entrance of Empress Aurora. From the looks of things, she had just finished waltzing with some noble whom Katsuma did not readily recognize.

"Interesting that I'd miss her entrance. Perhaps being out of my element has had more of an effect on me than I thought...?" Katsuma shook his head. "Might as well embrace it. I don't want to keep reminding myself that this is just a birthday party. I don't have any enemies here."

With that thought, Katsuma tugged his sleeve down over his bandaged arm and walked into the mass of people. "Perhaps I should ask one of these ladies to dance the next song with me. Hmm. Maybe one will ask me. In any case, it'll be much more engaging and far more entertaining than standing by myself all evening. Only problem now is who do I approach?"

"Well... uhm..." Andreus blinked. "I think that sounds, very interesting indeed. Unfortunately I don't know very much about aircraft."

What in blazes was that? Clearly this was an intelligent girl Andreus was dancing with! He wondered whether the strawberry hair colour was real for a moment. But would her interest in sciences preclude her from enjoying his hobbies?

"I was never much of a scientist, I'm afraid." he continued. "Asides from dancing, I like to ride and breed horses, and I like to hunt. I like the theatre, I write plays and sometimes act. I like music and poetry. As I said, I don't know very much about aircraft, but I'd love to learn... if you'd condescend to teach me."

As Peter listened to Vicotira he felt strangely content, like a boy laying in a green meadow watching the clouds form into magnificent and magical shapes. “Your interests seem to touch nearly every sphere, your Highness,” Peter said finally, “and your dreams, your perspective on the world seems… marvelously lyrical and wonderfully enchanting. You are very special young lady.”

When the waltz finished, Peter paused and applauded with the rest of the guests. “So, your Highness, you said you would rather speak of your country. Please tell me what you think I should know about your land?”

Princess Rebecca was startled when the elderly-looking priest nearly bumped into her. She instinctively took a step back and caught a slight gasp in her throat before it became fully audible.

The man’s guileless expression and his light tone quickly calmed the teenager. She curtsied, in what she thought of as Pantocratorian fashion, as the man apologized. “Oh, your Eminence,” she said, hoping she was using the right title, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking…”

Rebecca blushed slightly at the mention of her loneliness. “Oh, I would be happy to speak with you, your Eminence. And I’m sure no one finds you a boring drone.” She was not quite sure whether or not that sounded right, so she took a deep breath and smiled as sweetly as she could. “I am Princess Rebecca of Excalbia, your Eminence. I don’t believe I’ve had the honour of meeting you before…”

Lady Allison swallowed, trying to wet her suddenly dry throat. It seemed to her that the Chancellor knew more about the Order than he was willing to reveal. And seemed reluctant to discuss it. She hoped that Imperial Intelligence had not misread the Lavenrunzian government and missed some sign that the Order was already at work behind the scenes.

“Your Excellency,” she said softly and solemnly, “we believe that the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss is behind the Order and behind the subversion of our neighbour. Knootians were early backers of the Confederation’s new President – they even endorsed him during the country’s electoral campaign and his first act as President was to travel to Knootoss and sign the K.I.S.T. While there is nothing wrong, in itself, with the treaty, the suddenness of it and the sudden appearance of Knootians seemingly everywhere in the Confederation’s capital reinforces other information in our possession.”

The Ambassador momentarily dropped her gaze from the Chancellor’s good eye. “We know that Lavenrunz is on friendly terms with Knootoss,” she quickly added, “and we do not intend to influence your relations with Knootoss. Rather,” she paused and again sought Schlabel’s direct gaze, “we are hoping that Lavenrunz might be able to act as an intermediary. The situation with the Confederation is rapidly approaching a confrontation and, while we do not fear the Knootians and are confident in our own defences, we wish to avoid any hostilities with the DDR. However, circumstances are such that it would be… difficult… for us to deal with them directly…”

Vicotira frowed slightly. They'd already had this part of the conversation. "Your question is much too general."

Frowning in thought Lidric stares back at the noise of the gathered party inside and mutters darkly before standing up "what am I doing out here, get back in there fool. You've done more without surrender before." He says angrily and strides back over the lawn, his mind berating himself for fleeing when he should be pursuing.

Heading inside he makes a direct line towards Aurora but falters, his strength waning as she dances and talks with the other person, turning he heads towards the food table, intent on tracking down a drink before diving headfirst into things.

"Better to do things with a warmed stomach then dive in empty and float to the surface a fool" He thinks to himself as he scans the table, wishing to find a glass of wine.

Peter instinctively mirrored Vicotira’s frown. He had been so enthralled just listening to her that he had obviously repeated himself. “I’m sorry, your Highness,” he said giving her a view of a rare blush, “of course I am most interested in your experiences in your country. Tell me, how were you educated? Did you attend school or did you have private tutors? My uncle – and, indeed my father – before his death, insisted that we attend a real school, even though it was a private academy. My friends in Pantocratoria, however, were all tutored in the palace. What was your experience like, your Highness?”

Vicotira smiled. "I was educated by private tutors, but they simply helped me to understand what I was learning. The books themselves did most of the teaching. Even though my tutors were some of the greatest minds of our day, the authors of great works are some of the greatest minds in the history of the world. I won't bore you with an exact reading list but I will say that the training of any high born lady in the Danaan High Kingdom is quite prodigious. It is also divided rather carefully into levels. For example, civics began with a study of our own institutions, how they work in theory and in practice, and why we believe them to be the most just institutions possible. Next, I learned about the institutions of our friends. I learned about democracy, benevelont absolutism, Christianity, moderate social democracy and about the specific institutions of any number of specific friendly nations. Right now I'm finally learning about the way our enemies govern themselves and why they think as they do. It comes last so that I'll have enough grounding in reason and truth that I will not be easily swayed by the clever sophism of such enemies, but I can't just look at their works and say that they're clever sophisms. I have to seriously think about them and write papers for my tutors seriously refuting them using my own reason and what I learned in earlier courses. Right now I'm studying racialism." She wrinkled her nose in evident distaste.

Schlabel listened to all this with dismay. First Aerion, now this. He felt rather disgruntled, and was about to speak when he was momentarily distracted by the quick steps of Lidric, who seemed to be making a beeline for the Empress, and then turned around, asking Baroness Wintzingerode to dance. He distinctly saw the Empress fix her blue eyes on the back of Lidric's head, roll them slightly and go back to Andreus. Turning to Lady Allison, he said, "I beg your pardon, that was a bit distracting. Lady Allison, I'm afraid I'm confused. What confrontation do you expect, and how exactly do you believe Lavenrunz might become involved? Because what you are telling me is that Knootoss may be behind a conspiracy to gain influence in Excalbia. I don't really see how this is desperately life threatening."

Aurora, for her part was irritated by Lidric; she was definitely interested in finding all about the men who were here to court her, but he was making it hard. She looked up at Andreus and said, "I find horse breeding and hunting interesting too, Prince Andreus. You know, I think we will have a lot to talk about...perhaps tomorrow, if you don't have to leave right away. But I think now that the Sarabande has begun that I must dance with someone else, and I thank you for this one." she knew this was an awkward speech, but she was also embarassed at having talked on about her ornithopter and his clear lack of interest. Stepping away, she approached Prince Peter with a regal air.

Scinfaxi had been struck briefly by the realisation that she'd never danced before outside her avatar's quarters, and that wasn't really the right kind of dancing anyway. Presently she was splitting her attention between scanning a few archives on proper dance techniques for this kind of music and listening to the kind of music she did like, streaming over from a broadcast her other avatar was receiving.

Shiroi hane ga hora mieru desho?
Anata wo mitsumete'ru me mo

Her sister did tend to tease her over her taste in music, and, indeed, was doing so now. For what must have been the eighth time that night, she found herself wishing Hrimfaxi could have come along with her, but, well...The names were too much of a 'coincidence' for that. People would have asked awkward questions.

Amai koe mo yasashii te mo
Anata dake no tame ni iru hazu
Sugoku chikai tokoro kara mamotte-iru no yo

Scinfaxi bobbed her head very slightly along with the music, hoping nobody would notice. She glanced around, noticing Katsuma and blinking. She smiled brightly and stepped over to him, trying not to distract herself with the reports from the simulations she had the Scinfaxi running to give her a half-decent set of practical data from the rather vague instructions on dancing.

She cleared her throat, 'Lord Protector Katsuma?' she paused, 'May I have this dance?'

Katsuma raised an eyebrow. He didn't recognize the skunk woman before him, but she seemed friendly, and he was at a loss for a dance partner.

"Miss, I would be honored to dance with you," He replied genuinely, taking her hand. "Though I must admit, I am something of a novice when it comes to dancing. I hope you don't mind..."

