NationStates Jolt Archive

--Hamptonshire City, Hamptonshire--

The city was draped in black. The great granite and limestone buildings of the Government District, the marble walls of the Royal Palace Quarter, the brick homes of the Capital's 900,000 residents were all covered in black. On most days the hustle and bustle of citizens, government officials, soldiers, and foreign diplomats would bathe the city. Today it was eerily quiet. Public transportation systems have stopped, vehicles pushed out of the city, and every single business and agency was closed.

The city and the people were mourning.

Along the Avenue of Tears, a grand avenue stretching from the Royal Palace Quarter's massive walls to the National Cathedral before sharply bending toward the Royal Congressional Complex. The one and a quarter mile span between the Quarter and the Cathedral would see a funeral procession right out of Hamptonshire's history books. The leaders of every level of the military and government, both foreign and domestic, would march to see off the body of the slain Prince while a crowd of more than two million looked on.


The Crown Prince's coffin layed just in front of the Grand Ducal Obelisk in the center of the Royal Palace Quarter. The Obelisk was built seventy years ago as a monument to all those who have given their life in service to the Grand Duchy. Below the seven hundred foot tall obsidian obelisk, the Royal Crypts were yet again openned. Preparation began several years ago for the eventual death of the Grand Duke; in no one's wildest dreams did the though of the Crown Prince's death occur.

As world leaders and important foreign figures gathered in Hampton Palace to meet with the Grand Duke, his family, and his friends leaders and VIPs throughout Hamptonshire gathered by the Prince's coffin. All of Hamptonshire's 216 Provinces sent their Governors, Scotland and Denmark sent their highest government figures. All the Ministers and Ministers of State joined with the leaders of the Royal Congress and Royal Armed Forces. The custom reached back nearly two millenia. As a show of respect and a final show of devotion all of those with power would escort the body of a fallen Royal. They would march in step, to show their loyality one last time.


The Grand Duke, Princess Patricia, Lord Rosecrans, and Lord Easton prepared themselves for the pre-funeral event. Hampton Palace's Reception Hall was decked out with the finest art and furniture available. Palace Guards stood at attention in their brilliant blue uniforms with their sterling silver helmets polished to a mirror shine.


The Grand Duke was still wracked with sorrow and guilt, but he was intent on seeing the day through. It was difficult for him to wake up this morning. The pain of old age and a wounded heart was becoming too much to bear. When he finally dressed himself in his formal uniform he needed assistance from his niece to walk down the stairs to the Reception Hall. As he waited with his three confidants for the guests to arrive he began to think about the Crown Prince, his dead wife, and all the family members he had lost over the decades. He wasn't quite sure how he was going to get through the day, but with the help of his niece and two closest friends the load could be lightened.


[OOC: You have to be accepted here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=368755) to be allowed to post in this thread. As I said in the Invite thread, RP your characters as though they have just arrived at Hampton Palace. The funeral rites and the funeral march will begin Friday afternoon or Friday evening (all times PDT). I'll come up with a eulogy schedule in a few hours.]

This is PNN... Pacitalia's number one news source.

Good evening from inside the borders of one of Pacitalia's more prominent allies, the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire. I'm Niles Parker. This fine, clear and warm evening in the capital of Hamptonshire City a slain member of the Hamptonshirian Royal Family lies in rest at the National Cathedral and dignitaries from this nation and from other nations around the world, including Pacitalia, are here to reflect on the life of Crown Prince Louis Cessar, heir to the throne and wonderful representative of the Grand Duchy.

Our very own Prime Minister is here in Hamptonshire City, in fact, my crew here has just been notified that our leader landed by private jet in the city's airport just 10 minutes ago and is being escorted to his hotel by a security compliment provided by the Grand Duke of Hamptonshire.

Right now, here are the top stories...

OOC: I just realized I forgot what my President's first name is. Either Michael or Mark. One of those two.

IC:

President Hanelis had never been personally in Hamptonshire before, and he was struck by the majesty of the Palace even in such somber times. He stepped out of the car that had ferried him to Hampton Palace, and paused briefly to look around before proceeding up the steps.

Peter Fern's visit was marked by unfamiliarities that still struck a cord in him.

He had never been to Hamptonshire City before; but he still both admired the grand, regal architecture, which spoke of a rich history, that adorned the city, and he knew that the vast emptiness of the city was an unnatural state for it. Grave, granite buildings dressed in black rose high above empty, hollowed boulevards.

