NationStates Jolt Archive

Amid the excitement and babble of conversation at Grand Duchess Vicotira’s country party, Princess Rebecca – now known as Becka by those in attendance – looked for an opportunity to speak privately with the young Grand Duchess. When the opportunity final came, she jumped on like an eager child grabbing for a new toy.

“Vicotira,” Becka said somewhat sheepishly, “I want to thank you again for the invitation. I’ve really fallen in love with your country and all the wonderful and exciting people and things.” The princess blushed at her own eagerness. “I think I would really like to stay for awhile. Perhaps even spend a semester or two studying here…”

Becka looked down shyly. “I was hoping you might be able to help me…”

"That should be easy enough to arrange." Vicotira said with a gentle smile. "You could come to the same school as me, if you wished. If His Imperial Majesty, your father, is alright with this, of course."

"Well," Becka said softly as she struggled not to look away from Vicotira, "that might be the problem. I'm not sure my father will approve. He's only let me travel abroad once, and that was to come to your party."

Becka looked at the beautiful young sidhe and smiled. "My father is really quite impressed with the integrity of your people and I think that's why he let me come here. But letting me stay..." Becka looked away and sighed. "That's a different matter."

She turned back to Vicotira and smiled slightly. "But, if he could hear from someone here... someone like you, perhaps, that I could go to a good school and be looked after," she looked away and blused slightly, "he might agree..."

"I'll go get Aunt Nianki. She could talk to your father." Vicotira smiled before moving off for a few minutes. She returned shortly with her muscular aunt.

Nianki looked down at Becka. "You need me to speak to your father?"

Becka looked up at Vicotira’s Aunt Nianki and blushed. “Well, Ma’am, I was thinking that it would be nice to study here in the High Kingdom for a couple of semesters. Vicotira suggested I could go to her school, so I was thinking that, perhaps, if you and Vicotira were to speak to my father with me, to tell him about the school and assure him that I would have proper supervision, then he might be more likely to agree…”

The young princess’ blush deepened as she realized that her words had tumbled out in a breathless jumble. She looked at Vicotira and smiled hopefully. “And, my cousin – Peter – and I have invited Vicotira to visit Citadel Excalbia. I’d love it if she – and you, Ma’am – could go back with me to Excalbia.”

Both women gave their assent. However, they did not immediately return with Becka for it took a few days to prepare a state visit by two Grand Duchesses. It was about three days later when the two sidhe, as well as a human woman named Duchess Gwendolyn and their staffs were all on a plane to Excalbia.

Nianki read the Excalbian paper as they flew. She snorted lightly and looked over to her niece. "Vicotira, dear, why exactly did your sister ally us with Knootoss again?"

"There's a great many reasons." Vicotira said. "It is very important to Her Majesty."

"Well, I think they're hypocrites and untrustworthy." Nianki said firmly. "They make such a big fuss about gay rights but they don't hesitate in the least to use homophobia to their political advantage and arrange for people's lives to be ruined simply because they are gay."

Gwendolyn remained silent during all this. The conversation continued along on lighter topics as the plane headed north, eventually coming in for a landing in Excalbia.

Sweyn Castle, Citadel Excalbia

Princess Rebecca, having returned the day before from the Danaan High Kingdom, paced nervously in the sitting room that adjoined the children’s’ bedrooms in the family suite of Sweyn Castle. Rebecca’s mother, Empress Elizabeth, entered and smiled at her nervous daughter. She walked towards Rebecca and wrapped her arm around her daughter.

“Why so nervous, Becka, dear?”

“I just want everything to go well so that Father will let me study in the High Kingdom,” Rebecca spoke breathlessly, leaning her head on her mother’s chest.

“Why does it mean so much to you, Becka?”

Rebecca looked up at her mother with expectant eyes. “It’s not that I want to leave you or Father.” She glanced away. “It’s just that I want to,” she looked back to her mother, “stretch myself, make my own way, create my own place in the world. Joseph has moved on now – he’s married and about to be a father. I just,” she looked down at her blue satin dress, “don’t want to be a little girl anymore.”

Elizabeth hugged her daughter tight. “You are growing up, aren’t you, dear? Don’t worry – everything will be just fine.”

Samuel II International Airport, Outside Citadel Excalbia

As the plane carrying the royal delegation from the Danaan High Kingdom approached the capital, commercial traffic was diverted and the plane was cleared for an immediate landing. Once the plane was on the ground, it was directed to taxi to the far side of the airport.

As the plane came to a stop, an honour guard dressed in the dark blue formal uniform of the Imperial Guard snapped to attention and presented arms. The band became playing a triumphal march as the doors opened and the two grand duchesses, the duchess and their staffs made their way down to the tarmac.

An older, distinguished man in a suit of a conservative and slightly archaic cut stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Your Highness,” he said, rising slowly from his bow, “on behalf of His Imperial Majesty welcome to the Holy Empire of Excalbia.” The man gave the women a warm, grandfatherly smile. “I am Lord Johannes Corman, His Imperial Majesty’s Chamberlain. After this brief ceremony, we will be proceeding directly to the Citadel, where His Imperial Majesty will welcome you in person.”

When he finished speaking, the Chamberlain gently guided Grand Duchess Nianki, Grand Duchess Vicotira and Duchess Gwendolyn to a position near the Imperial Guard. Three young girls approached, curtseyed and handed the Danaans bouquets of fresh flowers. Then, the Imperial Army Band played first the national anthem of the Resurgent Dream and, then, the Imperial March of Excalbia.

Once the formalities were finished, Lord Johannes escorted the three women to a waiting motorcade. Escorted by a phalanx of police motorcycles and police cruisers, the motorcade sped its way through the suburbs of the capital and past the skyscrapers of the Right Bank and across the Red Bridge to Citadel Island. The motorcade continued past cathedrals, ministry buildings, the domed Imperial Senate building and up to the bluffs where the original citadel and Sweyn Castle stood.

Roaring through the gates of the Citadel of Excalbia, the motorcade stopped in front of the medieval great hall of the Citadel. Emperor David IV, dressed in a sparkling white uniform and a blue and gold cloak, walked down the stone stairs towards the waiting limousine. He walked hand-in-hand with a beautiful, redheaded woman dressed in a blue, floor-length gown. While the Emperor wore a serious, but not unpleasant expression, Empress Elizabeth wore a wide, friendly smile. The Emperor and Empress stood holding hands waiting to greet their guests.

Grand Duchess Nianki, Grand Duchess Vicotira, and Duchess Gwendolyn descended, in that order. Nianki took a moment to look at the plain tarmac though neither Vicotira nor Gwendolyn seemed to notice.

Nianki nodded to the man's bow. "Thank you, m'lord." She allowed the chamberlain to guide her and the other two women to the position indicated. All three women took their bouquets with bright smiles to the girls as they listened to "Long Reign the Queen" and the "Imperial March of Excalbia".

Small talk dominated the ride to the Citadel. Vicotira, in particular, kept looking out the windows, taking in this new country. This was only her second time outside the Resurgent Dream. "It's lovely!" she exclaimed happily, as she took in the city.

When they arrived, the three stepped out of the limousine. Nianki bowed and Vicotira and Gwendolyn curtseyed. Nianki smiled at the approaching couple.

Empress Elizabeth returned Nianki’s smile with a warm, welcoming smile of her own. The Emperor released his wife’s hand and bowed his head slightly. The Empress curtsied in a small, graceful gesture.

“Your Highnesses, your Grace,” the Emperor said with a hint of a smile. He stepped forward and offered Nianki his hand, then took hers and gave it a quick kiss. “Your Highness, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Holy Empire of Excalbia.” He then moved on to Vicotira and bestowed her hand with a kiss. “Your Highness, it is a particular pleasure to finally meet you. Both my daughter and my nephew speak very highly of you.”

Finally, the Emperor greeted Duchess Gwendolyn in a similar fashion. Then, the Emperor and Empress, standing on either side of the guests, turned towards the courtyard. The Imperial Naval Band played Long Reign the Queen and the Imperial March. Once the anthems finished, the Imperial Guard, dressed in blue with archaic plumed helmets, breastplates and broadswords, paraded past the Imperial family and the royal visitors.

After the procession, a troop of the Imperial Guard, led by the Imperial standard and the flag of the High Kingdom, escorted the Imperial couple and their guests into the Great Hall of the medieval Citadel.

Inside the Great Hall members of the Imperial Court waited in benches on either side of a carpeted aisle. They stood as the Emperor and Empress entered the hall and walked towards two raised thrones at the far end. Above the court, in galleries running the length of the hall, other notables of Excalbian society stood watching the royal reception. At the end of the flag draped hall Princess Rebecca, Prince James and Prince Peter stood in pools of coloured light flowing through the stained glass windows of the hall.

Reaching their thrones, Emperor David IV and Empress Elizabeth climbed the small dais and sat. Once their visitors had taken their place before the throne, the Emperor smiled. “We are honoured today by the visit of Grand Duchess Nianki, Grand Duchess Vicotira and Duchess Gwendolyn of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream.” The Emperor glanced around the hall and up at the galleries. Then, his gaze turned back to his guests. “Your Highnesses, your Grace, you are most sincerely welcomed to our land. Your Kingdom has, in the span of a few short years, become one of our closest allies and most important trading partners. We hope that your visit will signal an even closer and deeper friendship.”

Empress Elizabeth made a slight sound in her throat and gave a slight gesture with her hand.

“And, of course,” the Emperor said, “I should present the rest of my family.” He turned towards his children and nephew. “I believe you have met my second oldest, Princess Rebecca.” Rebecca curtsied and smiled. “And this is my youngest, Prince James.” The young boy bowed and gave a forced smile. “And, I believe Grand Duchess Vicotira may remember my nephew and ward, Prince Peter.” Peter smiled broadly and bowed gallantly. “Unfortunately, my oldest son, Prince Joseph, and my daughter-in-law, Princess Anna, are at their estate in Chateau Langeais at the moment. Though they may return in later today or tomorrow.”

Each woman appropriately responded to the Emperor. Vicotira and Gwendolyn both flushed slightly at the kisses. Vicotira answered shyly "I am very fond of them as well." They followed him into the throne room, moving into position before the throne.

"It is our honor to be here." Nianki said with a small smile. "We have likewise come to treasure our relationship with Excalbia. Such relations are the path to a deeper and more lasting peace throughout the Atlantic."

"We are truly happy for the evident bliss Their Highnesses seem to have found in their marriage." Gwendolyn said with a soft smile. "Truly the Lord was wise when He ordained that a man should leave his mother and his father and cling to his wife and become one flesh."

Nianki looked over to Gwendolyn with a light smirk before looking back to the Emperor. "I understand Your Majesty's sister will also be returning to Excalbia soon?"

Emperor David IV smiled at Gwendolyn’s comment. “Yes, the Lord has richly blessed Joseph and Anna, and both their families.” The Emperor turned to his wife, who shared his broad smile.

“Their Highnesses,” Empress Elizabeth added, “are expecting a child. Yet another blessing. The Lord has indeed been good to us.”

“I take it, your Grace,” the Emperor said, “that you are a believer.”

The Emperor’s smile faded at Grand Duchess Nianki’s question. The quiet of the Great Hall seemed to deepen. Several members of the court sitting nearby blushed. Prince Peter looked away, picking just that moment to rub his chin. Princess Rebecca turned a bright red and studied her shoes. Prince James alone looked relatively unfazed as he continued to squirm inside his suit.

The Emperor turned to his wife, who gave him a reassuring nod. “Yes, your Highness,” he said flatly, “Princess Christiana is on her way back to Excalbia as we speak.”

“Her Highness,” Empress Elizabeth interjected with a wan smile, “is bringing with her her new ward – a young boy named Tariq. She took him in after his parents were lost in a civil disturbance in Mortville – a housing developing she had just acquired.” The Empress’ smile returned to normal. “We are looking forward to meeting a new member of the family.

The Emperor nodded silently. Then he looked around. “Well, we are pleased you are here, your Highnesses, your Grace. We have prepared a mid-day meal in your honour. If you should like to freshen up first, our stewards will show you to your suites. You will be staying just behind us in Sweyn Castle, our family residence.”

The Emperor stood, followed by the Empress. With a clatter of benches and shoes the whole court stood and bowed deeply. “Once you are refreshed, the stewards will direct you to the State Dining Hall.” The Emperor bowed slightly to his guests, then, taking his wife’s hand, he departed through a door behind the twin thrones.

"I am, sire." Gwendolyn responded with the warmest of smiles. "More and more Danaans are believers, in fact."

Vicotira nodded as the conversation moved on to Tariq. "He does sound quite charming. I am only sorry that he came to your family by such a tragic path. I have heard something of the way things used to be in Mortville."

Gwendolyn nodded a little. "That is why we were curious about your sister, sire. We have heard of the wonders she has worked for the people of Mortville."

"Quite commendable." Nianki commented.

The three Danaans bowed as the Emperor and Empress left and turned towards the stewards, allowing themselves to be led to their suites.

Stewards attired in slightly archaic formal suits led Nianki, Vicotira and Gwendolyn out of the Great Hall and into the courtyard of the Citadel. As they passed blue uniformed soldiers snapped to attention and saluted. From the courtyard they passed through the Lesser Gate of the Citadel. The gate opened into a lush garden and a gently winding path that led towards an imposing looking 17th century Sweyn Castle. Behind the white stone façade of the castle, the five steepled spire of Redeemer Church rose majestically against a deep blue sky.

Inside the Castle, the three women were led to their suites, which occupied the western wing of the palace. A maid awaited each lady in her suite.

After each had been given enough time to freshen up and change, if desired, pages arrived to escort the ladies to the State Dining Hall. On their way to the Hall, they passed through galleries containing portraits of all the monarchs of Excalbia, beginning with Alsgood, the Great – based on his portrait an intelligent, if somewhat barbaric looking fellow – and ending with David IV – posed in his portrait with his wife and children. It was obviously a fairly recent portrait of the Emperor, since it included his Pantocratorian daughter-in-law.

As the three women entered the State Dining Hall, a band hidden in a gallery overlooking the hall played the opening lines of Long Reign the Queen. The invited guests stood as the music played. The pages stepped forward and announced each of the women individually, beginning with Duchess Gwendolyn and ending with Grand Duchess Nianki. The guests bowed as each of the dignitaries entered the hall.

Nianki, Vicotira and Gwendolyn were led to the high table, where Princess Rebecca, Prince James and Prince Peter waited for them. Rebecca smiled and curtsied. James grudgingly bowed and forced a smiled, after a sharp look from Peter. Peter greeted each of the ladies with a bow and smile, though the smile seemed a bit wider for Vicotira than for the others.

No sooner had everyone returned to their seats than the band played the opening of the Imperial March. Again, everyone rose to their feet. The senior page stepped forward and cried, “His Imperial Majesty, Bearer of the Sword of Alsgood, Defender of the Faith, By the Grace of God Lord of Excalbia, David IV, and Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth.”

The Emperor, now wearing a business suit in place of his uniform and cloak, and the Empress, wearing a blue dress of a more practical cut and length, entered the hall hand in hand. The nodded and smiled to their guests as the approached the high table. The Emperor bowed slightly to the two Grand Duchesses and nodded to Gwendolyn. The Empress smiled and nodded.

Indicating that his guests should be seated, the Emperor held the chair for his wife, then took his own seat.

An older man wearing blue and white clerical vestments stood. “Let us pray,” Bishop Graham Spelve said, bowing his head. The bishop gave a brief blessing and ended saying, “Amen.” Nearly everyone in the hall echoed, “Amen.”

As servants began placing plates of a light garden salad in front of the guests and filing glasses of wine, the Emperor turned to Nianki and lifted his glass. “To your visit, your Highness,” he said. Then, after a sip of wine, he added, “I am anxious to hear the news from the High Kingdom; there is a great deal of interest in your lands among my people. A recent travel book about the your lands is one of best sellers and my daughter cannot seem to find enough good things to say about your country and your people.” The Emperor gave a Nianki a good-natured smile. “In fact, I believe you might need to hire her for your tourism bureau.”

The three ladies pleasantly went through all the formalities and pleasantries, smiling all the time. When they were finally seated and the real conversation had begun, Nianki shook her head with a light laugh. "I am sure Her Highness serves a higher purpose than she would working for a tourism bureau."

The Emperor smiled and nodded. "Indeed she does, your Highness." David IV leaned slightly towards Grand Duchess Nianki and glanced at his daughter. "I sent Rebecca to the High Kingdom both to give her a chance to stretch her wings and to deepen relations between our countries." He turned towards his daughter and smiled, then looked back to Nianki. "I take it from your visit, your Highness, that my daughter's first effort at diplomacy met with some success."

Further down the table, Prince Peter looked over at Grand Duchess Vicotira and smiled. "You look lovely today, your Highness," he said softly. "I have been looking forward to seeing you again ever since Empress Aurora's birthday party." He gave Vicotira a quick wink. "I hope I shall have the opportunity to show you around while you are here."

