NationStates Jolt Archive

In the Emperor’s grand secondary palace built high into the northern mountains in order to give the Emperors of Scandinvan some needed rest and privacy it is both well hidden and rather isolated due this. Despite its isolation the palace is suited upon very large beautiful clear water, that is only available to the Emperor and guests to the palace, and all around the palace are the tall magnificent pines of the north which are of emerald green leaves. As well, the air there is as fresh as it can be and the sky at night is entirely visible. Furthermore, the palace itself is a magnificent as it is made of fine marble and granite, it has great halls, and is lavish and luxurious to sate even the wildest of hopes.

So it was here that the Emperor Reginald decided to hold the Imperial Ball in the hopes of improving foreign relations and to meet with a number of other foreign leaders in a friendly open environment. For general everything would be provided by the Emperor to any guests who come and the guests will have near complete access to everything in the palace during their stay there, which includes the pools, gardens, library, and central museum of the palace.

Qualifications to Come:
1. Must be of noble birth, must be able to prove it.
2. Must be willing to respect the customs of the Empire.
3. Must be able to dance.
4. Must own there own attire fit for this event.
5. Must be able to supply their own transport to the Empire, but after that all else shall be provided.

Your Imperial Majesty,

I and my wife would be honored to attend the Grand Imperial Ball.

Knave's Rock is a modern nation just merging from over 200 years of semi-isolation. We are most anxious to re-establish a presence in the world and can see no better opportunity as this.

I look forward to hearing from you.

regards,

Charles II, King of Knave's Rock

Emperor Reginald,

On behalf of Emperor Alaric Tan'it of the Barbaric Empire of Xeraph, I thank you for the opportunity to visit your nation. Both he and I will be honored to attend the Ball.

respectfully,

Ricala, King of Auralinia, Lord Director of the Xeraphian Space League, in the Name of the Emperor.

Majesty,

I would like to represent my country at this Grand Imperial Ball. Although of royal blood by birth, I do not rule because I am a noble, but because I was elected President of my nation. I hope this is adequate.

sincerely,

Reichard Schneider, President of the Republic of The Grey Legions.

Your Imperial Majesty,

I and my wife would be honored to attend the Grand Imperial Ball.

Knave's Rock is a modern nation just merging from over 200 years of semi-isolation. We are most anxious to re-establish a presence in the world and can see no better opportunity as this.

I look forward to hearing from you.

regards,

Charles II, King of Knave's RockYour Majesty,

You are most welcome to attend the event as you have expressed a true interest to attend and the Emperor Reginald will welcome nearly anyone to this event as we to have been semi-isolated for centuries.

Sincerely,
Emperor Reginald

Emperor Reginald,

On behalf of Emperor Alaric Tan'it of the Barbaric Empire of Xeraph, I thank you for the opportunity to visit your nation. Both he and I will be honored to attend the Ball.

respectfully,

Ricala, King of Auralinia, Lord Director of the Xeraphian Space League, in the Name of the Emperor.King Ricala,

We are humbled by your coming and we will be honored as well by your coming and we eagerly await your coming to the Scandinvan Empire.

Signed,
Reginald, Emperor of the Scandinvans, Lord of the Valgardians, High King of the Nine Kingdoms, Etc…

Majesty,

I would like to represent my country at this Grand Imperial Ball. Although of royal blood by birth, I do not rule because I am a noble, but because I was elected President of my nation. I hope this is adequate.

sincerely,

Reichard Schneider, President of the Republic of The Grey Legions.Reichard Schneider,

You are welcome to attend the ball as you do posses royal blood and since you can prove you may attend, but remember there you shall be addressed as a lord while you are there.

Signed,
Emperor Reginald

ooc: should I post my arrival, or are you waiting for more nations to show interest?

~Official Correspondence from the Imperial Palace~

I would be honored to attend your ball. Only recently was I coronated as Czar of West Corinthia, so I am seeking friends and allies among other powerful leaders. I trust your security measures for this event, but my Field Marshal has urged me to bring two Myrmidons with me as added protection. Enclosed with this correspondence is a certificate showing that I am Aleksei Kotov, son of the late Czar Vasili Kotov. Another inquiry I must make is into your own royal family, specifically regarding any young, unmarried princesses that may be attending the ball. Please reply post-haste.

Signed,
Czar Aleksei Kotov

ooc: should I post my arrival, or are you waiting for more nations to show interest?OOC: You are free to post your arrival whenever you want.

~Official Correspondence from the Imperial Palace~

I would be honored to attend your ball. Only recently was I coronated as Czar of West Corinthia, so I am seeking friends and allies among other powerful leaders. I trust your security measures for this event, but my Field Marshal has urged me to bring two Myrmidons with me as added protection. Enclosed with this correspondence is a certificate showing that I am Aleksei Kotov, son of the late Czar Vasili Kotov. Another inquiry I must make is into your own royal family, specifically regarding any young, unmarried princesses that may be attending the ball. Please reply post-haste.

Signed,
Czar Aleksei KotovCzar Aleksei Kotov,

You are more then welcome to attend the Ball and you have proven yourself to be of a well defined noble background and we will be honored to have you attend the Ball. Yet, sadly the Imperial Princess herself will be attending the ball, but due to her own request we will not give you her name as she herself is hoping to meet someone at the Ball without being behind the title as the child of Emperor Reginald, but their will certainly be a large number of princess from the vassal kingdoms of the Empire.

Signed,
Emperor Reginald

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Prince William watched the preparations being made for the Grand Imperial Ball. Then he turned to General Trotsky, who was standing nearby.

"You, know General, to be the first at anything in life is a wonderful experience. But when you're the founding member of a new royal line, being first sure does suck."

The General of the Army shrugged. "Wel I suppose you will just have to grin and bare it, Your Majesty."

"That's my way of dealing with reality, General."

As the private jet neared Scandinvan airspace, it's large fighter escort broke off and returned home. The jet continued on towards the coordinates where they had been told the palace was. They headed for the mountains, and had to gain altitude to clear them. Then, near the top of one of the mountains, they sighted the palace situated on the lake.

"You should really come see this, m'lord." the copilot called back to the cabin of the plane.

Czar Aleksei hastily made his way to the cockpit and was immediately enthralled by the beauty of the palace. "Take a couple pictures while we're in the air. This could give us some ideas when we build a new palace."

The radio crackled for a moment. "Hold on a minute." the pilot urged. "I suggest you return to your seat, m'lord. We'll be descending soon."

Czar Aleksei returned to his seat, and sipped a glass of cognac.

The pilot spoke into his radio, "Scandinvan airfield, this is the plane of Czar Aleksei Kotov of West Corinthia. We request an open strip for landing, over."

The landing strip operator responded,” Alright, you are good for landing at one of the air fields now and to tell you transport to tell is all ready.”

Prince William watched the preparations being made for the Grand Imperial Ball. Then he turned to General Trotsky, who was standing nearby.

"You, know General, to be the first at anything in life is a wonderful experience. But when you're the founding member of a new royal line, being first sure does suck."

The General of the Army shrugged. "Wel I suppose you will just have to grin and bare it, Your Majesty."

"That's my way of dealing with reality, General."OOC: Are you attending the Ball?

Your Imperial Majesty,

I would be delighted to come to your grand ball, and become aquainted with your Empire. I hope you accept this RSVP.

Coordially,

Empress Sakura Kinimoto

Empress Sakura Kinimoto,

I will be most happy for you to attend the Ball and I myself will be honored by your attendance of the ball.

Sincerely,
Emperor Reginald

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Cruising at 23,000 feet, Ricala and Alaric were getting to Scandinvan in a hurry. The F-250 Rattlesnake was capable of airspeeds approaching Mach-1, but this was a pleasure trip. Tooling along at 800 mph, they would be in Scandinvan in about 4.5 hours.