Fern had also never personally met the Crown Prince. He had limited contact with him through Victoria; still, Fern had done little personal work in the Alliance. He felt regret at that now.

The mood outside Hampton Palace (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/032-016-m.jpg) was reserved, almost to the point of eeriness. The fountains had been turned off, birds moved away, and even the squirrels were forced from the Palace grounds. The Grand Duke wanted an atmosphere of pure and total peace as a momument to his dead nephew.


As each mourner approached the Palace to join the event inside two Omega Guards, dressed head to toe in black with a black barret and black gloves, ushered them inside.


[OOC: RP your coming into the event as well as introductions to people. You all know the drill. The Palace is fully laid out for a grand reception with full staff, food, and bar.]

OOC: Yeah, I think I'll stick with Michael. I don't know.

Guided by the Omega guards, the president and his wife entered the palace, not quite knowing what to expect.

President Sergei and Diane Ilyanov, Scene 1.

Sergei looked at the solemn crowd. "Geez, this party is dead." He said to his oh so loving wife. And yes, they were actually in formal mourning wear.

Diane thwapped Sergei. "Ow!" He said. "Be serious for once." She told him... seriously.

Sergei shrugged. "You know I can't control my mouth."

Diane rolled her eyes. "I know..."

Sergei chuckled. "Hey, we could have that honeymoon we never had."

Diane smiled. "Now is not the time for romance, now is the time for seriousness."

Sergei shrugged. "I bet Louis would rather see us having fun in his honor then mourning."

Diane chuckled. "We're not in a Rosian Funeral."

Sergei grinned. "So true."

And so, they went to get food.

Lord Rosecrans noticed President Hanelis and his wife enter the Palace. Drink in hand he walked over to the couple to welcome them.

"Your Excellency," he bowed to the President, "madame," he bowed to Mrs. Hanelis, "on behalf of the Royal Family and the Government I welcome you."

Lord Rosecrans guided the two into the Reception Hall. Classical music from a live forty piece orchestra filled the room, the giant windows of the Hall illuminated all the fine artwork on the walls.

"As is our custom, the closest friends and family members of the deceased join together to celebate the life and works of the departed. Please, eat, drink, and talk. It is what the Crown Prince would want."

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

It's Sergei...nice to see he could make it. Prince Patricia thought to herself as she discovered Sergei and his wife getting themselves some food.

"President Sergei," she called out as she met up with them, "I'm glad you could make it."

She noticed the grim and dour look on their faces...it struck her as something very foreign to the face of a Rosian.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she leaned in to the couple. "Did somebody die?" she whispered. Humor was her coping mechanism.


[OOC: TIOR, the pre-funeral gathering is a celebration of the deceased life, so it can be a little light. The heavy stuff comes at the funeral. Guests can talk amongst themselves.]

Sergei chuckled. "Thank you. Yes, Louis would want it." He nodded as the music played. "Ah Classical, I'm glad people didn't forget what music is."

Diane mumbled. "This coming from the man that thinks Tupac is still alive."

Sergei mumbled back. "He's alive damn it."

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

Sergei grinned as Patricia said her joke. "Yes, this party."

Diane rolled her eyes. "Bah, this is just the reception and you're using your dry wit. Emphasis on dry."

Sergei smiled. "Would you like it wet then?"

Diane shook her head. "That's just wrong...." She looked at Patricia. "Hello."

Sergei sighed. "I never personally knew Cessar, though, I know of his acheivements though. I thought he would never give Parliament their power." He shrugged. "He was a good man I heard. I feel awkward giving a eulogy to him."

((OOC: Ignore that last part if he isn't giving the eulogy. And Rosian aren't used to serious funerals so... eh.))

The Prime Minister entered the beautiful and grand Hampton Palace, no longer accompanied by the security compliment that dropped him off at the entrance. He was awestruck by the underlying history behind the fantastic architecture and the uncomparable Hamptonshirian artwork.

Upon entering, Lord Rosecrans briskly walked to meet him. They shook hands, but the Prime Minister, sensing the grief, pulled the Lord into a short but sympathetic embrace.

"Thank you so much for coming, Mr. Prime Minister," Lord Rosecrans said in a serious yet genuinely emotional tenor, smoothing out his royal uniform. "On behalf of the Government and the Royal Family, I welcome you to Hamptonshire and to the Hampton Palace."

