NationStates Jolt Archive

After some time, Queen Theodora decided to announce she was asking other nations for a suitor.

This notice was written up:
''To all nations,
Our Queen, Queen Theodora is looking for a husband to marry. She is 18, has brunette hair and emerald blue eyes, is an Orthodox Christian, knows the Psalms by heart, is related by blood and siblinghood to King Demetrios the Child of Galata-Pera. She is respectful, kind, generous and many other traits. She looks for a suitor who is open minded and open to new things, respectful, polite, caring and other similar traits. Any interested should contact us.''

Theodoraea,

Though Pythogria can provide no suitor, having no royal family, or any other kind of nobility, we wish Queen Theodora the best of luck in finding a suitable suitor.

Sined,
Supreme Gneral Khonsu Izakabad

If the Queen wishes to test her will and moral strength, I can send my good friend Egos from Nakros Ithrimm over to meet your highness. He isn't pretty, but you will find him quite an enigmatic character.
~~Saerus Annirak.

Jason was reading the world news when he noticed an article concerning the nation of Theodoraea and it's queen. He was a young man who'd been interested in getting married and this seemed heaven sent.

Putting pen to paper, he composed a letter and sent it to Theodora.

Greetings your Majesty.
My name is Jason Francis Valdorim. I am nineteen and have blonde hair which has a red streak running down the middle and have blue eyes. I am Christian, thought not Orthodox Christian. I have studied the bible, thought not to the extent of memorization. I enjoy fencing, riding, both equestrian and motorcyclic, playing with Sabra, a two year old panther, and reading. I would be honoured if you would give me a chance to meet you.
Duke Valdorim

To: Saerus Annirak

We would be glad to welcome your friend to our nation. He can come to visit the Queen.

To: Jason of Theao

The Queen would like to meet you, she is interested in you. She does not mind whether you are Orthodox or not. You can come and meet the Queen.

OOC-The Queen will meet several suitors, one at a time first.

Thank you your Majesty. I am honoured that you have accepted my suit, at least to the point of meeting me. I would like to know when it would be acceptable to come meet you.

You may come now if you wish to, Jason. It would be an honor and a pleasure to meet you.

James read the letter with pleasure. Writing to confirm when his flight was scheduled to arrive, he went about the packing with an extra bounce to his step.

After catching the plane to Theodoraea, he looked forward to meeting the queen.

Once the plane landed, he exited and took a deep breath as he looked around.

Jason can come now, Theao. Also, other nations can send suitors too.

Matthew Crowley looked over the notice about the Queen. He'd been thinking of dropping out of the Riders, maybe a nice desk job in the Kremlit. This only encouraged him to do so even more. He wrote up this leter:

Dear Queen Theodora,
I write to you as a hopeful suitor. While I am not of tradionable nobilty I am still one of two people eligable for the Supreme Admiralship of Drexel Hillsville. I myself am disgusted by what I do for a living. The only reason for my joining the military was the requirement by law. I am a devout Catholic. I am twenty years of age and have brown hair with green eyes. To meet you would be a privilage beyond description.
Signed,
Col. Matthew Crowley

Matthew Crowley,

I would be honored to meet you. I am a devout Orthodox Christian (Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, etc). I would like it if you could come to Theodoraea. Also, I respect your Catholic faith, you will be welcomed with open arms.

Sincerely,
Queen Theodora
Protector of the Orthodox Church of Theodoraea
Queen of Theodoraea
And A Follower Of The Gospel

Matthew read the letter with pleasure. He quickly filed a leave of absence. Within two hours he was packed and aboard a small private jet heading for Theodora. He hardly slept the entire trip.

When the plane landed he slightly hyper and frieghtened. Never before had he been scared. Not when he was a child and his mother and father told him tales of the boogie man and not when he had been on the battlefeilds across the countries.

Theodora waited at her palace, with several Orthodox clergymen, advisors and others, they waited for Matthew's arrival.

Meanwhile, an offical, Constantine Orphanotrophus, waited to greet Matthew and escort him to Queen Theodora.