" Captain " Ric Tenat, King of Auralinia, and " Co-Captain " Alaric Tan'it, King of Xeraph and Emperor of the Xeraphian Empire were enjoying themselves immensely. It had been a long time since the two of them had gotten away together. They'd grown up together in the lands far to the west of Xeraph, and over the past 270-odd years had worked side-by-side in the formation of one of the premier Empires of the world. They, along with Vlad of The Grey Phoenix, Sethanis of Black Shadows, Merton of The White-Robed Monks, Ghengiz of The Black Katanas, Feratu of Vhammpyr, and Astran of The Grey Legions had forged an economy second to none, with a military force rarely rivaled.

Alaric frowned as he thought of Feratu and Astran, now dead, executed for their treason to the Empire. They, along with Ghengiz, had formed the Black and Grey Imperium and revolted against the Empire. The revolt failed, but it had left monumental destruction and death in it's wake. A number of lesser nations had allied themselves with The Imperium, but the Allied Coalition had prevailed with the nations of Comatica, NYC, Fourhearts, Velkya, Tocrowkia, Mandalore Prime, Findan, Westbrooke and Tarlag joining with the nations of the Xeraphian Empire to quell the rebellion and defeat the Imperium. Millions on both sides had died and reconstruction of the invaded nations of the Coalition was on-going to this day.

The forces of Emperor Celmateus had captured Vhammpyr's top general, Azulun, but the evil vampire had somehow slipped away and regrouped his remaining forces with Alaric's uncle, Ghengiz, and formed LOKI. The two conspirators lost no time in launching yet another assault on the Empire, but the two were once again defeated. Azulun was still at large, believed to be in hiding somewhere in the region of The Pagan Borderlands, no doubt hatching still another plot to attack and destroy Xeraph. Ghengiz had been captured, and now languished in a windowless stone cell far beneath the Royal Palace in the capitol of Xeraphia.

The Black Katanas were now ruled by Prince Vyossae T'nittas, nephew of both Ghengiz and Alaric. The Grey Legions had become a republic, a free tribe, and had elected Reichard Schneider as President. Schneider himself was actually a distant member of The House of Tanith which had ruled the Empire for hundreds of years. The Priest-King Teii ruled in place of Feratu in Vhammpyr, and in just the last six months, Alaric had added another nation to the Empire, The Protectorate of The Isles of Xeraph. He had placed his long-time friend and military commander John Strickland in charge of the Isles. Strickland was now known as Prince John.

The Empire was at peace.

As Alaric thought on these things, Ric caught his eye and motioned with his hand downward. The Emperor looked down, and saw the rolling hills and rugged mountains of the nation of Scandinvan. Truly a beautiful land. They were still out over the ocean, just entering Scandinvan airspace.

" Alaric, we're about 150 miles from the military airstrip near to the new Scandinvan palace. Would youl like to do the honors?"

In response, Alaric keyed the mic. " Scandinvan authorities, this is Captain Tan'it of the Royal Xeraphian Airforce. We are here on official business with the leadership of your nation. Request permission to land in approximately 5 minutes, these coordinates." He punched in the numbers, then sat back and awaited a response...........

A message was promptly set to the air craft that said,” You have permission to land at your desired destination as well the field has been cleared and is safely secured for your arrival by the Emperor Reginald’s own elite forces.”

Dear Sir,

I would also be happy to attend your ball.

Coordially,

Princess Tomoyo Mikanu

Your Majesty Princess Tomoyo Mikanu,

Your are most welcome to attend the ball your grace and I will be happy to see your there.

Sincerely,
Emperor Reginald

The Czar's private jet touched down at the airfield and glided to a stop near a group of Scandinvanian guards. The door to the jet opened, and a stairway was lowered from within. Four Hoplites (http://public.carnet.hr/husar/Greek%20Hoplite%205th%20Cent%20BC.jpg) in full ceremonial dress rushed out of the jet and secured the area around the stairway. When it was deemed secure, the Czar of West Corinthia descended to the ground.

The first thing anyone would notice about the Czar is that he is young, very young. At just 16 years old, more than one person deemed him too inexperienced to take over ruling a country as large as West Corinthia. Nonetheless, he quickly proved himself to be a strong and determined leader, though sometimes overly reckless and impulsive. His appearance is strongly Russian, with dark eyes and hair, and a light accent. One trait he is renowned for having inherited from his father is his good looks, being recognized a very handsome young man.

As he stepped down from the plane, his hoplites bowed to the ground until he passed. He approached the nearest non-Corinthian and introduced himself, "I am Czar Aleksei Kotov. Can you direct me to the palace?" He stood in armor similar to the hoplites, but made of pure gold and the finest leather. He held a golden Corinthian helmet at his side, with a bright red plume waving in the wind.

Sakura arrived in the Empire. It was a very glorious place, great skyscrapers spanned the sky, and people we're freindly too. She was a total stranger and people were bidding her good day. Then she was bused up to the mountains, which we're amazing. Large and vast canyons and many trees incredible rock formations. And she came upon the grand palace, another amazing place. "My these people are amazing archetics." She thought aloud.

"Such structure and detail."

The Czar's private jet touched down at the airfield and glided to a stop near a group of Scandinvanian guards. The door to the jet opened, and a stairway was lowered from within. Four Hoplites (http://public.carnet.hr/husar/Greek%20Hoplite%205th%20Cent%20BC.jpg) in full ceremonial dress rushed out of the jet and secured the area around the stairway. When it was deemed secure, the Czar of West Corinthia descended to the ground.

The first thing anyone would notice about the Czar is that he is young, very young. At just 16 years old, more than one person deemed him too inexperienced to take over ruling a country as large as West Corinthia. Nonetheless, he quickly proved himself to be a strong and determined leader, though sometimes overly reckless and impulsive. His appearance is strongly Russian, with dark eyes and hair, and a light accent. One trait he is renowned for having inherited from his father is his good looks, being recognized a very handsome young man.

As he stepped down from the plane, his hoplites bowed to the ground until he passed. He approached the nearest non-Corinthian and introduced himself, "I am Czar Aleksei Kotov. Can you direct me to the palace?" He stood in armor similar to the hoplites, but made of pure gold and the finest leather. He held a golden Corinthian helmet at his side, with a bright red plume waving in the wind.An extremely tall man approaching nearly seven feet in height approached the man. The man himself was dressed in gilded silver plate mail and at his side bore a beautiful sword crusted with gems. As well, he was lordly in appearance; grey eyed, with light blonde, and was faire beyond the measure of lesser men. Approaching the Czar he bowed his head and then said,” Welcome Lord to the Scandinvan Empire and I here on behalf of my Emperor. I myself will bring you to the palace in a private armored limo with a heavy military escort. So now please follow me to your limo which awaits us right now.”

Sakura arrived in the Empire. It was a very glorious place, great skyscrapers spanned the sky, and people we're freindly too. She was a total stranger and people were bidding her good day. Then she was bused up to the mountains, which we're amazing. Large and vast canyons and many trees incredible rock formations. And she came upon the grand palace, another amazing place. "My these people are amazing archetics." She thought aloud.

"Such structure and detail."As she approached the palace perimeter a small escort of Imperial High Guards dressed in heavy silver plate mail approached here and then bowed. Then their commander said,” Please follow us to the palace, but feel free to decide to walk or travel by limo the few miles left to the palace.”

"I'll happily take a ride." She smiled brightly

Tomoyo arrived, and awated her escorte. She had the same old argument with her body guards to back off a little, and giver her some space. She quitley practiced her English assuming most would likely speak English as a second language. Not many non Kuronan's spoke Kurma.

Czar Aleksei nodded and followed the man to the limo, with his hoplite bodyguards just behind.

"I'll happily take a ride." She smiled brightlyThe commander bowed to her and the led her to a limo. There he opened the door for her there.

Tomoyo arrived, and awated her escorte. She had the same old argument with her body guards to back off a little, and giver her some space. She quitley practiced her English assuming most would likely speak English as a second language. Not many non Kuronan's spoke Kurma.To greet her a man dressed in High Imperial Armor greeted her. Then he said in Latin, English, Valgardian, and Kurma,” Greetings your grace and welcome to the Scandinvan Empire. I have been sent by Emperor Reginald to escort you to the palace and also your luggage shall be handled by a number of servants. Currently transport has been arranged to the palace.”