Rebecca sat between her mother and Peter and tried desperately to listen to her father's conversation with Nianki, but his voice was too low to hear. She turned to speak to Vicotira, but saw Peter speaking with her. She shrugged and smiled sweetly at the young grand duchess.

Empress Elizabeth looked across from her and smiled at Duchess Gwendolyn. "Your Grace," she said we are happy to have you here. May I ask, are you part of the royal court?"

Nianki smiled at the Emperor. "They were indeed. Her Highness has been the most charming of guests. It would be an immense pleasure to see more of her."

Vicotira blushed ever so faintly and looked down shyly. "I would love that, Your Highness. I've also given our meeting more than an occassional thought."

Gwendolyn shook her head. "No, Your Majesty, not really." She smiled a little. "I do love the palace here. Perhaps Your Majesty could tell us something of its history?"

Emperor David IV smiled. Not the forced, diplomatic smile he had flashed off and on through out the day, but a wide, genuine smile full of fatherly pride. “That is good news,” he said beaming, his sister momentarily forgotten, “and very kind of you to say, your Highness.”

The Emperor visibly relaxed and casually took a sip of wine. “I have high hopes for Rebecca.” He took a bite of salad. “All too often,” he said after finishing the bite, “those children of the Imperial family not expected to inherit the throne have been excused from real responsibilities or expectations.” A look of sadness returned to the Emperor’s face. “I, myself, was the second son of my father, David III. My brother, Prince Paul, was expected to take the throne. That excused my sister, Christiana, and I from many of the obligations that fell to Paul.”

The Emperor shook his head. “Unfortunately, my sister took that as a license to indulge her every whim. A trait she bears to this day. I, by the grace of God, followed a different path and forged my own military career before my brother perished and I was forced to become the heir apparent.”

The Emperor looked down the table towards Rebecca, James and Peter. “I very much want my younger children and my nephew to follow in my path and not that of my sister. I want to them to have their own lives, their own aspirations…” The Emperor sighed and smiled slightly. He turned back to Nianki. “So, you can see why I am very pleased to hear that my daughter did well in the High Kingdom. Perhaps we can arrange a return trip for her at some point.”

* * *

Peter’s face reddened just slightly. He smiled. “I am glad that I have not been alone in my thoughts, then.” Peter glanced up the table towards the Emperor. “After lunch, I don’t believe there are any more ceremonies scheduled until the state dinner this evening at the Imperial Palace in the lower city. Perhaps after the meal I could show you around our capital.”

Peter caught a glimpse of his cousin Rebecca looking at him and Vicotira like a dog tied up outside a shop waiting for its master. He desperately wanted to get to know the young sidhe better, but he also knew Rebecca wanted to spend time with her as well. After all, he supposed, Vicotira was, to be precise, Rebecca’s guest. “Princess Rebecca might want to come along as well.”

Rebecca nodded and smiled towards her cousin.

“What do you say, your Highness?” Peter asked Vicotira with a smile.

* * *

The Empress noted that Duchess Gwendolyn seemed to dodge the opportunity to discuss herself, but decided not to press the issue. “This castle was built between 1659 and 1663 by Sweyn II, King of the Upper Lands of Excalbia, hence the name – Sweyn Castle. The older castle, where you were received this morning, was originally built in the 12th century. It became the seat of the first king, Alsgood, in 1594.”

The Empress made a slight sweeping gesture. “The castle was extensively renovated by Samuel I around 1840. He also added onto Redeemer Church – you may have seen its tower rising from behind the castle – turning it from a small chapel into the beautiful church you see today.”

Nianki frowned slightly as the Emperor was rather unabashedly criticizing his sister. "It is not the types of papers that cover the scandals that I read most, sire. We have heard a great deal of your sister's philanthropic efforts in Mortville and of her adoption of a young ward there."

She grinned a little as he discussed Rebecca. "Actually, we would be glad to have Her Highness study with Vicotira, if you were willing."
...
Vicotira grinned. "That sounds like a lovely idea!" She leaned in to Peter and whispered slightly. "What are my aunt and the duchess going to do meanwhile?"
...
Gwendolyn smiled warmly to the Empress. "I would actually love to see the Church, Your Imperial Majesty. Seeing it from the outside was rather lovely but I'd like to actually visit."

David gave the Grand Duchess a chastened smile. “My sister has been quite active in a number of charities and humanitarian endeavours. And, as you have skillfully – and diplomatically – pointed out, your Highness, I tend to give her far too little credit for her achievements and far too much blame for her occasional… indiscretions.”

The Emperor shrugged. “I suppose in some ways I still her as my troublesome little sister. I shall try to recall your comments when she returns to the Citadel.”

The Emperor shifted in his seat as servants cleared the salad plate and began serving a dish of large, lightly grilled tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of peppers, meat and cheese. As the dish was served, he rubbed his chin and appeared lost in thought.

After a moment, he turned back to Nianki. “Study with your niece, you say. In the High Kingdom. An intriguing idea, your Highness. Could you tell me more about the school and what thoughts you might have on living arrangements?”

* * *

Empress Elizabeth smiled. “Certainly, your Grace. I would be honoured to give you a tour myself. Do you think their Highnesses would be interested?”

* * *

Rebecca smiled at Vicotira’s acceptance of Peter’s invitation. She looked away as the servants cleared the plates, trying to overhear her father’s conversation with Grand Duchess Nianki.

Peter, too, smiled broadly. He rubbed his chin in a gesture surprisingly like his uncle’s as he thought about Vicotira’s question. “Hmmm. I suppose we could arrange for their own tour of the castle and the grounds, if they’d be interested.” He nodded towards his aunt, Empress Elizabeth. “I overheard my aunt and the duchess saying something about visiting the church. Do you think your aunt would be interested in that?”

Nianki smiled lightly. "The problem with our siblings is perhaps that we know them too well." she commented ambiguously.

"As to where Her Highness might stay...it would likely be with Vicotira's mother, the Grand Duchess Corrina. She could not be in better hands. The woman has sucessfully raised a high queen, an empress, and a grand duchess." She smiled a little. "She'd get the same care and discipline as Vicotira does."
...
Gwendolyn laughed lightly, turning towards Vicotira's conversation before looking back at Elizabeth. "I believe Grand Duchess Vicotira has managed to make other engagements for herself. I'm not sure about Grand Duchess Nianki. She's always seemed very uninterested when I tried to talk to her about Christianity before."
...
"My aunt would probably be interested in a tour of the castle." Vicotira said consideringly. "Probably not the Church though."

David smiled and nodded at the Grand Duchess’ comment about siblings. He listened carefully as she talked about Rebecca staying with Grand Duchess Corrina. He sat still for a moment, having finished his dish, then nodded in a decisive fashion.

“A very intriguing idea, your Highness,” he said as servants began placing the main course – a beef roast accompanied by mixed vegetables – in front of the guests. “I shall give it serious consideration. May I let you know my decision tomorrow, perhaps?”

* * *

Empress Elizabeth smiled as she, too, turned to glance at Grand Duchess Vicotira and Prince Peter, both of whom seemed lost in conversation. “Indeed,” she said, “well, then perhaps I can show and Grand Duchess Nianki about the castle and the Citadel. If she is not interested in the church, even from an architectural and artistic standpoint, then perhaps we can include some sights in the lower city and you and I can revisit the church another. Perhaps in the morning for the daily prayer service?”

* * *

Peter gave Vicotira a bemused look. “Really? Not much for churches is she? Well, I have every confidence that my aunt Elizabeth can more than occupy her time.”

The prince picked at the main course. “So, shall we plan to leave as soon as we can? And save room; I plan to include a treat or two in my tour.” He gave Vicotira a quick wink, then turned to give his cousin a slight smile.

((Telegrams))

"Of course." Nianki said with a slight smile. "There is no great hurry."
...
"That sounds like a lovely plan, Majesty." Gwendolyn said. "I would like to hear the sermon. I am not as familiar with the theology of the Church of Excalbia as I might be."
...
Vicotira blushed a little and lowered her gaze, not responding out loud to Peter's words, which made her feel nervous.

The Emperor nodded to Grand Duchess Nianki and finished the main course. “It seems,” he observed, “that your niece and my daughter and nephew are getting along rather well.”

He looked down toward Duchess Gwendolyn and leaned slightly towards Nianki. In a lowered voice he asked, “If I might, I am curious about the Duchess’ position in your court. Your position and that of your niece, of course, are quite clear, but the Duchess is new to me.”

* * *

The Empress daintily placed her fork and knife on her plate and dabbed at her mouth. Servants began clearing the plates and serving coffee and light cookies. “Very good,” she said to Gwendolyn. “We shall start our tour after coffee and after everyone has had an opportunity to freshen up. And tomorrow morning you shall join us for morning prayers.”

Elizabeth sipped her coffee. “So you are not of the Excalbian Church. What is your religious background, your Grace?”

* * *

Peter noticed Vicotira’s blush and smiled slightly. He turned towards and cousin. “So, Rebecca, where should we start?”

Rebecca looked from Vicotira to Peter. She blushed a little herself, almost as if in sympathy with the grand duchess. “Maybe in the lower city? Is there any game today?”

Peter nodded. “Yes, the Monarchs are playing the Narwhals…”

Rebecca smiled. “Maybe we could use the Imperial box and watch an inning or two?” The princess turned to Vicotira beaming. “Have you ever been to a baseball game, your Highness? I know not so many countries play the game…”

Peter rolled his eyes. Going to a ball game certainly was not what he had in mind. And it would cause quite a stir in the Agency to arrange security for three royals visiting the stadium on such short notice.

Nianki smirked ever so faintly. "She's only been to the High Court twice in her life, as far as I can recall. She spends most of her free time doing charity work or on her brothers lands in Tasat. She's still in school as well. I'm actually not sure why we brought her. It was a request from the High Queen, though, so I'm sure there is a reason yet to become apparent."
...
Gwendolyn smiled warmly. "That sounds quite lovely, Your Majesty. Thank you for the invitation."

Her expression got a little more serious and a little more excited when the conversation returned to religion proper. "I'm actually a member of the Evengelical Methodist Episcopal Church." she said. "Not that many Danaans belong to the Church of Excalbia properly speaking. It is a national church of your empire. However, the baptist theology preached by your missionaries has led to a respectable number of more independent baptist church's directly inspired by the ministry and witness of the Church of Excalbia."
...
"I've never seen a baseball game." Vicotira said. "I'd like to see one, however. I've heard it is much like Nunnehi Stickball."

The Emperor nodded. He was not sure what purpose the duchess could serve, but he was prepared to leave it as a matter for the Grand Duchess and her delegation.

David finished his coffee and set down the cup. “Your Highness, if you concur, we should like to host a formal state dinner in your honour this evening at the Imperial Palace in the lower city. In the meantime, if I have overheard correctly, I believe my wife is planning to give you and the duchess a tour of some of more important sites.” The Emperor leaned forward just a bit. “It also seems some of the younger members of our families have made their own plans. If you agree, I shall permit to go their separate way. With an appropriate escort, of course.”

* * *

The Empress nodded. “I have never been a stickler for theology,” Elizabeth said, “to me one’s heart attitude and commitment to the Lord have always been more important.” She smiled. “Actually, I am pleased that our missionaries at least helped establish the faith in your kingdom.”

* * *

Peter shrugged. “I’ve not heard of Nunnehi Stickball, but I know that what they call street stickball is similar to baseball, as is softball.” Peter looked around the table. “Well, it seems everyone is almost finished.” He looked at his watch. “If we all get changed quickly we should be able to catch at least three or four innings.”

"I agree on both counts." Nianki said. "I trust my niece a good deal to handle herself properly."
...
"So am I." Gwendolyn said with a broad grin.
...
"We need to get changed?" Vicotira asked.

The Emperor slightly arched an eyebrow at Nianki’s comment. He detected an implied criticism of his strictness as a parent, but he decided to let it pass. “Of course, your Highness,” he said. “And I am sure the youngsters will enjoy themselves.”

Finishing his coffee, the Emperor stood. “I hope you will not think me rude, but I must take my leave, your Highness. Matters of state. I look forward to seeing you this evening.” He bowed slightly, then turned to leave.

Through out the hall, the guests stood as the Emperor departed and returned to their seats only after he and his escort had left the hall.

“Well,” the Empress said, “I believe we can begin our tour whenever you are ready, your Highness,” she bowed slightly towards Grand Duchess Nianki, “and your Grace,” she nodded towards Gwendolyn.

Peter looked at Vicotira and whispered. “We should change because one normally watches a ball game in casual attire.” Then, he stood and bowed towards his aunt. “Your Majesty, your Highness, your Grace, if you consent, her Highness, Grand Duchess Vicotira, her Highness, Princess Rebecca, and I would like to see some of the sights of the lower city.”

Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “Of course.” She turned towards Nianki. “Your Highness?”

"Of course, sire." Nianki answered. She and the other Danaans stood while the Emperor left. Nianki and Gwendolyn both bowed to the Empress as they rose. "I am at your disposal, Your Majesty." Nianki said. She then nodded to Peter "Of course."

Vicotira blinked slightly. "But I don't have any casual clothes with me! I don't...have any casual clothes at all, actually."

Nianki and Gwendolyn moved to follow the Empress while the youngsters figured out this dilemma.

((OOC: I presumed our planned ending to this thread in Three Weddings and a Coronation, which I need you in. It's set after this thread and such. Sorry if I jumped the gun a little but I really needed to get some things moving.))

The Empress smiled and nodded to Nianki and Gwendolyn. “Shall we begin our tour?” The Empress stood and began leading the two nobles out of the hall. “I thought we would begin with the Citadel. There is a breath-taking view of the Imperial Preserve Island and the Summer Palace that you must see. And we will finish here at the castle so that you may change for dinner, if you so wish.”

Peter stood as the Empress rose and bowed. Rebecca, too, stood and nodded to her mother. As the Empress and the others made their way out of the hall. Peter looked to Vicotira and Rebecca. “Shall we get started then? As for changing… if you don’t have anything else, I suppose…”

“I have an idea,” interrupted Rebecca, “why don’t we all just go as we are so we can get started sooner!” She looked towards Vicotria and winked.

“Alright,” Peter said, “let’s go.” The young prince led his cousin and the Grand Duchess out of the castle and to a waiting car. A blue uniformed guardsman held open the door and Peter gestured for Rebecca and Vicotira to go first. After they were in, he quickly climbed in and the car drove away from the castle down a steep hill towards the city below.

Peter turned to Vicotira. “If you look down the hill, Vicotira, you can see most of the Island. That gothic-style red brick building is the old town hall. The domed building beyond it is the Imperial Senate.”

“That big ugly gray building,” Rebecca added, “is the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of State is across the street – its all those quaint Nordic-looking buildings there and the glass and steel thing next to them.”

“Behind the Defence Ministry,” Peter said, shooting his a cousin a stern look, “is the National Ecumenical Cathedral. It was build to symbolize the tolerance between different denominations here in Excalbia…”

“We go to Christmas and Easter services there,” Rebecca added, showing her cousin a toothy grin. “They even have inter-faith meetings there sometimes…”

The car sped down the hill, then turned to the left. It passed rows of large neoclassical government buildings, art deco offices and expensive looking apartment buildings. Soon, a bridge loomed straight ahead, with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers on the other side.

“That’s the Right Bank over there,” Peter said, “the commercial center of the city.”

“And the industrial center and home to most of the working class,” Rebecca added.

“And the best clubs in town,” Peter grinned.

“And the stadium,” Rebecca pointed towards a complex of three stadiums rising from near the bridge. The closest was obviously full of people and surrounded by cars.

“And the stadium,” Peter agreed.

The car approached the stadium and went directly into an area marked “VIP Only.” The car parked in a reserved spot next to an elevator. Peter opened the door and stepped out. He held the door and gestured to the elevator. “That’ll take us to the Imperial box. Shall we?”

Nianki and Gwendolyn rose with the Empress. "Of course, Your Majesty." Nianki said. She and Gwendolyn listened to her describe the tour they would be taking attentively. Nianki nodded slightly. "I suppose it could do no harm to change." She took a moment to take note of what the Excalbian ladies seemed to be wearing.

Vicotira listened as everything was pointed out. She stepped from the vehicle when she arrived and slipped her arm into Peter's. "We shall."

Rebecca climbed out of the car behind Vicotira. “Yes, let’s go.”

Peter smiled and closed the door. By the time the three reached the elevator doors a pair of guards stood saluting and holding the door open. Peter led the two young women into the elevator car and pushed the top of two buttons on the control panel.

The doors closed, leaving the guards behind, and the car rose swiftly half way up the side of the stadium. When the car stopped, a second set of doors on the opposite side opened.

Two more guards, standing on either side of a blue carpet, snapped to attention and saluted. The carpet led down a short hallway that seemed to open into a larger room. A woman stood at the far end of hallway as if waiting for the three new arrivals.