Walking with Scinfaxi into the dance floor, Katsuma silently praised his good fortune. He'd noticed the skunk woman earlier in the evening, and given his own unusual physical features, he was naturally intrigued, and had resolved to speak with her. And now, the opportunity had presented itself, almost as if Fate had deemed it so.

"Well, you seem to already know my name. May I ask yours?" Katsuma asked, smiling.

Aurora, for her part was irritated by Lidric; she was definitely interested in finding all about the men who were here to court her, but he was making it hard. She looked up at Andreus and said, "I find horse breeding and hunting interesting too, Prince Andreus. You know, I think we will have a lot to talk about...perhaps tomorrow, if you don't have to leave right away. But I think now that the Sarabande has begun that I must dance with someone else, and I thank you for this one." she knew this was an awkward speech, but she was also embarassed at having talked on about her ornithopter and his clear lack of interest. Stepping away, she approached Prince Peter with a regal air.

OOC: Oh he was interested... he just had no idea about anything she said. :)

IC:

"No, I thank you." Andreus insisted, and bowed politely. "I shall certainly be here tomorrow, and I look forward very much to speaking with Your Majesty then."

And then she was gone. Andreus couldn't help but be impressed with her, and not just physically. There was clearly a lot going on in her head, a lot more than was usually going on in the heads of the queens and princesses he had courted before. Even though he had no idea what an ornithopter was, he was quite sure that none of his mistresses had ever done anything so clever. Except to bed him, of course.

Seeing Empress Aurora move on to Prince Peter, Andreus decided to see to his dancing partner, who had now been set aside just as Rebecca had been. He made his way over to Vicotira and offered her his hand.

"Mademoiselle, would you do me the honour of a dance?" he asked.

Vicotira curtsied to Peter and stepped back as Aurora approached him. "It has been lovely, Your Highness." She didn't feel as abandoned as Princess Rebecca did, though the abruptness of the change in partners was somewhat off-putting. She wondered if all Lavenrunzian dances ended like that or if it was an imperial perogative. She took Andreus's hand. "Of course, Your Highness."

"Oh, if we wanted to I have no doubt that the Hierarchy would be able to drone at an army long enough to drive them into submission. Well, I might not be the most boring of Isamite clerics, but they don't know that."

He nods toward the various male members of international aristocracy before saying with a wink, stimatised hands indicating others.

"Maybe one will decide to come and 'rescue' you from the dull monotony of speaking with a priest."

Tyraine nodded politely as she introduced herself, before giving his own name.

"Delighted to meet you Rebecca. I am Saint Simon Tyraine of the Imperial Faith Union, and this is Judas Hyraine, my assistant."

He nods down to the twelve-year-old burdened with a pair of heavy-looking boxes, but who seems content to carry their weight. He's bowing again, although at least he is not genuflecting...something that can be more than a little hard on a child's knees upon a stone floor.

"What do you think of the celebration so far? I have missed most of it prior to this ball - a new monarch in one of our Protectorates decided to appoint yesterday as his coronation, and I was required to bless the event, so I am lacking in knowledge about previous events."

Andreus guided Vicotira about the dance floor with practised skill. His thoughts naturally returned to Marian back in New Constantinople as he subconsciously compared her to the sidhe with whom he was now dancing.

"So, I suppose you are going to tell me that despite the fact you don't look a day over eighteen, you are in fact my elder by several centuries, mademoiselle?" he asked, smiling warmly. Of course, he knew that Vicotira was much younger than her sisters, and in fact knew that she was even younger than he was, but for whatever reason, he thought the joke was a good ice-breaker.

Ze Federalists

Ithun nodded approvingly at the Jaeger before looking back at Sophia. “Indeed, I understand why Her Imperial Highness would hold them to her personal esteem.” He said pensively. “Back at home the duties of protecting the Grand Dukes fell to the leib-Guards, known as the Alexander Honourary Regiment. Yet, today there are no Grand Dukes, but the Guards still defend the Winter Palace…” He shook his head and smiled. “But I shall not bore Your Highness with this unless you wish to hear it.”

He presented her with his arm, intent on escorting her to whenever the drinks where. “I have to admit I am not a great fan of the sarabande myself.”

Vicotira shook her head. "Hardly, Your Highness. I am seventeen years old." As she gracefully danced with Andreus, Vicotira looked around the room, locating Sophia and Vethara. She smiled a little to herself, her thoughts wandering. Honestly, she could not decide whether she was disappointed or relieved that her trip to speak with Lady Galadriel had been interrupted.

“Well, your Excellency, we in the Excalbian Isles have been blessed with relative peace and stability. Recently, a long overdue revolution in Upper Virginia ousted the tyrant, General Altman. Unfortunately, the final outcome there is still quite unsettled; there are communist insurgents up there. And, we fear, now that the Order of the Invisible Hand is at work behind the scenes. The Order has come to power in the Confederation of Sovereign States.” Peter shrugged. “Unfortunately, it looks like some kind of conflict might be looming in the future.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of the Order,” Sukothai fingered his rightmost war medal. “Heck, I’ve fought and killed some of their kind. If you or your empire need any help fighting off the Order, militarily, culturally, or in any other way, just ask. As soon as we’ve beaten off the Reich, the Republic and I will be willing to help.”

Peter looked over at the President and First Consul. “Perhaps when things are more settled in your country,” Peter smiled as he spoke, “you can visit Excalbia. In the meanwhile, you would certainly be welcomed to establish formal relations.”

“Thanks for the offer,” Sukothai said. “I think I'll take it up.”

[OOC:A pic of Sukothai’s outfit (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukothai_dressuniformconsul.gif). No “invisible soldier” jokes, please – I’ll get a pic of what Sukothai looks like when I get The Sims 2 several months from now.

Also, when would it be appropriate to give Aurora her B-day present(s)?]

“Yeah, I’ve heard of the Order,” Sukothai fingered his rightmost war medal. “Heck, I’ve fought and killed some of their kind. If you or your empire need any help fighting off the Order, militarily, culturally, or in any other way, just ask. As soon as we’ve beaten off the Reich, the Republic and I will be willing to help.”

“Oh really?”, Amras Eärfalas asked in a pleasant conversational tone as he suddenly appeared standing next to Sukothai,. “Pardon me. My name is Eärfalas by the way.” He bowed graciously in the traditional Lavenrunzian style. “I could not help but overhear that you have fought and killed members of the Order of the Invisible Hand! What an interesting tale.”

Flashback Mode

Peter smiled at Sukothai. “Hopefully it will not come to war, but if it does, I am sure we will need allies. I am sure my uncle, the Emperor will appreciate you offer. I am also sure he would look forward to establishing diplomatic relations. If you are agreeable, perhaps we could agree to an exchange of Ambassadors.”

The Present

Rebecca blinked at the man’s title. A saint? How did one address a saint. “Your… Holiness,” she ventured bowing towards Tyraine. Then, she turned towards the young boy. “Master Hyraine,” she said, looking at the boxes with curiosity.

“Oh, it has been a lovely evening,” Rebecca said, regaining her enthusiasm. “We have a sumptuous meal, accompanied by a very interesting ceremony around the presentation of the main course – a whole roasted ox! And, most of the guests presented their gifts, all of them quite lovely. And, we had Empress’ Aurora’s birthday cake and several people had gifts in their cake!”

Rebecca finally paused for a breath. “I am sorry for going on so.”

* * *

Peter was a little surprise to see Empress Aurora coming towards him so early in the ball. However, he smiled graciously and bowed deeply as she approached. “Your Majesty,” he said. “May I have the honour of this dance?”

Before leaving walking back to the dance floor with the Empress, Peter turned towards Vicotira and bowed. “Thank you for the dance, your Highness. I hope will have the chance to speak again this evening.”

* * *

“It might not have been life threatening, if the Order had not chosen to use the death of the leader of national church as tactic to combat opposition to its rule in the Confederation. The death of Presiding Bishop Purins has raised the stakes, if you will. Also, their efforts to expand their influence, already well established in our Eastern neighbour have extended to our Northern neighbour, which is just now shaking off nearly a century of dictatorship. In effect, the Order is trying to encircle Excalbia.”

Lady Allison looked around to make sure no Knootians were in earshot, then leaned towards Schlabel. “Finally, we have word that one of the Confederation’s constituent states is about to declare independence in an effort to escape from the Order’s influence. We fear that once this happens the Confederation, the Order or even Knootoss, might take hostile actions, forcing us to respond in kind.”

The Ambassador forced a weak smile. “As for Lavenrunz’s involvement, we are most certainly not looking for you to take sides, especially not against Knootoss. However, we are interested in knowing whether you might use your good offices with Knootoss to open up negotiations that might prevent violence.”

The Living Saint nodded to her coments on the earlier events of the evening, one hand absently rubbing the puncture wound in his palm - a nervous habit deriving from the time the Stigmata had appeared.