"Thank you very much. Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time," Prime Minister Ell replied. He patted the Lord on the shoulder and moved forward to meet the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke simply stared in disbelief at the recently-entered guest. Pacitalia was such a new ally, yet the emotion and sympathy their leader had just shown for his lord was undeniably real. Too weighed-down with anguish, the Duke remained seated. It didn't matter to the Prime Minister. He walked over to the armchair and clasped the Duke's hand in a powerful but caring shake.

"Words cannot express how much gratitude the Royal Family feels," the Grand Duke said. "T--thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."

"Your Royal Highness, it is a pleasure and an honour to be allowed the privilege to share in the reflection on the life of such a great man," the Prime Minister replied.

Cool, mature and collected as he usually was, the Prime Minister could not help but shed one small tear as he gazed upon the distraught, anguished and frail Grand Duke of Hamptonshire.

It's good to be here, he thought. But why did this awful price have to be paid in the first place. We will find who did this.

The Princess continued to walk and talk with the Rosian couple.

"My brother was a good man. He lead Hamptonshire immediately after the Soigacas Terror Attacks." she leaned closer to the couple, "It was during that attack that the Grand Duke's wife and son were killed. It's been nearly twenty five years and he still mourns for them. The Grand Duke lost his entire family in that attack, save Louis and me."

Patricia then openned herself back up. "Your Excellency, you will be asked to eulogize my brother. Cardinal Walter Luther, the Primate of Hamptonshire, is still organizing the speaking order. We should have the list within the hour."

She then turned to Diane, "It hasn't been that long...the Grand Duke and I came to your wedding. Times were happier then..." she just trailed off.

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

Lord Patrick Easton, President of the Privy Council, the recently 'deposed' Foreign Minister, and the Grand Duke's closest friend and advisor approached the Pacitalian Prime Minister.

"We're all glad that you could come. The soul of the departed should always be surrounded by as many friends as possible." he said in his characteristic whispery voice.


[OOC: Pacitalia, don't RP too much of my characters...]

The Princess continued to walk and talk with the Rosian couple.

"My brother was a good man. He lead Hamptonshire immediately after the Soigacas Terror Attacks." she leaned closer to the couple, "It was during that attack that the Grand Duke's wife and son were killed. It's been nearly twenty five years and he still mourns for them. The Grand Duke lost his entire family in that attack, save Louis and me."

Patricia then openned herself back up. "Your Excellency, you will be asked to eulogize my brother. Cardinal Walter Luther, the Primate of Hamptonshire, is still organizing the speaking order. We should have the list within the hour."

She then turned to Diane, "It hasn't been that long...the Grand Duke and I came to your wedding. Times were happier then..." she just trailed off.



Sergei nodded. "So I heard. It's horrible really, life can be so ironic."

Diane chuckled. "And a bitch."

Sergei snickered. "That too. But in all seriousness, this is sad. I heard he was the main speaker for the Moderate Parties. I guess NURP's going to pass those laws now." He grinned. "Ah well."

Diane turned to Patricia. "Ah child. You'll get over it, you'll see it as a distant memory." Diane had that old woman personality, then again, she was 52 and Patricia was like... 30? "Ah well."

Sergei nodded. "Well, at least it's Roman Catholic."

Sergei nodded. "So I heard. It's horrible really, life can be so ironic."

Diane chuckled. "And a bitch."

Sergei snickered. "That too. But in all seriousness, this is sad. I heard he was the main speaker for the Moderate Parties. I guess NURP's going to pass those laws now." He grinned. "Ah well."

Diane turned to Patricia. "Ah child. You'll get over it, you'll see it as a distant memory." Diane had that old woman personality, then again, she was 52 and Patricia was like... 30? "Ah well."

Sergei nodded. "Well, at least it's Roman Catholic."

"Life isn't good or bad, it's just life. It's what we do with the time that we have that matters. Our lives are on loan from the Lord, we just rent our bodies for a while." she sighed.

She pulled a glass of wine off a passing servant's tray and drank it. "Yes, the Hamptonshire First Policies. They're terrible. I'm going to vote aganist it and I'm campaigning in my district against the proposals, but alas, the Anti-Policy Forces have lost their most popular figure. I fear of our future."

Patricia looked around for someone to join the conversation. She noticed that Lord Easton was free for the moment. She motioned for him to come over.

"President Sergei, I'd like you to meet our former Foreign Minister, Lord Easton."


[OOC: Sergei just can't seem to escape Eastons.]

Diane chuckled. "So true."

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

Sergei nodded. "I see it as becoming overconfident. You'll have a nationalist movement, people will get pissed, the obvious Communist Revolution will come, funded by me of course, and will make us all equal." A pair of shifty eyes, a nervous chuckled. "I'm kidding."

