NationStates Jolt Archive

Nations of the World,

We ask that you send to us, your diplomats, to come visit our proud country. All technology levles are welcome, Modern, Future, Post-Modern, Fantasy, and Past. And any others not mentiond. Not only will your diplomats be making good relations between us and your country, they will be treated with gracious hospitatliy, as if they we're tourists. Wonderful food, a good place to stay, and enjoy or talk business in the glorius hot springs. Bring a swim suit and towel if desire.

So please send some of your people to M.S. we're really freindly, and we welcome relations with the world.

Sakura Kinimoto-Empress

Message From the Secular Kingdom of Maraque Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dear Empress Sakura Kinimoto,

We can send a Royal Representative to your most esteemed nation as soon as possible if you wish. Ms. Shawnda Arabajian will depart once this is confirmed.

We would also like to extend an invitation to you to vist the Secular Kingdom, and to establishment an embassy here, and perhaps form an alliance.

Sincerely,
Secular Kingdom of Maraque Foreign Affairs Minister

Princess Mia will visit your nation

We are interested in taking you up on your offer. We would be interested in what might be talked about, and shall be sending Baron Rafael Castais to represent us.

ooc: Am doing this from the MT prespective

The meetings will cover diplomatic relations, between our nations. And maybe swap a few good stories, and recipies.

We would like to know the airport closest to the location for the diplomatic conference so we might send our diplomat for his visit.

On a slightly unrelated note, we'd advise that Rafael be kept away, as much as possible, from the ladies as, though no fault of his own, many females become rather quickly enamoured of him.a

We, the Commonwealth of Spranten, would be most honoured to open diplomatic relations with your nation.

We are particularly interested in developing links between our respective universities and possibly joint research programs if common areas can be found. To this end, we would like to offer a reciprocal invitation for representatives from our research communities to visit each other and discuss such actions.

Secular Kingdom of Maraque Ministry of Foreign Affairs

What will be the destination of the meeting? Our Representative is ready to leave at moments notice.

Thank you all. Sorry to say M.S. Has no major airport, and the most common way in is by sea port. But it would be possible to land a small prop plane in nearby fields.

We would be very happy to link our universities for reasearch purposes.

Caution to thoes who travel by sea: The Xanadou Sea get's pretty rough during storms. Take boats that can handle the big waves, and sail with experience sailors. M.S. Is willing to provide you with sea transport if needed.
And don't forget your sea-sick patches

Our capital city of Oka is where we will all meet.

Unfortunately we have no naval vessels, nor coastline and the distance makes prop planes highly impractical. Unless something can be figured out, we may have to, regretfully, bow out of the meeting.s

Not to worry. As I said earlier, we can provide you with sea transport.

The Armed Republic of Calatine will send a Diplomat at once.

Not to worry. As I said earlier, we can provide you with sea transport.
ooc:As I mentioned(and you might have missed) no coast = no port = difficulty in sea transport.

Dear Exalted Empress Kinimoto,

We ask you forgive our delayed response. It takes some time for earth messages to reach our humble planet of Blastonia.

We would like to comply with your offer of sending our trusted diplomat, Sir Eric Thorrelson to be our eyes, ears, and mouth in this peaceful meeting.

The Blastonian Empire looks forward to recieving a response soon.

Sincerely,
The Omnipotent Blastit I

Thank you for sending your diplomat to us.

Theao: You may have to land in a nearby nation, then we will pick you up.

The Royal Representative of the Secular Kingdom arrived in the city of Oka awaiting the meeting.

Rain fell in sheets on the city of Oka. This made Sakura nervous, this was her chance to finally start ties with other nations, after there close call a while ago. "I hope the rain doesn't drive people off."

"Ma'am first visitors arrived."

"Thank you."

Several guards followed her out side, opening a pink umbrella.

"Shoot I should have given them the address to the Palace."

"Do not fret milady, we'll find them."

He opend a small case unleashing a small eye scope.

"Found them, they are acutally a few blocks down at the Customs Office."

Sakura flipped her star staff from her left to her right hand.

"Let's make the Carriage longer."

"Expand"

It became nearly 5 feet longer.

In the Customs office the diplomats we're finding trouble with language barriers, of the new people on the job.

"I'll take it from here" Sakura said.

She bowed

"Greetings, I'm Emperess Sakura Kinimoto. I know I am young. Please follow me."

"It is my pleasure to meet you." Shawnda Arabajian said, as she followed.

What nearby nations would be qualified, and willing to serve as a waypoint and we shall send our diplomat forthwith

ooc: doesn't need to be a real one.

Dear Esteemed Empress Kinimoto,

We are overjoyed from your acceptance and are gladly sending Sir Thorrelson to your capital city of Oka, by boat. If needed, we could provide transport for those along the way.

Sincerely,
The Omnipotent Blastit I


ooc: If you want, I can pick up Theao as well. The Blastonian Empire would need to be notified, though.

A good landing point to set sail from would be JOLT Air Base on Hoshino Island. We've submitted a special request to allow for private air flights to land. From their go to the docks, where we will have a vessel waiting for you.

Rafael boarded the plane in Theao, and it touched down in the JOLT AFB and awaited the transfere to M.S.

A captian greeted the new arrivals to be boated to M.S. "Greetings, are you diplomats to M.S.? Please follow me."

"Yes, I am, and you are?" Rafael asked

"Oh Captian, Yukito Tomari, I'll be taking you to M.S. from here. The weather looks good so we shouldn't have to many problems."

"That's good." He replied, "So mind giving me a head's up on Magic Sorcery Yukito?"

"What would you like to know?"

"How about a general overview on anything that might come up." He suggested

"I'm afraid I can't tell you much. The Empress outside dealings are usually kept confidential, untill she authorizes publication. Belive me, I'm sure she is bound to ask about alliances, trade, freindships, that sort of stuff."

Eric Thorrelson (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/Blastit52/Blastit%20Empire%20Politicians/manintux2.jpg) arrived at the rainy docks, dark blue umbrella expanded above his head. He walked walked towards the street, unsure of where he'd meet Empress Kinimoto and the others.

"Then tell me what you can, and anything about customs and traditions. Also is this empress married or engaged?" He asked

"As you likely guessed almost everyone performs Magic. We do have Non-Magic Folks in our borders, but much of them have been displaced when our Grand Chancellor came to power. He has since been exiled. Many do where Kimonos, or Mage outfits but some do take on the Western Dress. Hot Springs are a treat, but not to worry, they are sulfer free. And regarding Empress Kinimoto is very young. 15 to be exact, and she is still single. We have a very high youth rate in our country. We have the Summer Cherry Blossom Festivle, which weather providing, you should be able to enjoy attending."

_________________________________________________________________

The Carriage came to a stop on the docks. Several people came out with umbrealls, a tall man asked

"Mr. Eric Thorrelson? Her Highness is expecting you, come right into the carraige and have a seat."

"Ah. Many thanks," Eric said, nodding his head to the man. He stepped into the carriage, mentally prepareing himself to speak with the Empress.

"Thank you for the information." He replied

Sakura gave her greeting, "Hello, I'm Empress Kinimoto. You must be Eric Thorrelson. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Many miles away the royal ship was sailing enroute to M.S. It was a sluggish trip as the weather grew bad in the south seas. Princess Mia Ludokai was unphased, being from a nation that had a lot of envolvment in sailing, and she had been on many long distant journeys.

"We may be delayed for a while your highness, the storm doesn't seem to be letting up."

"Thank you." She sipped her tea nonchelauntly. "Captain, you might want to enform the Good Lady that we'll be late."

"Yes your grace."

"Oh, forgive me ,your highness," Eric replied, slightly surprised the Empress and others were in the carriage. He quickly closed his umbrella and bowed low. "It is quite a pleasure to meet you!"

On behalf of Mintego, we send out top diplomates to M.S. to learn of your ways. We also bring you some of our Royal peacocks as a gift to your rulers. Long live peace between Mintego and M.S.