Peter smiled and nodded to the guards and led Vicotira and his cousin out of the elevator. Rebecca smiled to the guards. “Thank you,” she said softly.

The hallway was finished in a rich, wood paneling and was lit by polished brass chandeliers. The walls were lined with photos of members of the Imperial family posing with men in baseball uniforms of different colors.

At the end of the hall, the woman bowed as Peter and Rebecca approached. “Your Highnesses,” she said, turning her gaze also towards their guest. “Welcome. The game is in the top the third inning. Some refreshments are waiting for you. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Peter said with a nod. Then, he led Vicotira and Rebecca into what seemed to be a large, comfortable sitting room. There were leather sofas, reclining chairs, a table laden with drinks and snacks and even a fireplace. Two features, however, stood out. The first, and most significant, was the fact that one wall was made completely of glass and looked out onto the baseball diamond below. The second was that, while there were no paintings in the room, the walls were hung with large flatscreen monitors, all of which appeared to be showing the same game.

Rebecca went over to one of the sofas. “Here, Vicotira, join me,” she said patting the sofa. She glanced at one of the monitors. “The Citadel Monarchs,” Rebecca grinned, “the home team, have 2 to 1 lead over the Landing Narwhals.” Rebecca shrugged. “The Narwhals have won two championships in the last three years. I hope the Monarchs win this year.”

Peter sat down on a chair next to the sofa and turned to Vicotira. “Would you like a cold drink? Carbonated soft drinks are somewhat traditional at these things, though I can get you something else if you prefer.” He glanced at his cousin and back to Vicotira. “I do hope you enjoy the game.”

Vicotira nodded. "I've never had a carbonated beverage before now. I think I'd like one."

She sat through the game. She was full of questions. She asked about what was going on down there, what the rules were, what the calls meant. Because she was fairly sure they hadn't given enough notice to call anyone who wouldn't be there anyway, she asked what that woman did all day when the Imperial family didn't come to see a game (not where the lady could hear, of course). She asked if this was related to cricket or to any of a number of Amerindian stick ball games.She spoke happily to Peter and Rebecca, trying to become friends with both. However, her infatuation with Peter seemed to be withdrawn. It just didn't seem to be something she was ready for and she would pull back a little whenever he made a move in that direction. Part of her sensed that it wasn't something she would be here long enough for, even though part of her really wanted it. She just seemed to become very uncomfortable whenever any move was made in that whole direction.

Peter handed Vicotira a glass filled with ice and a cold, dark bubbly drink. “They call it Crown Cola,” he shrugged. “Not a very creative name, but it sells well.”

Peter and Rebecca enjoyed watching the game with Vicotira and answered all of her questions. When she asked about the waitress, Rebecca shrugged. “I’m afraid I don’t know what she does when we aren’t her.” The girl blushed and looked to Peter.

Peter smiled. “She works for the special events staff at the stadium. Takes care of VIPs and the such. They have a whole staff of them. They take care of all the luxury boxes,” he looked at Vicotira, “others like this, only smaller and less secure.” He smiled. “If we weren’t here, she’d simply be taking care of someone else. Now, if we had brought a large group on such short notice, they’d have to scramble to pull enough staff away without leaving their other wealthy guests feeling too neglected.”

Rebecca smiled and launched back into a discussion of the Monarch’s pitching staff. Peter sat back and watched. He felt comfortable with Vicotira and was enjoying her company and she seemed to enjoy his. Yet, something seemed very different than it had at Aurora’s birthday. Perhaps, he thought somewhat sadly, the infatuation had simply passed. Whatever the cause, it was soon obvious to Peter that Vicotira was much more interested in having two friends in Excalbia rather than a friend and a romantic partner.

He shrugged and turned away, pretending to watch a replay on one of the large plasma TVs. Peter’s thoughts drifted back to Helen, now hopelessly lost to him, then to a procession of other women. All had enchanted him and all had passed from the scene. Suddenly, Peter was very aware that he was the oldest in the room and found himself feeling like he was babysitting two little sisters.

Peter shook himself and the feeling passed. He turned back to Vicotira and smiled, diving into the conversation.

After a while, Peter looked at his watch. “Well, we’ve made it to the bottom of the seventh, but I think we need to head back to the castle, especially since we have a motorcade to the Imperial Palace.”

Rebecca bit her lip and sighed. “Well, I guess it is time, then…”

Vicotira smiled. "Let's go then." She allowed Peter to help her up and then walked with the others back to their vehicle. "Thank you for taking me to the game, Your Highnesses. I learned a lot about baseball."
...
Meanwhile, Nianki and Gwendolyn were prepared for the evening's event. Nianki was dressed in a shining gown of gossamer with a fairly high slit on the left leg. Gwendolyn was dressed much more conservatively in old fashioned but genuine Excalbian court garb she had arranged just for the occassion. Her golden curls were done up fabulously and her alabaster skin seemed to shine lightly in the low light.

Both ladies had certainly enjoyed their tour of the grounds earlier. They had made sure to ask lots of questions and to learn a lot about the Citadel and the Palace and the traditions of the Sword. Gwendolyn seemed especially keen to know as much about Excalbia as possible, although Nianki was hardly uncurious.

Peter smiled as Vicotira took his arm and let him help her up from the sofa. “I’m glad,” he glanced at his cousin, “we’re glad,” he emphasized the first word with a wink towards Rebecca, “that you enjoyed the game. And please call us by name. If we might call you Vicotira.”

“Oh, yes, please don’t worry about titles,” Rebecca said. “And did you really enjoy the game?”

Rebecca continued to talk with bubbly energy as she and Peter led Vicotira down the elevator to the waiting car.

As they made their way back towards the castle, the Empress finished her tour and led Gwendolyn and Nianki to their suites. “Thank you for your company,” she said with a small bow, “I will see you shortly for dinner.”

After allowing enough time for everyone to change, stewards arrived at the suites of the three Danaan dignitaries and escorted them to front doors of Sweyn Castle. The Emperor, Empress and other members of the Imperial family soon joined the three Danaans. After brief greetings, the entire party was escorted to a waiting motorcade.

With a police escort, the motorcade made its way down the hill to the lower city below. Once in the old city, the motorcade turned to the right and sped past the domed Imperial Senate building towards the sprawling baroque Imperial Palace.

The Palace was grandly illuminated and mobbed with eager well-wishers. The cars of Excalbia’s power elite filled the parking lot and blue uniformed Imperial Guards were everywhere.

The motorcade came to a stop and the Imperial family and their guests were met by an honour guard that saluted then briskly escorted them into the Palace.

Inside the Palace, the marble-floored Grand Ballroom was filled with blue-draped round tables. Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. An orchestra played softly from the balconies overlooking the main floor. Most of the guests had already arrived and were mingling around their assigned tables. Black coats and ties and military uniforms were mixed in among the more colorful dresses of ladies. A happy though muffled babble of voices filled the hall.

Suddenly, the orchestra fell quiet and three sets of ruffles and flourishes hushed the crowd. A uniformed Imperial Guard stepped from the door at the front of the Ballroom. “Her Excellency, Lady Jessica Tagaarth, Speaker of the Imperial Senate and her son, Janis, Baron Tagaarth.”

Lady Jessica, looking small and old, yet still strong, walked out in a shimmering blue gown. He son, a middle-aged man himself, escorted her, smiling broadly.

As soon as the Speaker of the Senate had reached her table, the trumpets blew again. Again, the Imperial guardsman announced in a long voice. “Her Excellency, Lady Christina Freedman, Chancellor of the Holy Empire.”

Lady Christina walked confidently down the red carpet, escorted by uniformed soldier, waving and smiling to the guests in attendance. Her dark blonde hair was swept up in a sophisticated style and she was dressed in a glamorous red gown. She made her way quickly to her table, pausing to greet Lady Jessica.

“Her Grace, Duchess Gwendolyn of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream.” Gwendolyn, also escorted by Imperial guardsman, was led down the carpet to one of the high tables, where she was seated next to Lady Jessica.

“His Imperial Highness, Peter, Prince of Kuldiga and Her Imperial Highness, Princess Rebecca.” Peter entered, waving and smiling, with Rebecca on his arm. His younger cousin smiled shyly. He escorted her to Lady Christina’s table, then made his way to join Gwendolyn at her table.

“Her Imperial Highness, Princess Christiana.” There was an audible gasp as the princess was introduced. Christiana entered the hall with her escort and flashed a light smile. She was dressed in a blue gown that was extremely conservative for the princess. She waved to a few well-wishers, then moved to her own table.

“Her Highness, Grand Duchess Vicotira of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream.” Vicotira, on the arm of blue uniformed guardsman, was led to Rebecca’s table.
The trumpets sound four sets of ruffles and flourishes before the guardsman stepped forward to announce the next party. “His Imperial Highness, Joseph, Prince of Langeais and Her Imperial Highness, Anna, Princess of Langeais.” Joseph, dressed in a splendid blue uniform, led a very obviously pregnant and beaming Anna to the table where they joined his aunt Christiana.

Ruffles and flourishes sounded five times and everyone seemed to hold their breath. “Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth, Empress of the Holy Empire.” The Empress, her red hair offset by a green silk gown, entered the hall with a military escort and made her way to the table already occupied by her daughter and Vicotira.

The trumpets repeated the five sets of ruffles and flourishes. “His Imperial Majesty, David IV, Emperor of the Holy Empire and Her Highness, Grand Duchess Nianki of the Danaan High Kingdom of the Resurgent Dream.” David IV, in his formal white naval uniform, escorted Nianki into the hall and to the table where they joined the Empress and the others.

The Emperor lifted his wine glass and looked towards the crowd in the ballroom. “My lords and ladies, honoured guests, I give you Grand Duchess Nianki, Grand Duchess Vicotira and Duchess Gwendolyn – our esteemed guests from the Danaan High Kingdom.” He turned to Nianki. “Your Highnesses,” he looked over to the adjacent table towards Gwendolyn, “your Grace, welcome to the Holy Empire. We pray that you will enjoy your stay and that the friendship between the Holy Empire and the Danaan High Kingdom will continue to flourish.” The Emperor drank his toast them took his seat.

"Of course you can call me Vicotira, Peter. You and Rebecca have been very good friends." She smiled warmly. "The game was certainly something new. It seems to be rather popular here."

The Danaans were escorted to the Palace. Gwendolyn sat with Lady Jessica and Prince Peter. Vicotira was seated with Princess Rebecca. Nianki, actually dressed less modestly than the scandalous Christiana, sat with the Emperor and the Empress.

Nianki took a moment to ponder the exact details of how the herald's had announced her. It wasn't exactly how it was done back home and she was accustomed to seeking the hidden meaning of the smallest details in such matters. She then looked up and smiled to the Emperor's toast. The Danaans joined in it before Nianki stood and made a toast of her own. "To the Holy Empire of Excalbia, may she continue to be the strong sword of justice in the Atlantic." Of course, one couldn't hear the difference between sword and Sword and it was something of a pun.

After raising her glass to both toasts, Vicotira grinned over at Rebecca. "I'm really enjoying my visit. Your country is very beautiful and you've really made me feel at home so far."

Gwendolyn smiled slightly over at Peter. ""Did you and Their Highnesses enjoy the game, Your Highness? I've actually never seen a baseball game myself."

The Emperor smiled at Nianki and nodded in acknowledgement of the clever pun. He drank to the toast. And leaned back in his chair. “I hope you had a pleasant afternoon, your Highness. My wife tells me you and the Duchess were quite attentive on the tour.”

Servants dressed in gold jackets and blue trousers began making their way among the dinners serving the first course, a light dish of crab and summer vegetables with a citrus dressing.

Rebecca smiled at Vicotira. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your visit. Tomorrow there are no formalities, so we have the whole day to explore. Any ideas about what you would like to see? There are museums, churches, the Preserve Island, the countryside. Whatever interests you.”

At a nearby table, Peter smiled at Gwendolyn. He had not paid much attention to her earlier; his mind had been focused on Vicotira at lunch, but now he noticed that the young duchess was quite attractive in her own right. “Yes,” he said, consciously trying not to stare too much, “I believe Her Highness enjoyed the game.” He thought for a moment. “If you are interested in seeing a game, there is another one tomorrow.” Peter laughed lightly. “The wonderful thing about baseball is that there is almost always another game tomorrow.” He looked back at Gwendolyn. “So, your Grace, would you be interested in seeing a couple of innings?”

"Oh, we did." Nianki said. "Her Majesty told us much about the history of Excalbia of which we were previously unaware. I have always had a great interest in other monarchies but I so rarely get to leave the Resurgent Dream. This is my first time out of the country since I was commanding our brave men and women in Marlund."

Vicotira paused, eating some while she considered the options with which Princess Rebecca had presented her. "Well...What is actually on the Preserve Island?"

Gwendolyn blushed slightly, fairly sure he was asking her on the equivalent of a date. "I'd love to go see baseball tommorrow. I've never been to a game before now." She paused, looking slightly embarassed. "What is an inning?"

“Ah,” the Emperor said knowingly. “Well, we are certainly glad that you have joined us, your Highness.” The Emperor leaned closer and lowered his voice just a bit. “Tell, what were your experiences commanding troops in the field?”

Empress Elizabeth turned her attention from her husband’s conversation to her daughter’s.

Rebecca looked at Vicotira and smiled. “Oh, the Preserve Island is the most wonderful place. You can see it from the Citadel; it is only a few kilometers from this island. The entire island is preserve belonging to the Sword. Other than the Summer Palace, some guest residences and a few administrative buildings, the island is just fields and woods. We use it as a private retreat.” Rebecca’s smile widened and she became excited. “We have sports fields and stables and pools…” Rebecca turned to her mother. “Mother, can I take Vicotira to the Island tomorrow?”

“Well, if she wishes to go,” the Empress said looking to Vicotira.

Nearby, Peter dabbed his chin to hide a grin as he noticed Gwendolyn’s blush. “Well, we should certainly take you to a game in that case.” Peter laid down his fork. “To answer your question, a baseball game is divided into 9 innings and an inning is a period in which each team has one turn at bat.” Peter shrugged. “It will be easier to explain the details tomorrow at the game.”

Peter took a bite of crab. “So, your Grace,” he asked, “how was your tour?”

Nianki smiled a little. "Well, there was a terrorist threat as well as the Insurgency in the East. However, most of what I found myself doing was dplomacy: Trying to ensure that the Pantocratorian and Adoki soldiers were respectful of the local religious traditions and people, trying to reconcile the majority Marlundish population to the former slaves, trying to help the new constitutional monarchy establish the rule of law, that sort of thing."

"That sounds like a wonderful place!" Vicotira exclaimed. "I would love to go there with you. We can go swimming."

Gwendolyn was speaking pleasantly to Peter. "The tour was charming. Excalbia has such a history and keeps such a good memory of it. Back home, it's hard to find much historical information pre-dating the Homecoming War."

“Ah,” the Emperor said with a smile, “a soldier and a diplomat! We could use those skills in the Holy Empire. I must say that I did not follow the Marlund crisis all that closely, so I am a bit unfamiliar with the details.”

Rebecca smiled at Vicotira’s exclamation. “Wonderful! Then we’ll go over tomorrow morning after breakfast! We can swim and maybe go for a ride as well!”

Empress Elizabeth turned to her daughter. “Perhaps you should take James and Tariq as well; it would do them well to get out of the palace before school resumes.” The Empress turned to Vicotira. “That is, if you do not object, your Highness. My son and my sister-in-law’s ward should not be much trouble; I am sure that they’ll play on their own on the sports fields.”

Rebecca looked a little glum and turned to her mother. “Very well. If Vicotira doesn’t mind.”

“Really,” Peter said to Gwendolyn in surprise. “History is very important here; almost too important sometimes.” He looked at Gwendolyn and smiled dreamily. “So, how far back was the Homecoming War and what is known from before?”

Meanwhile, the waitresses began clearing the appetizer and serving a cold soup made of fresh berries.

Nianki smiled lightly. "It was originally an anti-terrorism operation, but now it had turned into assisting the people of Marlund with the abolition of slavery, the emancipation of women, and the fundamental restructcuring of society. It is no light task to be sure. I just hope I managed to at least make some progress."

"I don't mind at all." Vicotira said, simply enough.

"Well..." Gwendolyn said ..."actually, my House held the Kingship of Shieldcrest and usually the High Kingship back before the Homecoming War. Of course, at the time only the Crowns of what were then separate kingdoms were hereditary. The High Kingship could only be gained with the assent of ones fellow kings. At any rate, what was then the House of Ambrosius-Cunedda-Kamameha held it in Shieldcrest. It was an era of rivalry and political machinations, as well as a period during which most of the country was still being settled. It was also a time when terrible things were done to the indigenous population. I could go into more detail if you wished?"

David slowly shook his head. “It is hard to believe,” the Emperor said, “that there still such backward places in the world. It makes even our local ‘rogues’ seem respectable and civilized by comparison.”

