NationStates Jolt Archive

Tanya Ley had only been back from the trip to Monavia for a week, and she was already looking forward to another diplomatic trip. They were so much better than being stuck in this office all day, she reflected. It wasn't that she didn't like her job, but the sheer workload of it didn't give her time to have much of a social or love life.

Opening the mail that she had had on hold from her Monavian trip, she discovered a letter from a travel company. She expected it to a piece of junk mail, but she opened the letter anyway. It was promising excellent rates for a vacation to Neo-Ixania. Considering the matter, she decided to have her deputy bring up the possibility of a visit to that nation at the conference that she was currently attending. (OOC: Can we assume that the question was answered with a yes for the purposes of the thread?)

With that done, she had her staff prepare travel plans in the even that the government of Neo-Ixania agreed to diplomatic talks with the Free Republic.

OOC: The question can be answered with a yes. She can talk to the Neo-Ixanian diplomat and have a vacation.

Gustav Bergmann was one of the senior diplomats of Neo-Ixania; known for his marriage to a successful female bodybuilder. Dressed in an expensive suit and sitting at his desk which had items such as a picture of his wife and a notebook in view; Gustav was reading reports when he recieved a letter about the arrival of Tanya Ley (OOC: assuming she is at an airport). With a smile on his face, he asked that she be brought to his office.

The chauffer put on his uniform and drove his limosuine to the airport; where Tanya would be waiting to be greeted. When he arrived; he studied Tanya for a few seconds and thought she was sure to attract attention. "Miss Ley? Welcome to Neo-Ixania. Mr. Bergmann, the diplomat you will be meeting with today, has asked me to take you to him. Please come with me."

He led her to the limosuine and helped her inside. Inside, she could find amenities such as an issue of the magazine: "Schöne Frau", which contained pictures of the beautiful supermodel Nadezhda Kirsch. Women like Kirsch were often admired by men in Neo-Ixania; for some admiring women was a hobby.

OOC: I hope you do not mind me skipping ahead.

The chauffer pulled up at Bergmann's office after several minutes of driving through the streets of Tzargrad. It was possible for Tanya to see the palace of Empress Anastasia II, a vendor selling copies of magazines, and schoolchildren swarming a candy shop. The chauffer helped Tanya out and pointed to the front door of the building.

Walking inside; Bergmann's secretary, a young and pretty women dressed in a simple business suit and medium length skirt, smiled at Tanya and welcomed her to Neo-Ixania. "You must be Tanya Ley. Follow me, Miss Ley." The secretary led Tanya to the door of Gustav Bergmann's office and knocked on the door. "Kommen Sie herein!"

The secretary opened the door and walked away; leaving Tanya to see Gustav Bergmann: a handsome young man who looked both serious and outgoing at the same time. "You must be Tanya Ley: Lamoni's Foreign Minister. I am Gustav Bergmann, the diplomat who will be talking to you about diplomatic relations between our nations. So I do not forget; know that you will be able to have a vacation here after our meeting. A hotel room has already been booked for you and your luggage has been sent there."

Gustav gave her a piece of paper with the hotel's address on it. "Now that we have dealt with that; I would like to begin our meeting. What resources does Lamoni have to offer in a possible free trade agreement?"

After being picked up at the airport, Foreign Minister Ley took the opportunity to look around the streets of Tzargrad from her seat in the limo. During the trip, Tanya asked the chauffeur about the large palace that they were passing by. It seemed to be full of history, and it would also tell her something about the culture of the nation that she was visiting.

...snipping ahead...

Thanking the secretary for her warm welcome to Neo-Ixania, Tanya followed her to the office of what the door's nameplate revealed to be Gustav Bergmann. As she stepped inside, she recognized the office of a senior diplomat. There was just some diplomatic sixth sense that enabled her to tell things about people just from seeing their office. She could tell that Mr. Bergmann was a senior (and therefore powerful) diplomat, and that he was married. She didn't need a sixth sense to see the wedding ring on his hand.

At the mention of a vacation, she smiled, and glanced at the paper that was handed to her. She saw what looked like the letterhead of a hotel before she slipped the paper into a pocket.

When Mr. Bergmann was finished speaking, Tanya took one of the chairs in the office, and went to work. "The Free Republic of Lamoni brings greetings to Neo-Ixania, and hopes of mutual peace and prosperity. As for trade agreements, the Free Republic can trade Uranium, wood, high quality steel, and foodstuffs that are either grown or raised on Lamonian farms and ranches. Then, there is this." She placed what looked like a cell phone on Mr. Bergmann's desk. This is the CD-5 personal communications device. It looks like a larger version of the standard cell phone, but it can do more than that. It has the ability of satellite communications; scanning for the channel with the highest bandwidth, and can also access both secure and non-secure radio networks. It also has 1 million bit encryption, which has never been broken, to the best of our knowledge. (OOC: I still haven't come up with a good price for the CD-5, so feel free to OOCly suggest one in NS dollars) Our economy has been drained from war fighting, but we have economic and trade agreements with Damirez, Colstream, and Monavia. If we add Neo-Ixania to the list, surely that will more than help our economy. What does Neo-Ixania have to offer in trade?"

"That is the Imperial Palace; it is where Empress Anastasia II lives in quiet solitude. She has no husband or children but has thought about marriage. Many people support her and she has done much for our nation. She is not here in Neo-Ixania but attending a dinner in Northern Sea."

As Tanya took her seat, it would be possible for her to see a picture of Gustav's wife and a picture of his children (OOC: a son and a daughter; another one is on the way). He loved his wife and cared for his children; and would never dream of abandoning them or becoming an adulterer. There was a wedding ring on his right hand that was visible to Tanya. As she spoke, Gustav silently and attentively listened to Tanya and a smile crept upon his face after she finished talking.

"The Free Republic of Lamoni brings greetings to Neo-Ixania, and hopes of mutual peace and prosperity. As for trade agreements, the Free Republic can trade Uranium, wood, high quality steel, and foodstuffs that are either grown or raised on Lamonian farms and ranches. Then, there is this." She placed what looked like a cell phone on Mr. Bergmann's desk. This is the CD-5 personal communications device. It looks like a larger version of the standard cell phone, but it can do more than that. It has the ability of satellite communications; scanning for the channel with the highest bandwidth, and can also access both secure and non-secure radio networks. It also has 1 million bit encryption, which has never been broken, to the best of our knowledge. (OOC: I still haven't come up with a good price for the CD-5, so feel free to OOCly suggest one in NS dollars) Our economy has been drained from war fighting, but we have economic and trade agreements with Damirez, Colstream, and Monavia. If we add Neo-Ixania to the list, surely that will more than help our economy. What does Neo-Ixania have to offer in trade?"

"All of the resources that you mentioned would be good to have imported into our nation. Our nation can trade soda, diamonds, silk and other resources; we also have a thriving Arms Manufacturing industry."

Gustav examined the CD-5 as Tanya explained it to him and thought it was impressive. "Perhaps we could purchase some CD-5's for use in Neo-Ixania; if it is possible. I must say that it is an impressive device, Miss Ley. Do you have anything else that you wish to tell me?"

As Gustav waited for a response, he looked at the picture of his wife and smiled; he had been planning to have a romantic night with her after he was finished working. "By the way, the hotel reservation is for a suite usually given to the wealthy. There is a restaurant in the vicinity and you will be able to purchase good and delicious food and glasses of red wine."

As Tanya was about to reply to his comment about the CD-5, Mr. Bergmann looked at pictures on his desk. Looking at the pictures, she noted that the pictures were of an attractive woman, along with two kids. Putting two and two together, she realized that the pictures had to be of his wife and children.

"By the way, the hotel reservation is for a suite usually given to the wealthy. There is a restaurant in the vicinity and you will be able to purchase good and delicious food and glasses of red wine."

Tanya smiled at this, and replied, "I am sure that the hotel will be everything that you say that it will be. As you might imagine, being the Foreign Minister of a nation of almost 11 billion citizens denies me much of a social life. I'll certainly enjoy the vacation time in your nation, and maybe you could give me some ideas on what to see and do when our business is finished."

It was now time to get back to business. "The Free Republic finds itself in need of weapons in order to better defend itself against potential foreign aggressors. Now that our economy is getting a boost from Damirez, Colstream, and Monavia; it is time to use the new resources gained in an effort to rebuild our economy. Part of that is being able to defend what we have built. We would also like to see trade in the areas of diamonds and silk. The Diamond mines of the Free Republic have become unprofitable to operate due to the diamond supplies of those mines being depleted. The silk speaks for itself, does it not? Also, the Free Republic would be willing to allow Neo-Ixanian companies to expand into Lamoni if Neo-Ixania is willing to allow Lamonian companies to expand into Neo-Ixania.

As for the CD-5, it really is an impressive device. Everyone from the President on down has one in our government. Some of the miniaturized technology in the device comes from captured technology from a nation that had attempted to invade us a long time ago. What really gets Lamonian hackles up about that war is that the Free Republic was invaded at random. We could understand if the aggressor nation was going after something valuable, but being invaded as a result of chance is just insulting."

As Tanya was about to reply to his comment about the CD-5, Mr. Bergmann looked at pictures on his desk. Looking at the pictures, she noted that the pictures were of an attractive woman, along with two kids. Putting two and two together, she realized that the pictures had to be of his wife and children.

Tanya smiled at this, and replied, "I am sure that the hotel will be everything that you say that it will be. As you might imagine, being the Foreign Minister of a nation of almost 11 billion citizens denies me much of a social life. I'll certainly enjoy the vacation time in your nation, and maybe you could give me some ideas on what to see and do when our business is finished."

"It is understandable that your life as a Foreign Minister denies you much of a social life. As for ideas on what to see and do here in Tzargrad; you can see the Imperial Palace, visit the National History Museum or even play billiards with local gentlemen at the hotel; these are some ideas. However, I must say that you are a beautiful woman and such women are often....admired by the men here. As for myself, I am faithful to my wife."

It was now time to get back to business. "The Free Republic finds itself in need of weapons in order to better defend itself against potential foreign aggressors. Now that our economy is getting a boost from Damirez, Colstream, and Monavia; it is time to use the new resources gained in an effort to rebuild our economy. Part of that is being able to defend what we have built. We would also like to see trade in the areas of diamonds and silk. The Diamond mines of the Free Republic have become unprofitable to operate due to the diamond supplies of those mines being depleted. The silk speaks for itself, does it not? Also, the Free Republic would be willing to allow Neo-Ixanian companies to expand into Lamoni if Neo-Ixania is willing to allow Lamonian companies to expand into Neo-Ixania.

"Does Lamoni request weapons? Our companies, I think, would be able to expand into Lamoni and vice versa. We should be able to create a trade agreement between Lamoni and Neo-Ixania. As for the diamond mines of Lamoni; can I assume that your nation is searching for diamonds? You will find our diamonds to be of the highest quality. Here; let me show you something."

Gustav reached into a door and pulled out a gold-embroided box; opening it to reveal an expensive diamond necklace. "This necklace is for my wife; a surprise; but I thought I would show you it so you can see how these diamonds; from a Neo-Ixanian mine; shine to their greatest extent."

As for the CD-5, it really is an impressive device. Everyone from the President on down has one in our government. Some of the miniaturized technology in the device comes from captured technology from a nation that had attempted to invade us a long time ago. What really gets Lamonian hackles up about that war is that the Free Republic was invaded at random. We could understand if the aggressor nation was going after something valuable, but being invaded as a result of chance is just insulting."

"Would it be possible to purchase some CD-5s, Fraulein? It is saddening to hear of your nation being invaded but I am sure you were able to rebuild. Is that all you wanted to ask me, Miss Ley? Do you have any more questions for me? If not, the chauffer can take you to the hotel. Just hand him the paper I gave you and he'll drive you there."

"It is understandable that your life as a Foreign Minister denies you much of a social life. As for ideas on what to see and do here in Tzargrad; you can see the Imperial Palace, visit the National History Museum or even play billiards with local gentlemen at the hotel; these are some ideas. However, I must say that you are a beautiful woman and such women are often....admired by the men here. As for myself, I am faithful to my wife."

"Thank you for the helpful suggestions. I'll make sure to see these places when we are done here. After a bit of a blush, she kept on going with, "Your wife is beautiful as well. And your children are simply adorable. Someday, it is my wish to have children, but that will have to wait."

"Does Lamoni request weapons? Our companies, I think, would be able to expand into Lamoni and vice versa. We should be able to create a trade agreement between Lamoni and Neo-Ixania. As for the diamond mines of Lamoni; can I assume that your nation is searching for diamonds? You will find our diamonds to be of the highest quality. Here; let me show you something."

Gustav reached into a door and pulled out a gold-embroided box; opening it to reveal an expensive diamond necklace. "This necklace is for my wife; a surprise; but I thought I would show you it so you can see how these diamonds; from a Neo-Ixanian mine; shine to their greatest extent."

"Yes, the Free Republic is in need of effective military weapons at prices that we can afford. With our economy starting to rebound, we are looking to rebuild a military that does not have the weapons that it needs in order to defend itself from aggressive nations. Our men are battle tested, but they need the proper equipment if they are going to be able to fulfill their duty to keep the Free Republic safe from all attackers.

A trade agreement between our nations would be good for both nations. Let us know what the needs of Neo-Ixania are, and we would do our best to try and fulfill those needs."

Tanya looked at the necklace, and instantly wished that she could have one. "Yes, we are looking for new sources of Diamonds. With all domestic sources depleted, we must expand our supply to include foreign Diamonds as well."

"Would it be possible to purchase some CD-5s, Fraulein?"

"Yes, that would be possible. We have already sent 1,000 of the devices to The State of Monavia, free of charge, as part of the new treaty that we have with that nation. The starting price for the CD-5 is 2,000 NS Standard dollars per unit. However, it would be possible to add a 5% reduction in the price of each unit dependent on the number of such devices that Neo-Ixania wishes to purchase.

Do you have any more questions for me? If not, the chauffer can take you to the hotel. Just hand him the paper I gave you and he'll drive you there."

"If that is enough for a trade pact to be written up, then I have done my job here, Mr. Bergmann. I hope to see you again someday." Tanya got up from her chair, and shook hands with Mr. Bergmann before leaving his office, giving the paper that she had been given to the chauffer.

"Thank you for the helpful suggestions. I'll make sure to see these places when we are done here. After a bit of a blush, she kept on going with, "Your wife is beautiful as well. And your children are simply adorable. Someday, it is my wish to have children, but that will have to wait."

"I have always loved my wife and cared for my children; and it makes me glad to hear the compliments you have for them. You should know, Miss Ley, that another child is expected to be born in the Bergmann family."

"Yes, the Free Republic is in need of effective military weapons at prices that we can afford. With our economy starting to rebound, we are looking to rebuild a military that does not have the weapons that it needs in order to defend itself from aggressive nations. Our men are battle tested, but they need the proper equipment if they are going to be able to fulfill their duty to keep the Free Republic safe from all attackers.

A trade agreement between our nations would be good for both nations. Let us know what the needs of Neo-Ixania are, and we would do our best to try and fulfill those needs."

"As for weapons; I'll see what I can do. There may be a chance to get Neo-Ixanian weapons into Lamoni and as for a trade agreement; if you have the paper handy; I would sign with gladness."

Tanya looked at the necklace, and instantly wished that she could have one. "Yes, we are looking for new sources of Diamonds. With all domestic sources depleted, we must expand our supply to include foreign Diamonds as well."

"We can add the exporting of Neo-Ixanian diamonds to Lamoni to our trade agreement; which should be balanced so that both Lamoni and Neo-Ixania equally benefit."

"Yes, that would be possible. We have already sent 1,000 of the devices to The State of Monavia, free of charge, as part of the new treaty that we have with that nation. The starting price for the CD-5 is 2,000 NS Standard dollars per unit. However, it would be possible to add a 5% reduction in the price of each unit dependent on the number of such devices that Neo-Ixania wishes to purchase.

"I think 500 to 1,000 CD-5 devices would be adequate for Neo-Ixania until further notice, Miss Ley. I must thank you for enlightening me about this device; earlier I never knew about it much."

"If that is enough for a trade pact to be written up, then I have done my job here, Mr. Bergmann. I hope to see you again someday." Tanya got up from her chair, and shook hands with Mr. Bergmann before leaving his office, giving the paper that she had been given to the chauffer.

Mr. Bergmann smiled at Tanya. "I hope you have a good time here in Tzargrad; Miss Ley, I hope to see you again. Our meeting was productive."

The secretary led Tanya to the chauffer who smiled as he read the paper Tanya gave him; knowing that the hotel in question was one of those hotels often visited by the wealthy. As he drove, he whistled a tune that he had heard as a child. It took several minutes to arrive at the hotel from Mr. Bergmann's office. The chauffer opened the door for Tanya and some men stared at her as she walked to the front door; one even whistling.

The front desk clerk of the hotel; a rookie who had just been hired for the job, smiled as he watched Tanya walking towards him. "She looks dignified....a foreign guest, perhaps?" With a smile, he greeted Tanya and looked for her reservation on the database. "You must be Tanya Ley; the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. It is an honor to meet you....I never expected that I would be meeting a person like you on my first day."

Tanya was escorted through the halls and small crowds of admirers to her room; a luxurious suite filled with all the modern amenities such as high-definition television and internet hookups. A hot-tub could be found near the washroom and was an alternative to the shower/bathtub. The hotel room she recieved was one that would be reserved by the hotel's common wealthy customers. If she looked, she could find a letter and a basket of items. The letter was written by the man she had met earlier:

"I hope you enjoy your stay at this hotel, Miss Ley. This hotel is where I spent several days with my wife and I hope that you find it to be of good quality and that you have a good vacation here in Neo-Ixania.

Signed,
G. Bergmann."

"This will be rather rough, but I am sure that I could have a handwritten draft treaty ready for you in a moment," Miss Ley said.

---A little Later---

Trade Pact Between Neo-Ixania and Lamoni

SECTION 1

Neo-Ixania agrees to the following:

1. Neo-Ixania shall provide whatever military weapons that it deems appropriate to the Free Republic of Lamoni, to be shipped to Lamoni at Lamonian expense
2. Neo-Ixania shall import diamonds into Lamoni, this clause to be further hammered out by both governments at a later date.

SECTION 2

Lamoni agrees to the following:

1. A shipment of 1,000 CD-5 communications devices shall be shipped to Neo-Ixania, at Neo-Ixanian expense. A sum of 2,000 NS Standard Dollars (minus a five percent discount) for each unit shall be deposited into a Lamonian governmental bank account by Neo-Ixania
2. Further negotiations shall be conducted to determine if there is anything else that Neo-Ixania would wish to import from the Free Republic.

---Later---

Tanya smiled as she saw the groups of admirers follow her through the halls. She was attractive, and she knew it. When she reached her room, she smiled as she saw that she had gotten one of the best rooms in the entire hotel. She found a letter and a basket of items on the suite's desk, and she smiled when she saw that the letter was from Mr. Bergmann. The items were equally good, but (OOC: I have no IC way of knowing what the items are) she decided to take a turn in the hot-tub.

The water felt just fine, and Tanya had to fight to stay awake and savor the very nice quarters that had been given her.

"This will be rather rough, but I am sure that I could have a handwritten draft treaty ready for you in a moment," Miss Ley said.

---A little Later---

Trade Pact Between Neo-Ixania and Lamoni

SECTION 1

Neo-Ixania agrees to the following:

1. Neo-Ixania shall provide whatever military weapons that it deems appropriate to the Free Republic of Lamoni, to be shipped to Lamoni at Lamonian expense
2. Neo-Ixania shall import diamonds into Lamoni, this clause to be further hammered out by both governments at a later date.

SECTION 2

Lamoni agrees to the following:

1. A shipment of 1,000 CD-5 communications devices shall be shipped to Neo-Ixania, at Neo-Ixanian expense. A sum of 2,000 NS Standard Dollars (minus a five percent discount) for each unit shall be deposited into a Lamonian governmental bank account by Neo-Ixania
2. Further negotiations shall be conducted to determine if there is anything else that Neo-Ixania would wish to import from the Free Republic.

Mr. Bergmann studied the trade pact for several minutes; a bit saddened that he may not able to obtain the CD-5 devices for free. After he was finished, he smiled at Tanya and told her what he thought about the treaty. "This treaty is good, Miss Ley but to be honest with you I felt a bit saddened that I will not be able to obtain the CD-5 devices for free. However, I hope my family will be able to get four CD-5 devices."

He signed the trade pact and gave it to Miss Ley. "You may tell your nation's leaders that Neo-Ixania and Lamoni have become partners in trade. I hope this will lead to a fruitful relationship."

---Later---

Tanya smiled as she saw the groups of admirers follow her through the halls. She was attractive, and she knew it. When she reached her room, she smiled as she saw that she had gotten one of the best rooms in the entire hotel. She found a letter and a basket of items on the suite's desk, and she smiled when she saw that the letter was from Mr. Bergmann. The items were equally good, but (OOC: I have no IC way of knowing what the items are) she decided to take a turn in the hot-tub.

The water felt just fine, and Tanya had to fight to stay awake and savor the very nice quarters that had been given her.

OOC: To be honest, I am not specific in what weapons Neo-Ixania will give to Lamoni. I have not thought about the specific class, etc so I usually say weapons in general. Also, the items in Miss Ley's basket include chocolates, candles and feminine items.

On a table in Tanya's hotel room was a little book; which has detailed information about events in the hotel and in the vicinity; some of the events listed include the Tzargrad Animal Exposition ("a favorite with young children and families") and an appearance by the beautiful supermodel Nadezhda Kirsch. There was some information about the Imperial Palace and how she could see the annual Changing of the Guard in the afternoon.

A high-definition television would allow Tanya to see Neo-Ixanian programs of all genres. Mr. Bergmann left some information on a table about some of the television programs that Tanya could expect to see if she was watching television.

Later in the night; Tanya could see a card slipped under her door. The card was an invitation to dinner from Mr. Bergmann. The letter, written in exquisite handwriting and embroidered in gold was written by Mr. Bergmann.

"Miss Ley, I hope you will be able to and are interested in attending dinner with me and my wife; who has been hoping to meet you. If you want to attend, please go to the room specified on this invitation. If you need help finding it; a hotel worker will lead you to the room. We hope to see you."

When Tanya found the room (OOC: skipping ahead), she could see Mr. and Mrs. Bergmann at one of the tables with glasses of red wine and lit candles on the table. Mr. Bergmann smiled at his wife and whispered to her before she looked at Tanya. She could see that Mrs. Bergmann was beautiful and has a slender frame but also had muscle.

"Miss Ley, I must say that it is a pleasurable honor to meet you. My husband told me about the meeting and I must thank you for the compliment you gave me and my children."

Mr. Bergmann studied Tanya and smiled. "You look beautiful in that dress, Tanya. You may need to watch for admirers." It took three minutes for the food to be served and the food that they recieved looked like it was served to the wealthy nobleman or even royalty.

"This hotel has excellent food, Miss Ley. If you have any allergies, you should tell the waiter. He will see if it is possible to give you suitable food."

As he was eating, Mr. Bergmann looked at Tanya. "How do you like your hotel room? If you want to know; you can see the Changing of the Guard at the Imperial Palace tomorrow afternoon. There may be some events that you can see; security should be provided for you. The Tzargrad Animal Exposition may be an event you may want to visit; you can also visit the National History Museum. There are several places you can visit; you should have found a book in your hotel room that can tell you more."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at Tanya. "What is it like to be the Foreign Minister of Lamoni? I am sure that you have to manage all the documents and files but I am sure you are able to at least have some recreation."

When Tanya was finished with her soak in the hot tub, she dried off and showered. After drying off again, she changed into some fresh clothes, and called for a limo to take her to the National History Museum. Before she left, Tanya had the hotel fax the handwritten trade pact to the private fax machine of President Stinson. She would let HIM deal with the congress in an effort to get the trade pact ratified. After the fax was sent off, she received a call from President Stinson himself on her CD-5; he was pleased that she had gotten a signed trade pact out of the Neo-Ixanian government, and told her that he'd get it through congress, even if he had to push it through himself.

Smiling at the thought, Tanya asked President Stinson if he could send her four CD-5 units that she could give to Mr. Bergmann and his family. After Tanya explained that it was a gift for the man that she had negotiated with, President Stinson agreed, and with his agreement, a package of four CD-5 communications devices were sent via government messenger to Tanya's hotel room. She'd get them tomorrow if there were no delays.

Satisfied that there was no more business to conduct, Tanya ended the call, and took her tour of the Neo-Ixanian National History Museum. When the tour finished, she felt suitably impressed, and thought that Neo-Ixania would be good friends for the Free Republic. Tanya also did some clothes shopping, including what would be termed an infamous "Little Black Dress." After lunch, she returned to her hotel room, and found that a card had been left under her door. Reading it, she found that Mr. Bergmann had invited her to dinner with his wife and himself.

--later--

Tanya reached the room at the appointed time, and found Mr. and Mrs. Bergmann already seated and talking with each other. As Mr. Bergmann saw Tanya in her new black dress, he complimented her on it, which Tanya enjoyed.

When the food came out, it looked good, and smelled even better. Tanya didn't have any allergies, and so tried to allay any such concerns when Mr. Bergmann brought them up. The food tasted as good as it looked, and it was filling. The conversation wasn't bad either. Responding to the question about what it was like to be the Foreign Minister of the Free Republic, she said, "Being the Foreign Minister of a nation of almost 11 billion people is a complex job. There is a lot of paperwork, and you get used to dealing with one diplomatic crisis after another. There are some moments of recreation, but I normally have to request time off in order to have any recreation. In private, I like to read books, and listen to music. Like all government officials of the Federal Government of the Free Republic, I attend Krav Maga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_Maga) classes, and I am fairly proficient at it. They don't teach us many of the lethal moves; that is more for the police and the military. Still, I could physically disable multiple attackers all by myself.

I also like to swim, but I don't get much time to do that," she said wistfully.

Satisfied that there was no more business to conduct, Tanya ended the call, and took her tour of the Neo-Ixanian National History Museum. When the tour finished, she felt suitably impressed, and thought that Neo-Ixania would be good friends for the Free Republic. Tanya also did some clothes shopping, including what would be termed an infamous "Little Black Dress." After lunch, she returned to her hotel room, and found that a card had been left under her door. Reading it, she found that Mr. Bergmann had invited her to dinner with his wife and himself.

The store clerk at the clothes store was amazed that one of her customers was the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. She tried her best to remain calm and to make sure she gave proper service to her foreign guest. At the National History Museum; the workers were amazed that Tanya was a guest and gave her a tour guide who explained every item to her. It looked like Neo-Ixanian citizens were surprised to see her in their nation.

--later--

Tanya reached the room at the appointed time, and found Mr. and Mrs. Bergmann already seated and talking with each other. As Mr. Bergmann saw Tanya in her new black dress, he complimented her on it, which Tanya enjoyed.

When the food came out, it looked good, and smelled even better. Tanya didn't have any allergies, and so tried to allay any such concerns when Mr. Bergmann brought them up. The food tasted as good as it looked, and it was filling. The conversation wasn't bad either. Responding to the question about what it was like to be the Foreign Minister of the Free Republic, she said, "Being the Foreign Minister of a nation of almost 11 billion people is a complex job. There is a lot of paperwork, and you get used to dealing with one diplomatic crisis after another. There are some moments of recreation, but I normally have to request time off in order to have any recreation. In private, I like to read books, and listen to music. Like all government officials of the Federal Government of the Free Republic, I attend Krav Maga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_Maga) classes, and I am fairly proficient at it. They don't teach us many of the lethal moves; that is more for the police and the military. Still, I could physically disable multiple attackers all by myself.

I also like to swim, but I don't get much time to do that," she said wistfully.

"I hope you like the food, Miss Ley. I understand the complexity of your job as the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. As a diplomat, I have to deal with plenty of paperwork but luckily any diplomatic crisis is handled by the Foreign Ministry's leaders and there are not many diplomatic crises that Neo-Ixania needs to worry about; our policy of total neutrality has worked for us. As for recreation, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. It is not uncommon for me to take my wife out on a date or spend time with the children. You learn Krav Maga, Miss Ley? I enrolled in self-defense lessons and so do other diplomats. My wife and children have some knowledge of self-defense; it is helpful in situations that require you to defend yourself. As for lethal moves; I believe those would be a last resort like nuclear weapons."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at her husband before looking at Tanya; using one hand to brush her hair. "Miss Ley, it is nice to hear that you swim. I occassionally swim as part of my exercise program. If you visit one of the community centers, you can enroll in an exercise program that uses exercise equipment such as a treadmill and participate in "aquatic exercise". The Empress herself exercises in her own special program; she said that to an interviewer in one of those magazines you can purchase from a news vendor."

Everywhere that she went, Tanya was being treated like royalty. Though she didn't know how (coming from a country that had probably escaped the notice of Neo-Ixania until now), she suspected that someone was paving the way before her. It's what SHE would have done if there was an important foreign guest in HER nation, after all.

That's why she had smiled when the four CD-5's that she had requested arrived. She sent them off via a courier to Mr. Bergmann. There was one for him, his wife, and his two kids. It'd be better than a regular cell phone. Inside the package containing the CD-5's was a handwritten note: "These are for you and your family. Tanya"

--snip--

Tanya smiled. "Krav Maga training is requirement for Lamonian government officials. If you want to know more about it, just ask me. For now, i'll just say that it assumes a worst case scenario, like multiple attackers, for instance. Krav Maga trains you to neutralize the threat quickly, and then go get help. While there has been little need to use these skills, the government prefers that we are capable of looking after ourselves, though they do supply security. It also comes in handy as exercise, except that it's kind of hard to practice in a small room.

Maybe we can swim together at some point during my vacation here, Mrs. Bergmann. We could get to know one another better that way, and it would be interesting to have someone to talk to while I exercise. And did you like the gift that I arranged for you and your family? They are free of charge."

Everywhere that she went, Tanya was being treated like royalty. Though she didn't know how (coming from a country that had probably escaped the notice of Neo-Ixania until now), she suspected that someone was paving the way before her. It's what SHE would have done if there was an important foreign guest in HER nation, after all.

That's why she had smiled when the four CD-5's that she had requested arrived. She sent them off via a courier to Mr. Bergmann. There was one for him, his wife, and his two kids. It'd be better than a regular cell phone. Inside the package containing the CD-5's was a handwritten note: "These are for you and your family. Tanya"

Mr. Bergmann recieved the CD-5 devices and was happy that he and his family could each have one; he could see his children experimenting with them and knew that these devices would be helpful in the future.

Tanya smiled. "Krav Maga training is requirement for Lamonian government officials. If you want to know more about it, just ask me. For now, i'll just say that it assumes a worst case scenario, like multiple attackers, for instance. Krav Maga trains you to neutralize the threat quickly, and then go get help. While there has been little need to use these skills, the government prefers that we are capable of looking after ourselves, though they do supply security. It also comes in handy as exercise, except that it's kind of hard to practice in a small room.

Maybe we can swim together at some point during my vacation here, Mrs. Bergmann. We could get to know one another better that way, and it would be interesting to have someone to talk to while I exercise. And did you like the gift that I arranged for you and your family? They are free of charge."

"Krav Maga sounds like an interesting system; Miss Ley. If I may ask, how are you doing in your classes? Are you a good student or do you have difficulties in your classes? Also, do you know how to add phone numbers, etc into the CD-5? My wife and I want to use our devices to keep in touch with our children." Mr. Bergmann smiled at Tanya and then began to silently watch his wife talk to Tanya.

"My family and I enjoyed the gift you gave us, Miss Ley. My children have been experimenting with the CD-5 devices. I was planning to go swimming tomorrow, Miss Ley so if you want you can come with me. It will be nice to know you better and you can be my exercise partner. I am sure that I can have you join an aquatic exercise class."

Mrs. Bergmann took out a piece of blank paper and a pen and wrote down the address to the aquatic center she planned to visit tomorrow. "Here is the address of the center. Make sure that you remember to bring your swimsuit, Miss Ley. The class will start at 11:00 AM and I will talk to the trainer about allowing you to participate; I am sure you will be able to join me and the other women; the class is only for women as the men have their own at this center."