Czar Aleksei nodded and followed the man to the limo, with his hoplite bodyguards just behind.Opening the door to the limo inside were two Imperial body guards assigned to help protect him.

OOC: Are you attending the Ball?

Nada. Your rules stipulated that one had to be of noble birth. Prince William is the son of a union electrician from America.

OOC: Sorry, about that rule, but that is for the reason that this ball will be one of a number of different things and the nobility and royalty of my nation will not to kindly to a person of humble birth coming to the ball and possibly attempting to gain the interest if high born women.

OOC: Bu the way is anyone has any further questions just send me a TG or just ask on this thread.

Ric guided the Rattlesnake onto the airstrip with a perfect three-point landing and taxied the fighter over to a hangar near the Traffic Control Tower. As he and Alaric popped their canopies, he noticed a squad of armed soldiers approaching the jet.

The two Xeraphian rulers jumped down from the fighter, and both saluted the Major of the Scandinvan squad.

After all.......they were just Captains.............

"Ah you speak Kurma?" She asked getting into the limo.

Ric guided the Rattlesnake onto the airstrip with a perfect three-point landing and taxied the fighter over to a hangar near the Traffic Control Tower. As he and Alaric popped their canopies, he noticed a squad of armed soldiers approaching the jet.

The two Xeraphian rulers jumped down from the fighter, and both saluted the Major of the Scandinvan squad.

After all.......they were just Captains.............A major dressed in the armor of the High Imperial Guard approached them with an escort of four other High Imperial Guards. Upon getting closer they banged their weapons against their shields once to greet them. Speaking in English he said,” Welcome to the Scandinvan Empire. When you all are ready we shall depart to the palace. As well, if you wish you might rest here in the commodore’s quarters for a while or have a catered meal prepared by a number of the Emperor’s personal chiefs.”

"Ah you speak Kurma?" She asked getting into the limo.The guard responded,” Yes, I do speak Kurma.”

"Not many speak it outside of Kurona. That's truly amazing."

Opening the door to the limo inside were two Imperial body guards assigned to help protect him.

Czar Aleksei stepped into the limo, followed by his bodyguards. One guard shut the door while another told the driver they were ready to go to the palace.

OOC: This feels a bit sluggish, next time you reply, assume the limo has gotten to the palace.

The driver promptly drove them to the palace where a man stood on the outside steps of it which were made of marble. Upon that a number of servants began to gather the Czar’s luggage. Then the man said,” Please, follow me to your room as the Ball will not start for a period of time.” Saying that he began to walk into the palace so to lead the Czar to his room.

Czar Aleksei stepped out of the limo and took one last look at the vast vista behind him. Somehow it reminded him of the view from Irkutsk back in West Corinthia, a village where he used to vacation in the summers. The memory of Irkutsk was now a painful one, as Aleksei had witnessed the village's destruction first-hand, all in an attempt to assassinate him.

One of his Hoplites gently shook the Czar, so as to make him alert once more. Czar Aleksei smiled, and turned around to go inside the palace. Immediately upon entering the palace, the Czar had his attention divided. He wanted to make sure he stayed with his host, but also was looking to scope out any ladies which he might want to become better acquainted with at the ball.

A number of lordly noble Vaglardian women were in the palace, but for the most part did not give the Czar any real heed. Yet, one or two of him did give him a quick glance.

Not noticing the Czar was looking around the palace the guide continued to lead the company to their room. Then at last they arrived at the room at where the door was already opened and everything prepared for the Czar. There he handed one of the guards a key and then said,” Well, your majesty, this is your room and everything is already prepared for you, but if you need anything just contact the servants quarters and it shall be attended to post haste.”

A major dressed in the armor of the High Imperial Guard approached them with an escort of four other High Imperial Guards. Upon getting closer they banged their weapons against their shields once to greet them. Speaking in English he said,” Welcome to the Scandinvan Empire. When you all are ready we shall depart to the palace. As well, if you wish you might rest here in the commodore’s quarters for a while or have a catered meal prepared by a number of the Emperor’s personal chiefs.”


" If it is all the same to you, Major, we would like to be taken to our quarters in or near the Palace so that we can get cleaned up a bit before we greet your Emperor. Would that be alright?", asked ALaric.

The limo pulled up to the Grand Palace. The chuffer opend the door for her.
She bowed and said "Thank you."

"What a glorious place."

"Thank you very much." She stepped out of the limo to see her fellow neighboring leader standing right there.

"Tomoyo-chan, Konichiwa. (<---native M.S. Japanese) and Aqusa (<---Kurma for hello)

She stepped up beside her.

Tomoyo bowed "Aquasa Empress Kinimoto. Deux suot Kurma so. Chunya zeto fxma"

"Been working on your Kurma I see. You're getting quite good with it."

"Yes." She said in plain English. "Have you been practicing Japanese?"

Tomoyo nodded to her.

She continued in plain English "You've come for the Ball your self Tomoyo?"

She was given another nod.

"That's right. It looks like M.S. is finally getting some freinds in the world finally."

" If it is all the same to you, Major, we would like to be taken to our quarters in or near the Palace so that we can get cleaned up a bit before we greet your Emperor. Would that be alright?", asked ALaric.The Major answered,” Alright, transport has already been arranged for you to the palace by limo and also you have been provided with a good part of the northern ring of the palace as your own due for the respect that the Emperor has for Xeraph. If you will follow me to the limo now and we shall depart for the palace.”

While the rulers were talking a number of servants began to gather their luggage and bring it their rooms. As well, two guards remained to escort their majesties to their rooms when they were ready.

"Perhaps you'd like to get some rest before the ball commences, m'lord?" one of Czar Aleksei's bodyguards suggested, now that they were alone in the room.

"Nonsense." the Czar smiled and threw a briefcase to the hoplite. "You get to unpack, and I'm going to have a look around."

The hoplite laughed, knowing the Czar was only kidding him. "Ok, lead on."

"Good, follow me." the Czar walked out of his room, and left two of his Hoplites to guard the door. Another hoplite was permitted to look for a bite to eat, and the last hoplite accompanied the Czar down the hallway.

The Czar had shined his golden hoplite armor before leaving the room and had donned an ankle-length purple cape. At his side, he still held a red-crested Corinthian helm, and wore a short-sword on the other side.

"Yuri." the Czar addressed the hoplite walking beside him. "Start talking to me, so it will look like we're on official business. And be sure to point out any babes, alright?"

"Of course, your majesty. Did you remember to set the configuration to 67.23 Alpha Charlie?" Although the hoplite, Yuri, was more than willing to play along with the young Czar's antics, he sometimes questioned who's bright idea it was to let a 16-year-old take over the country. "By the way," he added, "I think most of the women here are either too old for you, or way out of your league."

The Czar merely laughed and punched his friend in the arm.

A number of lordly men were standing or walking through the vast white marble hallways of the palace dressed in silver armor inlaid with gold runes. They spoke in High Valgardian which was now only known to the high nobles of Valgard due to the fact that is was now one of the most ancient surviving languages in the world that was not related to any other one of non-Valgardian origin in these days. As well, the hallways of the palace were covered with golden styled patterns, ancient paintings, glorious paintings of old glories, and ancient artifacts. As for the women they were currently preparing the ball for the ball of they were meeting the Emperor’s second son who was currently looking for a wife of high Valgardian blood.

The Major answered,” Alright, transport has already been arranged for you to the palace by limo and also you have been provided with a good part of the northern ring of the palace as your own due for the respect that the Emperor has for Xeraph. If you will follow me to the limo now and we shall depart for the palace.”


Once again, Ricala and Alaric saluted the Major. " Thank you, Major. It is much appreciated." They looked at each other with barely suppressed grins. Once in the limo, Ric said, " They don't have a clue as to who we are, do they?" "Apparently not, cousin", said the Emperor. " Let's keep it that way for now, yes?"