Conversation slowly paused as the main course, a pepper smoked beef filet corn polenta and summer vegetables, was served. Wine was poured for all the guests and the gentle bubble of conversation resumed.

When the Emperor did not immediately resume his conversation with the Grand Duchess, the Chancellor leaned forward. “Your Highness,” Lady Christina Freedman said, turning towards Nianki, “it seems remarkable to me how much the Danaan High Kingdom has changed in the last several years since we first established diplomatic relations. I wonder how well society has adjusted to such rapid change.”

The Empress nodded to Vicotira. “I appreciate your willingness to have two young boys tag along with you tomorrow; I am sure they will not cause any trouble and you and Rebecca can enjoy yourselves.

“Now, tell me, Vicotira, what do you think of Rebecca coming to study in the High Kingdom? I understand she will be attending the same school you attended. Can you tell me about it?”

Peter listened carefully to Gwendolyn; much more carefully than he usually listened to other people. “So, your family was the royal family before the Homecoming War.” He paused and pondered for a moment. “One thing I am not clear about, your Grace, who are the indigenous people of the Resurgent Dream? Are they the humans or the Fae?”

Nianki paused. "I am not sure if I am the best person to ask that question, m'lady. I am neither a sociologist nor a legislator. However, my impression is that the effects are comparable to what most nation's experience during their industrial revolutions. We just happened to experience it much, much later, chronologically speaking."

Gwendolyn politely murmured to the waiter that she would prefer grape juice for religious reasons.

Vicotira nodded. "It's a very good school. All girls. There's a strong focus on the humanities, especially ethics. We're very closely supervised. The teachers are mostly experts in their field. It's not a boarding school but it is on a par with any boarding school in the Resurgent Dream. Is there anything more specific you wanted to know, Your Majesty?"

Gwendolyn smiled. "Humans. Well, some humans. The indigenous people are Polynesian, as one finds in Micronesia or Macronesia. They still constitute the majority of the population. Their King was Kamameha, generally held to be a distant relation of the Hawaiian line which led to King Kamehameha, the first ruler of a united Hawaii, many centuries later. My earliest white ancestors to settle in what is now the Resurgent Dream, warrior princes descended from Cunedda, the first king of Gwynned, and from Ambrosius Aurelianus, one of the last rulers of Roman Britain, joined their house to his through marriage so as to establish a legitimate claim to the island and a legitimate leadership over both peoples. Hence, the House of Ambrosius-Cunedda-Kamameha. Because of the intervening centuries and the pure records of Hawaiian genealogy, many historians doubt the relation. However, one of my ancestors did feel perfectly comfortable asking High Queen Corrina for troops to help 'cousin Lilly' during the American invasion."

The waiter nodded to Gwendolyn before leaving the table. He returned moments later with a wine glass of grape juice. He sat it on the table and bowed.

Peter noticed that Gwendolyn declined the wine, but decided to ask about that later. In the meantime, he listened to duchess recite some of her kingdom’s history. “Fascinating,” he said when she was finished. “So, your ancestry is Polynesian, Britton and Roman? And these were the indigenous peoples of the kingdom? So, when did the Fae appear?”

Lady Christina listened to Nianki while she finished her main course. “However,” she said after dabbing her chin with her napkin, “in many countries the industrial revolution was accompanied by violence and revolutions. I have heard of no such dislocations in the Resurgent Dream and I am curious as to how those problems were avoided.”

The Empress dabbed her mouth with her napkin, unconsciously mirroring the Chancellor’s gesture. “Your school sounds quite impressive. Certainly it is much more than a typical secondary school.” She laid a finger beside her cheek. “So, it is all girls, you say? My husband will be quite pleased about that. You say they teach ethics. What of religion?”

"Just the Polynesians were indigenous." Gwendolyn clarified. "The Fae appeared about five centuries ago, though they claimed to have inhabited the island millenia ago, before the first Polynesians arrived. Their arrival was the cause of the Homecoming War, fought between Humans and Fae."

"Those problems were not avoided." Nianki said. "There was a civil war. In fact, it drew in foreign troops from Akaton, Weyr, and Menelmacar. I'm surprised you had not heard tell of it."

Vicotira considered a moment. "They teach Intelligent Design theory. I'm not sure if you would count that or not."

Peter looked at Gwendolyn with a rare look of seriousness. “But, the rest of your ancestors arrived before the Fae arrived – or returned. Right? So, I take it that your ancestors and the Fae were on opposing sides in the Homecoming War. How long did it take those divisions to heal? And does your family – and other humans – ever regret losing their station to the Fae?”

Lady Christina nodded gravely. “Of course. But, your country seems to have weathered every storm gracefully.”

The Empress nodded. “But they do not teach the history of theology of any specific religions?”

As the dinner conversation continued, waiters began clearing the tables as prelude to serving desert.

Gwendolyn frowned. "That's a very complicated question, Your Highness." She ate in silence for a long moment. "Perhaps you could tell me more about the history of Excalbia?"

Nianki smiled slightly. "Thank you, m'lady. I shall take that as a compliment."

Vicotira thought about the question for a moment, not sure how to answer. "Well, they teach history. They teach about different religions and the changes they've undergone in history class. But they don't teach religion."

Peter nodded, sensing that Gwendolyn did not want to discuss the matter any more. He felt a pang of guilt for having pressed the issue of her family’s loss of the throne. The last thing he wanted to do, he realized, was to upset the duchess.

He plastered a warm smile on his face as he finished the last of his desert. “I am sure, your Grace, that my aunt has already regaled you with stories of our illustrious past. But I’m happy to discuss anything that interests you. Did she tell you the story of how Joshua, the Great came to convert to Christianity?”

Lady Christina nodded. “And so it was intended.” The Chancellor finished her desert and sipped her coffee. “Is there anything in particular you interested in seeing or doing while you are here, your Highness?”

The Empress nodded to Vicotira. “Interesting,” she said simply.

"No, she didn't." Gwendolyn said. "I would love to hear about it." She paused a moment and laughed lightly. "Joshua was a strange name for a pagan, was it not?"

Nianki nodded slightly. "I'd like to see some of the ancient battlefields, if possible. Some of the ones from before Excalbia was a united empire."

Vicotira fell silent, worried she'd offended the Empress.

Peter wiped his mouth with his napkin in a vain attempt to hide a chuckle. “Well, your Grace, you have uncovered one of our deepest, darkest secrets!” Peter leaned towards Gwendolyn and lowered his voice. “The truth is – and I tell you this only on your promise not to tell,” Peter voice seemed to bubble with suppressed laughter, “that Emperor Joshua, the Great, the Christianizer of Excalbia, the Uniter of the Highland and Lowland kingdoms, was born Thorvald, son of Ragarth. And, if not for a chance meeting with the comely young daughter of Virginian missionary, he would have reigned as King Thorvald I of the Highland Kingdom of Excalbia. And my name would probably be Olof or Thorfinn or something like that.”

Peter leaned back and smiled. “However, in 1807 King Ragarth took young Thorvald with him to the colonial settlement of Landing. There, the young prince met the even younger Abigail Taylor, the daughter of a Baptist missionary from Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia. He was smitten with her and under her influence converted to Christianity and adopted the name Joshua. Ever since, no one has referred to him as Thorvald; it is rarely used even in history books!

“Anyway, a year later the couple married and a year after that King Ragarth died and Joshua took the throne.

“On Christmas Day in 1809, Joshua proclaimed a union between the Highland Kingdom and the Lowland states. He named the new kingdom the ‘Holy Empire of Excalbia.’ He made Christianity the state religion and named the leader of North American colonists his Chancellor.” Peter laughed. “And that is how the coy smile of a comely Christian girl made Excalbia both Christian and an empire!”

Lady Christina smiled. “I am sure we can arrange that. Your Majesty?”

“Of course, of course,” Emperor David IV said with a smile, “in fact, I shall join you. We can visit the battlefields at Valmiera, where Alsgood began his campaign to unite the Highland kingdoms, and at Kuldiga, where Haroldson the Usurper was slain in battle, and on the plains of Turaida, where Hildegaard slew the Baron of Turaida, ending his rebellion.” The Emperor’s smile took on an odd cast, “You may not be aware, your Highness, that ever since the rebellion of Baron Turaida was put down by Queen Hildegaard, his former castle – Turaida Castle – has been used as a prison? It remains a prison to this day. And,” the Emperor nodded towards the nearby table where his son and daughter-in-law sat with Princess Christiana, “I presented the sword Hildegaard wielded in that battle to Princess Anna as a wedding present.”

The Empress meanwhile noticed Vicotira’s silence and feared that her questions about teaching religion had offended her. “Your Highness,” the Empress said, trying to sound a light note, “I hope you enjoyed your afternoon at the ball game. How did you find the game?”

Gwendolyn blushed and giggles lightly, placing one hand ever so briefly on Peter's upper arm. "I should have known he simply changed it!" she exclaimed. "However, if I may say so, Your Highness, I think you would have made a fine Olof."

Nianki smiled. "I am especially interested in Hildegaard. I have always found historical warrior queens to be quite inspirational. I would ask more of the queen but it might be more prudent to save my questions for when we see the site."

Vicotira nodded. "It was the first baseball game I'd ever seen. Prince Peter tells me that it's a very popular game in Excalbia. Did you learn it from the Americans? I understand your people have very strong connections with the Virginians, especially Upper Virginia in the Excalbian Isles."

Gwendolyn’s brief touch of Peter’s arm sent a cascade of warmth down its length and across his shoulders. His reddened just slightly. “If you were the one calling Olof, I am certain I could grow used to it,” he said lightly.

Then, he leaned forward. “If we are to attend the ballgame tomorrow, I insist that you call me Peter. May I call you Gwendolyn?”

David smiled and Nianki’s remark. “Ah, we have had a few strong queens. In fact, all of our queens and empresses have been rather strong-willed characters. Though Hildegaard was special. She came to the throne at 16 and immediately faced a rebellion by some of the barons. And she became the only queen to personally lead troops in battle…” The Emperor gave a slight blush. “You must pardon me, history is great interest of mine and I can run-on at times. We will discuss the warrior queen in more detail tomorrow. There is a museum dedicated to her in Turaida; I shall arrange a visit, if you desire.”

The Empress in reply to Vicotira. “Yes, you could say we have strong historical connections to the eastern coast of America and to Virginia in particular. Our state church, part of the Imperial bloodline and even our constitution and that of the Confederation can be traced in some way back to the Virginian colonists. New Virginia – where the Confederation’s capital is located – and Upper Virginia are both named in honour of that place.”

The Empress chuckled. “At some point, I guess some of their sports – though they were later creations – migrated here through the family connections. I believe that we are one of the nations outside the Americas and East Asia to play baseball.”

As the guests continued to chat, waiters served a second round of coffee and tea and finished clearing the dishes. The orchestra seamlessly shifted its music from light background accompaniment to something a little more suited for a dance.

“Excuse me, your Highness, your Excellency,” the Emperor said to Nianki and Lady Christina. He turned to his wife. “Your Majesty,” he said, “may I have the pleasure of this dance?”

“I would be pleased, your Majesty,” she said playfully. Then, turning back to Vicotira she added, “Pardon me, your Highness.”

The Emperor and Empress walked to the dance floor arranged in the midst of the tables and began to dance. After a several minute delay dictated by protocol other couples began to take to the floor.

Gwendolyn paused a moment, smiling coyly. "If you wish, you may certainly call me Gwendolyn, Peter."

Nianki listened with great interest to the entire tale. "That is a truly fascinating story. I look forward to hearing all of the details tomorrow." She nodded when he turned to dance with his wife.

Vicotira nodded a little. "I'd actually never heard of it before this trip. They might play it somewhere in the Resurgent Dream, however. With the way our society tends to function, you can find just about any sport is played somewhere if you look hard enough." She too nodded as the Empress turned to dance.

The three women looked quietly about the room, waiting for men to ask them to dance.

Peter stood and looked at Gwendolyn. “Gwendolyn, may I have this dance?” He extended his towards the duchess with a graceful bow.

As the prince and the duchess prepared to dance, Janis Tagaarth turned to his mother and whispered something to her. Then, he stood and approached Grand Duchess Nianki. Tagaarth bowed, first towards Lady Christina, then towards the grand duchess. “Your Excellency, your Highness,” he said with a pleasant smile. “Your Highness, if I might, I should like to introduce myself – I am Janis Tagaarth, Baron of Aluksne. May I have the honour this dance?”

Princess Rebecca watched couples pairing up and going to dance floor. She sighed and turned to Vicotira with a shrug. Then, her eyes caught sight of two young men standing at a table nearby. She gave them a smile and polite nod. The two young men looked to each other then began walking toward Rebecca’s table. “I think I found us dance partners,” Rebecca whispered as the two fellows – apparently in their late teens or early twenties – approached.

“Your Highnesses,” they said almost in unison as they bowed. “Would you care to dance?”

Rebecca gave them a stern look and said in a mock serious voice, “First you should properly introduce yourselves to my guest.”

The first boy, a tall fellow with red hair, shot his friend a sharp glance. “I apologize for my friend and I, your Highnesses.” He turned to face Vicotira. “I am Thomas Bergmanis, son of the Lord Sheriff, and this,” he gestured to the smaller, younger boy, “is Ainars Halton, grandson of Lord Halton – the Minister of Defence.” He turned and bowed again to the princess. “Now, your Highnesses, may we have the honour of this dance?”

"You may, Peter." she said with a small smile, placing her soft, white hand into his and allowing him to lead her on to the dance floor.

Nianki returned the bow. "You certainly may, my lord." She gave him her muscled hand and walked with him towards the dance floor. She nodded to the Chancellor as she left. "It was an honor to meet you, my lady."

Vicotira laughed pleasantly. "You certainly may." She looked from one to the other and then to Rebecca. "Have you decided, my lords, which of you wishes to dance with which of us? Remember, you can't both have Princess Rebecca, lovely as she is."

Gwendolyn surveyed the other couples as she danced with Peter. "I had actually expected you to ask Her Highness before me, Peter." she confessed, in a slightly nervous tone.

Peter took Gwendolyn’s hand and led her to the dance floor. Peter danced gracefully and smiled as he gently held the duchess.

Gwendolyn surveyed the other couples as she danced with Peter. "I had actually expected you to ask Her Highness before me, Peter." she confessed, in a slightly nervous tone.

Peter was momentarily at a loss for word. He felt a brief pang of guilt. He had been so recently and obvious infatuated with Vicotira, just as he had been Helen and many others, yet had moved on so quickly. Yet, he had felt Vicotira clearly pulling back from him at the ballpark. And Gwendolyn was so sweet and lovely.

Peter smiled. “Whatever came you that idea?” He asked with slight chuckle. Then, in a more serious voice he added, “Besides, how could I pass up the opportunity to have the first dance with the most beautiful woman here this evening?"

The Chancellor nodded politely to the Grand Duchess as she walked away. “It was a pleasure to meet you, your Highness.” As Nianki and Lady Jessica’s son made their way to dance floor, Lady Christina glanced at her watch. She had once loved these dinners and attended them with some of the most eligible bachelors in the Empire. And how she had loved to dance. But five years in the chancery had been draining. She felt twice her age and was completely uninterested in everything, apart from her duties. She stood and quietly made her exit, pausing only to ask one of the Imperial Guard to give the Emperor her regrets for leaving early.

On the dance floor, Baron Janis proved himself a competent if uninspired dancer. He smiled at the Grand Duchess and made small talk, asking about her tour and her impressions of the Empire.

Thomas laughed nervously and looked dismissively at the younger Ainars. “Your Highness,” Thomas said, extending his hand to Vicotira, “I would be honoured if you dance with me.

Princess Rebecca suppressed a giggle and held out her hand for Ainars Halton. “Ainars, it seems that leaves you and I. If you would be willing to dance with me, that is.”

Ainars blushed bright red. “Why Be… um, your Highness, I would love to dance with you!” The boy took the princess’ hand and the foursome made their way onto the dance floor.

The Emperor spotted his daughter and Lord Yornis’ grandson walking to the dance floor and gave them a slight nod. The Empress watched her husband with an amused look. Once they were again well away from the young couples, she whispered, “Why David, your reaction was so restrained. Usually your veins pop when you see Becka with a boy.”

David IV smiled at his wife. “Well, she is getting older. And the boy is Lord Yornis’ grandson. If he did anything improper, his grandfather would flay him alive.”

“Hmm,” Elizabeth said watching her husband’s expression. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you were in a good mood.”

“I am.”

“Well,” she chuckled, “we should make the best of it.”

Gwendolyn blushed softly. "Peter...I am hardly the most beautiful woman here tonight. I can pick out a dozen women far lovelier than I just looking around the room. I..." She blushed and just looked down. "You're very sweet to say that."

Nianki informed the baron's son of the tour, talking about the various things that the Empress had shown her and about how much she was enjoying the Empire so far. She started drifting into general Atlantic politics before she caught herself. "Does Excalbia have a space program?" she asked, out of the blue.