"If you'd like, I could give a demonstration for you of how to operate the CD-5 after we are done eating." Tanya tried some of her food, and she liked it.

"The fish is good. Very well prepared, but I don't quite recognize the type of fish. Do either of you know?"

--a minor snip forward--

The next morning, Tanya went out with an objective in mind. She hadn't packed a swimsuit, so she had to go out and buy one. Fortunately, there was a store near her hotel that sold them, as one of the hotel staff told her when she asked him.

Walking into the store, it was obvious that someone had called ahead, as one of the clerks gave her a nervous look before coming over to help her. In little time, they had a Bikini picked out for the Foreign Minister, and she paid for it in Neo-Ixanian Dollars.

New swimsuit in hand, she went to the aquatic center in a taxi.

"If you'd like, I could give a demonstration for you of how to operate the CD-5 after we are done eating." Tanya tried some of her food, and she liked it.

"The fish is good. Very well prepared, but I don't quite recognize the type of fish. Do either of you know?"

"A demonstration of how to operate the CD-5 would be good for us, Miss Ley. As for the fish; I think it is trout."

The next morning, Tanya went out with an objective in mind. She hadn't packed a swimsuit, so she had to go out and buy one. Fortunately, there was a store near her hotel that sold them, as one of the hotel staff told her when she asked him.

Walking into the store, it was obvious that someone had called ahead, as one of the clerks gave her a nervous look before coming over to help her. In little time, they had a Bikini picked out for the Foreign Minister, and she paid for it in Neo-Ixanian Dollars.

New swimsuit in hand, she went to the aquatic center in a taxi.

The store clerk sold the bikini to Tanya though she was nervous about having the Foreign Minister of Lamoni as a customer; she was recently hired but managed to be a good worker. The taxi driver remained calm as he drove Tanya Ley to the aquatic center.

The aquatic center was filled with several people; mostly women who were walking out of the change rooms and dressed in swimsuits that did not reveal much. Mrs. Bergmann had noticed Tanya coming out of the change room and smiled at her; beckoning Tanya to her as she stood in the pool. The water was at a perfect temperature.

"Miss Ley, you were able to arrive. You have a nice swimsuit; a bikini. The class will start in several minutes but we can spend the day here exercising and talking. The class consists of stretches and movements and most of them are easy. There is a hot tub here, exercise equipment, a sauna and a food and beverage vendor. If you want to talk, have questions or need help, just find me."

The trainer, a middle aged woman, began the class by asking the women to do jumping-jacks. Music was playing during the class and laughing could be heard from some of the students. People were having fun in the class. "Miss Ley! How are you doing?!" Mrs. Bergmann said with a smile.

After the dinner was finished, the Bergmanns and Tanya retired to her suite, where she gave the couple a demonstration of how to operate the CD-5. After that, they talked for a time, until the Bergmanns left for the night.

---

At the aquatic center, Tanya met up with Mrs. Bergmann, who beckoned her over to where she was. "Miss Ley, you were able to arrive. You have a nice swimsuit; a bikini. The class will start in several minutes but we can spend the day here exercising and talking. The class consists of stretches and movements and most of them are easy. There is a hot tub here, exercise equipment, a sauna and a food and beverage vendor. If you want to talk, have questions or need help, just find me."

After getting into the pool, Tanya started chatting with Mrs. Bergmann. "Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Bergmann. The Bikini was something that I found in a store near my hotel. In fact, i'd like to thank both you and your husband for the amazing hospitality that i've been shown. If you are ever in Lamoni, don't hesitate to contact me."

With this, the middle aged instructor entered the pool, and brought the class to a start. The movements, and stretches were easy, and they made for a very good warm up. When Mrs. Bergmann asked how she was doing, Tanya replied, "I'm doing fine. This was a good suggestion, thank you."

After the dinner was finished, the Bergmanns and Tanya retired to her suite, where she gave the couple a demonstration of how to operate the CD-5. After that, they talked for a time, until the Bergmanns left for the night.

"Thank you for teaching us how to use the CD-5; we will make sure to remember to tell our children so they can use their devices properly."

---

At the aquatic center, Tanya met up with Mrs. Bergmann, who beckoned her over to where she was. "Miss Ley, you were able to arrive. You have a nice swimsuit; a bikini. The class will start in several minutes but we can spend the day here exercising and talking. The class consists of stretches and movements and most of them are easy. There is a hot tub here, exercise equipment, a sauna and a food and beverage vendor. If you want to talk, have questions or need help, just find me."

After getting into the pool, Tanya started chatting with Mrs. Bergmann. "Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Bergmann. The Bikini was something that I found in a store near my hotel. In fact, i'd like to thank both you and your husband for the amazing hospitality that i've been shown. If you are ever in Lamoni, don't hesitate to contact me."

"You are welcome, Miss Ley. My husband thought it was simply proper of him to give you hospitality and thought that you would do the same; I will tell him about visiting Lamoni, it would be interesting to have our next vacation there."

With this, the middle aged instructor entered the pool, and brought the class to a start. The movements, and stretches were easy, and they made for a very good warm up. When Mrs. Bergmann asked how she was doing, Tanya replied, "I'm doing fine. This was a good suggestion, thank you."

"Again; you are welcome, Miss Ley. I thought that an aquatic exercise class would be something that you would enjoy. Do you know what you are doing after this class, Miss Ley?"

"You are welcome, Miss Ley. My husband thought it was simply proper of him to give you hospitality and thought that you would do the same; I will tell him about visiting Lamoni, it would be interesting to have our next vacation there."

"Just look me up when you're there. I can point out all of the best places to visit, and I can return your hospitality. In fact, when we get dressed again, I can give you a business card with my contact information on it."

"Again; you are welcome, Miss Ley. I thought that an aquatic exercise class would be something that you would enjoy. Do you know what you are doing after this class, Miss Ley?"

"I don't know what I will be doing after the class yet, but I think that I will see what else the center has to offer first."

"Just look me up when you're there. I can point out all of the best places to visit, and I can return your hospitality. In fact, when we get dressed again, I can give you a business card with my contact information on it."

"Thank you, Miss Ley. I will ask my husband if he wants to go to Lamoni for our next family vacation; I am sure that the children will be interested in going. After the class, you can give me your business card."

"I don't know what I will be doing after the class yet, but I think that I will see what else the center has to offer first."

"This center has exercise equipment, a hot tub, a sauna and a food and beverage vendor. You can stay here if you want to; I was thinking about staying here for a while myself."

Tanya was going to reply to the business card comment, but the instructor had arrived, and the class was starting.

"This center has exercise equipment, a hot tub, a sauna and a food and beverage vendor. You can stay here if you want to; I was thinking about staying here for a while myself."

"I think that I will try out the exercise equipment, then. I saw some of it on my way to the pool, and it would be a shame to let all of these pool exercises go to waste, don't you think?"

"I think that I will try out the exercise equipment, then. I saw some of it on my way to the pool, and it would be a shame to let all of these pool exercises go to waste, don't you think?"

"Yes; these pool exercises should be used. I think that we could use the exercise equipment together; we could have a ladies' day out, Miss Ley. It would be nice to know you better; I am sure there is more to you than just being the Foreign Minister of Lamoni."

OOC: I'm tired because it's almost 4am bump

OOC: I'm tired because it's almost 4am bump

OOC: I understand.

After doing the normal things that you do when you have had your fun in the pool, Tanya went over to the exercise equipment. Deciding to start slow and then work her way up, she started with the exercise bike. This one seemed to be one of the type where you watched as a screen showed you your (illusory) progress. Tanya had always thought that those were better, because it gave you the illusion of accomplishing something.

Mrs. Bergmann was exercising with Tanya and would occassionally look at her; to see how she was doing. As Tanya was on the exercise bike, she could see Mrs. Bergmann on the one next to her; Mrs. Bergmann was rapidly riding the bike, occassionally looking at the screen. "Miss Ley, how have you been? Have you had a good workout?"

(OOC: i'll probably have Tanya leave Neo-Ixania soon, I have most of my senior government people out on diplomatic missions ATM, and we can work on the Ericka/diplomat RP)

"I'm doing fine, thank you, Mrs. Bergmann." Tanya was currently on the 'hard' part of the 'course,' going up a virtual incline of approximately thirty five degrees. It could have been the very same "Doomsday Hill" that she had gone up back when she was still just getting used to life in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry when she was working her way up the ranks. "This is a good start, I think.

OOC: That is alright with me, Lamoni. I have a diplomat ready to meet Ericka.

"I am glad to hear that you are good, Miss Ley. By the way, are you interested in coming to my house for dinner tonight? My family is more than willing to accomodate you for dinner and you will be able to meet my children."

"It would be my honor to attend, Mrs. Bergmann. My flight back to the Free Republic leaves tomorrow morning, so it would be a very special pleasure to meet your children."

Finished with the exercise bike for now, Tanya went over to try out the weight lifting machines. She selected the appropriate weights, and went to work.

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at Tanya. "I am sure that my children will be interested in meeting you. I have two children: a son and a daughter. When you want to leave this center, please tell me. We can visit another place if you are interested; or we can find my husband and visit my home."

Mrs. Bergmann found a treadmill and began running on it; occassionally adjusting the settings. "Miss Ley, it is nice to spend time with you; perhaps we can be friends. If you visit Neo-Ixania again; make sure you remember me." She smiled at Tanya for a few seconds before she continued to exercise.

"I would enjoy that, Mrs. Bergmann." Tanya was still lifting weights while she was speaking... one of the staff was acting as her spotter. "I have certainly enjoyed my time here, and I think that it is likely that i'll return for either a diplomatic conference or vacation at some point. And my offer to show you and your family around the Free Republic still stands as well." While she was still lifting weights, she took a look at a clock on the wall. It read 11:30 am. There was still plenty of time to do something in the afternoon.

After she finished exercising, Mrs. Bergmann changed into her normal clothes and smiled at Tanya. "Miss Ley, do you want to visit a souvenier shop? You can purchase items to help you remember your visit. I think a tour of the city is in order for you; and I think I can be your tour guide."

"That would be perfect, thank you, Mrs. Bergmann." After Tanya had changed her own clothes, she was ready to leave the center. First, she drank some water, as part of the exercise cool down routine.

Mrs. Bergmann and Tanya left the exercise center together after several minutes. With a smile on her face, Mrs. Bergmann looked at Tanya. "Do you want to visit a clothing store, Tanya? I was planning to take you to a cafe for a quick meal before we begin our tour."

"Certainly. That sounds like a good idea." The women went to the clothing store, and did something that women did more than men. They shopped.

(OOC: I'm not got at RPing clothes shopping, so any help on that would be welcome)

OOC: We can just say that they tried on clothes and bought some, I guess.

Mrs. Bergmann began examining the various clothes in the store; occassionally asking Tanya for her advice on which clothes looked better on her. She found a beautiful and exquisite dress that could be worn to a special event and decided to buy it. "Have you found any good clothes, Miss Ley?"

Mrs. Bergmann would ask Tanya how she looked in clothes that she was trying on; such as the dress she found. The shop keeper smiled as she watched them; it was always nice to see customers having a good time in her store.

As Mrs. Bergmann asked her for her advice on various pieces of clothing, Tanya gave an honest appraisal. The 'special occasions' dress looked wonderful on her, and some of the others were both good, and bad.

As women are wont to do all over the world, Tanya tried on some clothes as well, and asked the opinion of Mrs. Bergmann for the various pieces of clothing.

Eventually, Tanya could feel her stomach growling, and paid for the clothes that she had decided to purchase. She was still waiting for her friend (Mrs. Bergmann), and decided to window shop some more.

Mrs. Bergmann walked out of the store and found Tanya; immediately thinking about the next place that she would take her. "Miss Ley, I am going to take you to a cafe so we can have a snack. After that, I think we can explore the city for a while before we meet my children at my home."

They found a cafe and took their seats at one of the tables. "The food they serve here is quite good; though I have only been here once before. I hope you like what you order here."

Miss Ley decided to order a Chicken Sandwich with some Potato Chips and a fruit drink. When her order arrived, she took a bite, and after swallowing, decided that it was good.

"When I am at work, they always try to serve the more fancified of foods, as befits a government agency that spends it's time dealing with Foreign Issues," she said. "I can't remember the last time that i've had leisure to simply eat something that doesn't require fanciful preparation. Maybe i'll have them change up the menu at work when I get back." This was said with a grin in the direction of Mrs. Bergmann.

"When I was younger; I always remembering being given fancy food for dinner. Nowadays, I can tolerate an exquisite fancified chicken and a simple sandwich or salad. Food is food, Miss Ley. As for the menu changes at your work, I hope you can get some support."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled as she continued to eat her salad. "At my house, we eat fancy and non-fancy food. When you come to my house, you will be given a guest room. My children may be loud if they stay up late; tomorrow is Saturday and they have no obligation then to prepare for school."

"Thank you, Mrs. Bergmann. I'm sure the accommodations will be more than acceptable. In my university days, I resided in the 'infamous' Greene Dormitory of Karakan University. People were up and moving around at all hours, most of them not caring who they woke up; especially if they were drunk. If I could handle that, I can handle children.

My parents weren't wealthy or influential. We lived in a Row House (OOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Row_house ), and we ate leftovers most nights. I had to scrape and save and get scholarships to get into University."

Tanya didn't know where the inspiration to tell this to Mrs. Bergmann had come from, but she felt that she could trust her with the information.

OOC: Long post, Lamoni.

"If I may ask, Miss Ley, why was the Greene Dormitory infamous? I can understand that you had to struggle in your life and I am sorry to hear that you had to."

(Mind if I skip ahead?....)

After they spent hours exploring the city, Mrs. Bergmann took Tanya to the massive Bergmann Manor. It was impressively well built and typical of the wealthy diplomats who owned them. The chauffer pulled the limosuine to the front door of the manor and helped the occupants out. Mrs. Bergmann smiled as she led Tanya into the manor; showing her the sculptures and maids that were walking around. Walking into a living room, they could see that Mr. Bergmann left a note; saying he had to attend to some personal business.

Mrs. Bergmann gave Tanya a tour of the manor; showing her all the paintings, rooms, sculptures and artefacts that the family had collected over the years. When the tour finished, they could hear the sounds of a young man and woman; 16 and 14 respectively. Mrs. Bergmann brought Tanya to them. "Children, this is Miss Tanya Ley; the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. Be nice to her; she is your father's friend."

The children smiled and welcomed Tanya to their home and to Neo-Ixania but the daughter's smile turned into euphoria when she showed her mother the report card she recieved. "Eleonore, you always get good marks. You are such an intelligent girl."

The son, Wilhelm studied Tanya for a few seconds before walking away. Mrs. Bergmann smiled at Tanya while her daughter watched. "Dinner will be at six or seven tonight, Miss Ley. Feel free to look around."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled before she walked away; leaving Tanya alone with Eleonore. "You are a Foreign Minister? You must get to travel to so many nations."

"The Greene Dormitory was infamous for the fact that most of the students living in it were on at least one illegal drug or other, and there were sexual happenings that I wouldn't wish to speak of in polite company. More than once, some drunk or drugged out boy tried to have his way with me after stumbling into my dorm room, and thinking that it was his.," Tanya said.

-snip-

The Bergmann manor was certainly impressive, Tanya thought. She smiled at the limo driver as he gallantly helped her out, knowing from long experience that it often payed to be polite to the staff.

Tanya followed Mrs. Bergmann towards the manner, admiring the sculptures and giving polite greetings to the maids as she was introduced to them. Tanya also saw the note that Mr. Bergmann had left, and smiled at how perfectly domestic that he was. Of course, who couldn't be when surrounded by such luxury as this?

The tour only seemed to reinforce the sense of opulence and wealth. The paintings were worthy of being the centerpiece of a well respected fine art museum; as were the sculptures. The artifacts Tanya personally wasn't so interested in, but she didn't say so, or let it show on her face.

After the tour, Mrs. Bergmann led Tanya towards the noises of teenagers. Mrs. Bergmann brought Tanya to them. "Children, this is Miss Tanya Ley; the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. Be nice to her; she is your father's friend."

The children welcomed Tanya to their house and country, and she thanked them. She did note the look that she received from the son before he walked away. Tanya wasn't sure if she approved of a sixteen year old looking at her in that way, but didn't say anything.

Mrs. Bergmann stated that dinner would be at six or seven, and said that she should feel free to look around. Mrs. Bergmann then left the room, leaving Tanya alone with Eleonore.

"You are a Foreign Minister? You must get to travel to so many nations," Eleonore asked.

"Yes," Tanya said; "I am a Foreign Minister, and I do get to travel a lot. I've been to nations such as Sarzonia, Starblaydia, Bazalonia, Monavia, Spartuh, and even Neo-Ixania. Would you like to hear more about these nations?"

"The Greene Dormitory was infamous for the fact that most of the students living in it were on at least one illegal drug or other, and there were sexual happenings that I wouldn't wish to speak of in polite company. More than once, some drunk or drugged out boy tried to have his way with me after stumbling into my dorm room, and thinking that it was his.," Tanya said.

"I must say that Neo-Ixania has been known for its own infamous places. In recent years, moralists have risen to power but there are some who devote themselves to partake in such things (those which you would find at the Domitory), Miss Ley. Luckily, I was not in such a place as the Greene Dormitory and I had my husband to protect me; he was a good friend of mine and always helped me when I needed it. Do you know if the Greene Dormitory is still infamous? Do those things you mentioned still happen?"


The Bergmann manor was certainly impressive, Tanya thought. She smiled at the limo driver as he gallantly helped her out, knowing from long experience that it often payed to be polite to the staff.

Tanya followed Mrs. Bergmann towards the manner, admiring the sculptures and giving polite greetings to the maids as she was introduced to them. Tanya also saw the note that Mr. Bergmann had left, and smiled at how perfectly domestic that he was. Of course, who couldn't be when surrounded by such luxury as this?

The tour only seemed to reinforce the sense of opulence and wealth. The paintings were worthy of being the centerpiece of a well respected fine art museum; as were the sculptures. The artifacts Tanya personally wasn't so interested in, but she didn't say so, or let it show on her face.

After the tour, Mrs. Bergmann led Tanya towards the noises of teenagers. Mrs. Bergmann brought Tanya to them. "Children, this is Miss Tanya Ley; the Foreign Minister of Lamoni. Be nice to her; she is your father's friend."

The children welcomed Tanya to their house and country, and she thanked them. She did note the look that she received from the son before he walked away. Tanya wasn't sure if she approved of a sixteen year old looking at her in that way, but didn't say anything.

Mrs. Bergmann stated that dinner would be at six or seven, and said that she should feel free to look around. Mrs. Bergmann then left the room, leaving Tanya alone with Eleonore.

"You are a Foreign Minister? You must get to travel to so many nations," Eleonore asked.

"Yes," Tanya said; "I am a Foreign Minister, and I do get to travel a lot. I've been to nations such as Sarzonia, Starblaydia, Bazalonia, Monavia, Spartuh, and even Neo-Ixania. Would you like to hear more about these nations?"

"I am interested in learning more about those nations; I do not know much about them except for Monavia; they said on the news that Neo-Ixania's Foreign Minister was visiting Monavia to help build more diplomatic relations."

Eleonore smiled at her guest; her shiny white teeth were visible. "You know my father? My mother told me before you arrived that you were a close friend of his and hers. Could you teach me how to speak Lamonian, Miss Ley? I would be interested in learning the language."

"I must say that Neo-Ixania has been known for its own infamous places. In recent years, moralists have risen to power but there are some who devote themselves to partake in such things (those which you would find at the Dormitory), Miss Ley. Luckily, I was not in such a place as the Greene Dormitory and I had my husband to protect me; he was a good friend of mine and always helped me when I needed it. Do you know if the Greene Dormitory is still infamous? Do those things you mentioned still happen?"

"Well," Tanya said, "I tried changing things there as a student, but no one would listen to me. It was the same way as I rose up the ranks in the government; but the people at the University finally started listening to me after I became Foreign Minister. Of course, the school shooting that happened at about the same time probably helped my case; much as I dislike having innocent people die in order to prove a point."

"I am interested in learning more about those nations; I do not know much about them except for Monavia; they said on the news that Neo-Ixania's Foreign Minister was visiting Monavia to help build more diplomatic relations."

Eleonore smiled at her guest; her shiny white teeth were visible. "You know my father? My mother told me before you arrived that you were a close friend of his and hers. Could you teach me how to speak Lamonian, Miss Ley? I would be interested in learning the language."

"I can tell you about Monavia. I was there recently as part of a three person delegation with President Stinson and General-Colonel Savage. We were treated as important foreign delegates should be; which is extremely well. We were housed in the Monavian Royal Palace itself, and one could imagine oneself as being a prince or princess there.

We met the Chancellor, as well as the King and Queen of Monavia. They were are friendly people, and the negotiations with the King and Queen went better than most of the diplomatic meetings that I have attended elsewhere; we now have an active friendship treaty with Monavia. When the negotiations were completed, we toured the Monavian capitol city, and saw sights such as the Monavian Natural History Museum.

Yes, I do know your parents, and I also consider myself to be friends with both of your parents. Your father was the first person of an official capacity that I met when I arrived in Neo-Ixania, and we created an economic pact together. I met your mother at a dinner which both your mother and father attended, and we became good friends as well. In fact, your mother and I were exercising together earlier today.

As for the 'language,' there is no such language as Lamonian, Eleonore. We speak English, and that choice was made all the way back when the Free Republic was founded by a large group of refugees from various nations that existed back then. Lamoni grew from a collection of refugees that no one wanted to the nation of over eleven billion that it is today. Is there anything else that you would like to know, Eleonore?"

"Well," Tanya said, "I tried changing things there as a student, but no one would listen to me. It was the same way as I rose up the ranks in the government; but the people at the University finally started listening to me after I became Foreign Minister. Of course, the school shooting that happened at about the same time probably helped my case; much as I dislike having innocent people die in order to prove a point."

"It is saddening to hear that people had to die so that the school's authorities would listen to you; sometimes people listen to others when a tragedy has occured."

"I can tell you about Monavia. I was there recently as part of a three person delegation with President Stinson and General-Colonel Savage. We were treated as important foreign delegates should be; which is extremely well. We were housed in the Monavian Royal Palace itself, and one could imagine oneself as being a prince or princess there.

We met the Chancellor, as well as the King and Queen of Monavia. They were are friendly people, and the negotiations with the King and Queen went better than most of the diplomatic meetings that I have attended elsewhere; we now have an active friendship treaty with Monavia. When the negotiations were completed, we toured the Monavian capitol city, and saw sights such as the Monavian Natural History Museum.

Yes, I do know your parents, and I also consider myself to be friends with both of your parents. Your father was the first person of an official capacity that I met when I arrived in Neo-Ixania, and we created an economic pact together. I met your mother at a dinner which both your mother and father attended, and we became good friends as well. In fact, your mother and I were exercising together earlier today.

As for the 'language,' there is no such language as Lamonian, Eleonore. We speak English, and that choice was made all the way back when the Free Republic was founded by a large group of refugees from various nations that existed back then. Lamoni grew from a collection of refugees that no one wanted to the nation of over eleven billion that it is today. Is there anything else that you would like to know, Eleonore?"

"I am glad to hear that you like my parents; they told me that you would be coming for a visit to Neo-Ixania; I think it is nice that you are here for dinner, I hope you can tell me all about Lamonian history, culture, etc; I want to learn as much as I can about Lamoni and I know you would be one of the best people to learn from."

Eleonore smiled at Tanya before she began walking to her room. "You can look around if you want, Tanya. It is nice to have you here as a guest. By the way, can I have your autograph in my notebook? Follow me!"

Eleonore led Tanya to her room; which was specifically built for a girl who had plenty of hobbies and interests. Sea shells could be seen, sorted out on a rack, while a poster of a beautiful young woman and several men in suits could be seen on the wall; the subtitles stating that it was from a famous movie. Eleonore picked up the notebook that was on her computer desk and opened it; revealing some signatures. "Please sign in my notebook, Miss Ley. I would like to have your signature in here."

bump.

"It is saddening to hear that people had to die so that the school's authorities would listen to you; sometimes people listen to others when a tragedy has occurred."

"Yes, they do. Though, the cost is too high when even one life is snuffed out in such a fashion."

"I am glad to hear that you like my parents; they told me that you would be coming for a visit to Neo-Ixania; I think it is nice that you are here for dinner, I hope you can tell me all about Lamonian history, culture, etc; I want to learn as much as I can about Lamoni and I know you would be one of the best people to learn from."

Eleonore smiled at Tanya before she began walking to her room. "You can look around if you want, Tanya. It is nice to have you here as a guest. By the way, can I have your autograph in my notebook? Follow me!"

Eleonore led Tanya to her room; which was specifically built for a girl who had plenty of hobbies and interests. Sea shells could be seen, sorted out on a rack, while a poster of a beautiful young woman and several men in suits could be seen on the wall; the subtitles stating that it was from a famous movie. Eleonore picked up the notebook that was on her computer desk and opened it; revealing some signatures. "Please sign in my notebook, Miss Ley. I would like to have your signature in here."

"Thank you for the nice compliments, Eleonore. So, you want to study about the Free Republic? There is much that I can tell you on the subject."

Tanya followed Eleonore to her room, and she could tell that the room was built for a girl with a lot of hobbies and interests (and parents with money). Tanya could see quite a few Sea Shells which had been laid out on a rack, as well as a poster of a beautiful young woman with several men in suits. A glance at the subtitles revealed that it was a movie poster.

Looking back at Eleonore, Tanya saw that she was holding out a notebook. "Please sign in my notebook, Miss Ley. I would like to have your signature in here," Eleonore said. Not seeing how it could hurt anything, Tanya signed the notebook, and wondered about some of the other names in the book. "Eleonore, who are the other people that have signed this notebook?"

"Well; if Lamoni was founded by refugees then is the culture a mixture of that of the refugees? Were the refugees mostly from English-speaking areas or did they choose it because of its popular use in the world?"

Eleonore's eyes lit up as she looked at Tanya's signature in the notebook. When Tanya had asked about the others, Eleonore smiled as she began flipping the pages of the notebook for her Lamonian acquaintance. "These signatures belong to all sorts of people; from my friends at school to relatives. I have tried to collect signatures of famous people, you know."

She pointed to one of the signatures in the book. "Ivan Rucinsky, the Foreign Minister, signed my book. I met him when my father took me to his work; in Neo-Ixania, we sometimes have Take Your Child To Work Days and I always find myself trying to navigate through the mazes at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters. There are so many offices devoted to so many nations; I remember hearing that my father was appointed to manage relations with Lamoni."

Eleonore noticed Tanya had been looking at the various items in her room. "I collected those sea shells during my trips to the beach and the poster is from the movie: Agent of Death. It is about a secret agent who rebels against her superiors. It is one of my favorite movies."

As Eleonore talked, Tanya could hear a familiar voice downstairs. "Juliette, I'm home!" Mr. Bergmann had returned home just in time to have dinner with his family and Lamonian friend. Dressed in his suit, he could see Tanya and Eleonore walking down the stairs. "Aye, Miss Ley; it is nice to see you again. I see you were with Eleonore; quite a handful, eh?"

Mr. Bergmann kissed his wife and then beckoned Tanya to him. "The Foreign Ministry supports an Ixanian-Lamonian alliance, Miss Ley. The Foreign Minister gave it his stamp of approval and I believe that we can expect the Empress to support it. I spent the day trying to obtain that approval and my efforts paid off."

Once again, Tanya was given food made for the wealthy as everyone took their seats at the table. Mr. Bergmann's son, Wilhelm, looked at Miss Ley again but it was rather a look of curioisity; to study this woman who became a friend of his parents. As dinner was being served, Mr. Bergmann smiled. "Miss Ley, I am sure you have been shown your guest room; I hope it is suitable for you. My wife told me that you spent the day with her; I'm glad to hear it. It is nicw to see that ministers of government can be able to just....take a break."

"Well; if Lamoni was founded by refugees; then is the culture a mixture of that of the refugees? Were the refugees mostly from English-speaking areas or did they choose it because of its popular use in the world?"

"Yes," Tanya said, "Lamoni was founded by refugees. Our culture is a mixture of that of many different cultures; which is why the Free Republic is always interested in establishing diplomatic and cultural relations with the other nations of the world. Smart people don't just live in one country; leaving the others to founder in the darkness. They can be found all over the world, using their genius for either good or evil.

As far as the records indicate, the founders of the Free Republic chose English to be the official language because it was felt to be the best suited to new words and ideas. As a language, English doesn't so much BORROW words and ideas from other languages as it chases them down dark alleys, assaults them, and takes what it wants."

Eleonore's eyes lit up as she looked at Tanya's signature in the notebook. When Tanya had asked about the others, Eleonore smiled as she began flipping the pages of the notebook for her Lamonian acquaintance. "These signatures belong to all sorts of people; from my friends at school to relatives. I have tried to collect signatures of famous people, you know."

She pointed to one of the signatures in the book. "Ivan Rucinsky, the Foreign Minister, signed my book. I met him when my father took me to his work; in Neo-Ixania, we sometimes have Take Your Child To Work Days and I always find myself trying to navigate through the mazes at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters. There are so many offices devoted to so many nations; I remember hearing that my father was appointed to manage relations with Lamoni."

"I am happy to hear that your father has had what I am going to assume to be a promotion. He is a good man, and from what I know of and about him, he will be a good partner for Lamoni, just like the nation of Neo-Ixania itself.

What was it like during those Take Your Child to Work Days? Did you get to see anything interesting?"

Eleonore noticed Tanya had been looking at the various items in her room. "I collected those sea shells during my trips to the beach and the poster is from the movie: Agent of Death. It is about a secret agent who rebels against her superiors. It is one of my favorite movies."

As Eleonore talked, Tanya could hear a familiar voice downstairs. "Juliette, I'm home!" Mr. Bergmann had returned home just in time to have dinner with his family and Lamonian friend. Dressed in his suit, he could see Tanya and Eleonore walking down the stairs. "Aye, Miss Ley; it is nice to see you again. I see you were with Eleonore; quite a handful, eh?"

Before Tanya could respond to what Eleonore was saying, she heard Mr. Bergmann's voice downstairs. She could tell that Eleonore had heard it when Tanya saw her head downstairs. Tanya followed, figuring that it would be polite to at least thank her host for the graciousness of his house.

Mr. Bergmann saw Tanya coming down the stairs, and said, "Aye, Miss Ley; it is nice to see you again. I see you were with Eleonore; quite a handful, eh?"

"It is good to see you again as well, Mr. Bergmann," Tanya responded. Eleonore was actually quite polite and is a very astute observer. I haven't had much of a chance to answer her questions yet, in fact. She's asked me about everything from our language, to our culture and history." Tanya looked and smiled at Eleonore as she said this.


Mr. Bergmann kissed his wife and then beckoned Tanya to him. "The Foreign Ministry supports an Ixanian-Lamonian alliance, Miss Ley. The Foreign Minister gave it his stamp of approval and I believe that we can expect the Empress to support it. I spent the day trying to obtain that approval and my efforts paid off."

(OOC: I thought that we were going to have Ericka do the alliance talks? Just have to finish Ericka's current convo, and then a short chat with Imperial Isa, then she can fly to Neo-Ixania, with your diplomat's permission.)

"This is great news, Mr. Bergmann. You will find that the Free Republic will be a worthy ally for Neo-Ixania. Now if you will please excuse me, I must communicate this happy news to my government." Tanya used her CD-5 in order to accomplish this, and the preliminary response from Nephi (the Lamonian capitol) was extremely positive.

--Later--

Once again, Tanya was given food made for the wealthy as everyone took their seats at the table. Mr. Bergmann's son, Wilhelm, looked at Miss Ley again but it was rather a look of curiosity; to study this woman who became a friend of his parents. As dinner was being served, Mr. Bergmann smiled. "Miss Ley, I am sure you have been shown your guest room; I hope it is suitable for you. My wife told me that you spent the day with her; I'm glad to hear it. It is nice to see that ministers of government can be able to just....take a break."