Diane rolled her eyes. "Subtle."

Sergei bowed as Easton arrived, and of course Diane knelt ever so slightly like a genteel woman should. Sergei chuckled. "Heh, so you're the former Foreign Minister. Well, you know you can have a job at the Island." He shook his hand. "But in all seriousness, how are you doing? Well, you're sad, but other then that?"

Diane chuckled. "So true."

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

Sergei nodded. "I see it as becoming overconfident. You'll have a nationalist movement, people will get pissed, the obvious Communist Revolution will come, funded by me of course, and will make us all equal." A pair of shifty eyes, a nervous chuckled. "I'm kidding."

Diane rolled her eyes. "Subtle."

Sergei bowed as Easton arrived, and of course Diane knelt ever so slightly like a genteel woman should. Sergei chuckled. "Heh, so you're the former Foreign Minister. Well, you know you can have a job at the Island." He shook his hand. "But in all seriousness, how are you doing? Well, you're sad, but other then that?"


"Communism..." Patricia began to laugh. "Less than two percent of the population supports socialism, let alone communism. We've learned to seperate capitalism from our political system. No one asks for 'redistrubion of wealth'. We're going on one thousand years of free market economics." she said with a chuckle.

Lord Easton politely waited for the Princess to finish speaking before he replied to Sergei. "I'm the former Foreign Minister due to the extremism of the Royal Senate." his soft voice barely carried over the background musice. "I am fine, all things considered. To be honest the Grand Duke is in a tough spot. The Crown Prince was one of the last remaing moderates in the Senior Cabinet and he was the Grand Duke's chief deputy." He walked closer to the couple so they were sure to hear him. He continued, "This is also a deep blow for the institution of the Royal Family. Princess Patricia is the last known direct descendant of the last Duke of Hampton; and with all due respect to the Princess, the Royal Senate will never accept her appointment as Crown Princess. The entire future of the monarchy is up in the air right now."

He would continue on, but he noticed a waiter carrying a tray of crab cakes.

Sergei leaned over to Easton. "Let me tell you something." He whispered. "I don't trust NURP. They're going to do things I'm going to hate. I do not the way they look. They look evil and the Prime Minister looks French." He paused. "And I hate the French. Also, if they don't make Patricia the Crown Princess, well, there goes the Duchy and here comes the... Republic I suppose."

He leaned back. "But that's me." He looked as the waitor passed by him with the tray of crab cakes. "Diane, I bet these people hate all these foods. What's wrong with a damn burger and some croquettes."

Diane chuckled. "You know how rich people are."

Sergei rolled his eyes. "We're rich, in a Socialist nation no less."

Diane thwapped him. "Quiet you!"

"Ow" Sergei said. He looked over at Diane. "We have free enterprise once, that didn't work out. That's why we have the hammer and sickle on our flag."

Diane chuckled. "Yes, ignore the dollar sign."

Sergei grinned. "Damn Corpies."

"If Patricia isn't named Crown Princess that won't be the end of the Throne." Lord Easton said between bites of his crab cake. "The Grand Duke is elected by the Royal Senate at least one year after the death of the previous Grand Duke. To be eligible one needs to either be a direct descendant of the last Duke of Hampton, or a sitting member of the Royal Senate." Now a look of utter seriousness came over Easton's face. "Since NURP holds 141 out of 216 seats in the Royal Senate that means they'll be able, in theory, to get their man on the throne...and that man would be Senator Bernard Allenby."

Patricia jumped back into the conversation "It won't come to that, Patrick". She laughed, "Sergei, I wouldn't comment too loudly about Prime Minister Olendorf. During the Funeral Procession you'll be walking next to him and during the services you'll be seated right behind him."

Sergei shrugged at Patricia's comment. "I still hate the French. Either way, as long as you don't turn into Mississippians, it will all be good in the end." He looked at Easton. "Allenby, my God. Allenby in Royal Attire does not make sense to me." He sighed. "I remember when the Island was feudal, well not really, but it was. We had to many Dukes it wasn't even funny."

Diane chuckled. "I want to be a Princess."

Sergei grinned. "But you're my Princess."

Diane smiled. "I know that." A wink there. "You don't to say it."

Sergei cleared his throat. "Right. Anyway, the politics of our nation has gone mad. The Fascists are cozying up to the Militant Communists and the Red Party and Corporate Party are becoming to moderate it's not even funny. I see coalitions in the future... and that'd be a Rosian First right there."