Vicotira smiled and allowed the young man to lead her out onto the dance floor. "So tell me about Excalbian orders of nobility." she said. Vicotira had noticed that, while lords and ladies abounded, there seemed to be few nobles between the Imperial family and the barons. She wasn't sure if that was systematic or just a coincidence.

Peter smiled at Gwendolyn’s blush. As he continued to dance with the pretty young duchess, he held her a bit closer – though still within the bounds of propriety – and looked deeply into her eyes.

Baron Janis gave Grand Duchess Nianki a quizzical look. After a moment he blinked his widened eyes. “I apologize, your Highness,” he said slowly, “I must admit that your question took me a bit by surprise. I am certainly no expert, but, yes, we do have a space program. Mostly robotic exploration. Voyages to Europa, Io, Neptune and the such. Our DAIN artificial intelligences have proven quite capable at carrying out such missions, so I understand.”

The baron seemed to think for a moment. “I do not believe we have sent any people to the Moon or Mars or the such; it seems so many have already done that. However, we do have some small orbital space platforms. Mostly for scientific research. Although,” the baron lowered his voice slightly, “I have heard rumours that we may have put some of those amazing particle weapons we obtained from Varessa on the platforms…”

Thomas Bergmanis smiled at Vicotira’s question. “Our system is rather different than most others. Fortunately, I did rather well in my history studies. Simply put, we have only two levels of nobility – the lords and the barons. When the Nordic-Baltic settlers who became the highlanders first arrived in the Excalbian Isles in the 10th century, they had only one level of nobility – valdnieks. The valdnieks were the landowners and the lawgivers. Basically tribal chieftains. By the 13th or 14th century, some of the valdnieks – who eventually became known in English as barons – managed through marriage, conquest or debt bonds to gain authority over others of their peers. These liege lords came to be known as kungs – or lords.

“Once Alsgood established the monarchy, he also established the tradition of creating new titles in service to the Sword and calling them lords – hence the lord sheriff, the lord chamberlain and such. So, the lords came to be associated with Sword and gained a higher standing in the court, while the barons maintained a degree of autonomy.

“So, today, if you meet an Excalbian lord or lady he or she may have inherited the title through an estate or a grant from the Sword, or he or she may have received the title through a new grant or through an appointment to a specific office – like my father, the Lord Sheriff. However, if you meet a baron or baroness, his or her estate either predates the monarchy or comes from the early days of the kingdom.”

Thomas smiled. “Now, to make things more complicated, some lords are also barons, some barons,” the young man nodded towards Nianki and her dance partner, “like Baron Tagaarth, hold a baronial title but may inherit a lordship at a later date. When Lady Jessica Tagaarth – his mother – dies, for instance, Baron Tagaarth will become a lord. However, barons are generally never lords; if they become a lord, they are called lords.”

The young man smiled again. “I hope I didn’t bore you. I’d love to hear something about you, your Highness.”

Gwendolyn looked back deeply for a moment before blushing and turning away. She allowed herself to be held closer. Still, she seemed a little nervous that Peter was moving rather fast and tus wanted conversation to start again. "I'm afraid I've run out of things to ask you about, Peter. Perhaps there's something you would hear of from me?"

Nianki nodded. "That does sound like a sensible, measured approach. Given the abundance of space nations in the modern world, many people feel that space is the new realm of international politics and that they must go there to participate, even though the vast bulk of the population remains firmly on Earth."

Vicotira nodded. "I understand now. Barons and Lords are two separate titles in Excalbia." She blushed slightly and laughed. "In the Resurgent Dream, lord is the title by which one addresses a baron. For example, Cahir of Chatlam, a noble of my aunt's court, is the Baron of Chatlam but he's addressed as Lord Cahir or Lord Chatlam and only rarely as Baron Chatlam."

She smiled a little. "Something about myself? Well..." she paused, not sure what to say. "I am a very avid rider."

((OOC: Telegrams))

Peter smiled. “I would love to hear all about you. What you do, your likes and dislikes, your interest...,” the prince blushed slightly, “whether there is anyone special in your life…”

* * *

“Really,” Thomas said, “then you should ask B… her Highness to take you over to the Preserve Island for a ride. They have the most wonderful horses and some beautiful, completely natural trails…”

Gwendolyn shook her head. "No, there isn't." She paused thoughtfully. "Let's see. I like music and poetry. I have a tricolor Shetland sheepdog named Randolf. I'm interested in religion and philosophy. I dislike bad weather, long airplane trips, and gridiron. What else would you like to know?"

Vicotira smiled. "Actually, sir, she is already taking me."

Nianki seemed content to dance in silence for the moment.

Peter could not hide his smile when Gwendolyn said there was no one special in her life. He listened as she listed her likes and dislikes. “I must say then, that I am pleased you overcame your dislike of long plane rides in order to come to Excalbia.” The prince paused. “Religion and philosophy,” he said thoughtfully. “You will have to teach me; I am afraid I am not very well read in philosophy. Now, music is an interest of mine. What kind of music are you interested in, Gwendolyn?”

“Really?” Thomas asked with a mischievous smile. “Perhaps Ainars and I should prevail on her Highness to allow us to accompany the two of you tomorrow. Provided you would not object, your Highness.”

Gwendolyn grinned. "Well, I have always been something of a fan of the greats, Mozart, Bach, men like that. I've also always appreciated Bourne, one of the greatest composers the Resurgent Dream has ever produced in my opinion. I would put him up against any other composer in all world history. On a more modern note, I do enjoy some edgier, contemporary music, particularly some of the things coming out of the Hack these days. How about yourself?"

"It's up to Princess Rebecca." Vicotira answered simply. She continued to dance, glancing over at Rebecca with a bright smile.

Nianki continued to allow the nobleman to lead her around the dance floor. She frowned slightly. In the absence of what could be called mood, the silence was getting slightly awkward. She wondered when it would be time to change partners for the next song.

Peter smiled. “Well, my tastes run towards contemporary music – modern jazz, some pop. I especially like contemporary Excalbian fusion.” Peter’s smile grew. “My favorite group is BrainFreeze and they’re performing tomorrow night on the Right Bank. Would you be interested in going to hear them?”

“In that case, your Highness, I’ll have to make it a point to ask her.”

Baron Janis tilted his head towards Nianki. “Your Highness, if you do not mind, I am curious about your government. Do you hold any specific duties in your country’s government? Our Imperial family, apart from the Emperor, really have no role in government.”

"After the baseball game, Peter? You do have a busy day planned. Nonetheless, I would be quite glad to join you." She smiled warmly.

Vicotira grinned. "Princess Rebecca has been such a good friend to me. I wish there were more like her in the world."

Nianki nodded. "I am the Grand Duchess of Shieldcrest. I preside over my court and rule over eight hundred million subjects. I am also a marshall in the Danaan military." Her expression lightened again. "What of the lands Prince Peter holds? Is he not responsible for them?"

“Excellent,” Peter grinned. “It will be a busy day, but it will be a pleasurable one I trust.”

Thomas looked over at Rebecca, who was still dancing with Ainars. “Yes, she’s a good person. But then, she comes from a good family. My father always says that we are all a reflection of our families and how we were raised.”

Baron Janis chuckled. “Over the last century and a half Imperial power has marginalized the power of the barons and the lords; even the power of the Prince of Kuldiga. Our holdings provide us all with nice rents, some ceremonial duties and fairly easy entrée to politics, if we want it. But there is no real power. The laws are made in the Imperial Senate, enforced by the Imperial police and arbitrated by the Imperial courts.”

"I trust so as well." Gwendolyn said, still smiling. "A new game, a new musical experience, and, if I may be so bold as to hope, perhaps a new friend?"

Vicotira considered this for a moment. "I don't know. I feel obliged to give credit for my family for all the strength and love they've given me. Still...I'm not sure it's fair to say everyone is a product of his family. Murderers could simply say that it was their parents' fault. Not only that, but the parents could then say it was their own parents' who made them fail at parenting. I think at some point we do have to be responsible for ourselves, even while honoring and thanking our families for all they've given us."

Nianki nodded. "Back home, we have what we like to think of as a sort of federal monarchy, presided over by the High Queen but with a great deal of power left to the rulers of the Grand Duchies and Principalities."

Peter continued to smile. “Most definitely a new friend.”

Peter danced quietly with Gwendolyn through the next few dances. Finally, he said, “How early should we start tomorrow? Would you like to see some of the city before the game?” Peter paused and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Did you bring casual clothes with you?”

Thomas looked thoughtful for a moment. “I suppose you’re right, your Highness. But at what point can someone be said to have taken responsibility for themselves and relieved their parents of that burden?”

Baron Janis shook his head softly. “Amazing. Many of my fellow barons, and not a few lords, would wish it were as such here in Excalbia.” The baron gave the grand duchess a mischievous look. “Perhaps we should encourage His Imperial Majesty to visit your land and take a lesson from your most wise High Queen.”

The dance continued for sometime, but eventually, the orchestra ceased its playing, letting its last notes slowly fade among the sounds of the hall. A spot light from the balcony turned and shone on the Emperor.

David IV, holding Empress Elizabeth’s hand, bowed slightly to his guests. “I thank all of our guests for coming; we have been honoured by your presence. I thank our honoured guests from the Danaan High Kingdom for joining us this evening. Unfortunately, the hour has come for Her Imperial Majesty and I to retire. The festivities shall continue as long as you wish to remain. Good night. And God save the Empire.”

The Emperor and Empress bowed again, then turned and departed with an escort of Imperial Guards.

After a moment, the music resumed. Even as it did, however, guests became slowly departing, in couples and in small groups.

((OOC: Just doing the beginning of the second dance, cause it might actually change things up some or at least add more stuff.))

As they moved into the second dance, Gwendolyn blushed scarlet. Her breathing increased and she seemed embarassed, flattered, and perhaps slightly insulted as well, somehow. She looked around, locating the Emperor and the Empress to see who they were dancing with now.

"I'm not sure exactly." Vicotira said. She gracefully withdrew as the first dance ended, curtseying. "Thank you for the dance." She then walked towards a wall and stood, waiting for the next man to ask her.

Nianki also pulled away after the dance, smirking slightly. "Perhaps they might like it." She inclined her head to the man. "Thank you for the dance." She then walked off, though she didn't actually go all the way to the wall. She looked towards the Emperor.

(ooc: Filling in before the end of the dance…)

Peter saw Gwendolyn looking somewhat upset. He frowned slightly. “Is there something wrong?” He asked as he continued to dance. “Would you like something to drink? Or to have a seat?” Or have a change of dance partner? He added silently, fearing that, once again, he had tried to go too far too fast.

Thomas bowed with considerable enthusiasm if not grace, then went in search of another dance partner. Before the beginning of the next dance, a young man in the blue uniform of the Imperial Army approached Vicotira. He bowed with a click of his boots.

“Your Highness, forgive my boldness, but please allow me to introduce myself – I am Lieutenant Alvis Zalitis, Imperial Army. May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

Baron Janis smiled and bowed with a flourish. He turned and walked towards Princess Christiana. He bowed and extended his hand. “Your Excellency,” he asked, “would you honour me with this dance?”

Christiana smiled and joined the baron on the dance floor, much to the very visible surprise of many of the guests.

Meanwhile, Emperor David IV stood on the edge of the dance floor, the Empress now dancing with the Minister of Defence. He spotted Grand Duchess Nianki standing alone and approached her. “Your Highness,” he said with a slight bow, “would you care to dance?”

Gwendolyn smiled nervously. "No, everything's all right...it's just...too right. This is all going...faster than it should...but I don't really want it to slow. I think I would like a glass of water, however."

Vicotira smiled at the young officer. "You may." she said, offering him her hand, palm down.

Nianki smiled. "It would be my honor, Your Majesty." She offered him her hand and allowed him to lead her on the dance floor. "I hope I didn't put any unfortunate ideas in Baron Janis's head."

Peter nodded, his own nervous smile failing fast. “Here, let’s have some water.” He led Gwendolyn back to their table and held the chair for her. Lady Jessica and the other guests at their table were gone, leaving them alone.

Peter picked up a pitcher of iced water and poured a glass for the duchess. He handed it to her with a thin smile. “I hope I haven’t been pushing you to fast…” He lowered his head. “Unfortunately, I seem to have a habit of doing that…”

LT Zalitis took Vicotira’s hand and kissed the air just above it. “Thank you, your Highness,” he said as he gently led her to the dance floor.

The young lieutenant, obviously older than Thomas, danced with far greater grace and skill. “I hope you are having a pleasant stay, your Highness,” he said with a smile.

The Emperor led Grand Duchess Nianki to the dance floor. He turned and gave her a quizzical look when she mentioned putting ideas in Baron Janis’ head. “Indeed,” he said, trying to muffle his curiosity. “How so? If I might ask, your Highness.”

Gwendolyn walked over and sat down, sipping the water nervously. "You do." she said bluntly. Then she smiled a little. "However....your attention is not unwelcome, not unwelcome in the least." She took another sip of water, nervous.

Vicotira nodded. "I am. Everyone has been extremely kind to me so far."

Nianki shrugged lightly. "I was simply telling him about the federal system of monarchy we have back home. Is Your Majesty familiar with the matter?"

Peter blushed and looked down. “I’m glad to hear that. You… you strike me as quite a special person,” the prince said, trying not to betray his own nervousness.

“I am pleased to hear that, your Highness,” LT Zalitis said pleasantly. “I was myself very well treated on a visit to your homeland last year. A wonderful and fascinating place.”

The Emperor’s eyes widened. “Federal monarchy,” he said slowly. Then, recovering from his surprise, he said, “Yes, yes, of course. The High Kingdom is a federal union of several other kingdoms, each with their own rulers. I believe some even maintain their own diplomatic relations, is that correct, your Highness?”

As he danced, David wondered why an Excalbian baron would be so interested in the federal monarchy and just what kind of ideas that might have given him.

Gwendolyn laughed a little. "I'm hardly anything special, Your Highness. I'm sure a prince such as yourself has met ladies of much greater worth."

Vicotira grinned broadly. "Really? Where in the Resurgent Dream did you go?"

Nianki shook her head. "It was in recent memory but there's been a great deal of centralization during my niece's reign. These days, local governments are principalities, not kingdoms. Moreover, all responsibility for foreign policy is now taken by Her High Majesty's government."

Peter smiled at Gwendolyn. “I have met a fair number of princesses, grand duchesses and other ladies, but none compare with you,” suddenly feeling that he might be rushing things again, and remembering Gwendolyn’s use of his title, he quickly added, “your Grace.”

The prince looked away for a moment. “Are you feeling better? Would you like to dance or would you prefer to wait for the next one?”

LT Zalitis smiled and looked away, as if remembering some pleasant dream. “While I was doing my graduate work, I visited some of the research labs in Fireforge; they were quite impressive. Of course, while I was there I also visited Holista – a cousin of mine was one of the early Excalbian missionaries there – and Shieldcrest. Tarana is quite beautiful. The architecture seems to be quite literally magical. And I was able to briefly visit Garmar.”

He turned back to Vicotira. “You are from Shieldcrest, are you not, your Highness?”

David nodded. “I had wondered how the various kingdoms would be able to maintain separate foreign policies; the evolution of the central government’s power seems quite reasonable.” The emperor gave a light chuckle. “Of course, here I am extolling the value of central government while at the same time I have publicly endorsed an independence movement in Saxmere. I hope you do not think me hypocritical, your Highness.”

Gwendolyn blushed. "Surely you flatter me..." she said, lowering her gaze demurely. "Actually, I think I would like to just sit and talk until the next dance."

Vicotira grinned broadly. "Very few humans go into Garmar and fewer still feel comfortable being there for any length of time! You have to tell me what it was like. I have been there before but....that's different. I must know what the experience was like for you." She smirked. "And, yes, I'm from Shieldcrest."

Nianki nodded. "I do agree. It was a natural reform." She smirked faintly. "It is hardly hypocritical. Centralization is good under a just government. Under godless men, however, the less power the better."

“Alright,” Peter said. “I would lo…like to know more about you… about your family, what you do with your time, your thoughts and dreams…”

LT Zalitis grinned. “Well, your Highness, I must say that I felt quite fortunate to have the chance to visit Garmar. A young researcher I met in Fireforge took me there. We only stayed the best part of a day. We had planned to try to spend the night but,” the army officer blushed and looked away for a moment, “but I found the experience too overwhelming. The colours were so vibrant, so… real. And the smells! And the sounds… even the touch of the wind and grass on my feet – yes, I felt it through my shoes! It was all so… much. I found that even when I closed my eyes and put my hands over my ears, I could still see and hear.”

Zalitis shook his head and smiled good-naturedly. “So, I realized that I had no hope of actually sleeping, so I had to ask my friend to take me back.” Zalitis’ eyes took on a faraway look. “For days afterward, the world looked almost black and white.” He looked at Vicotira and smiled. “If it is not too forward to say, your Highness, looking at you is a bit like being back in Garmar.”

