An Rudah
31-12-2005, 22:32
He stood, and all knelt before him, even the musicians, the sound of their flutes ceasing to be washed away by the fall winds. He was king, if only symbolically, for he had no real power, only his voice which held people in sway demanding no further authority. He would have made a wonderful politician, had he been of lesser birth. Now, his guest prostrated all around him, he raised his hands and spoke in their native Gaelic tongue.
“Please, my people please rise.” His feelings were such that he hated the crown because of the obligations it brought; obligations which he wished could be forgotten. “Do not pay homage to me. It is been long since our royal family wielded the power it once had. No, even I am subject to the Assembly’s whims, as are you. We are no different, only a golden band separates us from one another.” As his companions stood, he saw many smiling. His people, he thought. His people.
-----
A meal was soon prepared and laid before the king and his companions. Music again was playing under the open air, and it mixed with the wash of waves on the cliffs atop which the royal estate sat. Seated with the king were several members of the National Assembly representing all major political parties. Among them was Tormod Ivarson, head delegate of the ruling Blue-Democrat Party.
“M’lord,” Ivarson began. He was a tall red-haired man of about forty, his appearance much like that of the Irish-blood Rudahs living in the east of the kingdom, as was his speech. “There’s been much talk in the Assembly of opening dealings with other nations. It is the belief of many, including myself, that the paltry economic deals we currently have in place will not suffice to see our prosperity through the decade.”
The king sighed, head in hand, and answered back. He desperately wanted to be a political figure, rather than figurehead, and such aspirations were apparent in his voice. “Tormod, you know I have no authority on such matters.”
Ivarson seemed almost surprised by the indifferent response. “But surely an opinion?”
“Tormod, I would support you and your party to the ends of the earth, as my father would have. Certainly the progress of the kingdom is my concern, and if you feel there are opportunities for further progress to be found abroad, by all means I would have you seek them out. Now, what are you proposing?”
“Well, sir, I would see us begin with some kind of general communication expressing interest in relations. Perhaps invite a diplomat to the royal estates. The rest is all diplomacy.” He paused long enough to flash a quick grin. “Tell me, would I have your signature on any such document I may send abroad.”
The king smiled back. “Yes, Tormod, you would.”
-----
To all concerned national leaders of the world
Sirs and Madams,
In the interests of progress for all nation through globalization, cooperation, and friendship between states of like mind I write to you to inform you of growing opportunities found within the Kingdom of An Rudah. Our government’s policies formerly being of the isolationist stock, the business, trade, and diplomatic opportunities which we represent have historically been underdeveloped. As such, we are searching for all nations interested in some form of international dealing, be it a trade agreement or alliance, in order to help speed our entry into world affairs. If any nation has interests in brokering an agreement with An Rudah’s government or people, they need only reply with a similar message.
Signed, on behalf of the National Assembly of An Rudah,
Chief Representative Tormod Ivarson
Signed, on behalf of the people of the Kingdom,
King Coinneach Rudah III
“Please, my people please rise.” His feelings were such that he hated the crown because of the obligations it brought; obligations which he wished could be forgotten. “Do not pay homage to me. It is been long since our royal family wielded the power it once had. No, even I am subject to the Assembly’s whims, as are you. We are no different, only a golden band separates us from one another.” As his companions stood, he saw many smiling. His people, he thought. His people.
-----
A meal was soon prepared and laid before the king and his companions. Music again was playing under the open air, and it mixed with the wash of waves on the cliffs atop which the royal estate sat. Seated with the king were several members of the National Assembly representing all major political parties. Among them was Tormod Ivarson, head delegate of the ruling Blue-Democrat Party.
“M’lord,” Ivarson began. He was a tall red-haired man of about forty, his appearance much like that of the Irish-blood Rudahs living in the east of the kingdom, as was his speech. “There’s been much talk in the Assembly of opening dealings with other nations. It is the belief of many, including myself, that the paltry economic deals we currently have in place will not suffice to see our prosperity through the decade.”
The king sighed, head in hand, and answered back. He desperately wanted to be a political figure, rather than figurehead, and such aspirations were apparent in his voice. “Tormod, you know I have no authority on such matters.”
Ivarson seemed almost surprised by the indifferent response. “But surely an opinion?”
“Tormod, I would support you and your party to the ends of the earth, as my father would have. Certainly the progress of the kingdom is my concern, and if you feel there are opportunities for further progress to be found abroad, by all means I would have you seek them out. Now, what are you proposing?”
“Well, sir, I would see us begin with some kind of general communication expressing interest in relations. Perhaps invite a diplomat to the royal estates. The rest is all diplomacy.” He paused long enough to flash a quick grin. “Tell me, would I have your signature on any such document I may send abroad.”
The king smiled back. “Yes, Tormod, you would.”
-----
To all concerned national leaders of the world
Sirs and Madams,
In the interests of progress for all nation through globalization, cooperation, and friendship between states of like mind I write to you to inform you of growing opportunities found within the Kingdom of An Rudah. Our government’s policies formerly being of the isolationist stock, the business, trade, and diplomatic opportunities which we represent have historically been underdeveloped. As such, we are searching for all nations interested in some form of international dealing, be it a trade agreement or alliance, in order to help speed our entry into world affairs. If any nation has interests in brokering an agreement with An Rudah’s government or people, they need only reply with a similar message.
Signed, on behalf of the National Assembly of An Rudah,
Chief Representative Tormod Ivarson
Signed, on behalf of the people of the Kingdom,
King Coinneach Rudah III