We look forward to your diplomats arrival

She bowed back. "I hope your journey was pleasent. Did you sail?"

Once the ship had docked, Rafael looked at the captain and asked, "Is there to be a greeter?"

"Should be."

The man saw the newer visitors arrive. "If you are here for the Summit, please enter the carriage."

Eric sat back in a comfortable chair in front of the Empress. "That I did, your highness. I love to sail. Ever since my father first took me on my first boat ride, I've been obsessed with sailing the oceans."

Eric cleared his throat quietly and his face reddened slightly. "Please excuse me, your highness. I'm sure you would rather not have listened to my babbling."

He fished in his pocket and pulled out a small box. He opened it and showed it to the Empress.

"On behalf of the Blastonian Empire, we would like to present you with this gift of a diamond necklace. Made by the best jeweler on the Protectorate Isles, with the finest diamonds we could find," Eric said, his head bowed.

"Terrific, I do enjoy sailing my self."

As he opend the box her face flushed red,

"Ah, wow it's wonderful, thank you so much. I'm overwhelmed by this generous gift."

"Thank you, but do you happen to have a horse, carriages make me queasy." He replied

"If that is what you desire sir." He whistled. And brought a horse over.

"Think nothing of it, your highness. The Blastonian Empire was honored by your invitation. We have only recently begun to interact with several other nations," Eric replied with a smile. "Would you like me to put it on you, your highness?"

Rafael swung himself up onto the horse, and asked, "Where to?"

"The Royal Palace, it's the tallest structure, you can't miss it."


Sakura responded "Oh please do."

"Thank you." He replied as he tapped the horse in the flankes and sent if off at a fast trot. He wondered what kind of reception he'd get ridding up in a horse rather than a carriage as intended by the organizers.

Eric smiled as he took the necklace from it's case and put the beautiful necklace around the Empress' delicate neck. Eric sat back down in his chair. "You look marvelous, your highness. It fits you perfectly," he said.

"Thank you very much." Her assitant whisperd into her ear.

"You may go driver."



At the palace, the guards stood in the pouring rain, waiting for her highness to return.

"Is that here?"

"No that's an indvidual, is he a messanger?"

"No diplomatic leader in his right mind would ride a horse in this rain. Even the Farmers are staying indores."

"Well open the gates and we'll see."

Rafael pulled up to the gate. "Ho guards. I request permission to enter."

After the long and hard journey to the north, Mia had finally arrived.

She put on her yellow slicker and walked out. "Boy the weather here is just as bad." She gigled. She loved storms.

"I guess they will be waiting for us at the Palace. "

"I'll check in miss."

"Please state your name and purpose for visit."

"Baron Rafael Castais, on a diplomatic visit from Theao." He called back.

"All right go on through, the stable is on the South East corner."

"Thank you." He called back as he tapped his heels upon the horse's flank yet again and rode to the stables. As the horse entered the building he swung down and off it whilst it was still moving and brought it to a halt by hand. He then looked around to see if he was going to have to unsaddle and curry the horse or if there were a groom present.

"I'll take care of the horse sir, go inside and dry off." A young horse stable girl said to him.

"Thank you my good lady." He replied with a graceful bow. "Be sure to get yourself inside as we as I would hate for you to catch cold." He added and with that he headed to the palace's inner gate to get admission to the building itself.

"Down that way, and you will be in the lobby sir." A guard said.

"Thank you." Rafael replied as he entered the building and shed himself of the highly water-resistant woolen cloak he'd donned when he took to horse. Finding a coat rack, he hung it up and proceeded to go further in.

"If I may be so bold as to ask a question, your highness," Eric began as he looked out the window at the rain. "Does it rain often here?"

"Yes very often. But there is usuall plenty of sun shine as well."


A young red-headed girl in a yellow floral decorated Kimono approached Rafael

"Excuse me sir, are you apart of the visitor enterege? If you are, then I'm to show you to your state room."

"Your highness, you said earlier that you liked to sail? What other activities do you enjoy doing?" asked Eric, trying to make a good impression of himself on the Empress.

"Oh I do enjoy gardening. I tell you if I wern't ever an Empress I probably would be a farmer. I can play the French Horn, so I enjoy music."

"Gardening? Oh, I bet the Imperial Gardens are quite a site, your highness. French horn is a noble instrument. I do love it's sound," smiled Eric. "I myself have played trumpet, cello, and piano, however I have not played in a while. Perhaps one day we can go sailing together...as a group I mean," he chuckled.

"A group sail, that sounds like fun. I haven't been able to go sailing in a while, and it's my ambition to sail all around the world."

"That's quite an ambition, your highness! But I have no doubts that you can do it. Perhaps if you get a vacation soon, we can all go? That would be great fun," Eric said, watching the scenery outside again.

"Your highness, do you like camping? I very much enjoy the wilderness," he said, tapping his hands together quietly.

"Occasionally, I like to go camping. But mostly I just go to a farm when I want to escape the poltical capital. Well it's farm land, no one actually farms it."

The carriage came to a halt.

"We're here miss."

"Oh really?"

She took the umbrella from the hands of her Guard, and opend it, waiting for Eric.

"Come, walk with me and talk with me a little more."

"Of Course, your highness!" replied Eric as he jumped out of the carriage behind the Empress.

"Would you like me to hold the umbrella? I'll promise not to get you wet," he asked, as they began to walk.

"No one farms it? Your highness, I'm sure you have at least planted something there?" he chuckled.

"I used to live in a farm, long ago. It was fun, being around all the animals. However it was slightly smelly, and you never knew what you'd step in next," he laughed.

"Oh please do. (She handed him the umbrella)
No, no one farms it, but I have a small garden there. No animals except for horses. My horse's name is named Teikiatsu, that means Cyclone. He's really fast, and really energetic. That can be bad though, because one clap of thunder, he'll throw you off his back, if your not careful."

Eric smiled as they walked along the path, listening to each other talk. He made sure to keep the Umbrella closest to the Empress, however not wishing to get too wet himself, he had to remain quite close to the Empress, which may give the impression of a relationship between the two.

"Teikiatsu certainly seems to live up to his name!" he laughed. "Do you ride horses often?"

"Mhmm. Very often. I find it relaxing." The double doors opend, and they finally stepped out of the rain. "Here we are. Now where is..Yukiko?"

"Right here madam." She bowed. "Please show our guest to his state room."

"Yes ma'am."

"I'll see you later Eric. Yukiko will show you to your room."

Sakura had to exit so she could attain to poltical business.

"Follow me sir."

"Of course, your highness. I cannot wait until we can talk again," Eric replied, bowing low.

He got back up and smiled at Yukiko. "Good evening, Miss Yukiko, I am Eric Thorrelson," he replied, bowing again, but this time at Yukiko.

Rafael noticed the young girl,and accompanied by a charming, if not slightly roguish, smile he replied, "I am a vistor yes, but a member of anyone's entourage, no."

"Good evening." Yukiko said. "Please follow me, and if your shoes are wet, becareful walking up the stairs." She led him up the stair and down a hall.

"This is a politcal suite sir." She opend the door revealing a grand room.

"Please examin the room. If there are any problem I will take care of them right away."

____________

She lead Rafael to his room. "Here is a poltical suit sir. This will be your room"

"Thank you my good lady." Rafael replied as he leaned over and planted a light kiss on the girl's forehead and entered her room.

"Ah, marvelous room, Miss Yukiko. I thank you greatly," he replied, bowing again.

"Will I be notified when it is time to meet the Empress again? Am I allowed to wander the halls a bit?" he asked as he took off his raincoat.

Yukiko blushed and then bowed.

"Oh absolutley sir. Please explore all you like."


Sakura was being breifed about some recent politcal situations.

"We have uped the bid to several trillion dollars now. If all goes well, we should be able to claim the nation as our own."

"It would be nice. But let's not go into debt. Anyway, I ask non of our guests be desturbed while they are here."

"Yes ma'am."

"Are the upstairs bath pools cleaned?"

"Spotless your highness. Water is a nice temprature, not too hot. They should enjoy it, for relaxing."