The city of Marianople was filled with many churches, buildings and other things. The Citadel of Christ Kosmokrator (κοσμοκράτωρ) was where the Queen lived.

OOC-All other suitors will be in hotels. The Queen will meet them one at a time.

ooc: Jason's arrived and waiting. I posted his arrival at the same time as one of your posts so you might have missed it.

James read the letter with pleasure. Writing to confirm when his flight was scheduled to arrive, he went about the packing with an extra bounce to his step.

After catching the plane to Theodoraea, he looked forward to meeting the queen.

Once the plane landed, he exited and took a deep breath as he looked around.

OOC-I must have missed this one. Sorry for that.

A man named Demetrios Macrembolitssa greeted James and escorted him to a hotel with a good view of the Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection. ''You will meet the Queen, after she is done with the suitor she is meeting now.'' Demetrios said nicely.

Matthew got off the plane with his luggage. Quickly, even through the crowded airport he could see a man watching over his gate. He walked over to the man caully as if he hadn't even seen him. 'Better safe than sorry' he thought.

''You must be Matthew.'' Constantine said, having others take Matthew's luggage. ''I am Constantine Orphanotrophus, I will escort you to the Queen.'' he said. He escorted Matthew onto a limo and the limo went off. After a while, they came to a citadel. ''This is the Citadel of Christ Kosmokrator.'' Constantine said as he escorted Matthew. Matthew saw the mosaics including a mosaic of Jesus Christ, one that was called ''Mosaic of the Stern Christ''.

He led him to the Queen's Throne Room, the Queen sat on her throne, in front of an mosaic of the Theotokos. ''Welcome, Matthew. It is a pleasurable honor to meet you at last.'' the Queen said.

"Thank you. Could you recommend any sights or places of interest that I might visit while I way?" James asked

ooc: NP

Egos was not one to talk to strangers, his face covered in a thin plastic mask, a robe of blades and a thin, almost frial-like body that showed no nose beneath the small hole that was to hold the cartilage. He seemed more like a skeleton, a wonder that he was alive. The Lord of Nakros Ithrimm, the city far off from the Jenrakian wasteland, Egos served Annirak faithfully in the times of the King's uneasy rise by his brother, though respect was given through by Authaulus and his immense strength. Once more, Egos left Nakros Ithrimm for what Saerus detailed as an assignment.

Boarding a plane headed towards apparently a neutral nation to Theodoraea, he assumed naturally that he was to be a diplomat to represent Jenrak, yet it puzzled him on why there was not further information assigned. Why did they not send someone much more politically adaptable? His ideals were suited to warfare and power, something that perhaps this nation did not advocate as strongly as his Sadicistra brethren.

Getting off the plane, he awaited some sort of escort to show hi mwhat to do, and most importantly, what to expect. Unarmed, without bodyguards, he tried ot look as peaceful as possible, yet his odd, aristocratic adornment made it difficult to blend.

As Matthew passd the first Mosiac of Christ he blessed himself. When he entered the throne room, his eyes quickly fixed on the magnificent beauty in front of him. He responded to the Queen's greeting, "I am deeply pleased to meet you as well my lady." He than made a slight, military style bow.

Demetrios looked at James ''Perhaps you could see the churches? The city is open for you.''

Andronicus Cantacuzenus greeted Egos. ''You must be Egos. I am Andronicus Cantacuzenus. I will escort you to a hotel room, the Queen is meeting a suitor at the moment.'' Andronicus led Egos to his hotel room and said ''Make yourself at home. Also, we will notify you of everything.''

Matthew could see that a mosaic of Christ (http://www.ou.edu/class/ahi4263/byzslides/153-2.jpg) was right near the Queen. The Queen stood and said ''Matthew, would you like me to give you a tour of the Citadel?''

Matthew looked to the Queen. "That would be superb." He stated as he waited to follow the Queen's lead.

Egos nodded and thanked the man carefully. "I will be expecting any news with jovial expressiveness." He spoke, sitting down on the bed, his hands clasped together, looking at the floor with intent eyes beneath the mask. What did this Queen desire in such a meeting?