"Going on? Believe me, you are certainly not going on - I am glad to learn of what happened before my arrival, it is a shame that I was not present to witness the ceremony or enjoy the meal and cake.
"Gifts, you say?"

He nods down toward the boxes held by the young boy who was watching the dancers avidly.

"I wonder if there will be a good time to hand over anything else later on in the ceremonies. Did you receive something in the cake, or were you one of those who did not?"

“Oh really?”, Amras Eärfalas asked in a pleasant conversational tone as he suddenly appeared standing next to Sukothai,. “Pardon me. My name is Eärfalas by the way.” He bowed graciously in the traditional Lavenrunzian style. “I could not help but overhear that you have fought and killed members of the Order of the Invisible Hand! What an interesting tale.”

“Not technically,” Sukothai said, turning to Eärfalas and staring the elf straight in the eye. “Back in the 1980s Syskeyia was afflicted by Objectivist drug lords and had to fight a little war to kick ‘em out.

I fought it that war. Drafted after high school, made a rifleman and made my way to lieutenant before the thing war over. Yeah, I’ve fought their like. Fought them, killed them. Seen a lot of friends killed by them as well. Earned my medals –“ the First Consul fingered his medals, flexing his arm to show his aged scar, “- yep, I sure earned them.

“You ask if I’ve killed those of the Order. No, but I’ve killed their ilk. Guys who beat the poor to feed the rich, and then make up some bullsh—philosophy to justify it all

“ ‘What an interesting tale?’ you ask? Infandum, Eldarus, iubes renovare dolorem.”

OOC: Infandum, Eldarus, iubes renovare dolorem = English: "O elf (Eldar, taking from HVS' fictional encyclical Ad Apostolorum Eldari (Though I still don't IC recognize him :P )) you bid me retell a tale that should not be uttered."

"Indeed." said the Chancellor. "Well, Lady Allison, I understand that you are in a difficult position, but I have generally found the Knootians to be under their geniality an oddly stubborn people, and I have found that they are the sort of people who exemplify the old saw about the meaning of diplomacy. 'Walk softly and carry a big stick'.
This may seem an awkward thing to say, but of course my chief task is to look after Lavenrunz' Government. Knootoss is in spite of recent awkwardness a major trading partner, whereas we have no particular relations with Excalbia, nor with the Sovereign Isles. However, things change. Perhaps it is the nature of our nations' relations that we need to consider, or perhaps you have already done so."

Aurora smiled at Peter and enjoyed the rather dramatic and yet stately dance, which always reminded her of her trained peacocks and herons. It was nice to dance with someone who actually was just there to enjoy himself.

As Sophia walked with Ithun, she said, "I hope I'm not monopolizing your company, Lieutenant Khat. Please tell me if I am." her green-blue eyes had a mischeivous glint in them.

"Maybe..just wondering really...I've got a rather busy schedule after the party but maybe something can be arranged. A tour of NYC? I doubt you want to be couped up in Menelmacar further." Gregory smiled down at her and began to slow down as the song began to finish.When the song ended Gregory let go of Vethara and stepped back from her abit bowing slightly. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to get something to drink." Standing tall once more he smiled at her and gave her a slight wink. "If you want I'll return with a drink for you." After getting her answer he'd move off toward the direction of drinks and toward where he could get a breather away from the others. Eyes gazing around looking for Sophia he failed to catch a glimpse of her..a shame...he thought to himself and silently poured himself a glass of water having given up any real heavy drinking ages ago he'd settle for this.

Scinfaxi smiled brightly, bowing a little, 'Oh, I'm sorry...My name's Scinfaxi, representing the Federation of Marshall Island.' She smiled inwardly at not reflexively quoting her hull's type number as her surname as she was used to.

She smiled, offering a hand; while covered in velvety black fur, it was still certainly a hand; and giggled, 'And if we're both beginners at dancing that should make everything ok.'

Ze Federalists

Ithun shook his head lightly as he smiled at Sophia. “No in the least, Your Highness. But should you deem that my company tires you, pray, tell me and I shall find somebody else to bother.” He laughed as he led her towards a table with the various drinks, looking at his company. “What does Her Highness desire?”

***

Exiled Royalties

Vethara applauded as the dance ended, nodding slightly to Gregory with a smile. “A visit of your city sounds most promising. And yes, a drink would be welcome.” She noticed quite well that he did not wish for her to accompany him and she did not wish to impose her presence. And so she just directed herself off the dancing floor, smiling happily to herself, glancing at Gregory as he vanished between the other guests.

As Rebecca listened to Saint Tyraine, she noticed him rubbing the wounds on his hands. She had read about the phenomenon of Stigmata, but had never expected to see it in person.

“Gifts?” She looked up from the old priest’s hands looking slightly puzzled. “Oh, yes, I think most of the guests gave their gifts already.” The Princess looked sympathetically at the young boy holding the boxes. “But I am sure, your Holiness, that there will be an opportune time to present gifts later.”

Rebecca smiled and shook her head slightly. “No, I didn’t receive a gift, but And… Prince Andreus, the Despot of New Constantinople, gave me his gift – a gold moth with fine lattice wings.” She blushed slightly. “It was quite nice of him.”

* * *

Lady Allison nodded gravely as she listened to Chancellor Schlabel. “Your position is quite understandable, your Excellency. We realize, of course, that your nation has long-standing and important ties to Knootoss and we would not dream of compromising those ties.

“As for the relative paucity of relations between our nations, that is something we wish to correct. We feel that there is much we have in common – both of our societies value faith and a certain sense of propriety and both our governments are committed to peaceful international relations and free trade. We have not been as active in joining international pacts,” Lady Allison gave the Chancellor just the hint of a smile, “however, and have preferred to advance our objectives through bilateral relations.

“To that end, we would welcome the opportunity to establish free trade with Lavenrunz; we would welcome imports from your country and would be interested in selling our wares. We are particularly advanced in computers and naval technology. I hope we can come to agreement in these areas.

“Of course, our most pressing international issue at the moment is Knootoss and the need to avoid conflict.” Lady Allison seemed to think for a moment. “Given what you have said about the Knootians, I can understand your reluctance to serve as an intermediary or mediator. However, your description of Knootoss makes it all the more important that we avoid conflict. Do you think, your Excellency, the International Mediation Council might be able to play some roll in mediating any conflict? Or perhaps Lavenrunz might be able to simply use its good offices to help us arrange for bilateral negotiations between my government and Knootoss?”

* * *

Peter enjoyed the dance the Empress Aurora immensely. She was a good dancer and very attractive young woman. Having already made something of a connection with Vicotira, and knowing that the Imperial Household had no expectation that he actually court the Empress, gave Peter a tremendous sense of freedom. And it showed; he was relaxed, smiling and carefree.

He smiled at the Empress. “You are an exceptional dancer, your Majesty. And a wonderful hostess. If all of your parties are this enjoyable, I hope this will be the first of many invitations.”

The Living Saint nodded politely as Rebecca spoke further about the previous events, himself making one or two comments to encourage her to speak on. His pale-eyed gaze followed her eyes to his hands and stopped rubbing the old puncture wound, making a mental note to unlearn the habit - much as he had done several times before.

"I hope that there will be, it would be a bit embarassing for the Church of Christ Imperator to be the only nation attending the party not to show some token of esteem."

Simon Tyraine winked as he said that, his tone of voice belying the strange sense of etiquette that high-ranking members of the Isamite Church possessed - gifts to be given should be given, and politeness maintained regardless of diplomatic standing or knowledge of the other nation.

"Indeed, it was generous of the Prince to part with a gift given to him by the Empress, albeit through luck, although I think that it was well given. What did you think of Andreus of New Constantinople? I picked up a little about him from the dossiers the Imperial Faith Union's embassy in Pantocratoria sent on the ruling family, but I do not know much of him other than what was sent."

The past
" Dulce bellum inexpertis, as they say", the elf replied seriously, briefly observing the wound in what seemed like an admiring look. “However perhaps there is sweetness in war after all. I cannot speak from personal combat experience– aside perhaps from that sort of combat that does not do physical harm.” The elf smiled sheepishly.

“I have always lived by the words that Vix ulla tam iniqua pax, quin bello vel aequissimo sit potior – as your experiences in your current struggle with the Reich no doubt found. I can assure you that the sympathies of the Knootian people are entirely with you.” He smiled again, this time somewhere between congenial and condescending – as with other elves it was hard to gauge his true feelings without extensive experience. “I must say I am positively surprised to see you here at the Birthday party of Her Majesty the Empress while your people are fighting for life and death with your mortal nemesis. Truly the war effort must be going well that you can afford to take such a holiday from leading your nation in its most dire time of need”.

Latin:
- War is sweet for those who haven't experienced it.
- Scarcely is there any peace so unjust that it is better than even the fairest war. (Erasmus)

“Yes,” Rebecca agreed, “it was quite generous of the Despot.” She thought for a moment about the Tyraine’s question. She unconsciously chewed on her lower lip as she tried to sift her feelings about Andreus and weigh what she knew against what she probably should say.