Tanya noticed the quite open curiosity that Wilhelm displayed in his staring at her. "Wilhelm, do you have any questions that you would like me to answer?"

While waiting for Wilhelm to answer her, his father had something to say. "Miss Ley, I am sure you have been shown your guest room; I hope it is suitable for you. My wife told me that you spent the day with her; I'm glad to hear it. It is nice to see that ministers of government can be able to just....take a break."

"Thank you, Mr. Bergmann. The room is quite suitable. Your wife and I had an excellent time today, and we have become friendly as well. If the two of you are ever in Lamoni, don't hesitate to look me up; I can show you all of the best places. It is always a pleasure to be able to spend time in a country such as Neo-Ixania."

"Yes," Tanya said, "Lamoni was founded by refugees. Our culture is a mixture of that of many different cultures; which is why the Free Republic is always interested in establishing diplomatic and cultural relations with the other nations of the world. Smart people don't just live in one country; leaving the others to founder in the darkness. They can be found all over the world, using their genius for either good or evil.

As far as the records indicate, the founders of the Free Republic chose English to be the official language because it was felt to be the best suited to new words and ideas. As a language, English doesn't so much BORROW words and ideas from other languages as it chases them down dark alleys, assaults them, and takes what it wants."

"It is nice to learn about Lamoni, Miss Ley. I knew that you would know plenty about it; since you are, after all, a Lamonian citizen. Smart people live everywhere, I know that, and not all of them are benevolent. I guess the founders of the Free Republic could have invented a Lamonian language but there is nothing wrong with English; I am fluent in that, you know."

"I am happy to hear that your father has had what I am going to assume to be a promotion. He is a good man, and from what I know of and about him, he will be a good partner for Lamoni, just like the nation of Neo-Ixania itself.

What was it like during those Take Your Child to Work Days? Did you get to see anything interesting?"

'I like to know that you like my father, I think he is a good man. During those Take Your Child To Work Days, I had to sit in my father's office and listen to him lecture me about foreign relations. I even had to attend a meeting or two; with the various diplomats discussing how Neo-Ixania is liked or disliked in nations; so far everyone likes us. I thought it was interesting even if it is repetitive."

Before Tanya could respond to what Eleonore was saying, she heard Mr. Bergmann's voice downstairs. She could tell that Eleonore had heard it when Tanya saw her head downstairs. Tanya followed, figuring that it would be polite to at least thank her host for the graciousness of his house.

Mr. Bergmann saw Tanya coming down the stairs, and said, "Aye, Miss Ley; it is nice to see you again. I see you were with Eleonore; quite a handful, eh?"

"It is good to see you again as well, Mr. Bergmann," Tanya responded. Eleonore was actually quite polite and is a very astute observer. I haven't had much of a chance to answer her questions yet, in fact. She's asked me about everything from our language, to our culture and history." Tanya looked and smiled at Eleonore as she said this.

Gustav (Mr. Bergmann's first name) smiled at his young daughter. "Eleonore is often curious about things; I admire that in her. I am glad to know that she has been polite with you, Miss Ley. Perhaps, one day, Eleonore can visit Lamoni as a foreign student. I think it would be nice for her to see it all in person."

(OOC: I thought that we were going to have Ericka do the alliance talks? Just have to finish Ericka's current convo, and then a short chat with Imperial Isa, then she can fly to Neo-Ixania, with your diplomat's permission.)

OOC: Sorry about that. I can edit my post; I meant to say that the Foreign Ministry is glad to have relations with Lamoni or something like that. Mr. Bergmann would, of course, give his permission for Ericka to visit.

"This is great news, Mr. Bergmann. You will find that the Free Republic will be a worthy ally for Neo-Ixania. Now if you will please excuse me, I must communicate this happy news to my government." Tanya used her CD-5 in order to accomplish this, and the preliminary response from Nephi (the Lamonian capitol) was extremely positive.

OOC: You should edit this post; I'll edit mine.

"Neo-Ixania is glad to have Lamoni as a friend; and so am I. I can tell that Lamoni is a good nation that is not bloodthirsty nor warlike; if you were, I assume you would have came with a "surrender or die" message or what not."

Tanya noticed the quite open curiosity that Wilhelm displayed in his staring at her. "Wilhelm, do you have any questions that you would like me to answer?"

Wilhelm looked at Tanya. "Miss Ley, what is Lamoni like? I would like to visit a foreign nation one day in the future. Also, sorry for staring at you earlier but I usually study the guests who come to my parents' house; be assured that I do not hate you or anything like that."

While waiting for Wilhelm to answer her, his father had something to say. "Miss Ley, I am sure you have been shown your guest room; I hope it is suitable for you. My wife told me that you spent the day with her; I'm glad to hear it. It is nice to see that ministers of government can be able to just....take a break."

"Thank you, Mr. Bergmann. The room is quite suitable. Your wife and I had an excellent time today, and we have become friendly as well. If the two of you are ever in Lamoni, don't hesitate to look me up; I can show you all of the best places. It is always a pleasure to be able to spend time in a country such as Neo-Ixania."

"It would be nice to visit Lamoni; do they have any romantic places there? It would be nice for me and my wife to unwind and relax. I think we could visit Lamoni later in the month; depending on my schedule. I am glad to know, Miss Ley, that you like Neo-Ixania. It is a nice country in the end. By the way, if you can give us your contact information, we can keep it for future reference; when we visit Lamoni."

Gustav smiled at his wife. "Juliette is always friendly; I admire that in her. My wife was hoping to meet you, you know, before you even arrived. She kept asking me during a Shakespeare production; I am sure you can tell which character, born into influence and wealth but died in blissful torment, she was named after."

Mrs. Bergmann giggled a little and smiled at Tanya. "Yes; I was...anxious to meet you. I thought it would be nice to take part in my husband's work. I work on the stage; I am a bodybuilder with a fondness for theatre."

"It is nice to learn about Lamoni, Miss Ley. I knew that you would know plenty about it; since you are, after all, a Lamonian citizen. Smart people live everywhere, I know that, and not all of them are benevolent. I guess the founders of the Free Republic could have invented a Lamonian language but there is nothing wrong with English; I am fluent in that, you know."

"Really, they settled on English because it was already well known. And, you are indeed quite fluent in English, Eleonore."

"I like to know that you like my father, I think he is a good man. During those Take Your Child To Work Days, I had to sit in my father's office and listen to him lecture me about foreign relations. I even had to attend a meeting or two; with the various diplomats discussing how Neo-Ixania is liked or disliked in nations; so far everyone likes us. I thought it was interesting even if it is repetitive."

"Your father is a good man, Eleonore. What would you like to do when you grow up?"

Gustav (Mr. Bergmann's first name) smiled at his young daughter. "Eleonore is often curious about things; I admire that in her. I am glad to know that she has been polite with you, Miss Ley. Perhaps, one day, Eleonore can visit Lamoni as a foreign student. I think it would be nice for her to see it all in person."

"I am certain that we can begin a student exchange if you wish, Mr. Bergmann. Eleonore could even be part of the first group of students.

If you'd like, I can have my deputy fly here. She is Deputy Foreign Minister Ericka Tregre. (OOC: Trying to give Tanya an excuse to get Ericka to Neo-Ixania) She was the one who administered the exchange student program that Lamoni had with the former nation of Tachbe."

Wilhelm looked at Tanya. "Miss Ley, what is Lamoni like? I would like to visit a foreign nation one day in the future. Also, sorry for staring at you earlier but I usually study the guests who come to my parents' house; be assured that I do not hate you or anything like that."

"Lamonian culture is a mix of many different cultures, so there are a lot of interesting places to go, and things to do. Also, everyone knows what the rules are, and there is not much in the way of crime. Still it is safer to be part of a group, just like anywhere. We are an open and friendly people, but there are those who can't seem to learn."

"It would be nice to visit Lamoni; do they have any romantic places there? It would be nice for me and my wife to unwind and relax. I think we could visit Lamoni later in the month; depending on my schedule. I am glad to know, Miss Ley, that you like Neo-Ixania. It is a nice country in the end. By the way, if you can give us your contact information, we can keep it for future reference; when we visit Lamoni."

Gustav smiled at his wife. "Juliette is always friendly; I admire that in her. My wife was hoping to meet you, you know, before you even arrived. She kept asking me during a Shakespeare production; I am sure you can tell which character, born into influence and wealth but died in blissful torment, she was named after."

Mrs. Bergmann giggled a little and smiled at Tanya. "Yes; I was...anxious to meet you. I thought it would be nice to take part in my husband's work. I work on the stage; I am a bodybuilder with a fondness for theater."

"Yes, there are plenty of romantic spots in Lamoni. It all depends on what you find to be romantic. There are beaches, operas, desert tours, and many other things that you could do.

Certainly. I have a contact card right here," Tanya said while handing it to Mr. Bergmann. It has all of my contact information on it. I would be pleased to play tour guide if you are ever in Lamoni."

In response to the question, Tanya said "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art my Romeo." A smile was on her face then.

"What plays have you been in, Mrs. Bergmann?"

"Really, they settled on English because it was already well known. And, you are indeed quite fluent in English, Eleonore."

"Thank you, Miss Ley. I know that many people speak English so knowledge of the language will be useful for me."


"Your father is a good man, Eleonore. What would you like to do when you grow up?"

"I think I would like to be a travel agent or a diplomat, Miss Ley. I was hoping that my father could take me to a foreign nation one day; it would be nice to see how other people live, work and play."

"I am certain that we can begin a student exchange if you wish, Mr. Bergmann. Eleonore could even be part of the first group of students.

If you'd like, I can have my deputy fly here. She is Deputy Foreign Minister Ericka Tregre. (OOC: Trying to give Tanya an excuse to get Ericka to Neo-Ixania) She was the one who administered the exchange student program that Lamoni had with the former nation of Tachbe."

"Yes! I could be part of it!" Eleonore enthusiastically shouted before her mother calmed her down; obviously showing Miss Ley that she wanted to be a student in Lamoni. "I think Eleonore should be a part of the first group of students, Miss Ley. She would absolutely love visiting Lamoni. Yes; you should have your deputy fly here (OOC: No problem). We can arrange a diplomat to meet her; since I plan to visit Lamoni for a vacation; I need to use some of those vacation days I have.

"Lamonian culture is a mix of many different cultures, so there are a lot of interesting places to go, and things to do. Also, everyone knows what the rules are, and there is not much in the way of crime. Still it is safer to be part of a group, just like anywhere. We are an open and friendly people, but there are those who can't seem to learn."

"Neo-Ixanian culture is a mixture of several cultures but some people try to keep their culture independent. Ixanian festivals are still celebrated and the Empress and her siblings can be seen celebrating German festivals as part of their half-German heritage. Aye; some people cannot seem to learn about virtue and remain devoted to vice....but that is why we have police officers and private investigators."

"Yes, there are plenty of romantic spots in Lamoni. It all depends on what you find to be romantic. There are beaches, operas, desert tours, and many other things that you could do.

"That sounds good to me, Miss Ley. Do you recommend anything in particular for me and my wife? My wife and I should be able to have a great time; exploring Lamoni and seeing all the romantic and non-romantic sights."

Certainly. I have a contact card right here," Tanya said while handing it to Mr. Bergmann. It has all of my contact information on it. I would be pleased to play tour guide if you are ever in Lamoni."

In response to the question, Tanya said "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art my Romeo." A smile was on her face then.

"What plays have you been in, Mrs. Bergmann?"

Mr. Bergmann took the card and smiled; placing it in the pocket of his suit. He took out his own card and passed it to Tanya; saying that it had all of his contact information on it. "Thank you, Miss Ley. It would be a pleasure for you to be our tour guide."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at Tanya as she heard the Shakespearean quote. "Yes; I was named for Juliet Capulet; my mother thought she was one of her favorite characters; the humble girl who struggles to be with her one true love."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled. "I have been in several plays; both Shakespearean and Ixanian. The first play I was in was: The Empress of Ixania, about one of Ixania's famous Empresses: Anastasia I. She lived during the 19th Century and was the longest reigning monarch (OOC: Picture her as the Ixanian version of Queen Victoria).

The next play I starred in was Romeo and Juliet, in which I played as Juliet Capulet. It was my husband, Gustav, who was Romeo. He was reluctant at first but he told me he never regretted participating in the play; since it was when we both fell in love."

Gustav sighed and smiled at Miss Ley. "Yes; that is how we fell in love. It is ironic, Miss Ley; two people fall in love in a play where two other people's love was shattered by a family feud. I remember seeing Juliette then.....it was, as it was said, "For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night".

"I starred in other plays as well, Miss Ley; plays about knights, feuds and washerwomen. All of them were alright; I usually was in the starring role. I once acted with my mother in a play; I had to act as the little girl who struggles to survive in poverty. Ironic for me, a wealthy girl, to act in such a role but I have never felt superior to people who are not wealthy."

"Miss Ley, are you finished your dinner?" Gustav asked after several minutes.

"Thank you, Miss Ley. I know that many people speak English so knowledge of the language will be useful for me."

"You're welcome, Eleonore."

"I think I would like to be a travel agent or a diplomat, Miss Ley. I was hoping that my father could take me to a foreign nation one day; it would be nice to see how other people live, work and play."

"Well, travel agents help OTHERS to get somewhere, while rarely going anywhere themselves. Diplomats actually get to travel, and they also get to meet interesting people. Then again, I could be a bit biased by my job." A smile came with that remark.

"Yes! I could be part of it!" Eleonore enthusiastically shouted before her mother calmed her down; obviously showing Miss Ley that she wanted to be a student in Lamoni. "I think Eleonore should be a part of the first group of students, Miss Ley. She would absolutely love visiting Lamoni. Yes; you should have your deputy fly here (OOC: No problem). We can arrange a diplomat to meet her; since I plan to visit Lamoni for a vacation; I need to use some of those vacation days I have.

"It would be no problem for Eleonore to be part of the first group of students. We would be lucky to have her, and I can guarantee her safety while she is in Lamoni. What grade level is Eleonore in? It would be useful to know what type of school that she would be placed in.

If you will excuse me for a quick second, I can send the message for Miss Tregre to come to Neo-Ixania." Pulling out her CD-5, Tanya sent instructions for Miss Tregre to come to Neo-Ixania, and to send an estimated arrival time to the Neo-Ixanian Foreign Ministry.

Looking back at the Bergmann family, she said, "There, DFM Tregre is on her way, and she'll send an estimated arrival time to your Foreign Ministry. And you said that you're already planning a vacation in Lamoni? That is wonderful news. As i'll be flying back home late tomorrow morning (OOC: About the same time that Ericka will arrive), I can get things ready for you. I also have a suspicion that our President might wish to chat with you when you are in Lamoni, he likes to do that when important foreign diplomats are in the country."

"Neo-Ixanian culture is a mixture of several cultures but some people try to keep their culture independent. Ixanian festivals are still celebrated and the Empress and her siblings can be seen celebrating German festivals as part of their half-German heritage. Aye; some people cannot seem to learn about virtue and remain devoted to vice....but that is why we have police officers and private investigators."

"What are some of the main cultural festivals and practices that are currently celebrated in Neo-Ixania? Indeed, that is why there are police officers, and they are good at their jobs."

"That sounds good to me, Miss Ley. Do you recommend anything in particular for me and my wife? My wife and I should be able to have a great time; exploring Lamoni and seeing all the romantic and non-romantic sights."

"Well, for Romantic places in the capitol of Nephi, there are multiple places that I can recommend. The Rose Gardens are particularly romantic; they offer a fantastic view of several mountains, as well as the city itself. Nephi is in a river valley surrounded by mountains, and the weather is fair all year long. There is also Waterfront park, which as you might have guessed, is along the waterfront. If you get on the light rail system, it can take you along the Lehi River Gorge to such sites as Amalfi Falls, Vista House, and the 'Bridge of the Gods,' which is an actual highway bridge designed to mimic the rock which surrounds it. There is also the Nephi Aquarium, and a lot of other places in other parts of the country. It really depends on what your tastes are."

Mr. Bergmann took the card and smiled; placing it in the pocket of his suit. He took out his own card and passed it to Tanya; saying that it had all of his contact information on it. "Thank you, Miss Ley. It would be a pleasure for you to be our tour guide."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Bergmann."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at Tanya as she heard the Shakespearean quote. "Yes; I was named for Juliet Capulet; my mother thought she was one of her favorite characters; the humble girl who struggles to be with her one true love."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled. "I have been in several plays; both Shakespearean and Ixanian. The first play I was in was: The Empress of Ixania, about one of Ixania's famous Empresses: Anastasia I. She lived during the 19th Century and was the longest reigning monarch (OOC: Picture her as the Ixanian version of Queen Victoria).

The next play I starred in was Romeo and Juliet, in which I played as Juliet Capulet. It was my husband, Gustav, who was Romeo. He was reluctant at first but he told me he never regretted participating in the play; since it was when we both fell in love."

Gustav sighed and smiled at Miss Ley. "Yes; that is how we fell in love. It is ironic, Miss Ley; two people fall in love in a play where two other people's love was shattered by a family feud. I remember seeing Juliette then.....it was, as it was said, "For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night".

"That's... that's, very romantic; and yes, ironic at the same time. I'm not married as you know (OOC: yet), but it is always inspiring to hear how couples fell in love."

"I starred in other plays as well, Miss Ley; plays about knights, feuds and washerwomen. All of them were alright; I usually was in the starring role. I once acted with my mother in a play; I had to act as the little girl who struggles to survive in poverty. Ironic for me, a wealthy girl, to act in such a role but I have never felt superior to people who are not wealthy."

"I've met people who are so fascinated by their wealth that they don't know what to do when they meet someone who isn't wealthy. I'm glad to see that there is no danger of that, here."

"You're welcome, Eleonore."



"Well, travel agents help OTHERS to get somewhere, while rarely going anywhere themselves. Diplomats actually get to travel, and they also get to meet interesting people. Then again, I could be a bit biased by my job." A smile came with that remark.

"Then I think I will be a diplomat; I am sure my father can teach me everything about it. If I was a diplomat, I could meet foreign ministers, monarchs and presidents! That would be great; and I could be able to see foreign nations....but I would have to focus on my mission more than exploration."

"It would be no problem for Eleonore to be part of the first group of students. We would be lucky to have her, and I can guarantee her safety while she is in Lamoni. What grade level is Eleonore in? It would be useful to know what type of school that she would be placed in.

"Eleonore is in Secondary School; she is quite the honor student, Miss Ley. If it would be possible to put her in a school filled with students in the age range of fourteen to eighteen then that would be acceptable to us. She is our little fourteen year old honor student; I am sure she will be safe in Lamoni. Perhaps after you leave; we can send her over."

If you will excuse me for a quick second, I can send the message for Miss Tregre to come to Neo-Ixania." Pulling out her CD-5, Tanya sent instructions for Miss Tregre to come to Neo-Ixania, and to send an estimated arrival time to the Neo-Ixanian Foreign Ministry.

Looking back at the Bergmann family, she said, "There, DFM Tregre is on her way, and she'll send an estimated arrival time to your Foreign Ministry. And you said that you're already planning a vacation in Lamoni? That is wonderful news. As i'll be flying back home late tomorrow morning (OOC: About the same time that Ericka will arrive), I can get things ready for you. I also have a suspicion that our President might wish to chat with you when you are in Lamoni, he likes to do that when important foreign diplomats are in the country."

"The Foreign Ministry will welcome Miss Tregre with open arms and arrange a diplomat to meet with her. We were planning to visit Lamoni; well, considering it anyway. As for a meeting with the President, I would be honored to meet him."

"What are some of the main cultural festivals and practices that are currently celebrated in Neo-Ixania? Indeed, that is why there are police officers, and they are good at their jobs."

"Well; if you are German then of course you'd be celebrating Oktoberfest. The Ixanians celebrate many festivals such as the Autumn Festival; which celebrates the rise of the autumn season. If you are spiritual, you will spend time celebrating religious festivals. Some people who are traditionalists will focus on Founders' Day; celebrating the founding of Ixania as a nation. I, Gustav Bergmann, celebrate that day regardless of not being Ixanian by blood; because I am in debt to this nation which has been good to my ancestors."

"Well, for Romantic places in the capitol of Nephi, there are multiple places that I can recommend. The Rose Gardens are particularly romantic; they offer a fantastic view of several mountains, as well as the city itself. Nephi is in a river valley surrounded by mountains, and the weather is fair all year long. There is also Waterfront park, which as you might have guessed, is along the waterfront. If you get on the light rail system, it can take you along the Lehi River Gorge to such sites as Amalfi Falls, Vista House, and the 'Bridge of the Gods,' which is an actual highway bridge designed to mimic the rock which surrounds it. There is also the Nephi Aquarium, and a lot of other places in other parts of the country. It really depends on what your tastes are."

"All of those; especially the Rose Gardens sound appealing, Miss Ley. We have many roses in Ixania and I believe that they can bewitch the senses of some women. I think we will visit all of the places you have mentioned; or at least as much as is possible, Miss Ley. We want not only to kindle the fires of marital romance together; but to also explore the Free Republic."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Bergmann."



"That's... that's, very romantic; and yes, ironic at the same time. I'm not married as you know (OOC: yet), but it is always inspiring to hear how couples fell in love."



"I've met people who are so fascinated by their wealth that they don't know what to do when they meet someone who isn't wealthy. I'm glad to see that there is no danger of that, here."

"It is ironically romantic; that is true. It is inspiring to hear how couples fall in love; I am sure you, Miss Ley, will find a good man for yourself. You are beautiful, charming and nice. There must be at least one man who would take an interest in you."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at her husband. "Not all wealthy people, I believe, are snobbish and think they are superior to people who are not high on the social status ladder. No one in the Bergmann family believes that they are superior to others."

"Then I think I will be a diplomat; I am sure my father can teach me everything about it. If I was a diplomat, I could meet foreign ministers, monarchs and presidents! That would be great; and I could be able to see foreign nations....but I would have to focus on my mission more than exploration."

"That is quite right, Eleonore. While you would get the excitement of traveling to new places, you would have to remain focused on the mission. Also, you generally only get to see what the host government WANTS you to see, so you have to take that into account."

"Eleonore is in Secondary School; she is quite the honor student, Miss Ley. If it would be possible to put her in a school filled with students in the age range of fourteen to eighteen then that would be acceptable to us. She is our little fourteen year old honor student; I am sure she will be safe in Lamoni. Perhaps after you leave; we can send her over."

"That's early High School age in Lamoni. I'm sure that a place could be found for Eleonore in Nephi, and she can either stay at my house in Lamoni, or she can be placed with a different host family, whichever one that you prefer. Would you prefer a public or a private school for Eleonore?"

"The Foreign Ministry will welcome Miss Tregre with open arms and arrange a diplomat to meet with her. We were planning to visit Lamoni; well, considering it anyway. As for a meeting with the President, I would be honored to meet him."

"I shall make the arrangements, then."

"All of those; especially the Rose Gardens sound appealing, Miss Ley. We have many roses in Ixania and I believe that they can bewitch the senses of some women. I think we will visit all of the places you have mentioned; or at least as much as is possible, Miss Ley. We want not only to kindle the fires of marital romance together; but to also explore the Free Republic."

"There is much to explore in Lamoni. (OOC: i'm guessing a new RP for that) I am sure that you will enjoy yourselves."

"It is ironically romantic; that is true. It is inspiring to hear how couples fall in love; I am sure you, Miss Ley, will find a good man for yourself. You are beautiful, charming and nice. There must be at least one man who would take an interest in you."

"I am sure that there will be in the future, but the right sort of man just hasn't presented himself yet, i'm afraid. Still, I haven't given up."

Mrs. Bergmann smiled at her husband. "Not all wealthy people, I believe, are snobbish and think they are superior to people who are not high on the social status ladder. No one in the Bergmann family believes that they are superior to others."

"I am very heartened to hear that, Mrs. Bergmann. Everyone that I have met here has been very polite as well."

"That is quite right, Eleonore. While you would get the excitement of traveling to new places, you would have to remain focused on the mission. Also, you generally only get to see what the host government WANTS you to see, so you have to take that into account."

"I understand that. There would be governments who do not want me to see certain places' so I would have to take that into account. I would still not mind being a diplomat; at least you get to visit those nations."


"That's early High School age in Lamoni. I'm sure that a place could be found for Eleonore in Nephi, and she can either stay at my house in Lamoni, or she can be placed with a different host family, whichever one that you prefer. Would you prefer a public or a private school for Eleonore?"

"We would not mind allowing her to stay with you, Miss Ley. I am sure you would be a good guardian for her. Eleonore should be able to make new friends in Lamoni. We would like her to attend a private school; but if there is no room avaliable then public is fine."

"I shall make the arrangements, then."



"There is much to explore in Lamoni. (OOC: i'm guessing a new RP for that) I am sure that you will enjoy yourselves."



"I am sure that there will be in the future, but the right sort of man just hasn't presented himself yet, i'm afraid. Still, I haven't given up."



"I am very heartened to hear that, Mrs. Bergmann. Everyone that I have met here has been very polite as well."

"I am sure you will find a good man, Miss Ley. Until then, relish your life as a bachelorette. Soon, you may find yourself bogged down by work and family; i.e children."

"I understand that. There would be governments who do not want me to see certain places' so I would have to take that into account. I would still not mind being a diplomat; at least you get to visit those nations."

"Yes, you do get to visit other nations. In fact, that is the major draw for the young people who are recruited for diplomatic jobs. That and the chance to fix the world's problems, anyway."

"We would not mind allowing her to stay with you, Miss Ley. I am sure you would be a good guardian for her. Eleonore should be able to make new friends in Lamoni. We would like her to attend a private school; but if there is no room available then public is fine."

"Thank you for the high praise of my guardianship skills, Mrs. Bergmann. I will take good care of Eleonore while she is in Lamoni. In fact, I have a picture of my house if you would like to see it." Accessing a file on her CD-5, she got it to show a picture of her house to the Bergmann family. (OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/Mansion-House-touchup.jpg )

"I am sure you will find a good man, Miss Ley. Until then, relish your life as a bachelorette. Soon, you may find yourself bogged down by work and family; i.e children."

Tanya smiled at that. "Your children are so well behaved that I imagine that they must not put too much of a burden on you, Mrs. Bergmann."

"Yes, you do get to visit other nations. In fact, that is the major draw for the young people who are recruited for diplomatic jobs. That and the chance to fix the world's problems, anyway."

"Of course; I think it would be great to be able to visit other nations and learn about them. I think that my father could help train me to become a diplomat. As for fixing the world's problems, that could be something I am good at."

"Thank you for the high praise of my guardianship skills, Mrs. Bergmann. I will take good care of Eleonore while she is in Lamoni. In fact, I have a picture of my house if you would like to see it." Accessing a file on her CD-5, she got it to show a picture of her house to the Bergmann family. (OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/Mansion-House-touchup.jpg )

"That is a lovely house, Miss Ley. I am sure Eleonore will have a good time under your guardianship. When should we have Eleonore sent over to Lamoni, Miss Ley? When do you think is a good day?"


Tanya smiled at that. "Your children are so well behaved that I imagine that they must not put too much of a burden on you, Mrs. Bergmann."

"Well; sometimes they are a challenge; a pair of living enigmas. However, my husband and I can usually handle them."

After dinner (and dessert) finally finished, maids were cleaning the table. Wilhelm decided to go to his room; he said that he wanted to listen to music. Mr. Bergmann smiled at Miss Ley as everyone was preparing to commit themselves to their nightly routines. Eleonore smiled at Miss Ley; thanking her again for arranging her visit to Lamoni. Mr. Bergmann smiled at Tanya and looked at her. "I think we should discuss Eleonore's visit. I assume she will be learning everything you'd expect her to be learning in a private school? What is Lamonian school like?"

Mrs. Bergmann nodded her head in silent approval of her husband's questions. "Yes; what can we expect for Eleonore while she is in Lamoni?"

"That is a lovely house, Miss Ley. I am sure Eleonore will have a good time under your guardianship. When should we have Eleonore sent over to Lamoni, Miss Ley? When do you think is a good day?"

"I would say the beginning of August at the latest. That would give Eleonore time to adjust to living in a different country before school starts. Thank you for the compliment on my house. Eleonore will have everything that she needs there, i'll make sure of it."

After dinner (and dessert) finally finished, maids were cleaning the table. Wilhelm decided to go to his room; he said that he wanted to listen to music. Mr. Bergmann smiled at Miss Ley as everyone was preparing to commit themselves to their nightly routines. Eleonore smiled at Miss Ley; thanking her again for arranging her visit to Lamoni. Mr. Bergmann smiled at Tanya and looked at her. "I think we should discuss Eleonore's visit. I assume she will be learning everything you'd expect her to be learning in a private school? What is Lamonian school like?"

Mrs. Bergmann nodded her head in silent approval of her husband's questions. "Yes; what can we expect for Eleonore while she is in Lamoni?"

"Lamoni spends almost a quarter of it's budget on education, so Lamonian schools can focus on the methods that best help students to learn. Once the methods have been identified, then they are used in the classroom. Then different level subjects are taught in different grades, with the exception of elective classes. The students pick these elective classes for themselves; and they can be a lot more fun for them than the required classes. In addition, there are various clubs and sports teams that the students can choose to join.

The classes themselves are designed to teach complex concepts to the students in a format that makes it easier for the students to learn. Lamoni has taken top regional honors in education for many years, against stiff competition."

"I would say the beginning of August at the latest. That would give Eleonore time to adjust to living in a different country before school starts. Thank you for the compliment on my house. Eleonore will have everything that she needs there, i'll make sure of it."

"We can send Eleonore in late July if it is acceptable, Miss Ley. We are glad to hear that you will care for our daughter; thank you."



"Lamoni spends almost a quarter of it's budget on education, so Lamonian schools can focus on the methods that best help students to learn. Once the methods have been identified, then they are used in the classroom. Then different level subjects are taught in different grades, with the exception of elective classes. The students pick these elective classes for themselves; and they can be a lot more fun for them than the required classes. In addition, there are various clubs and sports teams that the students can choose to join.

"You have an interesting education system, Miss Ley but what are these elective classes that you mentioned? Which classes can Eleonore choose from? What clubs?"

The classes themselves are designed to teach complex concepts to the students in a format that makes it easier for the students to learn. Lamoni has taken top regional honors in education for many years, against stiff competition."

"I am glad to hear that, Miss Ley; the nation of Lamoni sounds like it truly cares for the education of children. Ixania has tried to have a good education system for its children; they are our future after all."

"We can send Eleonore in late July if it is acceptable, Miss Ley. We are glad to hear that you will care for our daughter; thank you."

"That is acceptable. And you are quite welcome. Is there anything that I need to know about Eleonore? Medical conditions or anything?"

"You have an interesting education system, Miss Ley but what are these elective classes that you mentioned? Which classes can Eleonore choose from? What clubs?"

"Elective classes are classes that are required credits, but that the students get to choose from themselves. Some of the examples are Journalism, Agricultural classes, and Workshop. There are a lot more, but it really depends on where Eleonore's interests lie. The clubs are all subject/interest based as well. They range from the Future Business Leader's club, to the Future Farmers of Lamoni club."

"I am glad to hear that, Miss Ley; the nation of Lamoni sounds like it truly cares for the education of children. Ixania has tried to have a good education system for its children; they are our future after all."

"Our country feels the same way, Mrs. Bergmann. It is still good to see the same attitude reflected in other nations."

"That is acceptable. And you are quite welcome. Is there anything that I need to know about Eleonore? Medical conditions or anything?"

"Eleonore is a healthy young woman with no health problems; we do not need to worry about that, Miss Ley."

"Elective classes are classes that are required credits, but that the students get to choose from themselves. Some of the examples are Journalism, Agricultural classes, and Workshop. There are a lot more, but it really depends on where Eleonore's interests lie. The clubs are all subject/interest based as well. They range from the Future Business Leader's club, to the Future Farmers of Lamoni club."