" OK by me. It's nice not to have people fawning all over us for a change."

They sat back in the plush seats of the limo and enjoyed the ride............

The Major who was in the front responded,” By the way your majesties who was your flight?”

The King's Lear Jet circled the airport and received permission to land. As they taxied to a stop, Anne grabbed Charles' hand. " Honey, this is so exciting! This is the first time in over seventy-five years that members of the royal family have attended a function on foreign soil. How do I look?"

Charles gave her the once over. " Stunning, my dear, absolutely stunning. You'll be the envy of all the ladies of Scandivan."

" Hmmmmm....I'll bet you say that to all the girls," she said. She glanced out of the window. " Here comes the official greeting party. Are we ready?"

" Quite ready. " He stood and offered her his arm. " Shall we go?"

Aboard the Presidential yacht "Freedom", President Schneider was relaxing on the foredeck with a martini when the captain informed him that they were approaching Scandivan waters. Schneider sighed. ' No rest for the weary', he thought.

It was an exciting time when they had overthrown the dictator and renegade rebel Duke Avan Astran and established a republic in Legion lands. He had been very surprised when they wanted him to run for president. He was just a lowly Brigadier General of the Red Legion who had had a few successes in the coup, not the least of which was the capture of the Duke. And now he was president, and the rebuilding of the country was a daunting task. Astran had stripped the treasury to fund the rebellion, and almost 70% of the military had gone with him. Only 3 or 4 percent of the rebelling military were left alive, and they were licking thier wounds somewhere in the Pagan Borderlands along with the remnants of Vhammpyrian Warriors and Katanan troopers.

He was grateful when he received the notice about this function. He needed a break. It was a lot easier being a General than a President.

" Captain, inform Scandinvan authorities that we'll be docking shortly and inquire as to protocol."

" Yessir. Will any of the, er, ladies, be joining you at the Ball?"

" I don't know yet. I may just go solo. They talk too much...know what I mean?"

" Yes sir, I do. I'm married."

Schneider chuckled. " I tried that once. Not my cup of tea."

The captain turned and looked at the radar screen. " Looks like someone is already coming out to greet us, sir."

" Good. Let's get this show on the road."

The King's Lear Jet circled the airport and received permission to land. As they taxied to a stop, Anne grabbed Charles' hand. " Honey, this is so exciting! This is the first time in over seventy-five years that members of the royal family have attended a function on foreign soil. How do I look?"

Charles gave her the once over. " Stunning, my dear, absolutely stunning. You'll be the envy of all the ladies of Scandivan."

" Hmmmmm....I'll bet you say that to all the girls," she said. She glanced out of the window. " Here comes the official greeting party. Are we ready?"

" Quite ready. " He stood and offered her his arm. " Shall we go?"After the plane came to a stop a group of tall lordly men approached the plane dressed in the ancient silver armor of the knights that were most associated with the Emperor Reginald. When the King and Queen of Knaves Rock came out of the plane the guards banged their spears against their shields to greet them. Then the Captain of the Guards approached them and bowed his head and said,” My majesties welcome to the Empire of the Scandinvans. Now if you please follow me to the limo that awaits you as the day approaches the highest point of the sun and we need to be to the palace by midday as the Emperor wishes to meet you at your arrival himself.”

The Major who was in the front responded,” By the way your majesties who was your flight?”


Alaric and Ricala looked at each other, then Alaric said, " OK, Major, we're impressed. What gave us away?"

Aboard the Presidential yacht "Freedom", President Schneider was relaxing on the foredeck with a martini when the captain informed him that they were approaching Scandivan waters. Schneider sighed. ' No rest for the weary', he thought.

It was an exciting time when they had overthrown the dictator and renegade rebel Duke Avan Astran and established a republic in Legion lands. He had been very surprised when they wanted him to run for president. He was just a lowly Brigadier General of the Red Legion who had had a few successes in the coup, not the least of which was the capture of the Duke. And now he was president, and the rebuilding of the country was a daunting task. Astran had stripped the treasury to fund the rebellion, and almost 70% of the military had gone with him. Only 3 or 4 percent of the rebelling military were left alive, and they were licking thier wounds somewhere in the Pagan Borderlands along with the remnants of Vhammpyrian Warriors and Katanan troopers.

He was grateful when he received the notice about this function. He needed a break. It was a lot easier being a General than a President.

" Captain, inform Scandinvan authorities that we'll be docking shortly and inquire as to protocol."

" Yessir. Will any of the, er, ladies, be joining you at the Ball?"

" I don't know yet. I may just go solo. They talk too much...know what I mean?"

" Yes sir, I do. I'm married."

Schneider chuckled. " I tried that once. Not my cup of tea."

The captain turned and looked at the radar screen. " Looks like someone is already coming out to greet us, sir."

" Good. Let's get this show on the road."Qualifications to Come:
1. Must be of noble birth, must be able to prove it.OOC: Is he a noble as it is a requirement to attend the Ball?

Alaric and Ricala looked at each other, then Alaric said, " OK, Major, we're impressed. What gave us away?"The Major replied,” Well, seeing that I have seen you on television and I was briefed on your pictures just lately, but really the window was cracked just a bit due to the limo driver having it down a bit due to having accidentally hitting it. As well, we were told to await for the arrival of both of your nations air craft were would arrived soon and together.”

The Major replied,” Well, seeing that I have seen you on television and I was briefed on your pictures just lately, but really the window was cracked just a bit due to the limo driver having it down a bit due to having accidentally hitting it. As well, we were told to await for the arrival of both of your nations air craft were would arrived soon and together.”


" Very good, Major. Attentive to detail, focussed, and discreet. How'd you like a job in the Xeraphian Secret Service/Recon Corps?", asked the Emperor.

OOC: Is he a noble as it is a requirement to attend the Ball?


OOC...please see the original GL post.

" Very good, Major. Attentive to detail, focussed, and discreet. How'd you like a job in the Xeraphian Secret Service/Recon Corps?", asked the Emperor.“I must decline for my life is pledged to Emperor Reginald and I will not break my oath to his service unless I am released from it. Yet, for the compliment I thank you your highness,” responded the Major.

OOC...please see the original GL post.OOC: Sorry, forgot about that post.:(

IC: The boat was a fairly comfortable yacht that was usually only meant for picking up people up people so there were not many luxuries on it. As the ship approached they signaled down the ship to let them put an bridge to connect their ships.

“I must decline for my life is pledged to Emperor Reginald and I will not break my oath to his service unless I am released from it. Yet, for the compliment I thank you your highness,” responded the Major.


" And the ultimate qualification.......loyalty. You are to be commended, and I'll see to it when I see your Emperor. Carry on, Major."

" And the ultimate qualification.......loyalty. You are to be commended, and I'll see to it when I see your Emperor. Carry on, Major."Bowing his head in thanks to the comment he then remained silent for a good deal of time before he spoke. After a short period of time they arrived at the palace and the Major said,” Well, your majesties welcome to the palace where the Imperial ball shall be held. At the moment the Ball is still being set up and everyone is settling into their rooms. As for you two you shall have your own good sized wing of the palace to yourselves.”

Bowing his head in thanks to the comment he then remained silent for a good deal of time before he spoke. After a short period of time they arrived at the palace and the Major said,” Well, your majesties welcome to the palace where the Imperial ball shall be held. At the moment the Ball is still being set up and everyone is settling into their rooms. As for you two you shall have your own good sized wing of the palace to yourselves.”

" Again, thank you Major." Alaric and Ricala saluted him and the Emperor offered him his hand. " In Xeraph we're very casual about titles. Please call me Alaric. No one in Xeraph will ever take offense at the informality. Hopefully, we'll meet again."

The Emperor and the King followed their escorts into the Palace, eager to get cleaned up and a bit of a nap before meeting the Emperor of the Scandivans. Thus far, it had been most pleasurable and informative. Both rulers were most impressed with things Scandinvan........