“His Highness is very charming,” she said somewhat shyly. “I know he is here for Empress Aurora and that, being even younger than she is, he probably has no real interest in me.” For some reason, Rebecca found it very easy to speak with the priest and her words tumbled out in a rush, despite her efforts to weigh them judiciously. “But, he has really made me feel… part of the festivities. It was really, really kind of him.” Rebecca winced at her own words, realizing that they betrayed more than a little of her crush on Andreus.

She glanced at the boy with boxes and decided to change the subject. “Your assistant seems heavily burdened. Would he like to put the boxes down? I’m sure no one will bother them.”

With all the people around, Gregory failed to catch sight of Sophia. His hands moving into the pockets of his uniform pants he looked less like a foreign dignatory and more like an ordinary soldier. Moving his left wrist up he checked his watch and noticed the time. With a sigh he moved off from the drink table and over toward the direction of Vethara. "My dear Archduchess, I really should be off, I have a rather rigid schedule to contend with I'm sorry to say." He offered her an apologetic smile while handing her a drink he took from the table. "I shall make sure, that a transport is arranged specifically to take you home upon you're leasuire. I'd offer you a ride on my transport, but I'm not returning directly as you know. Work calls." Smiling once more apologetically to her he moved off toward the direction of the main enterance.

Stopping at the doors he turned around to look over the party goers. Nothing gained, nothing lost. A nice party...he doubted things could have been any real differrent. Although he did know why he rarely threw these things anymore in his nation. He hated playing host and inside he pitied poor Aurora for all her responsabilites at such an age. Giving a polite wave to any who looked in his direction he moved outside once more toward the personal transportation which would have undoubtly been arranged by the Lavenrunzian officals to return the dignataries to the airport. It wouldnt be long before Gregory was aboard his personal transport and trying to catch some sleep before his life was work filled once more.

" Dulce bellum inexpertis, as they say", the elf replied seriously, briefly observing the wound in what seemed like an admiring look. “However perhaps there is sweetness in war after all. I cannot speak from personal combat experience– aside perhaps from that sort of combat that does not do physical harm.” The elf smiled sheepishly.

“I have always lived by the words that Vix ulla tam iniqua pax, quin bello vel aequissimo sit potior – as your experiences in your current struggle with the Reich no doubt found. I can assure you that the sympathies of the Knootian people are entirely with you.”

"Peace?" Sukothai grabbed the elf by the collar, pulling him closer. "There was no peace. Before the war the Objectivist drug lords had carved out little fiefdoms for themselves, and 'til Isaiah Myintsan we couldn't do anything about it because they had a quisling of theirs in the Aula Consuli.

I saw what those Randroids did, Eärfalas. I've walked through the villages and homes that they ravaged, had to comfort the women they raped, and saw the eyes of a 10-year old who they drafted into their army.

Fact was, in order to have peace, you gotta have justice, and sometimes to have justice, you gotta have war. Have I experienced things in war that’d I’d like to forget? Of course. Do some of my memories from the war continue to haunt me? No doubt about it? Would I take up arms for such a cause again? Absolutely.”

Sukothai then relaxed his grasp, letting go of the Eldar.

“I must say I am positively surprised to see you here at the Birthday party of Her Majesty the Empress while your people are fighting for life and death with your mortal nemesis. Truly the war effort must be going well that you can afford to take such a holiday from leading your nation in its most dire time of need”.

“Did not Stalin attend conferences outside of Russia while Nazis still lay on Soviet soil?” The First Consul asked. “Besides, in Syskeyia’s government Consul Ghanikan is taking care of the government right now. We’re equal, but not – well, that’s a long story.”

Princess Latheran Wasterin had found the nearest seat within the ballroom that was empty, and took a seat. The look on her face was as if she was withholding an anxiety attack, as she had her hand placed over her mouth, and her eyes holding back tears. She sighed deeply, watching the other party goers, as she smoothed her dress over.

Sophia said, "I think there's some good Stoli--I'm told you folk drink a lot of that." there was a teasing light in her eyes. "As to other things, I myself like a nice martini."

Empress Aurora was also enjoying herself, as she glided with Peter along the ballroom floor. Peter was elegant, attractive and charming...and yet he wasn't what she wanted, somehow. To be honest, what she wanted was Thomas, but he seemed to have disappeared. "I'm very glad to have met you, Prince Peter." she said by way of reply. "And I hope you will come often as well." she glanced down at Thirty Camelias, who was watching, and she smiled at her. "What do you think about aircraft, Prince Peter?"

With a thoughtful look, Chancellor Schlabel said, "I think that this conversation will bear some fruit between us, Lady Allison. And I will take very seriously what you say. I would like if you'd care to arrange a meeting between yourself and people from the Ministries of Foreign Trade and Foreign Affairs. However, this is not merely a matter of advantage, but rather to see if our countries are indeed kindred spirits and if I could in conscience advise the course of action you are asking for to the Empress, if you understand." He glanced at the strawberry haired young woman, smiling, dancing in Prince Peter's arms. He felt a pang in his heart, seeing her genuinely happy for the first time in...years, it now was.

Scinfaxi smiled brightly, bowing a little, 'Oh, I'm sorry...My name's Scinfaxi, representing the Federation of Marshall Island.' She smiled inwardly at not reflexively quoting her hull's type number as her surname as she was used to.

She smiled, offering a hand; while covered in velvety black fur, it was still certainly a hand; and giggled, 'And if we're both beginners at dancing that should make everything ok.'

"Miss Scinfaxi," Katsuma hoped he'd pronounced it right, "I must say that it is an honor to make your acquaintance, and a privelage to be allowed this dance."

Katsuma took the lead, using what little he'd memorized from the simulations he'd studied, and took to the dance floor with Scinfaxi. Though they had both downplayed their abilities, truth be told they managed to hold their own, Both dancing with rare mistakes, and those that did occur went unnoticed by the rest of the crowd. And Katsuma smiled, for he felt happy dancing with the skunk woman, a kind of happiness that, given his nations recent history, he was rarely afforded.

"Miss Scinfaxi," Katsuma asked, hoping to open a flowing conversation, "may I ask how you came to be invited to this party? I'm somewhat... baffled as to why I was invited, and I was hoping to find the answer tonight."

Ze Federalist

Ithun laughed lightly as he shook his head, peering at the decanter containing one of the most known drinks in Tarasovka. “Indeed, due to our interaction with Russians, we have adopted some of their habits.” He reached his hand for the decanter containing the martini, picking up a glass and filling it up, squeezing a clove of lemon on the edge of the glass before handing it to Sophia. “Your Highness.” He said as he nodded slightly, waiting for the woman to take her drink before filling himself a goblet with red wine, smiling at the Lavenrunzian Archduchess. “I am, in a certain way, on duty, so I cannot allow myself to get drunk. As such, wine is perfect in my case.”

***

Exiled Royalties

Vethara smiled at Gregory as he excused for his abrupt departure, nodding understandingly. After all, he was a leader of a nation and so it was only obvious that he would have other duties than accompanying girls to parties. “I understand. I shall be looking forward to our next meeting then.” She said as she gave him another smile, wondering whether to hug him or not, finally deciding to, wrapping her arms slightly around his chest and smiling up at him. “And thanks for taking me out. Years on end in a single place does get boring.” With that, she let him go, looking for a moment as he walked away before concentrating her gaze elsewhere, clearly wondering what to do at a party to which she was not even invited, with her reason of being present at the party having actually left… And so she was very keen to abadondon the festivities, too.

OOC: yay IRC

The past
As soon as Sukothai had put down the elf, Amras dusted off his jacket and took a step back.

“I must say I am positively surprised to see you here at the Birthday party of Her Majesty the Empress while your people are fighting for life and death with your mortal nemesis. Truly the war effort must be going well that you can afford to take such a holiday from leading your nation in its most dire time of need”.

“Did not Stalin attend conferences outside of Russia while Nazis still lay on Soviet soil?” The First Consul asked. “Besides, in Syskeyia’s government Consul Ghanikan is taking care of the government right now. We’re equal, but not – well, that’s a long story.”

Amras smiled mildly at the Stalin comment. "Well, obviously." he said. "You must forgive me for my ignorance but… now that you say it, this birthday party does indeed present an opportunity for strategic consultations with the Lavenrunzian military." He inclined his head respectfully in what appeared like an acknowledging nod.

"Thank you," Sukothai replied. "And how is everything in the Dutch Democratic Republic?"

Amras suppressed a grin, wondering if his earlier sarcasm had gone over his conversation partners head or if the Syskeyian was simply trying to be polite. With prejudice he quickly discarded the latter option. "Well, what can I say... exiting times. But are all times not existing times, essentially?" he asked rhetorically.