The Emperor nodded to the Grand Duchess. “True, true. Ironically, that is the logic some of the Virginian colonists took with them when they settled New Virginia and which they wrote into their own constitution when the Confederation gained independence.” The Emperor looked away for a moment. “Still, I sometimes wonder what would happen to a centralized government, such as ours, should unrighteous men – godless men, to use your phrase, your Highness – were ever to come to power…”

Gwendolyn looked off a moment. "That is quite a broad question, Peter." she said, trying to think up an answer. "I read and study. I try to do my part for charity, although some of the philanthropists and social workers back home are so amazing they make me feel totally inadequate. I attend social events. My dreams...I just wish...There's so many things in the world these days that aren't just unpleasant but unacceptable. It's just not tolerable that they happen and yet they seem beyond anyone's power to change. So much of the world lives under...to speak bluntly...barbarism."

Vicotira blushed slightly. "Surely you flatter me, lieutenant. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to my home, however. It might surprise you to hear this but...I find foreign lands just as exotic."

Nianki shook her head slightly. "We are fortunate that the question shall not come up with regard to Excalbia. After all, the Empire is ruled by thoroughly good men." She smiled at him.

Peter nodded along as Gwendolyn spoke. “You speak of changing the world and making it a better place the way my aunt, Princess Christiana, used to speak…” Peter looked away sullenly for a moment, as if reliving some terrible memory. He shook himself slightly.

“How do you mean barbarism exactly? Do you mean repressive and oppressive governments, rogue nations or something else?”

“I guess it is true, then,” Zalitis said, “that home, even if it be heaven, is always home and elsewhere, even if it be a wasteland, is always a marvel.”

“Let us hope that is always the case,” the Emperor said to Nianki. “I am sure it will be thus in your land.”

Gwendolyn frowned a little. "Places like the Reich, the Five Kingdoms, ESUS...." She then went back to the previous topic. "Peter, I want you to know...the High Queen wants your family to know....no one in the Resurgent Dream takes the Hague's manufactured scandal against your aunt seriously. I was to say it instead of either of the Grand Duchesses and to another member of the family rather than the Emperor so as not to harm our alliance with Knootoss...but we wanted you to know."

Vicotira laughed. "Yes...yes, I suppose so."

Nianki nodded. "It will be." she said confidently, displaying both the intensity of the Danaans commitments to virtue and...their, shall we say, lack of humility regarding the same.

Peter nodded with a somber expression. “Yes,” he agreed, “there is much suffering and injustice in the world.” He smiled slightly. “You really do remind me of my aunt Christiana; she has always wanted to confront injustice. In fact, she bought a controlling interest in one of Pantocratoria’s leading companies just to correct an injustice in New Constantinople. I’ve always quite admired her for that.”

"Peter,” Gwendolyn said, “I want you to know...the High Queen wants your family to know....no one in the Resurgent Dream takes the Hague's manufactured scandal against your aunt seriously. I was to say it instead of either of the Grand Duchesses and to another member of the family rather than the Emperor so as not to harm our alliance with Knootoss...but we wanted you to know."

Peter smiled. “Thank you, Gwendolyn. I will be sure to let my uncle know that.” He shook his head. “I only wish that he were a little more… open-minded about his sister.”

“So, your Highness,” LT Zalitis said, “what is the most exotic thing you have seen so far during your visit?”

“I wish,” the Emperor said to the grand duchess, “that I was possessed of such confidence, your Highness.”

Gwendolyn smiled slightly though she didn't comment. She looked off for a moment, apparently thinking deeply about something.

"I saw a baseball game!" Vicotira said. "It was so strange, so...patterned...it was very interesting."

Nianki shrugged slightly and changed the topic. "So what is this baseball the others went to see?"

“Is everything alright, Gwendolyn?” Peter gently, almost haltingly, touched Gwendolyn’s arm.

LT Zalitis smiled. “Ah, baseball. It is a strange game, I suppose. Similar roots to cricket, I believe, if you happen to be familiar with that sport. Actually, I played baseball at the Academy. Left field. So, your Highness, what sports are popular in your country?”

The Emperor laughed. “Baseball! A wonderful sport. Slow, elegant. So full of strategy, planning and analysis. It is one of our most popular sports. At least equal with hockey, football and, well, American football.” The Emperor seemed to look far away for a moment. “As for how it is played, it involves nine players in the field, including a pitcher who throws a small round ball over the home plate. The other team is represented by a batter at the plate, who tries to hit the ball. If the batter is successful, he may advance to a base – there are three bases – and eventually return home and score a run. Of course, it is much more involved than that. If you are interested in sports, your Highness, I can arrange for you to see a game while you are here.”

The Emperor’s smiled broadened. “My personal favorite, however, is American football. The season begins this week. Perhaps we could include a visit to the opening game, if you have the time, that is.”

Gwendolyn nodded. "I was just thinking. Thank you for asking though. You're one of the most considerate men I've met." She looked off for another moment before looking back to him. "I think I'd like to meet your aunt."

Vicotira shrugged slightly. "It varies, really. Rugby and cricket are very popular in Shieldcrest, as well as Stickball. The most watched national sport is jousting for nobles and hurling for commners, however."

"I think that I could stay to watch a game of American football." Nianki commented. "I have actually played it once or twice myself. It is certainly a fascinating game."

((*Pokes slightly about the Ambara thread*))

Peter smiled at the compliment and blushed slightly. He turned to look for his aunt. “She seems to be dancing with Baron Janis at the moment…”

Peter’s gaze finally caught his aunt’s eye and he motioned towards the table. Princess Christiana smiled and nodded, then continued her dance.

Turning back to Gwendolyn Peter said, “She’ll be over after this dance… I think.”

LT Zalitis nodded. “I attended a joust once. And I know about rugby and cricket. But I must confess, your Highness, that I am not familiar with either stickball or hurling.”

The Emperor’s eyes widened slightly and his eyebrows noticeably lifted. “Really, your Highness? American football? Did you play a variant – touch or flag football? What position did you play, if I might ask?”

Gwendolyn smiled. Impulsively, she slipped her hand into Peter's and let it stay there, for the moment at least.

Vicotira grinned a little. "Perhaps you should attend a game sometime then. You might like it."

Nianki smirked slightly at his surprise. "Linebacker." she said.

Peter felt his hand tingle as Gwendolyn slipped her hand into his. He started to speak, but thought doing so might spoil the moment. He kept his silence and sighed a deep, long sigh of satisfaction. He smiled somewhat shyly at the duchess and was content with the silence.

The lieutenant smiled. “On my next trip to the High Kingdom I shall try to find a game. Perhaps, your Highness, you might consent to accompany me and explain the finer points of the sport.”

The Emperor’s gaze went from one of shock to one of admiration. “Linebacker?” The stole a glance at Nianki’s athletic figure. “Impressive. I played a little American football in school. Wanted to play linebacker, actually, but my coach thought I was better suited as safety.” The Emperor paused. “How did you do, if I might ask.”

Gwendolyn just couldn't stop grinning and blushing. She just couldn't. Certainly, she'd tried. After a long pause, she finally erupted in an involuntary giggle.

"I think that could be arranged." Vicotira said with a smile, although she was a little taken aback by the boldness of his request. Little did she know it was a promise she would not be able to keep.

Nianki smirked again. "We usually won. I think I can safely leave it there." She was more than athletic. She was downright buff.

At the sound of Gwendolyn’s giggle, Peter felt laughter rising in his throat. He tried to suppress it, forcing it into a few short snorts, before finally channeling it into a chuckle.

Not far away, Princess Christiana finished her dance with Baron Janis. She nodded as he bowed, then made her way towards her nephew. A few paces away from the table where he sat holding hands with the young duchess from the Resurgent Dream, she paused.

Peter and the young lady were both blushing… and, it seemed, giggling. Christiana frowned slightly. Her nephew was obviously in love again. Before the visit, he had expressed interest in Grand Duchess Vicotira, but that had obviously not worked out. At least, the princess thought, he was not pining after the grand duchess they way had over that Pantocratorian bubblehead Helen.

Still, she was a little concerned that he was falling in love again so quickly. At least, she thought as a smile crept across her face, this time the young lady appeared to be as smitten with him as he was with her.

Christiana, now smiling broadly, approached the couple. Peter quickly released Gwendolyn’s hand and stood. He kissed his aunt on both cheeks.

“Aunt Christiana, may I present Her Grace, Duchess Gwendolyn.” Then, turning towards Gwendolyn, he said, “Gwendolyn, may I present Her Imperial Highness, Princess Christiana, my aunt.”

Christiana nodded politely towards the duchess. “A pleasure to meet you, your Grace.” Her eyes darted towards her nephew. “I see Peter has been doing his best to keep you entertained.”

Elsewhere, as the dance ended, LT Zalitis bowed deeply to Grand Duchess Victoria. “Your Highness, thank you. It has been a pleasure. And thank you for accepting my invitation to accompany me to a game on my next visit to your homeland. I am hoping to be posted to the military attaché’s office there shortly; I hope I will see you then.”

After Zalitis made his exit, Princess Rebecca approached Victoria with a two glasses of water. She handed one to her sidhe friend. “I thought you might want a drink of water after the dance, your Highness.”

As Rebecca sipped her own water she leaned towards Vicotira. “He was quite handsome. Who was he?” Later, she asked, “What did you think of Thomas? He and Ainars have invited themselves to accompany us to the Island tomorrow. Would you mind if they did?”

Nianki smirked again. "We usually won. I think I can safely leave it there." She was more than athletic. She was downright buff.

The Emperor smiled and nodded. He was sure they did, and probably due in no small part to the grand duchess herself.

As the dance ended, he bowed deeply to Nianki. “Thank your, your Highness. I shall arrange for all of us to attend the opening game on Saturday. And, if you would like, meet some of the players and coaches.”

Gwendolyn rose and curtsied to Christiana. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I've heard a great deal about you." She smiled gently.

"Of course." Vicotira said, smiling to the young officer. She took the glass from Rebecca with a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness. I was asked the same thing. I said it was alright with me if it was alright with you." She turned to look over the crowd before smirking mischievously. "Your Highness, would you care to dance?"

Nianki bowed back to the Emperor. "I believe I shall enjoy it, Your Majesty." Nianki stepped back from the emperor and surveyed the room briefly, trying to decide who she wanted to dance with next.

Princess Christiana smiled and nodded. “I must say I wonder what you have heard about me. I have found that the impression one has of me greatly depends upon to whom you have been listening. If it is my friends in Knootoss and the Excalbian media, I am shudder to think you may think of me, your Grace.”

Rebecca smiled. “Well, if it is alright with each of us if it is alright with the other, then I guess we’ll be having company tomorrow!” The princess sounded rather excited at the prospect of seeing Thomas and Ainars tomorrow.

The princess’ eyes widened and she blushed slightly at Vicotira’s suggestion that they dance. “Ah…” Rebecca quickly scanned the crowd for her father and her aunt Christiana. “Well, I…,” Rebecca smiled nervously, “it’s just, um… Is it common for girls to dance together at formal receptions in your country, your Highness? It’s a little unusual here. And, I wouldn’t mind, but my father… after everything they’ve said about my aunt… I, um, don’t know how he would react…”

A distinguished looking gentleman with a short-cropped white hair wearing an array of medals on his civilian tuxedo approached Grand Duchess Nianki. The man’s military bearing was obvious as he seemingly came to attention and bowed crisply. “Your Highness,” he said, “please allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Yornis Halton, the Minister of Defence. Would you be interested in a dance?”

Gwendolyn laughed slightly. "I try to avoid getting interested in other people's private live. Such matters are between you and God." It wasn't so much a statement of approval as a careful way past the issue. "I have heard wonderful things about what you're done in Mortville, however."

Vicotira paused. "I'd forgotten about the rumors about your aunt. I would hope His Majesty could distinguish youthful playfulness from evidence of sexual inversion..." She shrugged. "But if you think it would be a scandal, I certainly don't want anyone to think I'm...you know...not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that."

Nianki smiled as she offered the man her hand. "My lord, I thought you would never ask." From her expression, it would be easy to believe that she had actually just been thinking she wanted this particular man to ask her. Of course, the expression of a woman who's spent her whole life in the public eye means little more than what impression she wants to give.

Princess Christiana smiled and nodded. “Thank you, your Grace. You speak with a great deal of wisdom for one so young.” Christiana’s smile grew warmer. She was taking a liking to this young duchess; she was certainly sharper than the last indecisive bubblehead who had caught Peter’s eye.

“Mortville,” the princess said, her voice betraying a slight and uncharacteristic quaver. “Terrible, terrible things happened there. And there was tremendous need – the people there had too long been neglected by their leaders.” Christiana’s face reddened slightly in an uncharacteristic blush. “I really did nothing praiseworthy; I saw a need and did what any normal person would do – I tried to meet it.”

She smiled slightly. “Really it is your own Countess Marian, named Lady of Mortville by the Despot of New Constantinople, who deserves the praise. She is really the first leader the people of Mortville have ever had who took an interest in their welfare.”

Rebecca frowned, fearing that she had upset Vicotira or given her a bad impression of her country and her father. “No, no, Vicotira,” she said, momentarily forgetting her protocol, “no one would think that. No, I…,” Rebecca blushed, “sometimes I worry overly much about my father… He’s rather…,” she felt that things were going from bad to worse, “well,” she sighed, “rather…”

Rebecca swallowed. “I’m sorry, Vi…, your Highness…, excuse me…”

Rebecca gather her gown around her and hurried out of a nearby door and into a hallway. She slid down against the wall and sat on the floor, clutching her knees to her chest.

Lord Yornis Halton smiled and made a symbolic kiss above the grand duchess’ hand. “You flatter an old man, your Highness.”

Lord Yornis led Grand Duchess Nianki to the dance floor. “I must admit that I have looked forward to meeting you, your Highness. I understand you led your nation’s troops in battle in Marlund and I am curious to hear about your experiences.”

Gwendolyn smiled a little. "Our own? Do tell me more. I haven't heard of this woman before now. It is good to hear that she is representing her homeland well before the people of Pantocratoria, however."

Vicotira blinked after Rebecca before moving to follow her. She sat down next to the other young woman in the hall and smiled softly. "You don't have to run away when you're upset. I'll stay with you when you're having problems. That's what friends do...I think."

Nianki shrugged. "We won too fast. There wasn't enough battle to destroy enemy ranks, morale, and infrastructure. That is why so many former regime elements remained around to bolster the strength of terrorists and insurgents."

Christiana pulled out a chair and sat down. She motioned for Peter to take his seat. Clearly, she was prepared to visit for a while. “Really, I know little about the countess. She is a sidhe noble from the Resurgent Dream and held the title countess there. She came to find herself at the Despotic Court in New Constantinople and Prince Andreus granted her the title of Mademoiselle de Mortville.”

The princess’ face paled momentarily. “Unfortunately, her appointment coincided with something called ‘Rent Day’ – a barbaric practice whereby the landlords of Mortville sent in a goon squad to extract rent payments from the poor inhabitants and punish those unable to pay. I happened up this ‘event’ in progress and stopped it the only way I could, by buying the company and firing the man responsible.

“Of course, once Countess Marian learned of what was going on in her new holding, she immediately went out to help the inhabitants, personally healing many, to the point of her own exhaustion.” The princess shook her head with a faint smile. “A tremendous lady. Under her leadership, Mortville has changed considerably. It is, I think, on its way to being a model community.”

Rebecca looked at Vicotira and gave a sad smile. “Thank you.” She choked back a sob. “I’m not usually so emotional. And my father loves me, he really does. And he’s a good, kind man. A wonderful father. But,” Rebecca looked down, “he’s so… overprotective and so…,” tears rolled down Rebecca’s face, “so stubborn…”

Lord Yornis nodded. “The danger of a quick victory. I fear we may find someday that we face the same problem in Upper Virginia. We helped bring down General Altman, a real tyrant, but his support in the military collapsed so quickly, I suspect there are now many Altman loyalists saluting the new Upper Virginian president while plotting her downfall.”

The defence minister gave his head a small shake. “So, your Highness, how do you plan to deal with the insurgents?”

"Really?" Gwendolyn asked. "How did she come to find herself at a court in another nation? Is her husband Pantocratorian?" She smiled. "In any event, she does sound like a most admirable woman." She paused a moment, taking in what Christiana had said. "What do you mean by punish the inhabitants, Your Highness?"

Vicotira really had no idea what to do or say at this point so she just gave Rebecca a big ole' hug, the cure for all ills.

"Well, it's in General Reagan's hands now." Nianki said. "He seems to be getting the situation under control, however."

Christiana kept a smile on her face. She could feel Peter’s nervous looks. “It is my understanding that the countess is unmarried. She, I believe, originally came to the Despotic Court at the initiative of Prince Andreus. For a time she was, I believe, the prince’s paramour, though I hear she now spends more time with the prince’s cousin, Princess Helen. In any case, I agree with you – she is an admirable woman.