The first part of the tour was the mosaics.

http://www.ou.edu/class/ahi4263/byzslides/153-2.jpg
Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator

http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/mon23.jpg
Mosaic of the Theotokos and Christ Child

http://www.focusmm.com/civilization/hagia/hagi_16b.jpg
Mosaic of a Byzantine Empress

http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/lib/02704_virgin&child_enthroned_oldest_surviving_mosaic_hagia_sophia_ca850_mod.jpg
Mosaic of the Theotokos and Christ Child

http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/sanamb1.jpg
Mosaic of Christ

http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/DSCN2528.JPG
Mosaic of Empress Theodora of Byzantium

http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/DSCN2567.JPG
Mosaic of Christ Resurrected (I think it is)

http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/EmpIrene.jpg
http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/EmpZoe.jpg
http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/EmpJohn.jpg
http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/EmpConstantine.jpg
Mosaics of Emperors John and Constantine and Empresses Zoe and Irene of Byzantium

''These are several of the many mosaics here in the Citadel. Do you like them?'' Theodora asked.

"To say that they are beautiful does not give them justice, similar to you," Matthew paused, "Forgive me if I am being ot forward."

OOC: Those are actually some really great pieces of art...

Theodora blushed and said ''I don't mind. I thank you for your compliment. Many have said these mosaics are beautiful. But you are one of the ones who say I am.'' Then she continued on her tour, showing him a library full of books like Procopius' Secret History, books by the Church Fathers, Holy Scripture, Encyclicals of the Popes like Benedict XIV's Deus Caritas Est and others. ''These are some of my many books. I read them daily.'' Theodora said.

As they walked, they passed a mosaic of St. Paul the Apostle (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e1/Saintpauloftarsus.jpg)

"To say that they are beautiful does not give them justice, similar to you," Matthew paused, "Forgive me if I am being ot forward."

OOC: Those are actually some really great pieces of art...

OOC-Thanks. Some come from Ravenna or Hagia Sophia.

Matthew continued to follow the Queen. He was left speechless by the number and quality of the books that he was seeing. His father had always taught him to be religeous but he had never seen anything like this.

The Queen led Matthew to the Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator. ''This is where I go to Church on Sundays. It is very decorated, with the Iconostasis, the mosaics and the such.'' Theodora said. ''The Cathedral is joined to the Citadel.''

Afterwards, Theodora led him past some Orthodox clergymen, who greeted Matthew and Theodora. ''Religion is respected but not pushed on people.'' Theodora said. She led him past a mosaic of Moses at the Burning Bush and one of St. John Chrysostom. Also, he was led past a mosaic with Christ Crucified. He read ''IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDÆORVM (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum)'' from the mosaic.

Finally, Theodora took Matthew to his room. It was decorated and looked expensive. ''Your luggage is here. You have a great view from here.'' Theodora said.

"Thank you," He told her, still filled with awe by the beatuy of the citidel, cathedral, and the Queen.

''You are most welcome. Would you like a tour of the city?'' Theodora asked Matthew.

"That would be great," he told her as he took a quick look out the window. He tried not to look her in the eye. He felt that if he did he would pass out. 'This is nothing like the battle field' he thought to himself as he looked back towards the woman that had brought him here.

Theodora nodded and took him through the city, showing him all of the city. Afterwards, she took him to a restaurant for lunch. ''This restaurant has all kinds of foods.' Theodora said. ''What would you like?'' a waiter asked.

"Ladies first" he politely told the waiter and the Queen at the same time.

''I will have a Greek salad.'' Theodora said. ''Just to tell you, but later on today, you may hear the chanting of clergymen, it is Easter season.'' Theodora said.

''What would you like?'' Theodora said to Matthew.

"I'll have a Ceaser salad and a glass of ice water please," He told the waiter.

"Back home the bells of all of the local churches, no matter what the division of Chirstianity ring every hour during the daylight of the Easter Season. It is an amazing thing to hear."

''The food will come soon.'' the waiter said.

''The Easter celebrations here are vibrant and lively. When a clergyman greets you with ''Christ is Risen.'' or ''Christos Anesti'', say ''Truly He is Risen''.'' Theodora said.