"I'd wish they'd be less exciting, frankly. I mean, with Eurusea and the Reich menacing our lands, and the Order of the Invisible Hand spreading God knows how fast, there's much too evil around in the world. Oh well, the Last Judgment will fix it all in the end."
Amras smiled. "Oh, I'm sure." he said. "But for those will do not have the honour of being raptured however there will be some affairs left to arrange." The First Consul rolled his eyes at the elf's religious ignorance. "I don't believe in the so-called 'Rapture,' and neither does the Church."
"My apologies", Amras replied. "But for me it is rather difficult to keep the different Christian denominations apart. I just make a point of it to know which ones are out to kill my kin and which ones are not. I have always wondered how the Syskeyian church views this issue, in fact."

"Well, I can assure you that the Catholic Church in Syskeyia is fully in line with the Magisterium and the Holy See in Rome," Sukothai remarked, "And by no means do we intend to kill the Eldar race. Or any other non-human race, for that matter."

"How about alternative religions?", Amras said softly. "I heard of this nasty incident involving some Burungi citizen but I'm sure this was entirely overblown in the Knootian media."

"That? That was a long time ago, and an idiotic decision on our part. I thought the Senate was acting foolish in passing that act, but it's over now. Did you hear that some Burungi have volunteered to join us free our Republic from the Reich?"

"I did", he said smiling. "As have numerous Knootians I might add." Staying with the subject, he pressed. "But what if a group you disagreed with would ask to have a religion recognised? Surely this would provide you with a dilemma."

"The Republic does have religious freedom," Sukothai replied. "Though the Catholic Church is given special status, we don't persecute non-Catholics or non-Christians. Have you ever heard of Dignitatis Humanae?"

"I have not", Amras answered* "But I'm sure that it relates to human dignity."

"Well, I like to think of all rational, corporal beings as 'human,'" the First Consul said. "So all that nonsense you hear from the Reich is not what I, or your average Syskeyian, would agree with."

Amras nodded. "So if a group like the Invisible Hand would apply in your nation as a religion they would be recognised?" - the Knootian asked inquisitively. Sukothai narrowed his eyes. "Absolutely not."
"Oh?", the Knootian replied with feigned surprise.
"The Order is not religion," Sukothai replied. "It is a Satanic cult which denies the very diginity of the rational person, and then sacrifices the poor, the widow and the orphan on its diabolical altar to the Market. No, it is not a religion of those seeking the truth, but those who seek Hell."

The elf frowned, keeping his calm air of going along with Sukothai. "Hmm, well I can imagine all too well that you disagree with this… Order… given your principles, Amras said nodding. "But I have not heard of them associating themselves with Satanism or human sacrifice and I am supposedly from the country that is their diabolical den of evil." He grinned.

"But they place Market before the good of mankind,' Sukothai said.

"Or they might think it is for the best of mankind.", the Knootian answered less pathetically.

*Likely because I may or may not acknowledge its existence in NS, as Syskeyia knows from rather extensive discussions.

...must...resist...temptation...to...wring...Knoot's...neck...

Well, the HVS (whom Knoot does recognize, despite the fact that he hasn't RPed since August or so), does recognize Dignitatis Humanae (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6261568&postcount=9).

Also, when would be a good time to give Aurora her B-day present?

The past

She had said her thanks to Mephet'ran, seeing an opening in the line of people giving presents to the new Empress, and was soon at the foot of the throne, bowing to a forty-five degree angle at the waist before presenting the slender, light wooden box inscribed with numerous runes.

"The Kingdom of Weyr wishes to present her majesty with this gift, in honor of her birthday, and as a token of friendship." She figured that was enough, and wasn't sure what else there was to say. Kira knew some cultures considered sixteen to be an important number. In the Kingdom sixteen was quite important, too, but the alchemist ws sure if was for a very different reason. A nation that counted in hexadecimal was peculiar in the world, after all.

Inside, the empress would find a short rod, that would turn out to be a flashlight -- a flashlight lacking a battery compartment, and a flashlight that would grow or shrink to accomodate her hand. Granted, a normal flashlight was not designed to theoretically blow holes in doors and windows, but that ws something the empress would have to find out on her own, assuming she wanted to damage something. it was not a weapon, after all, just a nifty bit of Weyrean construction. In a way, the flashlight was a sign of trust, containing three centuries of applied research that allowed it to exist, and the assumption that Lavenrunz would not steal that research. In another way it could be taken as a comment that Lavenrunz did not have the ability to copy Weyrean technology.

semi-now

Kira knew she should head back to the table, or possibly the dance floor. Instead, she wandered to the balcony, deftly perching n the railing. It didn't seem too far to the ground, even if she had no intention of testing that. WHatever the alchemist was, she wasn't suicidal. To be more exact, she wasn't suicidal by choice. Circumstance and chance were another matter.

<0010D> We may have a slight problem getting back.
<0010E> Great. You.
<0010D> Bad party?
<0010E> Depends. Mephet isn't at all like in the flicks.
<0010D> Eh? Who?
<0010E> The Necrontyr Emperor who's not a necrontyr? You know, the one who eats planets?
<0010D> THE Mephet'ran?
<0010E> Who else?
<0010D> What did he want with you?
<0010E> What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm not supposed to respond if someone approaches me.
<0010D> No....
<0010E> So whats the problem?
<0010D> Nothing. I just thought it was strange for someone like Mephet'ran to approach you.
<0010E> I meant the getting home problem.
<0010D> Oh. There is a disruption along the Outward Ring, so they shut down the Skyport.
<0010E> That's impossible. The Outward's got the lowest flux rating in the world. It'd take megathaums just to bump it.
<0010D> Which is why they shut down the Skyport. They do not want a repetition of the Southport Incident. You -do- know about the Southport Incident?
<0010E> Yeah, yeah. So we'll catch a boat or something.
<0010D> In this country?
<0010E> We'll figure something out. Anyway, I gotta get back. We'll talk later.
<0010D> Wait--

She sighed, disconnecting the link. The transmission was horrendous; something was definitely wrong with the ether. Either way, it didn't concern her, Kira shought to herself. She looked at her boots, dangling into space, heavy things made for use and not for functions like these. She half suspected she would destroy any foot she stepped on, and half-smiled at the thought of someone having to tolerate her fumbling. She definitely didn't dance, at least not in the way expected. THen again, she couldn't just sit here and wait for someone to decide she was possibly doing someting illicit.

Checking that her uniform was in order -- she could probably pass for an officer with absolutely no medals or rank insignia -- she brushed a few strands of crimson hair back behind long, pointed ears, and found a seat in the ball room, near a somewhat flustered-looking woman. Kira shrugged inwardly -- it wasn't her business what everyone else was doing, anyway -- and decided to just sit and watch, for now.

Empress Aurora was also enjoying herself, as she glided with Peter along the ballroom floor. Peter was elegant, attractive and charming...and yet he wasn't what she wanted, somehow. To be honest, what she wanted was Thomas, but he seemed to have disappeared. "I'm very glad to have met you, Prince Peter." she said by way of reply. "And I hope you will come often as well." she glanced down at Thirty Camelias, who was watching, and she smiled at her. "What do you think about aircraft, Prince Peter?"

With a thoughtful look, Chancellor Schlabel said, "I think that this conversation will bear some fruit between us, Lady Allison. And I will take very seriously what you say. I would like if you'd care to arrange a meeting between yourself and people from the Ministries of Foreign Trade and Foreign Affairs. However, this is not merely a matter of advantage, but rather to see if our countries are indeed kindred spirits and if I could in conscience advise the course of action you are asking for to the Empress, if you understand." He glanced at the strawberry haired young woman, smiling, dancing in Prince Peter's arms. He felt a pang in his heart, seeing her genuinely happy for the first time in...years, it now was.

Peter had enjoyed the dance as well. Empress Aurora was a graceful dancer and lovely girl, but he could tell there was no real spark; not that he had expected one. However, he could see Aurora in the role of a friend and he found himself genuinely wanting to get to know her better.

The Prince smiled at the Empress’ encouraging response to his attempt to invite himself to more parties. “If you can tolerate me, your Majesty, I could see myself becoming a regular at your functions.”

He gave a perplexed smile at Aurora’s question; it seemed to come –as his uncle said – from left field. “Aircraft, your Majesty? Well, my father served for a time as a pilot in the Imperial Air Force and my uncle, the Emperor, while he spent most of his career in the surface fleet, did earn his wings. During my own naval training I had the opportunity to solo in the old F-5, so I guess that I, too, am a pilot.” Peter leaned towards the Empress and lowered his voice, “I’m just not a very good one.” He winked and returned to his normal posture. “Why do you ask, your Majesty? Do you fly?”

