NationStates Jolt Archive

"Do you think that I am....more beautiful than my sister? No one has really said that to me; I always hear the praises that men give to my sister but to say that I am more beautiful than her...."

Catherine looked away for a few minutes before turning her head back to Dare. "Thank you for the compliment, Dare." Smiling, Catherine finishes her Fegosian lesson and then gives her pen and some leftover paper to Dare.

"Are you ready for your Ixanian lesson, Dare?"

"Alright. Lets see what Ixanian has to it, and whether I can actually pronounce anything...probably much harder than Fegosian"

OOC: Since I have not developed Ixanian fully yet....

Catherine spent an hour teaching Dare the basics of Ixanian; going through all the greetings and responses. She always had a smile on her face; even when Dare struggled, she tried to help him whenever she could. "This is how you say Good Evening...." Catherine wrote examples on the paper so Dare could study them. After the lesson was finished, Catherine decided to give Dare a quick test. "Let's see what you've learned."

Catherine wrote some questions, etc onto a piece of paper and then handed it to Dare. "This is a quick test; it's just to see how much you know."

"Dear oh dear..." he quickly scribbled down the first answers that popped into his head, before realising that he could not think about the language. He had not learnt much, spending most of his time proccupied on her, and what to say to her...

"Let's hope this is not too poor." He passed her the filled-in piece of paper, covered in a sprawl of brown-red ink that curved itself into english words, interspersed with the occasional pictogram.

"The pictograms are where I don't know the english: remember that it is my third language, not my first like yours."

"Dear oh dear..." he quickly scribbled down the first answers that popped into his head, before realising that he could not think about the language. He had not learnt much, spending most of his time proccupied on her, and what to say to her...

"Let's hope this is not too poor." He passed her the filled-in piece of paper, covered in a sprawl of brown-red ink that curved itself into english words, interspersed with the occasional pictogram.

"The pictograms are where I don't know the english: remember that it is my third language, not my first like yours."

Catherine took the paper into her hands with a smile; Dare could see her pearl white teeth. She took on the persona of a teacher; carefully studying Dare's paper and making marks with her pen. After several minutes, she handed it back to him and he could see how much he had correct in total (which was half of the words mostly) and a compliment in exquisite handwriting: "Good work, Dare!"

"I understand about the pictograms, Dare. You did a good job on the test. I am sure that with practice you will be able to speak plenty of Ixanian; perhaps even speak it fluently."

Catherine smiled again before she began reading her notes studiously; but still able to talk to Dare nonetheless. "Dare, I must say that you have helped make this visit fun; I have had plenty of excitement here. When I return to Ixania; I'll remember you."

After several minutes, the lesson ended and Catherine decided to take the notes to her room. "I should put these in a safe place so I can study them for future reference."

"I'll wait for you here if you want, Catherine."

He began walking over to one of the bookshelves, appearing to browse through the books. When she was gone, off to her room, he surrupticiously flicked out the book labelled "Labyrinths", before entering through the opened section of the bookcase. It slammed shut behind him, and he found himself in a dusty corridor. He shuffled through the corridor, until he was over the corridor outside her room. A small trapdoor built into the floor here. He opened it, before silently sliding out, leaving it to spring back into its invisible socket.

He peered in through the keyhole of the door at Catherine, completely affixed to her. What a lovely girl she was. Shame he only had a week with her.

"Sure; you can wait for me, Dare. By the way, do you know when we will have dinner?"

Catherine was busy examining the items she had brought with her; deciding to lay out her nightgown for later in the night and to see the souveniers that she had purchased at the market; just seeing them made her smile. She did not notice that Dare was looking at her but she did think about him; she thought that he was a good friend. Dare, if he listened, could hear Catherine singing an old folk song; it sounded absolutely enchanting to listen to; even if she was singing in Ixanian. He could see her pull out the locket that was around her neck; and she was focused completely on the little portrait that was inside; one of her and her family. The locket, in the shape of a heart, had a two headed eagle emblem on the front which signified that the owner was a member of the Imperial Family.

After some more minutes, Catherine decided to practice her violin for a while; passing the time with a composition. The music sounded absolutely splendid to listen to; and Dare could, if he was still there, be astounded by the talents of the foreign princess.

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Dear oh dear... he was never going to keep it to himself when she knew he was in her presence. He kept gawping through the keyhole at her, while she sang haunting songs and played upon her violin. After a while, he prised himself away from her, and scuttled through the network of secret and non-secret passages until he reached his room.

He flopped down on his bed, letting the softness eat him. He strung together sentances to say to her in his head, rejecting each as they came along. What could he say to her?

After several minutes, Catherine had left her room and was walking towards the dining room; expecting that dinner would be ready. As she walked, she was thinking about Dare and what he had said to her. It was not uncommon for people to say that she had good looks; but the way Dare was acting made her think about it. Catherine shed the thoughts from her mind when she found the dining room; seeing that the cutlery and plates were being laid out.

Catherine smiled and decided to watch the butler lay out the cutlery; it reminded her of the butler who worked in her mother's palace. Eventually, she noticed Dare coming to the dining room table; she focused her eyes on him and waved to him with a smile; the pearl white teeth were fully visible.

"Evening Catherine. Tonight's meal is similar to last night's so don't expect anything radical. I've got some more syrups if you want to try some."

A waiter layed down a tray holding 20 decanters of various-coloured liquids, each with an english and Fegosian label.

"Try what you wish: I hope you enjoy experimentation."

He looked away from her, down at his plate. What to say to her. Should he go first, or wait for her move?

"My father won't be eating tonight: he will be having a quick meal at Senate Hall in New Zevkhay since he's in the middle of a Senate debate. And those can last for ages if it's a matter like going to war... anyway, enjoy the meal."

"Evening Catherine. Tonight's meal is similar to last night's so don't expect anything radical. I've got some more syrups if you want to try some."

A waiter layed down a tray holding 20 decanters of various-coloured liquids, each with an english and Fegosian label.

"Try what you wish: I hope you enjoy experimentation."

Catherine smiled as she took one of the decanters of syrup in her hands; studying it for a moment. "I do not mind have a meal similar to last night's meal and I am interested in trying these syrups."

Catherine asked a nearby butler for a glass with a smile on her face. "I think I will try this syrup first, Dare."

He looked away from her, down at his plate. What to say to her. Should he go first, or wait for her move?

"My father won't be eating tonight: he will be having a quick meal at Senate Hall in New Zevkhay since he's in the middle of a Senate debate. And those can last for ages if it's a matter like going to war... anyway, enjoy the meal."

Catherine watched Dare looking away from her for a moment before she began to talk. "I do not mind the absence of your father, Dare; though I am glad to know that I will be eating with you, at least. My sister, the Empress, does not live with me; she lives and eats alone in her palace. If you were not here, I would be just like her."

"Well, at least that's a relief.

And be careful with that syrup: it has a tendancy to, shall we say, stun first-timers with sourness."

Catherine smiled before she took a sip of the syrup; gradually feeling the sour taste in her mouth but Dare could see that she was trying to restrain it. "This syrup is...quite sour, Dare. Quite sour indeed..."

"Try not to drink any syrups too fast: they tend to tase less pleasant that way. Let the sugar have a chance in your mouth before swallowing."

The first course entered, and Dare began to chew on his food.

"So, do you miss Neo-Ixania?"

Catherine thanked Dare for the information he provided before she began to answer his question. "I enjoy being here in Alfegos; I do not miss Neo-Ixania enough to call myself homesick."

Catherine began to chew on her food for a few minutes before continuing to speak. "I like it here in Alfegos; I am glad that my sister opened relations with your nation. I do remember when there were debates about joining the Fegosian Union; but my sister ordered the nation to join because she felt it would be beneficial to us in the long-term."

Catherine smiled before taking a sip of her syrup; allowing the sugar time to develop in her mouth. "The Empress is a busy woman; I can say that she is, but she does take time to visit me and the others; my mother and other siblings. She lives alone in the Imperial Palace and usually her personal assistant, Vladimir, is at her side."

"She must get very lonely living like that: why can't she live with you, or you with her?"

"She must get very lonely living like that: why can't she live with you, or you with her?"

"I guess it was because she became the Empress and had to start a new chapter in her life. As for me, I am still bound by the shackles of living with my mother; not that it is a bad thing but I think that I'll find myself in a comfortable palace or mansion one day in the future. The Empress may find herself with company if she ever finds a husband; if she does I'll be happy for her."

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"Well, I hope she gets lucky in that respect."

He continued to eat his food, looking away from Catherine. His mind was at a complete blank as to what to say to her as he kept trying to pull out something from the turmoil of his mind to say. Couldn't he even think of some small talk?

"So, what's your opinion of food over in Alfegos?"

"I am sure she will find a nice person to spend her life with; I hope she does."

Catherine continued to eat her food but occassionally looked at Dare; noticing that he was looking away from her. She did not pressure him to tell her why but decided to answer his questions. "Food in Alfegos? Dare, do you mean food in Ixania? I think that Fegosian food is enjoyable to eat."

Catherine began eating for a few seconds before speaking again. "Perhaps, one day, you could visit Ixania. I think you would be able to stay at the palace where I live with my siblings and mother."

"I'd honestly love to visit Neo-Ixania. Though I am never tired by the variation of the scenary of Alfegos, I must always say that I am intrigued by foreign nations."

He coughed as he finished the desert, starting on the warm glass of cocoa brought in for the two of them to drink as they finished their meal.

"So, what are we doing tomorrow? It's completely escaped my mind."

Catherine took the cocoa into her hands with a smile. "Tomorrow, we will be able to spend the afternoon in leisure in New Zevkhay; but in the morning I have to learn about Fegosian history and customs. As for visiting Neo-Ixania, we can arrange a visit after I leave; I'd be glad to show you around."

Catherine took a sip of her cocoa before continuing to speak. "Dare, what is it like being the son of the Fegosian President? For me, being an Ixanian princess is nice and all; but I have so many fans, admirers and engagements. I do, however, get the chance to have my own life, my own dreams, and so forth. I may be royalty but I am still a human being; an ordinary mortal."

"I don't get that much attention luckily: the laws here against the paparazzi are very strict. The bodyguards though always annoy me: I wish I could just walk about freely without them following me every step of the way. I honestly hate it."

He took a large swig of the hot chocolate, before standing up.

"I'm off to bed now: you wouldn't believe how tired I am. Must be all that Kha'sop syrup I had now, but anyway. If you want anything, call me or one of the servants."

"We have paparazzi in Neo-Ixania but our bodyguards make sure that they do not get too close to us. I get chances to walk freely but most of those are within the confines of a palace."

Catherine took her own swig of the hot chocolate before looking at Dare with a smile. "I hope you sleep well, Dare. I think that I will go to my room for now and spend time there; reading my notes, watching television and perhaps, if possible, have a light meal."

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"Laters then"

Dare lay back on his bed, watching the TV. Nothing much on except news, doom, and boring soaps. He closed his eyes, getting some early sleep.

In her room, Catherine spent some time studying her notes on the Fegosian language, watching some television and having a light meal after calling upon a butler. Finally, she decided to go to sleep for the night; remembering to change into her nightgown. As she slept, she thought about her visit to Alfegos and a smile came upon her face; she was glad to be here and to have met Dare.

Another bright morning, and another early awakening for Dare. He slipped down to breakfast with a large pack of cold yoghurt, and ate it slowly as he waited for Catherine to arrive. Fegosian history and geography today. Not the most rousing of subjects, but an easy one at least.

Another bright morning, and another early awakening for Dare. He slipped down to breakfast with a large pack of cold yoghurt, and ate it slowly as he waited for Catherine to arrive. Fegosian history and geography today. Not the most rousing of subjects, but an easy one at least.

Dressed in her nightgown, Catherine roused herself from sleep and walked downstairs calmly towards Dare. She decided that she'd get dressed later but not too later; hoping that she'd have plenty of time to visit New Zevkhay. She immediately smiled when she found Dare. "Good morning, Dare! Sleep well?"

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"Yes, I slept alright. You've got plenty of time till your lessons start: 9am till 12am, then 12:30pm to 1:30pm. After that, we're off to New Zevkhay.

Anything you'd like to have for breakfast?"

"Yes, I slept alright. You've got plenty of time till your lessons start: 9am till 12am, then 12:30pm to 1:30pm. After that, we're off to New Zevkhay.

Anything you'd like to have for breakfast?"