"Maybe I could be a business leader or a journalist...I want to learn more about these clubs." Eleonore said eith a smile. "Miss Ley, do you know if they have any tourism clubs?"

"Our country feels the same way, Mrs. Bergmann. It is still good to see the same attitude reflected in other nations."

"Nations need properly educated children; it is a mere fact of life." Mr. Bergmann said calmly.

"Maybe I could be a business leader or a journalist...I want to learn more about these clubs." Eleonore said with a smile. "Miss Ley, do you know if they have any tourism clubs?"

"That varies from school to school, but I know of some programs. They offer up to week long trips to various locations in Lamoni, said locations being chosen by the school itself."

Tanya let out a yawn. "Excuse me, but I am getting tired. I would like to retire for the night, if you don't mind."

"We understand; you are free to retire for the night. I think Juliette will walk you to your room."

Juliette smiled and walked with Tanya to her room while Eleonore was talking with her father about visiting Lamoni; occassionally watching Tanya (Wilhelm was too). "Will you be leaving tomorrow, Miss Ley? If so, we can still provide you with breakfast before you leave. I am sure you have all of your luggage in your room. Have a good night, Miss Ley."

(OOC: Ericka will arrive in this thread as well, just makes things easier)

IC: "Will you be leaving tomorrow, Miss Ley? If so, we can still provide you with breakfast before you leave. I am sure you have all of your luggage in your room. Have a good night, Miss Ley."

"I'll be leaving mid-morning tomorrow, Mrs. Bergmann. So yes, we will be able to have breakfast together. It would be my pleasure." With that, Tanya entered her room and went to sleep on her bed.

OOC: Alright.

In the morning, Tanya woke up to the sounds of birds chirping outside as the sun took its place in the sky. If she listened, she could hear faint sounds from the hallway; probably from Eleonore's radio/alarm-clock and the footsteps of a sleepy Mr. Bergmann, who had just risen from his bed. "Ah, Miss Ley, I hope you had a good sleep. Was your bed comfortable?"

"Ah, Miss Ley, I hope you had a good sleep. Was your bed comfortable?"

"Yes, it was. Thank you and your wife for inviting me to your home, Mr. Bergmann. It was very thoughtful."

---

In the meantime, Ericka was flying to Neo-Ixania. She had felt it very odd indeed that the host of the talks (Meadonia) had been nowhere to be found after the first hour, but at least she had been able to make diplomatic gains; and that was what counted.

In the seat next to her, the enigmatic captain from Imperial Isa was reviewing documents related to his tenure as an ambassador to Neo-Ixania. He would be very busy once they reached Neo-Ixania, and she could finally politely take her leave of him. It wasn't that he was unattractive, but there was something very 'off' about him. She still didn't even know his name, for example.

She looked forward to what Neo-Ixania might hold. The reports from her boss were positive, at the least.

bump

"No problem; we wanted to show you some Ixanian hospitality." Gustav said with a smile. "From one diplomat to another, I can say that you are a goodhearted person; hard working and diligent."

---

In the meantime, Ericka was flying to Neo-Ixania. She had felt it very odd indeed that the host of the talks (Meadonia) had been nowhere to be found after the first hour, but at least she had been able to make diplomatic gains; and that was what counted.

In the seat next to her, the enigmatic captain from Imperial Isa was reviewing documents related to his tenure as an ambassador to Neo-Ixania. He would be very busy once they reached Neo-Ixania, and she could finally politely take her leave of him. It wasn't that he was unattractive, but there was something very 'off' about him. She still didn't even know his name, for example.

She looked forward to what Neo-Ixania might hold. The reports from her boss were positive, at the least.

Leopold von Anstetten had been one of the diplomats of the Foreign Ministry; often regulated to managing reports and helping other diplomats. He had been able to find himself a hard working secretary, a young girl from the country, and he was promoted because of his own diligence. Born into a noble German family, he was now appointed to see Ericka Tregre; whose picture he had seen after it was given to him by Ivan Rucinsky. He felt that she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his life; and he imagined himself having her as his girlfriend but for now, he would focus on business.

When her plane landed on the runway, Leopold was there to greet her with a smile; dressed in his suit. He was a very attractive man and he wondered if Ericka would be immune to such a charm. "Miss Tregre; it is a pleasurable honor to meet you. I must say that you are strikingly attractive today. If you would follow me to your limosuine."

Sitting in the limoauine, Leopold would occassionally study Ericka; knowing she was an attractive woman. "Miss Tregre, I hope you will enjoy yourself here. I have been able to get you an excellent hotel room at one of the city's best hotels. You will have a hot tub in your room, you know." Leopold smiled at Ericka. "Miss Ley did stay at the Bergmann Mansion but I will leave you staying at my house to be optional."

"No problem; we wanted to show you some Ixanian hospitality." Gustav said with a smile. "From one diplomat to another, I can say that you are a goodhearted person; hard working and diligent."

Smiling as well, Tanya said; "I'll be sure to return the favor when you are in Lamoni."

---

When her plane landed on the runway, Leopold was there to greet her with a smile; dressed in his suit. He was a very attractive man and he wondered if Ericka would be immune to such a charm. "Miss Tregre; it is a pleasurable honor to meet you. I must say that you are strikingly attractive today. If you would follow me to your limousine."

"Thank you, mister...?"

Sitting in the limousine, Leopold would occasionally study Ericka; knowing she was an attractive woman. "Miss Tregre, I hope you will enjoy yourself here. I have been able to get you an excellent hotel room at one of the city's best hotels. You will have a hot tub in your room, you know." Leopold smiled at Ericka. "Miss Ley did stay at the Bergmann Mansion but I will leave you staying at my house to be optional."

While Leopold was 'studying' Ericka, she was studying him as well. She could guess that he thought she was attractive; most men did. However, she was not prepared for how attractive that he was. She wouldn't let it affect her job; but there was nothing that said that she couldn't enjoy some eye candy.

She decided to ask him a question. "Leopold, would you please tell me more about yourself?"

Smiling as well, Tanya said; "I'll be sure to return the favor when you are in Lamoni."

"Thank you; I am glad to hear that."

---



"Thank you, mister...?"

"Call me Mr. von Anstetten; or you can call me Leopold. Could I call you Ericka?"


While Leopold was 'studying' Ericka, she was studying him as well. She could guess that he thought she was attractive; most men did. However, she was not prepared for how attractive that he was. She wouldn't let it affect her job; but there was nothing that said that she couldn't enjoy some eye candy.

She decided to ask him a question. "Leopold, would you please tell me more about yourself?"

OOC: Long post ahead.....

Leopold could sense that Ericka was studying him; and he immediately assumed that she had fallen as a victim to his looks. "I come from a wealthy family of German ancestry and I have an interest in various things such as billiards. I am single; with no children but I thought about marriage or at least finding myself a girlfriend. I am one of the first in my family to go into the career of a diplomat; I must say it is a nice job as you get to visit foreign nations and meet beautiful women...."

Leopols smiled; knowing he had added in a compliment for Ericka. "I live in a manor in one of the wealthy neighbourhoods; often visiting the neighbourhood country club and living life as a bachelor swarmed by women, well, at least talked about by them. I have worked in the Foreign Ministry for a couple of years now; and I may find myself promoted like Eisenberg you know. He was the diplomat who married a foreign princess; it made headlines on Ixanian news."

The limosuine pulled up at the front door of the von Anstetten manor and Leopold helped Ericka out; asking her to tell him more about herself as they walked inside. "Yes; my manor has been furnished with all the luxuries one would expect in the house of a wealthy man. There is a guest room for you, Miss Tregre and your luggage is there waiting for you. Also, I believe I will give you a tour of my home. Follow me, Ericka."

Leopold studied her again; she truly was appealing. "This manor was earned by my own effort; I did not inherit it. Most of my brothers and sisters live in some form of manor and my parents are passing down the ancestral manor to my oldest brother. As for me, I do not know what I will get if anything." He led her inside the gallery where the paintings and sculptures that Heinrich had collected over the years. "I spent much money and time collecting all of these; attending auctions and finding them in the posession of friends."

Leading her away from the gallery, he showed her the fully furnished guest room that he had given her. "The bed is meant for two but you are alone; so you can have it all to yourself. Do not worry, I do it all the time." Heinrich smiled, pointing out the nearby washroom and the luxuries founded in Ericka's room; such as a flag of Lamoni on the wall. "Miss Ley visited earlier; I only saw her when she came to the Foreign Ministry headquarters. She was pretty but you, in all respect, outrank her in beauty."

Leopold decided to restrain the generation of compliments as he led Ericka all around the manor; showing her every room he could think of. He even showed her the hot tub that he had outside. "If you brought a swimsuit, you can use my hot tub, Ericka. You should like it."

When he was finished with the tour, Leopold led Ericka to the limosuine to begin the first activity on the itinerary. "I thought we could enjoy a visit to the country club that I am a member of."

As the chauffer drove to the country club, Leopold smiled at Ericka. "It is nice to have you as a guest; I hope you enjoy your stay here like Miss Ley did. Perhaps we can visit the Foreign Ministry headquarters; you could, if you wanted, meet Mr. Bergmann: the man who met Miss Ley and let her stay in his house. He told me about your arrival, you know, and gave me your picture. He is a married man but he still called you beautiful; though his wife will always be the best to him." Leopold smiled. "He is zealously devoted to her; believe me, he is."

The chauffer pulled up at the country club and Heinrich helped Ericka out; the various members looking at her; some assuming she was either the Lamonian minister Leopold had told them about or that she was his new girlfriend. Whoever she was, she recieved a lot of attention and some admiration from the men. "This is Redstone Country Club; I am a full member here. Membership can be bought, given or extended in the sense that if a single member marries; his or her spouse would automatically become a member. Children and youth, I believe, have some form of membership."

The entire building had all the furnishings and luxuries of a hotel; including a massive ballroom with a two leveled table on the dais. Leopold showed Ericka around a bit proudly; he had felt an attachment to Redstone recently. "We often host events, weddings and sports tournaments. A golf course is in the vicinity of the building. If I was to get married; I'd have the after-wedding party right here in this ballroom. Miss Tregre, do you plan on getting married some day; devoting that beauty of yours to one?"

Leopold grinned for a moment. "One day we'll both be tied down; devoted to the joyful one not the lamenting many but enough about that; Miss Tregre, why did you become the Deputy Foreign Minister; let alone get into politics. A girl like you could have flourished in modeling or something like that."

Leopold could sense that Ericka was studying him; and he immediately assumed that she had fallen as a victim to his looks. "I come from a wealthy family of German ancestry and I have an interest in various things such as billiards. I am single; with no children but I thought about marriage or at least finding myself a girlfriend. I am one of the first in my family to go into the career of a diplomat; I must say it is a nice job as you get to visit foreign nations and meet beautiful women...."

Erika smirked when Leopold mentioned the 'beautiful women.' Normally she would be annoyed at such a comment, but there was something about him that allowed such a comment to amuse her.

Heinrich smiled; knowing he had added in a compliment for Ericka. "I live in a manor in one of the wealthy neighborhoods; often visiting the neighborhood country club and living life as a bachelor swarmed by women, well, at least talked about by them. I have worked in the Foreign Ministry for a couple of years now; and I may find myself promoted like Eisenberg you know. He was the diplomat who married a foreign princess; it made headlines on Ixanian news."

The limousine pulled up at the front door of the von Anstetten manor and Heinrich helped Ericka out; asking her to tell him more about herself as they walked inside. "Yes; my manor has been furnished with all the luxuries one would expect in the house of a wealthy man. There is a guest room for you, Miss Tregre and your luggage is there waiting for you. Also, I believe I will give you a tour of my home. Follow me, Ericka."

Erika believed that Leopold WOULD be swarmed with women. He certainly looked handsome enough. "Who did Eisenberg marry? I don't know if it was stated on Lamonian media, i'm often out of the country."

Erika was used to being treated like a lady (men will do almost anything for an attractive woman); but Leopold interrupted her before she could even begin to tell him about herself. Hopefully, he didn't do that in order to hear himself talk. She couldn't stand that sort of person.

She followed Leopold into his house, and looked.

Heinrich studied her again; she truly was appealing. "This manor was earned by my own effort; I did not inherit it. Most of my brothers and sisters live in some form of manor and my parents are passing down the ancestral manor to my oldest brother. As for me, I do not know what I will get if anything." He led her inside the gallery where the paintings and sculptures that Heinrich had collected over the years. "I spent much money and time collecting all of these; attending auctions and finding them in the posession of friends."

Leading her away from the gallery, he showed her the fully furnished guest room that he had given her. "The bed is meant for two but you are alone; so you can have it all to yourself. Do not worry, I do it all the time." Heinrich smiled, pointing out the nearby washroom and the luxuries founded in Ericka's room; such as a flag of Lamoni on the wall. "Miss Ley visited earlier; I only saw her when she came to the Foreign Ministry headquarters. She was pretty but you, in all respect, outrank her in beauty."

Ericka looked at the paintings and sculptures. She found that she liked quite a few of them, and asked Leopold about the artists and sculptors.

"I must say, you're diplomatic staff works very fast. I'm surprised that our national flag was here; i'm assuming that it's just for me? I must say that you are quite handsome yourself, but you know that I cannot allow that to distract me from my work. How about this... after work tonight, we can go out to a restaurant, and I call tell you some things about myself. How does that sound?"

Heinrich decided to restrain the generation of compliments as he led Ericka all around the manor; showing her every room he could think of. He even showed her the hot tub that he had outside. "If you brought a swimsuit, you can use my hot tub, Ericka. You should like it."

When he was finished with the tour, Heinrich led Ericka to the limosuine to begin the first activity on the itinerary. "I thought we could enjoy a visit to the country club that I am a member of."

As the chauffer drove to the country club, Heinrich smiled at Ericka. "It is nice to have you as a guest; I hope you enjoy your stay here like Miss Ley did. Perhaps we can visit the Foreign Ministry headquarters; you could, if you wanted, meet Mr. Bergmann: the man who met Miss Ley and let her stay in his house. He told me about your arrival, you know, and gave me your picture. He is a married man but he still called you beautiful; though his wife will always be the best to him." Heinrich smiled. "He is zealously devoted to her; believe me, he is."

"As a matter of fact, I did bring a swimsuit. However, you'll just have to wait to see what it looks like." Ericka knew how to tease men, of course; and besides, he was handsome.

"I would enjoy meeting Mr. Bergmann, Leopold. Given his association with my boss, i'll take that as a compliment from him. Did you have fun with that picture?"

The chauffer pulled up at the country club and Heinrich helped Ericka out; the various members looking at her; some assuming she was either the Lamonian minister Heinrich had told them about or that she was his new girlfriend. Whoever she was, she recieved a lot of attention and some admiration from the men. "This is Redstone Country Club; I am a full member here. Membership can be bought, given or extended in the sense that if a single member marries; his or her spouse would automatically become a member. Children and youth, I believe, have some form of membership."

The entire building had all the furnishings and luxuries of a hotel; including a massive ballroom with a two leveled table on the dais. Heinrich showed Ericka around a bit proudly; he had felt an attachment to Redstone recently. "We often host events, weddings and sports tournaments. A golf course is in the vicinity of the building. If I was to get married; I'd have the after-wedding party right here in this ballroom. Miss Tregre, do you plan on getting married some day; devoting that beauty of yours to one?"

Heinrich grinned for a moment. "One day we'll both be tied down; devoted to the joyful one not the lamenting many but enough about that; Miss Tregre, why did you become the Deputy Foreign Minister; let alone get into politics. A girl like you could have flourished in modeling or something like that."

Ericka had never been to a country club before, and never really had much interest in golf. However, she would be polite to her host.

"Yes, I do plan on getting married at some point, but I just haven't found the right man yet."

Erika smirked when Leopold mentioned the 'beautiful women.' Normally she would be annoyed at such a comment, but there was something about him that allowed such a comment to amuse her.



Erika believed that Leopold WOULD be swarmed with women. He certainly looked handsome enough. "Who did Eisenberg marry? I don't know if it was stated on Lamonian media, i'm often out of the country."

"Waldemar Eisenberg married Princess Elizabeth of Oxford (Muscovan) during his diplomatic visit to her nation. From the pictures of her that we recieved; she surely was a tall beautiful woman; 6'0 I believe. Waldemar is one of the leaders in the Foreign Ministry now; he has a flourishing family."

Erika was used to being treated like a lady (men will do almost anything for an attractive woman); but Leopold interrupted her before she could even begin to tell him about herself. Hopefully, he didn't do that in order to hear himself talk. She couldn't stand that sort of person.

She followed Leopold into his house, and looked.



Ericka looked at the paintings and sculptures. She found that she liked quite a few of them, and asked Leopold about the artists and sculptors.

"I must say, you're diplomatic staff works very fast. I'm surprised that our national flag was here; i'm assuming that it's just for me? I must say that you are quite handsome yourself, but you know that I cannot allow that to distract me from my work. How about this... after work tonight, we can go out to a restaurant, and I call tell you some things about myself. How does that sound?"

"Our diplomatic staff are trained to be fast and efficient and well, since you were Lamonian, I thought it would be nice to have your nation's flag here. Speaking of restaurants, I was going to take you to one tonight for dinner and I would be glad to learn more about you. I am sure there is more to you than the looks and the career; things that make you what you are."

"As a matter of fact, I did bring a swimsuit. However, you'll just have to wait to see what it looks like." Ericka knew how to tease men, of course; and besides, he was handsome.

Leopold grinned. "Aye; I can wait. You should know that I have my own....and just being in it can make the women....well, you should get what I am saying." Leopold was attempting to tease Ericka; he had a six pack body and often it made him popular with the women; as it would for anyone.

"I would enjoy meeting Mr. Bergmann, Leopold. Given his association with my boss, i'll take that as a compliment from him. Did you have fun with that picture?"

"Since I would be meeting you; I took the picture and have it in my office. I must say that you looked absolutely stunning when I first saw it. As for meeting Mr. Bergman, I am sure I can arrange a meeting if you want."

Ericka had never been to a country club before, and never really had much interest in golf. However, she would be polite to her host.

"Yes, I do plan on getting married at some point, but I just haven't found the right man yet."

"One day I will find the right woman for me, Ericka; but for now I am a single bachelor living his days as a diplomat of the Ixanian nation."

Leopold led Ericka through the country club; giving her a complete tour before they ended up at the lounge. Taking their seats at the bar, Leopold smiled. "I hope you enjoyed the tour, Ericka. Do not worry about what we will do next; we will be going for a tour of the city next, beginning with a tour of the National Museum. I remember going there on field trips when I was younger; aye, my childhood is filled with good memories."

Leopold sighed before continuing to talk. "Ericka, you were in Meadonia, correct? How was the summit?"

"Waldemar Eisenberg married Princess Elizabeth of Oxford (Muscovan) during his diplomatic visit to her nation. From the pictures of her that we received; she surely was a tall beautiful woman; 6'0 I believe. Waldemar is one of the leaders in the Foreign Ministry now; he has a flourishing family."

"Yes, that would be a fitting method of rewarding the creation of such "Diplomatic Relations." Ericka said with a knowing wink.

"Our diplomatic staff are trained to be fast and efficient and well, since you were Lamonian, I thought it would be nice to have your nation's flag here. Speaking of restaurants, I was going to take you to one tonight for dinner and I would be glad to learn more about you. I am sure there is more to you than the looks and the career; things that make you what you are."

"Yes, there is more to me than my looks and career. But, you'll have to wait to hear about that. The flag in my room is a very nice touch, I must admit; thank you. And, i'm sure that we will both enjoy the restaurant that you pick." Ericka looked at Leopold with one of those 'melt your heart' looks while she said that. She was starting to like this man; and while she would have to report the entire encounter back to the Foreign Ministry, she could still have fun.

Leopold grinned. "Aye; I can wait. You should know that I have my own....and just being in it can make the women....well, you should get what I am saying." Leopold was attempting to tease Ericka; he had a six pack body and often it made him popular with the women; as it would for anyone.

Ericka grinned at that. Attractive as she was, she had seen plenty of attractive men in... and out of swimsuits. "I can wait as well."

"Since I would be meeting you; I took the picture and have it in my office. I must say that you looked absolutely stunning when I first saw it. As for meeting Mr. Bergman, I am sure I can arrange a meeting if you want."

If Ericka didn't already know that Leopold was hitting on her, that last comment would have cinched it for all time. "In your office? Your workdays must not have been boring, then. And yes, I would enjoy a meeting with Mr. Bergmann at some point during my trip."

"One day I will find the right woman for me, Ericka; but for now I am a single bachelor living his days as a diplomat of the Ixanian nation."

Leopold led Ericka through the country club; giving her a complete tour before they ended up at the lounge. Taking their seats at the bar, Leopold smiled. "I hope you enjoyed the tour, Ericka. Do not worry about what we will do next; we will be going for a tour of the city next, beginning with a tour of the National Museum. I remember going there on field trips when I was younger; aye, my childhood is filled with good memories."

Leopold sighed before continuing to talk. "Ericka, you were in Meadonia, correct? How was the summit?"

Ericka had an Amaretto Sour at the bar. "I'm sure that i'll enjoy something that gave you so much pleasure as a child, Leopold. Maybe you could tell me about those field trips while we are there?

Yes, I was in Meadonia. The summit seemed to go pretty well if you were into individual nations making their own diplomatic deals in light of the fact that the Meadonians were nowhere to be found after the first hour. One of the Neo-Ixanian diplomats started a relationship with a diplomat from another nation there; and a Captain from Imperial Isa tried to drink me into bed with him. He was an odd man; and he never gave anyone his name. Still, he told me that he is the new ambassador to Neo-Ixania from his nation."

bump

"Yes, that would be a fitting method of rewarding the creation of such "Diplomatic Relations." Ericka said with a knowing wink.

"I do not think he was promoted because of his marriage, Ericka. When she first arrived here, I thought it was amazing that he married her but she is a nice woman and quite faithful."

"Yes, there is more to me than my looks and career. But, you'll have to wait to hear about that. The flag in my room is a very nice touch, I must admit; thank you. And, i'm sure that we will both enjoy the restaurant that you pick." Ericka looked at Leopold with one of those 'melt your heart' looks while she said that. She was starting to like this man; and while she would have to report the entire encounter back to the Foreign Ministry, she could still have fun.

Leopold could sense the kind of look Ericka was giving him and he enjoyed it; he felt that Ericka could be a good friend. "Of course, Ericka. I am sure that you will like the restaurant that I have chosen for us. Before you arrived, I picked one for us; motivated by Mr. Bergmann's dinner with Tanya Ley."

Ericka grinned at that. Attractive as she was, she had seen plenty of attractive men in... and out of swimsuits. "I can wait as well."

Leopold grinned back at Ericka but then changed the grin into a smile.


If Ericka didn't already know that Leopold was hitting on her, that last comment would have cinched it for all time. "In your office? Your workdays must not have been boring, then. And yes, I would enjoy a meeting with Mr. Bergmann at some point during my trip."

"I only kept it in my office so I would know the face of the woman I would be meeting; though I can guess why you would say my workdays must not have been boring. I am sure Mr. Bergmann would be available for a meeting; we will have to see."



Ericka had an Amaretto Sour at the bar. "I'm sure that i'll enjoy something that gave you so much pleasure as a child, Leopold. Maybe you could tell me about those field trips while we are there?

Leopold decided to pass on a drink. "I would have no problem telling you about my childhood; perhaps you could tell me about yours. Sometimes, I'll reminisce about my childhood; those were good days."

Yes, I was in Meadonia. The summit seemed to go pretty well if you were into individual nations making their own diplomatic deals in light of the fact that the Meadonians were nowhere to be found after the first hour. One of the Neo-Ixanian diplomats started a relationship with a diplomat from another nation there; and a Captain from Imperial Isa tried to drink me into bed with him. He was an odd man; and he never gave anyone his name. Still, he told me that he is the new ambassador to Neo-Ixania from his nation."

"A captain tried to drink you into bed with him? That is horrid, Ericka. A man should always respect women; not think of them as a vessel of procreation and pleasure; at least, that is what I and surely others think. Yes; I have heard of the diplomat's relationship with the advisor of the Pro Patrian Puritanian Emperor. As for the captain's appointment as the ambassador to Neo-Ixania; I am sure the Foreign Ministry has heard of it. I heard that an Ixanian maid married the Imperial Isan Emperor; at first people thought it was a tabloid rumor or something; I wonder if the captain will try to pull the same trick that he did with you on other women...there are plenty of appealing ladies out here."

Leopold sighed for a moment before smiling. "I would not try to trick you into bed, Miss Tregre. That is not how I operate. But, to change the subject, I think you will enjoy your stay here. Tzargrad is a lovely city; filled with all sorts of luxuries and activities for people to partake in. Miss Ley, I am sure, was given a look into such things."

After they were finished at the country club, Leopold decided to take Ericka into the city; where the chauffer took them through a tour of the city before finally arriving at the museum. "If you want, we can visit the aquatic center that Miss Ley visited." Leopold said as he helped his Lamonian counterpart out of the limosuine and into the museum. "The National History Museum is one of the many museums you will find in Tzargrad. It is filled with all sorts of historic artefacts such as texts, musical instruments and portraits."

Leopold helped Ericka walk to the various exhibits; they spent several minutes looking at the portrait of a young woman, obviously made in the 19th Century, dressed in clothes that were made for royalty. "This is Empress Anastasia the First; she reigned during the 1800s. Her life is often the subject of stories, etc and she is considered to be the longest reigning monarch in Ixanian history. She was a member of the House of Schverzinski, which still reigns today. At first, Ixanian monarchs were mostly full blooded Ixanians but the current Empress is half-German because of her mother; who was a full blooded German."

Leopold smiled. "I am a full blooded German as well; you will find that Germans have achieved much here over the years. My family is one of the wealthy ones; we live the lives of members of the upper class. Miss Tregre, do you know your heritage? If so, can you tell me about it? I am curious to know more."

Leopold decided to pass on a drink. "I would have no problem telling you about my childhood; perhaps you could tell me about yours. Sometimes, I'll reminisce about my childhood; those were good days."

"I was born in Yakima, Lamoni; which is in the eastern part of the country. The eastern part of Lamoni is mostly desert due to the mountain range in the middle of country which splits in the middle to create the valley that our national capitol is in. Richland isn't the biggest city in the Free Republic, but it's not small, either.

Anyway, I grew up on the outskirts of town, so that it took a long time for me to get anywhere. By the time that I was eighteen, I was more than ready to go seek my fortune in life; as well as to get out of that town. I was accepted into Graceland University (OOC: no Elvis jokes, please), and when I got my degree in International Relations, I was accepted into the Foreign Ministry.

Since joining the Foreign Ministry, I rose through the ranks. I started as an Administrative Assistant to our Bazalonian Department. Eventually, I made it all the way to Deputy Foreign Minister."

"A captain tried to drink you into bed with him? That is horrid, Ericka. A man should always respect women; not think of them as a vessel of procreation and pleasure; at least, that is what I and surely others think. Yes; I have heard of the diplomat's relationship with the adviser of the Pro Patrian Puritanian Emperor. As for the captain's appointment as the ambassador to Neo-Ixania; I am sure the Foreign Ministry has heard of it. I heard that an Ixanian maid married the Imperial Isan Emperor; at first people thought it was a tabloid rumor or something; I wonder if the captain will try to pull the same trick that he did with you on other women...there are plenty of appealing ladies out here."

Leopold sighed for a moment before smiling. "I would not try to trick you into bed, Miss Tregre. That is not how I operate. But, to change the subject, I think you will enjoy your stay here. Tzargrad is a lovely city; filled with all sorts of luxuries and activities for people to partake in. Miss Ley, I am sure, was given a look into such things."

"Yes, he really did try to drink me into bed with me. I am also sure that he'll either try the same trick on someone else, or that he'll continue to try to go after me.

According to her report, Miss Ley had a good time here in Tzargrad. I hope to have a good, and productive time here as well."

Leopold helped Ericka walk to the various exhibits; they spent several minutes looking at the portrait of a young woman, obviously made in the 19th Century, dressed in clothes that were made for royalty. "This is Empress Anastasia the First; she reigned during the 1800s. Her life is often the subject of stories, etc and she is considered to be the longest reigning monarch in Ixanian history. She was a member of the House of Schverzinski, which still reigns today. At first, Ixanian monarchs were mostly full blooded Ixanians but the current Empress is half-German because of her mother; who was a full blooded German."

Leopold smiled. "I am a full blooded German as well; you will find that Germans have achieved much here over the years. My family is one of the wealthy ones; we live the lives of members of the upper class. Miss Tregre, do you know your heritage? If so, can you tell me about it? I am curious to know more."

Ericka enjoyed the tour of the museum. She thought that the story of Empress Anastasia was very impressive. "Where did the Ixanian people originate from?," she asked.

"My heritage is a mixture of Lamonian, and German, with some Irish. I am descended from some of the original people who helped to create the Free Republic. Would you like me to tell you about that?"

"I was born in Yakima, Lamoni; which is in the eastern part of the country. The eastern part of Lamoni is mostly desert due to the mountain range in the middle of country which splits in the middle to create the valley that our national capitol is in. Richland isn't the biggest city in the Free Republic, but it's not small, either.

Anyway, I grew up on the outskirts of town, so that it took a long time for me to get anywhere. By the time that I was eighteen, I was more than ready to go seek my fortune in life; as well as to get out of that town. I was accepted into Graceland University (OOC: no Elvis jokes, please), and when I got my degree in International Relations, I was accepted into the Foreign Ministry.

Since joining the Foreign Ministry, I rose through the ranks. I started as an Administrative Assistant to our Bazalonian Department. Eventually, I made it all the way to Deputy Foreign Minister."

Leopold listened attentively to Ericka in silence; smiling as she told him about her life story. It made him remember his own life story and how he became a member of the Foreign Ministry. After she finished, Leopold's face lit up in a smile. "That was a nice story to listen to; it is similar to how I became a member of the Foreign Ministry. I was born in the city of Elizavetgrad as the son of wealthy German parents and joined the Foreign Ministry after I developed a desire to travel to foreign nations; yes, I considered tourism, but I seemed to have political skills ready to be exploited."

"Yes, he really did try to drink me into bed with me. I am also sure that he'll either try the same trick on someone else, or that he'll continue to try to go after me.

According to her report, Miss Ley had a good time here in Tzargrad. I hope to have a good, and productive time here as well."

Leopold sneered. "Such men are some of the people I dislike; a woman should be treated with respect and courtesy; be assured that you are held in high esteem in my eyes. As for Miss Ley, I am glad to hear that she had a good time."


Ericka enjoyed the tour of the museum. She thought that the story of Empress Anastasia was very impressive. "Where did the Ixanian people originate from?," she asked.

"From what I have learned in school; Ixanians originated from tribes that united to form a nation. During the Classical Era, there were tribesmen who roamed the land and some of them became leaders and warriors. By the Medieval Era, Ixania had become a united nation."

"My heritage is a mixture of Lamonian, and German, with some Irish. I am descended from some of the original people who helped to create the Free Republic. Would you like me to tell you about that?"

"I would enjoy listening to you telling me more about your heritage, Ericka. I myself am only German; both of my parents were full blooded German but nonetheless we have good lives here in Ixania. I may not be Ixanian by blood but I am proud to be a citizen of Ixania."

Leopold listened attentively to Ericka in silence; smiling as she told him about her life story. It made him remember his own life story and how he became a member of the Foreign Ministry. After she finished, Leopold's face lit up in a smile. "That was a nice story to listen to; it is similar to how I became a member of the Foreign Ministry. I was born in the city of Elizavetgrad as the son of wealthy German parents and joined the Foreign Ministry after I developed a desire to travel to foreign nations; yes, I considered tourism, but I seemed to have political skills ready to be exploited."