"Terrific. And the festival?"

"Weather looks good for the festival tomorrow night. It's supposed to be sunny all day tomorrow. I checked several diffren forecast offices from around the world."


"Good."

"One last question, miss Yukiko, if you'll let me. Is there a recreation area here, perhaps pools, hot tubs, ping pong or something like that?" he asked, admiring his room.

"Ah yes, we have a fitness room. We have a hot bath pool in the palace, and hot springs all around the country. I'm sure the Empress will have you all try the Hot Bath Pools with her. And we do have a rec room with Table Tennis, and some other games."

"Oh, what fun!" Eric laughed. "I will definately enjoy my stay. Again, many thanks Yukiko. Perhaps you'd like to join me for some ping pong or something, while we wait for the Empress?" he asked as he unpacked some of his belongings from a small suitcase.

Finally after dealing with customs, they we're escourted to the palace.

Mia expressed "Woo what rain. And I thought E.S. Had heavy rain storms."


"Excuse me, we have a meeting with Her Highness Kinimoto."

Mia reached into her raincoat pocket and pulled out a soaked Royal I.D.

"Sorry it's a little wet."

"Oh well I'll have to ask, seing as I'm on duty."

A guard came up to her. "Oh. Okay. It seems some more guests have just arrived. If you need anything do not hestiate to ask."

She went down and greated the new arrivals.

"Hello, I'm Yukiko."

She looked at the royal I.D. It may have been rainsoaked, but they we're near inpossible to forge.

"Great, Princess Mia, of Emerald Springs. Please follow me and I will show you to your state room. Watch the stairs they can be slippery with wet shoes, Shall I take your coat?"

After he'd explored his room and untilized the facilities, Rafael exited his room and began walking around the palace.

Mia followed Yukiko. "Oh no, I'll wait to I get my room and hang it up. Please forgive my tardiness, it was a rather rough trip, and wouldn't you know it, the boat took on some water."

Eric cheerily got into some casual clothes and walked outside, towards the rec room, wistling a happy song.

"Here you are madam. If you find any problems with the room please inform me."

"Thank you." The door shut quitely. Mia hung up her rain coat, and changed into some more casual clothes. Cut-off jeans and a tank top, letting her brown hair fall lose on her shoulders. Not very princess or formal but she didn't care

"I should have asked about a rech room? Oh well I'm sure I can find it."

She walked out of the room in search of the room.

Eric was walking down the hall, wistling, and adding an occasional fancy dance move to his step. His wistling slowed down until he stopped as he heard footsteps close by. In fact, it seemed footsteps from several places...

He turned around, seeing another beautiful woman walking behind him. "Good evening, miss! How are you on this fine afternoon?" he asked cheerily.

"Oh fine thank you. How are you?"

"I am quite well! I have just got off a ship, and have been treated with the utmost respect. Oh, forgive my manners, I am Sir Eric Thorrelson of the Blastonian Empire," he replied, bowing low.

"Oh, pleasure. Princess Mia Ludokai of Emerald Springs."

She gave a bow.

"Oh dear, your highness!" stuttered Eric as he was told she was a princess. "Please forgive my lack of grace." He bowed again, even lower this time.

"Your highness, I am guessing you are here to see the Empress as well?" he asked as he straightened out, smiling cheerfully, gazing at the princess' beauty.

"Oh yes, when we saw the message, we couldn't pass it up. We are a rather lonely country. But I've seemed to have come a bit late, because I haven't had the chance to see her."

"No worries, Princess, I'm sure we'll see the Empress," he said reassuringly.

"Would you care to join me in the Rec room, your highness?"

"I'd love too."

A heavily laden green dragonfly, irridescent wings a blurr, dodged the raindrops agilely, and buzzed his way into the the Office of her Imperial Majesty Empress Sakura Kinimoto through an inexplicably open window. It alit on the Empress's desk, leaving being a miniature scroll, that exapanded into a full size one the minute it darted off.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/faefolk/greet.jpg

To the Respected Leaders of Fae Folk:

We are happy to welcome your ambassadors. Please arive soon.

The words were carried by the winds from the Empress's lips and but a scant hand of time had past when a ruby throated humming bird flittered into the room. With a flick of it's tail it hovered in place, unafraid of humans, and carroled a short cadence.

With stately grace a tiny, swan shaped, opened topped carriage, drawn by a pair of Nightengales sailed through the window. Sitting against the deep blue velvet that lined the bench seat was a delicate Fae.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/faefolk/fairya1.gif

Gracefully she stood, and stepped forth from the skycarriage, as the Nightengales settled their wings and their eyes drooped closed. She dipped in a elegant curtsey. "Greetings and felicitations your Imperial Majesty. I am the Demoiselle Aurora Khalida du Fae" Her voice was a crystal bell as she rose from her curtsey and straightened to her full eleven inches of height. "I have come as the accredited representative of the Empty Throne, may the search for our Queen fare well." The last was obviously a long, and dearly held, sentiment.

From a hand empty until she willed it, she held forth a tiny gemstone. "My credentials." She said simply. The gemstone, a exquisitely faceted flawless diamond glowed with the majic set within.

Rafael was walking down the hall when he heard the sound two people, a man and woman talking. They also sounded like they were getting closer. He paused and stepped back as the two stepped around the corner.

"Hello." He commented

"Oh hello."

He bowed deeply to the attractive woman and asked, "You wouldn't happen to be Empress Sakura Kinimoto, would you?"

"I'm afraid I'm not. I'm Princess Mia of the Kingdom of Emerald Springs, I'm also here to see her highness."

"Then I'm honoured to meet you your Highness." Rafael replied from the bowed position as he took right hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.

"Thank you pleasure is all mine. We we're on our way to the Rec Room, to keep busy untill Dinner, would you care to join us?"

"It would be my pleasure, if your escort does not object of course." Rafael replied

"Oh I'm sure he won't. He too is an ambassador visiting, and my guards are meerly here to protect me. "

"Pardon me." A messanger said. "But dinner will be in a hour. For thoes of you have come late, do not worry, you will meet Empress Kinimoto there."

________

Yukiko was blown back by Demoiselle Aurora Khalida du Fae, she was very radiaent looking.

"Welcome. I'm Yukiko, I'm an assitant to her Highness. She is currently wrapping up some poltical business. If you will please follow me, I can show you to your state room, after that you are free to wonder the palace as you please. Watch your step on the stairs, they do become slippery when wet."

"Then I would be happy to join you." He replied

ooc: Will be gone for a while

OOC: Okay

OOC: for how long?

"Oh, Forgive mine error honoured Lady Yukio, I have not seen a scrying of her Imperial Majesty. My humblest apologies."

The Demoiselle spread her wings to their fullest and with a gracefull downsweep of their ebon and ivory width took to the air. "I thank thee for the caution Lady Yukio, but it is far safer for me to fly. When one is naught even the length of most human men's feet it is easy for us to go unnoticed." Her gentle smile and merry tone took any negativity from her words.

Most Fae were not more than six inches in height. But the Demoiselle was much taller as befitted one of the Royal line of the Fae. Her delicate half mask hid most of her face as was custom turned near requirement for one who might be found worthy to some day sit the Empty Throne. Not that I particularly aspire too, even bring a Potential is wearying enough! She thought as she looked eagerly about her, taking in the loveliness of the palace.

"Oh the palace is just delightful, and I noted that your gardens, Lady Yukio, are particularly fine." She complimented her guide as she drifted along at the height of Lady Yukio's shoulder. She didn't need her winds to fly, her inate majic was more than suffecient. The Nightengales had floon away to roost for the night, the skycarriage dismissed from existance with a wave of the Demoiselle's hand.

"Oh yes they are splended. And uh please, do not call me lady. I'm meerly a humble civil servant." Yukiko was always modest, and shy. While yes by Imperial Terms she wouldn't be a Lady, Sakura saw her as vital as her Cheif Executives.

"This is one of our finest suites, madam."