The Grand Duke walked into the Reception Hall. His crisp blue uniform, his greying red hair, he cut the figure of a grand majesty. He walked across the Hall toward the Princess.

I've lost Louis and know I'm going to lose her. he thought to himself (he was referring to the impending marriage of the Princess and President Baccius of Rotovia. As he made his way through the Hall he continued his mental conversation, It's all coming to an end before my eyes. I've been Grand Duke for fifty years, what do I have to show for it?

He managed to approach the Princess and her group unnoticed. He recognized Sergei and Diane by their voice. He stopped a few feet behind the President. "Sir Sergei, I'm glad you could come."

Sergei turned his back. "Ah, Reginold!" He approached him and shook his hand, of course. "Life's been treating you like a dog." He was obviously referring to his looks. "No matter, I'll become old too. This event is horrible. I would've felt guilty if I only sent a representative." He chuckled. "I'm sure he's beating God in a political debate. Better to be in Heaven then in his hellhole."

Diane followed Sergei, she bowed of course. "Mr. Leopold. Glad to see you here." She said. "This event is tragic. But like my Husband said, he's happier now."

Sergei chuckled. "Yes. Though, this is nuts. First NURP comes to power, then Louis dies." A pair of shifty eyes. "If you ask me, this is a prophecy of things to come. I'm sure God has a plan." He grinned. "Yes he does."

Diane looked at the Duke seriously. "So how are holding up?"

Their car pulled easily up to the great stairs. From the front doors sprung a footman, who pulled open the rear door with a casualness belying great skill born of long practice.

To say the first to emerge was statuesque was to make a great understatement. She was stunning, she was vibrant, she was alive…

Her companion outshone her, the sun rising to face the moon.

His dress was simple – a white burnoose, crisped with silver thread, covered a modestly tailored suit. A silver chain ran to a pocket of his waistcoat, where from came the ticking of his pocketwatch; simplicity and dignity ran through his clothes, his youth offset by the stark sense of purposeful potence about him.

He offered his arm; she took it. With measured steps, they mounted the stairs and made their way first to the two guards where short words were exchanged as to the nature of the slim bejeweled hooked dagger he wore – as a religious necessity, and not an affectation, it remained on his belt – and a quick query as to the location of ladies powder room. From there, they made their guided way inside.

[OOC: His full name is Reginald Leopold Albert Pyotr-Hampton. His family name is Pyotr-Hampton. Leopold is his middle name.]

IC:

The Grand Duke sighed and his head began to dip slightly on his slender and aging frame. The emotional wounds still fester in his mind, just thinking about the assassination fills him with almost more emotion than he can bare. He doesn't show his pain, a lifetime of training has given him the ability to hide his feelings.

"I do not know what the future will hold for the monarchy of for the nation. For some reason it seems that God himself wants to end the thousand year reign of the House of Pyotr-Hampton," he said with audible sadness, but his tone quickly changed to deep sarcasm, "but HIS will be done."

He paused and turned his head away from the group and closed his eyes. Patricia quickly tried to think of a way to steer the topic toward something lighter.

She said the first thing that came to mind, "Um...Diane just said she wanted to be a Princess."

[OOC: Back in 9 hours. Talk amongst yourselves ;)]

As their black car pulled into the Palace grounds, Grand Duke Kos noted the beauty of the surroundings, if only this was not such a solemn occassion. This was the Grand Duke's first visit overseas, in fact, he is the first Apollinan Grand Duke to leave the City in over 150 years, he wished it was under happier circumstances. His fiancé, Kiris, lay her hand on his to reassure him, they neared the entrance.

As the car stopped there was a man there to open the rear car door, the Grand Duke and Lady Kiris stepped out, both dressed in black. Kos was nervous, the relationship between Apollina and Hamptonshire was still very young so he was afraid of making a common mistake and offending the Royal Family, he hoped this would not occur. The Grand Duke and Lady Kiris moved into the Palace arm in arm, prepared to meet the Royal Family to give them thier condolences, and meet with other world dignitaries.

The Crown Prince Henry and the UKIN Prime Minister Oliver Yardmouth arrived in their small motorcade, ably escorted by Hamptonshire security forces. His Royal Highness the Duke of Tueslynn muttered to Yardmouth about the beauty of the capital and of Hampton Palace. "Nothing like the dreary Heringof Palace back home."