“As for the punishments in Mortville,” the princess’ face lost its color for a moment, “they ranged from beatings to rape to murder. In fact, I have taken on as a ward a young boy named Tariq, who lost his parents to ‘Rent Day.’”

Rebecca put her arms around Vicotira and hugged her back. Tears gently rolled down her face. “I’m glad to have a friend like you, Vicotira,” she said between gentle sobs.

“Good, good,” Lord Yornis said. “So, your Highness, do you plan a return to command at some point? I know I miss the feel of deckplating beneath my feet. I wish I never let the Emperor talk me into giving up my command for the Ministry.”

Gwendolyn blushed a little and not the happy kind at what Christiana was suggesting about Marian and Helen. The Methodist Church taught tolerance and reminded its members to remember Christ's love for sinners and outcasts and the dignity of the person when dealing with homosexuals, but at the same time held that it was unequivocally a sin. Gwendolyn hadn't realized how awkward that policy was, never having had to deal with it before. "Well..." She decided to skip over the whole matter and move on. "Those punishments sound unworthy of any civilized nation. I am rather glad you put a stop to them."

Vicotira smiled softly. "I'm glad to have a friend like you too, Rebecca."

Nianki danced pleasantly. "I will see active duty again, I am sure. However, I might not return to Marlund in particular."

“I am grateful that I was able to stop them.” Christiana smiled and leaned forward. “Many people here lay claim to the mantle of morality and religion – our nation is called the Holy Empire after all – yet, it seems to me that the highest calling of morality and religion is to what is right, just and merciful to your fellow beings. Would you agree, your Grace?”

“Thank you,” Rebecca smiled as her tears finally ceased. “And I’m sorry; I’m not usually so emotional. It’s just that… it’s so unfair how Father is treating Aunt Christiana…”

“So, your Highness, how long have you served in the armed forces?” Lord Yornis was an acceptable, though not particularly graceful dancer.

Gwendolyn nodded. "All of the law can be summed up in the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself and the Lord your God above all. Of course...that doesn't remove even one letter of the moral law."

Vicotira nodded a little. "What did he do, exactly?"

"About eight centuries." Nianki answered the man, smiling brightly at him.

Christiana gave Gwendolyn a questioning look. “But what is the moral law, your Grace? Christ said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ And, the prophet Hosea wrote that God said, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.’ That seems to be a clear moral law to me, your Grace.”

As Christiana plunged ahead, seemingly ready for a debate, Peter rolled his eyes – out of her sight, of course – and hoped for a way to change the topic.

Rebecca looked at Vicotira. “It’s just…,” she sighed, “it’s just he’s treating her like she done something awful. He won’t have a civil conversation with her.” Tears again began to play across her lower eyelid. “She’s hurt and lonely and sad and needs her family, but her own brother is treating her like a… like an embarrassment. To be hidden and ignored…”

Lord Yornis raised a single eyebrow. “Really?” He smiled. “I shudder to think what I would look like as an octacentarian…”

"Christ still said not one letter of the law had been changed." Gwenolyn answered without much hesitation. "Moreover, he said anyone who doubted the truth of God's judgments regarding the law could look in the bottom of the sea and would there see the remnants of Sodom and Gomorrah."

Vicotira nodded. "Well, we could go talk to her. I don't want her hidden or ignored."

Nianki laughed slightly. "It is interesting, to say the least."

Christiana gave Gwendolyn a reserved smile. The duchess certainly was no vacuous princess. “Yes, but Christ also criticized the Pharisees for following the letter of the law but denying its spirit. Tell me, your Grace, what do you make of His example of sparing the life of the woman caught in adultery? If the law where to have been followed in their literal meaning, she should have been stoned, as the crowd demanded. Yet, Christ spared her. Not because she asked for forgiveness or repented, but because her accusers were sinners no better than she.”

Peter silently dropped his head into hands. He was convinced, now, that he was cursed indeed. He felt an attraction to Helen and has it spoiled by … that whole mess in New Constantinople. Then, he felt an attraction to Vicotira and suddenly saw it grow cold before his eyes. And now, he feels something for Gwendolyn, only to have his aunt start debating her about religion!

Rebecca smiled at Vicotira and nodded. She reached out and gave the sidhe another hug. “Thank you.”

Lord Yornis laughed loudly. Several couple turned to stare; many could not remember the last time they had seen the defence minister smile much less laugh in such a genuine and uninhibited manner.

“So, your Highness, how do you look back over such a long and illustrious career?”

"I will tell you what it did not mean." Gwendolyn answered. "It most certainly did not mean that we should feel perfectly free and at ease to commit adultery. You could sit here for hours quoting verses about forgiveness or not judging, Your Highness, but as no one in this conversation is judging you or refusing to forgive you anything, I don't quite see the point. What you'll never find, because it isn't in the Scrptures, is anything saying we should feel perfectly free to sin."

Vicotira hugged back before standing and offering Rebecca her hand. "Let's go."

Nianki smiled a little. "Well, throughout the entirety of the period, we never lost a war. That has to be a good thing."

Peter grimaced, looking positively in pain. He shot his aunt a nervous glance. Christiana, however, kept a pleasant smile on her face. “Of course, you are correct, your Grace.” The princess spoke sweetly. “I would never suggest that our Lord meant to give us license to sin. I would, however, suggest that sometimes our churches pay greater attention to the shalls and shall nots of the Old Testament, than they do the grace of the New Testament. And in doing so, they condemn some sins while ignoring greater – and more public – sins, the sins of the Pharisees – self righteousness, legalism and judgementalism, which our Lord, Himself, condemned. Indeed, the modern church seems at times preoccupied with private sins, sins hardly if ever mentioned by Christ, while feeling free to ignore the sins of the Pharisees, which are practiced openly in the very midst of the church.” Christiana leaned back in her chair. “Would you agree with that, your Grace?”

Rebecca took Vicotira’s hand and followed the young sidhe back into the dinning hall.

“An impressive achievement, your Highness,” Lord Yornis nodded. “I am wondering, also, your Highness, what has the been the greatest change you have seen in military arts in your long tenure?”

Gwendolyn nodded a little and started to answer when she saw the kids coming towards them. She smiled a little and rose for Vicotira and Rebecca. "Your Highnesses..."

Vicotira took Rebecca's hand and walked over to Christiana, Gwendolyn, and Peter. She smiled at the three older people before looking at the princess. "I realized I hadn't gotten to meet you yet, Your Highness, so I decided to rectify the matter."

Nianki smirked ever so faintly. "Well...my lord...that would have to be...gun powder."

She laughed slightly. "To be honest, the Danaan military would be literally unrecognizable from a hundred years ago or even fifty, much less eight hundred. So many things have changed on such a fundamental level that it's hard to name one specific."

Peter turned and briefly smiled in pure relief. His smile lost some of its luster when he saw Vicotira and wondered what her reaction would be to seeing that he had “gotten over her” so quickly. He bowed. “Your Highness.”

Christiana stood and nodded slightly. “Your Highness, it is indeed a pleasure to meet you. Her Grace and I were just discussing the intricacies of Christian theology concerning the law and grace. However, I fear Peter was becoming bored.” She smiled and gestured to the empty seats at the table. “So, please join us and let us embark on a new topic.”

Rebecca followed Vicotira to Christiana, Peter and Gwendolyn’s table. She curtsied briefly and shot Peter a questioning look. He looked back and seemed to shrug with his eyes.

Lord Yornis smiled at Nianki’s laugh. “I guess there have been quite a few changes in only a handful of years. Did you know that one of your first officers to take part in the officer exchange program is still with us? Brigadier Tasha Norland, having married one of my officers, is now serving in our Marines. A fine officer. I expect her to climb to the very top of the service.”

Vicotira sat when invited. "Grand Duchess Vethara of Tarasovka taught me all about Christianity." she answered off-handedly. "So what shall the new topic be?"

Gwendolyn shrugged lightly, having no particular preference. "I might like to hear more about Her Higness's visit to New Constantinople or about what any of you think about the events in the Confederation.

Nianki inclined her head. "That is rather interesting. However, I do hope we aren't losing too many good officers through the officer exchange program."

Princess Christiana nodded and gave a small, genuine smile. To Peter and Rebecca she looked more like her old self than she had just moments ago. “I would be happy to talk about either,
she said pleasantly.

“The first thing you have to keep in mind about New Constantinople,” the princess leaned back in her chair and visibly relaxed as she spoke, “is that it is distinct from the rest of Pantocratoria; the socialist government had only modest influence there and, to speak frankly of a friend, without Prince Andreus’ close attention to day-to-day governance, minor officials and private entities stepped in to run the territory, as it were.

“Another thing that struck me about New Constantinople was the great gulf that existed between the upper and middle classes and the lower classes, who were mostly immigrants and the working poor. They lived in wretched slums, like Mortville, where they were bullied for exorbitant rents and excluded from most basic services, like police protection, trash collection and sanitation.”

Christiana shook her head. “Fortunately,” she nodded towards Gwendolyn, “as I told her Grace, together with a sidhe countess who was given title to Mortville by Andreus, I was able to stage a takeover, if you will, of Mortville and remake it into a model community.”

A bittersweet smile came to Christiana’s face. “Mortville also brought Tariq, my ward, and I together. He lost his parents in a horrible thing called ‘Rent Day’ and I took him in. While I cannot hope to replace his parents, I do want to give him a good home. And,” a tear played on the corner of the princess’ eye, “he was given me such joy…”

Lord Yornis chuckled. “I do not think you need to worry about that, your Highness. Indeed, I am rather surprised we have not lost more of our officers to a desire to immigrate to your land, given all its obvious charms.”

When Christiana started to cry, Gwendolyn instinctively reached for the other woman's hand before stopping and lowering her hands, blushing furiously at the impropriety of such a gesture towards a woman of superior rank. "I am sure you will be an excellent mother." she commented.

Vicotira looked down a little as Christiana became emotional and, to try and keep the conversation from getting more intense, asked a rather quotidian question. "If you legally adopt Tariq, Your Highness, will he become a prince?"

Nianki laughed slightly. "We could use some more officers in Marlund, I won't lie." The answer was phrased and delivered carefully. It could easily be taken as an invitation for the Excalbians to join in operations there and it could just as easily be taken as an offhand comment about the officer exchange. It was a way of asking in such a way that, if the answer would be no, then the question was never asked.

Christiana saw Gwendolyn reach for her hand then pull it away blushing. For a brief moment, the princess considered that the duchess might have done so in reaction to her notorious reputation. A quick look into the young woman’s eyes seemed to tell a different story.

Christiana briefly placed her hand on Gwendolyn’s. “Thank you, your Grace,” she said softly. “You are very kind.”

The princess turned towards Victoria when she asked her question. Christiana titled her head to one side. “An interesting question, your Highness.” To Peter and Rebecca their aunt looked more relaxed and more herself than she had in weeks. “I had not thought that far ahead, to be honest. I suppose he would receive a title, but I am not sure it would be a princely one…” She turned towards her nephew. “Peter, you have more recently studied history than I, is there a precedent for that situation?”

Peter bit his lip for a moment, then smiled. “Only the notorious example of Haroldson, the Usurper,” he said with just a whiff of mischief, “he was essentially the adopted son of King Hardecanute, however, he only held the title of baron. Until, of course, he usurped the throne from his cousin Thorfinn and proclaimed himself king.” Peter nodded towards his aunt. “Of course, I am sure in this far more civilized age, history would not repeat itself…”

Christiana gave her nephew a sharp look. She knew he meant nothing by his comments, but she was not in the mood to find them funny. However, she decided to let them pass. “While that is an interesting precedent, I think it might be best to let the lawyers study the question before matters are decided.”

* * *

Lord Yornis could hear the open invitation in Nianki’s seemingly off-hand comment. He had not discussed it with the chancellor or the Emperor, but he felt confident they would not object. “Considering the deep friendship between our peoples, your Highness, I believe, if their assistance is required, that we might be willing to commit some of our troops to your noble efforts in Marlund…”

Vicotira nodded slightly. "That is rather interesting. The matter is up to lawyers?" She seemed fairly surprised that they would have anything to do with deciding such things.

Gwendolyn laughed slightly. "Well, it is a matter of law, Your Highness." She turned towards Christiana to offer an explanation. "Back home, all such matters are determined by the Office of the Royal Herald, although Her Majesty could overrule such decisions. In the end, the title the nation realizes is the title one is received under in Her Majesty's Court."

"Of course, that is only because the Royal Herald is the best qualified person to determine matters of precedence, legitimacy, and inheritance." Vicotira added hastily, worried that the Excalbians might get the impression that Agwene simply acknowledged and denied titles as a matter of royal whim.

Gwendolyn nodded. "Of course. I cannot remember the last time there was any real dispute over a title, although I do not know the herald's ruling on adoptions."

Christiana chuckled lightly. “Of course it is not up to the lawyers, your Highness,” she nodded towards Vicotira. “The final decision on a title would rest with my brother, the emperor.”

“Upon the recommendation of the Imperial Household Agency,” Peter added, sounding much chipper now that the subject had turned from a debate over religion, “and with formal notification to the Imperial Senate.”

Christiana turned to her nephew. “Yes, yes,” she said before turning back to Vicotira and Gwendolyn. “And, beyond that, even the emperor is bound by law – both the constitution and common law precedent. Hence,” she smiled, “the need to consult the Agency’s legal counsel before settling on a title.”

She leaned back. “I had not thought yet of formal adoption. Yet, if Tariq’s parents are not found soon – and I suspect they will never be found – I think I should.” She looked at the two Danaans. “Your Highness, your Grace, have you any experience with nobility in your country adopting? I am wondering what the impact might be on Tariq. And what the public reaction might be…”

* * *

Lord Yornis waited for the Grand Duchess’ reaction to his offer of Excalbian troops for Marlund…

Gwendolyn nodded slightly. "It's usually done as a way to legitimate bastards."

Nianki grinned widely. "Such assistance would be greatly appreciated."

Christiana smiled at Gwendolyn’s frank statement. Rebecca blushed slightly. “Well,” Christiana said, “that would certainly not be the situation in this case.” She looked over the young nobles gathered around her. “So, what does everyone planned for tomorrow?”

“Vicotira and I are going to the Preserve Island,” Rebecca volunteered excitedly. “Thomas and Ainars are going with us…”

“Does your father know?” Peter asked with a smirk.

“It’ll be fine, Peter,” Rebecca said curtly. “He thinks Thomas and Ainars are harmless.”

Christina smiled. “What about you, your Grace?”

* * *

“In that case,” Lord Yornis said, “I shall recommend it to his Imperial Majesty tomorrow. We will see how quickly we can deploy some of our forces. How large of contingent would you need?”

"His Highness is taking me to something called a glazeball game." Gwendolyn said. "It's the same thing Their Highnesses went to earlier. I'm very much looking forward to it..." She looked towards Peter with a light blush.

Nianki paused a moment. "I am not exactly sure. You might be best advised to consult with the Pantocratorians as well, or directly with Allied Central Command."

Peter blushed at the sight of Gwendolyn’s reddening cheeks. Rebecca short her brother another confused glance. Wasn’t he interested in Vicotira, she wondered.

Christiana smiled. “That sounds wonderful, your Grace. I believe, however, that it is called baseball. My brother is rather fond of those North American sports – baseball and American football. I believe he passed his interests on to the next generation.

“So,” the princess asked, “how do you find our quiet country, your Highness, your Grace?”

Lord Yornis nodded to Nianki. “Who is the Allied Commander now, your Highness?”

"I think it's wonderful!" Vicotira exclaimed. "The countryside is lovely and quite charming. The people are gentle and very courteous."

"The country is just beautiful." Gwendolyn said, looking at Peter. "So tell me more about this baseball."

"It's like Nunnehi Stickball." Vicotira commented. "It is very odd to see humans playing it, however. I had thought only Nunnehi had such a sport."

"Some Amerindians play stickball." Gwendolyn chimed in.

"I wonder if Pantocratorian Indians do..." Vicotira started.

"General George Reagan." Nianki answered almost immediately.

Peter chuckled. “I have never heard of anyone playing any sports in Pantocratoria except jousting and hunting. Of course, that could be just because I’ve only been there on state visits, or to visit Andreus in New Constantinople…”

Christiana gave Peter a look at the mention of Andreus’ name and the young prince blushed slightly.

“Well,” he said recovering quickly, “this stickball sounds quite interesting…”

“As do Pantocratorian Indians,” Rebecca added, “we didn’t meet any on our visit to Pantocratoria. There were no indigenous people here when the Celts first arrived; it would be interesting to see how Indians live in Pantocratoria. Or in the Resurgent Dream…”

“A Danaan general, I take it,” Lord Yornis said. “We will send a staff officer to meet with him straight away.”

The dance ended and Lord Yornis bowed to Nianki. “Thank you, your Highness.”

Guests slowly began to take their leave of the emperor and empress and make their exit. Emperor David IV, never known to be overly fond of balls and dances, could be spied checking his watch and exchanging glances with Empress Elizabeth.

