NationStates Jolt Archive

An annoucement was sent out to the international community.


Dear Allies and Nuetrals, Our Emperor has expressed interest in meeting, and wedding a foreign lady. The Emperor, Josef Emmerich, is a charming young man, whom is incredbily intelligent for his age(24), and is a kind, gentle person. We must warn, how ever, the Emperor often suffers from severe mental depression, and even suicidal tendencies, this has been so sense he was born, but he does seem to pep up when he is around pretty girls.

We hope any of that wont be a problem.

Sincerly, Steward Willhelm.

Picture of the Emperor: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Aryek/EmperorJosef2.jpg

Bump!

nebarri prime offers the chanse to marey High commander Laura Keller the Emperors sister age 22 she has Blonde hair going slitly below sholder hight a very good figure and one of the smartest High commanders in Nebarri primes millitary

OOC: high commander is the highest rank in Nebarri millitary and thay work with army navy and air force out ranking all Admirals and Genirals and she did have to ern the rank it was not just givein to her because she is related to the Emperor

ooc: what is it about these "find me a wife/husband" threads. It seems to me people people are using NS to fulfill their real life inadequacies/lackings.
this is International Incidents, not the romance forum.

ic: best of luck anyway finding a suitable wife

OOC: Nice assumption, how ever, it's wrong. Romance RP's are fun, anyway.

The Emperor has expressed his interest in meeting this woman, as long as his mental health does not trouble her.

Steward Willhelm

ooc: what is it about these "find me a wife/husband" threads. It seems to me people people are using NS to fulfill their real life inadequacies/lackings.
this is International Incidents, not the romance forum.

ic: best of luck anyway finding a suitable wife


Quite wrong, friend, and in the future, do not insult my intelligence by posting such crap in my topics ever again.

wow, what can i say?....."i'm sorry" pops to mind :headbang:

his mental health is of little consern to her as long as he cares for her she is happy

OOC: There is no romance forum. Maybe we can avoid that.

IC: "Elaina?" the old prophet stumbled into her quarters.
"Elaina. I realize that since the death of Romulus-"
"Romulus was just a friend, father," she said.
"- you haven't even spoken with the other men offering opportunities."
"Opportunities? Excellent word choice."
"Damn, I didn't mean it like that, I-"
"Fine. Fine, I'll look."
The aging politician held up a picture of the emperor. Elaina stood back, setting down her copy of the Lictorian Epics.
"Amazing..."
"And intelligent. Intelligent enough to hold up a conversation with even you, Elaina."
"Flattering. What else do you know of him?"
"He would have no trouble providing for you, taking care of you. He enjoys the company of pretty girls like you."
"Very well- I thank you for... the opportunity."
"I shall telegram him then?"
"Yes, please do."

The Honourable Emperor Josef Emmerich
Ruler of Tocrowkia

My daughter, Elaina of Lictoria, is interested in meeting you. I myself hope you will agree. She has been very selective over the years. Since seeing you, she has made twenty copies of the photograph, scanned the news nets for information on you, and memorized the written description of you to the letter. We hope to hear from you soon.

Prophet Miackar II
Lictorian High Council

his mental health is of little consern to her as long as he cares for her she is happy


Well, of course. Shall the Lady come to Tocrowkia to meet the Emperor, or will it be vice versa?

The Honourable Emperor Josef Emmerich
Ruler of Tocrowkia

My daughter, Elaina of Lictoria, is interested in meeting you. I myself hope you will agree. She has been very selective over the years. Since seeing you, she has made twenty copies of the photograph, scanned the news nets for information on you, and memorized the written description of you to the letter. We hope to hear from you soon.

Prophet Miackar II
Lictorian High Council

The Emperor would be pleased to meet with Elaina, the only questions are when, and where?

we would prefer that the Emperor comes to here

Very well, but, perhaps it would be easier for her to come here, as Josef has recieved other offers.

Miss JRV 2004 Amber Dempsy (aged 22) has expressed her interest and would be delighted to meet his Imperial Highness.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Very well, will you becoming here?

The Rommelwood Court can offer you a wife too.

Yours in God,
The King

The Rommelwood Court can offer you a wife too.

Yours in God,
The King

Elizabeth Karlsson(age 19) is interested in meeting his Imperial Highness in Tocrowkia.

Princess Julia(age 19) is flying to your nation's capital to meet the King.

''Can Elizabeth and the Inquisiton come too?''She says.

Very well, but, perhaps it would be easier for her to come here, as Josef has recieved other offers.

not what we prefer but it is accseptibal

Very well, will you becoming here?

An official delegation will be sent to accompany Miss Dempsy, and shall leave for your fair country upon your approval.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Princess Julia(age 19) is flying to your nation's capital to meet the King.

''Can Elizabeth and the Inquisiton come too?''She says.


Can we land in your nation's capital?

You may, of course. But what exactly is the role of the inqusition? Protective services? If so, you do not need them, for you will be under the protection of the Assairs Guard, The Divine Knights, And The Waffen S.S., all among the finest troops in the world.

You may, of course. But what exactly is the role of the inqusition? Protective services? If so, you do not need them, for you will be under the protection of the Assairs Guard, The Divine Knights, And The Waffen S.S., all among the finest troops in the world.

The Inquisition is like the Spanish one.But it tolerates Christians and Muslims and so on.It hates Atheists like Nazis hate Jews.

So,when can we start the Princess meeting your Emperor?

The Inquisition is like the Spanish one.But it tolerates Christians and Muslims and so on.It hates Atheists like Nazis hate Jews.

So,when can we start the Princess meeting your Emperor?

The plane lands in Pharamas,and the Princess comes out followed by the Inquistion,Viziers and others.

''What a grand city this is!''said Julia(Princess)

Oh, very well.


The Princess's may meet with the Emperor in a moment.


((I have to write up a post. ;) ))

Oh, very well.


The Princess's may meet with the Emperor in a moment.


((I have to write up a post. ;) ))

Good.

A modified government Lear Jet touched down at Pharamas, having received security clearance and after a long, but luxurious flight from Central JRV. Miss Dempsy, the JRVian beautyqueen and swimsuit model, was accompanied by a representative of the Federal Government, her staff and two female members of the Diplomatic Protection Squad – each armed with pistols, which they would hand over to the authorities, if so required.
She stepped out of the plane wearing low jeans and a tight black top with sunglasses, her hair flowing in the wind. She was a leggy and most elegant young woman.

A modified government Lear Jet touched down at Pharamas, having received security clearance and after a long, but luxurious flight from Central JRV. Miss Dempsy, the JRVian beautyqueen and swimsuit model, was accompanied by a representative of the Federal Government, her staff and two female members of the Diplomatic Protection Squad – each armed with pistols, which they would hand over to the authorities, if so required.
She stepped out of the plane wearing low jeans and a tight black top with sunglasses, her hair flowing in the wind. She was a leggy and most elegant young woman.


Hi,JRV.

Also,Tocrowkia,Where can we meet?

Josef stood in the centre of the huge Pharamas airport, pacing with his arms behind his back. He took gradual glances at his watch, and him self in the reflection of the glass of the various shoppes and restraunts. An elderly man placed his hand on the Emperors shoulder.

"Dont worry, Highness. I'm sure the girls will love you."

He said. Josef sighed.

"I do hope so."

Josef said as he began to pace faster in circle. One of the Assairs guard spun a pistol around his finger.

"Maybe something exciting will happen, like a terrorist attack. I'd get to practice my aim..."

He said with a slack smile. The Elderly man shook his head.

"Hold your fire, cowboy."

He said.

Josef stood in the centre of the huge Pharamas airport, pacing with his arms behind his back. He took gradual glances at his watch, and him self in the reflection of the glass of the various shoppes and restraunts. An elderly man placed his hand on the Emperors shoulder.

"Dont worry, Highness. I'm sure the girls will love you."

He said. Josef sighed.

"I do hope so."

Josef said as he began to pace faster in circle. One of the Assairs guard spun a pistol around his finger.

"Maybe something exciting will happen, like a terrorist attack. I'd get to practice my aim..."

He said with a slack smile. The Elderly man shook his head.

"Hold your fire, cowboy."

He said.

The Grand Inquisitor stood with Elizabeth and Julia talking to them about the nation they were in.

''Always behave.''

''Always respect the Emperor's wishes.''

''Listen to us and people here.''

''We will.''said the girls

''Good'' said the G.I

The Emperor saw the two girls approaching, and took a deep breath of air. Unsure if their culture prompted the women to approach the men, or the men to appraoch the women, he politely stood still, waiting.

The Emperor saw the two girls approaching, and took a deep breath of air. Unsure if their culture prompted the women to approach the men, or the men to appraoch the women, he politely stood still, waiting.

Hi.

The girls said.

Hello.

said the Inquisitor as he bowed down.

The girl on the left is Elizabeth,the other is Julia.

Us Inquisitors will stay here with them,if its ok.We do have firearms,even the girls.

"Greetings" Josef said, bringing his arm up over his chest in a roman style military salute, and nodding respectfully. "Are you both, erm, proposed wifes for me?" He asked.

Amber spotted the Emperor, she had seen his picture a number of times but had not fully appreciated how attractive he was until now. Smiling, she cautiously approached him and bowed courteously.

"My name is Amber Dempsy, from JRV. How do you do, your excellency?"

Princess Allene of Drenian has recently come of age and wishes to meet with the Emperor. She has dark brown, curled hair, and is accustomed to dealing with depression since her older brother's accident. She is a talented dancer and a fine cook, as well as schooled in basic Latin, Ancient Draakan (the original language of Drenian), and well-skilled in Literature and the Fine Arts. She may meet with the Emperor at his convience, should he send word of his desire for further arrangements to be made.

http://www.stormy.net/fantasy/mb-dmage.jpg

"Greetings" Josef said, bringing his arm up over his chest in a roman style military salute, and nodding respectfully. "Are you both, erm, proposed wifes for me?" He asked.


Julia is the proposed wife,but Elizabeth would like to know if you have any single princes.

Princess Allene of Drenian has recently come of age and wishes to meet with the Emperor. She has dark brown, curled hair, and is accustomed to dealing with depression since her older brother's accident. She is a talented dancer and a fine cook, as well as schooled in basic Latin, Ancient Draakan (the original language of Drenian), and well-skilled in Literature and the Fine Arts. She may meet with the Emperor at his convience, should he send word of his desire for further arrangements to be made.

http://www.stormy.net/fantasy/mb-dmage.jpg


((I'm sorry; I have two different accounts and I forgot to log out of Woyb before I posted that.))

Amber spotted the Emperor, she had seen his picture a number of times but had not fully appreciated how attractive he was until now. Smiling, she cautiously approached him and bowed courteously.

"My name is Amber Dempsy, from JRV. How do you do, your excellency?"

Josef was rather suprised at the girls choice of clothes, he had expected all the foreign ladies to be wearing fancy dressed and the like, how ever, this woman's choice of clothes obviously suited her very well, infact, upon seeing her, Josef could not imagine seeing her in one of the said dressed. Josef smiled and nodded.

"I was doing good, but now that I am in the presence of such a beautiful young lady, I must note I am doing superb."

He said politely, mentally kicking him self for such a lame pickup line. His heart began to pound, and he hoped he did not muck this whole thing up.


Princess Allene of Drenian has recently come of age and wishes to meet with the Emperor. She has dark brown, curled hair, and is accustomed to dealing with depression since her older brother's accident. She is a talented dancer and a fine cook, as well as schooled in basic Latin, Ancient Draakan (the original language of Drenian), and well-skilled in Literature and the Fine Arts. She may meet with the Emperor at his convience, should he send word of his desire for further arrangements to be made.

