NationStates Jolt Archive

In the Imperial Throne Room of New Rome, His Majesty, Andreus I, emperor of Pantocratoria, meets a delegation from Tomania. With a bow of respect the Tomanian Ambassador, Orophirin Imlar, greets the emperor. “A laita I Androren! Tararan in Pantocratorador!” exclaimed Imlar, the translator then bows slightly to the emperor and states, “Praise be to Andreus, emperor of Pantocratoria!” Andreus greets his guest warmly and Imlar began his delegation, he first spoke quietly in his native tongue. As he went on about the relations of Tomania and the August Empire his melodic voice began to entrance those around him, after what seemed to be a millennia Imlar bowed again then eyed his translator who began his translation:

“Oh, Illatrious Andreus! Most Honorable and wise! It is with great pleasure that I am here today, in this, your lovely capital. As you may be aware. My Government and Her Serene Majesty wish to enter into an alliance with your great nation. We are aware that in these times one can never be to sure who to trust. But we are confident that in time, we, Greater Tomania, and you, grand Pantocratoria, will trust one another and our alliance will flourish into a new era.”

Imlar began again in Quenya. Though, ambassador, it is not costume for Tomanians to learn the language of their ambssadorship. In fact very few Tomanians ever learn anything besides Quenya. He concluded again with yet another low respectful bow. Within seconds the translator began to speak..

“Your Catholic Majesty. We are certain that not only will this alliance help to stop the forces from afar that wish, nothing else, but to see our civilizations burn to ashes. Our armed forces in league with yours, will end there progress, none will ever dare to question our infallibility. And in trade we shall see a new age of flourishing economies. Our lands will flow with wealth, prosperity, and security. I implore you, Emperor, to take this into deep consideration.”

Almost before the translation ended Imlar began again in Quenya, he spoke for only a few moments and when he had finished he extended is arm towards to Pantocratorian emperor. The translator hesistate for a moment to make sure he had gotten everything before he uttered:

“I extend to you an invitation from my Sovereign, Ishtar im-Bashi, empress of all the Tomanias, to come to the Holy City of Imladris for an official visit by the Pantocratorian crown.”

Imlar stood their before the emperor with great pride and grace waiting for his Majesty’s response.

Princess Sarah ni Beaumayn arched a brow at the ambassador as he spoke, not expressing her own opinion beyond that gesture. She glanced towards the Emperor to see how he would answer.

The Emperor was somewhat taken aback by the Tomanian Ambassador's quite unexpected talk of alliances and invitation to visit Tomania. So surprised that at first, he thought it must have been a mistranslation - but the subsequent flowerly language which accompnied the word "alliance" put an end to such doubts. His expression remained much the same despite his surprise and he heard out the Tomanian offer - he understood only that the Tomanian delegation had come to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator as part of a programme to build a friendly, healthy diplomatic relationship, not an alliance.

"Greetings to Your Excellency, and our thanks to Her Majesty for her most generous invitation to visit the Holy City of Imladris." the Emperor replied in French. "As for the other matter, monsieur, we must admit to being taken by surprise at the speed of things... we would not normally consider undertaking an agreement of such a magnitude as an agreement of alliance until our nation had enjoyed close relations with the other nation for some time, and we would naturally hear the advice of our ministers on the matter besides."

After the emperor had spoken the translation began and Imlar listened very closely to what the Catholic emperor had said. There was a small pause before the Tomanian ambassador responded in his native language. And the translator began again:

“I plead with His Most Pious Sovereign, to take this matter into the highest regards. And in time our relations will improve into a greater understanding. Indeed, perhaps it is a bit premature to ask such a request to quickly in our delegation.”

Stopped with a slight gesture and allowed the translation from Quenya to French begin. As the translation went on the Tomanian’s eyes began to wonder around ever so slightly and he looked out at the Imperial Court. He spoke again and allowed the translation to go on:

“However, the invitation for the Pantocratorian Crown to come to Imladris and meet with the Supreme Cordon, Miklos Lord Hedikai, and Her Holy Majesty is still an offer. Within the next days I shall have an representative of mine deliver to your Majesty the, potential, visitation plans. In the mean time, I beg his Majesty to allow me to present a small token of our esteem.”