The Major said before the two left,” Though that may be in your nation it is quite customary in mine to address people by their titles.”

When a couple of hours had passed a servant came and knocked on the door to their wing of the palace e as it was time for them to meet the Scandinvan Emperor.

Czar Aleksei had had no luck in finding women before the ball.

"About time we return to the room, m'lord? Perhaps you should rest, there's a long night ahead of you." his bodyguard suggested.

"Not as long as I hoped, I think." the Czar responded. "Hey, when am I going to meet their emperor anyway? Let's find that guy who led us to the room. Then we'll arrange a meeting of some kind. I'd like to have a chat with him before the ball."

"I think he went this way." the bodyguard now took the lead. They wandered from hall to hall, until they both agreed they were completely lost.

"Let's think this through. If we retrace our steps, we can get back to the room. If we can get back to the room, we can call room service and have them arrange a meeting with the emperor."

"Sounds good." the bodyguard agreed. "Do remember which way we came from?"

"I don't have a clue."

Czar Aleksei had had no luck in finding women before the ball.

"About time we return to the room, m'lord? Perhaps you should rest, there's a long night ahead of you." his bodyguard suggested.

"Not as long as I hoped, I think." the Czar responded. "Hey, when am I going to meet their emperor anyway? Let's find that guy who led us to the room. Then we'll arrange a meeting of some kind. I'd like to have a chat with him before the ball."

"I think he went this way." the bodyguard now took the lead. They wandered from hall to hall, until they both agreed they were completely lost.

"Let's think this through. If we retrace our steps, we can get back to the room. If we can get back to the room, we can call room service and have them arrange a meeting with the emperor."

"Sounds good." the bodyguard agreed. "Do remember which way we came from?"

"I don't have a clue."As they went through the hallways a servant hearing that they were lost came up to the two and said,” May I happy you find your way to your desired destination your majesty?”

They finished talking pretty much.

"Where are you staying Ms. Sakura?"

"Well I am apparently in suite 36."

"Why don't we get ones next to eachother."

She flagged down a servant.

OOC: There are no suite numbers generally they areas given to monarchs are enclosures inside the greater part of the palace and if you like I have two monarchs stay in the same general chambers if you want.

oh

A servant came up to them and said,” Your chambers have been prepared entirely and if you follow me I shall bring you to them if you will.”

"thank you."

With that said the servant began to lead the way through the palace’s many white marble hallways until they reached a bronze door where the servant handed one of the key to the door and then said,” Here is your rooms your graces.”

The Major said before the two left,” Though that may be in your nation it is quite customary in mine to address people by their titles.”

When a couple of hours had passed a servant came and knocked on the door to their wing of the palace e as it was time for them to meet the Scandinvan Emperor.


The sight that greeted the servant was not to be forgotten for a very long time.

As Alaric and Ricala exited the room, the servants of the Palace were treated to the Xeraphian version of formal-wear.

The Emperor and The King were dressed in identical black leather battle uniforms of the ShadowGuard Legions of the nation of Black Shadows. The upper portions of the uniform were covered in a dark grey tunic made of fine chainmail, and the lower parts were beefed up by thin layers of Kevlar-IIa armor. The uniform was completed by thigh-high black lambskin boots.

Their bare arms were covered with the esoteric swirls and slashes of their respective tribal tattoos, from shoulder to wrist, and connected on the back of their necks with a large "X" in the center of which were the Roman numerals 3, 6, and 9.

They were armed with dual Glock 9mm automatics, a pair of battle-knives, and each had their Katanas strapped across their backs. As this was a formal occasion, they refrained from carrying their AK-47IIa rifles.

Both were tall even by Xeraphian standards. Ricala stood 6'6" tall, his shoulder length salt-and-pepper hair hanging loosely about is clean-shaven face. He, as well as Alaric, had multiple earrings in each ear, each one a designation of another victorious battle or war.

Alaric was the taller of the two...6'8", a bundle of heavily muscled, barely concealed menace. His waist-length hair was braided into a heavy tail reaching down his back, a thin band of iron on his head the only indication of his high rank. His startlingly blue eyes were set in a battle-scarred face, his chin-beard close-cropped.

As the servant stood there slack-jawed, Ricala grinned and said, " Close your mouth, boy. Flies are gonna get in there. Show us the way to the Throne Room, if you please."

As the servant stood there slack-jawed, Ricala grinned and said, " Close your mouth, boy. Flies are gonna get in there. Show us the way to the Throne Room, if you please."The servant getting back into pose bowed to the two of them and lead them quickly to the throne of the palace. Opening the door to it the room was made of Penteli marble which shown with a golden glow due to the sun’s ray. Throughout the room there white marble statues of the Emperors of old standing tall and mighty still with their swords either in the air or to their feet. Then there was the platinum throne of the Emperor Reginald lines with the finest of diamonds of all different hues which appeared to be the throne of a god of old. Then sitting on it in platinum plate was Emperor Reginald with the ancient crown of Valgard on his head which shown like a great silver star. Then seeing his company was here he stood up and the sun was reflected off his armor. Yet, then he slowly descended the stairs with thee scepter of the Emperors shining. Then at the bottom of the stairs he said,” Welcome my most honored guesrs.”

The servant getting back into pose bowed to the two of them and lead them quickly to the throne of the palace. Opening the door to it the room was made of Penteli marble which shown with a golden glow due to the sun’s ray. Throughout the room there white marble statues of the Emperors of old standing tall and mighty still with their swords either in the air or to their feet. Then there was the platinum throne of the Emperor Reginald lines with the finest of diamonds of all different hues which appeared to be the throne of a god of old. Then sitting on it in platinum plate was Emperor Reginald with the ancient crown of Valgard on his head which shown like a great silver star. Then seeing his company was here he stood up and the sun was reflected off his armor. Yet, then he slowly descended the stairs with thee scepter of the Emperors shining. Then at the bottom of the stairs he said,” Welcome my most honored guesrs.”


Alaric and Ricala bowed to the Scandinvan Emperor. " Thank you, Imperator, for your hospitality. This is quite the place!", said King Ricala.

As they went through the hallways a servant hearing that they were lost came up to the two and said,” May I happy you find your way to your desired destination your majesty?”

"Yes." Czar Aleksei replied. "I'm Czar Aleksei of West Corinthia, and this is my bodyguard, Yuri. We were looking for our room, but since you are here, could you tell me how to arrange a visit with your emperor? I've been here for nearly an hour and haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet."

Alaric and Ricala bowed to the Scandinvan Emperor. " Thank you, Imperator, for your hospitality. This is quite the place!", said King Ricala.The Emperor who now was fairly close to them and now his great age was revealed to him His body seemed to be aged well beyond a hundred years physically, but yet a great part of the strength of his youth was still upon him and he could still wield his sword like a great warrior worthy of the title as ruler of the war like Valgardians. Then he said,” Greeting it has been many generations since two such as yourselves gave come here. Yet, to say something else I am glad to have here.”

"Yes." Czar Aleksei replied. "I'm Czar Aleksei of West Corinthia, and this is my bodyguard, Yuri. We were looking for our room, but since you are here, could you tell me how to arrange a visit with your emperor? I've been here for nearly an hour and haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet."The servant responded,” I shall now lead you the throne room now then.”

Czar Aleksei was somewhat surprised by the answer. He had expected that a formal meeting would be set up for a scheduled time, but apparently the Emperor was ready to recieve him. "Very well, lead on."

Leading on the servant brought them to large bronze door and then said,” Please, wait as currently the Emperor is in a meeting and will be done shortly.”

The Emperor who now was fairly close to them and now his great age was revealed to him His body seemed to be aged well beyond a hundred years physically, but yet a great part of the strength of his youth was still upon him and he could still wield his sword like a great warrior worthy of the title as ruler of the war like Valgardians. Then he said,” Greeting it has been many generations since two such as yourselves gave come here. Yet, to say something else I am glad to have here.”


Ricala bowed again and said, " Again, many thanks, Your Majesty. The Emperor and I are honored to be here." I see that you have other guests waiting to see you, so we'll take our leave and see you at dinner."