"I wasn't born to a wealthy family, but we weren't poor, either. You could call my family middle class. My mother was German and Irish. She wasn't a Lamonian citizen by birth, but she was naturalized in her childhood. My father was Lamonian born and raised. Due to the mish mash of nationalities that founded the Free Republic, we can't be entirely sure what kind of heritage that my father has. I too wanted to travel to other nations; and see what was out there. However, I wanted to do more than just travel. That's why I picked diplomacy after hearing about what the profession was like in college."

Leopold sneered. "Such men are some of the people I dislike; a woman should be treated with respect and courtesy; be assured that you are held in high esteem in my eyes. As for Miss Ley, I am glad to hear that she had a good time."

"I thank you very much for the high esteem that I hold in your eyes, Leopold. It is such a relief after being with... that man. I shudder just thinking about him."

"From what I have learned in school; Ixanians originated from tribes that united to form a nation. During the Classical Era, there were tribesmen who roamed the land and some of them became leaders and warriors. By the Medieval Era, Ixania had become a united nation."

"When did the Germans come to be part of the Ixanian nation? Germans seem to be integrated so well into Ixanian society that it can't have been recently."

"I would enjoy listening to you telling me more about your heritage, Ericka. I myself am only German; both of my parents were full blooded German but nonetheless we have good lives here in Ixania. I may not be Ixanian by blood but I am proud to be a citizen of Ixania."

"The Free Republic was founded by groups of refugees that had nowhere else to go. Seeing that noone was going to help them, they settled in the valley that eventually became our national capitol. Eventually, they voted on leaders who drafted the Lamonian Constitution, and our government was born. As our population grew, we peacefully took up a larger amount of territory until we came to our present territorial boundaries. We've had wars, and we've had peace. We have had ups and downs in our economic system, but through it all, we have managed to persevere.

My family in particular has had two members voted into the Lamonian Senate in the past, so my family was supportive in my desire to join the Foreign Ministry. Though there was always family influence behind me, I earned every promotion that I received. You could say that I am under family pressure to run for a seat in the Senate myself in the next elections, but I don't plan on running for office."

"I wasn't born to a wealthy family, but we weren't poor, either. You could call my family middle class. My mother was German and Irish. She wasn't a Lamonian citizen by birth, but she was naturalized in her childhood. My father was Lamonian born and raised. Due to the mish mash of nationalities that founded the Free Republic, we can't be entirely sure what kind of heritage that my father has. I too wanted to travel to other nations; and see what was out there. However, I wanted to do more than just travel. That's why I picked diplomacy after hearing about what the profession was like in college."

"My family was and still is wealthy and both of my parents were only German. I had a desire to travel to other nations; but I became a diplomat after my interest in politics began to develop. I learned about politics when I attended university and I learned much in college."

"I thank you very much for the high esteem that I hold in your eyes, Leopold. It is such a relief after being with... that man. I shudder just thinking about him."

Leopold smiled. "You are welcome, Ericka; it is true that I hold you in high esteem. I am not like that man, I respect you and all women. In fact, I think you are one of the most beautiful women that I have seen so far in my life."

"When did the Germans come to be part of the Ixanian nation? Germans seem to be integrated so well into Ixanian society that it can't have been recently."

"The Germans settled during the 19th Century and previous centuries; they were one of the different groups of Europeans to settle; they are the majority European group in Ixania. I believe that an Italian-Ixanian diplomat is currently visiting Mephras."

"The Free Republic was founded by groups of refugees that had nowhere else to go. Seeing that noone was going to help them, they settled in the valley that eventually became our national capitol. Eventually, they voted on leaders who drafted the Lamonian Constitution, and our government was born. As our population grew, we peacefully took up a larger amount of territory until we came to our present territorial boundaries. We've had wars, and we've had peace. We have had ups and downs in our economic system, but through it all, we have managed to persevere.

Leopold smiled and listened attentively to Ericka; it was nice to listen to her speak. "I must say that your nation's history is interesting, Ericka. Your nation was founded by refugees who, I am assuming, were bound by the shackles of poverty but who have paved the way for their descendants to be prosperous and wealthy."

My family in particular has had two members voted into the Lamonian Senate in the past, so my family was supportive in my desire to join the Foreign Ministry. Though there was always family influence behind me, I earned every promotion that I received. You could say that I am under family pressure to run for a seat in the Senate myself in the next elections, but I don't plan on running for office."

"My family has generated plenty of people for all sorts of careers in Ixania; I think that one or two people went into politics. My family did not mind me becoming a diplomat; they wished me the best of luck. I have risen through the ranks to become one of the members of the Lamonian Department; Mr. Bergmann is the leader. My family has been quite supportive; and I have always appreciated their support."

After a while, Leopold took Ericka out of the museum and towards the limosuine that was waiting for them. Helping Ericka inside the limosuine with a smile on his face, Leopold began to tell Ericka about the next part of the itinerary. "Ericka, did you bring a swimsuit? If so, how would you like to go swimming? If not, we can continue exploring the city of Tzargrad together."

"My family was and still is wealthy and both of my parents were only German. I had a desire to travel to other nations; but I became a diplomat after my interest in politics began to develop. I learned about politics when I attended university and I learned much in college."

"I learned about politics on my grandfather's knee. With two different Senators in the family, it was hard NOT to. After all, our slip ups could and would be put up on national television. They would then be used to embarrass the Senators."

Leopold smiled. "You are welcome, Ericka; it is true that I hold you in high esteem. I am not like that man, I respect you and all women. In fact, I think you are one of the most beautiful women that I have seen so far in my life."

Ericka smiled in response to the compliment. "Thank you for the compliment, Leopold." There was real warmth in Ericka's voice now.

"The Germans settled during the 19th Century and previous centuries; they were one of the different groups of Europeans to settle; they are the majority European group in Ixania. I believe that an Italian-Ixanian diplomat is currently visiting Mephras."

"That reminds me that we also have relations with Mephras. We have an alliance with them, as a matter of fact. To be completely honest, the only reason that I am even telling you that is that it is already public knowledge."

"Leopold smiled and listened attentively to Ericka; it was nice to listen to her speak. "I must say that your nation's history is interesting, Ericka. Your nation was founded by refugees who, I am assuming, were bound by the shackles of poverty but who have paved the way for their descendants to be prosperous and wealthy."

"Some of them were poor, others had escaped the ravages of war or disease. ALL of them were unable to return to their homelands. That is why they chose to create a new nation, and a new identity for themselves. Thus was our nation born."

"My family has generated plenty of people for all sorts of careers in Ixania; I think that one or two people went into politics. My family did not mind me becoming a diplomat; they wished me the best of luck. I have risen through the ranks to become one of the members of the Lamonian Department; Mr. Bergmann is the leader. My family has been quite supportive; and I have always appreciated their support."

"What was it like for you on your way up? Did you work in any of the other departments?"

After a while, Leopold took Ericka out of the museum and towards the limousine that was waiting for them. Helping Ericka inside the limousine with a smile on his face, Leopold began to tell Ericka about the next part of the itinerary. "Ericka, did you bring a swimsuit? If so, how would you like to go swimming? If not, we can continue exploring the city of Tzargrad together."

"Yes, I did happen to bring a swimsuit. Are you suggesting what I think that you are?" A wink accompanied that. There was something about Leopold that made her want to tease and be playful around him.

"I learned about politics on my grandfather's knee. With two different Senators in the family, it was hard NOT to. After all, our slip ups could and would be put up on national television. They would then be used to embarrass the Senators."

"The wisdom of the elderly can be a benefit to us all, Ericka." Leopold said with a smile. "I hear that I could be promoted, you know. I've been quite the hard worker so my superiors say." A sense of pride filled Leopold's voice and he was quite happy. "Who knows what will happen if our meeting is a success.."


Ericka smiled in response to the compliment. "Thank you for the compliment, Leopold." There was real warmth in Ericka's voice now.

"You are most welcome, Ericka. I would not be surprised if you have had plenty of admirers swarming you like locusts on a wheat field; but do not worry about me....I know how to restrain myself."


"That reminds me that we also have relations with Mephras. We have an alliance with them, as a matter of fact. To be completely honest, the only reason that I am even telling you that is that it is already public knowledge."

"I think Mr. Castafiore, an actor turned diplomat, is visiting Mephras; meeting with Empress Mei. You know, he is quite the ladies' man but I do not think he'll be back in time to meet you."


"Some of them were poor, others had escaped the ravages of war or disease. ALL of them were unable to return to their homelands. That is why they chose to create a new nation, and a new identity for themselves. Thus was our nation born."

"They worked hard to build a nation for themselves; I am sure of that. With effort and hard work comes the bounty of success. As for my family, we were not poor but actually quite wealthy; well, that is what one of my elderly relatives told me. The story of how my ancestors came to Neo-Ixania has often been told to me."



"What was it like for you on your way up? Did you work in any of the other departments?"

"I helped out in various departments; working with all sorts of people. When I was placed in the Lamonian Department, I was chosen to meet you by Mr. Bergmann; who said he saw potential in me. He also said that Miss Ley was a professional and charming woman."


"Yes, I did happen to bring a swimsuit. Are you suggesting what I think that you are?" A wink accompanied that. There was something about Leopold that made her want to tease and be playful around him.

Leopold grinned for a moment. "I was suggesting we visit one of the aquatic centers like Miss Ley did during her visit. Unless..." Leopold had understood what Ericka was trying to do; by teasing and being playful with him. "I am sure Miss Tregre would not mind donning a swimsuit in order to enjoy some aquatic recreation...." He grinned again; imagining Ericka in her swimsuit briefly before coming back into reality.

"Ericka, I am sure you will find the aquatic center to be suitable for you; we will be going to the exact same one that Miss Ley visited."

"The wisdom of the elderly can be a benefit to us all, Ericka." Leopold said with a smile. "I hear that I could be promoted, you know. I've been quite the hard worker so my superiors say." A sense of pride filled Leopold's voice and he was quite happy. "Who knows what will happen if our meeting is a success.."

"Where would you be promoted to? Away from the Lamonian Department?"

"You are most welcome, Ericka. I would not be surprised if you have had plenty of admirers swarming you like locusts on a wheat field; but do not worry about me....I know how to restrain myself."

"Does that mean that you have joined the ranks of my admirers?"

"I think Mr. Castafiore, an actor turned diplomat, is visiting Mephras; meeting with Empress Mei. You know, he is quite the ladies' man but I do not think he'll be back in time to meet you."

"I would much rather meet you, actually."

"They worked hard to build a nation for themselves; I am sure of that. With effort and hard work comes the bounty of success. As for my family, we were not poor but actually quite wealthy; well, that is what one of my elderly relatives told me. The story of how my ancestors came to Neo-Ixania has often been told to me."

"Did your ancestors come over with the rest of the Germanic population, or did they find their own way to Neo-Ixania?"

"I helped out in various departments; working with all sorts of people. When I was placed in the Lamonian Department, I was chosen to meet you by Mr. Bergmann; who said he saw potential in me. He also said that Miss Ley was a professional and charming woman."

"That would be my boss, yes. She can be very charming and professional if she wants to be. If you cross her though, then you will be wanting to watch out. She can have quite the temper."

Leopold grinned for a moment. "I was suggesting we visit one of the aquatic centers like Miss Ley did during her visit. Unless..." Leopold had understood what Ericka was trying to do; by teasing and being playful with him. "I am sure Miss Tregre would not mind donning a swimsuit in order to enjoy some aquatic recreation...." He grinned again; imagining Ericka in her swimsuit briefly before coming back into reality.

Ericka grinned as well. "To answer your unasked question, yes, i'll be donning a swimsuit as well." Leopold wasn't the only one who wanted to see the other in a swimsuit.

"Ericka, I am sure you will find the aquatic center to be suitable for you; we will be going to the exact same one that Miss Ley visited."

"She recommended that one quite highly, as I understand it. She had also made a friend in Mr. Bergmann's wife. I would like to meet Mr. Bergmann at some point. You see, on this trip, one of the things that I am supposed to do is to advise the Bergmann's about a Lamoni/Neo-Ixania school exchange program."

"Where would you be promoted to? Away from the Lamonian Department?"

"I do not know where I would be promoted to; I will have to wait and see."


"Does that mean that you have joined the ranks of my admirers?"

Leopold smiled. "You can say that I have joined the ranks of your admirers, Ericka. I know beauty when I see it and I am right in front of it now."


"I would much rather meet you, actually."

Leopold smiled. "I am glad to be meeting you, Ericka."



"Did your ancestors come over with the rest of the Germanic population, or did they find their own way to Neo-Ixania?"

"They found their own way; they did not come with the original influx but were still respected within the German community and had plenty of friends and support."



"That would be my boss, yes. She can be very charming and professional if she wants to be. If you cross her though, then you will be wanting to watch out. She can have quite the temper."

Leopold smiled when he heard this information. "I will remember that; we would not want to see Miss Ley angry."


Ericka grinned as well. "To answer your unasked question, yes, i'll be donning a swimsuit as well." Leopold wasn't the only one who wanted to see the other in a swimsuit.

"If you brought one with you, we can go to my manor and find it before we go swimming, Ericka. If people admire you, by the way, as you are now; imagine how many converts you could gain in a swimsuit." Leopold said with a small grin; he was trying to tease Ericka.


"She recommended that one quite highly, as I understand it. She had also made a friend in Mr. Bergmann's wife. I would like to meet Mr. Bergmann at some point. You see, on this trip, one of the things that I am supposed to do is to advise the Bergmann's about a Lamoni/Neo-Ixania school exchange program."

"We can find Mr. Bergmann later in the day; I am sure we can pay him a visit at the Foreign Ministry's headquarters. It is mazelike in there; all the offices of all the departments. The Lamonian Department's office is filled with reports and notes; as all the offices usually are. As for the school exchange program, he did mention that his daughter would be visiting Lamoni as an exchange student; he did bring her to work one day as part of the "Take Your Child to Work Day" spirit. I would partake in it...but I have no kids to call my own."

Leopold smiled. "You can say that I have joined the ranks of your admirers, Ericka. I know beauty when I see it and I am right in front of it now."

Blushing now, Ericka replied, "Why thank you, good sir Knight. You look handsome yourself."

"They found their own way; they did not come with the original influx but were still respected within the German community and had plenty of friends and support."

"That is how my Germanic ancestors came to Lamoni as well. Although, I suspect that they got where they were going rather later than yours did."

Leopold smiled when he heard this information. "I will remember that; we would not want to see Miss Ley angry."

Grinning, Ericka said, "I've seen her angry a few times. Let's just say that it wasn't pleasant. I think that her staff have had to completely redecorate her office at least twice before. But don't tell her that I said that."

"If you brought one with you, we can go to my manor and find it before we go swimming, Ericka. If people admire you, by the way, as you are now; imagine how many converts you could gain in a swimsuit." Leopold said with a small grin; he was trying to tease Ericka.

"Yes, I brought a swimsuit with me. I think that you'll like it." Another blush accompanied the converts remark.

"We can find Mr. Bergmann later in the day; I am sure we can pay him a visit at the Foreign Ministry's headquarters. It is mazelike in there; all the offices of all the departments. The Lamonian Department's office is filled with reports and notes; as all the offices usually are. As for the school exchange program, he did mention that his daughter would be visiting Lamoni as an exchange student; he did bring her to work one day as part of the "Take Your Child to Work Day" spirit. I would partake in it...but I have no kids to call my own."

"That sounds like all of the various departments in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry. It's gotten so bad that we've had to open a new building with each nation encountered.

So Eleonore is going to be studying in the Free Republic? That would explain why I was instructed to talk to him in person about Lamonian exchange student program.

Well, to be fair, you would either have to adopt a child or be married and have a child the normal way."

With that said, Ericka's CD-5 went off. Glancing at it, she saw that the government had purchased 30 divisions worth of Lyran military equipment.

Blushing now, Ericka replied, "Why thank you, good sir Knight. You look handsome yourself."

"Fair damsel of Lamoni, I am glad to praise thy beauty; which must recieve praises from the ranks of admirers all around Lamoni and in distant and faraway lands."

"That is how my Germanic ancestors came to Lamoni as well. Although, I suspect that they got where they were going rather later than yours did."

"I still remember my ancestors; and I believe that they established themselves in Ixania through hard work and effort. I, you can say, have been ruthless in my attempt to make a good life for myself; and I have a good one."

Grinning, Ericka said, "I've seen her angry a few times. Let's just say that it wasn't pleasant. I think that her staff have had to completely redecorate her office at least twice before. But don't tell her that I said that."

"I shall be silent, Ericka; though I can imagine how Miss Ley sheds her anger..."

"Yes, I brought a swimsuit with me. I think that you'll like it." Another blush accompanied the converts remark.

Leopold grinned. "I guess I will have to wait..."

"That sounds like all of the various departments in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry. It's gotten so bad that we've had to open a new building with each nation encountered.

So Eleonore is going to be studying in the Free Republic? That would explain why I was instructed to talk to him in person about Lamonian exchange student program.

Well, to be fair, you would either have to adopt a child or be married and have a child the normal way."

With that said, Ericka's CD-5 went off. Glancing at it, she saw that the government had purchased 30 divisions worth of Lyran military equipment.

"The Foreign Ministry of Ixania uses one building as its headquarters; it manages to contain all of the departments we have for all the nations we have encountered. My office is quite nice, spacious and comfortable and I am able to work efficently; I also have a radio and a picture or two of myself with siblings. I'm not an only child.

Mr. Bergmann said that Eleonore would be attending school in the Free Republic. I am sure we can find him after we go swimming or tomorrow; I do not think he will be busy enough to be unable to meet you. His daughter is quite happy to be able to visit Lamoni and she's studying Lamonian culture.

"I once thought about adopting a child...but I do not know if I will. As for having a child in the normal way, I do not have a woman to have one with; but perhaps I will one day. Having a family would not be a problem for me at all."

"Fair damsel of Lamoni, I am glad to praise thy beauty; which must receive praises from the ranks of admirers all around Lamoni and in distant and faraway lands."

Ericka found that she couldn't say anything to that, but just blushed and grinned. After a second, she did manage to find her voice. "Why thank you, Sir knight. And, you are probably better off not knowing just how many men have complimented me on my beauty."

"I still remember my ancestors; and I believe that they established themselves in Ixania through hard work and effort. I, you can say, have been ruthless in my attempt to make a good life for myself; and I have a good one."

"Hard work and a little luck is what makes the best sort of person. Personally, I find that the harder I work, the more luck that I get. Though, that hasn't come true in my love life. At least, not yet."

"I shall be silent, Ericka; though I can imagine how Miss Ley sheds her anger..."

"Yes... but this is supposed to be a happy occasion, so let's just leave it at that."

Leopold grinned. "I guess I will have to wait..."

A matching grin spread on Ericka's face. "Yes, you will."

"The Foreign Ministry of Ixania uses one building as its headquarters; it manages to contain all of the departments we have for all the nations we have encountered. My office is quite nice, spacious and comfortable and I am able to work efficiently; I also have a radio and a picture or two of myself with siblings. I'm not an only child.

Mr. Bergmann said that Eleonore would be attending school in the Free Republic. I am sure we can find him after we go swimming or tomorrow; I do not think he will be busy enough to be unable to meet you. His daughter is quite happy to be able to visit Lamoni and she's studying Lamonian culture.

"I once thought about adopting a child...but I do not know if I will. As for having a child in the normal way, I do not have a woman to have one with; but perhaps I will one day. Having a family would not be a problem for me at all."

"That sounds very leistungsfähig (efficient) indeed. If it weren't for the personal touches, it would almost sound cold, though. What are your interests, Leopold?

That will work out. I've also brought some books on Lamonian Culture that Eleonore might wish to read. I am gratified that Eleonore is so happy about attending school in Lamoni.

No, I don't think that it would be hard for you to have a child in the normal way either, Leopold. There must not be a shortage of attractive women for you to choose from, after all."

Ericka found that she couldn't say anything to that, but just blushed and grinned. After a second, she did manage to find her voice. "Why thank you, Sir knight. And, you are probably better off not knowing just how many men have complimented me on my beauty."

"I am sure that many hath complimented thee on thy beauty, fair damsel."


"Hard work and a little luck is what makes the best sort of person. Personally, I find that the harder I work, the more luck that I get. Though, that hasn't come true in my love life. At least, not yet."

"The same can be said for me. I have not had a flourishing love life but my finances are stable and I live in luxury. If I had a wife at my side, I would be happy but I am not implying that I am not happy because of the absence of a woman. To be honest, I am happy whether or not I have a wife."



"Yes... but this is supposed to be a happy occasion, so let's just leave it at that."

Leopold nodded his head. "Of course."


A matching grin spread on Ericka's face. "Yes, you will."

Leopold smiled at Ericka. "I am sure many people would love to see you in it..."


"That sounds very leistungsfähig (efficient) indeed. If it weren't for the personal touches, it would almost sound cold, though. What are your interests, Leopold?

"My interests are quite numerous; I enjoy reading, music, friends, movies and life in general. I also take the time to visit my parents and attend social functions; such as the birth of one of my siblings' children for example. I value my family; and always will."

That will work out. I've also brought some books on Lamonian Culture that Eleonore might wish to read. I am gratified that Eleonore is so happy about attending school in Lamoni.

"I am sure Eleonore would enjoy reading those; she has been trying her best to learn as much about Lamonian culture as is possible."

No, I don't think that it would be hard for you to have a child in the normal way either, Leopold. There must not be a shortage of attractive women for you to choose from, after all."

"There are plenty of attractive women for me to choose from; Ixania does have much of them. However, I must admit that I am talking to an attractive woman right now; one who can rival some of the attractive Ixanian women that I have seen. I am sure there are plenty of attractive men for you to choose in Lamoni."

"I am sure that many hath complimented thee on thy beauty, fair damsel."

"And you would be right. Lots of men have tried to get with me. Most of them were just trying to bed me, and the others... just weren't right for me."

"The same can be said for me. I have not had a flourishing love life but my finances are stable and I live in luxury. If I had a wife at my side, I would be happy but I am not implying that I am not happy because of the absence of a woman. To be honest, I am happy whether or not I have a wife."

"I was not implying that you would not be happy without a wife."

Leopold smiled at Ericka. "I am sure many people would love to see you in it..."

"I'm sure of it. Even back in Lamoni, people will just stare at me. It can get rather tiresome during diplomatic conferences for example, when people are too busy staring at your cleavage to talk to you."

"My interests are quite numerous; I enjoy reading, music, friends, movies and life in general. I also take the time to visit my parents and attend social functions; such as the birth of one of my siblings' children for example. I value my family; and always will."

OOC: Sounds me like IRL

IC: "My interests are also numerous; I personally enjoy reading, music, friends, movies,... and in my spare time I also post on internet message boards. I also enjoy life in general.

"My family is also important to me. I paid for the hospital bills of my grandparents until they both died."

"I am sure Eleonore would enjoy reading those; she has been trying her best to learn as much about Lamonian culture as is possible."

"Yes, and she has had at least one living example of Lamonian culture visit her already."

"There are plenty of attractive women for me to choose from; Ixania does have much of them. However, I must admit that I am talking to an attractive woman right now; one who can rival some of the attractive Ixanian women that I have seen. I am sure there are plenty of attractive men for you to choose in Lamoni."

"Yes, there are lots of attractive men to choose from in Lamoni, but you seem to have an unnameable something that they lack."

"And you would be right. Lots of men have tried to get with me. Most of them were just trying to bed me, and the others... just weren't right for me."

"Some people just have to get a taste from every bowl before they find what they like; eventually you'll find someone who you'll love."


"I was not implying that you would not be happy without a wife."

"I never said that you did."


"I'm sure of it. Even back in Lamoni, people will just stare at me. It can get rather tiresome during diplomatic conferences for example, when people are too busy staring at your cleavage to talk to you."

"By merely looking at you, I can tell that people would just stare at you and focus their eyes on your cleavage. There are women that I know that probably are in the same situation."



OOC: Sounds me like IRL

IC: "My interests are also numerous; I personally enjoy reading, music, friends, movies,... and in my spare time I also post on internet message boards. I also enjoy life in general.

"My family is also important to me. I paid for the hospital bills of my grandparents until they both died."

"I remember when my grandmother passed away; my grandfather, who is still alive, mourned her loss deeply. My grandfather loved his wife dearly and would always show signs of affection whenever I saw them together. I spent time with my grandmother on her last days but I do not want to talk about her final moments right now."



"Yes, and she has had at least one living example of Lamonian culture visit her already."

"I am sure she would enjoy hearing that."

"Yes, there are lots of attractive men to choose from in Lamoni, but you seem to have an unnameable something that they lack."

Leopold smiled; surprised that Ericka would say that. "You are quite charming and beautiful, Ericka. Despite your looks, you do not speak like a woman who uses her looks to climb the ladder of success; do not think I am implying that you do. Now, to change the subject, shall we go swimming now?"

"Some people just have to get a taste from every bowl before they find what they like; eventually you'll find someone who you'll love."

"I really do hope so. Though, I will be happy even if i'm not married, a lot of women dream about some big handsome hunk of a man who will sweep them off their feet and tend their every need. Otherwise, romance novels wouldn't sell as well as they do."

"By merely looking at you, I can tell that people would just stare at you and focus their eyes on your cleavage. There are women that I know that probably are in the same situation."

"Oh, I know. It's an occupational hazard of looking this good. Still, you would think that diplomats doing a formal negotiation would know better. After all, they are representing their nation, then. I don't mind so much when people my own age do it, but when seventy year old men do it, it just doesn't feel right."

"I remember when my grandmother passed away; my grandfather, who is still alive, mourned her loss deeply. My grandfather loved his wife dearly and would always show signs of affection whenever I saw them together. I spent time with my grandmother on her last days but I do not want to talk about her final moments right now."

"My Grandfather died of emphysema. He had smoked for many years, and my grandmother caught Lung Cancer. The doctors say that it was likely from second hand smoke, but by the time that it was detected, it had spread too extensively through her body. After he died, she hung on for years; even though there was always a big something missing in the way that she conducted herself. I'm sure that you know what I mean."

"I am sure she would enjoy hearing that."

"She would likely enjoy hearing that. I understand that she'll be staying with my boss while she is studying in Lamoni."

Leopold smiled; surprised that Ericka would say that. "You are quite charming and beautiful, Ericka. Despite your looks, you do not speak like a woman who uses her looks to climb the ladder of success; do not think I am implying that you do. Now, to change the subject, shall we go swimming now?"

"Thank you for the nice complement, Leopold. No, I have never used my looks to climb that ladder. I've seen some really bad things happen to some women who have done that, and I don't want to join them as some criminal's trophy wife or mistress. Yes, let's go swimming."

"I really do hope so. Though, I will be happy even if i'm not married, a lot of women dream about some big handsome hunk of a man who will sweep them off their feet and tend their every need. Otherwise, romance novels wouldn't sell as well as they do."

"A lot of men dream about some woman with a large bust and long legs who'll always be at his side; as a mere vessel of pleasure probably. Otherwise, those films that exploit the theory of "sex sells" would not really get much people watching them."



"Oh, I know. It's an occupational hazard of looking this good. Still, you would think that diplomats doing a formal negotiation would know better. After all, they are representing their nation, then. I don't mind so much when people my own age do it, but when seventy year old men do it, it just doesn't feel right."

"Beauty is an accursed blessing, Ericka; while we may enjoy having it, it may lead to problems along the path of life. Do not worry about me, you'll not be seeing me staring at your cleavage. I, as I said before, respect women as equals to men."

"My Grandfather died of emphysema. He had smoked for many years, and my grandmother caught Lung Cancer. The doctors say that it was likely from second hand smoke, but by the time that it was detected, it had spread too extensively through her body. After he died, she hung on for years; even though there was always a big something missing in the way that she conducted herself. I'm sure that you know what I mean."

"Believe me; I know what you mean. My grandfather hung on for years after my grandmother passed away but he acted like there was a huge hole in his heart; as if something had been torn from the very core of his soul. He would always stare at the portrait he had of her; and on his deathbed he demanded to see it one last time; his last words being that he loved his wife."



"She would likely enjoy hearing that. I understand that she'll be staying with my boss while she is studying in Lamoni."

"I am sure she will have a good time with Miss Ley; I've never met the woman myself but I am sure she is a goodhearted person who can show Eleonore the things that make Lamoni great in its people's eyes."

"Thank you for the nice complement, Leopold. No, I have never used my looks to climb that ladder. I've seen some really bad things happen to some women who have done that, and I don't want to join them as some criminal's trophy wife or mistress. Yes, let's go swimming."

"I've never used my looks either; though I've had some opportunities to do so. I do not want a trophy wife if I ever marry; I want a woman who is charming, benevolent, beautiful and, I admit, has intelligence. No offense to the intellectually impaired women out there; but not having at least some smarts is a turnoff for me."

Leopold nodded his head; taking Ericka back to the manor so they could find their swimsuits. "When you find your suit; just meet me outside at the limosuine."

"A lot of men dream about some woman with a large bust and long legs who'll always be at his side; as a mere vessel of pleasure probably. Otherwise, those films that exploit the theory of "sex sells" would not really get much people watching them."

"Agreed. Though, from what i've learned of you so far, I doubt that you would want your wife to merely be a 'Vessel of Pleasure.' It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to even SAY those words in that context."

"Beauty is an accursed blessing, Ericka; while we may enjoy having it, it may lead to problems along the path of life. Do not worry about me, you'll not be seeing me staring at your cleavage. I, as I said before, respect women as equals to men."

"I'm glad that you respect women so, Leopold. You are a better man for it."

"Believe me; I know what you mean. My grandfather hung on for years after my grandmother passed away but he acted like there was a huge hole in his heart; as if something had been torn from the very core of his soul. He would always stare at the portrait he had of her; and on his deathbed he demanded to see it one last time; his last words being that he loved his wife."

"My Grandmother passed away in her sleep, but kept on believing that she would be reunited with her husband when she passed on. It was quite touching to see, really."

"I am sure she will have a good time with Miss Ley; I've never met the woman myself but I am sure she is a goodhearted person who can show Eleonore the things that make Lamoni great in its people's eyes."

"Yes, she is."

"I've never used my looks either; though I've had some opportunities to do so. I do not want a trophy wife if I ever marry; I want a woman who is charming, benevolent, beautiful and, I admit, has intelligence. No offense to the intellectually impaired women out there; but not having at least some smarts is a turnoff for me."

"There are no worries about that in my case. I did well in all my High School and College courses. I am no one's fool."

Leopold nodded his head; taking Ericka back to the manor so they could find their swimsuits. "When you find your suit; just meet me outside at the limosuine."

It took Ericka less than 10 seconds to get her swimsuit out of her luggage after getting to her room. Another few seconds, and she had a towel as well. With that, she joined Leopold out at his limousine, eagerly waiting for him to take her to the pool.

"Agreed. Though, from what i've learned of you so far, I doubt that you would want your wife to merely be a 'Vessel of Pleasure.' It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to even SAY those words in that context."

"I want my wife to be a goodhearted and faithful person; if I ever do find myself a wife one day. All I would ask of her is that she'll reciprocate my love for her and be loyal."


"I'm glad that you respect women so, Leopold. You are a better man for it."

"I have always firmly believed in the equality of women; after all without them (or without men) there would be none of us around to begin with. Both men and women are required to keep things going."


"My Grandmother passed away in her sleep, but kept on believing that she would be reunited with her husband when she passed on. It was quite touching to see, really."

"The same can be said in my situation; the love between my grandparents was strong and I am sure that they are together in peace."



"Yes, she is."



"There are no worries about that in my case. I did well in all my High School and College courses. I am no one's fool."

"I was an honor student, you know. Yes; one of the best in my classes. Despite having a bit of a nerdy reputation I manage to get the girls all around me. I guess you could say that they swarmed me not only for my looks but because they wanted answers to the tests..." Leopold smiled at that and chuckled a little.


It took Ericka less than 10 seconds to get her swimsuit out of her luggage after getting to her room. Another few seconds, and she had a towel as well. With that, she joined Leopold out at his limousine, eagerly waiting for him to take her to the pool."