The Prime Minister himself was breathtaken by the sights, though he had to bite back a retort that the Parliament buildings back home looked far better than they had before the restoration efforts begun the year before. But Yardmouth had much to preoccupy him, what with pirates in the Indian Ocean, a coming election and a few economic worries. Even so, he was greatly honoured by His Majesty's decision to send him to this service. Ensuring his forget-me-not buttoniere was properly affixed after straightening his black silk waistcoat and dress jacket, tried to right his features to fit the circumstances, combating an old facial injury suffered while in national service.

The Crown Prince, noting the Prime Minister's difficulties, aided the older man before fixing his own jacket and waistcoat. Henry decided the Grand Duke need not be reminded of the loss of the Hamptonshire royal and dressed considerately as the Duke of Tueslynn rather than as the heir to the UKIN throne. "Enough sadness is in the air already," he told the Prime Minister.

On that point, both men agreed.

Bump for dialogue

[OOC: Pacitalia, don't RP too much of my characters...]

OOC: Heh... don't worry. I was only going to use your characters for speech that anybody would have the mind to say - eg. we send our condolences, thank you for coming... etc.

Is the funeral tonight?

OOC: Heh... don't worry. I was only going to use your characters for speech that anybody would have the mind to say - eg. we send our condolences, thank you for coming... etc.

Is the funeral tonight?

[OOC: Unless conversations start in droves, I'll RP the Funeral Procession this afternoon/tonight with the Eulogies and the funeral happening saturday.]

OOC: Super stuff. Glad you're in the same time zone as me. ;)

USN Secretary of State Micheal Willis and his wife, Joanne Willis, approached the palace. Both were wearing black and were very tired from their non stop flight from the USN. Secretary Willis brought with him a letter of apology from President Mills, who at the last moment could not attend. Once inside, Willis and his wife sat down where the other guests were. Secretary Willis looked for a member of the Hamptonshire government to give the letter of apology to and to discuss the schedule of the Prince's funeral.

Lord Easton managed to break away from President Sergei. There were other guests arriving and they needed to be greeted. He walked around the Hall looking for new guests. He spotted two people enter the room, from their appearance they looked to be from Apollina. The man was the Grand Duke, the woman was someone the Foreign Ministry had yet to produce a dossier on.

"Your Royal Highness," Lord Easton greeted the Apollinan Grand Duke with a customary bow, "on behalf of the Royal Family and the Government, I thank you for coming."

He turned to the woman standing by the Grand Duke. "I hope you will forgive me, but it seems the Foreign Ministry has yet to produce a dossier on you. May I ask who I have the honor of meeting?"

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

Fleet Admiral Geoff Kirkssen, the Royal Navy Chief-of-Staff, walked into the Reception Hall quietly. He was supposed to be there before the guests arrived but he was delayed due to weather. Not the weather in the Capital, for it was a perfect day, it was the weather in Manium. A Typhoon was headed straight for a major port complex. It was just another added pressure on an already stress filled day.

Straightening his uniform, he made his way to the Grand Foyer to greet the next guest to come into the Palace. By luck, or consequence, the Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Isselmere entered the Palace.

The Fleet Admiral walked up to two men, stood at attention, and saluted the two men. He then greeted them, "Mr. Prime Minister, Your Royal Highess, on behalf of the Royal Family and the Government, I thank you for coming."


[OOC: Hamptonians at this gathering:
Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I
Princess Patricia Anne Cessar, MC
Lord Phillip Rosecrans, Defense Minister
Lord Patrick Easton, President of the Privy Council
Fleet Admiral Geoff Kirkssen, Royal Navy Chief-of-Staff

Several butlers began to had out sheets of papers to the guests. They read:

Current Eulogy Speaking Order:

Defense Minister Lord Phillip Rosecrans
President Sergei Ilyanov of The Island of Rose
Princess Patricia Anne Cessar
Gregory Quentin, Lesser Dictator of Glyn, Chief Administrator of Majesto
Emperor Alexander of Scandavian States
Lord Patrick Easton Easton
Princess Natsuki Amashi, Royal States of Tenarius
Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I

Each speaker is asked to reflect upon the life, mission, or legacy of the Crown Prince. Speakers are asked to keep their remarks between five to seven minutes. By request of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I, no mention is to be made of retrebution for the assassination.

If you wish to have your name added to or deleted from this list, please contact the National Cathedral Office via the blue telephones located in the Reception Hall.

May the Peace of the Christ be with you,
Walter Cardinal Luther
Archbishop of Seaburg
Primate of Hamptonshire

Princess Natsuki Amashi emerged from the car that had brought her. She was momentarily taken back, the buildings were far different than those in Tenarius; they held a foreign beauty in her eyes. The trip had luckily gone without delay, the days had been oddly still and quiet in Tenarius, ever since the Queen died.