"Then please, Yukio, call me Aurora. And none who rises to become a assisstant to the Empress is 'merely' anything. I had the honour to serve the Winter Queen for nearly a century as one of her personal secretaries. "

She flitted through the door that Yukio had opened and smiled. It was indeed a lovely suite of rooms. The suite complimented her alabaster and ebony beauty perfectly, being done in burgundy and bronze. The many flower arrangements meant that she would be well fed as well. She had wondered what the local nectars would taste like.

"Why thank you Yukio, a most gracious choice. I think I shall rest for a bit before exploring."

"Very well, if you need anything, please ask."

"Eric Thorrelson, at your service," Eric replied with a smile, nodding his head at Rafael. "What may your name be, sir?"

Eric opened the door to the rec room, wondering what they should do first. "Any ideas of what we should play with first?" he asked with a chuckle.

Mia looked around. "Hey," Her eye's we're grabbed by the Ping-Pong Table.

"Ever play ping-pong?"

Eric chuckled. "You read my mind, your highness! Why, back where I come from, I was a ping-pong champion at one point!"

"No kidding? Well I'm not a champ, but best in my family."

She picked up a paddel, and served.

"Ah, clash of the titans it is then!" he chuckled as he returned the ball to the Princess. He would start out easy, to test out her skill, before trying to best her in the simple game of ping pong...

Once Yukio had left, closeing the door behind her, Aurora waved a hand and a glittering fall of fairy star dust waffed from her hands. In mere seconds, any electronic or magical sureveillance was so much 'hash', unviewable.

With a sigh Aurora let her form shift to something rather more human sized. She had not been raised in the Court of the Fae, had not even known she was Fae until the eve of her one hundredth birthday. Her parents, Prince of the Northern Lights, and her mother Princess Royal of Night's Shade had revealed the 'aweful' truth. Her grandmother, the Winter Queen had finally found them and was requireing them to send their daughter, Aurora, to become "aquainted with her heritage". Unwillingly, but with no way to avoid it they had sent Aurora into the Hidden Realm.

"Oh this feels good. I was beginning to think I didn't remember how!" She smiled as she stretched.

She had loved flying, and the learning of majick, but detested most of the conventions of Court life, the artificiality that dominated, and to her smoothered, every one there. However she had discharged her duties faithfully, with growing skill and confidence.

But the stay here, even if it were a working vacation, would be nice, especially, as when alone, she could resume the size she held in her life before knowing of the Fae. Even if she were were short for a human. Auora stood barely four foot eleven, and her delicately upswept ears announced her inhuman blood unmistakably.

"And perhaps I can find a husband, and get myself disqualified from the Search" Aurora said softly as she laid down on the sinfully soft bed.

The game started out easy, but slowly got harder and harder, she returned the ball back and forth back and forth untill finally missing.

"You put up quite a game. Best of five." She threw the ball to him, for his serve.

Both continued playing

"So out of curosity, how did you come here? And from which direction?"

"Haha! 'Twas a very good match indeed, your highness! But if you wish to continue my winning streak, we shall go at it however long you wish it," he laughed adding a wink and smiling mischieviously.

"I came here by ship, from...well," Eric scratched his head as he thought. "I don't quite remember what the captain said. It may have been somewhere in the east," he chuckled.

"And what of you, your highness?" he asked as he served the ball.

She served the ball back.

"Oh I came by boat too. Only from the south. It was rather rough though."

"Oh it was rough indeed! The storm was enough to make some of the most hardened sailors seasick!" he said as he returned the ball. "But, I myself didn't get sick," he said matter-of-factly, chuckling slightly. "It is good to know, however, that you made it, your highness!"

"Well I was a little scared we would have to turn back. The storm made a small puncture on the starbord side. Fortunatley we had it patched up, quickly, and the water was drained out. I actually wanted to come dressed as I am now. Jeans and a tank, because the weather was expected to be bad at sea. But my father is a real stickler when it comes to formal meetings. So I wore my best dress, all the way. And it didn't matter seeing as I had to wear my raincoat any way."

ooc: The Fae Folk, you could have Aurora come join the group in the rec room ;)

"I'm sure you look beautiful in any clothes you wear, your highness," replied Eric charmingly. "So, if you don't mind my asking, what are your hobbies?"

"Oh well let's see. Well i'm a good swimmer. Sometimes I go sailing around the outer rims of the island. I write too."

"Swimming is indeed one of my favorite activities to do. I am not, however, the finest swimmer," he chuckled. "And I do enjoy sailing greatly. Writing? Oh, please go into detail, your highness! I do love a good story or poem!"

"Well I'm mostly a free writer, Write in my spare time. But I think eventually when I wed, I will start writing profesionally. I mostly like to write fictional stories. Romance, Fantasy, Adventure."

"Oh, how great! Would you mind giving me an example of a story, your highness?" he asked, excited to hear what she had to say.

Yukiko knocked lightly on Aurora's door.

"Excuse me, Ms. Aurora, dinner is on if you'll please come to the dining room."



_________________

Yukiko walked into the rec room. "enjoying your selves I hope? Dinner is ready, if you'll please come to the dining room."

"Well one story that I wrote has actually been published, and I think a movie was made out of it. It's a story about two teens that sail the ocean together. It's a romance/adventure story."

"My name is Rafael Castais and likewise." Rafael replied before taking a seat to watch the two play ping-pong.

"Excuse me, Ms. Aurora, dinner is on if you'll please come to the dining room." Came the voice of the Empress's Assisstant, Yukiko.

Aurora awoke and sitting up, stretched limberly. The short nap had refreshed her immensely. She checked her hair, waved a self brushing hairbrush into existance, then dismissed it when her tresses lay gleaming about her shoulders. Another negligent finger flick and her dress settled itself about her as her mask floated into her hands.

Settleing the feathered and bejeweled confection across her face she concentrated but the barest bit and was only eleven inches high again.

The door to her suite swung open at her gesture and she flew out of the rooms and down the hall. Yukiko had mentioned the location of the dining room, and Aurora betook herself that way.

Once there she looked about to see if there were place holders set out. She certainly wouldn't want to overstep propriety by sittting in the wrong place.

Mia looked at the elgeant dining room. It was lovely. She was shown to a seat by a kind waiter.

"I hope my manner of dress will not be a problem."

Eric followed Yukiko to the dining room, admiring the decorations of the palace.

"I do hope this dressing atire of mine is alright. I was having a heated contest of Ping-pong with my friend here, and I didn't notice the time fly," he said apologetically. He suddenly noticed a newcomer in their midst.

"Why, good evening," Eric replied, bowing to the new figure. "I am Sir Eric Thorrelson of the Blastonian Empire."

OOC: I forgot about this thread. Is there still room for me to fit into it?

ooc: I don't see why not, but the final decision would come from MS, not me ;)

"I hope my manner of dress will not be a problem." the first other than Aurora to arrived commented. It did not seem to be addressed to any one in particular, and the Fae could not have answered; she did not know the customs here. Though the Queen of Winter would have banned the lady from the dining room on the spot. Her grandmother had been very strict.

A servant had shown Aurora to her assigned seating, though he had been at a loss as to exactly handle some one who stood less than a foot tall. Aurora smiled and relieved him of the predicament. Star dust wafted from her hand to form a perfectly sized floating chair.

"I am Sir Eric Thorrelson of the Blastonian Empire." a new arrival bowed to her.

Aurora stood and returned the courtesy, dipping in a curtsey as she floated at roughly his shoulder height. "Greetings Sir Thorrelson, and honour upon thine Empire. I am the Demoiselle Aurora Khalida du Fae, envoy from The Fae Folk." She introduced herself to the gentleman.

"I am greatly honored to meet you, Miss du Fae," he replied with a smile. He was deeply curious as he had never seen such a creature before. "If you do not mind, may I ask several questions?" he asked shyly, as he watched her with deep interest.

"If you do not mind, may I ask several questions?" Sir Eric asked rather shyly.