A small murmur could be heard throughout the court as to what could this gift be. Ambassador Imlar clapped his hands twice and three members of his delegation stepped forward caring a beautiful golden box with sliver trim, embroidered with jewels and gems. The box opened and a square ascended from it and Imlar spoke as it did.

“I present a gift befitting an emperor.” After each translation the Ambassador would continue again. He stepped forward and toke the large golden egg that had slowly emerged, “within this golden egg lies a dragon energist.” He turned the top of the egg and opened it the three sides fell open “Or, as one might also say,“ Imlar went on approaching the emperor, “a petrified heart from a creature of old. There are very few of these small, yet priceless, relics left in our world.” He held it up so that Emperor Andreus might examine it ever more closely. “I hope that His Majesty will take this gift in the same generosity in which it was given.”

The Catholic emperor had taken the gift with enthusiasm, but also with curiosity. With the beginning of the delegation over the emperor Andreus dismissed the envoy and within the next days deliberated with his ministers about the events, situation, and the visitation to Tomania. Meanwhile, a message was sent to Supreme Cordon Hedikai from Ambassador Imlar, in the Marduuk Complex in eastern Imladris, Hedikai sat at his large, beautiful oak desk shuffling through papers and documents. A servant entered the room and bowed to Hedikai holding out a golden tablet. The Supreme Cordon looked up too the document and dismissed the servant. He read the report from Imlar with great concern.

The next day, Lord Hedikai contacted Imlar in the Tomanian consulate in New Rome via Telescreen

“Hail the mighty im-Bashi, Lady of Light, Empress of Tomania!” exclaimed Imlar as he bowed his head to the Cordon.
“Hail.” Hediaki stated. “Now, inform me Imlar. What was this emperors reaction to our proclamation?”

“Your Excellency, the Pantocratorian emperor was flattered by our request, but in the end he, initially denied it, however. He informed me that he would discuss the matter with his ministries. Though, my Lord, he was grateful that Her Holiness invited his court to Tomania. Though, His Majesty did take our gift with great pleasure. I am sure that...”

“Well,” Lord Hedikai interrupted, “we mustn’t waver. Ishtar was very persistent that we enter into the alliance. She would be most pleased to have a friend outside of Endore. Remember, Imlar, it is our mission that we, Marduuk, fulfill Her demands.”

“Your Grace, might I inquire as why Pantocratoria and not, another, more militaristicly powerful nation?” asked Imlar.

“It is not your place to question the divinity and wisdom of this government, Ambassador. Is it your duty to merely carry out your orders unquestioningly.”

“By your command.” Imlar stated, once again saluting. The transmission ended and Imlar sat down in his chair looking out the window with a sigh. Thinking to himself. He dictated a letter to his secratary for the Catholic sovereign.

“Unto His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I Capet, Emperor of the Most Holy and August Empire of Pantocratoria, does the Imperial Government of the Imperium of Greater Tomania send Greetings and Salutations.

If it please Your Imperial Majesty, the Imperial Tomanian Government, on behalf of Her Imperial and Most Holy Majesty, Ishtar empressina im-Bashi, Empress of all the Tomanias, here do invite Your Majesty for an official visit by the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator to visit the Holy City of Imaldris on the 19th of December 2005 according to the date of the Gregorian calendar and the year according to the same. The pleasure of Your Majesty’s response is eagerly anticipated.

Much Sincerity,
Orophrirn Imlar,
Imperial Ambassador for the Imperium of Greater Tomania
Landgrave of Avanthar
Lord of Imbithrien
Member of the Calaquendi
Marshal of the Grand Order of the Golden Flower”

He than waved his hand in dismissal. The secretary had the letter wrote in both French, Greek and Quenya and sent it to the office of the Emperor of Pantocratoria.