Leopold took Ericka to the pool at the aquatic centre that Gustav had taken Miss Ley. Today, it was a free day (meaning no classes, etc booked the pool) and Leopold changed into his swimsuit as quickly as he could. He waited near the pool for Ericka; thinking about what she could be wearing.

"I want my wife to be a goodhearted and faithful person; if I ever do find myself a wife one day. All I would ask of her is that she'll reciprocate my love for her and be loyal."

"That is how I would picture my man being like. Although, it would help if he were strong as well."

"I have always firmly believed in the equality of women; after all without them (or without men) there would be none of us around to begin with. Both men and women are required to keep things going."

"Now, if we could only convince the ardent chauvinists and feminists of that."

"The same can be said in my situation; the love between my grandparents was strong and I am sure that they are together in peace."

"I wonder if i'll ever find someone who loves me that much."

"I was an honor student, you know. Yes; one of the best in my classes. Despite having a bit of a nerdy reputation I manage to get the girls all around me. I guess you could say that they swarmed me not only for my looks but because they wanted answers to the tests..." Leopold smiled at that and chuckled a little.

"I was an honor student too, but it wasn't test answers that the boys were after. I got an undeserved reputation for sleeping with all the good looking boys in my High School, even though I never did. You know how a rumor can grow until it really gets out of hand, right?"

Leopold took Ericka to the pool at the aquatic centre that Gustav had taken Miss Ley. Today, it was a free day (meaning no classes, etc booked the pool) and Leopold changed into his swimsuit as quickly as he could. He waited near the pool for Ericka; thinking about what she could be wearing.

(OOC: Imagine http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82000103/Images/3/HF-021-TB.jpg on her.)

Ericka walked over to where she saw Leopold standing. She could see him studying her, and winked at him. "So, shall we go swimming?"

"That is how I would picture my man being like. Although, it would help if he were strong as well."

"It looks like we have something in common there, Ericka."

"Now, if we could only convince the ardent chauvinists and feminists of that."

"Who knows if we would be able to; we can only wait and see."

"I wonder if i'll ever find someone who loves me that much."

"I wonder the same, Ericka; I wonder if I will ever find such a person. All I can do is wait and see until the best person appears."


"I was an honor student too, but it wasn't test answers that the boys were after. I got an undeserved reputation for sleeping with all the good looking boys in my High School, even though I never did. You know how a rumor can grow until it really gets out of hand, right?"

"You could say that some girls wanted to sleep with me; though I never got bound by the shackles of a relationship in high school; though there were some girls I could have gotten steady with and I know how rumors can spread like wildfire; ruining the lives of many."


(OOC: Imagine http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82000103/Images/3/HF-021-TB.jpg on her.)

Ericka walked over to where she saw Leopold standing. She could see him studying her, and winked at him. "So, shall we go swimming?"

"That is a nice swimsuit, Ericka; no wonder you've got all the boys swarming you like locusts on a wheatfield. Yes; let's go swimming."

Leopold got into the water and proceeded to start swimming; beckoning Ericka into the water. He kept his eye on her; thinking that it was no wonder why the men were so interested in her. Leopold even thought that he may be attracted to her; but decided to shed those thoughts from him.

"It looks like we have something in common there, Ericka."

"I suspect that we have more in common than either of us knows at this point, Leopold."

"Who knows if we would be able to; we can only wait and see."

"One thing at a time, right?" Gentle laughter came from Ericka with the question.

"I wonder the same, Ericka; I wonder if I will ever find such a person. All I can do is wait and see until the best person appears."

"It is our fate to wait and watch for that one special person who needs us as much as we need them."

"You could say that some girls wanted to sleep with me; though I never got bound by the shackles of a relationship in high school; though there were some girls I could have gotten steady with and I know how rumors can spread like wildfire; ruining the lives of many."

"Like I said, we have more in common than we think that we do."

"That is a nice swimsuit, Ericka; no wonder you've got all the boys swarming you like locusts on a wheatfield. Yes; let's go swimming."

"Thank you. It's nice to be noticed by proper gentlemen."

Leopold got into the water and proceeded to start swimming; beckoning Ericka into the water. He kept his eye on her; thinking that it was no wonder why the men were so interested in her. Leopold even thought that he may be attracted to her; but decided to shed those thoughts from him.

As Ericka was watching Leopold swim, she admired his body for a moment. When someone walked past her, it shattered the moment, so she got into the water, and tried playing catch up with Leopold. Her lithe body stroked powerfully in the water as she had fun.

bump

"I suspect that we have more in common than either of us knows at this point, Leopold."

"Perhaps we will find out in the future whether or not that is true."


"One thing at a time, right?" Gentle laughter came from Ericka with the question.

"Yes, yes; one thing at a time." A smile came with Leopold's response.

"It is our fate to wait and watch for that one special person who needs us as much as we need them."

"Who knows what Fate will bring us in terms of romance; all we can do is wait and see and hope that the love between us and that person will be strong enough to deflect temptations and those who would strive to separate us."

"Like I said, we have more in common than we think that we do."



"Thank you. It's nice to be noticed by proper gentlemen."

"No problem, Ericka. After all, there are plenty of Ixanian men who maintain the lifestyle of a gentleman in their lives. Not everyone is a perverted womanizer."


As Ericka was watching Leopold swim, she admired his body for a moment. When someone walked past her, it shattered the moment, so she got into the water, and tried playing catch up with Leopold. Her lithe body stroked powerfully in the water as she had fun.

Leopold began swimming around Ericka and was occassionally studying her; he admitted to himself that he found her attractive. As he swam around, he would occassionally splash her and try to have fun with his Lamonian counterpart.

"Perhaps we will find out in the future whether or not that is true."

"All in good time, you mean?"

"Yes, yes; one thing at a time." A smile came with Leopold's response.

"And what one thing would you like to concentrate on at the moment?"

"Who knows what Fate will bring us in terms of romance; all we can do is wait and see and hope that the love between us and that person will be strong enough to deflect temptations and those who would strive to separate us."

"You are a philosopher, Leopold."

"No problem, Ericka. After all, there are plenty of Ixanian men who maintain the lifestyle of a gentleman in their lives. Not everyone is a perverted womanizer."

"And such a good thing that that is!" Ericka was really starting to like Leopold.

Leopold began swimming around Ericka and was occasionally studying her; he admitted to himself that he found her attractive. As he swam around, he would occasionally splash her and try to have fun with his Lamonian counterpart.

Ericka would wait until Leopold was at his closest, and then splash him with everything that she had. Eventually, they collided into each other, surprising Ericka.

"All in good time, you mean?"

"Yes, all in good time."

"And what one thing would you like to concentrate on at the moment?"

"What do you mean?"



"You are a philosopher, Leopold."

"Thank you for the compliment; I have been somewhat interested in philosophy but I do not think I'd be a full-time philosopher. I just look at life as I see it and never sugarcoat it."



"And such a good thing that that is!" Ericka was really starting to like Leopold.

"Indeed, it is. The gentleman lifestyle permeates through all classes and can be found in the ranks of the wealthy and the downtrodden."

Ericka would wait until Leopold was at his closest, and then splash him with everything that she had. Eventually, they collided into each other, surprising Ericka.

Leopold smiled at Ericka as they collided; he could see himself looking briefly into her eyes. After a moment, he was charging up his arm for a giant splash but he was hoping to see what Ericka would do.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, what one thing would your mind most like to concentrate on at this moment?"

"Thank you for the compliment; I have been somewhat interested in philosophy but I do not think I'd be a full-time philosopher. I just look at life as I see it and never sugarcoat it."

"It is refreshing to meet a fellow diplomat who will cut through all of the diplomatic BS and get straight to the point. Too many diplomats these days are only interested in seeing how far bluster will get them. I've made efforts to attempt to get Lamonian diplomatics to speak more plainly, and some of them have taken hold. Perhaps you would like to visit Lamoni at some point so that I can show you just how effective that my efforts have been?" Ericka was most curious as to what Leopold would say to that; she would take the opportunity to show him more of Lamoni than THAT, and she knew that he would likely be able to guess that much.

Leopold smiled at Ericka as they collided; he could see himself looking briefly into her eyes. After a moment, he was charging up his arm for a giant splash but he was hoping to see what Ericka would do.

Having finally decided how she felt about this man, Ericka took a major risk, and kissed Leopold on the lips. With that done, she swam away from him, and got him with a major splash of water.

bump

"What I mean is, what one thing would your mind most like to concentrate on at this moment?"

"I suppose it would most likely want to concentrate on the day when I find myself looking at the woman in the aisle, I guess."



"It is refreshing to meet a fellow diplomat who will cut through all of the diplomatic BS and get straight to the point. Too many diplomats these days are only interested in seeing how far bluster will get them. I've made efforts to attempt to get Lamonian diplomatics to speak more plainly, and some of them have taken hold. Perhaps you would like to visit Lamoni at some point so that I can show you just how effective that my efforts have been?" Ericka was most curious as to what Leopold would say to that; she would take the opportunity to show him more of Lamoni than THAT, and she knew that he would likely be able to guess that much.

"Diplomats should be able to open up, you know. Just because we are sent only to discuss diplomacy with others, it does not mean that we are devoid of any qualities that make us human. We have feelings, opinions and desires just like everyone else. I would appreciate a visit to Lamoni; ever since I've been promoted up through the ranks in the Lamoni Department, I've expressed a desire to visit. I personally feel that diplomats should be professional in their work and seriously committed to it. If a diplomat fails to be professional, his or her nation suffers."



Having finally decided how she felt about this man, Ericka took a major risk, and kissed Leopold on the lips. With that done, she swam away from him, and got him with a major splash of water.

Leopold felt something on his lips and caught a glimpse of a woman; she looked like Ericka. He wondered if his guest had fallen in love with him as he tried to dodge Ericka's splash; hoping to bombard her with major splashes of his own.

"I suppose it would most likely want to concentrate on the day when I find myself looking at the woman in the aisle, I guess."

"That is the day that all women dream about. Their wedding, I mean. They get to go down the aisle with their father in this beautiful dress... you get the idea. Women romanticize about it."

"Diplomats should be able to open up, you know. Just because we are sent only to discuss diplomacy with others, it does not mean that we are devoid of any qualities that make us human. We have feelings, opinions and desires just like everyone else. I would appreciate a visit to Lamoni; ever since I've been promoted up through the ranks in the Lamoni Department, I've expressed a desire to visit. I personally feel that diplomats should be professional in their work and seriously committed to it. If a diplomat fails to be professional, his or her nation suffers."

"And if a diplomat were to fall in love with another country's diplomat, would that be unprofessional?"

Leopold felt something on his lips and caught a glimpse of a woman; she looked like Ericka. He wondered if his guest had fallen in love with him as he tried to dodge Ericka's splash; hoping to bombard her with major splashes of his own.

Ericka had to admit that kissing Leopold had felt good. She watched him try to dodge her splash; but he couldn't quite get out of the way in time. Then it was her turn to dodge his splashes.

bump

"That is the day that all women dream about. Their wedding, I mean. They get to go down the aisle with their father in this beautiful dress... you get the idea. Women romanticize about it."

"Not everyone cares for marriage though...but for those who do; actually having one is one of the milestones of life; a joyous event that makes you leap for joy. Sadly though, the joy can be crushed within the span of several years due to adultery, abuse and similar curses."

"And if a diplomat were to fall in love with another country's diplomat, would that be unprofessional?"

"Perhaps. Love, after all, can come when we least expect it. Diplomats can fall in love with the diplomats of another nation; they are not immune to the curves of a woman or the muscles of a man."


Ericka had to admit that kissing Leopold had felt good. She watched him try to dodge her splash; but he couldn't quite get out of the way in time. Then it was her turn to dodge his splashes.

Leopold tried his best to dodge Ericka's splash as he prepared some splashes of his own. He decided to wear Ericka down with many splashes before aiming one colossal splash at her when she looked tired.

"Not everyone cares for marriage though...but for those who do; actually having one is one of the milestones of life; a joyous event that makes you leap for joy. Sadly though, the joy can be crushed within the span of several years due to adultery, abuse and similar curses."

"It is all of that and more. Personally, I wouldn't commit adultery against my husband; nor will I tolerate abuse. I'm not sure if you know, but Lamonian government officials are trained in the martial art of Krav Maga. Not only does it keep us in shape, but it allows us to defend ourselves if anything... untoward happens. This is another reason to be very careful around my boss if she loses her temper."

"Perhaps. Love, after all, can come when we least expect it. Diplomats can fall in love with the diplomats of another nation; they are not immune to the curves of a woman or the muscles of a man."

"I know that you find me to be attractive; are you trying to tell me something deeper with that? If not, then I apologize, but there is the hint of something deep in that statement."

Leopold tried his best to dodge Ericka's splash as he prepared some splashes of his own. He decided to wear Ericka down with many splashes before aiming one colossal splash at her when she looked tired.

Ericka was less muscular than Leopold (due to size and gender), but she had her own winning strategy. If she could wear him down, then she could get him with the last splash. When Leopold launched his next splash, Ericka dodged it by going underwater, popping up behind Leopold, and splashing him from behind.

"It is all of that and more. Personally, I wouldn't commit adultery against my husband; nor will I tolerate abuse. I'm not sure if you know, but Lamonian government officials are trained in the martial art of Krav Maga. Not only does it keep us in shape, but it allows us to defend ourselves if anything... untoward happens. This is another reason to be very careful around my boss if she loses her temper."

"You are an admirable woman, Ericka. I would never commit adultery nor would I abuse my spouse; such acts are disgusting to me; though the most disgusting act is to abuse one's children. As for Krav Maga, I must say that it has made you quite appealing in terms of keeping in shape; you are slender and trim and that is what most men, I am sure, seek in a woman. As for self defense, Ixanian diplomats do have some tricks up their sleeve. Even the Empress does, I believe; at least that is what I've heard second hand."



"I know that you find me to be attractive; are you trying to tell me something deeper with that? If not, then I apologize, but there is the hint of something deep in that statement."

"To be honest, I do find you to be attractive but as for my statement, there is nothing deeper about it. It is simply an observation that I have made in my life. When one goes to school and sees certain girls gossiping about some guy or certain guys speaking about how they'd want to go out with the new girl, you do make the observation. As for myself, I've seen girls that I'd find attractive but, out of honesty again, you look better than most of them."


Ericka was less muscular than Leopold (due to size and gender), but she had her own winning strategy. If she could wear him down, then she could get him with the last splash. When Leopold launched his next splash, Ericka dodged it by going underwater, popping up behind Leopold, and splashing him from behind.

Leopold caught a glimspe of Ericka; so he manuvered himself by dodging the splash and hitting Ericka with a colossal splash that surely would defeat her. He noticed people were watching them but he did not mind it; they were just having fun. Finally, Leopold began grinning at Ericka as he prepared to finish her off. "Any last requests, fair maiden?"

"You are an admirable woman, Ericka. I would never commit adultery nor would I abuse my spouse; such acts are disgusting to me; though the most disgusting act is to abuse one's children. As for Krav Maga, I must say that it has made you quite appealing in terms of keeping in shape; you are slender and trim and that is what most men, I am sure, seek in a woman. As for self defense, Ixanian diplomats do have some tricks up their sleeve. Even the Empress does, I believe; at least that is what I've heard second hand."

"I could never imagine myself abusing my own children. The concept is just abhorrent. What sort of self-defense 'tricks' do Neo-Ixanian diplomats and the Empress have up their sleeves? Thank you for the nice compliments, Leopold. However, I notice that you keep saying things like 'what most men, I am sure, seek in a woman.' What do YOU want?"

"To be honest, I do find you to be attractive but as for my statement, there is nothing deeper about it. It is simply an observation that I have made in my life. When one goes to school and sees certain girls gossiping about some guy or certain guys speaking about how they'd want to go out with the new girl, you do make the observation. As for myself, I've seen girls that I'd find attractive but, out of honesty again, you look better than most of them."

"Thank you for the nice compliment, Leopold."

Leopold caught a glimpse of Ericka; so he maneuvered himself by dodging the splash and hitting Ericka with a colossal splash that surely would defeat her. He noticed people were watching them but he did not mind it; they were just having fun. Finally, Leopold began grinning at Ericka as he prepared to finish her off. "Any last requests, fair maiden?"

"Just one," she said. Then without warning, Ericka used her entire body to generate a giant wave, aimed straight at Leopold, while getting in position to get him again if he managed to dodge.

bump

"I could never imagine myself abusing my own children. The concept is just abhorrent. What sort of self-defense 'tricks' do Neo-Ixanian diplomats and the Empress have up their sleeves? Thank you for the nice compliments, Leopold. However, I notice that you keep saying things like 'what most men, I am sure, seek in a woman.' What do YOU want?"

"All diplomats have, at least, some training in self-defense and I have heard that the Empress is quite experienced in self-defense methods; she did have an expert marksman as her father, you know. As for what I seek in a woman; I seek beauty, intelligence, loyalty, honor and trust. If all of those merged to form one woman; she has already charmed my heart."


"Thank you for the nice compliment, Leopold."

"No problem, Ericka."



"Just one," she said. Then without warning, Ericka used her entire body to generate a giant wave, aimed straight at Leopold, while getting in position to get him again if he managed to dodge.

Leopold dodged the splash for the most part before pulling out his arms to create a colossal splash which he aimed straight at Ericka. The splash was to engulf her; consume her like a massive forest fire consumes its silent and helpless wooden victims.

"All diplomats have, at least, some training in self-defense and I have heard that the Empress is quite experienced in self-defense methods; she did have an expert marksman as her father, you know. As for what I seek in a woman; I seek beauty, intelligence, loyalty, honor and trust. If all of those merged to form one woman; she has already charmed my heart."

"And do you only regard me as an intelligent, good looking young woman, Leopold?"

Leopold dodged the splash for the most part before pulling out his arms to create a colossal splash which he aimed straight at Ericka. The splash was to engulf her; consume her like a massive forest fire consumes its silent and helpless wooden victims.

Seeing a truly massive splash coming towards her, Ericka dived into the water as fast as she could. From below the water, Ericka pushed the water directly at Leopold, hoping to maybe knock him over.

"And do you only regard me as an intelligent, good looking young woman, Leopold?"

"Yes; I do regard you as such a woman, Ericka. By the way...out of curiosity but do you have a lover or are you a bachelorette? I do not have anyone by my side if you must know."

Seeing a truly massive splash coming towards her, Ericka dived into the water as fast as she could. From below the water, Ericka pushed the water directly at Leopold, hoping to maybe knock him over.

Leopold smiled as he manuvered his way to safety before grabbing Ericka and bringing her close to him. "I think that I've won, madam. Do you wish to surrender peacefully?" A grin grew upon Leopold's face.

"Yes; I do regard you as such a woman, Ericka. By the way...out of curiosity but do you have a lover or are you a bachelorette? I do not have anyone by my side if you must know."

"I am a bachelorette, Leopold. And I am glad to know that there is no one special by your side."

Leopold smiled as he maneuvered his way to safety before grabbing Ericka and bringing her close to him. "I think that I've won, madam. Do you wish to surrender peacefully?" A grin grew upon Leopold's face.

A matching grin was on Erica's face as she said, "yes." Then she kissed Leopold fully on the lips again. She only wondered if Leopold would respond in the way that she wanted.

"I am a bachelorette, Leopold. And I am glad to know that there is no one special by your side."

"She is glad?"

"Perhaps, one day, I'll have someone by my side."


A matching grin was on Erica's face as she said, "yes." Then she kissed Leopold fully on the lips again. She only wondered if Leopold would respond in the way that she wanted.

"She kissed me...."

"Ericka....can I assume that my Lamonian counterpart has fallen in love with me?" Leopold was still holding Ericka close to him; surprised that Ericka had just kissed him.

"Perhaps, one day, I'll have someone by my side."

"That one day might be closer than you think."

"Ericka....can I assume that my Lamonian counterpart has fallen in love with me?" Leopold was still holding Ericka close to him; surprised that Ericka had just kissed him.

"Yes, you can assume that, but I would far prefer to be kissed back. Ericka looked directly into Leopold's eyes, and let him see the love in them.

bump

"That one day might be closer than you think."



"Yes, you can assume that, but I would far prefer to be kissed back. Ericka looked directly into Leopold's eyes, and let him see the love in them.

"Miss Tregre...can I assume that you are in love...with me?"

Leopold held Ericka close to him as he looked into her eyes; wondering if she was truly in love with him. He felt attracted to her but did not know if he had fallen in love with her himself. "I understand if you are, Ericka. You can tell me."

"Yes Leopold, I am in love with you. I didn't expect it to happen, but it did; and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world." Erica wondered if he felt the same way towards her.

"Yes Leopold, I am in love with you. I didn't expect it to happen, but it did; and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world." Erica wondered if he felt the same way towards her.

"I find you to be a very attractive woman, Ericka...but I do not know if I am in love with you...." Leopold could feel himself leaning into Ericka; his lips nearing hers. "Ericka....I...am surprised that my counterpart is in love with me...I truly am."

Rather than respond through words, Erica just leaned in closer to Leopold and kissed him with passion. Then she waited to see what he would do or say.

Rather than respond through words, Erica just leaned in closer to Leopold and kissed him with passion. Then she waited to see what he would do or say.

Leopold gripped onto Ericka and smiled before speaking softly into her ear. "If I am what you want....then I am what you shall have. Perhaps...you would like to go somewhere private?"

Leopold gripped onto Ericka and smiled before speaking softly into her ear. "If I am what you want....then I am what you shall have. Perhaps...you would like to go somewhere private?"

"I would enjoy that very much, Leopold. Where did you have in mind?"

"I would enjoy that very much, Leopold. Where did you have in mind?"

"We can go to my home; we can talk there privately."

After Ericka agreed, the two got out of the pool, showered, changed, and got into the car. You could tell that the mood in the car was one that was reserved for just TWO special people, and the two were the only ones in the car.

"Ericka...I am still surprised that you are in love with me; I never thought that you would be. Tell me...what it love at first sight?"

"I was shall we say... interested in you at first sight. Then it grew into an attraction, and before I knew it, it grew into love. You know, others are going to be jealous of you... what with me in love with you and all."

"I am sure that I can safely say that the man who tried to drink you into bed will be jealous when he discovers that you are with me."

After a while, they arrived at Leopold's home. They walked inside before Leopold began to study her. "Ericka...what would you like to do before we go to a restaurant in the city for dinner?"

Cuddling up with Leopold, Ericka said, "Why don't you tell me more about you, and your family, Leopold? There is no one else that i'd rather hear about right now."

Cuddling up with Leopold, Ericka said, "Why don't you tell me more about you, and your family, Leopold? There is no one else that i'd rather hear about right now."

"My family is one of the wealthiest German families in the Ixanian Empire; we have many members spread out over this nation. When we marry, we bring new blood, primarily German, into the bloodline. As for myself, I'll marry whomever I want; regardless of blood. We cannot control what blood we are born into; the blood which goes through our veins."

Leopold smiled. "Perhaps, one day, my parents can meet the Lamonian girl who has fallen in love with me. Let them know that their diplomat of a son has a voluptous Lamonian woman at his side."

"My family is one of the wealthiest German families in the Ixanian Empire; we have many members spread out over this nation. When we marry, we bring new blood, primarily German, into the bloodline. As for myself, I'll marry whomever I want; regardless of blood. We cannot control what blood we are born into; the blood which goes through our veins."

Leopold smiled. "Perhaps, one day, my parents can meet the Lamonian girl who has fallen in love with me. Let them know that their diplomat of a son has a voluptuous Lamonian woman at his side."

"Your family won't be angered by having a foreigner as a possible part of it, will they? I really hope that they will be able to accept me. I would love to meet your parents and family, Leopold."

bumpage

"Your family won't be angered by having a foreigner as a possible part of it, will they? I really hope that they will be able to accept me. I would love to meet your parents and family, Leopold."

"I doubt they would; they'd just want you to be professional and goodhearted so I am sure they would accept you. Perhaps, we can meet them tomorrow if it is to your liking."

bump.

"I would enjoy that, Leopold. And if you are ever in Lamoni, perhaps I can take you to see my family as well. I know that they would be pleased that I have found such a professional, as well as attractive, man to fall in love with.

I think that you would like them as well, Leopold. My parents are plain, non-governmental folk, but they are very smart and perceptive."

"I would enjoy that, Leopold. And if you are ever in Lamoni, perhaps I can take you to see my family as well. I know that they would be pleased that I have found such a professional, as well as attractive, man to fall in love with.

I think that you would like them as well, Leopold. My parents are plain, non-governmental folk, but they are very smart and perceptive."

"It would be a pleasure to visit Lamoni and meet the parents who were graced with such a charming, professional and enchantingly beautiful young woman. My parents may be of the aristocracy but they are not snobbish at all. They are intelligent and decent people and I care for them both."

Leopold was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Ericka...how would you like to go out on a date with me tonight?"

"I would love to go on a date with you, Leopold. There is still so much that we can learn about each other. Where do you want to go?"

"I would love to go on a date with you, Leopold. There is still so much that we can learn about each other. Where do you want to go?"

"There is a restaurant that we can go to for dinner and the city has plenty to offer us for nightly activities....I say we should just go explore and have fun."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Leopold. While it might be more fun for both of us to pick activities for the night, I find myself with a lack of knowledge about the city."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Leopold. While it might be more fun for both of us to pick activities for the night, I find myself with a lack of knowledge about the city."

"I can assure you that you'll know a lot more after we are finished for the night. Please wait for me at the limosuine; I need to make a private call before we go."

Minutes later, Leopold arrived at the limosuine. "You will enjoy dinner at the restaurant, Ericka, it will be.....good." He grinned a little before helping her inside; his "private call" was a call to the restaurant to reserve a table for two...and more.

After being helped into the limo by Leopold, Ericka was wondering about what sort of restaurant that Leopold was taking them to. She thought about the same place that her boss had been to, but she figured that Leopold would have thought of that.

After that, her thoughts continued to go in that direction. It gave her a somewhat ditzy look, but Ericka was not ditzy. Her job title alone was proof of that.

The Red Jewel had been famous since 1876 as one of the most romantic restaurants in the city of Tzargrad; with lovers visiting by the hundreds in order to experience fine dining in a romantic atmosphere. If people could afford it, they could eat while listening to music in the customized VIP rooms. Leopold reserved a VIP room for himself and Ericka; asking the restaurant manager to have it filled to the brim in romantic items, etc. He was going to sweep Ericka off her feet tonight. When the limosuine arrived, Leopold helped Ericka out and escorted her to the VIP room; where she would lay her eyes upon bouquets of roses, experienced musicians playing romantic music, and glasses of wine alongside food that wealthy people would normally consume. Leopold helped Ericka take her seat before taking his own with a smile on his face; he knew that she would be amazed by what she was seeing.

Ericka was looking around the room as Leopold pushed her chair in for her. She was very much amazed with everything in the room.

"Leopold, this is... this is... extraordinary! Thank you so much... I... don't know what to say."

Ericka was looking around the room as Leopold pushed her chair in for her. She was very much amazed with everything in the room.

"Leopold, this is... this is... extraordinary! Thank you so much... I... don't know what to say."

"Only the best for thee, fair damsel of Lamoni. I wanted this night to be remembered fondly and so I took the time to arrange all of this just for you."

As the dinner went on, Ericka was craving something more. It wasn't that anything was lacking from the dinner, or the music, or the roses or anything like that. She wanted the feel of Leopold next to her in what could delicately be termed a "diplomatic meeting."

bump

As the dinner went on, Ericka was craving something more. It wasn't that anything was lacking from the dinner, or the music, or the roses or anything like that. She wanted the feel of Leopold next to her in what could delicately be termed a "diplomatic meeting."

After dinner and dessert were finished, Leopold took Ericka out for a night in the town and they explored every inch of the city that they could. Afterwards, Leopold decided to take Ericka home. He helped her inside the limosuine and sat close to her. "We're going back to my manor now, Ericka. Tomorrow is a new day for us."

He smiled at her before briefly studying her; he knew there would be some people who were jealous of him for having Ericka at his side.

Inside the limousine, Ericka was studying Leopold. The night was excellent, and there was only one way to show proper appreciation for it.

When they got to the manor, Ericka passionately kissed Leopold, and led him to the bedroom. Once there, they didn't even close the door, but Ericka almost ripped Leopold's clothes off as they fell onto the bed. With Ericka on top, the foreplay started. After a while, the noise of these two lovers could be heard all over the house, and anyone else that happened to be in it would find themselves wishing that people came with a volume control like TV's do. When the noises stopped, Ericka lay on top of her lover, gently stroking his chest and just watching Leopold.

Leopold was surprised to have Ericka ravishing him but he did not get any urges to push her away; instead he responded by ravishing her in return. Throughout the entire night the sounds of love echoed in all the hallways and corridors but neither Leopold nor Ericka cared; both of them were consumed by desire and Leopold showed Ericka that he had skills. After their energy had been fully depleted, Leopold held Ericka close to him and smiled at her as he stroked her hair. "Ericka...that was amazing...it truly was."

Leopold put his head down on the pillow and just continued to hold Ericka and stroke her hair. He did not expect to have a night of passion with his Lamonian counterpart; let alone having her fall in love with him but no regrets could be found in his mind.

For her part, Ericka was amazed at how deeply she had fallen in love with Leopold; as well as how quickly that it had happened. Still, she could find no regret in her mind; especially after having just made passionate love to him all night long.

She heard Leopold saying, "Ericka...that was amazing...it truly was." Ericka responded with a passionate kiss, and then said, "You were no slouch yourself, Leopold. I could see myself being here in your arms for the rest of my life."

bump

For her part, Ericka was amazed at how deeply she had fallen in love with Leopold; as well as how quickly that it had happened. Still, she could find no regret in her mind; especially after having just made passionate love to him all night long.

She heard Leopold saying, "Ericka...that was amazing...it truly was." Ericka responded with a passionate kiss, and then said, "You were no slouch yourself, Leopold. I could see myself being here in your arms for the rest of my life."

Leopold smiled. "I could see the same, Ericka; I think you may be the one woman for me....though I never expected that when I woke up one morning that I'd have a Lamonian minister for a lover but I'm not unhappy about it."

Leopold gave Ericka a kiss. "Ericka, if I am what you want....then I am what you will get."

Leopold smiled. "I could see the same, Ericka; I think you may be the one woman for me....though I never expected that when I woke up one morning that I'd have a Lamonian minister for a lover but I'm not unhappy about it."

Leopold gave Ericka a kiss. "Ericka, if I am what you want....then I am what you will get."

"I wasn't expecting a Neo-Ixanian lover either, but you will never hear me saying that I regret it. And... I think that you may be the one man for me as well, Leopold. If I am what you want... then you can have me."

"I wasn't expecting a Neo-Ixanian lover either, but you will never hear me saying that I regret it. And... I think that you may be the one man for me as well, Leopold. If I am what you want... then you can have me."

For a few minutes, Leopold thought about his feelings for Ericka and soon realized that he loved this woman. He truly loved Ericka Tregre and he began to feel that he needed to make her know that. "You are the only woman for me, Ericka....I will have you and I hope that you will stand by me for many, many years."

Leopold suddenly gave Ericka a passionate kiss before smiling. "I'll never regret any of this, my Lamonian damsel."

OOC: I thought that you were going to skip ahead to the proposal?

IC: "Of course i'd stand by you, Leopold. I love you." Then came the kiss. "Nor will I, my Neo-Ixanian knight in shining armor."

OOC: I thought that you were going to skip ahead to the proposal?

IC: "Of course i'd stand by you, Leopold. I love you." Then came the kiss. "Nor will I, my Neo-Ixanian knight in shining armor."

OOC: I am going to now; note that I'm going to be assuming things in my post.

Days passed as Leopold and Ericka not only conducted diplomatic business that brought their nations closer but conducted personal business that brought themselves closer in love; whenever they were not spending time talking about diplomacy they would be talking about romance and how much they loved each other.

Finally, Leopold came up with a plan. He would propose to Ericka and ask her to marry him; but it would not be any ordinary proposal. One day, he found Ericka and with a smile greeted her with a question. "How would you like to attend a sports event? I got us both good tickets."