"Why certainly Sir Eric, please, ask away." She replied with a smile that brought out her dimples. She knew that most humans had never seen any Fae, and mostly considered them little more than children's fairy tales. 'Though the term fairy tale should have given them a clue' She thought with gentle amusement.

She sat back in her chair, letting is sink a little so it was more comfortable for Sir Eric to look at her.

Eric watched her, his smile growing wider. "I...Well...wow, I don't know how to start!" he stuttered as he watched her closely. "Please forgive me, Miss Du Fae, I have never seen such a graceful creature such as yourself before!"

"Please, just call me Eric," he chuckled. "Please tell me, are all the citizens of The Fae Folk as graceful and beautiful as you?" he asked as he walked a little closer to examine her.

(No prob, Maraque come on in)


"Your manner of dress will be fine."

Yukiko called everyon to attention. "Please be seated. In a few moment Ms. Sakura will walk in. When she does, it is customary to stand up, and let her sit. She is very excited to be talking to all of you. Thank you, and enjoy your meal tonight."

She exited the room. Sakura walked in, wearing a more formal dress. A pink low-cut, shoulderless style of dress.

"Hello, for thoes of you who don't know me, I am Empress Kinimoto. I welcome you all."

Eric had taken a seat as close to the Empress as possible, next to Princess Mia, and across from Aurora. He stood, smiling broadly at the Empress as he watched her enter. He began to feel ashamed that he hadn't changed into his formalwear before.

"I am glad to see you again, your highness," Eric replied, bowing his head. "Again, I am honored to have been invited to such a beautiful country."

The representative from Maraque stood up as she entered and respectfully introduced herself.

"Pleasure, great pleasure to meet you all. I'm so glad you could all come here. It was a troubling few months prior to this."

ooc: I'm assuming you're still using Shawnda Arabajian, right Maraque?

Eric turned to the figure he hadn't noticed in the room. He bowed his head at her. "Greetings, Ma'am. I am Sir Eric Thorrelson," he said.

He returned his attention back to the Empress and smiled. "Your highness, if there is something that we, the Blastit Empire, may aid you with, please ask me immediately," he said, hoping nothing serious has happened.

OOC: Yup.

Shawnda Arabajian turned to the man and introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you. I am Shawnda Arabajian, representing the nation of Maraque."

"Oh everything is fine now. I'll explain some more later."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Arabajian," Eric replied, bowing again.

"Pleasure Ms. Arabajian."

"Your Highness, I must say, your palace is marvelous! You must have something new to do each day," Eric chuckled as he turned back to the beautiful Empress.

"Thank you. That makes me feel very glad."

"your Highness, great pleasure. I'm Mia Ludokai, Princess of the E.S. I'm sorry I came late, the weather got rough.

Please to meet you Ms. Arabajian."

"Nice to meet you Mia. I must admit by your dress you had me fooled for a minute. Most Princess I know are really dressed up. Oh but don't worry your just fine. Nice to see a casual taker. And I'm glad you made it hear saftley, the seas can get mighty rough."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Ms. Arabajian said as the sudden rush of greetings came her way.

"Please please, everyone be seated. Good thank you. For your pleasure we will have a four course meal, take as many helpings as you like."

Ms. Arabajian sat down as instructed. This was her first time doing something like this, so she was a bit nervous. She wanted to represent the Empire with confidence.

"Oh, I am mighty hungry! The journey was long and I had a heated ping-pong match with Princess Mia," Eric chuckled as he sat down.

"Please tell me, are all the citizens of The Fae Folk as graceful and beautiful as you?" Eric asked before Yukiko made her announcement.

Aurora blushed mightily. "Eric, thank you for the lovely compliment, but I am certainly not very beautiful." And she wasn't- she knew she had been chosen for her very plainness, though she had worked hard on her deportment of movement and prided herself on her delicacy of movement.

"Many of the Fae are of races that most humans would not find peasing to the eye, but our variety is part of our strength." She admitted. Boggles, RedCaps, and Trolls were among the most common of the lesss than glorious of the Fae.

She broke off to stand as Empress Kinimoto entered. She waited until the young Empress had taken her seat and returned to hers. Once Sire Eric, the representative from Maraque, the Empress and others had finished speaking Aurora stood and made a deep curtsey.

"I am the Demoiselle Aurora Khalida du Fae, and I bear the greetings of all the Fae. We are distressed to hear that thine great nation has been through troubling times, your Imperial Majesty. It those of the Fae's deepest wish that thee and thine people may be troubled no longer. And might I extend on my People's behalf our deepest thanks for allowing myself as their emmisary to visit your lovely country." She looked at the other's and graced each with a smile. 'And I am most honoured to meet all of the envoys."

She made another curtsey and returned to her seat.

"Oh, Miss Du Fae, it is not always what's on the outside but what is on the inside. To me, you are beautiful on the outside, and for what little I have spoken with you, I believe you are beautiful on the inside...a perfect combination," he replied, watching the little fairy.

"Your highness, on the subject of food, what are your favorite foods?" he asked the Empress.

"I can't say that I have paticular favorites. I'm not really a picky eater. Any food is good food."

Rafael had arrived slightly late to dinner, the reason a combination of bath-room break and the need to put on a dining jacket. A half-smile on his lips, and a nod to the people already seated, he took a seat.

"good of you to join us."

"Welcome Rafael!" smiled Eric. Noticing his fancier clothes, Eric wished he followed Rafael's thinking and changed himself...

"Would one of you be the Empress, whilst the other an angel?" He asked, directing the question to the two female who he hadn't had an oppertunity to meet.

Sakura stood up. "That would be me." She bowed

Rafael likewise stood and matched Sakura's bow with one of his own. "Then it is an honour to meet you."

"Oh pleasure is all mine."

He smiled and replied, "Then shall we be seated, I would not wish mine dinner mates to go hungry as I spake of your divine beauty." He occasionally lapsed into an archaic speech and this was one of those times.

The food was brought out to them. Most carried on casual conversations.

Sakura couldn't help but tell a few funny stories. "So there I stood, 9 years old, in front of the Duke and Dutchess, coverd in mud, and nursing a sprained ankle. That was the first and last time I was given "Advanced" (Horse) riding lessons. I'm always embarassing my self in front of visiting dignataries."

The C’tan included a surprising element of adhocracy, in a sense it was impossible – unless one was a hermit or Eccentric – to be a ‘private citizen’ one was a Citizen, and this was something that came with far more rights than most outside observers knew or Citizens used. Growing from the Necrontyr Social Collectivist instinct there had been, for an uncountable time, as well as an emphasis on the power of the collective to take action, and the imperative to safeguard the wellbeing of all members of the social ‘in’ group (which, excluding early history, was the entire species, and now included Citizens in general, regardless of species) extended to the right of any Citizen to act as a plenipotentiary in times of need. This is of course, not something done lightly by anyone, as the same education that is required to gain such Citizenship stresses the importance – though it is usually acculturated as a subliminal level anyway – of consulting the majority, supermajority even, before making such agreements. In short, to be a C’tan Citizen is to be an ambassador; even if that right is generally used only by qualified professionals acting on behalf of the government.

This was a useful measure for the current environment, because with hundreds of thousands of billions strong nations, there were rarely enough diplomats to go around. As such, there were in fact, volunteer diplomats – unpaid persons acting during a retirement – one of what were potentially a great many in one’s life, usually held between careers using savings and pensions, before resuming one’s earning in another line of study. It was considered an altruistic and interesting thing to do, besides broadening the mind and furthering the collective goals of the civilization, one could often encounter means by which one could personally profit on such an expedition. No such volunteer diplomat had yet to be assailed, which was while wise, for the Necrontyr mindset did not take such slights easily, nor without excessive vengeance, something of a mystery.

Of course, the competence of such volunteers varied, but in education the culture was keen to stress the importance of rational behaviour and many other such cultural points of view that were perhaps relatively scarce.