The Emperor received several members of the Imperial Cabinet for the regular Council of Ministers meeting in the Sun King Room of the French suite in the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. In Pantocratoria, the Council of Ministers meeting is the under-publicised rubber-stamping mechanism at which the Government's legislation as passed through the Imperial Parliament is formally enacted by the Crown and agreements obtained from the Emperor to grant the Imperial Assent to the legislation in question to pass it into law. It was never attended by all members of the cabinet - usually only the Chancellor or Deputy Chancellor or some other very senior minister, and one or two others. This time, it was attended by Demetrios Raoul, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kostas Pelospoulos, Minister for Finance, and Jacqueline Catala, Minister for Trade.

"...and he just presumed that you would agree to an alliance, on the spot, Sire?" Raoul asked, aghast.

"He seemed to be under the impression that it was an arranged affair already. For a moment, monsieur, I thought you had been lapse in your responsibility to report your correspondence with Greater Tomania in full to me." the Emperor replied, taking a sip of his brandy.

"For only a moment, I hope." Raoul frowned.

"Only a moment. I advised him that talk of an alliance was premature." the Emperor said.

"In the extreme." Raoul nodded.

"Indeed." the Emperor replied. He never liked Raoul's tone, but he supposed the feeling was mutual. "He then extended an invitation to me to visit Tomania, an invitation which he gave in writing later..."

The Emperor briefly flicked through the papers in front of him, and then produced the French version of the letter, and handed it to Raoul. Raoul skimmed it quickly.

"The 19th of December 2005?" Raoul asked, his eyebrows raised.

"I'm sure Your Majesty is aware that the state visit to our Excalbian allies, arranged at the wedding of their Crown Prince to Her Highness the Princess Anna, has still not taken place." said Catala delicately. "The Excalbians may take it as insulting if Your Majesty were to accept the Tomanian offer and make that visit prior to visiting Citadel Excalbia."

"My thoughts exactly, madame." the Emperor replied. "I think it important that some delicate reply be made..."

"Respectfully, Sire, Greater Tomania should be making these overtures to the Government, and not to Your Majesty directly." Raoul said, a little assertively.

"I am inclined to agree." the Emperor replied.

"Then your reply, Monseigneur, must direct further correspondence to your ministers." Raoul stated. The Emperor's upper lip twitched slightly - Raoul's tone always bordered on the impertinent, and it was impertinent in the extreme to attempt to issue him an order. Still, Raoul was quite correct...

"That had been my intention all along, monsieur." the Emperor replied.

***

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

Orophrirn Imlar
Ambassador to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator for the Imperium of Greater Tomania

Your Excellency,

We convey Our regards and esteem both to you and especially to that Most Excellent Majesty whom you serve, the Empress of all the Tomanias. Again We convey Our thanks to you for Her Majesty's most generous gift, which We shall treasure as is only fitting for such a priceless gift from such a peerless potentate.

It is with regret that We must decline Her Imperial and Most Holy Majesty's invitation to visit Imaldris on the nineteenth of this month, on account of Our previous committments, foremost of which is an undertaking to make a state visit to the Excalbian Empire pending the resolution of the present crisis in the Excalbian Isles.

We hope that We have caused Her Majesty no offence by declining her offer of hospitality, and that it may be possible in the future to arrange such a visit. In this and all other matters, We commend to Your Excellency Our Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Demetrios Raoul.

Given by Our hand on the feast day of Saint Locaie in the thirty second year of Our reign at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator,

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

His Imperial Majesty, Andreus I Capet
Emperor of Pantocratoria

Your Majesty,
I write to you to request an audience with regard to the proposal of alliance put forward by His Excellency, the Ambassador from Greater Tomania. I must confess that I found it rather surprising that Your Majesty is entertaining the proposal personally. However, as that does seem to be the case, I would wish to consult with Your Majesty on the matter under the terms of our alliance.
Sincerely,
Princess Sarah ni Beaumayn

In the mass complexes of Imladris the Marduuk Executive Counsel meets to discuss affairs of the empire, both at home and afar. However, today only Iarwen ben-Adar, Deputy Executor; Elrohir Cúthalion, Minister of Law & Order;
Camthal Nénharma, Minister of the Interior; Fingolfin Calafalas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Wensicia Hedikai, Minster of Propaganda and sister of the Supreme Cordon; and Elwën Melwasúl, Ministry of the Economy.