Alaric's attention was already being focussed on a certain young serving wench across the room...........

The Emperor nearly collapsed unto his staff due to his old age, but managed to push himself back up and then said,” I desire you to dine with me as of right now there still two seats on my right hand side that are not filled by my kindred and I wish for you two to fill them as my honored guests at tonight's minor feast.”

The Emperor nearly collapsed unto his staff due to his old age, but managed to push himself back up and then said,” I desire you to dine with me as of right now there still two seats on my right hand side that are not filled by my kindred and I wish for you two to fill them as my honored guests at tonight's minor feast.”

" We would be honored, your Majesty. Thank you for this singular honor."

“For the time being feel free to sit in the hall with me at the right hand seat of the throne if you wish or if you desire you may walk in my private gardens or you may return to your return for your own purposes.”

After receiving confirmation of his new post and title in the Scandinvan Empire, Benoît Moreau, the Count of Mont Neigeux immediately hopped on his private jet and directed it to take off ASAP.

Five minutes later they were in the air and within a few hours they had arrived at one of the airports in Scandinvan. After exiting the aircraft, a series of armored cars and security guards met the Count and took him straight to the Imperial Palace where the Grand Ball was being held.

Benoît had been sure to dress his best for the occasion and was all ready to make his entrance when he arrived...

Being brought to the palace the servants brought him first to his private chambers so that he may prepare for his meeting with the Emperor witch was scheduled to be in an hour.

Being brought to the palace the servants brought him first to his private chambers so that he may prepare for his meeting with the Emperor witch was scheduled to be in an hour.

Benoît Moreau thanked the servant politely as he entered his private chambers where he could get ready for the meeting. Already dressed in an elegant suit with a white napking in the breast pocket, all the Count needed to do was to freshen up. While his private jet certainly had all of the amenities that he could possibly need, there was something about being on firm land that was just different... and so he entered the bathroom of his chambers and splashed some water onto his face.

After a few minutes of freshening up, Benoît sat down in one of the comfortable leather chairs and awaited his scheduled meeting...

Lord Marcus Blaine stepped out from his limosuine and walked towards the doors. The Emperor had requested his presence, and, as he had promised to swear his loyalty to the Emperor, he had obeyed.

Lord Marcus Blaine stepped out from his limosuine and walked towards the doors. The Emperor had requested his presence, and, as he had promised to swear his loyalty to the Emperor, he had obeyed.To greet him a company of guards went before and greeted them. Then they instructed for Blain to follow them to the throne room

Blaine nodded, and calmly followed the guards, glancing about in subtle admiration of the splendor of the palace.

Bringing Blain to the throne room they opened the great metal doors to it where the Emperor was awaiting him sitting on a high throne.

OOC: Alright, I am manipulating the time in this thread so everything works out in the end and bring everyone to the same pace by the time the Ball starts.

BlainE knelt before the Emperor and bowed his head. "Your majesty," he said.

OOC: Sorry, about that mistake.

IC: The Emperor bowed his head in greeting and then said,” Welcome Lord Blaine to my palace. I am happy you have arrived as your timing is well.”

"I am pleased to hear it, your majesty. You requested my presence."

“That is true as it is time for you to make your pledge to the throne of the Scandinvans.”

As we stated in another thread http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497349, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Brasland is looking for a royal princess to marry. The lady who will become Queen of Brasland must be of royal blood, virgin, and from a fertile family, as we need heirs and the dynasty is almost extinct.
All the members of the royal family who marry commoners loose their titles and rights to the throne, and those of their descendants. The current King has six children, all of whom - with the exception of the Crown Prince - have married commoners. There is only one more person with rights to the throne, the King's unlce, Prince Louis Frederick, who is 88 years old and childless, so obviously our sovereign is desperate for a young and fertile princess (and virgin!).
The future heiress to the throne will live in the left wing of the Royal Palace together with her husband and children. She will receive an annual allowance which has to be approved by the Parliament of the nation. She will be Patron of many institutions and will also preside the Braslandian Red Cross, which used to be presided by H.M. the late Queen Maria Anna, who died some years ago.

[ooc: Benoit is waiting in his chambers.]

[ooc: Benoit is waiting in his chambers.]OOC: You know what if you want you may bring your count to the chambers to make your oaths along side each other.

ooc: Alright.

IC:

A few moments passed as Benoît Moreau gazed over the room, taking in every lavish detail.

Then a servant entered and humbly bowed before reciting his message, "Sir, the Emperor will see you in his chambers now."

"Ah, thank you very much," the Count replied as he stood from his chair and exited the room.

In a few swift moments, guided by the servants all around the palace, Benoît Moreau found his way to the Emperor's Chambers where he politely rapped on the door and then stepped in.

A guard opened the door for the Count and then made way for him. Then there was the Emperor on his high golden throne and Blaine near the throne.

"Greetings, oh great Emperor," the Count said as he entered through the portal and bowed respectfully. "I have come for my oath of allegiance."

The King and the Emperor stood aside as the Emperor of the Scandinvans headed for a couple of new arrivals. As he passed, they wandered over to the banquet table and grabbed a couple of glasses of wine.

Alaric stood rocking on is heels and following the progress of a serving girl when Ricala nudged him. " Say, isn't that Moreau of DMG?"

Alaric glanced over at the person Ric was looking at and said, "Yep...sure is. And there's Blaine of the Aeson right behind him. Something's up."

They continued watching as innocuously as possible........

The Emperor replied,” Good then, I will now tell you the oath and then repeat it and it shall be fulfilled and the oath complete. I Count Benoît Moreau now pledge my loyalty everlasting firstly to the Emperor of Scandinvan and to all of his descendents, then to the Empire which I shall love with all my heart and protect with all my strength. Further, I vow to uphold the command of the Scandivan Emperor evermore to be committed to it and to love him and his kin as my brothers and to equally despise his enemies as he does. To this I now bound my House to be bound to that the of the Emperor’s beyond the ends of the world. With I now offer my soul as price if I betray my oath and if I betray my oath may I suffer through everlasting torments to breaking this oath of which I now commit to after speaking these words. Which now may I accept the burden as Lord of Hradoatica so that we might uphold the glory of the Empire and the Emperor.”

The King and the Emperor stood aside as the Emperor of the Scandinvans headed for a couple of new arrivals. As he passed, they wandered over to the banquet table and grabbed a couple of glasses of wine.

Alaric stood rocking on is heels and following the progress of a serving girl when Ricala nudged him. " Say, isn't that Moreau of DMG?"

Alaric glanced over at the person Ric was looking at and said, "Yep...sure is. And there's Blaine of the Aeson right behind him. Something's up."

They continued watching as innocuously as possible........The serving girl replied,” My lord, your assumption is correct and he currently is here on affairs directly with the Emperor and if you wish you are now considered close associates of the Emperor and you are entitled to hear the affairs of the Court.”

The serving girl replied,” My lord, your assumption is correct and he currently is here on affairs directly with the Emperor and if you wish you are now considered close associates of the Emperor and you are entitled to hear the affairs of the Court.”


Alaric looked closely at the girl. " And just what would a serving girl know about such things, eh?" He moved towards her and grabbed her arm. " Who are you, girl?"

The girl replied,” I am a mere servant of the Emperor trained since early childhood to be in service of the Emperor chosen from the 100 High Imperial families. Thus, I have the trust of the Emperor in such matters.”

The girl replied,” I am a mere servant of the Emperor trained since early childhood to be in service of the Emperor chosen from the 100 High Imperial families. Thus, I have the trust of the Emperor in such matters.”


" Hmmmm....you do, do you? Well, girl, if you have the trust of your Emperor, I suppose I could trust you with a little secret?"

The girl shook her head and agreement to the proposal and then calmy prepared to listen to it.

The girl shook her head and agreement to the proposal and then calmy prepared to listen to it.