"That is good to hear, Dare. For breakfast, I would like to try something Fegosian. What do people like yourself eat for breakfast?"

"Well, as you can see, normally just yoghurt, though fruit is still very popular. I'll go and get them to bring you an assortion of fruit."

He left quickly, arriving with a plate of sliced fruit and a small pot of yoghurt.

"I don't like the Magh'lan: the purple star-shaped one there. It's nice, yes, but those seeds a very bitter and explode if you aren't careful, so just avoid them..."

He sat back in the chair sipping down diluted syrup.

"Well, as you can see, normally just yoghurt, though fruit is still very popular. I'll go and get them to bring you an assortion of fruit."

He left quickly, arriving with a plate of sliced fruit and a small pot of yoghurt.

"I don't like the Magh'lan: the purple star-shaped one there. It's nice, yes, but those seeds a very bitter and explode if you aren't careful, so just avoid them..."

He sat back in the chair sipping down diluted syrup.

Catherine poured herself some yogurt and looked at the Magh'lan curiously. "How do the seeds of the Magh'lan explode? What provokes them to do that?"

She put her spoon into the yogurt and put some in her mouth; the taste made her smile slightly. "What is the flavor of this yogurt, Dare? By the way, I think I will like to try a piece of Magh'lan."

"It's just a plain yoghurt, which goes well with the different fruit flavours.
As for the seeds, it's because they're so chock-full of toxins so that no animals eat them before they germinate, that they'll explode when pierced. And that's where the bitterness comes from.
Don't worry, they won't kill you, just make you feel a bit unwell for about an hour if you aren't accustomed to them and some burst in your mouth."

"It's just a plain yoghurt, which goes well with the different fruit flavours.
As for the seeds, it's because they're so chock-full of toxins so that no animals eat them before they germinate, that they'll explode when pierced. And that's where the bitterness comes from.
Don't worry, they won't kill you, just make you feel a bit unwell for about an hour if you aren't accustomed to them and some burst in your mouth."

"I think that the yogurt is quite good with some of these fruits. As for the seeds, I'd probably be unwell for an hour since I have not had them burst in my mouth before. I must say that the fruit itself has an acceptable taste. Perhaps, if possible, I can take some Fegosian fruits, etc back to Ixania."

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"By all means take some: I'm sure that they will become commonplace soon in Neo-Ixania, what with Fegosian shops setting up there with the new relationships."

"By all means take some: I'm sure that they will become commonplace soon in Neo-Ixania, what with Fegosian shops setting up there with the new relationships."

Catherine's face lit up with a smile. "Excellent! It will be nice to see the Fegosian shops setting up in my nation. It is nice to know that I will be able to enjoy Fegosian culture, etc in my own nation."

Catherine smiled at Dare as she held some yogurt on her spoon. "You know, if my sister or her current heir, my brother, do not have children or whatever....I'll be the Empress of Ixania but I doubt that my sister won't find love or have children. After all...she's quite liked by men in Ixania and in foreign royal families. If I ever marry, I'm picturing walking down the aisle towards a foreign prince or nobleman's son in my mind. Whoever we marry is decided by the family; especially my mother."

Catherine put the yogurt in her mouth, swallowed, and smiled again. "My mother still has influence in the Imperial Court; and is seen as one of the remaining living memories of my father's reign. From her I get my German heritage."

"Well, that is good to know. It is always a good idea for your family to support you should you find someone to love, and for them to check whether they truly are the one for you... still, you've got your lessons soon. After that, I think the streets of New Zevkhay are your playground."

"Well, that is good to know. It is always a good idea for your family to support you should you find someone to love, and for them to check whether they truly are the one for you... still, you've got your lessons soon. After that, I think the streets of New Zevkhay are your playground."

Catherine smiled. "That has been the way things have been for many years and I do not think it will change any time soon. It will be nice to learn more about Fegosian culture, etc and I am anxious to explore New Zevkhay. Speaking of romance, I'm sure there are people here who'd take an interest in my sister but then again...she always had admirers."

Catherine giggled before finishing her yogurt. "Shall we begin the lessons now?"

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"We shall indeed: follow me."
He walked out of the dining room, effortlessly passed into a secret passage behind a statue, slipping through a narrow gap in between walls. He finally came out in the library behind a potted plant. He sat down, dusting himself off, and smiled as the tutor turned around.

"You never stop surprising me, young Mr Darrel. And good morning to you again, Princess." He bowed, before smiling.

"Now, before I begin, what do you know about the Geography of Alfegos?"

"We shall indeed: follow me."
He walked out of the dining room, effortlessly passed into a secret passage behind a statue, slipping through a narrow gap in between walls. He finally came out in the library behind a potted plant. He sat down, dusting himself off, and smiled as the tutor turned around.

"You never stop surprising me, young Mr Darrel. And good morning to you again, Princess." He bowed, before smiling.

"Now, before I begin, what do you know about the Geography of Alfegos?"

Catherine smiled as she greeted the tutor before she began to answer his question. "I do know that Alfegos is quite tropical and mountainous and that some parts are covered in jungle. Before I came here, I did some research into this nation."

"Well, that is the vague idea. But yes, this nation is mostly a tropical climate, except for in the mountainous zones that you pointed out. So, how can I give you a basic starter in Geopgraphy of Alfegos? Simple really."

He took out two maps from a case, and laid it on the table.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/Tomahawk911/alfegosgeography.png
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/Tomahawk911/alfegostopology.png

"Here is the Alfegos, albeit without the names. The first one is a geographical one, and the other is topological. Now, to give you an idea of the natural geography, these two ranges are mountains. The south are the Mountains of Solace, and the North are the Mountains of the Moon. Sometimes confused, but just remember that the mountains of the moon are much, much higher. Or, as they used to think, they reach up to the moon.

This north province, Polinas, has practically no forests. This is mainly due to the flatness and fertility of the region, brought by the many rivers, which meant most forests were cut down for farmland. The exception is, of course, the Polinas Deadlands, which I think you already know how they were formed. South, it is pretty similiar, with more forest. But most of it is concentrated in the central province, Milkavich, which remains mostly untouched due to the many environmental acts and the thousands of tonnes of unexploded munitions.

Alfegos gets those two mountain ranges from multiple fault lines: both mountain ranges are collision zones in the central Alfegan plate, where the three plates have smashed against each other. They also crash out offshore, where that deep zone passing between the north-west tip of our mainland and then going southwest is. Here it is subduction, forming a little row of submerged islands a few hundred miles away.

That's the basic physical geography: any questions before we move on?"

Catherine attentively listened to her Fegosian tutor as he began explaining Fegosian geography to her; writing down notes as quickly as she could upon the pen and paper that she still had with her. When the tutor was finally finished, Catherine put down the pen and smiled. "I have no questions right now; we can move on, sir. I must say that it is interesting to learn about the geography of Alfegos; well...it's just interesting to learn about this nation in general."

After a brief period of studying with her notes, Catherine picked up the pen and prepared to write down more notes about the subject of today's lesson.

"Right, since we can progress quite quickly with a lady of your mental calibre, I shall move straight onto an abridged history of Alfegos.

Due to the climate of Alfegos, the evidence towards prehistoric human habitiation is sketchy at best. The earliest remains found where in the north of Polinas province, dating from 8000BC. It is assumed that these settlers were hunter-gatherers, who came across the seas and lived in Alfegos undistrubed until c.1200BC.

This marked the beginning of the classical era, when a civilised classical race known as the "Ki'loma" took control of the north of Alfegos, establishing military bases and building large cities out of the marble plentiful there. The Ki'loma are believed to be Damirean in origin, yet this is still debated. What they did leave as a lasting legacy is their capital, the marble city downstream of Polinapolis, and massive system of managed farming that allowed land to be taken from the forests which at that time covered the entirity of Alfegos up to the coast, without destroying it. They did not advance psat the mountains to the south of Polinas, due to the dangerous conditions and the more violent tribes who lived there.

However, when the Ki'loma left in c.50AD, Alfegos was plunged into a dark age, which saw the fall of order, the loss of writing and the mass deforestation of Polinas province in an attempt to gain land that rapidly blew away into dust once the trees were removed. The population which had been at its peak estimated at 80 000 dropped dramatically to 20 000.

However, in c.400AD, the re-establishment of order began: not as a republic as had been seen in the time of the Ki'loma, but as a totalarian monarchy which sought control of the entire island. Polinas province fell quickly as the first king, Nio I, rallied suporters for a glorious march on the savages who regularly pilfered their riches.

He however fell as soon as he entered Milkavich province: the attacks of the heathens who inhabited the lush woodlands meant that it was difficult to get easily through the forests. It was not until 1321AD that the province of Milkavich was taken. After that, the Zevkhay province fell quickly, being mostly savannah.

At the same time was a massive period of technological bloom: boats traversed the dangerous seas around the island and took new land in the name of Alfegos, mostly the small islands off its coast. Fertiliser was discovered, as well as the massive mineral wealth of the mountains and of Milkavich. The population of 2.5 million was at that time easily supplied with resources such as this.

In 1628AD, a young inventor by the name of Wina'loda discovered electricity, and the effects of magnatism while working in a foundry. This discovery was caused when he saw the effect of a lightning bolt hitting a large coil of wire, attracting everything made of iron around it. This kicked off the age of invention and quiet machinery, manufacturing goods for the entire nation in many small workshops.

At first, energy was taken from streams. But soon, with the finding of oil in Milkavich province, massive powerstations pumped out smoke as they provided power for the many factories. The monarch at this time decided to keep industry out of Polinas province, which is why there is small amounts of industry there now.

This age of technology bore many great scientists and inventors who managed to sucessfully understand the universe around them with many discoveries that put them up to 25 years ahead of many other nations.

By 1812, the people, educated now by the massive new understanding of the world, revolted against the king and used the example of the ancients to set up an equal society, one of the world's first democracies. Near this time, the army and navy were officially founded by the people, to seize land in the name of Alfegos. They were successful in taking Neo'Fegos, Seo'los and Nia'los. These provided the people with great wealth until the disconnection.

1901AD is what is usually referred to as the age of strife: mass uprising in colonies of Alfegos except Neo'Fegos, which was lost many years before by a massive perpetual cyclonic meterological phenomonam, meant that the troops withdrew back to Alfegos. 1950AD was the time when Alfegos could have used its technological potential, that surpassed the rest of the world at that time. But, this is where it all collapsed.

That is your short history up to then: we normally study the later period in a seperate subject, but I'll ask what you know about it for the moment."

"Right, since we can progress quite quickly with a lady of your mental calibre, I shall move straight onto an abridged history of Alfegos.

Due to the climate of Alfegos, the evidence towards prehistoric human habitiation is sketchy at best. The earliest remains found where in the north of Polinas province, dating from 8000BC. It is assumed that these settlers were hunter-gatherers, who came across the seas and lived in Alfegos undistrubed until c.1200BC.

Catherine blushed somewhat when she heard that comment from the tutor but quickly began to write down notes about the Fegosian hunter-gatherers. This history lesson reminded her of those Ixanian history lessons she took at the Imperial Academy and she thought of those as she wrote down her notes.


This marked the beginning of the classical era, when a civilised classical race known as the "Ki'loma" took control of the north of Alfegos, establishing military bases and building large cities out of the marble plentiful there. The Ki'loma are believed to be Damirean in origin, yet this is still debated. What they did leave as a lasting legacy is their capital, the marble city downstream of Polinapolis, and massive system of managed farming that allowed land to be taken from the forests which at that time covered the entirity of Alfegos up to the coast, without destroying it. They did not advance psat the mountains to the south of Polinas, due to the dangerous conditions and the more violent tribes who lived there.

However, when the Ki'loma left in c.50AD, Alfegos was plunged into a dark age, which saw the fall of order, the loss of writing and the mass deforestation of Polinas province in an attempt to gain land that rapidly blew away into dust once the trees were removed. The population which had been at its peak estimated at 80 000 dropped dramatically to 20 000.

"Do they know why the Ki'loma departed from Alfegos in c.50AD, sir? Do historians have a concrete reason as to why they chose to leave this land?"

However, in c.400AD, the re-establishment of order began: not as a republic as had been seen in the time of the Ki'loma, but as a totalarian monarchy which sought control of the entire island. Polinas province fell quickly as the first king, Nio I, rallied suporters for a glorious march on the savages who regularly pilfered their riches.

"Nio reminds me of Leto the Great; the man who united the Ixanian tribes into one nation. He did resort to battle and war in order to achieve his crusade but also used diplomacy skillfully."