The Emperor would be pleased to meet with her.


Julia is the proposed wife,but Elizabeth would like to know if you have any single princes.

"Unfortunatly, we do not."

Josef responded

She blushed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Emperor."

Josef was rather suprised at the girls choice of clothes, he had expected all the foreign ladies to be wearing fancy dressed and the like, how ever, this woman's choice of clothes obviously suited her very well, infact, upon seeing her, Josef could not imagine seeing her in one of the said dressed. Josef smiled and nodded.

"I was doing good, but now that I am in the presence of such a beautiful young lady, I must note I am doing superb."

He said politely, mentally kicking him self for such a lame pickup line. His heart began to pound, and he hoped he did not muck this whole thing up.




The Emperor would be pleased to meet with her.




"Unfortunatly, we do not."

Josef responded

Julia bowed down and said to the Emperor that he was very handsome.The Inquistors asked if they could stay.

Elizabeth is on a plane back to Rommelwood.

Josef was rather suprised at the girls choice of clothes, he had expected all the foreign ladies to be wearing fancy dressed and the like, how ever, this woman's choice of clothes obviously suited her very well, infact, upon seeing her, Josef could not imagine seeing her in one of the said dressed. Josef smiled and nodded.

"I was doing good, but now that I am in the presence of such a beautiful young lady, I must note I am doing superb."

He said politely, mentally kicking him self for such a lame pickup line. His heart began to pound, and he hoped he did not muck this whole thing up.




The Emperor would be pleased to meet with her.




"Unfortunatly, we do not."

Josef responded

Julia bowed down and said to the Emperor that he was very handsome.The Inquistors asked if they could stay.

Elizabeth is on a plane back to Rommelwood.

Josef was rather suprised at the girls choice of clothes, he had expected all the foreign ladies to be wearing fancy dressed and the like, how ever, this woman's choice of clothes obviously suited her very well, infact, upon seeing her, Josef could not imagine seeing her in one of the said dressed. Josef smiled and nodded.

"I was doing good, but now that I am in the presence of such a beautiful young lady, I must note I am doing superb."

He said politely, mentally kicking him self for such a lame pickup line. His heart began to pound, and he hoped he did not muck this whole thing up.




The Emperor would be pleased to meet with her.




"Unfortunatly, we do not."

Josef responded

Julia bowed down and said to the Emperor that he was very handsome.The Inquistors asked if they could stay.

Elizabeth is on a plane back to Rommelwood.

Sorry for my message being posted three times.My computer froze up.

Allene shook out her skirts and stood nervously in the small antechamber attatched to the room where the Emperor was meeting with another young woman. She didn't know why she felt slightly jealous of the other girl. After all, this whole thing was her mother's idea. Allene herself didn't care if she didn't marry until she was old and ancient and toothless. True, the Emperor was handsome, judging from the picture she had been given, but there were plenty of handsome men in Drenian. Shaking her head, Allene turned her mind to other subjects and took a seat to wait for her turn to meet with him.

She blushed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Emperor."


"Oh, do believe me, not as much of a pleasure as it is to meet you, my lady."

He responded, mentally making note of his roll of rather lame pick up lines.

Julia bowed down and said to the Emperor that he was very handsome.The Inquistors asked if they could stay.

Elizabeth is on a plane back to Rommelwood.

The Middle aged man stepped forward.

"Sure, just make sure that they are kind of out of way..."

"Oh, do believe me, not as much of a pleasure as it is to meet you, my lady."

He responded, mentally making note of his roll of rather lame pick up lines.



The Middle aged man stepped forward.

"Sure, just make sure that they are kind of out of way..."

Here is a picture of Julia-http://pantransit.reptiles.org/images/1999-12-05/female.jpg

"Oh, do believe me, not as much of a pleasure as it is to meet you, my lady."

He responded, mentally making note of his roll of rather lame pick up lines.



The Middle aged man stepped forward.

"Sure, just make sure that they are kind of out of way..."

The Inquistion will guard Julia.

If you insist.

If you insist.


Ok.

said the Inquisitors.

Julia asked the Emperor about himself and the nation he rules.

Julia wears a small top with patterns and designs on it and wears a medium sized skirt.

The Inquisitors wear a black hat and black robes with white collars and have a necklace of the Lord jesus on the Cross.The robes also have designs and patterns.

"Well, what exactly would you like to know?"

Josef asked her, trying to prevent the situation from becomming akward with so many people talking to him.

OOC: Here's a picture of Amber, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/JRV/MissJRV.jpg

"Well, what exactly would you like to know?"

Josef asked her, trying to prevent the situation from becomming akward with so many people talking to him.

Julia said''I want to know about you and your nation,Your Highness.''

OOC: Here's a picture of Amber, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/JRV/MissJRV.jpg


OOC: WOOHOO!

Julia said ''I want to know about you and your nation,Your Highness.''

"Well, Tocrowkia is a very patriotic nation, infact, EVERYONE here is a patriot. We take great pride in our heritage and our nations past. If you'd like to know more about our past, check our factbook. Me? I like Horse back riding, Reading, Running, working out, and of course, chatting with pretty ladies such as your self. ;) "

In the interests of your convenience, we would happily send Elaina to meet you. We will need, however, your permission to allow us to land her transport. If we have that permission, we would love to have the two of you meet when your next hopeful leaves (unless you should choose to wed her, though we hope you get to meet Elaina before making a formal decision, she is quite interested in you, which is rare), wherever His Majesty finds it the most convenient. Have you a place in mind?
Oh, and of course, you may want to see here before approving the landing. A photograph, here: http://www.sptimes.com/2002/09/29/photos/arts-BALLET06.jpg
That is from a Royal Lictorian Dancers performance five months ago. She has since grown her hair out longer, and she does not enjoy wearing the makeup that is the custom in dance performances.

She continued to smile at him sweetly and listened with keen interest as he spoke about his country.

[QUOTE=Tocrowkia]OOC: WOOHOO!



"Well, Tocrowkia is a very patriotic nation, infact, EVERYONE here is a patriot. We take great pride in our heritage and our nations past. If you'd like to know more about our past, check our factbook. Me? I like Horse back riding, Reading, Running, working out, and of course, chatting with pretty ladies such as your self. ;) "[/QUOTE

My nation,Rommelwood is also very patriotic and religious.We take great pride in our heritage and our nations past.Me? I like Religion,History,Reading,Horse Back Riding and much more.Said Julia.

Here is a picture of Julia....

Go to this website-http://www.nichibeianime.com/cel-imgs/arslan-imgs/ar004.jpg

The Picture is of Julia.

Emperor,
I have sent you a private message.
Send these children away.
Brusca

In the interests of your convenience, we would happily send Elaina to meet you. We will need, however, your permission to allow us to land her transport. If we have that permission, we would love to have the two of you meet when your next hopeful leaves (unless you should choose to wed her, though we hope you get to meet Elaina before making a formal decision, she is quite interested in you, which is rare), wherever His Majesty finds it the most convenient. Have you a place in mind?
Oh, and of course, you may want to see here before approving the landing. A photograph, here: http://www.sptimes.com/2002/09/29/photos/arts-BALLET06.jpg
That is from a Royal Lictorian Dancers performance five months ago. She has since grown her hair out longer, and she does not enjoy wearing the makeup that is the custom in dance performances.


Permission granted, of course.

So what is there to do said Julia and the Inquisitors.

Do you want to hang out with Julia alone?

"Right now, I cant. I need to wait here for the other girls. I'll make sure to spend some time with each of you alone, so dont worry."

Josef said to them all.

"Right now, I cant. I need to wait here for the other girls. I'll make sure to spend some time with each of you alone, so dont worry."

Josef said to them all.

Can I talk to you,alone said one of the Inquisitors

Josef glanced at his watch.

"Sure, for a minute only though."

He said.

Meanwhile, the Elderly man had noticed another woman sulking off the centre of the airport. "May I help you?" He said.

Josef glanced at his watch.

"Sure, for a minute only though."

He said.

Meanwhile, the Elderly man had noticed another woman sulking off the centre of the airport. "May I help you?" He said.

''I want to make sure that Andrea gets the best treatment in your nation like Education,Health Care and so on.''Said the Inquisitor.

Emperor,
I have answered your private message.
Brusca

"Oh, of course."

Josef said.

"Now excuse me."

He said, before walking off.

"Oh, of course."

Josef said.

"Now excuse me."

He said, before walking off.

Ok.

After a five-hour flight, Elaina was a bit tense. One does not look very good after a five-hour flight. The pilot waved goodbye to her, smiling, as her entourage helped her from the plane. Elaina always refused their help, but they always asked. It was a matter of pride, which was shunned, but Elaina being such an important figure, was an exception to the rule.
"Excited, my lady?" Felicia, Elaina's favorite servant, asked.
"Yes," Elaina replied, smiling, almost breathless, "more than I have ever been regarding any matter. Will he like me? Praise the prophets, will he?"
Felicia, reassuring as always, replied: "He would be a fool not to."
Elaina smiled and laughed, but for some reason, was more unsure about the outcome of this encounter than she had been about anything else in her life. Would she even get a chance to see him, with all these other women about? She hoped so- she prayed so.

Is everyone here? said the Inquisitors.

"Greetings" A General looking type said to Elaina. "I presume your here to see the Emperor?"

"Yes," Elaina said, holding back her excitement. This was a huge moment, a monumental moment. "Yes, I am."

"Follow me, then." The General said, walking off slowly.

Elaina followed, not far behind, taking in all the sights she could as they walked at a painfully slow rate towards their destination.

''When can we begin the party,I guess?'' said Julia

Josef sighed gently as yet another beautiful woman walked towards him.

This is getting a bit overwhelming...

Josef, how ever, smiled and walked towards her to greet her, no longer taking culture into consideration.

"Evening, My lady."

He said.

Josef sighed gently as yet another beautiful woman walked towards him.

This is getting a bit overwhelming...

Josef, how ever, smiled and walked towards her to greet her, no longer taking culture into consideration.

"Evening, My lady."

He said.

What does this mean?

Start the RP and let get going!

OOC: That post is directed at Lictoria

OOC: That post is directed at Lictoria

Do something else now!

I have to wait tell he/she does something in reply.

Amber glanced at all the other women arriving, and begin to feel slightly more jealous.

(OOC: I'm not sure, but I'm assuming you're talking to me? Tell me if you want me to delete this.)

IC: "Good evening, sir," Elaina said, smiling. Someone else who isn't fully rested. Probably a thousand women slaving over him already. It was a threatening thought, with all the competition around her. Of all her father's attempts at finding her a husband, she could not stop thinking of this one.
"How great it is to finally see you in person-" she paused, smiled: "I've been wanting to say that for some time now. I can actually say it now. It is wonderful to see you in the flesh."

Julia thought to herself''I must keep up with all the others during my visit!''

*Brusca sits drinking coffee, away from the gaggle of young women and watches as the Emperor becomes more overwhelmed by the attention. She shakes her head, finishes her drink, stands and walks away.*

*She stops to answer a personal message, then turns and sits back down.
Catching the waiter's attention she orders another coffee*

Josef gently took Elaina's hand into his, and gave her a kiss on her fingers.

"A pleasure to meet you to, lady. You are even beautiful then in your picture."

Josef said, giving her a polite nodd. He turned to address all the ladies in the room.

"My ladies, It would be my honor of you would allow me to take you out to dinner. I have to take care of something, I will be right back."

Josef said. He then turned, and headed to a nearby coffee shop where he would meet someone else...

Josef gently took Elaina's hand into his, and gave her a kiss on her fingers.

"A pleasure to meet you to, lady. You are even beautiful then in your picture."

Josef said, giving her a polite nodd. He turned to address all the ladies in the room.