As such, Sereda Eralmia was technically a diplomat of the C’tan. Tall, as most of its people were, either through nutrition, body modification, genetics or simple manner, and more ‘Asian’ looking than the majority of C’tani human citizens, she had long dark hair, and similarly brown eyes. She dressed herself in the usual apparel of the C’tani citizen abroad, tight fitting robes that clung to her toned upper body and turned to coat, or skirt like lower reaches after the waist. It was common for these to be highly colourful, but Sereda was more inclined towards deep metallic brass and bronze colours rather than the pastels and primary colours of her countrymen (it was widely considered, in English at least, which lacked an accepted gender-neutral pronoun, that such terms were inclusive of both genders and that those who objected to their use were quite simply insecure or paranoid),

Few wise people would travel far in the world without being armed, and Sereda was no exception, with no less than four weapons on her person, two seeming ornamental or ceremonial – a short dagger and a long, gently curving sword, with a thorn-form protrusion on its leading edge – one obvious – a pistol-sized ‘plasma’ (a colloquialism, the weapons were no more dependant on the plasma they used than a laser rifle used a grooved barrel to spin “rifle” a bullet) weapon – and one concealed, in the form of a ‘digital’ (another colloquialism, so named for its control systems) weapon in the form of a jewelled ring. Other than these items, she wore little, a bronze and gold circlet set with a single, large yellow diamond adorned her hair, but aside from that, she wore little.

Her means of arrival was less extraordinary than those that professional C’tani diplomats were wont to; she arrived by common sea transport, from the great crossroads of metropolitan Bigtopia, and quickly made her way to the palace.

the guards we're shown credentials of the visitor. "Inside, straight down, then turn left. You will come to a long corridor, and then you will be in the dining room."

Eric laughed at the Empress' horseback riding story. "Don't worry Empress, you have not embarrassed yourself to any of us," he chuckled.

"Your story reminds me slightly of when I was very young. I had asked a group of foreigners to join me in a canoe ride. Being as young and Naive as I was, I believed I was a professional at riding canoes...However, when the two foriegners- important foreigners I might add- got in, the whole blasted canoe flipped over! Oh, I was so embarassed...luckily, they were light hearted people and loved the humor in that event," he said, looking between the diplomats and the Empress as he spoke, making eye contact with each one, his gaze lingering slightly longer on the females...

Sereda Eralmia smiled as she was ushered into the dining room, and bowed a little towards the Empress, “Apologies for the interruption your majesty,” she said, “I am the Minister of the C’tan. It appears I am late, too,” she said, frowning a little. Never a good start.

Aurora listened to the conversation with great interest, much relieved to find that the usual stuffy formality did not rule here. If the conversation continued in the same light hearted vein she had her own to contrbute.

She smiled,acknoweldging the late commers, and memorized their names. She was meeting so many interesting people that her head was all but spinning, and so many handsome men! Flirtation ws considered an art form among hte Fae, but one she knew she definitely not skilled at. However it did not seem to be a staple here, tho the men were very gallant.

"Greetings, Minister!" said Eric, bowing his head at the newcomer. "I am Sir Eric Thorrelson, however Eric best for me," he continued with a wink.

He was greatly enjoying this party, all the laughter, the fun...the girls...

Eric couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at all the girls around him.

Sakura stood and bowed. "Well better late then never. Please give our new guest some food."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Please Minister take a seat. We we're just chatting."

Aurora nibbled delicately on the small portion of flower salat that had been brought for her, finding the rose petals especially delicious.

"Greetings Lady." She gave the newly arrived Minister of the C'tan a bright smile of welcome. "Though I think the gentlemen will grow quite dizzy from the many lovely faces at the table." She teased Sir Eric gently, having noted his pleasure at having so may beautiful women, the Empress, Princess Mia, Lady Shawnda and now the Minister from the C'tan, to converse with.

"Miss Du Fae, you read my mind," Eric chuckled, winking at Aurora as he took a sip of wine.

"So, anyone else have a funny story to tell?" he asked eagerly, wanting to listen to the hilarious mishaps of the exalted ones at the table.

Rafael had been mostly listening to the other talk, but found this a perfect opening to rejoin the conversation. "I do not know about Eric, but I am quite bowled over by the combined beauty at this table. Also I believe I have been remiss in my duties." He stated as he stood, "It is an honour to meet you Minister of the C'tan."

"When I first applied for the job as a diplomat of the Secular Empire I was waiting in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace for the Emperor to arrive and interview me himself, when one of the Emperors many horses ran by unexpectedly and I fell straight into the fountain I was standing in front of." Ms. Arabijan said with a laugh. "The worst part of all of this wasn't that I had fell into this fountain, but that the Emperor shown up and there I was soaking wet. I was rather embarrassed but the Emperor didn't mind, and we did the interview dispite this and I got the job... obviously."

"Long ago when I was very little, and not a very good flyer yet, my parents took me to see an Imperial kite flying contestin the land of the Han. It was all very exciting. There were so many humans about that I could barely see anything other than the backs of their heels. I wanted to get a better view, so I found what I thought was a stack of supplies and climbed it. I felt so pleased at my solution, and I could see everything. Then to my horror the stack of supplies turned out to be a kite, and it lifted off, as the team ran down the field. Within the blink of an eye I was hundreds of feet in the air and could do nothing but try and hang on. I was too scared to try and fly, and I knew my parents had no idea where I was." Her smile brought out her dimples as she remembered how scared yet how exhiliarated she had felt that day.

"It was cold as could be so high up, but it was the most magnificant view. I sat up there, atop the world for over five hours. The kite I was inadvertantly riding on was the winner for the longest flight. My parents were angry and afraid when they finally found me. They'd spent all that time looking for me" She wasn't going to mention that her father had spanked her for her slipping away.

Eric was laughing hard at all the stories the others told him. So hard, even, that his stomach was beginning to hurt.

"Miss Arabijan, I bet you were quite nervous as the Interview was taking place," Eric chuckled.

After Aurora finished her story, Eric had to laugh. "Maybe you gave the winning kite it's luck, Miss Du Fae," Eric laughed, wiping a tear from his eye.

Mia laughed. "Well try this on for size. This happend when I was about six. Now my grand parents we're rather traditional classy type people. Especially my grandfather, he would have a cow if he was shown or given something "new age." As E.S. was slowly opening to changes for to the modern world, my father introduced paper money. Well one day my big brother who was 10, and I, we're visting. We we're both given the new paper money to spend on our visit, and give some to our grand parents. Well my grandmother felt the idea of paper money would give him a hear attack, so she told me to hide it. And-a-a-and (she couldn't help but laugh) my grandfather had no idea I had hidden the money in the stove. (wood burning stove) So he comes home, want's to have a big celebration and he lights a fire."

"Oh no!" roared Eric with laughter.

"Oh my! What did he do? What did you do?" he asked in between bouts of laughter.

"Well naturally he tried to put it out, then I grabbed a big piture of water and just dumped it on the fire. He was a little blown back by it, but he laughed it off. I'm so glad more and more electric stoves or gass are being made. Life is so much easier with them."

Aurora smiled at the adventures being recounted. Yes they were making her all very comfortable with the knowledge that every one had 'funnies' in their life.

"What about you Rafael? Minister?" She looked between the two, not wanting them to feel left out of the round of conversation. She had never heard of the C'tan, and the Ministers clothes were very dramatic on her. And Rafael rivaled Eric for courtliness and sheer good looks. For a moment the longing to believe herself human again all most overwhelmed her, but she hid it behind a smile that brought out her dimples.

"Alas, I do not have any humourous stories on par with our gracious host nor that of any of my fellow guests." Rafael replied

It wasn't that he didn't have humourous tales, just many were generally considered bawdy and unsuitable for mixed company.

"Oh my thoes are some stories you all have. Thank you for sharing them. They we're funny."

Deserte was brought out.

"Dessert smells delicious." Rafael said, "And please convey my compliments both to your chef and to the person who hired that chef."

"Oh that would be Yukiko. She always had good taste, she hired our head chef. I'll be sure to tell them both."

"Oh delightful." Thought Ms. Arabijan. In the Secular Empire sweets were an uncommon thing to see. "These are delicious."