He however fell as soon as he entered Milkavich province: the attacks of the heathens who inhabited the lush woodlands meant that it was difficult to get easily through the forests. It was not until 1321AD that the province of Milkavich was taken. After that, the Zevkhay province fell quickly, being mostly savannah.

"Why do you call them heathens? Did they practice some religion which was disliked by the masses?"

At the same time was a massive period of technological bloom: boats traversed the dangerous seas around the island and took new land in the name of Alfegos, mostly the small islands off its coast. Fertiliser was discovered, as well as the massive mineral wealth of the mountains and of Milkavich. The population of 2.5 million was at that time easily supplied with resources such as this.

In 1628AD, a young inventor by the name of Wina'loda discovered electricity, and the effects of magnatism while working in a foundry. This discovery was caused when he saw the effect of a lightning bolt hitting a large coil of wire, attracting everything made of iron around it. This kicked off the age of invention and quiet machinery, manufacturing goods for the entire nation in many small workshops.

"Did any Europeans land in Alfegos during this time? If so, what did the Fegosians think of them?"

At first, energy was taken from streams. But soon, with the finding of oil in Milkavich province, massive powerstations pumped out smoke as they provided power for the many factories. The monarch at this time decided to keep industry out of Polinas province, which is why there is small amounts of industry there now.

"The Fegosian people back then had an understanding of environmentalism and how industry can negatively affect the Earth?"

This age of technology bore many great scientists and inventors who managed to sucessfully understand the universe around them with many discoveries that put them up to 25 years ahead of many other nations.

By 1812, the people, educated now by the massive new understanding of the world, revolted against the king and used the example of the ancients to set up an equal society, one of the world's first democracies. Near this time, the army and navy were officially founded by the people, to seize land in the name of Alfegos. They were successful in taking Neo'Fegos, Seo'los and Nia'los. These provided the people with great wealth until the disconnection.

"Did they kill the monarch and/or his family after the revolution or did they just kill him while keeping his wife and children alive and/or as prisoners of the state?"

1901AD is what is usually referred to as the age of strife: mass uprising in colonies of Alfegos except Neo'Fegos, which was lost many years before by a massive perpetual cyclonic meterological phenomonam, meant that the troops withdrew back to Alfegos. 1950AD was the time when Alfegos could have used its technological potential, that surpassed the rest of the world at that time. But, this is where it all collapsed.

"Tell me more about this "massive perpetual cyclonic meterological phenomonom" and these massive uprisings. How were both of these causes?"

That is your short history up to then: we normally study the later period in a seperate subject, but I'll ask what you know about it for the moment."

"That is understandable, sir."

"Do they know why the Ki'loma departed from Alfegos in c.50AD, sir? Do historians have a concrete reason as to why they chose to leave this land?"


"The reason they put for this occuring is the collapse of their civilisation: maybe because of economic troubles, since we know that the later buildings built by them were often made of much less expensive materials."

"Why do you call them heathens? Did they practice some religion which was disliked by the masses?"

"We'd call them heathens, yes, because we do have evidence of cannibalism and lack of social order... which is what that king attempted to do."

"Did any Europeans land in Alfegos during this time? If so, what did the Fegosians think of them?"


No europeans ever landed on Alfegan shores: this mianly was becuase they were known as imperialistic threats, and were shot at and destroyed before they touched the shore, or scared off.

"The Fegosian people back then had an understanding of environmentalism and how industry can negatively affect the Earth?"

They did indeed. They knew however that to preserve all of Alfegos, they ahd to sacrifice the few areas, such as Milkavich. Which is why most of the rest of Alfegos is almsot pristine. We do know of their attention to cleanliness, which is also why most industry was clustered, with workers far on the outskirts. Except in Milkavich, which we will come to later.

"Did they kill the monarch and/or his family after the revolution or did they just kill him while keeping his wife and children alive and/or as prisoners of the state?"


We know that the monarch was threatened with violence, but he peacefully stepped down. The people were harsh in removing all his royal claims, leaving his family poor and destitute. We believe the line ceased in the early 1900s.

"Tell me more about this "massive perpetual cyclonic meterological phenomonom" and these massive uprisings. How were both of these causes?"

"Alfegos depended on its colonies for many natural resources, which it then exported for massive profit. When the people of the colonies realsied they were being ripped off, that was when they rose up.

As for the atmospheric phenomenom, there is an area where fronts collide almost perpetually known now as world's end. That is where Neo'Fegos is now. Though we doubt there are any people left there now.



So, what do you know of recent Alfegan history?

The reason they put for this occuring is the collapse of their civilisation: maybe because of economic troubles, since we know that the later buildings built by them were often made of much less expensive materials."

"I wonder how they began to have a suffering economy if they were unable to build buildings out of more expensive materials."



"We'd call them heathens, yes, because we do have evidence of cannibalism and lack of social order... which is what that king attempted to do."

"It would be self-explanitory then if they were cannibals with a lack of social history."



No europeans ever landed on Alfegan shores: this mianly was becuase they were known as imperialistic threats, and were shot at and destroyed before they touched the shore, or scared off.

"The Europeans not only landed in Ixania but also settled and made new lives for themselves and because of them I am half-German because my mother is one hundred percent German."



They did indeed. They knew however that to preserve all of Alfegos, they ahd to sacrifice the few areas, such as Milkavich. Which is why most of the rest of Alfegos is almsot pristine. We do know of their attention to cleanliness, which is also why most industry was clustered, with workers far on the outskirts. Except in Milkavich, which we will come to later.

"Ixanians tried to preserve nature while expanding industry and they usually were successful in such attempts."


We know that the monarch was threatened with violence, but he peacefully stepped down. The people were harsh in removing all his royal claims, leaving his family poor and destitute. We believe the line ceased in the early 1900s.

"My family has reigned for centuries with popular support; and it is sad to hear about the fate of the royal family but at least they avoided a brutal and bloody end."



"Alfegos depended on its colonies for many natural resources, which it then exported for massive profit. When the people of the colonies realsied they were being ripped off, that was when they rose up.

As for the atmospheric phenomenom, there is an area where fronts collide almost perpetually known now as world's end. That is where Neo'Fegos is now. Though we doubt there are any people left there now.

"I have never heard of a place such as world's end but I do know that Ixania has colonies but we treat the people who live there with respect and tolerance."



So, what do you know of recent Alfegan history?

"I know only some; mostly what I learned from textbooks that I owned or from what Dare told me. He did tell me that communists are not very popular here for example."

"Recent Alfegan history is based entirely on the three civil wars, caused by communist uprisings in Milkavich. Now, Milkavich has never been a nice place to live, but repeated uprisings have meant that any improvements have been extremely limited in scope and in completion. The first civil war, the bloodiest, almost suceeded for the communists, had it not been for external intervention.
The second, while still very nasty, was not nearly as bad, while the third was the "quietest" as it were. Still, they have been the cause of much pain throughout this nation. Perhaps sometime, you may be able to visit Milkavich and see the scars yourself.

Any questions before I continue?"

"Recent Alfegan history is based entirely on the three civil wars, caused by communist uprisings in Milkavich. Now, Milkavich has never been a nice place to live, but repeated uprisings have meant that any improvements have been extremely limited in scope and in completion. The first civil war, the bloodiest, almost suceeded for the communists, had it not been for external intervention.
The second, while still very nasty, was not nearly as bad, while the third was the "quietest" as it were. Still, they have been the cause of much pain throughout this nation. Perhaps sometime, you may be able to visit Milkavich and see the scars yourself.

Any questions before I continue?"

"Although I am sure that there have been days in which Milkavich was a bearable city to live in, I understand fully what you have said, Mr. Hinad'yuna. Dare told me alot about the civil wars and I would not mind visiting Milkavich to see the scars of war for myself. Hopefully peace will reign and be supreme throughout the area."

"Well, that's as maybe. Things never are too settled there, to be honest. Anyhow, I'll leave you to study from these for 3/4 an hour, then you can have a break. After that, another 1/2 hour of studying and a short test. Then the day's yours. If you have any questions, then don't hesitate to ask me any questions."

He passed over to her some worksheets, a few thick books and another map:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/Tomahawk911/alfegospolitical.png

"Any other books or reference guides you want are up on the shelves. If you wish to use the internet, then you can find a terminal on the desk by the wall."
The teacher stood up and walked over to another chair in the corner, behind a row of bookshelves. Here he took up a newspaper written in Fgeosian, and flicked to the inside pages where he had left it.

Well, that's as maybe. Things never are too settled there, to be honest. Anyhow, I'll leave you to study from these for 3/4 an hour, then you can have a break. After that, another 1/2 hour of studying and a short test. Then the day's yours. If you have any questions, then don't hesitate to ask me any questions."

"Thank you, sir. I will do my best to study well and to get a good mark on that test."

He passed over to her some worksheets, a few thick books and another map:

"Any other books or reference guides you want are up on the shelves. If you wish to use the internet, then you can find a terminal on the desk by the wall."
The teacher stood up and walked over to another chair in the corner, behind a row of bookshelves. Here he took up a newspaper written in Fgeosian, and flicked to the inside pages where he had left it.

As Catherine was reading the books that she recieved, she decided to call Dare over to her with a smile on her face. "Pull up a chair so we can study together, Dare!"

"Alright Catherine"
Dare picked up his chair and sat next to Catherine, watching her as she studied. He snapped his attention quickly from her to the books she was reading through.
"Where do you want to start?"

"Alright Catherine"
Dare picked up his chair and sat next to Catherine, watching her as she studied. He snapped his attention quickly from her to the books she was reading through.
"Where do you want to start?"

"How about we study the founding of Alfegos first and then the civil wars?"

"Alright"
Dare flicked through the pages of a large tome to the relevant chapters, and read them along with her, prompting her to make notes whenever necessary. Pictures and drawings of an Alfegos long past adorned the pages of information about wars, deals, cities and people.

"Alright"
Dare flicked through the pages of a large tome to the relevant chapters, and read them along with her, prompting her to make notes whenever necessary. Pictures and drawings of an Alfegos long past adorned the pages of information about wars, deals, cities and people.

Catherine zealously wrote notes and calmly read the pages of the tome. "Thank you for studying with me, Dare. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome."
He looked at the clock on the wall: how time flew.
"You two can have a break now."
The teacher nodded to them, before turning back to his newspaper.

"Want anything for a snack or drink, Catherine?"

"You're welcome."
He looked at the clock on the wall: how time flew.
"You two can have a break now."
The teacher nodded to them, before turning back to his newspaper.

"Want anything for a snack or drink, Catherine?"

"A snack and a drink would be nice."

"Alright"
Dare disappeared off, before reappearing a few minutes later with two jugs: one of syrup and the other of water. He was also grasping onto the edges of two small plates holding small pazzas.
"Here we go. The syrup is Hu'sola, a bit tangy, and the pazzas are pineapple, tomato paste and ham. Nice and fresh."
He put the plates down, each holding what appeared to be a pastry pouch.
"The pastry's hollow: the filling is inside."

He bit into his, letting a small cloud of steam escape, while looking at her again. He'd have to stop staring at her like that. Sometime, he'd be noticed.

"Alright"
Dare disappeared off, before reappearing a few minutes later with two jugs: one of syrup and the other of water. He was also grasping onto the edges of two small plates holding small pazzas.
"Here we go. The syrup is Hu'sola, a bit tangy, and the pazzas are pineapple, tomato paste and ham. Nice and fresh."
He put the plates down, each holding what appeared to be a pastry pouch.
"The pastry's hollow: the filling is inside."

He bit into his, letting a small cloud of steam escape, while looking at her again. He'd have to stop staring at her like that. Sometime, he'd be noticed.

"This pastry has a good taste to it. I think I'll eat more than just one during my visit." Catherine said with a smile before noticing Dare was staring at her. She simply smiled at him before resuming to eat her pastry; she did not mind his attention but did think about it and wondered what it could mean...although a part of her did suggest that perhaps the son of the President of Alfegos was attracted to the sister of the Empress of Ixania...that he had a crush on her.

"Nice to know that you enjoy it Catherine."
He blushed as he turned away, back to eating his pazza. She'd definately caught him. Best break it to her later, when they were in New Zevkhay. He thought over where they could go.
"What would you like to do in new Zevkhay once you've finished these lessons and the test?"