"My ladies, It would be my honor of you would allow me to take you out to dinner. I have to take care of something, I will be right back."

Josef said. He then turned, and headed to a nearby coffee shop where he would meet someone else...

He's good looking,eh said the Inquisitor to Julia.

*Brusca does not change her relaxed sitting position as the Emperor walks towards the coffee shop, she continues to drink her coffee*

OOC: Signing off, no more posts tonight.

IC: So many other women... I am doomed. I should not be angry at them. It's my own fault- for showing up later, for showing up tired- for even coming. Who did this man have to meet anyway? Probably a woman. Probably another woman. It wasn't hard to believe. It was the most likely thing. Who else could he be meeting?

What are we doing tonight? asked Julia.

ooc: what is it about these "find me a wife/husband" threads. It seems to me people people are using NS to fulfill their real life inadequacies/lackings.
this is International Incidents, not the romance forum.

I think it's all about inadequacies. I don't have a girlfriend, so maybe I'll have my charachters get more.

Then again, looking back, it is pretty stupid. Bandwagon, I guess. Really, if I want my charachters to love someone, I'll make up a new charachter. From my country. And then go back to real RPs... the ones where people die, of course.

I think it's all about inadequacies. I don't have a girlfriend, so maybe I'll have my charachters get more.

Then again, looking back, it is pretty stupid. Bandwagon, I guess. Really, if I want my charachters to love someone, I'll make up a new charachter. From my country. And then go back to real RPs... the ones where people die, of course.

Get.Out.Of.My.Thread.

When's dinner? said Julia and her Inquisitor Bodyguards.

*Still drinking her coffee, Brusca watches with well concealed amusement as others in the coffee shop watch their Emperor inspect the occupants. She waits for Willhelm, his Steward, to realise where his Emperor has gone and to help point her out*

I will offer a selection from my harem for you to announce your marraige upon. Feel free to take your time.

Steward Willhelm walked in silently, and found the Emperor investagating the populace of the restraunt. After a few minutes of talking with the Emperor, The Steward pointed Josef in the way of Brusca. The Emperor nodded, and walked gently over to her.

*Seeing the Emperor looking more and more stressed as he constantly looks around at the gaggle of women and digniteries, Brusca decides to end the charade. She stands and walks perposely towards him*

*They meet almost head on as his steward points to her and he turns*

What's there to do?said Julia as she drunk her milk.

I think it's all about inadequacies. I don't have a girlfriend, so maybe I'll have my charachters get more.

Then again, looking back, it is pretty stupid. Bandwagon, I guess. Really, if I want my charachters to love someone, I'll make up a new charachter. From my country. And then go back to real RPs... the ones where people die, of course.


Also, I'd like to point out that I *do* have a girl friend. I just make these kind of RPG's because I find them fun. And if they are "Stupid" or are a bandwagon in your eyes, then thats your fault.

Also, What the living hell are "charachters"???

*They meet almost head on as his steward points to her and he turns*


Josef gave a quick glance up and down her body, before smiling at her. "Greetings." He said plainly.

Emperor Josef,What are we still doing here? said Julia.

Also, I'd like to point out that I *do* have a girl friend. I just make these kind of RPG's because I find them fun. And if they are "Stupid" or are a bandwagon in your eyes, then thats your fault.

Also, What the living hell are "charachters"???

As I have, well a long term partner and a very happy home life and I enjoy roleplaying other things than just 'killing people'

*Brusca looks at Julia for a moment, then ignoring her turns her attention back to Josef*
Greetings to you also Emperor Josef.
*She gives him a well practiced courtious bow.*

*Brusca looks at Julia for a moment, then ignoring her turns her attention back to Josef*
Greetings to you also Emperor Josef.
*She gives him a well practiced courtious bow.*


You have a very nice palace.said Julia while looking around with her Inquisitors.

*Brusca looks at Julia for a moment, then ignoring her turns her attention back to Josef*
Greetings to you also Emperor Josef.
*She gives him a well practiced courtious bow.*


Josef returned the bow.

"So....how are you doing?"

He asked.

Josef returned the bow.

"So....how are you doing?"

He asked.


Talk to some of the other women,like me please.said Julia

"I'm really sorry about that, my lady."

Josef said, mentally kicking him self again.

*Brusca smiles and does her best to hide her amusement, it is obvious that the poor Emperor had had more than enough pomp and ceremony. She gestured to a table.*

For goodness sake, forget that over there, *she waves at his crowd of 'guests'*, come and sit and have a coffee and try to relax.

*Brusca orders coffee and allows the Emperor to drink is coffee in silence*

Josef sighed, and began drinking the coffee. He certainly would need the energy if he was going to keep up with all these women during their time here. He already began mentally picking out one of them, but he could decide which.


This is what I get for requesting more then one offer...

He thought to him self as began to massage one of his temples with his left hand.

Julia asked''What is there to do,Your Highness''

OOC: i fell behind a bit here so i have no clue whats happend if you have declind my offer or something

OOC: i fell behind a bit here so i have no clue whats happend if you have declind my offer or something

What are you talking about and to who?

OOC: i fell behind a bit here so i have no clue whats happend if you have declind my offer or something


No, we're all just sitting in a coffee shop in Pharamas talking.


Julia asked''What is there to do,Your Highness''

Josef had already finished one cup of coffee, and had singled for another. In one gulp, he managed to drink half of the liquid.

"Well, my lady, I just do boring, goverment stuff. Declare war...declare peace...declare war again....so on, and so on."

Josef responded, before taking another gulp.

No, we're all just sitting in a coffee shop in Pharamas talking.




Josef had already finished one cup of coffee, and had singled for another. In one gulp, he managed to drink half of the liquid.

"Well, my lady, I just do boring, goverment stuff. Declare war...declare peace...declare war again....so on, and so on."

Josef responded, before taking another gulp.

''Can we do something together?'' said Julia while drinking a coffee.

"We are doing something together, my lady. Like I said, you'll all eventually get some private time with me."

Josef said, pouring at least three cups of sugar in his fourth glass of coffee, before downing it in three gulps.

"We are doing something together, my lady. Like I said, you'll all eventually get some private time with me."

Josef said, pouring at least three cups of sugar in his fourth glass of coffee, before downing it in three gulps.

Ok.

*Brusca leans over to Josef and speaks quietly to him.*
Emperor Josef, your advisers have grossly missunderstood the way you should deal with these matters.
May I suggest that you hears these sheep up and take them to dinner, at least then they will have to sit and be all prim and propper and leave you to gather your thoughts.
I myself will leave to ease the burden, your steward knows where to find me should you wish to.
*She stands, nods her head to him and still ignoring the other women goes to leave*

Let's have dinner said Julia.

*As Brusca leaves, she sees the women, like a pack of vultures, dscend upon Josef. She seeks out his Steward and speaks to him curtly, then she leaves*

(see private message)

*As Brusca leaves, she sees the women, like a pack of vultures, dscend upon Josef. She seeks out his Steward and speaks to him curtly, then she leaves*

(see private message)

Are you leaving the thread?

To the Emperor-Do something else,already!

OOC.
I hate posting OOC on IC threads, but......
Julia, if you check under your signon name you will see a little green man, that shows that people are online. If it is white then they are off line.
You will have to be patient with people, some have different access to the boards than others and they may also have different time zones. So this thread should not be treated as 'real time'.

OOC.
I hate posting OOC on IC threads, but......
Julia, if you check under your signon name you will see a little green man, that shows that people are online. If it is white then they are off line.
You will have to be patient with people, some have different access to the boards than others and they may also have different time zones. So this thread should not be treated as 'real time'.

I'm new at this.

ooc
I had guessed which is why I posted. :)
If you take your time and are patient then you will have fun! ;)

Allene stood with the other girls now, waiting for the Emperor to come back so that they could go to dinner. She was rather hungry. Journey food was filling, but for the most part tasteless, and she longed for a true meal. Come to think of it, Theli was probably getting hungry too; a fact made apparent by the mini-dragon's waking up and snaking her head over Allene's shoulder, cooing softly. "Theli!" Allene whispered urgently. "Not now!" She nudged Theli's head back to where she had been curled in Allene's collar and looked around to see if anyone had noticed. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to bring a pet with her, and wasn't going to risk finding out. The queen probably would have known, but Allene wasn't even sure her mother knew Theli had gone with her.

Elaina was feeling more and more out of place. She was not like these other women, throwing themselves at the emperor- or was she? Was she just another one of these birds of prey? She was disgusted with herself. Near her, she heard a voice: "Theli! Not now!" Looking over, she saw a small, reptilian animal just before it disappeared. Its owner looked around, embarassed. Elaina didn't care about it. She was beginning to lose interest in everything. She came here expecting the standard fairy tale version of things- she would see him, he would see her, and then instant marriage, as if he could tell just by looking that she was the right one, the different one, the one that stood out, the deeper one. How many words had he spoken to her this entire evening? Seven? Eight? Elaina was beginning to wonder if she was different from them at all. If she was, wouldn't he have seen? Maybe she was just another shallow piece of- there was the vibration in her pocket.
"Yes?" Elaina said, lifting the cell phone to her ear.
"Elaina? How are things going?" Felicia asked.
"Not bad... not good, either, but he has yet to officially reject me at least," Elaina replied.
"Don't be so grim. You haven't even been here all that long. The night is young. He'll talk to you, and once that happens, he'll be hooked."
"I wish I was that sure."
"He will be, stop fretting. If he doesn't choose you, then he's obviously insane to the point that you wouldn't want to be with him anyway!"
Elaina paused.
"You read his description, did you not?" she asked.
"What?"
"The insane remark. Please, avoid it. He is... a troubled man."
"Dear prophets! He's really-"
"Mentally disturbed is the word."
"If he's crazy, you should-"
"It's fine. Just don't say it again."
"Sorry, m'lady."
Elaina felt bad. Authority- it was a major gap in friendship.
"Goodbye, Felicia. Thank you for the reassurance."
"Of course. Anytime."
The emperor was saying something about dinner. Elaina nodded. Maybe she would finally get to talk to him now.

*Back home, Brusca throws off her cloak and formal robes and pulls on something less restricting and more comfortable. Loosening her hair she gives her head a good scratch and then flops down onto a chair. The other Maidens look at her expectantly*

I know, I know, I'm back early.
It was a circus, just as we suspected, hoards of overbread, underfed women pulling at his shirt tails expecting sole attention and pouting because they didn't get it.
Yes he did seem nice, he is fairly good looking, but beauty comes from within I am not interested in the wrapper, it's the gift inside that counts.
But no wonder he has the problems he has, I doubt the poor soul has had a days freedom in his life and his advisers are enough to drive anyone to dispair!

*She shakes his head*
I hope he manages to find what he is looking for and that when he does, the choice is the right one.

Steward Willhelm singaled for the Emperor, and he nodded and walked quickly over to him. After a few momemts of talking, Josef returned.

"Ahem. Well, I think it's time for diner. You will find limo's prepared for you all outside, these will take you to the restraunt. Meanwhile, I will return to my palace for a brief visit so I may properly prepare my self. Good bye, for now."

Josef said, giving a polite nod once more before walking off.

*Brusca sits comfortably with her 'sisters' the Valkyrja, eating and drinking. As usual, the conversation returns to men and all eyes are yet again upon her.*

Look, I did myself no favours, I got up and walked away from him, I tore a strip off his Steward and he is probably forgotten about me already.
If he hasn't, well his Steward knows how to contact me, thats if he is inclined to give the Emperor that information.

*She raises her glass*

To the Emperor Josef! May Odin guide him and pratect him from the vultures that suround him!