Iarwen ben-Adar, the Deputy Executor read the report from Imlar. “Ah, well. It seems that the emperor wishes for us to conduct our affairs with his ministers and not with him directly. Also, sir, it would appear that he has declined his offer to come here to…”

“Declined?” Interrupted the Supreme Cordon, “Why have they declined… just give me the report.” He demanded rather rudely. Ben-Adar handed him the report which Hedikai read carefully. “Ah, ‘on account of previous commitments,’ well then, it would seem we must schedule for another time. Iarwen, contact our emissary there and have him meet with Pantocratoria’s Foreign Minister to discuss further relations.”

“Of course, Your Grace. However, I must say…”

“Forgive me Lord ben-Adar,” Fingolfin Calafalas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, cut off the Deputy Executor, “But Your Excellency, perhaps we could show this emperor a gesture of good faith.”

“Gesture of good faith, how so General?” Wensicia asked, cocking a brow

“Well, Lady Hediaki, I merely was trying to convey that if I were to go, and speak with him directly, it might appear to them, more, that we wish this alliance to fruition.” Calafalas, looked down towards Wensicia, he never much liked her and she him. “And, Doctor, I, unlike our ambassador, can speak French. Therefore, negations will generate faster and we have no need to waste such time with translators.”

“Oh, General, do not think that because…” Wensica coldly stated, until she was interrupted by her brother, Miklos Hedikai.

“It is settled then, General Calafalas shall go to New Rome to further discuss the affair.”



In New Rome, the Tomanian Ambassador met briefly with the Pantocratorian Foreign Minister to delever a message stating that Tomania’s Foreign Minister would like to meet with Demetrios Raoul to discuss Tomanian-Pantocratorian Affairs.

The translation went as followed:

“Your Grace, first I must thank you for giving me this moment of your time. Secondly, I have come before you to request that you take an audience with Her Holy Majesty’s Foreign Minister, Fingolfin Calafalas, to further discuss our relations.”

Imlar then slightly bowed in respect to Minister Raoul.

Raoul, an overweight, tough middle-aged trade unionist with a thick neck and aggressive demeanour, may have seemed like an odd choice for the position of foreign minister, but his appearance belied his keen intelligence, his passionate belief in the principles of his party, and thorough grasp of foreign policy. He sat across a coffee table in his office in the Palais du Parlement from the Tomanian ambassador and translator, accompanied by a translator of his own.

"Your Excellency is most welcome." Raoul replied, assuming that the use of the term 'Your Grace' was a mistranslation and deciding that it would be rude to draw attention to it. "I am pleased to finally be able to speak to you myself, and would be most pleased to speak to your Foreign Minister, Fingolfin Calafalas.

The Emperor agreed to meet with Princess Sarah in his usual office in the Sun King Room. His secretary saw her in and he rose to greet her, before bidding her to be seated in the couch across from him. Sarah glided in as gracefully as always, wearing a light blue dress embroidered with a silver geometric star pattern and set with onyx. She curtseyed gracefully before sitting.

"Thank you for speaking with me, Your Majesty."

"Of course." said the Emperor as they both sat down. "Let's get straight to the matter at hand, shall we?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Sarah said. "My government doesn't know of any reason why an alliance with Greater Tomania would be objectionable, specifically. However, the whole affair is rather...if you'll pardon my saying so...sudden."

"I agree." the Emperor replied.

"Oh..." Sarah said, not quite hiding her surprise. "I am embarrassed to admit that I had assumed the matter would have been discussed prior to the invitation in open court."