She took a deep breath, acknowledging the relatively low level of oxygen. Mentally she thanked years of living in the mountains, it made it much easier to acclamate to the height. Taking another deep breath for good measure, she walked the rest of the way to the palace. A black dress had been chosen, not terribly fancy (although perhaps seeming a little too victorian for most modern tastes), but not too simple either.

She sighed as she entered the Palace. Important people would be here, indeed she could already begin to pick a few out of the crowd. Mentally she knew that this could be the most important mission her job had ever required her to do. She was still unsure how she was going to give a eulogy, she had not known the Crown Prince, only seen pictures and read reports on his exploits.

Things were looking grim for her, but she had to perservere; the Royal Family of Tenarius expected no less of her.

Secretary Willis spotted Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I and approached him while pulling the letter from President Mills out of his jacket pocket. He got to the Grand Duke and began, "Sir, hello I am Secretary of State, Micheal Willis, from the United States of Nick. First allow me to say your nation has the USN's deepest condolences for the loss of the crowned prince. He was a great man, and though we never got to meet him we are sure he will forever be remembered for all the good that he did. President Mills and his wife could not attend unfortunatley, but he personally wrote this letter and asked me to give it to you." As he finished he handed the letter over to the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke took the letter and began to read it. He stood silently as he tried to read the writing. He stopped reading and reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out a pair of reading glasses. Over the years his eyesight began to fail him only recently, however, has he frequently required the use of reading glasses. His hands slightly trembling he read the letter in its entirity.

"Please inform your President that he has the thanks of a greatful Grand Duke."

The Grand Duke took the letter and began to read it. He stood silently as he tried to read the writing. He stopped reading and reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out a pair of reading glasses. Over the years his eyesight began to fail him only recently, however, has he frequently required the use of reading glasses. His hands slightly trembling he read the letter in its entirity.

"Please inform your President that he has the thanks of a greatful Grand Duke."

Secretary Willis: I will tell him that as soon as I arrive back in the USN, after the funeral. Once again, he is so sorry he could not attend but the election in the USN has just ended and he has to begin preparing for his second term and all the other events that go with that. Thank you though for allowing me and my wife to attend.

With that said, he headed back to where his wife was sitting and scanned the room.

Lady Kiris felt rather taken aback by the question from the Hamptonshire dignitary, though she hid it well,

"Why, I am Lady Kiris, Grand Duke Kos' fiancé" she looked over to her fiancé.

"Our contact with the Hamptonshire Authorities made it clear that my fiancé would be attending with me, I checked and signed it personnally I apologise if this confusion is a mistake on my part."

The Grand Duke felt very embarrassed by this apparant mix up, however after an awkward pause the Grand Duke said,

"Again I apologise, and please accept our deepest condolences for your nation's and Royal Family's loss. The Crown Prince was a good man, it is unfortunate that Apollinas first official visit to Hamptonshire was not under better circumstances."

Lady Kiris felt rather taken aback by the question from the Hamptonshire dignitary, though she hid it well,

"Why, I am Lady Kiris, Grand Duke Kos' fiancé" she looked over to her fiancé.

"Our contact with the Hamptonshire Authorities made it clear that my fiancé would be attending with me, I checked and signed it personnally I apologise if this confusion is a mistake on my part."

The Grand Duke felt very embarrassed by this apparant mix up, however after an awkward pause the Grand Duke said,

"Again I apologise, and please accept our deepest condolences for your nation's and Royal Family's loss. The Crown Prince was a good man, it is unfortunate that Apollinas first official visit to Hamptonshire was not under better circumstances."

"There was no mistake. We knew you were coming with your fiancé, however, due to the nature of our recently established diplomatic ties the Foreign Ministry has yet to build complete dossiers on your fine nation and people." Lord Easton said in an apologetic voice.

"Please, come in to the Reception Hall and join the others."

The personal aircraft of the Emperor, and by extension his family, was a PDE-powered aircraft that vaguely resembled the Tu144, but without the odd bending nose. On this day they were flying to the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire to attend the funeral of the late Crown Prince. The aircraft's escort, four F-125S interceptors, peeled off twenty miles before entering Hamptonshire airspace and the lone transport continued on. Another fifteen minutes and they had begun their approach onto Prince Elector Fredrick IV RAFB. When they landed they were almost immediately taken to the Grand Duke's personal helicopter, a favor which the Emperor's family appreciated greatly, and began the ride to Hamptonshire City.