"Nice to know that you enjoy it Catherine."
He blushed as he turned away, back to eating his pazza. She'd definately caught him. Best break it to her later, when they were in New Zevkhay. He thought over where they could go.
"What would you like to do in new Zevkhay once you've finished these lessons and the test?"

"I'd like to just explore the city and visit every place that is possible to visit; such as the beach or a cafe for example. All I want is to explore!" Catherine said with a smile.

"Well, that we can do. We can walk to the nearest CityRail station along the beach after this, then catch the train to the Ans'vi station by the governmental district. After that ... we shall explore the city as you want. I can assure you it will be good."

The teacher nodded to them from his newspaper.
"Oh, looks like the break's over. Back to studying it is, then for you test."

"Well, that we can do. We can walk to the nearest CityRail station along the beach after this, then catch the train to the Ans'vi station by the governmental district. After that ... we shall explore the city as you want. I can assure you it will be good."

"That all sounds good to me, Dare; I'd just be happy with the knowledge that I will be exploring New Zevkhay."

The teacher nodded to them from his newspaper.
"Oh, looks like the break's over. Back to studying it is, then for you test."

"It is nice to be studying with you, Dare. You are a helpful person when it comes to research."

Time flew and soon the teacher gestured to Dare to pack up the books and worksheets, as he passed Catherine a small question paper and shets of paper.
"You have as long as you want for this, though I am guessing you will be finished very quickly."

Time flew and soon the teacher gestured to Dare to pack up the books and worksheets, as he passed Catherine a small question paper and shets of paper.
"You have as long as you want for this, though I am guessing you will be finished very quickly."

Catherine smiled. "I may be known for finishing work quickly but it does not mean that I do not actually read the questions....I'll do my best as always in getting a good mark."

"THat is alright then: just make sure you read the questions carefully, and have your best shot at those you aren't sure of."

The teacher went back to a book he was now reading, a complex assortion of Fegosian pictograms on its cover, waiting for her to finish. Dare had also takena smaller book, yet kept peering up to gaze at Catherine.

"THat is alright then: just make sure you read the questions carefully, and have your best shot at those you aren't sure of."

The teacher went back to a book he was now reading, a complex assortion of Fegosian pictograms on its cover, waiting for her to finish. Dare had also takena smaller book, yet kept peering up to gaze at Catherine.

Catherine immediately began working on her test and although her eyes were fixed on the paper she did catch a glimpse of Dare looking at her. When she was finished working, she handed the test in and awaited her mark by talking to Dare. "I'm sure I did good on the test....I am sure I did."

"Don't worry Catherine: I'm sure you did very well."
Dare nodded to her as the teacher returned.
"A little bit of a shame on the geographical questions, but an everything else you have done very well, ma'am. I am glad to say that you would have passed this test with an A minus level if you took it in a Fegosian school. You can keep it to check your answers, but now you are dismissed. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Dare grinned as he led Catherine to the beach.
"See, I told you you'd do well. Now lets have so fun-time in New Zevkhay!"
Along the shoreline, people were relaxing in the sunshine as the strolled along, boats and ekranoplans roaring past in the bay nearby.

"Don't worry Catherine: I'm sure you did very well."
Dare nodded to her as the teacher returned.
"A little bit of a shame on the geographical questions, but an everything else you have done very well, ma'am. I am glad to say that you would have passed this test with an A minus level if you took it in a Fegosian school. You can keep it to check your answers, but now you are dismissed. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"I am glad that I have at least passed the test, Mr. Hinad'yuna. I'll keep the test for future reference. Thank you, sir."

Dare grinned as he led Catherine to the beach.
"See, I told you you'd do well. Now lets have so fun-time in New Zevkhay!"
Along the shoreline, people were relaxing in the sunshine as the strolled along, boats and ekranoplans roaring past in the bay nearby.

"I knew it would do well; but let's go have some time on the beach! We should find a good place to unpack our items before all the good places are taken."

"We can go later on the beach, Catherine: we do, after all, have our own private beach. For now, we're going to New Zevkhay."

Just up a path from the shoreline, past a row of beach huts and an inconspicuous coastal re-enforcement structure overgrown with sandgrass, there was the sound of a maglev train braking: a loud hum as the engines went into reverse, followed by a hiss as it touched down on the tracks and let the doors open.

"Here we go: a train's pulled in now. We've got about 5 minutes till it departs, so can have a sit-down for a bit."

He pulled from his pocket a small black plastic card, holding a glittering holographic security mark and a hoard of numbers and other details, the back covered in Fegosian script around a central golden chip. He flicked it back to the front, where from underneath the small plastic case it was in peered the face of Catherine.

"Here's your universal public transport card. It'll work on the bus, tram, rail and even on some boat services. Don't worry about how much it costs: it's drawn out of the family account. Just remember to tap it on the scanner at the security points as you get onto the train, boat, tram... whatever. And to tap it when you get back out. Just so they don't fine us too much."
He peered out to the distant islands in the bay.
"This view is magnificant, but not the best here. I think when we get into the city I can show you some amazing sights."

"We can go later on the beach, Catherine: we do, after all, have our own private beach. For now, we're going to New Zevkhay."

"I know that, Dare; I just like the beach is all." Catherine said with a smile.

Just up a path from the shoreline, past a row of beach huts and an inconspicuous coastal re-enforcement structure overgrown with sandgrass, there was the sound of a maglev train braking: a loud hum as the engines went into reverse, followed by a hiss as it touched down on the tracks and let the doors open.

"Here we go: a train's pulled in now. We've got about 5 minutes till it departs, so can have a sit-down for a bit."

"Five minutes? We should make sure we have everything we need here with us."

He pulled from his pocket a small black plastic card, holding a glittering holographic security mark and a hoard of numbers and other details, the back covered in Fegosian script around a central golden chip. He flicked it back to the front, where from underneath the small plastic case it was in peered the face of Catherine.

"Here's your universal public transport card. It'll work on the bus, tram, rail and even on some boat services. Don't worry about how much it costs: it's drawn out of the family account. Just remember to tap it on the scanner at the security points as you get onto the train, boat, tram... whatever. And to tap it when you get back out. Just so they don't fine us too much."
He peered out to the distant islands in the bay.
"This view is magnificant, but not the best here. I think when we get into the city I can show you some amazing sights."

"This card is quite shiny, I must say, and I've known for some time that we use similar items in Ixania. Thank you for giving me that information; I'll make sure that I remember all of it though I am sure that I will. I must say that I'd love it if you could show me some of those amazing spots...I'm enjoying every minute of my stay here and can't wait to tell my family all about it."

"Don't worry Catherine: we won't need much going into the city. You've got your travel card, I've got some money, we should all be OK."
He stood up and walked past the rocks up to the train station. Here, he walked past the barriers and ticket stations to the main platform area, and led Catherine onto the train, touching his card to the scanner by the door. He then moved to the seats in the carriage, sitting down next to Catherine by the window. Behind him, the doors hissed shut along with an alarm. Soon, the train slowly raised upwards from the platform as it started accelerating. Soon it was moving at a much higher speed, the scenery starting to blur as they moved upwards onto a skyrail. Up above the buildings below, it started shooting towards the city centre, as the buildings began to get taller and taller.

"I am sure that we will not have problems of such a kind in the city, Dare. We should just be optimistic for today and enjoy ourselves."

Catherine smiled before looking at the buildings of the city centre through the window; studying them as if they were like the books she had read earlier in the day. After looking at them silently for a while, she looked back at Dare and smiled to reveal her pearl white teeth that, obvious to him, was the result of zealous brushing and tooth care. "I've always liked architecture, Dare. I do not know if I may pursue the life of an architect one day but it is possible; although my dream is to become a professional violinist and join an orchestra."

Catherine looked out the window again and noticed the train slowly stopping. "I guess this is where we get off. Come on, Dare! Let's go enjoy ourselves in New Zevkhay!" Enthusiastically, Catherine walked away from Dare and got off the train; joyfully hoping to have fun in the city with her Fegosian friend who, she had seen, was prone to periods of silent staring.

"Welcome to Ans'vi station, the central New Zevkhay station. Be careful not to look down as you get off the train: we're currently 150 metres above the ground!"

Getting off from the train and watching it slide off from the station out of sight, it left to all a view of New Zevkhay. Amongst the high towers of the massive financail district they were now in, the massive red walls of the Old City stood up to confront all, domes and spires rising up from inside. Here and there, the high-level maglev tracks criss-crossed above the streets further below, in which no vehicles ran save for the occasional tram.

"In most of central New Zevkhay, the only vehicles allowed are cargo lorries or emergancy vehicles. And most companies now are supplied by the cargo and waste maglevs that pass pretty much every building at some point or other. Anyhow, first stop is the government district in the Old City. One of the nicest parts of the city"

They took the lift down to street level, and started walking amongst the massive glass-and-steel structures, along the granite-paved streets towards the towering mud walls ahead of them.

"Welcome to Ans'vi station, the central New Zevkhay station. Be careful not to look down as you get off the train: we're currently 150 metres above the ground!"

Catherine smiled as she restrained her interest's urge to look down. "I must say that it does look like we are high up but I am not afraid; it is just a marvel of Man's architectural talents."

Getting off from the train and watching it slide off from the station out of sight, it left to all a view of New Zevkhay. Amongst the high towers of the massive financail district they were now in, the massive red walls of the Old City stood up to confront all, domes and spires rising up from inside. Here and there, the high-level maglev tracks criss-crossed above the streets further below, in which no vehicles ran save for the occasional tram.

"This view of the city is absolutely amazing, Dare. You can see all the domes and spires of the Old City and see the maglevs race back and forth to transport materials. One day, you should see Tzargrad, Dare. I'd be glad to show you it one day."

"In most of central New Zevkhay, the only vehicles allowed are cargo lorries or emergancy vehicles. And most companies now are supplied by the cargo and waste maglevs that pass pretty much every building at some point or other. Anyhow, first stop is the government district in the Old City. One of the nicest parts of the city"

"Excellent! We should get going before we get into one of those crowds of people."

They took the lift down to street level, and started walking amongst the massive glass-and-steel structures, along the granite-paved streets towards the towering mud walls ahead of them.

Catherine smiled at Dare as they walked. "Luckily the weather is good for us today, Dare. I would not have wanted a rainstorm to dampen my dress nor make me regret not bringing protection."

"It'll rain for certain this afternoon: it rains every afternoon. Only for about 1/2 an hour, but it will rain. Don't worry though: by then we'll be under cover."

They continued along the street as a tram moved past, eventually reached the towering mud walls. Above them, flocks of birds flew about down into the newer city, while ahead crowds of tourists strolled between the many mud buildings. Brightly painted signs adorned the sides of the older buildings here along with the noticable security presence: the occasional armed guard could be seen to the sides of the crowds.

"We'll go over to the Senate square, then take a tram from Glory avenue after we've looked around here to go to the shopping district while it's raining, and then I'll take you somewhere a bit special."

"It'll rain for certain this afternoon: it rains every afternoon. Only for about 1/2 an hour, but it will rain. Don't worry though: by then we'll be under cover."

"Thank you for telling me that; I would not want this nice dress to get ruined by the rain. Does it really rain every afternoon here?"

They continued along the street as a tram moved past, eventually reached the towering mud walls. Above them, flocks of birds flew about down into the newer city, while ahead crowds of tourists strolled between the many mud buildings. Brightly painted signs adorned the sides of the older buildings here along with the noticable security presence: the occasional armed guard could be seen to the sides of the crowds.

"This reminds me of the cities of Ixania; I have been to several places outside Tzargrad, you know. Before I came here to be a foreign exchange student, I was educated at the Imperial Academy like my older sister was. This city is filled with all sorts of people from tourists wanting to see the sights to the security guards wanting to keep an eye on us. I don't mind it though; in Ixania I always had at least one guard with me if not the usual many."

"We'll go over to the Senate square, then take a tram from Glory avenue after we've looked around here to go to the shopping district while it's raining, and then I'll take you somewhere a bit special."

"Somewhere special? I look forward to seeing that."

"Yep: remember the climate here is tropical, so we get lovely warm days with a bit of hot rain in the afternoons. It dries out very quickly though."

They soon reached a wide open space in the centre of the old city. Crowds of tourists were pinned back to special walk areas whilst armed soldiers patrolled the square. All around, the ancient buildings displayed neat tiled notices showing their purpose: the Foreign Ministry, the Zaheran Embassy, the Governmental Library. They pushed their way past the crowds, and soon moved towards the massive dome-shaped building in the centre of the square, 4 painted spires towering from the painted central dome.