The Inquisition looked around saying to themselves''It will be hard for Julia as it was for the Soviets.''

Julia sat and prayed that she could talk with the Emperor.

The Diplomat asked''Could we have a embassy in Tocrowkia?''
'
The Inquisition was sent to help Julia during the trip.The Inquisition was heavily religious and hated Atheists.Christians,Muslims,even Pagans could join its ranks.The Inquistion was told to guard Julia during the trip.And if needed,help get rid of Atheism in Tocrowkia.

''Let's have dinner,Your Highness.'' Said Julia as she bowed towards the Emperor.

"Of course you can have an embassy."

Some random diplomat said.

"Now, lets go out to the limos, shall we?"

He repeated.

"Of course you can have an embassy."

Some random diplomat said.

"Now, lets go out to the limos, shall we?"

He repeated.

''Yes,Let's go to the limos.'' said Julia and the Inquistion.

Steward Willhelm singaled for the Emperor, and he nodded and walked quickly over to him. After a few momemts of talking, Josef returned.

"Ahem. Well, I think it's time for diner. You will find limo's prepared for you all outside, these will take you to the restraunt. Meanwhile, I will return to my palace for a brief visit so I may properly prepare my self. Good bye, for now."

Josef said, giving a polite nod once more before walking off.

*Brusca arrives in Towcrowkia and it doesn't take her long to find out that the young Emperor has retired to the Palace after sending the women on ahead to a restuarant.
She makes her way to the Palace, as she approaches she ruffles her hair, untucks her tunic and runs the rest of the way as fast as she can, so that by the time she is there she is red in the face and out of breath.
Brusca stops at the entrance and leaning heavily on the wall, she gasps for air as she speaks to the Guard.*

I have an important message for the Emperor from one of his most loyal of allied nations. It is imperative that I speak to him in person and immediately.

*Brusca arrives in Towcrowkia and it doesn't take her long to find out that the young Emperor has retired to the Palace after sending the women on ahead to a restuarant.
She makes her way to the Palace, as she approaches she ruffles her hair, untucks her tunic and runs the rest of the way as fast as she can, so that by the time she is there she is red in the face and out of breath.
Brusca stops at the entrance and leaning heavily on the wall, she gasps for air as she speaks to the Guard.*

I have an important message for the Emperor from one of his most loyal of allied nations. It is imperative that I speak to him in person and immediately.

Suddenly,Julia and the Inquisition saw Brusca at the entrance.''What are you doing?!'' they said to her.

"You may go in."

Said one of the guards.

OOC
That would be a bit difficult, I am at the palace, the emperors suitors are at a resteraunt. ;)

"You may go in."

Said one of the guards.

*Brusca keeps up the pretence of being a nervous and exhausted messenger while she is lead through the palace to the Emperors rooms. She feigns anxiety as the guard who has escorted her knocks on the door and waites for an answer*

OOC
That would be a bit difficult, I am at the palace, the emperors suitors are at a resteraunt. ;)

My woman snuck back at the advice of the Inquisition.

''Can we go in too?'' said the Inquisition to the guards.

''We wish to talk to Josef.'' said the Inquisition to the guards.

"Come on in."

Josef said through the other side of the door, looking at him self in the mirror, making sure he appeared well.

"Come on in."

Josef said through the other side of the door, looking at him self in the mirror, making sure he appeared well.

''Can WE come in?!'' said the Inquisition.

*Brusca keeps up the pretence as the guard opens the door and anounces to the Emperor that a messenger has arrived with an urgent request. Josef Starts as she enters, but stood just to the side of the guard she signals for him to keep quiet. Highly bemused, he does so and dismisses the guard.
As soon as the guard has left the door closed, Brusca takes a deep breath and grins at the Emperor.*

I've come to rescue you"!

*Brusca keeps up the pretence as the guard opens the door and anounces to the Emperor that a messenger has arrived with an urgent request. Josef Starts as she enters, but stood just to the side of the guard she signals for him to keep quiet. Highly bemused, he does so and dismisses the guard.
As soon as the guard has left the door closed, Brusca takes a deep breath and grins at the Emperor.*

I've come to rescue you"!

My guard,can we go in?We need to talk to the Emperor.'' said Julia shouting over the yells of the Inquisition.

*Ignoring for the moment anything that the Emperor is saying or doing, Brusca strides over to the window, she opens it and judges whether it is a good escape route.*

Now, do we walk out of here by the front door, or do I have to do the full kidnapping of a leader thing?

*Ignoring for the moment anything that the Emperor is saying or doing, Brusca strides over to the window, she opens it and judges whether it is a good escape route.*

Now, do we walk out of here by the front door, or do I have to do the full kidnapping of a leader thing?

''Guards,the lady you let in is trying to kidnap the leader!'' said The Inquistion.

OOC
Errrrrrr........you can hear through palaces and through doors into private rooms now?

OOC
Errrrrrr........you can hear through palaces and through doors into private rooms now?

You should keep to the topic!

Don't change the story!

OOC.
I am keeping to topic.
I think you will find that you are the one who is darting all over the place in your despiration. If the story line isn't going your way then try and change it and not in retrospect or by flanging the results and 'knowing what you can't possibly know.
Now please refrain from making thse silly statements and do, what you keep asking for, role play.

OOC.
I am keeping to topic.
I think you will find that you are the one who is darting all over the place in your despiration. If the story line isn't going your way then try and change it and not in retrospect or by flanging the results and 'knowing what you can't possibly know.
Now please refrain from making thse silly statements and do, what you keep asking for, role play.

Sorry for the mixup.

I did not know you were going to this.

Julia and the Inquisitors are at the restaurant,ok.

''I wonder when you can talk to Josef.'' said the Inquisition to Julia while eating their sandwiches.

'' I wonder too.'' said Julia while eating a sundae.

To Valkyrja-Continue with your story.Start over in the part when you had the Emperor.Sorry.

"Rescue me..? From what?"

Josef asked. He had to admit, this whole idea was rather romantic, but he had to keep to his duties.

Yourself of course!
(Oh and the damned fools who are advising you!)
Look at the path you've set yourself, look at what you have done to yourself over such a short time and look what it has lead you to do......attempt to take your own life!
You need to get yourself away from here and have time to think without worrying about who you are going to marry and who you're going to declair war on next or whether you want to live or die and continue what you are doing.

Now......
Hard or easy?

*She holds out her arms and shows that she doesn't even have as much as a knife on her person*

I didn't come very well equipped for the hard way, but *shrugs* we Valkryja always find some way to do things.......

*Waiting for the Emperor's reply, Brusca wanders around the room, picking up the odd ornament or looking at a painting that she admires. She eventually half sits and half lays on the bed, back propped up on pillows and one foot tucked underneath her.*

All this means nothing if you are not true to yourself.
I have escorted many a noble and great warrior to the Halls of the dead, you have the makings of one of those great warriors, but you need to follow your heart as well as your head.

Josef gulped slightly as he realized there was an incredbily attractive woman lying on his bed.

"Ugh, well, can you rescue me after dinner?"

Or maybe after something elese

He thought to himself.

*Completely unaware of the effect that she is having on Josef, Brusca stretches the stiffness out of her limbs, arching her back as she does so*

Why Emperor Joseph are you that hungry that you cannot wait?

Josef's mouth slightly hung open.

"Uh...yeah..."

He said, transfixed.

She waves her hand dismissively, then we shall eat, but then we will go.

"Ummm...good."

He said, trying to look and sound formal, but failing.

She waves her hand dismissively, then we shall eat, but then we will go.

When do the other women come back?

Just asking.

When they arrive at the restraunt.

*Brusca, still oblivious to Josef's emotions, stretches again and drawing her leg out from under her, pulls off her boots*

Might as well make myself a little more comfortable while you eat.

Josef began to blush, and to draw attention away from this, he began to laugh and wave his arms in front of his face.

"Hahahaha! Okay, yeah, you do that!"

He blurted out.

*Brusca stops and looks at him, a bewildered look on her face*
See I told you the stress of all this was too much, are you alright?

Josef stopped his dramatic waving.

"Of course, I'm fine. Ummm...your not going to take anymore of your clothes off to get comfortable, are you?"

He asked, sounding serious.

*Totally bemused Brusca looks down at her bare feet. Then at Josef.*

Ermmmm.......no, my boots are all I need to take off.
Have I broken some sort of custom? Would you like me to put them back on again?

*She stoops over to pick up her fur boots and hold them up*

"Oh, of course not. By all means, leave them off."

Josef responded.

*Brusca shrugs*
Very well, the boots stay off, now are you going to eat or shall I just hope into bed and have a snooze while you make up your mind.?

Where are the others?

Josef began to sweat.

"Ahahaha...well, dinner's going to take a while to prepare. Maybe I can help you relax a little or something with a foot massage or the like? Heheheh...."

He said, brusing some sweat from his forehead.

*Brusca looks unimpressed*
You're not trying to delay the inevitable are you?
You will be coming with me, there is no choice.

Sorry, that last post was me on my cousins account.

IC:

"Oh, I know that..."

Josef replied.

*lol*

*Brusca settles herself back into the pillows*
Then get on with it, eat and we'll be off

"Well, like I said, it's going to take awhile for the food to be prepared..."

Josef began.

*She folds her arms and looks around*
Some kitchens you have in this palace of yours, if I'd known it would take this long then I would have gone down and prepared something myself.

"Is that so? Well, it's not like I mind spending a little extra time with you, my lady..."

Josef said.

AH! So it is a delaying tactic is it?

*She stands*
Right where's the kitchens?

"Delaying? Delaying for what?"

For your trip to the great ha......

*She stops herself mid sentence and looks a little embarrassed*

Oh dear, I'm sorry, I am so used to dealing with the dead that I forgot that you were alive. Sometimes we Valkryja have to deal with some very awkward warriors, nit all wish to be taken to Odin's Greta halls.

*She scratches her head as she thinks, then taking a deep breath she speaks*

Emperor, I have come here because I feel that you are in need of something you are unable to get in your own lands and that is the time to be able to think and understand yourself.
I would be most honoured if you would accompany me to my homelands, where I know of a place where you can take refuge and return to your dutied refreshed.
May I make you a meal before we leave as I believe you may be hungry?

*She bows her head*
And if there is anything else that I may do to precipitate our leaving, you only have to ask.

What happened to Julia and the other Women?!

OOC: They are at the restraunt, supposdly.

IC:

"Believe me, my lady, I do wish to come with you. And unfortunatly, I will have to decline your offer of making me dinner for now, as I am going to be eating very soon."


Josef replied.

"Also, please, I request you wait here for my return."

When can Julia and the Others come back!

*Brusca looks confused*
And this is not a trick Emperor?

"Of course not, my lady."

When can Julia and the Others come back!

When can we come back?!

We deserve to be with the Emperor,too!

OOC
I believe, from the thread I have just read, Julia has left and gone an a little space journey?
(Or does the King have more than one daughter named Julia?)

*Brusca glances side ways at the Emperor*
I supose I'll have to trust you........

OOC
I believe, from the thread I have just read, Julia has left and gone an a little space journey?
(Or does the King have more than one daughter named Julia?)

The King has more than one daughter named Julia.

Julia is a name of a Heroine in Rommelwood's history.

Where are Julia and the other women?!

*Brusca looks at the Emperor for a long while and then turns and stretches out on the bed again*

I'll wait here for you.

*She shrugs*

Or possibly come looking for you, it depends........

The Emperor nodded.

"I'll be back. I promise"

The Emperor glanced at his watch.

"Well, I got about 15 minutes before I have to appear...."

He said.

*Brusca stretches again, this time she knows what she is doing*

Oh well, while you are 'entertaining your ladies I will be laying here enjoying the sheer comfort of your bed.......