'I would love to, Leopold." Ericka looked at the tickets that Leopold was holding out, and saw that they would be going to the National Sports Arena for a hockey game between the Tzargrad Titans and the Elizabethtown Eagles.

Checking her clothes, Ericka decided that they would be able to withstand the cold temperatures that came from the giant sheet of ice that one found in ice hockey games; so she followed Leopold to the car, and made small talk with Leopold on the way to the Arena.

-Later-

The hockey game had been a good one so far. Both of the teams were looking destined to head into the league playoffs, and the game was so close that both teams were being very physical with each other. It made for a very exciting match, and Ericka was enthralled. When Leopold said that he was going to take a restroom break just before the second intermission, she was still too excited about the match to do much more than give him a polite acknowledgment. Later on in her life, she would reflect that she should have been paying more attention to him at that moment; but she didn't, and nothing could change that.

'I would love to, Leopold." Ericka looked at the tickets that Leopold was holding out, and saw that they would be going to the National Sports Arena for a hockey game between the Tzargrad Titans and the Elizabethtown Eagles.

Checking her clothes, Ericka decided that they would be able to withstand the cold temperatures that came from the giant sheet of ice that one found in ice hockey games; so she followed Leopold to the car, and made small talk with Leopold on the way to the Arena.

-Later-

The hockey game had been a good one so far. Both of the teams were looking destined to head into the league playoffs, and the game was so close that both teams were being very physical with each other. It made for a very exciting match, and Ericka was enthralled. When Leopold said that he was going to take a restroom break just before the second intermission, she was still too excited about the match to do much more than give him a polite acknowledgment. Later on in her life, she would reflect that she should have been paying more attention to him at that moment; but she didn't, and nothing could change that.

Leopold walked to the announcer's room; where he was able to tell him that it was time to implement his surprise for Ericka. The announcer began to speak over the microphone in a joyful voice; announcing that a fan wanted to take the time to talk to his special girl. Fans began to look around to see if they could find that special girl and in a few minutes time they began to see that someone else was speaking over the microphone from the announcer's skybox. The scoreboard showed an animated display of two people kissing under the gaze of Cupid before words in exquisite handwriting came on the screen. If Ericka listened closely, she could tell that the voice came from the man she loved and she could see that all the cameras were slowly being focused on her. Leopold took out a piece of paper he was saving for this night and began to read in a refined and solemn voice while the announcer and his staff smiled; it was nice to see a man express his love for a woman in extraordinary ways sometimes.

OOC: I'm quoting a poem from Chris Messick here. Assume that Ericka can see animated displays for each part of the poem on the scoreboard.

"For you I would climb
The highest mountain peak
Swim the deepest ocean
Your love I do seek.

For you I would cross
The rivers most wide
Walk the hottest desert sand
To have you by my side.

For you are the one
Who makes me whole
You've captured my heart
And touched my soul.

For you are the one
That stepped out of my dreams
Gave me new hope
Showed me what love means.

For you alone
Are my reason to live
For the compassion you show
And the care that you give.

You came into my life
And made me complete
Each time I see you
My heart skips a beat.

For you define beauty
In both body and mind
Your soft, gentle face
More beauty I'll ne'er find.

For you are the one
God sent from above
The angel I needed
For whom I do love."

After the poem was finished, the voice over the microphone boomed joyfully. "Ericka Tregre! Will you take me as your husband?!" The cameras briefly turned to Leopold; they could see him smile as he swiftly took out a small box from his pocket. Some cameras stayed on Ericka to capture her reaction and people were wondering if she'd run at him as Leopold ran to the ice while everyone from reporters to hockey players watched in awe.

When Ericka started to notice that Leopold had been gone a little longer than normal, the announcer started talking over the PA system. When he talked about a fan wanting to talk to his special girl, she figured out that someone was likely going to get proposed to. She wished that Leopold were there so that they could watch the moment together.

That wish had just come out as a complete thought when she recognized Leopold's voice was the one now coming over the PA system, and that he was reading a love poem. Putting two and two together, Ericka was blushing well before the television cameras were trained on her.

When the poem was finished and Leopold ran out on the ice, Ericka's jaw dropped as she watched him pull a small box out of his pocket. When Leopold proposed to her via the microphone, she started running down to the ice, trying to be careful to not fall down the stairs. On the ice, she ran over to Leopold and embraced him, screaming YES!!!!!!!!!! She had to make a special effort not to run fast enough to knock them both to the ice, however.

When Ericka started to notice that Leopold had been gone a little longer than normal, the announcer started talking over the PA system. When he talked about a fan wanting to talk to his special girl, she figured out that someone was likely going to get proposed to. She wished that Leopold were there so that they could watch the moment together.

That wish had just come out as a complete thought when she recognized Leopold's voice was the one now coming over the PA system, and that he was reading a love poem. Putting two and two together, Ericka was blushing well before the television cameras were trained on her.

When the poem was finished and Leopold ran out on the ice, Ericka's jaw dropped as she watched him pull a small box out of his pocket. When Leopold proposed to her via the microphone, she started running down to the ice, trying to be careful to not fall down the stairs. On the ice, she ran over to Leopold and embraced him, screaming YES!!!!!!!!!! She had to make a special effort not to run fast enough to knock them both to the ice, however.

Everyone in the arena cheered violently as they watched Ericka run onto the ice to embrace the man she loved. The cameras were focused on them; broadcasting the proposal onto Ixanian televisions while reporters were busy taking as many pictures as they could. Leopold held Ericka tightly as they passionately kissed for everyone to see. The ring was placed on Ericka's finger before Leopold lifted Ericka up from the ice and carried her away while people cheered. With his Lamonian fiancee, Leopold took Ericka to the limosuine waiting outside for them and helped her inside before he took his seat; allowing the chauffer to speed off into the city which was gradually becoming illumined by the many lights.

In the limosuine, Leopold looked at Ericka with a smile on his face. "Ericka....you'll be a televlsion sensation soon, you know."

Ericka was still too excited about the marriage proposal from the man that she loved to do more than blush at the tv sensation comment.

-later-

Outside of Lemnos City, Lemnos state, Lamoni

The big tent had been set up just outside of the city, in a very popular spot for weddings. Official Lamonian government stewards were serving Champagne to all of the guests, including both Lamonian President Stinson, and Neo-Ixanian Empress Anastasia. The parents of both the bride and the groom were there, as well as those who had been invited by Ericka and Leopold. One of the other notable attendees was Ericka's boss, Lamonian Foreign Minister Tanya Ley.

The tropical weather complimented the sound of the ocean surf to make this place look like paradise on earth. Even better (from the point of view of Ericka's father), the Lamonian government was picking up the entire tab for the wedding in the name of international diplomacy. After the wedding, the reception would be held on the white sand beach that was next to the wedding tent. Already, the stewards were cooking the food for the wedding.

Ericka was still too excited about the marriage proposal from the man that she loved to do more than blush at the tv sensation comment.

-later-

Outside of Lemnos City, Lemnos state, Lamoni

The big tent had been set up just outside of the city, in a very popular spot for weddings. Official Lamonian government stewards were serving Champagne to all of the guests, including both Lamonian President Stinson, and Neo-Ixanian Empress Anastasia. The parents of both the bride and the groom were there, as well as those who had been invited by Ericka and Leopold. One of the other notable attendees was Ericka's boss, Lamonian Foreign Minister Tanya Ley.

The tropical weather complimented the sound of the ocean surf to make this place look like paradise on earth. Even better (from the point of view of Ericka's father), the Lamonian government was picking up the entire tab for the wedding in the name of international diplomacy. After the wedding, the reception would be held on the white sand beach that was next to the wedding tent. Already, the stewards were cooking the food for the wedding.

Leopold was dressed in the best suit that he could obtain for the wedding as he talked to the guests that came up to him to offer their best wishes. His father exhorted Leopold to be there to support his new wife while Gustav Bergmann joked about the wedding being a chance for Leopold to get a promotion. Empress Anastasia, who had given thought to marriage, gave her best wishes to Leopold and told him that she hoped he would have a strong and fruitful marriage. Gustav spoke to Tanya while Eleonore prepared to participate in the wedding. Her brother, Wilhelm, was speaking to a girl that he met while waiting for the wedding to begin. The parents of the groom spent time talking to the bride's parents in order to foster a friendship.

Eleonore looked at Tanya with a smile. "Lemnos is a beautiful island, Miss Ley; I'm happy to be here because not only is this the first wedding of this magnitude that I have visited but also because I am now in Lamoni. I'm assuming I'll be going with you afterwards as a foreign student?"

Leopold was dressed in the best suit that he could obtain for the wedding as he talked to the guests that came up to him to offer their best wishes. His father exhorted Leopold to be there to support his new wife while Gustav Bergmann joked about the wedding being a chance for Leopold to get a promotion. Empress Anastasia, who had given thought to marriage, gave her best wishes to Leopold and told him that she hoped he would have a strong and fruitful marriage. Gustav spoke to Tanya while Eleonore prepared to participate in the wedding. Her brother, Wilhelm, was speaking to a girl that he met while waiting for the wedding to begin. The parents of the groom spent time talking to the bride's parents in order to foster a friendship.

Eleonore looked at Tanya with a smile. "Lemnos is a beautiful island, Miss Ley; I'm happy to be here because not only is this the first wedding of this magnitude that I have visited but also because I am now in Lamoni. I'm assuming I'll be going with you afterwards as a foreign student?"

In her dressing room, Ericka had just finished getting her dress ( OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/gabrielle.jpg ) and veil on. Her father commented on how beautiful that she looked, and how happy that he was that she had found such a goodhearted man to spend her life with. Ericka gave him a polite little kiss, and told him not to worry, that she and Leopold knew what they were doing.

---

"Yes, Eleonore, you can come with me to start the exchange student program." "Hello again, Gustav. How have things been in Neo-Ixania since I left?" asked Tanya.

The Lamonian girl that Wilhelm was talking to was named Claudia Bergstrom. (OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/100_2080.jpg ) She was all made up for the wedding, and she thought that Wilhelm was cute. Claudia was sixteen years old, and lived in the Lamonian capitol. Her father was the head of the Alfegan desk in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry.

Ericka's father (Mark Tregre) was busy with helping his daughter prepare, so Ericka's mother (Allison Tregre) was carrying on the conversation with Leopold's parents. So far, she found Leopold's parents to be friendly, and outgoing.

In her dressing room, Ericka had just finished getting her dress ( OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/gabrielle.jpg ) and veil on. Her father commented on how beautiful that she looked, and how happy that he was that she had found such a goodhearted man to spend her life with. Ericka gave him a polite little kiss, and told him not to worry, that she and Leopold knew what they were doing.

Leopold thought about Ericka constantly; waiting to see how she looked. He never expected that he would fall in love and marry his Lamonian counterpart but he had no regrets on this day. As he waited to see her again, he spent time talking to the guests and was hopeful that his marriage would be strong and fruitful.

---

"Yes, Eleonore, you can come with me to start the exchange student program." "Hello again, Gustav. How have things been in Neo-Ixania since I left?" asked Tanya.

"Excellent! I'll go tell my mother!" Eleonore said before immediately running to her mother. "Things have been good, Miss Ley. Eleonore and Wilhelm do good in school and my wife and I have been spending time together. I'm happy for the blessings I've recieved."

The Lamonian girl that Wilhelm was talking to was named Claudia Bergstrom. (OOC: http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/matt518672/100_2080.jpg ) She was all made up for the wedding, and she thought that Wilhelm was cute. Claudia was sixteen years old, and lived in the Lamonian capitol. Her father was the head of the Alfegan desk in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry.

Wilhelm thought that Claudia was appealing; like other girls he had seen. "Claudia, is your father involved in a Foreign Ministry like mine is? If he is, do you see him much?"

Ericka's father (Mark Tregre) was busy with helping his daughter prepare, so Ericka's mother (Allison Tregre) was carrying on the conversation with Leopold's parents. So far, she found Leopold's parents to be friendly, and outgoing.

Leopold's parents liked Allison; she was quite friendly and likable. Leopold's father had excused himself so he could go to the drink table. "You've raised a fine daughter, Allison." Leopold's mother said. "I'm sure she and my son will have a great life together."

Leopold thought about Ericka constantly; waiting to see how she looked. He never expected that he would fall in love and marry his Lamonian counterpart but he had no regrets on this day. As he waited to see her again, he spent time talking to the guests and was hopeful that his marriage would be strong and fruitful.

OOC: Hope that you don't mind if I get this show on the road.

IC: As the Judge that had agreed to perform the wedding walked down the aisle, everyone quieted down and took their seats. When everyone was in place, he spoke.

"I have been invited here this day the request of today's happy couple to officiate over this joyous union."

A minor official came from the rear of the tent, and spoke to the organist. When Leopold was in place, the organist began playing the strains of "Here comes the bride." Ericka came into the tent, escorted by her father, who was beaming. Ericka looked like an angel in her dress, and hung onto Leopold's arm when her father gave her to him.

The Judge spoke again. "If anyone knows of a just reason that these two should not be wed, then speak now, or forever keep your peace." There had been some fears that a certain person from Imperial Isa would try to disrupt the wedding, but President Stinson had a Brigade of reserve foot infantry with AR-44 assault rifles providing security. In any case, no one said anything, so things went on.

Finally, it came time for the vows. The Judge indicated that Leopold was to go first with his vow.

---

"Excellent! I'll go tell my mother!" Eleonore said before immediately running to her mother. "Things have been good, Miss Ley. Eleonore and Wilhelm do good in school and my wife and I have been spending time together. I'm happy for the blessings I've recieved."

"It reminds me of my relationship with General Iulius in Damirez. But, I think that i'll wait to tell both you and your wife about that. I am glad that you and your family is doing well. And don't worry, i'll take very good care of Eleonore."

Wilhelm thought that Claudia was appealing; like other girls he had seen. "Claudia, is your father involved in a Foreign Ministry like mine is? If he is, do you see him much?"

"My father is the head of the Alfegan desk in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry. I don't get to see him all that often, but he has been a good father when he was around."

Leopold's parents liked Allison; she was quite friendly and likable. Leopold's father had excused himself so he could go to the drink table. "You've raised a fine daughter, Allison." Leopold's mother said. "I'm sure she and my son will have a great life together."

"We tried. Your son has been absolutely great for our daughter. She used to be such a work-a-holic, never settling on one man. We used to despair of her finding that one special person. Ever since she met Leopold... she's been happier than i've ever seen her."

OOC: Hope that you don't mind if I get this show on the road.

OOC: I do not mind.

IC: As the Judge that had agreed to perform the wedding walked down the aisle, everyone quieted down and took their seats. When everyone was in place, he spoke.

"I have been invited here this day the request of today's happy couple to officiate over this joyous union."

A minor official came from the rear of the tent, and spoke to the organist. When Leopold was in place, the organist began playing the strains of "Here comes the bride." Ericka came into the tent, escorted by her father, who was beaming. Ericka looked like an angel in her dress, and hung onto Leopold's arm when her father gave her to him.

Leopold was speechless when he looked at Ericka in her wedding dress; she looked absolutely stunning in his eyes and he was truly thankful that she would be his wife. He had it all now; a good paying job, a good house, a good wife....what else could he ask for?

The Judge spoke again. "If anyone knows of a just reason that these two should not be wed, then speak now, or forever keep your peace." There had been some fears that a certain person from Imperial Isa would try to disrupt the wedding, but President Stinson had a Brigade of reserve foot infantry with AR-44 assault rifles providing security. In any case, no one said anything, so things went on.

Finally, it came time for the vows. The Judge indicated that Leopold was to go first with his vow.

"At first, I thought that my first meeting with Ericka was solely going to be a simple diplomatic meeting and then we would part ways but now....now we are madly in love. Love, I feel, comes around into our lives when we least expect it and I feel that ever since Ericka came into my life that my life has been made complete and I am so thankful that she came into it. Ericka, I promise to be a loving, supporting and caring husband and that despite any arguments we will have...that I will always try to heal the wounds."

---



"It reminds me of my relationship with General Iulius in Damirez. But, I think that i'll wait to tell both you and your wife about that. I am glad that you and your family is doing well. And don't worry, i'll take very good care of Eleonore."

"Congratulations, Tanya! I knew that you would find yourself a man and I'm sure my wife will want to know more about him. Let's find her, shall we? Also, I'm sure Eleonore is in good hands."



"My father is the head of the Alfegan desk in the Lamonian Foreign Ministry. I don't get to see him all that often, but he has been a good father when he was around."

"My father is the head of the Lamonian desk and he's a good father when he is around. I remember when I went to work with him; it was interesting to see all the offices and the like. Claudia, tell me more about yourself. Do you have hobbies? Interests?"

"We tried. Your son has been absolutely great for our daughter. She used to be such a work-a-holic, never settling on one man. We used to despair of her finding that one special person. Ever since she met Leopold... she's been happier than i've ever seen her."

"I think I've seen changes in Leopold too. My son was usually focused on other things and never seemed to have an interest in romance as other people I know but now....I know that he is truly happy to have met Ericka. You would not believe how passionately he loves her now and how he feels that she has made his life complete."

"At first, I thought that my first meeting with Ericka was solely going to be a simple diplomatic meeting and then we would part ways but now....now we are madly in love. Love, I feel, comes around into our lives when we least expect it and I feel that ever since Ericka came into my life that my life has been made complete and I am so thankful that she came into it. Ericka, I promise to be a loving, supporting and caring husband and that despite any arguments we will have...that I will always try to heal the wounds."

And it came to be Ericka's turn.

"I used to be a work-a-holic, never able to stay with one man for long. Then I met Leopold; and neither one of us has been able to stay away from each other since. As Leopold said, we are both madly in love with each other, and I promise to stay by Leopold's side until death. I promise to be a faithful wife, and to love and support Leopold for better or worse, richer or poorer, for as long as we both shall live."

---

"Congratulations, Tanya! I knew that you would find yourself a man and I'm sure my wife will want to know more about him. Let's find her, shall we? Also, I'm sure Eleonore is in good hands."

Without much else to do at the moment, (and wanting to meet another of her friends) Tanya followed Gustav as they went in search of his wife, Julliette.

"My father is the head of the Lamonian desk and he's a good father when he is around. I remember when I went to work with him; it was interesting to see all the offices and the like. Claudia, tell me more about yourself. Do you have hobbies? Interests?"

"I am sixteen years old, and though my father is the head of the Alfegan desk, I have never been to Alfegos. In fact, i've never been anywhere outside of Lamoni as yet. I remember how all of the other kids in school would talk about how they go to go see their father at work, but my father didn't do any of that. I hope that I don't sound bitter, though.

You asked about my hobbies? I enjoy rock music, action movies, being on the beach, talking with my friends, and jogging."

"I think I've seen changes in Leopold too. My son was usually focused on other things and never seemed to have an interest in romance as other people I know but now....I know that he is truly happy to have met Ericka. You would not believe how passionately he loves her now and how he feels that she has made his life complete."

Ericka's mother smiled. "That would be an apt description for how my daughter feels about Leopold. As if they each have filled in a hole in the other with what is lacking. It's been so very exciting, and touching at the same time."

And it came to be Ericka's turn.

"I used to be a work-a-holic, never able to stay with one man for long. Then I met Leopold; and neither one of us has been able to stay away from each other since. As Leopold said, we are both madly in love with each other, and I promise to stay by Leopold's side until death. I promise to be a faithful wife, and to love and support Leopold for better or worse, richer or poorer, for as long as we both shall live."

Leopold smiled at Ericka. He was glad to hear such words from her and was sure that their marriage would be successful. When his fiancee finished her vow, Leopold looked at the judge and was prepared to seal the marriage with a kiss.

---



Without much else to do at the moment, (and wanting to meet another of her friends) Tanya followed Gustav as they went in search of his wife, Julliette.

Juliette could be seen in the distance and she noticed Gustav and Tanya walking towards her with a smile on her face. She waved at them and began speaking happily. "It is nice to see you again, Tanya."



"I am sixteen years old, and though my father is the head of the Alfegan desk, I have never been to Alfegos. In fact, i've never been anywhere outside of Lamoni as yet. I remember how all of the other kids in school would talk about how they go to go see their father at work, but my father didn't do any of that. I hope that I don't sound bitter, though.

You asked about my hobbies? I enjoy rock music, action movies, being on the beach, talking with my friends, and jogging."

"I am sixteen years old too and I've never been to Lamoni until now actually. My father tries to be there with us whenever he can but I understand when he needs to work. As for my hobbies, they include watching movies, being with friends and listening to music. There are other things too but those are just some. Is there anything else about that I should know? Also, I think you are quite beautiful, Claudia. Do you have any admirers at school?"



Ericka's mother smiled. "That would be an apt description for how my daughter feels about Leopold. As if they each have filled in a hole in the other with what is lacking. It's been so very exciting, and touching at the same time."

"That is so true. I am sure that they will have a good marriage and hopefully they'll visit us and tell us stories about their life together. After all, our lives are like books that we write and marriage is a prominent chapter."

Leopold smiled at Ericka. He was glad to hear such words from her and was sure that their marriage would be successful. When his fiancee finished her vow, Leopold looked at the judge and was prepared to seal the marriage with a kiss.

The judge was ready. "With the power vested in me by the Free Republic of Lamoni, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Ericka turned towards Leopold, and her face moved towards his, waiting for him to lean in and kiss her.

---

Juliette could be seen in the distance and she noticed Gustav and Tanya walking towards her with a smile on her face. She waved at them and began speaking happily. "It is nice to see you again, Tanya."

"Hello Juliette. It's good to see you as well. Do you remember when you told me that i'd eventually find a man?"

"I am sixteen years old too and I've never been to Lamoni until now actually. My father tries to be there with us whenever he can but I understand when he needs to work. As for my hobbies, they include watching movies, being with friends and listening to music. There are other things too but those are just some. Is there anything else about that I should know? Also, I think you are quite beautiful, Claudia. Do you have any admirers at school?"

"I'm sure that you'll find Lamoni to be as great a country as I do. There is always plenty to do if you know where to look.

I do have admirers, but I think that you are more interesting than they are."

"That is so true. I am sure that they will have a good marriage and hopefully they'll visit us and tell us stories about their life together. After all, our lives are like books that we write and marriage is a prominent chapter."

"I'd be surprised if they didn't have a long and fruitful marriage."

The judge was ready. "With the power vested in me by the Free Republic of Lamoni, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Ericka turned towards Leopold, and her face moved towards his, waiting for him to lean in and kiss her.

Leopold took hold of Ericka and swept her off her feet with a kiss before looking at her calmly. From now on, she would be his wife.

---



"Hello Juliette. It's good to see you as well. Do you remember when you told me that i'd eventually find a man?"

Juliette grinned. "I do remember, Tanya. Can I assume that you fond yourself a man?"



"I'm sure that you'll find Lamoni to be as great a country as I do. There is always plenty to do if you know where to look.

I do have admirers, but I think that you are more interesting than they are."

Wilhelm smiled. "You find me more interesting than your admirers? Also, perhaps you could show me where to look in Lamoni for stuff to do...."


"I'd be surprised if they didn't have a long and fruitful marriage."

"I am sure they will."

Leopold took hold of Ericka and swept her off her feet with a kiss before looking at her calmly. From now on, she would be his wife.

Ericka savored the kiss from the man who was now her husband. When she opened her eyes again; the attendees were cheering the new Husband and Wife; but Ericka only noticed Leopold, who was looking her in the eyes. Ericka returned a look of love to the love of her life. "Let's go meet and greet everyone, my husband."

---

Juliette grinned. "I do remember, Tanya. Can I assume that you fond yourself a man?"

"While I was in Damirez with President Stinson for the public unveiling of The Delian League, I met an intriguing Damiren General named Iulius. You could say that he swept me off my feet. He had duties to perform in Damirez, or I would have brought him here to the wedding." Tanya's grin was just as wide as the one that her friend Juliette had.

Wilhelm smiled. "You find me more interesting than your admirers? Also, perhaps you could show me where to look in Lamoni for stuff to do...."

"Yes Wilhelm, I do find you to be more interesting. You seem to be more of the image of the proper aristocratic gentleman. I would love to get to know you a lot better. As for where to find things to do, do you think that you could come with me to Lemnos City? I have friends out here that you could meet, and we could do things."

"I am sure they will."

"How did the two of you meet?"

Ericka savored the kiss from the man who was now her husband. When she opened her eyes again; the attendees were cheering the new Husband and Wife; but Ericka only noticed Leopold, who was looking her in the eyes. Ericka returned a look of love to the love of her life. "Let's go meet and greet everyone, my husband."

Leopold smiled at his new Lamonian wife. "Yes; let us greet the multitudes of cheering friends and family members."

---



"While I was in Damirez with President Stinson for the public unveiling of The Delian League, I met an intriguing Damiren General named Iulius. You could say that he swept me off my feet. He had duties to perform in Damirez, or I would have brought him here to the wedding." Tanya's grin was just as wide as the one that her friend Juliette had.

"Congratulations, Tanya! Are you going to marry him? Tell me, what is he like? Is he madly in love with you?"



"Yes Wilhelm, I do find you to be more interesting. You seem to be more of the image of the proper aristocratic gentleman. I would love to get to know you a lot better. As for where to find things to do, do you think that you could come with me to Lemnos City? I have friends out here that you could meet, and we could do things."

"It would be a pleasure to visit Lemnos City with you; but I should tell my parents so they know. Also, you really think I have the image of an aristocratic gentleman? I think you have the image of a pretty lady myself, you know. Anywho, let's find my parents and arrange my visit to Lemnos City."



"How did the two of you meet?"

"It is a long story really but we first met when I was a new student at my husband's school; I had just moved to the area and he instantly fell in love with me when I arrived in class."

Leopold smiled at his new Lamonian wife. "Yes; let us greet the multitudes of cheering friends and family members."

Ericka led the way to the back of the tent, feeling confident that her husband would be following her. When all was ready, they began to greet the "multitudes of cheering friends and family members."

---

"Congratulations, Tanya! Are you going to marry him? Tell me, what is he like? Is he madly in love with you?"

"It's too soon yet to say if i'll marry him, but I do love him. He is tall, handsome, and he can seem distant to those who don't know him well enough, but there are depths there that seem to draw me in. And I would say that he is in love with me."

"It would be a pleasure to visit Lemnos City with you; but I should tell my parents so they know. Also, you really think I have the image of an aristocratic gentleman? I think you have the image of a pretty lady myself, you know. Anywho, let's find my parents and arrange my visit to Lemnos City."

"Yes Wilhelm, you really are the image of an aristocratic gentleman." Claudia blushed at the compliment... dare she call it flattery? Before she could reply to the comment about finding his parents, Wilhelm was already heading off into the crowd, forcing her to follow him.

"It is a long story really but we first met when I was a new student at my husband's school; I had just moved to the area and he instantly fell in love with me when I arrived in class."

Allison smiled. "Love at first sight? How wonderful. I met my husband by litterally running into him. It happened at an ice skating rink, and I was new to ice skating. I got onto the ice, and concentrated on not losing my balance. Unfortunately, I narrowly missed other people; and then ran right into him. He took one look at me... and we married two years later."

Ericka led the way to the back of the tent, feeling confident that her husband would be following her. When all was ready, they began to greet the "multitudes of cheering friends and family members."

Leopold immediately began to follow Ericka; greeting everyone who was cheering for them.
---



"It's too soon yet to say if i'll marry him, but I do love him. He is tall, handsome, and he can seem distant to those who don't know him well enough, but there are depths there that seem to draw me in. And I would say that he is in love with me."

"I'm glad to hear that you've found a man, Tanya. I hope that you'll invite me to the wedding if you have one; I'd love to see this Iulius fellow for myself one day."



"Yes Wilhelm, you really are the image of an aristocratic gentleman." Claudia blushed at the compliment... dare she call it flattery? Before she could reply to the comment about finding his parents, Wilhelm was already heading off into the crowd, forcing her to follow him.

Wilhelm found his mother talking to Tanya and smiled at Claudia. "That's my mother; she's a friend of the Foreign Minister of Lamoni through my father." After a few minutes, they found Gustav. "Father! I want you to meet this girl!"


Allison smiled. "Love at first sight? How wonderful. I met my husband by litterally running into him. It happened at an ice skating rink, and I was new to ice skating. I got onto the ice, and concentrated on not losing my balance. Unfortunately, I narrowly missed other people; and then ran right into him. He took one look at me... and we married two years later."

"That is a wonderful story and I'm glad to hear that it worked out. My own husband was a bit nervous to talk to me but he was able to charm me into loving him. He wasn't one of those jocks or nerds but somewhere in between; an intelligent man with plenty of strength. I can still remember my first date with him and the like."

Leopold immediately began to follow Ericka; greeting everyone who was cheering for them.

OOC: Your turn to lead events with the honeymoon.

---

IC: "I'm glad to hear that you've found a man, Tanya. I hope that you'll invite me to the wedding if you have one; I'd love to see this Iulius fellow for myself one day."

"If we do have a wedding, you'll be first on my guest list, Juliette."

Wilhelm found his mother talking to Tanya and smiled at Claudia. "That's my mother; she's a friend of the Foreign Minister of Lamoni through my father." After a few minutes, they found Gustav. "Father! I want you to meet this girl!"

"Hello Mr. Bergmann, I am Claudia Bergstrom." She shook hands with Wilhelm's father.

"That is a wonderful story and I'm glad to hear that it worked out. My own husband was a bit nervous to talk to me but he was able to charm me into loving him. He wasn't one of those jocks or nerds but somewhere in between; an intelligent man with plenty of strength. I can still remember my first date with him and the like."

"And now we celebrate the culmination of a new journey in love."

OOC: Your turn to lead events with the honeymoon.

OOC: Alright.

Leopold smiled at Ericka. "Let's go talk to the guests and get some of the food before its too late."

---

IC:

"If we do have a wedding, you'll be first on my guest list, Juliette."

Juliette smiled. "Excellent, Tanya. I hope that you have a strong relationship with Iulius."


"Hello Mr. Bergmann, I am Claudia Bergstrom." She shook hands with Wilhelm's father.

"It is nice to meet you, Ms. Bergstrom. I see you are spending time with my son; are you having a good time?


"And now we celebrate the culmination of a new journey in love."

"Hopefully the journey is not marred by strife."

Leopold smiled at Ericka. "Let's go talk to the guests and get some of the food before its too late."

Going to the opening at the rear of the tent, Ericka and Leopold met and thanked the guests that had attended the wedding. Included in this were President Stinson, and Empress Anastasia; who both received the longest amount of time with the new bride and groom. The guests were full of well wishes for the newlyweds, and some of them mentioned the wedding gifts that they had brought. After the guests had all been greeted, the reception began. After President Stinson provided the traditional toast, Ericka and Leopold started to open the wedding gifts.

---

Juliette smiled. "Excellent, Tanya. I hope that you have a strong relationship with Iulius."

"Thank you, Juliette. How are things with you and the rest of the family?"

"It is nice to meet you, Ms. Bergstrom. I see you are spending time with my son; are you having a good time?"

"Yes sir, I am. Wilhelm and I were wondering if I could 'borrow' him in order to show him around Lemnos City. Our chauffeur can drive us around, and make sure that we both remain safe."

"Hopefully the journey is not marred by strife."

"Who can say? I think that they will have a long and fruitful marriage, however."

Going to the opening at the rear of the tent, Ericka and Leopold met and thanked the guests that had attended the wedding. Included in this were President Stinson, and Empress Anastasia; who both received the longest amount of time with the new bride and groom. The guests were full of well wishes for the newlyweds, and some of them mentioned the wedding gifts that they had brought. After the guests had all been greeted, the reception began. After President Stinson provided the traditional toast, Ericka and Leopold started to open the wedding gifts.

Leopold smiled as he looked at the Empress' gift; a painting of newlyweds looking at the sunset together. He was impressed with how the painter made the painting so colorful and admirable and immediately showed Ericka. "Look how the colors mix so well, Ericka.....the Empress surely has given us an exquisite painting." Leopold kept the smile on his face as he continued to open the wedding gifts with his Lamonian wife.