"This is the Alfegan Senate: here, the government meet, debate and decide what to do in this country. All Alfegan citizens have a right to watch senate, but I'm sure they'll make an allowance in your case."

They passed through the spacy entrance into a shaded interior. Mosaics covered both the walls and floor, while the massive painted ceiling depicted strange pictures and pictograms of the history of Alfegos. The guards at the entrance stood benefitting from the shade it provided them, whilst watching all keenly. The moved through the beautifully decorated corridors, before arriving at a large balcony. They were right inside the dome, a beam of light jetting down from the centre and illuminating the many people seated below them. A holographic screen by a central pool in the bottom of the building lay idle, while a man spoke from a platform in Fegosian, a fast string of syllables coming from him with accompanying responses from the opposition speaker sitting opposite to him. Above them, the tiers of seating cut right into the wall of the building held people dressed in ceremonial clothing: a large robe or Sto'la in the case of the women. There were three different-coloured groups spread across the hall.

"The people dressed in the black robes are the ministers and deputy ministers for all the Alfegan ministrys. Those in the Orange robes are regional delegates for each Alfegan province, region and colony. And those in the Blue robes are the High judges. Down at the base, you can see two people in addition to the speakers. One of those is the Consul. The other is my dad, the president. They wear multi-coloured robes, combining all three colours and displaying the Alfegan seal. The President acts as the only person in Senate who can forcefully choose an option to follow, provided he has support. He acts as the main decision maker, assisted by all the senators. The Consul is the chair for the senate, and basically keeps order in Senate, as well as acting as a second to the President. The debate at the moment I think is about educational policies."

He motioned her over to a seat cut into the side of the dome, which allowed them an excellent view over the side of the balcony and onto the parliament.

"Yep: remember the climate here is tropical, so we get lovely warm days with a bit of hot rain in the afternoons. It dries out very quickly though."

"I do remember that the climate here is tropical; I can handle the rain well."

They soon reached a wide open space in the centre of the old city. Crowds of tourists were pinned back to special walk areas whilst armed soldiers patrolled the square. All around, the ancient buildings displayed neat tiled notices showing their purpose: the Foreign Ministry, the Zaheran Embassy, the Governmental Library. They pushed their way past the crowds, and soon moved towards the massive dome-shaped building in the centre of the square, 4 painted spires towering from the painted central dome.

"Look at all these people! These ancient buildings, government ministries and the embassy! All of this reminds me of Tzargrad, Dare. Let's explore every inch of this part of New Zevkhay!"

"This is the Alfegan Senate: here, the government meet, debate and decide what to do in this country. All Alfegan citizens have a right to watch senate, but I'm sure they'll make an allowance in your case."

"I'd love to watch a session of the Senate."

They passed through the spacy entrance into a shaded interior. Mosaics covered both the walls and floor, while the massive painted ceiling depicted strange pictures and pictograms of the history of Alfegos. The guards at the entrance stood benefitting from the shade it provided them, whilst watching all keenly. The moved through the beautifully decorated corridors, before arriving at a large balcony. They were right inside the dome, a beam of light jetting down from the centre and illuminating the many people seated below them. A holographic screen by a central pool in the bottom of the building lay idle, while a man spoke from a platform in Fegosian, a fast string of syllables coming from him with accompanying responses from the opposition speaker sitting opposite to him. Above them, the tiers of seating cut right into the wall of the building held people dressed in ceremonial clothing: a large robe or Sto'la in the case of the women. There were three different-coloured groups spread across the hall.

"This place is very well made and aesthetically beautiful and presentable. I must say that it is nice to be here to see how a new form of government works...my nation is an absolute monarchy and thus we don't really have opposition leaders, etc."

"The people dressed in the black robes are the ministers and deputy ministers for all the Alfegan ministrys. Those in the Orange robes are regional delegates for each Alfegan province, region and colony. And those in the Blue robes are the High judges. Down at the base, you can see two people in addition to the speakers. One of those is the Consul. The other is my dad, the president. They wear multi-coloured robes, combining all three colours and displaying the Alfegan seal. The President acts as the only person in Senate who can forcefully choose an option to follow, provided he has support. He acts as the main decision maker, assisted by all the senators. The Consul is the chair for the senate, and basically keeps order in Senate, as well as acting as a second to the President. The debate at the moment I think is about educational policies."

"Thank you for explaining the procedures of the Alfegan Government, Dare; I must say that it is nice to learn about and to compare it to how Ixania's government is organized. I can remember when I used to watch government procedures in Ixania; my sister would let me see her work and talk to government ministers and other people. Ixania also has limited democracy."

He motioned her over to a seat cut into the side of the dome, which allowed them an excellent view over the side of the balcony and onto the parliament

"Look at this view. We get a good view of the events going on down there."

"It is excellent here, isn't it? Let's stay here for the while to see what this decision ends as."

Below them, for the next 30 minutes, the senators furiously debated as they took the stage, voices raising as one person moved into the speaker's square. Soon though, the debate ended, with the screen flickering up to show the results of a vote: the motion had been passed.

"That was one about educational funding for the coming quarter. As it is, they've been debating for about an hour before we got here. Rather a short one, considering today must be the budget debate day. But while they ahve a short break, we shall leave leave and see the rest of the old city."

Back outside in the sun, they strolled along the wide, pedestrian streets, passing past the many buildings as they walked along the less-walked streets towards Glory Avenue.
"Anywhere you want to see here at all? There are many things here."

"It is excellent here, isn't it? Let's stay here for the while to see what this decision ends as."

Below them, for the next 30 minutes, the senators furiously debated as they took the stage, voices raising as one person moved into the speaker's square. Soon though, the debate ended, with the screen flickering up to show the results of a vote: the motion had been passed.

"That was one about educational funding for the coming quarter. As it is, they've been debating for about an hour before we got here. Rather a short one, considering today must be the budget debate day. But while they ahve a short break, we shall leave leave and see the rest of the old city."

"It was very nice to see all of the senators at work, Dare; I must tell my elder sister about it. She may be an absolute monarch but she does listen to the people. She always has."

Back outside in the sun, they strolled along the wide, pedestrian streets, passing past the many buildings as they walked along the less-walked streets towards Glory Avenue.
"Anywhere you want to see here at all? There are many things here."

"I'd love to see every inch of Glory Avenue but I'm curious as to whether or not you recommend any particular place for us to visit. If you want to take me somewhere, go right ahead. You should know a lot about this place; more so than the poor Ixanian princess on her first visit."

Catherine grinned before beginning to walk into Glory Avenue; beckoning Dare with a coy smile to follow her.

"Well, this is Glory Avenue. I think we should go to the old citadel first, since we're at the bottom end of the avenue, then we can visit the temple further up the street. After that, we can go up on the walls while we wait for a tram."

The walked across the massively wide road, banners hanging across from the buildings. As they crossed past the large beds of flowers and shrubs that bedecked the sides of the road, he picked a large flower from one of the higher plants. A large golden trumpet, with orange tinges in it.

"For you, Catherine. The Ra'so'hebra flower. Very pretty, don't you think?"

He led her up the mud stairs at the base of a massive tower on the end the avenue, where many others met and radiated from its base. Curved crenallations and arrow slits presented themselves to the outside world as the clambered up the now internal staircase inside this tower, passing locked doors and now empty rooms until they eventually reached the top. From up here, a view of the Old City presented itself: a maze of mud buildings around main streets, held in by the massive walls and river.

"Beautiful, eh?"

"Well, this is Glory Avenue. I think we should go to the old citadel first, since we're at the bottom end of the avenue, then we can visit the temple further up the street. After that, we can go up on the walls while we wait for a tram."

"All of that sounds great to me; can I assume that the temple was built before your nation converted to a religion like Christianity? In Ixania, we still have many admirers, etc of mythology despite people being either devoted to the rites of the Orthodox Church or the words of Luther."

The walked across the massively wide road, banners hanging across from the buildings. As they crossed past the large beds of flowers and shrubs that bedecked the sides of the road, he picked a large flower from one of the higher plants. A large golden trumpet, with orange tinges in it.

"For you, Catherine. The Ra'so'hebra flower. Very pretty, don't you think?"

Catherine smiled and felt touched by this tender gesture that Dare had done for her. "I must say that it does look very pretty and I thank you for it. I shall treasure your gift. Do you know if I can attach it to my dress or hat?"

He led her up the mud stairs at the base of a massive tower on the end the avenue, where many others met and radiated from its base. Curved crenallations and arrow slits presented themselves to the outside world as the clambered up the now internal staircase inside this tower, passing locked doors and now empty rooms until they eventually reached the top. From up here, a view of the Old City presented itself: a maze of mud buildings around main streets, held in by the massive walls and river.

"Beautiful, eh?"

"This is an amazingly beautiful sight. We must take pictures!"

bump.

"Try, and see if you can attach it to anything. Anyhow, it is such a good view from many parts of New Zevkhay."

He frowned as he noticed the rainclouds coming in, before indicating down the stairs.

"Let's try to get to the temple before it opens up. But you speak about Christianity: we have no national religion here. Christianity is relatively rare here, since most people are agnostic, atheist, or Fegoists. That temple is part of the religion most commonly referred to in English as Fegoism, the religion here until the 19th century, when free religion was declared. You'll find it very... different to your churches."

He walked along the street with here, until they reached a red marble building with 4 high spires on it. Fegosian script ran around the almost organic shape of the building as they entered itno the interior. A very strange interior.
Light appeared in the chamber from apparently nowhere, flooding the area with light slightly brighter than outside. The light inside revealed a small forest of carefull cultivated plants, grown into strange patterns. Amongst them, herbs burnt on golden stands as butterflies and brightly-coloured insects buzzed about. People sat about on seats grown from living trees, quiet in meditation.

"Fegoism is a very naturalist religion: the people believe in there being a single power in nature that maintains the environment, rewarding those who support it with spiritual satisfaction yet punishing those who destroy her home without care with famine and poverty.
That light comes from those towers: there are mirrors up there made from bronze, which focus the light collected from up there into here. They also bring down the rain as well, which is collected into an irrigation system that runs about these plants.
You'll find these temples built where special energies flow, allowing these plants to grow much faster and more beautifully. They're often characterised by the presence of this flower."

He pointed down to a winding vine about a tree stump, bearing bright blue flowers.

"The Khals'phkjala flower. Very rare, and often only found in these temples. These temples also hold many food plants, which they give off to those who can't afford food as well as using any left to feed the monks of the temple. Most of the food plants are underground though: there's chambers underground where they direct the light to. This temple is often seen as an example of amazing building work, and really shows the scientific knowledge our ancestors had. Anyhow, sit down and rest for a bit. Then we can get all uptight again going into the Cultural District."

"Try, and see if you can attach it to anything. Anyhow, it is such a good view from many parts of New Zevkhay."

Catherine attached the flower to her dress and smiled at Dare. "It's a lovely addition to my ensemble."

He frowned as he noticed the rainclouds coming in, before indicating down the stairs.

"Let's try to get to the temple before it opens up. But you speak about Christianity: we have no national religion here. Christianity is relatively rare here, since most people are agnostic, atheist, or Fegoists. That temple is part of the religion most commonly referred to in English as Fegoism, the religion here until the 19th century, when free religion was declared. You'll find it very... different to your churches."

"Fegoism is a religion that I would enjoy learning about though my nation either follows the Orthodox or Lutheran Church but we are tolerant of all religions, Dare. I won't just go and condemn Fegoism...I'm sure it has its merits like all the others."

He walked along the street with here, until they reached a red marble building with 4 high spires on it. Fegosian script ran around the almost organic shape of the building as they entered itno the interior. A very strange interior.
Light appeared in the chamber from apparently nowhere, flooding the area with light slightly brighter than outside. The light inside revealed a small forest of carefull cultivated plants, grown into strange patterns. Amongst them, herbs burnt on golden stands as butterflies and brightly-coloured insects buzzed about. People sat about on seats grown from living trees, quiet in meditation.

Catherine kept her eye on the people as they walked into the temple and she felt as if she had gone into some sort of building made in homage to the wonders of Nature. "This is a very beautiful but weird place, Dare. Thank you for bringing me here."