''Where is the Emperor?'' said Julia to her Inquisitiors. She was becoming upset at the fact she did not yet meet the Emperor.

''Beat's us.'' said her Inquisitors while eating their sandwiches.

"Well...like I said, I've got 15 minutes."

The Emperor said.

"Urm...you sure you dont want that massage to help you relax a little?"

The Emperor asked.

I'm perfectly relaxed thank you, but I may be terribly tense by the time you get back, so off you go and don't stay away too long!

"Right, right. Well, I'll be off then. If you need anything, ask my servants."

Josef said, running off to the restraunt.


OOC; Rommelwood, or anyone else, feel free to make him arrive in your next post.

*Brusca stretches and settles back on the bed, she leans over and picks up a book from the bedside table and begins flicking through it*

"Right, right. Well, I'll be off then. If you need anything, ask my servants."

Josef said, running off to the restraunt.


OOC; Rommelwood, or anyone else, feel free to make him arrive in your next post.

''There he is!'' screamed a Inquisitor while eating his sandwich.

''Let's go see him!'' shouted Julia.

The Emperor sighed, and whispered "Oh boy, here it comes..."

The Emperor sighed, and whispered "Oh boy, here it comes..."

''Emperor,where have you been?'' asked Julia and the Inquisitors while bowing down.

''Who do you want to see first?'' said a Inquisitor.

"I was a bit occupied."

He replied.

"I'll talk to all of you at once."

He continued, sitting between all the women at a round table.

"I was a bit occupied."

He replied.

"I'll talk to all of you at once."

He continued, sitting between all the women at a round table.

''What do you want to talk about?'' said Julia.

''Yes,What is it?'' said the Inquistion

"Ugh...you name the subject."

He said.

"Ugh...you name the subject."

He said.

''How about you talk about what you think is the perfect woman?'' said the Inquisition.

"Well, I dont believe anyone is perfect."

"Well, I dont believe anyone is perfect."

''Talk about what you want to find in a woman.'' said Julia.

"I want to find a kind, understanding person."

Josef Replied.

''Do you want to talk to anyone alone?'' said the Inquisition.

''When is dinner?'' asked Julia.

*Brusca places the book back on the table and gets up from the bed. She goes to the open window and breaths in the fresh air, then wanders around the room.*

It's interesting what a room can tell about it's occupant, this room for all it's luxury feels like a prison cell. Take away the frills and the portrates of dead forbares and it could almost be a mauselium, it's dead and he feels dead too, entombed in his own little world........

*She shakes her head sadly*

My money is that he is allowing himself to be pecked away at by some woman or another, just because he believes it's his duty.

*She returns to the bed and settles herself, closing her eyes she allows herself to drift into a light sleep*

''Do you want to talk to anyone alone?'' said the Inquisition.

''When is dinner?'' asked Julia.

''Is dinner ready?''said the Inquistion.

''Do you want private time with someone yet?'' said Julia.

"Not yet. Later tonight."

Josef replied.

*As Brusca sleeps, she dreams of a man. A tall handsome man, a man who has grown and become as he should be, a true leader of his people. The man is smiling, the man speaks with confidence and the assurance that a true leader should have and he is happy. The man walks arm in arm with a woman, she too is happy and the woman is Brusca and they are in love.......

Brusca wakes with a start, she sits up and rubs her eyes, then walks to the bathroom and splashes cold water on her face*

Now that was strange, I've never dreamt like that before and it's certainly not the dream that a Valkryja should be having at all!

*Brusca lays on the bed, hands behind her head, legs crossed. She stares into space, trying desperately to think of anything but the one thing that keeps springing to the front of her mind*

"Erm, hello there."

Says a young teen aged, red headed girl in a loose, form fitting white night gown, she was barefooted, probably so she could sneak down the hall and Spy on Brusca easier.

*Caught in her thoughts Brusca jumps at the sound of the voice, but relaxes when she sees the young girl*

Hello and who might you be?

The girl gave a cursty.

"I'm the Emperors sister, Veronica. Who are you?"

*Brusca stands and bows to Veronica*

I am but a messenger sent with urgent news for the Emperor and to escort him to the lands of an allie of his.
Your most kind and generous Emperor allowed me to stay in his room until he returns.

*she whispers*
You don't think he'd be cross if he knew I was laying on his bed do you?

"Umm, not really. I dont think he'd be angry if he knew any lady was lying in his bed, awaiting his return."

She replied.

*Brusca laughs*
And what do you mean by that?

''Why are we still here?'' said the Inquisition.

*Brusca laughs*
And what do you mean by that?

"What do you think I mean?"

Veronica replied, giggling.


"We're still here because the food has not arrived."

*Brusca giggles with Veronica*

Look I know your brother is searching for a wife, but he's a handsome man, surely there are plenty of women to 'keep him company', you make the poor man sound so desperate!

Who is this emperor? What power does he possess? Does he have the Death Star like our region will soon have? The United Empires of the Sith is constructing a Death Star and will soon destroy the UN and rule the universe. All Sith nations wishing to join this all-powerful region, contact the Empire of Darth Harvey. In the mean time, why worry about some lowly emperor, when you can join a group with real power.

Darth Harvey

"That's true, but he's really looking for that special someone. His soulmate or something like that..."

''Has the food arrived yet?'' said the Inquisition.

I really and truely hope that he finds her Veronica, your brother seems to be to be a very kind man lost in a sea of missed chances and poor guidance. I have been sent by someone who wants him to take control of himself and his nation.
Any one who can be good enough to be his wife will be a very lucky and happy woman, don't you think so?

"I hope that woman is you."

Veronica said plainly.


The Restraunt:

"You have yet to order, my lady."

The Restraunt:

"You have yet to order, my lady."[/QUOTE]

Which Lady?

If it is me,I will have the best dish in the nation,by your standards.

*Brusca laughs out loud at Veronicas plain speaking*

Me?
Why on earth would he want to have me as a wife Veronica?
I'm just a messenger....

*She laughs again*

"Because you are very pretty."

Veronica responded.

Beauty has nothing to do with having a good wife, or being a good person for that matter. When it is time for you to look for a husband, look inside him and see what he is, not what he looks like.

"But you also seem like a very nice person."

Veronica continued.


If it is me,I will have the best dish in the nation,by your standards.

"Very well." Said a waiter.

Well thankyou and you too have a good heart inside you I think, but I am not the marrying kind, my duties prevent me from doing so, even if your brother were to choose me, I would have to turn him down.

*She is quiet for a moment, as if weighing things up in her mind and trying to convince herself of what she is saying*

No it couldn't be, I am sure there is a nice young lady amongst those he has met today, that would be far more suitable.

''Here is some info on my faith.'' said Julia.

''Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. The Orthodox trace their lineage back to — and claim to be the exclusive continuance of — the original Christian church, referring to themselves as the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. During the first millennium of Christendom, The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches were the same church, although some differences developed between the Christian East and West. By the 11th century, these differences had culminated in a Great Schism, separating the Roman Catholic Church from Eastern Orthodoxy.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity claims an unbroken Apostolic Succession back to the Apostles, with grace transferred through the laying on of hands. Though many nationalities are represented in Orthodoxy, which present a number of slight cultural differences, the jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church are identical in belief, and spiritually one in Christ Jesus.

Contents [showhide]
1 The Eastern Orthodox approach

1.1 Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism
1.2 Eastern, Oriental and Assyrian churches
1.3 Internal differences in Eastern Orthodoxy


2 History

2.1 The Church within the Empire
2.2 Muslim conquest and Iconoclasm
2.3 Conversion of the Slavs
2.4 The Great Schism


2.4.1 Orthodoxy and the Reformation


3 Structure / organization

3.1 Bishops, priests, and deacons
3.2 Church jurisdictions


3.2.1 Orthodoxy in North America


4 Theology

4.1 Asceticism and Theosis


4.1.1 Mystery of Repentance
4.1.2 Mystery of the Eucharist
4.1.3 Fasting
4.1.4 Almsgiving


4.2 Salvation and the afterlife


5 Eastern Orthodox churches

5.1 Autocephalous churches
5.2 Autonomous churches
5.3 Churches with ambiguous status


5.3.1 Churches in Resistance


5.3.1.1 Moderate Old Calendarists


5.4 Isolated Orthodox Jurisdictions


6 Related articles

7 External links

[edit]
The Eastern Orthodox approach
Eastern Orthodoxy is in general, "Christocentric", viewing Christ Jesus as the Head of the Church, and the Church as his Body; with authority derived directly from this relationship. Eastern Orthodoxy has an extensive oral tradition that predates the actual texts of the New Testament, hence, it does not consider itself to be "Bibliocentric"; which is the case with most forms of Protestantism. This, however, does not in any way diminish their respect and devotion toward scriptures, but rather puts it into perspective as the texts accepted by the church as most important. The Orthodox Church considers the Old Testament (Septuagint) to a lesser degree of importance with the exception of the Psalms (which are a part of daily services) and the prophecies leading up to the incarnation of Christ. While many parts of the Old Testament are considered edifying (teaching moral lessons about hospitality and the result of sin) it is not a requirement that everything be taken literally. The Orthodox Church does not seek any conflict with science. It tends to consider Truth to be seen in the "Consensus of the Fathers" (the golden thread of agreement that runs back through the Patristic writings of the church fathers back to the early church and the Apostles). All theological concepts must be in agreement with the consensus of the fathers in order to be considered truth. Rules and laws are deemphasized in the Orthodox Church in favor of guidelines with love, compassion and mercy considered in all things.

The Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church are not legalistic in their views of sin. Sin does not exist as an abstract entity and must be approached on an individual basis. Likewise, the prescription for sin must be filtered through human understanding in order to be effective. There is nothing within the Church that is automatic (latae sententiae). What is a sin for one man may not be for another; neither does the Orthodox Church see all sin as being the same. The traditional practice of the Orthodox is to have a spiritual Father (or Mother) to whom one confesses and who treats the sin on an individual basis. An experienced spiritual father will know how and when to apply strictness in dealing with sin and when to effectively "bend the rules." This relationship (father and son) is a reflection of our relationship to God and is pervasive in the Church—see the section concerning the Mystery of Repentance.

Note: It is fairly common in the West to use the term "Greek Orthodox" to refer to any national group of Orthodox (Russian, Serbian, Romanian, Georgian, American, Syrian [Antiochian], etc.). The word "Greek" in this sense is being used to mean "cosmopolitan," not necessarily a nationality. However, in modern usage, rather than nominally divide the church on national boundaries (since the church is not really divided) the term "Eastern Orthodoxy" has a wider circumference.

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Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church shares many of the same characteristics as the Orthodox Church especially in reference to the early church because of their common origin. For nearly 1000 years, the two churches were united, with the Roman Pope being counted as one of the five major hierarchs, along with the patriarchs of Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Constantinople. The division of the Church into separate churches is regarded as having occurred in 1054 in what is known as the Great Schism, though their divergence began as much as two centuries earlier. Both churches claim to be the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and reject the other's claim to this title. The term "Orthodox" was adopted by the Eastern Church to signify its adherence to, and preservation of, the original apostolic traditions, teachings, and style of worship. Both churches, to signify the universality of the church, retain the term "Catholic". Both churches also continue to claim apostolic succession. The churches differ, however, in their ecclesiology: the Orthodox Church views all bishops as equal, and rejects the idea that one patriarch may have authority over another's jurisdiction. The Patriarch of Constantinople currently enjoys the honorary title of "First Among Equals"; which simply means that in council, he occupies the position of president in what is otherwise a democratic organization. This, in the view of the Orthodox, is the same position held by the Pope before the Great Schism. The Roman Catholic Church, on the other hand, views the Patriarch of Rome as the head of the Church and ascribe to him all-encompassing authority on Christian matters.