Alaric settled down into an overstuffed chair, the girl sitting primly across from him on a straight-backed chair. Ricala was keeping watch....it would not do to have anyone overhear this conversation.

" Girl, we're here ostensibly as guests of your Emperor...just a celebration of sorts. Ric and I normally wouldn't attend a function like this by ourselves, never mind the two of us together. No, we're here for another reason.

A while back, a few of the nations of my Empire rebelled, were defeated, and after they had been brought back within the Empire, the rebel leaders were either imprisoned or executed. The Empire is now at peace, but there are rumors bouncing around about one of the rebel leaders who was thought to be dead is still alive and in hiding far to the north.

His name is Azulun. He was High General of the nation of Vhammpyr, and was responsible for the deaths of over seven million people of the Empire and it's allies. He escaped our clutches twice, but wasn't heard from for a very long time, and was assumed to be dead. Now, it is perhaps otherwise.

It is rumored that he is consolidating his power in a region far to the north, thousands of miles from here. What his plans are, we haven't a clue. We can't get near the area due to the perpetual ice and fog and certain.....things.....that keep preventing our people from discovering what goes on there.

So, what has that to do with Scandinvans? We received a report that Azulun had left the Pagan Borderlands with two of his most ruthless Warriors and was going to sneak into several nations, this being one of them.. Ricala and I believe that he is here now. You don't need a description......they look unlike anything youv'e ever seen. You won't mistake them for anything but what they are.......vampires of the Snake Clan, those who kill with the venom of the cobra.

We in Xeraph have Hominis Nocturnis...Men of the Night...in every level of government and the military. These are the loyal vampires of the old Vhammpyrric Confederation, almost wiped out in the war with the Empire of Koth over 200 years ago. You wouldn't be able to tell them apart from any other citizen of the Empire.

But the Serpent Warriors, as Azulun's men are called, are fierce, deadly, and wicked beyond belief. If they're here in Scandinvan, you can bet they're up to no good. Ric and I are here to try and prevent Azulun from stirring up trouble."

After the Emperor had stated the words, Benoit repeated them, pausing only after each line.

"I, Count Benoît Moreau, now pledge my loyalty everlasting firstly to the Emperor of Scandinvan and to all of his descendents, then to the Empire which I shall love with all my heart and protect with all my strength. Further, I vow to uphold the command of the Scandivan Emperor evermore to be committed to it and to love him and his kin as my brothers and to equally despise his enemies as he does. To this I now bound my House to be bound to that the of the Emperor’s beyond the ends of the world. With I now offer my soul as price if I betray my oath and if I betray my oath may I suffer through everlasting torments to breaking this oath of which I now commit to after speaking these words. Which now may I accept the burden as Lord of Hradoatica so that we might uphold the glory of the Empire and the Emperor."

Alaric settled down into an overstuffed chair, the girl sitting primly across from him on a straight-backed chair. Ricala was keeping watch....it would not do to have anyone overhear this conversation.

" Girl, we're here ostensibly as guests of your Emperor...just a celebration of sorts. Ric and I normally wouldn't attend a function like this by ourselves, never mind the two of us together. No, we're here for another reason.

A while back, a few of the nations of my Empire rebelled, were defeated, and after they had been brought back within the Empire, the rebel leaders were either imprisoned or executed. The Empire is now at peace, but there are rumors bouncing around about one of the rebel leaders who was thought to be dead is still alive and in hiding far to the north.

His name is Azulun. He was High General of the nation of Vhammpyr, and was responsible for the deaths of over seven million people of the Empire and it's allies. He escaped our clutches twice, but wasn't heard from for a very long time, and was assumed to be dead. Now, it is perhaps otherwise.

It is rumored that he is consolidating his power in a region far to the north, thousands of miles from here. What his plans are, we haven't a clue. We can't get near the area due to the perpetual ice and fog and certain.....things.....that keep preventing our people from discovering what goes on there.

So, what has that to do with Scandinvans? We received a report that Azulun had left the Pagan Borderlands with two of his most ruthless Warriors and was going to sneak into several nations, this being one of them.. Ricala and I believe that he is here now. You don't need a description......they look unlike anything youv'e ever seen. You won't mistake them for anything but what they are.......vampires of the Snake Clan, those who kill with the venom of the cobra.

We in Xeraph have Hominis Nocturnis...Men of the Night...in every level of government and the military. These are the loyal vampires of the old Vhammpyrric Confederation, almost wiped out in the war with the Empire of Koth over 200 years ago. You wouldn't be able to tell them apart from any other citizen of the Empire.

But the Serpent Warriors, as Azulun's men are called, are fierce, deadly, and wicked beyond belief. If they're here in Scandinvan, you can bet they're up to no good. Ric and I are here to try and prevent Azulun from stirring up trouble."The girl replied,” What you say is quite true as my liege within recent days has been more troubled then usual as he shall soon lay down the throne to his eldest son after and then willing depart this world as he soon shall as he has lived beyond the lives of men lesser men already. Yet, as you can see he still is mighty, but has come to the age of 412 and has seen much in his reign of three hundred years. In this time has grown wise beyond the measure of others and has knowledge deep of the inner things of all things. So if you wish to learn more of this please ask my Emperor though know much of his mind there are many things he keeps hidden from all but his sons. As well, the other High Men of the High People of Valgard.”

The Emperor looked down unto him and then replied,” I accept your oath and I shall recant the oath of the Emperor.I shall protect my vassal against all evils to the best of my ability.I shall honor him as my brother in arms and as my kin shall I treat. I shall respect him lands and titles as if they were my own. I shall protect his house as long as it lasts and my descendants shall honor this agreement to the ends of the world be my line dwindle and become few they shall honor it their deaths. So pledge I Emperor Reginald of the Scandinvan Empire."

"I thank you very humbly for this opportunity and title you have bestowed upon me," Benoit said to the Emperor as he raised his head to face him. "I pledge to do my best... and I shan't let you down."

The Emperor smiled for a second and then said,” Your is now complete and it shall be honored by me and my line to the ends of the world and you will also have our friendship forever.”

Royalist Dogs! How can you care nothing for the common working man!?

Royalist Dogs! How can you care nothing for the common working man!?It is because we can relatively easily.;)

Czar Aleksei woke from a short nap to discover that someone else had moved in ahead of him and was meeting with the emperor. "Dammit, Yuri. Keep your eyes open so that we don't miss our turn again." Then he "rested" his eyes some more.

Czar Aleksei woke from a short nap to discover that someone else had moved in ahead of him and was meeting with the emperor. "Dammit, Yuri. Keep your eyes open so that we don't miss our turn again." Then he "rested" his eyes some more.A servant poked him to get his attention and then said," The Emperor shall see you now."

"Excellent!" Czar Aleksei stood, and checked to make sure his golden hoplite armor was in acceptable condition. After straightening out his white and purple cape, he followed the servant in to meet the emperor, resting one hand on the pommel of his short-sword. It was merely a decorative item, of course.

His bodyguard, Yuri, followed, but stopped after going through the door. From here he could keep an eye on the Czar while paying due respect to the Scandinvan emperor.

The 16-year-old Czar cautiously neared the throne. He both feared and respected the Scandinvan emperor, for here was a man with much more experience and wisdom than himself. If he gained nothing else from this visit, he hoped to pick up a few tips on running a successful country. Not that Czar Aleksei was a bad monarch, he was just impulsive and reckless on a daily basis.

The Emperor still sitting on his golden throne with his brilliant platinum crown and armor still shining in the white marble throne hall. Looking at the new incoming persons the Emperor said,” Greetings Czar and welcome to my nation. I welcome you to my nation and put my wisdom at your disposal as you wish.”

The Emperor smiled for a second and then said,” Your is now complete and it shall be honored by me and my line to the ends of the world and you will also have our friendship forever.”

"As will you," Benoit replied. "Now, if you will kindly excuse me, I think I shall begin work on my fief immediately," he added with a courteous bow and smile.

And so it was...

"As will you," Benoit replied. "Now, if you will kindly excuse me, I think I shall begin work on my fief immediately," he added with a courteous bow and smile.