"Fegoism is a very naturalist religion: the people believe in there being a single power in nature that maintains the environment, rewarding those who support it with spiritual satisfaction yet punishing those who destroy her home without care with famine and poverty.
That light comes from those towers: there are mirrors up there made from bronze, which focus the light collected from up there into here. They also bring down the rain as well, which is collected into an irrigation system that runs about these plants.
You'll find these temples built where special energies flow, allowing these plants to grow much faster and more beautifully. They're often characterised by the presence of this flower."

"Fegoism reminds me of Deism as it would look like if it is developed around Nature instead of Reason and I must say that this whole temple is aesthetically wonderful and appeasing, I am sure, to your deity. Do you devoutly believe in the doctrines of Fegoism, Dare? Does it have missionaries?"

He pointed down to a winding vine about a tree stump, bearing bright blue flowers.

"The Khals'phkjala flower. Very rare, and often only found in these temples. These temples also hold many food plants, which they give off to those who can't afford food as well as using any left to feed the monks of the temple. Most of the food plants are underground though: there's chambers underground where they direct the light to. This temple is often seen as an example of amazing building work, and really shows the scientific knowledge our ancestors had. Anyhow, sit down and rest for a bit. Then we can get all uptight again going into the Cultural District."

Catherine took her seat with a smile and looked at the flowers briefly in silence before looking at Dare. "I must say that it is interesting to be sitting on a seat grown from a living tree and that Fegoism is an interesting spiritual path. If there is a holy text that it has, then I'd be interested in reading it. You will find Ixanians to be good caretakers of the environment as well; I can still remember those lectures I had...."

"Fegoism doesn't really have that much in the way of religious texts: it's mostly passed down by word of mouth. They do that at every temple have a copy of the Fegoist teachings and other assorted histories written down in the original language, still able to be read by modern-day Fegosian speakers, albeit with many changes.
As for reason, you'd be surprised. This religion has adapted for reason's purposes, unlike other religious sects. If you ever read the original texts, you'll find a lot about biology, horticulture, mathamatics. The most recent one which everyone accepts is evolution: Feogists belive that it was sponsered by nature: it aids evolution, which is why it is so perfect. Seriously though, a lot of Fegoist texts contain much about science. Unlike some religions...
However, to me. I like to look at the theories of Fegoism, but don't actively subscribe to them. Some ideas, I agree with, but some fo the more radical ideas with the natural spirit I do not agree with. They don't often have missionaries, since Foegists are very tolerant, and go by the principle that they won't preach to someone what they might not want to hear, but let them make up their own minds."

"Fegoism doesn't really have that much in the way of religious texts: it's mostly passed down by word of mouth. They do that at every temple have a copy of the Fegoist teachings and other assorted histories written down in the original language, still able to be read by modern-day Fegosian speakers, albeit with many changes.
As for reason, you'd be surprised. This religion has adapted for reason's purposes, unlike other religious sects. If you ever read the original texts, you'll find a lot about biology, horticulture, mathamatics. The most recent one which everyone accepts is evolution: Feogists belive that it was sponsered by nature: it aids evolution, which is why it is so perfect. Seriously though, a lot of Fegoist texts contain much about science. Unlike some religions...
However, to me. I like to look at the theories of Fegoism, but don't actively subscribe to them. Some ideas, I agree with, but some fo the more radical ideas with the natural spirit I do not agree with. They don't often have missionaries, since Foegists are very tolerant, and go by the principle that they won't preach to someone what they might not want to hear, but let them make up their own minds."

"From what you have told me Fegoism seems to be a religion focused primarily on nature and science as was the Deism of old which held that realization of God came through reason. I've always believed in a God since I was little but I feel it may have been because I was taught to revere the being above with solemn respect. Many Ixanians believe in diverse religions from Christianity to Islam and yet we are all tolerant of one another; indifferent to whether people pray to God, Allah or whatever deity they may choose to follow. I'd like to learn more about Fegoism but I don't think I'd convert to it. Right now I simply am a theist; a believer in God but I have been raised in a rather Christian environment since birth."

Catherine smiled. "The number of religions in this world highlights the diversity of the world's millions who each seek to find God in their own way; some people I'm sure could even hold that God is actually a Goddess. Now, shall we continue exploring the city?"

"Well, your opinions on religion are your own. I'm sure you'd be able to find out more about Fegoism by asking my father, if he's at dinner tonight. Anyhow, let's go shall we? Since it's raining, we'll take a tram into the cultrual district."

He walked outside, shletered from the rain in the entrance of the temple. In the centre of the street, a pair of rails were set into the granite, whilst a small sign set to the side noted it was a tram stopping area. After a minute, a tram silently pulled in, stopping to let on passengers sprinting across to the cover it provided. Dare led Catherine along with him through the warm, pouring rain, splashing through puddles until he entered the rear carriage. He took out his travel card and touched it to the scanner by the door, indicating for Catherine to do the same, before finding an area to stand by the door as the tram pulled off.
"The trams in New Zevkhay don't use overhead cables to power them: they've got a large number of batteries on the underside. Thy're charged at every stop from underground charging units embedded in the ground, so don't have problems with power loss at least. We'll be taking this one to the Financial District Interchange, then take a purple-line train to the Con'sita shopping district."

"Well, your opinions on religion are your own. I'm sure you'd be able to find out more about Fegoism by asking my father, if he's at dinner tonight. Anyhow, let's go shall we? Since it's raining, we'll take a tram into the cultrual district."

"Is your father a pious Fegoist or is he what they would call an average believer?"


"The trams in New Zevkhay don't use overhead cables to power them: they've got a large number of batteries on the underside. Thy're charged at every stop from underground charging units embedded in the ground, so don't have problems with power loss at least. We'll be taking this one to the Financial District Interchange, then take a purple-line train to the Con'sita shopping district."

"Every day I find something new about Alfegos, Dare and some of what I find about this nation of yours reminds me of what I would see in the Ixanian Empire. We have trams and the like all going to and fro in cities like Tzargrad. I am quite eager to get to the Con'sita shopping district so we can get some shopping done before we continue exploring...unless you wanted to go home."

Catherine smiled before looking out the window. "I must say that you have a beautiful nation, Dare. I'm thinking that perhaps, one day, I'll be able to visit again and who knows....I could retire to a manor in Alfegos if I have the means."

"My father, he is really just your average believer: he doesn't fervently believe in its principles, he just likes some of its ideas."

He led her from the tram, now stopped in a large central square. Above, a train shot across an airborne line, the air throbbing as it passed.

"That's the express train to Polinas. He'll be going at over 300km/h once he gets onto the main line. We're taking one a bit higher up."

He passed into a large lift, that quickly began rising, stopping three times before they finally reached their level.

"Purple line runs through most of the city. We'll be dropping off after a few stops. Remember, most of the trainline in the city is airborne, so don't look down!"

He tapped his travel card as they got onto the train, before it rose slightly and left the platform. Soon, it was moving at high speed along the line, past a train going in the other direction to them. They passed by private office stops well below them, before the train began slowing down. It stopped, doors rushing open to allow people to rush out and in, before it moved off again. The line soon reached its end at another large tower, where they left with a horde of people. Into the lifts, and soon they were near the ground floor. He took Catherine off the lift, showing here a massive hall lift by the light passing in through huge glass walls.
"Here we are: so where do you want to start?"

"My father, he is really just your average believer: he doesn't fervently believe in its principles, he just likes some of its ideas."

"I am sure many people in Ixania are the same when it comes to their Christian faith."

He led her from the tram, now stopped in a large central square. Above, a train shot across an airborne line, the air throbbing as it passed.

"That's the express train to Polinas. He'll be going at over 300km/h once he gets onto the main line. We're taking one a bit higher up."

"Thanks for the information, Dare. I must say that it is something for a train to go 300km/h but I am sure that it is nothing more than a common fact here in Alfegos but we do have fast trains in Ixania."

He passed into a large lift, that quickly began rising, stopping three times before they finally reached their level.

"Purple line runs through most of the city. We'll be dropping off after a few stops. Remember, most of the trainline in the city is airborne, so don't look down!"

Catherine smiled. "Have there been any accidents involving the airborne trainline? If so, how were they caused?"

He tapped his travel card as they got onto the train, before it rose slightly and left the platform. Soon, it was moving at high speed along the line, past a train going in the other direction to them. They passed by private office stops well below them, before the train began slowing down. It stopped, doors rushing open to allow people to rush out and in, before it moved off again. The line soon reached its end at another large tower, where they left with a horde of people. Into the lifts, and soon they were near the ground floor. He took Catherine off the lift, showing here a massive hall lift by the light passing in through huge glass walls.
"Here we are: so where do you want to start?"

Catherine grinned a little. "Where would you recommend we start? I personally want to see every inch of the area...or as much of it as is possible."

"Accidents? I think the only one they've ever had was when a terrorist group sabotaged an area of track, meaning that the beams were unable to support the Maglev. As a result, that section of track fell off, meaning that the train was carried with it for 100m till it hit the ground. Luckily, casualties were not extreme, with many survivors being found in the train.

Anyhow, back to here: I'd recommend that we start here, in the nearest shop."

He pointed ahead to a large Alfegan sign above an extensive shop.

"You want any shoes at all? This is one of the places to buy them. Diep'Sor, that sign reads."

"Accidents? I think the only one they've ever had was when a terrorist group sabotaged an area of track, meaning that the beams were unable to support the Maglev. As a result, that section of track fell off, meaning that the train was carried with it for 100m till it hit the ground. Luckily, casualties were not extreme, with many survivors being found in the train.

"Has Alfegos had a long history of terrorism?"

Anyhow, back to here: I'd recommend that we start here, in the nearest shop."

He pointed ahead to a large Alfegan sign above an extensive shop.

"You want any shoes at all? This is one of the places to buy them. Diep'Sor, that sign reads."

"I would not mind purchasing some new shoes....perhaps we will find some distinctively...Fegosian shoes."

"You need not worry about terrorists now: you see that security camera up there?"

He pointed up to the ceiling.

"That's networked up to another three cameras in the area, which have built in laser rangers. These allow them to built up a 3D image of the area: a hologram if you must. They have such a volumetric display in the central police station, which runs on some very powerful computers. The automated system recognises facial features, and can track all those people with a criminal record or under surveillance. If there was a terrorist plot, the system would detect someone was carrying something like an explosive belt or rucksack, and alert the local police within 20 seconds.

Anyway, to less pessimistic things: I think you'll find Alfegan footwear is mostly sandals, unless you're looking for more specialist or foreign footwear. You have a search for something you like in there, and I'll pay for it. As long as you don't buy stacks and stacks of shoes..."

"You need not worry about terrorists now: you see that security camera up there?"

He pointed up to the ceiling.

"That's networked up to another three cameras in the area, which have built in laser rangers. These allow them to built up a 3D image of the area: a hologram if you must. They have such a volumetric display in the central police station, which runs on some very powerful computers. The automated system recognises facial features, and can track all those people with a criminal record or under surveillance. If there was a terrorist plot, the system would detect someone was carrying something like an explosive belt or rucksack, and alert the local police within 20 seconds.

"That is a good system to have in this world but I don't see why Alfegos would be targeted by terrorists unless it was an imperialistic power bent on destroying everything in its path in a militaristic Manifest Destiny." Catherine said in a refined tone; showing that she had plenty of knowledge in that head of hers. "No terrorists have attacked Ixania but I don't know if any have while I have been here; I hope that they have not but let us talk of more uplifting things now."

Anyway, to less pessimistic things: I think you'll find Alfegan footwear is mostly sandals, unless you're looking for more specialist or foreign footwear. You have a search for something you like in there, and I'll pay for it. As long as you don't buy stacks and stacks of shoes..."

"I hope you'd have the latest fashions....but I would not buy them if they are not comfortable for me....and I'm not going to buy stacks and stacks of shoes; I don't follow that stereotype like other girls do." Catherine grinned before running off to examine the shoes.

"Alright then: I'll just get a stack for you to try on."
He looked over the shelves, before pulling off a few sandals. A mix of wooden and plastic ones, all highly decorated.
"You try those on, and see how they are."

He looked about, and spyed a pair of trainers. White, with blue fegosian pictograms on the side. He took them from the shelf, tried them on, before rejecting them: they were too tight. He preferred the sandals as usual.

"How are you getting on Catherine?"

"Alright then: I'll just get a stack for you to try on."
He looked over the shelves, before pulling off a few sandals. A mix of wooden and plastic ones, all highly decorated.
"You try those on, and see how they are."