"I love dessert! I was one of those children that tried to get away with the sweets without eating my vegetables," Eric said with a smile as he sniffed the delicious smell of the tasty treats.

"Luckily, all those sweets I ate as a child didn't rub off on me now," he laughed as he patted his muscular stomach.

"Oh I love sweets."

Aurora nibbled delicately on the confection and nearly swooned.

"Oh my, Sakura, I wish I could get the recipe from your chef, this is utterly delicious."

Like all Faery's she loved sweets with an unabashed passion.

"Oh absolutley. You'll recive it before you leave. Well I hope you all enjoyed your meal tonight. And thank you comming despite the storm, it should blow over by this morning hopefully." Thunder rumbled. "Well now is as good as any time to retire for the night. Leave everything the cooks will gather it up. Oh and by the way, if any of you should want to make a personal call home, a special phone has been set up in your rooms. You may call anyone you like."

"Many thanks, your highness! I have enjoyed every last second I have been here and look forward to what tomorrow brings!" smiled Eric. "Do you think it would be possible for me to remain awake for a while longer? I think I may take some more time in the rec room if you don't mind."

"Well if you desire. But do rest up."

"Is there a piano on the premise?" Raphael asked as he stood and moved to help the nearest female up.

"Uh yes, in the concert hall. Down the hall to your left is the nearest stage access."

"Thank you." Raphael replied as he followed her directions to arrive at the concert hall. Quickly locating the piano, he took a seat as he began playing chopsticks, both to test the tone of the instrument and to loosen up his fingers.

Mia stood up. "I think I will retire. Thank you for the meal your highness, it was very nice."

Mia went to her room. She undressed, and was suprised by the phone rining.

"Hello?"

"Mia."

"Ma'ma? I was just going to call you. Yes I made it saftley. I know the ocean was rough, and the boat did take on some water, but I'm fine. Now I'm just in my room, we just had dinner. Yes they are already in the League ma.
Well the Empress is very nice, very young too. You'ed like her."

Thunder crashed loudly.

Are you all right?

"I'm fine mama, it was just thunder. Mhmm it was raning here today. But the palace was warm and dry. And my coat was button upped tight. I was dry. Well tomorrow we'll probably talk polotics, and then we there is a big festival that night. It's one of their traditional festivals. Yes I have meet some others, there is a Diplomat named Eric, he's really nice, he gave me a run for my money at pinpong. Yes, I will, okay, love you. Give my love to daddy. Bye Bye."

"I enjoyed the meal immensely and again the desert was heavenly!"

Aurora was not tired in the slightest, despite the very short nap she had after arriving. She gave the Empress deep curtsey and sailed from the room, intent on doing a little exploration.

The sound of Raphael at the piano caught her attention and she flew that way. She didn't want to intrude, so she decided to just listen quietly from the back of the concert hall.

Once he'd loosened up, and confirmed that it was a well tuned, quality piano, he switched to one of his favorite pieces, Beethovan's Bagatelle in A minor, commonly known as Für Elise.

OOC: lol - Theao - I'm listening to a wonderfully well done jazz/ swing /big band variation by Sally Harmon!

Aurora let her eyes close as she fell into the sprit of the music and without realising it began waltzing though the air. It was a dance she had learned in the outer world, they didn't dance like that at the Winter Queen's Court. She had not realized how much she had missed it.

As he played, fingers moving over the keys, he noticed motion out of the corner of his eye. Continuing to play, he turned and saw that Aurora was dancing, or actually waltzing. What almost caused him to miss a beat was the fact that her feet failed to touch the ground. As the solo piece ran to it's finale, he turned to observe the dancing lady, a smile of appreciation upon his face.

Eric walked out the room, noticing Beethoven being played. He walked in and leaned against the wall as he listened, watching Aurora dance gracefully around.

As the song finished, Eric clapped his hands. "Well done! Both of you!"

A telegram to Empress Sakura Kinimoto

Our regional ambassador has just returned form your region. He was in disguise as a regular travelar. Our fellow leaders adivsed against it but it was his chocie. His report was most spectacular. I would like to commend you on an excellent job with your nation. Maybe we can form some sort of alliance in the near future.

Thank you for your time,
Nuveria

Raphael was surprised that he'd had an audience, and was somewhat certain that Aurora would be equally surprised to find she'd had one as well. "Thank you." He commented to the clapping Eric

Completely caught off guard Aurora jerked about in mid twirl, her wings slamming hard against a decorative pillar. With a small cry of pain she fell a dozen feet to the floor. She sat, eyes closed, for a second. A fall from that height and the pain from her injured wing had her half stunned.

"Plese forgive me for intruding." She stammered as she managed to climb to her feet and tried to settle her gown more decorously about her. One wing hung limply.

"Miss DuFae! Are you alright?" asked Eric as he rushed to the fairy's side. "Need me to do anything?"

Raphael likewise rushed to Aurora's side and offered any aid he could. He hated to see women, of any type or nature harmed.

"Miss DuFae! Are you alright? Need me to do anything?"

Aurora stumbled backwards as Eric rushed towards her. It was all to easy to be inadvertantly knocked over when one stood only eleven inches tall. However her over caution saw her tripping on her hem and landing hard once again.

"no..No..I am fine, please, just fine." She was bright red with embarrasement as she struggled to her feet again and close to tears. "Please, thank you for your concern, but I...I'll be fine shortly."

Not meeting his eyes she hurried past him, as fast as her feet manage, and out of the concert hall.

Eric looked at Rapael and smiled. "You play very well," he said, bowing, before following after the fairy.

"Miss DuFae," he called out to her. "Miss DuFae, you don't sound alright. Please, let me help."

Raphael likewise followed after Aurora, concerned for her health.

Nuveria:

Thank you, we are sorry you didn't join us, but are looking forward to realtionships with you.



Sakura retired to her chambers. She undressed out of her Kimono, and into her night gown. She turned out the lamp and parted the draps to watch the rain.

Aurora had stopped once she reached the corridor, a little lost and very dizzy, as she clung to a chair leg to stay upright.

Miss DuFae, you don't sound alright. Please, let me help."

At first she thought of not answering Eric, of how humiliating it was to be so clumsy as to injure herself. But her damaged wing was dragging badly and she knew that it couldn't take much more strain. And she had no idea of exactly where her room was in relation to where she was.

"I...I'm over here." She answered in a low voce, half hoping he wouldn't hear her.

While he wasn't sure if Eric heard Aurora call out, Raphael did and quickly rushed to her side. "What can I do to help?" He asked as he knew nothing about how to treat wing injuries, which is what she seemed to have.

"We're here, Miss DuFae," Eric replied as he followed Raphael. "Please, we'd love to help such a magnificent person as yourself."

Eric was extra careful not to step nor get to close to the fairy, for fear of tripping or stepping on her.

Yukiko raced in

"Everything all right? I heard a crash."

OOC: MS is that directed at Eric, Raphael and Aurora? There wasn't a crash, which is why I am asking for clarification.

******

"What can I do to help?" Raphael asked as he approached Aurora

"Please, we'd love to help such a magnificent person as yourself." Eric exclaimed.

That brought tears flowing down Aurora's face. "Oh please, I am so be~draggled, and clumsy. I seriously doubt that I have anything approaching magnificence." She choked out between repressed sobs.

"I'm sorry to be a bother, but could one of you kind gentlemen carry me back to my suite? I just don't remember at the moment which one it is." She asked as she fumbled a delicate silk hankerchief out of a tiny pouch at her waist. "I'm going to have to go home to get my wing mended. I can't fix it alone."

Eric smiled at the little fairy.

"Miss DuFae, of course you're wonderful! Never before have I seen a fairy, and I'm not quite magical," Eric replied as he walked up to her.

"Miss DuFae, I'm sure someone in the palace can mend your wing."

"And do not worry, I am quite clumsy myself. That's why I'm not a carpender!" He laughed, trying to make the fairy smile. "Now let's get you to your room."