And so it was...The Emperor said before the Count left,” You are welcome to stay and attend the Ball as my honored guest if wish too.”

"It is a most alluring offer, and I may well take you up on it after I am already half my way to my destination, but for now I must decline," Benoit replied humbly. "I wish very much to begin my work... a long road awaits me."

"It is a most alluring offer, and I may well take you up on it after I am already half my way to my destination, but for now I must decline," Benoit replied humbly. "I wish very much to begin my work... a long road awaits me."The Emperor replied in calmly,” If is alright Lord, as I understand and can relate to you and as you go I give you my blessings and that of my people upon you.”

"Thank you sir," Benoit replied as he bowed once more and then turned and strode out of the Emperor's private chambers.

Following the directions of a nearby servant, the Count left the palace hastily and into an awaiting car. The car would in turn take him to a helicopter or jet - depending on the length of the travel - and then to his Fief. A new life and a new territory to conquer...

Looking at the lord depart he sensed that the future in the Empire would be one of great importance to the Empire. Yet, in his own land little had changed since the 16th century and the only thing had changed were modern farming techniques and technologies, but still required much man power to maintain and harvest the fields. Yet, this domain was rich in gold, silver, diamonds, oil, and timber which have yet to be exploited.

The Emperor still sitting on his golden throne with his brilliant platinum crown and armor still shining in the white marble throne hall. Looking at the new incoming persons the Emperor said,” Greetings Czar and welcome to my nation. I welcome you to my nation and put my wisdom at your disposal as you wish.”

"And greetings to you." Czar Aleksei nodded his head. "You may or may not know, but I only recently stabilized my country. My father was killed and it was a rough road from there. Nonetheless, we're back on our feet. I'd love to show you sometime if you'd like a tour someday." Then, realizing he was rambling, the Czar paused. "But I'm also the only surviving member of the Corinthian royal family. Luckily I'm young and in good health, but I'm sure you understand the stress I am under to perpetuate the line. Anyway, that's my problem right now, and I'm sorry to burden you for suggestions."

The two Xeraphian leaders looked at each other. Alaric said, " This girl doesn't seem to understand what may be happening." " Yes", said Ricala, "We need to talk to someone who can grasp what will happen if Azulun shows up here.............." Just then, Alaric's commbug beeped. " Yes what is it?", he asked.

" Sir, Captain Jocums here. We've picked up three unidentified intruders within the borders of The Isles. We're very concerned that it might be Azulun. Bio-scans indicate that theyr'e vampires."

Alaric jumped up. " Captain, we're on our way. Inform the Prince if you haven't already. Track the intruders, deploy the Spiders and Sentinels. I don't want humans tangling with them just yet. Flood the area with patrols. Fire on sight. We'll be there in four hours."

"Aye, sir."


They hurried over to the Scandinvan Emperor. " My apologies, Your Majesty, but we have a security situation within the Empire that demands our attention and we have to cut short our visit." They bowed and headed to their wing of the palace for their gear, then hustled out to their jets. Within minutes, they were airborne and headed for The Isles of Xeraph...

"And greetings to you." Czar Aleksei nodded his head. "You may or may not know, but I only recently stabilized my country. My father was killed and it was a rough road from there. Nonetheless, we're back on our feet. I'd love to show you sometime if you'd like a tour someday." Then, realizing he was rambling, the Czar paused. "But I'm also the only surviving member of the Corinthian royal family. Luckily I'm young and in good health, but I'm sure you understand the stress I am under to perpetuate the line. Anyway, that's my problem right now, and I'm sorry to burden you for suggestions."The Emperor upon his high throne said,” It is no problem for you to ask questions of any form to me as during my long years I have learned much and now I wish to help the new generations with my wisdom. Yet, to answers you I there are a number of princesses of the vassal kingdoms of the Empire here who are local for people of royal lineage. As well, I offer you the protection and brotherhood of me and my descendents forever to your line if you wish.”

The two Xeraphian leaders looked at each other. Alaric said, " This girl doesn't seem to understand what may be happening." " Yes", said Ricala, "We need to talk to someone who can grasp what will happen if Azulun shows up here.............." Just then, Alaric's commbug beeped. " Yes what is it?", he asked.

" Sir, Captain Jocums here. We've picked up three unidentified intruders within the borders of The Isles. We're very concerned that it might be Azulun. Bio-scans indicate that theyr'e vampires."

Alaric jumped up. " Captain, we're on our way. Inform the Prince if you haven't already. Track the intruders, deploy the Spiders and Sentinels. I don't want humans tangling with them just yet. Flood the area with patrols. Fire on sight. We'll be there in four hours."

"Aye, sir."


They hurried over to the Scandinvan Emperor. " My apologies, Your Majesty, but we have a security situation within the Empire that demands our attention and we have to cut short our visit." They bowed and headed to their wing of the palace for their gear, then hustled out to their jets. Within minutes, they were airborne and headed for The Isles of Xeraph...The Emperor overhearing them with the hearing that blessed the Imperial line said in a low tone before they left as he remembered his cousin was slain by the a vampire many long centuries ago said in a low voice,” I know of your plight and I can help just request and I shall answer your request to the best of my ability and further I know of Azuln.”

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OOC: I have a little time today for posting and I'll have more time tomorrow. But just so you know I've been really busy at school and sports.

"His majesty is too kind." Czar Aleksei bowed slightly. "I most heartily accept. Shouldn't the ball be starting soon?" he wasn't wearing a wristwatch, but had noticed the time on a clock just outside the room.

The Emperor Reginald answered,” The ball shall begin in about two hours if all continued as it going now. As for now I shall soon retire to my chambers (his own palace inside the palace) for my meal, but you are invited to join me to eat.”

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Czar Aleksei smiled and nodded all at once. "I'd be delighted." The day had been full of pleasant surprises, this being just another on top of a growing list. At least for the next 24 hours, he could forget about all the troubles at home and be joyful.

The Emperor overhearing them with the hearing that blessed the Imperial line said in a low tone before they left as he remembered his cousin was slain by the a vampire many long centuries ago said in a low voice,” I know of your plight and I can help just request and I shall answer your request to the best of my ability and further I know of Azuln.”


Alaric bowed and said, " M'lord, the best way that you can help us right now is to keep a constant watch over your territories with a bio-scan set to match the thermal read-out of a vampire. They are not technically alive, so they should be easy to pinpoint. It is vital that they do not gain entry into your or any other nation nears yours. They have vowed the complete destruction of all things Xeraphian and may include friends and allies of Xeraph in that vow. I again thank you for your hospitality. We will meet again soon, I assure you."

Czar Aleksei smiled and nodded all at once. "I'd be delighted." The day had been full of pleasant surprises, this being just another on top of a growing list. At least for the next 24 hours, he could forget about all the troubles at home and be joyful.The Emperor descending from his high throne and said,” Follow me and we shall go to my halls and we shall dine at my quarters.”

Alaric bowed and said, " M'lord, the best way that you can help us right now is to keep a constant watch over your territories with a bio-scan set to match the thermal read-out of a vampire. They are not technically alive, so they should be easy to pinpoint. It is vital that they do not gain entry into your or any other nation nears yours. They have vowed the complete destruction of all things Xeraphian and may include friends and allies of Xeraph in that vow. I again thank you for your hospitality. We will meet again soon, I assure you."The Emperor replied,” My Vampire Hunters shall be dispatched to track them and if necessary try to either capture them or trick them/ As well, we shall keep up a bio-scan across the Empire to try to track him if we can.”

The Czar glanced back to see if his bodyguard was still there. He wasn't. Aleksei guessed that Yuri must have wandered off, and he turned to follow the Emperor of the Scandinvans to the dining hall.

Just walking behind the throne the Emperor's bodyguard opened a secret door by unknown means. Then walking down a shining marble hall passage there was a large table laid out with food on it. Taking his seat the Emperor said to the Czar," Enjoy as there are the finest foods from countless cutlures have been prepared.