He looked about, and spyed a pair of trainers. White, with blue fegosian pictograms on the side. He took them from the shelf, tried them on, before rejecting them: they were too tight. He preferred the sandals as usual.

"How are you getting on Catherine?"

Catherine thanked Dare for the stack of sandsals before walking away to try them on. She found out that some of them fit her but some of them were either too stubborn to fit on or were hopeless in trying to get them to. She soon came out with a nice pair of sandals on; smiling as she pointed at them and wiggled her toes around. "Don't you think these are good sandals, Dare? How much are they?"

"They look brilliant Catherine. I think the colour really suits you. As for the price... lets just say that I'm the one buying them as a gift for you. I hope you enjoy them."

He walked over to the counter, passing across a few notes, before receiving change and a receipt. He took a small bag from his pocket, and passed it to her.

"Here's a bag for your shoes. Anyhow, where to next? I spy a food shop over there!"

"They look brilliant Catherine. I think the colour really suits you. As for the price... lets just say that I'm the one buying them as a gift for you. I hope you enjoy them."

He walked over to the counter, passing across a few notes, before receiving change and a receipt. He took a small bag from his pocket, and passed it to her.

"Here's a bag for your shoes. Anyhow, where to next? I spy a food shop over there!"

Catherine smiled. "You are a goodhearted person, Dare. I'm thankful for your generosity." After taking the bag from her Alfegan friend, Catherine looked at the food shop in the distance and began walking towards it in a happy stride. "I'm a bit hungry, Dare, so I think a good investment of our time would be to pay a visit to the food shop."

Catherine looked at him and smiled again. "Dare, what do you plan to do when you grow older?"

"Here we go: Gha'sa food stores. Let's see what they have in stock, and then go eat it somewhere."
He entered the shop, passing past rows of baskets holding many selections of fruits and vegetables. Some were the recognisable apples, bananas and pineapples, whilst others held much stranger plants: ku'sola, hi'sola and lo'sola fruit, all either strange shapes or colours. Dare grabbed a paper bag, tossing in a few fruits before walking through other rows.
"You can try a few of the fruits later. I'll see what cold food we can get as something proper to eat."
He passed a closed cooler unit, shelves inside holding pitta-bread 'sandwiches' holding a range of meats, fishes, and vegetables. He pulled out a pair of them, putting them into more paper bags as he passed through.
"They're both my favourite: mashed Ya'tu roots with dried Pe'goa meat and spicy sauce. I'm not telling you what those two are till you've had the chance to try them."
He finished at the counter, taking a few packets of sugarbread by the counter as he paid for it.

He finally left the shop with Catherine, moving to a nearby cafe. He sat down with her by the balcony over the centre, a 15 story drop down to the ground floor of the shopping centre. He placed his purchases down, before passing one of the pitta bread sandwiches to her.
"Have a guess what Pe'goa is, once you've eaten it all."

"Here we go: Gha'sa food stores. Let's see what they have in stock, and then go eat it somewhere."
He entered the shop, passing past rows of baskets holding many selections of fruits and vegetables. Some were the recognisable apples, bananas and pineapples, whilst others held much stranger plants: ku'sola, hi'sola and lo'sola fruit, all either strange shapes or colours. Dare grabbed a paper bag, tossing in a few fruits before walking through other rows.
"You can try a few of the fruits later. I'll see what cold food we can get as something proper to eat."

"I am sure that the farmers of Alfegos gain plenty of money for exporting these fruits and vegetables to the markets. It's nice to see all these fresh and ripe fruits and vegetables...I could eat some right now but I will save whatever room is in my stomach for our lunch."

He passed a closed cooler unit, shelves inside holding pitta-bread 'sandwiches' holding a range of meats, fishes, and vegetables. He pulled out a pair of them, putting them into more paper bags as he passed through.
"They're both my favourite: mashed Ya'tu roots with dried Pe'goa meat and spicy sauce. I'm not telling you what those two are till you've had the chance to try them."

"It would be nice to partake in those; they look quite delicious and well made and I await trying them with trepidation and anxiety. I'm glad I'm able to try all of these new foods."

He finished at the counter, taking a few packets of sugarbread by the counter as he paid for it.

He finally left the shop with Catherine, moving to a nearby cafe. He sat down with her by the balcony over the centre, a 15 story drop down to the ground floor of the shopping centre. He placed his purchases down, before passing one of the pitta bread sandwiches to her.
"Have a guess what Pe'goa is, once you've eaten it all."

Catherine smiled before she began eating her pita bread sandwich; she and Dare were alone together and it looked like it was the late afternoon. "This sandwich is delicious, Dare. Thank you. By the way, I think I would like a drink. I'll need one to wash it all down and to quench my thirst."

Dare turned to a waiter, ordering a jug of fruit syrup and water, before turning back. He slowly ate his pitta sandwich, waiting until she finished hers.
"I thought I'd wait till you'd finished that before I told you what the meat was: it 's snake meat! Really tasty though, and a brilliant way of controlling the species it comes from, which is quite poisonous if you anger it."

He sat for a moment, watching her reaction, before coughing.
"You know what, I finally found the courage to say it... Catherine, I have crush on you."
He blushed, before smacking himself around the face. He took a big swig of drink, before sighing.
"You see, I don't have that much tact. But I've been waiting to say that since I've seen you. I really hope now that I won't get executed for having an affair with you... princess and son of a president. That'll turn heads."
He blushed again.
"Well, then... what can I say?"

Dare turned to a waiter, ordering a jug of fruit syrup and water, before turning back. He slowly ate his pitta sandwich, waiting until she finished hers.
"I thought I'd wait till you'd finished that before I told you what the meat was: it 's snake meat! Really tasty though, and a brilliant way of controlling the species it comes from, which is quite poisonous if you anger it."

Catherine's eyes lit up in shock when Dare said those words. "Snake meat? It did taste quite good but still...I've never really had snake meat before and I'm hopeful that the meat I just ate was not poisonous. I would hate to have to go to a doctor because of it on this pleasurable visit to Alfegos."

He sat for a moment, watching her reaction, before coughing.
"You know what, I finally found the courage to say it... Catherine, I have crush on you."
He blushed, before smacking himself around the face. He took a big swig of drink, before sighing.
"You see, I don't have that much tact. But I've been waiting to say that since I've seen you. I really hope now that I won't get executed for having an affair with you... princess and son of a president. That'll turn heads."
He blushed again.
"Well, then... what can I say?"

Catherine was amazed to hear Dare's confession even though a bit of her suspected that he had romantic feelings for her. Still, she thought, the confession shocked her. She had thought Dare was handsome and charming but there was no love for him to be found in her heart. She couldn't just dump him...she'd have to tell him politely. "Dare...I'm...shocked. Do you really have a crush on me?" Catherine said softly before smiling at him. A few minutes later, Catherine began to giggle. "Executed? Dare, my Fegosian friend, you won't be executed for that! Also, it wouldn't be an affair really...neither of us are married. It'd be more of a romantic fling. But, I should tell you that I do like you but I don't know if I can say I love you. I don't want to play with your feelings like that."

Catherine's warm hand reached across the table to hold Dare's. "No matter what, you'll always be a good friend of mine, Dare. Even if I leave Alfegos without being your royal girlfriend, know that I will remember you as a kindhearted and courteous boy and that being with you has really made this visit to Alfegos a pleasurable experience."

"Well, Catherine... thank you for telling me honestly what your feelings are. Thank you. And I really hope that we enjoy the rest of our stay. I'm sorry if I, well... have no tact. It's rather embarrassing really."

He finished his drink, before standing up.

"Tell you what, since we've got the time, you come with me. I've got a place I think you'd enjoy being in."

"Well, Catherine... thank you for telling me honestly what your feelings are. Thank you. And I really hope that we enjoy the rest of our stay. I'm sorry if I, well... have no tact. It's rather embarrassing really."

Catherine smiled at Dare and finished her drink. "I am sure that we will be able to enjoy the rest of our stay and I'm glad that you are taking the time to hang out, as they say, with me. Thank you, Dare."

He finished his drink, before standing up.

"Tell you what, since we've got the time, you come with me. I've got a place I think you'd enjoy being in."

Catherine smiled again. "You know a place? Well.....I'm intrigued. Let's get going and see what it is."

bump.

bump.

Dare left the café before proceeding over to a bank of elevators set into one of the side walls. Moving into the furthest one when it arrived, he closed the doors before anyone else could get in and hit the button to the top floor.
"Nobody goes up on the top floor that often. It's a shame in some ways, but in another it helps preserve the beauty of it."

After a minute, the small cubicle stopped moving, door opening to bright sunlight. By now, the rain had ceased, leaving only a murky grey sky. Along with the fresh cold chill of the rain came the smell of flowers as his eyes adjusted to where they were.
"Welcome to the 110th floor: the rooftop garden."
He walked out onto an asphalt path that cut across from the centre of the building top to the edge, through a wide lawn. Many flower beds planted with exotic Alfegan plants and trees bent over the path, well-maintained in their growth to form a near-perfect arch.
"This is one of the higher buildings in the city. Look around, and you'll see the true extent of New Zevkhay's sprawl."

As the wind belw on his hair, he looked down over the edge. Below, a maze of cross-walkways, train lines and cables overshadowed the city streets far below. Around the tower, over skyscrapers sprang out of the mass of buildings, especially to the north of the red walls of the old city. Across the ribbon of silver that was the river, low squat buildings spread out in a neat grid style as far as the eye could see. He turned and pointed to a particularly large tower, that seemed to dwarf even this high one.
"That's the Hope Tower. It's one thousand four hundred metres high, twice the height of this tower, and the largest building in Alfegos. Not even the solar updraft towers further north can reach that sort of height. It's mostly offices for some of the largest companies in Alfegos.

What do you think?"

Dare left the café before proceeding over to a bank of elevators set into one of the side walls. Moving into the furthest one when it arrived, he closed the doors before anyone else could get in and hit the button to the top floor.
"Nobody goes up on the top floor that often. It's a shame in some ways, but in another it helps preserve the beauty of it."

"That's understandable. I think it looks quite beautiful."

After a minute, the small cubicle stopped moving, door opening to bright sunlight. By now, the rain had ceased, leaving only a murky grey sky. Along with the fresh cold chill of the rain came the smell of flowers as his eyes adjusted to where they were.
"Welcome to the 110th floor: the rooftop garden."
He walked out onto an asphalt path that cut across from the centre of the building top to the edge, through a wide lawn. Many flower beds planted with exotic Alfegan plants and trees bent over the path, well-maintained in their growth to form a near-perfect arch.
"This is one of the higher buildings in the city. Look around, and you'll see the true extent of New Zevkhay's sprawl."

"I can see the extent of the city's sprawl. You must venture out here a lot, Dare."

As the wind belw on his hair, he looked down over the edge. Below, a maze of cross-walkways, train lines and cables overshadowed the city streets far below. Around the tower, over skyscrapers sprang out of the mass of buildings, especially to the north of the red walls of the old city. Across the ribbon of silver that was the river, low squat buildings spread out in a neat grid style as far as the eye could see. He turned and pointed to a particularly large tower, that seemed to dwarf even this high one.
"That's the Hope Tower. It's one thousand four hundred metres high, twice the height of this tower, and the largest building in Alfegos. Not even the solar updraft towers further north can reach that sort of height. It's mostly offices for some of the largest companies in Alfegos.

What do you think?"

"We have some buildings like that in Ixania; tall and occupied by plenty of men in black; businessmen of the thriving and strong economy of the Empire. I must say I'd like to see Hope Tower more in the future."

"I come here each time I'm in town, if not to enjoy the gardens and meet up with friends then to just admire the view from here. It's just amazing though how high the buildings in this city now reach. The average building height in the financial district is 510 metres, and even in the cultural district you'll find that any new buildings are particularly high. Most of the cultural district was built in the 40s and 60s as low rise, so many of them are still old and small. But the food there is excellent, above all any sea food you get. Then there's the Seventeenth of August Street over there, with most of the main theatres and cinemas on it. Unlike the majority of Alfegos, the old cities tend to have different streets selling entirely the same thing. For example, there's the glass-blowing workshops down on one side of La'xha's street, with a small alley down the back as a inner-city apartment area. However, all the major industry is over the river in Old Zevkhay. Most of Old Zevkhay is just one massive industrial estate, divided into massive sectors. Along with the hundreds of canels and dockyards for goods coming in, there's also the aerodromes and the motorway. It's hardly surprising that nobody lives there permanently. Once you get away from the centre, you'll find a big gap over the P17 inner orbital road where the sound-proofing screens and woodland are, before you reach the suburban area. Then after that, it's farmland and towns stretching up to the mountains, with a few forests here and there.