"So had I." the Emperor remarked.

"I see." Sarah replied uselessly.

"I don't." the Emperor replied, humourlessly.

"It is likely the way they transact business. They assumed, without doing proper research, that you would handle affairs in a like manner."

"I wouldn't care to speculate." the Emperor replied.

Whatever had provoked the Tomanian to make such an offer out of the blue was surely important, and it would be inappropriate for the Emperor to admit to sharing Sarah's skepticism. Sarah nodded with a studied frown.

"Was there anything else?" the Emperor asked.

"No, Your Majesty." she answered.

In Imladris, the capital, the center of culture, the Holy City, the Imperial Court of the Holy im-Bashi met. In the Golden Throne Chamber of Supreme Harmony the sound of the gong could be heard in all corners, the members of the court feel to their knees as the young Empress entered the room, the imperial majordomo announced:

“Fall to your kneels before Her Imperial and Infallible Holy Majesty, Who is seated on the Golden Throne occupied by the most serene im-Bashi Dynasty changeless through ages eternal, She who is the Divine Daughter of Eru, the Empress and Supreme Autocrat of all the Tomanias, Ruler and Sovereign of All Under Heaven, the Mighty Immaculate Iluvitariel.”

As her title was stated Ishtar walked down a red carpet covered in flower petals, she then sat on the throne which is under a canopy with red silk hanging from it to hid Ishtar from sight, and she wore a glamorous red dress enlace with gold and jewels, over her face yet another red vale. And to her left and right the Imperial Guard stood in perfect formation and almost lifeless, one might mistake them for statues. The Supreme Cordon stood three steps down from the Empress, and the rest of the court stood before the illustrious Ishtar. All the members stood back up and in unison proclaiming “A laite i Tarari, Yende in Menel, Kementari in Tomanyar!”

The first to speak was Miklos Hedikai the Supreme Cordon, “On the Twenty second day of Hrive in the fifth year since the ascension of Her Imperial and Most Holy Majesty, the Immaculate Empress, and at the ninth hour since the sun was at the most high, I declare the Imperial Court of the Holy im-Bashi to be in session. To begin Her Holy Majesty’s Court, I present his Lordship, Fingolfin i Eldalio Fingolfinion carte Calafalaso Alcoharyen Beleriand, to come before Her Holy Court.”

The gong was hit and the court greeted Calafalas and he feel to the floor before Ishtar “I beg permission from She Who Is Most Holy to allow me, her insignificant servant, the grand honor of speaking before the Daughter of Heaven and before Her Court.” Without speaking Ishtar extended her arm and gestured for Fingolfin to raise.

“Her Majesty has spoken, Fingolfin of Beleriand, You may speak before our Holy Mother.” declared Hedikai.

“I again, thank Her Majesty a million fold.” He then stood up and continued, “I have requested this high honor to beg permission from Tomania’s Great Empress to allow me to go to Pantocratoria, to discuss Your Majesty’s further relationship with them. I am confident that with my abilities, that was bestowed by Your Worship, You, o Holy Mother, will gain yet another glorious ally to help secure Your magnificent empire and bring You greater prosperity.” Fingolfin then lowered his head. He always hated going to court, the endless ceremony, the endless graveling, the endless titles. A few moments later Hedikai again spoke.

“So be it. Fingolfin of the House of Calafalas, it is granted. The Illustrious Daughter of Eru Iluvitar, demands you go to this place and fulfill your duty to the Most Holy Empress.”

“I thank His Excellency, the Supreme Cordon, and I thank, a million time over and another thousand, to Her Majesty to give me such an honor.”

Hedikai then hit the floor three times with his staff.



Within the confinements of the Tomanian embassy in New Rome, Ambassador Imlar, greeted the Foreign Minister of Tomania at the door. “Ah, General Calafalas, this is an unexpected arrival, we were informed that you would not be coming until next week, but, we are honored by your presence.”