To date, however, there has not been a final statement on behalf of the whole Orthodox Church, with regard to the status of Rome. This is not surprising, since such general, authoritarian statements are simply unheard-of within Eastern Orthodoxy, even upon issues with little to no internal disagreement. Therefore, a lack of a definitive, authoritarian, "Church-wide" statement cannot be taken to mean that the Eastern Orthodox Church necessarily espouses or rejects a specific belief. This sort of centralized communication is neither typical of nor appropriate to Eastern Orthodoxy. Because of its democratic nature, in order to make such a pronouncement, the Orthodox Church would be required to convene another ecumenical council, the last of which was held in 787 AD. There has been talk in recent years of doing exactly that in order to clarify the church's position on certain modern issues though nothing definite has been set.

The primary causes of Orthodox differences with Rome include the addition to the Symbol of Faith (Nicean Creed) of the Filioque clause, papal claims to authority over all Christians (papal primacy), and other doctrinal and liturgical developments approved by the See of Rome. After the split, Roman Catholics defined other dogmas that the Eastern Orthodox also considers heretical, among them papal infallibility, the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, and purgatory. The See of Rome considers the Eastern Orthodox churches to be in schism. The general Eastern Orthodox consensus is that Roman Catholics are both schismatics and heretics, although a minority of Orthodox Christians believe that the difference in reality is smaller than it appears superficially.

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Eastern, Oriental and Assyrian churches
The Great Schism was not the first division to occur in the church, though it was by far the most significant. The earlier conflict between the Imperial Church and what are now called the Oriental Orthodox churches was established many centuries before at the fourth and fifth ecumenical councils. And, in some fundamental aspects, the Oriental Orthodox churches are as dissimilar from the Eastern Orthodox churches as they are from the Roman Catholic Church. Oriental Orthodox churches include the Coptic Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Church, and the Armenian Church. These are all labelled 'monophysite' by some of the Eastern Orthodox, although they reject this label, preferring the term 'miaphysite'. The Assyrian Church of the East is also often included among this group, although it does not belong to the Oriental Orthodox Communion, and indeed, adheres to the doctrine of 'Nestorianism', directly opposed to the doctrine of the Oriental Orthodox. The main theological problem is usually traced back to the 5th century, with Saint Cyril's referring to the nature of Christ as being "One Theandric Nature". The term "Theandric" was taken by the main body of the church to mean "God/Man" and therefore really two natures, God and Man unified, while the remainder thought of it as one single nature. At first glance this may seem a trivial disagreement, but ultimately the question took hundreds of years to solidify because of its extreme complexity and eventually lead to this early split.

[edit]
Internal differences in Eastern Orthodoxy
The various jurisdictions of the Eastern Orthodox Church are distinct in terms of administration and local culture, and for the most part, exist in full communion with one another. Most importantly, these groups recognize that the Grace of God is present and working within the other. The term "full communion" can be misleading in this instance since there have often existed within the church legitimate groups that for legitimate reasons disagree with another jurisdiction's position. In such a case the normal response is to refrain from con-celebration of the services and communing mysteriologically (sacramentally); they do not, however, consider the other groups to be without Grace and outside the body of the church. An example of this is the lack of communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia and the Soviet-controlled Patriarchal Church of Russia (Russian Orthodox), the conflict arising early in the 20th century due to a serious distrust of the soviets. Another example is the philosophical differences between the New Calendarists and the Moderate Old Calendarists.

In administrative power, all bishops of the Orthodox Church are equal. There is no Orthodox equivalent of the Roman Catholic papacy. Jurisdictions and positions of authority are administrative only. There is no single leader of the Orthodox Church. Therefore attachment to a single, specific hierarch, such as the Ecumenical Patriarch (of Constantinople) is not a litmus test for Orthodoxy, as there have been heretics and schismatics in even that venerable position. The measure of the legitimacy of a Bishop and his jurisdiction is in how closely and carefully he upholds the teachings of the Orthodox Church, and how well he maintains its traditions. Obedience to a bishop is required only if he, in fact, does his job properly. It is therefore, the responsibility of the laity to reject a bishop who begins to turn toward teachings other than the ones the church supports. This places a fairly heavy responsibility on the laity to educate themselves on the teachings of the church.

[edit]
History
From its founding the church spread quickly throughout most of the Roman Empire, despite much official opposition. The Apostles traveled in different directions spreading the witness of Christ Jesus throughout the empire. Much of their history is preserved by the church including their eventual martyrdom. The only Apostle to survive into old age and die a natural death was St. John. The Apostles created bishops through the laying on of hands and taught the traditions of how this power could be passed on. In its early years thousands died under persecution only to increase the strength and witness of the church. Widespread, organized persecution finally stopped in 313 when Emperor Constantine the Great so ordered it in the Edict of Milan. From that time forward, the Byzantine emperor exerted various degrees of influence in the church. Sometimes this was seen as positive, as in the calling of the Ecumenical Councils to resolve disputes and establish church dogma on which the entire church would agree. Sometimes this was seen as negative, as when Patriarchs (usually of Constantinople) were deposed by the emperor, or when the emperor sided with the iconoclasts in the eighth and ninth centuries.

The Orthodox Church reached its golden age during the Byzantine Empire and continued to fluorish in Russia after the fall of Constantinople. It holds true to the pronouncements of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, and its numerous autocephalous jurisdictions share a spiritual unity that transcends any minor differences in style they may have. They trace their lines back to the Apostles through a number of important ancient centers of Christianity: the cities of Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, and the country of Greece.

The Orthodox jurisdictions with the largest number of adherents in modern times are the Russian and the Romanian Orthodox churches. The most ancient of the Orthodox churches of today are the Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Georgia, Antioch, and Jerusalem.




[edit]
The Church within the Empire
There were several doctrinal disputes from the 4th century onwards. Some of them led to the calling of Ecumenical councils to try to resolve them. The Church in Egypt (Patriarchate of Alexandria) split into two groups following the Council of Chalcedon (451), owing to a dispute about the relation between the divine and human natures of Jesus. Eventually this led to each group having its own Patriarch (Pope). Those that remained in communion with the other patriarchs were called "Melkites" (the king's men, because Constantinople was the city of the emperors) [not to be confused with the Melkite Catholics of Antioch], and are today known as the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, until recently led by Pope Petros VII (who was killed in a helicopter crash on September 11, 2004), while those who disagreed with the findings of the Council of Chalcedon are today known as the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, led by Pope Shenouda III. There was a similar split in Syria. Those who disagreed with the Council of Chalcedon are sometimes called "Oriental Orthodox" to distinguish them from the Eastern Orthodox, who accepted the Council of Chalcedon. The Oriental Orthodox are also sometimes referred to as "monophysites" or "non-Chalcedonians", although today the Coptic Orthodox Church denies that it is monophysite and prefers the term "miaphysite", to denote the "joined" nature of Jesus.

Note: The term Pope is simply an affectionate term for the lead bishop in a major patriarchate. Any of the original Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, Rome, or Alexandria can be called Pope as it is not an official title. The more common term today is Patriarch in order to distinguish them from the Pope in Rome who is not an Orthodox bishop.

An important symbol for Eastern Orthodoxy and its spread north to the Slavic peoples was the construction in the 530s of the Church of the Holy Wisdom ("Hagia Sophia"), a most impressive church building in Constantinople, under emperor Justinian I.

[edit]
Muslim conquest and Iconoclasm

Icon of Holy Martyr St. Catherine of AlexandriaIn the 7th century the areas administered by the bishops of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem were conquered by Muslim Arabs, and the native Christians were treated as second-class citizens, or dhimmi. Westerners tend to think of Christianity as the dominant social force for a long period of history, but Christians in three of the five ancient churches have been in Muslim-dominated societies for 13 centuries. It was the Muslims who first opposed the Christian use of icons, though many Christians held a similar doctrine, based on Judaizing tendencies within the Church. The use of icons was defended and upheld at the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 AD also referred to as the Second Council of Nicaea, called by Patriarch Tarasius and presided over by Empress Irene, where it was dogmatically established that Christians give honor not to the image itself but to the person the image represents. The end of that council is still celebrated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy" in Orthodox churches today, and icons remain a central part of Orthodox faith and practice.

[edit]
Conversion of the Slavs
In the ninth and tenth centuries, Orthodoxy made great inroads into Eastern Europe, including Kievan Rus'. This work was made possible by the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who translated the Bible and many of the prayer books into Slavonic. Originally sent to convert the Slavs of Great Moravia, they were forced to compete with Frankish missionaries from the Roman diocese. Their disciples were driven out of Great Moravia in 886 AD.

Some of the disciples, however, reached Bulgaria where they were welcomed by the Bulgarian Tsar Boris I who viewed the Slavonic liturgy as a way to counteract Greek influence in the country. In a short time the disciples of Cyril and Methoduis managed to prepare and instruct the future Slav Bulgarian clergy into the Glagolitic alphabet and the biblical texts and in 893 AD, Bulgaria expelled its Greek clergy and proclaimed the Slavonic language as the official language of the church and the state. The success of the conversion of the Bulgarians faciliated the conversion of other Slavic peoples, most notably the Rus', predecessors of Belarusians, Russians, and Ukrainians.

Slavic missionaries had great succees in part because they used the people's native language rather than Latin as the Roman priests did, or Greek. Today the Russian Orthodox Church, in spite of 70 years of persecution under the atheistic government of the USSR, is the largest of the Orthodox Churches.

[edit]
The Great Schism
In the 11th century the Great Schism took place between Rome and Constantinople, which led to the Church of the West, the Roman Catholic Church, to become distinct from the Churches of the East. There were doctrinal issues like the filioque clause and the authority of the Pope involved in the split, but they were exacerbated by cultural and linguistic differences (Greek East and Latin West).

The final breach is often considered to have arisen as a result of the sacking of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204. This Fourth Crusade had the Latin Church directly involved in a military assault against the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, and the Orthodox Patriarchate thereof. The sacking of the Church of Holy Wisdom and establishment of the Latin Empire in 1204 is viewed with some rancor to the present day. In 2004, Pope John Paul II extended a formal apology for the sacking of Constantinople in 1204; the apology was formally accepted by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. (Many things that were stolen during this time: relics, riches, and many other items, are still held in various Catholic churches in Western Europe and have yet to be offered back to the Orthodox Church. This is one of the reasons why nearly all Orthodox view the Pope with extreme suspicion.)

Something also must be said about modern terminology in reference to the Orthodox and Catholic churches. The term Roman applied to all members of the Roman Empire. Even after the Emperor Constantine moved the capitol to Byzantium, any common man would have referred to himself as Roman. Long after the Great Schism the Orthodox East continued to refer to itself as Roman Catholic, however, what we in modern times refer to as the Roman Catholic Church they would have called the Frankish Church, referring to Charlemagne’s supposed re-establishment of the Roman Empire. As far as the Orthodox countries were concerned, they were the Roman Empire, and that empire did not fall until the 15th century. The Orthodox argues that they remain the same while the Frankish church had fallen into heresy. But because of the ascendancy of western ideas in modern literature, the Roman Empire of that period is now referred to as the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Catholic Church is now the Orthodox Church, Charlemagne’s Frankish empire is now called the Holy Roman Empire and the Frankish church, the Roman Catholics.

In 1453, the last of the Roman Empire (with its capital at Constantinople) fell to the Ottoman Turks. By this time Egypt was also under Muslim control, but Orthodoxy was very strong in Russia; and so Moscow, called the Third Rome, became a new major center of the Church at that time.