Lady Allison smiled and nodded to Chancellor Schlabel. “A very judicious course, your Excellency. I look forward to meeting with your ministers. I think we might be able to conclude some particularly satisfactory trade agreements. I believe both of us are inclined towards open trade and that we will find our comparative advantages to be quite different from each other and quite compatible with mutually beneficial trade.”

As the Chancellor’s gaze drifted away, the Ambassador followed his eyes and saw Empress Aurora enjoying a dance with the Emperor’s nephew. Lady Allison kept her expression neutral, but she took the obvious warmth between Aurora and Peter as a positive sign.

Empress Aurora smiled her thanks and said, "You will be most welcome, Prince Peter. And I thank you for coming and for the presents given on the part of your country."
"Aircraft? Well...I actually made one, you know. A sort of ultralight. I..."
She was starting to feel a bit tired, and she had noticed that some of the guests were behaving likewise, moving around quietly talking or sitting down. It had been a rather long party after all. She herself was starting to suddenly feel like yawning now that the adrenaline of the dancing was wearing off. She could see Sophia laughing at something that the Tarasovkan envoy had said, and she had noticed that Gregory de Los Santos had retired as well. She suddenly made a decision.
Aurora paused, and looked at him. "I'm sorry, I'm actually more tired than I thought. If you don't mind, I'd like to continue this conversation another time."

Nodding to Baroness Toll, she said, "Convey to Mr. Quilraya my regrets, but that I am very tired, and am going to bed." Baroness Toll lifted her eyebrows but said nothing, just bowed her head and went to find Lidric.
Then she looked at the Chamberlain. Count Chemnitz bowed and motioned for a ceremonial guard to bang his halberd on the ballroom floor with a resounding THUMP THUMP THUMP.
"Pray silence for Her Majesty." said the Chamberlain.
"Friends," said Aurora, "Thank you all so much for coming to my party! I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed having everyone visit me. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Please, don't feel you must leave on my account, but I intend to retire now. I hope you will take home fond memories of Lavenrunz. And if you wish to extend your stay, I will be happy to consider any who do my guests and my friends. Good night."
And with that, the Empress of Lavenrunz withdrew, Thirty Camelias padding at her side, her entourage (save for Baroness Toll, who was whispering the Empress' message to Lidric) following, Jaegers preceding.

OOC: Can I still give Aurora a present? :(

OOC: Yes, we will just presume it happened before when everyone else was giving their gifts.

Mephet'ran cursed inwardly in his annoyance. He had still yet to actually speak to the Lavenrunzian empress. This was getting ridiculous. He glanced at Galadriël, "Right. You're going to your embassy? Good. I will accompany you. I wish to speak with you," he said, and promptly started shooing the Knootian out of the ballroom.

--- The Knootian Embassy, Galadriël's Suite ---

Mephet’ran shoves Galadriël roughly into a chair, and proceeds to lock her door, then makes his way around the room for several minutes, looking for bugs. After that, he returns to her and stands in front of her, "Now, I have questions for you."

Looking quite offended, the elf nevertheless remains seated inside the comfortable embassy chair.

"Are you a member of the Order of the Invisible Hand?"

"I beg your pardon?", she began protesting...

"Answer the question."

"It is not an organisation that extends membership passes, Mephet’ran", she said coolly. "So you'll find me to be without one. Nor would I desire one."

"Answer the question. I will have the answer, the correct answer. Yes or no."

"No... no! Who has been feeding you these conspiracy theories anyway", she tried to stand up. "This is ridiculous."

Mephet'ran put a hand on her shoulder and shoved her back into the chair, "What is your relationship to the Order?"

The elf looked down for a moment, only to raise her chin in a moment of defiance. As dignified as she could, she answered: "I am the Prime Minister. I lead a nation." She paused, looking him straight in the eyes. "You should know how responsibility works. You are the God after all", she bit back. But her eyes did not just reveal defiance. There was also a certain fragility, affection, and even a hint of fear that the star god could detect.

"Listen Eiånah, I am giving you the chance to answer of your own free will because I respect you. I suggest you answer honestly."

Striking the dignified pose again, but now looking aside. "I can be a much better conversationalist if the room is not locked, Mephet", she spoke more softly. "Really, you do not need to interrogate me to ask such questions. Now. let me get some Colombian tea for both us and we may have our talk. I can only imagine you are curious."

"The room stays locked," he says, you can drink after we talk, "This is business."

"And then what will you want from me?", she replied dramatically. "To hear about sexual fetishes of our health minister? Our nuclear launch codes? The location of the Light of the West itself?" She glared. "I can tell you this as a friend, but I am not your...", she whimpered. "Your slave."

"You are what I say you are. If I want to make you my slave, I will. If I want to know what you know, you will tell me." He sighs, "what you are is my lover, and I do not want to hurt you. But if I have to, I will."

"And then what will you do?", she asked tentatively, "Put your information on display to the world?"

"Only as much as I have to. As you say, I know how responsibility works. And this is mine," he says, looking far more serious than she's ever seen him look before. If she weren't so familiar with him, it would probably be terrifying. As it is, it is doubtless fearsome anyway.

"Then you should know mine as well", she said as a final word of resistance before giving in. "I deal with people who like their ideas. They are a useful network. I have never denied myself of any network of people and I have found it to be well-organised." Gauging Mephet’ran’s face as if for a judgement she continued. "And why not? They are not criminals. They are ordinary men who have ideals. Some are misguided fools, but others have been my friends for centuries."

"That Amras fool is a member isn't he?"

Galadriel smiled. "You should have heard him when he had read their work for the first time. He has not been as passionate about anything since we arrived together in Knootoss so many years ago. He could not stop talking about the ethics of flow." Her smile waned into the recollection of a pleasant memory. "If granddad would have heard about it he would probably demand he change his professions." With a sad smile, she looked at the C'tan. "He is no fool Mephet’ran."

"You poor child," he said, shaking his head, "one can speak as well for folly as one can for wisdom. You are leading Knootoss to its destruction."

"Only if you have foreseen it", she remarked irritably. "The Order is there, by my wish or not, and it is peaceful and serves my purposes. There is no destruction in that, only utility."

“Don’t be naïve my love. One doesn’t need foresight to see it. But mine is beyond even the greatest Keigh Far-seers, and trust me, that is where your destiny leads if you continue on your present path. Would you like me to show it to you?”

"There is no set fate my dear. Only probability. That probability you can change. You can either renounce the Order, and face personal difficulty, or face the rest of your immortal life with the blood of millions on your hands. I live like that every day. It is a torment beyond your imagination."

"I have never believed them", she whispered with impressed looking down. "Not... truly. Like some. But I cannot believe they would kill. Not Amras, or any of the others. They are only men, my love. All too human, but not evil. As much as I want to, I cannot believe what you are telling me."

"They will kill. And they will be killed. That is unavoidable now. Maybe not Amras, but others."

"I am the leader of Knootoss," the elf replied firmly. "And if there is any killing it will be my responsibility. And I am not a pawn of anyone. You should know that."

He shook his head, "You just don't get it, do you?"

"I am not a member of the Order, Mephet`ran, and Knootoss is my responsibility", she replied. "You have nothing to worry about unless it is me that you do not trust."

Mephet’ran grabbed her clothes yanked her to her feet... causing the elf to stare him right in the eyes again. "You and I are going on a little trip."


Shortly afterwards, he dumped her out onto a wide sandy plain, and her eyes were immediately assailed by vast quantities of airborne sand and grit, "You know where this is?"

Galadriël blinked, taking in the area before she closed her eyes to mere slits while holding a hand in front of her eyes. "I do not. A bit hot for Ale-Yarok."

"This used to be a perfectly wonderful place until I did this to it. This is the ruins of one of many civilisations I've ruined. Do not think to lecure me about responsibility. I am responsible for things you can't even imagine. And I don't," he kicked the back of her legs suddenly, "Want you to feel the way I do."

Galadriël strained her leg and fell into the sand, yelping it out as the dust covered her ballroom dress. She slowly tried to get up again while brushing the sand out of her eyes.

"You know, constantly, I'm trying to recall the number of innocent people who have died because of my actions! And I never reach the end of that count. Do you want to be like that?"

"I AM not like that", she yelled emotionally. "I am not like that and I never will be. How...", she looked up quietly. "How could you do... this?"

"The same way you're making your own hell even now. Using religion as a tool to manipulate people."

Galadriël now sat down in the sand, even though it was hot, and looked on at the C'tan. "You did this... for your own worship?"

"I did this because of my own ignorance. You don't even have that excuse."

Galadriël looked on quietly, listening.

"You are responsible for thousands of innocent deaths already."

"I only did what I had to do", she retorted. "As a leader of nations I have to make these decisions. It is not... genocide... not like this. I... I cannot begin to imagine how you must feel."

"You will," he said, a dangerous edge in his voice. There was an eerie silence between the two for minutes, "If you do not take my advice."