Eric gently scooped up the fairy, making sure not to touch her wings.

Raphael watched Eric leave with Aurora, and sincerly hoped she'd recover, as it'd tear up if she was permenately harmed.

(Pretty much everyone, I mean you don't fall with out making some sort of noise)

Everything looked okay to her. "Should I get a healer?" She asked to Ms. DuFae.

"Please do, Miss Yukiko. Could you also direct me to Miss DuFae's room?" replied Eric.

"I'm afraid it's going to take more than a physician. I'm going to need to go home I am afraid. The wing is going to need to be held in place while my own majic is used to mend it. I can't hold it myself." Aurora said sadly and she held on to Erics fingers to steady herself.

"Thank you for the offer though and I had a wonderful time at dinner."

"Oh but Miss DuFae, I believe the Empress herself is magical, and I'm guessing several healers as well. I'm sure you'll get the help you need here," Eric replied. He really didn't want to see the fairy leave. He was just beginning to know her and he was very excited to learn more of her and her culture.

"That's right, we can have you back on your feet in no time. Let's just get you to your room."

Aurora nodded and held on tightly as Eric followed Yukiko back to the suite that had been assigned to her. Noting how careful he was not to jostle her she greatly appreciated all the kindnesses he'd shown her. Perhaps he would be willing to help her just a little bit more. For despiet his laughing comments he had not seemd to be clumsey at all.

As they entered the suite she looked up at him, and spoke tenatively. "Sir Eric, could I ask you a further favor? Would you be willing to be transformed for a short time into one of the Fae, and help put my wing to right?"

"Transformed? Me?" Eric asked, slightly shocked, but still handling the fragile Aurora carefully. "O-of course, Miss DuFae! It would be an honor!"

He set her down on the large bed and knelt down so he was eye level with her. "Err...Should I know anything before this happens?"

Raphael had retreated a little as too many people fussing around the injured Aurora would almost certainly lead to further injury, but the concept of transformation interested him and he watched the proceedings.

"Err...Should I know anything before this happens?" Eric asked with some understandable trepedation.

"I'm sorry but with out a full ritual it will only be temporary, though for the duration you will have all the powers of the Fae." She found a burble of gentle laughter and shared it with him. "You need not fear for your clothes or modesty, for they will be transformed with you, changing accomodate your own wings, then changing back when the transformation ends."

She patted the bed next to her. "Perhaps you should sit on the bed, so you won't have to fly first thing after your change."

"That would be a good thing, as I've never flown before," Eric chuckled as he carefully sat on the bed next to Aurora.

"Wish me luck," he laughed as he noticed Raphael watching.

"I'm ready whenever you are, Miss DuFae," Eric replied, slightly nervous as to what is going to happen.

"I'll be here if either of you need gross manipulation." He commented, "And good luck."

"I'm ready whenever you are, Miss DuFae," Eric said nervously.

"I'll be here if either of you need gross manipulation." Raphael added "Good Luck"

Aurora laid her left hand upon Erics and made a wide sweeping motion with her right. Glimmering stardust spread over Eric like a glowing veil then winked out alsmost as fast as it had appeared. It left in it's place a much smaller Eric. He stood only a foot tall, just an inch taller than Aurora herself. His clothes had shrunk with him, but had altered to let his wide irridescent blue and black wings (http://www.faefolk.info/ericwings.jpg) spring forth.

"Oh my you have such incredible wings!" Aurora exclaimed and blushed. Her own wings were entirely unremarkable, and she felt a pang of envy that she quickly squelched.

She helped set her down, so Eric could adjust her wing.

She moved to a call pipe. "This is Yukiko, I need a healer up to Suite 12. Thank you."

"Whoa!" Eric cried, slightly started. "Wow...everything is so...big!"

"My...wings?" Eric turned his head and stared at the large wings on his back.

"Amazing!" laughed as he moved them slightly. "Hard to get used to, though."

"Miss DuFae, this is incredible," he laughed as he walked over to her, a slight bounce in his step, being on the bouncy bed.

"I may have incredible wings, but you, Miss DuFae, have incredible beauty," he smiled at her, holding her gently on her shoulders. He wanted to hug her, but felt it may have been improper. In fact, he wanted to kiss her, but that would probably be out of his bounds.

There was a knock at the door. Yukiko opend the door, and a healer walked in. "Good. Just wait for a moment."

"I may have incredible wings, but you, Miss DuFae, have incredible beauty,"

Aurora found herself blushing even rosier as he placed gentle hands on her shoulders, and let her head droop to hide heated cheeks. She wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him 'by any one...he's a human, I dare not risk binding him to me.'She warned herself sternly. And I thought I was human for a long, long time.... but I'm not' She concluded sadly and looked back up at Eric, much more composed.

"Please if you would take my injured wing and fit it so that the break is joined together. It's the main spar, like on a ships mast, and it's threatening to tear the sail so to speak. You won't find the wing heavy, but perhaps a bit awkward."

Eric smiled as she blushed, moving slightly closer, when she returned back to business.

"Of course, Miss DuFae," Eric said as he walked behind the fairy, flapping his wings happily as he was getting the feel to them.

Eric was slightly nervous as he looked at the wing. He feared by meddling with it, he would only make it worse...

"This won't hurt you, right Miss DuFae?" he asked quietly as he felt along her wing.

"This won't hurt you, right Miss DuFae?" Eric asked quietly.

"It will feel much better actually. Right now I feel very off balance, pulled back by the unsupported weight." She replied softly, reassureing him, and very gratefull for his careful movements. She refused to mention how exquisitely sensitive the wings were, each touch a caress or a torment.

The break was readily visable up close, the black of the 'spar' hiding the damage any distance. It was a rough break with many splinters to inter lock as the outer part of the wing was shifted back into place. But as Aurora had said the wing weighed nothing, it was just awkwardly bulky.

Fae wings are fascinateing seen up close, each is dusted in a fine shimmery powder that gives the wing it's hues and comes off on to what ever brushes against it. It feels like the finest of silk turned into a mistlike powder and blown on a breeze. There is a faint scent of wild flowers and growing things that fills the air with each tiny flutter. For the wings of the Fae, even when still, vibrate faintly with each beat of their heart.

"This...is marvelous, miss DuFae," Eric whispered dreamily as he let the powder's scent engulf his sense of smell. He flapped his own wings absent mindedly before catching himself.

"Please forgive me Miss DuFae," Eric said for his lack of progress. "This is probably not enjoyable by you."

With that, Eric gently moved her wing, aligning each part with each other.

"Any better?" Eric asked as he backed up.

"Any better?" Eric querried as he began to move away.

"Please just Aurora, no need to be so formal. Remember you asked me not to be such." Aurora replied then held out her hand to stop him from backing completely away. "Please don't let go of my wing just yet, that may well allow it to fall apart. I still have to mend it."

She suited actions to words and for many seconds she was enveloped in a glittering cloud of star dust. The glimmering motes of majick made Erics hands tingle where he held her wing, but had no effect on him.

Then slowly she began to sag to her knees, tired beyond her expectations "Oh I didn't know how wearing that would be.

But her wing was whole, completely mended.

"My apologies, Aurora," replied Eric as he returned to her wing.

As the energy coursed around her, Eric stared at amazement as his hands felt a tingling sensation. His wings flapped several times as he continued to watch the display of magic.

"Miss Du- Aurora!" exclaimed Eric as he rushed to the fairy's side. Putting his arms around her to help hold her up. "Aurora, are you alright?"

He was quite close to the fairy's face in that he could see all her features. He smiled reasurredly as he awaited her answer.

"Aurora, are you alright?"

Aurora let Eric help support her, and her own hands slid around his waist as she tried to hold herself upright. "Oh Eric I hadn't expected it to weary me so. Thank you for catching me."

Slowly she leaned in and tenatively brushed her lips against his cheek.

Eric blushed as Aurora kissed him gently on the cheek, his wings flapping in joy.

Eric smiled widely before he returned her kiss, gently pressing his lips against hers.