"Well..." Vicotira said, smiling "...I'm sure you could visit Pele. It's a tropical paradise and the court there is most charming, if you don't mind not eating with men. It is one of my royal sister's favorite principalities to visit, of all the ones she rules."

Nianki returned the bow. "Yes, a Danaan general. I'm sure he would be delighted to hear from you."

As the dance wound to a close, the Danaans took their leave and headed off to retire for the evening. The next day saw them all up bright and early. Vicotira was ready to head out to the Preserve Island with Rebecca and the boys. Gwendolyn was ready to go to the baseball game with Peter, although, having no clue about the customary attire to such an event, she was dressed in her formal court clothes. Nianki had nothing in particular scheduled yet but she was up anyway, assuming the Emperor would arrange for something.

After everyone was up and dressed and had been served breakfast, Princess Rebecca came to Vicotira’s chamber. James and Tariq were already waiting in the Castle’s entry hall. Meanwhile, Thomas Bergmanis and Ainars Halton were waiting by the car to take all of them to the boat that would ferry them to the Preserve Island.

Rebecca could barely contain her excitement as she knocked on the door and waited for Vicotira.

Not far away, Peter, dressed in khaki pants and polo shirt knocked on Gwendolyn’s door. While he waited he idly turned a white box bearing the logo of the Citadel Monarchs baseball team.

Meanwhile, a steward knocked on Grand Duchess Nianki’s door. The Emperor had dispatched him to invite the Grand Duchess to join him on a tour of the battlefields on the plains of Turaida and the Queen Hildegaard Museum.

Vicotira answered her door in casual clothes. "So where are the young lords?" she asked as she non-chalantly linked arms with Rebecca and headed down the hall.

Gwendolyn opened her door in full court regalia, smiling at Peter. "I am quite ready, Your Highness."

Nianki followed the summons, bowing to the Emperor as she arrived. "I received your invitation, Sire."

Rebecca smiled as she led Vicotira arm-in-arm towards the east entrance hall. “James and Tariq are waiting for us in the entry hall.” Rebecca laughed lightly. “But we won’t have to worry about them once we get to the Island; they’ll play ball or something.” The princess leaned towards Vicotira and lowered her voice. “Thomas and Ainars are waiting for us outside; I watched them from the hall window.” Rebecca giggled. “They’re all pacing and nervous. Especially Thomas. I think he’s smitten with you. And a little intimidated…”

Peter smiled at Gwendolyn. “You look beautiful this morning, your Grace.” He stepped towards her and lowered his voice just a bit. “I should have said something last night and I am sorry, but it’s traditional to dress slightly more casually for a baseball game. Do you have something with you that you might want to change into? We have plenty of time. If you would prefer to go as you are, it would be fine…”

The Emperor smiled and bowed slightly. “Good morning, your Highness. Thank you for coming. Since you said you were interested in warrior queens I thought you might like to accompany Empress Elizabeth and I to Turaida where Queen Hildegaard defeated an uprising by the barons…”

Vicotira giggled lightly. "I seem to attract Excalbian noblemen." She proceeded with Rebecca out to join the others.

Gwendolyn tilted her head slightly."How casual, exactly? You don't expect me to wear shorts and a t-shirt do you."

Nianki grinned brightly. "It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty."

Rebecca giggled. “It’s no wonder, Vicotira; you’re beautiful!” As she spoke, she led the young grand duchess around the corner and into the entrance hall. James, dressed in shorts and Monarchs t-shirt stood laughing with Tariq, who was in jeans and another Monarchs shirt.

“Who’s beautiful?” James shouted his question across the hall.

“Mind your own business, Jamie!” Rebecca blushed at the thought that her brother had overheard her. She turned to Vicotira. “Shall we? I suppose Thomas and Ainars will give us a more pleasant greeting.”

Doormen opened the doors and Rebecca led Vicotira out and down the steps. James and Tariq ran past and jumped into the waiting car. Thomas and Ainars both bowed, smiling with slight blushes.

“Good morning, your Highnesses,” they said almost in unison.

“It is a lovely morning,” Thomas said, “but it pales beside you, your Highness.” Thomas offered his had to Vicotira as he spoke. Ainars watched and blushed. He turned to Rebecca, wishing he had the courage to say something like that to the princess.

Peter smiled at the thought of Gwendolyn in shorts and t-shirt, but held his tongue. He looked at the duchess. “Oh, no,” he said finally, “I wouldn’t want you to wear something that made you uncomfortable, your Grace. Perhaps a summery dress or slacks? One is meant to be comfortable at a ball game. And you would look lovely in anything you chose to wear.” Peter cringed for a second when he realized he had let the last sentence slip out. He quickly smiled to cover his slip.

“Excellent!” The Emperor led Nianki towards the west entry hall. “We have a helicopter waiting to take us to Turaida; Elizabeth will meet us at the helicopter in just a minute.”

"You're beautiful!" Vicotira answered Rebecca, grinning broadly. She then turned to James. "Princess Rebecca is beautiful!"

She walked with the other girl out to where the two boys were waiting. She slipped her hand into Thomas's, palm down. "It is a lovely day."

Gwendolyn smiled slightly. "It's sweet of you to say that. You make me feel almost pretty sometimes. I'll just put on a lighter dress..." By that, she mostly went one without a corset, although she was hardly going to say that aloud. She soon appeared in a modest though comfortable dress, offering her hand to Peter, palm down.

Nianki nodded, walking along with the Emperor. "Her Majesty did give me a rather informative tour of the palace yesterday."

Rebecca stood looking at Ainars, her cheeks still flush from Vicotira’s complement.

Thomas took Vicotira’s hand and kissed the air just above it. “Allow me to escort you to the car, your Highness,” he said.

Rebecca held out her own hand and a slightly stunned Ainars took it, mimicked his friend’s gesture and led her to the car. Rebecca waited and nodded for Vicotira to enter the car first. Rebecca followed her in, with Thomas and Ainars trailing behind.

The drive to the ferry was relatively short, however, Rebecca, Thomas and Ainars took turns pointing out the sights to Vicotira. As they descended Citadel Mount, they passed the Imperial Zoopark and the ruins of the old Baptist mission just outside the Imperial gate. Driving through the city, Rebecca pointed out the State Theatre and various diplomatic missions. Soon, they arrived at the ferry dock, where a private ferry was waiting to take them to the Preserve Island.

“You are more than pretty, Gwendolyn,” Peter said as the duchess disappeared back into her suite. When she returned, Peter took her hand and kissed just above it. “Very lovely,” he said admiringly.

Peter held up the box he was carrying and handed it to Gwendolyn. “A small present,” he said with a smile. “Something appropriate for the day.” Inside the box was a blue baseball cap with gold crown and sword logo of the Monarchs. “They’re traditional at ballgames,” he said as Gwendolyn opened it.

“Excellent,” the Emperor said, “I hope you enjoy today’s tour as much.” Walking out the western doors of the castle, the Emperor led Nianki down the steps.

Empress Elizabeth, wearing a light blue dress was already waiting for them. She nodded. “Good morning, your Highness,” she said.

The Emperor gestured towards the waiting blue and gold helicopter. “Shall we?”

"Of course." Vicotira said, sliding her arm into his and accepting his escort.

Gwendolyn looked the baseball cap over, turning it in her hand. "What is it?" she asked, as she studied the device on the front.

Nianki bowed to the Empress. "Your Majesty." She then nodded to the Emperor, climbing into the helicopter.

The car carefully drove onto the ferry, which began its slow journey to the neighboring island. As the boat made its way, Rebecca, Thomas and Ainars amiably chatted with Vicotira and each other.

"It's a baseball cap," Peter said. He reached into the pocket of his sports coat and pulled out an identical cap, which he carefully placed on his head. "It's traditional to wear them during ball games."

The Emperor waited for Nianki and the Empress to board the helicopter, then he joined them. Soon, they were high above Citadel Island and heading out of the city.

Gwendolyn laughed lightly and placed the cap on her head. "I....I imagine I must look rather silly wearing this."

She blushed a little and slid her arm into Peter's. "Shall we, my lord?"

Vicotira chatted happily about everything and nothing, waiting to arrive.

Nianki looked down out over the landscape from the helicopter, smiling.

“Hardly,” Peter said with a smile. “You look… beautiful.”

Peter took Gwendolyn’s arm. “Yes, let’s. And, please call me Peter.”

Peter led Gwendolyn through the Castle to a side entrance where a car waited for them.

Instead of the chauffeured black limousines that were normally used by the Imperial family and their guests, a two-door red roadster waited, its engine idling. A uniformed driver bowed to the prince and duchess. He opened the passenger door for Gwendolyn and Peter led her around to that side of the car and helped her into the vehicle.

With a nod and a quite word of thanks Peter dismissed the driver. He came around the other side of the car and eased into the driver’s seat.

“Since we have quite an agenda today, with the game and the concert, I thought I would drive us.” Peter smiled. “If you don’t mind,” he added with a grin.

Closing the door, Peter shifted the car into drive and started away from the Castle. An unmarked car with Imperial Guards in plainclothes followed at a discrete distance.

“On the way to the stadium, I’ll point out the sights of the city.” And, as the small, overpowered car roared its way through the Old City, Peter pointed out the historic buildings, Ministries and cathedrals of the capital.

In short order, Peter was pulling into the same private VIP parking lot that he, Rebecca and Vicotira had been in the day before. Peter parked the car and turned off the engine. He turned to Gwendolyn and smiled. “Shall we, Gwendolyn?”

He bounded from the car and came around to open the duchess’ door. He held out his hand to help her from the car.

After a brief trip, the ferry docked an island not far from Citadel Island. The island was smaller than Citadel Island, but still fairly large. It was mostly covered with forests, but fields and buildings were visible from the dock.

The car drove off the ferry and up a narrow road past several large Jugendstil mansions. “Those are guest houses,” Rebecca said, “they’re used for distant relatives and heads of state on official visits…” The car continued up the street, which was line with trees and old fashioned street lamps. Everything was meticulously clean and well maintained, yet there might have been a slightly eerie feel to the Island since, apart from a few groundskeepers, it was completely empty.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a large, yellow painted baroque palace. “The Summer Palace,” Rebecca said with a smile.

James and Tariq barely waited for the car to stop before bounding out and running towards an athletic field visible in the distance. Thomas and Ainars followed them out of the car, but they turned and offered their hands to Vicotira and Rebecca. “Your Highnesses,” they said.

The helicopter flew for some time before passing over a large grassy plain. The helicopter descended towards a large structure at the end of a long, narrow road near the centre of the plain. In the distance, on a hill jutting from the plain, stood a medieval castle surrounded by a number of low, modern-looking buildings and enclosed by high, razor wire fences.

After the helicopter had landed and the blades had stopped turning, an Imperial Guard opened the door and saluted. David climbed out and offered his hand, first to Nianki, then to Elizabeth.

A woman with brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and dressed in a brown uniform with the insignia of the Imperial Parks Service approached, bowing at the waist. “Your Majesties, your Highness,” she said. “I am Angelina Blake, chief ranger of the Turaida National Historical Park. I have been told you would be interested in seeing the park and hearing a bit of the history of the battle and of Queen Hildegaard…”

"You flatter me, surely, sir." Gwendolyn responded, smiling gently.

She nodded. "As you wish, Peter. You can call me Gwendolyn....or Gwen."

She walked with him, allowing herself to be helped into the car with a smile. She nodded to him for his explanation. "I've actually been meaning to learn to drive....Are you sure I don't look silly?"

Gwendolyn took in all of the historical buildings and such, listening politely until they arrived. She took his hand and allowed him to help her from the car.

Vicotira took the offered hand and rose. "Thank you, my lord."

Nianki simply nodded to the ranger, letting the Emperor speak for now.

“Gwen it is, then,” Peter said with a broad smile.

“I would be honoured to teach you how to drive. We could go over to the Preserve Island; there’s a closed track there we could practice on…” He turned as he drove and looked at Gwen. “And you absolutely do not look silly.” Peter grinned. “Actually, I think you’re rather cute in that hat…”

“Here we are, Gwen,” Peter said as he helped the duchess out of the car.

Peter led Gwendolyn into the elevator shaft and up to the Imperial family’s luxury suite. A uniformed woman met the prince and duchess at the elevator and escorted them to sitting area. A table of snacks was laid out on fine linen and the woman noted that the bar was fully stocked with all variety of drinks. Then, with a bow she left the couple alone.

Peter walked over to the windows overlooking the field. “It looks like we’re a little early.” He turned to Gwendolyn and held out his hand. “Have a look,” he said, “I’ll explain the basics of the game.”

Rebecca extended her hand to Ainars and followed Vicotira out of the car. Once out of the car, she turned to the Grand Duchess. “Should we start with swimming or riding?”

“Yes,” the Emperor said, “Grand Duchess Nianki is interested in warrior queens, so I thought we ought to come to see Turaida and the Hildegaard Museum.”

“Well, then, let’s get started,” Blake said. “Over here is where Hildegaard’s army arrived on the field…”

Gwendolyn laughed at Peter's offer. "That is sweet of you but I'm only here for a few days. I doubt that you could teach me to drive in so short a time." She went with him into the suite and joined him by the window. "Go ahead."

"Swimming." Vicotira answered swiftly.

Nianki nodded, moving to follow Blake.

“Perhaps you might consider a longer visit,” Peter said in reply to Gwendolyn. “Then we could have as much time as we needed.”

After Gwendolyn joined him at the window, Peter began pointing out the bases and explaining the rules of the game.

Soon, the teams took the field. Everyone in the stadium stood as the Imperial March was played. Peter dropped his during the anthem, but as it concluded, he allowed his hand to brush against Gwendolyn’s. “Would you like to join me on the sofa? We can see the game from there…”

Rebecca smiled. “Let’s go, then.” She led Vicotira, Thomas and Ainars around to the back of the Palace. After passing through the gardens, the foursome came to large clearing. A glittering pool in the shape of a double oval beckoned. To the right of the pool were several small buildings. Rebecca turned to Vicotira. “We can change in these rooms,” she said. Turning to Thomas and Ainars she added, “You boys can change down there. And if you didn’t bring suits, you’ll find some inside.”

A few minutes later, Rebecca stepped out of changing room in a modest one-piece red and blue swimsuit. Thomas and Ainars were already out of their booths and were sitting on the edge of the pool kicking their feet and splashing each other. Ainars looked up at gave Rebecca an admiring smile. He poked Thomas in the ribs and whispered something to the older boy. Rebecca blushed and looked away. Ainars, too, blushed, but he did not look away.

(OOC: Do you want to RP the tour of the battlefield or can we assume it goes well and is suitably impressive?)

Gwendolyn frowned slightly. "There is a pace for these things, Your Highness." She sat down with him, looking out over the field with great interest. She studied how the game worked, asking Peter to explain to her what was happening.

Vivotira soon followed Rebecca out, in a green and gold two piece. She followed her down to the water and splashed right in with a bright grin.

((OOC: That's fine. Actually, we should probably go ahead and wrap this up, trailing off into Peter and Gwendolyn's courtship instead of rping the whole thing day by day.))

Peter smiled and patiently explained the events on the field. He pointed out as much of the strategy as he could, while focusing on the basics of game play. After a couple of innings Peter stood. “Could I offer you a drink and something to eat, Gwen?”

Rebecca dived into the pool and broke the surface laughing.

(OOC: I agree. Let’s leave the Rebecca-Vicotira storyline entirely and just assume everyone had a good time. We can wrap up the game and maybe head to the concert.)

"I'd love that." Gwendolyn answered. "Thank you." When he returned, she ate and drank politely as she watched the rest of the game. She paid careful attention to what was going on and tried to get an idea of how baseball was played. Afterwards, she was off to the concert with Peter.

After the game, Peter led Gwendolyn to the car and drove out of the parking lot with the unmarked security car following close behind. Peter steered the car away from the river, taking Gwendolyn further into the area known as the Right Bank.

They drove past the office towers of the business district and into a more industrial area. High tech factories, industrial parks and warehouses lined one side of the highway, while middle class and working class neighborhoods passed on the other. As they drove along, Peter pointed out various sights to Gwendolyn.

After a while, Peter turned off the main road and drove towards a large, somewhat antique looking theatre. The old fashioned marquee advertised “Tonight Only: BrainFreeze” in large letters.

Peter parked the car next to the theatre and jumped out. He walked around and opened the door for Gwendolyn. He offered her his hand. “Here we are, Gwen. My favorite band and one of my favorite venues..”

Gwendolyn enjoyed spending more time with Peter. The music wasn't really to her taste but she listened attentively and tried to learn about the band, eager to learn more about what Peter liked. The next day, she did have to go with the others. However, she made sure that Peter stayed in touch with her. Contact eventually grew to courtship and courtship to marriage, a marriage that would not come until after the tragedy of the Shattering and the unexpected elevation of Gwendolyn's brother to the Throne of of herself to the throne of Shieldcrest.

FIN