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Orthodoxy and the Reformation
Orthodoxy did not undergo the Reformation, and attitudes of the Protestant churches towards it have been ambiguous since the beginning. Lutheran bishops led by Melanchthon sent delegates to the Patriarch of Constantinople to explore ecumenical possibilities, but the discussions went nowhere. Both sides remained cordial and brotherly, but fundamental doctrinal differences came to light, specifically regarding Holy Tradition, the Procession of the Holy Spirit, free will, divine predestination, justification, the number of sacraments, baptism by immersion (Orthodox) vs. sprinkling or pouring (Lutheran), and the immediate performance of chrismation and the giving of the Eucharist to those baptized (Orthodox), the meaning of the change in the Eucharist, and the use of unleavened bread, infallibility of the Church and of the Ecumenical Councils, veneration, feasts, and invocation of saints and their icons and relics, fasts and other ecclesiastical traditions. Ultimately, the dialogue was broken off (see 16th Century Lutheran & Orthodox Exchange in External links below).

[edit]
Structure / organization
[edit]
Bishops, priests, and deacons
Since its founding, the Church spread to different places, and the leaders of the Church in each place came to be known as episkopoi (overseers, plural of episkopos, overseer - Gr. Επίσκοπος), which became "bishop" in English. The other ordained roles are presbyter (Gr. Πρεσβυτερίος, elder), which became "prester" and then "priest" in English, and diakonos (Gr. Διάκονος, assistant), which became "deacon" in English (see also subdeacon). There are numerous administrative positions in the clergy that carry additional titles. In the Greek tradition, bishops who occupy an ancient See are called Metropolitan, while the lead bishop in Greece is the Archbishop. Priests can be Archpriests, Archimandrites, or Proto Presbyters. Deacons can be Archdeacons as well. It should also be noted that in the Orthodox Church the position of Deacon can be and often is occupied for life.

The Orthodox Church has always allowed married priests and deacons, provided the marriage takes place before ordination. In general, or ideally, congregational priests should be married, as they will be dealing with married couples; unmarried priests should normally be in monasteries. Widowed priests and deacons are not allowed to remarry. It is common for such a member of the clergy to retire to a monastery. This also applies to the widowed wives of clergy, they do not remarry and usually become nuns. Bishops are always celibate as they are selected from the ranks of monks (who are celibate). Bishops, priests, and deacons have always been men only because they represent Christ, who chose to be male. Nevertheless, Orthodox consider men and women equal before God. A priest's wife is therefore called “Presbytera” (Gr. Πρεσβυτερα, literally Priestess) and a deacon's wife “Diakonissa” (Gr. Διάκονισα, literally Deaconess) for the same reason. A married man cannot accept ordination without his wife's approval, and it is common for these dedicated women to be just as busy ministering to the faithful as their husbands. There also existed in the early church the official position of deaconess. The deacon/deaconess also acted as an assistant to a bishop and indeed even today bishops always travel with deacons accompanying them. It is not known why the position of deaconess has mostly fallen out of use; there is no official reason why a woman could not occupy that position. Modern examples do exist: Saint Nectarios, Bishop of Pentapolis established a Convent on the Isle of Aegina in Greece in 1904 and reportedly had a female deacon.

[edit]
Church jurisdictions
Main article: Eastern Orthodox Church organization

The first thing to consider when dealing with "jurisdictions" is that they apply to the clergy, not to lay persons. The different Orthodox jurisdictions are united in faith and in liturgy, but not necessarily in polity. There is only One Church regardless of nationality or culture. Laypeople do develop loyalties to the particular jurisdiction they grew up with, or were first accepted into, but should the person choose to “switch jurisdictions” there is no penalty. Jurisdictions govern the priesthood and its administrative policies thus, bishops do not interfere in one another’s territories; as their authority does not extend beyond it. There is no single bishop or similar office that corresponds to the Roman Catholic Pope, nor is there a standing synod of bishops or patriarchs. In general, the church is organized along national and regional lines in hierarchical fashion, with the "top" hierarchs or patriarchs recognizing one another's validity. From about the fourth century the churches with the largest administrative base were Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Today there are approximately 15 separate autocephalous jurisdictions who recognize the validity of each other (though this relationship may be complicated); these are the "canonical" Orthodox Churches. Churches that call themselves Orthodox but are not recognized as valid by this group are termed "non-canonical" Orthodox Churches (though this too can be a complex relationship).

Orthodox Christians believe that they have preserved apostolic succession from the first Apostles. While Rome traces its papacy back to the Apostle Peter, Orthodox Antioch traces its Patriarchate to an even earlier foundation by the selfsame Apostle. Alexandria, for example, traces its papacy back to Mark the Evangelist, who founded the church in Alexandria in AD 40. (In Alexandria, two primates call themselves "Pope" and claim to be the successor of the apostle Mark: the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, also called the "Pope of Africa", and the Coptic Pope. Those two lines of succession separated from each other in a schism in AD 451. Coptic Catholics (one of the autonomous Eastern Rite Catholic churches) also have a high-ranking bishop called the "Patriarch of Alexandria" in that city, but he does not claim the title of "Pope".)

[edit]
Orthodoxy in North America
The Russian Orthodox Church sent missionaries to Alaska beginning in the 18th century. Among the first was Saint Herman of Alaska. This established missionary precedence for the Russian Orthodox Church in the Americas, and Eastern Orthodox Christians were under the omophor (Church authority and protection) of The Patriarch of Moscow. The Russian Orthodox Church was devastated by the Bolshevik Revolution. One side effect was the flood of refugees from Russia to the United States, Canada, and Europe. Among those who came were Orthodox lay people, deacons, priests, and bishops. In 1920 Patriarch Tikhon issued an ukase (decree) that Orthodox Christians under his leadership but outside of Russia should seek refuge with whatever Orthodox jurisdiction that would shield them from Communist control. The various national Orthodox communities thus were permitted as an emergency measure to look towards their immigrant homelands for ecclesiastic leadership rather than be tied to Russia. Some of the Russian Orthodox formed an independent synod that became the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Some of the Russian Orthodox remained in communion with Moscow and were granted autocephaly in 1970 as the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). However, recognition of this autocephalic status is not universal, as the Ecumenical Patriarch (under whom is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (http://www.goarch.org)) and some other jurisdictions have not officially accepted it. The reasons for this are complex; nevertheless the Ecumenical Patriarch and the other jurisdictions remain in communion with the OCA.

Today there are many Orthodox churches in the United States and Canada that are still bound to the Greek, Antiochian, or other overseas jurisdictions; in some cases these different overseas jurisdictions will have churches in the same U.S. city. However, there are also many "panorthodox" activities and organizations, both formal and informal, among Orthdox believers of all jurisdictions. One such organization is SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, which comprises North American Orthodox bishops from nearly all jurisdictions. (See list of Orthodox jurisdictions in North America.)

There is a general acknowledgment that the situation should not continue as it is indefinitely, and that at some point all the Orthodox churches in the U.S. will need to be united under a single Metropolitan or Patriarch. There is also a general acknowledgment that this can be taken care of slowly over time. In June of 2002, the Antiochian Orthodox Church granted autonomy to the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. Some observers see this as a step towards greater organizational unity in North America. Note that this future American Orthodox Church will be a church of Americans, for people who consider themselves Americans and speak primarily or only the English or Spanish languages; people who retain their original nationality and/or whose primary language is not English will most likely remain members of their churches, and their churches' activities will continue.

During the past 50 years there have come into existence so-called Western Orthodox Churches (a term not in use by the majority of Orthodox Christians, including those within Western Rite Orthodox parishes) in North America. These are Orthodox Christians who use the Western forms of liturgy yet are totally Orthodox in their theology. The Antiochian Orthodox Church, The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America (formerly connected with the Vicar Bishop of the (Western) Orthodox Church of France-ECOF), all have Western Rite parishes. The last jurisdiction hase no canonical ties to the majority of Orthodox Christianaity and at best would be considered a fringe schismatic group by them.

[edit]
Theology
In general, the Orthodox Christian approach to scriptural interpretation and theology is patristic. That means that every effort is made to continue believing and practicing the same theology that Jesus gave to the Apostles and that the Apostles gave to the early Church Fathers. Theological innovation is always met with suspicion; if an idea is truly different from what the Church has always believed and taught, it is likely heretical. It is acceptable to elaborate and more fully explain traditional theology, however. The last major theological milestone took place in the 14th century at the Hesychast Councils. There, Saint Gregory Palamas explained how God can be both utterly transcendent, yet make himself known to men.

Phronema refers to how something "smells" or "feels". The Western church (i.e. Roman Catholicism and Protestantism) generally has a legal flavor to much of its theology. Sin is understood primarily as a legal violation, and salvation is legal forgiveness for the legal offenses. Also, the West tends to first look at God in his unity, then in his three persons. The Eastern church generally has a much more relational flavor. Sin leads to relational separation from God, and repentance involves restoring the relationships between the penitent and God, and between the penitent and humanity. God is viewed first as three persons in perfect relationship with each other, then as a unity sharing a single divine essence. The doctrine of the Trinity is the basis for most if not all of Eastern Orthodox theology.

It should perhaps also be mentioned that the Western churches have been especially influenced by Augustine and, to a lesser extent, Tertullian. Although Augustine was an early church father, writing in the fourth century, he had very little influence in the East. First of all, he wrote in Latin rather than Greek. At the time, Latin was commonly spoken in the West, but Greek was the main language of the Byzantine Empire. His writings weren't translated to Greek until the fourteenth century. Consequently, Western doctrines that are based on Augustine's views are typically not shared by the East. Eastern theologians tended to rely more on Greek philosophers than did the west, often borrowing their categories and vocabulary to explain Christian doctrine, though not necessarily accepting their theories. In the first few centuries after the fall of Rome, knowledge of Greek in the West dropped considerably, and so the Western church was generally less aware of the Greek philosophers. On the other hand the East did not experience the surge of interest in Aristotle that has markedly influenced Roman Catholic theology since the High Middle Ages. These gradual differences contributed to the growing gap between the Eastern and Western churches.

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Asceticism and Theosis
Asceticism is the set of disciplines practiced to work out the believer's salvation, and further the believer's repentance. Ultimately, it is believed, salvation comes only by the grace of God, but God's grace and right belief are expected to produce changes in behavior. Changes in behavior can also influence beliefs. Asceticism can include anything from taking part in prayers with the church, fasting, almsgiving, or even working hard not to lose one's temper or similar acts of restraint and self-control. Corporate prayers are generally prayed as a "liturgy", which literally means a "work of the people." One prayer that is very widely used and is the subject of much discussion of spirituality is the Jesus Prayer.

Theosis, or divinization, is the process of becoming more like God and more united with God. This "becoming more like God" is to be understood as becoming more like Jesus Christ (who is God), not as the wish for power and knowledge that motivated Adam and Eve to sin. Theosis is the goal of the Christian life. It means becoming all that people were originally created to be. It is not something to wait for passively, but something to be taken by force, by hard work done in one's soul.