"Oh, you taught me a message today, Mephet`ran", she said softly. "One that I will keep with me." She stared out into the distance, trying to make out any discernable terrain feature on the destroyed world. She could not find any.

"And what message is that?"

"I would not never want to be like this. I create things. I want to realise dreams, not destroy them." She looked back at him. "I will not do this to anyone. Ever. It is a promise."

"And your friends in the Order? Forswear them. Publicly."

"I cannot do this, even if I wanted to", she said emotionally. "It would destroy me and it would not damage them in the least. My time in office is almost over", she said dejectedly. "It would be but the personal rantings of a parting leader and it would hurt our nation to no end." She sighed. "But I will talk to them. Reason with them. There is more then one way to avoid this tragedy you speak of and I will plead for this. Even you said the future was not certain. Then let me change it for you."

"This isn't for the nation's benefit now, this is for yours. If you intend to come into power ever again in Knootoss, you must pull out of Tanah Burung immediately and denounce the Order. It is pretty much inevitable that they will collapse, they have too many powerful enemies. It is a matter of how bloody it will be, and if they will take you with them."

Galadriël stared. "Then it is true. You do not trust me. I am that nation, Mephet’ran. Despite all of its imperfections, its soul still flows trough my veins. I am a Knootian no matter how much you may despise them." The finger of her free hand lingered, drawing a circle in the sand. "I will pull out of Tanah Burung on the agreed upon terms and you know this. It has nothing to do with the Order..."

Mephet’ran laughed, "Gala. Everything you've just said is either pathetic, or lies. Mostly both. You are a consummate politician."

"It is true!", she said. "This time it is true!"

"You 'are' the nation indeed. You sound positively Pantocratorian. You are not ready to spout such conceits."

"Label it what you will", she said shrugging off some sand. "But they are my people and I love them."

Mephet’ran laughed again, sadly, "I wish I were convinced that you don't have to consult a dictionary to learn the meaning of love."

Galadriël looked hurt. "And I need to hear that from you..."

"I love you. But I know where my duty lies. If I thought there was no other way, I would kill you immediately. You, you use your people to further your own lust for power and fame.”

Galadriël was silent for a moment. "Power and fame are just illusions", she then said, considering. "It was never about that... not... just about that. I will not lie about my desire for either, but I have always wanted the best for them. Wanted to care for them."

"You have failed. If you do as I say you will be able to make the Order so politically dangerous that not one of your successors will even consider supporting them. They will perceive the Order to be responsible for your downfall, and will see that happening to themselves if they associate with the Order."

"But with all your might and all you knowledge, you do not se that I am the failure already, Mephet`ran. Me. I am the pariah already. The most hated Knootian alive if I should believe international opinion." She sighed. "They are wrong. They do not see what my vision is. And if I sacrifice myself to take down anyone with me... it will be just me who is going down. Alone. All alone."

"You will never be alone while I live. Never."

Galadriël wanted to hug Mephet’ran, and her eyes shone on the point of crying. With pain, she spoke. "Yet you would use one who you claim to love to bring down an idea. If this is about personal redemption... you have my word. But do not ask me to destroy myself to kill an idea you hate. Please."

"You claim to love your people but you value your reputation above their good?"

"I will make no difference, Mephet’ran. Not anymore. Do not make me a pawn in your game," she sighed. "When this is all over nobody will hear from me again."

"You know why you are the most hated Knootian alive?"

"People will hate what they do not understand," she answered.

He slapped her cheek, hard, "Do not repeat what they have told you to me. Think for yourself."

"Try to understand yourself," she emphasised. "How is it for you then? You barely know my peoples ways and yet you come to me and say I must reject them. Have you ever even spoken to one of them? How can you pass judgement over that which you do not know?" She paused. "I love you, Mephet`ran. But what you ask of me is impossible and I cannot understand... why... why do you ask this of me. I am not evil and neither are my friends who sympathise with the Order. They are not destructive. They are only different. What is their evil?"

Galadriël looked questioningly, stressed, confused and looking for answers.

"Please. Just explain that to me", she ended.

"Of course I've spoken with Knootians. Many times. Most recently that Amras you think so highly of. I can pass judgement because I am not afflicted with this madness that is called religion - and trust me, your Order is one, it is no more secular than the catholics - I know that they are going out of their way to harm people to make them submit to their own beliefs and values. This is wrong. I am doing this to you because I love you. They do it because they love themselves."

"Then I should renounce religion altogether", she said. "Whether it be inspired by Eru, or Jesus, or the Market. It makes no difference."

"It doesn't matter what you believe. What matters is that you keep it to yourself, and that's not what they do is it?"

"They don't kill people. Damn woman, will you listen to me," he leant down, "You can help your people. You can save many lives. You will probably be more respected for doing so, and all you can worry about is the negative effects it may have on your reputation? What kind of a coward are you?"

"I... I need time to think", she said dejectedly.

"Come here."

Galadriël tentatively stood up. The blowing sand had covered her dress entirely and the white was stained with smut. One of the heels of her white dancing shoes was broken as she stood bemused before Mephet’ran

He wrapped his arms around her waist, "Come on, let's get you back and cleaned up."

Galadriël hugged Mephet’ran tightly and closed her eyes..

"I think perhaps you did, mi amore," Nathicana murmurs softly in response, her eyes following Lidric as he leaves. "A pity, Dev. Perhaps in the future you can work to remedy that, hmm? And yes ... yes you should leave well enough alone. This time, at least."

They may lack elvish grace, or the practice of hundreds of years, or the practiced ease of formal schooling in the art of dance, but these things seem not to matter much to the couple as they wind their way through the crowded dance floor. Nathicana studies the face of her partner with an expression of quiet contentment, her smile only slipping now and then as she maintains situational awareness. At those times, she presses just a little closer, taking more than a little comfort from being in his arms.

There were many she knew, here. And if not the representatives personally, the nations from whence they hailed. It was without a doubt an interesting mix. And the manner in which each carried themselves spoke volumes. She hadn't for example, thought the Knootian elf would have been one to simper and blush like a schoolgirl for the man she first knew as Kopinski. And while she had no problems perse with so many staunch Christian representatives, there was something about her manner that suggested unease a time or two when in close proximity the the more obvious or more openly devout.

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< I'm getting old and cranky, Dev. Too many egos, too much angst, and entirely too much posturing, or making an ass of oneself and the like. And yet, I find myself feeling slightly useless at the same time. As much as we'd like to look after Aurora and Lidric, being the youngest technically of our allies, they're more than capable. We're here in a social capacity, there are no treaties or deals or angles to be found ...
}

And there it was, the formal farewell. Arrangements had been made for their gift - something they both had felt was appropriate for a young woman. A new wardrobe, of the finest Dominion design, sporting looks for nearly every occasion, be it formal, casual, or even darringly fun, complete with shoes and accessories. She hoped Aurora would find it a welcome addition.

"I can think of one thing I wouldn't feel useless and out of place doing," Nathicana whispered quietly, giving Treznor a sly sidelong glance as the Empress made her exit. "Make our farewells, exit quietly ... that is, if you're up to it."

Treznor grins and gives her a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure I can rise to the occasion. Any likely spots picked out? I presume you're not looking for a repeat of our last adventure while stargazing."

"While the grounds here are spectacular, and a bit of play in one of the fountains would be a welcome distraction, I'm not sure I'm prepared for the international scandal of the two of us caught on camera prancing about Hoffburg demonstrating the finer points of the Kama Sutra, Dev," she replies with a smile and a wink. "With this many high-ranking guests, the paparazzi will be out in force, damn their hides. Unless of course, we were able to somehow get creative with the suits ..."

Treznor ponders as he slowly makes his way toward the exit with her. "Mmm...as fabulous as they are, the suits don't make us invisible. They never did. However, that doesn't mean we can't use them to our advantage. A little misdirection is always in order, and if features are too blurry to be sure of someone's identity..."

He grins. "I think we can make this work. I just hope the good Baron will forgive us for it."

OOC: was busy with alot of work. Also...I never saw this thread until just now. When these thngs happen, shoot me a telle! God Bless.

"Not asking for perfection, just enough annonymity to make the difference," Nathi replies, her smile growing more mischievous as more ideas come to mind - some of which she shares over their more private means of communications.

"You know what they say - better to ask for forgiveness than permission anyway. All the same, keeping in touch with our security would probably not be amiss ... this is Lavenrunz after all. And our record here for 'mishaps' is not a good one."

"Miss Scinfaxi," Katsuma asked, hoping to open a flowing conversation, "may I ask how you came to be invited to this party? I'm somewhat... baffled as to why I was invited, and I was hoping to find the answer tonight."

Scinfaxi paused for a moment at the question, trying to think of just how much she could say about herself, 'Scinfaxi is fine, please...And, um...I guess the Federation just likes us to get to know what it is we represent and defend.'