''The Orthodox celebrate Easter, as do the Catholics, Anglicans and others.''

Matthew was growing increasingly nervous by the minute. He had never really been on a date because his father had made him spend almost all of his free time preparing for his time in the military. "Could you excuse me for a moment," He started, "I need to use the restroom." What he really needed was a short time to clam down and regain his composure.

OOC-Thanks. Some come from Ravenna or Hagia Sophia.

Really now...Would you country happen to have Istanbol within it?

OOC-I am thinking on the state of Constantinople/Tzargrad/Istanbul in my nation.

''You may take as much time as you need.'' Theodora said. ''He is a nice man, kind and respectful.'' Theodora thought to herself.

OOC-I am thinking on the state of Constantinople/Tzargrad/Istanbul in my nation.



Wow! Our two countries are really close to each other then!

Matthew pushed open the door to the bathroom. He did what one is expected to do there and walked over to the sink. He washed his hands and splashed some water on his face. He dried his hands and face, took a few deep breathes, and walked back to the table. "Long time no see," he joked nervously.

Wow! Our two countries are really close to each other then!

How is this? Curious.

''The food is here, Matthew.'' Theodora said, giggling a little. A clergyman walked past and said to Matthew and Theodora ''Christ is Risen.'' to which Theodora said ''Truly He is Risen.''

How is this? Curious.

The Principality of Wilhelmsborough is located on the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea, the Southernmost Point of the Ukraine. Whenever my navy has to go anywhere in the world, we always travel through the Bosphorus Strait that divides the city of Istanbol.

"Truly He is Risen," Matthew also replied remembering what the Queen had said earlier. He picked up his glass of water and said, "Slainte"

''What does Slainte mean again?'' Theodora asked as she ate her Greek salad.

"It is basicly Gaelic for cheers," Matthew said, "My father taught me that and a few other sayings when I was younger."

OOC-I will be gone for a while. I'll try to come back online as soon as I can.

Demetrios looked at James ''Perhaps you could see the churches? The city is open for you.''
"That sounds interesting, thank you for the suggestion." James replied, "Would you be willing to serve as my guide through the city's churches?"

bump...
Is the thread maker on vacation or something?

OOC-Sorry for my very long time away. I had to deal with personal matters.

''It is good you know other languages. I know some myself, like Latin or Hebrew.'' Theodora said. As they ate, Theodora said ''Tell me about yourself and your nation, Matthew.''

''I could be your guide through the churches.'' Demetrios said. ''Should I leave to let you change or something first?''

"Alright, I'll be a few minutes." He replied as he headed into his room to get changed. Emerging a few minutes later in a casual, but similar outfit, he commented, "Shall we go see the churches?"

OOC-Sorry for my very long time away. I had to deal with personal matters.

''It is good you know other languages. I know some myself, like Latin or Hebrew.'' Theodora said. As they ate, Theodora said ''Tell me about yourself and your nation, Matthew.''

''I could be your guide through the churches.'' Demetrios said. ''Should I leave to let you change or something first?''

"Well, I am nearly all Irish. My grandfather founded Drexel Hillsville after he was exiled from Ireland for his attept at revolution. My father has been in charge ever since he died. According to the law of my country all Crowley's must join the military if they wish to be eligable for the Admiralship. My father had me placed in special ops. For my time in school he had me training for my eventual sucsession of him as well as combat. I hate what I do, I am actually planing on opting out of Special and getting a desk job at the Kremlit.

"My father refuses to donate money to the churches so I do. My entire payroll goes to a charity that is for the aid all sects of Christianity in the Hills. In school I was an average student, but I always loved music as well as history. How about you, what were you favorite subjects?"

''I was the brother of King Demetrios the Child of Galata-Pera. I was raised by King Constantine and Queen Anastasia who were my parents. In school, I had top marks, I knew a lot of things like history, science and many other subjects. I was 17 when my father died and 8 when my mother passed away. I took care of my brother who was King at 11 years of age or younger. My life has been good though, after school, I went through more education and after I came to these lands and became Queen of Theodoraea.'' Theodora said.