With a wave of dismissal the tall, elderly man continued to walk past Imlar, “You may dispense with the pleasantries, Orophirin. I have come early by the direct command of Immaculate Ishtar.” After he had said ‘Ishtar’ he, and everyone around him, put their right arm in a 90 degree angle in a gesture of salute. “It seems that the Supreme Cordon wishes that these events transpire quickly before the festivities of our Empress’ birthday.”

Imalr nodded as he tried so hard to keep up with the Minister, though, elderly Fingolfin was always a fast walker, almost a slight run. They had reached the main office and the secretaries arranged the meeting between the two Ministers.

Fingolfin sat down across from Roul, a slight disgust was shown on the Tomanian’s face, Calafalas disliked most people not Tomanian, he was an ardent anti-Dunedainist, especially those who cannot control their eating habits, an odd choice for a Foreign Minister, he probably was selected for the position for his language skills, being near fluent in nine, which is almost unheard of in Tomania. Though, his racial predjusice aside, he is an intelligent and fiercely passionate about his work. He cleared his throat before speaking in French to the Pantocratorian.

“Your Grace, my government thanks you for allowing me this honor. It is with great joy that I am here to conduct these affairs personally. I have read the reports from our ambassador here, and from our Intelligence. Firstly, if the matter of alliance is rather sudden for His Majesty the Emperor, we would once again like to apologize. For you see, Your Garce, in Tomania, it is our custom to be, for lack of better worlds, incredibly blunt in our dealings and in the way we conduct business. Her Holy Majesty wishes that no offense was taken, and, I might add Her Divine Majesty took no offense from His Majesty declining an official visit, we understand prior commitments take precedent. Another matter of which I would like to discuss is trade between our great empires. We know that Pantocratoria is economically stable, so trade should be all the better. We would also like to arrange a better time for the Emperor to visit Tomania.”

Calafalas then nodded, indicating he had finished, he took a drink of from some water that was on the table.

"I assure you that no offence has been taken, Your Excellency." started Raoul. "Trade is something we'd be very interested in. Pantocratoria's trade with predominantly non-human countries has been historically very low as a result of the policies of the previous government, a situation our government has been very keen to reverse. Pantocratoria is a lucrative import market - our productivity is mainly focussed on agriculture so consumer goods are predominantly imported. I'm sure we could come to a reciprocal arrangement whereby Pantocratoria and Tomania could drop tariffs on nominated goods in their trade with each other."

"As for the matter of the Emperor making an official visit to Greater Tomania, that is something we are very eager for His Majesty to do." Raoul continued. "It would be regarded to be a diplomatic insult, however, for the Emperor to visit Greater Tomania before going on his long planned but also long delayed state visit to our allies just to the north, Excalbia. The difficulty with arranging an exact time for any subsequent state visit is that the present crisis in the Excalbian Isles, with the threat of violence never far away, makes it very difficult for the Emperor to visit Excalbia. Until those tensions are resolved, it will be quite impossible for the Emperor's state visit there to take place... and while we foresee that tensions will be resolved by the end of the year, Knootian intransigence being what it is, we can make no guarantees. If Her Majesty would prefer, perhaps His Majesty could dispatch a representative of suitable standing in the meantime, until circumstances allow him to visit in person? Perhaps the Imperial Chancellor, or a member of the Imperial Family?"

Calafalas noded, “Indeed, Your Grace. I do think that tariffs could be dropped. I shall have Her Majesty’s Trade Ministry write up a document on what good we would like to buy, and in turn, which goods we shall sell to His Majesty’s imperial empire. Now, to the matter which of His Catholic Majesty’s visitation. We understand that previous commitments, especially with long lasting allies, come before this, our pending relations. As a member of the Tomanian Imperial Court, I think it would be best, politically and to show greater respect if a member of the Emperor’s Imperial Family were to come in his stead. This genuine act would be a very welcome one. Also, perhaps, a member of the im-Bashi Dynasty could represent Her Majesty’s Holy Family and Her Imperial Government in the Pantocratorian Court?”