[Okay, that sucked, but they're there now.]

The couple moved easily through the crowd, almost completely unnoticed by any. Which was, to say, somewhat astonishing, but they took it in cultural stride.

"Crab cakes. Very nice."
"Quite well done. If you will excuse me, my Sultan....?"
"Ah, yes, of course."

The General moved quickly off, to a side hall as directed by an Omega guard.

Sinjin stood a moment, considering the room. Then his steps lead him to the Grand Duke and the company around him, where he stood, quietly and unassuming, listening to the talk.

The couple moved easily through the crowd, almost completely unnoticed by any. Which was, to say, somewhat astonishing, but they took it in cultural stride.

"Crab cakes. Very nice."
"Quite well done. If you will excuse me, my Sultan....?"
"Ah, yes, of course."

The General moved quickly off, to a side hall as directed by an Omega guard.

Sinjin stood a moment, considering the room. Then his steps lead him to the Grand Duke and the company around him, where he stood, quietly and unassuming, listening to the talk.

The Grand Duke could feel someone standing behind him. Lord Rosecrans, who was standing on the Grand Duke's left hand side, turned around to see who it was.

"Your Majesty," Lord Rosecrans addressed the sultan, "it is an honor to meet you."

The Grand Duke turned around to greet his guest. In recognition of the higher status of a Sultan compared to a Grand Duke, he bowed to the Sultan as a measure of respect.

"Thank you for coming." he said.

The Sultan bowed, a bit lower then protocol called for. "It is an honor to be here, your Excellency. Would that it were under... other circumstances.

"General Sola should be rejoining us shortly. And Raahmid sends his regrets, but he was struck with a sudden illness, and could not attend. Worry not, it is merely a... seasonal ailment.

"And Lord Rosecrans? Good to finally put a face with a signature." Sinjin smiles warmly.

The Sultan bowed, a bit lower then protocol called for. "It is an honor to be here, your Excellency. Would that it were under... other circumstances.

"General Sola should be rejoining us shortly. And Raahmid sends his regrets, but he was struck with a sudden illness, and could not attend. Worry not, it is merely a... seasonal ailment.

"And Lord Rosecrans? Good to finally put a face with a signature." Sinjin smiles warmly.

"There is no need to apologize." the Grand Duke said.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you also, Sultan." Lord Rosecrans responded while bowing.


[OOC: Through no fault of anyone, I have lost primary interest and drive to continue this RP. We can continue on with the discussions, but I do not have the extra time to do the funeral. Sorry.]

The Grand Duke and Lady Kiris had spent most of thier time so far talking to each other, taking some of the lovely food and wine and occasionally talking briefly to some of the less well known (important) members of the various delegations that were in the Reception Hall. They found themselves stood near to the Hamptonshire Grand Duke, he seemed to be busy talking to another, quite regal looking delegate. Lady Kiris thought he looked like the Sultan of Vastiva, the Grand Duke agreed; he thought it best to wait, and approach Grand Duke Leopold I when he was less busy with guests. Grand DUke Kos would then offer is condolences for the loss of his nephew and Hamptonshire's Crown Prince.

The Royal Family arrived at the palace by provided by the Imperial Embassy, at which they had arrived after the short helicopter trip. As they entered the room they realized that they weren't the first to arrive and hoped that they weren't the last.

Emperor Alexnader was easily the most identifiable of the Royal Family, at 6'4 and 260 pounds of solid muscle he stood out in any group. It didn't help matters that his white-blonde hair, shave on the side and tied into a topknot, contrasted sharply with his long black mandarin-collared jacket and simple slacks.

Empress Lian was downright tiny next to her husband, although tall for a Chinese woman at 5'9" she had the willowy figure that was typical of her ethicity and that fact was only accented form-hugging bodice and skirt that she wore.

Princess Lian, the heir apparent, was taller than he mother by three inches and by virtue of her parents' gene pool she was often said to look like an olive-skinned Monica Bellucci and because of that her mode of dress was more conservative than her mother's, although still quite similar.

Prince Stefan would have appeared to most to be an almost virtual clone to his father, but in fact he was two inches short, forty pounds lighter (although still quite muscular), his hair was simply pulled back into a ponytail without having shaved the sides and back of his head, and the collar of his suit jacket was of the nehru style instead of the mandarin that his father favored for most ocassions.

After pausing to both take stock of those present and to be noticed by a few, they approached the Grand Duke to formally introduce themselves.