''I hope this is a good piece of info on myself.'' Theodora said.

"I' m sorry to hear about your parents, my mother left when my father took control of the country," He told her. "Tell me, have you ever seen the wide open ocean?"

''I am sorry to hear about your parents. I have seen the ocean, I believe. Why do you ask?'' Theodora said.

''I am sorry to hear about your parents. I have seen the ocean, I believe. Why do you ask?'' Theodora said.

"It's just that any time I've gone on a mission, and even when I came here, I've found inspiration it. It just keeps moving, endless in its flow. Reminds me to just keep going and not give up..."

"It's just that any time I've gone on a mission, and even when I came here, I've found inspiration it. It just keeps moving, endless in its flow. Reminds me to just keep going and not give up..."

''That is some good words you speak.'' Theodora said. ''Matthew, you like horses? Would you like to go horse riding?''

''That is some good words you speak.'' Theodora said. ''Matthew, you like horses? Would you like to go horse riding?''

"I must admit that I never have been riding before but I would be delighted," He said

Theodora nodded and after their restaurant time, went to the stables. ''Matthew, want me to ride with you on one horse? Or should I ride on my own?'' Theodora asked.

OOC: I'm going to have to get out of this. There's another thread that requires Egos in it, so sorry about that.

Theodora nodded and after their restaurant time, went to the stables. ''Matthew, want me to ride with you on one horse? Or should I ride on my own?'' Theodora asked.

Matthew was nervous. He didn't know how to reply. 'Man I really read to much into things,' he thought. "Which ever you would prefer..."

''You sound nervous. Sorry for that. I'll stick to my own horse.'' Theodora said. As they rode, Theodora pointed out the domes in the background. ''That's the Cathedral of St. Gregory Palamas, named after a saint from the 1300's, I think.'' Theodora said.

Matthew looked into the distance, amazed by what he saw. He said, "Whoa... That looks amazing even from here. I can only imagine wht it looks like up- Ahh!" He hit the ground but not to hard. His back hurt a little but it was fine. He chuckled a little as he got back onto his feet.

Matthew looked into the distance, amazed by what he saw. He said, "Whoa... That looks amazing even from here. I can only imagine wht it looks like up- Ahh!" He hit the ground but not to hard. His back hurt a little but it was fine. He chuckled a little as he got back onto his feet.

Theodora got off her horse and ran to him. ''Are you alright, Matthew? That was quite a fall.'' she said as she helped him up. ''Perhaps you would want to rest after that?'' Theodora stated.

Theodora got off her horse and ran to him. ''Are you alright, Matthew? That was quite a fall.'' she said as she helped him up. ''Perhaps you would want to rest after that?'' Theodora stated.

Still laughing a little, he replied, "I'm fine, worse has happened. When things like this happen you've just got to pick yourselve up, dust yourselve off and try again."

Still laughing a little, he replied, "I'm fine, worse has happened. When things like this happen you've just got to pick yourselve up, dust yourselve off and try again."

''That is some great words, Matthew.'' Theodora said, smiling and relieved that he was ok. ''Matthew, perhaps you would like to see the city some more?'' Theodora said.

bump

Drexel Hillsville, do you still want to continue? If not, I'll have Theodora meet Theao's suitor.

Drexel, are you still wanting to continue?

I am so sorry, I completly forgot about this...
I'll drop out if there are any other people involved if not than then I'm sorry but I don't want to continue this...
Again, sorry

I am so sorry, I completly forgot about this...
I'll drop out if there are any other people involved if not than then I'm sorry but I don't want to continue this...
Again, sorry

OOC-That is ok. I understand fully. Thanks for RPing with me, it was good. There are other people, Theao is one I believe.

After Matthew left Theodoraea, Demetrios went to James and said ''You are able to meet the Queen now. The suitor meeting her just left.'' James was escorted to the Imperial Palace. There, he was greeted by Imperial Guards surrounding a girl on a horse. After some talking, the girl on the horse said ''You must be James of Theao. I am Queen Theodora. Nice to meet you.''