Tell you what, do you want to go to Hope Tower now? We've got enough time after shopping to go there. About two and a half hours until we're expected back at the Palace, so allowing for twenty minutes of commuting, we have plenty of time.
Anything in particular you want to buy?"

Tell you what, do you want to go to Hope Tower now? We've got enough time after shopping to go there. About two and a half hours until we're expected back at the Palace, so allowing for twenty minutes of commuting, we have plenty of time.
Anything in particular you want to buy?"

"I must say that all the information you keep providing me is so helpful for me to understand Alfegos more than I would if I were to rely on mere books. I don't know what I would really like to buy but I suppose I could buy some more souveniers and the like. Are there any places of recreation we could go to? To have fun together?"

OOC: Places of recreation are places like athletic and aquatic centers, etc. :)

"Well, I think the nearest recreation centre would be nearer the city outskirts. We can go there by maglev service, which should be no problem."

Dare led Catherine through a series of lifts and passages to finally reach the maglev station platform, on the twentieth floor of the building. After a couple minutes, in which Dare helped himself to a bottle of coke from a vending machine, the train drew up. Large crowds of passengers moved off and on, tapping their tickets against the door readers as they left. Dare pushed through the heavy crowd until he found a carriage not too full, quickly tapping his ticket before leading Catherine over to a vacant seat.

"Lucky it isn't rush hour yet. The journey to the Peri'Zevk, or the outer city, will be about ten minutes, since there are quite a few stops on the way. The view is quite good going out, since we go through one of the city parks."

Well, I think the nearest recreation centre would be nearer the city outskirts. We can go there by maglev service, which should be no problem."

"We should get going before we get stuck in a cramped train."

Dare led Catherine through a series of lifts and passages to finally reach the maglev station platform, on the twentieth floor of the building. After a couple minutes, in which Dare helped himself to a bottle of coke from a vending machine, the train drew up. Large crowds of passengers moved off and on, tapping their tickets against the door readers as they left. Dare pushed through the heavy crowd until he found a carriage not too full, quickly tapping his ticket before leading Catherine over to a vacant seat.

"Lucky it isn't rush hour yet. The journey to the Peri'Zevk, or the outer city, will be about ten minutes, since there are quite a few stops on the way. The view is quite good going out, since we go through one of the city parks."

"I'm glad to hear that since I've often loved looking through the window nowadays to see the natural beauty and simple splendour of the Fegosian realm. Tell me, Dare, do you want to visit Ixania? You can go with me on the private jet."

"I'd love to visit Ixania. I'm not sure about my father's current arrangements, but I will talk to him and see whether I will be able to come. It may turn out I have to arrive sometime later."

He looked out of the side window as they entered the city park: tree-lined paths crossing open grassy areas, with patches of rainforest growth in areas. The maglev train was high above the park, track carried by lofty aluminium beams that shuddered slightly as they shot over. Before he knew it, they were out again, now into the suburban areas of the city.
"This is District Eleven we're passing over at the moment. The suburbs stretch for miles on end out of the city, before just disappearing into the forest and grassland. We should be near our stop soon."
After a few minutes, the train eventually pulled up at a small tower, the station. Quickly disembarking and scuttling down the short flight of steps, he found himself at street level. The road was mostly filled with houses, a few office buildings here and there. All houses were rounded, dome-like buildings, each made of what appeared to be rock.

"Alfegan houses are often carved out of a lump of rock dropped in by trucks or by air. They're very quick to 'build', offer brilliant insulation and look rather nice. And the garden ends up quite nice as well. The only problems I know are that you can't hang anything from the outside wall because it's curved, and any windows tend to be very fun to install. Since it's impractical with the larger buildings, they're all made from pre-fabricated panel construction. Our destination it over there."

He pointed down the round to a large green area, a large building with curving wooden roof in the centre. He took out his travel card, smiling.
"They accept these as well here, if you want to get in quickly. Anything you wanted to do in particular?"

"I'd love to visit Ixania. I'm not sure about my father's current arrangements, but I will talk to him and see whether I will be able to come. It may turn out I have to arrive sometime later."

"I would love to be your offical tour guide!" Catherine said excitedly. "You've done such a good job here taking me around Alfegos so I would love to return the favor in Ixania. There is much to see and do there and plenty of people to meet."

He looked out of the side window as they entered the city park: tree-lined paths crossing open grassy areas, with patches of rainforest growth in areas. The maglev train was high above the park, track carried by lofty aluminium beams that shuddered slightly as they shot over. Before he knew it, they were out again, now into the suburban areas of the city.
"This is District Eleven we're passing over at the moment. The suburbs stretch for miles on end out of the city, before just disappearing into the forest and grassland. We should be near our stop soon."
After a few minutes, the train eventually pulled up at a small tower, the station. Quickly disembarking and scuttling down the short flight of steps, he found himself at street level. The road was mostly filled with houses, a few office buildings here and there. All houses were rounded, dome-like buildings, each made of what appeared to be rock.

"How many districts are there in total? I must say that the scenery is exquisite and the houses look intriguing to me."

"Alfegan houses are often carved out of a lump of rock dropped in by trucks or by air. They're very quick to 'build', offer brilliant insulation and look rather nice. And the garden ends up quite nice as well. The only problems I know are that you can't hang anything from the outside wall because it's curved, and any windows tend to be very fun to install. Since it's impractical with the larger buildings, they're all made from pre-fabricated panel construction. Our destination it over there."

"Do you think we could visit one of those houses? I'd love to see one up close and personal."

He pointed down the round to a large green area, a large building with curving wooden roof in the centre. He took out his travel card, smiling.
"They accept these as well here, if you want to get in quickly. Anything you wanted to do in particular?"

"What would you recommend me getting? What can I get here?"

"I hope I can come. But you are much to pre-emptive: you still have many days left in Alfegos!"
He smiled, before answering her questions.
"There are fifty-three suburban districts around New Zevkahy, each with at least thirty-thousand people. The Zevkahy twin city is absolutely massive in comparison to most cities, except Milkavich. If you ever have the misfortune of going there, you'll find how almost quarter of the population affect the landscape if the area.
If you get the chance to get into an old Alfegan house such as these, I think you'll enjoy it. I think there'll be quite a few more up in the north."

He passed the check-in desk of the leisure centre, tapping his card against the barrier and walking through.
"Do you want to go swimming, go in the gym?"

"I hope I can come. But you are much to pre-emptive: you still have many days left in Alfegos!"
He smiled, before answering her questions.
"There are fifty-three suburban districts around New Zevkahy, each with at least thirty-thousand people. The Zevkahy twin city is absolutely massive in comparison to most cities, except Milkavich. If you ever have the misfortune of going there, you'll find how almost quarter of the population affect the landscape if the area.
If you get the chance to get into an old Alfegan house such as these, I think you'll enjoy it. I think there'll be quite a few more up in the north."

He passed the check-in desk of the leisure centre, tapping his card against the barrier and walking through.
"Do you want to go swimming, go in the gym?"

Catherine giggled as she listened to Dare; although she did not reciprocate his love for her, she still found him to be amiable and fun to be around. That was something she could honestly tell him about and then feel glad about doing.

"I would love to get a tour of one of those old Alfegan houses that you have mentioned and I would not mind swimming but the problem is that I don't have my swimsuit with me at the moment. I would also not mind going in the gym too; I do keep myself fit and trim through exercise and careful consumption."

"Alright then. We'll see about going into one of those old houses later. As for now, it seems like it's the gym."
Walking through into the gym area, Dare off his shoes before going onto one of the treadmills for a warmup.
"So, what are the houses like in Ixania? I guess they must be more interesting than the houses in Alfegos. Am I right there?"

"Alright then. We'll see about going into one of those old houses later. As for now, it seems like it's the gym."
Walking through into the gym area, Dare off his shoes before going onto one of the treadmills for a warmup.
"So, what are the houses like in Ixania? I guess they must be more interesting than the houses in Alfegos. Am I right there?"

Catherine took off her own shoes and was doing some stretches next to Dare before she began to tell him all about the houses that could be found in the Ixanian Empire. "...Some of them are architecturally extravagant while others are plain and simple. I have to live in a palace but I don't think it makes me any higher than others save for the obvious difference in social status. There are all sorts of houses throughout the Empire and its Colonies; I do remember seeing nice little pictures of strange and weird looking houses in magazines and the like."

Catherine was able to talk and stretch at the same time; she had done this many times before she came to Alfegos and just relied on that experience. "My family owns many palaces throughout the Ixanian Empire as well although we generally live in the one we have in Tzargrad which is quite close but a bit far from that of my eldest sister, the Empress, since she has her own palace. The palaces are all wonderfully grand in terms of architecture and the gardens are magnificently beautiful which greatly appeals to me. I'll show you around if you ever get the chance to visit Ixania. I'll be your personal tour guide much like you have been mine."

Catherine giggled as she continued to stretch her developing self along; it was often said that many predicted she would become a stunning beauty who could rival the beauty of the Ixanian super models, her eldest sister and perhaps even the women of Ixanian legends and folk tales if one was able to know what they looked like. "Let's explore this gym, Dare, and have some fun!"

"Excellent. I can't wait to go to your country. But you still have lots of time here!"
He sat on a shoulder press, and started slowly moving a weight of 30kg up and down the track, increasing the weight to 45kg after a few pushes and continuing slowly.
"So, you are into physical exercise? I find it brilliant, though I prefer personal sports to team sports for some reason. I'd like to try for the regional athletics team, though I'd hardly do track events."
He used a provided towel to wipe the sweat from his back as he changed to a 20kg weight, speeding up his repetitions as he focused on endurance strength.

"Excellent. I can't wait to go to your country. But you still have lots of time here!"
He sat on a shoulder press, and started slowly moving a weight of 30kg up and down the track, increasing the weight to 45kg after a few pushes and continuing slowly.
"So, you are into physical exercise? I find it brilliant, though I prefer personal sports to team sports for some reason. I'd like to try for the regional athletics team, though I'd hardly do track events."
He used a provided towel to wipe the sweat from his back as he changed to a 20kg weight, speeding up his repetitions as he focused on endurance strength.

Catherine smiled.

"Physical exercise keeps me healthy and trim and so I devote some time to it so I won't end up unhealthy and experience preventable problems involving my body; I've done some athletic stuff before such as gymnastics and I must say that I've been more flexible due to such stuff. My sister, the Empress, also took part in gymnastics and won plenty of awards. All of my family is pretty much healthy, I believe."

Catherine continued stretching with her long legs going quite far to show that she had done much in this department before. "They say that it is good to stretch first of all and that's what I usually do before I start working out. I do have full access to treadmills and the like back home in Ixania."

"It's good to have a bit of exercise. Most Alfegans have no problem with obesity, since the government placed a tax on the amount of fat in food, and tax reduction for those who take part in at least half an hour of exercise daily. As such, the cost of medical insurance here is much lower than in other nations, and the general state of the population is much better than in some other countries."

He continued moving about machines for half an hour, before moving onto a treadmill for a cool-down jog and stretch. He mopped his brow with a towel, before finishing by jumping from the treadmill.
"Hopefully, you enjoyed that. We've got enough time to get back, and we should be having a nice dinner tonight."

"It's good to have a bit of exercise. Most Alfegans have no problem with obesity, since the government placed a tax on the amount of fat in food, and tax reduction for those who take part in at least half an hour of exercise daily. As such, the cost of medical insurance here is much lower than in other nations, and the general state of the population is much better than in some other countries."

"We do have some obese people in Ixania but the vast majority of people are healthy and at the correct weight which is excellent because then they won't have to suffer the harsh symptoms of their obesity such as diabetes which I've often heard about from health programs. I never want to be obese but I don't hate people who are....I only hate people really because of how they treat me."

He continued moving about machines for half an hour, before moving onto a treadmill for a cool-down jog and stretch. He mopped his brow with a towel, before finishing by jumping from the treadmill.
"Hopefully, you enjoyed that. We've got enough time to get back, and we should be having a nice dinner tonight."

"I enjoyed it very much. I don't mind if we head back now to the palace as I am sure you'd like to rest after such a long time out with me and having fun. I really had a great day with you, Dare, and I hope for many more. By the way, feel free to contact me whenever you like when I am back in Ixania."