---




"Thank you, Juliette. How are things with you and the rest of the family?"

"They have been excellent, my friend. Truly excellent."


"Yes sir, I am. Wilhelm and I were wondering if I could 'borrow' him in order to show him around Lemnos City. Our chauffeur can drive us around, and make sure that we both remain safe."

Gustav smiled. "I do not see why you cannot borrow him for a while. Sure, he can go with you."



"Who can say? I think that they will have a long and fruitful marriage, however."

"Pretty soon we'll be swarmed by grandchildren."

Leopold smiled as he looked at the Empress' gift; a painting of newlyweds looking at the sunset together. He was impressed with how the painter made the painting so colorful and admirable and immediately showed Ericka. "Look how the colors mix so well, Ericka.....the Empress surely has given us an exquisite painting." Leopold kept the smile on his face as he continued to open the wedding gifts with his Lamonian wife.

Ericka looked at the painting, and immediately liked it. "It really is exquisite. I think that that would look good hanging over the mantle." Ericka's smile matched her husband's as the two opened more wedding presents. The gift from President Stinson was a note saying there was a helicopter out back ready to take the newlyweds to Lemnos City International in order to catch their flight to Neo-Ixania for their honeymoon.

---

"They have been excellent, my friend. Truly excellent."

"Are you enjoying what you've seen of Lamoni so far? And is this the start of the Lamonian vacation that we were talking about back in Ixania?"

Gustav smiled. "I do not see why you cannot borrow him for a while. Sure, he can go with you."

"Thank you, Mr. Bergmann. He'll be well taken care of. Come with me, Wilhelm."

"Pretty soon we'll be swarmed by grandchildren."

"And they say that the one thing that every mother wants from their children beyond success in life is grandchildren."

Ericka looked at the painting, and immediately liked it. "It really is exquisite. I think that that would look good hanging over the mantle." Ericka's smile matched her husband's as the two opened more wedding presents. The gift from President Stinson was a note saying there was a helicopter out back ready to take the newlyweds to Lemnos City International in order to catch their flight to Neo-Ixania for their honeymoon.

"Indeed; this painting shows us that the Ixanian Empire has talented artists throughout its timeline of history. I am sure we will be able to find uses for all of the gifts that we recieve."

---



"Are you enjoying what you've seen of Lamoni so far? And is this the start of the Lamonian vacation that we were talking about back in Ixania?"

"I have greatly enjoyed what I have seen of Lamoni so far and Gustav and I will start the vacation sometime in the next week or so....we don't have any of our travel items with us."


"Thank you, Mr. Bergmann. He'll be well taken care of. Come with me, Wilhelm."

Wilhelm smiled as he immediately began following Claudia; wondering where they would be going first.


"And they say that the one thing that every mother wants from their children beyond success in life is grandchildren."

"Indeed. They are treasures which spawn from treasures."

"Indeed; this painting shows us that the Ixanian Empire has talented artists throughout its timeline of history. I am sure we will be able to find uses for all of the gifts that we recieve."

In response, Ericka handed Leopold the first gift that she had opened. It was from her boss, and it was an abridged book of Lamonian poetry. She felt that Leopold might enjoy that.

---

"I have greatly enjoyed what I have seen of Lamoni so far and Gustav and I will start the vacation sometime in the next week or so....we don't have any of our travel items with us."

"I understand. Let me know when you are ready, and I can even meet you at the airport."

Wilhelm smiled as he immediately began following Claudia; wondering where they would be going first.

The first place that the pair went to was a car, and the car was driven by Claudia's mother. "This is my mother, Karin. Mother, meet Wilhelm. He's the son of the former head of Ixania's Lamoni desk at their Foreign Ministry."

"Greetings, Wilhelm. Claudia's father would be most delighted to meet you as well. That is, if our daughter doesn't occupy all of your time."

"Indeed. They are treasures which spawn from treasures."

"Agreed."

In response, Ericka handed Leopold the first gift that she had opened. It was from her boss, and it was an abridged book of Lamonian poetry. She felt that Leopold might enjoy that.

"A book of Lamonian poetry? It will be nice to see the literary and poetic talents of the Lamonian people; especially if its in the morning with the birds chirping."

---



"I understand. Let me know when you are ready, and I can even meet you at the airport."

"Well, all of our stuff is back in Ixania....but we can surely get it before our vacation begins. I'd love to meet you at the airport...and I hope that we can meet Eleonore from time to time to see how she is doing."



The first place that the pair went to was a car, and the car was driven by Claudia's mother. "This is my mother, Karin. Mother, meet Wilhelm. He's the son of the former head of Ixania's Lamoni desk at their Foreign Ministry."

"Greetings, Wilhelm. Claudia's father would be most delighted to meet you as well. That is, if our daughter doesn't occupy all of your time."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bergstrom." Wilhelm said before laughing a little. "I'm sure she wouldn't occupy all of my time; after all I am sure she would like me to meet her father."

"A book of Lamonian poetry? It will be nice to see the literary and poetic talents of the Lamonian people; especially if its in the morning with the birds chirping."

"Well, we do know what we'll be doing tonight, don't we?" Ericka said with a husky voice. The wedding was held in mid-morning so that they would have most of the rest of the day to reach Ixania for their honeymoon.

---

"Well, all of our stuff is back in Ixania....but we can surely get it before our vacation begins. I'd love to meet you at the airport...and I hope that we can meet Eleonore from time to time to see how she is doing."


"You can come visit Eleonore anytime that you like. I was thinking of taking Eleonore on a tour of Lamoni to start with, sort of a familiarization to the country. And, it would also give Eleonore and myself time to adjust to simply being with each other, which will also be important.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bergstrom." Wilhelm said before laughing a little. "I'm sure she wouldn't occupy all of my time; after all I am sure she would like me to meet her father."

OOC: How long should Wilhelm be away with Claudia and Company?

IC: Claudia blushed slightly at the joke, but agreed that she would like Wilhelm to meet her father at some point. "Wilhelm, how would you like to go to a skating rink?" she asked.

bump

\Well, we do know what we'll be doing tonight, don't we?" Ericka said with a husky voice. The wedding was held in mid-morning so that they would have most of the rest of the day to reach Ixania for their honeymoon.

Leopold grinned. "We will have a pleasurable night together, my love."

---



"You can come visit Eleonore anytime that you like. I was thinking of taking Eleonore on a tour of Lamoni to start with, sort of a familiarization to the country. And, it would also give Eleonore and myself time to adjust to simply being with each other, which will also be important.

Juliette smiled. "Eleonore would absolutely love a tour of Lamoni and I am sure that you will get along well with her. At times she can be challenging to deal with but she is generally a good child."



OOC: How long should Wilhelm be away with Claudia and Company?

IC: Claudia blushed slightly at the joke, but agreed that she would like Wilhelm to meet her father at some point. "Wilhelm, how would you like to go to a skating rink?" she asked.

OOC: An hour or so perhaps?

"A skating rink sounds like a good place to visit. Sure. I just hope that they have skates that fit." Wilhelm said with a smile.

Leopold grinned. "We will have a pleasurable night together, my love."

Ericka grinned as well. "I'm counting on it," she said before giving Leopold a kiss..

---

Juliette smiled. "Eleonore would absolutely love a tour of Lamoni and I am sure that you will get along well with her. At times she can be challenging to deal with but she is generally a good child."

"I am sure that such will be the case. What did you think of the wedding, Juliette?"

"A skating rink sounds like a good place to visit. Sure. I just hope that they have skates that fit." Wilhelm said with a smile.

After getting to the skating rink, Claudia paid for the skates, figuring that Wilhelm didn't have much (if any) Lamonian Rushanna's to use. When they were on the ice, Claudia skated like a natural, and she skated in a circle in order to see how Wilhelm was doing.

Ericka grinned as well. "I'm counting on it," she said before giving Leopold a kiss..

"Tonight shall be a night of passion, my Lamonian damsel. I can assure you of that." Leopold whispered into her ear.

---



"I am sure that such will be the case. What did you think of the wedding, Juliette?"

"It was great! It reminded me of my own wedding with Gustav. You should visit me again; I can show you the wedding pictures and you must see me in my wedding dress, I was the talk of the town!"


After getting to the skating rink, Claudia paid for the skates, figuring that Wilhelm didn't have much (if any) Lamonian Rushanna's to use. When they were on the ice, Claudia skated like a natural, and she skated in a circle in order to see how Wilhelm was doing.

"I skate like a natural, Claudia but yet I have not done much skating recently."

Wilhelm was skating all over the place and occassionally would stop to talk to Claudia. He had not skated much often but he did alot when he was teaching Eleonore. Despite his occassional arguments with his younger sister he cared for her alot. "Do you have any siblings, Claudia? I have one younger sister, Eleonore. She's visiting Lamoni in the company of your Foreign Minister."

"Tonight shall be a night of passion, my Lamonian damsel. I can assure you of that." Leopold whispered into her ear.

Ericka cast the kind of look meant for only one other person at Leopold. The reception was almost over, and Ericka was ready to start her new life with her husband. The photographer had already handed her instructions for how to have their wedding photos delivered to them once they had been professionally developed.

---

"It was great! It reminded me of my own wedding with Gustav. You should visit me again; I can show you the wedding pictures and you must see me in my wedding dress, I was the talk of the town!"

"I'll visit you again sometime, you can count on that. However, we have your vacation here in Lamoni to think about first. I would also love to see your wedding pictures, Juliette."

"I skate like a natural, Claudia but yet I have not done much skating recently."

Wilhelm was skating all over the place and occasionally would stop to talk to Claudia. He had not skated much often but he did alot when he was teaching Eleonore. Despite his occasional arguments with his younger sister he cared for her alot. "Do you have any siblings, Claudia? I have one younger sister, Eleonore. She's visiting Lamoni in the company of your Foreign Minister."

"I had heard rumors that an Ixanian was going to live with the Foreign Minister, but I didn't think that she would be your sister, Wilhelm. And to answer your question, I have a younger brother, he is 12." Claudia saw her father watching them from the side of the rink, and pointed him out to Wilhelm. "That is my father, Wilhelm. What say we go over and meet him?"

Ericka cast the kind of look meant for only one other person at Leopold. The reception was almost over, and Ericka was ready to start her new life with her husband. The photographer had already handed her instructions for how to have their wedding photos delivered to them once they had been professionally developed.

"Ericka, do you think we should take our leave soon?"

---



"I'll visit you again sometime, you can count on that. However, we have your vacation here in Lamoni to think about first. I would also love to see your wedding pictures, Juliette."

"If you ever visit me in Ixania again; I'll be glad to show you them."



"I had heard rumors that an Ixanian was going to live with the Foreign Minister, but I didn't think that she would be your sister, Wilhelm. And to answer your question, I have a younger brother, he is 12." Claudia saw her father watching them from the side of the rink, and pointed him out to Wilhelm. "That is my father, Wilhelm. What say we go over and meet him?"

"My younger sister, Eleonore, is going to be living with the Foreign Minister of Lamoni as a foreign exchange student. She is fourteen, Claudia, and I care for her alot even if she can be annoying." Wilhelm said with a smile. "Yes, let's go meet your father."

"Ericka, do you think we should take our leave soon?"

"Yes, I think that we should leave soon."

---

"If you ever visit me in Ixania again; I'll be glad to show you them."

"I'm sure that i'll be in Ixania again at some point, Juliette. And you can be sure that i'll be staying at your place if available."

"My younger sister, Eleonore, is going to be living with the Foreign Minister of Lamoni as a foreign exchange student. She is fourteen, Claudia, and I care for her alot even if she can be annoying." Wilhelm said with a smile. "Yes, let's go meet your father."

Claudia led the way to her father, and introduced Wilhelm to him. Aldus Bergstrom cut a striking visage; his features looked like they had been carved out of a mountain.

"I am pleased to meet you, Wilhelm. I heard that my daughter had met someone new, so I had to see for myself. I'm sorry that I don't have much time, but my work calls yet again. Have a good time, Claudia."

"I will, father," She replied. Claudia went back to skating, and stopped at a place where someone had conveniently hung Mistletoe up in the roof supports.

Yes, I think that we should leave soon."

"Let's start saying goodbye to the guests then."

---



"I'm sure that i'll be in Ixania again at some point, Juliette. And you can be sure that i'll be staying at your place if available."

"I'm glad to hear that and I hope we can keep in touch too. Just tell me when you'll be coming over to visit."



Claudia led the way to her father, and introduced Wilhelm to him. Aldus Bergstrom cut a striking visage; his features looked like they had been carved out of a mountain.

"I am pleased to meet you, Wilhelm. I heard that my daughter had met someone new, so I had to see for myself. I'm sorry that I don't have much time, but my work calls yet again. Have a good time, Claudia."

"I will, father," She replied. Claudia went back to skating, and stopped at a place where someone had conveniently hung Mistletoe up in the roof supports.

"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Bergstrom. Claudia has told me much about you and it is nice to meet a diplomat who is just like my father."

As Wilhelm began skating again, he skated up to Claudia and smiled at her; noticing the mistletoe and expecting her to lean in for a kiss....although he could always take the move himself.

"Let's start saying goodbye to the guests then."

Ericka joined her husband in saying goodbye to the guests. When they were finished the two of them might have seen the fact that they had a human corridor to the helicopter that was to take them to the airport for their flight. They might also have noticed the rice that was in the hands of all of the people that formed the corridor. Running through the corridor, rice started getting (softly) thrown at Ericka, and she thought that she saw people throwing it at her husband as well.

Once they were safely seated and belted into the helicopter, it lifted off from the ground, and proceeded to take the couple towards Lemnos International Airport. From there, they could catch a LamoniAir flight to Neo-Ixania, with a layover at Skyhaven International Airport.

---

"I'm glad to hear that and I hope we can keep in touch too. Just tell me when you'll be coming over to visit."

The human corridor was starting to form as Juliette said this, and Tanya replied as she stepped next to her friend in the 'formation.' "I'll let you know, and i'll see if Eleonore's Lamonian class schedule will allow her to visit as well the next time that I am in Ixania, Juliette."

"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Bergstrom. Claudia has told me much about you and it is nice to meet a diplomat who is just like my father."

As Wilhelm began skating again, he skated up to Claudia and smiled at her; noticing the mistletoe and expecting her to lean in for a kiss....although he could always take the move himself.

Claudia did indeed lean in for a kiss. It was one of the things that she had been hoping for, to be honest. She was very much attracted to Wilhelm, and she hoped that he might possibly feel the same way about her.

Ericka joined her husband in saying goodbye to the guests. When they were finished the two of them might have seen the fact that they had a human corridor to the helicopter that was to take them to the airport for their flight. They might also have noticed the rice that was in the hands of all of the people that formed the corridor. Running through the corridor, rice started getting (softly) thrown at Ericka, and she thought that she saw people throwing it at her husband as well.

Once they were safely seated and belted into the helicopter, it lifted off from the ground, and proceeded to take the couple towards Lemnos International Airport. From there, they could catch a LamoniAir flight to Neo-Ixania, with a layover at Skyhaven International Airport.

Leopold noticed the people throwing rice at him and Ericka but he did not mind it as he held Ericka's hand; leading her to the helicopter. "May this day, my love, be the first day of a strong, fruitful and happy marriage!"

---

The human corridor was starting to form as Juliette said this, and Tanya replied as she stepped next to her friend in the 'formation.' "I'll let you know, and i'll see if Eleonore's Lamonian class schedule will allow her to visit as well the next time that I am in Ixania, Juliette."

"Thank you, Tanya; I am sure you will take great care of her."

Claudia did indeed lean in for a kiss. It was one of the things that she had been hoping for, to be honest. She was very much attracted to Wilhelm, and she hoped that he might possibly feel the same way about her.

Wilhelm did lean in and gave Claudia a kiss before he simply smiled at her. "That was a nice kiss, Claudia but let's get some more skating in before we have to leave."

Leopold noticed the people throwing rice at him and Ericka but he did not mind it as he held Ericka's hand; leading her to the helicopter. "May this day, my love, be the first day of a strong, fruitful and happy marriage!"

"I'm sure that it will be, my husband."

Once at Skyhaven International, they boarded the special LamoniAir flight direct for Neo-Ixania, and their honeymoon.

---

"Thank you, Tanya; I am sure you will take great care of her."

"I will."

Wilhelm did lean in and gave Claudia a kiss before he simply smiled at her. "That was a nice kiss, Claudia but let's get some more skating in before we have to leave."

Claudia and Wilhelm did indeed skate until time ran out. As the two got off of the ice, Claudia intentionally made it look like she had unintentionally slipped while trying to get onto the floor, and hoped that Wilhelm would be quick enough to catch her.

"I'm sure that it will be, my husband."

Once at Skyhaven International, they boarded the special LamoniAir flight direct for Neo-Ixania, and their honeymoon.

"Although I was interested in a Lamonian honeymoon, it would not be a problem to show you the romantic sites of Ixania, Ericka."

---



"I will."

"Good."



Claudia and Wilhelm did indeed skate until time ran out. As the two got off of the ice, Claudia intentionally made it look like she had unintentionally slipped while trying to get onto the floor, and hoped that Wilhelm would be quick enough to catch her.[/QUOTE]

Wilhelm was quick enough to catch her but sensed that she may have feigned slipping unintentionally; as if to catch his attention but he simply smiled at her. "Are you alright, Claudia?"

"Although I was interested in a Lamonian honeymoon, it would not be a problem to show you the romantic sites of Ixania, Ericka."

"There is still time to have the pilot turn the plane around if you really wish to, my husband." Said in a teasing tone of voice, it didn't stop Ericka from leaning toward her husband for a kiss.

Wilhelm was quick enough to catch her but sensed that she may have feigned slipping unintentionally; as if to catch his attention, but he simply smiled at her. "Are you alright, Claudia?"

Claudia smiled up at Wilhelm. "I'm fine, Wilhelm. I guess that I just wasn't paying attention to what I was doing."

"There is still time to have the pilot turn the plane around if you really wish to, my husband." Said in a teasing tone of voice, it didn't stop Ericka from leaning toward her husband for a kiss.

Leopold kissed Ericka before smiling. "No, no; we can still go to Ixania but we must, one day, see the romantic sights of Lamoni together."

Claudia smiled up at Wilhelm. "I'm fine, Wilhelm. I guess that I just wasn't paying attention to what I was doing."

"I understand, Claudia. Do you want to depart from the skating rink and visit another place now?"

Leopold kissed Ericka before smiling. "No, no; we can still go to Ixania but we must, one day, see the romantic sights of Lamoni together."

"That we shall do, my husband."

"I understand, Claudia. Do you want to depart from the skating rink and visit another place now?"

"Is there anything in particular that you'd like to see, or shall I pick another place, Wilhelm?"

"That we shall do, my husband."

"We shall start our own family and live in blissful prosperity and peace together; we shall be surrounded by the aura of tender love."



"Is there anything in particular that you'd like to see, or shall I pick another place, Wilhelm?"

"You know alot more about this city than I do, Claudia, so you can pick the next place."

"We shall start our own family and live in blissful prosperity and peace together; we shall be surrounded by the aura of tender love."

"Can't wait for tonight, can you, Romeo?" An amused smile played over Ericka's face.

"You know alot more about this city than I do, Claudia, so you can pick the next place."

"Are you hungry Wilhelm? I know of a restaurant about two blocks from here that is pretty good."

"Can't wait for tonight, can you, Romeo?" An amused smile played over Ericka's face.

"The marriage bed awaits us, Juliet."

"Are you hungry Wilhelm? I know of a restaurant about two blocks from here that is pretty good."

Wilhelm smiled. "I am somewhat hungry but would not mind partaking in a hearty portion of Lamonian food. Let's go, Claudia."

"The marriage bed awaits us, Juliet."

"And Romeo can't wait to ravish Juliet, eh? Well, Juliet can't wait to ravage her Romeo, either."

Wilhelm smiled. "I am somewhat hungry but would not mind partaking in a hearty portion of Lamonian food. Let's go, Claudia."

"Follow me then, Wilhelm." The two walked until they reached a door with a sign proclaiming the name of the restaurant to be Meyer's. Entering, you could see that this was one of those hole in the wall places that had clearly been expanded as business had grown. After being seated at a table by a waitress, they were given menus. Claudia decided that she would have the grilled Lamb with Naan bread ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naan ), and salad. She would have water to drink.

And Romeo can't wait to ravish Juliet, eh? Well, Juliet can't wait to ravage her Romeo, either."

"Romeo promises to give Juliet one....very pleasurable night."


"Follow me then, Wilhelm." The two walked until they reached a door with a sign proclaiming the name of the restaurant to be Meyer's. Entering, you could see that this was one of those hole in the wall places that had clearly been expanded as business had grown. After being seated at a table by a waitress, they were given menus. Claudia decided that she would have the grilled Lamb with Naan bread ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naan ), and salad. She would have water to drink.

"This looks like a nice place to eat, Claudia. What do you recommend me having tonight?"

"Romeo promises to give Juliet one....very pleasurable night."

Ericka cuddled up to her husband, and said, "Mmmmmmmmmm... that sounds wonderful."

"This looks like a nice place to eat, Claudia. What do you recommend me having tonight?"

"Well, I am having the Grilled Lamb with Naan, and salad. Might I suggest that you try the same, Wilhelm? Why don't you tell me more about yourself while we wait for the waiter to come back?"

Ericka cuddled up to her husband, and said, "Mmmmmmmmmm... that sounds wonderful."

"I love you, Ericka. Thank you so much for coming into my life."



"Well, I am having the Grilled Lamb with Naan, and salad. Might I suggest that you try the same, Wilhelm? Why don't you tell me more about yourself while we wait for the waiter to come back?"

"Sure, I'll order the Grilled Lamb with Naan. As for some information about myself, well......I have plenty of interests such as art, literature, music and travel. I also enjoy trying new foods and beverages and I have spent time with my sister on occassions; I truly care for her and protect her often."

"I love you, Ericka. Thank you so much for coming into my life."

"Thank you for coming into my life, Leopold."

"Sure, I'll order the Grilled Lamb with Naan. As for some information about myself, well......I have plenty of interests such as art, literature, music and travel. I also enjoy trying new foods and beverages and I have spent time with my sister on occasions; I truly care for her and protect her often."

"That all sounds quite admirable, Wilhelm." The waiter came back, and asked them what they wanted to eat, and Claudia let Wilhelm order first.

"Thank you for coming into my life, Leopold."

"All we need now is some children...."

"That all sounds quite admirable, Wilhelm." The waiter came back, and asked them what they wanted to eat, and Claudia let Wilhelm order first.

"We will order two servings of Grilled Lamb with Naan, sir."

"All we need now is some children...."

"I'm sure that they'll come when we are good and ready, Leopold."

"We will order two servings of Grilled Lamb with Naan, sir."

"Very good sir. Do you want something to drink with that?"

"All we need now is some children...."

[QUOTE]"I'm sure that they'll come when we are good and ready, Leopold."

"Hopefully they are all born as healthy newborns with no medical problems...."



"Very good sir. Do you want something to drink with that?"

"Yes, please. Do you recommend any non-alcoholic drinks?"

"Hopefully they are all born as healthy newborns with no medical problems...."

"It's not as if modern medical science can ensure that even two healthy adult parents will only have healthy newborns, Leopold. If even one of our children have some type of medical problem, it will not make me love them any less; it just means that we will have to take special care of them."

"Yes, please. Do you recommend any non-alcoholic drinks?"

"Certainly, sir. We have water, soft drinks, milkshakes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and various fruit juices."

"It's not as if modern medical science can ensure that even two healthy adult parents will only have healthy newborns, Leopold. If even one of our children have some type of medical problem, it will not make me love them any less; it just means that we will have to take special care of them."

"I would love our children even if they had medical problems, Ericka, it was just that.....I had hoped that I would not have to go through the problems parents of special children faced was all. I can admit that to you."

"Certainly, sir. We have water, soft drinks, milkshakes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and various fruit juices."

"I think I will have a soft drink."

"I would love our children even if they had medical problems, Ericka, it was just that.....I had hoped that I would not have to go through the problems parents of special children faced was all. I can admit that to you."

"Well, it all really comes down to random chance, so you might get your wish, and you might not. No one can really predict this kind of thing. However, I can say that we are both healthy adults; so the odds are in our favor."

"I think I will have a soft drink."

"Root beer, cola, spicy cola (OOC: think Dr. Pepper), Orange, or Tingler (OOC: think Sprite)?"

"Well, it all really comes down to random chance, so you might get your wish, and you might not. No one can really predict this kind of thing. However, I can say that we are both healthy adults; so the odds are in our favor."

"I am sure that we will be blessed with healthy children who shall bring a joyful bliss into our lives for many years, my love. However, no matter whether he have children or not....my life shall always be great because you will be there at my side."


"Root beer, cola, spicy cola (OOC: think Dr. Pepper), Orange, or Tingler (OOC: think Sprite)?"

"I will have a glass of orange soda please."

"I am sure that we will be blessed with healthy children who shall bring a joyful bliss into our lives for many years, my love. However, no matter whether he have children or not....my life shall always be great because you will be there at my side."

"My life will also be great because you will be there at my side. So, where are we going to in Ixania?"

"I will have a glass of orange soda please."

Claudia ordered Root Beer, and the water left the table. "So, what has your life been like, Wilhelm?"

My life will also be great because you will be there at my side. So, where are we going to in Ixania?"

"We'll be going to several places actually, Ericka. You'll be able to see all sorts of things such as Ixania's natural beauty."

Claudia ordered Root Beer, and the water left the table. "So, what has your life been like, Wilhelm?"

"My life has been good so far; I've got loving parents, a home for myself and I live in a good and exciting city."

"We'll be going to several places actually, Ericka. You'll be able to see all sorts of things such as Ixania's natural beauty."

"That sounds very interesting, Leopold."

With those words out of her mouth, the pilot started the basic descent messages, and the plane was on the ground in Neo-Ixania a half hour later. When they were off of the plane and had retrieved their bags, Ericka looked to her husband to see what he was going to do next.

"My life has been good so far; I've got loving parents, a home for myself and I live in a good and exciting city."

"Care to tell me more about you city, Wilhelm?"

"That sounds very interesting, Leopold."

With those words out of her mouth, the pilot started the basic descent messages, and the plane was on the ground in Neo-Ixania a half hour later. When they were off of the plane and had retrieved their bags, Ericka looked to her husband to see what he was going to do next.

Leopold kissed Ericka and smiled. "We'll go to my home first to unpack, Ericka....it's just so that we can settle down in our home before we get started on our honeymoon."



"Care to tell me more about you city, Wilhelm?"

"Tzargrad is a cosmopolitan metropolis filled with many cathedrals, museums, theatres and adorned with plenty of luxuries for everyone to enjoy. My father and mother were both born in the city although all of my ancestors originate in the German lands which are thousands of miles away from here. I don't have any Ixanian blood in me really; I'm mainly German. There are many schools of all sorts in Tzargrad and the Empress and her family live there. I've never met the Empress but I think my father has...I should ask him."

Leopold kissed Ericka and smiled. "We'll go to my home first to unpack, Ericka....it's just so that we can settle down in our home before we get started on our honeymoon."

"That will be fine, Leopold." Ericka still savored every kiss that they shared.

"Tzargrad is a cosmopolitan metropolis filled with many cathedrals, museums, theaters and adorned with plenty of luxuries for everyone to enjoy. My father and mother were both born in the city although all of my ancestors originate in the German lands which are thousands of miles away from here. I don't have any Ixanian blood in me really; I'm mainly German. There are many schools of all sorts in Tzargrad and the Empress and her family live there. I've never met the Empress but I think my father has...I should ask him."

"It sounds like Tzargrad is a very nice city, and I would like to visit there sometime."

"That will be fine, Leopold." Ericka still savored every kiss that they shared.

"You know....when I first met you, I never thought I'd marry you." Leopold said with a smile.

"It sounds like Tzargrad is a very nice city, and I would like to visit there sometime."

"I could arrange a visit for you, Claudia. Are you interested?"

"You know....when I first met you, I never thought I'd marry you." Leopold said with a smile.

"Oh, what were you thinking at the time?"

"I could arrange a visit for you, Claudia. Are you interested?"

"Certainly. Then YOU could play tour guide for me, Wilhelm."

"Oh, what were you thinking at the time?"

"I was thinking that I was just meeting a very beautiful, professional and attractive woman whom I assumed wouldn't be my wife but I have no regrets about marrying you, Ericka. There could not have been any other woman better than you enough to make me marry them."



"Certainly. Then YOU could play tour guide for me, Wilhelm."

"We'll arrange it with my father; he'll be able to secure you a visit."

"I was thinking that I was just meeting a very beautiful, professional and attractive woman whom I assumed wouldn't be my wife but I have no regrets about marrying you, Ericka. There could not have been any other woman better than you enough to make me marry them."

"I thought that I was meeting a very handsome man. I also thought that you might have been married until I saw that there were no pictures of the wife and kids on your desk. It is a universal human maxim that if you are married, there will be pictures of the loved one and kids on their work desk."

"We'll arrange it with my father; he'll be able to secure you a visit."

"Thank you Wilhelm, I would enjoy that very much."

"I thought that I was meeting a very handsome man. I also thought that you might have been married until I saw that there were no pictures of the wife and kids on your desk. It is a universal human maxim that if you are married, there will be pictures of the loved one and kids on their work desk."

"You should expect a picture of you and our kids on my desk, my love. I can remember seeing other diplomats, including Mr. Bergmann, with such pictures and even Ixania's Foreign Ministry has some."


"Thank you Wilhelm, I would enjoy that very much."

"After dinner, do you mind if we start looking for him or do you want to show me more of the city first?"

"You should expect a picture of you and our kids on my desk, my love. I can remember seeing other diplomats, including Mr. Bergmann, with such pictures and even Ixania's Foreign Ministry has some."

"I would expect nothing less from you, Leopold."

"After dinner, do you mind if we start looking for him or do you want to show me more of the city first?"

"Which one would you enjoy more, Wilhelm?"

"I would expect nothing less from you, Leopold."

OOC: Fast forwarding...

Leopold and Ericka arrived at Leopold's manor after some time of driving on the streets of Tzargrad; which was entirely lit up by the city's many lights. Leopold took off a part of his suit and smiled. "We had a good day today, my love. How shall we end our night?"

"Which one would you enjoy more, Wilhelm?

"Let's see more of the city first."

Leopold and Ericka arrived at Leopold's manor after some time of driving on the streets of Tzargrad; which was entirely lit up by the city's many lights. Leopold took off a part of his suit and smiled. "We had a good day today, my love. How shall we end our night?"

A kiss and a longing gaze was the answer that Leopold got. Well, the fact that Ericka was dragging into the bedroom didn't hurt, either.

"Let's see more of the city first."

"Alright." Claudia led Wilhelm to several more places. They went to a mall, then to an arcade, as well as to a movie theater, where they saw the movie Red Star. When the movie finished, they went to the beach, where Claudia was lost in the moment of being in a special place with a special person.

A kiss and a longing gaze was the answer that Leopold got. Well, the fact that Ericka was dragging into the bedroom didn't hurt, either.

Leopold grinned before picking Ericka up; carrying her to the bedroom in his arms. "I love you, Ericka; you are the apple of my eye and the beacon of beauty."

He put her on the bed....and the rest is history.



"Alright." Claudia led Wilhelm to several more places. They went to a mall, then to an arcade, as well as to a movie theater, where they saw the movie Red Star. When the movie finished, they went to the beach, where Claudia was lost in the moment of being in a special place with a special person.

"It is nice to see the moonlight shine upon the water; don't you think, Claudia?"

Leopold grinned before picking Ericka up; carrying her to the bedroom in his arms. "I love you, Ericka; you are the apple of my eye and the beacon of beauty."

He put her on the bed....and the rest is history.

Sometime afterwards, Ericka awoke, and found that her husband was still sleeping soundly next to her. She reflected on the fact that she was now married, and found that she had no regrets.

OOC: Finis?

OOC: Finis