She blinked, and smiled, 'You see, my, well, they're sort of like sisters...Vione and June have represented the Federation before to the Dominion and the UN Mediation Council, I suppose they thought I could do the same.' She saw his expression, and realised he probably wasn't aware of quite what she was talking about.

'Um, quite a number of our nation's large naval combatants and Air Destroyers are operated by sentient artificial intelligences; I couldn't tell you anything about my other avatar, even the name or what class she is, but I'm one of them.' She smiled nervously, 'Am I making any sense? I don't think I'm that good at this.'

'Um, quite a number of our nation's large naval combatants and Air Destroyers are operated by sentient artificial intelligences; I couldn't tell you anything about my other avatar, even the name or what class she is, but I'm one of them.' She smiled nervously, 'Am I making any sense? I don't think I'm that good at this.'

"Artificial Intelligences, really?" Katsuma asked with genuine interest. "Our capital ships often use sentient intelligences, but only as support to a 'human' captain or admiral. And I do use the term 'human' loosely," he added, swishing his tail in time with the music.

"And you say that you yourself are an artificial intelligence?" Katsuma asked again, with even greater interest and amazement. "That's incredible! I couldn't tell just from talking to you! I must say that I'm impressed! I've never met someone as unique as you are." A smile graced Katsuma's face, one of sincere admiration.

"And don't worry. You're making perfect sense to me. I'm new to this sort of thing as well."

"So," he asked again, after a few silent moments of dancing, "tell me more of your country. You've got me curious. And if you're interested, I wouldn't mind telling you about my home afterwards."

Scinfaxi smiled and nodded, 'Well, there's a lot to tell...We should probably find somewhere to sit down.' She paused for a moment, 'Outside?'

In the gardens outside she sat down, yawning softly and blinking, 'Oh, excuse me...' she smiled, 'Well, where to begin...'

'The Federation of Marshall Island consists of Marshall, Mallet, Lamar, Ellis, Gerhart and Voight Islands, along with the Drake and Comona Island chains. Our protectorates are the three islands that form the nation called The Most Glorious Hack; Mhu Thulan, Ultima Thule and Mae Thulan, and Grafton's Isle.'

'It's generally cold back home, we're pretty close to the pole and there's some places that get permafrost, but you don't feel it that much after a while normally. It's really quite nice when you get used to it.'

She sighed, glancing up at the stars, 'We know that a long time ago when it was warmer on Marshall Island it was home to an incredibly advanced civilisation that destroyed itself in a terrible war, though we don't know much more than that. Their capital was Kharbarovsk, it used to be called the City of Steel.'

'After that, well...For a long time in the Dark Ages Marshall Island was used as a dumping ground by other nations. The old empires would just leave the people they didn't want there and hope they'd freeze to death or the dragons would eat them; out of sight, out of mind, I suppose.'

Scinfaxi smiled, 'Most of our written history is from near the end of that time...The dark ages, that is. In those days Marshall Island was divided into city-states, at one time over two dozen, apparently, though we only know the names of them when there were sixteen. Each was ruled by a noble family; Barons, Dukes, Kings, Queens, whatever. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that King George the Great of Karswell finally united all of Marshall Island under one flag.'

'That was at Karachi Field - the sword he used to kill Lewis the Hawk of Valcassia is in the National History Museum, as is Lewis' shield. There were a few small wars after that, but nothing on the scale of the constant fighting and backstabbing in the dark ages.'

'After the union of Marshall Island we still had 'outsiders' been dropped here by other countries, and a couple of attempts to claim the island. Those never got far; with our technology and the terrible winters they generally gave up and sailed away again before they really got anywhere. Nobody would really trade with us until one summer a fleet of battered old galleons sailed into the little anchorage in Hammer Bay and demanded we allow them to shelter there; in return they told us they'd trade what they had with us.'

'The captain of that pirate fleet was called Gerhart; there's still a statue of him by the dockside at Hammer Bay today. As the great empires rose and piracy became impossible his men settled here, and a lot of the buildings along the harbour front are made of old timbers from his ships.'

She shivered a little, the dress being a little cold for outdoors, but continued, 'After that the first major event was the war with Grafton's...Grafton's Isle is between ourselves and the Thulan Island group; in those days, the Socialist Union of Mu Thulan. They were the first to industrialise, and for a time were actually more powerful than either. They conquered the Drake and Comona Island chains, even landed troops on Marshall Island and Ultima Thule. Luck wasn't on their side, though, and their victories didn't last long.'

'They just didn't realise times had changed; facing one defeat after another, losing territory and watching their nation dwindle, they built up their industrial strength to unprecedented heights and used it to wage one final battle against the world.'

'That was a little over two hundred years ago, about the time that the last Queen died and control of the Federation passed to the first Supreme Commander.'

'At a terrible cost they were finally beaten back; in the East, the Socialist Union took Lanfor City, in the West the Army of Free Grafton's Isle fell back to a beautiful city called Galyana, whose walls had never fallen to an attacker in all the Island's history.'

'I think that was when we realised times had changed, too - the battle to take the city raged for weeks as our forces fought for an island at a time. When it was over, the City of Galyana was little more than a heap of ruins,' Scinfaxi sighed, 'I guess all countries have done things they aren't very proud of.'

'I have to wonder if they'd have done what they did if they'd realised that it would turn Grafton's Isle into a battlefield between the Union and the Federation for the next hundred and seventy years.'

'You see, it all ended with the Union and the Federation dividing Grafton's Isle between themselves, and that truce was never going to last. Disputes over the border led to Union troops being deployed to take the town of Gatesby by force, and they found our troops already dug in ready for them. They couldn't shift them and so had to dig their own trenches instead while more forces were sent to assist them.'

'It was terrible; thousands of people died out on the Moor while the lines barely moved. They say that some nights in winter you can hear strange echoes on Blanstead Moor...The villagers there say it's the dead of that awful war.'

She shook her head, looking down at her knees, 'Far too many people have died out on that Moor.' She looked up, blinking and looking a little upset; 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get like that...I'm boring you, aren't I?'

Katsuma gave a faint smile, but his eyes mirrored the sadness he saw in Scinfaxi’s. “You’re not boring me. And you don’t have to apologize. I know exactly how you feel.” He raised a hand and placed it gently on Scinfaxi’s shoulder. “Unfortunately, Solont’s seen its share of bloody war, too. To be honest,” He turned and cast his gaze back towards the palace, where the noise of the party was slowly fading, “I think we all have.”

It was then that Katsuma noticed Scinfaxi shivering slightly. “You’re cold.”

“It’s okay, I’m fine.” She shivered. “Well, I can make do, I think…”

“Here,” was all Katsuma said in reply, and with one swift motion, he threw off his heavy coat and draped it around Scinfaxi’s quivering shoulders. She smiled, wrapping the heavy military coat over her shoulders

“Oh, thank you...” she glanced up at him. ‘”You really don’t have to, though… Now you’ll be cold.”

“I’ll be alright. I’ve spent a lot of time at Solont’s Polar Regions. And besides…” He smiled and raised his hand. “I’ve got my bandages to keep me warm.”

Scinfaxi nodded hesitantly. “Well, if you’re sure…” she smiled. “Then, thank you again.”

A few more moments passed in silence. The soft music from the palace had long since died away, and the garden was completely silent, the pale moon overhead casting a silver glow over the ornate garden. Katsuma looked into the night sky, gazing at the unfamiliar configuration of stars above. So different they were, from what Katsuma was used to seeing. Still, he’d studied Earth-based star charts. In fact, Beta Aquilae should be…

“That one.” Katsuma said, pointing to a tiny, shimmering point of light in the sky. Scinfaxi blinked, looking up at the star

“Really?” she smiled. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“It is…” Katsuma turned face to face with Scinfaxi, about to say something grand of the beauty he’d found on Earth, but in that moment, words failed him. In that moonlit garden, all he could do was smile. It was this smile that Scinfaxi returned, and shyly slipped her arm around his waist. Katsuma, a little surprised by Scinfaxi’s kind gesture, blushed a little. With a small amount of hesitation, he returned in kind, placing his arm around her waist and pulling himself closer to her. In return, Scinfaxi smiled, closed her eyes, and snuggled against Katsuma happily, neither of them needing any more words.

Katsuma looked down at the content segonune at his side, and closed his eyes as well, happier than he’d been in a long time…

International waters Northwest of Lavenrunz

For a brief moment an enormous shadow was visible below the water's surface, slow rising as it shimmered and vanished. The water bulged over it, parting and sliding aside, barely making a sound as the Scinfaxi surfaced. A single section of the giant submarine was very slightly visible in the darkness; part of the upper hull.

Under the moonlight, as her other avatar snuggled Katsuma happy, Scinfaxi looked up at the stars.