The chief activities of the believer are:

The Mystery of Repentance (or confession)
The Mystery of the Eucharist
Prayer
Fasting
Obedience
Almsgiving
Selflessness
The Acquisition of Virtues
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Mystery of Repentance
In the earliest days of the Church, Christians confessed their sins to each other publicly, and publicly forgave each other, announcing God's forgiveness. This was possible in part because only believers were meeting together, and they were close-knit communities in which everyone trusted each other. As time went on, and more people came into the Church, some people attending were seekers or catechumens rather than faithful members, and believers began to feel uncomfortable confessing in public. Then the practice developed of members quietly confessing to God (typically in front of an icon of Jesus blessing the icon's beholder) in the presence of an elder or priest, who would offer counsel and confirm God's forgiveness. This would take place in the context of a series of prayers said by the priest and penitent together, often including Psalm 51 and other scriptures and prayers. However, it should be noted that anyone with sufficient experience and knowledge, if given a blessing from a Bishop, can hear confessions. Thus, a confessor might be a priest, monk, nun, man, woman, etc. It may make sense that married couples confess to a married person, or a woman confess to another, more experienced, woman. Such things are not unusual. However, Only a priest can read the prayers of forgiveness over the person in preparation for communion. Repentance is essential preparation for receiving the Eucharist. The Orthodox Church has never bothered with the concept of anonymity in confession the way the Roman Catholics have. Orthodox confession often takes the form of a discussion between the confessor and the penitent concerning his or her sins and the best course of action to take in overcoming them. Penitence is not handed out in the same way as the Catholics either. Usually all that is required is the attempt in overcoming the sin or making restitution with the person wronged. Sin is not viewed by the Orthodox as a stain on the soul that needs to be wiped out, but rather as a mistake that needs correction. Thus one should feel sorry for one's mistakes because one has failed to reach the goal. Because of this approach, guilt has never been a strong motivator with the Orthodox, nor has shame. The recognition that we are all human and occasionally make mistakes and that all we have to do is change our direction and correct the problem is more in line with the true meaning of Repentance: "to change one's mind."

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Mystery of the Eucharist
The Eucharist is at the center of Orthodox Christianity. In practice, it is partaking of the bread and wine in the midst of the Divine Liturgy with the rest of the church. The bread and wine are believed to be the genuine Body and Blood of the Christ Jesus. The Eastern Orthodox Church has never described exactly how this occurs, or gone into the detail that the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches have in the West. The doctrine of transubstantiation was formulated after the Great Schism took place, and the Orthodox churches have never formally affirmed or denied it, preferring to state simply that it is a mystery and sacrament. Long before the year 1054 it was the practice to in some way hide the mysterious process within the liturgy. In the Catholic Church of the Latin Rite, this was achieved through the use of Ecclesiastical Latin; in the Orthodox churches the altar area was surrounded by pillars with curtains in between. This structure called a templon represented the Temple and the Holy of Holies. Later, it became a solid wall covered with Icons and is in modern usage called an iconostasis (literally "icon stand").

Traditionally preparation for communion involves a strict fast, abstaining from animal products and sexual relations from Wednesday through Saturday, and the addition of a number of preparatory canons to ones evening prayers. Also, a complete fast (no food or drink) should be kept from sundown Saturday until after communing on Sunday. One should have ones confession heard and receive a blessing from the priest prior to receiving communion. Because of all this preparation, the average layperson does not usually commune every Sunday, but rather waits until some special holiday to commune so that he or she can properly prepare. The Orthodox take the mystery of communion very seriously because they believe this is the true Body and Blood of Christ Jesus. To receive the Mysteries unprepared would be spiritually damaging. Monastics, on the other hand, receive communion every day because they continually fast, have long prayers, and remain celibate. Because of the purity issue when considering preparation for communion, men, even monks, will abstain from communion if they have experienced a nocturnal emission, and women will abstain during their monthly cycle. (see below - Fasting) In modern practice, especially in the US, the seriousness of the experience of communion has been lost for the practice of many jurisdictions of communing every Sunday. It is the opinion of the Traditionalists that such practices are very dangerous spiritually, that this reflects a lack of piety in approaching the most significant of the Mysteries, and that this is damaging to the soul.

For the Orthodox who truly believe in the mystery of communion there are a number of very good and pious practices that stem from the realization of this truth: The very idea that a particle of Christ’s Body and Blood might be discarded is unthinkable. At the end of the Divine Liturgy one of the clergy always remains behind in the altar in order to consume what remains of holy communion; he is very careful not to leave behind even the tiniest stray particle. For at least a day following communion, anything that enters the mouth and is then removed (e.g., olive pits, grape seeds, etc.) is not thrown into the garbage but is burned. The napkin used to wipe the mouth after the meal is also burned. Orthodox should not spit, or smoke, or chew gum for the same reason. Orthodox also are careful if they are injured soon after communion to treat their own blood with the same care (since their blood and the Blood of Christ are united), burning it in the cloth used to stop it. In general, this way of dealing with the Mystery applies to anything sacred that needs to be “removed from use” due to its being damaged. The ashes of such items are usually sprinkled in a place where they will not be walked on (under a bush, in a flower garden, etc.).

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Fasting
The practice of fasting is one of many Jewish practices the earliest Christians kept, and which Orthodox Christians continue to keep to this day. The Orthodox approach to fasting is quite different from the Latin West who see fasting as a penitence for sins, almost a punishment and burden. The Orthodox, on the other hand, are reminded that perfect man, as in the garden of Eden, ate only vegetables, and sexual relations did not occur. The Orthodox seeks to recapture paradise through fasting, to regain a measure of purity. It is never looked on as a hardship or punishment, but rather a great privilege and joy. Fasting typically involves differing levels of abstinence depending on the day or season and ranges from a complete fast from all food and drink to abstinence from all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, etc), olive oil, and wine. Shellfish and vegetable oils are permitted on certain days and weeks of the fast as is wine. Thus, most fasting guidelines resemble vegan vegetarianism with all frying/cooking done simply with water (no oil), and most vegetarian recipes are appropriate during fasts. In addition to restrictions on food, it is generally understood that married couples abstain from sexual relations during a fast. Monasteries typically have additional fasts; although there can be a great deal of variation between monastaries, they typically abstain from all animal products on Monday as well as Wednesday and Friday; and they never eat meat or poultry, fish being the only exception. The time and type of fast is generally uniform for all Orthodox Christians living within a particular jurisdiction; the times of fasting are part of the ecclesial calendar. In this way, the whole church fasts together, and the whole church feasts together (when the fast is broken). Infants, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with other medical needs are often encouraged not to follow the usual fasting guidelines, but to work out alternatives with their priest or spiritual elder. Also, if someone wishes to follow a stricter fast, they are generally encouraged to do so only under the guidance of their priest or spiritual elder. Fasting without prayer was often called the "fast of demons" by the Church fathers, since the demons neither eat nor pray. Therefore, fasting should always be accompanied by prayer and almsgiving.

There are four major fasting periods during the year. They are:

The Nativity Fast (Advent or Winter Lent) which is the 40 days preceding the Nativity of Christ(Christmas).
The Great Fast (Lent) which consists of the 6 weeks (40 Days) preceding Palm Sunday, and Great Week (Holy Week) which proceeds Pascha (Easter).
The Fast of Saints Peter and Paul which varies in length from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the date of Pentecost which itself falls 50 days after Pascha. It extends from the week following Pentecost to the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th.
And the two-week long Fast proceeding the Dormition (death or repose) of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary)
In addition, except during feasting weeks, members of the Orthodox Church fast on every Wednesday in commemoration of Christ's betrayal by Judas Iscariot, and on every Friday in commemoration of his crucifixion. Monastics often include Mondays as a fast day in commemoration of the Angels.

Because of the movable nature of Pascha, the number of fast days varies each year, but in general the Orthodox Christian can expect to spend at least 1/3 of the year fasting.

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Almsgiving
"Almsgiving" refers to any charitable giving of material resources to those in need. Like fasting, it is a practice carried over from Judaism and reinforced by Jesus and the authors of the New Testament, and has remained a prominent teaching. It is often coupled with fasting (see above), as consuming less food and less expensive food should free up more resources that can be given. It is also connected to the Eucharist, in which thanks is given for all things, and it is acknowledged that all things ultimately belong to God. Almsgiving is one of the most practical of Orthodox Christian practices.

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Salvation and the afterlife
When one speaks of salvation it is important to understand what the word means. In the Christian West it has come to mean “Going to Heaven”, but for the Eastern Orthodox it refers to the change in Human nature that occurred because of Jesus' life and death. Man was originally created perfect, but through his own actions he embraced evil through disobedience to God. Because of man’s fall he was condemned, when he died, to go to Hell (Hades), indeed, it is believed that from Adam to St John the Baptist, all men went to a place of separation from God. But when Jesus came into the world he himself was Perfect Man and Perfect God united. Through his participation in becoming human, human nature was changed allowing us to participate in the divine, thus paving our way to heaven. This process of salvation worked retroactively back to the beginning of time, thus saving Adam and Eve and all that followed after them.

Salvation, therefore, means being saved from this original fate of Hell. In this sense, all mankind is saved. This does not mean, however, that all men will continue to preserve that state. It is possible to separate oneself from God once again and to embrace evil. Such people place themselves in Hell; it is not God who punishes them. In the question of who is “Going to Heaven”, this rests upon the mercy of God. No man is perfect, but also no man is so corrupt that God, in his infinite mercy, cannot forgive him. The privilege of going to heaven cannot be earned; men do not “deserve” heaven. One cannot say, “I kept all the rules and regulations therefore God must let me in”; such an idea is called Pelagianism and was rejected by the church as heresy. God’s mercy alone is the key to our eternal happiness; the efficacy of this mercy, however, is contingent on our accepting it. God will not force us into salvation. Orthodox Christianity does not teach that one must be Orthodox to be saved; rather, it teaches that its traditions and practices are the very same traditions and practices taught by Jesus and the Apostles, and therefore offer the best possible road to follow to salvation. If one seeks the fullness of the Christian experience one can only find it within the Orthodox Church.

As to the Afterlife and what we can expect; heaven is not a static state. Mankind will be restored to perfection, but perfection is not an ultimate end in and of itself. While it is true that all adverse traits will be gone from the human race and man will be as originally intended, it does not mean that we shall suddenly gain infinite knowledge, but rather that we will be able to swim unhindered into the infinite depths of God’s Knowledge, Wisdom, and Love. Unending progression in understanding and love is equated with unending happiness. This is the reward that awaits us. For those who reject the love and mercy of God, though, the experience of His presence will be as a painful fire. The same fire that purifies the saints will be a torment for the damned. It is the state of the soul that determines how it will experience the presence of God.'' said Julia while waiting for her food.

Well thankyou and you too have a good heart inside you I think, but I am not the marrying kind, my duties prevent me from doing so, even if your brother were to choose me, I would have to turn him down.

*She is quiet for a moment, as if weighing things up in her mind and trying to convince herself of what she is saying*

No it couldn't be, I am sure there is a nice young lady amongst those he has met today, that would be far more suitable.


"I guess. Well, I gotta go."

Veronica said, turning and leaving.

Oh won't you stay and chat for a little longer Veronica?
*She looks at the time*
Well perhaps not.
I do hope your brother isn't being pestered and harrassed too much by those women.......

Oh won't you stay and chat for a little longer Veronica?
*She looks at the time*
Well perhaps not.
I do hope your brother isn't being pestered and harrassed too much by those women.......

OOC-Look at what Julia said.

OOC
I don't think the emperor could miss her spouting off all that! ;)

Josef had pretty much ignored the second half. He didnt need a freaking history lesson, but he pretened to listen none the less.

"Yeah...thats what ever you were talking about for ya..."

He said as he looked down at his food.

OOC
I don't think the emperor could miss her spouting off all that! ;)

OOC-She is a Evangelical Orthodox.

Josef had pretty much ignored the second half. He didnt need a freaking history lesson, but he pretened to listen none the less.

"Yeah...thats what ever you were talking about for ya..."

He said as he looked down at his food.

''That is my faith.'' said Julia while eating her food(If it was served to her yet)

OOC
I wouldn't have guessed¬!

"Yeah..I got that."

OOC
I wouldn't have guessed¬!


OOC-Ok.

"Yeah..I got that."

OOC-Does Julia have her food?

OOC: Yes.